THE UGLY TRUTH
Screenplay/Revisions by
Nicole Eastman
Tracey Jackson
Peter Hume
David Diamond & David Weissman
Roger Kumble
Current Revisions by
Karen McCullah Lutz & Kirsten Smith
February 14, 2008
1 INT. KPHX TV - LOBBY - DAY 1
ABBY RICHTER, 30's, pretty, driven and absolutely in control,
walks through the lobby, greeting the SECURITY GUARD.
ABBY
Morning, Freddy.
SECURITY GUARD
Morning, Abby. Another peaceful
day?
ABBY
If you say so...
2 INT. KPHX - CORRIDOR - MORNING - MOMENTS LATER 2
JOY, 40's, the associate producer, falls in step with Abby.
JOY
(panicked)
We've got problems.
ABBY
There are no problems, Joy. Only
solutions.
JOY
The sky-cam on the traffic copter
has a cracked lens and they can't
fix it.
ABBY
Okay, that's a problem.
(thinking, then...)
Call Matt Hardwick down at Media
Services. He's got a few Sky Cams
and he owes me. Now, where are my
weathermen?
Joy opens a door to a waiting area.
3 INT. KPHX - WAITING AREA - MORNING - CONTINUOUS 3
Several portly LATINO MEN look up and wave at Abby.
LATINO MEN
Hey there!
ABBY
Hi, guys!
Abby waves back and closes the door.
(CONTINUED)
2.
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3 CONTINUED: 3
ABBY
What's with the pot bellies?
JOY
Research shows people like fat
weathermen. It makes them feel
safe.
ABBY
I like the one in the green and the
one in the brown, but I want to see
the one in the green with less
sideburns and the one in the brown
with more, then I'll make my
decision.
LARRY (O.S.)
Abby!
LARRY, 50's, the pompous, uptight anchor man, catches up to
them. He wears a makeup bib.
ABBY
Morning, Larry.
LARRY
I'm sorry to do this to you, Abby,
but I don't think I can work with
her anymore. It's bad enough I
have to take her criticism at home.
I can't do it on air, too. A man
can only take so much.
Abby nods, taking him seriously, but you can tell she's done
this before.
ABBY
You're not a man, Larry...
(off his look)
You're a newsman. A newsman isn't
defined by the easy times, Larry,
he's defined by the difficult ones.
Can you imagine Ted Koppel or Chris
Hansen or Anderson Cooper having
their wives as co-anchor? Hell, no,
because they couldn't handle it.
But you can. You've got balls the
size of Volkswagens. Don't think I
haven't noticed.
(CONTINUED)
3.
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3 CONTINUED: (2) 3
LARRY
(re his balls)
I've only thought of them as blue
as of late, but you're right. They
are quite sizeable. But not
disproportionately so.
(with pride)
I like to think of them as
aesthetically pleasing --
Abby steps away, not wanting to ponder Larry's balls anymore
than she has to.
ABBY
I think I've made my point.
Larry nods, appeased, as she reaches the door marked ABBY
RICHTER, PRODUCER, "ALBUQUERQUE A.M." She enters and...
4 INT. KPHX - ABBY'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 4
...walks in on a shouting match between JOSH, a leftist angry
news writer, and DORI, the entertainment-leaning co-writer.
DORI
Josh, nobody in Sacramento gives a *
crap about trees in Alaska! It's
not newsworthy.
JOSH
Oh, but full coverage on David
Beckham's new tattoo is vital?!
Larry's wife and co-anchor, GEORGIA, 40 and coiffed to the
gills, storms in, followed by the show's GUEST CHEF.
GEORGIA
He's trying to kill me! He knows I
can't eat crab, I'm allergic to it!
(to the room)
Does anyone see this? Is this a
hive?
JOSH
It looks like syphilis to me.
DORI
(to Josh)
See that? You wouldn't even know
what syphilis looks like if it
weren't for my story on Paris
Hilton.
(CONTINUED)
4.
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4 CONTINUED: 4
GUEST CHEF
(to Abby)
She doesn't eat crab or beef or
fish. She doesn't eat anything but
chicken. You don't need a chef on
this show. You need a box of
McNuggets.
Everyone shouts at each other. Abby calmly pulls out a
whistle, puts it to her mouth and BLOWS.
5 INT. KPHX - "SACRAMENTO AM" SET - MORNING 5*
Cameras roll as the chef happily cooks away on the set.
Georgia and Larry taste samples of what he's prepared.
GEORGIA
I have to tell you, Bruce. This is
the best Chicken Kiev I've ever
tasted.
GUEST CHEF
Actually it's Duck Kiev. Duck makes
an excellent alternative for
chicken, Georgia.
JAVIER, the new fat weatherman, takes a huge bite.
JAVIER
Can I take home the leftovers?
They all laugh.
LARRY
When we return, our live Skycam
traffic update and more on David
Beckham's hundred thousand dollar
tattoo.
GEORGIA
And what you can do to help
preserve the ancient forests of
Alaska -- and how it might help
your Albuquerque electric bill.
6 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - MORNING 6*
Abby and Joy stand next to CLIFF, the show's director.
CLIFF
Go to commercial.
(to Abby)
I don't know how you do it.
(CONTINUED)
5.
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6 6
CONTINUED:
ABBY
It's just a matter of staring the
chaos in the eye and showing it
who's boss. Nice work, guys.
She pats him on the back and heads out of the control room.
JOY
(to Abby)
Stuart wants to see you. He's
freaking out.
ABBY
(worried)
That means he got the numbers.
7 INT. KPHX - STUART'S OFFICE - DAY 7
Abby talks to STUART WARDLOW, 60's, KPHX's curmudgeonly
general manager.
STUART
Have you seen the ratings for
yesterday? We got beat by all the
network shows, plus a rerun of
"Who's the Boss". The one where
the vacuum breaks.
ABBY
It's a temporary setback. This week
we'll do better.
STUART
The guy with the cable access show
on Channel 83 does better. If we
programed Jerry Springer re-runs,
we'd do a nine share at a quarter
the price.
Abby looks worried.
ABBY
Please tell me you're not thinking
of killing the show.
STUART
I'm not, but I can guarantee you
that's what the new management's
thinking.
ABBY
Stuart, "Sacramento AM" is an award- *
winning news program.
(CONTINUED)
6.
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7 CONTINUED: 7
STUART
Management doesn't listen to
awards. It listens to numbers.
We're not a family-run station
anymore, Abby. You're good at what
you do, but you've got to get me
some numbers. I've got two
daughters in college and a son in
beauty school. I don't know how
much you know about Vidal Sassoon
but that shit ain't cheap.
Abby nods.
ABBY
You can count on me, Stuart.
8 INT. KPHX - WOMEN'S BATHROOM - DAY 8*
Abby and Joy stand at the sinks. Abby compulsively flosses *
in front of the mirror. *
ABBY
I can't be letting corporate
management dictate the content of
this show. This is my show. I
control it.
She rips out an extra two feet of floss. *
ABBY (cont'd) *
I should cancel my date tonight and *
make a list of ideas for sweeps.
JOY
Absolutely not. You should be out,
observing humanity. Humanity's who
watches our show.
ABBY
Yeah, all 2.47% of them.
JOY
You've already rescheduled on this
guy three times. You cancel tonight
and he's gone. He's read more than
a dozen books, he has a 401K and
he's cute.
She holds up her clipboard, which has the guy's E-Harmony
PROFILE and PHOTO.
(CONTINUED)
7.
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8 CONTINUED: 8
JOY (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Look at this bone structure. This
could be the bone structure of your
future children. Don't you want
them to be symmetrical?
Abby stops flossing and looks at Joy. *
ABBY
You printed his profile?
JOY
What? I'm married. I live
vicariously through your dating
life. And I really think that this
could be our next boyfriend. C'mon,
he had nine out of ten items on
your checklist.
ABBY
Well, technically eight and a half.
He said he could cook, but when I
pressed him, he was completely
unfamiliar with cumin. Don't you
think that's a little suspicious?
Off Joy's look, we CUT TO...
9 EXT. UPSCALE RESTAURANT - NIGHT 9
Sacramento's nicest restaurant. Diners enter and exit. *
10 INT. UPSCALE RESTAURANT - FOYER - NIGHT 10
Abby approaches the FEMALE HOSTESS, at her podium.
ABBY
Hi. I'm looking for a guy with
sandy brown hair, athletic build,
and blue eyes... he's 5'9 which --
I know what you're thinking -- it's
a little short, but he's read The
Great Gatsby twice, so we'll just
live with it, okay?
JIM (O.S.)
Technically, I'm 5'9 and 3/4.
She turns, mortified, to see JIM, 30's and good-looking.
Actually, he's better looking in person than in his photo.
Abby gulps.
(CONTINUED)
8.
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10 CONTINUED: 10
JIM (cont'd)
But I'll read Gatsby again if that
makes it any better.
ABBY
Jim -- hey. Hi. Hey.
HOSTESS
Shall I show you to your table?
Abby and a mildly perturbed Jim follow, clearly not off to a
banner start.
11 INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - NIGHT 11
Abby and Jim sit at a table. Abby looks around, tense.
ABBY
You know what? This is not the best
angle. We should get the table over
there. Then we both get a view,
instead of one of us looking at the
busboy station.
JIM
I'm fine here.
ABBY
No, trust me. It'll be better over
there.
He looks at her like she's crazy, as they get up and move.
12 ANTOHER TABLE - MOMENTS LATER 12
The waiter is now taking their drink order.
WAITER
Can I get you some water for the
table?
JIM
Bottle of flat, please.
ABBY
You know, they've done studies that
show tap water is no different from
bottled water. And they passed a
law recently to have all
restaurants filter their tap water.
So, technically it's not tap water.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
9.
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12 CONTINUED: 12
ABBY (cont'd)
It's filtered water, which is
exactly what bottled water is,
except you don't have to pay $7 for
it.
JIM
Yeah, I still like the way it
tastes better.
WAITER
Can I get you any cocktails?
JIM
Scotch on the rocks.
ABBY
In your profile, you said you liked
red wine.
JIM
I do, I just feel like having a
scotch right now.
She looks disappointed, then pulls out a piece of paper.
ABBY
(re the paper)
Was there anything else you changed
your mind about? I mean, just so I
can figure it into the overall
picture.
JIM
You printed out my profile?
ABBY
Actually, my associate producer
did. She likes me to be prepared.
Not that I'm ever not prepared.
Kudos on your comprehensive car
insurance policy, by the way.
JIM
That wasn't in my profile.
ABBY
No, but it was in your background
check.
(off his look; changing
the subject)
So...tell me about yourself.
(CONTINUED)
10.
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12 CONTINUED: (2) 12
JIM
Well, what's left that you don't
know?
ABBY
Good point.
There's an awkward silence between them. She pulls out
another piece of paper, and hands it to him.
ABBY
I printed out some talking points
for us just in case this happened.
JIM
I take it it's happened before?
ABBY
No, but since you have nine out of
ten of the necessary attributes on
my checklist, I just wanted to make
sure this goes as smoothly as
possible.
As Jim processes this, the waiter arrives with drinks.
JIM
Thank you.
He takes a huge sip, relieved. Abby looks at him.
ABBY
You realize the ice in that scotch
is made from tap water, don't you?
He looks at her, realizing she's a complete nightmare.
13 EXT. RESTAURANT PARKING LOT- NIGHT 13
Jim and Abby walk to their cars. Jim is walking faster than
she is, trying to get away. She trots along, trying to keep
up.
ABBY
Next time we could go bowling. I
noticed online that you're the mid-
ranked amateur in the state. I
mean, if there is a next time. I'm
not trying to be presumptuous, but
I am getting a pretty good vibe
here...
(CONTINUED)
11.
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13 CONTINUED: 13
Jim doesn't even consider refuting this. He just wants to
leave. Abby reaches into her purse and pulls out -- *
ABBY (CONT'D) *
Floss? *
JIM
Uh, no thanks. It's late. I *
should go.
He gets into his car as she hands him his doggy bag.
ABBY
FYI, be sure to eat this by
tomorrow. With curry, you can't
smell if it's gone bad, so after
three days, you should just toss
it. Really, don't even give it to a
pet or anything.
JIM
Three days. Got it.
Abby has officially lost control to the producer part of
herself...she knows what she's doing, but can't stop herself.
ABBY
Here, just to be sure, I'll write
today's date on it for you.
Abby takes a pen out and writes a date on the bag.
JIM
(annoyed)
It's fine, really...
The bottom of the bag gives out and a container of goopy
leftovers SPILLS all over Jim's lap.
ABBY
(horrified)
I told them to double bag this!
JIM
I'm just gonna -- go.
ABBY
I'm so sor --
Jim closes the door, catching the hem of Abby's wrap skirt.
ABBY (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Wait, my --
(CONTINUED)
12.
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13 CONTINUED: (2) 13
The car speeds off -- RIPPING Abby's skirt right off her as
it races away. Abby is left standing in her underwear.
14 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - NIGHT 14
Abby, still in her undies, trudges up the steps. She opens
her front door. Her calico cat D'ARTAGNAN, 9, skeptical and
easily annoyed, stares up at her.
ABBY
Don't ask.
15 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - BATHROOM - NIGHT 15
Abby, now in pajamas, flosses her teeth. She hears a noise
coming from her bedroom and looks to see D'Artagnan's paw in
the fish bowl, trying to scoop up a goldfish.
ABBY
D'Artagnan! Stop that!
Abby picks up the cat.
ABBY (CONT'D)
How many times do I have to tell
you? Leave Juliet alone. Wasn't
Romeo enough for you?
Abby picks up the remote, snaps the TV on to "Nightline" with
Brian Williams.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Now there's a man. Not some five
foot nine scotch drinker who lies
about cumin.
She heads into the bathroom.
16 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - BATHROOM - NIGHT 16
As Abby flosses in front of the mirror...
17 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - BEDROOM - SAME TIME - NIGHT 17
...D'Artagnan hisses at the TV and steps on the remote
control.
ON TV - the channel jumps to a cable access show. MIKE
ALEXANDER, 30's, handsome but not pretty, proudly dressed in
an outfit that costs less than fifty dollars, addresses the
camera.
(CONTINUED)
13.
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17 CONTINUED: 17
MIKE
You want the truth! But you can't
handle the truth. `Cause it's --
MOTLEY GROUP
Ugly!
THE THEME SONG for "The Ugly Truth" kicks in over a series of
past scenes: Mike judo-kicking an giant Oprah doll. Several
posters spelling the word "LOVE" are destroyed by Mike with a
variety of weapons. The theme sequence ends and CUTS TO --
18 INT. CHANNEL 83 - STAGE - NIGHT 18
"The Ugly Truth", live on air. The look of the show's set is
low-rent cable TV.
MIKE
I'm Mike Alexander and we're back
with the "The Ugly Truth." Tonight,
as always, we're going to talk
about what it is men and women
really want in relationships. I've
been looking through some books...
He holds up several books in his hands, reading the titles.
MIKE (CONT'D)
"Smart Women Foolish Choices",
"Women Who Love Men Who Hate Them",
"Hating Men Who Love Women But Hate
Loving Men"...
He drops the books on the floor, picks up a can of gasoline
and pours it on the books.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Billions and billions of dollars
wasted on self-help psycho�babble.
Mike lights a match and tosses it on the books, setting them
ablaze. Then opens up his jacket and takes out a stick with a
marshmallow. Begins roasting the marshmallow on the flame.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Now listen up, ladies, cause I'm
only gonna say this once tonight
and it's just three little words.
No, they're not "I love you." Here
goes... MEN. ARE. SIMPLE. We can
not be trained. All this "Men Are
From Venus" bullshit is a waste of
your time and money.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
14.
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18 CONTINUED: 18
MIKE (CONT'D)
You want to be a lonely hag, then
keep reading these stupid books.
You want a relationship, here's how
you get one: it's called a
Stairmaster. Get on it and get
skinny and get some trashy lingerie
because at the end of the day, all
we're interested in is looks. No
one falls in love with your
personality at first sight, they
fall in love with your tits and
your ass. And they stick around
because of what you're willing to
do with them. You want to win a man
over? You don't need ten steps. You
need one. And it's called a blow-
job.
Mike shoves a burnt marshmallow into his mouth.
MIKE (CONT'D)
And don't forget to --
He mimes swallowing.
19 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - BEDROOM - NIGHT 19
WE PAN off the television to the bed, where Abby now watches,
appalled.
ABBY
Oh my God. It's that cable access
jackass Stuart was talking about.
20 INT. CHANNEL 83 - STAGE - NIGHT 20
Mike takes a call.
FEMALE CALLER (O.S.)
How dare you burn those books?
They've helped my personal life
more than --
MIKE
What's your boyfriend's name,
princess?
FEMALE CALLER (O.S.)
I'm not seeing anyone right now
but --
Mike hangs up the phone.
(CONTINUED)
15.
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20 CONTINUED: 20
MIKE
My point exactly, Shrek. Next
caller.
21 INT. ABBY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 21
Abby, now infuriated, picks up the phone and begins dialing.
WE INTERCUT between the stage and her apartment, as Mike
continues his rant.
MIKE
Men don't fall in love. Men fall in
"want." We want things. We're
hunters and gatherers. We're the
same as we were when we were
cavemen and a gillion years of
evolution hasn't done squat. Trust
me, there was a Pamela Anderson of
cave women and all the cave guys
were trying to stick their dicks in
her.
Mike walks over to a chalk board with the word "LOVE" on it.
He crosses it out and writes "LUST."
MIKE (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Now girls, if you want to think
lust is the same as love, that's
fine, but you're delusional. Let's
take some more calls.
(picks up the phone)
You're on the air.
Abby is now on the phone.
ABBY
So you're saying men are incapable
of love?
MIKE
Did I burst your little Harlequin
Romance bubble?
Irritated, Abby begins to compulsively remake her bed. *
ABBY
The only thing you burst is your
credibility. Men are absolutely
capable of experiencing love.
MIKE
Okay, I'll bite. Who's the guy?
(CONTINUED)
16.
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21 CONTINUED: 21
ABBY
What?
MIKE
The guy, Mr. Wonderful, the one
who's so capable of love. Who is
he? What's he like?
ABBY
Well, he's not like you, that's for
sure.
MIKE
Thank you very much. Go on.
ABBY
He's smart...he's handsome but
doesn't know it...
(enjoying the fantasy)
He's successful, but in a job that
means something. He loves red wine,
classical music, Cary Grant
movies...
MIKE
This is a guy in America, right?
You're not calling from Europe or
anything.
ABBY
Are you interested in listening or
not?
MIKE
No, please. I'm loving this.
ABBY
He works out, not because he's
vain, because it's healthy. He's
socially liberal but fiscally
conservative. He likes dogs but
he's a cat person. He never gets
out of bed before you on a Sunday
morning --
MIKE
Oh my god. You're a lesbian!
ABBY
What?!
MIKE
Well, you're describing a woman.
(CONTINUED)
17.
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21 CONTINUED: (2) 21
ABBY
Why are those qualities so
threatening to you? Perhaps because
your complete lack of any one of
them is the real reason why women
aren't interested in you. At least
women of quality.
Mike scoffs, but he's thrown. He takes a moment, then...
MIKE
Where is this guy? I will give you
one hundred dollars of my own money
to bring him down here and let me
meet him.
ABBY
Oh, he's out there...somewhere.
MIKE
Wait a second. You're not even
dating this guy?!
ABBY
Well, no...I'm just describing a
type...I thought that's what we
were doing.
MIKE
You don't even know him?!?
Mike bowls over LAUGHING. Abby realizes she's been had.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Hold on...whoa...now I get the
whole picture. You're a dog.
ABBY
Excuse me?
She rips the perfectly made bed apart and starts over. *
MIKE
You heard me. You must be. If you
were hot, you'd be out breaking
some poor schmuck's heart instead
of spending all your time
fantasizing about Mr. Wonderful.
Face it, you're ugly!
ABBY
I am not ugly!
(CONTINUED)
18.
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21 CONTINUED: (3) 21
MIKE
Well, of course you don't think so.
Ugly people never know they're
ugly. It's like people who have
B.O. They never know it because
they're surrounded by their own
stench all the time.
Now Abby's really fuming. She snaps a sheet violently. *
ABBY
That is the most ridic --
MIKE
Look, lemme help you out here. You
might as well just face the fact
that you're gonna be alone and stop
pining away for some fantasy guy
you're never going to get. Get a
hobby. Build housing for the poor.
Anything.
ABBY
How could you possibly --
MIKE
Hey, Lassie -- the show's called
"The Ugly Truth". If you can't face
it, don't call.
(switching gears)
Well that about wraps it up for
today. I'm Mike Alexander reminding
you that the truth is never pretty.
As he smiles smugly, Abby SCREAMS and THROWS the phone across
the room. D'Artagnan, terrified, jumps off the bed, which is *
now in total disarray. *
22 INT. KPHX - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 22
Abby and Joy make their way into the conference room. Dori
and Josh are already there.
JOY
How did the date go?
ABBY
I ended up pantsless in a parking
lot.
JOY
That's awesome!
(CONTINUED)
19.
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22 CONTINUED: 22
Stuart walks into the conference room.
STUART
Morning, everybody.
He puts a DVD in the player.
STUART
Now before I play this, I have to
warn you...
(hits play)
...he's a little rough around the
edges.
ON TV: Mike's face appears.
MIKE (ON T.V.)
Face it, you're ugly!
ABBY'S VOICE (O.S.)
I am not ugly!
Joy looks at Abby.
JOY
Is that you?
ABBY
What?! No!
MIKE (ON T.V.)
Ugly people never know they're
ugly. It's like people who have
B.O.--
Abby grabs the remote and turns off the T.V.
ABBY
Why are we watching this?!
STUART
One word. Ratings. Say hello to our
new guest commentator. I'm starting
him with two segments a week. Three
minutes a pop.
ABBY
Are you kidding me?
JOSH
Who the hell is this guy?
(CONTINUED)
20.
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22 CONTINUED: (2) 22
STUART
His name is Mike Alexander.
ABBY
And he's a quintessential
misogynist uber-moron who
represents everything wrong with
television and society at large...
DORI
I get crap every time I suggest we
do something even remotely fluffy
and now you're gonna put this
douchebag on the air?
STUART
He's got a point of view. We don't
have to like him, we're news
people. We're objective. Stone
Phillips interviews terrorists,
doesn't mean he likes them. It's
good for ratings.
Abby holds up a piece of paper.
ABBY
I've got a whole list of ideas on
how to improve ratings. We don't
need him.
Stuart takes the memo, reading it.
STUART
A live debate on immigration
policy? Never work.
ABBY
What are you talking about?
Albuquerque is 45% Latino.
At this moment, MIKE walks in. Abby stares at him, appalled.
MIKE
Yeah, and as you can tell by all
the screaming rugrats in this town,
Latino guys like to have a lot of
sex. Which means they'd rather
listen to me tell them how to bang
hot chicks than hear about why they
can't bring grandma across the
border.
(as they all stare at him)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
21.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
22 CONTINUED: (3) 22
MIKE (cont'd)
Sorry, I was eavesdropping out in
the hall.
STUART
See, what did I tell you? He's
great.
MIKE
Thanks, boss.
Abby spins to face Stuart.
ABBY
You already hired him?!
MIKE
(re Abby)
Who's this delightful creature?
ABBY
Your superior.
MIKE
Mmm...I like a woman on top.
23 INT. ABBY'S OFFICE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 23
Abby is pacing, clearly on the verge of hysteria.
ABBY
(chanting)
I am an award-winning news
producer. I am an award-winning
news producer...
A KNOCK. Then the door opens and Mike appears.
MIKE
Hey, no hard feelings, right?
ABBY
You don't even knock?
MIKE
I knocked. I got no response.
ABBY
So, essentially your knock was
negated by your complete lack of
adherence to the social etiquette
of what follows a knock.
(CONTINUED)
22.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
23 CONTINUED: 23
MIKE
Wow. You are wound like a fuckin'
top.
Abby glares at him.
ABBY
Woof woof. Recognize the bark?
He stares at her, surprised.
MIKE
(then; realizing)
Hey, what do you know? You're not
ugly at all.
ABBY
Imagine my relief.
MIKE
You know, if it weren't for you, I
would have never gotten this gig.
You and I make good TV.
ABBY
I'm sorry, what channel is your
show on?
MIKE
Eighty three.
ABBY
This is channel two. You do know
that the lower numbers are better,
right? More people watch. So don't
tell me that "you and I" make good
TV. I am an award-winning news
producer. I make good TV. You make
imbecilic trash watched by
housebound inbreds who are so busy
putting their hands down their
pants they're unable to change the
channel.
MIKE
I hadn't really been picturing you
that way, but thanks for the image.
ABBY
Let me tell you something. I am not
one of your viewers. My cat stepped
on the remote.
(CONTINUED)
23.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
23 CONTINUED: (2) 23
MIKE
Thank your pussy for me, then.
Abby gags as she pushes past him and walks out.
24 INT. KPHX - HALLWAY - DAY 24
Abby strides down the hall with Georgia and Larry.
ABBY
There is no way Mike Alexander is
going to stay on my show. I want
you to skewer him. Make him look
like a complete idiot. Not that it
will be hard. The man is a moron of
unseen proportions.
GEORGIA
(re Larry)
That's just what we need on this
show.
LARRY
Does anyone think my highlights are
too shiny?
ABBY
Larry, listen to me. I want Mike
Alexander to go down in flames. I
want Mike Alexander to be nothing
but a pile of ash on the seat next
to you. I want the janitor to come
in with his Dustbuster and vacuum
up the ashes of Mike Alexander, and
then when he throws the ashes into
the dumpster outside, I want the
rats to vomit and then defecate on
the ashes of Mike Alexander.
She strides off. Larry looks at Georgia.
LARRY
And I thought you were angry and
bitter.
GEORGIA
Uh, no, that would be my untouched
vagina.
25 INT. KPHX - SACRAMENTO AM SET - DAY 25 *
Cameras roll as Larry and Georgia sit at the anchor desk.
(CONTINUED)
24.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
25 CONTINUED: 25
GEORGIA
For years, there have been concerns
about lowering television
standards. But many believe that
this man and his local public
access show, "The Ugly Truth," have
brought things to a new low. With
that, we welcome Mike Alexander.
Mike gives a cocky wave.
MIKE
How ya doing, guys?
LARRY
Mike, how do you respond to those
who say your show is offensive?
MIKE
It is... but then again, so is the
truth.
GEORGIA
The truth about what, Mr.
Alexander?
MIKE
What relationships are really like.
26 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY 26
Abby and the control room crew watch the proceedings. Cliff
mans the bank of monitors.
MIKE
Take marriage for instance. It's
about mutual benefits, social
pressure, and taxes. It's not about
love and we should stop pretending
it is.
We INTERCUT with Georgia, Larry, and Mike on set.
ABBY
C'mon Georgia, let him have it.
GEORGIA
Sounds to me like no one's ever
loved you and you're taking it out
on the female population.
In the control room, Abby smirks.
(CONTINUED)
25.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
26 CONTINUED: 26
ABBY
Ooh, good one.
MIKE
Well, while we're making
observations, you two project this
image of the perfect couple, when
clearly, it's a lie.
LARRY
Excuse me?
Abby nervously gnaws on the straw from her Kombucha drink. *
ABBY
(nervous)
Cliff, let's go to commercial.
CLIFF
Stuart told me to keep rolling, no
matter what.
ABBY
What? When?
Cliff shrugs. Abby is pissed.
ABBY
This is my show.
CLIFF
Not right now it isn't.
On the set, Mike continues his vivisection of Larry and
Georgia.
MIKE
I mean, come on Larry, I grew up
watching you on TV. You used to be
this cool confident cat. Georgia's
no dumb bunny. She knew the only
way she was getting off the weekend
shift was by hooking up with you.
But then lo and behold, she became
more popular than you and ended up
with twice your salary.
ABBY
C'mon, Larry. Take him down.
She starts twisting her straw into shapes, as -- *
(CONTINUED)
26.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
26 CONTINUED: (2) 26
LARRY
I'm proud of my wife's success.
MIKE
Bullllloney you are. You hate her
success. You feel emasculated by
her and that screws with your head
which inevitably screws with your
manhood.
GEORGIA
What's your point, Mr. Alexander?
ABBY
Good girl, Georgia. Take control.
MIKE
My point? My point is that your
husband hasn't had sex with you
in...I'm gonna say. . .three
months?
LARRY
That's not my fault!
MIKE
I know, it's her fault!
GEORGIA
Why is it my fault?!
In the control room, Abby looks like she's going to pass out.
ABBY
Oh, dear God.
GEORGIA
Well, what am I supposed to do,
give up the money, so he can get an
erection?
MIKE
I agree. You've economically
emasculated your husband to such a
point that he's afraid to desire
you. Sure, you can dump his ass,
but honey, have you seen the
eligible men in Albuquerque? It's
slim pickings out there for a woman
in her forties. You're not going to
do any better than Larry. You just
have to let him be a man. LET HIM
BE A MAN, GEORGIA!
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
27.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
26 CONTINUED: (3) 26
MIKE (cont'd)
(to Larry)
And you, Frowny McFlacid, give it
to her. Now!
Larry grabs Georgia and kisses her hard. After a moment of
resistance, she melts into his arms. The crew goes crazy.
Larry throws Georgia over his back and hauls her off the set.
Abby sinks down into a chair. *
CLIFF
And we're out.
He cuts to BLACK.
27 INT. KPHX - ABBY'S OFFICE - DAY 27
It's pitch black. Suddenly a closet door is opened. Joy and
Stuart stand in the doorway.
JOY
Found her.
Abby is sitting in a ball in her closet.
STUART
One thousand, one hundred and forty-
seven calls and over three hundred
E-mails. And fifty-three percent of
them were women. This guy's a
lightening rod!
ABBY
(confused)
People liked him?!
STUART
Liked him? They loved him.
ABBY
How is that possible?
STUART
I don't know, but I'm scaling back
the news and giving it to "The Ugly
Truth." Corporate wants five
minutes of Mike Alexander, five
days a week.
ABBY
Stuart, I really think this is a
mistake --
(CONTINUED)
28.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
27 CONTINUED: 27
STUART
Just keep him happy and both of our
contracts will be renewed.
Stuart leaves. Joy turns back to Abby.
JOY
Congratulations?
Abby closes the closet door on herself.
28 INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - HALLWAY- DAY 28 *
Mike enters his apartment, throws his keys on the counter and
hits play on his answering machine.
GIRL'S VOICE (V.O.)
Hey, Mike, it's Valerie. I haven't
heard from you in a while. But I
just saw you on TV. You were great!
He pushes skip.
2ND GIRL'S VOICE (V.O.)
Mike, hi, it's Ginevra, I'm having
a party --
Skip.
3RD GIRL'S VOICE (V.O.)
Why haven't you called me? I miss
you. It's Laura, by the way.
Remember? We went to the track?
MIKE
Remember? How could I forget? You
threw up in my car.
JONAH, 14, awkward, Mike's nephew, walks in.
JONAH
Dude, you totally hosed me!
MIKE
What?
JONAH
Last week on your show, you said
you should always be mean to hot
girls because they'll want you
more. I tried it today, she cried,
and then I got detention.
(CONTINUED)
29.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
28 CONTINUED: 28
MIKE
First of all - don't listen to what
I say on my show. Second of all,
you're supposed to do that to 25-
year-old girls who think they're
hot and can get any guy they want.
Not 14-year-old girls. They're
going through puberty. They have
enough problems.
JONAH
Mom said when she was fourteen, she
was the prettiest girl in the
class.
MIKE
Well, I was there when she was
fourteen and let me tell you
something -- she lied.
Mike's sister, ELIZABETH, 40's, walks in, wearing a nurse's
uniform and holding a cake box.
ELIZABETH
Don't listen to your Uncle Mike, he
was blind from masturbating too
much.
MIKE
Oh, that's a nice thing to tell
your son --
ELIZABETH
It's nothing worse than what he's
heard on your show.
She hands him the cake box.
ELIZABETH
Let's hope you can clean it up now
that you're on a network. Congrats.
She gives him a kiss on the cheek. He grins.
MIKE
Thanks.
He opens the box.
MIKE
(reading the cake)
"Happy 85th Birthday, Harold"?
(CONTINUED)
30.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
28 CONTINUED: (2) 28
ELIZABETH
Sorry, I didn't have time to bake
one. I took it from work. Harold
didn't quite make it through the
big day.
MIKE
(re the cake)
Looks like he got to blow out his
candles.
ELIZABETH
(re the candles)
What do you think did him in?
He closes the box.
MIKE
Who wants to go out and eat?
29 EXT. JOY'S BACKYARD - DAY/DUSK 29 *
Abby and Joy lie in lawn chairs, drinking margaritas as Joy's *
husband, KEN, barbecues shrimp kebobs nearby. *
ABBY *
(tipsy) *
I'm just going to keep drinking *
until my mind blots out any memory *
of Mike Alexander. *
JOY *
I don't know if I have that much *
tequila. *
ABBY *
Maybe I should eat the worm. *
Ken looks over. *
KEN *
Is Mike Alexander the guy you went *
on the date with? *
ABBY *
No, that was a different source of *
humiliation, but thank you for *
reminding me. *
KEN *
I still don't understand why you *
didn't just marry Bill. He was a *
good guy. *
(CONTINUED)
31.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
29 CONTINUED: 29
ABBY *
Yeah...he was. But he also had *
navy blue sheets and bath towels *
with tassels. He played computer *
games on his phone. He wore open- *
toed shoes. Sometimes with socks. *
And his mother called him "Bucky". *
JOY *
Plus, he sucked in bed. *
ABBY *
Yes, there was that -- *
(then) *
Wait, why are we sharing this with *
Ken? *
JOY *
I tell him everything. *
KEN *
(to Abby) *
By the way, I thought it was *
hilarious when you asked that one *
guy for a toxicology report. *
ABBY *
What? He was exposed to asbestos! *
Joy gives her a look. Abby sighs, realizing the extent of *
her neuroses. *
ABBY *
Give me the freaking worm. *
30 INT. KPHX - SACRAMENTO AM SET - DAY 30 *
Mike's goofing with the pretty makeup girl, as Abby walks up
to give him some last minute tips.
ABBY
Keep it clean, keep it moving, and
stick to the script. You're on a
live affiliate network news
program. You do not have the luxury
of using the words "blow" and "job"
in the same sentence. If you say
anything scatological, you're
fired.
(CONTINUED)
32.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
30 CONTINUED: 30
MIKE
Really? Because I thought you were
gonna get fired if you don't keep
me happy.
(leaning closer)
I've got a list of demands to go
over after the show. And let me
just warn you -- they're gonna be
scatological.
She fumes, jabbing the earpiece in his ear.
MIKE(CONT'D)
Just because you look pretty today,
I won't mention the misguided
phallic rage you just displayed.
ABBY
(re Mike's ear piece)
If you hear my voice in your ear,
do what I say.
MIKE
Promise you'll talk dirty?
Mike is cut off by Cliff in the booth.
CLIFF (O.S.)
And camera one. Action Mike.
Abby slips out of frame just in time. Mike looks to the
camera.
MIKE
I'm Mike Alexander and this is "The
Ugly Truth," where we'll be taking
a few minutes every day to talk
about men, women and relationships.
Let's start with men. Men are
simple. To illustrate my point --
on my left we have the best our
world has to offer.
He crosses to -- a CANDLE-LIT TABLE with a fancy dinner
placed in the center. Several books rest beside it. Beside
the table, a man plays violin.
MIKE (CONT'D)
You have a gourmet meal, fine wine,
classical music and great
literature.
He picks up a copy of "Ulysses" from the table.
(CONTINUED)
33.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
30 CONTINUED: (2) 30
MIKE (CONT'D)
Now, if you'll follow me we have
something quite different...
He starts to walk off the set.
31 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY - SAME TIME 31
Now in the control room, Abby panics.
CLIFF *
Where the hell is he going?!
ABBY *
Follow him!
32 EXT. KPHX - ALLEY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 32
...Mike exits the stage door and walks into the alley,
followed by the confused camera crew.
MIKE
Ah, I see you ladies have started
without me.
He smiles at TWO BLONDE TWINS IN BIKINIS, who wrestle in a
kiddie pool of Jello.
We INTERCUT with the control room.
ABBY
Who let them on the lot? Don't we
have security?
IN THE ALLEY, a security guard watches the girls, smitten.
Mike smiles to the camera.
MIKE
Babes wrestling in Jello. Let's
just take a quick survey and see
which option the men out there
would pick.
ABBY
Do we have phone lines? Open them! *
MIKE
Beethoven, stuffed pheasant and *
James Joyce -- or semi-naked chicks
frolicking in strawberry-flavored
goo.
(CONTINUED)
34.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
32 CONTINUED: 32
As Abby looks horrified, the PHONES in the control room start
RINGING off the hook. Realizing her defeat, Abby sighs.
ABBY
Jesus, if we're gonna do this, we
might as well milk it.
(then; into headset)
Two, go wide! Good. Ready, one --
tight on his hand!
Abby grabs the microphone for Mike's ear piece...
ABBY
Lick the Jello off her finger!
ON THE MONITOR -- A slightly puzzled look from Mike, but he
lifts the girl's finger and licks the Jello off it.
ABBY (COMT'D)
(into headset)
Go one!
The camera focuses tightly on his face.
MIKE
Mmmm...I was wrong. It's cherry.
And that's the ugly truth. Over to
you, Georgia.
As Mike waves to camera, he's pulled into the Jello pool and
the girls rip off his shirt.
33 INT. KPHX "SACRAMENTO AM" - DAY 33 *
Mike walks in, covered in Jello, to find Abby standing there,
arms crossed, quietly containing her rage.
ABBY
Your realize I once had the
Archbishop Desmond Tutu on this
show.
MIKE
Who's that?
Abby rubs her temples.
ABBY
I can't even illustrate how far
I've fallen, because you're not
smart enough to get the references.
She walks off. Confused by her reaction, he follows.
(CONTINUED)
35.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
33 CONTINUED: 33
MIKE
C'mon, we were a good team back
there. You were the one who told me
to lick the Jello.
ABBY
Do you have any idea how much I
hate myself for that?! It was cheap
titillation. I am now going to
broadcasting hell right behind
Geraldo and the naked weather girl
from Canada.
MIKE
Seriously? There's a naked weather
girl? Can we get her?
34 INT. KPHX - "SACRAMENTO AM" SET - DAY 34 *
CLOSE ON Stuart, wearing a grave expression. *
STUART *
(into camera) *
You've got to do it for ratings, *
Abby. We have no choice. *
Abby nods, uncomfortable. We PULL BACK to REVEAL that she's *
now the NAKED WEATHER GIRL, sitting behind the anchor desk. *
Strategically placed cardboard suns and clouds cover her *
bosom. *
Traumatized, she reads off the teleprompter. *
ABBY *
"Today, it will be partly *
sunny...with a cloud cover moving *
in from my left breast..." *
Seated next to her, BRIAN WILLIAMS shakes his head, *
disappointed. *
BRIAN WILLIAMS *
Oh, Abby... *
There's a CRASH and we CUT TO -- *
35 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - NIGHT 35 *
On the sofa, Abby BOLTS awake from her nightmare, seeing *
Juliet's FISH BOWL lying in shattered pieces on the floor. *
ABBY
Juliet -- *
(CONTINUED)
36.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
35 CONTINUED: 35
She leaps up, then sees the cat licking his chops. *
ABBY (CONT'D)
Murderer.
D'Artagnan bolts out the front door. *
ABBY
Dammit! *
36 EXT. CONDO COMPLEX - NIGHT 36
Abby runs through the grounds of the complex looking �or
D`Artagnan.
ABBY
Here, kitty kitty....
She spots him hiding under a U-Haul, and slowly creeps
towards him.
ABBY (CONT'D)
It's okay, baby. I'm not mad. I
mean, yes, I am somewhat angry -- *
but I'm repressing it... *
A car speeds past, honking obnoxiously at Abby. The cat races
away, then climbs up a LARGE TREE beside one of the condos.
Abby sighs and follows.
ABBY
Really? This is how I get to spend
my evening?
37 EXT. COLIN'S CONDO - NIGHT 37
Abby looks up the tree to see D'Artagnan perched on a branch
above. He MEOWS.
ABBY
It's okay, baby. Just stay there.
Abby jumps up, grabs a branch and starts to climb.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Almost there.
Abby starts climbing higher, testing branches as she goes.
Finally she reaches the branch he's on.
ABBY (CONT'D)
You're gonna be okay. Come on.
(CONTINUED)
37.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
37 CONTINUED: 37
Abby grabs a branch overhead and scoots down the limb. She
reaches out, picks up the cat and cradles him.
ABBY (CONT'D)
It's okay. I've got you.
D'Artagnan safely in hand, she looks around and notices she's
just outside a window. She looks in and sees --
A handsome man in a steamy bathroom taking a shower. This is
COLIN ANDERSON.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Oh, my.
Abby covers the cat's eyes, then looks away. But a moment
later, she's looking back in the window, to see --
Colin step out of the shower. Abby takes a deep breath as he
crosses to the mirror, giving her a look at his abs.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Oh, my, my...
Abby leans closer to see Colin start flossing, wearing only a
towel.
ABBY (CONT'D)
(a delighted gasp)
He flosses...
Suddenly we hear a CRACK, and the branch breaks. Colin looks
out the window and makes eye contact with Abby just as --
ABBY (CONT'D)
Ahhhh!
D'Artagnan leaps to another branch as Abby falls. As she
plummets, her foot gets caught between some branches, leaving
her now HANGING UPSIDE DOWN.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Help!
The front lights SWITCH ON and Colin, still in a towel, races
out of his condo. As he runs up to the tree --
COLIN
Just stay calm. You're gonna be
fine.
The branch breaks.
(CONTINUED)
38.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
37 CONTINUED: (2) 37
ABBY
Ahhh!!!
Abby FALLS to the ground but --
Colin CATCHES her. But only for a moment.
She DROPS out of his arms and onto the ground. As she goes,
his TOWEL GOES WITH HER. Landing on her face.
COLIN
Whoops.
She pulls the towel away and looks up, trying not to make eye
contact with the one-eyed trouser snake staring back at her.
ABBY
Hi, I'm Abby.
38 INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY 38
Mike plays poker with his buddies: DWAYNE (30's, chubby),
STEVE (30's, Latino), and GARY(30's, bespectacled). While
Mike tries to concentrate on the game, but the guys are more
interested in reading his fan mail.
DWAYNE
(reading)
"Dear Mike, I know I'm the girl who
can change you and make you fall in
love. Here's a photo of me and my
iguana."
Steve looks at the photo.
STEVE
I thought iguanas only liked dry
places.
He passes it to Gary.
GARY
We might need to call animal
control on this one.
MIKE
Guys, enough with the fan mail.
STEVE
What? You don't want to add her
into your rotation?
(CONTINUED)
39.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
38 CONTINUED: 38
MIKE
Uh, no.
DWAYNE
What about the tranny? He seemed
nice.
GARY
And he went to all the trouble to
knit you that cock-sock.
Mike rolls his eyes and deals the cards.
MIKE
Can we just play poker?
39 INT. COLIN'S CONDO - NIGHT 39
Unpacked boxes are stacked everywhere. Classical music plays
on the stereo. Colin, now in sweats and a t-shirt, examines
Abby's ankle.
ABBY
(impressed)
You're a doctor?
COLIN
An orthopedic surgeon.
She glances around the room and sees a bottle of red wine and
a half empty wine glass sitting on a table.
COLIN
I do a lot of leg and hip stuff but
I do get the occasional foot. You
seem to be fine. No sprain.
ABBY
Well, I guess I'm pretty lucky
D'Artagnan picked your tree to
climb. Dave in the next unit over
sells lawn furniture. I don't know
that I would have been as confident
with his diagnosis.
COLIN
I'm here whenever you need me.
Abby puts on her shoes as Colin opens his wallet and hands
her a card.
(CONTINUED)
40.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
39 CONTINUED: 39
COLIN (CONT'D)
My home number's on the back. If
the ankle starts giving you
problems, just give me a call.
Colin picks up the cat, who starts purring.
ABBY
Wow, he doesn't usually like men.
COLIN
Dogs are great, but...well, you're
a cat person. You know.
Abby looks at him, nodding. Delighted at his complete and
utter perfection.
ABBY
Well, I guess I should get going
now.
She remains rooted to her spot. He waits a beat then, feeling
awkward, makes a move to open the door.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Thanks again for saving me.
COLIN
Any time.
She walks out and Colin closes the door. Realizing that he
still has the cat in his arms, he opens the door to find --
Abby doing a SPAZZY HAPPY DANCE. Startled, she quickly
composes herself.
COLIN (CONT'D)
You forgot your cat.
ABBY
(re the dance)
Oh. Thanks. There was a -- spider.
On me. But it's gone now.
He chuckles, hands her D'Artagnan.
COLIN
Good night.
He closes the door.
41.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
40 EXT. COLIN'S CONDO- NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 40
Abby hates herself.
ABBY
I'm such an idiot --
She starts doing a SELF-HATING SPAZZY DANCE, mocking her
previous dance. Just as Colin opens the door again --
COLIN
You alright?
She freezes.
ABBY
Yes. I'm going now. Good night.
She walks off, trying to maintain her dignity.
41 INT. KPHX - HALLWAY - DAY 41 *
Abby and Joy walk down the hall towards the set. *
ABBY *
You should see him. He's perfect. *
JOY *
Symmetrical? *
ABBY *
You have no idea. *
JOY *
Well, how did you leave it? Did he *
ask for your number? *
ABBY *
No, but he gave me his. What do I *
do? Should I call? And if I did, *
what would I say? *
Joy looks a little overwhelmed. They walk onto the set, *
where -- *
42 INT. KPHX - SACRAMENTO AM SET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 42 *
Mike faces the camera, finishing up his segment. *
MIKE
If you want a woman to keep
sleeping with you there are certain
things you never say.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
42.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
42 CONTINUED: 42
MIKE (cont'd)
For instance, "Hell no, I don't
want to meet your family." Or "How
hard is it to lose ten pounds?" "I
have to take a dump, I'll call you
back." And here's one that's sunk a
lot of perfectly good sexual
relationships: "Marriage? I'm just
hanging out with you until I meet
someone better." Guys, use your big
head to help your little head. In
other words, lie. And that's the
ugly truth.
As they watch, Abby turns to Joy. *
ABBY *
You promised me the worm would make *
him go away. *
As Abby shakes her head in disgust, a P.A. walks up and hands *
her a sheet of paper.
P.A. *
Yesterday's ratings.
Abby and Joy study them. *
ABBY
I should be happy about this,
shouldn't I?
JOY
(reading the ratings) *
Uh, yeah, you've never gotten a
twelve share before.
ABBY
I feel so dirty.
Mike approaches them.
MIKE
You hear about the ratings? *
ABBY
Yes... *
MIKE
And did you hear Corporate's coming
next week to take me to dinner? *
(CONTINUED)
43.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
42 CONTINUED: (2) 42
ABBY
I hope you can chew with your mouth
closed.
She turns and walks off.
MIKE
What's up with her?
JOY
She's spiraling lower and lower
into a morass of self-loathing and
intense hatred for you.
MIKE
Yeah, I picked up on that.
43 INT. KPHX - CORRIDOR - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 43
Abby walks down the corridor. She turns the corner and comes
face to face with Mike.
MIKE
Why do you hate my guts?
ABBY
Your innards are of no consequence
to me. I hate what you represent.
MIKE
You hate the truth?
ABBY
Your skewed perception of male-
female interaction is not "the
truth".
MIKE
But your imaginary boyfriend's the
truth?
ABBY
For your information, I happened to
meet him last night.
MIKE
I really hope he's real this time,
because otherwise this is just sad.
ABBY
Oh, he's very real. Not to mention
stunningly handsome and morally
sound. His name's Colin.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
44.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
43 CONTINUED: 43
ABBY (cont'd)
He's a doctor. An orthopedic
surgeon, actually.
MIKE
You know what that means?
ABBY
What?
MIKE
He had to stick his finger up some
guy's butt in medical school.
ABBY
You disgust me.
44 INT. ABBY'S OFFICE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 44
Abby enters her office. Mike follows her.
MIKE
So, did butt-boy ask you out?
ABBY
Not exactly. We're taking things
slow -- getting to know each other
first.
(then)
Why am I talking about this with
you?
MIKE
You're the one who brought it up.
ABBY
Dr. Anderson is everything that you
could never be. In fact....
Abby takes Colin's card from her wallet, dials a number,
then --
ABBY (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Hi, this is Abby Richter calling
for Dr. Anderson. Yes, I'll hold.
MIKE
You're calling the guy?! You can't
do that. You've gotta let him call
you.
(CONTINUED)
45.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
44 CONTINUED: 44
ABBY
Please. It's the twenty-first
century...
Abby shoots Mike a snide grin.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Hi Colin. This is Abby. Your
neighbor. From last night.
45 INT. COLIN'S OFFICE - DAY 45
Colin, in a white doctor's jacket, talks on the phone while
going over patient files.
COLIN
Oh, hi. Everything okay?
We INTERCUT.
ABBY
Couldn't be better. I just wanted
to call and tell you how much I
enjoyed meeting you.
Mike picks up the extension and listens in. Abby glares at
him, but she can't stop him.
COLIN
Oh, thanks.
ABBY
So... I was just thinking that we
should have dinner.
COLIN
(not great)
Oh... great.
Mike shakes his head, knowing where this is going.
ABBY
There's this new French Bistro that
got fantastic reviews and there's a
gallery opening in Old Town on
Friday. So, if you want, we could
have dinner, then go to the
opening.
COLIN
Hmmm, Friday... wow.
(CONTINUED)
46.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
45 CONTINUED: 45
ABBY
Is that not a good time?
COLIN
Actually, Abby, I'm still kind of
unsettled with the move and
everything so I`m really not --
Mike snatches the phone from Abby and hangs it up.
ABBY
What the hell are you doing?
MIKE
Saving you. He was blowing you off.
ABBY
He was not.
She moves to pick up the phone. Mike sits on the phone to
stop her.
MIKE
Don't! He'll be expecting you to
call him back. When you don't,
he'll call you.
ABBY
How do you know?
MIKE
Because I know men. If you want it
to work out with this guy, you'll
listen to me and do exactly as I
say. You already did irreparable
damage with your psycho-aggressive
control freak phone call. It might
even be too late. Even if you do
salvage the situation, you'll
probably never be more than Abby,
his desperate neighbor.
ABBY
I'm not desperate!
(then)
Why, did I sound desperate?
MIKE
Listen to you -- desperately asking
me if you sound desperate.
A concerned look from Abby as...the phone rings. Her caller
I.D. says SACRAMENTO MED. *
(CONTINUED)
47.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
45 CONTINUED: (2) 45
MIKE (CONT'D)
Although you won't admit it, you
know I know what I'm talking about.
(beat)
It's your call, dude.
She thinks, looks at the phone again...
ABBY
Okay. What do I do?
MIKE
Pick up the phone and say: "Hey,
Doug."
ABBY
Why would I --
MIKE
Just do it.
She answers the phone.
ABBY
Hey, Doug.
46 INT. COLIN'S OFFICE - DAY 46
A confused look from Colin as he talks on the phone.
COLIN
No, this is Colin.
We INTERCUT.
ABBY
Oh my God. Sorry.
COLIN
Who's Doug?
MIKE
(whispering)
Just a guy I'm seeing. It's nothing
serious.
Abby hesitates. Mike shoves her.
ABBY
Just a guy I'm seeing. It's nothing
serious.
(CONTINUED)
48.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
46 CONTINUED: 46
COLIN
Oh.
MIKE
(whispering)
Hang on a sec.
ABBY
Hang on a sec.
Mike puts the phone on hold.
ABBY (CONT'D)
What now?
MIKE
Make him wait.
A long pause.
ABBY
This is so rude.
MIKE
That's the point.
ABBY
When do I pick up?
MIKE
Never. You make him wait until he
gets frustrated and hangs up. If
he's still holding on after thirty
more seconds, you may actually have
a chance.
ABBY
You'd better be right about this.
MIKE
Think about it. Would you wait on
hold for somebody you were trying
to blow off?
ABBY
You have a point.
MIKE
Just give me a little bit of time
and I can make this guy your bitch.
(CONTINUED)
49.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
46 CONTINUED: (2) 46
ABBY
(scoffing)
I don't want a "bitch." And Colin
would never be a bitch. He's a
well-rounded man capable of mature
emotions and deep abiding love.
Things which you know not of.
MIKE
Maybe not, but I know about lust,
seduction, and manipulation. And
clearly, you do not.
ABBY
Why would you want to help me?
MIKE
Because then you'll have to admit
that I know more about this stuff
than you do.
They stare each other down. Then Mike looks at his watch.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Thirty seconds.
The phone light is still blinking.
ABBY
My God, you're right. Now what?
Mike hangs up the phone.
MIKE
Always make an impression. Let's
get out of here. We have work to
do.
ABBY
But what about --
MIKE
Don't worry, in five seconds he'll
call back.
ABBY
(skeptical)
What are you, Nostradamus? That's --
The phone RINGS again.
(CONTINUED)
50.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
46 CONTINUED: (3) 46
ABBY (CONT'D)
(in awe)
-- amazing.
He hustles her out of the room. A moment after the door
closes, Mike rushes back in and hangs up the ringing phone.
He smiles, then bolts.
47 INT. COLIN'S OFFICE - DAY 47
Dial tone. Colin hangs up the phone.
COLIN
Unbelievable.
48 EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET � DAY 48
Abby and Mike walk down the street.
MIKE
Rule number one. Never criticize.
ABBY
Even if it's constructive?
MIKE
Never. Men are incapable of growth,
change or progress. For men, self-
improvement ends at toilet-
training. Rule number two. Laugh at
whatever he says.
ABBY
What if what he's saying isn't
funny?
MIKE
That's irrelevant. A fake laugh is
like a fake orgasm.
ABBY
And a fake orgasm is good?
MIKE
No, but a fake orgasm is better
than no orgasm at all.
ABBY
A fake orgasm is no orgasm.
(CONTINUED)
51.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
48 CONTINUED: 48
MIKE
Only to you. You're not the only
person in the room, you know. Let's
not be selfish.
Abby giggles. Mike is struck by the sound of her laughter.
MIKE (CONT"D)
That was perfect. You have a
perfect laugh. Real or fake?
ABBY
You'll never know.
He raises an eyebrow, impressed.
49 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY - CONTINUOUS 49
Mike and Abby wait for their lattes.
MIKE
Rule number three. Never talk about
your problems. Men don't really
listen or care.
ABBY
Some men care.
MIKE
No. Some men pretend to care. When
we ask you how you're doing, it's
just guy code for "let me put my
dick in your ass."
ABBY
Okay, I'm trying to decide whether
I should just walk away right now,
or run.
MIKE
I know you think Colin is above it
all, but he's a guy. If he's even
remotely into you, he's thought
about each one of your orifices at
least ten times.
ABBY
I love how you assume every man is
as perverse as you are.
MIKE
I don't assume. I know.
52.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
50 EXT. STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 50
Mike and Abby walk along, coffees in hand.
MIKE
Rule number four. Men are very
visual. Ninety percent of a
relationship is based on how good
the woman looks. We have to change
your look.
ABBY
What's wrong with my look?
MIKE
(taking her in)
Sports bras? Khakis? Srunchies?
Nurse shoes?
ABBY
These aren't nurse shoes! They're
Lady Keds.
MIKE
Abby, you're a very attractive
woman but you are completely
inaccessible. You're all about
comfort and efficiency.
ABBY
What's wrong with comfort and
efficiency?
MIKE
Nothing. Except no one wants to
fuck it.
With that, a MONTAGE BEGINS...
51 INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY 51
Mike and Abby wander through the racks of lingerie.
ABBY
I am not getting breast implants.
MIKE
Size isn't everything. Breasts just
have to be friendly. They have to
say, "Hello, everybody! Look at
me!"
Abby looks down at her breasts, curiously.
(CONTINUED)
53.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
51 CONTINUED: 51
ABBY
What are mine saying?
MIKE
Uh, "I'm reading Tolstoy and I
don't want to be disturbed"?
ABBY
Really? I hate Tolstoy.
A SALESWOMAN passes them.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Excuse me ma'am, but we need some
bras that will make my friend's
boobs say, "Put me in your mouth --
I taste good."
The saleswoman looks disturbed, but hands him a push-up water
bra.
SALESWOMAN
This should do the trick.
MIKE
Sweet.
(to Abby)
Strap it on, flapjacks.
Abby glares at him as we CUT TO --
52 INT. SHOE STORE - DAY 52
Abby, wearing high heels, awkwardly makes her way over to
Mike.
ABBY
I look like a hooker.
MIKE
That's a good thing.
She falls, KNOCKING OVER a large display of shoes.
MIKE (cont'd)
Well, you're on your back, so that
works.
53 INT. HAIR SALON - DAY 53
Abby sits at a rinse chair, while Mike and the HAIRDRESSER
study her look.
(CONTINUED)
54.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
53 CONTINUED: 53
ABBY
You're not touching my hair until I
know exactly what you're going to
do with it.
MIKE
We're giving you bedhead.
ABBY
Why would I want bedhead?
MIKE
Bedhead is sexy.
(re her current hairdo)
A ponytail implies that you are
either operating heavy machinery or
emptying the litter box. Neither of
these things inspires an erection.
The hairdresser shoves her head under the sink and douses her
with water.
54 EXT. CONDO COMPLEX - NIGHT 54
Night has fallen on the condo complex.
55 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 55
Mike avoids the cat while waiting in the living room.
ABBY (O.S.)
I just don't want to be perceived
as a bimbo.
MIKE
I don't want you to be a bimbo. You
need to be two people, the saint
and the sinner, the librarian and
the stripper. It's a delicate
balance. On one hand, you have to
push the guy away with cold
indifference and yet on the other
hand be a sexually teasing tornado.
Abby enters, looking amazing in a little black dress and
sling backs. Her hair and make-up are sexy but not trashy.
ABBY
Well just don't sit there. Say
something.
MIKE
Glasses.
(CONTINUED)
55.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
55 CONTINUED: 55
ABBY
Huh?
MIKE
You need glasses.
ABBY
But I wear contacts. Besides,
doesn't the woman usually remove
glasses during a makeover?
MIKE
Yeah, but we're going for a
stripper�librarian thing. Right
now, I wouldn't trust you to find
me a book.
Abby opens a drawer and takes out some glasses. She puts them
on.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Not bad. Now we need to practice
flirting.
ABBY
I know how to flirt.
MIKE
Do you want to be an old maid?
ABBY
So, if I don't listen to you, I'll
be an old maid?
MIKE
(acting old)
"My name's Abby and I'm arthritic
and alone. I have eighteen cats who
keep me company."
ABBY
(sarcastic)
Oh, ha ha. That's very funny.
(pretending to be Mike)
"Are you wearing underwear?"
She grabs his ass.
MIKE
Come on! I wouldn't say that and I
wouldn't grab ass.
(CONTINUED)
56.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
55 CONTINUED: (2) 55
ABBY
(still as Mike)
"Hey babe, what's wrong with a
little ass grabbing?"
(continuing to pinch his
ass)
"I mean what's the point of you
even having one unless it's there
for me to grab it? You're just a
set of orifices and a pair of tee-
tas."
MIKE
You're a deeply, deeply disturbed
person.
Switching tactics, Abby slips into seductress mode, tracing
her finger up and down his arm.
ABBY
Maybe I'm just a good student.
MIKE
Would you stop doing that?
ABBY
Doing what?
MIKE
Touching me with your finger.
She seductively leans into him.
ABBY
Why? Am I turning you on?
MIKE
Maybe.
She gives him a look.
ABBY
Actually, I kind of like it.
MIKE
Really...
She leans in closer.
ABBY
Sucker.
He shoves her away.
(CONTINUED)
57.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
55 CONTINUED: (3) 55
MIKE
No teaching the teacher.
Just then, the doorbell RINGS.
ABBY
Who is it?
COLIN (O.S.)
It's Colin.
ABBY
Oh my God!
MIKE
Told you he'd drop by.
ABBY
(panicking)
I'm not ready for this. Am I? I'm
not.
MIKE
Calm down. Keep the conversation
under a minute. Be mysterious. Keep
him guessing.
Mike leaps over the couch and hides. As Abby walks over to
the door and opens it. Colin stands there.
ABBY
Oh. Hey.
COLIN
Hi. Wow, you look great.
ABBY
Thanks.
COLIN
What happened to you today?
ABBY
What do you mean?
COLIN
You put me on hold and didn't call
me back.
ABBY
That was you? I'm so sorry.
(steering him to the door)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
58.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
55 CONTINUED: (4) 55
ABBY (cont'd)
Can you call me later? I'm super
busy.
She hustles him out the door.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Bye.
Colin bangs on the door.
COLIN (0.S.)
Abby wait...
Mike pops up from under the couch. He gives her the thumbs
up.
ABBY
(whispering)
Now what?
MIKE
Make him suffer.
COLIN (O.S.)
Do you want to go the Lobos game on
Saturday?
She looks at Mike in amazement, then breaks into the happy
dance. He watches, horrified at her spazziness.
MIKE
What the hell is that?!
As she continues to dork out, we CUT TO --
56 EXT. BALLPARK - DAY 56
The ROAR of the crowd at the Lobos game.
Colin walks with Abby, who adjusts something in her ear. Now
she's wearing the earpiece from the station, and on the other
end...
MIKE'S POV THROUGH BINOCULARS -- A different angle of Abby
walking down the aisle.
MIKE
Nod if you can hear me.
BINOCULARS POV -- Abby nods.
(CONTINUED)
59.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
56 CONTINUED: 56
MIKE (CONT'D)
Just relax. You're gonna be fine.
I'll walk you through this.
Colin looks at Abby and smiles as they take their seats, *
popcorn in hand. *
COLIN
Do you follow baseball?
We INTERCUT with Mike.
MIKE
There's no right answer to that
question. Do something non-
committal...
Abby does something between a nod and shaking her head. Colin
hooks at her, confused.
COLIN
I'm really more of a fair weather
fan myself. I do like watching Mike
DeLoggia pitch, though. Amazing
bone structure.
MIKE
Laugh.
Abby is baffled but proceeds to laugh awkwardly. Colin looks
at her.
COLIN
What's so funny?
ABBY
Your joke.
COLIN
What joke?
MIKE
Shit, he was serious?
Feeling a popcorn kernel in her teeth, Abby takes out her *
floss. *
MIKE *
Wait -- what the fuck are you *
doing? Is that floss? *
Abby freezes. *
(CONTINUED)
60.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
56 CONTINUED: (2) 56
MIKE *
Jesus! Put that away! *
She puts the floss back in her purse. *
MIKE (CONT'D) *
Good. Now toss your hair. *
She dramatically tosses her hair from one side to the other.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Okay, that was a little over the
top, but nice try.
ABBY
Thank you.
COLIN
For what?
Abby realizes she's spoken aloud.
ABBY
Thank you for... just being you.
COLIN
You're welcome...
MIKE
Okay, no more improvising. Just
repeat everything I say, "You're so
much fun to be with."
ABBY
You're so much fun to be with.
COLIN
Thanks.
A FAN calls to Mike.
FAN
Hey, down in front!
Mike gestures for the fan to leave him alone as he continues
to instruct Abby.
MIKE
(to Abby)
You're not like the other guys I`ve
dated.
(CONTINUED)
61.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
56 CONTINUED: (3) 56
ABBY
You're not like the other guys I've
dated.
FAN
Hey, sit down, jackass.
Mike waves him off, trying to remain focused on Abby.
MIKE
(to Abby)
You're so much more interesting and
informed.
ABBY
You're so much more interesting and
informed.
COLIN
That's nice to hear.
The fan throws peanuts at Mike. Mike turns around and shouts
at the fan.
MIKE
Dude, what the fuck?!
ABBY
Dude, what the fuck?!
COLIN
What?
Abby blanches, waiting for Mike instructions.
MIKE
Oh, shit.
ABBY
Oh, shit.
Colin is now just staring at her.
MIKE
(to Abby)
No, I'm not talking to you.
ABBY
I'm not talking to you.
COLIN
Did I do something wrong?
(CONTINUED)
62.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
56 CONTINUED: (4) 56
MIKE
Abby, listen -- tell him you saw
him looking at another girl. It's
the only way out of this.
ABBY
(to Colin)
Were you looking at another girl?
COLIN
Who?
ABBY
Uh -- her?
She points to the only nearby female -- an Elderly Obese Hot
Dog Lady.
COLIN
Yeah. I was just trying to get us a
hot dog.
ABBY
Oh.
There's an awkward moment as Colin hands her the hot dog.
MIKE
Alright, we need a recovery. Make
sure to eat your hot dog slowly.
Men like watching penis-shaped food
go into a girl's mouth.
ABBY
What?!
Repulsed, she flinches, losing control of her drink, DUMPING
it into Colin's lap. He flinches.
ABBY
Oh my God, I'm so sorry.
She grabs a napkin and starts rubbing his khakis.
COLIN
It's fine, really...
ABBY
No, I have to get it out or else it
will stain --
She puts some muscle into it.
(CONTINUED)
63.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
56 CONTINUED: (5) 56
ABBY (CONT'D)
What fabric is this...
COLIN
Cotton.
ABBY
Cotton's the worst. Well actually
leather's the worst, followed by
suede...
Unbeknownst to them, the batter hits a pop fly near them.
THE JUMBOTRON CAMERA follows the guy catching the fly, then
finds Abby and Colin. PANS over to them and --
It looks like Abby is giving Colin an enthusiastic HAND JOB.
The ENTIRE STADIUM, ballplayers included, stop what they're
doing and stare.
ABBY (CONT'D)
Are you sure they're cotton cause
this should be coming out, wait...
it's coming. It's definitely
coming. It's...done!
She smiles at Colin. As he looks nervously up at the
JUMBOTRON.
Abby follows his gaze -- and sees SHE'S ON IT. Everyone at
the stadium is looking at her. The organ player bangs out
"Charge." The stadium starts WHOOPING and HOLLERING.
57 EXT. BALLPARK - DAY 57
Abby is getting a citation from a self-righteous POLICE
OFFICER.
POLICE OFFICER
This is a family place, ma'am. Not
an open-air hand job palace.
ABBY
I understand, officer.
POLICE OFFICER
You want to pull those kind of
stunts, you do it at home. Or in
the backseat of a car, like moral
upstanding people do.
He hands her a ticket and walks off.
64.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
58 EXT. ABBY'S CONDO - NIGHT 58
Colin walks a defeated Abby to her door.
NEARBY, Mike watches this, unseen and impassive.
COLIN
Well, I can't say it was boring.
ABBY
That was pretty much the all-time
worst first date ever.
COLIN
Gee, thanks.
Mike looks worried.
MIKE
(to Abby)
Where are you going with this? No
guy wants to hear that!
ABBY
No, no, I take full responsibility.
So...
(sticking out her hand)
...Thanks.
(as he shakes her hand)
But, hey, at least your pants are
clean.
He smiles, amused.
COLIN
You're not what I'm used to.
ABBY
(sighing)
I know...
COLIN
Actually, that's a good thing. I'm
used to women I can figure out in
five seconds. I can't do that with
you.
Mike rolls his eyes.
MIKE
He's an idiot. I figured you out in
two.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
65.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
58 CONTINUED: 58
MIKE (cont'd)
Now tell him good night and stick
your tits out. We're going to give
this one last shot.
ABBY
(Sticking her tits out)
Good night.
MIKE
...And walk away.
She starts to walk away when Colin stops her, grabbing her
arm and pulling her in for a kiss.
COLIN
That definitely made up for my wet
crotch.
ABBY
(dreamily)
Me, too.
(off his look; realizing)
Just -- scratch that.
Colin gives a wave and walks toward his condo. Abby pretends
to enter her house until she sees Colin close his front door.
Then, she turns around and rushes over to --
MIKE. She throws her arms around him, embracing him.
ABBY
You did it! You did it!
Mike pulls back, a little uncomfortable.
MIKE
I didn't do anything. It was you.
Don't ask me why, but I think he
likes you.
ABBY
He's really a great guy, isn't he?
MIKE
Yeah, he's dreamy.
ABBY
And he fits all ten criteria on my
checklist!
(CONTINUED)
66.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
58 CONTINUED: (2) 58
MIKE
Right...weren't items one through
nine something to do with him
pretty much being gay?
Abby puts her key in the door.
ABBY
I'm going to ignore that because
I'm in a very good mood.
MIKE
Yeah, I heard, wet crotch.
Abby rolls her eyes with a smile and goes inside. As Mike is
walking away, he turns back for a moment, then keeps walking.
59 INT. ELIZABETH'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 59
Jonah and Mike sit on the couch, playing "Fight Night."
JONAH
So, no date tonight?
MIKE
As a matter of fact, I did have a
date. It wasn't mine, but it was a
date. I was helping out a friend.
JONAH
Guy or girl?
MIKE
Girl.
JONAH
Ooh...is she hot?
MIKE
She would be if she were less
irritating.
JONAH
So she likes to make fun of your
clothes and stuff?
MIKE
No, actually I make fun of hers'.
JONAH
You told me not to do that.
(CONTINUED)
67.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
59 CONTINUED: 59
MIKE
That's right. And you should listen
to me.
JONAH
If you know so much about chicks,
why are you sitting here playing
"Fight Night" with me when you
could be out with the Jello girls?
MIKE
Because this is better.
Elizabeth enters, wearing a pair of sweats and carrying her
laptop. She hands Mike a digital camera.
ELIZABETH
Hurry, take a picture of me. I'm
online with Fugly35 and he wants to
know what i look like.
MIKE
You really want to go out with a
guy named Fugly35?
ELIZABETH
He's being ironic. Look, he's hot.
She holds up her laptop. Mike peers at it.
MIKE
Uh...look closer. That's Jim
Morrison. Who I'm pretty sure
isn't an accountant in Rio Rancho.
ELIZABETH
Shit. Are you serious?
Jonah holds out his hand to his mom.
JONAH
You owe me a dollar.
MIKE
What are you wasting your time on
the internet for anyway?
ELIZABETH
Says the man who hasn't had a
decent relationship since 1999.
MIKE
At least I date.
(CONTINUED)
68.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
59 CONTINUED: (2) 59
ELIZABETH
No...you fornicate.
CUT TO:
60 EXT. ZOO - DAY 60
A cage of randy Bonobos getting it on. Mike, in a gorilla
suit, does a segment. Next to him is an anthropologist, DR.
LESTER.
DR. LESTER
Of all primates, Bonobos are the
closest relatives to human beings,
both genetically and socially �-
especially when it comes to sex.
For the Bonobo, sex is a way to
ease stress and diffuse tensions.
MIKE
So summing up Bonobo-land, the
chicks look great, get freaky in
bed and in turn, they get to sit on
their asses and boss their men
around all day.
DR. LESTER
That's one way of looking at it.
MIKE
If that's not an argument for
evolution, I don't know what is.
He winks at the camera as --
CAMERA GUY
Cut!
NEARBY
Abby watches. Mike walks over to join her.
MIKE
What did you think?
ABBY
It was good.
MIKE
Did you hear Corporate's taking me
to Saffron tonight? What do you
think --
(CONTINUED)
69.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
60 CONTINUED: 60
ABBY
(cutting him off)
Colin called. He wants to get
together again.
MIKE
Cool.
He starts pulling off his gorilla suit as he heads for the
van. Abby follows him.
ABBY
How long do you think I should wait
to sleep with him?
MIKE
The more you make him beg for it,
the more you've got him on the
hook. Do everything but. Then show
him beneath that control freak
exterior, there's a sexual deviant
waiting to be unleashed.
ABBY
I am not a sexual deviant.
MIKE
Good point. If memory serves us
right, you've been out of practice
for what? A year?
ABBY
(defensive)
No...eleven months.
MIKE
Alright, well, how often do you --
ABBY
Do I what?
MIKE
You know...
(under his breath)
Flick the bean?
ABBY
What bean?
Mike throws her a look. Abby catches on.
(CONTINUED)
70.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
60 CONTINUED: (2) 60
ABBY (CONT'D)
Ewww, gross. That's what you call
it?
MIKE
No, I call it masturbating, but I
thought it would offend your
delicate lady-like sensibilities.
(beat)
So... how often do you flick it?
ABBY *
How often do you flick it? *
MIKE *
You only want me to answer that so *
you can picture me flicking mine *
while you flick yours. *
ABBY *
Trust me, I would never think about *
you while I'm flicking it. Not *
that I would ever do -- that. *
MIKE *
Never? *
Abby looks away haughtily. *
ABBY
I find it impersonal. *
MIKE
What could be more personal?
ABBY
I just don't think of myself that
way.
MIKE
Well, you need to start. Because if
you don't want to have sex with
you, why the hell should Colin?
61 EXT. ABBY'S CONDO - NIGHT 61
Abby opens the door to find a gift bag on her doorstep, with
a card that reads: "This present isn't for you. It's for your
bean. Love Mike."
71.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
62 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 62
Abby sits on the couch staring at a box of ELECTRIC
UNDERWEAR.
She opens the box, dumping out a pair of underwear and a
REMOTE CONTROL. When she turns on the remote the underwear
VIBRATES, startling her. She turns it off.
63 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - BEDROOM - NIGHT 63
Abby checks herself out in the mirror. Now in the underwear.
She downs a glass of wine, sits on the bed and picks up the
remote. She turns it on. Nothing happens. She tries again.
Nothing.
ABBY
Great.
Abby smacks the remote a few times. The DOORBELL rings.
ABBY (CONT'D)
(shouting)
Who is it?
MIKE (0.S.)
It's Mike!
ABBY
(frowning)
One second --
Abby quickly throws on her skirt and hurries toward the
living room.
64 INT. ABBY'S CONDO - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 64
Abby heads toward the door, but quickly realizes she's still
holding the remote. She tosses it in her purse, then opens
the door.
Mike stands there out of breath, dressed in a suit.
MIKE
You have to come with me.
ABBY
Where?
MIKE
My dinner with Corporate. I don't
want to fuck it up.
(CONTINUED)
72.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
64 CONTINUED: 64
ABBY
I can't. I have a date with Colin.
MIKE
We'll pick him up on the way.
ABBY
Mike, I'm not going on your dinner.
MIKE
So, if it doesn't go well and they
cut the segment and the ratings go
back down to negative fourteen and
they cancel the show, you're cool
with that?
Abby thinks a moment, then --
ABBY
Let me get my purse.
65 EXT. COLIN'S CONDO - NIGHT 65
Colin opens the door to find Abby standing there.
COLIN
Hey, you're early --
ABBY
Yeah...
Mike pops out from behind Abby.
MIKE
I'm Mike. Change in plans. Grab
your keys. We gotta go.
As Colin looks confused, we CUT TO --
66 INT. MIKE'S TRUCK - NIGHT 66
Mike's driving. In the passenger seat, Abby turns to Colin,
who sits in the back.
ABBY
We'll just stay for one drink. I'm
really sorry about this.
COLIN
No worries.
(to Mike)
Are you a news producer as well?
(CONTINUED)
73.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
66 CONTINUED: 66
MIKE
No, dude, I'm the talent.
COLIN
So you're one of the anchors?
MIKE
No, "The Ugly Truth."
(to Abby)
Hasn't he ever seen our show?
ABBY
Not everyone wants to start their
day by watching you rant about
implants and g-strings.
COLIN
(to Mike)
You talk about g-strings?
ABBY
Oh, look! We're here!
67 INT. SAFFRON - BAR AREA - NIGHT 67
As Abby, Mike and Colin walk into the bar, two buxom blonde
twin JELLO GIRLS, BAMBI and CANDI, rush up to Mike.
MIKE
Hey, ladies. You're looking quite
fetching.
BAMBI
Hi, Mike!
CANDI
Do you like my dress?
She leans over and displays her cleavage.
ABBY
(displeased)
Are these the Jello Girls?
MIKE
Yeah, they're my dates.
She tries to control her displeasure, as Stuart walks in with
two guys in suits, BOB and HAROLD, in their 50's.
STUART
Hey, the gang's all here! Abby, you
know Harold and Bob.
(CONTINUED)
74.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
67 CONTINUED: 67
ABBY
Of course.
BOB
(ignoring Abby)
And we all know Mike Alexander...
They slap him on the back, eyeing the twins.
HAROLD
And who are these lovely ladies?
BOB
Something tells me we won't be
talking about the news tonight...
68 INT. SAFFRON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT 68
The group sits down at the table.
MIKE
So, you guys here to give me a
raise, or what?
UNDER THE TABLE
Abby tries to kick Mike. As she does, she unwittingly knocks
over her purse. The contents spill out and the REMOTE for
her vibrating underwear rolls away, stopping UNDER THE TABLE
NEXT TO THEM.
AT THE NEXT TABLE
A PRECOCIOUS KID, 8, sits with his parents. Bored out of his
skull. When the remote rolls under his feet, the kid picks
it up and flicks the switch. A small RED LIGHT turns on.
AT ABBY'S TABLE
As Harold and Bob laugh, Stuart slaps Mike on the back.
STUART
That's my guy. Always with the
jokes.
Abby turns to Bob and Harold.
ABBY
We're really excited about the
ratings increase this year. Next
quarter we hope to --
Suddenly, her smile quickly changes to horror.
(CONTINUED)
75.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
68 CONTINUED: 68
ABBY (cont'd)
Oh, God.
She shifts in her seat, trying to control her NOW-VIBRATING
UNDERWEAR.
COLIN
What's wrong?
ABBY
Nothing...
She leans down to grab her purse.
UNDER THE TABLE
She pokes her head under the table to see that the contents
of her purse have spilled. Mike's head appears next to hers.
MIKE
What are you doing?
ABBY
I'm looking for the remote.
MIKE
What remote?
ABBY
(gritting her teeth)
For...the...underwear.
Mike starts laughing.
MIKE
You're wearing them? Now?
She writhes again, hitting her head on the bottom of the
table.
AT THE TABLE
Stuart watches, worried, as Abby rises from underneath the
table, clutching her head and looking around frantically,
trying to figure out who has the remote.
AT THE NEXT TABLE
The kid has flicked up the speed on the remote even higher.
Abby's eyes roll back. She looks like she's on three hits of
ecstasy.
(CONTINUED)
76.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
68 CONTINUED: (2) 68
COLIN
Are you okay?
ABBY
This ceviche is just so....GOOD!
I'm going to ask the chef for the --
ooh -- recipe! Excuse me --
She starts to get up when Stuart stops her.
STUART
Hold on. Tell Harold about the new
teaser campaign we're starting next
week.
(to Harold)
You're going to love this.
MIKE
Yeah, Abby. Tell us about the
teasers.
Abby glares at Mike and sits back down.
ABBY
Well, it's fifteen seconds...each
hour.
As she fumbles, Mike spots the kid at the next table, remote
in hand. He starts to get up but --
ABBY (cont'd)
They're very -- oh!
Abby grabs Mike's arm, yanking him back down, in the throes
of panic and pleasure.
ABBY (cont'd)
Mike! -- Wait! You -- tell them.
She looks into his eyes, imploring.
MIKE
Actually, I'm really enjoying the
way you're telling them.
Candi looks at Harold, intrigued by Abby's display.
CANDI
What's in a ceviche?
As Stuart frowns, concerned, Abby spasms, then rushes through
it as fast as she can.
(CONTINUED)
77.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
68 CONTINUED: (3) 68
ABBY
(rapid fire)
It's fifteen seconds every hour of
Mike telling an Ugly Truth
and...Jesus...GOD, they're good.
She leaps to her feet.
ABBY (cont'd)
Ohhhhh...
Then she sinks back down, spent. Harold and Bob applaud, as
do the twins. Relieved, Stuart turns to Bob and Harold.
STUART
See what I mean about her?
COLIN
(proudly)
You've got to love her enthusiasm.
69 INT. SAFFRON - BAR AREA - NIGHT - LATER 69
As they all walk out, Mike grabs the remote from the kid.
MIKE
Sorry, buddy, that's my toy.
Abby spots this and snatches the remote out of Mike's hand.
ABBY
You knew he had it the whole time,
didn't you?
MIKE
No, just part of the time. Figured
I should let you finish.
She shoots him a look.
MIKE (cont'd)
Seriously, thanks for coming
tonight. I mean, you know, to
dinner.
ABBY
You would have done fine without
me.
MIKE
I know.
78.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
70 EXT. SAFFRON - NIGHT - VALET STAND - MOMENTS LATER 70
Stuart schmoozes with Harold, Bob, Bambi and Candi at the
valet stand. Abby and Mike exit the restaurant.
MIKE
He likes you, by the way. Colin. I
can tell.
ABBY
Really?
Colin walks up.
COLIN
Are we ready to go? I know Abby
is.
Harold and Bob shake hands with Mike.
HAROLD
Keep up the good work, Mike.
BOB
And thanks for introducing us to
our future ex-wives.
MIKE
You kids play safe.
They take off with the twins. Mike turns to Abby and Colin.
MIKE
So, what's next? A little three-way
Scrabble? Some Twister? Maybe a
massage chain? We could write in
each others' diaries...
COLIN
I think we've got it from here.
Mike's truck pulls up and he gets in.
MIKE
Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
He drives away. Abby smiles at Colin, as a punk rock version
of "Getting To Know You" PLAYS and a MONTAGE BEGINS...
71 EXT. SANDIA MOUNTAIN - DAY 71
Colin and Abby ride the tram up the mountain, snuggling.
79.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
72 INT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT 72
Abby and Colin are watching "TO CATCH A THIEF." Colin puts
his arm around Abby.
COLIN
I can't believe I've never seen
this before.
Abby grins, pleased.
73 INT. KPHX - "SACRAMENTO AM" SET - DAY 73 *
Mike's on set rehearsing with a HOT GIRL next to him. NEARBY,
Abby gets flowers delivered. Mike tries not to be distracted
by Abby's delighted expression as she reads the card.
74 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 74
At the counter, Abby introduces Colin to Joy. As Colin turns
away to get his latte, Joy falls to the ground in a MOCK
SWOON. Colin sees this and, concerned, rushes to help Joy up.
75 INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT 75
Mike stands at the sports bar with Dwayne, Steve and Gary, as
a DRUNK GUY praises Mike.
DRUNK GUY
(to Mike)
Dude, you got me laid three times
last month. Drinks are on me.
MIKE
Just doing my job.
Just then a CUTE BRUNETTE in a tight t-shirt and ridiculously
gynormous implants walks up.
CUTE BRUNETTE
I got implants, just like you said!
MIKE
(horrified)
Indeed you did.
DWAYNE
Here's to implants!
Steve clinks his beer bottle against Mike's.
STEVE
You're a rock star, bro.
(CONTINUED)
80.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
75 CONTINUED: 75
Mike sips his beer, looking a bit wary of his powers.
76 INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT 76
A waiter takes Colin and Abby's order.
WAITER
A bottle of water to start?
COLIN
Yes, a bottle of flat, please.
She starts to say something, then smiles at the waiter.
ABBY
I'll have one, too.
Colin smiles at her as THE MONTAGE ENDS.
77 EXT. BAR - NIGHT 77
A sign on the upscale bar window advertises "Happy Hour --
Ladies Drink For Half Price."
78 INT. BAR - NIGHT 78
Mike has a beer and enjoys the scenery as Abby sits across
from him at their table, making notes.
ABBY
The Balloon Fiesta is coming up,
so, I was thinking for sweeps, we
could do a segment on "how men are
full of hot air."
He doesn't answer.
ABBY (cont'd)
I was kidding --
Mike isn't even listening. He's watching a trashy redhead at
the bar. Abby notices.
ABBY (cont'd)
Colin would never like a girl like
that.
MIKE
I forgot, Colin only likes "women
of quality."
(CONTINUED)
81.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
78 CONTINUED: 78
ABBY
That's a trait to be admired, not
mocked, man-whore.
MIKE
Who says I'm a man-whore?
ABBY
I've seen you with the Funbag
Twins, remember?
MIKE
You saw me what? Take them to
dinner and introduce them to some
network executives? They want to be
actresses. Who am I to kill their
dreams?
ABBY
You're telling me you've never
slept with those girls?
MIKE
I didn't say that...
ABBY
Exactly my point. Man-whores want
women who wear slutty clothes and
suck lots of cock.
MIKE
Every man wants that. And for your
information, I was only with the
one who can read.
(then)
Did you just say cock?
ABBY
What? I can say cock. You don't own
that word. Cock. There. I said it
again.
MIKE
A week ago you cried at the thought
of a vibrator. Now you're all "cock
this,""cock that."
(then)
You had sex with Colin, didn't you?
ABBY
NO! We're saving that for this
weekend. He's taking me to Santa
Fe.
(CONTINUED)
82.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
78 CONTINUED: (2) 78
MIKE
You sure you're ready for that?
ABBY
Of course I'm ready.
MIKE
You don't sound ready.
ABBY
Well, I am ready.
Mike holds up a glass.
MIKE
Here's to overturning assumptions.
I'm really a man of discriminating
taste and you're a foul-mouthed
slut.
79 INT. KPHX - "SACRAMENTO AM" SET - DAY 79 *
On set, Mike addresses the camera.
MIKE
So there you have it. Never assume
a girl is easy, or assume she's a
prude. There are many layers in
between and it's your job,
gentlemen, to peel back those
layers and figure out exactly what
type of woman you are dealing with.
NEARBY, a confused Joy looks at Abby.
JOY
What happened to him? That sounded
almost enlightened.
Abby doesn't know weather to be pleased or worried.
MIKE
Because once you do peel back those
layers, my friends, her lady garden
awaits. And I'm pretty sure you're
gonna want to fertilize that patch
of petunias. And that there is the
Ugly Truth.
JOY
And -- he's back.
AT THE ANCHOR DESK
(CONTINUED)
83.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
79 CONTINUED: 79
Larry turns to the camera.
LARRY
Next up, Javier tells us if your
petunias are going to see any
rainfall this weekend.
Georgia winks at him.
GEORGIA
I hope mine do...
Abby rolls her eyes as Mike walks up.
ABBY
Yes, the city gets treated to
flower-vagina metaphors. Georgia
O'Keefe would be so pleased.
At this, a slick AGENT in a suit, 30's, walks up and slaps
Mike on the shoulder.
AGENT
Are you ready for this? I just got
you on to "The Tonight Show". They
want you as a guest.
Mike is stunned.
MIKE
Jay Leno wants me on his show?
You're shitting me.
Abby looks at the agent, confused.
ABBY
Who are you?
MIKE
This is Rick. My agent.
ABBY
Since when do you have an agent?
AGENT
Since he became the hottest thing
in morning TV.
MIKE
Holy shit. Leno? This is amazing.
(CONTINUED)
84.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
79 CONTINUED: (2) 79
ABBY
(trying to process)
Yeah...
AGENT
You leave tomorrow. Let's go clear
it with Stuart.
MIKE
(to Abby)
How cool is this?
They walk off as Abby stands there.
80 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 80
Abby runs a programming meeting. Joy, Dori, Josh, Georgia and
Larry are in attendance.
ABBY
What's our story at the top of the
hour?
JOSH
Global warming.
DORI
Jesus. Again?
JOSH
Oh, I'm sorry, did Anna Nicole come
back from the dead?
Stuart pokes his head in.
STUART
Abby? I need you.
She rises and goes out into the hall.
81 INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 81
Abby frowns at Stuart's serious expression.
ABBY
What's up?
STUART
I just found out Mike was offered a
job by the local NBC affiliate at
twice the pay. This Leno thing is
his audition.
(CONTINUED)
85.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
81 CONTINUED: 81
ABBY
What?!
STUART
If Bob and Harold find out about
this, we're dead. I need you to fly
out there and talk him out of it.
ABBY
Today? Now? But I'm going to
Santa Fe --
STUART
(ignoring her)
Just don't let him know you know
beforehand. Let him do the show and
get us our publicity, then convince
him to sign with us for the next
three years. Now go.
82 EXT. AIRPORT - DAY 82
An airplane lands at LAX.
83 INT. CAB - DAY 83
A pissed Abby sits in the cab, having a conversation with
herself.
ABBY
Hi, stupid motherfucker who'd still
be on cable access if it weren't
for me. I hear you're moving to
NBC.
The CAB DRIVER looks at her.
CAB DRIVER
What did you just call me?
ABBY
Nothing. Just practicing my speech.
84 EXT. HOTEL - DAY 84
Mike walks out of the lobby, as Abby gets out of a cab,
suitcase in hand.
MIKE
Abby? What are you doing here?
Abby glares at him, about to show her true feelings, but then
quickly covers. Smiling.
(CONTINUED)
86.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
84 CONTINUED: 84
ABBY
Stuart decided you needed a
cheerleader.
MIKE
I thought you were going to Santa
Fe...
ABBY
Apparently, he felt that you needed
a producer more than I needed to
get laid.
85 INT. TOWN CAR - DAY 85
Abby and Mike sit in the backseat. Abby looks down at her
notes.
ABBY
Okay, so let's go over the pre-
interview questions.
Mike studies her.
MIKE
I'm sorry you didn't get to meet
little Colin this weekend. And by
little, I don't mean undersized,
although I highly suspect that's
the case.
ABBY
Really? Colin's penis? That's what
you want to talk about right now? I
was thinking maybe we should talk
about what you're gonna say on the
show.
(doing Jay)
So, tell me Mike. How did "The Ugly
Truth" start?
MIKE
Well, Jay, I had a sales job where
I drove around a lot, listening to
talk radio. I started calling in
and lo and behold, people liked
what I had to say. Then I decided
what the hell, I need my own show.
I have a message people need to
hear.
Abby rolls her eyes, still angry with him.
(CONTINUED)
87.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
85 CONTINUED: 85
ABBY
Yes -- thousands of lives are being
enriched by your wisdom.
MIKE
Excuse me, lady, but you have a
boyfriend right now because of me.
ABBY
It may have started because of you,
but it's lasted because of me.
MIKE
So, you've been acting like your
normal control freak psycho self in
front of him?
ABBY
I'm not a control freak.
MIKE
When you checked into the hotel,
did you or did you not insist on
getting an "Eastern-facing" room on
"a floor not below seven"?
ABBY
I like rising with the sun. And a
view.
MIKE
My point is, Colin likes the Mike
version of Abby, not the Abby
version of Abby. So, don't go
knocking my words of wisdom when
you're living proof that they work.
Abby sits there, fuming that he's right.
ABBY
I could be having sex right now --
MIKE
Yeah, thanks to me.
86 INT. "THE TONIGHT SHOW" - BACKSTAGE - DAY 86
A "Tonight Show" handler in a headset readies a visibly
nervous Mike backstage. Mike's Agent stands next to him,
giving him a pep talk as Abby watches skeptically.
(CONTINUED)
88.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
86 CONTINUED: 86
AGENT
Dude, this is awesome. You're about
to go on Leno! NBC is going to give
you the moon --
Mike shoots him a "shut up" look. Abby pretends not to
notice.
AGENT
-- in a gift basket, of course.
MIKE
This isn't helping.
AGENT
Just do what you always do.
MIKE
What do I always do?
AGENT
Uh --
ABBY
(cutting him off)
You entertain people with your
moronery. And they love you for it.
Mike looks at her, surprised.
MIKE
That might be the nicest thing
you've ever said to me.
ABBY
Your welcome.
She smiles at him. Looking a little calmer, he smiles back
at Abby. The Agent rolls his eyes. The handler gives Mike
the nod, as we HEAR --
JAY LENO (O.S.)
And that was Kiku, the penguin that
flies! Next up, here to tell us
The Ugly Truth, is Mike Alexander --
The audience applauds as Mike takes a deep breath and heads
on stage.
87 INT. "TONIGHT SHOW" STAGE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 87
Abby now sits in the audience, watching as Jay interviews
Mike on stage.
(CONTINUED)
89.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
87 CONTINUED: 87
JAY
So what's your number one piece of
advice to all the people out there
who are trying to find love?
MIKE
Don't do it. Try to find lust
instead. It's a lot easier and a
lot less messy. Blue balls only
last a few hours. A broken heart
can last years.
The audience reacts with hollers and cheers. Abby shakes her
head.
JAY
So, what's her name?
MIKE
Who?
JAY
The girl who screwed you up. She
must have been a doozy.
Mike looks a bit taken aback, but recovers quickly.
MIKE
Like I said, better a floozy than a
doozy.
Abby cocks her head, intrigued by Mike's reaction.
JAY
Well, what do you say to guys like
me who have been happily married
for twenty-seven years? We can't be
the exception to the rule, can we?
There's plenty of us out there.
MIKE
Well, Jay, let me tell ya --
He hesitates, then looks at Abby for a moment. She gives him
an encouraging nod. He gains confidence, and continues.
MIKE
Marriage starts off great. She's
cute, you're cute, the world's
cute. Nothing can burst your bubble
of everlasting love.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
90.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
87 CONTINUED: (2) 87
MIKE (cont'd)
Then, ten years later, she's put on
twenty pounds, you've got nose
hair, you're voting for different
presidents, and one day, the
receptionist at Jiffy Lube
accidentally grazes your hand as
she hands you back your keys and
you realize that's the first time a
woman's touched you in three
months. By year twenty, you've
learned to completely tune out the
sound of her voice and it occurs to
you that ever since you walked down
the aisle, you're living with
someone who can barely tolerate
your presence and, on the rare
occasion that you actually do make
love, she probably thinks about
Jake Gyllenhaal.
Jay looks stricken, going along with the bit.
JAY
You're right. I'm going to get a
divorce. My whole life is a lie.
(to camera)
Sorry, honey.
The audience laughs, as we CUT TO --
88 INT. KPHX - STUART'S OFFICE - NIGHT 88
Stuart flips off the TV, talking on his cell phone.
STUART
(into phone)
Did you get him? Is he ours?
89 INT. "TONIGHT SHOW" - BACKSTAGE - DAY 89
Abby talks on the phone.
ABBY
(tense)
I'm working on it.
She hangs up as Mike and his Agent approach.
ABBY (cont'd)
(to Mike)
You were amazing out there.
(CONTINUED)
91.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
89 CONTINUED: 89
MIKE
Was I?
AGENT
(to Abby)
You go ahead and hold our table,
doll. We've got some business to
discuss.
They walk off. Abby fumes -- then does her self hating
spazzy dance.
90 INT. EL FLORIDITA RESTAURANT - NIGHT 90
A festive Cuban place in Hollywood with a live salsa band and
a floor full of SEXY PATRONS salsa dancing.
Abby sits at a table, waiting anxiously. As Mike walks in,
she waves him over.
ABBY
(confused)
Where's Rick?
MIKE
I sent him home. I thought we
should celebrate on our own.
Abby's surprised, then suspicious.
ABBY
What exactly are we celebrating?
MIKE
Uh, hello? Leno? I was just on it.
Maybe you saw?
The waiter arrives with mojitos. Abby looks at him.
ABBY
I know about the offer from NBC.
He looks at her, surprised, then --
MIKE
Okay, well then you know I turned
it down. If it weren't for you, I'd
still be on Channel 83. So don't
worry, I'm not going anywhere.
ABBY
Really?
(CONTINUED)
92.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
90 CONTINUED: 90
MIKE
Relax. Drink. Enjoy. You did your
job. I'm re-signing with you. Now
let's stop talking about work.
Abby sips her mojito, studying Mike.
ABBY
So...who was the doozy?
MIKE
What are you, trying to kill my
buzz?
ABBY
No, I'm interested. In what makes
you...you.
Mike sighs, deciding to level with her.
MIKE
It wasn't just one...it was more
like a parade. By the time I hit
thirty, I realized you can only
have so many bad relationships
before you figure out there's no
such thing as a good one.
ABBY
You can't really believe there's no
such thing as a good relationship.
MIKE
To my very core.
Just then, the waitress walks up.
WAITRESS
Two more mojitos?
ABBY
And some water, please.
WAITRESS
Still or sparkling?
MIKE
Just bring us tap water.
She nods and leaves. Abby stares at him.
(CONTINUED)
93.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
90 CONTINUED: (2) 90
MIKE (cont'd)
(off her look)
What? It's the exact same thing,
isn't it?
ABBY
So I've been told.
He stands up.
MIKE
C'mon, let's dance.
ABBY
I don't think so.
MIKE
I'm serious. I've seen your spazzy
dance, now I want to see the real
thing.
Abby looks out at the dance floor, seeing that even the worst
dancers are great.
ABBY
I can't dance like that.
MIKE
I can.
Mike grabs her hand and leads her onto --
91 INT. EL FLORADITA - DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT 91
Mike and Abby make their way onto the crowded dance floor.
ABBY
Mike, no --
MIKE
You'll be fine.
Abby looks at him, sure that he's about to make a fool of
them both.
Then, he takes her in his arms, completely self-assured, and
starts leading her in a salsa dance and...
...he's good. But not just good. Great.
ABBY
Oh my God. How did you learn to �-
(CONTINUED)
94.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
91 CONTINUED: 91
She follows his moves, half-shocked and half-turned on. He
pulls her in a bit closer, and for the first time, she allows
herself to be led without trying to control the situation.
For about five seconds. Then she looks at her watch.
ABBY (cont'd)
We've got an early flight tomorrow.
We should go.
92 INT. UNIVERSAL HILTON - ELEVATOR - NIGHT 92
Mike and Abby ride up the elevator.
ABBY
So the car's picking us up
downstairs at eight. You want me to
call you?
MIKE
I'll get a wake up call.
ABBY
Good idea.
There's a moment of uncomfortable silence.
ABBY (CONT'D) (cont'd)
I had a great time.
MIKE
Me, too.
ABBY
Remember, the car's --
MIKE
Picking us up at eight. Got it.
The elevator comes to a stop.
MIKE (CONT'D)
My floor. See you tomorrow.
ABBY
Bright and early.
They hug. It's long hug. They give a quick kiss.
ABBY (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Good night.
(CONTINUED)
95.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
92 CONTINUED: 92
MIKE
Good night.
Neither lets go. They give a longer kiss.
ABBY
Good night.
MIKE
Good night.
Mike starts out the elevator, then returns, grabbing Abby.
And suddenly --
They're ALL OVER EACH OTHER.
In the midst of this, the elevators try to close but their
furious groping blocks it, until --
A shrill BUZZING begins. They abruptly step apart staring at
each other.
MIKE (cont'd)
So, I guess I should --
ABBY
Yeah.
Mike backs out of the elevator, looking shell-shocked. The
doors close. Abby is flushed and stunned.
ABBY (cont'd)
Wow.
93 INT. UNIVERSAL HILTON - ABBY`S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 93
Abby sinks down onto her bed, wearing the same expression.
ABBY
What the hell was that? And why do
I want to do it again?
There's a KNOCK at the door. She leaps up, smooths her hair,
checks her reflection, and goes to the door. Opening it with
a smile, she finds --
Standing there, bottle of red wine in hand, is... Colin.
COLIN
Miss me?
It takes a moment for Abby to adjust.
(CONTINUED)
96.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
93 CONTINUED: 93
ABBY
Colin?
COLIN
You were expecting someone else?
ABBY
(recovering)
Uh, no --
He walks in the room, holding up the wine.
COLIN
Since you couldn't come to Santa
Fe, I decided to come to you.
ABBY
How'd you find me?
COLIN
Joy told me. I started thinking
about all the things we were going
to do there and I decided I
couldn't wait.
ABBY
Oh. Okay...
COLIN
What's the matter?
ABBY
Nothing. I'm just so -- surprised
to see you.
COLIN
Well, you told me you were
spontaneous. Guess the proof is in
the pudding.
ABBY
(tense)
It sure is...
As he opens the wine, some of it splashes on his shirt.
COLIN
Whoops. Looks like we'll have to
get naked sooner than I thought.
94 INT. UNIVERSAL HILTON - EXT. ABBY'S DOOR - NIGHT - SAME TIME 94
Mike approaches Abby's door.
(CONTINUED)
97.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
94 CONTINUED: 94
MIKE
Abby -- I really need to kiss you
again. And not just in a one-night
stand way, in a totally different
way. Oh fuck, what am I doing?
He turns and walks the other direction. Then stops and turns
back.
MIKE (cont'd)
Nut up, Alexander. You can do
this...
He KNOCKS on Abby's door. After a second it opens and --
There's Colin, standing there SHIRTLESS.
COLIN
Oh, you're not room service.
(holding out his hand)
How ya' doin', man?
Mike reels, trying to cover his shock.
MIKE
I just came by to tell Abby about
the change in our flight time. But
I can tell her later.
Abby appears behind Colin.
ABBY
Mike, what are you doing here?
MIKE
Just leaving.
He turns and goes.
95 INT. UNIVERSAL HILTON - HALLWAY - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER 95
Mike walks down the hall, freaked out and perturbed. Abby
runs to catch up with him.
ABBY
Mike --
He keeps walking as she tries to keep up.
ABBY (cont'd)
He just showed up to surprise me.
(CONTINUED)
98.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
95 CONTINUED: 95
MIKE
How convenient.
ABBY
I thought it was you at the door.
He stops and looks at her.
MIKE
I guess we're all interchangeable.
I've taught you well. Maybe you
should take over the show.
He starts to walk off.
ABBY
Mike, wait -- tell me what just
happened in the elevator.
They hold eye contact for a very long moment.
ABBY (cont'd)
Should I tell Colin to go?
Mike looks away.
MIKE
Why pull up anchor now? You've
worked damn hard to get him here.
ABBY
Really? That's it? That's all you
have to say.
MIKE
What else do you want me to say?
A lot. But he's not saying it.
ABBY
I guess the truth is ugly, isn't
it?
MIKE
That's what I've been telling you.
He shrugs and walks off.
96 INT. UNIVERSAL HILTON - ABBY'S ROOM - NIGHT -MOMENTS LATER 96 *
Abby enters the room. Colin stands there, still shirtless.
(CONTINUED)
99.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
96 CONTINUED: 96
ABBY
Sorry, about that. He was upset
about his performance on Leno.
COLIN
No worries. The rest of the night
is ours.
He pours her a glass of wine.
COLIN (cont'd)
To the first of many romantic
evenings to come.
Abby takes the glass and drinks. And keeps drinking.
COLIN (cont'd)
Whoa --
Abby finishes the glass and looks at him.
ABBY
Why do you like me?
COLIN
Well, you're beautiful, you're
smart --
Abby smiles, pleased, then he continues...
COLIN (CONT'D) (cont'd)
You're open, you laugh at my jokes,
you never criticize...
Abby's smile fades.
COLIN (CONT'D) (cont'd)
You never try to control the
situation, and I've got to say,
it's a breath of fresh air. A lot
of women I know are total control
freaks -- and it's a nightmare. I
love that you're not like that.
Abby looks at him, nodding, then --
ABBY
You know what? I am like that.
COLIN
What do you mean?
(CONTINUED)
100.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
96 CONTINUED: (2) 96
ABBY
To be honest, I didn't like the way
you poured the wine. I would have
decanted it. And I was editing that
speech as you were giving it.
She looks around.
ABBY (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Plus, this bed should be facing
north-south instead of east-west!
COLIN
(confused)
Are you serious?
ABBY
I haven't been myself for one
second of the two weeks and five
days we've been dating.
COLIN
Then who have you been?
ABBY
The girl some idiot told me to be.
97 EXT. LAX AIRPORT - DAY 97
Taxis drop off tourists.
98 INT. AIRPORT - DAY 98
Abby paces in front of the gate and checks her watch, while
talking on her cell phone.
ABBY
(into phone)
And you're sure he checked out?
Okay, thanks.
She hangs up the phone. A FLIGHT ATTENDANT approaches her.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Miss, we're going to need you to
board now.
Resigned, she picks up her bag and walks on board.
99 INT. KPHX - LOBBY � DAY 99
Abby walks into the station, greeting the security guard.
(CONTINUED)
101.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
99 CONTINUED: 99
ABBY
Morning, Freddy.
The security guard just looks at her and shakes his head,
disappointed. Stuart rushes up to her.
STUART
I thought you said we had him.
ABBY
What are you talking about?
STUART
He quit this morning. I got a smug
call from Channel 4 saying they
closed a deal with him. Corporate's
having a shit fit. What the hell
happened?
Abby is hurt and stunned, but overcomes it with fierce and
abiding hatred.
ABBY
We don't need Mike Alexander. He's
a dime a dozen.
STUART
You better hope so, because you're
going to find me a new one by the
end of the week.
100 INT. KPHX - WAITING AREA - DAY 100
Abby and Joy walk through the waiting area, which is filled
with MIKE ALEXANDER REPLACEMENT HOPEFULS of all different
shapes and sizes. Abby points at candidates, while Joy makes
notes on a clipboard.
ABBY
(pointing)
Yes. No. Yes. No. No.
(then)
I can't believe I even considered
for a second allowing myself to
feel something for him.
JOY
I still can't believe that you
broke up with Colin.
ABBY
I know I can't control everything.
As much as I'd like to.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
102.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
100 CONTINUED: 100
ABBY (cont'd)
But I should at least be able to
decide who I feel something for and
who I'm repulsed by.
She turns back to the candidates, frustrated.
ABBY (cont'd)
Yes. No. No. Yes. Fuck no.
101 INT. KPQU, CHANNEL 4 STAGE - DAY 101
Channel 4's brighter and more expensive stage, with a
prominent logo for "MORNING MAYHEM WITH MIKE!"
Mike, dressed in an Armani suit, glandhands the Channel 4
suits, as they show him around.
BIG WIG
What do you think of the new set?
MIKE
Love it.
BIG WIG #2
KPHX retained the copyright to your
old segment title, so we retitled
you "Morning Mayhem with Mike!"
Mike's on autopilot.
MIKE
Love it.
BIG WIG
And this is Joe, your new producer.
Mike finally wakes up a bit. Turns to Joe, a balding
nebbish.
MIKE
You know what I like best about
you, Joe? I don't want to have sex
with you at all.
JOE
I'm -- relieved to hear that.
The Big Wigs chortle.
BIG WIG
How much do we love this guy?
103.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
102 EXT. MIKE'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY 102
Mike, in his suit, walks up the front steps. Jonah sits on a
lawn chair, drinking a soda and watching --
IN THE NEARBY VALLEY
Hundreds of multi-colored, multi-shaped HOT AIR BALLOONS are
aloft.
JONAH
Dude, check it out. Balloon Fiesta.
MIKE
Yep.
JONAH
Why do you look like a lawyer?
MIKE
New station. New wardrobe.
JONAH
You're never going to get any pussy
looking like that.
MIKE
(annoyed)
Where do you get this stuff?
JONAH
From you.
MIKE
Look at me, Jonah. I'm 38, I'm
still single, I live alone... Does
it look like it's all working out?
If there's one thing you don't want
to be, it's like me.
As he opens the door and goes inside, Jonah calls out --
JONAH
I'm pretty sure you don't want to
open your new show with that.
103 EXT. FIELD - DAY 103
On the field that is covered with hot air balloons and their
pilots and aficionados, Abby and Joy stand with Mike's
replacement -- JACK MAGNUM, a fast-talking slickster who
thinks he's really fucking cool.
(CONTINUED)
104.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
103 CONTINUED: 103
JACK MAGNUM
How's my skin? Too shiny? How are
my pores?
JOY
Tiny.
JACK MAGNUM
Which side is better? Left? Right?
Full-frontal?
Joy looks at Abby, a little worried.
ABBY
They're all fine. But let's go
over your intro.
(prompting him)
"I'm Jack Magnum and this is..."
JACK MAGNUM
The Ugly Truth!
He fake-smiles and does the "point-and-shoot", going so far
as to blow the smoke off his fingertip gun.
ABBY
Oh-kay. Let's maybe lose the gun.
JACK MAGNUM
What? The gun is my signature
move.
ABBY
(impatient)
Unless the NRA is paying your
mortgage this month, I say lose the
fucking gun.
JOY
And we're live in -- five, four,
three, two --
104 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 104
Stuart sits in the control room next to Cliff.
CLIFF
Think this guy's any good?
STUART
He better be.
ON THE MONITORS --
(CONTINUED)
105.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
104 CONTINUED: 104
Jack Magnum does his intro, now standing in a balloon basket.
JACK MAGNUM (ON T.V.)
...and this is The Ugly Truth!
Jack starts to do "the gun", but then he remembers and
awkwardly turns it into a peace sign.
JACK MAGNUM (ON T.V.) (CONT'D)
(cont'd)
Peace!
STUART
Oh, Jesus. He's going political.
105 INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY - SAME TIME 105
Jonah watches TV as Mike gets a beer out of the fridge.
JONAH
Dude, check this out. Your
replacement's on.
MIKE
My what?
Mike looks over to see --
ON THE TV -- Live footage from the Balloon Fiesta. Jack
Magnum continues to alienate his audience.
JACK MAGNUM
Most of you are watching this show
so you can learn how to get chicks.
Let me assure you, you're in good
hands. You're looking at a guy
who's personally had sex with over
137 women. Most of them conscious.
106 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 106
Abby looks at Joy, panicked.
ABBY
He's ad-libbing. Why is he ad-
libbing? There's no ad-libbing.
107 INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY - CONTINUOUS 107
Mike sits down on the couch to watch.
MIKE
Oh, this is beautiful.
(CONTINUED)
106.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
107 CONTINUED: 107
ON TV -- Jack Magnum just makes it worse.
JACK MAGNUM (ON T.V.)
We're here at the Balloon Fiesta,
and I'm supposed to be telling you
men are full of hot air, but I
think we all know, it's the ladies
that are full of crap. Just because
she says no, doesn't mean she means
no.
At this Jack Magnum is tackled and pushed out of the balloon
basket. After a moment --
A frazzled ABBY pops up in his place.
ABBY (ON T.V.)
(nervous)
Hi! I'm sorry, but Jack Magnum will
no longer be able to do "The Ugly
Truth" segment. Which should really
come as no surprise. Because men
are completely unreliable.
108 INT. KPHX - DAY - CONTINUOUS 108
Stuart and Cliff watch from the control room, in shock.
CLIFF
What is she doing?
The PHONE RINGS. Stuart picks up, then blanches.
STUART
(into phone)
Hey, Harold. Yes, I know -- we're
fixing it.
109 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 109
Abby stands in the basket, still nervous, but flying on
adrenaline. Joy gives her a "keep going" hand gesture.
ABBY
Take Mike Alexander, for instance.
He up and quit the show without so
much as a word. You think you know
what men are going to do, you think
you know what they want to do...but
when it comes down to the moment
where they actually have to nut up,
they turn around and do something
completely different.
107.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
110 INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY - CONTINUOUS 110
Mike stares at Abby on TV for a second, then grabs his keys.
MIKE
Oh, I'm all over this.
He races out, as Jonah calls after him.
JONAH
I don't think she's into you,guy!
111 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 111
Joy and the camera guy watch as Abby gains steam, ranting to
the camera. B-CAMERA, strapped to the basket, also records.
ABBY
The big, strong, romantic men we've
been reading about in novels and
watching in movies since we were
nine? They're fallacies. "Blue
Lagoon" is a total freakin' lie.
Men are not strong. Men are not
brave. Men are afraid.
112 INT. KPHX - "SACRAMENTO AM" SET - DAY 112 *
From the news desk, Georgia and Larry watch the monitor,
confused.
LARRY
(offended)
I love "Blue Lagoon".
Georgia squeezes his hand.
GEORGIA
I know you do, honey.
113 EXT. FIELD - PARKING LOT - DAY - CONTINUOUS 113
Mike's truck careens into the parking lot. He gets out,
racing towards the field.
114 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 114
Abby is now on a total tear.
ABBY
...They're afraid to say what they
feel. Afraid to grow up. Afraid to
tell the truth.
108.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
115 INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY - CONTINUOUS 115
Jonah watches, entranced.
JONAH
It's like she's in his brain!
116 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 116
Mike pushes through the crowd of balloon lovers.
117 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 117
Abby continues her impassioned tirade.
ABBY
Even if they have a moment in a
hotel elevator that's totally
romantic and filled with potential,
men are completely incapable of
copping to it. Because men are
weak.
MIKE (O.S.)
Let me tell you something about
women.
She turns to see --
MIKE standing there. He pushes past Joy and climbs into the
balloon. Grabbing the mic from Abby's hand.
ABBY
Hey --
MIKE
(ignoring her; to camera)
Women would have us believe that
they are the victims. They aren't.
They want us to think that we break
their hearts for sport. That's
crap. They say they want romance.
They say they want true love, but
all they want is a checklist. Is he
perfect? Is he handsome? Is he a
doctor?
118 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 118
A confused Cliff looks at Stuart, who's still on the phone.
CLIFF
I thought he quit.
(CONTINUED)
109.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
118 CONTINUED: 118
STUART
(now elated; into phone)
See? I told you she'd get him back.
119 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 119
Abby glares at Mike.
ABBY
That is not true.
BY THE CAMERAMAN, Joy shrugs.
JOY
Well, kinda true.
Mike continues his rant.
MIKE
You men that fit the criteria --
don't kid yourselves. They're not
sleeping with you. They're sleeping
with a carefully calculated set of
venal choices. Money over
substance. Looks over soul. Polish
over principles. No gesture, no
matter how real or romantic, will
ever compensate for a really
impressive list of credentials.
ABBY
Says the man who's never made a
gesture except for this one --
She makes the universally known "jack-off" hand gesture.
MIKE
So, the elevator wasn't a gesture?
ABBY
The elevator was a moment of
passion, followed by a moment of
panic on your part, apparently.
120 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 120
Stuart looks at Cliff.
STUART
What elevator?
110.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
121 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 121
Mike glares at Abby.
MIKE
I came by your room!
ABBY
And then you ran away.
MIKE
Well, that wasn't panic,
sweetheart. It was an unwillingness
to compete with the walking
checklist that was in your bed. You
should be thanking me.
NEARBY, Joy taps her watch.
JOY
We have ten seconds.
An OVERZEALOUS BALLOON PILOT walks up.
PILOT
Are we ready to soar up, up and
away?
IN THE BASKET, Mike looks at the camera.
MIKE
And that's the Ugly Truth, folks. A
girl in heat for two guys will
always pick the one with the better
resume.
BEHIND HIM, the Pilot silently boards the balloon.
ABBY
That is bullsh --
The TORCH of the BALLOON is suddenly fired, covering her FBC
violation.
The cameraman follows the balloon as it slowly starts to
rise.
JOY
...And we're out.
(then; sotto)
Keep rolling on B-camera.
111.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
122 INT. HOT AIR BALLOON BASKET - SKY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 122
Abby glares at Mike, not realizing they're still on the air.
ABBY
(freaked)
I hate you so much I just swore on
live television.
MIKE
No, you hate yourself for being so
shallow.
PILOT
Off we go!
Abby and Mike spin around to look at him. Realizing the
balloon is now soaring upwards.
ABBY
Where are we going?!
MIKE
I'm not going anywhere with you.
Mike starts to climb out.
ABBY
What a shock. You're bailing.
PILOT
I wouldn't recommend that...
Mike looks down to see --
They are now FIFTEEN FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. And rising. He
stops climbing, as the balloon continues to float up and
away.
PILOT (cont'd)
So, who wants champagne?
123 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 123
Stuart and Cliff stare at the monitors, eating it up.
STUART
They don't know the camera is on,
do they?
CLIFF
(smiling)
Nuh-uh.
112.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
124 EXT. SKY - DAY - A MOMENT LATER 124
Now holding champagne glasses, a disgusted Mike and Abby look
at opposite ends of the sky, hating that they are trapped
together.
MIKE
Hey! I know -- we can pass the time
with you telling me how much fun
you and Colin had having sex in Los
Angeles.
ABBY
I broke up with Colin in Los
Angeles, jackass.
Mike is thrown, turning to look at her.
MIKE
What?
PILOT
To our left, we have the Sandia
Mountains, glistening in the
afternoon twilight...
Abby ignores the pilot.
ABBY
Oh, that got your interest? If you
think we're going to finish what we
started in LA, you're out of your
mind. You lost your chance.
PILOT
And to our right, you'll see the
Rio Grande River winding its way
through the diochramatic
landscape...
Mike ignores the pilot as well.
MIKE
I never had a chance with you.
PILOT
And off in the distance, we have
the Petroglyph National Monument,
where --
ABBY
(to the Pilot)
Can you stop talking, please?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
113.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
124 CONTINUED: 124
ABBY (cont'd)
(to Mike)
You're right. I had a momentary
lapse in judgement where I thought
you might be more than you are. But
you aren't. Clearly.
MIKE
What does that mean?
ABBY
(mocking)
"I'm Mike Alexander. I like girls
in Jello. I like to fuck like a
monkey. Don't fall in love -- it's
`scary.'"
125 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 125
Joy talks on the phone to Stuart.
JOY
Don't worry, I saw this coming, so
I got us a three second delay.
126 INT. HOT AIR BALLOON BASKET - SKY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 126
Mike glares at Abby.
MIKE
Yeah, it is "scary." It's fucking
terrifying. Especially because I'm
in love with a psycho like you.
127 INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY - CONTINUOUS 127
Jonah now sits with Elizabeth. They both stare at the TV in
shock.
ELIZABETH
Did he just say --
JONAH
"Love"?
128 INT. KPHX - "ALBUQUERQUE AM" SET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 128
Georgia and Larry look at each other.
GEORGIA/LARRY
I knew it!
114.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
129 INT. HOT AIR BALLOON BASKET - SKY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 129
Abby stares at Mike.
ABBY
I am not a psycho.
MIKE
I just told you I loved you and all
you heard was "psycho". You are the
definition of neurotic.
ABBY
The definition of neurotic is a
person who suffers from anxiety,
obsessional thoughts, compulsive
acts and physical ailments without
having any objective evidence of
disease --
MIKE
Again, I just told you I'm in love
with you and you're standing here
giving me a vocabulary lesson.
(to the Pilot)
Back me up on this, buddy...who
here is afraid?
PILOT
I'm just going to drink my
champagne.
ABBY
(skeptical)
You're in love with me. Really.
Why?
MIKE
Beats the shit out of me, but I am.
Abby opens her mouth, about to make a retort, then realizes
what's been said to her. For the first time in her life, she
stops thinking and --
Grabs Mike and kisses the hell out of him. The sheer force of
her kissing THROWS them into the pilot, causing --
The torch to FLAME radically.
The balloon WHOOSHES upwards.
115.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
130 INT. KPHX - CONTROL ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 130
An elated Stuart picks up the phone.
STUART
(into phone)
Joy, how do you feel about a
promotion?
131 EXT. FIELD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 131
On the phone, Joy hi-fives the cameraman, then quickly
composes herself.
JOY
(into phone)
I feel good about it.
132 INT. HOT AIR BALLOON BASKET - SKY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 132
Abby finally loosens her grip on Mike. Hair askew, he looks a
little like he's been hit by a cyclone.
ABBY
(breathless)
If you say "just kidding", I'm
going to throw you out of this
balloon and watch your body
splatter to the ground.
MIKE
Are you going to threaten me with
death when we have sex? Because it
might be distracting.
The Pilot looks worried for his safety.
PILOT
May I suggest you wait until we
land?
Abby and Mike keep kissing as the balloon sails into the
sunset, and we FADE TO BLACK, then CUT TO --
133 EXT. BOTANICAL GARDENS - DAY 133
CLOSE ON Mike, as he addresses the camera. He holds a mic,
wears a tuxedo and speaks in a hushed voice.
(CONTINUED)
116.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
133 CONTINUED: 133
MIKE
As many of you know, sometimes a
guy's gotta admit what he thought
was the truth isn't necessarily the
whole truth. Yes, women have a
checklist, but sometimes that list
includes a foul-mouthed idiot who
took way too long to realize he was
in love.
(holds up a finger)
Let's continue this conversation in
a second.
WE PULL BACK to REVEAL --
Mike is standing in a garden with rows and rows of WEDDING
GUESTS seated behind him. An altar with flowers and a
minister wait patiently.
Mike gestures for the camera to follow him as he makes his
way up to the altar.
As he arrives he greets his groomsman, JONAH, also wearing a
tux. He only has eyes for Joy, Abby's bridesmaid.
JONAH
(to Joy)
Has anyone ever told you you have a
stupendous bosom?
JOY
Not lately, so feel free to say it
again.
A string quartet's version of "HERE COMES THE BRIDE" begins,
as we PAN OVER to see --
ABBY, in a wedding dress, about to make her way up the aisle.
Looking absolutely beautiful.
MIKE
(wowed; to camera)
Zoom in on this, guys. I want the
whole city to see how lucky I am.
The cameraman ZOOMS IN on Abby, as she catches Mike's eye and
smiles.
IN THE AUDIENCE, Elizabeth takes photo after photo. Her date
-- a dead ringer for Jim Morrison -- looks at her, amused.
(CONTINUED)
117.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
133 CONTINUED: (2) 133
ELIZABETH
What? No one's ever going to
believe this. I need proof.
AT THE ALTAR, Abby finally arrives and looks at Mike.
ABBY
(re the cameras)
What's this?
MIKE
Hope you don't mind, but we're
live.
ABBY
(re the cameraman)
No, what's Jorge doing so close?
We need a master.
MIKE
(surprised)
You knew about this?
ABBY
Hello...I'm the producer. It's
sweeps week. How do you think I
got them to pay for this?
She gestures to -- BOB and HAROLD from Corporate, who sit in
the audience.
Mike looks momentarily surprised, then --
MIKE
God, I love you.
He turns to the camera.
MIKE
So, here it is, guys. The games,
the manipulation, the ploys, the
tactics... all the things we do to
think we're in control. But guess
what? We never are.
Abby leans over his shoulder.
ABBY
(to the camera)
Isn't it beautiful?
(CONTINUED)
118.
'THE UGLY TRUTH' - Numbered Script - 2/14/2008
133 CONTINUED: (3) 133
She smiles as we --
CUT TO BLACK.
