Coming of age drama seen through the eyes of Ronnie, Jaime, Nicky and Epic, Baz, Vince, Harry and Julian and Gerry. Their allegiance to music and style set in the pocket of 1979-1984, Thatchers Britain, no future.
Peppered with fast stylized montage sometimes dance vignettes.
Teaser/ACT ONE
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – NEW TOWN, UK – 1981 – NIGHT
Alleys, buildings and roads all connected in a large mosaic pattern now tattered and torn in grey streets of these housing projects.
Harry Powell, “The Psychobilly,” (20s), handsome, flat top haircut, walks the dark streets of New Town. Music by The Meteors, “Psycho For Your Love” instrumental plays.
MONTAGE – Harry’s thoughts, clips of TV shows…a utopia.
Harry’s mom and dad move to New Town in the 1960s
HARRY (V.O.)
It was something of a Brave New World for young families who were looking to make a break from the overcrowded shit-hole that the capital was becoming. London may have been swinging for middle-class groovers and shiftless hippies squatting in mansions but, for working-class punters like my Dad on £8 a week, three to a room, a kitchen so small that your arse stuck out the back door when you bent down to open the oven, and a trip to a freezing outhouse at the bottom of the garden every time you needed a shit.New Town was a shiny utopia with bright, modernist housing. Big windows, split levels, patios and even a driveway for a car, which we did not have New schools, less traffic, safe walkways for pedestrians and a whole lot of other bullshit was served up to them in glossy brochures by idealistic town planners and development corporations, who would eventually skip town like gypsies in the night as soon as their New Town ideals started to tarnish. My parents made the move with the best of intentions, to make a new start for the Powell family and to give my sister and I a better chance in life. Somewhere green for us to play, a new school and better opportunities. How could my folks possibly know that in the rush to build this gleaming metropolis, builders on piece work were knocking together housing like fucking Meccano kits with half the bits left in the box.
HARRY
Once, late at night on BBC2, I saw a film that was made in new town in the late 1960s. It starred that bloke from Mind Your Language and it was full of fresh looking dolly birds and young geezers having a good time. Everything looked fresh & new, the shops and houses were sparkling clean and people were shagging at parties and zipping about in sports cars, laughing and generally having a good fucking time.
CUT TO:
He exits the fish n’ chip shop headed home.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Its not like that in 1981. Coming home from the chippy near the town square tonight I had to dodge a mob of blonde streaked trendies who were hanging around the bus station looking for trouble. Brushed past some begging junkies in a piss-soaked underpass en route to his house, where I can settle down in my room with walls that are so thin I can hear my dad scratching his arse in the room next door and the windows are as damp as a strumpets fanny
Harry goes into underpass. A bottle flies through air and hits him on head.
Four “Casuals,” wearing West Ham football scarves around their necks, lurk on the corner as Harry passes by and ignores them, but gives them some verbal back before legging it into the darkness.
MIKE, 18, and Dan, 19, approach.
MIKE
Oi Mork where is Mindy?
DAN
Oi weirdo fuck off back to whatever planet you came from.
The chase leads them through the subways and parks as they catch up to Harry, he bumps into a few of his mates and a huge fist fight breaks out.
HARRY (V.O.)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not some whining, socially deprived youth or a victim of some pot-smoking social engineers. I have a great life. I love New Town. My Rose and dad got the New Town dream but me and my generation got something a lot more worthwhile. We got too much too young.
Opening titles. “Do the Dog,” by The Specials plays.
CUT TO:
Scenes of bleak early 1980s UK…worker strikes, football violence, the IRA, Brixton riots, unemployment lines.
CUT TO:
EXT. GRIM COUNCIL – TOWER BLOCK – APRIL 30, 1979 – MORNING
INT. JULIAN’S BEDROOM – MORNING
JULIAN, (16), messy blonde, cropped hair, is almost invisible under the cheap purple nylon sheets and thin bedclothes. His room is cramped and a disaster. A small alarm clock rings. Julian’s Mom, 38, pretty, no make-up, is downstairs.
JULIAN’S MOM (O.S.)
Julian! It’s time to get up.
Julian rises up from his bed slowly, scratches his balls, and then begins to get ready. He stumbles around the bedroom putting on his school uniform.
JULIAN (V.O.)
I mean who starts a new school at the end of April? It’s practically the summer holidays. I know I shouldn’t really moan about mom and me moving in with Joe. The short time he has been seeing me mom he has been more of a dad to me than my real one ever was. I mean who has a kid and then does a runner the day before the childs’ second birthday. Not the stuff of fairy tales is it? I just wish…
He stumbles about a bit as he pulls on his worn, grey trousers.
JULIAN (V.O. – CONTD)
I just wish that Joe and my wicked stepsisters could have moved out near to where we were living with Nan and granddad in the country rather than us moving to this concrete jungle where everything smells of burning. Not the cozy smell of burnt wood or coal like you experienced when walking through country villages or Victorian housed streets but the dirty stinking smell of bins set alight.
Julian makes a rough attempt to straighten his school tie as he peers into a small mirror that is obscured with Panini football stickers.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Mom did offer for me to stay and live with nan and granddad till the new school term started, but I didn’t think it would be fair on Rose going off and starting her new life without me around.
Joe, 40, rugged, handsome, wears braces and a lumberjack shirt, kisses Harry’s mom.
JOE
One big happy family from now on.
Julian walks down the hall and attempts to get into the bathroom but the door is locked. His new stepsisters are already in the bathroom
JULIAN
(shouting downstairs)
Mom, tell them to hurry up I’m gonna be late! And really, how bad can this new school and my new classmates?
INT. McENTEE HIGH SCHOOL – CORRIDOR – DAY
Music by The Specials, “Expression” plays.
SNORKEL BOY, 16, feral-faced, acne-prone, runny nose & CHIMP BOY, 16, plump, goofy, have Julian cornered in an empty corridor.
SNORKEL BOY
Are yuh a mod or a skinhead?
Julian’s eyes flicker as he grimaces frantically and stares at his attacker, goldfish mouthed and stunned into a temporary paralysis, absorbs the question and suppresses any outward expression of the fear, but maintains an air of reasonable calm.
JULIAN (V.O.)
Is there a hybrid of the two? What about a mod-head or a skod?
Julian’s grandad exists the liquor store with his two bottles of stout rattling in his bag and shouts at a group of local teenagers hanging around.
GRANDAD
Blooming skinheads…
Snorkel boy’s breathing quickens and Chimp Boy’s eyes widen with anticipation.
JULIAN
(confused)
Skinhead?
Snorkel boy drives his head into Julian’s face, he flinches, draws his shoulders up and neck down. There’s a dull thud, hits the bridge of his nose, and receives a face full of greasy hairs that somehow snaked into his mouth. Snorkel boy and Chimp push him aside, leaving Julian cupping his face and checking for blood.
They swagger away from him, to the two heavy brown swing doors at the end of the corridor, Chimp turns back
CHIMP
Welcome to hell, new boy!
INT. BEDROOM – RONNIE’S MANSION – DAY
RONNIE HARDMAN, 35, weathered, gangster, an original “Mod,” lays out his immaculate whistle and tailored shirt on the bed.
He puts on slacks with creases so sharp that they could poke your eye out. The room is a riot of leather drapes, silk sheets and designer wallpaper that screams loads-a-money. A bottle of Moet sits on the dresser and a fat cigar smoulders in the ashtray.
RONNIE (V.O.)
I’m Ronnie Hardman. The gods got it right when they named me. What do I do to get a job title like this you may ask?
He takes a puff of the cigar and pours Moet into a champagne glass.
RONNIE (V.O.)
It’s not something you see in the window of the unemployment office everyday, is it? Well, you know when people say things like, “My little Andrea is going out with a man ten years older?,” if he upsets her I’ll break his legs!
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY WAY – NIGHT
Jamie, 26, Scottish, ginger-haired, skinhead, violent, speed addict, beats and taunts a “PUNTER.”
JAMIE
For fuck’s sake! Will these legs just break?!
BACK TO:
INT. BEDROOM – RONNIE’S MANSION – DAY
He combs his hair and while brushing the lint off his suit jacket.
RONNIE (V.O.)
That is exactly what I do. Mind you, it’s not that easy to break legs. Well, it’s not a regular income, I provide the public with service.I give them the tools to stay up all night and party like they have never partied before.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET CORNER – NIGHT
Jamie reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a bag of speed. Two “MODS” hand over the cash.
BACK TO:
INT. BEDROOM – RONNIE’S MANSION – DAY
RONNIE (V.O.)
Some call it dealing in amphetamines. I like to think of it as a helping hand. Yeah, I grew up in that part of the world where people always think things were better in the old days. You could leave your doors open in the old days and there was never any litter on the streets.
He ties his tie.
RONNIE (V.O.)
Of course you could. Nobody had anything worth nicking and fast food and packaging hadn’t been in-vented.
CUT TO:
EXT. SOHO (UK) – NIGHT
A group of “MODS” dance on the street outside the Wardor Club.
RONNIE
At 16, I felt the bright lights of the West End calling me. I immersed myself in the then new Soho scene, first buying speed for the buzz, then selling the stuff for the profit.
MANDY, 20s, wannabe “Posh” walks in, smiles and grabs a glass of Moet.
RONNIE (V.O.)
First it was speed, then weed, then acid to those fucking hippies. In between all this, I nicked a few speed boats in the Med shipping goods, too, from North Africa to Spain and worked on my tan in the process.
He smacks Mandy on her butt and winks.
RONNIE (V.O.)
I can’t fault my life. I wear the best clothes, drink the finest drinks and sometimes shag the best women. I like living by the seaside. Can you blame me?
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. JULIAN’S APARTMENT – KITCHEN – MORNING
Julian and Joe are at the breakfast table with radio on with news of Margaret Thatcher’s victory.
JULIAN
Nobody starts a new school on the last day of April and that I should have stayed off until September.
Joe ignores him then looks at him from behind the copy of The Daily Mirror as he crams toast into his already over filled mouth.
JOE
All the moaning in the world won’t do you any good. Well now, this should all be very interesting boy.
JULIAN
What will?
JOE
She went and did it mate, got in with a majority of forty four. Maggie Thatcher is now Britain’s first female prime minister. God help us.
Julian gets up from the table to head to school and slams the door.
JOE (CONT’D)
Don’t slam the door!
CUT TO:
EXT. JULIAN’S HOUSE – MORNING
Julian meets GERRY, 17, tall, dark, messy cropped hair, wearing grey school trousers shiny with added Teflon.
Julian walks down the hill and quickens his pace. Gerry makes no acknowledgment. Julian throws in the odd skip and hop to keep up with his stride. He is breathless.
JULIAN
Alright, mate?
Gerry just grunts and carries on stomping.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Do you go to McEntee?
Gerry just grunts and stomps.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Thats cool. Do you mind if I walk with you then?
The number 42 bus stops and unloads its cargo of JUVENILE DELINQUENTS from McEntee High School. Bustling, boisterous blazer jacket collars turned up, or on inside out. School ties hang in a bizarre display of different knots, the synthetic material pock-marked with cigarette-tip burns.
Gerry continues on head down, Julian choses to follow him.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Don’t you want to get the bus? We might be late.
Gerry shakes his head lightly Julian tries to catch his breath and so he rattles on.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
We’ll probably get detention an have to stay behind after school. Have you had one yet? I havent. I think you have to do lines or copy out of a really boring book. Some kids get loads! I never got any at my last school. I went to a school in Epping. Do you know Shepping? Its like the country, lots of trees and stuff. No black kids there. Not that Ive got a problem with black people or foreigners. Not even Irish people. I mean, not all Irish are for the IRA are they?
They trod along in silence. Uncomfortable, Julian tries to fill the air with noise.
JULIAN
Where are you from? I mean, youre really….. erm …..Kind of …..tall…..big, bigger than anyone I
know!
They breeze past the newsagents next to the dry cleaners.
JULIAN
My mom always said not to ask personal things about people so no offense meant, mate
Julian trots on. Occasionally he glances across at Gerry who doesn’t notice anything.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
What d’you think about Sid Vicious dying?
Gerry stops turns to Julian with a somewhat quizzical expression creasing his face. Julian is taken aback by the face. It was soft, not at all how he had envisioned.
GERRY
Sid Vicious died in February, ages ago. That’s old news, mate.
JULIAN
Yeah, I know. Killed himself, didn’t he?
GERRY
Not til’ he’d killed his girlfriend Nancy first.
Gerry starts to walk off again quickly.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Idiot!
Julian is taken aback.
JULIAN
Have you heard of The Specials?
GERRY
They are a group. From somewhere called Coventry. Dad says it’s in England but he don’t know where, it must be like a Prison colony cos’ people who nobody likes get sent there. I’ve read about the specials in Sounds. Garry Bushell says they are the best new band this year.
CUT TO:
INT. FELTHAM YOUTH CLUB – LONDON – NIGHT
A group of teens dressed in purple and green two-tone suits with pork pie bowler hats dancing to the band Madness singing, “Gangsters.”
Their first single is called Gangsters is a rehash of a Prince Buster single Al Capone.
GERRY
The Prince was not a real prince but some bloke from Jamaica who made records in old days. Its new music for a new Generation.
Gerry had a glint of passion in his eye. They walked on to school
JULIAN
I got nutted the other day.
GERRY
That doesn’t surprise me. Who’d you upset?
JULIAN
I don’t know their names but they asked me a question and I must have got it wrong. Some feral lookin’ boy with pimples and snot running down his nose.
Gerry gives a short snicker.
GERRY
Sounds like you met Snorkel Boy and Chimp Boy. A right pair of dickheads. Come on, well be late for school if you don’t get a move on! Its Gerry, short for Gerald. I was very lucky. Me mom wanted to call me Dylan.
JULIAN
(puzzled)
Dylan? What? Like that rabbit out of The Magic Roundabout?
GERRY
Don’t be so stupid. She wanted to name me after Bob Dylan, some bleedin’ folk singer!
JULIAN
(puzzled)
Bob Dylan? What band’s he in then?
GERRY
He was a folk singer, you know, protest songs, hippy stuff, times they are a changing was one of his ditties. I don’t suppose you would have heard his stuff. I only know it cos me Rose used to play it. She was listening to him a lot when I was born. Just glad me old man had a say in it to be honest.
JULIAN
Nope, still have’nt the foggiest who you’re talking about, mate. Do you mind if I just call you Gerry, short for Geraldine!
Gerry laughs and gives Julian a friendly barge with his rather considerable cannon ball of a shoulder. Julian falls sideways, stumbling into the path of a very pretty and young secretarial type who stops dead in her tracks to avoid him becoming cocooned between her bosoms.
Gerry glances back over his shoulder, enjoying every second of Julians embarrassment
JULIAN
Sorry, Miss Bosoms.
Julian to straightens his tie. They arrive at school. The bell call for registration rings. They enter and head off to separate classes.
JULIAN
That jacket you are wearing over your blazer…..?
GERRY
I bought it from an army surplus stall at the Sunday market for my 15th birthday, it was so expensive that it was all I had to open on the day. It’s an American issue, olive green, MA-1 flying jacket with bright orange, reversible lining. Dad gave me money and I had some cash I had saved.
Gerry pulls out his plastic TSB money box shaped like a globe of the world.
JULIAN
Cushty tho’ init?
Julian looks on and nodded with a smile on his face. He wanted one too.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL GRADUATION PARTY – JULY 1979 – DAY
Harry meets Baz, 17, ex-punk, friendly, immersed in the “Psychobilly” scene and Vince, 17, dark-haired, sometimes duplicitous.
Kids partying, snogging. Harry nursing a can of Strongbow, catches the eye of a tasty girl, gives her a half-smile, a raise of the eyebrows while expecting her to come over and stick her tongue down his throat.
Baz and Vince plonk themselves on the sofa next to Harry while he’s sucking his thumb.
BAZ
A complete waste of fucking time mate
VINCE
The New Town girls you have to do all the work, chat them up and be a bit flash
BAZ
And before you even get near to giving them a sloppy kiss and getting a squeeze of their arse cheeks.
They bundle on to the sofa Harry opens his cider and it goes all over him.
BAZ (CONT’D)
You alright blazer boy? Pissed yourself have you?
Baz and Vince stand out to most of the bleached posers and shuffling disco kids. Baz has a spiky topped shock of natural blond hair that makes him look like a pimply Billy Idol and Vince, with his greased-back barnet of hair.
VINCE
Not much happening here is there? Ive been all round the house and its full of fucking posers.
BAZ
Theres a few nice birds though
VINCE
Nothing special.
Baz punches Harry lightly on the shoulder.
BAZ
Hey, cider balls. What do you think of the crumpet?
HARRY
They are OK. A bit of disco dollies to be honest.
BAZ
They’ve still all got fannies mate.
HARRY
Fair enough but what kind of girl can listen to that sort of shite.
He gestures over to the stereo where the disco record is blaring out of the stereo.
BAZ
You don’t like this type of music then?
HARRY
No. I brought my own records along but nobody is interested in hearing them.
Vince grabs the package fingering through the collection.
VINCE
Hey this is good stuff… Matchbox, Cramps, Shakin’ Stevens, heres some for you mate.
Vince throws a small pile of records unceremoniously over to Baz.
BAZ
Not bad, Pistols Good, UK Subs Better, Spizz – Really? You into all this mate?
HARRY
I like a lot of stuff, Just not bollocks like pop and disco.
Baz roars and jumps up, rips the needle off the disco track a few party goers grumble, but he simply ignores them, slams the stylus down.
BAZ
Well lets hear some then. Misfits gents? Or HORROR BUSINESS by the Misfits
The three of them nod heads in unison as Baz falls back on the sofa. Melanie, the party host, comes in.
MELANIE
What the fuck are you lot doing here and whats this noise you have put on my record player?
BAZ
Watch this. Girls cannot resist him.
Vince placates the girl and begins to stroke her hair.
VINCE
Im so sorry. I was walking past your party and I saw your face in the window and I thought I cannot carry on walking without telling this young lady why she is by far the finest in New Town. This here single Im playing is my favorite band and although the guitar maybe a little loud the lyrics are deeply romantic.
Melanie smiles and blushes.
HARRY
How does he do that?
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
Colin, 18, a “Casual”, preppy, drunk, from Collenswood – the rival high school, gets a knife from kitchen and starts threatening people.
COLIN
(spits wildly)
Don’t come near me! Ill cut you! I’ll fucking do it.
VINCE
Put the knife down and piss off you fucking glue sniffer! Lowlife!
COLIN
Fuck you Shakin’ Stevens.
Baz throws an unopened can of Watney’s party 4 beer at him which sails over the party and hits him above the eye. He squeals in pain and drops the knife.
BAZ
One hundred and eighty.
The rival football boys rush forward and propel Colin out of the front door with blood seeping from his head. Melanie’s OLDER BROTHER appears.
MELANIE
Police have been called so everybody had better fuck off now.
The three of them leave and walking the streets of New Town at night.
BAZ
What a fucking washout that was.
VINCE
Yeah, We weren’t even invited and it was still shit.
BAZ
Whose party was it anyway?
HARRY
It was some girl I had known at school. We did extra PE together.
VINCE
Im glad you brought those records along at least, Me and Baz have got a good collection between us. We should meet up and give you an education in real Rockabilly.
BAZ
And Punk, Just one thing cider balls… What is your name anyway?
HARRY
Harry. Harry Powell.
VINCE
Well, we agree you can be our mate and hang out with us, as long as you gets a decent haircut and loose the fucking blazer.
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S MANSION – DAY
Ronnie’s drinking Earl Grey luxury tea and reading the paper by the coast. Jamie knocks on door.
RONNIE
Jamie what the fuck are you doing here? Sunday is the Lords day. And as I am the Lord of the fucking manor I do not expect to be disturbed.
Ronnie takes a swig of tea and stares back at Jamie.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Reason?
JAMIE
Ronnie you gotta come see this. Theres fucking Mods all over the seafront…
RONNIE
What do you mean MOTHS all over the seafront? Explain are we working in the pest control industry all of a sudden?
JAMIE
Not Moths boss. Mods. Like you were back in yer day. Scooters the lot. You need to come see it. Its fooking mental.
They lean over and look out from Ronnie’s window and see Lambretta scooters and “Mods” in green parka jackets.
RONNIE
These lot look more like punks in parkas. Scruffy cunts not fit to shine my hand made shoes bless em.
JAMIE
One of the lads I was talking too earlier says there is a club at Canvey island tonight. I can do some detective work.
RONNIE
A Scottish Sherlock Holmes. Whatever next. They will be making TV shows about jock coppers before we know it! The Bay City Rozzers!
Ronnie’s other HENCHMEN join the morning meeting in his house.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
So gents, how much have we taken from our loyal customers over the last few weeks?
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S MANSION – NEXT DAY
Jamie and his henchmen hand over various brown envelopes with names and figures printed on them.
A rare soul album on vinyl plays in background.
JAMIE
Boss. Thatchers Britain is starting to bite guv. Loads of our punters are out of business so they aint paying protection money. Its bloody madness. Thatcherism is hitting people like us the hardest.
RONNIE
Fucking politicians getting in the way of us businessmen. People like me are the backbone of the economy and should be looked after. Its just not free enterprise.
JAMIE
I mean how are we s’posed to make an honest living if the people we are protecting need protecting more from the government than us?!?
Ronnie picks up copy of Sounds magazine with mods on cover.
RONNIE
Jamie boy. Did you go to Canvey the other night?
JAMIE
Yes boss I did. Fucking Rock stuck in the middle of the Thames. Terrible place.
RONNIE
How many of them young mods were on speed?
JAMIE
Oh loads boss. Proper off their heads most of em. I mean Im off me fookin head on speed most days but this lot were proper on it. Whoever they were buying chewing gum from most have made a fortune too.
RONNIE
Ok so the new mods are loving the speed as much as we did back in the day.
Hands the Mod Magazine Odds and Sods to Jamie
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Been reading this. Seems the Bridge House in Canning Town is the place to go. Where my Nan lived. I’m thinking we go there this week.
JAMIE
Where is your Nan’s house?
Ronnie puts paper on table
RONNIE
No you idiot, we’re going to this club. Find some of the kids to start knocking out speed for us. Tell them for every 10 pills sold they can have a free one. Its time we started giving a bit back into the community. Spreading the profits. Plus it saves us having to employ any new people to work the floor. Its modern capitalism.
JAMIE
Maggie will be proud of us.
RONNIE
We buy the speed from the bikers. We get the kids to sell it for us. And boom we are all winners!!!
Jamie sits back smiles and puts his feet up on table.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
I like those shoes!
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – DAY
Sunny day. Some kids out playing cricket. A GIRL in her 20’s is sunbathing and puts radio on. Radio playing news of Mount Batton IRA. Julian and Gerry are walking around aimlessly kicking cans and, singing and “Friggin in the Riggin” by The Sex Pistols at tops of their lungs.
GERRY
I just hope there are not old age pensioners about to hear us singing and taking offense. They might tell me mom and Joe.
JULIAN
What are your tower blocks called? Our maisonnetes are called
Pine, Yew and Spruce and ours is called Sycamore. Which is a bit odd as there isn’t a tree anywhere on the estate.
GERRY
We have St. Fabian, St Albans and St Francis tho I think they should rename one of them St. Rastari in honor of our dread locked brethren who live here. I like to call them Scab, Boil, mole, wart bogey and pile
JULIAN
Pile as in hemorrhoid spot up your arse? My Nan had those.
GERRY
No pile as in pile of shit!!
The boys walk on until they get to one of the tower blocks. “The Prince” by Madness plays.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Come on lets go into Scab!
Julian follows Gerry, climbing the 42 flights of stairs. Graffiti adorns the walls that says: “Piller is a bender,” “Ron cranks it for Susan,” A sign reads: NO ACCESS.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Why did we not…not just take the elevator!
Gerry lifts a pole, squeezes his large frame through the gap and steps out onto the flat roof. End of Madness music, followed by silence as boys stand on roof.
GERRY (CONT’D)
They’re just generators, they supply power for the elevators and stuff, I think…
Julian watches in disbelief.
JULIAN
Gerry! What the bloody hell are you doing, you nutter!
Gerry peers over the wall.
GERRY
Whats the matter with you? You big girls blouse…
Julian squints at Gerry.
JULIAN
You’re mad. You might fall you spazzy.
GERRY
Been up here loads of times, come on, get up here. You’ve got to see the views, mate. Here reach up, Ill give you a hand.
Gerry reaches down offering his outstretched palm for Julian to grasp. He reluctantly takes his hand. Julian’s elbows dig over the onto the rooftop.
JULIAN
You really are a proper raving mad muppet Gerry.
GERRY
Just copy what I do.
Gerry rolls back over onto his stomach before shuffling like a commando towards the outer edge of the slab.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Are you alright, mate?. Take a minute to get your bottle back then have another go, it won’t be such a shock the second time.
With some trepidation, Julian eases forward and is speechless. The sky is clear and summer blue.
GERRY (CONT’D)
If you look hard over that way you can see the Post Office tower. It’s like an opened, pop-up A-Z map. St. Paul’s cathedral, its like a well-rounded breast, the spire its erect nipple. Tallest building in London, that is.
JULIAN
You were right G, its an amazing. Like proper amazing. Like being on Star Trek looking down at worlds where people we know live. How many people have ever seen this?
GERRY
You going all weird and hippy on me Captain Kirk? My dad’s got a Pink Floyd album indoors if you wanna borrow it.
A few minutes pass basking in the special view and soaking up the rays from the warm summer sunshine. Gerry sits up, swings his legs under him, edges forward, his legs were dangling over the edge of the building. Julian’s heart skips a beat.
JULIAN
Come on, Gerry, your’e pushing your luck a bit now, be careful will you.
GERRY
You worry too much. It’s a confidence thing, you see cats and monkeys don’t fear heights or distance, the only thing they have to worry about are predators and dangers like that. So, if you’re confident in what you’re doing, then you’ll probably be safe, see?
JULIAN
Christ, Gerry! Sit back down you idiot!
Gerry takes a few deliberate paces, turning back again, to face Julian who finds it hard to watch but harder to look away.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Seriously Gerry, mate, what if a gust of wind blows you off or you slip or something?
GERRY
You can honestly see the buggers move. I watched out my window. Remember what I said earlier Jules, its all about being calm, you got to have confidence. Who will really care if I fall? Who is gonna care about another dead, dead end kid? Ain’t exactly gonna make the BBC news is it? Just a meaningless statistic…
Gerry relaxes before lifting his leg until and stands on one leg, looking like a large and hairy but somewhat demented flamingo.
JULIAN
You are really are a hamper short of a picnic.
Gerry returns to his perch on the tower block next to Julian. Julian plucks up courage to join him on the very edge with legs hanging over. His eyes are shut tight with a death grip on the lip but he becomes more confident as he acclimates.
GERRY
Do you know, that if you drop a coin off the Empire State building which is a bloody sight taller than this block and it hit a bloke on the top of his head, it would go right through his body like a bullet, shoot out of his arse and still embed itself in the ground!
Both boys laugh and spit gob on the ground below.
GERRY (CONT’D)
See, not so scary now is it, geezer.
CUT TO:
INT. 1960’S STYLE BARBER SHOP – DAY
Just one chair, a cracked mirror and a sun bleached picture of Tony Curtis with a quiff. The owner, Phil DeMarco, 63, a grey haired, second generation Italian scissor-smith.
All of New Town’s male and over 40s population congregate there since the first bricks of the New Town were cemented together.
HARRY
Are you sure this is where you both went? It looks shady as fuck.
Phil wrestles a couple of crumpled pound notes from a old age pensioner’s grip.
PHIL
Alright, who is next?
VINCE
This is it Powell, You’ve heard the music. Now get that shapeless barnet sorted. A decent flat-top mate, thats what its about.
BAZ
Yeh, you fucking hippy,
PHIL
Barry, the language, eh? We don’t like that sort of language in here son. Now whats it to be son?
BAZ
Same as us Phil.
PHIL
And what would you like on the back and sides?
HARRY
What are the choices. I really don’t know whats on offer.
PHIL
Well, a three is short, a two is shorter, a one is very short and a nothing is Telly Savalas,
HARRY
Can I have a four please.
Vince and Baz howl with laughter.
BAZ
Don’t be a poof, Its got to be a one or nothing.
HARRY
OK, OK. I’ll have what they’ve got.
“Take a Razor to Your Head” by the Sharks plays, while his hair cut takes place. Boys leave and proudly walk up the street together.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK BENCH – 2 WEEKS LATER – DAY
Boys on a park bench drinking cider in town centre meet other teenager flat tops, Jack and Knocker who introduce the skinhead girls from their pub hangouts. Music plays.
CUT TO:
INT. FOX & HOUND PUB – EVENING
Boys are now drinking with the new gang. Kenny, 21, brawny, gruff, a man of few words, enters the pub, his massive arms and tattoos are on full display. He knows some of the gang.
KNOCKER
Want a pint mate?
HARRY
Thats Kenny Priest. He went to my school.
BAZ
You know him? He is the hardest bloke in town. It was him who came up with the term Punk-a-billy. Go say hello. Go on.
HARRY
He wont remember me. I was three years younger than him. I just remember him beating up anybody and everybody at school. He was better with birds than Vince.
VINCE
Is he better at wanking than you though?!? I reckon if it was an Olympic sport you would be Daley Thompson.
HARRY
I really don’t spend all the time wanking!
BAZ
Well how come we been hanging out with you for ages now and not seen you pull a bird?
HARRY
Ive shagged loads of birds. Mostly before I met you.
VINCE
Have you shagged your sisters mate Pam? Bet you haven’t?
BAZ
I’d shag her, and your sister.
HARRY
That’s disgusting, thats my sister.
VINCE
Well me and Baz promise not to shag your sister if you start shagging real birds not just ones you dream in that bedroom of yours. Lets start this weekend by paying a trip to The Diamond Dog Disco.
HARRY
Thats the worst idea you have ever had. It’ll be full of disco dollies.
BAZ
They will still suck your cock mate!
Kenny, who has been standing with his back to them, turns and walks over to the boys.
KENNY
Nice to see a bit of new blood in town. Where you lot appeared from while I been away.
VINCE
Hello Mr Priest. Can I get you a cider.
KENNY
Thanks for the offer lads but I’m driving tonight. Just got back from 9 months scaffolding up north. Good to be back home with me mates.
BAZ
Mr Priest. Harry here says he went to same school as you but was younger. Says you wont remember him.
Kenny looks at harry and grins.
KENNY
Course I remember Harry. Didn’t you used to win the 100 meters wanking competition school sports day every year?
He leaves and winks. Baz and Kenny burst into laughter.
CUT TO:
INT – RONNIE’S HOME OFFICE
Ronnie has a big pile of cash in front of him. Jamie and Lenny, 27, resembles Muhammad Ali, is the body guard who never talks.
JAMIE
Do you want me to bank that Ronnie? I’m going into New Town later.
RONNIE
Course I fucking don’t, you idiot. How can I bank dirty money?
JAMIE
We could wear gloves when we bank it Ronnie.
RONNIE
You fucking clown. It’s dirty. I can’t bring in 5k income by selling cheap speed to Mods on taxes can I? I think the Inland Revenue might have a few questions to say about that!
JAMIE
What you gonna do with it then Ronnie?
RONNIE
Invest it, put the money somewhere safe, dummy.
Ronnie reads the latest issue of Daltons Weekly.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
I am looking, Jamie Boy, for something legal on the surface but profitable and illegal underneath the waves, kapitch? Maybe Ill buy a cafe to cook the books and a fucking launderette to wash them after.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – AUTUMN 1979 – DAY
The boys walk through the housing projects with skinhead haircuts now and climb stairs to Gerry’s flat. Graffiti is everywhere, Julian delights in it.
JULIAN
“Suck my cock.” Jackie woz here ‘79. Deano is queer. Who the hell is Deano and Jackie? Maybe Deano wanted Jackie to suck his cock? No, apparently he was queer.
Gerry ignores him, walks on and he turns the key in the lock, leaving the door ajar. Julian stands waiting to be invited in.
GERRY
Come in you muppet!
Julian steps into the poorly lit hallway. A chair with a solid glass john bull bitter ashtray is overflowing with cigarette butts, a couple of days worth of carelessly-folded newspapers and an assortment of chipped mugs with the dried-up dregs of strong tea encrusted in their bottoms. A heavy brown television sits, on top of a white Ikea bedside cabinet. Some greying net curtains hang lopsided in the window.
GERRY (CONT’D)
I’m just knocking up some grub. Do ya want anything ?
JULIAN
A drink please, mate?
Julian glances back at the unwashed cups on the floor. Gerry pokes his head around the doorframe.
GERRY
No problem, mate. Sure you don’t want some beans and cheese on toast? Its me speciality!
JULIAN
Yes please. This is odd. Nobody under the age of 25 has ever cooked me tea.
Boys eat their meal. Radio is on in background.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Shall I do the washing up?
GERRY
Don’t be a div. It’ll only take me a minute, just two plates an a saucepan. Sit in there and watch TV.
There is a scuffling of movement as the front door opens. Stan, early 50s, curly-haired, slightly overweight, poorly dressed, kicks off heavy footwear in the small hallway. He coughs deeply and the throaty man’s voice echoes from the hall.
STAN
Alright, son? Get the kettle on will yuh!
Stan shoves open the lounge door. He stops in the doorway, raises eyebrows at Julian.
STAN (CONT’D)
Well, who’ve we got here then?
Julian struggles to stand up from the old armchair and offers him a handshake.
STAN (CONT’D)
Very pleased to meet your acquaintance, young man! Nice to meet someone with manners.
Stan winks at Julian.
STAN (CONT’D)
Sit yourself down, son. No need to stand on ceremony ere. S’cuse the mess. I weren’t expecting company. Why didn’t you tidy up, Gerry?
Gerry drys his soapy hands with a tea towel.
GERRY
He don’t mind. Do yuh?
Gerry throws the tea towel back in the kitchen before bounding up the stairs.
JULIAN
No, of course not!
GERRY
Wont be a minute, need a waz.
STAN
Same time, every bleeding day! Set me clock by him. So where d’you live then?
Stan sits down in chair. Slips his braces off as they sit on his jeans.
JULIAN
Over at Sycamore.
STAN
Oh yeah, so you’re from the rough side of the estate, are yuh?
Stan pulls a pack of Embassy number 6 cigarettes from his shirt chest pocket, teasing one of the stubby cigarettes out of the pack with his lips. Lights cigarette with zippo lighter.
JULIAN
We’ve moved in with Joe, Joe Walcott. You probably know him, he’s lived here for a long time.
STAN
Oh, I know who you mean, Joe, short bloke about six foot six, skinny with a weight problem, bald with hair down to ere! Just teasing, son. Do you know how many people live on this housing project?
JULIAN
No I don’t.
STAN
Nor do I, but suffice to say, its bloody thousands. Jeez, I hardly know me neighbors. Nobody does, in a concrete jungle like this. What does Joe do for a living?
JULIAN
He drives delivery trucks.
STAN
Locally?
JULIAN
Yes, Yes I think so. Im not…..
STAN
Whereabouts? We are going on strike soon.
JULIAN
I don’t know. Stan drags on cigarette, lost in his own world, cigarette burns down to the butt. Stan comes out of a trance.
STAN
Suppose you’ll be studying for yuh exams soon?
Gerry is in the doorway.
GERRY
Yeah, he will be, a boff though! Proper teachers pet he is.. C’mon, boff,lets go an mug some old grannies!
Gerry ducks the crumpled cigarette packet missile Stan throws at him.
STAN
Nice to ave met you son, maybe you can educate young Gerry ere how to stay out of trouble in the futurE. Don’t be too late home, son.
GERRY
Sure, Dad.
DAD
Love you.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – DAY
People surround the body of a dead woman who has jumped from the roof.
JULIAN
Whats going on?
KID Z
Melanie Barcroft killed herself, you know the footballer’s Colin, his sister.
JULIAN
How do you know that?
Julian nudges his elbow into Gerry.
KID Z
Cause she’s lying over there. It’s a matter of fact. What’s left of her is anyway.
He nods towards a couple of scruffy urchins perched on the skeletal remnants of their Raleigh Grifter bicycles.
KID Z (CONT’D)
Those two told me they saw her land.
He points his chin towards the larger group of youths, the match ball tucked tightly under a tall boy’s arm.
KID Z (CONT’D)
They reckon they heard it. Said it was loud, like a crunchy cannon going off. .
JULIAN
You mean she jumped off?
Julian looks up to the blocks apex.
KID Z
Yep. Twenty one stories, all the way down without stopping, without passing go, without collecting two hundred. Frinstead House, fuck!
JULIAN
Bleedin’ horrendous. Was she a druggie or something?
GERRY
Yeah, a skag head. I think she was a prozzy an all. I always felt a bit sorry for her really.
JULIAN
She was always stopping people and asking for a light, just a victim, I suppose. Blokes used and abused her, always getting beaten up by boyfriends and punters, always sporting a shiner or cut lip and thats just the injuries that you could see, I reckon. Have you seen a suicide before?
GERRY
No. Not around ere. Theres been others, on other estates I think but not ere.
JULIAN
Do you think she’s in one piece? Do you think she had family?
GERRY
Not sure but she was only young weren’t she. At least, I hope theres someone, somewhere, who cared a bit, just someone to go to her funeral. It wouldn’t be nice if no-one turned up would it?
JULIAN
No.
A canopy erected over the body of Melanie.Police cordon off the ground floor and the rubber neckers and nosey parkers are eased back.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Blimey! Ive just had a thought. I bet they’ve found the way we get on to the roof.
Gerry shakes his head with pursed lips. He steps away from Julian before turning back.
GERRY
That was a down right dickhead thing to say. I never had you down as a selfish bastard Jules. Like I said before. Melanie is dead and Who will really care? Who is gonna care about another dead, dead end smack head.? Aint exactly gonna make the BBC news is it? Just a meaningless statistic…
Turns away and walks away.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE
Psychobilly track plays over montage of Harry shagging various birds that he picks up at discos. Kenny and Baz pat him on the back and are proud of him. They buy him drinks and put a new badge on his jacket every time he shags a woman. They make a big point when he gets to number 10.
END MONTAGE
CUT TO:
INT. HARRY’S HOUSE – MORNING
Harry arrives home very pissed. He’s drunk and can’t open door, but his dad opens it for him.
DAD
Waste of space, pisshead!
Harry goes upstairs and goes into his sister’s room, Yvonne, 21, trendy 1980s chick, big hair, who is braiding the hair of Pamela Donald, 20, New Town’s blonde bombshell, wannabe centerfold.
HARRY
Pam, I really fancy you.
YVONNE
Harry what is wrong with you. Get out of here and leave pam alone. Fucking weirdo.
HARRY
Pam, I really, really, really fancy you.
YVONNE
Harry get out now or I’m calling Dad.
Harry stumbles out of her bedroom to his room and takes off his trousers. He lies in bed and falls asleep with bottle of cider in hand.
CUT TO:
INT. GERRY’S HOUSE – XMAS 1979
Julian arrives at Gerry’s house. Stan opens door. Tacky decorations are up in flat and “Morcombe and Wise” variety show is on TV.
Julian runs into Gerry’s room and is very excited. Julian is wearing his Xmas presents, a new Harrington jacket and moccasin shoes.
STAN
Come in, son.
JULIAN
What did you get?
GERRY
Jaffa Cakes biscuits. Not much of a present.
JULIAN
Is that it?
GERRY
My dads a fucking single parent. What did you expect? ? A brand car? A new Austin Allegro? Twat.
JULIAN
Sorry. I wasn’t thinking. But look what I got…
He pulls out The Specials first album.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Me sister broke the needle on our record player with her stupid music so Ive not played it yet.
GERRY
Can I put it on?
Julian nods. The needle hits the record, A Message to You Rudy.
JULIAN
Skip through album til end of side one.
GERRY
Shall I turn it over?
CUT TO:
EXT. RONNIE’S CAFE – DOLCE VIDA – SOUTHEND – DAY
The sign on the door says, “Serving up the creamiest, frothiest cappuccinos this side of Naples.”
INT. DOLCE VIDA – DAY
A radio program announces Thatcher’s assault on the unions is strengthening her position as leader of the Conservative Party, Iranian Embassy siege in London brings in the first public appearance of the Special Air Service, Britain’s elite.
An old Wurlitzer jukebox with original singles from Ronnie’s vast vinyl collection of ska, reggae, blue beat, jazz, blues, Stax, Atlantic, Motown and Northern Soul.
Epic, 22, Northerner, flashy, wedge haircut, drug addict, arrives to work at the mail order record company in the cafe stockroom where he buys and sells only the rarest sounds.
GLADYS
Hello darling. Where you been of late.
Epic quickly kisses Gladys on the cheek.
EPIC
Oh…here and there…and round and about.
GLADYS
Why do they call you Epic? Ronnie has been asking after you. Reckons you miss every Monday, in cafe after you go off to that Casino. I told him you must get tired up all night gambling and stuff.
EPIC
It’s not that kind of Casino Gladys. Its more like…never mind. They call me Epic after the rare soul label. I collect singles on it. Plus it’s a lot more interesting than my real name.
GLADYS
Oh, I see – well… I don’t really but never mind. I covered for you earlier. Told Ronnie that you had been in but Id sent you on a mission to buy coffee for machine.
Epic gives Gladys another kiss.
EPIC
Ronnie has been mean to me ever since I started working here, I don’t know why I take it but I love soul music. I can sign on at the Labor Exchange and get cash off Ronnie so I just suck it back. Part-time cafe work ain’t exactly the stuff my dreams are made of. I enjoy doing the record catalogue for Ronnie, but I desperately need a way out. Oh, the hopelessness of this daily existence.
GLADYS
Oh, Epic. I’m sure there is a way out for you some day. Here have a Sausage sandwich and a big hug.
CUT TO:
INT. NEW TOWN – FOX HOUND PUB – EVENING
Harry is surrounded by mates discussing birds and shagging. Kenny has his gang with him and surrounded by Skinhead girls with feather cuts, tight jeans and boots. He pulls out a flyer for the Meteors.
KENNY
This is the future. PSYCHO BILLY!
Harry Baz and Vince look at each other and their faces say Wow.
Harry goes home. Opens up front door to find his parents are out.
HARRY
Mum. Dad?
Harry goes to kitchen. Gets food out of oven there is a note. Gone to visit Auntie Jean and Uncle Arthur in Southend. Back tomorrow. Goes in front room. Puts on TV. Eats his food and drinks a can of cider. After few minutes he looks up and sees his sister’s mate Pamela on sofa drunk & amorous.
PAMELA
So Harry. What was all that bout you really, really fancying me?
HARRY
Er well Ive always fancied you. Well all me mates have. Well… er.
PAMELA
So come over here and give me a hug.
HARRY
Er Pamela. You got a boyfriend. You are getting married next year.
PAMELA
I had a boyfriend and was getting married next year. But Barry has dumped me. He has fucking dumped me Harry.
HARRY
Oh really. So what happened then?
PAMELA
Oh, he gave me some shit about me getting too serious. I think he has been seeing someone else.
Harry picks up a half empty bottle of baby sham and takes a swig.
Pamela eyes are starting to dry a little, she drinks and passes Harry the bottle.
PAMELA (CONT’D)
C’mon have another drink. Too good for him ain’t I?
HARRY
Yeh, Your’e better off without the flash bastard.
PAMELA
You know your’e not as big a tosser as your sister makes out about you.
HARRY
Why? What has she been saying?
PAMELA
Not much. Just that you wank all the time and constantly listen to Punk Rock and Teddy Boy music.
HARRY
It’s Psychobilly!!!! And I don’t wank all the time..
PAMELA
So then, if you really fancy me. why don’t you prove it. I want you to fuck me right here, right now on this sofa… (giggles)
Harry shags drunk Pam.
CUT TO:
INT – HARRY’S PLACE – MORNING
The front door slams. Harry is asleep alone on sofa with a toilet roll beside him and his trousers around his ankles when his sister walks in.
YVONNE
For Fuck sake Harry can’t you keep your wanking to your bedroom…
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM
Boys dancing in bedroom to Too Much Too Young. Julian’s parents horrified.
JOE
For god sake lads the ceiling almost came down. Get out the house before yer Mom kills yah. Oh and do me a favor. Can you take this flask down to uncle Andy down at his allotment. I promised I’d do it.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – GARDEN ALLOTMENT – DAY
Julian and Gerry walk to allotment and talk about joining the SAS. Uncle Arthur, 55, grey-haired, glasses a gentleman who likes growing vegetables.
JULIAN
Who’s old Lambretta scooter is this in the shed?
ARTHUR
If it’s working, they can have it. They call it Old Blue Boy.
CUT TO:
INT. LA DOLCE VIDA CAFE LAT SPRING 1980 NEWS ON THE RADIO
Ronnie and Jamie and Epic are working and chatting. Northern soul classic plays from juke box. Ronnie is studying the takings of speed from sales to Mods.
RONNIE
Its down, its down, its fucking down. Reason? Whats going on Jamie?
JAMIE
We were shifting most of the stock to a young lad down Chingford way. Mick the Mod. But he has stopped buying em.
RONNIE
Well why has he stopped? Has he been banged up or something?
JAMIE
No boss. I went to see him a few weeks ago and he said there was no call for them any-more?
RONNIE
I don’t get it Jamie. We get the goods from the Hells Angels. We sell on to the mods. They couldn’t get enough of them few months back. We need to pay this kid a visit find out whats going on. At this rate Ill be bankrupt by Christmas…
He looks up at Epic.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Especially if this brat don’t get a move on and finish my latest record catalogue.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Did you hear me you Epic Div?
Epic, chewing as on speed, nods and carries on doing his job putting seven inches into cardboard posting sleeves.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS ALLOTMENT – DAY
Julian and Gerry sit in fields outside the estate with Old Blue Scooter. Jim a Head-banging rocker turns up with Motor-head T-shirt and greasy hair.
JIM
Is this it then?
JULIAN
Yep Old blue we got it out of a shed on an allotment.
JIM
Is it nicked then? Im not doing anything on a vehicle that has been stolen.
JULIAN
No it’s not nicked . It belonged to my step dads brother Arthur and anyway aren’t you supposed to be above and beyond the law. A worshipper of Satan that fears no mortal?
JIM
Well I do worship Satan and Ozzie Osbourne but that doesn’t mean I want any trouble from the Fuzz.
GERRY
Why does it say on the back of your jacket. Born in a mountain. Raised in a cave. Beer and women is all I crave? You were born in Whipps Cross hospital at same time as me. And last time I heard you were living above your Dad’s sweet shop in the high street.
JIM
Well enough of that anyway. Do you want me to look at this or not.
Jim fiddles with scooter.
JIM (CONT’D)
It works but not brilliant. Go and see a Jim, he is a dab hand when it comes to anything with Vespas or Lambrettas. Up under the arches. He was in my sisters year at school. See him as he will be better qualified than me. It’ll work and get you to him. But it needs somebody with a bit more knowledge of hairdryers.
JULIAN
Will it make it that far?
JIM
Yes and it will be £2.00 for my trouble.
Gives Jim the notes.
JIM (CONT’D)
Careful now. Don’t go spending all your money craving beer and women!!!
Jim gives the sign of Satan as the boys drive off. Jerry and Julian on scooter. It breaks down near lock up so they push the scooter up the road.
JIM (CONT’D)
I can fix the scooter. Cost you a fiver. Deal?
GERRY
£4.00 and its a deal
JIM
Tell you what. £6.00 and Ill throw in six of these lovelies.
Jim pulls out bag of blue pills from his jacket.
GERRY
Don’t know what they are but I don’t want any.
JIM
Just a little bit of speed make you feel better and help you move a bit faster.
JULIAN
Do you take these every morning before walking to school Gerry?
GERRY
Look I don’t want any drugs. Just want the scooter fixed please and for £4.00.
JIM
Ok Ok Ok. You know where I am if you change your mind.
Jim starts to fix the scooter. Ronnie and Jamie walk up to the lock up.
JAMIE
Afternoon Jim. This is my boss the legendary Mr Hardman
RONNIE
Well, Well, well you Jim. How you doing? Young Jamie here is telling me that you arent interested in our business anymore. Why would that be…
JIM
(less cocky)
Mr Hardman. Other bloke. Things have changed. The mods have gone all psychedelic. They ain’t buying speed anymore…. Its a different scene and stuff.
Jamie spots the bag that Jim pulled out to show Julian and Gerry.
JAMIE
Whats all this then?
RONNIE
Any more in here Jamie?
Jamie lifts up seat on Jim’s Lambretta and a big bag of pills under the seat.
JIM
Ok. Ok. Ok. I surrender. Just don’t hurt me.
Ronnie, notices Gerry and Julian standing by.
RONNIE
What the fuck are you two looking at?
Julian and Gerry shake their heads and bump start the scooters jumping on it and riding off. Jim escapes and jumps up on top of the garages and chase ensues the boys drive off on scooter.
“I Surrender” by Eddie Holman playing. The chase ends as Jim gets caught and the boys get stopped by the police.
END OF EPISODE ONE
CUT TO:
EPISODE 2
INT. LA VIDA DOLCE CAFE – SUMMER 1980 – DAY
Epic works on the catalogue. Gladys serves coffee in the background while a Northern Soul instrumental plays. Ronnie meets with Jamie.
RONNIE
Jamie boy. I feel we are turning a corner but we could be doing better. Why we had no cash from Gloria at the strippers for last few weeks and the burger shop I bought last year don’t seem to be turning much of a profit. Reason?!?!
JAMIE
Boss. You tell me. Maybe we should get a bit hands on and go visit the premises see whats going on.
RONNIE.
You know what?
JAMIE
No. Know No what boss?
He does a line of coke.
RONNIE
We are gonna go back to our roots and go and walk the streets and go meet our clients in person. Grab yer coat and my knuckle dusters. Fuck me i feel like a young man again!!!
“I’ll Do Anything” by Lenny Gamble plays.
CUT TO:
EXT. SEASIDE TOWN – PROMENADE – DAY
Ronnie and his henchmen walk down Seaside promenade. They go into the Lady Godiva Strip Club. Gloria, 40, a wanna be Dusty Springfield, with a blonde wig. A dead ringer, heavily outlined eyes and her three sizes too small two piece PVC chessboard suits, white knee length boots and earrings big enough to tune into the BBC world service on a clear night but now she runs a strip club by the seaside for her stupid boss Jeremy.
Ronnie has always had a thing for Gloria and will protect her to the end of time. Linda is doing a lap dance for a touchy mate. He is trying to kiss and grope her, promising her dinner and money. Linda walks back to her dressing room. We see pinned to the walls of her dingy starlet dressing room a collection of romantic reminders that everyone wanted to fuck her.
“Hands Off She’s Mine” by The Beat is playing
Jenny enters the stage. Throws her black lace bra to Ronnie. He catches it and smells it, then smiles and winks.
GLORIA (CONT’D)
(to Ronnie)
Two large malts. On the house guys.
Gloria pushes an envelope to Ronnie.
GLORIA (CONT’D)
Sorry for it being late again.
Gloria turns away to serve some other blokes.
RONNIE
(turns to Jamie)
Gloria is looking tired these days. More so than usual. I think guvner of hers is taking the piss out of her. Aye.
JAMIE
Boss. You got a thing for Gloria?
GLORIA
Well, Well, well it must be a full moon and an eclipse if its not the legendary Mr Ronnie Hardman in my humble joint.
RONNIE
So where is that fuck wit guvner of yours Jeremy this week?
GLORIA
Oh he’s buggered off to Mar Bella again with his posh mates. He spends so much time there these days I don’t know why he doesn’t sell up and move there full time.
Gloria hands another couple of punters their lagers as Ronnie smiles.
GLORIA (CONT’D)
Well there are worse places to live and to be honest Ive been thinking I might move over there myself one of these days.
Ronnie takes a fiver out of the envelope and gives it to Gloria with a smile. Putting a finger to his lips.
GLORIA (CONT’D)
(looks shocked, she jokes)
Why Ronnie Hardman? What would we do without you in town?
RONNIE
Talking of doing without. I heard the new girl Sharon had a bit of an accident the other night. Is she okay?
GLORIA
She fell off stage and ended up twisting her ankle dancing to some Elvis track. Our Sharon’s a bit top heavy if you ask me but shell be back at work in a week or two.
RONNIE
Which one?
GLORIA
You going deaf Ronnie? I just told you it was the new girl Sharon who fell off the stage.
RONNIE
No not the girl. Which Elvis track was she dancing to?
GLORIA
How the hell do I know. Jailhouse Rock. Hound Dog. Teddy Bear. They all sound the bloody same to me. Why what difference does it make what she was dancing too. She fell off the stage, and thats that.
Two Geordie punters are being aggressive to Gloria, Robert, 30, and John, 28, both looking worse for wear, sporting hideously long straggly identical feather cuts and mustaches. Dressed in matching faded denim shirts and flares, scuffed black Docs.
GEORDIE JOHN
Oi Myra Hindley can we have some service over here.
RONNIE
To me it makes all the difference. I mean call me weird but watching some half naked bird swinging her tits around to Elvis would be a complete turn off and no disrespect to the so called King intended when I say that but theres a time and place for Elvis and down here isn’t it. Now say I walked in here one day and some bird was dancing to Smokey Robinson or That Girl From Ipanema. You know something cool and smooch with a bit of sax thrown in for good measure. Then Id be knocking on her door after the shows finished with a hard on. To me its all about dynamics Gloria. Know what I mean?
GEORDIE ROBERT
Talking of dynamics love. How fucking dynamic would it be if we got served next seeing as we’ve been standing here for the last twenty minutes. TWO more bottles of Newcastle Brown love when you’ve finished.
Gloria who smiles a numb smile at the Geordies. Jamie Boy moves to react but Ronnie Grabs his arm whispers for him to sit down and nods gently at the mirror behind Gloria.
GEORDIE JOHN
Cheers love and keep the change like and I hope you don’t mind me asking but has any-one ever told you you look like fucking Myra Hindleys ugly older sister?
Gloria nods flashing Ronnie a quick smile, eyebrows raised.
Gloria hands them their drinks in exchange for a rolled up fiver.
GLORIA
All the time lads and keep your change eh?
The next stripper Stella appears on stage dancing too.
GEORDIE ROBERT
Go on get em off you fucking slag.
Geordie John heads off to toilets. Ronnie downs his whisky in one and follows.
RONNIE
Jamie Boy watch me back I wont be long. Need to dispose of some waste in the toilets.
Geordie John is using the urinal. Ronnie waits in cubicle door slightly ajar. He takes a deep breath and puts on his brass knuckleduster. The drunken Geordie is pissed as he finishes pissing and starts to do up his flies. Ronnie waits for him to turn around and hits him hard in face. Ronnie knows how to fight but hasn’t done it for a while. Geordie goes down. Ronnie drags him into the toilet smashing his face into the toilet bowl repeatedly. Dragging his piss drenched face up to look into it gleefully before smashing it back again into the toilet. Water leaks out of the toilet where it is broke.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Now then you gobby cunt. Im going to give you five minutes to get yourself cleaned up and then you’re going to apologize to my friend for taking the piss out of her. You can stay for one more drink and then you d better fuck off and if I come across you and your mate again I kill the fucking pair of you. You got that?.
GEORDIE John nods to Ronnie gets to his feet and washes the blood from his hands combs his hair before joining Jamie Boy and Gloria at the bar.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Gloria. Apologies for the mess in the bogs. Tell Jeremy I owe him couple of quid for a new toilet. He can take it out of next months money.
Ronnie looks down at his shirt, disappointed that he see blood on his shirt.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
For fucks sake.
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S CAR – DAY – MOVING
Ronnie goes to his car and gets in the front seat with strange, odd looking bloke in the driving seat. Ronnie dives into the glove compartment and pulls out a cassette of Miles Davis A Kind of Blue and hands to Driver who puts cassette in tape player. He also puts 2 big lines of coke on a Etta James cassette and offers it to Jamie before taking one himself through a 50 pound note.
RONNIE
Drive to the Hamburger Grill. Nice and slow not too fast.
Ronnie puts his head back and looks relaxed.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Jamie boy let me tell you something. During the early days in London when I was starting to make a bit of a name for myself doing what Ive been doing all my life. Back in my flat at night crashed out in my bed I started getting this weird dream that I couldn’t understand one bit.
DREAM SEQUENCE
RONNIE (V.O.)
I was in this white villa on the terrace enjoying a glass of bubbly on an evening full of sunshine and boiling hot when suddenly this gorgeous girl appears from nowhere paddling in the sea.
EXT. TERRACE – DREAM – DAY
Ronnie meets the girl in his daydream, paddling up from the ocean. The scene is washed out with light and color.
Long silver blond hair, suntanned body wearing this long flowing see through white gown looking damn sexy. I just had to meet her. And its like she was reading my mind because suddenly she turned round staring at me smiling beckoning me to come and join her in the sea. I drop what I’m doing and run down to meet her but every time, just as I get to the waters edge, she disappears into thin air like she never existed…..
CUT BACK TO:
INT. RONNIE’S CAR – MOMENTS LATER – MOVING
Ronnie still has his eyes closed.
CAMERA pulls away from his face. We see Jamie looking at Ronnie.
RONNIE
I always wonder why she never allowed me to meet her but then again why would she want to meet a bloke who did what I do for a living?
(laughs)
Jamie hands back the note and cassette case as he climbs out of the car clunking the door shut darting across the busy promenade in between the bumper to bumper traffic.
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S HOUSE
Ronnie and Jamie lounge. There is coke residue on the glass table.
We meet Ronnie in mid-declaration. He is a bit coked out.
RONNIE
And then one night in a club I owned in Stratford she’s there right before my eyes where I fell in love with her at first sight. For the first time in my life I fell in love with a girl who loved me for me and for who I am even though she was taken from me in the same place we met. I knew the whole time that I’ll never fall in love with another girl the way I did my Suzy and despite how it all ended. I would do it all over again just for the chance to be with her again if only for one night.
Jamie Boy is wired and confused.
JAIME
Right then cheers for that boss. Lovely story.
RONNIE
Nothing like a big fat line of coke to get me in the mood. Sit tight and I’ll be back before you know it once I’ve sorted this shite out.
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S HAMBURGER SHOP – THE HAMBURGER HILL – DAY
Ronnie goes into shop where there is a large line. Terry, 21, trendy, a student worker, is desperately trying to serve everybody.
TERRY
Jamie mate. Talk about good to see you. Please mate I need some help here and fast.
JAMIE
Aye no sweat Terry but where the fucks Brian today?
Terry replies pointing to the back room with his hand.
TERRY
Where do you think. Having another one of his fucking lunchtime breaks. I tell you Im getting to the point where Im going to jack if you don’t sort him out.
JAMIE BOY
Consider it done! You just stay there and hold the fort while I sort Brian out.
CUT TO:
INT. THE HAMBURGER GRILL – BACK ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Jamie Boy bursts in to the back room surprising Brian, 22, dark-haired, thin. Brian smokes a big fat joint and a half full bottle of Thunderbird wine in one hand wanking to a porno mag.
JAMIE
(sinister grin)
Brian what the fuck are you doing? Have you no fucking shame or what?
“Better Use Your Head” by Little Anthony and The Imperials plays.
Jamie grabs Brian by the collar head-butting him. Snatches the quarter-full bottle of booze from the ground which he rams down his throat as far as it would go. Pushing him back on the floor, Jamie holds him still with one foot on his chest. Brian struggles to wrestle free, spitting booze everywhere. Jamie makes sure the bottle is empty.
JAMIE (CONT’D)
Aye! That’s right, you lazy cunt! Every fucking drop, now!
He pushes the bottle further down his throat before removing it. Picks up him and marches him through the shop with his trousers around his ankles and kicks him out into main street. A family eating candy flosses look on shocked.
JAMIE (CONT’D)
Consider yourself fucking sacked, you lazy fuck pig!
He goes back into the shop behind the counter. Pulls a “Hamburger Grill” hat over his head.
JAMIE (CONT’D)
All right, ladies and gentlemen! Apologies for the delay in getting served, but normal business is now resumed. So who wants what?
CUT TO:
JULIAN AND GERRY MONTAGE:
King Ska Fa by Bad Manners plays. Boys go into record shop. Flick through the two tone section. Spot life size Walt Jabsco near window. They steal the cardboard cut out and run down the street. The shopkeeper runs after them.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL – AFTERNOON
Julian has his exams results day, he opens the envelope with the report card and he is happy as he gets A’s in maths, physics, technical drawing and Bs in art, English language and geography.
CUT TO:
INT. GERRY’S HOUSE
His dad gives him a big hug, even though his exam results are poor.
RADIO ANNOUNCER gives a report on Lynval Golding of band “The Specials” beaten up in a racist attack. Stan reads the paper and shakes head.
STAN
It’s only gonna get worse before it gets better boy.
GERRY
Why would anybody beat up Lynval. He has never done anything to anybody
STAN
Racism, Julian.
Gerry gets his coat and leaves.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – DAY
Gerry meets Julian sitting on a wall.
GERRY
Dad says it could be another race riot…like Southhall all over again.
The boys walk the estate aimlessly. Julian and Gerry hear some great reggae music coming from the community centre.
GERRY (CONT’D)
I know where thats coming from. Come on.
As they approached the estates community centre. The bass amplifiers full capacity and the vocals alongside were distinctly West Indian, chanting and chatting along to the rhythm in a patois. The vocalist throwing in the odd call along the way to which you could hear the response of the crowd echo in a chorus of approval.
CROWD
Murdahhh!
GERRY
Murder? Oh My god is this the black and white war Joe was talking about? It’s starting here on our estate?
JULIAN
Ain’t no one getting murdered in there! Not in the way you think. Trust me!
The well-lit, entrance is engulfed by a throng of black men and women with a couple white people They were a noisy but exotic display of dreadlocks, afros, and massive colorful crochet hats and leather tams. Gabicci knitwear and Farah slacks. They seemed to be having a good time and, had the landscape not been typically British, they could have been somewhere in the Caribbean.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Whats all this about?
GERRY
C’mon I’ll show you but keep quiet!
JULIAN
You going in there? You are joking aren’t you?
Gerry makes his way through the bushes that run alongside the centre. He pushes his way underneath a window, the elevation too high for even him to see through.
GERRY
Get up on my shoulders, then you can see what they get up to in there.
Gerry bent over at the waist Julian clambers up on to his shoulders.
JULIAN
Blimey, its like a pea souper in there.
CUT TO:
INT. ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTER
Indistinct northern soul is competing with the volume of voices.
There are groups of people inside bobbing and swaying in time to the rhythm being pumped out of huge wooden speaker boxes the size of domestic fridge freezers.
Everyone is passing large joints. Some were sipping from cans of Red Stripe lager or from hand sized bottles of clear spirits.
Two DJ’s are swiftly lifting the previous vinyl off the spinning decks before replacing them quickly with another platter.
The boys are looking into a window next to Father Augustus.
GERRY
Its a reggae sound system.
FATHER AUGUSTUS, 31, a wiry looking man dressed in double breasted pin-stripe suit with a tall, black woolly hat with red and green stripes, stands behind the boys, nearly looking Gerry in the eyes.
FATHER AUGUSTUS
What a gwan, youngbloods?
Boys panic and fall backwards into the bushes. Still in bushes look up. His black face hard to see against the darkness his face lit only by the glowing tip of a burning spliff.
FATHER AUGUSTUS (CONT’D)
Well den? Have fe come fe stir up trouble or come fe join the blues? Have I and I youth come to hurl stone through window pane or have fe come to lick the chalice with I bredren, heh, heh heh?
GERRY
Father Augustus is that you?
FATHER AUGUSTUS
(giggling)
It is I, Father Augustus. The very same man that da Windrush bought to these shores before you boys were born. Gwan now, meeha sit down on the wall and smook the kin’ lard a mercy, god is good ya’know nah.
He giggles again, safe in the knowledge that neither would have a clue that he was alluding to the smoking of cannabis.
FATHER AUGUSTUS (CONT’D)
Heh, heh, heh, the inquisitiveness of youth!
Father Augustus smiles, his teeth were discoloured but bright against his dark brown complexion.
FATHER AUGUSTUS (CONT’D)
How many years ave I yout graced dis ere earth?
GERRY
ER…. Eighteen.
FATHER AUGUSTUS
Heh, heh, heh. Yuh best mek yuh way back home afore yuh parents wonder where yuh be…..
Father Augustus turns to head back to the dance and then turns.
FATHER AUGUSTUS (CONT’D)
Jah protect I and I yout. aaanndd here ya go. You’ll need these.
Father Augustus tosses Gerry a box of matches.
GERRY
Err, I don’t smoke…
Both boys get out of bushes.
GERRY (CONT’D)
I need a slash now. Keep watch.
Julian watches around while Gerry pisses…
GERRY (CONT’D)
Blimey! Look at this!
JULIAN
Gerry I really don’t need to see you piss mate.
GERRY
Seriously Jules! Look at what I just found!
Julian turns to see Gerry waving a ready rolled massive reefer. Gerry waves it under Julian’s nose.
GERRY (CONT’D)
It was under that bush there. Lucky I didn’t pee on it!
JULIAN
What the hell are you going to do with that?
GERRY
I’m not sure. Ive never smoked spliff before. Heard it can make yuh mad! Ive had a cigar once at a family party and that was well strong, I nearly chucked me guts up.
JULIAN
Get rid of it then. Or maybe give it to Father Augustus Gerry. Seems a shame to waste it though don’t it? Ill just have a tug and see what it tastes like.
GERRY
I think he gave it to us…
Gerry sits on wall. Pulls out the box of matches. Gerry puts the thin joint to his lips fires up joint and inhales. Gerry gives a small cough before looking at Julian.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Its quite smooth really, not as bad as smoking a bloody cigar. Try some if you want.
Gerry offers him the spliff.
JULIAN
Yeah, feels alright, don’t know what all the fuss is about, do you?
He hands it back for Gerry to have another puff. Gerry passes the joint back to Julian til their lips and fingertips could not bear the heat of the roached end any longer. They lean against the wall. The thud of the music comes through. They are super dazed and faded.Asleep…
GERRY
Come on, mate. Wake up! Blimey, you were out for the count, mate.
Gerry has his hand in Julian’s chest.
GERRY (CONT’D)
I didn’t think I’d be able to wake you! We both bloody fell asleep, didn’t we.
Julian struggles to speak dark and husky and very stoned.
JULIAN
Whats the time?
GERRY
I’m not sure but the partys’ finished, they’re packing up, so it must be well gone midnight.
Julian jumps up suddenly.
JULIAN
Fuck. I’m OK? Now I gotta get home Gerry.
Julian attempts to get up, falls back into the bush.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE
Harry works in a youth training program. He digs roads around New Town. He gets his pay packet, buys cider and slicks his hair back. Julian arrives home stoned with dirt over his clothes.
JULIAN’S MOM
Your grounded Julian!
CUT TO:
EXT. SEASIDE – SOUTHEND – DAY
Julian and Gerry explore the seaside.
J
ULIAN
Wheres the bleeding Sea gone?
GERRY
Don’t worry. It’ll be back later. It always comes back. You fancy a cockle?
JULIAN
A what?
GERRY
A cockle. You gotta have seafood when you at seaside.
Boys stand looking at a seafood stall. Gerry orders.
GERRY (CONT’D)
2 pots? of Cockles please
JULIAN
I’m not being funny but I’m not eating that. It looks like a seashell with a bit of sick in it.
GERRY
Ignore him. He thinks he is all posh cos he is. Come on this is how you eat em. Are you ready?
JULIAN
I’m really not sure If I can. Are they still alive?
GERRY
Of course not you plonker.
Gerry takes a good pinch full of the cockles, tipping his head back before dropping them into his open mouth. He chews the mouthful vigorously before swallowing theatrically.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Aah! Lovely grub! Come on they’ll make a man of yuh!
Julian takes one, feeling the small, thin-skinned form between his finger and thumb. He placed it onto his reluctantly waiting tongue. Chomping down on the alien he felt its gritty innards crunch and spill out amongst the vinegar marinade swilling around his mouth. He spits the mess out on to the beach in disgust.
Boys walk around and arrive at the Dolce Vita cafe.
CUT TO:
INT. DOLCE VITA CAFE – DAY
Gerry and Julian walk up to the counter.
GERRY
I think I hear the original of “Sock It To Em” by JB playing. Not sure if its The Specials version.
JULIAN
2 Tizers, please
GLADYS
Don’t sell Tizer. Got best coffee in Southend or a cup of tea.
GERRY
Two cups of tea then, please.
Gladys serves them tea.
Epic is flicking through records and the record player in the corner.
GERRY (CONT’D)
Excuse me was that the Specials on a minute ago. It sounded like them but different.
EPIC
No, son. It was the original Rex Garvin. Far better version. 1967 of ‘68 stax records. Yours for £1.50.
Epic goes back to his pile and pulls out and puts on La Charanga 76 – “No Nos Pararan” on record player.
EPIC (CONT’D)
What you boys think of this? Hey, Gladys, you loving this stuff, mate?
Epic starts dancing along to the track.
GLADYS
Oh whats this?
EPIC
Modern Crossover Soul its gonna be massive on Northern scene
GLADYS
I like it. Sounds bit like that Barry Manilow singing Copa Copa Cabana.
Ronnie walks in looking pissed off. Not happy.
RONNIE
What the fuck is this shit?
EPIC
Its modern soul Ronnie. Its massive at the Mecca and its gonna take ove the Northern scene soon you mark my words.
RONNIE
I don’t give a fuck what those Muslims play in their holy temple place get this shit off my record player. Let me ask you a question. Are we gay?
EPIC
Er no.
RONNIE
Is this a disco?
EPIC
Er no.
RONNIE
Are we playing gay disco in my establishment? Get this shit off you lazy div, and get working on the next catalogue. But before you do, get the boxes out of my car oh and this evening go see Syd. He has a new mail order catalogue ready to go to the printers.
Ronnie turns and sees Julian and Gerry
RONNIE (CONT’D)
What the Fuck are you looking at!
CUT TO:
EXT. SEASIDE
A small train runs up and down the sea front. Two girls are sprawled out on the train wearing seaside “Kiss Me Quick” hats.
They jump in the carriage behind the girls. The girls get off and walk off along the seafront, wearing drain-pipe jeans, plastic patent sling-back shoes.
Julian and Gerry follow at a respectful distance, but the girls were already wise to the presence of the boys, giggling and nudging each other playfully as they enter the fairground entrance.
GERRY
Where’ve the birds gone? I think they liked us.
Despite following them closely the girls manage to shake Julian and Gerry off their tails leaving them standing beside the toddlers tea cup ride with bemused expressions.
JULIAN
Maybe they’re not interested?
CLARE
Why don’t you just ask us?
Gerry and Julian turned to face the girls they had spent stalking. Both boys become very nervous shy and full of butterflies. Clare is wearing a Police T-shirt. Carol is wearing a Bad Manners T Shirt.
CLARE (CONT’D)
I’m Clare and this is Carol. She’s a bit shy. Shell be fine when she gets to know you.
GERRY
Hello. Er we’re from up London.
CLARE
Oh really You and every other bloke round here today! We live here. Just down the road really. What d’ya wanna do then?
JULIAN
Don’t mind. C’mon Clare.
Clare takes Julian’s hand and stops eating the cotton candy floss and pulls Julian to her and gives him a big french kiss. Gerry and Carol start snogging too.
CUT TO:
EXT. SEASIDE – EVENING
The couples walk back to hand in hand with each other. Carol smokes a cigarette full of confidence. The four swap addresses and give long embraces.
GERRY
Well?
JULIAN
Well what?
GERRY
Did you shag Clare?
JULIAN
Did you shag Carol?
Gerry gives him a friendly shove
GERRY
Blimey, youv’e got a smasher of a love bite on yuh neck, mate! Wait til your moms that beauty! Fuck.
JULIAN
I forgot worried bout that.
Pulls up his shirt collar hoping nobody will notice
GERRY
Ive heard putting toothpaste on it works. Or Get some polo neck Pajamas perhaps?
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW TOWN – DAY
Harry working on the roads.
SUPERVISOR
Knock off early. We can finish off here. Go have some of that Psycho-barnie fun you been looking forward to all week!
Harry hugs him and dashes.
INT HARRY’S HOME – BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
Harry is dressing up psycho, getting ready for the weekend away at Feltham football club, flyer in his hand.
HARRY
Mum, I’m away for the weekend. I’m staying with Baz and Vince til Sunday. Can you iron a shirt for me.
HARRY’S MOM
You can’t go away this weekend. Your cousin Clare is up for the weekend with Auntie Jean.
HARRY
Mum, please me and the boys have planned this for ages and I never go away. Please just iron me a shirt and get me some clean pants.
HARRY’S MOM
Your mates are a bad influence as for those girls I see you around town with. They look like proper slappers with their police T shirts and kiss me quick hats. Hang out with your cousin Clare and her mates. In Southend the other week I met Clare and her friends and they were proper ladies. Those girls you hang around with could learn a lot from them I’ll tell yah.
Door bell rings. Harry opens it and there stands Clare with same Police T shirt.
CLARE
Hi Cousin Harry.
CUT TO:
INT. PUB
Gang are all in pub drinking.
HARRY
Where we kipping tonight? Ive told me mom I’m staying at yours
BAZ
We are gonna stay at Shane and Kev’s flat. Then up early, off to Feltham for the Meteors. Mate its gonna be fucking AMAAAAAAAAAAZING…
CUT TO:
INT. KENNYS’GRUBBY FLAT – EVENING
Van drives through the worst part of New Town Harry and the whole gang settle down in darkness on the floor in sleeping bags and some on the rickety sofa. Liz Castle, 21, known as the New Town good time girl gives Kenny and Shane each a blow job and Baz a hand job.
HARRY
Mate I’m not being funny but this place makes my part of town look like Hollywood.
Shona looks out of the window.
SHONA
Fucking hell, their idea of garden furniture is a burnt out Sofa!
HARRY
Baz Im not being funny is that you sucking my cock!
BAZ
Hah no. It might be Vince though
Eveyone in the The room shouts shhhhhhhhhhh! Shut up!
VINCE
Just shut up and enjoy it!!!
CUT TO:
EXT VAN – FELTHAM.
Harry, Baz and Shona are Looking dishelveled but excited as they see lots of psychobillys heading to the gig. Kenny is first out of van.
KENNY
Boys this is it!
We are in Psychobilly fucking heaven!!!
GANG
Cheer!!!
Meteors playing to the large young crowd. After gig the gang get split up. They are supposed to be kipping in van but its parked mile up road.
HARRY
What we doing now we can’t go home I’m fucking buzzing.
KNOCKER
Stick with me there is a party back in Hounslow and Pyschobillys cider and sex!
HARRY
Come on lets fucking wreck!!!!
They enter the Party at another grubby flat. Cider and loud music is flowing. Harry sits on sofa, he knows nobody and sits with his cans of cider looking lost. He goes for a piss and sees Knocker shagging a psychobilly girl from behind in the bathroom.
KNOCKER
(still shagging from behind)
Leave it out young’un Im busy!
HARRY
Oooops! Don’t let me interrupt you. Move over Travolta, Knocker is in town. You carry on mate.
Next morning Harry returns home to New Town, jaded but happy goes back to his room and puts on a psychobilly album as he lights up a fag and smiles to himself.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Knocker you are a fucking legend mate!!!!
CUT TO:
INT. JULIANS FLAT – DAY
Radio plays. This week we find out just who shot JR EWING Terry Wogan is still our favorite suspect.
JULIAN’S MOM
So proud you are the first person in our family to graduate from 6th form and go to colledge.
Plants kiss on his head.
JULIAN’S MOM (CONT’D)
You’ll be needing some new clothes. Can’t be dressing like this anymore. The young adults at your new school will laugh at you.
JUIIAN
Mum. We are not young adults. Me and Gerry am still teenagers. Same as we were last month before we got our results.
JULIAN’S MOM
Well I s’pose you’ll be seeing less of Gerry these days. Now that you are going on to higher education and he is on the dole. You’ll be making new, smarter friends you mark my words. Different class at 6th form to that terrible comprehensive you’ve been attending.
JOE
Er excuse me I went to that school not so long ago.
JULIAN’S MOM
Well that says it all really and not that long ago? When you were born, color TV hadn’t been invented!
Turns back to Julian
JULIAN’S MOM (CONT’D)
As I was saying. You’ll need some supplies for College. We’ll go up the high street at the weekend and Ill treat you to one of those black suitcase things to put your drawings in. Oh and while we are there I can get you some sensible shoes and an anorak. You wanna look smart for your new classmates. Might even by some nice young ladies for you to meet?
CUT TO:
INT. TRAIN – DAY
Julian on train on first day of college. He has the black portfoilo case but is still dressed rude boy with loafers, light blue Fred Perry shirt and sta-press trousers.
A pretty girl sits next to him wearing a Who shot JR t-shirt. Opposite him sits a New Romantic, JEFF, 19, who is wearing lip gloss and glitter, a sky-blue cavalry shirt, double rows of covered buttons, tight white drainpipe jeans and pointy-toed chelsea boots.
Julian stares.
Jeff turns his head to the side pouting his lips. Julian quickly looks away to his doodling notebook.
JEFF
You okay, mate? You looked a bit lost. Don’t worry I don’t wanna shag you! You ain’t my type!
Julian face goes bright red.
JEFF (CONT’D)
The names Jeff by the way. One hundred per cent team metro, not that it matters. This get-up is a girl magnet, believe me.
JEFF (CONT’D)
You off to Stanhope College? If so I’ve been given the dubious honor of being your buddy for the day and, unluckily for you, your’e the first likely candidate I’ve spotted who looked like they could do with a few pointers on how to survive their first day at Stanhope.
JEFF (CONT’D)
So what tutor should you be headed? History I reckon judging by those ancient clothes you be wearing.
Jeff Winks and makes clicking noise with his mouth.
CUT TO:
EXT. BUILDING SITE – DAY
Gerry on a building site. Presses the stop button on a cement mixer. He wheels the barrow into position beneath the mixers. He picks at the calloused palm of his hand absentmindedly. His Beat t-shirt is soaked. He hears an angry bark rebounded on the naked concrete block walls. JACKO, 41, weathered face and hands, muscular with a round beer belly dressed in a navy one piece work outfit.
JACKO
Are you fuckin stupid or what?
Gerry slams the brakes on to avoid colliding with the two men as they appeared. A spade full of cement slapped out and onto the floor by their booted feet. Both men are too embroiled in the argument to notice the mess. DES, 24, light black skin with freckles, muscular, addidas training suit with sleeves rolled up.
DES
Don’t shout at me. Im not one of the bloody kids!
JACKO
Don’t you tell me what I can and can’t do. Im the boss round ere in case you’ve forgotten! When I tell you to do something its for a bloody good reason! And I expect you to do it without argument!
DES
Disrespectful. You’re the one that needs training, Not me, training in how to speak to people with respect and no dissing!
Jacko leans into Des putting his face right into his face.
JACKO
You know, the best thing you can do, Des ,is fuck off. Fuck off back to the dole queue with all your other fuckin wasters. Go on. Get lost. Get off my fuckin site!
Des smiles a tight-lipped smile, shakes his head in defeat.
DES
You’ll get yours, Jacko. Believe me. Your day will come.
JACKO
Don’t you worry, son, Ill keep checkin up to see if the sky is gonna fall in!
Des turns away, his head shaking softly as he shuffles past a shell-shocked Gerry. Des claps him on the shoulder.
DES
Nice knowing yuh, Gerry. Watch him mate.
JACKO
What are you lookin at? Do you wanna join im?
Gerry shakes his head and grips the barrow handles hard. Jacko rolls a fag.
JACKO (CONT’D)
(he spits)
Wasting my time. Fuckin labor exchange, sending me mouthy wogs all the time.
Gerry winces at the statement
JACKO (CONT’D)
Youth opportunities, my arse! Kids and coons waste of fucking time.
CUT TO:
INT. PUB EVENING
Psychobilly gang meet up in the Fox and Hound pub. Knocker, Stan, Vince, Baz, Harry and Stan’s big brother, Tuinal Rob, 18, a proper bonehead with oxblood Doc Martins and bleached jeans, is being obnoxious. Harry enteres and notices half a dozen of out of town football casuals sitting around a table near the door.
KNOCKER
Evening Powell, Watch out lads, the peeping Tom is back.
HARRY
Evening super Stud. Evening gents.
The rest of gang ignore him as they stare across the bar at the casuals.
TUINAL ROB
Look at those Cunts Harry.
VINCE
Posing football bastards
HARRY
How long have they been here?
TUNINAL ROB
Skinheads came in bout 10 minutes after us. Leary Pricks!
Knocker getting bottles and glasses together as an armoury.
KNOCKER
They ain’t New Town Boys.
TUINAL ROB
Shaz behind the bar reckons they are from Slough. Here for a cup tie tomorrow.
HARRY
So this is the entertainment for the night is it?
BAZ
I was hoping for a few beers and a a debrief of our night out in town the other week. Knocker. Fuck em. If they wanna make a move were more than ready.
Knocker drinks his pint in one gulp.
KNOCKER
Anyway talking of debriefs. That bird I shagged at the party. What a fucking slapper she was. Could not get enough of me and my cock..
Rest of gang groan with boredom. Harry goes to toilet. Two Casuals come in the toilet door. Vince behind them. Casual 1 pushes Harrys face against the wall.
Vince hits Casual 2 from behind Harry turns and smashes Casual 1. Fight ensues.
Harry is winning kicking Casual 1 hard, Vince and Casual 2 are wrestling in corner. Harry is grabbed and dragged out of the cubicle where 6 more casuals come in. Four on Harry, two on Vince. Harry manages to squirm away open the door and shout out to Knocker before getting dragged back in.
Cue Psychobilly track that is good to fight too.
Knocker, screaming as he enters the toilets with the others, takes two Casuals to the floor.
Casual 1 starts to wake up in the cubicle. Harry pulls his head down to his knee. Casual 1 pulls out Stanley knife. He lunges and gets Harry in the leg. Bernie the skinhead throws Casual 4 across the room and hits Casual 1 to the ground.
Harry puts his boot in his face. He collapses with his hand on the toilet seat. Harry grabs the lid and smashes it down onto his fingers thens stomps Casual 1 many times.
Four bouncers swarm with bats and pool cues. The Psychobillys stand towards the back of the toilets and let the bouncers deal with the Casuals
BOUNCER ANDY
Come on you lot, out with you as well.
KNOCKER
That’ll teach these fuckers to mess with New Town lads eh? Thanks mate.
Psychobillys smile and leave but as they pass the bouncers they all get a whack with a pool queue from Bouncer Eric, 30, clean shaven, large physique.
BOUNCER ERIC
Don’t ever fucking fuck off in my pub again, you fucking freaks.
Tuinal Rob turns to fight but Stan drags him back. Gang go outside into dark street
BAZ
You’d better get that checked Harry you could get Herpes.
HARRY
You cant get Herpes from a fucking Stanley Knife.
VINCE
Yeah. More likely to get it off a bog seat in the pub from Spizz!
CUT TO:
EXT. NORTHERN ENGLAND. CAR PARKED. DARK STREET
Two black Brummie guys sit, one is playing with a tape player. G-Man, 26 is smoking a big spliff listening to some deep soul on tape. Roy, 27, turns the Radio on.
RADIO
Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, has been collared and sent
down for life…
Roy turns back on the tape player.
G-MAN
How much supplies we got left, Roy man?
ROY
Not a lot. A few bombers, some green and clears and a dozen seconal.
G-MAN
What time is it Roy?
ROY
Uh 6pm. Time to Call Sonny? Or we gonna be cutting it bit fine.
G-MAN
OK. My turn, your turn?
ROY
I’ll make the call you break into the pharmacy. Deal?
G-MAN
I’m sure I broke into the chemist last week
ROY
Come on you know the breaking in bit is your fave part of the evening man.
G-MAN
OK? You ring Sonny. He fucking annoys me. Its always about him and it has to be done his way. Im telling you Im getting pretty pissed off being at Sonny’s beck and call all the time.
ROY
Oh I don’t know man. Sure working for Sonny has its ups and downs like every job. We ain’t doing too bad man compared to other people. Were signing on, driving this beauty and we get a nice chunk of cash from Sonny every two weeks and we don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn every morning and graft our bollocks off! Sometimes mate and don’t think I’m having a go at you when I say this but you’ve got to stop getting on a downer and realize that were on to a good thing working for Sonny.
G-MAN
I hear what you’re saying Roy but I don’t look at working for Sonny being anywhere close to being on a good thing when were the ones who have to go out there taking all the risks screwing chemists over to get the gear to sell for Sonny.
ROY
We’re Keeping one step ahead of the pigs while true, all he does is stay at home getting his knob sucked by a different bird every night living the easy life. We get to dance all night and shag girls way out of our league. If we weren’t doing this job you would never get to go with a girl as hot as Nicki.
G-MAN
Sore point Roy. Me and Nicki are not an item. She caught me getting a blow job from Little Miss Preston a few weeks ago in the Casino car park.
ROY
No way man. You got a blow job off a girl called Preston.
G-MAN
Nooooo. She was from Preston.
ROY
Oh man that’s basic stuff. Where the fuck did all this happen.
G-MAN
You really wanna know?!?!? She was sitting here as I am was sitting there.
ROY
Man you are the lowest. Lower than a Barry White vocal.
Roy goes to a phone box and makes a call, G-Man sits in car singing along to some soul track.
ROY (CONT’D)
Right Stafford it is. Inkerman Street. He says the chemist back door is open. Its not wired up. Oh and he sends his love. He was asking after Epic. Says that young jumped up Soul Boy yampy been in touch and wants to start doing a bit of dealing down seaside ways. Wants us to broker the deal.
G-MAN
Epic? Total fucking knob head. Why is Sonny even talking to somebody like him?!?
Car drives off with Detroit Emeralds “Feel the need in me” playing on car stereo. They pull up in the car and see the chemist, drive round the block 3 times looking for a get-away then car pulls up opposite chemist shop.
G-MAN (CONT’D)
Roy! Do me a fucking favor and turn that shit off will you?
G-Man snaps at Roy passing him the joint rummaging for the crowbar under his seat.
ROY
But I thought you were into a bit of Philly Soul man?
G-MAN
Roy. In all the years you’ve known me when have I ever seriously been into Philly. Okay Ive listened to it now and again but thats a fucking lot different than being into..
(He sings)
“Backstabbers” by the Ojays. That chorus says it all man. That smile in your face and all the time they want to take your place. The Backstabbers. Yeah thats a cool Philly sound.
ROY
Yeah that is a great sound no doubt about it man but for me, “Me and Mrs Jones” by Billy Paul is my choice and by far the greatest love song ever written. I must have heard it thousands of times and it still kills me every time I hear it.
(He sings)
Me and Mrs. Mrs Jones Mrs Jones Mrs Jones Mrs Jones Mrs Jones. We’ve got a thing going on.
G-MAN
Well I don’t want to spoil your show man but if you’ve heard it thousands of times. Then you ain’t really been listening because you’d know that Billy Paul only sings Mrs Jones four times in the chorus and not five as you just sang man.
G-Man gets out of the car with crow bar and is about to head to chemist to break in.
ROY
Fuck you man. Theres five, I’m telling you. He sings it five times and I’ll lay a score down to prove you wrong man.
G-man puts on a pair of black leather gloves.
G-MAN
Okay man its your cash. A score it is. You sit tight and Ill be back before you know it.
G-Man jumps out of the car, pulling a thick piece of Axminster carpet from the boot, shutting it quietly walking over to the chemist disappearing into the back alley leaving Roy biting his nails for several minutes the way he always did whenever G-Man took care of the business as well as rummaging through the pile of cassettes in the glove box in a bid to prove G-Man wrong about Me and Mrs Jones. A few minutes later G-man appears from the front door of the chemist. Crowbar in one hand with carpet on arm and box of drugs under other arm. G-man does a spin and northern soul strut as he walks to the car. Opens door and sits in passenger seat.
G-MAN (CONT’D)
By the way Roy. Did you manage to check out Me and Mrs Jones while I was busy screwing the chemist?
Roy just looks ahead as he drives with a smile on his face.
G-MAN (CONT’D)
No sweat brother you can pay me when we get to the service station.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUNSLOW HIGH STREET
Jacko is driving along the high street in his van and spots Des leaving the job centre. He stops the van suddenly, and Jumps out. Jacko grabs Des by the shoulder causing Des to whirl around on the spot. Reacting instinctively, Des steps quickly backwards. He looks confused but tense, tightly-sprung and ready, streetwise and alert. His posture is defensive and ready to attack.
Mumbled shouting. Gerry hears mumbled shouting and gets out of the van and walks over. Des is gesturing towards the job centre.
DES
You’re mad Jacko. I ain’t been nowhere near your site since you told me to get my arse back here.
Crowd starts to gather as Jacko points to Des.
JACKO
I know it was you, you lying fucker! You warned me, said Id get mine.
DES
So thats all the proof you need is it? Cos I’m black it makes me guilty does it.
Jacko pushes him.
DES (CONT’D)
Easy now Jacko. Cool yourself down man
JACKO
You’re all the same your lot! Bite the fuckin hand that feeds you! Hundreds of pounds your little prank cost me the other night. Think its funny to break in put sugar in my generators and nick my window frames do yah?
DES
I ain’t listening to your crap any more, Jacko. You’re so bitter and twisted, its unreal. So back off and let me go about my business, man!
JACKO
You’ll stay right here and fuckin listen, you black bastard! I don’t work my balls off, so some jumped-up wog can come and try and ruin it all for me!
Crowd is closing in on the two men shouting. Des is laughing at Jacko.
DES
You are such a fool, man. You’re a caveman. Catching me up and cussing me like this. You’ve got no proof. Man, I could write you a list of people you’ve pissed off. You come ere, grab me up, abuse me and on what? A hunch? This is my manor, my yard. This is my stomping ground. I live here!
Jacko’s face goes red. He is starting to loose it then he lunges at Des. Des ducks and lands a punch on Jacko’s nose. Jacko Charges and grapples with Des. The locals defend Des and attack Jacko. Gerry walks outside and sees Jacko lying on floor out cold. Des walks back into the job.
DES (CONT’D)
You’d better call an ambulance as well.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – CANAL ESTATE
Boys walking through the Canal Estate.
GERRY
And that was it. The Police turned up and then an ambulance and I had to walk home from bloody Leyton.
JULIAN
Well. If you live by the sword, you die by it.
GERRY
Where did you pick that little gem up from? Some smart new mate at college?
JULIAN
Nah. Joe is always saying it. What I mean is, you can only go around upsetting people for so long, it all catches up with you in the end.
GERRY
Thats probably true I suppose. Some people just seem to get away with murder though.
JULIAN
What goes around comes around.
GERRY
Alright, alright. Enough of your step dads’ words of wisdom. How’s it going at college?
JULIAN
It’s alright. Theres a good crowd there and everyone seems friendly enough. At least I don’t have to worry about psychos loitering in the corridors anymore waiting to bash me up.
GERRY
And that was just the teachers! You’ll just ave to watch out for all them, new romantics now instead! Pretty boy like you, should be very popular!
JULIAN
Are you going back to work there?
GERRY
I don’t see how I can, do you? It wouldn’t be the same.
JULIAN
I suppose not. What are you going to do now then?
GERRY
Go back to the job exchange and apply for another training post I suppose.
As they turn the corner Julian stops in his tracks.
JULIAN
Oh no for fuck sake.
Sees Itchy, 17,a local greasy haired rocker who went to their school.
ITCHY
Alright girls! Whats matter, cat got yuh bleeding tongues.
GERRY
How’s it going, Itchy? Not seen you since we left school.
ITCHY
I’m fine thank you for asking Gerry. Whats all this 2 Tone rubbish?
Itchy dismissively flicks the badge pinned to Julians’ jacket lapel.
JULIAN
The Specials, The Selecter an all that. Proper music mate. Me and Gerry going to see The Beat in concert next month.
ITCHY
Nah Nah Nah. Its crap. All that black n white unite shite?
He continues, sneering and twisting his features to emphasize his points.
ITCHY (CONT’D)
Look, it don’t take no Einstein to work out that they don’t need us an we don’t need them. Far as I’m con-cerned send the lot of ‘em back where they come from, bleedin muggers and scroungers getting off wiv our women and creating a race of arf breeds….
He pounds his chest.
ITCHY (CONT’D)
England for the English thats what I say!
Two Boneheads stand by his side and nod in silent appreciation.
GERRY
Aren’t they over ere cos we were over there? The inherited benefits of the late British empire an all that. What about the black kids an Asians that were born ere?
JULIAN
You being funny or what?
GERRY
They’re British though, aren’t they? They were born ere after all. Probably got British passports and stuff..
ITCHY
Yeah, well, they shouldn’t have.
Itchy pulls out Bulldog magazine.
ITCHY (CONT’D)
It’s our last hope before we end up drowning in our own blood, the victims of a savage uprising from within our community. It’s about time we got our England back from the Pakis and coons so our old people can walk around wiv out being mugged an stuff. Go on take it, I can get another one, the perks of being a fully-fledged member now, ain’t it bruvvers.
Gerry takes the mag. Flicks through the pages pretending to be interested. Julian and Gerry walk through the boneheads When they get 20 yards or so away Gerry turns holding the booklet aloft waving it at Itchy and his mates.
GERRY
Thanks for the fascist wank mag, Itchy, I’ve run out of bog paper at home and I need something to wipe my arse on, you Nazi prick!
The boys run away with the three NF bone-heads lads in tow. Julian runs faster than Gerry. The 3 skins push Gerry into a corner and beat him. Julian stands and watches not sure what to do. He catches the awful glimpse of Gerry’s bloodied face between the pumping, clawing arms of the three bone-heads.
JULIAN
Run, you bloody idiot! Run.
Julian, who has never had a real fight before, hits Itchy on the back of the head. Then kicks him in the arse. Itchy is stunned but turns to put his face right in Julian’s. Trying a head-butt, it goes wrong, and Julian wrestles with him bringing his knee up twice to Itchy’s face bringing him to the ground.
The two blokes are showing signs of intense fatigue as they continued their quest to bring Gerry down but with a hop, Gerry manages to throw his forearm around one of the bone-heads and strangle him like a wrestling move.
Gerry manages to squirm and directs a punch over his shoulder hitting Julian on the nose instead which bursts with blood everywhere. Gerry strangles him harder and the head drops to the floor. Gerry is still strangling him. Shopkeeper, Mr Jenkins,58, thin with grey hair, has been watching from the safety of his store and steps out.
SHOPKEEPER
Let him go, young ‘un before he carps it. I saw them attack you. You’ve done good. Let him go now, theres a good lad.
Gerry relaxes his grip and sees Julian bashing Itchy.
JULIAN
Leave it, Gerry. I think he’s finished.
SHOP KEEPER
You boys get yourselves off to the hospital before the old bill arrive. I’ll clear up this lot.
The butcher across the road at Pantry Shop, comes out of the store and gestures dismissively with a wave of his hand.
BUTCHER
(shouting)
Go on, get going now!
The boys dash off heading back to the canal.
JULIAN
(Turns to Gerry)
Mate you were amazing. You really bashed that bonehead almost dead.
GERRY
You did pretty good yourself mate. You been taking wrestling lessons from Big Daddy at that college of yours?
JULIAN
What we gonna tell the parents.
GERRY
The truth of course. We are the heroes and the victims in this story. As your Joe would say, Honesty is the best policy.
CUT TO:
INT. JULIANS BEDROOM – SPRING 1981
JULIAN’S MOM
You’re grounded.
CUT TO:
INT. HARRY’S BEDROOM – SPRING 1981
HARRY’S MOM
Your grounded
RADIO
Bob Marley is dying.
Harry is laying on his bed. He has radio on and is reading a porn mag. He hears front door open and then footsteps coming up stairs, and in burst Vince and Knocker. Throws a brown paper bag onto the bed next to Harry.
KNOKER
Wakey, wakey, hands off snakey.
HARRY
Whats this all about?
Harry opens it and it contains one can of cider. Knocker, goes over to record collection and starts to flick through it.
VINCE
It’s a get well soon present. Thought it was better than Lucozade.
Harry puts cider can on beside.
HARRY
Oi Knocker you be careful with those albums I know you like to treat vinyl like you treat women.
VINCE
How you been?
HARRY
How do you think Ive been. I was battered senseless and stabbed!
KNOCKER
Well get well soon boo hoo cos Frenzy are playing Friday and you gotta be there.
HARRY
I can’t go out yet, I look like fucking Frankenstein.
Knocker completely ignoring Harry takes record out of sleeve and puts it on turntable.
KNOKER
Ohhhh lets have some of this then.
HARRY
Woah! Take it easy at Knocker with that vinyl!
Knocker falls back onto the bed enjoying the track.
VINCE
You’ve got to come to the gig Harry. It’s Knockers going away bash.
HARRY
Why? Where are you going? Rampton Mental Home? Or clap clinic?
KNOKER
No, I’m joining the Navy.
HARRY
What. What are you on about?
VINCE
It’s true. I’ve seen the papers everything.
HARRY
So when are you leaving?
Knocker as he drags the needle abruptly off the vinyl and onto the next track.
KNOCKER
Two weeks
VINCE
Can you even swim?
KNOKER
Course I can swim. Anyway, there is fuck all happening round here and it’s good money. And I can’t carry on working for the council cutting grass for the rest of me life can I? Plus Ive shagged all the local birds, so time for pastures new for me and monty? Me python. The beast that lives within my trousers.
VINCE
Are you going to drink that?
HARRY
Not tonight.
VINCE
Giz, a sip then mate.
HARRY
I thought it was a get well gift for me.
KNOKER
Crack it open you tight bastard. Think of it more as a leaving present for me, and see you Friday night for some serious wrecking!!!
Knocker opens can of cider and chugs it.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE
Wrecking scenes as Knocker’s leaving party at Psychobilly gig. Harry gets in van and then Kenny drives off making him fall over. “Ghost Town” by The Specials is playing with montage of Ronnie counting notes.
Epic is practicing dancing in the lock up area and Harry is digging holes in road, rolling a spliff and drinking cider Gerry is on building site, Julian is reading paper on the train. They are All reading papers about Brixton riots. Harry at home in kitchen finds note on table.
HARRY
What’s this about?
DAD
Some bloke phoned. Vance I think it was. He said to give you this message.
Harry opens note.
HARRY
Reading Majestic, Coffin Nails.
This Wednesday night. Pick you at 7. Did he say anything else?
DAD
Yes, he said “Thanks, Gran-dad” to me. Cheeky bastard.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET. ROYAL WEDDING DAY.CHARLES AND DIANA.
Ronnie, Jamie and driver are in the car driving past street parties.
RONNIE
Makes yah proud don’t it. God Save the Queen.
JAMIE
And her fascist regime. They made you a moron. Potential H-Bomb..
RONNIE
Jamie. Jamie. Please do not speak badly of her majesty. If it was not for her the country would be run by. Anarchists, Communists and worst of all Scotsman!!!
INT. HARRY HOME – DAY
Harry’s mom is vacuuming.
HARRY’S MOM
(shouting)
Are you coming to the party later?
HARRY
Mum. What party are you talking about.
HARRY’S MOM
The street party for the royal wedding. Charles and Di.
HARRY
Mum. I actually can’t think of anything worse. Maybe having Shake and Vac poured all over my body and then hoovered off but even that might be less offensive than a royal wedding street party!
She pours more shake and vac all over the carpet.
HARRY’S MOM
Well, I think thats a bit disrespectful to her majesty.
HARRY
Mum. I’m off to Reading for a gig so I’ve got no time for street parties, or princess bleeding Diana and that royal plonker she is marrying. I’ve always been more of a noddy man than big ears to be honest….
Harry leaves the room and Harry’s Mom sprinkles shake and vac on carpet again.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSING PROJECTS – CANAL ESTATE
JULIAN AND GERRY GO TO STREET PARTY ON THE ESTATE. Bunting and fancy dress kids. One man is dressed as a rubiks cube. Steel drums from the estates west indian community play out a calypso version of London is the place for me and Oh when the saints go Marching In.
Julian checks out Gerry’s outfit of Specials transferred t-shirt and denim strides, a pair of opaque wrap-around shades covering his eyes. Boys meet Cherise and mate on one of the tables set up for food etc. Cherise, 18, pretty half Jamaican, half Irish dressed in Lonsdale purple and blue t shirt and jeans. Her mate Dee 18, pimple pock marked face, quiet, wears a mod style dress. The four of them wander around the street parties on the estate.
The sun sets Julian and Cherise have split from Gerry and lie on a bit of grass by the estate looking up into the sky. Julian and Cherise kiss in the stairs of her block but she pushes him away.
CHERISE
Hey don’t get too rude, rude boy!!!!
JULIAN
Can I see you again?
She starts down the stairs.
CHERISE
Yeah, why not. rude bwoy. You know where I live now, don’t yuh!
CUT TO:
EXT. READING.
The van arrives and the gang go inside. The band is playing and Harry and the crew are wrecking at front of stage. Harry goes outside and lights up a roll up. 3 groups of people are hanging around smoking and talking. Harry sees a pretty Psychobilly girl sitting on wall and goes to chat her up.
KNOCKER
(to camera breaking the fourth wall)
Move over, there’s a new Casanova in town Harry fucking Powell..
HARRY
Is anybody sitting here?
CLAUDIA
Does it look like it?
HARRY
So have you been to many gigs here before?
CLAUDIA
What? Do you mean do I come here often?
Stumbling and bumbling, Harry throws his cigarette dog-end on floor and Claudia gets up.
HARRY
Look, sorry. Fuck it. This chat-up is shite.
CLAUDIA
Is that what you were trying to do? Chat me up?
HARRY
Well, y’know. I thought it was worth a bash.
CLAUDIA
Worth a bash? You cheeky bastard.
Claudia giggles and offers Harry a pre rolled cigarette. Harry sits back down and pulls out his Zippo and tries to light roll up. Claudia puts hands around Harry to light it and hers.
CLAUDIA (CONT’D)
The pace too much for you then?
HARRY
You’re not joking, It’s a fucking war zone in there. The locals don’t half like having a pop at the visitors.
CLAUDIA
I wouldn’t worry about it. When there is no-one else here they beat each other up just as much.
HARRY
Are you a local girl then?
CLAUDIA
Not far from here, just up at Henley. What about you?
HARRY
New Town. Concrete Jungle eh?
Claudia
You all right crossing the road love?
Harry
Just about. It’s not all underpasses you know. So are you waiting out here for someone.
Pauses for a moment, blow a sharp puff of smoke through her pursed lips then turns and smiles wickedly.
CLAUDIA
Look, before you start going round the houses, I’m here with a few mates and I have’nt got a boyfriend.
HARRY
Fair enough.
(he breaths out loud)
My names Harry.
CLAUDIA
How nice to meet you. I’m Clau.
HARRY
Clow?
CLAUDIA
Yeh Clau.
HARRY
Oh right. I see.
Harry stands up and held out my arm with the exaggerated gesture of a Victorian dandy.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Shall we return to the ball Claudia?
They walk back into venue arm in arm. Claudia goes to the toilet. Vince, Baz and Stan come straight over to Harry at the bar.
VINCE
What were you up to outside with her?
HARRY
Just chatting and stuff
BAZ
Fuck off. What’s been going on? Did you shag her up against the wall?
HARRY
Nothing happened. Just some chatting and a fag.
STAN
Your the fucking fag. You should have been poking her. At least she’s a tidy bird.
Harry raises his voice and points his finger.
HARRY
You lot mind your own fucking business. There will be poking when I’m ready to poke!
Claudia appears from the bathrooms.
CLAUDIA
(smiles)
So who is poking who?
Harry flustered and looks angrily at his mates.
HARRY
These are Baz, Vince and Stan. Three tramps I found living in a New Town underpass. Guys this is Clau.
Stan staring at her boobs only and sounding very sleazy.
STAN
Alright love.
CUT TO:
INT. WRECKING AND DRINKING AT CLUB.
Harry snogging Claudia up against the wall outside. Claudia pushes Henry away.
CLAUDIA
Easy tiger, you’ll get me done for public indecency. My dad’s a well respected man round these parts!
CUT TO:
INT. SMOKE FILLED VAN.
VINCE
How did you get on with that bird tonight?
HARRY
Trying to roll a joint.
Fine mate. All fine.
STAN
What he is trying to say is… Did you, fuck her?
Shona punches Stan in the ribs.
SHONA
Shut your mouth you dirty bastard. What is wrong with you?
Kissing Shona’s head.
STAN
I was only asking my sweet darling.
VINCE
Well what did you get? Must have at least got a wank?
BAZ
Yeh, come on lets hear it, Don’t hold back. I’m planning on a wank later.
Harry just sits smiles and takes a drag on the joint looking very happy. Shrugs shoulders and claps hands together.
VINCE
Oh, no. Thats it, he’s in love again.
HARRY
Fuck off! No Im not.
VINCE
Oh yes, its the same every time. If you get a grip on some sort that you are never going to see again we get a stroke by stroke commentary. If it’s a bird you are serious about you go all coy. Remember that blonde bird you met at the Roxy? You met her on the Saturday night and we saw you holding hands in Woolworths 2 days later!.
VINCE (CONT’D)
(singing)
That’s the wonder of Woolworths. That’s the wonder of good old Woolies.
Stan joins in singing from the front of the van.
STAN
That the wonder of Woolworths. Thats the wonder of Harrys’ willy.
Everyone in the van bursts into laughter.
END OF EPISODE TWO
CUT TO:
EPISODE THREE
INT. LA DOLCE VIDA – DAY
Epic rushes into the cafe.
GLADYS
Hello Epic. No need to Rush. Ronnie has gone away for a few days on business. He left a message for you, and I quote. He said to tell that lazy late F word to go and see Syd this afternoon as there is a new catalogue ready and he wants it out in the post by Thursday.
Epic smiles and kisses Gladys on the head.
EPIC
Best news Ive had this year. Any chance of a bacon sandwich?!?!
CUT TO:
EXT. SEAFRONT – DAY
Walking along seafront gets to Syd’s shop. Sign in window reads records and relics – records antiques bric a brac and militaria bought and sold. Tel. Syd Braithwaite. 0789-560-0547. Opens door smiling.
SYD
Good to see you lad. I was just going through the last batch of singles for Ronnie’s catalogue and Ive kept a few singles back for you.
EPIC
Good to see you Syd. And what is that lovely smell.
SYD
That’ll be Elsies famous shepherds pie. If you want you can hang around til she gets back and share some with us. She always makes too much of it.
EPIC
You are tooooo kind to me Syd. I won’t this time but I’ll have a whiskey with you.
Epic pulls out bottle of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey from his coat. Syd locks the door and they go into back room. Syd gets 2 glasses and Epic pours 2 large ones. Syd has a bunch of 7 inches on the spindle of his dansette record player. “Just Say Goodbye” by Esther Philips is playing. Close up of each single as it falls from the spindle and plays while men talk.
SYD.
How is my old mate Mr Ronnie Hardman treating you son?
EPIC
The bastards on me as soon as he walks through the fucking door and for no reason. All he does is take the piss out of me. Showing me up in front of all my mates who would’nt fucking go in his café if I wasn’t working there. I’m getting really pissed off with him Syd. Im telling you one of these days when hes not expecting it I’m going to make fucking sure I get my own back on him. Make sure I hit the fucker where it hurts so hell remember me forever.
SYD
I know you’ve heard me tell you this before. Take no notice of him. Just try and bite your lip and believe in yourself and what you want to do lad. it’s all about staying strong and true to yourself when the shit hits the fan and nobody likes to throw more shit around than Ronnie Hardman.
EPIC
I mean you’ve known him for ages Syd. Has he always been like this and Whats the reason why he is such a cunt.
Syd sighs and shakes his head again, pouring 2 more whiskeys.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Syd honestly. Whatever you tell me remains in this room. Im just curious what makes him like he is all the time mate.
Took a massive swing and sighed
SYD
Fair enough lad. Seeing as you’re getting the blunt end of Ronnie’s stick. I say it goes no further than here tonight. When I got back from the war in 1945 all I wanted to do was marry Elsie and be a musician. Play saxophone in a jazz club in soho. But, you cant be as average jazz musician and buy wedding rings. So I put the Sax away and married Elsie in-stead. It was the right decision. You got somebody special in your life Epic?
EPIC
There is a girl Syd. Nicki but its very, very complicated and she has gone off to Ibiza for the summer. Please, carry on.
SYD
If I could’nt play music. I opened a small shop in soho. I had a slick operation going back then. Imports from America. All the new releases. By 1963 the mods would come buy off me. On a Saturday afternoon there would be a que of 100 kids waiting to get into my shop. Flash kids, the most cocky and flash was young Ronnie Hardman. Not even in his 20s but a passion and a knowledge for music like no other. He always had a dark side. Loved a fight. And did’nt mind pulling a knife on whoever upset him. Never seen ambition like it. Story was A gangland boss. Mister Brudger was impressed by the cut of Ronnie’s cloth and invited him to join the firm acquiring a reputation as a bloke who did what he had to do to convince the punters who owed his boss money to pay up or else.
Ronnie started to get noticed by other firms which led him to have a run in with a nasty sadistic piece of work called Ray Baker who worked as an enforcer to Mister Brudgers fierce rival Eddie Most.
One night when Ronnie was doing the rounds he met a beautiful young blonde he fell head over heels in love
You see lad. It turned out that Suzy was the daughter of Eddie Most so they had to keep their relationship hush, hush it was only a matter of time before their secret affair became public after being spotted by Ray Baker who fancied Suzy for ages she hated the ground he walked on.
Seeing her with his bitterest rival drove Baker mad so one night boozed up, he goes round to Suzy’s flat, forces his way in and beats her up badly before raping her. The bastard gave her such a bad time that she took an overdose because she could not handle the thought that she might be pregnant with Bakers kid.
Ronnie told me she turned up in a right state in a nightclub called the Forty Five falling down the stairs spewing up and almost unconscious.
Ronnie told his doorman to phone for an ambulance before he took her into the office where she died in his arms and you can guess the rest lad.
Obviously Ronnie went looking for Baker who was never seen again after ending up in a processed meat factory somewhere down Bognor Regis way where he died slowly in agony before being turned into mince meat. A couple of weeks later when the dust had settled, Ronnie said goodbye to his boss and his two best mates, packed up his Jag with all his belongings and sodded off to Morocco. You sure you don’t want some shepherds pie son?
EPIC
Er No Im off minced meat at moment. Its a er Health thing…
SYD
I moved out of soho as Elsie fancied a bit of the seaside and a garden. Plus I had a bit too much of a love affair with the Gee Gee’s and spent more than I made. And it was too easy to put a bet on in that London once they make bookies legal business and for some reason
So we moved here. I had face loads you can of connections trust, people in stayed there cord in touch and when collections come up may be they get cousin Ive touch got a with me.
EPIC
Fucking hell.
EPIC (CONT’D)
I wish I’d never asked. I almost feel sorry for him now you’ve told me all that. So how did you end up getting involved with Ronnie and his record business?
SYD
You’re giving me that same look Ronnie gave me.
SYD (CONT’D)
Up to his big house. That night he showed me his record collection.
Epic pours last of whiskey
SYD (CONT’D)
He’s got his collection wont be complete until he gets it.
Starting to slur and doze a bit.
SYD (CONT’D)
Three copies out there why he and I agree with you lad and its not the fact that theres only two or 3 why he’s obsessed wants it so bad.
The his truth life wont bet complete it was Suzys’ favourite song.
EPIC
Fuck me Syd that is a story and a half. No wonder Ronnie is so fucking angry. Look at the time. Your Elsie will be back soon. I gotta get off. Ill need to get this to printers sharpish in morning. Im off. You OK to drop the records off to the cafe in the morning? And ill make sure Gladys makes you a bacon sandwich. No butter and brown sauce correct?!!?
Syd smiles and nods sleepily in his chair.Gets up to leave. He is sincere in his voice.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Thanks Syd and thanks for telling me about Ronnie. I still hate fucker but I kind of know where he’s coming from now. Love to Elsie and be careful whats in that shepherds pie of hers.Claudia? Its me,
CUT TO:
INT. HARRY’S PARENTS’ HOUSE – EVENING
Harry phones Claudia.
HARRY
Claudia. It’s me.
CLAUDIA (O.S.)
Mr. Powell. How nice of you to call. At last. I thought I had been given the bum’s rush.
HARRY
Are you joking? I just thought I would try to find a gap in your social calendar.
Claudia giggles into the phone.
HARRY (CONT’D)
So… Er, what have you been up to?
CLAUDIA
Nothing much, I don’t really go out much during the week. I see my mate Carla sometimes. Occasionally there is an Indie band on at the Majestic on Thursday nights. Nothing special.
HARRY
Thats a good venue, That gig was excellent. Good atmosphere. I got a nice set of bruises.
CLAUDIA
Yeh, the guys down there get a bit wild but they are all right. They didn’t make you to unwelcome did they? Aw, did I protect you Harry?
HARRY
You certainly gave me the kiss of life.
CLAUDIA
Well, You might get some resuscitation next time I see you.
Harry punches fist in the air like a World Cup winner.
HARRY
I like the sound of that. So any gigs on this weekend?
CLAUDIA
Eh… no… nothing this weekend. I think Restless are playing in December but nothing til then – yawns.
Awkward pause.
HARRY
Listen Claudia, Id really like to see you again some time. Do you fancy it?
CLAUDIA
That would be great Harry how bout this very weekend?
HARRY
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Er yeah that would be cool. I mean yeah why not. I can get a loan of my dads car and take you out. You don’t mind being seen in a Vauxhall Chevette do you?
CLAUDIA
(husky and seductive)
I’ve got a better idea. My folks are away on Saturday. Why don’t you come down and we could have a night in?
HARRY
Fantastic. Saturday night it is the Miss… eh. What is your second name anyway?
CLAUDIA
(mocking)
Quigley, I told you last week you drunken bum. Do you even remember what I look like?
HARRY
I won’t forget that in a hurry.
CLAUDIA
(laughing seductively)
You fucking smoothy. Now get back to your Bryan Ferry records. I need to go relax in a warm bath with a bar of imperial leather…..
Harry drops the phone down shocked and happy.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE
Playful boyfriend/girlfriend. Meeting parents. Walking streets. Kissing, arguing.
CUT TO:
EXT. CLAUDIA’S MANSION – DUSK
Harry drops him off at Claudia’s mansion. Claudia’s thick, black quiff is immaculate. Her make up on which highlights her natural good looks. A tight pair of black denims and a figure hugging white vest.
CLAUDIA
I thought you’d got lost.
HARRY
Yeh. I was. But the coppers stopped me. They don’t normally see anything other than Bentleys and Rolls Royces round here. Its a bit posh this gaff, isn’t it?
Offers her a box of Cadbury’s milkbox. Harry begins to snog Claudia on doorstep which pushes her backwards into the house.
CLAUDIA
C’mon. Come inside before somebody sees New Town boy in my parents drive.
HARRY
Fucking hell. Fucking hell. Your hallway is bigger than my house. Fucking hell!
Claudia is a bit embarrassed of her privilege.
CLAUDIA
My dad’s an architect. He designed it himself back when I was a baby. C’mon, sit down. So?
HARRY
Are you parents out tonight?
CLAUDIA
Yeh. They have gone to a concert in London. So?
Claudia pulls Harry closer to her body.
CLAUDIA (CONT’D)
We have the place to ourselves.
A fast Psychobilly track plays while the pair rip each other’s clothes off. They start shagging in fast motion. They pause briefly.
HARRY
(to the camera and Claudia)
Claudia… Is this what they call a shag pile?
Music resumes with them shagging. They take a deep breath and roll onto their backs.
CLAUDIA
Oh Harry, I’m sorry…I forgot to ask if you wanted a coffee.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHERISE’S HOUSE – AFTERNOON
Julian is nervous and knocks on Cherise’s door. Stumbles looking for door bell. Misses it. Rings it again, and then again. Cherise’s mom, ROSE, 42, Irish woman, freckles, ruddy cheeks, uses humor to hide her pain.
ROSE
Where’s the bejeezus fire? And who might you be?
Harry lets go of the bell quickly. Looks around.
ROSE (CONT’D)
Ah, You’d be the young scallywag that’s been taking advantage of our Cherise!
Rose leaves Julian at the doorstep, makes her way halfway up the stairs, and calls out to her husband, ALTON, 42, British, father figure, loves to gamble and a good dresser. He’s watching the horse races, glued to the TV.
INT. CHARISE’S HOUSE – STAIRCASE – CONTINUOUS
ROSE
(sarcastically)
Alton, Alton! The young man who’s been taking a liberty with our daughter has saved you the job of having to track him down, he’s right here fresh-faced and looking pretty pleased with himself. Do you want a word, like?
CUT TO:
INT. CHARISE’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Alton briefly looks up from the TV and is annoyed.
ALTON
Rose, will you leave the boy alone? You cruel woman! Fetch him in, wheres your manners!
CUT TO:
INT. CHARISE’S HOUSE – FRONT DOOR – CONTINUOUS
Rose is at the end of the staircase, opens the door, and shows Julian to the living room.
ROSE
I was only having a bit of a joke that’s all. Come on in, darling.
Julian nervously follows Rose who shows him where Alton is seated before going back up to check on Cherise.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARISE’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Julian notices a copy of the Racing Post on the arm of his chair.
ROSE
Cherise will be down in a minute. Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite.
Julian moves closer to Alton but doesn’t sit down.
ALTON
Sit yourself down, son.
Alton points to Julian’s tassle loafers.
ALTON (CONT’D)
Nice shoes.
Julian nods and smiles.
ALTON (CONT’D)
Nice to see a young man making an effort these days.
Julian sits down and nods at the TV.
JULIAN
Any luck?
ALTON
(laughing)
It’s Kempton Park. Won a penny lost a pound.
Rose returns and watches the TV for a few beats.
ROSE
It’s a bloody fools’ game! That’s what it tis! Alton is a bloody fool!
Rose sits on sofa.
ROSE (CONT’D)
Tell me a bit about yourself. What do your mother and father do? Are they Catholics?
JULIAN
Got a ready made family. Inherited two younger sisters from my stepdad.
ROSE
Ahh, it must be nice to have sisters, especially ready-made ones! I’ll go hurry Cherise up. Probably making herself beautiful for yourself.
ALTON
(laughing to himself)
Could be a while then!
Julian laughs then stops himself quickly. Alton mumbles, grunts, and chants as he watches the horses. Cherise appears looking stunning. Julian stands up politely.
ROSE
Tea will be around thirty minutes. Do you like toad-in-the-hole?
JULIAN
Sounds great.
Rose exits and heads for kitchen.
ROSE
(shouting back)
Good ‘cos that’s what you’re getting anyway!
CHERISE
I’m gonna give Rose a hand. Will you be okay for a moment?
ALTON
Get on. He’ll be fine. Won’t yuh, son?
They turn attention back to the horse racing. Music and laughter from the kitchen. Alton raises his eyebrows, gets up from the couch, and opens the kitchen door. He sees Rose and Cherise dance while cooking to, “Good Thing Going” by Sugar Minott. Julian looks in and smiles.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARISE’S HOUSE – KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Cherise and Rose each hold wooden spoons as microphones while singing.
CHERISE
“A real good thing going…”
ROSE
“That girl and me…”
CUT TO:
INT. CHERISE’S BEDROOM – LATER
Julian is laying on Cherise’s bed, fully clothed.
CHERISE
What you thinking about?
JULIAN
Julian pretends to be the character “Neil” from “The Young Ones” TV series tucks her head back into his chest.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
(as “Neil”)
The world of cause and effect, the great wheel of life…
CHERISE
(also as “Neil”)
Heavy, man! Yah can tell you is a 6th form boy.
She kisses him on cheek.
CUT TO:
INT. JULIAN’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Julian arrives home. It’s dark, aside from the flicker of the TV. He takes off his loafers and walks quietly into the living room.
His mother is seated on the sofa while watching Bonanza, drinking cocoa. She cradles one of the cushions off the sofa, her legs folded up onto the seat pad.
JULIAN’S MOM
Hi, darling. Did you have a nice evening?
JULIAN
It was really nice, thanks. Alton and Rose are really nice.
JULIAN’S MOM
Oh, thats good to hear.
JULIAN
Are you okay, mum?
Julian looks at the cushion she is cuddling.
JULIAN’S MOM
(sighs)
I’m fine. It just gets a bit lonely sometimes after the girls grow up. You’d think I’d be used to it by now. Your nan and grandad were always early to turn in when we lived there. And, now, Joe has got the two new jobs it’s…
JULIAN
Rose is a good cook, we had toad-in-the-hole. Not as good as yours though!
Julian’s mom puts aside cushion and gives it a pat.
JULIAN’S MOM
Flattery will get you everywhere. Would you like a cup of tea? Kettles not long boiled…
JULIAN
Stay there, mum. I’ll make it.
Julian follows his mother into kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. JULIAN’S HOUSE – KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Julian makes tea and carries it out of the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. JULIAN’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Julian places the cup of tea on a small table, then sits on the floor next to his mom’s knees. “Juliet Bravo” is on TV. Julian’s mother strokes his head.
ROSE
You’re growing up so quick. I don’t know where the time goes. Pretty soon you’ll be off and doing your own thing. University. Maybe even getting married…
Julian smiles and lies back into his mums lap.
CUT TO:
INT. EPIC’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – MORNING
Epic cuts line of speed with an ATM card. His friend, Skip, 21, dark-haired, soon-to-be married, drug addict, opinionated, makes his way to kitchen.
A news bulletin comes on the radio.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
The hunger strike at Maze Prison has been called off after seven months by Sinn Féin, the political arm of the Irish Republican Army. Ten IRA prisoners died, while another seven had given up fasting. The decision, made by prisoner Brendan McFarlane, ended the fasting for the remaining six IRA strikers.
Epic is in the living room playing with lines of speed when Skip calls to him from the kitchen.
SKIP (O.S.)
Epic…how many sugars in yer tea?
EPIC
Two, please, skip.
Skip enters the living room with two mugs of tea and sees Epic playing with the ATM card.
SKIP
What the fuck is that you cutting up the speed with?
EPIC
One of those cards for the hole in the wall machines. You get money out of a machine on the side of a bank with it?
SKIP
Get you and your money fucking ways. Mr. Ronnie Hardman paying you too much?
EPIC
Well… Money is a bit of a sore point at moment, mate. I’ve fucked up big time.
SKIP
Well, you can fill me in on that in a bit but in the mean time…….
He pulls out coke from his pocket and makes two big lines.
SKIP (CONT’D)
Well I’ve got some news mate…
He takes a line of coke.
SKIP (CONT’D)
Good news and bad news.
He takes another line.
Well…bad news for you…
He makes another line with the ATM card and snorts it through a 20 pound note.
SKIP (CONT’D)
We’ve known each other for a good few years sharing the good times with the bad along the way. The good news is that whatever you want gear wise for tonight is on me and that includes this here coke. There…I sliced off a deal.
He snorts another line and pauses a few beats.
SKIP (CONT’D)
The bad news, Epic, mate, is that I’m jacking the Northern scene for good starting tonight and this time as opposed to all the other fucking times you’ve heard me tell you this. I mean it.
He takes another big line through a note.
EPIC
Skip, mate. I’m not gonna turn down those lines. But, Ive heard all this shit before! Usually midday on a Sunday after Casino. Listen Skip, mate.
Epic grabs the note from Skip and takes a big line.
SKIP
This is different. I mean it this time.
EPIC
(rambling)
No way, Skip, man. You jacking in the northern scene. No fuck off mate. its the one thing you live for ever since we became mates. You were the one who got me into the scene after when I heard Northern soul for the first time wondering what it was all about. It was you who taught me everything I know about not to mention how to dance. Skip Turner jacking in northern. Please tell me another joke mate.
SKIP
(rambling)
No joke, Epic. I mean it. Ive had enough of it all. Casino was brilliant and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything and I’ll never forget the nights we shared there but its over. I mean even you must admit that the place has lost the vibe it had from say ‘74 to ‘78 when the thought of missing just one all-nighter there would crack me up for the rest of the week.
EPIC
All those rumors flying around that it’s all closing down.
Epic and Skip both take another line of coke and wipe their noses.
SKIP
I couldn’t give a flying fuck if it does. Anyway, you heard this from me first but a few weeks ago I applied to join the Air Force. I’m leaving at the crack of dawn this Monday morning from the station to start my training.
EPIC
Julie read you the riot act?
SKIP
Yeh, about how Ive been living my life for the last few years. I really love Julie Epic. We get on like a house on fire. I listened to what she was telling me and longer I stay on the northern scene, the more I know thats not the right thing for me anymore. Im nearly twenty six mate and if I don’t change now I never will so Im going for it whatever happens. Toby Legends Time Will pass Me by and Come on How many times have we danced to not even listened to the fucking words?
Epic sits, enjoys the coke buzz, but loss for words for a few beats then speaks up.
EPIC
Fucking hell, Skip, mate. Nicky won’t believe it when I tell her your jacking in the scene. She’s back from Ibiza seeing her Saturday night in Charnock. Can’t fucking wait to see her. I’m deejaying the dancing competition. It feels like Ive got the break, Skip after all these years.
Skip sets up another line of coke. He snorts, nearly crying from the coke.
SKIP
That’s great news, mate, and give my love to Nicky. Ive never told you this before Epic but when I see you with her you look different. Happy and relaxed like you don’t have a care in the world. Im telling you as a good mate Epic. Grab her while she is still single before somebody else does and there definitely will be somebody else if you don’t.
EPIC
I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing, Skip, but she’s a hard girl to read. She blows hot and cold and I think its of the way G-Man fucked her about going with that girl behind her back. But She doesn’t trust men. Sometimes I don’t even think she likes em’. I just know that its going to take some-body really fucking special to win Nicky over and I don’t think Im that special but she’s the only girl I like being around. The only one that makes me go shy and stuck for words when I’m with her.
SKIP
(sympathetic)
Hey, hey, hey. Come on no tears. And come on how can you say you ain’t special? Bollocks you aren’t special. The times we’ve spent together on the scene there isn’t a girl who doesn’t go moist when they see you. Don’t be sitting there looking all sorry for yourself telling me you aren’t special after all the time I put in making you special.
Epic laughs and wipes his nose.
EPIC
I’ve fucked up, Skip. Big time fuck up. I’ve been telling the Labour Exchange I’m out of work and getting paid cash from Ronnie. But they have sussed me and want me to pay back the last year’s dole money. And…and if you think that is bad…I got a grand worth of coke from G-man and Roy.
Skip shakes his head in disbelief.
SKIP
No way!
EPIC
I thought I could do what you do. I’ve fucked up big time. I gave £800 worth to big gay Laurence.
SKIP
Epic, the New Romantic bloke, he was ‘sposed to pay me £1200 for it.
EPIC
He has gone fucking walk about. The other £200 I’ve put up me nose – thats the last of it there – points at table.
Epic falls back onto the sofa.
SKIP
Fuck mate. What you doing getting involved with those 2 fucking nutters. Wow. Listen. Ill speak with my people see what I can do. But those guys are proper fucking psychos
EPIC
Thanks for reminding me of that. Thats another reason I need to be wary of going near Nicky. I owe G-mans boss a grand and Im obsessing over the lover of his life.. Could it be any more fucked up? I mean everything!!!
CUT TO:
INT. LOCAL PUB – THE KINGS HEAD – EVENING
Harry, Vince, Baz, Stan, Shona, Kenny and Lynne walk in and the CROWD parts to make room for the gang. The DJ plays rockabilly music mixed in with glam tracks. Harry walks in and the CROWD cheers and jeers sarcastically. Harry sneers and drinks half a pint and stares at Baz.
BAZ
Well, well, She finally let you out on your own then?
HARRY
What do you mean?
VINCE
Do us a favor, You’re never out the door without her these days. You’ve missed fucking loads of sessions and brought her along to the last four or five gigs. Has she never heard of a lads night out?
HARRY
Of course she has, But I want to see her. Its none of your fucking business anyway.
VINCE
WOOOO!
BAZ
WOOOO!
Harry, sneering turns away and drinks half a pint.
VINCE
Touchy bastard.
Staring at Vince and Baz.
SHONA
Leave him alone, What? And you two have never had birds?
BAZ
Yeah, but we don’t fucking hibernate with them,
STAN
What about that boiler from Letchworth? You went out with her for six months.
BAZ
Yeh,but I didn’t drag her around everywhere.
KEV
Thats because she was too fucking ugly to be seen in public.
BAZ
Very funny, but she never got in the way of any rockin’ though.
Stan chanting from behind the others
STAN
Bollocks!
LYNNE
You’re no better, what about back alley Sally from Pin Green.
Vince, upset, Looks at the floor and mumbles
VINCE
I don’t want to talk about it
STAN
Well, there you have it. Leave Harry alone you fucking mugs. Just because he’s been blinded by the snatch. Leave Harry alone you fucking mugs. Just because he’s been blinded by the snatch.
Puts down his pint and walks off
HARRY
Im going for a piss.
LYNNE
Why cant you lot just leave him alone. For Fucks sake. Its bad enough having to put up with all the fucking divs in pubs like this let alone fighting amongst ourselves. Can we just cut it out and have some beers. Vince you got ask the DJ to put on something a little less disco please.
Vince heads off to the decks. Harry reappears from toilets
KENNY
Im taking the van to a Scooter run at Canvey Island next weekend Harry. You up for it?
VINCE
No point asking him, SHE wont be into it.
HARRY
For fucks sake Vince, give it a rest. Shona and Lynne are always around. I don’t hear you giving the other guys any earache.
STAN
Yeh, but they are just part of the furniture. Like a comfy worn out sofa
Shona knees Stan in nuts
SHONA
Cheeky bastard. Just ignore them Harry. She’s cool. They are all just jealous. Kev being diplomatic
STAN
Right. She is cool Harry. A tasty sort too but we hardly ever see you anymore.
VINCE
Yeh Harry, take it down a bit. You’re getting in too deep, too quick. It might not last forever but we will still be here. Don’t mug us off for some bird mate.
DJ puts on Stray Cats – Rock this town. The gang begin to dance and wreck to the song singing along.
CUT TO:
EXT. SERVICE STATION
Epic meets Nikki at service station to, Nikki enters to the sound of Tony Middleton Spanish maiden.
CUT TO:
INT. JULIAN’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
Radio goes in and out of reception. Julian is on the sofa, snogging Cherise.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Egypt’s President, Anwar Sadat, was assassinated at Nasr City while watching the annual Armed Forces Day parade. As a squadron of jets flew overhead in formation at 12:40 p.m., a military vehicle halted in front of the reviewing stand, and six of the men jumped out, hurling stun grenades and firing machine guns. Sadat was hit by two bullets and died at a hospital two hours later. Seven other people, including two of the gunmen, were killed.
Faint noise in background of music. Sound of Adam Ant music but can’t hear words.
CHERISE
Why are we listening to the radio not records?
JULIAN
My sisters have got the record player upstairs. It’s their turn to have it.
CHERISE
Oh, turn this off. All this talk of murder is a proper passion killer!
Cherise and Julian snog more. Julian put his hand up the back of her velour sweater and under her bra. He gropes her breast. Cherise sits up.
CHERISE (CONT’D)
Ant Music?
Julian’s sister, Jenny, 12, cries loudly from upstairs. Julian falls back on the sofa with a high-pitched sigh and cry for help. His hand is still on her breast inside the jumper.
JULIAN
Ant what?!
CHERISE
Adam and the ants. Ant music. Stand and deliver. You know, The dandy highwayman. Your sisters are playing it upstairs.
She slaps his wrist and stands up straightening herself.
JULIAN
Where are you going?
Cherise heads off through front room door
CHERISE
Im gonna up stairs and see what your sisters are doing.
Julian jumps off sofa and rushes off after her. Cherise shrieks then laughs out loud in the bedroom doorway.
CHERISE (CONT’D)
Oh my god!
Julian appears moving Cherise out of the way. Broad white stripes emblazoned across both girls faces; glaring, bright, brilliant white stripes across the bridges of their noses and cheeks.
JULIAN
Jesus Christ, what the hell have you done to your faces?
Cherise burst out laughing even louder
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Right enough of that girls. Turn that racket down. Now explain yourselves.
JENNY (SISTER)
We’re antz!
JULIAN
You’re what!?
JENNY
Antz, dummy!
JESSICA
Ants with a ed. Antz.
JULIAN
Right, okay, ants with a zed, will you explain why you’ve got white lines daubed across your faces!
JENNY
To show we love em, stupid! Adam has one so if you want to be an ant you should do it too. Haven’t you seen the video to Stand And Deliver?
Shakes her head slowly widening her eyes at Cherise as if to emphasize his stupidity.
JULIAN
And with what did you paint yourselves with?
JENNY
Holding out a small white bottle towards him. A bottle of Tipex.
Cherise falls down laughing so much
JULIAN
How on earth are we gonna get that off before mom comes home?!?!
CHERISE
You laughing is not very helpful, and I think they got high on it.
Julian and Cherise are back downstairs. He is wiping his hands with a towel. Julian trying to grope Cherise
JULIAN
Right then where were we?
CHERISE
I’ve lost the mood now. All that Tipex is a real turn off.
Turns and picks up her Walkman
JULIAN
Common Cherise. Let’s get back to it. I was having a go
CHERISE
Oh. You were having a go. How terrible of me to stop you
JULIAN
No Cherise.
CHERISE
Yeah go on then. Have a go. If you can get up my panties as I’m walking out the door.
JULIAN
Cherise! Wait. I’m sorry
Cherise abruptly stops and turns around quick at door.
CHERISE
You know what. You want to see if it will fit right? Well try these on.. Maybe they’ll fit you, rude boy.
She opens plastic bag and throws pants at Julian.
CHERISE (CONT’D)
I got you these at the store the other day
JULIAN
Oh.. Nice Cherise. They’re.. Nice
CHERISE
You don’t like ‘em, do you?
Cheris sucks her teeth, looking angry.
JULIAN
Sorry, Cherise, they’re not really my sort of thing.
CHERISE
You wanna go on wearing your old man clothes, do you? Look at you?? You are upstairs laughing at your sisters for dressing like Antz and you and your boyfriend Gerry continue to dress like this?
Points her finger up and down him. You gonna be a rude boy when you’re sixty? Can you imagine? Shakes head/ She kisses her teeth loudly again, a look of disgust spreads across her once-attractive face.
JULIAN
I suppose you’d prefer me in Pierre Cardin tops and Farah strides.
CHERISE
(sighs a big sigh)
Go on den, rude boy. Go back to your cave. Go on back to your boyfriend.
She walks out slamming the door behind. The sound of Ant Music once again upstairs.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHOP – DAY
Syd closes up shop. He walks up the street to the pub.
CUT TO:
INT. FOX & HOUND PUB – DAY
He picks up the newspaper and goes to the horse racing section. He sees the horse named “Harlem Nocturne” in the Daily Mirror. He stops and walks the other way. He the places bet.
SYD
£10.00 on the 30-1 outsider.
Syd watches his horse win and is in disbelief at the results.
SYD (CONT’D)
Cannot believe it!
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
What a race! Harlem Nocturne beats Bent Copper!
CUT TO:
INT. SHOP – LATER
Syd enters with box of Black Magic chocolates, a travel brochure, two tickets to Benidorm. He smiles from ear to ear.
He pours a large Tillamore Whisky and sits in the chair waiting for Elsie. He goes through a collection of records, looks at the label and studies his rare records book. There are three piles, one for Ronnie, the rare stuff, and one for the shop. Less rare.
He begins to type on an old Remington typewriter. He picks up the Darrow Fletcher album, “Pain Gets a Little Deeper.” He looks at the Al Wilson album, “The Snake” and shakes his head.
He types and makes notes to himself aloud.
SYD
Stupid record…That’s £2.50 for Ronnie, £1.50 for Syd.
He types another entry.
SYD (CONT’D)
Beatles…Red Label…”Love Me Do…” I’ll have that for the shop.
He types £4.00 on the label and picks up one more single.
CUT TO:
AN HOUR LATER
Syd’s whiskey bottle is nearly empty. Three piles of records are stacked on the table. There’s loud knocking at door.
Epic stands at door soaking wet.
SYD (CONT’D)
Come in, son. Come in. I’ve got the Whiskey out ha, ha, ha. That’ll dry you out. Good to see you, lad. I was just going through the latest batch of singles for Ronnie’s catalogue and I’ve kept a few singles back for you.
EPIC
Is that the box you got off that lady from Peterborough when her boyfriend dropped dead from heart attack?
SYD
Silly speed freaks staying up all night and then popping their clogs. Glad you don’t do any of that shit.
EPIC
Er. You’re in a bloody good mood Syd. All okay?
SYD
Talk about a bloody good day, lad. I went into town for my dinner and picked a winner in the bookies.
EPIC
Oh, really? How’d it go?
SYD
My last tenner down on a 30-to-1 outsider that romped home.
EPIC
Get outta here!
SYD
After winning, I went to the travel agents and booked us two weeks in Spain. All inclusive in Benidorm.
EPIC
That’s cool.
SYD
Elsie will have a bloody fit when I tell her the news, lad. Been promising her I’ll take her to Spain for ages and now I can.
EPIC
(unenthusiastic)
Once I get sorted, I plan on heading there myself.
SYD
Best day I’ve had in ages, but judging from the look on your face the same can’t be said for you.
EPIC
Yeah. You could say that…
SYD
I take it Ronnie’s still treating you like crap at the café then?
Epic nods and knocks back a shot of whiskey in one gulp.
EPIC
Of course he is. But, I got other issues. That girl I like is back from Ibiza.
SYD
Oh yeah?
EPIC
I don’t know what to bloody do ‘bout her. Plus me best mate is going off to join the Air Force and I got…Never mind.
Epic Pours another big shot.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Anyway, Syd. Tonight it’s all about you, mate. Forget my silly problems.
Syd smiles and finishes off the bottle of whiskey.
EPIC (CONT’D)
I’m gonna fuck off. I don’t wanna be here when Elsie gets back.
SYD
She’ll go mental when she hears the news. She might even get out the red lipstick and black nightie for you tonight.
Epic winks and makes his way toward the door. He picks up pile of five albums before he exits.
CUT TO:
TWO HOURS LATER
Syd dozes off in the chair. Elsie comes in and kisses him on his head.
ELSIE
Syd, I’m going to make some hot chocolate. Do you fancy some to take up to bed?’
SYD
(half awake)
Elsie, love. Sorry about that. I must have drifted off. Epic called round for a chat and one thing led to another as usual after a few whiskies.
Syd rubs his eyes and jumps out of the chair with a shout and panic.
SYD (CONT’D)
Bloody hell! It’s past eleven and I’ve still got to get through that lot love because I’ve promised I’ll drop the catalogue and that lot into the café tomorrow!
ELSIE
Oh shut up, Syd. It’s too late now. They can wait until tomorrow. I’ll get the milk on now.
SYD
Aye fair enough Elsie love. I’m a bit knackered as it goes and Mr Hardman can wait, but I’ve got to show you something that can’t wait. You hang on here while I go and get it.
Elsie fills up the mugs up with a pan full of piping hot milk. Syd comes back proud of himself. Hands her the bunch of roses and chocolates with a big kiss on the lips. Smiling and giving Syd a big kiss on the lips.
ELSIE
Oh Syd. These are lovely. And my favorite chocolates too but how the bloody hell have you been able to afford these love? Ronnie given us a couple of months rent free?
SYD
Yeah and Hell has frozen over while you were at Bingo. Now don’t give me that look….. I went and put a bet on a horse.
ELSIE
But Syd, you promised.
SYD
Today Elsie Lady luck has shined on us. I’ve had a great day today. For once and don’t go shouting at me but I stuck a tenner down on a horse that was a thirty to one outsider and it romped home. I won three hundred quid Elsie six hundred bloody quid and there’s more than the flowers love. Here’s that present I’ve been promising you for so long..
Syd hands Elsie the envelope with the tickets for Benidorm
ELSIE
NO,NO,NO,NO! this isn’t our luck
SYD
Soon as I knew I had won the money I went straight to the travel agents and booked the holiday love. What do you think Elsie? Are you pleased love?
ELSIE
Oh Syd love. Of course I’m pleased. I can’t believe you gone out and done this you daft old bugger but That’s why I’ve always loved you. We’re off to Spain,Syd? I can’t believe it. We’ll have to go shopping to Boot’s. Oh Syd. You’re my bloody hero. Come here and let me give you a big hug.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM. – EARLY MORNING
Elsie awakes. Looks at clock. 5AM. She slips on her dressing gown over the black satin and lace nightgown she has worn. She hums, “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.” Giggling as she makes a cup of tea. In the background, “Luck be a Lady” by a Sinatra impersonator plays. She cleans Syd’s best shoes and favorite Fedora. She then sits at the typewriter with glass of Cinzano.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Oh Syd my darling. We are gonna have the best time ever. Let me finish this bleedin list off for Ronnie effin Hardman.
Elsie picks up each single looks at them and checks the rare record catalogue on the table. There is a list for Epic’s records as well. She asks herself staring at the first record, fingers poised on the typewriter keys trying to make sense of the mass of brightly-colored record labels.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Tony and Tyrone? “Please Operator?” Does Epic want this? No. One for Mr Hardman.
She looks in the book.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
£4.00. Thats £2.00 for us, Mr Hardman and £2.00 for you.
She taps artist and title label on typewriter with price £4.00. She writes the same details with £2.00 on piece of paper by the typewriter.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Otis Smith, “Let Her Go.” This is on Epics List. Ill put that to one side and he can owe us a fiver
EPIC
Sandie Sheldon, “You Gonna Make Me Love You.” One for Mr Hardman. £6.00 – half Ronnie. Half for us.
Does the paperwork with pen. Elsie is more than a tad tipsy pouring out another glass of sherry.
ELSIE
Right five more to go then I’ll go wake Syd up and run him a nice bath. Bad Elsie… drunk before breakfast, tee-hee. Right? What have we got here?!?
Elsie lets out a loud burp as she picked up another record reading the words on the label out loud shaking her head.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Who the bloody hell’s Frank Wilson when he’s at home. Just sounds like a bloody plumber to me.
Dries singles with a tea towel. She looks in book but can’t find it.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Ronnie can have this. I’ll put it with the offers section. Can’t be worth more than a couple of quid.
She laughs as she taps it onto the typewriter.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Frank Wilson, “Do I love you?” Offers.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
(giggling)
Do I love you, Syd? Of course I bloody do. These…
She picks up the other few singles.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Can go in the shop for a fiver each, too, and if Syd want to sort ‘em out tomorrow, he can bloody well do so.
She knocks over her glass of booze over the single in her hand and the six remaining singles.
The drink spills on the last page that was taken out of the typewriter. She wipes the singles down with her shirt, but the last page is wet. She goes to put it on the radiator to dry out.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Oh sod this for a bloody game of soldiers.
Picking up the other few singles. She pours herself out a final drink gulping one before heading back upstairs.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM
Harry is in bed with Claudia when home phone rings.
HARRY
For fuck sake. What can be this important. Can a man and his bird not bunk off work mid week without being hassled???? Its 3rd time its rung in last half hour.
CLAUDIA
Well Harry maybe you should get out of bed and answer the bloody thing? I need a rest from all this shagging anyway!
Harry kisses her on lips and gets up and goes downstairs. Claudia gets out of bed. She is wearing special underwear. She lights up a fag. Harry answering phone.
HARRY
Vince what the fuck is so important on a Saturday afternoon?
Knockers back from Navy?
Party down the pub tonight? What time? Brilliant. OK. See you 8pm tonight. The old gang back together for one weekend only!!! FUCKING brilliant. See you there. NO Im not at home wanking!
Harry slams phone down. Harry goes to bedroom
HARRY (CONT’D)
Me mate Knockers back from Navy. He is mental. We are all gonna meet in cross and arms pub tonight. Its alternative Wednesday night tonight. DJ don’t play any disco. You gotta come along. You will love Knocker.
CLAUDIA
Oh I don’t know Harry. Your mates don’t really like me and I should get home. Daddies got friends over tonight and loves his princess being around for his Saturday night fondue parties.
HARRY
Fuck Fondue. You are coming to the pub with me and me mates. And thats all there is too it. You can stay here tonight – Ill sleep on sofa – and drive back in morning. Deal?
OK? DEAL!
Claudia-smiling. Harry Gives her a big kiss on lips.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Sooooooo another shag before we go out tonight?!?!?
Claudia picks up pillow and hits him over head with it.
CUT TO:
INT. NEW TOWN – KING’S HEAD PUB – EVENING
Harry and Claudia arrive. The DJ is playing. Vince loves the Matchbox track that’s playing in the pub. Knocker is at the bar buying everybody a drink and flashing a big wad of cash. He sees Harry and calls him over.
SHONA
I’ve had a word with the DJ and he is gonna look after us tonight. No shit disco Wednesday.
KNOCKER
Harry. Harry fucking Palmer. My Prodigee. Come here and let me buy you a cider you scally-wag.
HARRY
Knocker you fucking legend. How many girls you been shagging since you got that Navy uniform?
KNOCKER
Loads fucking loads. Birds love a pair of Bell Bottoms. Im up to 49 now. 49 different birds. How you getting on. Still wanking for England?
HARRY
Er No. I got a proper bird now. A psychobilly girl. We shag loads.
No time for wanking anymore.
KNOCKER
Hah come on you serious. Really Where is she? I need to meet this poor Lady. And buy her a drink!!!
Harry looks for Claudia.
HARRY
Claudia. Clau come over here you need to meet the legend that is Knocker. New Towns greatest shagging machine. Knocker this is Clau. Clau this is Knocker.
Knocker looks bit uninterested and looks the other way embarrassed.
KNOCKER
You alright, love?
CLAUDIA
(face turns bright red)
Alright, mate. Nice to meet you.
Clau hangs out with Lynne and Shona. Harry looks sullen standing at the bar on his own. Vince flicks the head of his pint at Harry.
VINCE
Cheer up you moody cunt
HARRY
Fuck off.
BAZ
(diplomatic)
Oi, calm down mate. No need for that.
VINCE
Yeh, It’s not me that was fucking your bird!
Snaps and throws a pint of beer over Vince.
HARRY
What did you fucking say?! What did you fucking say?
He snaps and throws a pint of beer over Vince and grabs Vince by the throat. The whole gang are on their feet, Baz restrains Harry.
BAZ
C’mon now Harry. Fucking calm down.
HARRY
What do you mean? What do you fucking mean?
VINCE
(crying)
It wasn’t me you crazy prick, it was Knocker! He got first dibs on her back at that Klub Foot party. You were there you dozy bastard!
Harry remembers it all. Walking into that toilet and seeing Knocker shagging. This time his memory sees Clau face look up as Knocker is shagging her. He turns to face Knocker.
KNOCKER
Listen Harry, it was before you even fucking met her and if you start anything right now I will fucking drop you to the floor. I swear that!
HARRY
I’m sure you would you flash bastard. You cunt.
CLAUDIA
Harry…
HARRY
Fuck off. Just fuck off.
Harry storms out of pub pushing past one of the bouncers.
BOUNCER
Oi son watch, your fucking step.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW TOWN PARK – BENCH – NIGHT
Harry sits on park bench. His head in hands. Claudia follows him and sits next to him. She puts hand on his shoulder trying to be friendly.
CLAUDIA
What the fuck was that all about?
Harry cries and spits
HARRY
Don’t play the innocent with me,you knew. You all knew!’
CLAUDIA
Look, what exactly are you trying to say here? Stop going round the houses and tell me what is bothering you.
HARRY
It was you that night after the Feltham Youth Club. In the bathroom with Knocker at Klub Foot.
CLAUDIA
In the bathroom? What are you talking about?
HARRY
In the bog at that party. Getting fucked from behind by my mate Knocker.
Claudia looks up and down and sideways
CLAUDIA
It might have been. I don’t know… So what?’
HARRY
So what? So fucking what. How many times have you had it doggy style in the toilet with guys you have just met?
CLAUDIA
I don’t know Harry I don’t know. I’ve lost count. It’s been that fucking many. What is it to you anyway, it was before we met
Harry screaming through tears
HARRY
We met back then, I walked in on you. You didn’t even have the decency to lock the fucking door.
CLAUDIA
Decency! Who the fuck are you? Mary Whitehouse? How dare you talk to me like that. What about all the birds that you shagged before we met? That does not bother me. Since I met you there has only been you. Why does it bother you who I was with before?
HARRY
But it was my mate Knocker.
CLAUDIA
But I didn’t even know you. I didn’t know he was your mate. Are you fucking stupid? You didn’t know about this before we met. Why should it bother you now?
Harry crying his eyes out.
HARRY
If I had known you were such a slag I wouldn’t have went near you! I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you…
Claudia gasps, tears fall from her eyes and she puts her face in her hands and her huge sobs shakes her shoulders.
Claudia rubs her eyes and spits.
CLAUDIA
You fucking arsehole.
Claudia walks away. Stops turns round with a look in her eye then turns and goes back into the pub. Harry walks away.
Flashback scenes of Knocker and claudia in that bathroom Harry is walking through new town. A Ford Capri, (this is Gman’s car) is parked outside a chip shop. Harry accidentally bashes into it. He screams at the car. Basil Fawlty style and then starts to kick it. He picks up a stone from new town landscaping and throws it at the car, it bounces off. He finds a pole lying by road left by careless scaffolders. He picks it up and starts to hit the car – ala Basil Fawlty.
CASUAL 1
Hey, you Punk tosser. What do you think your doing?
HARRY
Fuck you, you trendy cunts. Fuck you all
Harry runs at them. These are three battle hardened football hooligans. They take him apart and play with him beating him senseless, until a sound of a siren appears and the 3 of them run off leaving Harry half dead.
Gman walks out with his fish and chips in newspaper and sees his car is damaged, looks right and left, sees guys running away and hops into his car speeding after them.
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S MANSION – BATHROOM – DAY
RONNIE
Mandy. What you doing this Thursday afternoon? Fancy a drive into town and some posh nosh?
Mandy goes to the bathroom and snorts a line of Ronnie’s coke.
MANDY
That sounds lovely darling. What do I owe this pleasure?
RONNIE
I’ve bought a new car and I thought it would be a nice thing to do. Nothing untoward.
MANDY
You know what Ronnie. That sounds lovely. Give me ten minutes to get ready and I’ll be right with you.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAR – AFTERNOON – MOVING
Ronnie and Mandy drive through country lanes in the new car.
“A Love Supreme” by Miles Davis is on tape player and Mandy takes a line from the tape cassette box.
RONNIE
What do you think of the new motor then love?
MANDY
Very impressive Ronnie. I’ve heard of Bristol’s before but never been in one before. It reminds me a lot of my Dad’s old Bentley.
Mandy snorts last line of coke on the cassette case.
HARRY
A Bentley? You’ve never mentioned anything about your old man owning a Bentley before.
MANDY
Mister Cooper, the bloke he worked for owned this silver and black mark six saloon with a blood red leather interior. Talk about a fantastic car Ronnie. He bought it a wreck and my Dad restored every nut and bolt on it over a five year period. You’d have liked him. He’d have loved this new car of yours. He was a great husband and Dad, generous to a fault who always gave people the benefit of the doubt.
Sliding his hand up Mandy’s skirt to her stocking
RONNIE
Why? Because of this lot That’s why. The good old dependable working class out for some beer and shagging before going back to their crappy lives in their cramped red brick terraces. Back to their shitty jobs working men’s clubs, cheap beer, allotments, homing pigeons and fucking Coronation Street kidding themselves that they’re having a great time, like they actually matter in the scheme of things when none of the fuckers ever stood a chance of making anything of themselves in the first place.
MANDY
Here we go again…
RONNIE
I fucking love every last one of the fuckers with their useless fucked up lives, cheap clobber and Old Spice and you know why.
MANDY
(uninterested)
Uh huh.
RONNIE
Because without them I wouldn’t be the bloke I am today living in the house I own, wearing the clothes I own and driving the car I own all paid for with cash thanks to this lot!
Mandy gazes out the window and moves the hair away from her face.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
So, next time you go out on a spending spree with more cash in your handbag than some of this lot earn in a fucking year just think about that for a second, Mandy! Thank your lucky stars they’re out there!
Pulls car into car park of posh 1970s style restaurant, The Washington.
CUT TO:
INT. SYD’S LIVING ROOM – EVENING
Syd dresses up in his shirt and tie. Elsie is dressed like a women in her 50s circa 1980.
SYD
Now you’re sure you finished off the records the way I do them Elsie love because Ronnie will blow a bloody fuse if he finds any mistakes.
ELSIE
I won’t tell you again, Syd. I did them all like you do them. Everything checked and priced. Anything I’m not sure of I’ve put outside and you can go back and price them If I’ve got it wrong. Now come on because the taxi will be here any minute.
Pecking her on the cheek.
SYD
You look beautiful, love. You deserve to be treated like a princess for a change.
ELSIE
(smiling)
And you look like that handsome young lad who stole my heart away all those years ago.
CUT TO:
INT. DOLCE VIDA CAFE – CONTINUOUS
Syd and Elsie go inside the cafe to drop off the albums for Ronnie before they make their way to the restaurant. Gladys, middle-aged, rugged, masculine looking woman, greets them.
GLADYS
Bloody hell, Syd. You look like you’ve just won the bloody lottery.
EPIC
Talk about smart, Syd. No wonder Elsie fell in love with you all those years ago.
SYD
Oi. Less of the all those years ago if you don’t mind. I can still cut the mustard when I need to. I’ve just left her in the taxi and now we are off for a prawn cocktail and steak at The Washington.
EPIC
What about Elsie when you told her you were taking her to Spain? Did she…err….
Syd coughs and hands over two bags of records and a typed up catalogue.
SYD
There you go, lad. They’re all there all typed up and labelled in alphabetical order just like I always do so there you go.
EPIC
Got it.
SYD
Listen, I’ve got to go. I’ve left the taxi running. If I don’t see you before, good luck at Casino on Saturday night, lad. Just remember to keep calm and give it your best shot, eh.
EPIC
Thanks, Syd. And make sure you give Elsie your best shot you randy old bugger.
Cab turns up at Ronnie’s Cafe. Syd and Elsie leave.
CUT TO:
INT. THE WASHINGTON RESTAURANT – CONTINUOUS
Syd and Elsie finish their main course. Ronnie spots Syd across the room.
RONNIE
Mandy, am I going mad or is that Syd and his missus over there by the window?
Mandy turns, looks and nods.
MANDY
It is, get them over for a Campari.
Ronnie walks over to Syd and Elsie.
RONNIE
(surprised)
Syd, what on earth brings you to this overpriced yet underwhelming restaurant?
ELSIE
Melon for starters and Scampi and steak for main, Mr. Hardman.
RONNIE
Well, that’s bout best thing on the menu. Me and Mandy had the most average steak I’ve had since Marrakesh 1969…. Bit overpriced in here isn’t it tho?
ELSIE
Me and Syd are celebrating. We are going away on holiday in a few months. Not Hayling Island, proper Holiday. Spain
RONNIE
Spain eh?!?! Spent a fair bit of time there few years back. Let me know if you need to borrow a speed boat.
ELSIE
It’s all fine Mr Hardman. Me and Syd Can look after ourselves out there thank you.
RONNIE
So what you did you do? Win the lottery?!?
SYD
Something like that Ronnie. I’ve always promised my Elsie a trip away and this is gonna be the honeymoon we never had. We fly out in the spring. We need to get passports first.
RONNIE
Well Syd. Elsie. I wish you all the very best. Just don’t forget to the pay the rent while you are having fun wont you.
Ronnie stands up and sits back down at the table with Mandy.
MANDY
So? What are those two doing here?
RONNIE
Same as us. Pretending they are people they ain’t!
CUT TO:
INT. GERRY’S APARTMENT – DAY
Julian and Gerry are hanging out at Gerry’s. Stan is worried that he will loose his job. They are on strike.
CUT TO:
INT. DOLCE VITA CAFE
Epic going through the bags that Syd dropped off with bacon sandwich in hand, brown sauce dripping off the sides. Epic picks up the catalogue and reads from front page and laughs.
EPIC
Ronnie Raresoul Hardman’s Mail Order Records. Blues Jazz Bluebeat Ska Reggae Soul. Singles – Albums Bought And Sold. Top prices paid for rare original vinyl.
He shakes his head in disbelief.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Now that’s a fucking joke if ever there was one. What does he know about rare original vinyl? Never seen that cunt on a dance floor. Hah
Goes through singles. Looks shocked, and there it is. He pulls out a copy of Frank Wilson. He rubs his eyes. His breath quickens. He gulps and looks again. He grabs the catalogue. Puts the record under his jacket and goes out to see Gladys.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Can you tell Ronnie I’m giving me notice in.
GLADYS
What? Why would you do that?!?Who am I gonna looking after if your not here.
EPIC
Yeah I know it’s all a bit sudden Gladys but the other day I had a letter from social security telling me that my money had been suspended and that they’re taking me to court unless I pay the full amount back which I’m never going to be able to do so I’m jacking in now and going down to Brighton for a fresh start. Tell Ronnie Ill take this lot to the printers before I go tho. They can get the in post tomorrow and the punters will get them Saturday morning.
GLADYS
But it’s so bloody expensive down in that Brighton and a lad like you needs three good meals a day. And then what are you going to do for work and where are you going to live?
EPIC
I’ll be fine but do me one favour don’t worry bout me. Promise and tell Ronnie to give my last weeks wages to you! Treat yourself to some new Lippy and one of those Brentford Nylons Negligees for your Arthur.
Winks at her
EPIC (CONT’D)
Don’t worry Ill be back to see yah. Soon as I’ve sorted meself out promise.
Epic runs out the door clutching the record to his lapel and heads off on his scooter to his lockup.
CUT TO:
INT. JULIAN’S KITCHEN
Joe looks tired as mom makes tea for breakfast
JOE
Jesus JULIAN Why don’t you put some clothes on. We aint in Costa del Sol you know. And sit down while you’re eating will yuh!
Julian watches Joe cross the kitchen.
JULIAN
You alright, Joe?
JOE
I’m sorry, mate. I’m bloody knackered, that’s all. Two jobs is really, really tiring. Im sorry.
JULIAN
Do you want me to go and put more clothes on?
JOE
No.
He takes a slurp of the coffee. He takes off the clip-on tie,
JULIAN
A hard night?
JOE
Not hard, son, just long. Long and lonely. You almost wish for a bit of excitement, a break-in or some-thing to break the monotony!
Joe shakes his head lightly and laughs.
JOE (CONT’D)
I’d probably shit meself if I had to deal with a real alarm call!
They both laugh.
CUT TO:
INT. EPICS FLAT.
Epic is buzzing and cocky. He looks the nuts. Northern Soul classic plays on stereo. Startled and takes record off player.
EPIC
Fuck Fuck Fuck is that G-man and roy?
Yip toes over to window keeping out of sight and looks out of window. He sees Nicky’s black Ford Rs2000 and breaths sigh of relief. Buzzer goes again. He rushes to door. Nicky has 2 bottles of champagne and 2 glasses.
NICKY
I’ve been in town all day shopping so I thought I’d call in to see you seeing as we’ve hardly seen each other for the few weeks. And I thought you could be my chauffeur to Casino and back seeing as tonight is going to be a massive one for both of us. So you going to invite me in or what?’
Nicky plonks down on the sofa pulling a bottle of CAVA from her bag.
NICKY (CONT’D)
Get 2 glasses Epic. And make sure they are clean!
Epic gets 2 tumblers from kitchen and closes the lids on his record boxes and placed them down by his battered old Adidas badge covered sports bag. Pours the drinks and they chink glasses
NICKY (CONT’D)
Here’s to us mate. It is really great to see you again and good luck to both of us tonight in the dancing competition
EPIC
Yeah here’s to us Nicky babe. Feels like you were away for so long. It’s so good to see you again I cant tell you how much. Whats this? Bit posh init?
NICKY
Its Cava. Its like Spanish Champagne. They are all drinking it in Ibiza.
EPIC
Certainly better than the Pomagne Im used to celebrating with. So… To Us and Tonight! Fancy a little sharpener to get us in the mood for tonight. Just a little line?
NICKY
Well you know I never say No.
Epic pulls out the coke and cuts 2 lines. Nicky goes first then offers him the rolled up note. Epic takes a line and lies back on sofa smiling
NICKY (CONT’D)
Epic love. I don’t want to put you on a downer especially tonight of all nights but the last time we spoke you were in deep shit with G-Man for that grand you owed him. Have you managed to sort him out yet?’
EPIC
A lots changed since then Nicky. I jacked in working for Ronnie and I’ve got the cash to pay back G-Man. In fact I’m looking forward to giving him the good news when he turns up at casino. With a bit of luck I’ll have enough cash left over to come up with something, maybe set myself up with a deposit for me own bar or whatever. But tonight’s our night so can we talk about all this crap tomorrow in exchange for you telling me again all about Ibiza. Deal or what?
They both raise glasses again and drink the glasses dry Epic refills
NICKY
Yeah deal. This coke is good stuff. But nowhere near the gear I’ve been sampling in Ibiza.
I need to take a leak so chop out another couple of lines before we make a move and things get a bit too wild if you know what I mean.
Nicky jumps up off the sofa but gets it wrong and falls back again. Epic coked up with look in his eye puts his hand on Nicky’s thigh. Fucking hell Nicky. You look fitter than I’ve ever seen you looking. Let’s do some more coke and go to bed before casino.
NICKY (CONT’D)
Get the fuck off me you fucking creep and what gives you the fucking idea that I’m going to jump into bed and fuck you just because you have had a change of luck. Don’t think you can fucking own me just because you think you’re going to make it as the world’s greatest fucking deejay after tonight. You prick. Fuck off and load up the car and dont push your luck again.
END OF EPISODE THREE
CUT TO:
EPISODE FOUR
EXT. LONDON – BACKSTREET – NIGHT
G-Man, 40s, short hair, looks like Huggy Bear from Starsky & Hutch and Roy, 50s, dreadlocks, Rasta, are in the car waiting for Sonny’s tip off for where to get speed tonight.
G-MAN
Your turn to ring Sonny.
ROY
For fuck’s sake. It’s always my turn to call him.
Roy goes to phone box and makes the call.
CUT TO:
INT. G-MAN’S CAR – PARKED
G-Man sits in car listening to a Northern Soul track. He pulls out a Jimmy from his bag and starts to clean it with a rag like it was precious.
Roy comes back and gets in car.
G-MAN
So where is it tonight?
ROY
Off to the seaside, mate.
G-MAN
Eh? What you talking bout.
ROY
Sonny has got no leads for speed tonight. I blame that bleedin Quadropenia film teaching kids to break into pharmacies. Shocking stuff.
G-MAN
So?
ROY
So he wants us to knock Casino on on the head. Go pick up the van. Drive down and break into Epics lock up and empty it out. If there is a grands worth of goods in there, then Sonny is paid back and me and you stop getting it in the ear.
Roy pulls away in the car and G-man turns up the volume on the tape cassette,
CUT TO:.
INT. JULIAN’S KITCHEN – DECEMBER 1981 – DAY
Radio plays the football report. Julian goes back and forth between reading and putting food and condiments on the table.
JULIAN’S MOM
Here you go, son. I’ve made you your favourite tea tonight. Liver Bacon Chips and Peas – No gravy.
JULIAN
Wow Mum. Thanks for this. And it isn’t even my birthday.
Starts to tuck into the food.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Got any brown sauce? Please.
JULIAN’S MOM
There goes my lovely. Enjoy.
Julian starts to eat and enjoys it.
JULIAN’S MOM (CONT’D)
So have you noticed Joe has been working a lot of shifts lately? Two jobs. Poor thing no wonder he is tired all the time.
JULIAN
And grumpy.
JULIAN’S MOM
Well, yes he has been grumpy but to be fair we hardly ever see him these days. And when he is here he is sleeping.
JULIAN’S MOM (CONT’D)
Well, its all been for a good reason. We have saved enough money to move back near nan and grandad and buy our own house.
JULIAN
(Stops eating)
What? What are you talking about move?
JULIAN’S MOM
Well, this was only temporary. And you never wanted to move here in the first place and this house has three big bedrooms so Joe can put a temporary wall up in one of them so the girls can have their own rooms.
JULIAN
No, Mom, No. It’s not gonna happen. I won’t allow it.
JULIAN’S MOM
(Angry)
You wont allow it? You wont allow it? This isn’t just about you!
Julian flinches at the sudden rise in volume.
JULIAN
I’m not bloody going, I like it here. My life’s here. My friends, everything. I cannot believe that you would do this to me! I don’t give a shit! I am not leaving!
JULIAN’S MOM
Why are you are trying to ruin things for me? I never had you down as being such a selfish person! When did this happen? Come on tell me. When did you become so self-absorbed?
The radio plays more football reports.
JULIAN’S MOM (CONT’D)
Well, come on! When did this happen?
JULIAN
What does that mean?
JULIAN’S MOM
Don’t know? Don’t care? What? Come on Julian, enlighten me!
JULIAN
I just want to stay here, mom.
JULIAN’S MOM
I’m sure you do! That’s as maybe. Unfortunately for you, you are not the only person of importance in this house. You have two younger sisters now and it’s of utmost importance that they can both grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Sadly, this estate does not fit that bill anymore.
JULIAN
(Sobbing)
Living here hasn’t done me any harm, has it?
His mom is animated and waves her hands.
JULIAN’S MOM
No, it hasn’t. But you are older, more capable, less vulnerable than the girls when we came here. The area has changed. I don’t just mean the superficial structure of the estate, the mess, the neglect, the vandalism and all that sort of thing. It’s the people, the community. These places are becoming dumping grounds for thieves, drug dealers, prostitutes and even pedophiles. Good people move out and the council move in the troubled, the criminal and the antisocial. Do you know why they do that?
JULIAN
(shakes his head and sobbing)
Because it’s easy. Because it offers camouflage. They bank on folk not knowing, not noticing, not questioning. Look at the size of this place. How many of our neighbours do you actually know?
Not many with snotty nose.
JULIAN’S MOM
And how many of their names do you know?
JULIAN
Not many.
Julian looks up at the ceiling.
JULIAN’S MOM
Well…I’ll bet that’s a few more than I could name. And if I was to ask you their surnames or what they do for a living that would probably really stump you. People can disappear here, Julian. No one asks questions, who’s who? No one cares. Not once they have shut their doors.
She gets up and walks towards the kitchen window.
JULIAN’S MOM (CONT’D)
I love you so much and I would go to the ends of the earth for you, but I love those two girls like they are my own, too. Surely you can understand that?
Julian nods.
Sound of front door opening. Joe appears soaking wet. He walks in moaning and muttering.
JOE
Bloody lift’s out of order again!
What’s been going on here then?
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL – HARRY’S ROOM – DAY
Rose enters the room looking solemn. Harry looks up.
ROSE
You are a disgrace Harry Powell. A disgrace to the whole family. What am I gonna tell them in Southend? There daughter is a credit to the family. Not like you. You weren’t l like this til you started hanging around with all them skinheads.
HARRY
They are not skinheads. And stop shouting at me. I’ve got head wounds.
ROSE
No more than you deserve. Smashing up other peoples property.You’re lucky your in hospital and not in prison.
HARRY
Has anybody called for me?
ROSE
Your mate Baz rang a few times. I told him where you were. Has he not been to see you? He is probably ashamed of you too. Oh and this letter came. Looks very official.
Harry opens it.
HARRY
Oh for fuck sake. They have cancelled my YTS scheme. Ahhhhh
It’s Saturday night and I’m in the hospital. I got no job. No bird. No mates, and I’ve been coughing up blood.
HARRY’S MOM
Well, you’re lucky you got a home. Your dad wanted to kick you out while you were in here. Anyway, yer Dad will pick you up 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, so make sure you are ready.
Harry groans and picks up a copy of a newspaper from his bedside. He puts it over his face so he can’t see his mum.
FADE OUT:
EXT. CASINO – DANCE PARTY – NIGHT
Epic and Nicky turn up at the Casino in his car.
EPIC
(Looking around)
No sign of G-man or Roy. Weird. They are normally here by opening.
Most odd.You go get ready. I need to unload this lot. See you inside and good luck, Nicky.
NICKY
And….?
EPIC
And I’m sorry.
He gives her a kiss on the cheek.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Remember, I’m gonna play in order… “Breakaway” by Steve Karmen Social…”I’m Gonna Find Me Somebody” by the Velvets…”Stick By Me Baby” by the Salvador’s…”Free For All” by Phillip Mitchell…”Helpless” by Kim Weston….
“You Don’t Want Me No More” by Major Lance Breakaway and a Steve Karmen B-side instrumental!
Nicky nods her head.
EPIC (CONT’D)
I’ll start and end with “Breakaway” and by the time the Karmen track finishes, I’ll expect everyone in the place to know who the winner is.
NICKY
Listen, Epic. I just want to say sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier. Sometimes…depending on how I’m feeling, coke makes me say and do things I normally wouldn’t and that was one of them. I just want you to know that I’m into you, the first guy I’ve felt like that about since breaking up with G-Man but I won’t stand for anybody thinking they can try it on with me after a few lines of coke, so don’t ever do that again, okay?
EPIC
Okay, Nicky I promise nothing like that will ever happen again and good luck for tonight. Just get up there and give it your best shot.
NICKY
And good luck behind the decks, Mr. DJ. It just might be the start of a residency for you, mate.
ROSS
Alright, you lot. From what I’ve heard, I think you all know what I’m about to tell you but before I do. Can we have the dancers up on stage now please.
Nicki and three others get onto stage and stand beside Epic.
ROSS (CONT’D)
As you know, you’ve all heard the rumours over the last few weeks that Casino is closing. So, this could be the last dance competition ever! From Aberdeen we have Angus.
The crowd cheers.
ROSS (CONT’D)
Up next is Gaz from Accrington, a face that needs no introduction.
The crowd applauds.
ROSS (CONT’D)
Last year’s winner and firm favourite for tonight’s final Spencer from Birmingham and hot on his heels the delectable Nicky from Brighton.
The crowd cheers loudly.
ROSS (CONT’D)
And last, but definitely not least…our deejay for the night on his Casino debut…Epic.
Epic holds his box of singles up with a smile annd takes his place behind the decks. He sticks his playlist to the amplifier with a blob of Wrigley’s gum. The lights dim and the crowd waits for the action.
He carefully places his first single down and the needle hits the groove perfectly as the club explodes. Dancers on the stage ease into their soulful routines with a dance off between the five contestants.
Ross walks on stage announces the winner as Epic packs his sounds back in the box.
ROSS (CONT’D)
We’ll talk about a great competition from everyone involved proving once again that there really is nothing like the sight of a northern soul dancer on top form. And what form our new champion showed us tonight narrowly beating Spencer to the winning post with a brilliant performance so ladies and gentlemen. Put your hands together once again for Casino new dancing champion Miss Nicky Scott
ROSS (CONT’D)
Miss Nicky Scott 1981 Northern Soul dance champion!
The whole place explodes in loud applause again as he hands her the prize, which is a Sony walkman, bowing to the audience as Ross makes one more announcement.
ROSS (CONT’D)
Not forgetting our deejay who played some great sounds. A big hand please for Epic who I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the future.
Epic raises his hand smiling and waving to thunderous applause. He turns to Nicky giving her a hug and a kiss.
EPIC
(whispers)
Told you you’d beat that big headed wanker Spencer, didn’t I?
Nicky nods hugging Epic tightly eyes closed briefly as she whispers in his ear.
NICKY
Yeah and thanks to you I did. Now how about we grab our stuff and shoot back to yours and celebrate with some of that cheap Spanish champagne chilling in your fridge.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Harry’s dad picks him up.
DAD
Well, Mr I’m so hard. You had better change your ways once you get home or I’ll be kicking you out.
HARRY
No need for that, Dad.
DAD
What do you mean? No need for that? I’ll bloody well kick you out if I want to.
HARRY
Like I said. No need. I’m moving out. I’ve got a job in a place called Walton on Thames.
DAD
Where the hell is that? And What you gonna be doing?
HARRY
Somewhere Surrey. Its a job making exhibition stands. Saw it advertised in paper. Bloke who runs it has one round here and one down there. Rang him last night from hospital phone and he offered me the Walton job. Says I can start this week and I get a room in a house So no need to kick me out.
Kisses Dad on top of head and walks out of room with big smile on face.
CUT TO:
INT. RONNIE’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – MORNING
Ronnie wears a paisley silk gown while listening to a rare soul album and reading the newspaper. The phone rings.
RONNIE
Mandy can you get the phone?
MANDY (O.S.)
(From kitchen)
I can, but if I do your bacon will be burnt.
RONNIE
(annoyed)
It’s the Lord’s day and I’m lord of the fucking manor so I shouldn’t be doing this.
He goes to pick up the phone.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Hello who the fuck is this?
GLADYS (O.S.)
Hello, Ronnie. I’m so sorry to disturb you on a Sunday. But there is a man here who says he needs to speak to you urgent. He has driven three hours down to the cafe on a Sunday morning. It’s lucky I was here giving the place a good clean.
RONNIE
Put him on but this had better be fucking urgent.Err…yes good morning Mister Hardman.
STEVE JONES (O.S.)
I’m sorry for disturbing you so early in the morning. My name’s Steve Jones and the reason I’m phoning you is about your latest record catalogue I received yesterday. There are a few singles I’m interested in bidding for especially one in particular I’m prepared to make you a serious offer for. The single on page 48 called,“Do I Love You” by Frank Wilson. I’ve been after a copy of that for God knows how long so can you tell me how much you want for it?
RONNIE
(Furious)
Listen, mate. I don’t know who put you up to this but you’re taking the piss and I don’t fucking like people who take the piss out of me especially when it comes down to that single. I’ve also been after for ages and I’m telling you straight. If I did have a copy then no way would I be fucking selling it so whoever you are you’d better fuck off now or else I’ll come down to my cafe and…
STEVE JONES (O.S.)
It’s no joke honest Mister Hardman. I’m holding the catalogue now right in front of me. Half way down page 48, “Do I Love You” by Frank Wilson. Is it for sale or not? I just told you I’m prepared to meet however much you’re asking for it.
RONNIE
(Screaming)
Listen, mate. I don’t know who the fuck you are but take you offer and shove it as far up your arse as you can!
Ronnie slams down the phone.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh
He scarpers upstairs and Mandy follows him as he begins to get dressed smart but casual. Taking out his knuckle dusters from the drawer.
CUT TO:
INT. – BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
MANDY
Ronnie, where you going? Your breakfast is ready. Ronnie? Ronnie? How long you gonna be?
RONNIE
I don’t know, Mandy. Something important has come up. I need to shoot down the café for a bit. I’ll give you a bell when I’ve sorted it out. Oh and do me a favour, call Jamie boy. Tell him to climb out of his dirty pit and get himself down the cafe now.
He grabs the car keys charging out of the front door slamming it behind him.
CUT TO:
INT. DOLCE VITA CAFE – CONTINUOUS
Ronnie storms inside looking around.
GLADYS
Ronnie? Ronnie? Ronnie? What ever is the problem?
RONNIE
Where is that idiot who called me from here?
GLADYS
He left straight after you put the phone down on him. I don’t blame him. It’s one thing shouting at young Epic, but you can’t be shouting at customers.
RONNIE
Gladys. Shut the fuck up and make me a coffee! This is gonna be a long day!
Ronnie walks into the store room. He picks up a copy of the catalogue which is sitting next to a pile of singles. He goes through pages getting to page 48 – the page Elsie had typed.
He looks again and stomps around. He picks up the pile of records that Syd has left and goes through them one by one slowly. Jamie boy enters the cafe looking much worse for wear.
JAMIE
What’s the fucks going on boss if you don’t mind me asking? What you doing working on the Lord’s day?
RONNIE
This! This is the fucking problem Jamie boy!
Ronnie shows him the page with The copy of Frank for sale.
JAMIE BOY
Honestly, boss, I don’t know what the fuck’s going on here. Everybody knows how long you’ve been after a copy of, “Do I fucking Love You” so how the fuck’s it got in the catalogue, Ronnie?
RONNIE
I don’t fucking know, Jamie Boy, but I know where to start looking for the answer. Come on. We’re going to give Old Syd a call. See what he’s got to say for himself.
Ronnie and Jamie Boy storm out of the cafe
GLADYS
What about your cappuccino?
CUT TO:
INT. EPIC’S BEDROOM – LATER
Nicky and Epic are in bed half naked with an empty bottle of Cinzano on the bed. Epic slips out and comes back bringing Nicky some breakfast and tea.
NICKY
Morning, Lover boy. King of the Casino.
She plants a kiss on his lips.
EPIC
It’s more like afternoon. Here goes tea and the best bacon sandwiches in town. One thing I learned at the cafe was how to make a decent breakfast.
NICKY
I think I’m going to have to keep my eye on you fattening me up with all this grub you keep giving me.
EPIC
No sweat, Nicky. I’m sure we can think of a few ways to keep you slim and sexy. Now do the honors and pour the tea and mine with two sugars.
NICKY
Yes, master, I’m pouring your tea and your wish is my command. Two sugars in. So, are you going to tell me how you’ve managed to square things up with G-Man and Roy or what?
EPIC
Yeah, course I am. What do you want to know?
NICKY
I want to know everything and no bullshit either! Tell me everything about this brilliant plan you’ve come up with.
EPIC
It’s like this. As you know, I was in deep shit right up to my neck and now I’m not and you want to know how? Well, it’s simple in a complicated kind of way. But, there’s this northern song. You know it’s called, “Do I Love You” by Frank Wilson.
NICKY
Course I fucking know it! I won the dance competition last night at Casino. I’m not some fucking idiot evil mod who turned up this week for the first time asking for “Green Onions,” am I? For fuck’s sake! What sort of div girls do you normally bring back to your flat?
EPIC
Okay, okay. I was just saying. Anyway. You might not know just how much it’s worth. Bundles. Thousands and that wanker Ronnie has been after a copy for ages so guess what happens? And this is no bullshit… I swear! Old Syd turns up at the café with his usual two bags of singles ready for me to file in the right order when I come across a copy of Frank.
NICKY
Really?
EPIC
I couldn’t believe it, Nicky! So, I double checked that it wasn’t on the catalogue and it wasn’t. I didn’t want to fuck about wasting time so I worked out a plan. I told Gladys to tell Ronnie that I was jacking in and moving down to Brighton to start a new life.
NICKY
Are you sure it wasn’t in the catalogue?
EPIC
No. How mad is that?! I checked under the rare and for sale section. Nothing! I can flog it for couple of thousand! Pay off G-man’s boss and have enough to do something meaningful with my life. Talking of doing something meaningful how bout me and you….
NICKY
No. No. No. Tell me more! Explain!
EPIC
All I’ve got to do is sit tight for a couple of weeks until I can flog it to the highest bidder, and I’ll be in the clear. I can pay G-Man back and have enough cash left over to give us both a fresh start away from this fucking dump especially now that Casino is closing down. Now is that cool or what?
NICKY
Yeah, the plan sounds cool enough. But, don’t forget you’re fucking with Ronnie Hardman! From what you’ve told me about him, he sounds like a thousand times worse than G-Man. So, what if he susses out you’re the one who nicked Frank Wilson and comes after you?
EPIC
He doesn’t even know me real name! If he ever does suss it’s me, by the time he does, you and me will be down in Brighton. Just believe me, babe. All we’ve got to do is sit tight and we’re home and dry.
NICKY
Okay, you tell me you’ve got Frank Wilson hidden away? So, is there any chance you showing it me just to put my mind at rest if you know what I mean? Go get the copy and I’ll believe yah.
Epic gets off bed and starts to get dressed.
EPIC
Course I can. It’s down in my lock up with the rest of my things. Crack open another bottle of that Spanish bubbly, if you like. I’ll be back in a jiffy.
CUT TO:
INT. GERRY’S FRONT ROOM – AFTERNOON
Julian and Gerry drink tea while in the living room.
JULIAN
Twenty two grand! Twenty two grand for a bloody house! Twenty two grand! Can you believe it?
GERRY
Don’t know. Don’t know what a house should cost do I. I’m more of a trainee plaster than an estate agent. Hey, wanna hear something funny? Itchy has joined the Army. God knows how those military barbers are gonna deal with those greasy locks of his….
JULIAN
God save ze Queen. At least these green and pleasant lands are now safe against foreign invasion!
CUT TO:
INT. SYD’S LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON
He looks at a saxophone a customer drops off to be fixed. There is a loud knock at the door. Then the door is kicked in by Ronnie and Jamie Boy. Jamie carries a cricket bat.
SYD
What the bloody hells all this about Ronnie?
RONNIE
Never mind. What the bloody hell’s all this? Where’s that copy of Frank Wilson you’ve nicked from me? You thieving old cunt!
SYD
What you on about, Ronnie? I haven’t nicked anything from you, Ronnie! I never have in all the time we’ve known each other! So what are you going on about because I haven’t a bloody clue, you know?
Ronnie grabs Syd by the collar and shakes him like a dead rat throwing him to the floor repeating the question. Ronnie bangs Syd’s head against a table.
RONNIE
Don’t give me your fucking shit, Syd. What the fuck have you done with the Frank Wilson? I won’t ask you twice?
Syd shakes and mumbles. Ronnie nods to Jamie who moves in closer, towering over the frail old man, giving him a few hard cracks of the bat in the face.
SYD
Ronnie! I swear to you! I haven’t nicked Frank from you! This doesn’t make any bloody sense if you think about it! You told me I can ask my own price if I came across a copy! So, why the bloody hell would I nick it from you if I had found a copy? Just ask yourself in all the time we’ve known each other, when have I ever done you a bad turn?
Ronnie stops for a few beats thinking about what Old Syd says.
RONNIE
Okay, old man. I hear what you’re saying. You haven’t done me a bad turn in all the time I’ve known you, but something’s going on behind my back. I think you know about.
SYD
I promise you I don’t!
RONNIE
What I don’t get is you and Elsie suddenly eating in the best restaurant in town. Fucking off to Spain for two weeks from the winnings of a horse you backed.
SYD
But, listen…I didn’t…
RONNIE
All the time I’ve known you, you haven’t won enough to pay for a day out at Canvey Island. Then this morning this punter bells me up telling me he’s seen Frank Wilson for sale on page 48 of the catalogue that you put together for me every month and you’re telling me you know fuck all about it.
Syd mumbles and cries.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
That’s not good enough, Syd. I really hoped that you were going to make this easy for yourself, considering that broken bones never heal the same when you get to your age.
Ronnie glances across at Jamie Boy standing there chomping at the bit like he couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Looks like it’s going to be down to you again, Mister Macdonald. You’ve got to convince Syd here to come clean. (a beat) So, once again, maestro, music! Si vous plait!
Jamie springs forward raining blows down on Syd who raises his arm again in a futile attempt to protect his head. More than a dozen hammer blows come down and batter Syd’s body to bits. The stomach blows so hard he throws up the bacon sarnie and tea he’d been enjoying before Ronnie and Jamie disturbed him.
Syd gasps for air with his eyes bulging out. The blows to the back of his head smashed him into unconsciousness depriving his Ronnie has no choice but to call time staring at
JAMIE
Tough old bastard is he not boss? Want me to go at him again?
Ronnie stands looking at Syd’s broken body and becomes overcome with emotion. Ronnie cry and sob. Syd’s body is lifeless Jamie wipes his forehead.
RONNIE
Put the fucking bat down, Jamie! Call an ambulance! Fast! I’ve done what you usually do bursting in here like a bull in a fucking china shop without any thought that some other fucker might have nicked Frank Wilson. I’ve got a pretty good idea who, the more I think about it.
Jamie dials an ambulance.
JAMIE
Who is it, boss?
RONNIE
Oh, yes you know him, alright. That big headed thieving cunt Epic who used to work for me. Now I know why he jacked in the café and got Gladys to tell me instead of telling me himself. When the ambulance gets here, make sure that Syd’s going to be okay. We’ll have a drive ‘round to the arches and see if he’s knocking around.
FADE OUT:
EXT. EPIC’S LOCK UP – AFTERNOON
Epic is full of himself bouncing singing. Dr Love by Bobby Sheen. He opens the door and reaches for the light switch. He stands shocked as he sees the place has been emptied.
On the table, where his decks once sat, is a note: “PAID IN FULL. G-MAN & ROY.” Epic falls to the floor sobbing. He hears the sound of Ronnie’s car pulling up. Ronnie and Jamie boy get out.
RONNIE
Well, well, well. It looks like you’ve got a lot of explaining to do and before you do. I just want to tell you that we paid Old Syd a visit not too long ago accusing him of stealing Frank. You do remember that nice old bloke who treats you like you are his own son whose ended up in hospital because of you which makes me even more pissed off with you so where is it and don’t even think of denying it or I’ll fucking kill you here and now you fucking thieving wanker.
Jamie Boy taps the palm of his hand with the cricket bat. Epic remains on the floor shaking
EPIC
I’m sorry Ronnie you’ve got to believe me. Okay it was me who nicked Frank and believe me I had it hidden away in here last night before going to Wigan but I haven’t got it now I swear. The guy I owe a grand too emptied everything I own including my whole collection of soul records which is where I kept Frank. Honest Ronnie you’ve got to believe me. I’m telling you the truth.
RONNIE
Sounds a bit too fucking convenient this bullshit if you ask me but maybe a few minutes with Jamie Boy here might just change your mind.
He nods to Jamie who smashes the bat into Epic who curls up screaming.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Four
Jamie takes a step back and smashes the bat into him.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
(Clapping)Six
Jamie continues to smash Epic with the bat til he rolls over crying, Jamie goes for one last smash
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Now then before the innings is over. Let’s have a proper chat shall we?
Epic is lying on floor broken.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
After taking a beating like that I’m half convinced that you’re telling me the truth so if you haven’t got Frank then who the fuck has?
Ronnie drags Epic up. Epic is sobbing and mumbling through swollen and beaten lips
EPIC
He. He. He’s called G-Man Ronnie and he knocks about with a bloke called Roy. They’re both dealers at Wigan. He gave me a week to get the cash I owed him back to him but I missed the deadline. He’s the one who cleaned me out but as to where he lives I don’t have a clue apart from somewhere in Birmingham. That’s all I know honest but you can’t miss him because he drives a white Capri around when he’s out doing business.
Laughing and tightening grip on Epics collar
RONNIE
Who doesn’t drive a white fucking Capri. No you’re going to have to do a fucking sight better than that. Who else knows where this fucking G-Man lives or somebody who might have his telephone number?
EPIC
Only one person might know where he lives. That’s his ex-bird Nicky who I’m seeing now. She’s up in my flat now so maybe you can ask her.
Epic crawls over and gets his keys out of the lock up door and throws them to Ronnie.
EPIC (CONT’D)
Flat twenty four. Third floor.
RONNIE
Very chivalrous of you I must say. What a fucking snake you are Epic.
He gives one last kick to Epics face. Then looks across at Jamie boy. MUSIC TO THE SNAKE BY Johnny Rivers PLAYS IN BACKGROUND
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Right then. We’re finished here for now. Let’s go and have a chat with this bird Nicky in flat twenty four and for her sake you’d better be telling me the truth or we’ll be back to have an-other little chat with you.
Ronnie and Jamie find Epics door on latch. The tip toe inside quietly. Nicky is in the kitchen making an omelette
NICKY
I can hear you Epic. Im just making an omelette for us to eat later. Learned how to do this in Ibiza.
She turns round to see jamie and ronnie
RONNIE
From the description lover boy gave us you must be Nicky.
Nicky picks up the pan ready to hit them and screams.
NICKY
Who the fucking hell are you two and where’s Epic?
She kicks out at Ronnie who catches her leg. Menacingly Ronnie pushes Nicky to the floor.
RONNIE
Never you fucking mind who I am darling. And regarding Epic I’ve left him down in his garage in a right proper mess but he’ll be okay eventually unlike you if you don’t tell me what I want to know.
Nicky stops struggling
RONNIE (CONT’D)
Lover boy tells me that you and a bloke called G-Man used to go out together. Turns out this fucking G-Man has got something of mine I want back and Epic reckons that you might know where he lives or where I can get hold of him and you better be straight with me or you’ll get what lover boy got.
Jamie produces the bat and leans on it. She stares ronnie in the eye and talks with fear in her voice
JAMIE
It’s right that I did used to go out with him but that was a long time ago and I don’t have a clue where he lives now apart from somewhere near Birmingham. I don’t even have a phone number for him and That’s the truth like it or not.
Ronnie Sighs shrugging his shoulders at Jamie Boy who smashed the bat even harder in his hand as Nicky curls up in a ball expecting the worse
RONNIE
Not the words I wanted to hear Nicky but lucky for you I know when somebody about to get the beating of their life is telling the truth so here’s what’s going to happen.
I’ve got a dark cold damp basement with a mattress back at home which is where you’re going to be staying until I get back what I want and if I don’t. Then you’ll both be at the bottom of Lake Coniston wearing concrete high heel shoes. Now get up and let’s go.
Nicky lashes out at Ronnie kicking him in the balls as she jumped to her feet and makes a dash for the door. Jamie Boy blocks her way, grabbing hold of her by the arm shaking her like a rat, Nicky struggling like mad repeatedly slapping and scratching Jamie in the face as he threw the bat to Ronnie trying his best to hold Nicky still as Ronnie knocks her clean out with one hard blow on top of her head seconds after which she slumped to the floor unconscious.
Jamie Boy wraps Nicky in a bed sheet. Empties her handbag searching for anything with G-Man’s name or number on it without success.
The pair of them walk out of the flats, Jamie Boy carrying Nicky slumped over one shoulder over to the garages where he’s parked up his Bristol dropping Nicky in the boot slamming it shut as Ronnie walked over to Epic.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
That bird of yours has got some fucking bottle by the way. Can’t understand what she sees in a wanker like you but love acts in strange ways. Anyway she s staying with me for a week which is as long as I’m giving you to get Frank back in one piece or you’ll both be taking a long deep holiday in the lakes if you catch my drift.
Epic stares up at his big black silhouette eclipsing the bright sunlight.
RONNIE (CONT’D)
One week and I wouldn’t be wasting one fucking second if I were you sitting on your arse feeling sorry for yourself.
CUT TO:
INT SCENE OF HARRY IN HIS NEW FLAT
Harry comes in the door carrying a video under his arm. He makes himself comfortable. Sits down and puts video into Betamax to record I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE OR CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST Harry opens a can of Watneys lager.
HARRY
I’ve been looking forward to watching this beauty for months…
Film starts. And phone rings.
HARRY (CONT’D)
For crying out loud who is that? – (Answers phone) Hello? Not really interested in what Rose has to say.
HARRY’S MOM
Hello. No I was just relaxing and watching Benny Hill. Im missing you too mum. Of course I do. Yep I cant wait to see you and dad soon too. YEP be great for you to come down and see me soon. This Saturday as in tomorrow. Bloody Hell RoseI only moved out 5 days ago! Yvonne is coming as well? Christ. Of course Im excited. Of course I am. OK? See you tomorrow. For Fucks sake. Maybe being in hospital wasn’t so bad after all?
WE NEED A SCENE HERE WITH JULIAN AND GERRY. JUST A MINUTE OR SO
CUT TO:
Int. EPICS FLAT
Epic necks 4 bombers and 2 cans of lager and then drives to service station. Epic sees the white gets capri all beaten up. He gets out of his car slowly even though Epic is in pain and knows Gman and Roy are dealing speed pre casino and he walks towards the toilets.
G-MAN and Roy are coming out of the toilets smiling and laughing the bump into Epic and looked shocked at how he looks.
G-MAN
Well well. Looks like our man Epic here has met with a bit of an accident.
ROY
That he does man and I’m wondering what the fuck he wants with us?
G-MAN
How the fuck do I know man but I reckon it could it be something to do with us cleaning you out a few days ago for missing the deadline we gave you to pay us back the grand you owe us for Sonny?
(Laughing) Am I close or what?
EPIC
Yeah I know it was you two who cleaned me out and fair shout seeing as I missed the dead-line You didn’t show at the club when I had the cash to pay you. That’s water under the bridge now. The only reason I’m here tonight and I shouldn’t be for causing you so much fucking hassle is to ask you the biggest favor I’ve ever asked anyone before. You’ve got to help me G-Man because if you don’t Nicky’s fucking dead.
G-MAN
You’ve got some fucking nerve asking me of all people for help but you’ve got one shot so you’d better make it a good one or I’ll fucking kill you. When you say Nicky’s in trouble what exactly do you mean!
Smashes Epic’s head against the wall
CUT TO
INT CAPRI. EPIC IS IN BACK OF CAR WORSE FOR WEAR G-MAN IS IN FRONT OF CAR. ROY IN DRIVERS SEAT.
Epic groans.
G-MAN
Yeah I know how you’re feeling man