2 INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON 2
SMALL BEDROOM, floral wallpaper, the last rays of sunlight
drifting in through the sheer curtains.
An old woman lies in the single bed, very labored breathing.
Eyes closed. This is JESSIE, 80, gray hair, with a streak of
auburn.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, holding her hand is PATRICK
(60’s), her nephew. With his other hand, he brushes a strand
of hair from her forehead.
CLOSE-IN on Jessie’s face. She opens her eyes, filled with
tears.
JESSIE
After everything I’ve done, do you
think there will still be a place
for me in heaven?
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Aunt Jessie's Visit
3 EXT. RESIDENTIAL FLORIDA STREET - DAY 3
Legend: Five Weeks Ago
PATRICK CAMPBELL, salt & pepper hair drives down a street
lined with palm trees, flowers, everything green, following
audible map prompts. He turns the car into an immaculate
mobile home park, complete with manicured lawns and a
fountain at the entrance.
The car stops in front of a mobile home, white with yellow
trim. A small front porch.
4 EXT. MOBILE HOME - DAY 4
He grabs a backpack from the seat and starts up the walkway.
As he nears the porch, the door opens and a young lady steps
out, dressed in blue scrubs. This is the care-giver. Her name
is CARRIE (30’s), petite, short dark hair.
CARRIE
Hi, you must be Patrick. I’m Carrie
from Healthcare Services. How was
your flight?
PATRICK
Nice to meet you. Flight was good,
thanks. I didn’t know Aunt
Jessie had a nurse visiting.
CARRIE
I come twice a day to check on her
and bring meals. But she still
likes to do things herself.
A sly smile from Patrick.
PATRICK
Well, if you lived her life, you’d
understand.
Carrie tilts her head, but Patrick presses on.
PATRICK (CONT’D)
So, how is she?
CARRIE
The cancer is advancing, but you’re
in luck. Today is a good day. She’s
excited about your visit. I
understand you’re an author. Are
you really going to write a book
about her life?
PATRICK
I guess we’ll see. If half the
things my mom told me about her are
true, she’s got a heck of a story
to tell.
Carrie opens the door.
CARRIE
Let’s go on in. It’s the end of my
shift, but I’d love to see her face
when she sees you. She made me
dress her up in her Sunday best.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Aunt Jessie's Confession
5 INT. JESSIE’S LIVING ROOM - DAY 5
A tapestry of light and color shine through open windows,
illuminating decorations that look fitting for an elderly
person’s home. Vases on every table, pictures on every wall.
In the middle of the small room, in an overstuffed, amber
colored velvet chair (complete with tarnished brass tacks and
gnarled wood arms), sits AUNT JESSIE (80), smiling ear to
ear.
She’s wearing a pink dress, her neck adorned with a strand of
pearls. Her hair is gray, with a few stubborn streaks of
auburn refusing to surrender to time.
She stands—slowly, deliberately—and walks over to PATRICK,
pulling him into a hug.
JESSIE
(whispering)
My boy. You’re really here.
Patrick holds her gently.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
You look like your daddy, you know.
PATRICK
(Chuckle)I’ve heard that all my
life. You look wonderful, Aunt
Jessie.
She waves a hand, dismissive but pleased.
JESSIE
The Florida sun keeps the wrinkles
company. Come, sit.
She guides him to the sofa, her grip tight on his arm. They
sit.
PATRICK
I was happy you called. This is
long overdue.
JESSIE
Well, you’re here now. That’s what
matters. (winks) I made up the
spare room. I wanted to do it
myself. I’m stubborn.
PATRICK
(softly)
You always were.
She squeezes his hand.
JESSIE
There are things I need to say.
(leans in) After I turned twelve, I
never went to Mass again. Think of
this as my last confession.
Patrick stiffens. Jessie’s voice is steady, but her eyes
glisten.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
I know I’m dying. Carrie tiptoes
around it, but I’m not afraid. I
just... need someone to listen.
Patrick swallows hard.
PATRICK
That’s why I’m here.
JESSIE
It’s settled then.
She looks off, thinking. Eyes closed.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Unraveling Stories
6 INT. JESSIE’S KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON 6
A KETTLE WHISTLES softly in the background as Patrick and
Jessie sit around a small white table, steaming mugs in hand.
PATRICK
I’m here as long as it takes.
JESSIE
Oh dear, that could take a long
time!
Patrick smiles, placing a small RECORDER on the table.
PATRICK
I brought my recorder. Just talk.
I’ll handle the rest.
And I hope this’ll be good for
you—for both of us.
JESSIE
(smiling)
A little sadness never hurt anyone,
did it?
PATRICK
It’s the heart of every good story.
A beat. Jessie studies him, then:
JESSIE
So, you were a reporter? And a
famous author!
PATRICK
Hardly famous. (Chuckle) I wrote
one book that made it to the bottom
of the bestseller list then
disappeared.
(MORE)
PATRICK (CONT’D)
Spent most of my career at the
Denver Post, investigating white-
collar crime. But this—your
story—is more important.
JESSIE
(teasing)
Even if it’s not as “exciting”?
PATRICK
(grinning)
Oh, I doubt that. Mom hinted at
some... colorful details.
Burlesques, brothels, mobsters...
Jessie LAUGHS, a deep, throaty sound. She pats his leg, then
rises and crosses to the living room. Returns with a faded
PHOTO in a wooden frame.
CLOSE ON PHOTO: A young Patrick and a woman, frozen in time.
JESSIE
Your mother sent this years ago.
Are you still married?
Patrick takes the photo. His thumb brushes the glass.
PATRICK
Divorced.
Jessie gazes at the photo, then looks off into the distance,
her expression unreadable. Silence lingers.
JESSIE
(softly)
I never married.
Patrick watches her. Waits. The KETTLE’S WHISTLE fades.
PATRICK
Was that by choice?
Jessie’s eyes drift to the window.
JESSIE
(quietly)
Some choices make themselves.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Reflections in the Morning Light
7 INT. JESSIE’S KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING NEXT DAY 7
Golden morning light spills through the window, casting a
warm glow over the small kitchen.
Jessie sits at the table, her hands wrapped around a steaming
mug, staring absently at the swirl of cream in her cup.
Patrick enters, pausing in the doorway to take in the quiet
moment before stepping forward.
PATRICK
Good morning, Aunt Jessie.
Jessie blinks, as if pulled from a thought, and offers a
faint smile.
JESSIE
Just Jessie, please. Coffee’s
ready. You know where the cups are.
Patrick nods, fetching a mug from the cupboard. He joins her
at the table.
They sip quietly. Jessie picks at a piece of toast, her
fingers trembling slightly. Patrick notices but says nothing.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
My friend Agnes, next door… made
this marmalade. She’s always in the
kitchen, baking, preserving… (a
wistful sigh) I never had the
patience for it. Joe and I… we were
always too busy...
Her gaze drifts to the window, where sunlight catches the
edges of her face. Patrick hesitates, then carefully places
the small recorder on the table. The click of the RECORD
button is loud in the quiet.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
I don’t quite know where to begin.
PATRICK
Mom once told me Grandma Helen sent
you to live with your dad when you
were only thirteen or fourteen. Why
don’t you start there?
Jessie gives Patrick a stern look. He’s hit a nerve, but her
look softens.
JESSIE
My daddy came back from the First
World War without a scratch. But he
had scars. Just not the kind you
could see(a bitter chuckle). Most
of the men from Allentown went
straight to Bethlehem Steel.
(MORE)
JESSIE (CONT’D)
Hard, dirty work.(her voice
softens) I try not to blame him
now. What did a steelworker know
about raising a young girl?
PATRICK
Was it bad, living with him?
JESSIE
I’ve spent my life counting
blessings, not burdens. Momma
wasn’t any better. Always dragging
men home, staying out ‘til dawn.
Your aunt Gloria and I raised
ourselves. Then Gloria got shipped
off to South Carolina…
A sudden spasm of pain crosses her face. She presses a hand
to her side, jaw clenched.
PATRICK
Do you need something?
JESSIE
No, no… I’m fine. It will take more
than a little cancer to keep me
down.
Patrick reaches across and squeezes Jessie’s arm
PATRICK
What happened after Gloria was sent
to South Carolina?
CLOSE ON her face. Her voice cracks. She swallows hard.
JESSIE
Momma came home one day and said I
was spending the summer with Daddy.
Truth was, she was getting married
again. Didn’t want us in the way.
But your mother and your uncle
Tommy… they were too young.
So she tossed Gloria and me aside.
(beat)
And she never came back. Or maybe…
I didn’t wait around long enough to
see if she would or not.
A silence hangs between them. The recorder hums softly.
She closes her eyes, a dream, a thought...
JESSIE (CONT’D)
I needed to run away from Daddy’s
abuse. And I needed money to do
that.
Her memory fades into...
A MONTAGE
1936 overlaid - Of film clips, posters, newspapers, magazine
covers, all depicting news events of 1936. Possibilities:
First flight of the Hindenburg. King Edward VIII abdicates to
marry Wallis Simpson; Adolf Hitler announces construction of
the Volkswagen Beetle. Babe Ruth is inducted into the
Baseball Hall of Fame. Jesse Owens wins 4 Gold Medals at the
Summer Olympics in Berlin.
JESSIE (V.O.)
In June, when I was thirteen, my
best friend Alice, got us a job at
Barnes Drug Store in Allentown,
working the soda fountain and ice
cream counter. I was too young to
get a job, so I told a little white
lie to Mr. Barnes. My femininity
had blossomed earlier than most
girls, and he took one look at my
bosom and never questioned my age.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
A Call to Friendship
8 EXT. ALLENTOWN, PA RESIDENTIAL STREET - MORNING - 1936 8
A street lined with small, clapboard houses, and large oak
and magnolia trees.
ALICE BYRNE, fifteen, stands on the sidewalk, looking up at
the second floor window of an unkempt white house, with
peeling paint, missing roof tiles, and a broken screen door
barely hanging by one hinge.
She is wearing a sky-blue sweater over a white dress covered
in yellow daisies. She’s blonde, petite, pretty.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I had only been living with Daddy
for six months. Every day was a
nightmare. I used to think my life
was like a bucket of water, made of
a million tiny drops, both good and
bad, that never really made a
whole…because it could spill out
any time and I could never get it
all back in the bucket again.
Alice was one of the good drops.
ALICE
(shouting up at the window)
Jessie Mae Vasily! Stop fidgeting
and get your butt down here! Now!
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Reflections of Pain
9 INT. JESSIE’S BEDROOM - MORNING - 1936 9
A young Jessie (13), auburn hair, goes to the window, looks
out.
JESSIE
Coming! Coming! Keep your knickers
on!
Jessie stands in front of a dresser mirror, staring at a
small silver bracelet, before slipping it on.
JESSIE V (V.O.)
Momma gave me a bracelet when I
turned ten. It had a single charm,
a cross. It was the only thing she
ever gave me, other than beatings.
After that gesture of love, her
heart closed, never to open again
for many years.
Jessie puts on a pretty green dress, that compliments her
auburn hair.
She rubs a purple bruise on her left arm. She closes her
eyes, remembering...
FLASHBACK:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
A Tense Homecoming
10 INT. JESSIE’S KITCHEN LATE AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK)- 1936 10
A pot of spaghetti boils on the stove. Jessie slices a loaf
of bread, places it on a pan, spreads butter over each piece,
then sprinkles each with garlic powder.
The table is set, everything ready for Daddy’s supper. She
hears the front door open, and glances at the wall clock:
5:45, fifteen minutes early.
We see the tension in her face. She quickly opens the fridge
and pulls out a bottle of beer, grabs the opener and pops the
cap off, then runs out of the kitchen.
11 INT. FOYER - LATE AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK) - 1936 11
DADDY (40) kicks off his work boots, his thick arms straining
the fabric of his dirt-stained shirt. She hands him a beer.
JESSIE
Here, Daddy. Spaghetti’s almost
ready. How was your day?
He cracks the bottle open, takes a long swig. Wipes his mouth
with the back of his hand. His eyes, bloodshot and weary,
flick to her.
DADDY
Work was a pisser.
Jessie nods, eyes darting to the kitchen—the faint hiss of
boiling water, sizzling bread in the oven.
JESSIE (V.O.)
The shower running meant ten
minutes of peace. The newspaper
meant twenty. But if Mr. Mike came
over... maybe I’d finish my Nancy
Drew book, The Mystery of the Ivory
Charm.
Daddy squeezes her shoulder—too tight—then plants a rough
kiss on her head.
As he trudges upstairs, Jessie exhales, pressing her palm
flat against the wall.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Tense Call for Help
12 INT. JESSIE’S KITCHEN LATE AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK)- 1936 12
Jessie stirs the spaghetti, checks the bread in the oven
when...
DADDY (O.S.)
Jessie! Where the hell’s my other
slipper?
She yanks the bread out then freezes. A beat.
JESSIE
(forcing lightness)
It should be in your room, Daddy!
A THUD upstairs. A muttered curse.
DADDY (O.S.)
Well, get your ass up here and help
me look for it!
She wipes her hands on her apron — then races up the stairs.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
A Fractured Moment
13 INT. DADDY’S BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK) - 1936 13
Jessie looks frantically for the slipper. She spots it beside
the bedside table. Points
JESSIE
There it is Daddy.
Daddy glares at her, his shifty eyes narrowing.
DADDY
Don’t be stupid, girl. That’s the
one I already found.
A beat. She clutches the hem of her dress.
DADDY (CONT’D)
You been in my room? Movin’ my shit
around?
JESSIE
(whispering)
No... No, Daddy.
His hand SNAPS out, grabbing her arm like a vice. She
YELPS—his grip tightens, knuckles whitening.
DADDY
Liar.
He yanks her face close. She tries to turn away from his foul
breath. She squeezes her eyes shut— Please, please,
please—but he SLAMS her to the floor.
POV: Jessie’s vision swims. Then—the other slipper. Behind
the bathroom door.
JESSIE
It’s...it’s in the bathroom, Daddy.
Behind the door.
He looks at her with disgust, then grabs the slipper.
DADDY
Clean your face and get dinner
ready.
END FLASHBACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Morning Ambitions
14 INT. JESSIE’S BEDROOM EARLY MORNING - 1936 14
Jessie opens her eyes, finishes buttoning up her dress, takes
a last look in the mirror.
ALICE (O.S.)
Jessie! Now we only have five
minutes!
Jessie races downstairs and flings the door open, pulling it
closed behind her.
15 EXT. SIDEWALK - 1936 15
Jessie skips down the walkway to where Alice is standing.
ALICE
(Hands on hips)
How will it look to Mr. Barnes if
we’re late our first day?
Jessie smiles like the Cheshire Cat.
JESSIE
Two beautiful girls like us?
She twirls and starts skipping away. Looks back over her
shoulder.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
He will be awed by his good
fortune!
Walking down the sidewalk
ALICE
I’m glad you moved here. I hope you
can stay forever.
JESSIE
I know. Me too. But I don’t want to
live with Daddy.
They walk a while in silence.
ALICE
(breaking the silence)
So, what DO you want to do?
JESSIE
I’m gonna be a Ziegfeld Folly!
ALICE
You mean like one of those dancing
girls that wears all the feathers?
JESSIE
Exactly. And I’m gonna be on
Broadway and become the most famous
dancer in the world.
They pass an elementary school across the street. School is
out for the summer, so its dark and gray.
ALICE
Well, we have to get through our
first day at work. And we’ll be
finished by four. Your daddy won’t
be home until six. So, don’t worry.
You’ll have plenty of time to make
dinner.
JESSIE
(panicked)
Dinner! I haven’t even thought
about dinner! Oh, wait. I have
leftover spaghetti.
ALICE
See? Everything is fine.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Nervous Anticipation
16 EXT. BARNES DRUG STORE MORNING - 1936 16
A crisp autumn morning. The brick facade of BARNES DRUG STORE
glows under a golden sun. A DIRT PARKING LOT, empty except
for a rusted pickup.
Jessie and Alice stand outside the door.
ALICE
Are you nervous?
JESSIE
Yes. I just hope he doesn’t
question my age.
ALICE
Jessie, with your figure, you look
eighteen already. Stop worrying.
Jessie exhales, straightens her dress. A faint SQUEAK of the
door as a CUSTOMER exits, bell JINGLING.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A Sweet Distraction
17 INT. BARNES DRUG STORE - 1936 17
PHARMACY on the left side, and on the right a long bar, with
a huge mirror behind on the wall. At the end of the bar,
behind a six-foot section of ROUNDED GLASS, buckets of ICE
CREAM sit in an open cooler. Along the bar are SILVER STOOLS
with RED VINYL seats, bolted to the floor.
Jessie points to Mr. Barnes, (50’s), thinning hair, a bit
overweight, standing on a rolling ladder, filling shelves
with various bottles.
JESSIE
There’s Mr. Barnes
ALICE
You can see his butt
They both laugh out loud, causing Mr. Barnes to turn around.
He climbs down the ladder.
MR. BARNES
Girls! Don’t you both look lovely.
Jessie and Alice glance at each other and roll their eyes.
MR. BARNES (CONT’D)
Let’s get you fitted. Gladys will
show you everything. You’ll be soda
jerks by noon.
He leads them off.
JESSIE (V.O.)
Gladys was a very nice young lady,
maybe eighteen. She taught us how
to make various drinks, like cherry
cokes, and vanilla cokes, and how
to change out the syrup when it ran
low.
GLADYS demonstrates the cash drawer. Jessie’s eyes linger on
the bills.
JESSIE (V.O.)
Fifty dollars. Enough for a train
ticket to New York. A month’s rent.
I could almost feel the weight of
it in my pocket—
Alice makes sodas, Jessie agrees works the ice cream counter.
Kids pile into the store, ordering sodas and ice cream.It
gets hectic.
Alice is rattled by the orders being shouted at her, but
Jessie gives her a thumbs up, which calms her.
LATER
Near the end of the day, RICHARD STROUD, a blond, handsome
boy of 16, walks in, holding the hand of his little brother.
They stop in front of the ice cream counter. Jessie’s eyes
swoon, a smile bigger than it probably should be.
RICHARD
Hi, Jessie. Love the hat.
Jessie’s hands freeze mid-scoop. Her GREEN EYES widen.
JESSIE (V.O.)
And just like that, New York could
wait.
END OF ACT 1
ACT 2
Genres:
["Drama","Historical Fiction"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
After Work Reflections
18 EXT. SIDEWALK LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 18
Jessie and Alice walk home after their first day of work.
Jessie's lively demeanor is tinged with a hint of
apprehension.
ALICE
Oh my God, Jessie. Richard Stroud
likes you!
Jessie wrinkles her nose.
JESSIE
Don’t blow your wig. He only said
hi.
Alice punches her lightly in the right arm. Jessie
instinctively grabs her left arm where the bruise is.
ALICE
He knew your name!
JESSIE
You really think he likes me? He
doesn’t even know me. And what
about you? I saw at least ten boys
practically drooling over you.
ALICE
You’re sillier than a goose.
JESSIE
Have you ever kissed a boy?
ALICE
JESSIE! (Alice blushes)
JESSIE
Well, have you?
ALICE
Jessie! You can't just ask me that.
Jessie laughs, wrapping an arm around her friend's shoulders.
JESSIE
Oh, come on. You know I'm just
teasing.
They walk in comfortable silence for a moment, then Jessie
speaks up, her voice tinged with concern.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
Hey, what did you think of Mr.
Barnes? I know he seemed a
little... creepy.
Alice nods, her expression troubled.
ALICE
Yeah, the way he was looking at me.
I just felt so... uncomfortable.
Jessie squeezes Alice's shoulder reassuringly.
JESSIE
All men are lechers. Especially the
old ones. If he tries to put his
hands on you, scream and I’ll come
running.
ALICE
He’d never do that.
JESSIE
Don’t be so sure.
Alice manages a grateful smile. As they continue walking,
Jessie's gaze grows distant, a shadow of her earlier carefree
spirit.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Abyssinia: Secrets and Shadows
19 EXT. IN FRONT OF JESSIE’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON - 1936 19
Jessie and Alice stand on the sidewalk, the weight of the day
settling between them. Jessie fiddles with her silver
bracelet.
ALICE
So, what does your dad think about
you having a job?
Jessie’s grip tightens on the bracelet. A beat. Her voice
drops low.
JESSIE
Alice… he can’t know. Ever.
Alice’s smile fades. She steps closer, studying Jessie’s
face.
ALICE
Jess… what happens if he finds out?
Jessie exhales, her gaze drifting to the house—windows dark,
curtains drawn.
JESSIE
(quiet, bitter)
He’ll remind me where I belong.
(mimicking) "A girl’s place is—"
She cuts herself off, shaking her head. Alice touches her
arm—gentle, but Jessie flinches. The purple bruise peeks
beneath her sleeve. Alice’s breath hitches.
ALICE
(whispered)
Oh, Jess…
JESSIE (V.O.)
I didn’t know what Daddy would do
if he found out. I might have to
run away sooner than I planned.
Alice and I had a slang we used for
‘I’ll be seeing ya’.
JESSIE
Abyssinia!
ALICE
Abyssinia!
Jessie turns toward the house. The playful word hangs between
them.
Her smile drops as soon as her back is to Alice. She takes a
deep breath, squares her shoulders, and steps into the shadow
of the porch.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Tension at the Dinner Table
20 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 20
Jessie slips out of her green dress. She hangs it in her
closet beside two other modest dresses and a plain
housedress. She hesitates, her fingers brushing the
housedress. With a resigned sigh, she dons it and slippers,
pulling her hair into a loose bun before heading downstairs.
21 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 21
She takes the spaghetti from the fridge, and places it on the
stove. The gentle hiss of the gas ignites beneath the pot.
She sets the table for two, the clinking of dishes echoing in
the silence. She makes more garlic bread, but her foot
nervously taps against the cool tile.
The sound of the front door creaking open jolts her. She
glances at the clock: a little after six.
She peeks down the hall toward the foyer and sees Daddy walk
in with MR. MIKE (40s), her father’s co-worker, her wariness
toward him evident in her face.
Jessie grabs two beers from the fridge, hands trembling as
she pops them open. She holds them out with a forced smile as
they step into the kitchen.
JESSIE
Hi, Mr. Mike
MR. MIKE
(Eyes lingering too long on
Jessie’s chest)
Hi, Jessie. You’re looking prettier
and prettier.
Jessie shifts uncomfortably, glancing at Daddy, whose eyes
are fixed on the floor.
JESSIE
I’ll set another place for dinner.
With a deep breath, she moves away, her hands trembling just
enough rattling the fork against the plate.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Tense Evening
22 INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING - 1936 22
Jessie curls up on the couch with her Nancy Drew mystery.
Daddy and Mr. Mike are on the front porch drinking beer. She
can hear them talking and see them through the front screen
door.
DADDY
Jessie! Beer.
Jessie jumps up, runs into the kitchen, then back out again
holding two beers, which she takes out to the two men on the
porch.
LATER
Jessie is so engrossed in her book, she doesn’t hear Daddy
step inside.
CLOSE-ON book. A hand. Suddenly the book is jerked away and
Daddy is standing over her.
DADDY (CONT’D)
(Menacingly)
You trying to make me look bad in
front of Mike?
JESSIE
No...no, Daddy. I’m sorry, I was
reading my book.
He pulls her up and pushes her toward the kitchen.
DADDY
Get us another beer or I’ll rip
that book to shreds.
23 INT. KITCHEN LATE EVENING 1936 23
The clock in the kitchen reads 10:00. Jessie hears Mr. Mike
leave, and hears Daddy stagger and stumble up the stairs.
Jessie sits and waits until the clock reads 10:15, then she
tiptoes out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
24 INT. TOP OF THE STAIRS - 1936 24
She listens at Daddy’s door and hears him snoring, then she
quietly goes down the hall to her bedroom. Comes out a minute
later, carrying her pajamas and goes into the bathroom. Runs
the bath.
LATER
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Silent Suffering
25 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM - 1936 25
Jessie crawls into bed, pulls the covers tight and closes her
eyes.
26 DREAM SEQUENCE 26
27 INT. JESSIE’S BEDROOM NIGHT 1936 (DREAM SEQUENCE) 27
Richard Stroud is sitting on the bed with Jessie, holding her
hand. She smiles and hugs him close.
DREAM ENDS ABRUPTLY! She suddenly jerks awake...
28 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM NIGHT - 1936 28
...to find Daddy partially on top of her, caressing her legs.
DADDY
I’m so sorry I yelled at you, baby.
He continues touching her, moving his hand farther up her
leg.
JESSIE
Daddy! Please stop! Don’t!
DADDY
It’s ok honey. Daddy loves you so
much.
Jessie closes her eyes, as tears flow. SCENE GOES BLACK.
JESSIE (V.O.)
During his visits, I would float
away, outside my body, away from
the pain. Sometimes I would float
so far that everything turned
black. It felt safe in the
blackness
29 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM EARLY MORNING NEXT DAY - 1936 29
Jessie’s EYES SNAP OPEN. She lies frozen for a beat, then
THROWS the covers back—
A choked SOB escapes her. She clutches her stomach, tears
streaming as last night’s whispers echo in her mind:
DADDY (V.O.)
Daddy loves you Jessie.
She digs her nails into her palms, before forcing herself out
of bed.
30 INT. JESSIE’S BATHROOM - MORNING - 1936 30
Steam rises as she SCRUBS her skin raw in the bath, tears
dissolving into the water. Her reflection WARPS in the
ripples. She dresses mechanically and goes downstairs
31 INT. KITCHEN EARLY MORNING - MORNING -1936 31
She fries bacon, then eggs. She sets out two place-settings.
At 6:30, Daddy comes down and eats without saying a word.
He finishes, hands Jessie two quarters and kisses the top of
her head.
DADDY
Pick up a chicken and fry it up for
dinner.
32 INT. JESSIE'S BATHROOM - MORNING - 1936 32
Back in the bathroom, Jessie stares at herself in the mirror,
eyes red with tears.
JESSIE
(to herself in a whisper)
You have to go to work, Jessie. You
need the money.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
A Morning of Secrets and Magazines
33 EXT. JESSIE’S HOUSE - MORNING - 1936 33
When Jessie steps out of her door, down the walkway, Alice is
standing there, bouncing on the balls of her feet, hands
behind her back.
JESSIE
You look like you’re about to pee
in your pants.
Jessie tries to look behind Alice to see what she’s holding,
but Alice turns away, laughing.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
What do you have?
Alice laughs again, and whips out a large magazine.
ALICE
Look! It’s one of my mom’s
Cosmopolitan magazines. It has an
article about your Ziegfeld
Follies!
Jessie jerks it out of her hand, opens it and starts flipping
through pages. She finds the article, with pictures of
dancing girls on a stage
JESSIE
Won’t your mom miss it?
Alice shakes her head
ALICE
This is an old edition. She has a
whole stack of them.
JESSIE
Can I take it home tonight and read
it? I’ll bring it back tomorrow.
ALICE
Sure. My mom won’t miss it, trust
me.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
A Day of Anticipation and Performance
34 INT. BARNES DRUG STORE - CONTINUOUS - 1936 34
Mr. Barnes meets the girls at the door and informs them that
Gladys is ill, and they will have to run things themselves
for the day.
MR. BARNES
I know it’s only your second day,
but I’m sure you’ll do fine.
Jessie helps Alice with her apron.
ALICE
You’ll have to help me make sodas
today.
JESSIE
Good lord, you’re shaking like a
leaf. This is our chance to show
Mr. Barnes we can do this by
ourselves.
ALICE
I know. I get rattled when
everybody’s shouting orders at me.
Jessie takes Alice’s hand, spins her around and begins
singing:
JESSIE
Me and my shadow, strolling down
the avenue. Me and my shadow, not a
soul to tell our troubles to.
(Jessie does a little dip). And
when it's twelve o'clock, we climb
the stair, we never knock, cause
nobody's there, just me and my
shadow all alone and feeling blue.
Jessie finishes with a flourish and takes a bow.
MR. BARNES
Alright girls. Enough fooling
around. Very nice, Jessie. I’m sure
you’ll be a star one day. Now you
two get to work.
Jessie and Alice both laugh.
JESSIE
See? Even Mr. Barnes recognizes
talent when he sees it!
35 INT. BARNES DRUG STORE ICE CREAM COUNTER - 1936 35
MONTAGE Jessie looking at the door and the clock. The clock
slowly moves through the day and soon it’s almost 4:00.
Richard Stroud never shows up.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Dreams and Doubts on a Sunny Sidewalk
38 EXT. SIDEWALK MORNING - NEXT DAY - 1936 38
Warm, sunny day. Jessie and Alice skip to work
JESSIE
You’ve go to read the article,
Alice. It’s amazing! There’s a
story about a dancer named Ellie,
who grew up in Virginia on a farm.
Can you believe it? A farm! And now
she’s a Ziegfeld Folly!
Alice smiles, her turquoise eyes sparkle.
ALICE
Keep dreaming, Jess. I know you’ll
make it one day.
JESSIE
You’re making fun of me. You don’t
think I can do it?
ALICE
Well, you have a pleasant singing
voice.
JESSIE
...Me and my shadow...
ALICE
What did Mr. Barnes want yesterday
when he called you into his office?
Jessie looks away.
JESSIE
He just asked if I could do an
inventory of the ice cream
toppings. I think he has to put an
order in on Friday.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Sweet Encounter
39 INT. BARNES DRUG STORE ICE CREAM COUNTER AFTERNOON - 1936 39
MONTAGE: Throughout the day, Jessie watches the door. A few
times Alice gives her a sad look and shakes her head. Once,
she comes over and pats Jessie’s shoulder.
ALICE
Maybe tomorrow, huh?
Just then, the bell on the door jingles, they both look up
and Richard Stroud strolls in with his little brother.
Jessie turns quickly and starts wiping down the counter,
trying to act nonchalant.
RICHARD
Hey Jessie.
JESSIE
Hi Richard.
Jessie glances down at his little brother
JESSIE (CONT’D)
And what’s your name?
LITTLE BOY
Dennis. And I want strawberry!
JESSIE
Well, strawberry it is. Would you
like that in a cup or a cone?
DENNIS
A cone!
Jessie grabs a cone and starts scooping strawberry ice cream.
She notices Richard staring and she blushes.
JESSIE
So, what have you guys been doing
today?
Richard ruffles Dennis’ hair
RICHARD
I took little man here over to
Roosevelt Park. The have a great
slide, don’t they, little man?
Jessie pauses, scrunches up her face.
JESSIE
Where’s Roosevelt Park? I’ve never
been there.
RICHARD
Really? It’s not that far. Just
past Main, across the railroad
tracks, right after Dermot’s
Machine shop.
Jessie stares at him gaping. Richard chuckles
RICHARD (CONT’D)
Guess you don’t know where Dermot’s
is either.
JESSIE
No, I haven’t been here that long.
RICHARD
Well, I tell you what. Do you work
on Saturday?
Jessie is frozen.
JESSIE
No...no, I don’t work on Saturday.
(shoots a glance at
Alice)
Alice raises her eyebrows like a silent cheerleader.
Richard smiles, his perfect teeth white, sparkling
RICHARD
We could meet here at ten. And walk
down to the park.
Jessie stands there just staring, her mouth slightly open.
RICHARD (CONT’D)
So, what do you think?
JESSIE
Yes, I’d like that very much.
Richard looks down. Dennis’ cone is a mess.
RICHARD
Hey, little man, you’re dripping
all over the floor. (glances up at
Jessie) Sorry about that.
Jessie grabs a handful of napkins, then comes around the
counter.
JESSIE
Oh, it’s fine. Happens all the
time.
She helps Richard clean up the spill, when their hands touch.
They look up at each other, then Jessie, looks away and
stands up.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
There. Good as new.
Richard smiles a lopsided grin
RICHARD
So, see you on Saturday at ten.
Richard and Dennis walk out the door and after it closes,
Jessie smiles
JESSIE
Bye.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
A Dress for Confidence
40 EXT. SIDEWALK LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 40
Jessie and Alice skip home.
ALICE
Jessie has a date!
JESSIE
We’re only going to the park,
silly.
ALICE
You should wear the green dress. It
looks good with your hair.
Jessie is silent, looking down.
ALICE (CONT’D)
What’s wrong?
JESSIE
I only have three dresses. He’s
already seen the green one. The
other two are ugly.
ALICE
Oh, honey. Really?
They walk on in silence, when Alice’s face brightens
ALICE (CONT’D)
I have the perfect dress with blue
polka-dots. Although it might be a
little tight in the chest since I’m
flat as a pancake and you’re built
like Mae West.
JESSIE
Oh, Alice. Really? That would be
wonderful! Can I try it on?
ALICE
Now?
JESSIE
Well, if that’s okay. I have a
leftover casserole in the fridge,
so I have time.
41 INT. ALICE’S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON - 1936 41
Jessie squeezes into the dress, which is very tight.
JESSIE
It’s beautiful.
ALICE
You look a lot better in it than I
do. Take it with you and bring it
back after your date.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Solitude in the Late Afternoon
42 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON 1936 42
Jessie has the table set and is waiting for Daddy to come
home. She hears the door open and takes a beer from the
fridge.
43 INT. FOYER - LATE AFTERNOON CONTINUOUS 1936 43
She hands Daddy the beer.
DADDY
Mike’s coming over, and we’re going
out to eat over in Easton tonight.
Without another word, he goes upstairs to get dressed.
44 INT. JESSIE'S LIVING ROOM LATE EVENING CONTINUOUS - 1936 44
Jessie enjoys the quiet, sitting on the couch reading the
Cosmopolitan for the tenth time. Eventually she turns to her
Nancy Drew mystery. After a bit, she yawns, puts down the
book and heads upstairs.
Genres:
["Drama","Period Piece"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Morning Routines
45 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING NEXT DAY - 1936 45
Jessie has breakfast ready when Daddy comes down. He sits and
gobbles up the food. He pushes away from the table and grabs
his lunchbox.
DADDY
I left fifty cents on the counter.
Pick up some pork chops for dinner.
He starts to walk away, then turns around
DADDY (CONT’D)
When are you gonna do some laundry?
My basket is full.
JESSIE
Sorry, Daddy! I’ll do it today.
He walks out of the kitchen and we hear the front door open
then close.
Jessie rushes out of the kitchen.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Unveiling Secrets
46 INT. DADDY’S BATHROOM - MORNING CONTINUOUS - 1936 46
Jessie pulls all the clothes out of the basket and hurries
back downstairs.
47 INT. ENCLOSED BACK PORCH - MORNING CONTINUOUS - 1936 47
She drops the clothes on the floor in front of the WRINGER
WASHER. She turns on the faucet to fill the washer.
She goes through Daddy’s clothes, checking all the pockets,
pulls out a receipt and what looks like a business card.
INSERT ON CARD: The card is green, with a semi-naked woman on
the front and across the top the words: PINE ST ALE HOUSE.
Below that the words: GENTLEMAN’S CLUB & BURLESQUE.
Jessie stares at the card, her mouth half open. She stuffs it
into her apron pocket and throws all the clothes in the
washer.
END OF ACT 2
ACT 3
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Secrets on the Sidewalk
48 EXT. SIDEWALK - MORNING CONTINUOUS - 1936 48
Jessie and Alice walk down the sidewalk on their way to work.
Jessie pulls out the card from her dress pocket and hands it
to Alice.
JESSIE
Daddy went to this burlesque club
last night in Easton.
Alice stares wide-eyed at the card.
ALICE
Where did you find this?
JESSIE
In his pant’s pocket this morning
when I was doing the laundry.
ALICE
What’s a burlesque?
JESSIE
You never heard of Minsky’s?
Alice shakes her head
JESSIE (CONT’D)
What about Sally Rand?
ALICE
Everybody’s heard of her. She’s a
dancer. Cosmo had an article about
her.
Alice hands the card back and Jessie sticks it in her bra.
JESSIE
She’s not only a dancer. She does
stripteases at Minsky’s in New
York, which means she takes her
clothes off. But they call it
burlesque.
ALICE
I sure hope your father doesn’t
notice the card missing!
JESSIE
I’ve got that all figured out.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Sweet Invitation
49 INT. BARNES DRUG STORE - AFTERNOON CONTINUOUS - 1936 49
Jessie is cleaning the counter behind the ice cream cooler.
The bell over the door rings. She looks up and Richard
strolls in, wearing a baseball uniform. He walks down to the
ice cream cooler.
JESSIE
Hi, Richard. I didn’t know you
played baseball.
RICHARD
Hey, Jess. Yeah, I play in the city
league. We have games twice a week.
You should come watch sometime.
JESSIE
Where do you play?
RICHARD
I’ll show you tomorrow. There’s a
field right next to Roosevelt Park.
You’re still gonna meet me, right?
JESSIE
Of course. I’m looking forward to
it.
RICHARD
Swell. I just wanted to stop by to
make sure you were still coming.
JESSIE
Yes, I’ll meet you here at ten.
At the end of the day, Mr. Barnes gives Jessie and Alice a
dollar as pay for the week.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Secrets and Schedules
50 EXT. SIDEWALK LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 50
Alice and Jessie are walking home from work.
JESSIE
It’s not an actual date. He’s just
taking me to the park.
ALICE
It’s more of a date than I’ve ever
had.
JESSIE
The way the boys look at you...I
predict you’ll have a date...maybe
a bunch of dates before the summer
is over.
Alice smiles and walks away.
ALICE
Abyssinia!
JESSIE
Abyssinia!
51 INT. FOYER - LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 51
Jessie rushes in the door and bounds up the stairs.
52 INT. DADDY'S BATHROOM - LATE AFTERNOON - 1936 52
Jessie pulls the card out of her bra and drops it on the
bathroom floor behind Daddy’s clothes basket.
She runs back downstairs.
MONTAGE OF JESSIE BRINGING IN THE LAUNDRY
She heads out the back door and pulls the laundry off the
clothesline. Runs back into the house and folds the clothes
on the kitchen table.
She takes the clothes upstairs to Daddy’s room and puts them
away. Runs back downstairs and sits at the kitchen table.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-Age"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
A Night of Broken Trust
54 INT. KITCHEN - EVENING - 1936 54
Daddy in the kitchen eating supper. He finishes, grabs a beer
from the fridge, his newspaper, then out onto the front
porch.
Jessie cleans up the kitchen, flops on the couch in the
living room to read Nancy Drew.
55 INT. JESSIE'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING CONTINUOUS - 1936 55
56 INSERT CLOCK ON THE WALL: 10:10 56
Daddy staggers in and goes to the kitchen.
OFF-SCREEN. There is a loud crash, and Jessie jumps up and
runs into the kitchen.
57 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - EVENING CONTINUOUS - 1936 57
Daddy is sprawled on the kitchen floor, a chair overturned.
JESSIE
Daddy! Are you all right? Let me
help you.
Jessie takes hold of his arm to help him up, but he swats her
away.
DADDY
Who left this goddamn chair out in
the middle of the room?
JESSIE
It’s okay, Daddy, let me help you
up.
She tries again to lift him, but he swings his hand smacks
her in the face, knocking her to the floor. Her nose
immediately starts spouting blood.
She stands up and grabs the kitchen towel and puts it to her
face.
Daddy stands with a grunt, takes another beer out of the
fridge and heads back out to the front porch.
Jessie runs upstairs bawling like a newborn.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Silent Struggles
58 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM EVENING CONTINUOUS - 1936 58
Lying on the bed, Jessie tilts her head back to stop the
bleeding. Her face is red.
When the bleeding stops, Jessie goes into the bathroom.
59 INT. JESSIE'S BATHROOM - EVENING CONTINUOUS - 1936 59
She looks in the bathroom mirror and sobs again. She stuffs a
washcloth in her mouth and screams. Her cheek is red as a
beet, and her nose is swelling fast.
She slides to the floor, hugging her knees, shaking, rocking
back and forth.
After a bit, she stands, washes her face off. Holds a cold
rag to her nose.
60 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM - EVENING CONTINUOUS - 1936 60
Jessie puts on her pajamas and crawls into bed, the tears
seeping onto her pillow.
She closes her eyes and falls asleep.
LATER
She wakes with a jerk. Daddy is sitting on the edge of the
bed.
DADDY
How’s my little girl?
She squeezes her eyes shut. FADE TO BLACK.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I fought against the tears. What he
did shattered things in me. But I
refused to be broken.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Resilience in the Kitchen
61 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY 61
Patrick and Jessie at the kitchen table. Recorder in the
middle.
JESSIE
I think that’s all for now.
Her voice is raspy, laden with the weight of her
recollections.
Patrick shuts off the recorder, stands, stretches.
PATRICK
I...I don’t know what to say. I
didn’t realize it was that bad.
JESSIE
I survived somehow.
She pushes her chair back, and Patrick helps her stand.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
Would you like to see my flowers? I
have a beautiful little garden out
back.
PATRICK
Of course. Do you need me to get
your walker?
JESSIE
No, that stupid thing gets in the
way. As old as I’ve gotten, and
even with the cancer, my legs have
never given me any trouble. That’s
a bit odd, don’t you think?
Patrick chuckles.
PATRICK
Maybe, but I hope I have some of
your genes running in my veins.
JESSIE
Hopefully not the bad genes.
Besides, I try not to sit too long.
Agnes usually comes over in the
late afternoon and we take a turn
or two around the block.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Gardening and Memories
62 EXT. JESSIE’S BACK YARD - AFTERNOON - PRESENT 62
A garden right out of a storybook. Beautiful rose bushes and
daisies.
Jessie slips on a pair of gloves lying on the stoop and picks
up a small set of shears.
PATRICK
Did you ever imagine you would
retire in Florida?
JESSIE
Ha! I had never even been to
Florida until twenty years ago.
Remind me to tell you a story about
Miami later.
PATRICK
Grandma Helen lived with you for
quite a few years, right? In
Allentown, and here? She died
what... ten, twelve years ago?
JESSIE
Yes, that’s about right.
She snips some roses.
PATRICK
When did your dad die?
She finishes cutting the roses and stands.
JESSIE
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
You want to hear the complete
story, don’t you?
PATRICK
Sorry, I always read the last page
of a book first.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Favor with Consequences
63 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON - PRESENT 63
She pulls a vase from a cabinet, fills it with water, and
arranges the flowers before setting the vase in the middle of
the kitchen table.
JESSIE
I think I will lie down for a bit.
Carrie should be here sometime this
afternoon. Would you mind doing me
a big favor?
PATRICK
Anything
JESSIE
I’m not supposed to have anything
alcoholic while I’m taking these
pain pills, but I’d love a glass or
two of red wine.
PATRICK
Have you always been bad?
JESSIE
You have no idea!
SERIES OF SHOTS: Patrick pulls into parking lot of a liquor
store. Patrick inside picking out a bottle of wine. Back at
Jessie’s house, sitting in the car; pensive.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A Favor from Florida
64 INT. CAR - AFTERNOON - PRESENT 64
Patrick picks up his phone, dials. Puts it on Speaker.
DENVER POST OPERATOR PATRICK
(Over the phone) Brian Day, please
Denver Post. How may I direct
your call?
BRIAN DAY PATRICK (CONT’D)
(Over the phone) Brian, it’s Pat. How’s it
Brian Day. going?
BRIAN DAY (CONT’D) PATRICK (CONT’D)
(Over the phone) Uh oh, I know how you are
Hey! Good, good. Juicy story when you sink your teeth into
I’m working on. something.
BRIAN DAY (CONT’D) PATRICK (CONT’D)
(Over the phone) Yep, at my aunt’s. Hey, I
So, you in Florida? need a favor...
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Reflections in the Kitchen
65 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON - PRESENT 65
Jessi’s up from her nap, back in the kitchen.
JESSIE
Carrie should be here in a bit, so
let’s wait on the wine.
PATRICK
You want to continue?
JESSIE
Yes, I’m fine. I locked those
memories away for years, and now
it's almost therapeutic to speak
about them.
(MORE)
I can recall the tiniest detail,
like it was yesterday. Don’t the
flowers smell divine?
PATRICK
They’re beautiful. You have a green
thumb.
JESSIE
I think the credit goes to the
Florida sun. So, where was I? Oh,
yes, I remember.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Morning Reflections
66 INT. JESSIE'S BEDROOM EARLY MORNING - 1936 66
Jessie opens her eyes to the morning’s first light.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I pulled myself out of bed and was
relieved to see the sheets weren’t
soaked in blood.
She rips the sheet off just to be sure, balls it up.
Collapses to the floor crying.
JESSIE (V.O.)
Like I had done so many times
before, I told the bad thoughts to
go away. Besides, I was seeing
Richard that day.
She touches the right side of her nose. Winces slightly.
67 INT. JESSIE'S BATHROOM - MORNING - 1936 67
Ambles to the bathroom. Dares a glance in the mirror. Faint
redness under her eye. She tries to smile. Winces a little.
JESSIE (V.O.)
The swelling in my nose was mostly
gone. All I wanted was for Richard
to wrap me in his arms and tell me
I was pretty. But how could I act
normal around him, after feeling so
dirty?
She splashes water on her face, puts on her house dress and
goes downstairs to start breakfast.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Morning Tensions
68 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN EARLY MORNING - 1936 68
Daddy eats while reading the morning paper. Doesn’t say a
word. Jessie picks up a fork, stares at it, then at her
Daddy’s neck.
She hands him his lunchbox, steps back out of his reach. He
pauses; looks at her oddly, then leaves.
Jessie spits at the door after it closes.
LATER
She picks up the phone. Calls Alice. Her mom answers.
JESSIE
Hi, Mrs. Byrne. This is Alice’s
friend, Jessie. Is she there?
Through the phone we hear Mrs. Byrne holler for Alice.
ALICE
(over the phone)
Hey, shouldn’t you be getting
dressed for your date?
Jessie cries. Sobs turn to hiccups.
JESSIE
I’m sorry...I’m so stupid.
ALICE
Tell me what’s wrong. Are you still
meeting Richard?
JESSIE
Yes. I...I need some makeup, but I
don’t have any.
ALICE
Makeup? I’ve never seen you wear
makeup. I’m sure Richard won’t
care.
JESSIE
Please. Can you sneak some from
your mom and come over? It’s
important.
ALICE
Something happened, didn’t it?
Jessie, you can tell me.
JESSIE
Please, just bring some makeup.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Behind Closed Doors
69 INT. JESSIE'S BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS - 1936 69
Alice applies makeup to Jessie’s face, then stands back and
admires her handiwork.
ALICE
Okay, you look beautiful. Richard
won’t notice a thing. Now tell me
what happened.
JESSIE
I went in the bathroom, and I
didn’t notice the door swung a
little closed behind me, so when I
turned around, I walked right into
it!
Alice kneels in front of Jessie and put her hands on her
legs. Jessie flinches.
ALICE
Jessie, I’m your friend. Please
tell me what happened.
JESSIE (V.O.)
What happened? Something Alice
would never understand. In fact,
getting hit was one of the more
normal nights.
ALICE
Tell me
JESSIE
It’s embarrassing. Daddy was
drinking, like he does every night.
(MORE)
JESSIE (CONT’D)
He fell down, and I tried to help
him up, and he accidently hit me,
that’s all.
More crying.
ALICE
Oh, darling, now stop or I’m gonna
have to do your makeup all over
again. Now stand up.
Alice turns Jessie around in circles.
ALICE (CONT’D)
You’re perfect. Even the dress is
not as tight as I thought it might
be.
She gives Jessie a big hug and whispers in her ear.
ALICE (CONT’D)
I’m sure he didn’t mean to hit you,
but if it happens again, you call
me, ok?
JESSIE
Okay, I promise. Oh, God!
ALICE
What?
JESSIE
I was going to make sandwiches!
Big smile from Alice.
ALICE
Come on, I’ll help. You have plenty
of time.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Blossoming Connection
70 EXT. SIDEWALK - CONTINUOUS - 1936 70
Jessie walks quickly down the sidewalk, holding a brown paper
bag with the sandwiches.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I remember a few wispy clouds hung
in the air, but otherwise it was a
beautiful, warm day. I let the sun
wash over me, willing it to calm my
nervousness, and cleanse away the
horror of the previous night.
A block from Barnes, Richard waits for her, leaning against
the building.
Jessie smiles, wets her lips.
71 EXT. SIDEWALK OUTSIDE BARNES DRUG STORE MORNING - 1936 71
He pushes away from the building. In his hand is a small
bouquet, and Jessie’s eyes go wide.
RICHARD
Jessie?
JESSIE
Hi Richard.
He holds out the flowers.
RICHARD
Wow, you look swell. These are for
you.
She takes the flowers. Breathes them in.
JESSIE
You’re sweet to say that. You look
nice too. Thank you, they’re
beautiful.
He picks up two bottles of Coca-Cola that are sitting at his
feet. He takes the bag of sandwiches and drops the soda in
the bag.
Jessie laces her fingers with his other hand and pulls him
close. He stiffens, but she doesn’t let go and he finally
relaxes.
RICHARD
I can’t wait to show you the park.
Oh, and the ballfield too.
72 EXT. SIDEWALK - MORNING - 1936 72
They continue to hold hands and talk as they make their way
down the street and over to the park.
RICHARD
So, you read Nancy Drew? I’ve read
all the Hardy Boys. I like the
mysteries.
JESSIE
Well, a handsome, athletic boy who
also loves to read. I wonder what
other surprises you have in store?
Patrick blushes. Ignores the compliment.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Day at the Park: Love and Uncertainty
73 EXT. ROOSEVELT PARK - DAY - 1936 73
Big, public park. Lots of grass, swing sets.
RICHARD
You came here near the end of the
school year, right?
Jessie climbs onto a swing, and he stands behind, pushing.
RICHARD (CONT’D)
Where did you live before?
JESSIE
In Bethlehem for a few years. Daddy
works at the steel mill. Daddy and
Momma got divorced two years ago,
and I moved with Momma to
Harrisburg.
RICHARD
What made you and your mom move
back to Allentown?
There it was. No way to avoid it.
JESSIE
She didn’t, only I did. Momma got
remarried and wanted me to live
with Daddy for a while until she
got settled.
RICHARD
What do you mean ‘for a while’? Are
you going back to Harrisburg?
JESSIE
Oh, I don’t know. Momma is so busy
with her new husband.
Jessie jumps off the swing and kisses him on the cheek.
RICHARD
What was that for?
JESSIE
I’m sorry...I thought...
RICHARD
It was nice. I just wasn’t
expecting it.
He takes her hand and they drift across the grass toward the
ball field. There’s a game in progress.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I knew nothing about baseball, so
we watched for a bit, and he
described the rules. I thought it
would be fun to watch him play. I
shared my aspirations and he never
made fun of me.
RICHARD
I’d like to see you dance.
JESSIE
Oh, I don’t know. I’m not that
good.
ALICE (O.S.)
JESSIE!
Jessie stands up quickly to see Alice racing across the park,
waving her hands.
JESSIE
Something’s wrong.
Jessie and Richard run to meet Alice. She bends over,
gasping.
ALICE
Your dad. He’s been in an accident
at the mill.
JESSIE
An accident? Is he dead?
RICHARD
What happened?
ALICE
I went to Barnes to get Mom’s
medicine. I saw a police car in
front of your house. I rushed over
to see what was wrong.
(MORE)
ALICE (CONT’D)
One of the policemen told me there
was an accident at the mill. He
wanted to know if your dad had a
wife.
JESSIE
What did you tell him?
ALICE
I said no, only a daughter, and he
asked me if I knew where you were.
I said yes, and took off running
here to find you.
RICHARD
What kind of accident?
ALICE
Some kind of explosion he said.
Jessie glances at Richard.
JESSIE
I have to go.
RICHARD
Don’t worry, I’ll go with you.
JESSIE (V.O.)
What would happen to me if Daddy
died?
Daddy kept some emergency money in
a shoebox in his closet. If he
died, I would take the money and
run away. Go to Easton and maybe
get a job dancing in that burlesque
nightclub.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Race Against Uncertainty
74 EXT. SIDEWALK OUTSIDE OF JESSIE’S HOUSE - DAY 1936 74
Jessie, Richard and Alice reach the house. TWO POLICEMEN are
sitting in their car. They both get out.
POLICEMAN #1
Are you Miss Vasily?
JESSIE
Alice already told me about the
accident. How bad did he get hurt?
Where did they take him?
POLICEMAN
Yes, Miss, there was an accident at
the mill.
(MORE)
POLICEMAN (CONT’D)
An explosion of some sort. We don’t
have a lot of details. They took
your father to the Allentown
Hospital.
POLICEMAN #2
We can drive you to the hospital.
Do you have a way back home?
ALICE
You go with them, Jessie. I’ll get
my dad to drive me there and we can
bring you back.
Richard gave Jessie a squeeze.
RICHARD
I’ll come by tomorrow and check on
you. Try not to worry. I’m sure
he’s all right.
Jessie climbed into the police car.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Arrival at Allentown Hospital
75 EXT. ALLENTOWN HOSPITAL - AFTERNOON - 1936 75
They arrive at the hospital, three stories high, with beige
brick, a red tile roof, and red and white striped awnings
over every window.
JESSIE (V.O.)
Daddy didn’t deserve to die in such
a nice place.
The policemen drop Jessie off at the front entrance.
POLICEMAN #1
Check in with the information desk.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I had never been in a hospital
before. A pleasant lady sitting
behind a desk told me to go to the
second floor to the nurse’s
station.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Waiting for Hope
76 INT. HOSPITAL WAITING AREA - CONTINUOUS - 1936 76
Jessie walks up the stairs to the second floor.
JESSIE (V.O.)
After giving my name, one nurse
hugged me and told me they had
taken Daddy in for surgery and had
me sit on a couch in a small
waiting area.
A MAN in a business suit approaches the nurse’s station, and
the nurse points in Jessie’s direction. The man steps over.
MAN
Are you Jessie Vasily?
JESSIE
Yes, sir.
MAN
I’m John Eddleston, your father’s
supervisor at the mill. Do you mind
if I sit for a minute? I understand
you live with your father. Is your
other in Allentown? Do you know if
she’s been notified?
JESSIE
She’s in Harrisburg. I’ll call her
when I get back home tonight.
EDDLESTON
Okay, you do that. I spoke to the
doctor, and I’m sure he will come
out and talk to you soon, but I
wanted to let you know your father
is alive, but he was hurt pretty
bad.
JESSIE
The policeman said something about
an explosion.
Eddleston rubs a hand across his forehead.
EDDLESTON
Yes, well, one thing we do at the
mill is make bullets and some
explosives for the U.S. Army. We’re
still investigating what happened,
but one explosive... detonated.
Several men were killed. Your
father and another man, Mike
Henderson, were injured.
JESSIE
Mr. Mike?
Eddleston pats her hand. He reaches into his coat pocket,
pulls out a card, and hands it to her.
EDDLESTON
My work number is on the front, and
I wrote my home phone number on the
back. If you need anything, and I
mean anything, you call me, okay?
Do you have anyone to stay with
you?
JESSIE
Yes, my friend Alice until Momma
comes.
He stands.
EDDLESTON
Well, that sounds ok. Don’t worry.
Your father will pull through.
Alice arrives with her mom and dad. They all take turns
consoling Jessie, although she doesn’t look despondent at
all.
LATER
The nurse approaches accompanied by a doctor. We all stand.
DOCTOR
Hello, Miss Vasily. I’m Doctor
Schlesinger.
JESSIE
Daddy’s dead, isn’t he?
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER
No, no, your father’s not dead,
sweetheart. But he suffered severe
injuries. Did they tell you about
the explosion at the mill?
JESSIE
Mr. Eddleston talked to me.
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER
Well, right now your daddy is in a
coma. Do you know what that means?
JESSIE
That means he’s not awake?
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER
That’s right. Metal from the
explosion struck his head. We
removed it, but it may be a while
before he wakes up. The explosion
affected your father’s left side
the most. He lost his left eye, and
his left arm.
Mrs. Byrne gasps, and Alice’s eyes are wide with shock.
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER (CONT’D)
His workstation protected the lower
half of his body, or he might have
lost a leg as well, or worse. So,
all in all, very lucky.
JESSIE (V.O.)
For me, there couldn’t have been a
worse scenario. I pictured myself
as a caretaker for the rest of my
life.
JESSIE
Will he wake up?
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER
Yes, I expect him to. We don’t know
exactly when. It could be five
minutes from now or next week.
MRS. BYRNE
We can bring you here to see your
daddy every day. Don’t you worry.
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER
Miss Vasily, is your mother in
Allentown?
JESSIE
She’s in Harrisburg, but I’ll call
her tonight.
DOCTOR SCHLESINGER
Well, you are welcome to come back
tomorrow and sit with him.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Echoes of the Past
77 INT. JESSIE'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING (1936) 77
Alice and her mom are with Jessie, a big group hug.
JESSIE (V.O.)
It was almost six by the time we
got back to the house.
(MORE)
JESSIE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Mrs. Byrne agreed to let Alice
spend the night with me. I told her
I had a casserole in the fridge, so
we didn’t need her to bring dinner
over.
As soon as Alice’s parents leave, Jessie stands and hovers
her hand over the phone.
ALICE
Are you gonna call your mom?
JESSIE
I don’t want to. We don’t get
along.
ALICE
Call her, Jessie. She needs to come
and stay with you. Your dad might
not be home for weeks.
JESSIE (V.O.)
I lifted the receiver and dialed
the operator. When she answered, I
asked her to ring Momma’s number in
Harrisburg. A minute later, I heard
Momma’s voice for the first time in
six months.
JESSIE
Momma, it’s Jessie. Daddy had a
terrible accident at the mill.
78 INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY 78
Patrick and Jessie sit at the table, Patrick resting his hand
on hers.
PATRICK
You must have been scared. Not
knowing what would happen and if
your father would be ok.
JESSIE
I remember wishing he would die. I
couldn’t share that with Alice, she
was so sweet and innocent.
Jessie winces a little, and closes her eyes.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
A Bittersweet Evening
79 INT. JESSIE'S LIVING ROOM EVENING - 1936 79
Jessie and Alice curl up together on the couch.
ALICE
Mom said I can stay here all night.
When is your mother coming?
Jessie makes a gagging sound and Alice laughs.
JESSIE
She and her new husband should be
here tomorrow afternoon. I’m gonna
have to quit my job for now.
ALICE
But Mr. Barnes will have to hire
someone new. You might not get your
job back!
JESSIE
I don’t have a choice, Alice. I
have to take care of Daddy. At
least until he can take care of
himself.
ALICE
But what if he hires somebody I
hate!
JESSIE
Now you’re being sillier than a
goose.
ALICE
Our splendid summer just lost its
splendor.
JESSIE
I know. Why don’t you turn on the
radio.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Unexpected Arrivals
INT. JESSIE’S LIVING ROOM - MORNING - 1936
Alice hugs Jessie.
ALICE
I have to go change for church, but
I’ll be back after lunch.
LATER
Jessie has dozed on the couch, when the front door bursts
open and in walks her mother, MOMMA HELEN (40’s) and new
husband GEORGE (50’s).
Helen is huge, wearing a dress that looks like a tent with
holes cut for the next and arms.
In a melodramatic way, she throws her arms around Jessie as
if the sky has fallen.
JESSIE
Where’s Mickey and Tommy?
MOMMA HELEN
Their staying with friends. You’ll
see them next time.
George takes their suitcase up the stairs. Helen follows
Jessie into the kitchen.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Growing Independence
INT. JESSIE'S KITCHEN EARLY AFTERNOON - 1936
Jessie pulls a caserole from the fridge and puts it in the
oven.
MOMMA HELEN
You look like you’re doing fine.
Have you made any friends?
JESSIE
Alice is my best friend. She’s
coming over later.
MOMMA HELEN
Well, don’t you worry about
anything. We’re going to leave you
some money, so you can buy food and
stuff you need.
JESSIE
You’re not staying?
MOMMA HELEN
Oh honey, I want to, but George and
I are taking a cruise to Europe. It
leaves from New York the day after
tomorrow. But don’t you worry.
You’re almost grown now. And your
daddy will be coming home soon.
You’ll be fine.
JESSIE (V.O.)
It surprised me that George could
afford tickets for a European
cruise. I didn’t care. I didn’t
want her to stay, anyway. I had
been taking care of Daddy and
everything else in the house for
the last six months.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
A Step Towards Independence
INT. JESSIE'S LIVING ROOM - NEXT DAY - 1936
George hauls the suitcases out to the car. Helen hands Jessie
a wad of bills.
MOMMA HELEN
Here’s twenty-five dollars. I’ll
check on you when we get back from
the cruise.
JESSIE (V.O.)
And with that, she and George left.
I stared at the money and thought
about the fifty-dollars in Daddy’s
closet. Together, that would be
enough for me to go to New York and
live for several months.
Jessie folds the money, smiles and starts up the stairs.
END OF EPISODE