From Dusk Till Dawn
Story by Robert Kurtzman
Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino
Produced by Gianni Nunnari
Meir Teper
Directed by Robert Rodriguez
Cast List:
George Clooney Seth Gecko
Quentin Tarantino Richard Gecko
Harvey Keitel Jacob Fuller
Juliette Lewis Kate Fuller
Ernest Liu Scott Fuller
Salma Hayek Santanico Pandemonium
Tom Savini Sex Machine
Fred Williamson Frost
Cheech Marin Chet Pussy
Carlos
Border Guard
"I earnestly wish an end would come to this bloody race I am forced to run."
– Countess in Jess Franco's "La Comtesse Noire"
FADE IN:
EXT. LIQUOR STORE – DAY
A convenience store in a Texas Suburb. No other businesses surround it.
CLOSEUP: A light switch is flipped on.
The sign on top of the store lights up. It reads: "BENNY'S WORLD OF LIQUOR".
SUBTITLE APPEARS AT BOTTOM OF SCREEN:
"BIG SPRING, TEXAS
109 MILES WEST OF ABILENE
345 MILES EAST OF THE MEXICAN BORDER"
A Texas Ranger patrol car pulls into the parking lot and a real live Texas Ranger, EARL MCGRAW, steps out. McGraw is in full ranger uniform – button shirt, cowboy hat, boots, mirrored shades, tin star and a colt revolver on his hip.
It's about an hour and a half before sundown and McGraw is off duty for the day.
The only other car in the parking lot is a 1975 Plymouth
(Charley Varrick's car).
INT. BENNY'S WORLD OF LIQUOR – DAY
A young Hawaiian Shirt wearing man named PETE sits on a stool behind the counter.
A few CUSTOMERS fiddle about.
A MAN wearing a black suit, black tie, and wire rim glasses holds hands with a PRETTY BLONDE GIRL in cutoffs and bare feet. They look through magazines.
Another black suit wearing MAN holds hands with a RED-HEADED GIRL in a prep school uniform. They look through the beer cooler in the back of the store. Both girls are around seventeen.
MCGRAW enters the store.
MCGRAW
Hot goddamn day!
PETE
Haven't felt it a bit. Been inside with the air conditioner blastin' all day long.
MCGRAW
Not even for lunch?
PETE
I'm by myself today, ate my lunch outta the microwave.
McGraw walk over to the beer cooler, as if done ritually every night (it is), takes out a beer, pops it open and joins Pete by the front counter.
MCGRAW
Jesus Christ man, that microwave food'll kill ya as quick as a bullet. Those burritos are only fit for a hippie high on weed. Pull me down a bottle of Jack Daniels. I'm gettin' tanked tonight.
PETE
Whatsamatter?
MCGRAW
Awww, it's just been a shit ass day. Every inch of it hot and miserable. First off, Nadine at the Blue Chip got some sorta sick, so that mongoloid boy of her's was workin' the grill. That fuckin' idiot don't know rat shit from Rice Krispies. I ate breakfast at nine, was pukin' up pigs in a blanket like a sick dog by ten thirty.
PETE
Isn't there a law or something against retards serving food to the public?
MCGRAW
Well, if there ain't there sure oughta be. Who knows what goes on inside a mongoloids mind?
PETE
You could sue the shit out of her, ya know. That kid belongs under a circus tent, not flippin' burgers. You could own that fuckin' place.
MCGRAW
What the hell would I do with that grease pit? Besides, Nadine's got enough of a cross to bear just taking care of that potato head. Then all this Abilene shit happened. You heard about that bank robbery in Abilene, didn't ya?
PETE
That's all that's been on the box all day. They killed some people, didn't they?
MCGRAW
Four Rangers, three cops, and two civilians. And they took a lady bank teller as a hostage.
Pete doesn't say anything.
MCGRAW
They'll probably make a run for the border, which would bring 'em this way. And if we get our hands on those shit asses, we're talking payback time. We'll get 'em all right. I gotta piss. I'm gonna use your commode.
PETE
Knock yourself out.
McGraw drops his last drip of beer, crushes the can and exits in the bathroom.
The black suited man by the beer cooler turns around and, with the prep school girl in tow, walks rapidly toward Pete. We see that the girl is crying.
BLACK SUITED MAN #1
(to Pete)
Do you think I'm fuckin' playing with you, asshole?
(points to the tearful prep school girl)
Do you want this little girl to die?
(pointing to the blonde with the other guy)
Or that little girl? Or your bosom buddy with the badge? Or yourself? I don't wanna do it, but I'll turn this fuckin' store into the Wild Bunch if I even think you're fuckin' with me.
The two men in black suits are the notorious Abilene bank robbers, SETH and RICHARD GECKO, "The Gecko Brothers." And the other customers are all being held hostage. Seth is the one with the prep girl. Richard is the one with the blonde. Everybody speaks low and fast.
PETE
What do you want from me? I did what you said.
SETH
Letting him use your toilet? No store does that.
PETE
He comes in here every day and we bullshit. He's used my toilet a thousand times. If I told him no, he'd know something was up.
SETH
I want that son-of-a-bitch outta here, in his car, and down the road or you can change the name of this place to "Benny's World of Blood."
Richard, holding tightly the hand of the terrified girl, leans next to Seth's ear and whispers something. Seth looks at Pete.
SETH
Were you giving that pig signals?
PETE
What? Are you kidding? I didn't do anything!
Richard whispers something else in Seth's ear.
SETH
He says you were scratching.
PETE
I wasn't scratching!
SETH
You callin' him a liar?
Pete controls himself.
PETE
I'm not calling him a liar, okay? I'm simply saying that if I was scratching, and if I did scratch, it's not because I was signaling the cop, it's because I'm fuckin' scared shitless.
Richard speaks for the first time in a low calm voice to Seth.
RICHARD
The Ranger's taking a piss. Why don't I just go in there, blow his head off and get outta here.
PETE
Don't do that! Look, you asked me to act natural, and I'm acting as natural – in fact, under the circumstances, I think I ought get a fuckin' Academy Award for how natural I'm acting. You asked me to get rid of him, I'm doing my best.
SETH
Yeah, well, your best better get a helluva lot fuckin' better, or you're gonna feel a helluva fuckin' lot worse.
The toilet flushes.
SETH
Everybody be cool.
Everybody goes back to what they were doing.
McGraw steps back out of the back. He appears to be unaware of the situation.
MCGRAW
Yeah, and I'm gonna be right back at it tomorrow. So tonight I'm gonna sit in front of the box and just drink booze. How much is the bottle?
PETE
Six-fifty.
Out of nowhere Richard WHIPS out his forty-five automatic and SHOOTS McGraw in the head.
McGraw goes down screaming.
Richard stands over him and SHOOTS him twice more.
Seth charges forward.
SETH
(to Richard)
What the fuck was that about?
RICHARD
(in a low monotone)
He signaled the Ranger.
PETE
(hysterical)
I didn't.
(to Seth)
You gotta believe me, I didn't.
RICHARD
(to Seth)
When they were talkin', he mouthed the words "Help Us."
PETE
You fuckin' liar, I didn't say shit!
Richard SHOOTS Pete and Pete falls down behind the counter.
Seth grabs Richard and throws him up against the wall.
SETH
What the fuck is wrong with you –
RICHARD
Seth, he did it. You were by the beer cooler with your back turned. I was by the magazines, I could see his face. And I saw him mouth:
Richard mouths the words "Help Us."
While Pete lies on the floor behind the counter bleeding from his bullet wound, he opens his floor safe and pulls out a gun from it.
Seth releases his brother.
SETH
Start the car.
RICHARD
You believe me don'tcha?
SETH
Shut up and start the car.
Richard walks away from Seth and crosses the counter...
... when Pete SPRINGS up, gun in hand, and SHOOTS Richard in the shoulder.
Richard FALLS to his knees, howling.
Both Pete and Seth SPRAY the store with gunfire.
Seth DIVES down an aisle. He reloads.
Pete DUCKS behind the counter. He reloads.
Richard has crawled to safety behind an aisle.
The two girls have run out screaming.
SETH
(yelling)
Richie? You okay?
RICHARD
(yelling)
I'm not dead, but I'm definitely shot! I told you that bastard said, "Help us!"
PETE
(yelling)
I never said help us!
SETH
(yelling)
Well that don't matter now, 'cause you got about two fuckin' seconds to live! Richie!
RICHARD
(yelling)
Yeah?
SETH
(yelling)
When I count three, shoot out the bottles behind him!
RICHARD
Gotcha!
SETH
One... Two... Three.
The two brothers start FIRING toward the counter.
They HIT the bottles of alcohol on the shelf behind Pete.
Pete is crouched on the ground as glass, debris and alcohol RAIN down on him.
Seth grabs a roll of paper towels from off a shelf.
Richard keeps FIRING.
Seth douses the paper towels with lighter fluid, sets it on fire with his Zippo, then tosses it.
The flaming roll of paper towels FLIES through the air.
The fireball lands behind the counter.
The entire counter area immediately BURSTS INTO FLAMES. Pete screams from behind the counter.
Seth smiles to himself and stands.
Richard shakes his head in amusement and stands.
Pete runs out from behind the counter, ENGULFED IN FLAMES, still holding his weapon and FIRING.
Seth and Richard hit the ground FIRING their .45's.
Pete, the human torch, FALLS like a tree into the Hostess Pastry display.
Seth and Richard rise from the rubble.
EXT. BENNY'S WORLD OF LIQUOR – DAY
They exit the store squabbling. The store is bursting into flames.
SETH
What did I tell you? What did I tell you? Buy the road map and leave.
RICHARD
What am I supposed to do, Seth? He recognized us.
SETH
He didn't recognize shit.
Both Seth and Richard stand on opposite sides of the car.
RICHARD
Seth, I'm telling you, the way he looked at us – you especially – I knew he knew.
They both climb in the car (Seth behind the wheel). Seth starts it up. The souped up engine ROARS to life. We can hear Seth mumbling under the motor.
SETH
Low profile. Do you know what the words "low profile" mean?
CLOSEUP: SETH'S FOOT PUNCHES GAS
The Plymouth tears out of the parking lot backwards, hits the street, and speeds off down the road.
We CRANE UP HIGH to see the car leaving a trail of dust behind it, as the store burns out of control.
"MIRIMAX PRESENTS"
TITLE SEQUENCE
Raunchy, honky-tonk MUSIC fills the theater.
CREDIT SEQUENCE ENDS
CUT TO:
EXT. EMMA AND PETE'S GRAVY TRAIN – DAY
Emma and Pete's Gravy Train is a truck stop of Highway 290.
SUBTITLE APPEARS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
"FORT STOCKTON 238 MILES FROM THE MEXICAN BORDER"
INT. EMMA AND PETE'S GRAVY TRAIN – DAY
Emma and Pete's PATRONS are made up of regulars, truckers, cowboys and road-weary travelers. The CAMERA DOLLIES through the maze of tables, patrons, and waitresses.
It stops when it gets to a table occupied by the FULLER FAMILY. The Fullers definitely fall into the road-weary category. The members of the unit consist of the father, JACOB, age 44, an ex-preacher, a good man with rough edges, and his two children, KATE, age 19, is a young beauty who possesses what can only be described as an apple pie sensuality. She is dressed like a nice Christian girl, complete with crucifix. SCOTT, age 16, is a Jacob's Vietnamese adopted son. Scott is a likable, long-haired kid who always wears a T-shirt with the name of the heavy metal garage band he plays guitar for, "Precinct 13". The three of them are wolfing down a late lunch.
JACOB
We got about two more hours of daylight left. That'll get us into El-Paso, which is right next to the border. We'll stop at a motel –
SCOTT
Stop? We're not going to actually stop at a motel, are we?
Scott and Kate speak together, obviously repeating something that Jacob has said about three hundred times.
SCOTT AND KATE
We've got a Winnebago. We don't need those overpriced roach havens. We're self contained.
JACOB
Okay, Okay, maybe I was a little overzealous, but give me a break, I just bought it.
Scott and Kate continue the impersonation.
SCOTT
Why, just look at all this. You got your kitchen –
KATE
– you got your microwave –
SCOTT
– you got your sink –
KATE
– you got your shower –
SCOTT
– see this, television!
KATE
Feel this, real wood paneling. That's real wood, too, not that fake stuff.
JACOB
Unless you two wiseacres wanna be introduced to the joys of hitchhiking, what say we drop this?
SCOTT
(to Kate)
The truth hurts.
KATE
(to Scott)
It's the bitterest of pills.
JACOB
You two ought to start a stand-up act, because you're just wasting your humor on me.
KATE
Ain't it the truth.
SCOTT
Why do you want to stop?
JACOB
I'm exhausted.
SCOTT
Lie in the back, dad, I'll drive us into Mexico.
Jacob gives Scott a look that says, "You aren't touching my new motor home."
JACOB
I just bet you would. Don't even think about it. Besides, I want to have one night's sleep in an honest-to-goodness bed. The beds in the home are okay, but they're not like a real bed.
KATE
Hey, if we go to a motel, we can swim.
SCOTT
I'll be right back. I'm gonna go to the bathroom.
Scott gets up from the table and walks out back to the restroom.
Jacob and Kate are left alone. There's an awkward moment of silence before...
KATE
Dad, when I called the machine to check our messages there was one from Bethel Baptist. Mr. Franklin said he wouldn't permanently replace you until we came back. He said when we come home, if you still feel the same way –
JACOB
That's very nice of Ted, but I'll call him tomorrow and tell him not to bother waiting.
KATE
I didn't want to talk about this in front of Scott because he gets upset. But you don't believe in God anymore?
JACOB
Not enough to be a pastor. Look, I know this is hard on you kids. After Jenny's death, this is probably the last thing you need. But I can't do it any longer. My congregation needs spiritual leadership. Well, they can't get that from me anymore. My faith is gone. To answer your question, yes, I do believe in Jesus. But do I love them? No. After Jenny died, I just thought, what's the point?
KATE
(pushing him)
It's just, all our lives you've been a pastor. For twenty years you've preached trust in the lord. And then one day you wake up and say fuck him?
JACOB
I didn't say fuck him. I'm just not connected anymore.
KATE
That happens, you'll get it back.
JACOB
Kate, give your old man a little credit. Every person who chooses the service of God as their life's work has something in common. I don't care if you're a preacher, a priest, a nun, a rabbi or a Buddhist monk. Many, many times during your life you'll look at your reflection in the mirror and ask yourself, am I a fool? We've all done it. I'm not going through a lapse. What I've experienced is closer to awakening. I'm not trying to shake your faith. I've just decided not to devote my life to God anymore.
KATE
What do you think Mom would say?
JACOB
Mom's got nothing to say, she's dead.
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP – COUNTER BELL
A hand slams down on it. RING.
INT. LOBBY – DEW DROP INN – DAY
Seth stands at the front desk of the Dew Drop Inn. A standard issue Texas motel. Richard sits outside in the car. Nobody responds to the bell. Seth BANGS it impatiently five times.
TEXAS VOICE (O.S.)
Hold your horses!
An OLD TIMER walks through a curtain behind the counter. He's eating a BBQ rib.
OLD TIMER
(rough)
Watcha want?
SETH
Watcha think I want, ya mean old bastard? I wanna room.
EXT. COURTYARD – DEW DROP INN – DAY
Richard sits in the car listening to Merle Haggard on the radio. He watches from his perspective, Seth asking the walking outside and getting in the car. Seth starts it up, and drives them to their room.
RICHARD
Do they have cable?
SETH
No.
RICHARD
Do they have an X-Rated channel?
SETH
No.
RICHARD
Do they have a waterbed?
SETH
They don't have anything except four walls and a roof, and that's all we need.
Their car drives up to room #9, but they park backing up the trunk close to the door.
The two brothers get out of the car.
SETH
(tossing Richie the motel keys)
Open the door. We gotta do this fast.
Richie opens the door.
Seth goes to the trunk, looks around the courtyard. It's empty.
CLOSEUP – KEY
Going into the trunk lock, turning.
TRUNK POV
Seth looking into the camera.
SETH'S POV
A WOMAN in her late forties is lying scrunched up in the trunk.
She is the HOSTAGE BANK TELLER from Abilene. She's stiff, scared and looks an absolute mess.
SETH
Don't say a word.
The two brothers, quick as lightening, yank the woman out of the trunk and whisk her into the motel room. SETH closes the trunk, looks around for any Johnny eye-witnesses, doesn't see any, slams the door.
INT. SETH AND RICHARD'S ROOM – DAY
Seth turns from the door, sees the hostage woman standing
SETH
You. Plant yourself in that chair.
She sits down in the chair.
HOSTAGE
What are you planning on doing with –
SETH
– I said plant yourself. Plants don't talk. You wanna get on my good side? Just sit still and don't make a peep.
She shuts up.
Richard slowly takes off his jacket. He winces from his wound.
SETH
Let me help you.
He helps him get his jacket off. Richie's white shirt is bloody around the shoulder area. His wound is wrapped up underneath.
SETH
How's it feel?
RICHARD
How ya think, it hurts like a son-of-a-bitch.
Richie goes over to the bed and lies down on it. Seth takes the pillow and stacks them for Richie to prop his back up against.
SETH
I got both rooms on either side of us, so we don't gotta worry about eavesdropping assholes. How's that feel? You okay?
RICHARD
Feels good.
SETH
I'm gonna go get the money.
He heads for the door.
EXT. COURTYARD – MOTEL – DAY
Seth goes into the car, takes out a big suitcase. He scans the perimeter with his eyes, goes back inside.
INT. MOTEL ROOM #9 – DAY
Seth comes back in, lays the suitcase on the bed. Richie has the T.V. remote control in his hand and he's flipping stations. Seth looks at his watch.
SETH
It's about five o'clock.
(to hostage)
What time does it get dark around here?
HOSTAGE
About seven.
SETH
Good. I'm going towards the border to check things out while it's still daylight. Call Carlos and arrange the rendezvous.
RICHARD
Hey, when you talk to him, see if you can arrange a better deal than thirty percent.
SETH
That's their standard deal, brother. They ain't about to change it for us.
RICHARD
Did you even to try to negotiate?
SETH
These guys ain't spic firecracker salesman from Tijuna. They don't even know the meaning of the word barter. You wanna stay in El Ray? You give them thirty percent of your loot. It's scripture. So it is written, so shall it be done. You want sanctuary, you pay the price, and the price is thirty percent.
RICHARD
All I'm saying –
SETH
– This conversation is over.
Richie shrugs and turns back to TV. Seth turns to the hostage, grabs a chair and slides it up in front of her.
SETH
Now, we need to have a talk. What's your name?
HOSTAGE
Gloria.
He shakes her hand.
SETH
Hello, Gloria, I'm Seth and that's my brother Richie. Let's cut to the chase. I'm gonna ask you a question and all I want is a yes or no answer. Do you want to live through this?
GLORIA
Yes.
SETH
Good. Then let me explain the house rules. Follow the rules, we'll get along like a house on fire. Rule number one: No noise, no question. You make a noise...
(he holds up his .45)
... Mr. 45 makes a noise. You ask a question, Mr. 45 answers it. Now are you absolutely, positively clear about rule number one?
GLORIA
Yes.
SETH
Rule number two: You do what we say, when we say it. If you don't, see rule number one.
Seth takes the .45, places the barrel next to the woman's cheek. She squirms and shuts her eyes. He pulls back the hammer.
SETH
Rule number three: Don't you ever try and fuckin' run on us. 'Cause I got five little friends, and they all run faster'n you can. Got it?
She nods her head yes.
He takes the gun away and replaces the hammer.
SETH
Open your eyes.
She does.
SETH
Gloria, you hang in there, follow the rules, and don't fuck with us, you'll get out of this alive. I give you my word. Okay?
She nods her head yes.
Seth rises.
SETH
I'll be back in a bit.
He exits.
Richard looks to the TV, then looks to Gloria sitting across the room in the chair.
RICHARD
Wanna come up here on the bed and watch TV with me?
You can tell she doesn't want to.
He pats the empty space next to him.
RICHARD
Come on.
She gets out of her chair, walks across the bed and sits next to him.
EXT. PHONE BOOTH – DAY
A phone booth outside of a gas station. Seth is in the middle of a conversation with the party on the other end. Seth speaks Spanish and his dialog is subtitled into English beneath him.
SETH
Things are real hot here. Crossing's gonna be a bitch.
(pause)
Don't worry, we'll get across. But when we do, where do we go?
(pause)
Can we make it as close to the border as possible? Texas wants our balls. The quicker we're in your protection, the better I'll feel.
(pause)
Okay, where?
(pause; he says it in English)
The Titty Twister?
(he laughs)
I love it already. Okay, Carlos, I'll see you and your men at the...
(in English)
... "Titty Twister" tomorrow morning.
(pause)
Bye, my friend.
Seth hangs up the phone, lights up a cigarette with his Zippo lighter and exits frame. After Seth exits, leaving the frame empty.
A SUBTITLE APPEARS:
"EL PASO – 5 MILES FROM THE MEXICAN BORDER"
CUT TO:
INT. SETH AND RICHARD'S MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Richard lies on the bed by himself, propped up by pillows, watching TV, taking on hits from a water bong in the shape of a wizard.
ON TV
A local newscaster named KELLY HOUGE is reporting a story about the brothers.
KELLY HOUGE
(talking to camera)
This bloody crime spree started just a week ago today. The oldest of the two brothers...
MUG SHOT OF SETH
KELLY HOUGE (V.O)
Seth Gecko was serving time in Rolling's Kansas State Penitentiary bank robbery in which two law enforcement officers lost their lives.
BACK TO KELLY
KELLY HOUGE
Having served eight years of his twenty-two year sentence, Seth Gecko was brought to Wichita Municipal court house for his first parole hearing. It was while at the court house that this man...
MUG SHOT OF RICHARD GECKO
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
... his younger brother Richard Gecko, a known armed robber and sex offender, pulled off a daring daylight escape.
BACK TO KELLY
KELLY HOUGE
Resulting in the death of four Wichita law enforcement officers, and this woman...
PHOTO OF WOMAN SMILING
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
Heide Vogel, sixth grade teacher who was run over by the Geckos during a high speed pursuit through downtown Wichita.
MAP OF AMERICA
A red line travels from Wichita to Oklahoma.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
From there the brothers traveled from Kansas through Oklahoma...
The red line enters Texas and the camera moves into Texas.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
... into the great state of Texas. And then finally...
WE ZOOM in on a red-circled Abilene.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
... into Abilene.
We hear GUNFIRE and SCREAMS.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE CRIMINAL COURT BUILDING – DAY
Kelly Houge walks down the court house steps of the criminal courts building of Abilene. She talks to the camera. Cops, lawyers and citizens bustle in the background.
KELLY HOUGE
The list of the dead climbed up three more notches since our last telecast.
CUT TO:
PHOTO: OFFICER SHERMAN GOODELL
In full police uniform.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
Officer Sherman Goodell, who was in intensive care following the gun battle outside of the Valley Federal bank building...
CUT TO:
EXT. COURTHOUSE – DAY
Kelly Houge standing on the court house steps talking into the camera.
KELLY HOUGE
... died about forty-five minutes ago at Hopkins General hospital. And about six hours ago, during a daylight liquor store robbery in Big Springs, the Gecko brothers killed another Texas Ranger...
CUT TO:
PHOTO: EARL MCGRAW IN UNIFORM.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
... Earl McGraw.
CUT TO:
PHOTO: PETE
In a Hawaiian shirt holding up a big fish.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
... and liquor store clerk Pete Bottoms.
CUT TO:
VIDEO FOOTAGE
Of "Benny's World of Liquor" burning down.
KELLY HOUGE (V.O.)
Then they proceeded to burn the store down to the ground.
CUT TO:
VIDEO GRAPHIC
Picture of the Gecko brothers with a tally underneath:
"THE GECKO BROTHERS
WICHITA JAIL BREAK
VALLEY FEDERAL BANK ROBBERY
BIG SPRINGS CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBERY
DEATH TOLL
13
TEXAS RANGERS
4
POLICE OFFICERS
7
CIVILIANS
2"
KELLY HOUGE
That changes the death toll to fifteen.
(It changes under "Death Toll")
Five Texas Rangers...
(it changes)
Eight police officers
(it changes)
Three civilians.
(it changes)
CUT TO:
BACK TO KELLY
KELLY HOUGE
And one hostage...
CUT TO:
PHOTO: GLORIA HILL
KELLY HOUGE
... bank teller and mother of four, Gloria Hill.
KELLY TO CAMERA
KELLY HOUGE
Heading the case to bring these fugitives to justice is F.B.I. agent Stanley Chase. We talked with agent Chase earlier this afternoon.
CUT TO:
VIDEO INTERVIEW
Kelly Houge interviewing STANLEY CHASE of the F.B.I.
STANLEY CHASE
For the time being we are very confident we will apprehend the fugitives in the next forty-eight hours. The Bureau, local law enforcement and the Texas Rangers have all joined forces in forming a dragnet to snare Seth and Richard Gecko.
KELLY HOUGE
Agent Chase, does it appear that they are heading for Mexico.
STANLEY CHASE
Yes, it does, Kelly. We have already alerted the Mexican authorities. They intend to cooperate every way possible in bringing these fugitives to justice.
KELLY HOUGE
Are you optimistic about the safety of the hostage they took in Abilene, Gloria Hill?
STANLEY CHASE
We've received no news one way or the other. We can only hope for the best.
KELLY HOUGE
What about the report from an eyewitness at the liquor store who said one of the brothers was shot?
STANLEY CHASE
This can't be confirmed at this time, but we do believe it to be true. We have reason to believe it was the youngest brother Richard, and he was shot in the vicinity of his neck and shoulders by the store's clerk.
KELLY HOUGE
Is it safe to assume that because the death count involved and the loss of life of law enforcement officers, that the Bureau, the Rangers and the Police force are taking this manhunt personally?
STANLEY CHASE
I would say that's a very safe assumption.
CUT TO:
RICHARD
Richard smiles.
RICHARD
(Newscaster's voice)
Is it safe to assume since the law enforcement authorities in the great state of Texas are homosexuals of a sick and deviate nature, that they will be too busy fucking each other up the ass to actually catch the Gecko brothers?
(in an FBI voice)
I would say that's a very safe assumption.
He changes a channel on the television. We see a Casper the Friendly Ghost cartoon on the screen.
CASPER
Would you play with me?
A big burly COP turns around.
COP
Sure, little boy... A GHOST!!!
The cop heads for the hills. Casper cries.
Seth enters the room carrying a six pack of beer and two take-out bags of Big Kahuna burgers.
RICHARD
Shit, I started to get worried. Where the fuck ya been?
SETH
Sight seein'.
RICHARD
What'd ya see?
SETH
Cops.
RICHARD
Didya look at the border?
Seth dumps the burgers on the bed. Both men pop open beers and Richard goes to town on a hamburger. Seth flips off the T.V.
SETH
Yeah, I saw the border. Through binoculars from on top of a high building. That's about as close as I risked getting. What's the T.V. say?
RICHARD
They're going to apprehend us in eight hours.
Seth sits down and takes a hit off his beer.
SETH
(to himself)
I gotta figure a way to get across that goddamn border. Longer we fuck around El Paso our lives ain't worth a shit.
RICHARD
Look, fuck the border. Let's just dig in and wait for things to cool down.
SETH
Richie, it's gonna get a lot fuckin' worse before it gets any fuckin' better. We showed our ass in Texas. We killed Texas fuckin' Rangers. They ain't gonna stop lookin' till they find us, and when they find us, they're gonna kill us. Texans take it very personal when ya kill their law enforcement officers. The El Paso police have already started a motel and hotel search for us.
RICHARD
How do you know?
SETH
I heard it on the radio. We gotta get our asses into Mexico tonight. Carlos is gonna meet us tomorrow morning at a rendezvous on the other side, then Carlos and his boys will escort us to El Ray and –
Seth stops talking and looks around.
SETH
Where's the woman?
RICHARD
What?
Seth's out of his chair.
SETH
What'd ya mean, what? The fuckin' woman, the hostage. Where the fuck is she, Richard!?
RICHARD
She's in the other room.
SETH
What the fuck is she doin' there?!
He goes to the door of the adjoining room.
RICHARD
Seth, before you open the door, let me explain what happened.
Seth stops and looks at his brother. He knows what he means. He can't say anything, only point at his younger sibling. Then he BURSTS open the door.
The dead, naked body of Gloria Hill lies on the bed. It's obvious Richard raped and killed her.
Seth covers his eyes with his hands. He slowly enters the room with the dead body.
SETH
(to himself)
Oh, Richard, what's wrong with you? Richard rises from the bed.
RICHARD
Now, Seth, before you flip out, let me just explain what happened.
Seth slowly turns to his brother, then walks toward him.
Richard backs up.
SETH
Yeah, explain it to me. I need an explanation. What's the matter with you?
RICHARD
(low and calm)
There's nothing wrong with me, brother. That woman tried to escape and I did what I had to do.
SETH
No.
(pause)
That woman wouldn't of said shit if she had a mouthful.
RICHARD
Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong! Once you left, she became a whole different person.
SETH
(slowly approaching)
Is it me? Is it my fault?
RICHARD
It's not your fault, it's her fault!
Seth grabs Richard and THROWS him in the corner of the room, holding tightly to his wrist.
SETH
Is this my fault? Do you think this is what I am?
RICHARD
What?
SETH
This is not me! I am a professional fucking thief. I steal money. You try to stop me, god help you. But I don't kill people I don't have to, and I don't rape women. What you doin' ain't how it's done. Do you understand?
RICHARD
Seth, if you were me –
SETH
Just say yes! Nothing else, just say yes.
RICHARD
Yes.
SETH
Yes, Seth, I understand.
RICHARD
Yes, Seth, I understand.
Seth hugs his little brother. Tight.
SETH
(whispers in Richie's ear)
We get into Mexico, it's gonna be sweet Rosemary, 100 proof liquor, and rice and beans. None of this shit's gonna matter.
INT. MOTOR HOME – NIGHT
Scott and Kate are in the front seat of their parked motor home. The motor home's parked in front of the Dew Drop Inn's front office. We see Jacob inside getting a room from the Old Timer.
KATE
I can't believe he's stopping here. This place looks totally cruddy.
Jacob walks out of the office. Kate yells from the motor home.
KATE
Dad, why are we stopping here?
He opens the motor home door and climbs in.
JACOB
There's nothing wrong with this place.
KATE
It's a flop house.
JACOB
It's not a flop house. It's basic and simple. That doesn't make it a flop house.
KATE
If it doesn't have a pool, we're looking for a new place.
Starting the huge car and slowly maneuvering it through the courtyard.
JACOB
It has a bed. That's all I care about.
KATE
Other places have beds, they also have cable TV, a gym, room service...
EXT. COURTYARD – NIGHT
Seth walks out of room #9 with a beer in his hand. He's thinking about how he's going to get over the border tonight. Lost in thought, he steps out in the path of the Fuller's motor home.
Jacob slams on the brakes. Seth jumps back, startled. Both Kate and Scott are TOSSED out of their seats onto the floor. THUD... THUD...
KATE
Owww, my head.
Jacob (pissed) honks his horn at Seth and yells out the window.
JACOB
Watch where you're going!
THROUGH WINDSHIELD
Seth just stands right in their way without moving, gazing up at the giant motor home.
JACOB BEHIND THE WHEEL
Kate and Scott join him up front looking at this weirdo.
SCOTT
What's this guy's problem?
JACOB
I have no idea.
Seth continues standing in their way, making no attempt to move. Not threatening, just looking at them.
HONK!
JACOB
Anytime, man.
The horn snaps Seth back to this world. A smile breaks out on the escaped fugitive's face and he politely steps to one side to let them pass.
Pass they do!
KATE
Creepy guy.
The Sword of Damocles is lifted from above Seth's head. He's just solved a problem that a mere thirty seconds ago seemed unsolvable. He knows exactly how he's going to cross the border. Whistling a happy tune, he turns and walks back into room #9.
INT. FULLERS' MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
The Fullers are in room 12. It's identical to the one that the Gecko boys are in, except that the paintings above the beds are different. Jacob has fallen asleep in his clothes on the bed.
Scott sits in a chair, headphones on, playing an unplugged electric guitar. Kate is nowhere in sight.
KNOCK... KNOCK... KNOCK... on the door. Scott doesn't hear shit but his music. Jacob stirs a bit, but doesn't wake up. POUND... POUND... POUND... on the door. Jacob SPRINGS UP. He looks over at Scott, who, lost in guitar heaven, is oblivious of the knocker, then to the door.
JACOB
(yelling)
What?
From the other side of the door comes a friendly voice.
VOICE (O.S.)
I'm your neighbor in room 9, I hate to disturb you, but I'd like to ask a favor.
Jacob swings his feet to the floor, stands up and walks to the door. As he passes Scott, he says, in his direction –
JACOB
I hope none of this is disturbing you.
Scott can't hear him, but when he sees his dad look at him, he smiles.
Jacob opens the door and sees...
... Richard Gecko standing in the doorway, looking like the nicest guy in the entire world.
RICHARD
Hi there, I'm from room 9, my name is Don Cornelius. No, not the Don Cornelius from Soul Train. Me and my lady friend need some ice and we don't seem to have an ice bucket. Could we possibly borrow yours? I'll bring it right back.
JACOB
(still partially asleep)
Sure.
We follow Jacob as he turns to the dresser to get the motel ice bucket. He grabs it, turns back to the door, takes a couple of steps towards it, then stops in his tracks.
He sees Richard and Seth both inside the room with the door closed, both with .45's in their hands, both aimed at him.
JACOB
What is this?
Seth SLUGS Jacob in the mouth, KNOCKING him to the ground.
SETH
It's called a punch.
Scott suddenly becomes aware of what's going on around him and instinctively stands. Richard shoves his .45 in Scott's mouth.
RICHARD
Sit down.
Scott lowers himself back down onto his seat.
RICHARD
Good boy.
Jacob lifts his head off the floor and wipes blood away from his lip. He looks at his opponent who stands over him.
SETH
(to Jacob)
What's your name?
JACOB
Jacob.
SETH
Okay, Jacob, get up and sit your ass down on the bed. Make a wrong move and I'll shoot you in the face.
Jacob rises and sits on the edge of the bed.
SETH
(to Richard)
Okay, move the Jap over there.
Keeping the gun in Scott's mouth, Richard makes Scott
RICHARD
Upsy daisy.
... guiding him over to the bed by his father.
Richard removes the gun from Scott's mouth and stands next to his brother, looking down at their two hostages.
SETH
(to his hostages)
What's the story with you two? You a couple of fags?
JACOB
He's my son.
SETH
How does that happen? You don't look Japanese.
JACOB
Neither does he. He looks Vietnamese.
SETH
Oh, well, excuse me all to hell.
JACOB
What's this about, money?
SETH
It's about money, all right, but not yours. You see, me and my brother here are in a little hot water and we need your assistance.
The door to room #12 opens and a dripping wet, bikini clad Kate walks in.
The brothers spin their guns in her direction.
Kate, startled, screams. Jacob and Scott get on their feet and move forward. Seth spins back towards the two men, gun ready to spit.
SETH
(to Scott and Jacob)
Stop!
Jacob and Scott freeze.
Richard moves like quicksilver, shutting the door and positioning himself behind the terrified Kate.
KATE
What's going on?
RICHARD
We're having a wet bikini contest, and you just won.
JACOB
(to Kate)
It's okay, honey. Everything's going to be all right.
SETH
Just listen to daddy, sugar, and don't do nothin' stupid.
(he turns to Jacob and Scott who are still standing)
You two, Simon says sit the fuck down!
They slowly sit.
Richard can't take his eyes off the dripping wet Kate.
Both Jacob and Seth see this and neither men like it. Both for their own reasons.
SETH
(to Jacob)
Where are the keys to the motor home?
JACOB
On the dresser.
SETH
Richie, take the keys. Start that big bastard up, and drive it up front,
Richard doesn't move from his position behind Kate. Kate feels his eyes on her. She slowly turns and looks at him.
He looks in her face.
CLOSEUP – KATE
She smiles at him.
KATE
Richie, will you do me a favor and eat my pussy?
CLOSEUP – RICHARD
RICHARD
Sure.
SETH (O.S.)
Richard!
Richard's eyes go to Seth.
Everybody is where they were. Kate never turned around.
SETH
Not when you get around to it, now.
Without saying a word, he takes the keys and leaves the room.
SETH
(pointing at Kate)
You, Gidget, go in the bathroom and put on some clothes.
She grabs some clothes from the floor and moves towards the bathroom.
Seth GRABS her wrist.
SETH
You got three minutes. One second longer, I shoot your father in the face. Do you understand what I just said?
KATE
Yes.
SETH
Do you believe me?
KATE
Yes.
SETH
You damn well better. Go.
She goes into the bathroom.
JACOB
Look, if you want the motor home, just take it and get out.
Seth grabs a chair and slides it up to his two male hostages.
SETH
Sorry, Pops, it ain't gonna be that easy.
We hear the motor home HONK twice outside.
SETH
Get ready to move out, we're all going on a little ride.
Jacob shakes his head no.
JACOB
Not a chance.
SETH
Come again?
JACOB
If you're taking people, take me. But my kids aren't going anywhere with you.
SETH
Sorry, I need everybody.
JACOB
My children are not going with you, and that's that.
SETH
(angry)
That's not fuckin' that...
(holds up his gun)
this is fuckin' this.
(he calms down and looks at Scott)
Go sit over there.
Scott gets up and walks to the other side of the room, leaving the two men alone. Seth speaks in a quiet, conversational tone.
SETH
I ain't got time to fuck around with you, so I'll make this simple. Take your kids and get in the car, or I'll execute all three of you right now.
(he cocks the gun and puts it right in Jacob's face)
What's it gonna be, yes or no answer?
Jacob looks at him.
JACOB
Yes.
SETH
Good.
(to Scott)
Your old man's all right, he just saved your life.
Seth BANGS on the bathroom door.
SETH
Times up, Princess.
The bathroom door opens. Kate stands there, wearing a Bullwinkle T-shirt, jeans and bare feet.
SETH
Okay, ramblers, let's get to rambling.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY – NIGHT
The motor home with the powder keg interior drives through the Lone Star night.
INT. MOTOR HOME – NIGHT
Richard's in the back bed area with a gun trained on Kate and Scott. The two scared siblings hold hands.
KATE
Excuse me.
Richard zeros in on her.
RICHARD
What?
KATE
where are you taking us?
RICHARD
Mexico.
KATE
What's in Mexico?
RICHARD
Mexicans.
He doesn't smile.
In the front part of the motor home, Jacob sits behind the wheel, driving into the night. Seth sits in the passenger seat, going through Jacob's wallet and talking to him calmly.
SETH
(reading his driver's license)
Jacob Fuller. Jacob, that's biblical, ain't it? What am I askin' for, of course it is.
(motioning behind him)
What are their names?
JACOB
Scott and Kate.
Seth repeats the names as he thumbs through the wallet.
SETH
Scott and Kate... Kate and Scott... Scott Fuller... Kate Fuller...
Seth comes to a snapshot of Jacob and his wife.
SETH
Who's this?
JACOB
My wife.
SETH
Where is the little lady?
JACOB
In heaven.
SETH
She's dead?
JACOB
Yes, she is.
SETH
How'd she die?
JACOB
Auto wreck.
SETH
Come on, gimme some more details. How'd it happen? Some fuckin' drunk killed her?
JACOB
No. It was a rainy night, the brakes on the car weren't great. She had to stop suddenly. She slid on the road, she crashed, she died.
SETH
Died instantly?
JACOB
Not quite. She was trapped in the wreck for about six hours before she passed on.
SETH
Whewww! Those acts of God really stick it in and break it off, don't they?
JACOB
Yes they do.
Seth looks back at the wallet. He sees Jacob's minister's license.
SETH
Is this real?
JACOB
Yes.
SETH
I've seen one of these before. A friend of mine had himself declared a minister of his own religion. A way to fuck the I.R.S. Is that what you're doing, or are you the real McCoy?
JACOB
Real McCoy.
SETH
You're a preacher?
JACOB
I was a minister.
SETH
Was? As in not anymore?
JACOB
Yes.
SETH
Why'd ya quit?
JACOB
I think I've gotten about as up close and personal with you as I'm gonna get. Now if you need me like I think you need me, you're not gonna kill me 'cause I won't answer your stupid, prying questions. So, with all due respect, mind your own business.
SETH
I seem to have touched a nerve. Don't be so sensitive, Pops, let's keep this friendly. But you're right, enough with the getting to know you shit. Now, there's two ways we can play this hand. One way is me and you go round an' round all fuckin' night. The other way, is we reach some sort of an understanding. Now, if we go down that first path at the end of the day, I'l1 win. But we go down the second, we'll both win. Now, I don't give a rat's ass about you or your fuckin' family. Y'all can live forever or die this second and I don't care which. The only things I do care about are me that son-of-a-bitch in the back, and our money. And right now I need to get those three things into Mexico. Now, stop me if I'm wrong, but I take it you don't give a shit about seeing me and my brother receiving justice, or the bank getting its money back. Right now all you care about is the safety of your daughter, your son and possibly yourself. Am I correct?
JACOB
Yes.
SETH
I thought so. You help us get across the border without incident, stay with us the rest of the night without trying anything funny, and in the morning we'll let you and your family go. That way everybody gets what they want. You and your kids get out of this alive and we get into Mexico. Everybody's happy.
JACOB
How do I know you'll keep your word?
SETH
Jesus Christ, Pops, don't start with this shit.
JACOB
You want me to sit here and be passive. The only way being passive in this situation makes sense is if I believe you'll let us go. I'm not there yet. You have to convince me you're telling the truth.
SETH
Look, dickhead, the only thing you need to be convinced about is that you're stuck in a situation with a coupla real mean motorscooters. I don't wanna hafta worry about you all fuckin' night. And I don't think you wanna be worrying about my brother's intentions toward your daughter all night. You notice the way he looked at her, didn't ya?
JACOB
Yes.
SETH
Didn't like it, did ya?
JACOB
No, I didn't.
SETH
Didn't think so. So, as I was saying, I'm willing to make a deal. You behave, get us into Mexico, and don't try to escape. I'll keep my brother off your daughter and let you all loose in the morning.
JACOB
You won't let him touch her?
SETH
I can handle Richie, don't worry. The two men look at each other for some measure of trust.
Seth sticks out his hand.
SETH
I give you my word.
Seth can't help but think about the last time he gave his word.
SETH
(hand sticks out)
My words, my law. Better you not take it, and that's just where we are, then take it and not mean it.
Jacob takes his hand, but looks right into Seth.
JACOB
If he touches her, I'll kill him. I don't give a fuck how many guns you have, nothing will stop me from killing him.
SETH
Fair enough. You break your word, I'll kill all of you.
(calling to the back)
Kate, honey!
KATE
Yeah.
SETH
You must have a bible in here, don'tcha?
KATE
Yeah, we got a bible.
SETH
Get it and bring it up here, will ya, please?
Kate goes into a drawer, pulls out a bible and brings it up front.
SETH
Hold it right there, sweetie pie.
(to Jacob)
Put your hand on it.
Jacob does.
SETH
Swear to God, on the Bible, you won't try to escape and you'll get us across the border.
JACOB
I swear to God I won't try to escape and I'll do my best to get you into Mexico.
SETH
You best better get it done, Pops.
Seth places his hand on the Bible.
SETH
I swear to God I'll let you loose in the morning. And your daughter will be safe. And I also swear if you do anything to fuck me up, I'll slit all your throats.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. MOTOR HOME – NIGHT
Richard's in the back with Kate and Scott. Richard, expressionless, looks at Kate's bare feet.
SLOW ZOOM KATE'S BARE FEET
EXTREME CLOSEUP – KATE'S TOES
They wiggle.
His eyes go to her hands.
SLOW ZOOM KATE'S HANDS
EXTREME CLOSEUP – KATE'S FINGERS
His eyes go to her neck.
SLOW ZOOM NAPE OF KATE'S NECK
EXTREME CLOSEUP – KATE'S ADAM'S APPLE
She swallows.
His eyes move up.
SIDE PROFILE OF KATE, SLOW ZOOM TO KATE'S LIPS
Back to Richard.
RICHARD
Didya mean what you said back there?
Kate turns to him.
KATE
What?
RICHARD
In the room. Were you serious, or were you just foolin' around? I'm just bringing it up, 'cause if you really want me to do that for you, I will.
KATE
Do what?
RICHARD
(in a whisper)
What you said to me in the room.
KATE
(whispers back)
What did I say?
RICHARD
(whisper)
You asked me if I would –
SETH (O.S.)
Richard!
RICHARD
(to Seth)
What?
Seth and Jacob.
SETH
I told you to watch those kids, I didn't say talk to 'em. You guys ain't got nothin' to say to one another. So cut the chatter.
Richard turns to Kate.
RICHARD
(quiet)
We'll talk later.
Kate still hasn't a clue what he means.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MEXICAN BORDER – NIGHT
Automobiles are lined up, waiting one by one to go into Mexico. Cop cars with their red and blue lights flashing are all over the place. Border Patrol men and Police are stopping all cars. Pulling up to the end of the line is the Fuller's mobile home.
INT. MOBILE HOME – NIGHT
Jacob at the wheel, Seth in the passenger seat. Seth jumps up and goes into action.
SETH
Okay everybody, it's show time. Richie, take Kate in the bathroom.
Richard grabs the terrified Kate and drags her in the bathroom,
SETH
Scott, you come up front with your daddy.
Scott does. Seth, keeping low, gets behind Jacob.
JACOB
I'm telling you, don't hurt her.
SETH
As long as you're cool, she'll be cool. What're ya gonna say?
JACOB
I don't have the slightest idea.
SETH
Well, you just keep thinkin' of that gun next to Kate's temple.
Seth disappears into the bathroom with Kate and Richard, closing the door behind him.
Father and son are alone for the first time since this whole thing began.
SCOTT
What are you gonna do?
JACOB
I'm gonna try and get us across the border.
SCOTT
No, dad, you gotta tell 'em that they're back there.
Jacob is surprised to hear Scott say this.
INT. BATHROOM – MOBILE HOME – NIGHT
The bathroom, which consists of a shower, a toilet and a small sink, is a tight fit with three people in it.
Richard has his back against the wall, with his arm around Kate, holding her in front of him. One hand is over her mouth, the other holds a .45 against her head.
Kate's eyes are wide with fear.
Seth stands, .45 in hand, ready to fire if the wrong person should open the door.
Everybody talks low and quiet.
RICHARD
This isn't gonna work.
SETH
Shut up. It's gonna work just fine,
RICHARD
I just want to go on record as saying this is a bad idea.
SETH
Duly noted. Now, shut up.
Everyone's quiet for a second, till Richard breaks it.
RICHARD
(to himself)
They're gonna search the van.
SETH
(offhand)
As long as you don't act like a fuckin' nut, we'll be just fine.
RICHARD
What does that mean?
SETH
(distracted)
What?
Richard lets Kate go, she quickly moves to the side.
RICHARD
You just called me a fuckin' nut.
SETH
No, I didn't.
RICHARD
Yes, you did. You said as long as I don't act like a fuckin' nut, implying that I've been acting like a fuckin' nut.
SETH
Take a pill, kid. I just meant stay cool.
RICHARD
You meant that, but you meant the other, too.
Kate can't believe what she's watching. Neither can Seth.
SETH
(serious as a heart attack)
This ain't the time, Richard.
RICHARD
(his voice rising)
Fuck those spic pigs! You called me a fuckin' nut, and where I come from, that stops the train on its tracks.
SETH
(real quiet and violent)
Keep your voice down.
RICHARD
(quiet back)
Or what?
BACK TO JACOB AND SCOTT
JACOB
Have you forgotten about your sister?
SCOTT
They're gonna kill us. They get us across the border, they're gonna take us out in the desert and shoot us.
JACOB
If they get over the border, they're gonna let us go.
SCOTT
Dad, I watch those reality shows. They never let anybody go. Any cop will tell you, in a situation like this, you get a chance, you go for it. This is our chance.
JACOB
What about Kate?
SCOTT
They're gonna kill her anyway. At least now with all these cops we've got a fighting chance.
JACOB
Son, I have this situation under control. I know exactly what I'm doing. You're going to have to trust me on this.
SCOTT
If trusting you means trusting those fuckin' killers, I can't do that. If you don't tell the cops, I will.
Jacob grabs Scott by the front of his shirt, and yanks him to him.
JACOB
Now, you listen to me. You ain't gonna do a goddamn fucking thing, you hear me! Nobody cares what you think, I'm running this show, I make the decisions.
SCOTT
He's running the show.
JACOB
I'm running the show. I make the plays, and you back the plays I make. Stop thinking with your fucking balls. Kate in a room with a couple of desperate men with nothing to fucking lose ain't the time to "go for it". I need your cover. Cover my ass.
There's a HONK behind them.
They both look out the window. It's their turn with the BORDER PATROL GUARDS. JACOB takes the wheel and drives up.
A stern BORDER GUARD approaches JACOB'S window.
BORDER GUARD
How many with you?
JACOB
Just my son and I.
BORDER GUARD
What is your purpose in Mexico?
JACOB
Vacation. I'm taking him to see his first bullfight.
BACK TO BATHROOM
RICHARD
I'm curious. What was the nuttiest thing I did?
SETH
This ain't the time.
RICHARD
Oh, I know, was it possibly when your ass was rotting in jail and I broke it out? Yeah, you're right, that was pretty fuckin' nutty. Not to mention stupid. But you know what? I can fix that right now.
Seth HAULS off and PUNCHES Richard smack in the head. Richard HITS the floor, Guard, Jacob, and Scott hear Richard fall in the bathroom.
BORDER GUARD
What was that?
JACOB
Oh, that's just my daughter in the bathroom.
BORDER GUARD
You said it was just you and your son.
JACOB
I meant me, my son and my daughter.
CLOSEUP – BORDER GUARD
BORDER GUARD
Open the door. I'm coming aboard.
BACK TO BATHROOM
CLOSEUP – KATE
We can only see Kate's face. It's scared. We hear rustling around the bathroom, but we don't know what it is.
Then it's quiet. Then we hear talking outside the door, but we can't make it out. Then we hear a knock.
KATE
I'm in the bathroom.
BORDER GUARD (O.S.)
It's the Border Patrol. Open up.
KATE
It's open.
We hear the door open and see the light change on Kate's face. She's looking up.
BORDER GUARD
In the doorway looking in.
HE SEES:
Kate by herself, pants around her ankles, sitting on the toilet.
KATE
Do you mind? Shut the fucking door.
BORDER GUARD
Excuse me.
He closes the door. Kate lets out a breath. We wait a beat, Seth pulls back the curtain in the shower, we see Richie on the floor of the shower knocked out.
Seth and Kate meet eyes.
He gives her the OK signal.
CUT TO:
BACK WINDOW MOTOR HOME
We see through the back window of the motor home, the border getting smaller as we drive away from it.
Scott knocks on the bathroom door.
SCOTT
It's clear.
Seth BURSTS out of the bathroom.
SETH
Goddamn, that was intense!
Seth goes to the back window. He sees the border getting farther and farther away. No cars following.
SETH
(to himself)
We did it.
(pause)
We're in Mexico.
Seth throws his head back and SCREAMS for joy.
Kate, emerging from the bathroom, reacts to Seth's scream, along with Scott.
Seth is so happy that he does a little jig in the back of the van.
Everybody else is still tense as shit. But Seth lets go of all his tension, and becomes a new man before our eyes. He turns to Kate.
SETH
(loud and happy)
Come here, Kate!
Kate, nervous, takes a step back.
He charges for her. GRABS her, hugs her around her waist, and spins her around. When he lets her go, she stumbles dizzily onto the bed.
SETH
(to Kate)
You were magnificent! You told him to shut the fucking door.
SETH
I'm hiding in the shower, and I'm thinking to myself, "Did I just fuckin' hear what I just fuckin' heard?" And what does he do – he shuts the fucking door!
Kate kind of half smiles.
SETH
If I was a bit younger, baby, I'd fuckin' marry you!
Seth goes up front and slaps Jacob on the back.
SETH
I gotta hand it to ya, Pops, you raised a fuckin' woman.
Jacob doesn't share Seth's enthusiasm, but he is relieved.
JACOB
We did our part, we gotcha in Mexico. Now it's time for your part, letting us go.
SETH
Pops, when you're right, you're right, and you are right.
KATE
(suddenly brightens)
You're gonna let us go?
SETH
In the morning, darlin', in the morning, we are G-O-N-E and you are F-R-E-E. Now, I know I put you guys through hell, and I know I've been one rough pecker, but from here on end you guys are in my cool book. Scotty, help me pick Richie up, and lay him down. Jacob, keep going on this road till you get to a sign that says, "Digayo." When you get to Digayo, turn this big bastard left, go on down for a few miles, then you see a bar called, "The Titty Twister." From what I hear, you can't miss it.
JACOB
Then?
SETH
Then stop, 'cause that's where we're going.
He slaps him once again on the back, and leaves to attend to Richard.
CUT TO:
CLOSEUP – RICHARD
Without glasses. Unconscious, Seth slaps his face.
SETH (O.S.)
C'mon, kid, wake up. Don't make a career out of it.
Richard starts coming to and opens his eyes. Seth sits at the foot of the bed.
SETH
You okay?
RICHARD
(disoriented)
Yeah, I think so. What happened?
SETH
I don't know, you just passed out.
RICHARD
I did?
SETH
Yeah, we were just standing there. You said something about your shoulder hurting, then you just hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.
RICHARD
Really?
SETH
Yeah, when you fell your head smacked the toilet hard. It scared the shit outta me. Sure you're okay?
RICHARD
Yeah, I guess. I'm just a little fucked up.
SETH
Well, let me tell ya something, gonna clear your head right up. We are officially Mexicans.
RICHARD
What?
SETH
We are...
(singing)
"South of the border down Mexico way."
RICHARD
We are?
SETH
Yep. We're heading for the rendezvous right now. We get there, we pound booze till Carlos shows up, he escorts us to El Ray. And then me and you, brother, kick fuckin' back. How ya like them apples?
Slowly shaking the cobwebs out of his head.
RICHARD
Far out.
(pause)
Where are my glasses?
SETH
They broke when you fell.
RICHARD
Oh, fuck, Seth, that's my only pair!
SETH
Don't worry about it, we'll get you some glasses.
RICHARD
Whatdya mean, don't worry about it. Of course I'm gonna worry about it, I can't fuckin' see.
SETH
When we get to El Ray, I'll take care of it.
RICHARD
Yeah, like a Mexican hole-in-the-wall's gonna have my fuckin' prescription.
SETH
It's not a big deal, unless you make it a big deal. Now, I'm real happy, Richie, stop bringing me down with bullshit.
Jacob calls to the back.
JACOB
Guys! We're here.
CUT TO:
A NEON SIGN THAT FLASHES:
"THE TITTY TWISTER Biker/Trucker bar, Dusk till Dawn"
Underneath the joint's proud name on the sign, and on top of "Biker/Trucker bar, Dusk till Dawn" is a well-endowed woman, whose breast is being twisted by a neon hand.
EXT. THE TITTY TWISTER NIGHT
The neon sign sits on top of the rudest, sleaziest, most crab-infested, strip joint, honky-tonk whorehouse in all of Mexico.
The Titty Twister is located out in the middle of nowheresville. It sits by itself with nothing around it for miles. A plethora of choppers and eighteen wheelers are parked out in front. The walls almost pulsate from the LOUD, RAUNCHY MUSIC within the structure. Signs cover the walls outside reading things like:
"NUDE DANCING," "WHORES," "BEER," "AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD," "BIKERS AND TRUCKERS ONLY," "OPEN DUSK TILL DAWN," "THURSDAY COCKFIGHT NIGHT," "WEDNESDAY DOGFIGHT NIGHT," "DONKEY SHOW MONDAYS," "EVERY FRIDAY BARE KNUCKLE FIGHT TO THE DEATH, FEATURING THE LOVELY SANTANICO PANDEMONIUM," "ATHENA AND DANNY THE WONDER PONY," and "THE SLEAZY TITTY TWISTER DANCERS."
In the parking lot, a BIKER and a TRUCK DRIVER beat the shit out of each other, one with a pipe, the other with a hammer. A SECOND BIKER fucks a Titty Twister WHORE against the wall. A greasy man, known as CHET PUSSY, stands in the parking lot, soliciting customers through a Mr. Microphone.
CHET
Pussy, pussy, pussy! All pussy must go. At the Titty Twister we're slashing pussy in half! This is a pussy blow out! Make us an offer on our vast selection of pussy! We got white pussy, black pussy, Spanish pussy, yellow pussy, hot pussy, cold pussy, wet pussy, tight pussy, big pussy, bloody pussy, fat pussy, hairy pussy, smelly pussy, velvet pussy, silk pussy, Naugahyde pussy, snappin' pussy, horse pussy, dog pussy, mule pussy, fake pussy! If we don't have it, you don't want it!
The Fullers' recreational vehicle pulls into the parking lot and stops.
INT. MOTOR HOME – NIGHT
What's left of the Fuller family and the Gecko family look out the windshield onto the sight that is the Titty Twister.
SETH
(to the group)
Okay, troops, this is the home stretch. Here's the deal; this place closes at dawn. Carlos is gonna meet us here sometime before dawn. Which by my guesstimate is somewhere between three or four hours from now. So we're gonna go in there, take a seat, have a drink – have a bunch of drinks, and wait for Carlos. That could be an hour, that could be three hours, I don't know which. But when he gets here, me and Richie are going to leave with him. After we split, you guys are officially out of this stew pot. Let me just say I'm real happy about where we're at. We got a real nice, "I don't fuck with you – you don't fuck with me" attitude going on. Now, if everybody just keeps playin' it cool – and I'm talking to you, too, Richie – everybody's gonna get what they want. Comprende, amigos?
Everybody nods and mutters in agreement.
SETH
Okay hard drinkers, let's drink hard. I'm buyin'.
EXT. PARKING LOT – NIGHT
The camper door FLIES OPEN and the two brothers and the Fuller family step out into the night.
They look across the parking lot at the Titty Twister. It literally looks in some ways like the entrance to hell.
JACOB
Out of the stew pot and into the fire.
SETH
Shit, I been to bars make this place look like a fuckin' 4-H club.
RICHARD
I gotta say I'm with Jacob on this. I been to some fucked up places in my time, but that place is fucked up.
Seth can't believe it.
SETH
(in a baby talk voice)
Aww-w, whatsa matter, is the little baby too afraid to go into the big scary bar?
The two brothers square off, not like strangers fighting, but like brothers fight. They talk real quiet, but real personal.
RICHARD
That's what you think?
SETH
That's how you're lookin', Richie.
RICHARD
I'm lookin' scared?
SETH
That's what you look like.
RICHARD
You know what you look like?
SETH
No, Richie, what do I look like?
RICHARD
You're lookin' green.
That's not what Seth expected to hear.
SETH
How?
RICHARD
Where are you right now?
SETH
What do you mean?
RICHARD
Where are you?
SETH
I'm here with you.
RICHARD
No, you're not. You're sippin' margaritas in El Ray. But we're not in El Ray. We're here – getting ready to go in there. You're so pleased with yourself about getting into Mexico, you think the job's down. It ain't. Get back on the clock. That's a fuck-with-you-bar. We hang around there for a coupla hours, in all likelihood, we'll get fucked with. So get your shit together, brother.
SETH
My shit is together.
RICHARD
It don't look together.
SETH
Well, it is. Just because I'm happy doesn't mean I'm on vacation. You're just not used to seein' me happy, 'cause it's been about fifteen fuckin' years since I been happy. But my shit is forever together.
Richard believes Seth's response.
RICHARD
Okay, just checkin'.
They walk toward the bar's entrance. Chet Pussy talks into the microphone.
CHET
(yelling into the microphone)
Take advantage of our penny pussy sale. Buy any piece of pussy at our regular price, you get another piece of pussy, of equal or lesser value, for a penny. Now try hand. Beat pussy for a penny! If you can find cheaper pussy anywhere, fuck it!
Chet notices our heroes, especially young Kate.
CHET
(in microphone, towards Kate)
What's this? A new flavor approaching. Apple Pie Pussy.
SETH
Step aside, asshole.
Chet POKES HIS FINGER in Seth's CHEST.
CHET
Not so fast, Slick.
Seth GRABS HOLD of Chet's FINGER, BENDS it BACKWARDS till the BONE SNAPS in two.
Chet lets out a SCREAM.
Seth VIOLENTLY brings his HEAD FORWARD PULVERIZING Chet's NOSE.
Chet FALLS to his KNEES in front of Seth.
Seth HOOKS him with a powerful FIST UNDER his CHIN that SNAPS Chet's HEAD BACK, and THROWS him on his BACK.
After HITTING the GROUND, Seth SENDS a SAVAGE KICK straight to Chet's FACE, ROLLING HIM OVER.
Chet is OUT.
The whole altercation took two seconds.
Everyone's in shock and looks at Seth. Seth looks back at everyone.
SETH
Now, is my shit together, or is my shit together?
Richard and Seth laugh with each other.
RICHARD
(slappin' Seth five)
Your shit is forever together!
They head for the door. Richard stays behind for a second, and gives the fallen Chet a few, swift kicks.
INT. THE TITTY TWISTER NIGHT
If the Titty Twister looked like the asshole of the world from the outside, in the immortal words of Al Jolson, "You ain't seen nothin' yet". This is the kind of place where they sweep up the teeth and hose down the cum, the blood and the beer at closing.
In the back, TOPLESS DANCERS do lap dances with customers, while a SLEAZY SEXY STRIPPER STRIPS to RAUNCHY MUSIC, played at eardrum-bursting level. TWO MEN are in a savage BARE KNUCKLE FIGHT, surrounded by screaming customers of bikers and truckers.
One of the dancers is a man with a saddle on his back, his name is DANNY THE WONDER PONY. The woman on his back, in the saddle, feet in the stirrups, hands on the reins, is ATHENA, his rider. They dance around to the cheers of the crowd.
Bikers and truckers play pool in the back. Fights break out here about one every ten minutes. The customers may start 'em, but the bouncer, BIG EMILIO, ends 'em.
Seth, Richard, Jacob, Scott and Kate walk through the door. They each individually take in the sights and the smells. Seth is the first to say something.
SETH
Now this is my kinda place! I could become a regular.
The man behind the bar is RAZOR CHARLIE. He eyes the group as they approach.
Their difference from the usual road waif nomads who populate the Twister disturbs him. He exchanges a knowing look across the room with Big Emilio, as the group bellies up to the bar.
SETH
Whiskey!
RAZOR CHARLIE
(in English)
You can't come in here.
SETH
Whatdya mean?
RAZOR CHARLIE
This is a private club. You're not welcome.
SETH
Are you tellin' me I'm not good enough to drink here?
RAZOR CHARLIE
This bar is for bikers and truckers only.
(points his finger to Seth)
You, get out!
Big Emilio almost magically appears behind Seth and places HIS BIG BEEFY SAUSAGE-FINGERED HAND HARD on Seth's shoulder.
BIG EMILIO
(to Seth in Spanish)
Walk, Pendaho.
Seth slowly turns his eyes to the big hand on his shoulder.
SETH
(low)
Take your hand off me.
BIG EMILIO
(Spanish)
I'm going to count to three.
SETH
No, I'm going to count to three.
BIG EMILIO
Uno...
SETH
Two...
Jacob jumps in the middle.
JACOB
Now wait a minute, there's no reason to get ugly. There's just a misunderstanding going on here. You said this bar is for truckers and bikers, Well, I'm a truck driver.
Everybody looks at Jacob.
As Jacob talks he takes out his wallet.
JACOB
If you look outside your door, parked in your parking lot, you'll see a big ass recreational vehicle. That's mine. In order to drive that legally, you need a class two driver's license. That is the same license that the DMV requires truck drivers to carry in order to drive a truck.
(he takes the license out of his wallet and lays it on the bar)
That is me, and this is my class two license. This is a truck driver's bar, I am a truck driver, and these are my friends.
Everybody's a little stunned after Jacob's speech.
Razor Charlie picks up the license, looks at Jacob, looks at everyone in the party and smiles.
RAZOR CHARLIE
(to Jacob)
Welcome to the Titty Twister. What can I get you?
Seth BRUSHES OFF Big Emilio's paw.
SETH
Bottle of whiskey and five glasses.
Razor Charlie's eyes go to Seth. Even though he has a big smile on his face, he looks like he's going to kill Seth. But instead he just says,
RAZOR CHARLIE
Coming right up.
Razor Charlie goes for the bottle. Big Emilio gives the party one last look and walks away. Richard gives Jacob a buddy punch on the shoulder.
RICHARD
Good job, Pops.
Seth's still frying an egg on his head.
SETH
That's just fuckin' typical. Biggest number one problem with Mexico, it's not service oriented. I was feelin' so good, and those fuckin' spies brought me down.
Richard puts his arm around Seth.
RICHARD
Fuck 'em, shake it off,
Razor Charlie brings the bottle and the glasses. Seth looks at the guy, still pissed.
SETH
You serve food, José?
Razor Charlie knows Seth's taunting him with a racial slur, but he just smiles and says,
RAZOR CHARLIE
Best in Mexico.
SETH
I kinda doubt that. We're grabbin' a table, send over a waitress to take our order.
Seth walks away, and the group follows him.
We just hang on the evil wheels turning inside of Razor Charlie's head.
The five of them move across the floor to a table. As they walk, Kate attracts stares, wolf whistles and rude comments from some of the patrons. Jacob keeps near his daughter.
The dancers do their sexy routines. A big-chested, wild-haired blonde catches Scott's eye. She winks at him.
Richard leans over and whispers in Scott's ear.
RICHARD
Anytime you want a lap dance with that broad, say the word. It's on me, kiddo.
He gives the boy's neck a squeeze. Jacob's eyes survey the surroundings. Big Emilio and Razor Charlie quietly exchange words about the party in Spanish.
RAZOR CHARLIE
(in Spanish)
They're not the normal road trash we normally feed on. But it'll be okay. No one knows they're here.
The five of them find a table and sit down.
Seth, still in a bad mood, takes the cork out of the whiskey bottle and tosses it. He pours Richie and himself a glass.
SETH
Who else?
JACOB
Pass.
SETH
(picking a fight)
Why not, against your religion?
JACOB
(won't be baited)
No, I do drink, I'm just not drinking now.
SETH
Suit yourself, more for me.
(to Scott)
Scotty?
Scott shakes his head no.
SETH
(to Kate)
How 'bout you?
SETH
(pointing at Scott and Kate)
You are safer in here with us than wandering around a Mexican border town all night long. Just don't do nothin' stupid and we'll all get along fine.
(to Scott)
Scotty, you sure you don't want a drink?
SCOTT
Okay, I'll have one.
JACOB
No you won't.
Seth pours Scott a shot.
SETH
Sorry, Pops, but I'm drinkin' and I don't like drinkin' alone. Bottoms up, boy.
Scott takes the drink and he, too, experiences a non-drinker's tremor.
Seth turns to Kate.
SETH
How about you, cutie pie? Ready for round two?
KATE
Okay.
Seth just passes her the bottle. She pours her own shot and knocks it back.
RICHARD
(to Seth)
Hey, Dr. Frankenstein, I think you just created a monster.
Jacob turns to Seth and asks quietly.
JACOB
Why are you so agitated?
SETH
I'm still stewing about that ape laying hands on me.
SETH
And that fuckin' bartender sticks a weed up my ass, too.
JACOB
He backed down.
SETH
He's smilin' at us. But behind his smile, he's sayin', "Fuck you Jack". I hear that loud and clear.
JACOB
What are you going to do?
SETH
(picking up the whiskey bottle)
I'm gonna just sit here and drain this bottle. And when I've drunk the last drop, if I still feel then, the way I feel now, I'm gonna take this bottle and break it over his melon head.
JACOB
Before we stepped in here, you told all of us to be cool. That means you, too.
SETH
(tossing it off)
I never said do what I do, I said do what I say.
JACOB
Are you so much a fucking loser, you can't tell when you've won?
Richard, Kate and Scott both turn to Jacob. Nobody can believe what he just said. Neither can Seth who calmly lays down his drinking glass.
SETH
What did you call me?
JACOB
Nothing. I didn't make a statement. I asked a question. Would you like me to ask it again? Very well. Are you such a loser you can't tell when you've won?
(pause)
The entire state of Texas, along with the F.B.I., is looking for you. Did they find you? No. They couldn't. They had every entrance to the border covered. There's no way you could get across. Did you? Yes, you did. You've won, Seth, enjoy it.
Seth looks at Jacob, then picks up the bottle.
SETH
Jacob, I want you to have a drink with me. I insist.
Jacob slides his empty glass over to Seth. Seth pours booze in Jacob's glass and his own. Both men pick up the glasses.
SETH
To your family.
JACOB
To yours.
They both knock 'em back and slap the empty glasses down.
JACOB
Now, is your shit together?
SETH
Forever together.
Seth turns to Scott.
SETH
In that camper out there I saw a guitar. I take it that's yours.
SCOTT
Yeah, it's mine.
SETH
Go out and bring it in. I feel a song coming on.
CUT TO:
SETH
Sitting at the table, playing guitar, singing Mexican songs. Some bikers, truckers, and whores have gathered around their table. Everyone's groovin'. Seth finishes the song. Everybody applauds.
Razor Charlie behind the bar grabs the greasy microphone that he uses to announce dancers.
RAZOR CHARLIE
(announcer voice in Spanish)
And now for your viewing pleasure. The Mistress of the Macabre. The Epitome of Evil. The most sinister woman to dance on the face of the earth. Lowly dogs, get on your knees, bow your heads and worship at the feet of SANTANICO PANDEMONIUM!
The lights