Okay...
We are wrapping this, people! We're gonna do Molly's scenes first and then finish up with some final thoughts in what will probably be part 10. So, here goes.
FADE UP:
INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM -DAY
The CAMERA is CLOSE on a piece of sheet music. It PANS over to a clipboard with a sign-in sheet that reads: AUDITIONS / SWEPT-AWAY MUSICAL. Numerous student signatures. The CAMERA TILTS UP and CLOSES on Andie, who is onstage at a microphone, SINGING to the accompaniment of a PIANO, an ACOUSTIC GUITAR and a FLUTE, courtesy of some of the BAND KIDS. She's singing "Time After Time." The CAMERA PANS back to the two figures at the table: Duckie and Mr. Byron, the English teacher. Duckie, who has heard Andie sing a million times and is inured, looks at his watch, which is lying on the table. Mr. Byron is trying to hold back tears from what he's hearing: a lovely ballad, beautifully sung by a sort of melancholy young woman.
Here's the young woman, grown up...
We are wrapping this, people! We're gonna do Molly's scenes first and then finish up with some final thoughts in what will probably be part 10. So, here goes.
FADE UP:
INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM -DAY
The CAMERA is CLOSE on a piece of sheet music. It PANS over to a clipboard with a sign-in sheet that reads: AUDITIONS / SWEPT-AWAY MUSICAL. Numerous student signatures. The CAMERA TILTS UP and CLOSES on Andie, who is onstage at a microphone, SINGING to the accompaniment of a PIANO, an ACOUSTIC GUITAR and a FLUTE, courtesy of some of the BAND KIDS. She's singing "Time After Time." The CAMERA PANS back to the two figures at the table: Duckie and Mr. Byron, the English teacher. Duckie, who has heard Andie sing a million times and is inured, looks at his watch, which is lying on the table. Mr. Byron is trying to hold back tears from what he's hearing: a lovely ballad, beautifully sung by a sort of melancholy young woman.
Here's the young woman, grown up...
INT. AUDITORIUM -DAY
(Cont'd)
Duck glances at Mr. Byron who is doing his best to hold it together. Duckie elbows Mr. Byron.
DUCKIE
I know. She's great, right? Okay Andie, thank you!
The MUSIC stops abruptly and Andie exits stage left and takes a seat in the audience where other STUDENTS are gathered. She pulls a chemistry textbook out of her bag, adjusts her glasses and buries her head. Duckie picks up the clipboard.
DUCKIE
Okay, next we have--
This is interesting. In the original version of J. Hughes' script, "Benny" is first just named as "Girl." And her friend "Trombley" is first just a "Girl" as well. "Trombley" is never really named in his "5th Draft." She was played by Gina Gershon in what may have been her first role. I don't think she even has a single word of dialogue. But she makes an impression. The young woman who played Benny, I thought, was really good too (Kate Vernon). Anyways, I think we need to give "Trombley" a first name; so how about "Gina"? Works for me!
DUCKIE
Okay, next we have..."Gina Trombley," please. Gina?
GINA TROMBLEY comes to the table.
DUCKIE
What are you going to be singing?
GINA
For Your Eyes Only.
DUCKIE
Did you bring sheet music?
GINA
Yeah. (She holds it up).
DUCKIE
Great. Give that to the pianist and start when you're ready.
Gina does as instructed. The band kid at the piano turns and nods. Gina starts singing the song. She's very good and fairly belts the song.
(Cont'd)
Duck glances at Mr. Byron who is doing his best to hold it together. Duckie elbows Mr. Byron.
DUCKIE
I know. She's great, right? Okay Andie, thank you!
The MUSIC stops abruptly and Andie exits stage left and takes a seat in the audience where other STUDENTS are gathered. She pulls a chemistry textbook out of her bag, adjusts her glasses and buries her head. Duckie picks up the clipboard.
DUCKIE
Okay, next we have--
This is interesting. In the original version of J. Hughes' script, "Benny" is first just named as "Girl." And her friend "Trombley" is first just a "Girl" as well. "Trombley" is never really named in his "5th Draft." She was played by Gina Gershon in what may have been her first role. I don't think she even has a single word of dialogue. But she makes an impression. The young woman who played Benny, I thought, was really good too (Kate Vernon). Anyways, I think we need to give "Trombley" a first name; so how about "Gina"? Works for me!
DUCKIE
Okay, next we have..."Gina Trombley," please. Gina?
GINA TROMBLEY comes to the table.
DUCKIE
What are you going to be singing?
GINA
For Your Eyes Only.
DUCKIE
Did you bring sheet music?
GINA
Yeah. (She holds it up).
DUCKIE
Great. Give that to the pianist and start when you're ready.
Gina does as instructed. The band kid at the piano turns and nods. Gina starts singing the song. She's very good and fairly belts the song.
Mr. Byron SINGS along quietly, clearly enthralled once more. Duckie frowns and cuts Gina off after she's barely through the first verse.
DUCKIE
Okay! Fabuloso. Thank you. Next!
Mr. Byron looks at the list.
MR. BYRON
Miss Hanson, you're next. Miss--
GINA
She had a make-up test...so...
DUCKIE
Really? I think her make-up is killer!
There is LAUGHTER. Mr. Byron gets up on the stage as Gina exits.
MR. BYRON
As you know, our drama teacher, Mrs. Strickland is on maternity leave, so I've been appointed as your moderator for the show. So, I'm putting you in the hands of Mr. Dale. I think his musical version of Lina Wertmullers "Swept Away by the...in the...well...whatever the rest of it is; and also the music video by Diana Ross, is nothing short of brilliant. I really believe in his vision and think it will be a great show. So good luck and please, come and see me truly, only if things are bordering on an emergency. Break a leg!"
He trots back down to the table, says something to Duckie and leaves. Duckie gets up on the stage.
DUCKIE
Guys, I'll be announcing the casting tomorrow; and just so you know; we are really kind of on our own here, which I have to admit, is a little scary. But as long as I've got you all here, I just wanted to go over some of the dance moves. Cheryl Shermanski and Craig Doyle have graciously volunteered their cheerleading skills to help with the choreography. Guys?
Duckie starts CLAPPING and the other kids join in as students CHERYL SHERMANSKI and CRAIG DOYLE come out from the wings. Cheryl is wearing her cheering outfit and Craig is pushing an A/V stand with a TV on it.
CHERYL
Okay, listen up guys. We don't have a lot of time to learn these routines, so we're gonna be pushing you.
CRAIG
If everyone could come down to the front rows, I want to show you this video that Duckie was talking about at the last rehearsal.
The students move down as Craig puts a videocassette into a VCR and the TV screen flickers to life with a video. Diana Ross' "Swept Away."
DUCKIE
Okay! Fabuloso. Thank you. Next!
Mr. Byron looks at the list.
MR. BYRON
Miss Hanson, you're next. Miss--
GINA
She had a make-up test...so...
DUCKIE
Really? I think her make-up is killer!
There is LAUGHTER. Mr. Byron gets up on the stage as Gina exits.
MR. BYRON
As you know, our drama teacher, Mrs. Strickland is on maternity leave, so I've been appointed as your moderator for the show. So, I'm putting you in the hands of Mr. Dale. I think his musical version of Lina Wertmullers "Swept Away by the...in the...well...whatever the rest of it is; and also the music video by Diana Ross, is nothing short of brilliant. I really believe in his vision and think it will be a great show. So good luck and please, come and see me truly, only if things are bordering on an emergency. Break a leg!"
He trots back down to the table, says something to Duckie and leaves. Duckie gets up on the stage.
DUCKIE
Guys, I'll be announcing the casting tomorrow; and just so you know; we are really kind of on our own here, which I have to admit, is a little scary. But as long as I've got you all here, I just wanted to go over some of the dance moves. Cheryl Shermanski and Craig Doyle have graciously volunteered their cheerleading skills to help with the choreography. Guys?
Duckie starts CLAPPING and the other kids join in as students CHERYL SHERMANSKI and CRAIG DOYLE come out from the wings. Cheryl is wearing her cheering outfit and Craig is pushing an A/V stand with a TV on it.
CHERYL
Okay, listen up guys. We don't have a lot of time to learn these routines, so we're gonna be pushing you.
CRAIG
If everyone could come down to the front rows, I want to show you this video that Duckie was talking about at the last rehearsal.
The students move down as Craig puts a videocassette into a VCR and the TV screen flickers to life with a video. Diana Ross' "Swept Away."
INT. -AUDITORIUM -DAY
(Continued)
While they watch the video, Duckie pops up behind Andie's seat.
DUCKIE
Can I talk to you for a second?
Andie nods and follows him to the far aisle, out of earshot. They lean against the wall.
DUCKIE
Are you excited?
ANDIE
Yeah...about what exactly?
DUCKIE
You're my leading lady!
ANDIE
Really? But--
DUCKIE
I wrote this for you. And I have to say, you don't seem too excited...
ANDIE
Well, I am. But I mean--
Andie notices as Steff comes into the room and takes a seat in the back.
DUCKIE
What?
ANDIE
Gina Trombley blew the roof off her song. And yesterday she danced circles around me.
DUCKIE
But I don't want her as Raffaella.
ANDIE
She's one of the most popular girls in school. Guaranteed sold out opening!
DUCKIE
Are you saying you don't--
He's interrupted by Cheryl from the stage.
CHERYL
Ah, hello? Say, where is that girl who was so good yesterday? The hat girl.
Everyone turns and looks at Andie.
CHERYL
What's your name?
ANDIE
Marissa.
CHERYL
Can you come up here please. And where is he? Where's Steff?
Steff is already sauntering down the aisle. As he passes Duckie and Andie, he speaks.
STEFF
Well, come on, Marissa.
A look of grave concern crosses Duckie's face. Maybe he really doesn't want Andie in this. Andie is on the spot. But she's also not all that disinterested. She heads to the stage. She and Steff stand to the side as Craig moves the TV stand away.
CHERYL
So, you saw in the video; and the steps we showed you yesterday, that this is a kind of French pas de deux type thing. But we're turning it inot a pas de trois with two guys and a girl, 'cuz they're like fighting over her--and the chorus will be dancing around them. (To Steff and Andie) And you guys really picked it up fast. So Craig will be playing the third guy. So, Marissa, if you could come over here...
Andie moves to where Cheryl is pointing.
SIDE NOTE: In Hughes' original script and some references to the film, Andie and her group of outsider friends are known as "Zoids." I guess, maybe, as in "freakazoid"? Like from that old dance song maybe?
(Continued)
While they watch the video, Duckie pops up behind Andie's seat.
DUCKIE
Can I talk to you for a second?
Andie nods and follows him to the far aisle, out of earshot. They lean against the wall.
DUCKIE
Are you excited?
ANDIE
Yeah...about what exactly?
DUCKIE
You're my leading lady!
ANDIE
Really? But--
DUCKIE
I wrote this for you. And I have to say, you don't seem too excited...
ANDIE
Well, I am. But I mean--
Andie notices as Steff comes into the room and takes a seat in the back.
DUCKIE
What?
ANDIE
Gina Trombley blew the roof off her song. And yesterday she danced circles around me.
DUCKIE
But I don't want her as Raffaella.
ANDIE
She's one of the most popular girls in school. Guaranteed sold out opening!
DUCKIE
Are you saying you don't--
He's interrupted by Cheryl from the stage.
CHERYL
Ah, hello? Say, where is that girl who was so good yesterday? The hat girl.
Everyone turns and looks at Andie.
CHERYL
What's your name?
ANDIE
Marissa.
CHERYL
Can you come up here please. And where is he? Where's Steff?
Steff is already sauntering down the aisle. As he passes Duckie and Andie, he speaks.
STEFF
Well, come on, Marissa.
A look of grave concern crosses Duckie's face. Maybe he really doesn't want Andie in this. Andie is on the spot. But she's also not all that disinterested. She heads to the stage. She and Steff stand to the side as Craig moves the TV stand away.
CHERYL
So, you saw in the video; and the steps we showed you yesterday, that this is a kind of French pas de deux type thing. But we're turning it inot a pas de trois with two guys and a girl, 'cuz they're like fighting over her--and the chorus will be dancing around them. (To Steff and Andie) And you guys really picked it up fast. So Craig will be playing the third guy. So, Marissa, if you could come over here...
Andie moves to where Cheryl is pointing.
SIDE NOTE: In Hughes' original script and some references to the film, Andie and her group of outsider friends are known as "Zoids." I guess, maybe, as in "freakazoid"? Like from that old dance song maybe?
However, the term "zoid" is never used in the movie as far as I remember; although "richie" is; which is what the rich kids are known as, to Andie and her fellow "zoids," apparently. So, I think the term needs to make an appearance here.
ANDIE
Actually, Marrisa is my middle name. You can call me Andie.
CHERYL
Don't you hang out in the zoid zone?
ANDIE
Huh?
CHERYL
Nevermind. Okay. So, Steff, if you could come over here please...Craig's gonna show you the moves.
Steff walks over to Cheryl and Andie and looks at the ceiling. Craig steps up to Andie and offers his hand. They shake.
CRAIG
I just want to be honest. This is gonna be kind of intimate. Are you okay with that?
ANDIE
Huh?
Craig has already come up behind Andie and puts his arms around her waist. She seems a little dazed.
CRAIG
We're all theater kids here, right. We have to suffer for our art.
ANDIE
Huh?
CRAIG
Okay, Steff. You're going to be doing exactly what I'm doing. First--
Craig pulls Steff into position and begins manipulating people's limbs with zero concern. He wraps Steff's hands around Andie's waist.
CRAIG
I want the palms of your hands flat against her hips.
Steff, for once in his life, seems nervous, ill at ease and maybe even at a loss.
Okay, so you learn something new every day. The dance they do in the Diana Ross "Swept Away" video is a classic French dance called La Danse Apache. We've all seen some form of it. And it can be way more violent than I would've thought. That Duckie would want this in his play could make for some super drama-rama! And comedy too. Of course, I'm not writing a full script of this...or am I??? Here's a video and a link:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_(dance)
ANDIE
Actually, Marrisa is my middle name. You can call me Andie.
CHERYL
Don't you hang out in the zoid zone?
ANDIE
Huh?
CHERYL
Nevermind. Okay. So, Steff, if you could come over here please...Craig's gonna show you the moves.
Steff walks over to Cheryl and Andie and looks at the ceiling. Craig steps up to Andie and offers his hand. They shake.
CRAIG
I just want to be honest. This is gonna be kind of intimate. Are you okay with that?
ANDIE
Huh?
Craig has already come up behind Andie and puts his arms around her waist. She seems a little dazed.
CRAIG
We're all theater kids here, right. We have to suffer for our art.
ANDIE
Huh?
CRAIG
Okay, Steff. You're going to be doing exactly what I'm doing. First--
Craig pulls Steff into position and begins manipulating people's limbs with zero concern. He wraps Steff's hands around Andie's waist.
CRAIG
I want the palms of your hands flat against her hips.
Steff, for once in his life, seems nervous, ill at ease and maybe even at a loss.
Okay, so you learn something new every day. The dance they do in the Diana Ross "Swept Away" video is a classic French dance called La Danse Apache. We've all seen some form of it. And it can be way more violent than I would've thought. That Duckie would want this in his play could make for some super drama-rama! And comedy too. Of course, I'm not writing a full script of this...or am I??? Here's a video and a link:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_(dance)
Please see: PINK ReTHINK / PART 10
for the continuation.
CFR 1/12/25
for the continuation.
CFR 1/12/25
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