THE LAST LOOK

                       Screenplay

                           by

                      Larry Hunter

                                               P.O. Box 6693
                                               Houston, Texas 
                                               77265
                                               281-498-0454
                                               colourwhirl@cs.com
                                               WGA# 939011

                         THE LAST LOOK
             Screenplay by Larry Hunter

                         WGA#939011

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-EVENING

ROLAND, EARNEST, ROBERT, JAMES, AND JOHNNY SEE are passing
the marijuana joint around. They are laughing and playing
cards. They live in Dallas, Texas. They all are  high school
and college friends. They are in their early forties.

                         ROLAND
                  (passing the joint)
             Earnest, you know what Flossy
             said about you the other day?.....

                         ROBERT
                  (laughs)
             Flossy has a nasty mouth....Like
             my mother used to say, 'boy I'm
             gonna wash your mouth out with
             soap'....

                         JAMES
                  (wearing two guns)
             Go on Roland...What did she say?

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Now that's one woman who gonna be
             talking when she's dead....

They all laughs.

                         ROLAND
             She said that Earnest must have
             sugar on the end of his you know
             what....Girls have always pulled
             off their panties for him----and
             I think I woulda too if he had
             looked my way......

Everybody just burst out laughing except EARNEST.

                                                            2.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             Okay! That's funny, huh?  I can't
             help if God gave me a talent to
             perform as an actor and an
             ambassador of women....I'm a
             married man now for the second
             time....I want this one to work.
             Anyway, a lot of those rumors
             started when we were in high
             school and college. I didn't have
             that many women.

                         JAMES
                  (laughs)
             Get outta here with all that
             before I shoot you.

                         ROLAND
             She said you were a womanizer and
             they gossip over at Misses Beauty
             Salon about you marrying a young
             woman.

                         JAMES
             You are a popular man, Earnest
             especially since you are a pretty
             well known actor.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             He's a good one, I always did
             think one of us would make it in
             that business.....

They pass the marijuana joint around...EARNEST laughs as he
takes a drag off the joint.

                         EARNEST
                  (passes joint to James)
             I'm tired of this gossiping
             behind my back....I got an plan
             to give them something to gossip
             about, for real.

                         JAMES
                  (curious)
             What kind of plan? Because if
             it's against the law, I will not
             hesitate to arrest your ass.....

                                                            3.

                         ROBERT
                  (agrees)
             James is telling you the truth
             because even I will be all over
             you like white on rice. I love
             you, but when it comes to
             friendship and breaking the law,
             we gonna take you down.

They all pause for a second and then burst out laughing.

                         EARNEST
                  (laughs and points)
             Ya'll are still good. You haven't
             lost your touch for the stage.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Yep. We all were good, but you
             were better.

                         EARNEST
                  (anxious)
             Just listen to me for a minute.
             We can have fun together for just
             one last time. Ya'll will fit
             into my plan, perfectly. To
             really think about it, life ain't
             nothing but an act, brothers. Can
             you feel me?

                         ROLAND
             Quit beating around the bush and
             say what you gonna say....Cut the
             acting out.

                         EARNEST
             Robert and James are detectives,
             Johnny See owns his own funeral
             home and is the City Coroner and
             Roland has the perfect business.....

ROBERT and JAMES look at each other.

                         ROBERT
                  (skeptical)
             James....handcuff him---he's
             gonna break the law.

JAMES pulls out his handcuffs and grab at EARNEST'S hands.
EARNEST snatch his hands back.

                                                            4.

                         EARNEST
                  (laughs)
             Ya'll just don't like a challenge
             anymore....This will really give
             them something to gossip
             about....Are ya'll gonna listen
             or just stay dull for the rest of
             your lives?.....Let's have some
             fun like we used to....Don't
             think I'm the only one they're
             gossiping about.....If you don't
             like my plan, so be it......

They all look at each other

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

INT. MISSES BEAUTY SALON-MID MORNING-10:00AM

FLOSSY MAE is sitting in the Salon's chair and BEAUTICIAN
RITA is styling her hair.

                         FLOSSY
                  (gossiping)
             What do you think about EARNEST
             marrying that young woman? I just
             think that was so gross....

                         RITA
             You do. I think each to his own
             and some folks need to stop
             gossiping and quit hating.....

FLOSSY moves her head around on that accusation.

                         RITA
                  (continues)
             Hold still girl----

                         FLOSSY
                  (turns back around)
             I'm not hating, I just think it
             is a shame.......

                         RITA
             Why don't ya'll let that man be.
             Ever since him and Della didn't
             make it, ya'll been gossiping.
             Get a life!

                                                            5.

                         FLOSSY
             Why are you taking up for this
             womanizer?

                         RITA
             The man is a popular actor now.
             Women gonna be at his feet 24-7,
             anyway I just think some folks
             are jealous because he got him a
             young Fry instead of an old Hen.

                         FLOSSY
             Huh, I ain't jealous! I got me a
             man...

                         RITA
                  (pauses a second)
             You sure about that? Because I
             saw-----

FLOSSY MAE jumps out the chair with her hair all over her
head, pulls the white towel from around her neck and steps
back.

                         FLOSSY
             That's it! I've heard enough. I'm
             getting ready to whip your ass up
             in here.....

FLOSSY steps toward RITA. RITA picks up a glass bottle off
her shelf. FLOSSY stops.

                         RITA
                  (raises the bottle)
             Come on bad girl!---you want some
             of this glass! Come on!...

FLOSSY freezes, then picks up her purse.....

                         FLOSSY
                  (turns to leave)
             Girl! You are crazy! This is the
             last time I'm gonna set foot up
             in here...

                         RITA
                  (still holding bottle)
             Who cares....Just pay me all the
             money you owe me for styling your
             nappy hair.....If you don't, I'm
             taking your ass to court.....

FLOSSY MAE turns in anger as if she is coming at RITA. RITA
raises the bottle to hit FLOSSY

                                                            6.

                         RITA
                  (continues)
             Come on! If you not a believer
             that this here bottle won't crack
             up side your head!....Come on!....

FLOSSY MAE stops, turns and heads for the door.

                         FLOSSY
             You just wait. You haven't heard
             the last of this. You better
             watch your back.

FLOSSY MAE leaves the SALON.

                         RITA
                  (V.O.)
             I will be ready with your
             gossiping ass......

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES SITTING IN UNMARKED POLICE CAR IN
FIESTA SUPER MARKET PARKING LOT

JAMES and ROBERT are eating hamburgers while they are
watching out for PURSE SNATCHERS.

                         JAMES
                  (takes a bite off burger)
             Old Sam make some good burgers.

                         ROBERT
                  (sips his soda)
             The best in town.

ROBERT takes a big bite off his burger.

                         JAMES
                  (serious)
             You think Earnest is really
             serious about doing that plan of
             his?....He never quits acting.....

                                                            7.

                         ROBERT
             One thing I can say he is a
             Hollywood boy now....He's better
             than we ever thought of being---
             and about that plan, it will give
             people something real to gossip
             about----and a step back to the
             days when we were good,
             brothers.....

                         JAMES
                  (serious)
             But it might be breaking the law.

                         ROBERT
             I don't think it will, if we play
             our cards right and as long as no
             one has a heart attack.

                                            CUT TO:

EXT. FIESTA SUPERMARKET-FRONT

A YOUNG BOY snatches a LADY'S purse and starts running
toward the Fiesta's parking lot.

                                            CUT TO:

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES' UNMARKED POLICE CAR

ROBERT is ready to open the door and chase the YOUNG BOY
down. JAMES grabs his arm before he opens the door.

                         JAMES
                  (pulls his gun)
             He's coming right to us!

ROBERT pulls his gun out as the YOUNG BOY runs closer to
their car. Right before the YOUNG BOY passes the car, ROBERT
and JAMES jump out the car with guns in their hands.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
                  (guns in hands)
             Freeze sucker!

The YOUNG BOY freezes with the purse hanging on his arm.

                         ROBERT
             Hands up in the air, sucker!

                         JAMES
             You heard the man. Now!

The YOUNG BOY raises his hands high above his head.

                                                            8.

                         ROBERT
             On the ground, face down!

                         YOUNG BOY
                  (falls to the ground)
             I didn't do nothing!

                         JAMES
                  (kneels down to put
                  handcuffs on)
             Yeah. Right!

                         ROBERT
                  (takes purse)
             Then what is this?! Young boys
             just don't go around carrying
             purses unless they got a little
             sugar.

                         JAMES
                  (locks handcuffs)
             And I didn't see one shake and
             twist of your butt and hips when
             you were running----on your feet!

ROBERT and JAMES grab the YOUNG BOY by the arms to help him
up. ROBERT reads him his RIGHTS.

                         ROBERT
             You are to remain silent or get
             shot immediately if you don't do so.

The YOUNG BOY looks strangely at ROBERT. The LADY comes
running up to the DETECTIVES.

                         LADY
                  (catching her breath)
             Thank you so much....Can I have
             my purse back now?.....

                         ROBERT
                  (hands her the purse)
             Sure you can, mam.

As soon as the LADY takes the purse, she starts to swing it
at the boy's head. The second swing hits the boy upside his
head. ROBERT and JAMES grab her. She is steady swinging the
purse at the YOUNG MAN.

                         LADY
                  (swinging the purse)
             Purse snatcher! I'll beat you to
             a pulp, young man!........

                                                            9.

ROBERT and JAMES are steady trying to control her.

                         YOUNG BOY
                  (ducking)
             She's trying to kill me!....Arrest
             her!....

                         JAMES
                  (puts his arms around her)
             Calm down lady!

The LADY is kicking and clawing at the YOUNG BOY.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             We gonna have to handcuff her!

ROBERT pull out his handcuffs and snap them on her wrist.
While they are doing that, the YOUNG BOY takes off running
down the street....

                         LADY
                  (handcuffed)
             Go get him! What're you waiting on!

ROBERT and JAMES throw their hands up in the air and lean
against their car....

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             Lady...You got your purse back!
             Be quiet...We are tired....

The LADY look at both of them with a disgusting look on her
face.

                         LADY
                  (walks up to them)
             Would ya'll mind getting these
             wrist burners off of me....I'm
             going after that criminal....And
             you know what?

ROBERT AND JAMES look at each other.

                         LADY
                  (continue)
             Ya'll are really some tired asses
             more than one way.....Now uncuff
             me or I'll have your job.

ROBERT and JAMES quickly release the handcuffs from the LADY.

                                                           10.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
                  (look at each other)
             You know Earnest plan may be just
             what we need. This here isn't fun
             anymore.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

EXT. HERMANN PARK-PARK BENCH-MID-MORNING

AUNT CLARA, SHANNAE'S AUNT is sitting on the park bench near
the pond feeding bread to the ducks. SHANNAE, EARNEST'S
young wife walks up wearing dark shades. She stops, pull off
her glasses and sits down besides AUNT CLARA. They really
don't seem too happy to see each other. AUNT CLARA is still
feeding the ducks. There is a silence between them for a
moment.

                         SHANNAE
                  (looks across the pond)
             Why do you wanna see me, Aunt Clara?

AUNT CLARA stop feeding the ducks. She takes off her glasses
and looks at SHANNAE.

                         AUNT CLARA
                  (holding glasses)
             Why did you do it?! You could
             have just dated him, not marry
             him. Don't you know you are being
             robbed.

                         SHANNAE
                  (strange look)
             I love this man! Stay out of my
             business....I am not your sweet
             little pretty niece anymore...I'm
             a woman, Aunt Clara.....

                         AUNT CLARA
             I know that! But I promised your
             mother and father, bless their
             souls where ever they may be. I
             promise them I would take care of
             you. And you were only six years
             old then, Shannae. I know Earnest
             is a popular actor and all, but
             he's also a womanizer. They are
             gossiping all over town about
             that....

                                                           11.

                         SHANNAE
                  (gets up from the bench)
             I'm so sick and tired of folks
             gossiping about us! He never was
             a womanizer, maybe in high school
             or college. Folks do change, Aunt
             Clara.

                         AUNT CLARA
                  (wipes her teary eyes)
             I just want you to have the best,
             baby. I don't think he is the
             best for you...You are way out on
             a limb, Shannae....When branches
             get old, they fall off the trees
             and leave the young ones to
             grow.....

SHANNAE puts on her glasses and looks at AUNT CLARA.

                         SHANNAE
                  (serious)
             You know what! I think you are
             jealous because you ain't got a
             man...Ya'll need to stay out of
             my business and get an old
             life....I'm outta here!

SHANNAE walks off leaving AUNT CLARA crying on the bench.
AUNT CLARA wipe her eyes, grab all the pieces of bread and
throws it in the pond.

                         AUNT CLARA
             Everything I've done for her---
             and she talked to me like that.....

AUNT CLARA looks up in the sky.....Throws her hands up.

                         AUNT CLARA
                  (continues)
             The hell with her then!

AUNT CLARA grabs her purse, puts on her sun glasses and
walks away from the bench.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

                                                           12.

INT. UPSTAIRS BEDROOM-EARNEST HOUSE-MID-NIGHT

EARNEST and SHANNAE are having sex in their bed upstairs.
EARNEST is making loud growling sounds. They are under the
sheets. Suddenly the sheets come tumbling to the floor while
EARNEST rolls off SHANNAE. SHANNAE worries about EARNEST as
he takes a deep breath.

                         SHANNAE
                  (concern)
             Are you okay, baby?

                         EARNEST
                  (laughs)
             I'm fine....just the older one
             catching his breath.

They look at each other and laugh....

                         SHANNAE
                  (snuggles up to him)
             You know....You are a fun person
             to be around. Sometimes you get a
             little crazy and on the wild side.
             But I like that.....

EARNEST is thinking about his plan and hesitates a moment as
if he wants to tell SHANNAE about it.

                         SHANNAE
                  (continues)
             Is there something on your mind?

EARNEST pauses for a second.

                         EARNEST
             Yeah...It really is.  And I want
             you to be a part of it....When is
             your audition for that movie they
             going to be shooting here in Big D.?

                         SHANNAE
             I got an audition next week.

                         EARNEST
                  (rubs his hands together)
             Good....You don't have to do this
             now....With all this gossiping
             going around about us, it's time
             to really give them something to
             talk about.

                                                           13.

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles)
             I'm in---

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             You gonna have to do the best
             acting of your life, baby!

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles)
             Believe me, I will.....

They hug each other.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

INT. FIESTA SUPERMARKET-MORNING-CEREAL AISLE

SHANNAE and EARNEST are shopping for groceries. They are
standing and looking at different kind of cereals. OLDER
WOMEN are peeping from each end of the aisle. TWO OLD WOMEN
are whispering in the aisle.

                         #I OLD WOMAN
             There they are girl!

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
             Look at her, she's just a baby
             compared.... You know what I'm
             saying?

                         #1 OLD WOMAN
             He's a darn good actor and good
             looking too---Did you see him in
             Sail Away Mama?......

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
             You know I don't look at any
             movies that have sex, girl! I'm
             sure glad she ain't one of my
             granddaughters. I woulda stop
             that marriage before it even
             begin.....

                         #1 OLD WOMAN
             What's the big deal! Ain't
             nothing wrong with a man taking
             care of his balls.....It helps
             his prostate

                                                           14.

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
             Betsy...now slow down---you've
             been looking at too many of those
             sex movies....Calm down and get a
             hold of yourself....

SHANNAE and EARNEST are rolling their basket toward the TWO
OLD WOMEN.

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
                  (continues)
             Here they come....Be quiet....

EARNEST wheels the basket cart pass the TWO OLD WOMEN. They
nod at each other without saying a word.....EARNEST and
SHANNAE stop and look for another item to put in their
basket. The OLD WOMEN are still looking at them.

                         #1 OLD WOMAN
             She sure is pretty.....And he
             looks even better close up....

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
             You act like you want a piece of
             him...

                         #1 OLD WOMAN
             No! I just enjoy watching
             nowadays. These old hips can't
             stand the exercise anymore....

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
             I used to be pretty just like
             her....

                         #1 OLD WOMAN
             You know what Precious?

                         #2 OLD WOMAN
             What?

                         #1 OLD WOMAN
             Who cares!...........

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

                                                           15.

EXT. FIESTA SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT-MORNING

Children are standing around getting autographs from EARNEST.
He is leaning against his Red Convertible Rag Top Benz,
special ordered. SHANNAE is sitting in the car putting on
lipstick.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles as he autographs)
             Ya'll stay in school---and boys,
             it's okay to do a little
             theater....It's fun and a
             challenge....

                         ONE BOY
                  (gives is paper to Earnest)
             You were awesome in Sail Away Mama.

                         EARNEST
             Your mama let you see that
             one...I'm surprised....

                         ONE BOY
             She didn't know....

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             Remember, it was just a
             movie.....I gotta go before my
             wife shoots me.

All the CHILDREN laugh as he jumps in the car and drives off.

                         ONE BOY
                  (laughs)
             You know...His wife really did
             shoot him in that movie, for
             real....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO:

INT. MISSES BEAUTY SALON-MID MORNING-10:00AM

ONE CUSTOMER is standing looking out the Salon's window.
She's been standing there for awhile instead of under the
dryer. RITA is styling another WOMAN'S hair.

                                                           16.

                         RITA
                  (stops)
             Michelle! You been staring out
             that window for the last thirty
             minutes. You suppose to be under
             the hair dryer.

MICHELLE sits down in dryer chair.

                         MICHELLE
             Ya'll can gossip all you want,
             but Earnest is living the
             life....Young woman, Hollywood
             actor and a pretty tomato rag top
             Benz to go with all that.

                         RITA
             You know...I ran Flossy out of
             here the other day because she
             was hating, but you understand
             life, Michelle. Get what you can
             while you can....

                         OTHER CUSTOMER
             You remember, Roland, Johnny See,
             Robert, James and Earnest. They
             were always in school plays. They
             could act their ass off....I
             thought all of them were going to
             Hollywood, but EARNEST stuck with
             it.

                         MICHELLE
             It doesn't matter, all of them
             are still acting in different
             fields. Now Robert and James are
             detectives. Nothing but an acting
             job. Roland and Johnny See is in
             the funeral business, now you
             know that ain't nothing but an
             act. And Johnny See, he acting
             with the dead people.

They all laughs.

                         OTHER CUSTOMER
             After all these years, they are
             still as close as ever.....

                                                           17.

                         MICHELLE
             Now the word was before he met
             this young woman, he was a
             womanizer, that's why him and
             Della didn't make it....But this
             young woman gonna give him more
             womanizing than he can handle.

                         RITA AND OTHER CUSTOMER
             I can feel you girl!

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-EVENING

EARNEST is studying a script as he paces the floor. He sits
down, lays the script on the Coffee Table. He leans back on
the couch and closes his eyes. The back door slams.

                         EARNEST
                  (sits up)
             I'm in the living room, honey

SHANNAE comes in with an arm full of boxes. She put  them
down on the couch.

                         SHANNAE
                  (sits down on the couch)
             Whew! I'm tired....

SHANNAE leans over to kiss EARNEST.

                         EARNEST
             You went out on one of your rare
             shopping sprees---I forgot what
             time of year it is....I just
             wanna know, did you get that
             dress I've been longing to see
             you in?.....

SHANNAE hands him a box.

                         SHANNAE
             I just as well spend some of my
             money I've been saving since I
             don't know when.....Take a peep.

EARNEST opens the box and unfolds a Tomato Red Dress.

                                                           18.

                         EARNEST
             This is the one! Man...When you
             wear this, I want the sunset to
             be shining like gold with the rag
             top down and  we gonna walk in
             the finest restaurant in Big D.
             Stand up girl!

SHANNAE stands up as EARNEST puts the dress up to her and
smiles.

                         EARNEST
             My lady in the red dress--I love it!

SHANNAE gets quiet, pauses and sits down while EARNEST is
still holding the dress....

EARNEST continues

                         EARNEST
                  (sits down)
             Is there something wrong?

He lays the dress across the back of the couch.

                         SHANNAE
                  (explains)
             Listen....Can I ask a favor of you?.

                         EARNEST
             Sure...Always, you know that.....

                         SHANNAE
             My first cousin in New York City
             is coming to visit me next
             week---Is that all right?....I
             haven't seen her for years. She's
             like my sister.

                         EARNEST
             Why sure. You didn't have to ask,
             baby.

                         SHANNAE
             I just didn't want you to think
             she is coming here to invade our
             privacy.....

                         EARNEST
             Oh no....As long as it doesn't
             interfere with our plan in three
             weeks....

                                                           19.

                         SHANNAE
             Thank you.....

SHANNAE and EARNEST hug each other.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES' UNMARKED POLICE CAR-FIESTA PARKING LOT

ROBERT and JAMES are sitting in their car eating Chinese
food. JAMES is trying to pick up the noodle with chop sticks.
The noodles keep dropping back in the box.

                         JAMES
                  (gives up)
             I hate these chop sticks! You got
             a fork or something?

                         ROBERT
                  (eating)
             Look in the glove compartment

ROBERT opens the glove compartment.

                         JAMES
                  (pulls out a fork)
             Perfect!

Just as JAMES is getting ready to finish eating, a RAGGEDY
OLD MAN knocks on the window.....JAMES rolls down the
window.....

                         JAMES
                  (irritated)
             Yeah...What's up?

The OLD MAN sees JAMES gun sticking out.....

                         THE OLD MAN
             Excuse me....I thought you were
             somebody else.....

                         JAMES
             Yeah...Right....Go tell that to
             Fairy God Mother too......

The OLD MAN leaves and JAMES finishes eating. Suddenly the
YOUNG BOY with the handcuffs shows up walking toward them.

                                                           20.

                         ROBERT
                  (stops eating)
             Look whose coming---Come on--
             let's go get them handcuffs....

                         JAMES
                  (pulls his gun out)
             It look like he's looking for us!
             Stay put! Don't scare that
             greyhound....

The YOUNG BOY approaches their car. He walks slowly around
to the window.....JAMES pulls his gun and points it at the
YOUNG BOY.

                         JAMES
                  (continues)
             You got a right to be silent or
             get a bullet between the eyes,
             youngster.

                         YOUNG BOY
             I wanna make a deal, sir.....

ROBERT and JAMES can't believe it.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             A deal!

                         YOUNG BOY
             I've been walking around everyday
             for somebody to saw these irons
             off my hands.....They scared that
             I would tell if I get caught
             again.....So if ya'll unlock
             me....I can tell you where some
             real action is and you won't have
             to sit up here eating your lives
             away on that poison everyday.

                         JAMES
                  (slowly puts his food down)
             You know what, Robert?....

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             Unlock him!

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

                                                           21.

INT. FOREVER CASKETS-EVENING

ROLAND is showing MRS. SPIVEY a new line of caskets. She is
planning her funeral. He has a calculator in his hands.

                         ROLAND
                  (softly)
             Mrs. Spivey....Now this is our
             new line that just came in
             yesterday.

MRS. SPIVEY moves to the next one and rubs her hand across
the top.

                         MRS. SPIVEY
             This one is nice....

ROLAND opens it for her....

                         ROLAND
             This is the one that we buried
             your husband, Josh in.
             Remember?....You picked it out
             yourself, just last month.

                         MRS. SPIVEY
             I did?---And what was his name?

ROLAND looks surprise

                         ROLAND
                  (softly)
             You don't remember your husband's
             name, Mrs. Spivey.....

                         MRS. SPIVEY
             Like they say. Out of sight, out
             of mind.....

                         ROLAND
             You shouldn't say that Mrs.
             Spivey because I don't think it
             will be long before you join him
             and he would be very angry if it
             get back to him that you spoke
             those words.....

                         MRS. SPIVEY
             Whatever.....I think I will take
             this one......I will look pretty
             good stretch out sleeping in this
             one with my pretty dress on.
             Don't you think so?

                                                           22.

                         ROLAND
             Wonderful choice, Mrs. Spivey.
             This one will ride you right on
             into hell or heaven whichever one
             comes first.

MRS. SPIVEY looks strangely at ROLAND. ROLAND taps on his
calculator, then he stops.

                         ROLAND
                  (continues)
             Can I be so kindly to ask you one
             question because I heard you had
             a problem with your insurance
             giving up the one million dollars
             when your husband deceased.

                         MRS. SPIVEY
             Oh, yes....That problem was
             cleared. They thought during the
             autopsy that they found poison in
             his stomach....But it was a
             mistake on their part.

ROLAND continues to tap on the calculator.

                         ROLAND
             Oh, I see. Then this will be cash
             only, I presume?.....

He takes the receipt from the calculator and gives it to her.

                         MRS. SPIVEY
             You are so right....Mr.
             Lewis....And thank you.....

                         ROLAND
             My pleasure....And if I don't see
             you alive again, please do have a
             nice trip to your destiny.

They shakes hands with each other.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. CAR- FIESTA SUPERMARKET-PARKING LOT-AFTERNOON

ROBERT and JAMES are sitting in their car. They are eating
barbecue. Juice is all over JAMES shirt.

                                                           23.

                         ROBERT
             Slow down man! You're eating too
             fast. The doctors said, that
             could cause a heart attack.....

                         JAMES
             I can't help it if this barbecue
             is so eatable......

They both laughs.

                                            CUT TO

EXT. FRONT OF FIESTA SUPER MARKET

An OLD LADY comes out the store pushing a basket.....

                                            CUT TO

INT.CAR

                         ROBERT
             Now, that old lady is too old to
             be out in this 100 degree weather...

                         JAMES
             And I think she's driving too.

                                            CUT TO

OLD LADY grabs her chest as she crosses into the parking lot.
She falls to the ground. FOLKS rush over to her.

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT and JAMES get out the car and run over. They work
their way through the crowd.

                         ROBERT
             Everybody stand back! Police
             Officers coming through!

JAMES and ROBERT look down on the OLD WOMAN.

                         JAMES
                  (yells)
             Someone call 911!....

                         VOICE
             They're on their way, sir!

ROBERT bends down to hear her heart beat....

                                                           24.

                         JAMES
                  (takes a closer look)
             This is Mrs. Boldine, EARNEST'S
             grandmother.....

                         ROBERT
                  (kneeling on one knee
                  over her)
             Aw, man! Mrs Boldine!

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

EXT. FOREVER CASKET COMPANY-MORNING

ROLAND is showing EARNEST some caskets. He has his calculator
out ready to tab up the cost.

                         ROLAND
                  (softly)
             Earnest. You should have visit
             your grandmother more often. You
             would know her favorite colors.....

                         EARNEST
             Roland! Cut out the sale
             pitch...It's me, your high school
             and college friend....I hardly
             knew my grandmother. She cut
             herself off from the real world
             long time ago. Didn't trust
             anybody and especially her
             relatives. Some of them stole her
             blind, so she just locked herself
             up in the house, didn't want any
             visitors or nothing----now I'm
             the only one left to do this......

                         ROLAND
             But you still could have put
             forth a better effort than you
             did, Earnest....I never knew my
             grandmother. You should be
             ashamed....

                         EARNEST
             Roland! Cut to the chase and quit
             acting! Now bill me for this one.

                         ROLAND
             I would rather collect now, Earnest.

                                                           25.

EARNEST looks at ROLAND strangely......

                         ROLAND
                  (continues)
             It's called, business.

EARNEST shakes his head as he pulls out his check book.

FADE TO

MUSIC-ORGAN GOSPEL

                                            CUT TO

INT. EBONY BAPTIST CHURCH-MORNING

Everyone is sitting in EBONY BAPTIST CHURCH. The Church is
just about empty with the exception of JOHNNY SEE, ROLAND,
EARNEST, ROBERT,SHANNAE and JAMES. The PREACHER is sitting
watching the front door looking for other people to come to
the service. Everybody is wearing dark shades. They are as
quiet as a mouse. The body of MRS. BOLDINE lays in front of
the alter in a simple casket. EARNEST ex-wife, DELLA, walks
through the door and up to the front to take a LAST LOOK at
MRS. BOLDINE's body. All heads turn when she walks up to the
casket. DELLA takes off her glasses and take a long look at
the body. DELLA sniffs a little, takes out her white
handkerchief and dries her teary eyes. Everybody pull their
glasses down on their noses at one time to take a good look
at DELLA.

                         SHANNAE
                  (flips her glasses
                  back up)
             Is that her?

                         EARNEST
                  (looks straight ahead)
             Yep.....

DELLA turns and walks to the back of the church. The
PREACHER steps to the podium. He clears his throat.By the
time he gets ready to speak, FLOSSY walks in the door. She
walks up to the front to take a look at MRS. BOLDINE'S body.
She stares a long time, turns and takes a seat in the back
of the church. The PREACHER approaches the podium again,
opens his bible. He looks at EARNEST.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (closes his bible)
             Since there are so little people
             here. Is it necessary to go
             through the formality, Mr.
                         (MORE)

                                                           26.

                         THE PREACHER (CONT'D)
             Boldine? Maybe we oughta just
             proceed to the cemetery. Plus I
             know little about Mrs. Boldine.
             Last time I visit, I got no
             farther then the yard. So we
             could save a lot of time.......

                         EARNEST
                  (gets up from his seat)
             Even so, she requested this on a
             note I found in her
             possessions,Reverend....

                         THE PREACHER
                  (stands speechless)
             Well, uh, Let's see. Where do I
             begin? Let's start off by giving
             remarks about this soul that
             laying in front of us, Hallelujah!
             Whose gonna be first?

EARNEST gets up from his seat

                         EARNEST
             My name is EARNEST BOLDINE. Cora
             Boldine was my grandmother...uh
             and she was.......

EARNEST sits down....

                         THE PREACHER
             Is that all you have to say about
             your grandmother? JESUS CHRIST!
             Surely this woman was more than
             that....Are there anybody
             else?...This is the last look and
             last time her body will be here
             on earth. Now somebody in here is
             holding back, because you can't
             tell me this woman didn't have a
             soul and didn't touch someone in
             here....Dig down deep in your
             heart and send this soul where
             ever it's going, heaven or hell
             on it's peaceful way.....

FLOSSY MAE gets up and walks to the front.....

                         THE PREACHER
             I knew somebody would come
             forth....Organist!
                         (MORE)

                                                           27.

                         THE PREACHER (CONT'D)
             Hit me a tune as this lady comes
             up....

                                            CUT TO

MUSIC-ORGAN GOSPEL

                                            CUT TO

FLOSSY MAE stands in front of the casket with her dark
shades on. She cries a little. She gathers herself,
straightens her dress and begin her remarks.

                         FLOSSY
             My name is Flossy Mae
             Thornberry....Mrs. Boldine was a
             fine up standing, true African
             American woman......

                         THE PREACHER
             A-men! A-men!

Everybody else is sitting as stiff as a board. Eyes staring
from under their dark shades.

                         FLOSSY
             She was my neighbor for many
             years. But something happened
             with them old no good relatives.
             They begin to steal from her when
             she had her last stroke. I mean
             stole her blind. She didn't
             believe in any banks, so I guess
             she kept her money under the
             mattress or in a cookie
             jar....They stole that too. I
             just wanna say, life is a son of
             a bitch....This woman----

                         THE PREACHER
                  (gets up)
             Miss Thornberry....This is a
             Sanctuary....Do you have anything
             else to say because that curse
             word ain't helping Mrs. Boldine
             at all....Organist, I think we
             better close Mrs. Boldine's
             chapter out now!

Right before the ORGANIST begins to play, Della yells from
the back of the church.

                                                           28.

                         DELLA
             Hold up! I have one more remark....

Everybody turn their faces to the back of the church and
pull the dark shades down on their noses. FLOSSY MAE turns
and looks from the back of the church.

                         THE PREACHER
             Come on up Miss. We're don't want
             the cemetery gates to close on us.

DELLA prances up to the front of the church. Everybody pull
their shades back up on their noses.

                         DELLA
             My name is Della Boldine....I'm
             the ex-wife of Earnest
             Boldine....This woman deserves
             better.....

SHANNAE jumps over everybody.

                         SHANNAE
                  (grabs Della)
             You the bitch that wanna kill me,
             huh?

The PREACHER is yelling and screaming. He is running his
fingers through the bible trying to find scriptures that
would freeze their actions.

                         THE PREACHER
             The lord said--uh the lord said,
             you will burn in hell if you
             don't cease your brimstone
             attitudes....Women, call a truce
             now or you will see the Satan's
             eyes today.....

The TWO WOMEN are fighting each other, pulling hair, clawing
and biting. They are almost in the casket. All the men are
doing nothing to stop it as they stare through their dark
glasses motionless.....

                         THE PREACHER
             Men!  Are you a pillar of salt!
             Stop this damnation in my church!

The WOMEN are all down the aisle clawing and scratching each
other. The PREACHER jumps down from the pulpit, scratches a
match and holds it up to them.

                                                           29.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (holds the match up)
             If ya'll think this is hot...Wait
             till you get to hell....

THE TWO WOMEN look at the small flame and cease their fighting.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (yells)
             Come on Organist! Let's take this
             woman home!

FADE TO

MUSIC-ORGAN-SONG-WHEN THOSE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN

                                            CUT TO

INT. LIVING ROOM OF EARNEST-NIGHT

EARNEST and SHANNAE are toasting. They tap their glasses and
take a sip of the wine. They kind of smile at each other as
they put the glasses on the Coffee Table.

                         EARNEST
                  (laughs)
             Girl, you and Della were good,
             just like the movies.....I
             thought it was the real thing at
             first---

                         SHANNAE
                  (laughs)
             Your ex-wife ain't too bad herself.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             She should have went to Hollywood,
             and  she is a natural, like
             yourself...She didn't mind
             playing the part because gossip
             is what broke us up......

                         SHANNAE
                  (picks up her glass of wine)
             That should put some fire under
             the skillet.

                         EARNEST
                  (picks up his glass of wine)
             You better believe it. They are
             already talking, especially
             Flossy. Life ain't nothing but an
             act.

                                                           30.

They toast as the two glasses tap.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

EXT. FIESTA SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT-MORNING

FLOSSY is holding a bag of groceries while standing talking
to several women. They are holding their hands up to their
mouths in disbelief. Other women begin to gather around.

                         FLOSSY
             It was awful.....It was a mess,
             girl! They fought from one end of
             the church to another right over
             Mrs. Boldine's body.

                         VOICE IN THE CROWD
             That's a shame.....Grown people
             fighting like children and in
             God's house......The
             devil...that's all it was.....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES' UNMARKED POLICE CAR-MID-NIGHT-DELUXE
THEATER.

ROBERT and JAMES are sitting in their car on a Stake Out
with information from the YOUNG BOY. They are eating Chilly
Dogs and drinking sodas.

                         JAMES
             These Chilly Dogs taste pretty good.

                         ROBERT
             We still should have got us some
             ribs....Now they are finger
             licking...

                         JAMES
             I hope that young boy didn't send
             us on a wild goose chase.

                                                           31.

                         ROBERT
                  (laughs)
             He's too scared to do that. He
             did give us a lead in that Stop
             And Go robbery. We caught them
             before they could even shift a
             gear....

ROBERT picks up his binoculars.

                         ROBERT
             Something is moving over there.

                         JAMES
             Where?

ROBERT gives the binoculars to JAMES. JAMES look through the
binoculars. He laughs.

                         JAMES
                  (continues)
             That's a cat, partner. These
             people better hurry up and come
             on outta there with that money.....

                         ROBERT
             Hold your horses....They probably
             counting it....Last week, they
             got hit at 12:15 sharp.....Wait!
             Here they come....

EXT. DELUXE THEATER-FRONT DOOR

                                            CUT TO

TWO MEN with two briefcases come out the theater. They close
the door and locks it.....

                                            CUT TO

EXT. -STREET

A car pulls up fast. Three men jump out.

                                            CUT TO

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES' UNMARKED POLICE CAR-MID-NIGHT

ROBERT and JAMES jumps from their car in no time....

                                            CUT TO

                                                           32.

EXT. DELUXE THEATER-FRONT DOOR

The THREE MEN are trying to take the briefcases by force.
They have no weapons. ROBERT and JAMES run up behind them.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
                  (pointing guns)
             Freeze suckers!

The THREE MEN throw their hands up in the air.

                         JAMES
                  (say the rights)
             You have a right to be silent or
             I will do it for you with one
             bang.....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-EVENING

EARNEST is sitting on the couch talking to his agent in L.A.
He gets up to get the T.V. remote.

                         EARNEST
                  (flips on the T.V.)
             Al......Al.......I know you can
             handle it. Okay?....I trust your
             judgment.......Listen.....Al...Al.
             How long have you've been my
             agent?......That's
             right.......I'll go for
             that.......Al....If they give me
             the lead role, I'll cut them some
             slack because I can pick
             something up on the other end.
             You know what I'm
             saying?........Sure that's fine
             with me........I can't be there
             next week.....I know.....When are
             they shooting?.......I will come
             in ready in two weeks......Get me
             that lead role and I'll give you
             a bonus......I just have to tie
             up some things here in Big D.
             first.......Okay.....I'll see you
             in two weeks
             Al....yeah..........Later......

                                                           33.

EARNEST lays the cell phone on the Coffee Table. He turns
the television to another station. He leans back on the
couch to relax....The front door clicks open. SHANNAE and
her first cousin, LAMEEKA walks in the door.

                         EARNEST
             You running late, baby....How was
             your auditions for that
             commercial?....You know what I
             was thinking.....

EARNEST never turns around to see that her cousin, LAMEEKA
is with her. They just stand there and smiles. He turns
around...

                         EARNEST
                  (turns around)
             Shannae----Oh I completely forgot
             that your cousin was coming
             today....How you doing?.....

EARNEST shakes her hand as LAMEEKA gives him a big smile.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (beautiful smile)
             I'm fine....I saw you in that
             movie, Sail Away Mama......

EARNEST invites her to sit down.

                         EARNEST
             Honey, leave her bags right at
             the steps, I'll take them up
             later....Come on, have a
             seat.....Man, you and my wife
             look like twins......

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles as she sits
                  the bags down)
             We have heard that all through
             high school....

                         LAMEEKA
                  (sits down)
             I never thought we did.....

SHANNAE stands up behind the couch.

                         SHANNAE
                  (suggests)
             I think some nice chilling wine
             will do all of us some justice.
             Can I get a yes on that?

                                                           34.

                         EARNEST
             That would be great, honey--And
             what about you, Lameeka?

                         LAMEEKA
                  (smiles as she eyes Earnest)
             Sure!

SHANNAE kind of looks strangely at LAMEEKA as she leaves for
the kitchen. LAMEEKA is still smiling at EARNEST like she is
his secret admirer.

                         EARNEST
                  (curious)
             Lameeka, uh, have you ever been
             to Big D.?

                         LAMEEKA
             Long time ago...But they say they
             have great fashion markets here
             now......

                         EARNEST
             Yeah...Tell me about it. My wife
             goes on a fashion spree sometimes.
             Shannae tells me that you are a
             dancer......

                         LAMEEKA
             Yes I am, mostly Broadway, no
             recognition, but the money is
             good....

                         EARNEST
             Well, make yourself at home here.
             We are glad to have you.....

SHANNAE comes in with three glasses of wine on a tray.

                         SHANNAE
             Here we are....

SHANNAE puts the tray on the Coffee Table. She hands a glass
of wine to each one......

                         EARNEST
             Shall we toast to a lovely cousin
             and wife.

Everyone hold their glasses up and tap them together.

                                            CUT TO

                                                           35.

INT. UPSTAIRS-EARNEST HOUSE

SHANNAE and LAMEEKA are unpacking the traveling bags.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (unfolding her clothes)
             Earnest looks good,girl. I didn't
             know he was so good-looking. He
             even look better in person than
             on the screen. I envy you,
             Shannae.....

                         SHANNAE
             I have to say. He is that.

SHANNAE stops unfolding LAMEEKA clothes. They sit down on
the bed.

                         LAMEEKA
             Is he as good in bed?------

                         SHANNAE
             Lameeka....Stop it right
             now!...We are not high school
             girls any more.....

                         LAMEEKA
             Well...We've always could joke
             about men, Shannae....

                         SHANNAE
             Look....We need to talk right now...

LAMEEKA looks concern and innocent. SHANNAE gets up and move
to the small chair in the corner.

                         SHANNAE
                  (continues)
             Earnest doesn't know the real
             reason why you are here. Now I'm
             down with you getting away from
             Frank because he can get real
             crazy sometimes.....I didn't tell
             Earnest that you were having
             problems with your husband and
             you needed a blow out....

                         LAMEEKA
                  (looks strange)
             Where are we going with this?....I
             thought we had settle this Frank
             business...I made a mistake....

                                                           36.

                         SHANNAE
             You see, Earnest and I get along
             very good considering all the
             bullshit gossip behind our
             backs...We don't need no more
             drama in our lives....

                         LAMEEKA
                  (acting naive)
             Shannae...Why are you telling----

                         SHANNAE
             Ever since we were in high
             school, we always competed,
             trying to catch the same
             boy....Sometimes you won....

                         LAMEEKA
             And you always got pissed
             off....It was just a game for
             me.....

SHANNAE gets up out of the chair and walks toward the
bedroom window.

                         SHANNAE
                  (stares out the window)
             I have forgiven you for what
             happened with you and Frank....And
             competing for men isn't my cup of
             tea anymore.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (innocent smile)
             I've changed too. Do you think I
             would make a pass at Earnest,
             Shannae?

SHANNAE turns from the window and looks at LAMEEKA.

                         SHANNAE
                  (serious)
             Lameeka. You might have changed,
             but I saw that high school look
             in your face all over again when
             you looked at Earnest.....

                         LAMEEKA
                  (laughs)
             Are you that insecure? I was just
             being polite, girl.....

                                                           37.

                         SHANNAE
                  (shakes her head)
             No....That's not it. It was that
             little innocent blushing
             flirtatious smile, just like the
             one you had when I introduced you
             to Frank who was my man at the
             time....

                         LAMEEKA
                  (gets up from bed)
             Why Shannae....I wouldn't dare do
             what you are thinking....I just
             wanted to come and visit you...We
             are first cousins and Frank has
             gotten so violent. You are the
             only one I thought would
             understand my problem.....

LAMEEKA sits back down on the bed.

                         SHANNAE
                  (looks out window)
             I'm sorry about you and Frank...I
             do sympathize with you. That's
             why I told you to pack your
             things and come on down......

                         LAMEEKA
             And you know  I do appreciate
             that....

                         SHANNAE
             I just wanna let you know the
             games we used to play stopped
             three years ago for me. That man
             down stairs, I love him to
             death....Frank was another
             story.......

                         LAMEEKA
             And I'm happy for you, Shannae.

                         SHANNAE
             We've always been straight up
             with each other and we are blood
             no matter what. Can you feel me?

                         LAMEEKA
                  (innocent smile)
             I can feel you, Shannae....

They pause for a moment, look at each other, then embrace
one another.

                                                           38.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST AND SHANNAE BEDROOM-UPSTAIRS-HOUSE-NIGHT

EARNEST and SHANNAE are talking in bed before turning  off
the lights. EARNEST puts his arm around SHANNAE'S shoulders.
She rest her head on his chest.

                         EARNEST
             You have an audition tomorrow
             morning. Right?

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles)
             Yes....eight o'clock sharp. I
             want this one bad....National
             Commercial.

                         EARNEST
             Hey...That's big money girl!

                         SHANNAE
             Listen....Uh, is it all right for
             Lameeka to hang with you tomorrow
             until I get back?....I don't
             wanna bore her to death waiting
             on me to audition.

                         EARNEST
             Sure...no problem. She can go
             with me to run some errands.....

                         SHANNAE
             Tomorrow night, we can take her
             out to dinner....

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             That sounds great....She is our
             guest....

EARNEST leans over to the end table and turns off the lamp.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

                                                           39.

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-UPSTAIRS-LAMEEKA BEDROOM DOOR

EARNEST is knocking on LAMEEKA'S bedroom door.

                         EARNEST
                  (softly)
             Lameeka....Are you up?

                                            CUT TO

INT. LAMEEKA BEDROOM

LAMEEKA strips down to her panties. She sits at the head of
the bed, looking sexy as she cross her legs...

                         LAMEEKA
                  (flirtatious smile)
             I'm up....Come on in.....

                                            CUT TO

EXT. EARNEST OUTSIDE LAMEEKA'S DOOR

EARNEST turns the doorknob slowly. Then he hesitates.

                                            CUT TO

INT. LAMEEKA'S BEDROOM

LAMEEKA takes off everything. She get under the sheets, nude
with her boobs hanging out. The doorknob stops turning. She
has a disappointing look on her face as it is quiet for a
moment.....

                                            CUT TO

EXT. EARNEST OUTSIDE LAMEEKA'S DOOR

EARNEST pauses as he let go of the doorknob. He senses she
is playing a game.....

                         EARNEST
             Listen! I'm going down stairs to
             make some coffee....How do you
             like it, black or with cream?....

                                            CUT TO

INT. LAMEEKA'S BEDROOM

LAMEEKA throws the pillow on the floor.

                                                           40.

                         LAMEEKA
             Black with five cubes of sugar,
             no cream.....

EXT. EARNEST OUTSIDE LAMEEKA'S BEDROOM DOOR

EARNEST smiles.

                         EARNEST
             I will see you down stairs,
             Lameeka....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. FIESTA SUPERMARKET-MEAT DEPARTMENT-MID MORNING

LAMEEKA and EARNEST are looking in the meat bend. LITTLE OLD
LADIES are peeping out from around the aisles at EARNEST and
LAMEEKA.

                         #1 OLD LADY
                  (whispers)
             Lord have mercy....He got another
             pretty one.

                         #2 OLD LADY
             One thing I can say, 'he don't
             let no green grass grow under his
             feet'....

                         #1 OLD LADY
             Flossy Mae said he's a womanizer.
             I guess it must be true.

                         #2 OLD LADY
             Look how short that girl dress is...

                         #1 OLD LADY
             I don't think she got panties the
             first on under there.....

LAMEEKA stoops over to pick up a package of round steaks. As
she bends over. For a second the TWO OLD WOMEN see her naked
butt.

                         #2 OLD LADY
             Fannie! Did you see that?!

                                                           41.

                         #1 OLD LADY
             I sure did. Butt naked as a jay
             bird.

                         BOTH OLD LADIES
             Yeah...He's in big trouble.

THE TWO OLD LADIES walk down the isle shaking their heads

                                            CUT TO

EXT. FIESTA SUPERMARKET-PARKING LOT

LAMEEKA and EARNEST are walking with their groceries across
the parking lot to his tomato red convertible Benz. KIDS run
up to him to get his autograph. He puts the groceries in his
car and sign a few autographs.

                                            CUT TO

INT. MISSES BEAUTY SALON ACROSS THE STREET

RITA'S CUSTOMER, MICHELLE is standing at the window looking
out at LAMEEKA and EARNEST. RITA is working on another
CUSTOMER'S hair.

                         RITA
             Michelle. You still looking out
             that window for Earnest...Ya'll
             oughta let that man alone...

                         MICHELLE
                  (gets closer to the window)
             Ya'll not gonna believe this....I
             think he done found him another Fry.

                         RITA
             Please, Michelle, no
             gossiping-----Where girl?

RITA and CUSTOMER rush to the window. Her CUSTOMER'S perm is
running down the side of her face. They all peep out the
window at the same time.

                         RITA
                  (continues)
             I'll be dam.....That man is gonna
             stay young forever....

                         CUSTOMER
             That's if that young twang don't
             kill him one night when he done
             had too much.....

                                                           42.

They all laugh.

                         RITA
                  (laughs)
             Come on here, girl, let me finish
             your hair before that perm burn
             all your brains out. Ya'll are
             getting as bad as Flossy Mae.....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-EVENING

EARNEST and LAMEEKA are sitting in the living room waiting
for SHANNAE. LAMEEKA is up to her innocent flirtatious game
with that naive smile. They are sipping on wine.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (flirts)
             Can I be open to you Earnest?

                         EARNEST
                  (takes a sip of wine)
             Sure...You are like family, Lameeka.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (innocent smile)
             You are one good looking man to
             be forty years old.....Are you
             really a womanizer like they
             say---I don't believe that at all...

EARNEST almost chokes.

                         EARNEST
             Not really. But I do love women,
             but there's  only one woman
             special to me now and that is my
             wife.

                         LAMEEKA
             Sure she is, and I bet you are
             real good in bed......

EARNEST almost chokes again.....

                         EARNEST
             Can we drop this conversation. I
             don't think this is in the best
             of interest to both of us.....

                                                           43.

                         LAMEEKA
             If you can keep a secret, I
             surely can. Just like it never
             happened.

LAMEEKA gets up out the chair and moves over toward EARNEST.
EARNEST jumps up from the couch.

                         EARNEST
             Hold on Lameeka, you have no
             right to come here and take
             advantage of our
             hospitality....I'm going to take
             this as a joke and forget about
             it. My wife and I are fine....And
             she is more than enough for me,
             believe it.

                         LAMEEKA
             Well, my bad....I guess you're
             not a womanizer after all---you
             couldn't   handle this anyway....

LAMEEKA pulls her dress to her upper thigh. The back door
slams. LAMEEKA pulls her dress down quickly and sits back on
the couch. EARNEST sits down in the chair.

                         EARNEST
             Is that you ,Honey?

SHANNAE walks in the living room with a big smile on her
face. She looks suspiciously around at both of them just for
a moment. Then she goes over and hugs EARNEST. LAMEEKA has a
jealous look on her face.

                         SHANNAE
                  (hugs Earnest)
             Guess what?

                         EARNEST
                  (happy)
             You got it!

                         SHANNAE
                  (happy)
             Yes! I got me a National
             Commercial with a big time
             company. Whew! Man! This is just
             what I wanted....

LAMEEKA gets up and holds her glass of wine up with that
little innocent smile.

                                                           44.

                         LAMEEKA
             That's great, Shannae. It
             couldn't have happened to a
             better first cousin! I'm happy
             for you and your good looking
             husband.

SHANNAE looks strangely at LAMEEKA. LAMEEKA sits down.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (pours another glass
                  of wine)
             Did I say something wrong?

                         SHANNAE
             I think you had too much wine.....

EARNEST is silent as he sits down on the couch.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES SITTING IN UNMARKED POLICE CAR

ROBERT and JAMES are on a Stake Out across the street from a
STOP AND GO STORE. They are eating Sugar Bell ice cream.
Each one has a quart of ice cream in their hands.

                         ROBERT
                  (eating ice cream)
             This Sugar Bell ice cream is good...

                         JAMES
                  (digging in with his spoon)
             And the label say, low in
             calories...

                         ROBERT
             Man...Did you see Shannae's first
             cousin the other day? Man she is
             a stallion.

                         JAMES
             She had a dress on the other day,
             I had to close my eyes to keep
             from being nasty. She coulda took
             everything I had that day.....

                                                           45.

                         ROBERT
             I bet Earnest is a hurting
             brother with those two women in
             his house. I couldn't stand it....

                                            CUT TO

EXT. STOP AND GO-ENTRANCE DOOR

TWO WOMEN  enters the STOP AND GO STORE.

                                            CUT TO

INT. ROBERT AND JAMES' UNMARKED POLICE CAR

ROBERT and JAMES are watching the TWO BLACK WOMEN as they
enter the store.

                         ROBERT
                  (looks at his watch)
             The store should be closing in
             ten minutes.

                         JAMES
                  (looks at his watch)
             Yeah...It's almost twelve o'clock
             mid-night.

                         ROBERT
             It's kind of quiet tonight. I
             don't think anything is going
             down tonight.

Suddenly the TWO WOMEN run out the store with two bags of
money......

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT and JAMES jumps out the car.

                         ROBERT
                  (pulls gun)
             We got us two!

ROBERT and JAMES run across the street. They are chasing the
TWO WOMEN. As they chase continues, the TWO WOMEN,  wigs
fall off their heads and they run out of their high heel
shoes....They are men.

                         JAMES
                  (yelling)
             Disguised as women, men running!

                                                           46.

                         ROBERT
                  (shoots his gun in the air)
             Freeze suckers

The TWO DISGUISED MEN come to a halt.....

                         JAMES
                  (read their rights)
             You have a right to remain silent
             and if you move one inch, your
             life is ashes to ashes.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

EXT. HERMANN PARK-PARK BENCH- ROSE GARDEN-MID-MORNING

LAMEEKA and SHANNAE are sitting on a bench in the Rose
Garden at HERMANN PARK. They are drinking sodas.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (admiring)
             It sure is pretty out here.

                         SHANNAE
             Yeah. I come to this special
             place when I wanna do a lot of
             thinking.

                         LAMEEKA
             About Earnest? From what I heard,
             him and his first wife broke up
             over gossip.

SHANNAE smiles as she leans over to smell a rose.

                         SHANNAE
             Gossip doesn't bother me, but it
             is going to show bother them in
             another week.

                         LAMEEKA
             What are you talking about,
             Shannae? Don't go doing nothing
             that's gonna get you in trouble.

                         SHANNAE
             I'm not that crazy, Lameeka. I've
             got too much going for me to do
             that.

                                                           47.

                         LAMEEKA
             You gonna share it with me. I
             promise I won't tell anyone.

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles)
             Uh, uh. This is top secret.
             Closed lips until the day.

LAMEEKA looks away, across the Rose Garden. She wants to
talk about EARNEST, but she isn't sure.

                         SHANNAE
                  (continues)
             Listen. I've enjoyed your stay
             here. It's been nice getting back
             together on a different level. Of
             all the things we have done
             together, bad and good, we've
             always been able to make up.

LAMEEKA turns away in guilt.

                         LAMEEKA
             Sometimes I wish I was like you.
             But you are so different. It must
             be the Gemini in me. I have two
             different personalities.

SHANNAE looks toward the Chinese Pavilion.

                         SHANNAE
             That structure over there is my
             favorite spot. I love to sit inside.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (curious)
             What is that? It looks Oriental.

                         SHANNAE
             You right. It's a Chinese
             Pavilion. Come on, get up!

                         LAMEEKA
             What?

LAMEEKA gets up from the bench.

                         SHANNAE
             I betcha you can't beat me to the
             Chinese Pavilion.

                                                           48.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (ready for a challenge)
             Oh, yeah. We'll see.

                         SHANNAE AND LAMEEKA
             Let's go!

They take off running to The Chinese Pavilion.

                                            CUT TO

INT. CHINESE PAVILION

SHANNAE and LAMEEKA is out of breath as they sit down in the
Chinese Pavilion.

                         LAMEEKA
             This is beautiful!

                         SHANNAE
             Yeah. This is about as close as I
             have ever been to China with
             exception of Chinese food.

They laughs.

                         SHANNAE
             Lameeka. It's so good to hear us
             laugh again.

                         LAMEEKA
             Listen. You remembered when you
             didn't trust one of your high
             school boyfriends. You thought he
             was cheating on you.

SHANNAE takes a deep breath and wipes sweat from her face.

                         SHANNAE
                  (laughs)
             Yeah. And you did everything to
             persuade him to make advances
             toward you. I remembered. It was
             a little game we played back then
             with boys.

LAMEEKA smiles as she pauses for a moment.

                         LAMEEKA
             That was so funny because he fell
             right in the trap like a little
             mouse eating the cheese.

SHANNAE looks strangely at LAMEEKA.

                                                           49.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (curious)
             I've never dated an older man. I
             always wondered what it would be
             like. You seem to be so locked
             into this marriage.

SHANNAE smiles.

                         SHANNAE
             It has nothing to do with age,
             Lameeka. It's like growing up in
             a hurry. Your learning ability
             opens up to reality. Even though
             Earnest gets a little wild
             sometimes, but that's crunk
             because it adds excitement. I
             still like that, but with my man.
             And he gives me everything I need
             and desires. To me, he's the
             perfect gem. I think it's the
             acting in him.

LAMEEKA wipes her teary eyes.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (sad look on her face)
             Somewhere I made a mistake. I've
             never had that feeling. You have
             a good man, I know that now.

SHANNAE looks at her funny. LAMEEKA smiles as she puts on
that flirtatious personality.

                         SHANNAE
                  (skeptical)
             What are you saying, Lameeka?

                         LAMEEKA
                  (smiles)
             I tested him for you just like we
             used to do in the old days.

SHANNAE gets up and is in a rage.

                         SHANNAE
                  (grabs Lameeka in the collar)
             Girl! I oughta beat you down
             right now! You had no right to
             come into my house and flirt with
             my husband.

SHANNAE gets up and grabs LAMEEKA in the collar.

                                                           50.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (crying)
             But he passed, Shannae. He didn't
             want no part of me. He wanted to
             kick me out the house, but he
             didn't want to hurt you....Don't
             you understand? I did it for you.
             He's clean and good, Shannae......

SHANNAE releases her collar and walks away.

                         SHANNAE
             Something is wrong with you. I'm
             gonna get you some help. We are
             not in school anymore,
             Lameeka....You are sick, girl!

                         LAMEEKA
                  (drops to her knees, crying)
             But we always tested the boys
             like that, remember, Shannae. I
             didn't mean to hurt you. Please
             forgive me...

LAMEEKA gets up as SHANNAE stands in the Chinese Pavilion
looking out across the Rose Garden. LAMEEKA walks over and
touch SHANNAE.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (continues)
             Will you forgive me? I had to see
             whether he is a womanizer. But
             now you know. It was only a test.

                         SHANNAE
                  (pushes her hand away)
             Get away from me...Don't touch.
             I've been knowing that.

SHANNAE sits down to recollect. LAMEEKA stands up wiping her
eyes.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-MORNING

EARNEST and SHANNAE are sitting quietly in their living room
on the couch

                                                           51.

                         EARNEST
                  (sympathizes)
             I'm sorry, baby. sometimes,
             people never change. She is still
             young and she's your blood.

                         SHANNAE
             I know and I understand that,
             baby. I just can't take her
             personalities anymore. Until she
             prove to me she has changed, She
             will never set foot in this house
             again.

                                            CUT TO

LAMEEKA is coming down the stairs with her bags. EARNEST
gets up off the couch to help her. SHANNAE doesn't turn
around to look at her. LAMEEKA walks to the front door and
stands with tears in her eyes looking at SHANNAE. EARNEST
opens the front door. SHANNAE gets up, grabs her car keys
and walks to the door. She stops and stares at LAMEEKA as if
she wants to hug her, then walks outside the door.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST-HOUSE-BACKYARD-EVENING-NIGHT

EARNEST, ROLAND, ROBERT, JAMES and JOHNNY SEE are drinking
beer. SHANNAE is putting some steaks on the grill.

                         EARNEST
             My baby got them steaks stanking.

                         ROBERT
             Hurry up now, Shannae. I'm about
             to die of starvation over here.

SHANNAE turns the steaks over on the grill.

                         SHANNAE
             Aw, hush, Robert! That'll be the
             day, not the way you and James
             like to eat. Ya'll would rob a
             supermarket first...

They all laughs.

                                                           52.

                         JAMES
                  (laughs)
             Now...That ain't no lie!

                         SHANNAE
             Anyway..I thought all ya'll was
             suppose to bring your wives tonight.

They all laugh and clear their throats.

                         ROBERT
             My wife said she was too tired.

                         JAMES
             Mine said the same thing.

                         ROLAND
             Mine twisted her ankle yesterday.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             And my woman told me that her
             feet was hurting. So I guess age
             got something to do with it.

They look at each other and laughs. SHANNAE takes the steaks
from the grill and put them in a dish on the table.

                         SHANNAE
                  (serving th steak to them)
             Ya'll oughta quit. What ya'll
             gonna do when age really hit
             you?.....Dig in.

Everyone grabs a steak and put it on their paper plates

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
                  (cuts a piece and eat)
             Now this is delicious.

                         EARNEST
                  (thankful)
             Thanks baby for during this
             because you really didn't have to.

SHANNAE gives EARNEST a big kiss on the lips.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Are their anymore women like you
             around, Shannae?....

                         SHANNAE
                  (laughs)
             If it is, all ya'll are married
             men. What can you do?

                                                           53.

                         JAMES
             Shannae. Ain't nothing wrong with
             us fantasizing. You know what I'm
             saying?

They all laugh.

                         SHANNAE
             I see you guys...I'm going study
             my script.

                         EARNEST
             Yeah. Baby, we'll be there in a
             minute.

EARNEST looks at all of them at the table.

                         EARNEST
                  (looks around)
             How many of ya'll been studying
             your script? Next week is almost
             upon us.

Everybody down their head.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             We'll not leaving here this
             evening until everybody get there
             lines down tight. We want this to
             be real. You understand?

                         ROBERT
             Don't worried. We gonna pull it
             off just like we used to do in
             high school and college.

                         EARNEST
             Okay now. I'm counting on my
             friends here. And if I get the
             lead role in this movie, I'm
             gonna throw something ya'll way.

                         EVERYBODY
             We feel you ,brother!

They give high five to each other.

                         EARNEST
             Now, let's digest this steak and
             go hit some lines.

FADE TO

                                                           54.

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-BEDROOM-NIGHT

EARNEST is laying in the bed looking up at the ceiling as
SHANNAE polish her nails.

                         SHANNAE
                  (laughs)
             Don't worry baby. We gonna have
             them folks biting their toe nails.

                         EARNEST
             I don't understand my people in
             this neighborhood. Why are they
             into my business. I could be
             living in Hollywood, but I refer
             to live here at home---and they
             give me hell.

                         SHANNNAE
             Baby, don't feel no shame because
             they did Jesus Christ the same way.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             I guess you're saying, if they
             did it to him, no way they gonna
             pass me up.

                         SHANNAE
                  (laughs)
             That's reality, baby.

                         EARNEST
             To be as young as you are. You
             got some wisdom, girl!

EARNEST grabs her around the waist. He rolls her to the bed.

                         SHANNAE
             I had an old Aunt who raised me.
             Kind of crazy, but some of the
             things she said makes sense now....

They horseplay with each other as they laugh and roll around
on the bed. They stop and look each other in the eyes.

                         SHANNAE
                  (continues)
             If anything happen to you, I
             don't know what I would do.....

                                                           55.

They kiss each other. Then EARNEST looks at her.

                         EARNEST
             Back at you, baby.......

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EVERLASTING MORTUARY-MORNING

JOHNNY SEE is discussing funeral arrangements with a young
lady. Her name is BEVERLY. She dries her eyes as she sits
down in front of JOHNNY SEE'S desk. He hands her a box of
kleenex. She wipes her eyes softly.

                         BEVERLY
                  (weeps)
             You see, Mr. Johnny See, my mama
             didn't have any burial insurance
             and social security doesn't pay
             but two hundred dollars.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             I see. You come from a large
             family. Can't they pitch in and
             give your mama a decent burial?
             This is ya'll last look at a
             mother that raise six children on
             her own....

                         BEVERLY
             I tried that. They are blaming my
             mama, saying she shoulda bought
             herself some insurance instead of
             going to that Casino losing all
             her money.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Well, I didn't know she had a
             gambling habit....Well, what do
             you want me to do? I have a
             business to run and I can't run
             it without money. Burials have to
             be paid for Beverly.

                         BEVERLY
             I thought maybe you would be a
             kindred spirit and bury my mama.

                                                           56.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Kindred spirits go broke in the
             neighborhood, not that I won't help.

                         BEVERLY
             Then, what am I'm gonna do.
             Mama's body is still sitting up
             in the morgue.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Go back and try to collect some
             more money, try a little harder,
             if that doesn't work, I'll see
             what I can do. But please try
             harder if you have to beat doors
             down...This is your mama you
             fighting for. You understand?

                         BEVERLY
             Yes, sir.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Go on now and God bless you.....

BEVERLY turns and leaves.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

EXT. HERMANN PARK-PARK-CHINESE PAVILION-MORNING

SHANNAE is sitting alone in the CHINESE PAVILION. She gets
up and walks as she study her script. She closes her eyes to
take in some of the cool breeze. She paces back and forth
reciting her lines. As she continues to walk back and forth,
her AUNT CLARA walks up the steps out of breath. SHANNAE
stops and politely helps her up the steps.

                         AUNT CLARA
             Can't walk steps like I used to.

AUNT CLARA takes a seat on the bench.

                         AUNT CLARA
                  (continues)
             Now what is it that you wanted to
             talk to me about. I was surprised
             to hear your voice after the
             other day. Are you having
             problems with Earnest?

                                                           57.

SHANNAE sits down on the bench near AUNT CLARA.

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles)
             No, Aunt Clara.....First I want
             to apologize for my actions the
             other day.

                         AUNT CLARA
             It's partially my fault too.
             Sometimes we old people just
             won't let our children grow up....

                         SHANNAE
             I do respect you and appreciate
             all the years you raised me.
             Sometimes I get so wrap up into
             the present, I forget about the
             precious things that is in my
             life. I just want you to know that.

                         AUNT CLARA
             Shannae. Now you are learning. I
             really think you want to discuss
             something else.

                         SHANNAE
             Uh, what do you mean?

                         AUNT CLARA
             Listen, my daughter was here and
             not one phone call I got from her.
             She has never forgiven me for
             walking out on her dad. He was a
             nice man until he started to
             drink and running women. I just
             couldn't put up with it
             anymore.....I haven't seen or
             heard from her since she
             graduated from high school until
             the other day when she called me,
             crying.

SHANNAE gets up and stares out across the park.

                         SHANNAE
             Lameeka called you? I tried to
             get her to go see you. But she
             refused.....

AUNT CLARA wipes her teary eyes.

                                                           58.

                         AUNT CLARA
             She caused ya'll some problems,
             didn't she?  What happened to my
             daughter, Shannae? Why do ya'll
             change so much when you grow
             up.....You and Lameeka used to
             have so much fun.

                         SHANNAE
             She needs you back in her life,
             Aunt Clara. That no good Frank
             gonna kill her off....

                         AUNT CLARA
             Frank! Who is Frank!

                         SHANNAE
             Her husband and a boy I used to
             date long time ago.

                         AUNT CLARA
             You mean, my baby is married now
             and she didn't send me an
             invitation, not even a phone call.

AUNT CLARA starts crying. SHANNAE puts her arms around AUNT
CLARA.

                         SHANNAE
             I'm sorry, Aunt Clara. You tried
             so hard to raise us the right way
             and the American way, whatever
             that is nowadays....But you got
             to go to her.

                         AUNT CLARA
             I'm so sorry that she disrespected
             your house. I can't believe
             it....But I don't know where she
             lives or----

                         SHANNAE
             I will take care of that. Just
             say that you will go. Surprise
             her. Right now, with the wisdom
             you have, just maybe she will
             listen to you. She still thinks
             life is game of competition
             whether she hurts someone or not.
             Will you do that?

AUNT CLARA sits silently, bent over with her head in her
hands. SHANNAE touches her and she doesn't move. SHANNAE is
screaming out loud.

                                                           59.

                         SHANNAE
                  (yelling out)
             No! No! No!  Aunt Clara. Don't do
             this! Please Lord, don't take her.
             Aunt Clara! Aunt Clara!

SHANNAE drops to her knees.

FADE TO

MUSIC-GOSPEL CHOIR

                                            CUT TO

INT.  EBONY BAPTIST CHURCH-MORNING

AUNT CLARA'S lies in at the front of EBONY BAPTIST CHURCH
beyond the pulpit. Folks are viewing the body as they pass.
They greet and hug the family, SHANNAE, EARNEST and LAMEEKA.
The way black folks view the deceased is a special and
unique sight to see. Everyone stops for a second to get a
Last Look.

                         WOMAN# 1
                  (viewing the body with
                  another woman)
             She looks just like she's sleeping.

                         WOMAN# 2
             Old Johnny See really does good
             work.

They turn and greet the family. A man staggers up to the
casket. He is partially drunk.

                         MAN# 1
                  (leans over and kiss
                  her on the forehead)
             Forgive me,baby.

                                            CUT TO

TWO WOMEN are sitting in the back of the church, FLOSSY MAE
and MICHELLE. They are whispering as they suck on pepper
mint candy.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (leans over)
             Well, I be!.....

                         MICHELLE
             What Flossy Mae?

                                                           60.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             That's Clara's ex-husband, Kinkaid.

MICHELLE pulls out a small toy like binocular from her purse.

                         MICHELLE
                  (put the binocular up
                  to her eyes)
             Where?

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Right there! He leaned over to
             kiss Clara....

                         MICHELLE
                  (holding binoculars up
                  to eyes)
             Yeah. I see him. Oh lord, he
             looks like he is---

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Drunk...Tell me something I don't
             know. That's why Clara had to up
             and leave him. He was one of them
             closet drinkers and all of a
             sudden he came out of that closet
             boozing away.

                         MICHELLE
             Didn't she raise Shannae---and
             she had a daughter.

                                            CUT TO

FRONT SEAT OF CHURCH. LAMEEKA is crying out loud. Her cries
echo through out the Church. SHANNAE is fanning her.

                         LAMEEKA
             Mama, I'm sorry....I didn't get a
             chance to tell you how much I
             love you.....Mama!

LAMEEKA gets up and push people back to get to the casket.
She leans over the casket.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (leans over the casket)
             Mama! I love you!....I'm so sorry.

SHANNAE goes over to pull her from the casket. LAMEEKA jerks
her arm away and turns back to the casket. People get out of
her pathway. The PREACHER nods for the USHERS to come. The
USHERS proceed to the front and grab her by the arms to sit
her down. LAMEEKA is still grabbing for the casket.

                                                           61.

They finally sit her down.

                         SHANNAE
                  (advice)
             Be strong, Lameeka. We have to be.
             It's too late to tell her you care.

LAMEEKA gets up and rushes out the church. SHANNAE follows her.

                                            CUT TO

FLOSSY MAE and MICHELLE at the back of the church.

                         MICHELLE
                  (puts her binoculars down)
             Was that her daughter?

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (smiles)
             Yeah. Acting a fool. They need to
             put her on prime time television.
             Never gave her mama no love, but
             she gave a performance of her
             life just then...

                         MICHELLE
                  (laughs)
             Girl...Hush your mouth!

FADE TO

MUSIC-GOSPEL CHOIR

                                            CUT TO

EXT.  HERMANN PARK-DUCK POND-MID-MORNING-NEXT DAY

SHANNAE and LAMEEKA are sitting on a bench looking out at
the DUCK POND. SHANNAE is feeding the ducks.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (wearing dark glasses)
             So, you and Mama used to come
             here together a lot, uh.

                         SHANNAE
                  (throwing bread)
             At least once a month. She loved
             to feed the ducks.

                         LAMEEKA
             Did she talk a lot about me,
             Shannae?

                                                           62.

                         SHANNAE
             Every time she started to, she
             would just break down.....Listen,
             we are all that's left to
             remember how hard she worked to
             keep  whatever family we have
             together....Your father, I don't
             know......

LAMEEKA rubs her hand across her teary eyes.

                         LAMEEKA
                  (hugs Shannae)
             I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry....

FADE TO

MUSIC-SAXOPHONE

                                            CUT TO

INT. SPICE BARBECUE PLACE-EVENING

ROBERT and JAMES are looking over a script. They are
laughing. They are sitting down waiting on their order of
barbecue.

                         ROBERT
             You know, Earnest really wanna
             get back at them old gossiping
             folks that broke up his first
             marriage.

                         JAMES
                  (looking at the script)
             He actually thought of something
             like this?....He gonna scare half
             of them to death....

                         ROBERT
             If I didn't think they deserved
             it, I wouldn't have agreed to be
             a part of this. This is crazy!

They both laughs.

                         JAMES
             And why in the hell did he write
             Della and Shannae in this script,
             I don't know.

                                                           63.

                         ROBERT
             You know when it comes to women,
             Earnest got a lot of game. Della
             still loves his dirty draws.

                         JAMES
             Well, one thing, it's good to
             have a little fun. It polishes my
             acting skills.

                         ROBERT
                  (laughs)
             I don't know what you talking
             about. You don't need no
             polishing, you're acting all the
             time.

                         JAMES
             Huh. Look whose talking.......

ROBERT puts script down. He turns and yells.

                         ROBERT
                  (yells)
             Hey, Spice! What about them
             orders of Baby Back Ribs. We on
             duty here....

SPICE is coming to the table where ROBERT and JAMES are
sitting. He is carrying two orders of Baby Back Ribs.

                         SPICE
                  (nearing the table)
             Coming boys! I'm right behind
             you....Anyway, ya'll always on duty.

SPICE approaches the table and sits the two orders of
barbecue ribs in front of ROBERT and JAMES.

                         ROBERT
                  (bends over and smells)
             Man! Now that's smells like real
             barbecue that my old aunt used to
             make.

                         SPICE
             This one is on me boys. I've been
             reading about ya'll in the paper.
             Ya'll raising hell.

ROBERT and JAMES are eating away.

                                                           64.

                         JAMES
                  (wiping his mouth)
             Thanks man! This will get you
             extra rounds at night by me and
             my man here.

                         SPICE
             I don't worry about no robbers
             because I'm packing....

SPICE pulls out two guns like he's in the WILD WILD WEST out
from under his white apron.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
                  (stops eating)
             Whoa! Whoa! Point them things the
             other way. Dam Spice! Who are you
             expecting, Al Capone?

SPICE laughs, put the guns back under his apron.

                         JAMES
                  (eating barbecue)
             Do you have a permit for them
             pieces?

                         SPICE
             Yeah. My own permission to do
             what ever necessary to protect my
             place.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
                  (licking their fingers)
             Spice....We gonna forget we heard
             that and look the other way. We
             don't see nothing. Okay?

                                            CUT TO

SPICE laughs as he walks back behind his counter. Just as he
gets behind the counter, TWO YOUNG BLACK MEN walk in the
place. They look like ordinary customers.

                         SPICE
                  (approaches the counter)
             May I help you, young men.....

ONE of the MEN pulls out a play like looking gun. He points
it at SPICE.

                         THE TWO MEN
             We are hungry! Give us two orders
             of Baby Back Ribs. Now on the
             double!

                                                           65.

SPICE backs up into kitchen with his hands up in the air.

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT and JAMES turn to look at the TWO MEN.

                                            CUT TO

                         ONE MAN
             What ya'll looking at?! Don't
             move or I will send you to hell!

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT and JAMES are helpless. JAMES want to draw his guns
and blast them away, but ROBERT shakes his head.

                         ROBERT
             It's too risky, James.

                         JAMES
             That gun look like a fake.....

                         ROBERT
             We can't take that chance....

                                            CUT TO

THE TWO MEN are getting very impatient.

                         ONE MAN
             Come on outta there! What's
             taking them Baby Back Ribs so
             long....You got five seconds.

SPICE comes out with the two guns in his hands.

                         SPICE
             Here's your Baby Back Ribs. Let's
             see can you chew on this barbecue.
             It's call the Smoking Killer.

THE TWO MEN are trembling in their tracks.

                         ONE MAN
             Hey! It was a joke!

                         OTHER MAN
                  (shows gun)
             This is a water pistol.

THE OTHER MAN shoots water up in the air.

                                            CUT TO

                                                           66.

ROBERT and JAMES are laughing their hearts out.

                         ROBERT
             Read them their rights, partner.

                         JAMES
                  (laughing)
             No, hold up! Let Spice handle
             them fools! I'm enjoying the
             movie...

                                            CUT TO

SPICE cocks the triggers on his guns. He hold them up in the
hair and shoot.

                         SPICE
             Now, let's see how fast you can
             kick up dust from my floor....or
             else your folks gonna be looking
             at you for the last time out of a
             pine box. Now get!

THE TWO MEN almost break the door down getting out of
SPICE'S BARBECUE PLACE.

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT and JAMES are at the table crying out loud laughing.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             Let them go....I think they had
             enough....Let's get out of here!

                         JAMES
             Good job, Spice!

They all laugh as ROBERT and JAMES walk out the door.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

EXT. HERMANN PARK-THE ZOO-THE BIRDS AREA

DELLA is sitting on a bench watching the different kind of
birds. An OLDER WOMAN with a bunch of bags sits down next to
DELLA. SHE looks at DELLA as if she knows her.

                         OLDER WOMAN
             Birds are wonderful creatures,
             don't you think?

                                                           67.

DELLA pauses for a second.

                         DELLA
             They really are.

                         OLDER WOMAN
             Sometimes I wonder how they feel
             all locked up and not able to
             spread their wings......

                         DELLA
             Like Human beings I guess.

                         OLDER WOMAN
             I've always wanted to fly. Even
             tried it before from a three
             story building.

DELLA looks at the woman strangely.

                         OLDER WOMAN
                  (continue)
             A voice told me to do it. I just
             jumped....Broke almost every bone
             in my body....That's when I
             figured out I couldn't fly.....

DELLA just sit there and shakes her head. SHANNAE comes up.

                         SHANNAE
             I'm sorry I'm late, Della. I had
             another audition. What did you
             wanna see me about?

DELLA goes in her purse and pulls out a script.

                         OLDER WOMAN
                  (interrupts)
             Look. Either one of you got a
             cigarette?

DELLA and SHANNAE shakes their heads.

                         OLDER WOMAN
                  (continues)
             Can you spare a dollar or two?

DELLA and SHANNAE dig down in their purses and come up with
a dollar each. They give the money to the OLDER WOMAN. The
OLDER WOMAN looks at the money.

                         OLDER WOMAN
             You think you could dig a little
             deeper and come up with two more.

                                                           68.

DELLA and SHANNAE look at the OLDER WOMAN strange as if to
say, 'it's time to get to stepping.'

                         OLDER WOMAN
             Have a nice day....

The OLDER WOMAN picks up her bags and leaves.

                         SHANNAE
             Some people just don't know when
             to quit.

                         DELLA
                  (suggests)
             Listen. I just wanted you and I
             to get familiar with this script.
             Earnest is dead set on doing this.
             And girl, you were really acting
             last time.

                         SHANNAE
                  (laughs)
             You didn't do too bad yourself.

                         DELLA
                  (smiles)
             I thought I would hate your guts
             when Earnest married you. If I
             hadn't listen to all that gossip
             in Misses Beauty Shop---well
             that's another story....When
             Earnest approached me with this
             script, I laughed all night.

                         SHANNAE
             You seem like a very nice person,
             Della....What happened?

                         DELLA
                  (serious)
             Well, Earnest was studying for an
             audition one day, so he had this
             little young woman kind of
             reciting lines with him in the
             park and this, Flossy Mae saw
             them together and the rumors and
             accusations started. I was a damn
             fool to believe it. So I started
             watching his every move until one
             day he just walked out on me....

SHANNAE is curious as she flips pages to the script.

                                                           69.

                         SHANNAE
             Are you still in love with Earnest.

                         DELLA
             Not the way that gossip would
             start, but a love that appreciate
             the good things we had together
             until the bomb-squad entered the
             scene...So what I'm saying is,
             don't listen to bullshit about
             your man. Just give him more love
             when he steps inside your door.

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles)
             What are they gonna say when they
             see us together? It's going to be
             a trip!

                         DELLA
                  (smiles)
             I don't know about them, but I'm
             gonna stick my tongue out at all
             of them gossiping fools and the
             dead ones too.

SHANNAE can hardly stop laughing.

                         SHANNAE
             Girl...You are hilarious! You got
             a lot of youth in you. Come on
             let's study this script.

                         DELLA
                  (turns a page)
             Now, he got us coming in the
             front door all hugged up. Right?

                         SHANNNAE
                  (turns the page)
             If I can recall. Right...

DELLA is excited.

                         DELLA
             I love it! I love it!

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

                                                           70.

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-NIGHT

ROLAND, EARNEST, JOHNNY SEE, ROBERT and JAMES are going over
their scripts.

                         EARNEST
                  (trying to explain)
             NO! NO! It's not what I want,
             Robert. You don't have to pull
             your guns out on anybody. Okay?

                         JAMES
             Well, what do you want us to do
             besides what the script say,
             Earnest?

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Listen. Can we cut to the chase?
             I got a body to take care of....

                         ROLAND
             And I have to get up early in the
             morning. My new designed shipment
             of caskets are coming in.

                         ROBERT
             Do you have to mention your
             business right now, Roland? Jesus!

                         EARNEST
             Everybody just chill! We can do
             this thing. It's no big deal. I'm
             doing the most work.
             Okay?....Don't get the cold feet
             on me.....

Everybody is quiet.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             Robert,you gonna do most of the
             talking. You got plenty of lines
             to learn.

                         JAMES
             I hope this thing doesn't
             backfire in your face, Earnest.

                         EARNEST
             Nothing is going to backfire in
             my face as long as I'm alive.

                                                           71.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Suppose you cause a stampede. You
             know how serious black folks are
             about this.

                         EARNEST
             We all are actors here. We've
             been here before in high school
             and college. Bring them good old
             nerves back again. This is gonna
             be the show of your lives.

They all look at each other.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. MISSES BEAUTY SALON-MID MORNING-10:00AM

MICHELLE is standing at the window. Her hair is all over her
head. Another CUSTOMER is in the Beauty Salon chair. RITA is
styling her hair.

                         RITA
             Michelle! You better get back
             under that dryer, woman. I'm
             almost through with my customer
             here.

MICHELLE peeps and open the blinds a little wider.

                         MICHELLE
             Haven't seen that Earnest in a
             long time, now. He must be in
             Hollywood or Holly Weird....

They all laughs as MICHELLE sits down and grabs a magazine.

                         ANOTHER CUSTOMER
             Ya'll talking about Earnest
             Boldine, the actor? I saw him
             last week with a pretty little
             thing. Her dress was so short, a
             seven feet man wouldn't have to
             stoop to see her butt.

They all laughs.

                         RITA
             Ya'll oughta quit this old
             gossiping.

                                                           72.

                         MICHELLE
                  (running fingers
                  through magazine)
             Yeah. He's gossiping all the way
             to the bank too. Now, I heard
             he's up for this leading role in
             this new movie....uh, I can't
             think of the name, right now....

ANOTHER CUSTOMER thinks of the name.

                         ANOTHER CUSTOMER
                  (snaps her finger)
             Screw Driver! That's the name!

                         RITA
                  (laughs)
             Screw Driver!

They all laughs.

                         MICHELLE
                  (laughs)
             The title fits. Doesn't it?!

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST'S LIVING ROOM-EVENING

EARNEST is talking on his cell phone with his AGENT. He is
sitting on the couch sipping a glass of wine.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiling)
             That's great Al........

EARNEST goes through some mail on the Coffee Table.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             Oh, I knew you had my back on
             this one, like always,
             Al........Who did they cast for
             the leading lady?...... I
             see.......Oh, no...
                         (MORE)

                                                           73.

                         EARNEST (CONT'D)
             She 's one of the best to work
             with........No...uh, you want me
             to Fed Express the
             contract?......I'll do that right
             away......Yeah, I
             understand......I'll see you in
             two  weeks. Wait!....Hey, thanks
             man for delivering for me. I
             won't forget this.....Yeah....
             later.

EARNEST closes his cell phone and rambles through his mail
that's sitting on the Coffee Table. SHANNAE comes in the
backdoor into the living room. She leans over the couch and
gives EARNEST a big kiss. EARNEST wants more as she pulls back.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             Let's do that again, baby...

SHANNAE leans over and kisses him again.

                         SHANNAE
                  (pulls back and smiles)
             That's for being just who you are.

                         EARNEST
                  (curious)
             What did Della tell you today? I
             was looking for a slap upside the
             head.

They laughs.

                         SHANNAE
             No. It was kind of pleasant.
             Earnest, she really is a nice
             woman, and she got lots of youth
             in that body.

EARNEST smiles.

                         EARNEST
             Yeah....She does have that. Now
             what about the script? Doses she
             seem excited or what?.....

SHANNAE walks away leaving EARNEST waiting for an answer.
Then she turns with a smile.

                                                           74.

                         SHANNAE
             Excited is not the word! She is
             stone crazy about it! She can
             hardly wait!

                         EARNEST
             Yes! Now we have all the pieces
             to the puzzle together. Next week
             is it. I pray them nosy gossiping
             folks are strong......Another
             thing, I just landed the leading
             male role in Screw Driver. How
             good can it get?......

They hug each other.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             And another thing, I'm taking you
             with me when we start shooting in
             California. You just might be
             able to land you something.

                         SHANNAE
                  (excited)
             Really, baby!

SHANNAE is excited. She has to sit down and sip a glass of
wine.....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. UNMARKED POLICE CAR- FIESTA SUPERMARKET-PARKING LOT-NOON

ROBERT and JAMES are on a Stake Out as usual for PURSE
SNATCHERS. They are unwrapping hamburgers for lunch.

                         ROBERT
                  (getting ready to take
                  a bite)
             It looks good, James.

JAMES has a sad look on his face. ROBERT takes a look at
JAMES before he bites off the Burger. JAMES wraps his
hamburger back up and puts it in the bag.

                         ROBERT
                  (continues)
             What's wrong? You ain't hungry?
             This is your favorite Burger, man.

                                                           75.

                         JAMES
             What are we doing?

                         ROBERT
             What are you talking about? We
             are getting ready to have lunch,
             the best Burger in town....Are
             you running a fever or something?

                         JAMES
                  (puts the Burger back
                  in the bag)
             We're killing ourselves.....

                         ROBERT
             Oh, I guess you done turn a
             health nut on me after you have
             eaten a thousand of these things.

                         JAMES
             Every time I look at Roland and
             Johnny See, I don't want to
             shorten my life because they are
             waiting.

                         ROBERT
             But they are our friends, they
             will give us a good burial.....

                         JAMES
             It's a matter of when, if we keep
             eating like this.....

ROBERT looks at his Burger, wraps it up quickly and stuffs
it back in the bag.....

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT.  EVERLASTING MORTUARY-MORNING

JOHNNY SEE is giving EARNEST some pills. EARNEST is skeptical.

                         EARNEST
                  (holding pills in his hand)
             Johnny See. Are you sure these
             gonna work?....I won't have any
             side affects.

                                                           76.

                         JOHNNY SEE
                  (smiles)
             I told you, the only thing those
             pills gonna make you do is sleep
             longer after it's over.

                         EARNEST
             I sure hope you know what you are
             talking about, if not, a career
             is gone down the drain.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             I take them all the time when
             I've had an overload. Just relax.
             And don't have sex all night with
             that young woman....If any thing
             happens, tell Shannae to call me
             first. Okay? I hope to see you
             tomorrow.....

                         EARNEST
             Hope! You better see me tomorrow!

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Go! I got somebody back there on
             the table waiting.

EARNEST leaves as he puts the bottle of pills in his pocket.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-UPSTAIRS-BATHROOM-NIGHT

EARNEST is looking in the mirror. He is holding three pills
in his hand and a glass of water.

                                            CUT TO

SHANNAE is polishing her finger nails in the bed.

                         SHANNAE
             Baby! What are you doing in
             there?....

                                            CUT TO

INT.  BATHROOM

EARNEST is swallowing the pills as he quickly drinks the
glass of water.

                                                           77.

                         EARNEST
                  (yells out)
             I'll be out in a minute, baby!
             I'm doing a quick shave!......Dam
             I hope Johnny See is right.

                                            CUT TO

SHANNAE is putting the top on the fingernail polish as she
blows her nails. SHANNAE gets up to straighten the pillows
on the bed. JOHNNY SEE walks up behind her and puts his arms
around her waist.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             Did I hear you call me, baby?.....

They fall across the bed.

                         SHANNAE
             You got that right. What are you
             gonna do about it?

EARNEST rolls on top of SHANNAE.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles in her face)
             What you think?...I'm gonna do
             what I always do......

They laugh at each other for a moment.

                         SHANNAE
             I'm listening, but talk is cheap.

EARNEST leans over and turn out the lights.

                         EARNEST
             I'm gonna take care of that right
             now.

SHANNAE scoots under the cover.

                         SHANNAE
             Really......

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

                                                           78.

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-UPSTAIRS-BEDROOM-NEXT MORNING

EARNEST is still sleeping. SHANNAE comes in with breakfast
on a tray. EARNEST is dead sleep. Not even a breathing sound
coming from his body. SHANNAE sits the tray down on the bed.
She leans over and kisses him on the cheeks. She smiles and
whispers in his ear. He doesn't move.

                         SHANNAE
                  (shakes him a little)
             Wake up baby, I got a surprise!

He doesn't move. She shakes him harder. He doesn't move. She
picks up the phone.....

                         SHANNAE
                  (continues)
             Oh my God!

She dials JOHNNY SEE'S number. She's rocking back and forth
on the bed trying to hold herself together.

                         SHANNAE
                  (crying)
             Johnny See.....Something
             is......wrong with Earnest...He
             told me to call you first if
             anything happens....What wrong
             with him Johnny
             See?....Okay...okay....

SHANNAE hangs up the phone. She lays her head on EARNEST'S
chest......She cries.

FADE TO

MUSIC-SAXOPHONE

                                            CUT TO

INT.  EVERLASTING MORTUARY-MID-MORNING.

SHANNAE, ROLAND and JOHNNY SEE is in the Mortuary office.
SHANNAE is pacing the floor. She stops and points her finger
at JOHNNY SEE.

                         SHANNAE
                  (cries)
             Ya'll held out on me. Why didn't
             he tell me he took some pills
             last night, huh?

SHANNAE paces up and down.

                                                           79.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Listen. Let's don't panic.
             Earnest is in a deep sleep. He's
             going to come out of it....We can
             still go through with the plan....

ROBERT and JAMES burst through the door. They are huffing
and puffing.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             Where is he?  Are there any
             suspects here?....Is he dead or
             what?....

                         JAMES
                  (paces)
             I told him this would blow up in
             his face...

                         ROBERT
             What happened?....

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Calm down...He's just in a deep
             sleep. He's gonna be all right.
             Trust me, It's just a temporary
             thing.

DELLA rushes through the door. She is out of breath.

                         DELLA
             I just got Shannae's message.
             What happened? Is he going to be
             all right?

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Listen, everybody just chill.
             Don't mention a word to anybody.
             The plan is still on. Before the
             end of the service, the pills
             would have diluted out of his
             system.

                         ROBERT AND JAMES
             Shannae....Was this a Viagra
             thing?.....Did he pass out before
             or after ya'll had-----

                         ROLAND
             Detectives! This is not the place.
             Okay?....

SHANNAE is pacing up and down biting her finger nails.

                                                           80.

                         SHANNAE
             What if he doesn't wake up?....

                         JAMES
             Then we have a suicide on our hands.

                         DELLA
                  (slaps James upside
                  the head)
             Why don't you button up your
             lips, Detective?

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. MISSES BEAUTY SALON-MID MORNING-10:00AM

MICHELLE is standing looking out the SALON WINDOW again.
RITA is busy putting her Beauty supplies on her shelf.

                         RITA
                  (turns)
             Michelle! Not again. Come on here
             woman so I can finish your hair.
             I believe you just come over here
             to look for Earnest.

                         MICHELLE
                  (opens the blinds wider)
             Naw...Not this time. It's that
             Flossy Mae.

                         RITA
                  (continue putting
                  things up)
             It's too early to be talking
             about that young woman.

                         MICHELLE
                  (still looking out the window)
             Flossy Mae got a crowd around her
             out there in Fiesta's parking lot.

                         RITA
                  (puts her hand on her hips)
             Michelle! Please!

                         MICHELLE
             Just hold up....What's your hurry?
             You're not busy today. I wanna
             see what she saying.

                                                           81.

                         RITA
             How you gonna see what she
             saying, Michelle?

                         MICHELLE
             I didn't tell you I could read lips?

                         RITA
                  (laughs)
             Is that right?

                         MICHELLE
             Girl, I'm an expert. Now leave me
             alone while I'm trying to read
             her gossiping lips.

                         RITA
             Michelle. You're about to get on
             my one nerve.

MICHELLE pauses as she looks out the window.

                                            CUT TO

EXT.  FIESTA SUPERMARKET-PARKING LOT

FLOSSY MAE is gossiping to a group of LADIES.

                         A LADY
             Flossy. Where did you here this?

                         FLOSSY MAE
             The old man that sleeps out in
             the back of Johnny See's funeral
             home. He heard them bring him in.
             So he stood up on a box and
             peeped in the window, and there
             was Earnest stretched out on the
             table. That young woman had
             something to do with it, I
             guarantee it. She's hot as a fire
             cracker. It's the honest God
             truth. The man is dead....

                         OTHER LADY
             How come it hasn't been on the
             news, Flossy Mae?....

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Because they are hush, hush about
             it.

                                                           82.

                         A LADY
             Flossy. Don't be spreading no
             rumors if you're not sure.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Something fishy is going on for
             them to keep it a secret like
             this. But they can't fool me.
             Sooner or later they gotta bury
             him and ya'll will see I'm
             telling the truth.

                         OTHER LADY
             Well. We'll just wait and see.
             For the time being, it's just
             plain old gossip....I gotta go.

                         A LADY
             Me too. Can't stand around here
             and gossip with Flossy all day.

The CROWD leave FLOSSY MAE standing in Fiesta's Parking Lot.
As they disperse, FLOSSY MAE yells back at them.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Get out your pretty dresses. It's
             definite gonna be a funeral.

FLOSSY MAE turns and looks toward MISSES BEAUTY SALON. She
pauses for a moment, staring over at the building. She turns
in the opposite direction and then turns back in the
direction of MISSES BEAUTY SALON. She decides to walk across
the street to the Salon.

                                            CUT TO

INT.  MISSES BEAUTY SALON ACROSS THE STREET

MICHELLE sees her coming. She close the blinds and takes a
seat in the Beauty Salon chair.

                         MICHELLE
                  (explains)
             I read her lips that somebody die.
             I couldn't make out the name.

                         RITA
             Musta been her old grandmother.
             She's almost hitting a hundred.

                         MICHELLE
             We'll know in a few seconds.

                                                           83.

                         RITA
             What're you talking about?

                         MICHELLE
             Because in a few seconds, she's
             gonna come walking through that
             door.

                         RITA
             What?! Not in this life!

RITA grabs a big glass bottle of shampoo.

                         MICHELLE
             What are you doing?

RITA holds the bottle down by her side as she stands behind
the Salon's chair.

                         RITA
             Taking up where I left off on the
             last meeting we had.

The door opens slowly. RITA raises the glass bottle up over
her head.

                         MICHELLE
                  (jumps up out of chair)
             I'm just going to move right out
             of ya'll way, if you don't mind.

FLOSSY MAE opens the door wide enough to ease in.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Listen. Rita, I didn't come here
             to fight you. Okay?

                         RITA
                  (keeps the bottle raised)
             Then why in the hell are you in
             my space? I don't think I sent
             you an invitation.....

FLOSSY MAE throws her hands up in the air.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (defend)
             Listen, Rita. I didn't come here
             to fight you. If I did I woulda
             come in shooting.

FLOSSY reaches in her purse.

                                                           84.

                         MICHELLE
                  (yells)
             She got a gun!

RITA ducks behind the chair. MICHELLE hits the floor quick.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (pulls out some money)
             Why are ya'll so jumpy? Dam! I
             just want to pay my bill since
             you talked about me so bad the
             other day, Rita....

RITA stands up behind the chair. MICHELLE takes a deep
breath as she gets up from the floor.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (holding money)
             Do you want the money or not?

                         RITA
                  (jerks the money from
                  her hand)
             Hell yeah! And I should charge
             you interest.

They pause and stare at each other, then they burst out
laughing.

                         MICHELLE
             Ya'll are crazy! One day you
             wanna go Joe Louis on each other,
             and other times ya'll are
             laughing with each other like
             Hyenas.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             That's what makes life so
             interesting, Michelle.

                         MICHELLE
                  (straight to the point)
             Who die?

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Why, Michelle. Did I say somebody
             die?

                         MICHELLE
             Didn't have to. I read your lips
             when you had your little
             gossiping seminar across the street.

                                                           85.

                         RITA
                  (points Michelle to
                  the chair)
             While you're running your mouth,
             Michelle, sit down here in this
             chair so I can finish your hair.

MICHELLE sits down in the chair.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (smiles)
             I'm not gonna tell you because I
             don't wanna start any gossiping
             in Misses Beauty Salon.

                         RITA
             Now you learning. And Michelle if
             you don't stop it, I'm gonna run
             you out of here too.

FLOSSY turns to leave, but she stops to say one more thing.
She speaks and acts properly.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Listen, since I took care of my
             bill. Do you think I could make
             an appointment for Wednesday? I
             really want to be all foxed up
             for this funeral.

RITA and MICHELLE look at each other.

                         RITA
                  (curious)
             Yeah. But----

                         MICHELLE AND RITA
                  (curious)
             Whose funeral?

                         FLOSSY MAE
             No, no, no. No gossiping in here,
             remember?  See ya Rita and
             Michelle. Have a wonderful day.

FLOSSY MAE turns and leaves the Salon. RITA and MICHELLE
look out done.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

                                                           86.

INT. UNMARKED POLICE CAR-EVENING

ROBERT and JAMES are eating a salad. Robert takes one bite
out of the salad and puts it down. JAMES is trying to eat it
real fast just to get rid of his portion.

                         ROBERT
             What do you think?

                         JAMES
             What do I think? What can I
             think, huh? Our friend is laying
             up on a table at Everlasting
             Mortuary in a deep sleep.

                         ROBERT
             Do you think he's gonna----

                         JAMES
             I don't know, man! But for his
             sake, he better wake up real soon.

                                            CUT TO

INT. EVERLASTING MORTUARY-BACK ROOM-MORNING

SHANNAE is standing over EARNEST. He is still dead sleep on
a long table in the back of the Mortuary.

                         SHANNAE
                  (tears running down
                  her cheeks)
             Wake up baby....It's time to wake
             up. Please wake up...I miss you,
             baby.

EARNEST doesn't respond. SHANNAE slaps him.

                         SHANNAE
                  (angry)
             Wake up, Earnest! You done slept
             too long. It's time to quit
             acting, baby.

JOHNNY SEE comes in and pulls her away. She is crying as he
takes her hand and leads her out the door.

                                            CUT TO

INT. FOREVER CASKETS-EVENING-BACK ROOM

ROLAND is looking at an UPRIGHT CASKET. A very special
casket. He has a tape measure and he is sizing the casket.
Then he takes a mannequin and places it inside the casket.

                                                           87.

He steps back to take a long look.

                         ROLAND
             This is going to be a perfect fit
             for you, my brother.

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-UPSTAIRS-BEDROOM-CLOSET

SHANNAE is looking over some of EARNEST'S SUITS. She cries
as she looks at each one. She picks one out and lays it on
the bed. She goes over to the dresser draw, pulls it open
and chooses a white shirt and tie combination. She lays it
on the bed next to the suit. She sits on the side of the
bed, running her hand across the PEA GREEN suit.

                                            CUT TO

INT. EARNEST HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-NIGHT

SHANNAE is talking to AL, EARNEST'S agent. She is pacing the
floor with the phone.

                         SHANNAE
                  (pacing)
             Al.....He'll be
             there.......Listen, I'll tell him
             to call you when he gets back.
             Okay?....Yeah!....The
             contract.....I'll tell
             him.....Okay....Bye.

SHANNAE hangs up the phone.

                         SHANNNAE
                  (sits down on the couch)
             Shit!

The contract is sitting on the Coffee Table right in front
of her. Quickly, she reaches for the pen. She opens the draw
to one of the lamp tables. She pulls out a cancel check with
EARNEST'S signature. She quickly opens the contract to the
last page.

                         SHANNAE
                  (looks at cancel check carefully)
             Earnest...Why are you doing this
             to me?  Okay, Shannae, you can do
             it.

She rub her hands together and starts copying his signature
on the contract. She holds the check up to the signature.

                                                           88.

                         SHANNAE
             I pray that this works.....

                                            CUT TO

INT. EVERLASTING MORTUARY-MORNING

ROBERT, JAMES, DELLA, JOHNNY SEE, ROLAND and SHANNAE are
talking over their plans.

                         JOHNNY SEE
             Remember. Earnest is not dead. I
             just pronounced him dead. No one
             will question the City Coroner.
             Now in a few days we will act
             like we putting him to rest. Is
             that understood?

Nobody responds as they look at each other with a doubtful
face.

                         JOHNNY SEE
                  (continues)
             It's possible that Earnest may
             come out of it during the service
             or he might just sleep on....

                         EVERYBODY
             Sleep on?!

JOHNNY SEE gestures with his hands.

                         JOHNNY SEE
                  (continues)
             Let me rephrase that. Until after
             the church service. Are there any
             questions?......

Everyone is silent.

                         JOHNNY SEE
                  (continues)
             Now somehow, Flossy Mae found out
             about Earnest being dead. Let me
             rephrase that, a possibility of
             being dead.

Everybody raise their heads.

                         JOHNNY SEE
                  (continues)
             Something slipped through the
             cracks.
                         (MORE)

                                                           89.

                         JOHNNY SEE (CONT'D)
             So a lot of people know that it
             is a possibility. I was going to
             post it in the paper today anyway
             for it to look legit. We do want
             those gossiping folks to witness
             this. Let's just pray this does
             not get back to his agent. They
             might just forfeit his contract
             for that movie. And please let's
             break a leg.

Everyone is still silent. DELLA and SHANNAE are wiping their
teary eyes. They look at each other and embrace.

FADE TO

MUSIC-GOSPEL

                                            CUT TO

INT. EBONY BAPTIST CHURCH-MORNING-FUNERAL

BLACK FOLKS are crowding the Church. Some are hugging each
other and some are shaking hands across the aisle, a
traditional setting of  BLACK FOLKS taking a last look at
the body. EARNEST is in an UPRIGHT CASKET in the middle of
church below the pulpit. Some Black Folks freeze as they
approach the CASKET for the last look. The PREACHER is
sitting in the pulpit going over notes. ROBERT is discussing
something with him. JAMES and ROLAND are standing with white
gloves on near the casket. SHANNAE and DELLA are weeping on
the front seat of the church. The PEOPLE are standing in
line, anxious to see EARNEST for the last time.

                         ONE WOMAN
             An Upright Casket-I never in my
             life time witness nothing like this.

                         ANOTHER WOMAN
             He looks just like he is sleeping.

VOICES are getting louder in the church. BLACK folks are
talking and discussing the casket.

                         A MAN
             He looks like he gonna walk his
             way into heaven, baby.

                         MAN'S WIFE
             Walk himself into hell, you mean.

The couple looking up at EARNEST.

                                                           90.

                         A MAN
                  (looks strange at his wife)
             Come on, baby. Say something nice
             for his Home Going.

                         MAN'S WIFE
                  (looks around at her husband)
             Yeah..He's dead, but you.....

MAN'S WIFE points her finger at her husband.

                         MAN'S WIFE
                  (continues)
             If you ever leave me for a young
             woman, Satan won't have to deal
             with you because when I get
             through, there will be nothing
             left, not even a sprit....

The MAN grabs his WIFE by the arm and rushes her from the
body. The CHURCH is getting too noisy. The PREACHER gets up
to address the people.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (at the pulpit)
             You are in God's house, let there
             be quietness, please. This is not
             a circus.....

One of EARNEST'S OLD CLASSMATE walks up. He laughs.

                         CLASSMATE
             Earnest Boldine! You standing
             tall , baby. You're a class act now.

The CLASSMATE is getting ready to touch EARNEST'S suit.

                         CLASSMATE
                  (continues)
             Wish I had that suit you wearing.

CLASSMATE is just about ready to touch the suit. He reaches
and JAMES slaps his hand. JAMES opens his coat just enough
to show his guns. The CLASSMATE'S eyes get bigger. He tips
along. OTHERS quietly pass by to view the body, looking up
and down, checking every detail out.

                         CHURCH WOMAN
             Amazing....I wonder what are they
             going to think of next?

FLOSSY MAE, MICHELLE and RITA are standing looking up at
EARNEST.

                                                           91.

                         MICHELLE
                  (closes her eyes)
             It's as if he staring right at me
             with his eyes closed.

FLOSSY waves her hand in front of MICHELLE'S face. MICHELLE
open her eyes.

                         MICHELLE
                  (smiles)
             I felt his spirit pass right
             before me.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (looking up at the body)
             That was my hand trying to give
             you a reality check....

                         RITA
             I'm really impressed with Johnny
             See's work. I mean he stood him
             up nice. I wonder who cut his
             hair, very neat.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             They tell me, he was having sex,
             went to sleep and never woke up.

                         RITA
             Flossy Mae, please, give him some
             slack....

ONE PERSON wanna get by the THREE to view the body.

                         ONE PERSON
             Do ya'll mind?....Jesus Christ!

The PERSON squeezes himself between MICHELLE, RITA and
FLOSSY MAE. They leave. FLOSSY MAE pass DELLA and SHANNAE.
They nod to each other.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (whispers to Michelle)
             Michelle....Did you see Della and
             Shannae sitting right next to
             each other? And holding hands....I
             never---

                         MICHELLE
             Girl...I had to take a deep
             breath because you told me they
             had a big fight at Clara's funeral.

                                                           92.

RITA is looking for somewhere to sit down. Most of all the
seats are taken with exception of a few.

                         RITA
             Listen. Ya'll stop that gossiping
             and let's take those seats right
             over there.....

RITA, MICHELLE and FLOSSY MAE edge their way by folks to sit
down.

                                            CUT TO

The FRONT of the Church. The line is getting shorter for
viewing EARNEST'S body. FOLKS have taken their seats and is
waiting on the PREACHER. The last PERSON takes a long look
and turns to take a seat. The PREACHER gets up from his
chair and walks up to the podium. He put on his glasses.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (clears his throat)
             Good morning......

                         EVERYBODY
             Good morning....

                         THE PREACHER
             For those of you that haven't
             taken a last look at Mr. Earnest
             Boldine, you may do so
             now.......Even though as you can
             see, he's in an upright position
             where everyone  should have no
             problem not seeing him.... Mr.
             Boldine is standing tall in the
             saddle.....Can I get an Amen....

EVERYBODY is saying AMEN.

                         THE PREACHER
             Where ever he's going heaven or
             hell, he'll be standing tall, I
             don't care whether he wears the
             title of womanizer, actor, good
             looking, sharp dresser or
             whatever you gossiping folks put
             on him, he gonna be stepping tall.
             And before I tell the brothers to
             close this creative piece of work
             by Roland Lewis, and Forever
             Caskets. I gotta take one more
             last look at this master
             piece.........

                                                           93.

The PREACHER steps down from the pulpit to take a last look
at EARNEST in the casket.

                                            CUT TO

FLOSSY MAE whispers to MICHELLE.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Watch out for the fight, it just
             might happen anytime now.....Did
             you see them guns on JAMES? He
             shouldn't be wearing any guns in
             the house of the lord.

                         MICHELLE
             Huh, I betcha bottom dollar
             Robert is sitting up there with
             his guns on in the pulpit....They
             are one crazy bunch of detectives.

                                            CUT TO

The FRONT of the church. The PREACHER is taking a long look
at the UPRIGHT CASKET. He turns to the audience.

                         THE PREACHER
             Doesn't Boldine look good? Almost
             like he gonna step outta that
             casket at  anytime. But we know
             that's not gonna happen.

                         VOICE IN THE CONGREGATION
             He better not!

The PREACHER returns to the pulpit. He steps up to the podium.

                         THE PREACHER
             Since this is a different kind of
             service especially with Mr.
             Boldine being so well liked in
             the community, and a known movie
             star, I'm going to ask for the
             casket to stay open through out
             the services.

                         VOICE IN THE CONGREGATION
             You sure about that Preacher. He
             might just get the spirit and
             walk on outta there.....

EVERYBODY laughs.

                                                           94.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (laughs)
             And if he does-----ya'll won't
             have to worry about which way is
             the exit.

EVERYBODY laughs.

                         THE PREACHER
             Now Mr. Boldine request for a
             service that is very unique.
             Since he was an actor in high
             school and college, so was his
             friend, Robert Davenport. He
             wants Robert to say the last
             words over his final day on this
             earth......Mr. Davenport.

                                            CUT TO

MICHELLE, RITA AND FLOSSY MAE sitting in congregation.

                         MICHELLE
             I didn't know Robert could preach.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (unwrapping a candy wrapper)
             He can't. But he can act his butt
             off. You don't remember him in
             high school with James, Roland,
             Robert, Earnest and Johnny See.
             They were  on stage all the time.
             Anyway,preaching ain't nothing
             but acting.

                         MICHELLE
                  (looks at FLossy funny)
             Is that right?...

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT steps up to the podium. He clears his throat as he
put his notes down. He looks down and nods at JOHNNY SEE,
DELLA, SHANNAE, JAMES and ROLAND.

                         ROBERT
             James and Roland, you may take a
             seat. My friend ain't going
             anywhere today, tomorrow, maybe.

SHANNAE gets up. She walks up to the casket

                                                           95.

                         SHANNAE
             Get up outta there, baby! Show
             them how you can step. Old death
             ain't gonna tie you down. You got
             a part to play in Hollywood.....

JAMES and ROLAND grabs SHANNAE by the arms and sits her down.

                         ROBERT
                  (wipes his eyes)
             If he could get up from this deep
             sleep, we could go on with our
             lives.

DELLA gets up and walks over to the casket.

                         DELLA
                  (weeps)
             Listen up, Earnest. I still love
             you, even though you made a u-
             turn on me...Wasn't your fault. I
             just let those old gossiping
             folks brainwash me with lies,
             lies that didn't even exist.....I
             shouldn't have listen to to those
             folks in the first place. I
             completely lost trust.

The PREACHER gets up in disbelief. He walks to the front of
the pulpit.

                         THE PREACHER
             Please....Let's calm down, here!
             This is the house of the lord.

JAMES walks in front of the casket. He's shows the PREACHER
his guns by opening his coat.

                         JAMES
             Sit down Preacher! This is not
             your day. It's this man's day,
             Earnest Boldine.

The PREACHER tips back to his seat.

                         JAMES
                  (continues)
             Now this brother, my friend
             didn't have to stay here in his
             hometown. Ya'll know what I'm
             talking about. He loved to be
             around his people, but ya'll just
             gossip him to death or to sleep.

                                                           96.

ROLAND comes forward and stands near the casket.

                         ROLAND
             His last words to me before he
             fell dead or----I mean off to
             sleep were, 'if I go, please let
             me go standing up.' And here he
             is standing upright like a man
             getting ready to walk into glory.

DELLA and SHANNAE get up and do a little dance.

                         DELLA AND SHANNAE
                  (turns to the people)
             He gonna walk outta here, you
             just watch---but you gotta be a
             believer.

                         SHANNAE
                  (turns)
             Ain't gonna be no burial here
             today. Earnest Boldine is going
             to get up out that upright casket
             and step......

                                            CUT TO

In the CONGREGATION, FLOSSY is laughing. MICHELLE is
trembling and her eyes get bigger

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Girl! Why are you trembling? You
             really believe that man in that
             upright casket gonna walk out of
             here.

                         MICHELLE
             Something is just not right,
             Flossy Mae. Cold chills are just
             running through my body.

                         RITA
                  (laughs)
             I think all of them have just
             jump track.

                         MICHELLE
             What do you mean, Rita?

                         RITA
             I mean they just flew over the
             coo-coo nest....All they need now
             is a stray jacket.

                                                           97.

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (laughs)
             Earnest die in the bed after a
             long battle with sex, I heard.

                         MICHELLE
             Where did you here that? Were you
             peeping in their window?

                         RITA
                  (laughs)
             I wouldn't put that pass
             her...She's the one that started
             all them rumors on Earnest in the
             first place because he wouldn't
             ever look her way, even in high
             school.

                         MICHELLE
             They say people come back
             sometimes to get revenge...Flossy,
             you better be careful....

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Girl....I don't believe in that
             mess. When you dead, you dead,
             just like he is......

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT is standing up at the pulpit. He steps down and walks
up to the casket.

                         ROBERT
             Look at him. How many of you
             women out there would have wanted
             a piece of this man....Don't be
             bashful. Your husbands understand.
             Raise your hands.

TEN WOMEN raise their hands and the HUSBAND snatch them down.

                         SHANNAE
                  (gets up)
             That's what I'm talking about!
             Ya'll were just jealous! Didn't
             have nothing to do with me being
             a young Fry. Did you see that,
             Della? Them women hands raised up
             like rain falling from the sky.

DELLA gets up from her seat.

                                                           98.

                         DELLA
                  (dance a step)
             Shannae! Can you feel me?

                         SHANNAE
             I can feel you girl!

                         DELLA
             Was he good to you?

                         SHANNAE
             You oughta know.....

                         DELLA
             What I mean....Was he Mr. Feel
             Good to you?

                         SHANNAE
             He could make my toes wiggle. Whew!

                         DELLA
             Do you think he's coming back?

                         SHANNAE
             As sure as I'm standing here, he
             gonna step, step out of this
             master piece of a casket.

                         DELLA
             And old Flossy Mae gonna turn red
             as fire!

                                            CUT TO

FLOSSY MAE scoots down in her seat.

                         MICHELLE
             Flossy Mae! They called your name.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             They all are lunatics....Something
             is seriously wrong with them
             people up there.

                         RITA
                  (laughs)
             True. But I'm kinda enjoying the
             performance. They're crazy, but
             they can act their butts off. But
             Earnest ain't going nowhere.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Preacher ain't stopping one bit
             of this charade.

                                                           99.

                         MICHELLE
             He can't, Flossy Mae. Can't you
             see he's in shock?

                                            CUT TO

The PREACHER is just staring into space like he isn't there.

                                            CUT TO

ROBERT stands up behind the podium. He slams his fist on the
top of the podium.

                         ROBERT
             Earnest! You've been sleeping too
             long. Wake up from here!

THE PREACHER touches ROBERT on the shoulder.

                         THE PREACHER
             I demand you stop this charade
             right now or you will see hell
             before your dead friend does here.

DELLA runs to the back of the church.

                         DELLA
             I can feel his spirit. It's
             speaking to me. I'm burning up
             inside.

DELLA runs back to her seat. SHANNAE fans her.

                         DELLA
                  (continues)
             I just can't keep still.

                         SHANNAE
             What did he say, Della?

                         DELLA
             He said, 'be patient, it won't be
             long before he get to stepping!
             He said, 'just hold on.'

                                            CUT TO

MICHELLE is rubbing her arms. Chills are running through her
body again.

                                                          100.

                         MICHELLE
             Do they really think he's gonna
             walk out that casket?....I'm
             ready to go, Flossy. This is too
             much drama!

MICHELLE gets up to leave.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Michelle! Where do you think you
             are going?

                         MICHELLE
             I'm getting the hell out of here.
             I feel a sprit too and it's
             telling me to hat up......

                         FLOSSY MAE
                  (laughs)
             Girl! Sit your scary self down.
             That man is dead. The only place
             he's going is to the grave yard
             where Satan already got the fire
             lit. He done womanized his last
             female.....

                         RITA
             That never has been proven,
             Flossy Mae. You started this. Now
             you have to sit here and watch
             your lies go down the drain.

MICHELLE looks strangely at FLOSSY MAE.

                         MICHELLE
             Is that true, Flossy Mae? You
             mean---

FLOSSY MAE snaps at MICHELLE.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             I don't wanna discuss this issue
             anymore. Just watch the side show.
             Okay?

                                            CUT TO

JAMES gets up and wipes off the casket with a clean white
towel.

                         JAMES
                  (wiping)
             Earnest was always neat.

                                                          101.

JAMES is steady wiping the casket off while SHANNAE and
DELLA are weeping, holding on to each other. ROLAND jumps up
from his seat.

                         ROLAND
             Now, this is a beautiful display
             of a man going somewhere. You
             know what I'm saying?

He points to the structure of the casket. He run his finger
along side the edges.

                         ROLAND
                  (continues)
             You see how it curves to the
             body, tailored like a suit on his
             frame. Just wonderful. This is
             the way your last look event
             should be. Earnest is truly
             prepared for the occasion. If you
             want to contact Forever Caskets,
             please feel free to pick up my
             brochure......

THE PREACHER gets up again to try and hurry things up.He
goes to the other podium, picks up the microphone and begins
speaking.

                         THE PREACHER
             It's time, people. It's been a
             wonderful performance and I think
             Earnest was laughing all the way,
             being the actor he is...But the
             grave yard is waiting for it's
             drama, ashes to ashes and dust to
             dust. James and Roland, would you
             be so kind to shut that master
             piece up......

The CONGREGATION starts clapping.

                         VOICES IN THE CONGREGATION
             Wonderful performance.

DELLA and SHANNAE look at each other.

                         DELLA AND SHANNAE
             We gotta do something or else his
             ass is gonna be fertilizer for
             the grass.

DELLA and SHANNAE jump out of their chairs right before
JAMES and ROLAND close the casket.

                                                          102.

                         DELLA AND SHANNAE
                  (runs up to the casket)
             Wait! Not yet.....

The PREACHER takes a deep breath.

                         THE PREACHER
             The performance is over, Ladies!

SHANNAE and DELLA run to the corner of the church and get
two spare chairs. They quickly place one on each side of the
casket. They stand up in the chairs to whisper something in
EARNEST'S ear. They whisper in his ears at the same time.

                         DELLA AND SHANNAE
             You better wake your ass up right
             now or you gonna find your self
             in a heap of dirt, bugs and a
             pitch fork poking at you every
             second! Wake your ass up now! The
             Preacher is ready to zero you out!

The PREACHER shakes his head at the DELLA and SHANNAE.

                         THE PREACHER
             Will someone please show these
             ladies to their seats. It's over!

DELLA and SHANNAE climb sadly from the chairs. They are
crying as JAMES and ROLAND escort them to their seats.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (continues)
             It's nothing else needs to be
             said here about this man...Let
             him rest in peace.....

THE PREACHER nods for JAMES and ROLAND to close the casket.
JAMES and ROLAND begin to close the casket. By the time it
closes half way, the force of the door opening knock JAMES
and ROLAND back on their heels.EARNEST steps out the casket
and looks around.

                         EARNEST
             I'm back! Johnny See! Those were
             some powerful pills.

                         THE PREACHER
                  (runs to the side exit)
             What the world is going---

                                            CUT TO

                                                          103.

The entire CONGREGATION run to the back of the church.

                                            CUT TO

As he stands with his pea green suit on, folks in the back
of the church think they are looking at a ghost.EARNEST
waves for the people to come back.

                         EARNEST
             Hey! I'm not a ghost! Give my
             actors and actresses a big hand.
             It was a great performance. Even
             though I almost slept too long....

The CONGREGATION slowly make their way back to the seats.
The CONGREGATION start clapping. EARNEST stands in the
middle of the aisle smiling. The clapping stops.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             Whew! That was close.

ROBERT hurries down to the front. DELLA and SHANNAE are
standing looking  at Earnest

                         DELLA AND SHANNAE
                  (rejoices)
             You beat the clock, baby.

JAMES, ROLAND, SHANNAE, JOHNNY SEE and DELLA are all
standing around laughing. The PREACHER is gone.

                                            CUT TO

FLOSSY is looking scary at the back of the church.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Let's get our behinds out of here.
             I can't believe this....

                         MICHELLE
                  (shaking)
             I told ya'll a spirit told me to
             hat up.

FLOSSY turns to leave. She looks at RITA. RITA is still
sitting in her seat. RITA is laughing her behind off and
clapping her hands.

                         RITA
             Amazing performance! Just amazing!

As RITA laughs, FLOSSY MAE walks up and touches RITA on the
shoulder.

                                                          104.

                         FLOSSY MAE
             Rita! This is not funny.

MICHELLE walks up and leans over the seats.

                         MICHELLE
                  (laughs)
             It really was a performance! I
             loved it! Scoot over. I wanna see
             the last act.....This is better
             than Broadway.

FLOSSY MAE looks at RITA and MICHELLE.

                         RITA
             Flossy Mae. You just as well sit
             too. Jot down some notes. This
             gonna be some real gossip, girl.

FLOSSY MAE slowly sits down.

                                            CUT TO

EARNEST is standing at the podium.

                         EARNEST
                  (smiles)
             I did this for a reason. Gossip
             can kill people off like it did
             my first marriage. So I figure I
             would give ya'll something really
             to gossip about.

He wipes his forehead with his handkerchief.

                         EARNEST
             The preacher was trying to rush
             me to the graveyard---by the way,
             did anyone see which way the
             preacher went?....

EVERYBODY laughs.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             Now Flossy Mae, your gossiping
             has got to stop. Somebody, one
             day gonna put a zipper on your
             mouth.
                         (MORE)

                                                          105.

                         EARNEST (CONT'D)
             I have a fine wife and an ex-wife
             that understand how I feel about
             this lying gossip.....When I was
             in my deep sleep, the things I
             heard people say about me, It's a
             wonder I didn't have a heart
             attack.....I heard everything.
             But let me tell you, I'm not a
             womanizer. Those times were back
             in the good old high school
             days....I'm older now and I have
             a younger wife. So what? I could
             have still been with Della if it
             hadn't been for lies. Last, to
             all you gossiping fools out
             there, I say, 'gossip this.'

EARNEST cell phone rings. He pulls it out. The CONGREGATION
is still laughing and mumbling to each other

                         EARNEST
             Yeah......What?....
             Dead!....Al....AL....Chill!...Flossy
             Mae......I'm alive Al and
             kicking.....Don't worry, I'll be
             there.....Later.....

EARNEST apologize to the CONGREGATION.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             My agent...I apologize. I just
             got the lead role in Screw
             Driver.....Check it out next year.

The CONGREGATION applauds.

                         EARNEST
                  (continues)
             Now Flossy Mae. I don't know how
             in the hell you got my agent's
             number. You told him I was
             dead....You know what? You are
             good.....or you know something I
             don't know or you have an extra
             set of ears that can hear farther
             than the speed of sound.

EVERYBODY laughs.

FLOSSY MAE leaves the church in a hurry as the CONGREGATION
claps again for a great performance. EARNEST walks down in
the crowd of people as they laugh and shake hands.

                                                          106.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                                            CUT TO

INT. TOMATO RED CONVERTIBLE BENZ-EVENING-SUNSET

SHANNAE and EARNEST are cruising down the highway in their
TOMATO RED CONVERTIBLE BENZ. The WHITE CONVERTIBLE TOP is
down as EARNEST looks over at SHANNAE. They smiles at each
other. SHANNAE is wearing her new red dress.

                         EARNEST
             It was a great performance, baby!
             I loved it!...... My lady in the
             red dress.

                         SHANNAE
                  (smiles as she touches
                  his neck)
             One more thing I have to add....

                         EARNEST
             What?

                         SHANNAE
             Don't you ever in this life time
             try to play dead again.....

They laugh as the BENZ cruises them on down the highway.
EARNEST cell phone rings. He pulls it from his side hip as
he drives.

                         EARNEST
                  (holding cell phone up
                  to ear)
             Yeah.......Al.....I'm on my way,
             my brother. I'm on my way.....

SHANNAE and EARNEST cruise into the COLORFUL SUNSET as
SHANNAE snuggles under his arm.

FADE TO

MUSIC-HIP-HOP

                         THE END

                                                          107.

                                                          108.

                                                          109.