Hollister

Hollister
By
Derek Dabkoski
© 2011 Derek Dabkoski Derek Dabkoski
2449 Harrison St.
SF, Ca. 94110
plainformpictures@gmail.com
415.710.5403

EXT. GROVE- NIGHT
A full moon.
A WOMAN’S SCREAM, then a GUNSHOT.
SILENCE. An idyllic grove resting outside a small town
illuminated in the distance. All is still.
An ENGINE FIRES. TIRES SCREECH.
BEN, an 18 year-old kid in a tattered pilot’s jacket, races
away from TWO DEAD BODIES on a battered MOTORCYCLE.
He speeds off into the cold night, the racing motorcycle a
bullet as it flies down the dark highway towards us.
We begin to make out BEN’S bloodied and cold features.
EXT. HIGHWAY- NIGHT
Reaching inside his jacket, he pulls out a tattered
polka-dot bra and flings it towards the side of the road.
EXT. GROVE- CONTINUOUS
The two BODIES rest underneath the piercing full moon.
A MOTORCYCLE GANG, THE DIRTY THIEVES, fervently approaches.
One BIKE in particular stops at the blood-spattered earth.
A weathered, leather-faced biker, JIM BEAM, takes a flask
out of his back pocket and pours its contents on the ground.
JIM BEAM
We’ll get ’im.
EXT. STREET- DAY
BEN, now much less disheveled, walks with his friend CARLOS.
He skims through a new 1950s paperback version of The
Catcher in the Rye while puffing his cigarette.
BEN
Holden’s got it right. Gonna take a
cue from him and blow this joint.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 2.
CARLOS
The only thing you’re gonna blow is
your chance to graduate. Shit man,
look.
Ben turns to see the notorious motorcycle shop, DON’S BIKES.
DON works on some motorcycles with his tough looking GANG.
Carlos smartly flicks his cigarette butt towards the shop as
the boys approach to spy on their work.
DON
Why don’t you go blow that smoke up
your ass?
The two boys laugh as they continue towards school.
DON
Or I could just blow exhaust there.
That’d do the trick.
Don hops on his bike, REVVING the engine. Ben hurries.
CARLOS
Forget it. He doesn’t have the
cajones.
The motorcycle ROARS right beside them, scaring Ben. Don
brakes hard and shoots dirt in their faces.
DON
Looks good on you! Matches your
shitty attitude!
The two walk on towards school, bummed about their
disheveled and filthy demeanor.
INT. SCHOOL- DAY
The two walk through the hallway as the THEATER TECH CREW
decorate the hallway for the upcoming performance of A
STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE.
Each shoots them a curious and scornful look.
Passing the auditorium, Ben is drawn to its open doors.
A flier for the play is taped prominently beside them. He
reads intently. From within, we hear a REHEARSAL.
A striking young blond, CELESTE, is on stage, reciting a
monologue by Blanche Dubois from A Streetcar Named Desire.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 3.
Ben is entranced. Everything around him seems to stop as he
watches her move across the stage.
Down the hall, Carlos stands in front of a classroom whose
door is left half ajar.
CARLOS
Come on, love bird. We gotta show
our faces to Wilson at least once
this year or we’re goners.
Ben groans comically.
BEN
I’d much prefer showing my face to
her before I’m a goner.
Carlos scurries to class as Ben stays to watch CELESTE. He
focuses intently, studying her every move.
INT. AUDITORIUM- CONTINUOUS
Celeste is thrown across stage by her costar ROLAND.
INT. HALLWAY- CONTINUOUS
Ben is enraptured as she and ROLAND begin to dance
lasciviously.
The sultry dance unfolds in slow motion. Ben gulps.
INT. HALLWAY- LATER
Class has ended, and the mass of students exits into the
hallway CHATTERING loudly. Ben’s trance is broken.
Celeste and ROLAND exit the auditorium. They are startled by
the sight of Ben.
BEN
Hey, uh, that was really great
there.
CELESTE just looks at him quizzically. ROLAND is annoyed.
Scoffing, ROLAND moves across the hall to flirt with one of
the other actresses, NINA.
BEN
Streetcar, you know... Really is a
great play. New Orleans, seems fun.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 4.
BEN (cont’d)
Always dreamt of riding there cross
country.
Another incredulous stare.
BEN
I really want to see it when you
guys put it on.
She doesn’t respond, instead studies the mud splattered
across his face and on his clothing.
CELESTE
What’s up with this?
She traces her finger along his soiled face.
BEN
Oh, sh...shoot. I was at, the shop
workin on my, uh, motorcycle. Got
it fixed up, took it for spin, and
immediately blew a tire. Spun out,
face first into the dirt.
She’s not buying it.
CELESTE
But what’s your name, Mr.
Motorcycle?
BEN
Oh. Yeah... You caught me. I’m Ben.
Nice to meet you...
CELESTE
-Celeste.
Ben’s face lights up.
BEN
Celeste- Um, speaking of Streetcar,
have you seen that new Brando
picture? --The Wild One.
Celeste is intrigued.
CELESTE
What the heck is that?
BEN
Its about a bike gang. It’s playing
over at the Night Owl.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 5.
It takes Celeste a moment to process what Ben is suggesting.
When she finally gets it, Celeste is excited.
CELESTE
Talk about dreams. That place is
magic. Every time I go there I just
want to jump into the screen. But
then I wouldn’t ’focus on my
future’.
She laughs at her own whimsy. Ben focuses on the delicate
features of her smile.
Ben lies through his teeth.
BEN
Yeah, I know what you mean. But I
figured it’d be a nice distraction
from this stinkin paper for Wilson.
Maybe we can take the leap into
pictures together.
CELESTE
Clean up first, then maybe, just
maybe you’ll convince me to take a
ride with you. I’m not so easily
impressed.
Ben is nervous.
BEN
I would, but uh, like I said, the
tire’s blown out.
CELESTE
Pshh. What good’s a motorcycle man
without his ride?
BEN
Well, I could take you in my dad’s
truck.
Celeste thinks for a second, feigning disappointment.
CELESTE
Uh huh- I dunno. Come by after
rehearsal tomorrow and then we’ll
talk about it.
Ben cannot hide his anxiety.
He stares as Celeste moves to ROLAND and their costar NINA.

6.
EXT. STREET- LATER
Ben kicks trash as he struts away from school.
Approaching Don’s, ENGINES GROANING and CLANGING are heard.
The crew is busy at work, faded black tattoos exposed from
underneath dirty white t-shirts.
One of the guys, BARRY, starts cackling.
DON
Well if it isn’t shitty ’tude
himself. Hoping to make your attire
match your disposition a little
more?
Ben is nervous. He hesitates.
BEN
I was actually hoping uh, to talk
to you about maybe trying to help
you guys around the shop. Teach me
a little about bikes.
Don has little time for this punk standing in front of him.
Barry jeers at Ben, hocking a loogie in his direction.
DON
Kid, I gotta be honest. You wanna
learn about bikes, go buy one and
fuck around with it. Let me get
back to this.
BEN
But, that’s the thing. I wanted to
help you so I-
DON
--Didn’t I make myself clear? Make
like a tree. I don’t think you want
to learn what happens to little
rats that scurry around the shop.
Don motions towards Ben with the heavy wrench he’d been
using.
Ben walks away, kicking a shop rag around as he goes.

7.
INT. HALLWAY- LATER
Carlos is flirting with a few of the girls from class. Mr.
Wilson exits and taps Carlos on the back.
Carlos continues to flirt as Celeste and Roland(1) exit into
the hall, chatting emphatically about rehearsals. Roland
takes the opportunity to hug Celeste and plant a quick kiss
on her.
Carlos watches.
EXT. TRAILER PARK- EVENING
Ben dejectedly continues towards his family’s trailer.
On the makeshift porch out front is a collection of beer and
liquor bottles.
Ben is careful not to disturb them.
Opening the screen door slowly, we hear DISHES CLANGING.
INT. TRAILER- CONTINUOUS
He enters the ’kitchen’ where his mother is doing dishes.
TRISH, a short and robust woman, smiles happily at him.
TRISH
Hey there, how was school?
BEN
Oh, you know. Wilson was giving us
all hell about our essays.
TRISH
You can still get it done. Smartest
boy in the neighborhood.
BEN
I hope you’re not going around
telling that to everyone. Carlos’
dad would have a shit fit if he
knew how he was doing in school.
TRISH
You better buck up, or dad would
have his own ’shit fit’. And don’t
go around using that language at
school. I won’t stand for it.
Ben thinks for a moment. He walks to his bunk.

8.
INT. BUNK- CONTINUOUS
Ben closes the curtain that hangs from the ceiling and takes
out a magazine, MOTORCYCLE WORLD, from under his pillow.
He excitedly turns through page after page of hot rods and
leather clad men who wear sneers and smoke cigarettes.
Catching a blond chick sitting on a Harley, Ben smiles.
The caption reads: DARLING OF THE DIRTY THIEVES.
INT. BUNK- LATER
Ben has marveled through the article.
Turning the page, DARLING now has company: a dark haired MAN
sitting on the back of her bike, brandishing a shotgun.
The caption reads: BEWARE THE THIEVES.
In the background, we can hear the GRUMBLING of an OLD
ENGINE, and an AXLE CREAKING as it comes to rest.
A MAN’S COUGH as the front door is SWUNG OPEN.
TRISH (O.S.)
Here you go hun. Nice and stiff.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Ben’s ears perk up. Ben’s Dad, LUKE, is enjoying his drink.
LUKE
Where’s the kid?
TRISH
Oh, he’s doing his homework. Trying
to write his paper.
Luke scoffs.
LUKE
Well there’s a first.
TRISH
Is not as easy as it seems.
Everybody has a typewriter these
days.
Another scoff.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 9.
LUKE
Bullshit-
Ben is not liking where this is going. He pulls the book and
his notepad back out and stares at the page.
The curtain is yanked back. Luke peers in on Ben, who
quickly puts his pen to the paper.
LUKE
I don’t want to hear that shit, got
it?! Write the damn thing by hand
or shut your mouth...
BEN
Yes sir.
Luke storms off.
Ben quickly closes the curtain again, and opens up
MOTORCYCLE WORLD.
DARLING is all smiles as she rides on. Ben studies the
various bikes littered within the pages.
EXT. TRAILER PARK- LATER
Ben exits the trailer onto the ’porch’. Luke sips from his
trusty bourbon contently, only looking to Ben once he is
right next to him.
BEN
Hey pop. I was hoping I could
borrow the truck.
Luke blows smoke at Ben.
LUKE
Show me that winning paper of yours
first. No free passes kid.
Ben grimaces.
BEN
Well, I gotta go over to Carlos’,
he’s going to help me write it out
on the typewriter.
Luke is fed up. He throws his hands in the air.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 10.
LUKE
I’m not buying you a typewriter!
Get your own damn thing! Get a god
damn job.
Ben steps off the porch. He doesn’t want to hear it.
Ben and Carlos lean against their trusty stump, isolated
from the rest of the park.
A half empty flask rests next to MOTORCYCLE WORLD.
BEN
Pass me the fire.
Carlos lights the joint for Ben, who takes a long drag.
CARLOS
Alright, Daddy-o. You’re holding
out on me. Pass it this way.
Ben teasingly holds the joint out to Carlos before bringing
it back to his face and taking another drag.
Carlos, impatient to get his turn, reaches out and grabs it.
CARLOS
You gotta be kidding me. This is
almost too much. Anyone catches us,
we’re goners. Straight to the
service.
Carlos takes his drag. Ben flips through MOTORCYCLE WORLD.
BEN
Forget that. They’d have to drag my
cold, dead body there before I take
that vow. I’d rather tango with
that A-hole Don before I shoot a
man.
CARLOS
Yeah... I’d go toe to toe with him
for that sweet ride of his.
Ben has stopped flipping through to ogle the spread of
DARLING again. He presents the Centerfold to Carlos.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 11.
BEN
Tell me, you ever go toe to toe
with a man for a sweet ride like
this?
Carlos laughs.
CARLOS
Yeah, I’d go toe to toe with Don
and the rest of his crew for a
piece of that action.
BEN
But look at this goofus, he thinks
he’s hot shit.
Pointing out a photo on the next page, DARLING rides gaily
on the handlebars of a mint, freshly painted Harley piloted
by ROLAND.
Carlos gulps and takes a deep breath. He smiles at DARLING.
INT. AUDITORIUM- NIGHT
All is quiet in the auditorium. Celeste paces back and forth
across the stage as she reads through her script.
Mumbling the lines to herself, she is startled to find that
Roland has been watching her from the ’balcony’ above.
ROLAND (1)
Hey starlet.
Celeste nearly drops her script.
He scurries to the scaffolding at the side of the stage and
runs down the stairs to sidle next to Celeste.
ROLAND (1)
Where’s your boyfriend?
CELESTE
He’s not my boyfriend. You know
that.
A beat. Roland stares at her, thinking over his next move.
ROLAND (1)
Yeah, that’s right. You’re just
using him for a joy ride. Take a
cruise on his tricycle so you can
put that excitement into your role.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 12.
CELESTE
If you’d have used that wit and put
it into your role, you would have
made it by now. Instead you’re the
big man in a one horse town.
Roland is unfazed. He slinks to her and drapes his arm
around her shoulder. She motions to brush him off, but he
stops her.
After a beat, he gives her some space and plays innocent.
ROLAND (1)
You know, I have a good feeling. We
work together, we’ll put this
school on the map. They’ll have to
build a new stable when we’re
through.
Celeste is taken aback. She hasn’t seen him so earnest
before.
CELESTE
I hope so. I certainly hope so.
EXT. TRAILER PARK- EVENING
Approaching his trailer, Ben sees Luke drinking his
customary bourbon. He is obviously drunk.
LUKE
There’s the little shit. Your ma
made dinner over an hour ago. I
should give it to you for making
her so worried.
BEN
I know. I’m sorry.
LUKE
Well hurry up and get your ass back
inside.
Ben slowly moves to the door, cautiously opening it.
INT. TRAILER- CONTINUOUS
Trish is in her usual spot reading HOME AND GARDEN. Seeing
Ben, she sets it down and rises, all smiles, from her seat.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 13.
TRISH
There he is, the little rascal.
Come here and give a smooch.
Ben slides next to her, stealing a peck on the cheek.
TRISH
You’re awful late. Dinner’s long
gone. Your dad was starving, so he
plowed through the steak. But go to
your bed, we have a little
something for you.
Curious, Ben slinks towards his bunk and pulls back the
curtain. He is shocked to see a brand new typewriter.
BEN
Oh my... I never thought I’d see
this!
TRISH (O.S.)
Well you’re welcome. Now you have
no excuses not to get that darn
essay finished.
Staring at it in awe, he slowly takes out a sheet of paper
and spools it into the typewriter.
Carefully, he begins pecking away at the keys. He is
reticent at first, but soon gets into the groove of it. He
works fervently and finishes the page.
Pulling it out, he looks it over intently, satisfied with
his work. He spools in another page.
INT. BUNK- LATER
Sounds of Trish and Luke outside HAVING A GOOD TIME as Ben
is struggling to write the last page of his essay.
The door OPENS with a CRASH.
Luke comes tumbling towards the bunk with a half lit
cigarette in his mouth, all smiles.
LUKE
What’s good sonny? How’s that novel
coming?
BEN
Come on, dad. You know its just a
paper for school.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 14.
LUKE
Yeah, that’s it. Well, it’s a good
skill to have in the service
anyway. Move up the ranks faster
that way, less rounds you’ll have
to fire.
BEN
Never shot a gun in my life dad.
You know that.
LUKE
Believe me. When it comes down to
serving your country and staring
down the ugly face of your enemy,
you’ll grow some big ones. Bigger
than you ever thought you had.
Luke is remembering his glory days in the war.
BEN
Hey dad.
LUKE
Hmm?
BEN
The truck. I was hoping I could
take it to the drive in. There’s a
movie I-
LUKE
--If I were you, I’d forget about
the stupid movie and work on that
essay of yours.
BEN
Just that I promised this girl.
Luke puts his hand on Ben’s shoulder.
LUKE
She can wait. Show me you have some
resolve and get this paper done
first. Then we’ll talk.
Grunting, Ben spools in another page. Luke opens the front
door and steps to the porch.
Ben pecks a few words before setting the typewriter aside
and pulling out MOTORCYCLE WORLD.

15.
INT. BUNK- CONTINUOUS
Ben flips through MOTORCYCLE WORLD, marveling at DARLING and
the motorcycles.
From outside come the sounds of Luke and Darla LAUGHING.
Fully engrossed in the magazine, Ben smiles at the pictures.
Trish sits nursing a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the
other while Luke snores, passed out next to her.
After a time, Ben flings the front door open and trots out.
TRISH
(to Ben)
There he is, the little author.
How’s the paper coming, sweetheart?
BEN
It’s coming along good, ma. I’m
almost done. I need a break.
TRISH
That’s great, Benny. I’m proud of
you.
Ben steps off the porch, motioning towards the behemoth of a
truck that lies in front of him.
BEN
Dad said I could borrow it to take
a girl to the movies.
Trish looks at him incredulously.
DARLA
Did he now? That’s news to me.
(beat) Well, I guess you’ll need
these...
Trish digs in Luke’s pocket. He stirs. She flings the keys
at Ben, which he catches in mid air.
Practically running to the truck, he swings the door open
and hops in.

16.
INT. TRUCK- CONTINUOUS
Starting the old motor, Ben has a little difficulty with the
clutch.
He finally gets the behemoth into gear. The truck wobbles
weakly as he pulls out of the ’driveway’.
EXT. ROAD- CONTINUOUS
The truck rumbles down the road.
Ben guns the engine as he looks far into the darkness ahead
of him.
BEN
...The Wild One.
The truck flies down the road, passing Don’s shop. Don
polishes his bike, an open beer can resting on the seat.
Rolling down the window, Ben hocks a loogie in his
direction. Don mimics squeezing a trigger.
EXT. SCHOOL- CONTINUOUS
The football team is in the parking lot goofing around. They
all turn and stare as Ben pulls up.
Ben nervously steps out of the truck onto the parking lot
and heads towards the entrance.
Walking towards the auditorium, we can hear the sounds of
Celeste’s MONOLOGUE.
Ben hurries.

17.
The teacher calls ’end scene’ and the performers scatter.
Ben takes a seat, waiting anxiously for a long time.
INT. AUDITORIUM- LATER
Ben is now on stage studying the set design, shuffling props
around and sitting in the set dressing.
Below, the JANITOR is cleaning up.
After a time, Celeste steps out from behind the stage, now
in street clothes with a large bag slung over her shoulder.
BEN
Amazing!
Celeste is startled and a bit peeved at Ben’s early arrival.
CELESTE
You didn’t really give me much time
to clean up. That doesn’t bode well
for this so-called ’movie’.
BEN
I just couldn’t wait to see you.
CELESTE
Is that so?
BEN
I can’t tell you how impressed I am
with you. (in mock Hollywood speak)
You’re going places in this
business kid!
CELESTE
If I ever get to the business...
Not if my folks can do anything
about it.
Ben crouches down and motions as if he’s cranking a camera.
After a beat, Celeste gets it and starts tap dancing
playfully.
BEN
Come on, let’s blow this joint.
CELESTE
If you insist. I guess I have no
choice, Mr. Director.

18.
They laugh.
They continue to laugh as Ben fiddles with the clutch.
CELESTE
Not as easy as starting the
motorcycle, is it?
BEN
Yeah, that’s a breeze, just like
the wind whipping through your hair
on the open road.
Ben motions to hold her hand, but just as he does, the
clutch starts acting up.
After a beat, it starts.
The truck putters along, and they pass Don’s bike shop. Ben
looks over at the dark, empty building and stares.
BEN
Brando is sure something else isn’t
he? I don’t think there’s anything
he can’t do.
CELESTE
Yeah. Someday.
Ben nods and nudges her shoulder.
EXT. DRIVE IN ENTRANCE- CONTINUOUS
The truck pulls up to the cashier’s booth, and Ben digs into
his pockets awkwardly.
BEN
Man, oh man. Left my wad of bills
at the house. Smooth move ex-lax.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 19.
CELESTE
Yeah, smooth move. How the hell are
we going to get in now?
She pulls out her purse, shooting Ben a wry grin.
CELESTE
You better hope this is a good
movie, or I’m walking home.
BEN
I promise.
She hands him the wad of cash she procures from the bag. Ben
rolls the window down and hands it to the cashier.
EXT. DRIVE IN- CONTINUOUS
They pull in just as the film begins.
CELESTE
Thank god you had that cash. We
would have missed the credits.
BEN
Yeah, thank the lord.
He tries to kiss her and she pushes him away.
CELESTE
There’s a movie here.
They both laugh and turn to the screen.
On screen, Brando et al ride down the highway, backscreen
projection highlighting their journey.
Brando has returned to his love interest and they embrace.
The film ends, and Ben leans over to kiss Celeste. She
pushes him back gently.

20.
CELESTE
I better get back. Have to study my
math, you know.
Ben is heartbroken, he was having such a great time.
CELESTE
Aw. I had a great time. You’re
taking me to the prom, right?
Ben thinks.
CELESTE
Get that Harley fixed, and I’m
yours.
She kisses Ben on the cheek and squeezes a big hug. He
smiles and starts up the motor.
EXT. LINCOLN STREET- NIGHT
The truck rumbles to a stop outside Celeste’s house.
Her MOM opens the front door, her movements anxious and
short.
Celeste is quick to hop out of the truck, but gives Ben a
squeeze before trotting to the front door.
Ben watches as Celeste shuts the door. He lights a smoke.
The truck slowly rolls into the trailer park, smoke
billowing out the driver side window.
Getting to his family’s trailer, Ben throws the cigarette
butt out the window.
The trailer door is swung open and Luke stumbles out. Seeing
Ben at the helm of his truck, Luke is sent into a rage.
LUKE
Where the fuck have you been,
Hemingway?!
Ben steps out of the truck, unable to muster a response.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 21.
He tries to dodge his oncoming father, but the lumbering
Luke topples on top of him.
BEN
I went to the movies, remember!
LUKE
Ingrate! That’s the last time you
get near that thing!
Ben is overpowered under his father’s clunky mass. After an
awkward struggle, Ben breaks free.
With sweat and tears dampening his cheeks, Ben scampers
towards the haven of the wooded area outside the park.
EXT. TRAILER PARK- MORNING
Ben lies in a disheveled heap against the trusty stump.
CARLOS (O.S.)
Muchacho!
Ben does not respond.
CARLOS
Muchacho! You forgot these.
Carlos leans down and shakes Ben. He waves The Catcher in
the Rye, along with Motorcycle World in Ben’s face.
BEN
Son of a bitch. Let me be...
CARLOS
I don’t know about you, but I don’t
plan on being stuck in this dump
the rest of my life, so if we’re
ever going to make something of
ourselves, now’d be a good time to
start.
Grumbling, Ben slowly rises to his feet.
INT. CLASSROOM- DAY
Ben and Carlos are in the back of the classroom, both tired
and disheveled.
Carlos holds both of their papers rolled up in a baton.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 22.
MR. WILSON
Well, I hope you’ve all enjoyed
this semester’s book. It’s sure to
be a big hit and I’m sure read in
school for many years to come. Now
let’s see those Pulitzer winning
essays.
Each student rushes to the front, holding out their papers.
After a time, Ben and Carlos approaches the teacher’s desk.
MR. WILSON
Well, here the two young scholars
are. (to Ben) I never thought I’d
ever see you or your paper again.
CARLOS
But tell me, did you ever really
doubt us?
MR. WILSON
Surprise me.
Carlos hands Mr. Wilson his paper.
CARLOS
I haven’t failed you yet, have I?
MR. WILSON
I haven’t failed you yet.
Ben looks to Carlos, who smiles at Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson
glances through the light stack, then up and down at Carlos.
Ben slinks out the back door.
The hall is abuzz with CHATTER about the upcoming prom. Ben
darts through the students towards the auditorium.
To his dismay, he catches Celeste deep in conversation with
ROLAND, a beaming smile spread across her face.
Roland catches sight of Ben. Tension washes over his face.
BEN
(to Celeste)
Hey doll, how’s the play coming?
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 23.
CELESTE
Oh, Ben... What’s up? This is
Roland, our star. We were just
going over our script together.
Celeste gives Ben a bright Hollywood smile, then to the
handsome Roland.
The two ignore her, locked in a staredown.
ROLAND (1)
(to Celeste)
What’s with the hobo?
CELESTE
Tell him about your bike, Ben.
Ben’s motorcycle has been acting
up.
Ben nods, not losing sight on Roland. He takes a breath,
ready to speak.
Celeste speaks for him.
CELESTE
Once he gets it fixed, he’s taking
me to prom.
This is news to Ben. His eyes light up.
ROLAND (1)
Yeah they’ll crown you king and
queen of the trash heap.
Ben gets pissed.
BEN
They’re actually looking for a new
king at the morgue.
He motions to hit Roland, but just then, Carlos appears out
of nowhere and begins dragging him away.
CARLOS
Come on, Wild One. Let’s fix that
ride.
The two walk down the hall. Roland stares at him menacingly.
Celeste looks down at the script, then walks back inside the
auditorium.

24.
Celeste aimlessly looks around the set wandering through and
touching all the props that litter the stage. She sighs.
EXT. DON’S BIKES- LATER
Ben is agitated, a sneer plastering his face. Carlos just
laughs to himself at Ben’s demeanor.
The mood changes upon the sight of the bike shop. It is
empty, an ominous silence enveloping it.
The bikes rest in plain sight, fresh paint jobs and
immaculately polished rims glinting in the sun.
Ben cannot hide his curiosity. He approaches one of the
bikes, hand outstretched nervously. A beat.
Suddenly, Don appears out of nowhere and grabs him,
wrestling him into a choke hold. Ben gasps.
DON
This will teach you rat shits to
stay the fuck away from my shop.
Shocked and frightened, Carlos watches immobilized as Ben
feebly struggle against Don’s muscular body.
DON
(to Ben )
When rats start to infest your
home, you gotta take drastic
measures.
Don fully enjoys himself as Ben begins to lose
consciousness. The boy’s face swells, veins pop as he
futilely gasps for air.
Carlos has had enough, jumping into action. He grabs a
wrench from the ground and swats Don with it.
The man is flung away from Ben, a wretched grimace spread
across his face as he falls to the ground and loses
consciousness.
Struggling, Carlos is able to slowly drag Ben away from the
shop.

25.
Tired from the long day’s rehearsals, Celeste sits on the
’stairs’ leading up to the ’veranda’ on stage as she looks
through an issue of Modern Screen magazine.
Coming to a photo of Marlon Brando, she stops and checks the
article.
The Caption reads: HUNK FOR HIRE. What’s next for Marlon
Brando?
She bites her lip and continues through the article,
marveling at the numerous production stills that litter the
pages.
Stopping on one of The Wild One, she pauses for a beat. A
sigh as she heads towards the exit.
Carlos guides Ben on his shoulder towards their stump and
lays him out. Ben looks feeble, exhausted.
Digging behind the tree, Carlos pulls out their trusty flask
and gives Ben a swig. He gulps it and sighs deeply.
BEN
I’m gonna kill that fucker.
CARLOS
You’re lucky he didn’t kill your
Caufield wannabe ass. There’s no
way in hell we’re ever getting our
hands on those puppies now. He’s
for sure gonna have them Fort
Knoxed.
Ben guzzles some more booze, the liquor helping his
disposition a bit and making him surly.
He shoves the flask back at Carlos.
BEN
I’m not letting that Brando wannabe
Roland take Celeste to the prom.
And I’m sure as hell not letting my
chance to get out of this place
cruise down the highway without me.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 26.
CARLOS
Keep dreaming, big man. If it
weren’t for me, you’d be roadkill
by now.
BEN
Shut up and let me be. I’m not
interested in hearing your sagely
advice.
Ben throws the flask at Carlos, and a bit spills on his
pants. Carlos flicks his fingers from under his chin
obscenely and trudges off.
CARLOS (O.S.)
You want my advice? Your girl seems
to like it when you get roughed up.
Might as well have another ’talk’
with Don.
Scoffing, Ben reaches from behind the stump and pulls out
MOTORCYCLE WORLD.
He opens the magazine to a photo of DARLING leaning over a
motorcycle saddle pointing a pistol directly at us.
Ben’s eyes wander from the barrel up to her abundant
cleavage, then to her bright red, puckered lips. He smiles,
closes his eyes.
EXT. HIGHWAY- DAY
Darling leans over the motorcycle saddle with her gun drawn
and lips ready to kiss us.
Suddenly, Ben is there in front of Darling, excited for an
amorous embrace. With her gun still in hand, Darling wraps
her arms around Ben’s waist and begins kissing him
passionately.
He is in ecstasy, and can barely handle her veracity. It is
too much. He slumps to the ground, revealing a cowering Don.
With Ben crawling away on all fours, Darling fires and hits
Don square in the chest. He flies off screen.
Darling laughs.

27.
INT. TRAILER- LATER
Trish is at the sink doing the dishes.
Luke is playing solitaire at the kitchen table, a bourbon
next to the gleaming typewriter.
The front door opens, startling the two of them.
Ben clomps in, ignoring them both as he heads to his bunk.
TRISH
I think someone’s in love.
LUKE
I think someone best keep studying
if he’s set on escaping Lincoln.
TRISH
Come, now. You remember that age,
don’t you?
LUKE
I was in the trenches at that age.
You remember don’t you?
TRISH
Yes, I remember. You sent me
letters every week. Said you felt
like the hero in a picture. The
apple hasn’t fallen far from the
tree.
INT. BUNK- LATER
Ben has MOTORCYCLE WORLD propped up against his chest.
He pages through it, engrossed in the images of different
motorcycle gangs racing across the open highways of America.
He taps his finger on one specific BIKE, focusing on it.
FADE TO:
INT. TRAILER- LATER
Trish and Luke are seated at the kitchen table, bourbon
filled glasses in hand, poker game set up in front of them.
The two are surprised as Ben trots in.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 28.
LUKE
Hey Benny, how are ya?
BEN
Nervous as all hell.
TRISH
Oh son, you’ll be fine. Your shirt
is hanging up in the closet, all
prim and proper for my handsome
author.
Ben scurries to the bunk, grabs the nicely pressed suit and
puts it on over his tattered t-shirt.
Grabbing his father’s army pack from the bunk, he stuffs a
handful of clothes inside and returns to the kitchen.
TRISH
Benny, you look stunning. The girls
will be so jealous of Celeste when
they catch a glimpse of the
debonair by her side. But you have
to put this on to complete the
outfit.
Trish reaches underneath the table and brings out the suit
jacket that has been secretly hanging there.
BEN
Naw mom, I was hoping I could wear
dad’s pilot’s jacket. Gotta get
used to it if I’m gonna make it in
the forces.
He gets a drunken smile out of Luke.
LUKE
Sure thing, kid. No one’s going to
mess with a military man. (beat)
And take these, you’ll be SOL
otherwise.
He tosses Ben the keys to his truck, which the kid quickly
snatch out of the air and toss back to Luke.
BEN
The girl’s going to borrow her
pop’s Crystler. Gotta show up to
prom in style, its your last chance
to make an impression, y’know?
Ben moves towards his mom and plants a kiss on her cheek.
She nuzzles into it.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 29.
BEN
I love you ma.
TRISH
I love you too. I’m so very proud
of you.
Ben moves to Luke, whom he squeezes with a bear hug.
BEN
I love you pops, you’ve taught me
so much about being a man.
Luke is heartened to hear this, and chokes up.
LUKE
I’ve only taught you what little I
know about being a real man. You’ve
taught me far more than you know.
Now get on before that girl changes
her mind.
He gives Ben a little love tap as he steps towards the door.
BEN
You don’t have to tell me twice.
EXT. DON’S BIKES- NIGHT
Ben and Carlos slink towards the now dark motorcycle shop,
handkerchiefs wrapped tightly around their faces.
Ben reaches into his father’s pack and pulls out a pair of
bolt cutters, clipping the lock.
INT. DON’S BIKES
The office is littered with supplies.
Carlos spots the collection of keys hanging near the
entrance to the garage.
Each takes a handful from the rack and moves to the bikes
lined up on the floor.
Carlos gets anxious, he fumbles with a set, dropping them.
An ENGINE starts. Ben has gotten a bike running; the bright,
freshly painted Harley he spied earlier.
A smile lights up across Carlos’ face as he scuttles to the
garage door. Pulling the chain, the door flings open.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 30.
CARLOS
This is our ticket, man! Quick,
fire that puppy up and let’s blow.
Ben slams his foot on the throttle and the bike gives
another ROAR.
He flies out of the shop onto the dirt road.
Carlos has finally got the right bike/key combination.
He too starts the ignition and slams on the throttle,
YELLING out in triumph as he zooms off into the night.
A plume of dust is thrown into the garage, which slowly
settles across the various bikes inside.
After a long beat, Don pulls up to the open garage door, a
look of bitter dismay spread across his wrinkled, dirty
face.
DON
Little fucks...
EXT. CELESTE’S HOUSE- LATER
Ben rolls through the tree-lined neighborhood as quietly as
he can, still exhilarated by the preceding events.
He reaches Celeste’s house and hops off the bike, walking to
the stone laden path leading to the front door.
Taking one, he throws it at the top window, at which it is
flung open and Celeste sticks her head out.
After a beat, the front door swings open. Celeste dons a
beautiful prom dress, a huge smile plastered on her face.
The smile turns to a grimace at seeing Ben’s handkerchief
covered face.
CELESTE
Oh Ben! What’s going on, why don’t
you come in?!
Ben tears the handkerchief off his face.
BEN
I’m taking you to prom, remember?!
Come on, let’s go!
Celeste looks back towards the house. Reticent, she hops on
the bike.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 31.
BEN
Celeste, babe, this is it. My
train’s leaving. We’re going to
prom, then I’m on the road. I’m
taking my chance in the promise
land.
CELESTE
But...
BEN
That’s the way it’s got to be.
Ben pumps the throttle and they speed off with a VROOM!
EXT. SCHOOL- NIGHT
Students are gathered around the entrance to the auditorium.
Couples huddle together drunkenly.
Carlos is already there, surrounded by a group of girls. He
says something funny and they all laugh.
An ENGINE RUMBLES, and the students startle.
Celeste hops off the motorcycle and scuttles over to the
group of actors who chat excitedly about the upcoming
performance.
The sounds of SIRENS in the distance. The crowd of students,
including Celeste and her actor friends look over in shock.
Fear washes over Ben’s face. Carlos is already on the move,
running towards his motorcycle.
He hops off his bike, running to Celeste and her friends.
BEN
Sorry. I gotta jet.
CELESTE
Wait, what the fuck are you talking
about?
BEN
Kiss me.
Ben hands her the crumpled handkerchief from inside his
jacket pocket before running back to the motorcycle.
Hopping on the bike, he pulls out into the parking lot and
nearly runs the Sheriff over as the man exits his vehicle.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 32.
Shaken from the blow, the SHERIFF gets off the ground as
quickly as he can and hops in the squad car.
CELESTE
Wait! (beat, dejected) Wait... I
love you.
She waves to him as he and Carlos zoom off into the darkened
road. The Sheriff flies past Celeste, kicking up a cloud of
dust.
Tears well in her eyes. Roland puts his arm around her
shoulder.
ROLAND (1)
That’s the kind of life you wanted,
right?
All is still. A train track rests at the beginning of a long
stretch of highway.
The ENGINES approach.
Ben and Carlos flee for their lives. Once again, their
clothes are soiled, dirt collecting on their sweaty faces.
Ignoring the lowering gate and the sounds of the oncoming
TRAIN, the two boys race towards us.
The Sheriff is gaining on them, the SIREN blaring now.
Ben ducks the lowering gate. Carlos barely makes it as the
gate clips his back wheel.
The Sheriff’s car is T boned by the train. His car EXPLODES
and Carlos is engulfed in flames.
Ben watches the wreckage burn as tears stream down his face.
After a time, he turns to the highway and motors off.
All is calm once again, the wreckage ablaze in the still
night. Then from off screen, an ENGINE.
Don SCREECHES up to the wreckage, his sweaty face
illuminated by the flicker of the flame.
He spits into the fire and it SIZZLES.

33.
INT. CAR- NIGHT
Celeste looks out the window, her eyes puffy from crying.
Roland glances over to her as he drives through Lincoln.
He motions to slide his hand onto hers, but she pulls away
and instead wipes her smeared mascara with Ben’s
handkerchief.
ROLAND (1)
I’m sorry...
They have arrived at Celeste’s house.
CELESTE
I know.
Celeste gives Roland a long sorrowful hug before opening the
car door and walking to the entrance.
EXT. HIGHWAY- NIGHT
Ben rides down the highway, his face puffy from crying. We
can make out a few specks of light ahead of him.
The signs of a roadside bar begin to gel as we approach. A
slew of motorcycles are lined up at the entrance. SCREECHING
to a halt, Ben slowly looks inside.
The joint is bustling, loud and full of bikers making a
ruckus. Ben takes a breath and dares enter the bar.
INT. BAR- CONTINUOUS
In one corner, a small goofy biker, LACKEY, teases a raggedy
bulldog with a treat. He’s getting a kick out of it.
Ben nervously takes a seat at the bar. The BARTENDER takes a
few glances at Ben.
BARTENDER
Yeah? Whadaya want, pup?
Ben hesitates.
BEN
(shakily)
Um, lemme get a bourbon.
Another young biker, JIMMY, sidles up next to him.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 34.
JIMMY
What you doing here? This Thieves
territory.
The vixen from MOTORCYCLE WORLD, DARLING, sits on the lap of
the dark haired biker we saw in the magazine. Ben stares
jealously as ROLAND nibbles DARLING’s nipple..
JIMMY
(to Ben)
You hear me? What the fuck are you
doing here?
BEN
I saw this dump on my way down the
road. Figured I’d give it a try.
JIMMY
You’re not trying to muscle into
the gang, are you?
The BARTENDER returns with the bourbon.
BARTENDER
(to Jimmy)
This punk trying to muscle you out
of the gang?
JIMMY
I certainly hope not. I’ll fuck him
up so bad, his bike will have to
drive itself.
From off screen, LAUGHTER. Jim Beam calls to Jimmy.
JIM BEAM
Hey Jimmy! Get yer ass over here. I
still owe you one for the last
game. I need that dollar back!
Jimmy moves to the back of the bar. ROLAND takes the
opportunity to sit next to Ben.
ROLAND
You look a bit lost there. How did
a pup like you end up out here?
Darling moves to them.
DARLING
Hey there Rolo, who’s the kid?
Roland looks Ben up and down.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 35.
ROLAND
You know, I have no clue. Thinks
this is a ’nice’ place to stop and
have a drink.
BEN
Yeah, I was actually on my way to
meet my crew. You ever run into
Don? I work with him.
Both Roland and Darling laugh.
DARLING
That old washed up sod? Really? He
still has a ’crew’?
BEN
He’s taught me everything I know
about bikes.
ROLAND
Probably gave you that old, crummy
war jacket too...
DARLING
Just look at him. He wants to be
part of a real gang.
ROLAND
I don’t think Jimmy’s going to have
it. They’ll have to work it out
amongst themselves.
Ben looks to Jimmy and Jim Beam, who play poker.
ROLAND
Go on.
Ben slowly sidles up next to Jimmy and his throat.
JIMMY
What’s the punk want now?
BEN
They, um said that I’d have to ask
you about joining up.
JIMMY
True story. You gotta prove you can
hang, son. A Thieve gotta be quick
as a bullet. Show me what you got
and I’ll show you what I got.
Roland and Darling whisper to one another.

36.
EXT. HIGHWAY- LATER
Ben exits the bar and approaches his bike. Jimmy gets on his
own bike and races up the road.
Exiting the bar, Darling has taken off her tank top,
revealing her tattooed belly and sexy polkadot bra.
Roland downs his PBR and tosses his pint glass to the side.
Ben takes a deep breath and rolls onto the road. Darling
raises her soiled tank top, quickly whipping it to her side.
DARLING
Go!
The two young men take off towards one another at top speed.
Ben’s face is taught as his cheeks vibrate.
They nearly collide. Ben skids out. CRASH!
Jimmy comes to a halt and turns to see Ben in a heap on the
ground, bloodied and bruised.
Ben’s face is a mess. Blood drips quickly out of his nose,
and bits of gravel litter the gashes in his cheeks.
Darling and Roland observe Ben’s struggle to get up.
ROLAND
I gotta give it to the kid, he’s
got heart.
DARLING
Yeah, we could use some of that in
this gang.
Jimmy cruises over to Ben and helps him to his feet.
JIMMY
(to Ben)
You never stood a chance there. I’m
just surprised you still wanna try
your hand with the Dirties. Just
don’t get too cozy. There is a
system here. Rolo is boss, old Jim
Beam is second in command all the
way down to yours truly.
Roland waves them to approach, turns to the bar and
whistles.
The gang violently pours out, HOOTING and HOLLERING. Jimmy
helps Ben back onto his bike, who winces.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 37.
JIMMY
You look alright.
EXT. HIDEOUT- LATER
The gang rides up a dirt road towards a big airplane hangar.
An UPROAR from the gang as Roland opens the gate.
INT. HIDEOUT- CONTINUOUS
The hideout is an eccentrically decorated ex military
hangar, filled with bygone relics of WWII.
Ben marvels at the rare motorcycles littered about.
More HOLLERING. Ben sees Jimmy perform a jump off a dirt
ramp. Darling comes over and places her hand on his lower
back.
Roland spies them between working on one of the motorcycles.
ROLAND
(to Ben)
You diggin the ramp, little runt?
Why don’t you give it a try?
DARLING
C’mon. The kid’s not even healed.
Just let him enjoy the show.
ROLAND
I have full faith in the sonuva
bitch.
Roland slaps Ben hard on his back. The kid gets on his bike.
REVVING the bike, it catapults into the air. In slow motion,
the bike reaches it’s peak and starts to fall.
Ben’s face is all fear and exhilaration as he makes his
descent. The rest of the gang watches, anticipating a crash.
Darling CHEERS. Roland eyes her, Ben. He spits.
ROLAND
Good stuff, kid.
BEN
All luck.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 38.
DARLING
That was no luck. Pure skill. (to
Roland) Careful, in time he may be
taking your place.
ROLAND
This is my gang, my house, and my
rules. Got that?
Ben sheepishly looks at the ground.
DARLING
Don’t mind him. All we need to do
now is teach you the ropes.
ROLAND
Yeah, right... (Whistling) Hey
Beamer! Target practice!
Jim Beam grumbles, slowly rising from his seated position on
the side of the ramp.
JIM BEAM
Mother fucker. Just sat my ass
down.
Jim Beam trudges to the shed and grabs an antique revolver.
JIM BEAM
(to Ben) Come here boyo. You
wanna be part of the Thieves,
we gonna need you to shoot
like a Thieve.
Procuring a handful of bullets, Beam slowly loads them into
the chambers. Ben looks on amazed.
JIM BEAM
Here, follow the leader.
Beam points the pistol at the target dummies, making sure to
aim nice and slow, demonstrating to Ben how to hold the gun.
Jim fires. Ben blinks. Jim has hit one of the dummies square
in the head.
JIM BEAM
Here, now its time for you to man
up, chickedee.
He points the gun at Ben. In a moment of fear, Ben looks at
Darling, who laughs gaily.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 39.
Ben takes the gun and aims it at the dummies. Jimmy watches
as Ben fires a slew of bullets at the dummies, missing every
last one
Beam holds Ben’s hand steady.
JIM BEAM
Try it like this. Aim a bit lower,
s’cause the recoils gunna fuck up
your shot otherwise.
The two take a shot together, and they hit one of the
dummies square in the head again.
DARLING
Shit yes! That’s what I call a
Thieve.
JIM BEAM
I wouldn’t get too excited. He
hasn’t handled it by himself yet.
(beat) And who know what’s gunna
happen when he comes in the face of
Johnny Law.
Ben gets brave.
BEN
I can handle that shit. You won’t
be able to sleep at night when I’m
done with you.
Jim Beam yanks the gun out of Ben’s hand. He cocks the
hammer.
JIM BEAM
You wanna bet? Click.
Jim laughs heartily at this. Roland sidles up next to Ben.
ROLAND
(to Ben)
I’d say you’re almost ready for the
ride to Hollister.
A beat.
BEN
So this festival. It’s the same one
as in The Wild One?
Roland laughs.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 40.
ROLAND
Yeah, I guess you could say that.
The gang is getting drunk now. A group of them are shooting
at the dummies. Jimmy hops on his bike and rides over.
In motion, he takes a shot and hits one of the dummies
square in the head then offers the gun to Ben.
BEN
Well, here goes nothing.
JIMMY
Better be better than nothing,
amigo. If you ain’t got nothing, we
got no place for a nobody. Man up.
Ben slowly rolls towards the dummies.
He does his best to stop from wobbling as he takes aim. He
squeezes a few rounds which fly in all directions.
JIMMY
Nobody’s perfect. Unless you’re me.
Roland raises his eyebrows incredulously.
ROLAND
Oh, is that right? You sure had me
fooled. You’re lucky we decided to
take you on when we did. You woulda
been stuck at the steel mills, just
like your dad.
Jimmy bites his tongue, a bit peeved by the statement.
JIMMY
I’m fucking starved. Going to fire
up some beans.
ROLAND
Atta boy, just like the little
housewife you are. You’re mom teach
you to be such a good cook?
JIMMY
My mom’s dead motherfucker.
ROLAND
Oh, that’s right. Your dad made you
the bitch of the house.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 41.
JIMMY
You better shut the fuck up. I’m
the one holding a gun, remember.
Roland mocks fear. Jimmy walks his bike away.
BEN
He always cook for you guys?
ROLAND
Kid better. Scooped him up from
some deadbeat trailer trash of a
dad. You should be glad we don’t
make you do it, newbie.
BEN
I don’t think you’d want me to, if
you know what’s good for you.
ROLAND
Yeah? I’d shut your trap, if you
know what’s good for you. You wanna
be a Thieve? You gotta act like
one. You and Jimmy have to do one
thing for me.
EXT. DRIVE IN- NIGHT
The Drive-In is shut down and all but empty. Popcorn
containers and empty soda bottles litter the ground.
Ben and Jimmy’s motorcycles rest outside the projection
booth, a bunch of CLANGING coming from within.
Upon closer inspection, a small wagon trailer is hitched to
the back of Jimmy’s ride.
The CLANGING continues.
INT. PROJECTION BOOTH- NIGHT
Ben and Jimmy struggle to get the reels of ’The Wild One’
off of the projector.
JIMMY
We pull this off, they’ll have to
let you in.
BEN
We pull this off, I’m moving to
Hollywood.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 42.
In their efforts, one of the reels flies off and begins
rolling across the floor.
Film spools in bunches and mounds all over, and the two
comically bumble about trying to collect it.
The bikes rest. We can hear the boys’ BUMBLING and STRUGGLES
continue.
Down the road to the Drive In are a set of HEADLIGHTS.
As they approach, we can more clearly make out that it’s
coming from a Sheriff’s car.
The door to the projection booth shudders.
It shudders again. Ben and Jimmy come pouring out, barely
able to move amongst the tangled celluloid.
Finally, they are able to get the film from around their
bodies and dump it into the wagon trailer on Jimmy’s bike
just as the Sheriff’s car turns quickly into the Drive In.
At the helm is the DEPUTY, a goofy, sallow looking man who
tries to maneuver the vehicle in between bites of a
cheeseburger.
The boys pull out onto the road, and take off into the
night.
The Deputy is forced, unhappily, to toss the cheeseburger
onto the ground as he approaches the projection booth whose
door is left ajar.
He gets tangled in the unraveled celluloid as he attempts to
enter the booth.
INT. PROJECTION BOOTH- CONTINUOUS
The DEPUTY begins looking around the booth empatically for
clues as he tries to untangle himself.
Nearly falling over a few times, the DEPUTY gets distracted
in his efforts by the box of the film Gentlemen Prefer
Blondes.
He ogles the image of Marylin Monroe and Jane Russell.
FADE TO:

43.
INT. HIDEOUT- DAY
Roland and some gang members work on their bikes while ’The
Wild One’ is projected on the hangar’s wall.
Ben shoots at the dummies, he’s getting pretty good now.
Darling claps for him. Jimmy yanks the gun playfully out of
Ben’s hands and begins firing.
DARLING
(to Ben)
You better look out for that one,
he has an itchy trigger finger.
BEN
Oh, I will. He better not keep his
back turned too long if he knows
what’s good for him.
She gives him a meekish laugh and shakes her head.
DARLING
I dunno kid...
BEN
(playfully)
Just you wait. Give me time and
I’ll be running this gang.
Jimmy gleefully fires away at the dummies. Ben yanks the gun
out of Jimmy’s hand, pointing it at him.
BEN
Pow.
Celeste is on stage rehearsing her monologue. Her eyes gleam
in the set lights, and a light fog envelops her body, almost
like a cloak.
Roland and Nina watch her from the side of the stage,
Roland’s arm draped around Nina’s shoulders.
The teacher calls end scene and the students scatter about
the auditorium. Nina walks towards the dressing room and
Roland takes his chance to talk to Celeste.
ROLAND (1)
Hey there. Great scene today.
Celeste, still lost in her head, takes a moment to respond.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 44.
CELESTE
Hm? Oh, thanks.
ROLAND (1)
I know it’s hard. I think we’re all
a little shaken up around here. The
important thing is that we’re both
still here and we’re going to knock
em dead with this thing.
Roland wraps his arms around her in an aggressive manner.
ROLAND (1)
I’m here for you, you know that.
CELESTE
I know.
Celeste shakes him off and heads towards the exit, the
Hollywood effect still lingering around her.
INT. HIDEOUT- DAY
Jimmy helps Ben work on his bike.
He tightens a bolt, straightens the handlebars and smacks
the saddle to see that its on tight enough.
JIMMY
Hoo-wee! They certainly don’t get
any tougher than this mother.
Ben continues working silently for a beat, thinking.
BEN
You been down there before, right?
Only in my dreams did I think I’d
get the chance to see Hollister
with the Thieves.
JIMMY
Believe it. Roland picked me up in
Santa Cruz, we decided to try and
grift the same guy at the same
time.
Ben picks up his gun and points it at a dummy.
BEN
Nobody going to mess with us down
there, that’s for sure.
Jimmy nods, takes a sip from the flask.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 45.
BEN
You got a girl, right? I’m sure
she’s a looker, no doubt.
JIMMY
She’s like California to me. A face
like an Angel and the hair of a
Venus. You’d never guess she was in
the baddest gang of chicks this
side the Mississippi.
Jimmy wipes his mouth and looks at the ground. Ben
watcheshim briefly before responding.
BEN
Angels... That’s where my girl and
I were headed. She was gonna star
with Brando. But the sheriff was
hot on me. Had to blow.
Jimmy nods.
JIMMY
There’s no way I coulda handled
that myself. She’ll be there
though.
BEN
How is it?
JIMMY
There’s only one way to find out.
Jimmy stands and grabs his pistol.
The two boys approach the rest of the gang mounting their
rides and are each greeted with a flask.
EXT. DON’S BIKES- DAY
Don and his gang are fixing up what remain of their
motorcycles. The air is thick with tension.
A few polish their small collection of knives and handguns.
The gang pulls out of the hideout onto the open road.
One of the members takes a shot at a jack rabbit. From
behind them, we can hear the BUZZ of other motors.
Fast approaching them is Don and his crew.
Don takes the lead and sidles up next to Ben.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 46.
DON
I hear you have some chops,
shithead.
Ben is nervous, he doesn’t respond.
DON
Well, come on. Let’s see your
chops. Let’s see who’s chicken or
not.
Don feigns swerving into Ben.
Ben looks him in the eye, trying to keep from blinking.
Don slows his bike down, motioning for Ben to do the same.
DON
Your move ’chicken’ shit.
Ben wipes his brow and drives forward.
The two gangs realize what’s happening and come to a halt,
taking opposite sides of the road.
Looking to Roland, then Jimmy, and finally Darling for
support, Ben turns his bike around to look Don face on.
ROLAND
Come on!
Roland whips out his revolver and shoots into the air.
The two bikes are off.
Ben grips his handlebars tightly.
Don laughs.
Like two locomotives racing on an unstoppable collision
course, the bikes kick up converging trails of dust.
Ben SCREAMS and we can see Don reflected in his eyes.
Ben jumps off the bike at the last second going into a roll.
Don is hurled face first into the pavement.
He lies motionless, blood beginning to pool around him.
Ben shakily collects himself and his bike off the ground.
The Thieves begin clapping as he approaches.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 47.
The rest of Don’s crew return to Don’s motionless corpse.
ROLAND
Kid has balls.
Darling embraces Ben and wipes the dirt from his face.
ROLAND
(to Ben)
Atta boy. Let’s go.
The THIEVES mount their bikes and Ben looks back at Don’s
gang growing smaller in the distance.
EXT. HIGHWAY- DAY
The gang storms down the dusty highway.
A Sheriff cruiser flies past them, the DEPUTY eating a
cheeseburger at the wheel.
Approaching a gas station, Roland gives the gang a nod.
The bikes begin to slow as they get closer to it.
Darling gives Roland a kiss on his cheek, shoots Ben a wink.
Ben smiles wide, but it quickly fades as he watches
something off screen.
Roland is walking his bike to one of the pumps.
Darling is already approaching the depot, cash in hand.
INT. GAS STATION- CONTINUOUS
Darling slinks inside the depot, moving to the register.
A scraggly old man sits reading Time magazine.
DARLING
Hey, daddy-o. We were hoping to
fill our tanks up at this here fine
establishment.
The Old Man is surprised and confused.
He checks the cleavage she shows off underneath her tank
top.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 48.
OLD MAN
Yeah? Well, I’d have to do it
myself, y’know. I need to know how
much you want, get the money then
do it myself. Can’t have you
guzzling up my whole reserves now.
Darling shrugs, leaning her breasts on the front counter.
DARLING
Oh, don’t you worry. We won’t take
all your gas. We just need about
ten gallons a pop for our rides out
there.
The Old Man leans his head to the motorcycles lined up near
his lonely two pumps.
Fear reads all over his face.
OLD MAN
Oh, I don’t know if I have enough
in my reserves to do that for ya.
Ya, sure you can afford to buy that
much?
Darling smiles, resting her arm on his shoulder.
DARLING
Don’t you worry. I got all the boys
covered. Here...
She digs inside her tank top to pull out the money.
One of her boobs pops out the top accidentally.
DARLING
Oh, so sorry about that. Have to be
a lady in front of such a
gentleman. Here, will this be
enough?.
Darling procures a big wad of cash.
The Old Man nods, his defenses totally dropped now.
He moves to the register.
A big CHING.
He stuffs the money bill by bill into the slots.
Jimmy runs inside, pistol raised at the Old Man’s head.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 49.
Ben slowly trots in behind him, gun cautiously raised,
desperately avoiding anybody’s head.
JIMMY
Hey, bub. What’s the haps? I wanna
ask you a question.
The Old Man stares at him, scared for his life.
JIMMY
Or, more like two questions. What
would it take to hand over the cash
register to us, and do you wanna
live?
OLD MAN
I, uh, I just want my life.
He turns to the cash register and pulls out the wads in each
of the drawers until there’s none left.
Turning with the cash in hand towards the counter, he throws
it in Jimmy’s face.
Shocked, Ben doesn’t react.
Darling runs out, laughing at the preceding events.
The Old Man reaches behind the counter and brandishes a
shotgun.
With no time lost, he raises it to Jimmy’s chest and blasts
him.
Locking eyes, the two point their guns at one another.
The Old Man cocks the hammer back again and fires, but Ben
has already fired a round in his chest.
The Old Man slumps over the counter.
Jimmy, taking his last breaths, lifts his gun to Ben.
JIMMY
Here... Noel...
EXT. GAS STATION- DAY
The rest of the gang runs towards the depot, guns raised.

50.
INT. GAS STATION- CONTINUOUS
The gang is shocked to see Jimmy lying face up on the floor,
a gaping hole in his chest.
They all look at Ben menacingly.
Darling runs in, putting her body in front of Ben.
DARLING
No! No, don’t! The kid’s innocent.
The crew hesitate before looking at the Old Man splayed face
down on top of the counter, blood dripping to the floor.
Seeing the collection of loose bills spread across the
floor, they grab them before the blood reaches the stack.
Roland comes in, a cigarette still hanging from his mouth.
ROLAND
What the fuck is this?!
DARLING
Shit went wrong baby. The Old Man
was packin’. He blew Jimmy away,
just like that.
Roland looks at the mangled face of Jimmy.
He takes a puff from his cigarette and places it in Jimmy’s
mouth.
DARLING
What a fucking waste.
A couple of the gang members dump their flasks next to the
body.
They gather up the remaining cash and hand it to Darling.
ROLAND
That’s the life of a Thieve, as you
know. At least now we have some
fresh bait.
The gang moves out. Ben places Jimmy’s gun in his belt.

51.
INT. CELESTE’S ROOM- DAY
Celeste sadly recites her monologue to herself.
There is a knock at her door.
CELESTE
Yes?
There is impatience in her mother’s voice.
CELESTE’S MOTHER
Can I come in?
Celeste looks down at the script in her hand, then back at
her desk, where her Calculus homework lays half finished.
Scurrying quickly towards it, she straightens the papers,
slides into her seat and grabs her pencil.
CELESTE
Um, yeah, sure.
Her mother delicately opens the door and shuts it quietly.
CELESTE’S MOTHER
How you holding up, dear? I’m so
sorry about Ben. I know you really
liked him.
CELESTE
Yeah...
CELESTE’S MOTHER
I hear his family is going to have
a service this week. You should
go...
CELESTE
I will... They didn’t find the body
though.
CELESTE’S MOTHER
Just make sure you practice your
’calculus’. I know how important it
is to you.
CELESTE
You mean the calculus, or-
CELESTE’S MOTHER
You know what I mean. You think
you’re up to performing after all
that stuff?
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 52.
CELESTE
I better, the newspaper’s going to
be there.
They look at the script besides the calculus workbook.
Her mother exits.
Celeste pulls Ben’s handkerchief out of her desk drawer.
EXT. HIGHWAY- DAY
The gang moves out, the gas station burning wildly behind
them.
Ben takes one last look at the station.
INT. HIDEOUT- DAY
The gang mulls about in a somber mood. A few are looking
over the remains of Jimmy’s things and are placing them in a
saddle bag.
Lackey takes the saddle bag and brings it to Jim Beam, who
is situated in front of a makeshift alter and gravestone.
Beam places the bag in the grave and moves to stand behind
the ’headstone’.
The rest of the gang gathers around standing at attention as
Beam begins the ’sermon’.
JIM BEAM
It’s a hard world as a Thieve. We
all know that.
Roland and Darling hold one another as they look on somberly
to the grave.
JIM BEAM (CONT’D)
Not a single one of us is immune to
the road. Jimmy neither. But he was
a true Thieve, never backed down
from a damn thing. He deserves a
better salute but this all we got.
We should all be so lucky to get
something fine as this when we go
out. Let’s get on with it.
A few of the members collect the remainder of his things and
bring them to the grave, one by one dropping them inside.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 53.
Riding for miles with no sign of anything but the open
highway, the gang is focused, intent.
They make it to small mountain range and ride towards it.
EXT. SMALL TOWN- DAY
The town’s center is quaint, quiet, with little traffic.
Think Bonnie and Clyde.
On one side of the street lies a bank and a public swimming
pool, on the other, a quaint market and barbershop.
A young school teacher in a pleated dress walks a group of
young students dressed in swimming garb across the street.
SCHOOL TEACHER
Come children, I want to see those
dolphin fins.
She mimes a fin on her head, the CHILDREN do the same.
In the distance comes a low RUMBLE, exciting the kids.
A look of agitation washes over the School Teacher.
SCHOOL TEACHER
Come along children, time for the
swimming lesson. If you want to be
a real dolphin, you must know how
to swim.
The RUMBLE grows.
The CHILDREN continue, all except for one, WILLIE.
WILLIE marvels as the THIEVES roll into town.
Stopping outside the market, the crew start rough housing.
Darling and Roland saunter into the market.
INT. MARKET- CONTINUOUS
A tiny, cramped little place with a lone middle aged woman
painting her nails at the front counter.
Boxed food and canned goods line what few aisles they have
that lead towards a modest ice box.
The WOMAN watches as Darling and Roland enter.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 54.
DARLING
(to the Woman)
Hey babe, how’s things?
The WOMAN looks Darling up and down, following Roland with
her eyes as he saunters through the aisles.
DARLING
We’re part of a carnie act setting
up just outside of town, and were
hoping to get some grub in our
bellies for the long day ahead.
WOMAN
Why the hell did you pick this god
forsaken place?
A wry smile from Darling.
DARLING
Well, we heard about the locals,
how warm everybody is round these
here parts. Figured we could
entertain y’all with some
motorcycle tricks.
The Woman is incredulous.
WOMAN
What kind of tricks?
DARLING
Oh, you know. Ramps, jumps,
handstands, gunplay, that kind of
thing.
Gunplay? The Woman’s eyebrows raise. A gulp.
ROLAND (O.S.)
How much for these?
Roland comes out of one of the aisles sporting a sausage
link necklace and a large loaf of bread with some cheese.
The Woman inspects the items, Roland.
He shuffles the items around and pulls a wad of crumpled
bills from his pocket.
WOMAN
Let me see. Just give me what you
got there.
He hands her the small wad and saunters towards the door.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 55.
ROLAND
Thanks darlin’. You take care.
Darling pauses to look at the display behind the counter.
Reaching between her cleavage, she pulls out a wad of ones.
DARLING
And how bout a pack of strikes,
too?
Handing the Woman the wad of cash, Darling looks out the
window to see the boys rough housing, doing tricks.
The Woman’s gaze follows Darling out the door, then back to
the phone that hangs from the wall.
EXT. SMALL TOWN- CONTINUOUS
The gang attacks the sausages, cheese and bread outside.
Darling pulls Roland aside.
DARLING
What do you say? This one’s as easy
as it can get, let’s take it.
Roland looks to the bank, back to Darling, and then to Ben.
ROLAND
You and the kid. I wanna see what
he’s made of.
Darling moves to Ben, grabbing his hand towards the bank.
BEN
What? What’d I do?
A wry smile from Darling.
DARLING
You’re coming with me. Got your
piece on you?
Ben looks back at Roland, who nods to him.
BEN
Um, yes mam.
Darling reaches into her cleavage again, when she pulls her
hand out, she sports a diamond wedding ring.
Ben is in awe.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 56.
DARLING
Come, hubby. We’ve got a job to do.
INT. BANK- DAY
The lone person inside the bank is the young, pimply teller,
who looks over a collection of receipts.
The CLOMP of Darling’s boots distracts him from his work.
DARLING
Hey babe, what’s cookin? My new
hubby and I are putting on a little
carnival outside town, and we were
hoping to drop some collateral on a
loan from you.
She wiggles her ring finger at the teller. He scoffs.
TELLER
Really? My wife would kill me if I
did something like th--
DARLING
-Yeah, well we’re in a bit of a
bind, fallen on hard times.
She yanks the ring off her finger and tosses it to him.
DARLING
How much can we get for this? We
gotta support the crew now. TELLER
puts the glasses on that hang from
his neck.
TELLER
How much are you looking to borrow?
I don’t foresee you getting much
from thi--
Ben whips out the gun hidden underneath his jacket.
BEN
-How much you got? We want it
all...
The Teller just stands there, mouth agape.
DARLING
Come on, you act like you never
seen a gun before. Go get it!
A beat. The Teller finally gets it, he moves to the safe.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 57.
Darling grabs the gun from Ben and fires it in the air.
BEN
Thanks for hurrying it up!
EXT. SMALL TOWN- DAY
The boys do donuts and wheelies in the street.
A few of the townsfolk watch in awe, others in fear.
Roland spies the children at the pool.
He locks eyes with Willie, who is awed by the motorcyclists.
Through the storefront window, the Woman watches the gang,
the telephone clenched tightly to her cheek.
INT. BANK- DAY
The Teller has trouble getting the safe open.
DARLING
Come on fucker! We gotta blow!
Finally getting the safe open, he starts shuffling wads of
bills into the big money bag on the countertop.
Darling gets antsy, looking over her shoulder outside.
The staredown between Roland and Willie continues.
The school children frolic in the pool.
The School Teacher eyes the gang.
Through the storefront window, the Woman emphatically yells
into the phone as she looks out to the street.
INT. BANK- DAY
With the money finally in the satchel, Ben grabs it while
Darling waves the gun in the Teller’s face.
She shoots just over his shoulder for good measure.

58.
Ben and Darling race outside.
The gang members move into position.
A few smile to Willie as he scurries towards them.
JIM BEAM
Sorry little guy, we can’t take you
with us. The life of a Thieve is no
life for a youngster.
A SIREN. The sheriff’s car zooms around the corner
The gang starts their engines and fly down the street,
nearly running little Willie over.
At the last moment, Roland dives off his bike into a barrel
roll and whisks Willie away from the oncoming bikes.
He drops the boy at the feet of the School Teacher.
SCHOOL TEACHER
Oh, thank you so much! He never
ceases to worry me sick! If it
wasn’t for you, he’d be a little
pancake and I’d be out of a job!
ROLAND
We’re not all bad, you know.
SCHOOL TEACHER
I know.
She leans in and plants a passionate kiss on him.
The CHILDREN stop playing and watch as the two embrace.
DEPUTY (O.S)
Hold it right there, you son of a
bitch!
Roland detaches from the embrace, barely fazed by the
Deputy, who points his revolver right at his head.
DEPUTY
Alright, scum. Put your hands
behind your back.
Roland winks to the School Teacher.
The Deputy clacks the handcuffs on and pulls him towards the
Police vehicle.

59.
EXT. CEMETERY- DAY
A PREACHER stands over two open graves, caskets raised above
its open hole.
A few small bouquets sit beside the small, unmarked
gravestones.
Luke, Darla and CARLOS’ PARENTS stand at the forefront of a
modest group of mourning FRIENDS from the trailer park.
The famous Buick Special has arrived at the cemetery and
pulls up behind the long procession of parked cars.
Celeste, wearing a very simple black dress, slowly steps out
onto the lawn.
Roland exits as well, grabs her arm and aggressively leads
her to the service.
ROLAND (1)
(To Celeste)
He lived fast. You know what they
say.
Celeste looks at him sadly, then into the grave pensively.
PREACHER
Ben and Carlos have become a part
of each of you; they will always
live on in your memories. It’s like
watching a favorite motion picture
over and over. I know that there
are many things that you haven’t
even thought of in the last few
days that will eventually come to
mind and will become a living
memorial to these loved ones as
long as you live.
As the Preacher continues, Roland sidles up next to Celeste
and wraps his arm around her.
She begins to tear up.
FADE TO:

60.
EXT. CEMETERY- LATER
The Preacher has departed.
Luke, Darla, Carlos’ Parents and a few of the friends still
gather around hugging and talking intimately with one
another.
Celeste peers into Ben’s grave, emotionally drained and
disheveled from crying.
Roland begins rubbing her shoulders affectionately.
Celeste needs this, she is having difficulty standing.
She cowers into Roland. He hugs her tightly.
After a moment, she reciprocates.
Roland leans in to kiss her. She reciprocates.
INT. HIDEOUT- DAY
The gang rolls into the hideout a bit shaken, especially
Darling.
She has trouble getting her motorcycle to a stop.
She drops the bag of money and stumbles to the firing range.
Darling begins firing rapidly at the dummies.
Ben sits to the side, watching her from afar.
He focuses on her intense eyes and luscious mouth.
Exhausted, he takes off his leather jacket, props it against
his motorcycle, pulls out a crumpled piece of paper and
gnawed pencil from inside his leather jacket.
He begins scribbling fervently on the page. "Dear Celeste"
Darling studies him too, admiring his muscular body in
repose
He pauses to watch Darling as she fires away at the targets
before his eyelids grow tired and he closes them.
FADE TO:

61.
Ben pilots his motorcycle down the street.
Holding onto his back, Darling fires her gun, hitting the
houses that line the street.
She hits Celeste’s house, and Celeste comes to the window
watching as they pass.
She waves.
Ben revs the engine faster. The two race onto the highway.
FADE TO:
INT. HIDEOUT- LATER
The firing has stopped. Ben slowly opens his eyes.
All is quiet.
Moving towards the firing range, he hears the SPRAY of the
makeshift shower off screen.
Darling is partially revealed from behind the partition.
Darling glances in his direction, catching his spying.
He returns to his motorcycle and absently begins polishing
its beaten frame.
He takes out the piece of paper from his pocket and is about
to start writing again.
DARLING (O.S.)
Hey there Hemingway. What’s
bouncing around in that shell of
yours?
Ben looks up to see Darling approaching, now wearing her
damp, sheer tank top. She dries her hair with a shop rag.
She smiles earnestly at him.
BEN
I left a girl back home, I was
going to write her, tell her I miss
her.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 62.
DARLING
Why’d you leave in the first place,
if you miss her so much?
Ben looks to the paper, then back to Darling.
BEN
I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. I
wouldn’t be anywhere.
DARLING
Well kid, you’re here now. Savor
it. Not every two bit toe head gets
to be a Thieve.
She sits next to him, and gives him a nudge.
DARLING
Just roll with it, and big things
will happen. Make a splash in
Hollister, show these boys what
you’re made of.
BEN
I’ll try.
DARLING
Babe, you’re gonna do fine. Just
strut your stuff, do your tricks,
and keep that pretty little mouth
of yours shut.
He looks down at his writing, then back up at her. She
kisses him lightly.
INT. HIDEOUT- DAY
Ben tinkers on his bike, playing with the tools he knows
little about in order to get it working.
The other members converge around the bike, drinking.
Jim Beam refills everyone’s mason jars.
JIM BEAM
This oughta get the wheels turnin’.
How do y’all propose we do this.
A more diminutive member, LACKEY, pipes up.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 63.
LACKEY
The only way we gon’ breaks him out
if we go in guns ablazin’.
Darling guzzles down her drink and wipes her lips.
DARLING
You don’t think they’re gonna put
us all away in a casket we go in
like that? There’ll be no more
Thieves by that point.
Ben’s ears perk up. He walks over to the bar.
BEN
I have an idea.
Lackey and Beam shoot Ben menacing looks.
LACKEY
That so? I ain’t seen nothin’
positive out you yet. All you’ve
helped is off Jimmy Boy. I have an
idea: You shut the fuck up or I’ll
shut you up.
DARLING
There was nothing the kid could
have done, it was shit from the
get-go. Let’s hear what he has to
say. Remember, he still has to
prove himself to be a part of the
gang.
Jim Beam nods to Ben.
JIM BEAM
You heard her youngster.
BEN
I saw something in a movie once.
FADE TO:
INT. JAIL- NIGHT
The jail is tiny. Roland lies shackled in it’s only cell.
Lying face up on his bunk, he blows smoke rings through
The CLACKING of a typewriter is torturous to Roland.
The deputy writes his report, now as the acting sheriff.

64.
A look of smug satisfaction washes over him. He has caught
the leader of the Dirty Thieves.
EXT. JAIL- NIGHT
The sheriff’s car rests just outside the jailhouse.
The threat of rain looms in the thick, gray clouds above.
Smoke billows out the tiny cell window into the murky sky as
a million crickets CHIRP loudly.
Creeping down the highway is an indistinguishable mass,
shrouded in darkness. It is the Thieves.
Engines off, headlamps extinguished, they walk their
motorcycles down the road, creeping ever closer to the jail.
At the forefront is Ben.
He guides the other members, and as they reach the jail,
motions to the sheriff’s car through hand signals.
INT. JAIL- CONTINUOUS
Wrapped in his report, the deputy grins excitedly.
ROLAND (O.S.)
Sir! Hey sir!
The deputy does not look up from his work.
DEPUTY
What is it?!
ROLAND
I’m awful lonely, what with no one
to talk to and all.
DEPUTY
That’s what you get. That’s what
horrible louses like you deserve.
You’re gonna have to get used to
it, you’re getting sent to Folsom
for the long haul.
ROLAND
Can’t I have some music, quiet my
thoughts? I’m going crazy here.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 65.
DEPUTY
There ain’t no jukebox in here.
Lemme get back to it, before I come
in and rupture your eardrums, put
you out of your misery.
The deputy continues pecking at the keys on the typewriter,
one finger at a time, locked in concentration.
From outside the entrance to the jail come a bright orange
flash.
The deputy dully looks up, lost in his thoughts.
EXT. JAIL- NIGHT
The sheriff’s car is on fire.
The gang turns their bikes towards the freeway, save for
Darling and Ben.
Darling gives Ben a squeeze of excitement.
DARLING
Hot damn kid! Mr. fucking
mastermind! You keep thinking like
this, you’ll run the gang yet!
BEN
It’s gotta work first!
A collective RUMBLE of engines.
The gang takes off en masse towards the highway.
Ben and Darling roll a hay barrel over to the tiny cell
window, where she hoists him on top.
Roland, half asleep and unawares of his jail break, is
rudely awakened when a lock pick fall on his head.
Popping up out of bed, the lock pick is flung across the
room and he is forced to scurry to it in his shackled state.

66.
EXT. JAIL- NIGHT
The Deputy rushes out the front entrance, only to find
Darling pointing her pistol straight at him.
DARLING
I’d take this opportunity to think
about your family if I was you.
The Deputy, scared out of his wits, can only blink.
BEN
You gonna react, or watch the
bullet come at ya? C’mon! Open that
cell, quick!
Finally out of his daze, the deputy runs back inside.
Running to the cell, our Deputy struggles to open the door
with the key that is tightly chained to his utility belt.
Darling and Ben strut gaily behind him.
BEN
We got a present for you, Daddio.
Roland is already deshackled and smoking once more.
Again, the deputy freezes, mouth agape.
Taking the cigarette from his own mouth, Roland places it
between the deputy’s quivering lips.
ROLAND
That’s a good look for you, wear it
with dignity.
Patting our deputy on the shoulder, Roland snaps the
shackles onto the deputy.
Darling begins making out with Roland, turning ever so
slightly to look the jealous Ben in the eyes.
Our hero merely turns toward the door dejectedly.

67.
EXT. JAIL- CONTINUOUS
Ben moves to his motorcycle where a flask is perched between
the handle bars. He begins guzzling its contents.
A hand grabs it out of his mouth.
Roland swigs it and exclaims in a hoot.
ROLAND
Boy, did I need that!
DARLING
We oughta celebrate in the kid’s
honor, he came up with the whole
plan.
Roland turns to Ben, looking him up and down.
ROLAND
Is that so?
Ben nods.
ROLAND
Well, then I guess we better. He
needs a tat. He’s a Thieve alright.
Roland gets on the bike and starts it up.
Darling hops on behind him and squeezes his torso.
Ben hops on his ride and they’re off. VROOM!
INT. AUDITORIUM- NIGHT
The final scene of the play is being performed.
Celeste is wrought with frantic, wild emotion as she is
dragged away to a mental institution.
She and the rest of the cast get a standing ovation as they
return on stage for their bows.
Passing over the audience, we can see her parents.
Her mom cheers Celeste while her father looks on sternly.
In the rear of the auditorium, SAM WHITING fumbles with his
notebook and races up to the stage.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 68.
SAM WHITING
(To Celeste)
Congratulations! What a play! I
must say, you’ve got something
there. Going to have to tell my
affiliates in Los Angeles to look
out for the next big thing. Here,
let me get a shot of you with the
flowers.
Celeste looks to her parents who keep an eagle eye on her.
Pride gleams in her Mother’s eyes while her Father does his
best to feign a supportive smile.
SAM WHITING
Well, I’ll be in touch for a follow
up. Ciao.
CELESTE
Bye...
To the side, Roland is surrounded by the rest of the cast
and his circle of female admirers.
His arm is slung around Nina’s waist, but his eyes are cast
on Celeste.
EXT. HOLLISTER- DAY
The Thieves roll into Hollister, eyes peeled for trouble.
Roland breaks away from the gang to talk to a friend,
CHARLIE, who works on a beaten bike.
The gang continues on, and merriment abounds.
Ben marvels at the assortment of tricked out bikes and hot,
scantly clad chicks littered about.
In one corner, an all girl gang works on their bikes. They
are tough looking, sexy broads. Ben gulps.
Suddenly there is a ruckus. Off screen, Darling SCREAMS.
Ben turns to find two members of Don’s Gang accosting her.
They close in as she tries to back away.
GANG MEMBER 1
Come on, show us some sugar.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 69.
GANG MEMBER 2
I think all she got in there is
piss and vinegar.
Gang Member 1 grabs her tightly, attempting to rip off her
shirt.
GANG MEMBER 1
Doesn’t matter, all pussy tastes
the same to me.
From behind, Ben yanks Gang Member 1 off Darling and punches
Gang Member 2 hard, knocking him to the ground.
He begins kicking him, getting sucked into the violence.
Ben is ready to pummel Gang Member 2 into submission, when
he too is yanked to the ground.
Gang Member 1 stomps on him.
Gang Member 2 rises to his feet and clumsily begins doing
the same.
Ben attempts to cover his head with little success.
The two Gang Members are fully enjoying themselves.
Gang Member 2 lets out a holler. He’s excited.
A GUNSHOT from off screen.
Gang Member 1 stops.
Gang Member 2 crumples to the ground, blood dribbling out of
the front of his head.
Darling holds a revolver, smoke wafting out of its barrel.
GANG MEMBER 1
Please... No! Please!
Darling squeezes off another round.
Gang Member 1 crumples to the ground.
Ben weakly looks up to Darling, who laughs to herself.
DARLING
Welcome to the big leagues. This is
what you wanted, right?
Ben laughs quietly, thinking it all over.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 70.
DARLING
There’s going to be hell to pay
come tomorrow. But we can’t lose
the best rider in the crew can we?
Ben is awestruck at this statement.
Darling moves to hoist the frazzled Ben off the ground.
DARLING
C’mon, I’m buying you a drink.
INT. HOLLISTER BAR- CONTINUOUS
A dank little bar. An empty pint apiece rest on the bar.
Darling lazily slings her arm around Ben’s shoulders.
DARLING
So that’s that, then?
Ben looks down into his glass.
BEN
He got toasted alive in front of
me.
Darling caresses his shoulders affectionately.
DARLING
What happened to the girl?
Ben shrugs, wipes his beaten brow.
BEN
I dunno, med school I suppose.
DARLING
Forget it. You’re a Thieve now,
baby.
This last statement she emphasizes by squeezing Ben’s thigh
close to the crotch before scampering to the jukebox.
Ben watches her every move, aroused by the intimate touch.
A fun R&B song pops on and she begins dancing wildly.
She beckons Ben over with her finger and he lifts his
weakened body to its feet.
Taking his hand, she spins herself into his torso.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 71.
Ben is nearly knocked over as Roland saunters into the bar.
Darling tries to lift Ben, but is grabbed by Roland.
ROLAND
What’s this I hear about you trying
to steal my girl from me?
DARLING
Don’t baby. He just got his first
kiss from the reaper. I had to ice
a couple Don’s before it was too
late.
Roland nods, but stabs Ben in the forehead with his finger.
ROLAND
Just stay away from her, boyo.
He turns his finger to Darling.
ROLAND
And don’t you get any funny ideas
either.
DARLING
I’m all business, you know that.
Darling wraps her arm around Roland and nibbles on his ear.
Ben returns to his drink.
EXT. HOLLISTER- DAY
Gang members stand around a circular cage OHHING and AHHING.
The BUZZ of a motor emanates from inside.
Women in scant attire walk around with score cards like a
boxing match. The men go wild.
Peering in, we can see a MOTORCYCLIST riding as fast as he
can to keep his momentum on the Wall of Death.
At the bottom of the pit is a pile of rattle snakes.
The motorcycle loses steam, and the rider falls in the pit.
A big CHEER from the crowd.
The snakes envelop him, and he writhes them off his body.
From the crowd, we see Ben amongst the Thieves with a number
pinned to his shirt.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 72.
A look of determination is written on his face.
He rolls up his sleeves as he straddles his bike.
A young girl, NOEL, looks on from across the crowd. They
connect eyes.
From off screen, we hear the crowd CHEER again.
ANNOUNCER
Next rider, you’re up!
Ben cruises up to the cage.
The attendant opens the door, and Ben rolls inside.
He revs the engine and speeds around the wall.
The wind whips through his hair and pulls his cheeks.
ANNOUNCER
What do you say folks? Does he have
what it takes to escape the Wall of
Death?!
A CHEER.
Ben continues for about twenty laps, and he becomes a bit
dizzy.
He is about to fall in the pit when he sees Don riding in
front of him in the opposite direction.
He speeds up and swerves around him.
He looks to the snakes as he flies toward the now open exit.
Riding towards the Thieves, he gets a big ovation.
Roland and Darling stand arm in arm, cheering for him.
Darling steals a peck on Ben’s cheek and he smiles again.
She nods to Noel, who looks on with excitement.
DARLING
Go get it. Time for a real kiss.
BEN
But Jimmy...
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 73.
DARLING
He would have wanted you to. She
wants you to.
Ben looks at Noel.
BEN
(to Darling)
Back home, I told you. That’s what
got me into this mess.
DARLING
Yeah...
BEN
Well, I’m fucking exhausted, I’m
going to catch some Zs away from
this hullabaloo.
Darling watches as Ben cruises away from the crowd.
The next contestant starts his turn.
Roland has joined the crowd, and he moves towards Noel.
The two embrace and Roland slings his arm over her shoulder.
Darling eyes them briefly, then slinks away from the crowd.
She walks towards the main street and the bar, looking to
the crowd before entering.
EXT. HOLLISTER- DAY
The gangs have congregated in the town square, bike after
bike lined up at the edge of the sidewalk.
Gang member after gang member polishes their ride or works
on the engine, revving it as loud as they can.
The townsfolk stand watching in awe of the cacophony of
engines in their quiet town.
Suddenly, a HORN is heard. The gangs move into formation.
Bikini clad women hop on the back of the different gang
member’s motorcycles, and shoot each other dirty glances.
Ben and the Thieves slink to the back of the pack, surveying
everyone in front of them.
Slowly the procession of gangs rolls down the street.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 74.
The onlookers CHEER as each gang passes.
Darling has straddled the handlebars of Roland’s bike, and
along with waving the gang’s banner, tosses cigarettes to
the kids that stand watching at rapt attention.
The deputy watches as the Thieves pass.
Roland nods to him.
The Announcer calls out the names of each gang as they pass
his booth, and the crowd cheers.
Lackey has joined the Lizzies, and he comically waves their
flag as he straddles one of the girl’s handle bars.
LACKEY
The Lizzies ain’t no joke! Mess
with them, your face’ll get broke!
A cheer from the crowd as a few of the Lizzie take off their
bras and toss them into the crowd of rabid male fans.
NOEL
You like that boys?! You think you
can handle the Lizzies?! I’d like
to see you try!
Darling hops off and scampers to Noel. They embrace.
DARLING
Hey babe, what’s cookin? You off to
the races?
NOEL
If by races you mean laying with a
Negro man, then you read me too
well...
DARLING
I’ve read that book. It’s a long
one, but very deep and powerful.
NOEL
Shaddup with that!
Noel turns the bike around and drives it away from the
procession.
Without turning around, she salutes Darling with her middle
finger.
Darling smiles.

75.
EXT. GROVE- DAY
Ben has found a shady spot underneath a tree to lay down and
shut his eyes.
The din of the festival BUZZES faintly in the background.
FADE TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY- DAY
Ben and Jimmy ride down the highway at full speed, the wind
pulling their cheeks back as they go.
Celeste peeks out from behind Ben, smiling.
From behind Jimmy, Noel peeks her head out. She is smoking.
We watch as she gracefully smokes her cigarette, the fast
moving bike not affecting the lazy plumes that waft from it.
She smiles at us.
EXT. GROVE- DAY
Ben smiles in his sleep.
After a time, Ben rouses.
Without lifting his head, he reaches in his jean pocket and
pulls out his smokes.
He listens to the BUZZ of the crowd as he smokes.
A HORN blares from the town, and a CHEER can be heard.
Ben collects himself, and with his cigarette dangling from
his lips, hops on his bike.
EXT. RACETRACK- DAY
The Lizzie and Thieves ride towards the dirt racetrack set
up outside town.
Other gang members congregate at the starting line, rough
housing and drinking.
A rickety bandstand sits just beyond the finish line, where
a mixed crowd of people are seated.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 76.
We can make out the various groups, some families with young
children rough housing, some old bikers drinking whiskey.
The announcer ascends the ladder to his elevated booth, and
taps the microphone.
A MURMUR from the RACERS at the starting line.
ANNOUNCER
What a beautiful day here at the
track, am I right folks?!
A CHEER from the crowd.
ANNOUNCER
We’ve got excitement pouring out of
our ears today, ladies and
gentlemen! We’re all set for the
Pony Express 500, are you?! We got
gangs from all across the country
here set to show who’s the baddest
of the bad, the fastest of the
fast. We got the Tyrants from Ohio,
the Blister Boys from Washington
and California’s very own Thin
Lizzie, Donner Party and Dirty
Thieves. Don’t be fooled by their
fair looks and shapely figures,
these dames are no joke. They’ll
burn you alive, and I’m not talking
about what happens in the bedroom.
Noel, now in position, shoots the announcer a dirty look.
There is noticeable tension in the air.
Each of the gangs’ members line up.
Ben sidles up next to Noel, and they look one another in the
eye as they rev their engines.
ANNOUNCER
Alright racers! Start your engines!
Ready. Set... Go! And they’re off!
Cutting round the first turn, Jim
Beam is at the head of the pack,
doing his worst to spray smoke in
everyone’s face.
Beam laughs as his engine spews heavy exhaust onto the other
racers.
Many swerve and collide with one another.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 77.
Ben covers his mouth with his sleeve as he and Noel ride
next to one another. They have a beat.
One of Don’s boys has caught up to Jim Beam, and is swerving
next to him, trying to break his concentration.
After a time, Beam has had enough and he swerves his
motorcycle into the other rider and they both go tumbling.
Beam is able to skid his bike without any significant damage
while the Don member falls square on his face.
Lackey, acting as silly as ever, has avoided any of the
other riders and has sneaked into the lead.
He crosses the finish line.
He goes to the announcer and grabs the trophy, waving it
high above his head.
One of Don’s Boys grabs it out of his hands, and he is left
to sulk by himself as the other racers depart the track.
EXT. HOLLISTER- DAY
As the gangs raucously enjoy the afternoon’s festivities,
hooting, hollering, drinking and eating the variety of
grilled meats, Noel decides to approach Ben.
NOEL
Your first time?
Ben nods.
NOEL
So, whadaya think?
BEN
About as wild, but not half as sexy
as I had hoped. Maybe except for
you girls.
He gets a wry smile out of Noel.
NOEL
What crew you with, sailor?
Taking a beat before responding, Ben sighs.
BEN
Oh, I came here with the Thieves.
Just got marked, actually.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 78.
Thieves? Where’s Jimmy? Noel tries indifference with little
success.
NOEL
Where’s the other kid? What’s his
name?
Now Ben takes another beat.
After what Jimmy told him about Noel, he is saddened to
admit the horrible news.
BEN
Jimmy didn’t make it. We had an
easy score, old man winter’s gas
station. Old man was packing, we
had no clue. How could we?
Noel takes this hard, she begins rubbing her hair violently,
trying her best not to cry.
NOEL
Motherfucker! Motherfucker! That
son of a bitch...
She stops herself.
Lost in thought for a long moment, she begins to tear up
silently.
Choosing his next move wisely, Ben finally speaks.
BEN
Here, this was his.
He pulls out Jimmy’s revolver and places it in Noel’s hands.
She doesn’t know what to do, merely rubbing its handle in
her small hands.
Again, she starts to tear up.
BEN
He loved you.
They’re coming in streams now, she rubs her hair again.
A tear falls on the gun, and she twirls it half heartedly.

79.
HOLLISTER- CONTINUOUS
The Lizzie have congregated amongst many of the other gangs
to watch an R&B group perform live on Main Street.
Everyone is enjoying the act and many people dance.
Some GIRLS are pulled on stage.
A few take off their tops, which they wave at the crowd.
Lackey dances wildly with the Lizzie, taking their hands and
twirling them around.
Ben cruises into the strip to watch the band play.
The performance continues, and Lackey has made the rounds
with each of the Lizzie as a dancing partner.
Out of nowhere he is knocked over the head with his racing
trophy, concussing him to the ground.
One of Don’s Boys grabs Noel and starts manhandling her.
Ben flies into action, grabbing the trophy out of the Boy’s
hands, and uses it to pummel him violently.
Soon enough, Beam is getting into it, and a melée ensues.
Roland and the rest of the Thieves dive into the action and
begin throwing punches at other gang members joining in.
The same Deputy eats his cheeseburger, enjoying the brawl.
He finally intervenes.
DEPUTY
Alright boys. I knows this is how
you love to get your kicks. The lay
of the land, but there’s been
enough fun for one festival. Let’s
clean up. If I hear any more shit
like this going down, I’ll see to
it that each crew is shut down
across the land.
The gang members don’t like this one bit.
They all turn to pounce on him, getting excited.
The sheriff is pummeled into submission, and only once Noel
comes to pull them all off him is there any respite.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 80.
Nonetheless, they are all satisfied and slap one another on
the back for their triumph.
Their malice towards one another has dissipated and now only
a jovial air remains.
Ben moves to Darling.
BEN
That’s what I call excitement.
DARLING
There’s been enough excitement for
my taste. He’s a good guy, loves
his cheesburgers. C’mon. Time to
get drunk.
HOLLISTER BAR- NIGHT
The gang is amongst a crowd of other bikers, raucously
enjoying themselves drinking.
Ben looks across the bar at the Lizzie as they shoot dice.
He glances over at Darling, who straddles Roland.
Roland is uninterested. He eyes Noel as she guzzles a beer.
Darling gets fed up and pushes herself away.
Not losing a beat, she drunkenly saunters over to Ben, who
surprised, gives her a sheepish, drunk smile.
DARLING
Hey big boy. How was your first day
on ’the range’? Enjoy yourself?
BEN
Uh, yeah, it was great.
DARLING
You happy with the way your bike
looked out there?
Ben looks at Roland, who shoots dice, wrapping his arm
around Noel. She smiles.
Darling moves to Ben, resting her arm across his shoulder.
DARLING
It’s too stuffy in here for me. We
should take a ride.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 81.
Ben nervously looks at Roland, then nods his head slowly.
BEN
Um, yeah. It’s killing me.
DARLING
Where to, stud?
Ben is feeling her attraction now. He grows brazen.
BEN
Where ever you want. I just need a
break from all the action.
She grabs his hand, leading him towards the door.
At the exit, he steals a glance at the rest of the Thieves.
Jim Beam, half paying attention to his poker game, catches a
glimpse of Ben and Darling.
Roland, however, is not paying them any mind.
He leans in close to Noel, whispering something in her ear.
The DIN of the bar is all consuming, a Johnny Cash song
playing loudly on the jukebox. The two exit into the night.
EXT. HOLLISTER BAR- CONTINUOUS
Ben moves to his bike swiftly, kicking the pedal and
starting the engine.
Darling leans in and wraps her hands around his waist as the
bike takes of down the main Hollister street.
She laughs drunkenly as she turns to look at the bar drift
away from them.
All around, row after row of motorcycles are lined up.
Darling leans in and whispers lasciviously into Ben’s ear,
nibbling at it.
He is nervous, and very excited.
They reach the edge of the town with the racetrack
approaching rapidly in front of them.
DARLING
Hey, let’s take a rest on the
ground, have a drink under the
stars.

82.
EXT. GROVE- CONTINUOUS
She produces a flask from her cleavage and passes it to Ben
as the two dismount the motorcycle.
Ben takes a swig, then passes the flask back to her. She
guzzles from it and burps.
She smiles at him and rubs his thigh again.
DARLING
You sure are something else, boyo.
Darling kisses him. After hesitating, Ben reciprocates.
The full moon shines down on them, lighting their faces.
EXT. GROVE- LATER
The two are in the throes of passion. Darling rips off Ben’s
leather jacket, exposing his freshly tattooed arm.
She straddles him and throws him against the ground before
ripping her tank top off.
She grabs Ben’s jacket from the ground and wraps it around
her shoulders, then quickly grabs at his belt.
Ben moans a little, and Darling smiles as she begins
grinding her hips into his.
EXT. GROVE- LATER
The two are locked together in a post-coital embrace, the
leather jacket feebly draped over them.
A low RUMBLE is heard. Roland’s motorcycle gleams in the
moonlight, his fresh paint job displayed prominently.
He races towards the two with a pistol in hand.
The noise has roused Ben. He jumps up to face Roland.
Ben reaches down, pulling the drunken Darling to her feet.
She leans wobbly against him for support.
BEN
Don’t!
It is too late. Roland points the pistol at Ben and cocks
the hammer back.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 83.
Darling SCREAMS.
He fires, hitting Darling square in the chest.
Ben frantically lifts his motorcycle and slams on the pedal.
The engine ROARS and Ben races at Roland.
Bones CRUNCH, and Roland crumples to the ground.
Ben looks behind him sadly as he races off into the night.
EXT. HIGHWAY- CONTINUOUS
The motorcycle is a spec amongst the immense highway.
The engine’s RUMBLE is barely audible as Ben races into the
night.
Soon enough, however, an even greater RUMBLE can be heard.
The THIEVES are racing after him in hot pursuit.
EXT. HIGHWAY- NIGHT
Ben’s hands grip the handlebars of his motorcycle tightly.
He passes the ROADSIDE BAR, now barren and empty. Outside,
the BARTENDER smokes a cigarette. He waves at Ben.
BEN pays him little attention, turning back to the road.
EXT. HIGHWAY- LATER
The THIEVES pass the burnt out gas station, furiously in
pursuit of BEN.
One BIKER, the diminutive LACKEY, angrily throws his beer at
the gas-station, breaking it on the gas pump.
EXT. TRAIN TRACKS- NIGHT
A set of train tracks resting between the open highway and a
small, ramshackle TRAILER PARK.
Roland and Nina sit inside a Buick Special sharing a flask
of whiskey, obviously drunk.
From a distance, BEN comes flying into frame.

84.
Seeing BEN whiz by, Roland tosses the flask out the window
and begins chasing him towards the train tracks.
Ben whips through the quiet streets of Lincoln, his REVVING
MOTOR the only sound audible.
INT. CAR- NIGHT
ROLAND (1)
If that fucker ain’t dead yet, he
will be!
EXT. HIGHWAY- NIGHT
The Buick swings out onto the highway in hot pursuit of Ben
and flies out of frame.
All is silent for a long beat, but eventually the Thieves
blast in the same direction.
Lackey takes the opportunity to shoot at a sign at the side
of the road.
EXT. TRAIN TRACKS- CONTINUOUS
The Buick flies at top speed towards the train tracks in the
distance.
Approaching them, the gate starts to lower just as the car
gets there. The car is stuck. Waiting.
INT. CAR- NIGHT
The train passes rapidly in front of them, hobos visible in
the cargo cars.
ROLAND
Come on, you son of a bitch!
He hits the steering wheel in emphasis.

85.
The gates start opening, and the Buick immediately starts
zooming forward.
INT. CAR- CONTINUOUS
Roland grimaces maniacally as he guns the engine.
Nina looks at him, scared stiff.
The Thieves RUMBLE over the tracks en masse towards Lincoln.
Beam spearheads the pursuit, a cigarette dangling between
his lips.
EXT. ROAD- NIGHT
The Thieves fly past the darkened trailer park, Luke visible
passed out on his porch.
EXT. LINCOLN- NIGHT
The Buick flies down the nice suburban streets wildly.
Roland has trouble controlling the behemoth in his drunken
state.
Swerving around a corner, the car nearly flips on its side.
The Thieves are right behind the car now, still in hot
pursuit.
They surround it, peering menacingly at Nina and Roland, who
cower together.
Lackey shoots their tires out and they spin to a halt.
Roland, frustrated and worn, hops out to survey the damage.
He gets on his knees in agony.

Hollister

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