WALKING TALL
Written by
Mort Briskin & David Klass
Transcribed by IMSDb
INTRO
Inspired by a true story.
We home in on a boat coming in to shore. Off walks a man, he
is carrying a backpack and wearing shades.
EXT. TOWN
He walks through a town, passing various stores and the general
bustle of the people there. He notices a baby in a pram left
out on the sidewalk, then sees the mother is in an alleyway doing
what looks like a drug deal.
EXT. LUMBER YARD
Chris reads a closure notice on the door. A police car rolls
up.
SHERIFF WATKINS
How ya doin'?
CHRIS
Ok. When'd the mill close?
SHERIFF WATKINS
Ahh 3 years this August. If ya lookin
for work you might wanna try Aberdeen,
that's the closest mill work you're
gonna find around here.
CHRIS
That's too bad.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Nah just simple economics. Y'know we
have a really nice casino here, the
wild cherry. You wanna make some money
maybe you wanna go on down there and
try your luck at the blackjack tables.
CHRIS
Nah I don't think so. Thanks.
Chris turns around and the sheriff notices his name on a bag.
SHERIFF WATKINS
You're Chris Vaughn?
The sheriff chuckles and steps out of the car.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Well hell, I know all about you Chris.
I know your folks, I'm sheriff Stan
Watkins.
They shake hands.
CHRIS
How ya doin.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Ralston get outta the car, you're lookin
at a real soldier here pay some respect.
RALSTON
Welcome home soldier.
CHRIS
Thanks.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Here Chris, (opens the back door) We'll
give ya a ride up to your folks.
CHRIS
Nah I'm fine thank you.
SHERIFF WATKINS
I insist.
CHRIS
I'll walk.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Hey it's my pleasure.
CHRIS
It's ok.
SHERIFF WATKINS
I won't take no for an answer (jokingly
reaches for his gun). HEY! Get in the
car.
Chris raises his hands and the sheriff chuckles.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Did I scare ya with that one?
CHRIS
Lil bit.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Ya. Let's go.
INT. POLICE CAR
SHERIFF WATKINS
You were gone a while huh?
CHRIS
8 years. Harstad was sheriff back then.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Harstad, yeah. Sad story. About 5 months
back he fell asleep at the wheel and
uhhh... hit a tree. Good man, good man
and a good sheriff.
EXT. THE FAMILY HOME
CHRIS
Thanks for the ride.
SHERIFF WATKINS
No problem, and uh Chris (hands him
a piece of paper). It's election month...
I'm your man.
Chris takes the paper and smiles. He walks up the lane toward
the house, a simple white building clad in wood. A lady dressed
in a police uniform comes out.
MICHELLE
Can I help you?
Chris laughs.
MICHELLE
Lil' brother.. You come over here and
gimme a hug.
They laugh together.
MICHELLE
You look great.
CHRIS
What is this?
MICHELLE
Hey, I couldn't let you be the only
one looking good in uniform. Hey ma!
Chris is here!
CHRIS
What's with the tent? (points to a tent
set up on the lawn).
MICHELLE
Oh, that's for Pete.
CONNIE
Look at you!
CHRIS
How ya doin!
Chris hugs his mother, Connie. A man slowly emerges from the
front door.
CONNIE
How long do we have ya for?
CHRIS
For good. I'm home.
CONNIE
Really? You're not kiddin.
CHRIS
No.
They hug again.
CHRIS
Hey dad.
DAD
Welcome back.
INT. KITCHEN
The family are eating takeaway.
CONNIE
I wish you would have told me you were
coming I would've cooked.
CHRIS
This is great.
MICHELLE
So what are you gonna do now that you're
home?
CHRIS
Well I was planning on working at the
mill, your letters never mentioned that
it was closed.
CONNIE
We didn't wanna bother you with our
problems when your father got laid off.
DAD
I got my business, you saw the furniture
outside.
CONNIE
I substitute at the elementary school,
Michelle pitches in. We try to keep
things simple.
A kid walks in.
MICHELLE
Pete! This is your Uncle Chris.
CHRIS
Hey Pete.
MICHELLE
Sit down, say hello. Last time he saw
you you were barely walking.
PETE
And now I'm camping.
MICHELLE
I said you could sleep on the couch.
It was Chris' room first.
CHRIS
Your tent's gonna take on water. I could
show ya how to rig it.
PETE
Doesn't look like it's gonna rain to
me Colonel.
MICHELLE
Pete, cmon sit down, have somethin to
eat.
CHRIS
First of all I was a sergeant. I worked
for a living.
PETE
Did you ever smoke anybody?
CONNIE
Pete!
MICHELLE
Pete!
PETE
Y'know, Papa's still got your gun locked
up in the garage. Think you could teach
me how to shoot?
CHRIS
I figured that'd be scrap metal by now
dad.
DAD
No, I'm still hoping that you'll melt
that thing down on your own.
CHRIS
Sorry Pete.
PETE
Whatever. I'm outta here Mom.
MICHELLE
Okay, be back by ten.
PETE
Ten thirty (as he walks out)
MICHELLE
Ten!
DAD
Remind you of anyone?
INT. BEDROOM
We can see from the window that it's raining heavily outside.
Chris sets about unpacking his things. Pete comes in looking
wet.
PETE
Ok it rained. Happy?
CHRIS
No. Why dontcha crash on the floor?
Pete looks at him.
CHRIS
Ok, I'll crash on the floor, you crash
on the bed.
PETE
uh uh. (starts walking out)
CHRIS
Pete. (hands him a towel). Keep ya dry.
PETE
Did you really kill people?
Chris looks at him.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
A crappy camper van rolls up. A man steps out.
CHRIS
Ray Ray! Ahaaa.
RAY
Hello puddin'.
They hug.
CHRIS
How ya doin?
RAY
I'm alright.
CHRIS
What is that? (points to the van)
RAY
That's the lovemachine.
CHRIS
Girls actually get in there?
Ray shrugs.
CHRIS
How ya been?
RAY
Good. Clean livin.
CHRIS
Wanna beer?
RAY
No. Believe it or not I quit drinkin.
I'll take a soda though.
CHRIS
Here.
RAY
Thanks man.
CHRIS
Whoah. (spots a tattoo of a guitar on
Ray's arm).
RAY
Ya like that? When you left town it
gave me the idea that I should do something
with my life too so uhh I went down
to Seattle, got a guitar and became
all about music. And then pretty soon
I was about music and drugs, n pretty
soon I was basically just about drugs.
Ended up doin 2 years for B+E.
CHRIS
I'm sorry.
RAY
Nahh, look at me now though right? I
been clean and sober for 14 months,
doing construction and renewing those
supportive and healthy friendships from
my past. Matter of fact I talked to
the bastards, told em you were back
and they asked me to politely remind
you that kick off's in twenty minutes.
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD
A group of guys are there waiting, one of them holding a ball.
They salute as Chris walks up. They all laugh.
CHRIS
Playin ball?
ALL
Let's play ball!
JIMMY
Ray go deep go deep! (as Ray runs off
he throws the ball into Ray's back).
CHRIS
(Spotting a sign that reads 'HAMILTON
FIELD') When did that happen?
JIMMY
His parents hadn't left him the mill
more than 2 minutes before he shut it
down.
CHRIS
Why?
a voice shouts 'HEADS UP' Chris catches a fast ball thrown from
behind. Jay steps out of his vehicle.
JAY
Cause I opened my Casino.
CHRIS
Still got a gut huh Jay?
JAY
Still got your reflexes. What, you get
tired of being all that you can be?
CHRIS
I'm still all I can be.
JAY
Really? I'll just have to see about
that. What brings you home?
CHRIS
I just wanna relax, catch my breath.
JAY
You? Relax?
Another truck with a few guys on it pulls up
JAY
Not today.
A football game ensues, there are two teams. Jay's guys vs Chris'
guys. On the sidelines Pete pulls up on a small motorcycle. Chris
notices Pete hanging around with kids smoking. It comes down
to the last play, the teams are huddled into two groups talking.
RAY
If we score here we win right?
CHRIS
Alright boys, last play. We need to
put this to rest.
RAY
Just give me the ball.
CHRIS
You got it. On the first hut!
JAY
Ok Vaughn, last chance.
Chris gets the ball and throws it. An opponent comes in hard
and tackles him low. He collapses. Ray runs for the ball but
gets clotheslined by Jay.
JAY
That's game!
OPPONENT
(to Chris) Sorry about that.
CHRIS
That's cool man.
Chris Helps Ray onto his feet.
JAY
Welcome home.
CHRIS
Good to be back.
JAY
See ya round. Hey, if you're not doing
anythin later on you could come by the
casino. I'll introduce ya to some nice
girls, drinks are on me. Whaddya say?
CHRIS
See ya tonight.
JAY
Cool.
Jay speeds off in his car. Pete rolls up on his bike.
PETE
Hey Sarge, good game. Maybe next time.
CHRIS
Hold up. Maybe next time I won't see
you with the bleachers smoking weed.
RAY
Welcome home buddy.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WILD CHERRY CASINO
CHRIS
Don't you have to be native american
to own a casino?
JIMMY
Oh Hamilton's one sixteenth black man
now.
FRIEND 2
Just so you guys know, I'm gonna triple
my money tonight.
FRIEND 3
Yea, like last time. Wound up selling
your body for bus fare.
FRIEND 4
He had to walk!
They all laugh.
CHRIS
Nobody's gonna have any problems finding
this place.
RAY
It's the subtle attention to aesthetics
that I find most impressive, blends
in with the mountains SO nicely.
INT. WILD CHERRY CASINO
The place is packed with gambling tables and attractive women.
FRIEND
Not bad huh?
CHRIS
Not bad.
RAY
Isn't it wonderful? All your gambling
needs under one great big roof. You
got your ATM machine, tellers to cash
your paycheck, and when you're here
you don't gotta worry about those lil
things like child support, rent, the
laws of mathematical probability.
WORKER
Gentlemen, Mr Hamilton would like to
invite you to the VIP lounge.
RAY
Oh, 'Mister' Hamilton.
INT. VIP LOUNGE
JAY
Heyyy, the dream team!
CHRIS
Nice place.
JAY
Yeah well. Welcome to my world. Look
tonight, all the drinks are on the house.
If you need a line of credit, say how
much. And if you need a lil female companionship...
done. Alright? Have a good time.
CHRIS
Where you goin?
JAY
Don't you worry about me, I've got a
few things to do. Enjoy.
RAY
Just remember, nothin in here's free.
C'mon, this place is nothin but fake
boobs and real assholes if ya ask me.
Just water for me.
FRIENDS
Here's to you Chris.
They all down some drinks. They lead Chris down a corridor.
FRIEND
Don't say we never did nothin' for ya!
FRIEND 2
Don't worry, everybody's a lil scared
the first time. Get in there, sit back
and enjoy.
Chris' friends have led him to a stripping booth, his friend
inserts the money.
FRIEND 2
If you're not back by morning we'll
send a search party for you.
CHRIS
Bye! No drinking.
His friends leave, closing the door behind them.
A screen goes up and a striptease begins. The lady is dressed
in the style of a firewoman and has a pole in the center of the
stage. She dances around the pole and removes clothes.
STRIPPER
So you from here or just visiting.
CHRIS
Lil of both, I grew up here.
STRIPPER
So you've seen all the old faces.
CHRIS
Could say that.
STRIPPER
Your voice sounds very familiar.
The lights come on.
STRIPPER
Chris...
CHRIS
Deni..
The screen goes down again, Chris leaves the booth.
INT. CASINO
FRIEND 1
Look who's back.
FRIEND 2
So, good surprise?
FRIEND 1
Told you it was better than gambling.
You met Candy? (A girl is dancing on
their table)
CHRIS
Hey Candy. (to the guys) Let's go.
INT. CRAPS TABLE
CROUPIER
6! Easy 6 for a win!
JIMMY
(To some girls) We can do a 6.
JIMMY
(To Chris) We're gettin killed out here.
I need you to put 200 down for the bet.
CHRIS
No, hell no.
FRIEND 3
Look at them (Nods to girls).
CHRIS
Ok.
CROUPIER
Five hundred on 6?
JIMMY
Yes, I'm in. Boom! Gimme some dice.
Chris notices something odd, he looks concerned.
CROUPIER
Lookin' for a 6.
CHRIS
Jimmy. Don't roll. Gimme the dice.
CROUPIER
Lookin' for a 6. Ohhhhh.
The dice have landed and it's a 7. Jimmy hangs his head.
CHRIS
(To the croupier) You're good, but I
saw it.
CROUPIER
Saw what?
CHRIS
I saw the switch.
CROUPIER
Hey this is a clean game asshole.
CHRIS
Yea?
CROUPIER
Yea.
CHRIS
Let's see about that.
Chris puts a load of money on the table.
CHRIS
Bet you I'll roll a seven.
CROUPIER
It's not your roll sir. SIR! It's not
your roll. Call security.
Chris has taken the dice.
CHRIS
Put your bets down on the pass line.
These dice are comin up seven.
JIMMY
Chris, why don't we just let it go?
CHRIS
No, we gonna let it ride Jimmy. The
dice are comin up seven.
CROUPIER
It's not your roll sir.
Chris rolls the dice and sure enough it's a seven.
COMMISSIONER
No folks, no payout.
CHRIS
(To croupier) Why don't you just take
care of that bet and we're even.
CROUPIER
Well I would but it wasn't a legitimate
bet, you're not the shooter. It's not
your (Chris shoves him) ROLL sir.
SECURITY GUY
Is there a problem?
CHRIS
Yea, the problem is your dice are loaded.
Does your boss know about this? Just
gimme my money.
The security guy grabs Chris around the neck. Chris elbows him
and throws him onto the table. The croupier takes a fighting
stance. Jimmy taps Chris on the shoulder.
JIMMY
Come on, let's go! let's go!
More security men appear, one of them knocks Jimmy out. A whole
fight breaks out, Ray gets knocked out. Chris beats off several
security men before taking an electric shock to the neck and
a baton to the face. Chris wakes up on a table under a light.
BAD GUY 1
(Sees the tag around Chris' neck) Special
forces? I'll take that.
Chris grabs him by the neck but they beat him down again.
BAD GUY 2
What are you doin?
BAD GUY 1
(Has a scalpel in his hand) Special
forces... special treatment.
He rips open Chris' shirt.
BAD GUY 2
This guy knows Hamilton!
A struggle ensues and Chris' chest is cut up.
EXT. A BRIDGE
We see Chris is crawling, badly hurt. A truck stops directly
in front of him. Chris passes out again.
INT. HOSPITAL
DOCHRIS
(To Chris' family) Folks, he's pretty
banged up, inside and out. Whoever did
this left him for dead. A lesser man
wouldn't have survived.
SHERIFF WATKINS
I'm gonna need a statement from him
Doctor.
DOCHRIS
He's in no condition to give you one.
SHERIFF WATKINS
I'll also need a copy of your write-up
along with toxicoloy, blood alcohol
level and so on.
MICHELLE
What are you talkin about Stan?
SHERIFF WATKINS
I'm just tryin to get some facts here.
MICHELLE
Oh come on you need to be out arresting
whoever tried to kill my brother not
testing his BLOOD.
SHERIFF WATKINS
I'm just doing my job Michelle. Ok?
I understand how you feel. But we still
don't know yet who started all of this.
CONNIE
Well it wasn't Chris.
DAD
Just find out who did this to him Stan.
SHERIFF WATKINS
I'll do my best Mr Vaughn. I really
will. In the meantime I have to file
a full report. You lemme know when I
can talk to him.
The doctor nods.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Thank you.
DOCHRIS
He's gonna be fine Michelle.
MICHELLE
Thanks.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD
Ray goes into a room and takes a big bunch of flowers from there.
NURSE
BEAUTIFUL flowers!
RAY
Thank you, they're for my best friend.
INT. CHRIS HOSPITAL BED
RAY
Hey sarge, so much for our VIP... status.
Don't they teach you any fighting skills
in the army.
CHRIS
How did you do?
RAY
Not good. But I tell you, that guy was
feelin me this morning.
Chris begins to laugh but is in pain.
RAY
You okay?
CHRIS
Some homecoming hey.
RAY
I don't know if you've noticed but this
aint exactly home any more.
EXT. FAMILY HOUSE
Chris has returned home. He's still in bad shape and his parents
help him out of the car. He insists on taking the steps by himself.
PETE
There's some old crutches in the garage.
Chris laughs.
INT. LOUNGE
A montage ensues with Chris on the couch, sometimes with Ray,
other times with Pete. Chris is recovering, and is exercising
by the end of it.
INT. GARAGE
Chris pulls the cover off an old truck. He smiles and gets in.
He starts the engine.
DAD
Changed the plugs a while back.
CHRIS
Appreciate that Dad.
DAD
I might've had serious issues with your
career choice but just didn't seem fair
to take it out on an innocent truck.
Where you headin?
CHRIS
I was goin into town to get some supplies.
Wanna come?
DAD
Let's go.
INT. CAR
DAD
Ya whole life, all you wanted to do
was get outta here. What made you come
back.
CHRIS
You gonna think I'm crazy. I been thinking
about the mill. When I was a kid goin
to visit you at work, the smell of that
fresh-cut cedar. You remember that smell.
DAD
Mmm I remember a lotta nice things before
the mill closed.
CHRIS
When did they go outta business? (Nods
to a closed supply store).
DAD
Closed about six months ago. There's
a home depot about fifteen minutes up
the road.
CHRIS
And that? (Nods to an adult XXX shop)
DAD
Don't ask.
They laugh.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
Jay pulls up in his car.
JAY
Hey. First of all I wanna say thanks.
CHRIS
For what?
JAY
He's been fired, and his gaming permit's
been pulled. I don't know how my security
cameras didn't catch that.
Jay starts to help Chris taking wood off the truck but Chris
throws it back on.
CHRIS
They miss a lot at your place don't
they Jay.
JAY
Look Chris I hate seein ya like this.
CHRIS
Your boys did it.
JAY
Wait wait... so they got a little rough,
they were a bit edgy. Understandably.
You don't know what kind of assholes
they have to put up with on a daily
basis. Look, they've been reprimanded.
They say you went nuts man. I'm sorry.
I know the proper term vets use is post
traumatic stress.
CHRIS
What the fuck are you talking about?
JAY
Whatever it was, you tore my place apart
and it wasn't easy for me to get my
guys agree not to press charges. Look
Chris, if you had a problem... shouldn't
you have come to me? Look, I wanna bring
you inside. Chris I wanna make you head
of security. Whaddya say?
CHRIS
No.
JAY
Ah well. I guess you probably need time
to think about it. This is for you.
It's a little something to help you
get... Y'know..
He puts down an envelope with money in it. Chris gives it back
to him.
JAY
Come on man, don't be like that. I came
all the way out here to your house just
to see you get back on your feet.
CHRIS
I'm goin to the sheriff.
JAY
I'm sorry you feel that way. I'll see
ya round Chris.
INT. POLICE STATION
CHRIS
Excuse me.
An officer is on the phone ignoring him.
CHRIS
Excuse me.
The sheriff comes out.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Well hey Chris. Good to see you up and
about, you're lookin spiffy.
CHRIS
I'm here to press charges.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Well this isn't about that incident
at the casino a while back is it?
CHRIS
Yea, it is.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Cause that matter's closed.
CHRIS
Did you look into it?
SHERIFF WATKINS
They did an internal investigation.
That's good enough for me.
CHRIS
An internal investigation.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Chris, I know you're familiar with the
term 'no fly zone'. Hmm? Cause that's
what the casino is. Since the mill closed
down that casino is the main source
of revenue in this town. So, case closed
basically. I'll see ya.
CHRIS
I'm not gonna let this stand.
SHERIFF WATKINS
Excuse me? What did you say to me?
CHRIS
I said I'm not gonna let this stand.
SHERIFF WATKINS
You're lucky to be alive right now,
that's all you need to be concentrating
on. This is my town ok, I'm the sheriff
here. I'll tell you what will stand,
not the other way around. Now please
get out of my building.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Deni is at the door.
DENI
Hey.
CHRIS
Hey.
DENI
This belongs to you.
She hands him a leather jacket.
CHRIS
I appreciate that, I thought this was
history.
DENI
Coulda left it in the trash but I...
CONNIE
Deni? Nice to see you dear.
DENI
Hi Mrs Vaughn.
CHRIS
Can I talk to you outside for a second.
Mom I'll be right back.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
DENI
How you been?
CHRIS
Been better.
DENI
Talked to the sheriff yet?
CHRIS
Well I went down to the police station
and I talked to somebody with a badge.
Sure as hell didn't seem like much of
a sheriff.
DENI
He's up for re-election you know. Maybe
you could take his job.
CHRIS
Somebody ought to. How about you?
DENI
Sunshine and pine trees. Been readin
these books, teach you how to cultivate
happiness. Books on the future, go with
the flow, that sorta thing.
CHRIS
Is it workin?
DENI
I have my moments.
CHRIS
So the casino huh?
DENI
Yep. Been there almost a year.
CHRIS
Treatin you good?
DENI
Lot better than it treated you.
CHRIS
I like that. Jay Hamilton's done well
for himself hasn't he.
DENI
Yea, he's a real go-getter that one.
CHRIS
Must be. I heard he got you.
DENI
Lasted about 8 minutes, a long long
time ago.
CHRIS
You still work for him though.
DENI
Rent's gotta be paid Chris.
CHRIS
Suppose so.
DENI
Hope to see you around.
CHRIS
Do you?
She begins to drive off.
CHRIS
Thanks for the jacket.
She toots the horn as she goes.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Connie is on the phone.
CONNIE
And where is he?
EXT. OUTSIDE SOME GARAGE
The Vaughn's truck pulls up at speed. They enter a garage, Pete
is on a stretcher.
MICHELLE
It's ok mom he's stabilised. (To Chris)
It was close. Crystal Meth.
PETE
I'm sorry. I never did it before.
KID
It's true. We mighta kinda pushed him
into it.
Chris approaches the kid.
CHRIS
Where'd you get the drugs?
KID
I'm not really sure...
CHRIS
Stop. Where?
KID
From the security guys workin at the
casino.
Chris gets into his truck.
CONNIE
Chris, wait. Call the police.
CHRIS
No, that won't do any good.
Chris speeds off. He pulls up at their home and enters the garage.
DAD
Is Pete ok?
CHRIS
He'll be fine.
Chris is searching about and forces open a cupboard.
DAD
What are you doin?
Chris pulls out a shotgun and loads it.
DAD
Aw Chris not like this. Chris listen
to me. If you go outta here with that
gun, they're gonna.. ne... Chris!
Chris drives to the casino, he cocks the shotgun but decides
to leave it in the truck. Instead he takes a piece of wood from
the back of his truck. He enters the casino with it. He smashes
a fruit machine. A guard comes up and Chris beats him. A fight
scene breaks out with Chris beating the guards and generally
trashing the place. He takes back his special forces dogtag from
the guard who stole it. Chris hurls his piece of wood at the
VIP lounge window, smashing it to pieces. Jay emerges from behind
it.
JAY
Guess that changes our relationship
a bit huh?
Chris leaves. As he drives off in his truck, police cars appear
with sirens going. He pulls over.
SHERIFF WATKINS
You should NOT have come looking for
trouble. Keep your hands up, get out
of the vehicle now Chris! NOW!
INT. POLICE STATION ROOM
LAWYER
I advise you to give this offer more
than a little serious thought. If you
go to trial you stand to do 18 years.
This is a sweet plea, normally they
wouldn't even put it on the table but
your military record can't be ignored.
Three months home arrest, some community
service. Pretty generous offer Chris.
CHRIS
But I'd have to plead guilty.
LAWYER
Look at it from the other side. There's
over a dozen witnesses, none of em are
gonna paint a very flattering picture.
We see a montage of casino workers badmouthing Chris.
WORKER
He started bustin up the machines...
GIRL
There was a gunshot..
WORKER
Went crazy...
GIRL
Complete psychopath.
CHRIS
They're only offering me this deal just
to keep me quiet.
LAWYER
Well I still say you should take it.
CHRIS
I wasn't wrong. And I won't say I was.
INT. COURTROOM
CASINO GUARD
Our job is to keep order. But there
was no chance of that. Me and my men
we were just tryin to control him. He
was highly trained, violent, very dangerous
person.
PROSECUTOR
So dangerous, so violent, so highly
trained that he despatched six of the
casino staff single handedly. His weapon
of choice a simple piece of cedar. Which
in his hand became a devastating force
with one aim, to hurt people, destroy
property.
WORKER
He went directly for everything. He
just came in and took over the place.
PROSECUTOR
You said he broke your arm.
WORKER
Yea that's correct, my right forearm.
Both bones with a single shot. It was
crazy.
CASINO GUARD 2
You know, toss out a coupla drunks now
and then. Guys try to grope the girls,
but ah nothing with this sort of violence.
PROSECUTOR
Did he give you any kind of advanced
warning? A chance to defend yourself.
CASINO GUARD 2
We tussled, but he's a big guy. He was
on a mission. Besides, he seemed to
be too busy enjoying himself from what
I could see.
PROSECUTOR
So from what you saw, it seemed like
he had some kinda purpose?
CASINO GUARD 2
I think he had a point to prove yeah.
WORKER
I was emptyin machines when Mr Vaugh
came in and started swingin.
GIRL
I was tryin to get outta there.
JUDGE
Mr Crow, you may present your client's
case.
CHRIS
(To his lawyer) You're fired.
CHRIS
Your honor, I'd like to plead my own
case.
JUDGE
Order, order. Mr Vaughn, if you choose
to represent yourself and not be represented
by legal counsel you realise that you
can't then claim a mistrial on that
basis.
CHRIS
Yes I do.
JUDGE
Very well Mr Vaughn.
CHRIS
I don't deny anything that was said
here today.
JUDGE
Does that mean you're changing your
plea to guilty?
CHRIS
I'm not guilty of anything. Except standing
up for myself when the law wouldn't.
OPPOSITION
Objection. He's trying to introduce
prior events your honor.
JUDGE
Sustained. Mr Vaughn stay on point.
CHRIS
I grew up in this town. People used
to walk tall in this town, they wouldn't
have traded the mill for a crooked casino.
JUDGE
Mr Vaughn we're not here to listen to
civic speeches.
CHRIS
And they wouldn't have stood around
while drugs were being sold to kids.
OPPOSITION
Objection.
JUDGE
Sustained. Mr Vaughn you're close to
being held in contempt.
CHRIS
I was justified in what I did, and if
you acquit me of these charges I'm gonna
run for sheriff. And if elected, I'm
gonna fix this town.
JUDGE
Order, order. Mr Vaughn you are now
charged with contempt.
CHRIS
And I will make sure that THIS (He opens
his shirt revealing huge scarring) never
happens to anyone again without punishing
those who did it.
JUDGE
I order the jury to ignore what they
have just seen. Mr Vaughn take your
seat. Order! Order!
JUDGE
Mr Forman, has the jury reached a verdict?
FORMAN
We have your honor.
JUDGE
Will the defendant please rise.
FORMAN
We find the defendant Chris Vaughn not
guilty.
The crowd breaks into cheer. Chris takes a tag from his piece
of cedar wood which is laying on the evidence table.
CHRIS
This is mine.
The crowds fade away with chants of 'Sheriff Vaughn'.
EXT. POLICE STATION
Chris pulls up to the station in his police truck, it's clear
he's now the sheriff.
WATKINS
Sheriff.
CHRIS
Watkins.
WATKINS
Well you won the election, congratulations.
We do have a tradition of professional
courtesy up here, and I can personally
vouch for each and every one of these
men. They're good deputies.
CHRIS
You're all fired.
INT. POLICE STATION
Chris takes a look around.
EXT. A COUNTRY ROAD
Jay is speeding along in a sportscar. He is pulled over by a
police truck.
JAY
Hey Chris.
CHRIS
License and registration please.
JAY
You're joking right?
CHRIS
License and registration.
Jay hands it over.
JAY
What's the problem sheriff?
CHRIS
You. And the drugs you're pedalling
out of your casino.
JAY
Oh. Only thing that's going on in my
casino right now is reconstruction.
You took care of that.
CHRIS
Yea that's right and I plan on taking
care of everything else too.
JAY
If you can, try to think this through.
A casino is a license to print money.
Why would I jeopardise that by selling
drugs?
CHRIS
Cause you owned the town Jay. It's changed
now.
JAY
Really? See the only thing that I think
has changed around here is that every
morning you get to wake up and put on
that nifty lil badge. But underneath
that badge is the same guy that couldn't
make it playing college football, apparently
couldn't make it in the army and not
gonna make it as a cop.
CHRIS
Is that right?
JAY
Yea, and if you push too hard you're
gonna be a man who doesn't live to see
40. License please.
Chris hands it over.
JAY
Thanks sheriff.
CHRIS
Sir get your tail lights fixed, it's
your last warning.
JAY
What's wrong with my tail lights?
Chris smashes up the back end of Jay's car with his trusty piece
of cedar wood.
CHRIS
They're broken.
EXT. RAY'S PLACE
RAY
Mornin sheriff.
CHRIS
Mornin deputy.
Chris tosses Ray a badge.
RAY
No, nope, no. Come on man you know I
hate cops. You been sheriff 2 minutes
and I'm already startin to hate you.
I'm a convicted felon.
CHRIS
I got a lil pull around here.
RAY
Oh now you're a CROOKED cop doing favours
for friends. That's how it starts. See
next thing you know you'll be taking
bribes, setting up roadblocks, frisking
dudes crotches.
CHRIS
Are you done? Ray I need your help.
RAY
Oh don't do that.
CHRIS
I need you to take me to drugs school.
RAY
I get to wear a uniform?
A montage ensues, with Chris and Ray busting various drug dealers.
EXT. DEALER'S HOUSE
CHRIS
You're SURE you're not carrying anything.
BOOTH
I don't have shit.
CHRIS
Officer.
RAY
Yeah.
CHRIS
Search him.
RAY
Oh. Spread your legs, arms down. Been
workin out? Nothin there. Ohhhh somebody
needs a BATH!
BOOTH
Now you read me my rights and take me
in. And I call my lawyer.
RAY
K. I have a hunch there may be somethin
else in here (Pats the dealer's truck).
CHRIS
Could be.
Music plays while the two chop up the dealer's car into pieces
while laughing.
RAY
He's clean. Guess we gotta move to plan
B.
BOOTH
Screw you, I do have a bit of information
for you. It's not just me actually,
there's a whole lotta people in on this
one.
CHRIS
Spit it out.
BOOTH
You're gonna get hurt.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Chris is in the room with a shotgun.
DAD
Why does it always have to be your fight?
CHRIS
You might need this.
DAD
No. I put my guns down a long time ago.
CHRIS
You're just being stubborn.
DAD
You and me both boy. Chris, listen.
You be careful.
CHRIS
I will.
INT. POLICE STATION
Booth is locked up, Ray is taunting him through a loudspeaker.
RAY
Please step away from the vehicle. Now
Mr Booth are you still upset over that
body cavity search? WOOOOOOOO! I forgot,
you got no vehicle. Please disperse,
there is nothing to s...
Chris has walked in.
CHRIS
Can I talk to you?
RAY
Yeah.
CHRIS
Over here?
RAY
Sure.
CHRIS
I'm gonna stay with him tonight. I need
you to take care of my parent's place.
RAY
You think they're gonna take it that
far?
Chris hands him the shotgun.
RAY
I'm with you man, I'll check in later.
CHRIS
Kay.
NIGHT TIME
Deni comes into the police station.
DENI
Don't shoot.
CHRIS
Hey
DENI
Hi. How's the food around here? Brought
you special treats. Salmon, Fried Chicken,
Potato Salad. You got cups?
CHRIS
Don't you have to work tonight?
DENI
Hmm I quit. I figured you know, you
were making some changes around here,
I could make a few myself.
Chris grabs her and they kiss.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Ray is on the couch and has just woken to a noise.
RAY
Who's that?
PETE
It's Pete. Want something to eat?
RAY
No I'm good man.
INT. POLICE STATION
CHRIS
I gotta get a bigger bed.
DENI
No, no you don't.
EXT. WILD CHERRY CASINO
Jay calls a number on his celphone.
JAY
Do it.
INT. POLICE STATION
DENI
I'm hungry.
CHRIS
Got leftovers...
DENI
Mm mmm, I want pancakes, and eggs, and
bacon.
A loud explosion happens, it's Chris' police truck outside.
BOOTH
WOOOOOOOOOOOO! I told you Vaughn! Uh
ohhhh. Who needs to step away from the
vehicle now Vaughn? Truck for truck
baby, that's right, truck for a truck.
Chris steps towards the front of the building but men outside
open fire, Chris ducks for cover.
CHRIS
(To Deni) Get down!
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
RAY
Pete, somethin's burnin.
INT. POLICE STATION
Men with machine guns are still firing at the police station.
Deni's screaming, Booth is cheering.
CHRIS
Take that and get in there.
Chris gives Deni a pistol.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
RAY
Pete?
Ray steps into the kitchen but gunmen have infiltrated the home.
A fight breaks out and Pete flees. Ray jumps onto the back of
a gunman.
INT. POLICE STATION
Chris shoots up the floor with a shotgun and breaks a hole in
it.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Ray stabs the gunman with a potato peeler and knocks him out
with a frying pan.
INT. POLICE STATION
CHRIS
(To Deni) Come here.
They get down into the hole in the floor.
CHRIS
When I say 'now' start shooting, over
there. Stay low.
Booth is now under fire and is scared.
BOOTH
Vaughn you gotta get me outta here!
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Two other gunmen in stocking masks are holding the family hostage
upstairs.
DAD
I know who you are.
GUNMAN
Oh yeah?
The gunman takes off his mask and hits him with a pistol.
GUNMAN
(Calling downstairs) Burke?
GUNMAN 2
Check it out.
He goes downstairs to find Burke dead on the kitchen floor. He
follows traces of blood across the floor.
INT. POLICE STATION
Chris is making his way towards Booth under fire.
BOOTH
C'mon! Get me outta here man!
CHRIS
What's it worth to you? Where's the
lab?
BOOTH
Screw you!
Gunshots hit near booth.
BOOTH
Ok! Ok! Hamilton's operation is at the
mill ok! It's at the mill now get me
outta here.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
The gunman enters a room, Ray is there pointing a shotgun at
him.
RAY
Drop it!
INT. POLICE STATION
CHRIS
Stay down!
Booth is standing and gets shot dead.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Ray shoots the gunman, who falls to the floor.
UPSTAIRS
MICHELLE
Ray!
GUNMAN 2
Stay down!
INT. POLICE STATION
Booth is dead so Chris leaves him there.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
RAY
(To gunman's body on the floor) Hey..
you okay?
UPSTAIRS
Gunman 2 looks away for a second and Michelle kicks him down
the stairs. As he tumbles down Ray reloads his shotgun. The two
begin firing at each other, taking cover behind the furniture.
INT. POLICE STATION
WATKINS
Tried to warn ya Chris. Didn't want
this to happen.
One of the men outside has a canister. Watkins gives him the
nod and he begins walking towards the station. Chris is beneath
the floor and shoots him in the legs. The two remaining men outside
open fire again. Another gunman tries to approach but he's shot
in the legs as well. Watkins enters the station and fires repeatedly
at the floor.
WATKINS
Come get some! WOOOOOOOOO!
CHRIS
Deni! Now!
Deni fires off some shots. Watkins is distracted by the shots,
Chris appears in the floor hole and blasts Watkins at close range
with a shotgun.
CHRIS
Deni.... Deni.
Chris climbs out of the hole and they hug.
INT. FAMILY HOUSE
Shots are still being fired in the lounge. Ray and the gunman
begin to wrestle. Ray wins and punches the man repeatedly. Chris
has come back to the house and tries to pull Ray off the man,
Ray mistakenly hits Chris in the face.
RAY
I'm sorry!
Chris helps Ray over to a chair, Ray has taken a shot to the
leg.
The injured gunman from the kitchen appears brandishing a pistol.
GUNMAN
You stabbed me... with a potato peeler??
Chris and Ray hold up their hands. He aims at Ray but he's shot
in the back of the head by Dad who is approaching down the stairs.
CHRIS
You gonna be ok?
Dad nods.
EXT. THE MILL
Chris is in a police car driving at speed. He approaches the
mill and busts through the locked gates.
INT. THE MILL
The mill is dark, Chris is finding his way around using a torch.
He finds Jay sitting.
JAY
Hey Chris.
CHRIS
Get up Jay.
JAY
Just a sec. Remember we used to play
hide n seek up here?
Jay hits a metal saw which resonates making a metallic sound.
JAY
That was my favourite sound.
CHRIS
Get up!
Jay stands up and holds up his hands.
JAY
Look... Chris... just...
Jay hits a switch on the floor which opens a hatch. Chris falls
into the hatch but hangs onto the saw which is swinging over
it.
Jay hits more switches, powering up the machinery.
JAY
You wanna know what my new favourite
sound's gonna be? The sound of you screaming
like a little bitch.
Jay hits Chris in the stomach with a pole a few times. Chris
grabs the pole and they both fall. Chris has hurt his leg. Chris
stumbles off into the woods. Jay grabs an axe and goes after
him, he swings the axe but misses and they both fall down a large
earthy embankment. At the bottom they come to their senses and
begin fighting again, Jay with his axe and Chris with a log he's
ripped off a tree. Chris knocks Jay out by hitting him hard in
the legs.
CHRIS
You're right Jay, this does change our
relationship. This is my town, you're
under arrest.
INT. WILD CHERRY CASINO
Chris and Ray are packing everything, the place is boarded up.
CHRIS
That oughta do it. WHAT are you doin?
RAY
Gettin some souvenirs, I'm gonna miss
the place!
CHRIS
That's how it starts. Next you'll be
accepting bribes, setting speed traps
all over town, cuttin up trucks. Not
to mention the cavity searches.
RAY
Speakin of which, do you think Jay's
got a casino in the pen?
CHRIS
Could be.
RAY
Runnin the shower tower with the felons.
He's probably blowin on somebody's dice
right now.
They laugh as they drive off. The mill makes a horn noise.
RAY
That's lunch.
CHRIS
Let's go pick my old man and grab somethin
to eat.
RAY
I'm with ya buddy.
FADE OUT
