I just had one last bit of my St. Elmo pseudo-sequel that is demanding be written (wrote?). And on this eve of what seems a crucial juncture for nothing less than the soul of this country, I thought this was apropos.
Now, as you'll recall, most of the St. Elmo gang are back together at the beginning of the picture for a reunion of sorts; in support of Judd Nelson's character's political career, at the Watergate hotel less (okay, okay...I simply cannot not do camp).
The MUSIC comes to a stop and Jules adjusts the microphone.
JULES
Good evening everyone! On behalf of AMP and The Georgetown's Women's Alliance and, of course, The Georgetown University College Republicans I want to thank you all for coming tonight. I'm looking out into this gorgeous audience and I'm seeing a lot of familiar faces...
She waves at Ron who waves back. Kevin rolls his eyes.
JULES
And I'm pretty sure a lot of you here tonight know who I am--
There is a round of APPLAUSE from the audience, with the exception of perhaps, Kevin. Jules smiles until it subsides.
JULES
But tonight isn't about me--
Kevin stifles a LAUGH. Ron elbows him.
JULES
Tonight we're to support someone. A hero. Our hero. Someone we all love. But if you don't know who he is, let me tell you a little something about him that you don't know. He saved my life once...
CROSS-FADE TO:
Leslie's limo pulls up to the curb in front of the ballroom entrance. We watch as she waits for the chauffer, do some last minute touch-up in a gold compact.
LESLIE (NARRATING)
She's talking about my ex-husband. This is why we're all here paying three grand a plate. To support him. What I'm sure Jules will forget to mention about the night that Alec "saved her life" was that she was flying past Jupiter on a magic carpet that ran on nose candy. She's always said she was almost raped that night. But Jules says a lot of things. Things she can never confirm or deny.*
CUT TO:
INT. DRESSING ROOM -BALLROOM BACKSTAGE -NIGHT
(CONTINUOUS)
SENATOR ALEC NEWBARY (JUDD NELSON) is in chair, having his hair and make-up finished by a small team of ASSISTANTS. On the counter is a laptop which is open. A video call is in progress. On the screen is one of Alec's children from his third marriage. She is an adorable seven year-old named MARTHA.
MARTHA
Daddy, when are you coming home?
ALEC
I'll see you tomorrow honey. Where did mommy go?
MARTHA
She's talking to Theresa in the kitchen.
Martha is unceremoniously pushed out of view by her younger brother, TEDDY, 6ish.
TEDDY
(As we hear Matha CRYING O/S) Daddy, look at my new Kookie Cavepeople car!
Teddy holds up a toy car with a figure of a two cartoon cavemen carrying clubs in the front seat.
ALEC
Where did you get that son?
TEDDY
In my cereal!
ALEC
That's cool! Teddy, where's--
A gorgeous, young BLONDE WOMAN comes on to the screen. This is Alec's wife, MARISSA. Late 20's, early 30's. She has a bit of the cheerleader mixed with a Lady-Who-Lunches-in-the-making-thing going on.
MARISSA
Teddy, what have I told you about pushing your sister?
ALEC
Seems like you have your hands full there.
MARISSA
It's definitely past bedtime. And I let them have cereal. Did you give your speech yet?
ALEC
No, they're introducing me now--
Alec glances up and sees in the mirror, Leslie, standing in the doorway, leaning against the jamb.
MARISSA
You better go. I'd wish you luck, but I know you won't need it.
ALEC
(Laughs) Never hurts...
MARISSA
I love you.
ALEC
Love you too. See you tomorrow.
He reaches up and closes the screen.
LESLIE
I love her too.
ALEC
No you don't.
LESLIE
No. I really do. I love how she puts up with you.
ALEC
Leslie--
Before he can complete his sentence, Billy appears in the doorway. He too is in a tux, but instead of a black bow-tie, he is wearing a skinny, red-leather one, loosened with a couple of buttons undone. His sax, as usual, is slung over his shoulder.
BILLY
Hey you two!
LESLIE
Hi sweetheart!
The have a quick couple of busses and a hug.
BILLY
What'd'ya think?
ALEC
Of what?
BILLY
My solo on Battle Hymn?
LESLIE
I just got here Billy.
ALEC
I was on a call.
BILLY
Well, you missed it. My truth was marching on man!
Leslie gestures at the sax and Billy puts it to his lips and starts jamming on said "hymn."
ALEC
Hey, Billy...I just got a great idea. (To his ASSISTANT) Pat, call the tech booth and tell them to have a spot ready...
SMASH CUT TO:
A tight CLOSE-UP on Jules' face.
JULES
...Senator Alec Newbary!
The audience APPLAUDS heartily. Alec joins Jules at the podium. She hugs him and exits. Alec motions for the crowd to settle.
ALEC
Thank you so much. Before we move on, please stand if you're able, for our National Anthem.
He gestures to the tech booth. The lights lower and a pin-point spot illuminates the stage. Billy, his saxophone gleaming, steps into the spotlight and puts the mouthpiece to his lips. He begins to play...
And it sounds like this:
Now, as you'll recall, most of the St. Elmo gang are back together at the beginning of the picture for a reunion of sorts; in support of Judd Nelson's character's political career, at the Watergate hotel less (okay, okay...I simply cannot not do camp).
The MUSIC comes to a stop and Jules adjusts the microphone.
JULES
Good evening everyone! On behalf of AMP and The Georgetown's Women's Alliance and, of course, The Georgetown University College Republicans I want to thank you all for coming tonight. I'm looking out into this gorgeous audience and I'm seeing a lot of familiar faces...
She waves at Ron who waves back. Kevin rolls his eyes.
JULES
And I'm pretty sure a lot of you here tonight know who I am--
There is a round of APPLAUSE from the audience, with the exception of perhaps, Kevin. Jules smiles until it subsides.
JULES
But tonight isn't about me--
Kevin stifles a LAUGH. Ron elbows him.
JULES
Tonight we're to support someone. A hero. Our hero. Someone we all love. But if you don't know who he is, let me tell you a little something about him that you don't know. He saved my life once...
CROSS-FADE TO:
Leslie's limo pulls up to the curb in front of the ballroom entrance. We watch as she waits for the chauffer, do some last minute touch-up in a gold compact.
LESLIE (NARRATING)
She's talking about my ex-husband. This is why we're all here paying three grand a plate. To support him. What I'm sure Jules will forget to mention about the night that Alec "saved her life" was that she was flying past Jupiter on a magic carpet that ran on nose candy. She's always said she was almost raped that night. But Jules says a lot of things. Things she can never confirm or deny.*
CUT TO:
INT. DRESSING ROOM -BALLROOM BACKSTAGE -NIGHT
(CONTINUOUS)
SENATOR ALEC NEWBARY (JUDD NELSON) is in chair, having his hair and make-up finished by a small team of ASSISTANTS. On the counter is a laptop which is open. A video call is in progress. On the screen is one of Alec's children from his third marriage. She is an adorable seven year-old named MARTHA.
MARTHA
Daddy, when are you coming home?
ALEC
I'll see you tomorrow honey. Where did mommy go?
MARTHA
She's talking to Theresa in the kitchen.
Martha is unceremoniously pushed out of view by her younger brother, TEDDY, 6ish.
TEDDY
(As we hear Matha CRYING O/S) Daddy, look at my new Kookie Cavepeople car!
Teddy holds up a toy car with a figure of a two cartoon cavemen carrying clubs in the front seat.
ALEC
Where did you get that son?
TEDDY
In my cereal!
ALEC
That's cool! Teddy, where's--
A gorgeous, young BLONDE WOMAN comes on to the screen. This is Alec's wife, MARISSA. Late 20's, early 30's. She has a bit of the cheerleader mixed with a Lady-Who-Lunches-in-the-making-thing going on.
MARISSA
Teddy, what have I told you about pushing your sister?
ALEC
Seems like you have your hands full there.
MARISSA
It's definitely past bedtime. And I let them have cereal. Did you give your speech yet?
ALEC
No, they're introducing me now--
Alec glances up and sees in the mirror, Leslie, standing in the doorway, leaning against the jamb.
MARISSA
You better go. I'd wish you luck, but I know you won't need it.
ALEC
(Laughs) Never hurts...
MARISSA
I love you.
ALEC
Love you too. See you tomorrow.
He reaches up and closes the screen.
LESLIE
I love her too.
ALEC
No you don't.
LESLIE
No. I really do. I love how she puts up with you.
ALEC
Leslie--
Before he can complete his sentence, Billy appears in the doorway. He too is in a tux, but instead of a black bow-tie, he is wearing a skinny, red-leather one, loosened with a couple of buttons undone. His sax, as usual, is slung over his shoulder.
BILLY
Hey you two!
LESLIE
Hi sweetheart!
The have a quick couple of busses and a hug.
BILLY
What'd'ya think?
ALEC
Of what?
BILLY
My solo on Battle Hymn?
LESLIE
I just got here Billy.
ALEC
I was on a call.
BILLY
Well, you missed it. My truth was marching on man!
Leslie gestures at the sax and Billy puts it to his lips and starts jamming on said "hymn."
ALEC
Hey, Billy...I just got a great idea. (To his ASSISTANT) Pat, call the tech booth and tell them to have a spot ready...
SMASH CUT TO:
A tight CLOSE-UP on Jules' face.
JULES
...Senator Alec Newbary!
The audience APPLAUDS heartily. Alec joins Jules at the podium. She hugs him and exits. Alec motions for the crowd to settle.
ALEC
Thank you so much. Before we move on, please stand if you're able, for our National Anthem.
He gestures to the tech booth. The lights lower and a pin-point spot illuminates the stage. Billy, his saxophone gleaming, steps into the spotlight and puts the mouthpiece to his lips. He begins to play...
And it sounds like this:
CFR 11/4/24