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A dim light pole illuminates the legs of a young man as he slowly walks through wavy grass with a pistol in his shaky hand and thunder rumbles.

Eventually, his legs stop at the base of a large oak tree as rain begins to fall and lightning spiders across the sky.

A single GUN SHOT rings out, followed by a thud.

A well-attended upscale and catered pool party. Most attendees are in swimming-suits.

SUPER: 2005, Los Angeles.

MERRICK JENNINGS (21), sharply attractive, short black hair, sits poolside reading a script that lies open on his lap. A banner drapes off the French Normandy mansion which overlooks the pool.

Banner: Congrats to Cast & Crew of Train to Nowhere!

RICHARD JENNINGS (45), rugged, heavyset, brown hair, approaches Merrick from behind.

Richard eyes light up at the script.

He roughs up Merrick’s hair, enters the pool, and swims off.

Out walks Vivian (40s), blonde hair, sunglasses, who stands next to Merrick.

Vivian sits with Merrick, places an arm around him and places her feet in the pool.

Merrick flips to the cover:

Without Noah

Written By: Cameron Knight

Vivian laughs and pats Merrick on the leg and enters the pool, joining Richard in the pool as Merrick puts the script away.

SAMANTHA PIERCE (20s), long brown hair, bright smile, sneaks her hands over Merrick’s eyes from behind.

Merrick pulls them both into the pool as she screams, and everyone laughs.

The lights are down, as a movie plays and the house is packed with well-dressed PATRONS.

Merrick, Samantha, Richard, and Vivian sit together as an emotional score plays.

!ON SCREEN:

Steam rises from a stopped, hissing WWII train. Nazi soldiers search the grounds nearby.

Secluded in nearby thick brush lies a motionless Merrick, wearing a Nazi uniform, in Samantha’s arms as she sobs over him. His blood is smeared across the Jewish Star on her dress.

The musical score rises with her cries until yelling from soldiers jolts her out of it.

In a shivery, shaky panic she looks down at the dead Merrick. She struggles to remove his coat, wraps it around herself and arms herself with his gun.

The emotional score rises even higher as she sneaks away.

!BACK TO THEATER

Sniffling and watery eyes throughout the theater as Samantha snuggles up to Merrick, and whispering –

Merrick splashes his face at a sink as men hurry in & out. As he starts drying his face, he slowly raises a hand to his stomach, then rushes into a stall.

Merrick lies across Vivian’s lap, with a wet rag on his forehead. Richard sits opposite smoking a cigar with the window cracked.

A disgusted look from Vivian.

Merrick sits up, removing the rag.

Richard frowns and sighs – aiming at Merrick.

Vivian and Richard are thrown by his tone. After a bit of a stare-off, Richard sighs and adjusts his gaze out the window as he starts puffing on the cigar again.

Merrick returns to Vivian’s lap, reapplying the rag.

Richard nurses a drink at the kitchen bar dressed in a suit. Behind him lounges a lazy Merrick watching TV.

Merrick blank-stares him.

Merrick, now wearing a nice suit, watches TV as Samantha enters in a very glamorous dress. Richard approaches her.

Merrick takes the hint, approaching and embracing Samantha as Vivian enters eyeing Samantha’s dress.

Samantha jokingly twirls around as they all laugh.

Richard, Merrick, and Samantha are seated at a long table in front of a raucous press. The Train to Nowhere movie poster next to the table.

POSTER: A ghostly WWII train between Merrick and Samantha’s faces. Merrick in a Nazi uniform, Samantha in her dress emblazoned with the Jewish star.

The press conference has begun.

Merrick goes to answer but is interrupted.

Faint agitated eye-roll from Merrick.

Samantha eyes Merrick, with a bright smile.

Some laughter.

Merrick slowly leans into the microphone, as a grin slowly emerges.

Richard, leaning into his microphone.

The room bursts into laughter as Merrick stands, signaling his exit.

Richard and Samantha are thrown and belatedly follow Merrick’s exit as cameras flash.

Merrick, arms folded, stands with Richard, who smokes. A nearby woman flashes a disgusted glance toward Richard. Noticing her disgust, he blows out an even bigger plume of smoke.

A scolding look from Richard as Samantha approaches. She kisses Merrick on the cheek and takes his arm.

Richard throws his cigarette down, stomps it out.

Richard exits as Samantha pulls Merrick closer.

Richard channel surfs in bed as Vivian sleeps. A voice outside the room catches his attention.

Richard opens the door and listens. The voice is from the room opposite his. Its’ door half open, with the light on.

Richard pushes the door open. Merrick mutters in his sleep, a bedside lamp on. He enters the room, sitting with Merrick.

Merrick rolls over, quiets down, continues sleeping. Richard starts to turn off the lamp, but stops.

His attention is drawn to a tableside picture. A pretty woman in glamorous attire. Richard takes and nostalgically studies the photo.

Turning leaves blow about the empty little park, except for two sitting on a lonely bench.

An entrance sign reads: Highland Park.

SUPER: 15 Years Ago

Richard (30) with an expression of dread, watches Merrick (6) play with a red toy car.

Merrick frowns, still playing with the car.

Merrick stops playing, looks at Richard.

Richard sighs.

Merrick looks away, his breathing increases and on the verge of tears.

Richard with a heavy sigh.

Merrick begins to cry as Richard pulls him into a hug, sending the red toy car rolling off the bench. Richard holds sobbing Merrick in his arms.

Richard returns the photo and turns off the lamp.

Merrick lies out in the California sun as Richard joins him with two bottles of water, giving Merrick one.

Merrick groans as Richard sits.

Richard takes a drink and clears his throat.

Merrick’s mouth opens, but words never form. Richard’s phone RINGS. Richard, awaiting Merrick’s response, does not answer the phone. The ringing is loud and incessant.

Richard stands up and takes the call.

Richard ends the call, turning to Merrick.

A glamorous Hollywood party as Richard works the partygoers, and Merrick, in a tuxedo, lingers along the outskirts of the party avoiding people.

Merrick rests against a log fence which backs up to the parking lot.

The sound of a noisy car pulling in catches his attention as he turns with an amused look on his face, to watch CAMERON KNIGHT (mid 20s) park and exit the car.

Merrick intently studies the under-dressed young man as he makes his way into the party.

Cameron, dirty blond, ridiculously cute, watches the ocean sipping on a coke. Merrick appears next to him, as Cameron turns.

Merrick turns, with an unsure smile.

Merrick is thrown as they they shake hands.

Merrick, eyeing his own outfit-

Cameron laughs as Samantha approaches, draping herself on Merrick.

As Merrick watches Samantha hurry off after another party-goer, he notices a dark silhouette watching him at a distance along the beach. Richard’s lit cigarette butt creates a tiny orange and red glow within the darkness.

The wind picks up, causing Merrick to shiver as he extends his hand.

Rather than shake Merrick’s hand, he holds it and doesn’t let go.

Cameron puts his phone in Merrick’s hand.

Merrick glances toward Richard’s silhouette.

The two get closer as they two exchange numbers. Close enough their hair intermingles in the wind. They finish, handing their phones back.

Merrick, hands in pockets, shivering.

The Jennings’ Limousine exits the party.

Samantha lies across Merrick’s lap as Merrick grins at his newest contact in his phone – “The Crew”.

Merrick watches TV in bed, when his phone on the bedside table lights up, and he checks it.

Merrick laughs.

Merrick puts the phone away and turns out the lamp.

Vivian and Richard sleep in bed.

Out their window and up into the night sky.

!DREAM SEQUENCE

From darkness to foggy flashes of:

A BOY (7) wearing pajamas in bed, eats at an ice cream cone. A faceless man next to him.

The man’s hand rests on the boy’s leg. He caresses. The boy tenses up, eyes on the man’s hand.

END DREAM SEQUENCE

A nice car pulls up to a large house in a wooded area. Merrick, Richard, and Vivian exit the car with dishes of food as BUCK and KERRI JENNINGS (60s) come out to greet them. Buck gives Merrick a hefty pat on the back.

Merrick, Richard, Vivian, Buck, and Kerri eat lunch at a large wooden table. An assortment of home-cooked foods scattered about.

Buck motions to Vivian, who forces a grin. Kerri slaps Buck on the arm.

Forced smiles.

Merrick and Cameron on a couch, a football game on TV. The apartment is modest.

Cameron groans.

Cameron affectionately touches Merrick on the arm.

The doorbell rings.

Cameron gets up, goes to the door.

Cameron and Merrick sit across from each other at a small table, with a pizza box, empty plates, and bottles of soda between them. A corkboard with photos is on the wall above them.

Merrick peels at the wrapper around his soda.

Merrick’s mouth opens, he searches for words. Cameron flashes an understanding smile, placing a gentle hand on top of Merrick’s.

Cameron stretches out his legs and leans back. Merrick still peeling at his bottle –

Cameron starts to laugh.

Cameron clears away the plates and pizza box as Merrick grabs a photo of a woman on a farm off the corkboard.

Cameron sits back down as Merrick grabs a different picture which features Cameron posing with a group.

Cameron’s mood shifts as he takes the photo.

Cameron stands with Merrick in the doorway.

Warm touch on Merrick’s arm.

Cameron hugs Merrick.

Cameron’s eyes are wet after the hug.

Merrick offers a warm smile.

They laugh.

Vivian and Richard sit on the couch watching TV.

ON TV: Various shots of Merrick, often with Richard as camera’s flash and fans scream.

Vivian mutes the TV, ready to burst.

Richard and MARTIN (50) sit out on the patio. In front of them are Cameron and Merrick who chat by the pool.

Martin studies Merrick and Cameron, as Richard follows his lead. Cameron and Merrick are physically affectionate with each other as the two talk and laugh.

Richard’s face tenses.

Richard storms into the house leaving Martin sitting there as Merrick notices.

In a middle-class neighborhood driveway, Merrick in shorts and a t-shirt plays basketball with ALEX HENRY (20s), a tall black kid with a bright, infectious smile and laugh. Their style of play is more about fun as Alex tries to trip Merrick, they travel and generally goof around.

They sit on the steps as Alex’s mother, CHRISTINA HENRY (40s) arrives home wearing scrubs.

She approaches them on the steps.

She and Merrick embrace.

She rolls her eyes.

They all laugh.

Alex and Merrick continue on the front steps.

They laugh as Merrick stands up to leave.

Cameron and Merrick sit on a small stage, leaning against a podium, holding pages in front of the 6-member Without Noah team, along with Martin. Richard sits toward the back of the room.

Martin stands.

Merrick begins reading his lines.

Cameron never looks at the pages.

Cameron turns, gently places a hand on Merrick’s cheek.

Deep into each other’s eyes, they stare.

Richard exits.

They break from the scene, the team exchanging approving looks.

Martin stands, approaches the stage.

Martin turns to the team.

Martin high fives a team member, Merrick looks for Richard.

Richard’s feet pound the pavement, jogging.

Eyes intense, sweat drips as he winds down roads.

Richard approaches Merrick, who’s getting out of the pool and reaching for a towel on a pool-side table, with chairs surrounding it.

They sit at the poolside table, as Richard catches his breath and Merrick dries off with the towel.

Richard studies Merrick as he fiddles with his phone.

Merrick lays the phone down.

Merrick turns toward the pool.

Merrick turns back toward Richard.

Richard squints, tilts his head.

Merrick stares at Richard for a moment, then shrugs.

Richard goes into the house.

Cameron and Merrick sit together as Merrick puts his phone away.

Cameron purses his lips.

Richard, in a huff joins Vivian at a table, with drinks before them.

Richard takes a drink.

Richard takes a another drink, pulls at his collar.

A waiter brings them each a salad. Vivian starts picking at her salad whereas Richard drinks.

Vivian sighs, getting frustrated.

Vivian rolls her eyes.

Hot and windy.

A white two-story house on a large lot.

In a rental car, Cameron and Merrick drive up.

Next door is a smaller house with a porch and swing.

From the porch MATTHEW LYNCH (20s) watches Cameron and Merrick exit the rental car.

Cameron leads Merrick into the house.

They enter the kitchen to see Cameron’s mother, ANNIE KNIGHT (40s) struggling with a large slab of beef brisket. They hug.

Annie is so happy to see Cameron, she’s in tears. She wraps him in a big hug.

She hugs Merrick.

Annie moves to the kitchen counter with a pan in front of her.

Cameron pushes the foil-covered brisket into the oven as DAVID KNIGHT (50s) enters the kitchen. He’s a fairly big fella with short brown hair, glasses and an “OU” hat.

They hug until David turns his attention to Merrick.

They shake hands.

Everyone laughs as David turns his attention to Annie.

The doorbell rings and the Knight’s tense up.

David enters the room as Matthew follows behind.

Forced laughs.

The sun shines brightly and the parking lot is packed.

Richard sits at a table, working on a cone of ice cream. With each lick, a Zales bag swings from his wrist.

The unfenced backyard is upon multiple acres.

David is showing Merrick around a red barn.

Cameron and Matthew argue near the house.

The argument catches Merrick’s attention.

Merrick’s eyes widen, jaw drops.

Down steps walk Cameron and Merrick, luggage follows.

Small windows, washer/dryer, TV, bed, and punching bag.

They drop the luggage near the bed.

Merrick throws himself on the bed.

Cameron sits at the foot of the bed, looks ahead.

Merrick joins Cameron, sitting beside him.

Merrick leans into Cameron, almost bumping him off the bed.

Merrick, Cameron, David, and Annie have dinner.

Cameron and Annie load a dishwasher.

Through a small window, Merrick, and David talk outside.

Annie laughs.

Annie nods her head.

Richard sits alone in the back of the limousine. Through the window we can see the Jennings’ grand front door.

From his seat Richard repeatedly opens the arm rest storage console. With each movement he opens the arm rest and pulls out a black velvet ring box and offers it to an imaginary person sitting opposite him. He wipes sweat from his forehead as he repeats this offer.

David, Annie, and Cameron sit at a table eating and drinking, as a small TV has sports news playing on it. Merrick joins them.

Cameron joins Merrick.

Annie pours Merrick orange juice.

David tosses 3 Football tickets in front of Merrick.

David, Cameron and Merrick stand at their seats. The place is packed. One side of the stadium yells “Boomer”, whilst the other side responds with “Sooner”.

Cameron points them out.

He startles Merrick, but people around him cheer and clap.

Oklahoma prepares to kick the ball off. David and Cameron join the fans.

The foot of a kicker meets the ball to kick the game off.

Merrick stands outside the men’s room holding popcorn.

He looks back and forth as people pass.

Nobody is recognizing him. He grins.

He pops a kernel in his mouth.

He pops another kernel in his mouth. Uh-Oh.

He popped too hard.

Eyes bulging, hands to this throat-

His bird-like noises loudly echo throughout the concourse.

People turn and stare as he takes off running-

Merrick stops at a water fountain but horrifyingly, there’s a line.

A man standing in line offers mercy.

They let him to the fountain as he desperately begins  drinking.

Merrick throws his head back-

He gargles water loudly as the crowd grows.

Success. The kernel has been cleared.

He stands there, catching his breath.

He turns away from the fountain.

A crowd, including David and Cameron, stare at him.

The fans stand in nervous anticipation.

The Oklahoma QB fires a pass down the middle into the hands of his barely open receiver for a touchdown pass as Oklahoma wins.

Merrick, Cameron and David are going nuts along with the entire stadium. The Oklahoma State fans are dejected.

Cameron’s in bed with pen and paper, staring off into the distance as Merrick enters the room.

Merrick lies next to Cameron, on his back, staring up at the ceiling.

Cameron sees Merrick is asleep. Cameron puts the pen and paper away, curling up next to and staring at Merrick as he sleeps. Cameron closes his eyes.

DREAM SEQUENCE

Foggy flashes of the young boy, wearing pajamas in bed with the faceless man who reads him a book.

The faceless man caresses the boy’s hair. The boy’s eyes dart back and forth, getting nervous.

END DREAM SEQUENCE

Cameron leans up against the large oak tree, his eyes on  growing storm clouds in the distance.

Merrick comes out from behind the tree, standing next to Cameron.

Merrick sighs.

Cameron steps away from the tree, as Merrick follows. Cameron nods to the base of the tree.

Grass sways in the wind as the legs of LAURA LYNCH (45) and Matthew (18) walk through with Cameron (18) following.

SUPER: Seven years ago

As they near the large oak tree, Laura spots something.

All three race to the base of the tree to see NOAH (17) dead with the pistol on the ground next to him. Laura falls to the ground, crying out hysterically.

Matthew’s shaky hand touches Noah.

Cameron, watching from behind, has his hands over his mouth and begins slowly backing away.

Laura takes Noah’s lifeless body into her arms, trying in vain to bring him back to life by slapping his face repeatedly. Giving up, she turns to Cameron.

Cameron covers his ears and runs away. He runs away as hard as he can until stumbling to the ground sobbing.

Cameron’s now teary eyes rest upon the base of the tree.

Merrick wraps Cameron up in a consoling hug. Cameron responds by wrapping his arms equally around Merrick.

Cameron’s eyes still flooded with tears as they separate, Merrick still holding Cameron’s hand.

Thunder rumbles off in the distance, drawing their attention.

Merrick, Cameron, Annie and David huddle around the small TV as a meteorologist points to bright colors on radar. “Tornado Warning”, in big red letters flashes across the screen.

Annie turns to Cameron, pursing her lips.

Tornado sirens wail.

David enters the basement with Matthew and Laura (53). Matthew heads over to the punching bag.

Merrick studies Laura, who has long barely brushed hair, dark rings under her eyes and no makeup as she approaches the TV along with David.

Through the small basement window, the wind and rain start.

Laura turns to see Merrick, then back to the TV.

Merrick offers a smile, but gets no response. He turns away, and in doing so, is horrified to notice the “Without Noah” script sitting on the bed. He approaches the bed, and tries to quietly grab the script.

All eyes on Laura as she walks toward Merrick. Laura takes the screenplay, studying the cover and approaching Cameron

Cameron looks down like a boy being scolded.

Her eyes watering, Fury flashes across Laura’s face.

She presses the script into Cameron’s chest as it falls to the floor. She turns and approaches the foot of the stairs.

She ascends the stairs as Matthew follows, ignoring her command. Merrick goes to Cameron, kneeling down…

Cameron, sighs and quietly exits the basement.

Some debris are scattered about as David, Merrick and Annie try to clean it up. They hold brooms, with a large trash can nearby.

Merrick, after a few brooms – stops.

He storms into the house.

Merrick grabs the script, Without Noah from the bed.

Merrick walks with the script in hand.

After Merrick rings the doorbell, Laura answers, annoyed.

Merrick offers her the script.

The two standoff for a moment, Merrick stands firm.

She takes it and closes the door.

She sits in a nearby chair.

Looks down at the cover of the worn script.

She runs an emotional finger across the letters N-O-A-H.

Tears build in her eyes as she turns the first page.

The house is dark and quiet. Cameron sits on a couch, his legs stretched across an ottoman, staring out a nearby window in thought.

Merrick enters the room, catching Cameron’s attention.

Merrick joins Cameron on the couch, wrapping his arms around him in a hug and resting his head upon Cameron’s chest. Cameron responds by putting an arm around Merrick.

Cameron sighs.

Cameron and his father are moving gifts and luggage into the car as they prepare to leave. Merrick stands before Annie.

They hug.

They share a laugh as Merrick moves on to David, offering his hand.

They shake.

Laura quietly appears before Cameron with the script wrapped up in her arms. Confused, he immediately looks to Merrick.

Laura tenderly takes Cameron’s hand, much to his shock.

She hands Cameron the script.

Cameron, still in shock, leans down so Laura can hug him. Annie and David hug Cameron goodbye.

Richard and Vivian are dressed up and drinking Champaign. Vivian lies across Richard, as Richard’s arm rests on the center console.

Merrick and Cameron enter the suite along with a bellhop with their luggage. Cameron goes to a window, checking out its view.

The room is lavishly decked out with multiple balcony views overlooking Vegas, a jacuzzi tub, multiple rooms, a kitchen and living area.

Merrick lights up at the sight of DENNIS JENNINGS (50s), who’s at the door.

Dennis, a tall and hefty man, enters holding a walkie talkie in his hand and squeeze-welcomes Merrick.

Dennis notices Cameron.

They shake hands.

Dennis laughs loudly and slaps Merrick on the shoulder.

The “Phantom of the Opera” is performed.

The lights down, the music loud.

Light from the stage casts over Richard and Vivian.

The phantom on stage, his face hidden under a mask.

Richard clears his throat, sweat on his forehead.

Richard breathes heavily, looks away and closes his eyes.

A breathtaking view of Vegas as Cameron looks out over the strip. Merrick joins him at the railing.

Cameron turns to Merrick.

Cameron looks at Merrick, then moves in closer as if to whisper a secret.

Closer.

Closer.

Close enough their hair intermingles.

Merrick leans in as they kiss.

Behind them, the Vegas lights sparkle.

As the kiss ends, they are breathless.

They laugh a little.

Sheepish grin from Merrick.

Richard sits next to Vivian as she beams.

Richard clears his throat.

Vivian’s eyes on him with anticipation.

His hand nears the arm rest.

RINGING from his phone stops him in his tracks.

The RINGING is loud and incessant.

A dejected Vivian as he answers the phone.

Richard listens.

His eyes widen, searching.

Merrick and Cameron look out over Vegas.

A firm knock at the door.

Merrick, with Cameron behind, opens the door to a serious and somber Dennis.

Dennis enters and approaches the nearest chair.

Dennis offers Merrick the chair.

Merrick sits in the chair as Cameron kneels down and takes Merrick’s hand.

Dennis and Merrick arrive in a car.

They exit the car, and approach the front steps.

Richard comes out, wrapping Merrick up in a hug.

With tears in his eyes, Merrick laughs.

Vivian approaches as her and Merrick embrace.

They enter the house.

An upscale, well attended service as a preacher speaks.

A black casket, next to it a portrait of Allison Jennings.

She was beautiful, even glamorous.

Richard, Vivian, Dennis, Buck, Kerry,

and Samantha sit with Merrick up front.

Merrick fiddles with something in his hand.

Cameron, Alex, and Christina, sit further back.

Richard and Vivian walk with Merrick to her casket.

Merrick takes the red toy car in his hand, looks at it.

Tearfully he places it on top of her casket.

He steps back, joining Richard and Vivian.

As she’s lowered into the ground,

Merrick’s face alternates between tears and fury.

Richard waits for Merrick at the limousine.

People offer Merrick condolences as he walks to the car.

Alex hugs Merrick, followed by Christina.

Merrick nears the car, as Cameron approaches.

Cameron stops, Richard flips open the car door.

Merrick looks at Cameron, then back to Richard.

Merrick gets into the car.

FRIENDS and FAMILY in their Sunday best.

Some snack and drink, while others somberly talk.

Merrick sits in a chair, Dennis and Buck behind.

Richard stands, looking out the back door.

Eyes on Richard, who turns to Buck.

Buck defiantly stares at Richard.

Richard approaches Buck, raising his fist.

Dennis gets in between them, holding Richard back.

Buck turns, walks away.

The front door slams, drawing attention.

Merrick’s chair is empty.

Merrick walks toward the street.

Merrick walks, hands in his pockets.

Merrick enters, making his toward the familiar bench.

Families play about.

Merrick sits, watching them.

He takes a deep breath and takes out his phone.

He pulls up The Crew’s contact, stares.

The phone chimes.

Merrick sighs heavily.

A GIRL (10), holding a small bag, sits next to Merrick.

She takes a cookie from the bag, places it on his leg.

Merrick breaks the cookie in half as they share it.

A PAPARAZZI (40s), with a camera pointed at Merrick.

He clicks away.

Merrick and Samantha sit at an upscale place.

Upbeat music plays, the PATRONS are well dressed.

Merrick, mostly drinking. Samantha notices.

It’s dark. Not the cleanest place, but upscale.

Merrick and Samantha make out in the doorway.

Samantha backs him toward the bed.

She climbs in bed, as he crawls toward her.

Merrick takes off his shirt, breathing hard.

Samantha reaches for Merrick’s waist,

he places his hand on hers slowing her advance.

He shifts his focus up and away from her.

Merrick’s hand to his mouth as Cameron enter the party.

Cameron takes Merrick’s hand and won’t let go.

Richard watches.

Merrick and Cameron kiss.

Samantha stares at Merrick, eyes squinting.

Samantha’s mouth agape, eyes wide.

Merrick falls backward off the bed,

grabs his shirt and runs out.

Cameron sits with Merrick, who’s slouched on the couch.

Merrick sits up, turns to Cameron.

Cameron sighs and smiles, hand on Merrick’s shoulder.

Merrick exhales,

Cameron hugs Merrick.

Cameron still with an arm around Merrick.

Richard tosses and turns as Vivian sleeps beside him.

RICHARD’S DREAM SEQUENCE

RICHARD (7), on the bed in pajamas –

eyes closed, breathing fast, wincing.

The faceless man behind him, thrusts.

Richard’s eyes open wide,

The man hits Richard, as he cries out.

The man covers Richard’s mouth,

grunting loudly with every thrust.

Richard’s terrified eyes as his…

END RICHARD’S DREAM SEQUENCE

…muffled screams echo loudly.

He bolts up in bed almost hyperventilating.

Moving to the side of the bed,

light from a window reveals his eyes filled with tears.

His head in his hands, he sobs.

Vivian, awake, watches him.

Cameron is in his apartment, holding the door open as Merrick stands readying to leave.

Cameron places his finger on his lips to silence him.

Merrick looks down, then back to Cameron. He moves closer.

Merrick leans in and they kiss.

Only this time the kiss turns into making out.

Out of breath, they force themselves apart.

Cameron closes the door.

Merrick turns to leave, and as he walks,

He exhales out a laugh to himself, picking up his stride.

Merrick nears a man near the end of the corridor.

It’s the paparazzi from the park.

As Merrick walks past,

The paparazzi nods at Merrick.

As soon as Merrick is out of sight,

The photographer pulls out his digital camera,

and frantically looks through the view finder,

Merrick lies on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

Music plays from a computer.

She enters, closes the door, lies next to him.

She turns to him –

He sighs heavily, as she leans on his shoulder.

Cameron opens the front door –

He’s overwhelmed by cameras and shouting press.

He retreats back, slamming the door.

He looks through the peephole, then steps back.

Eyes grow wide, he pulls out his phone.

He frantically types a message.

Merrick and Samantha are hanging out and listening to music. Merrick’s phone is away from them on a table facing up.

A text message from “The Crew” comes through. It’s too far away to be noticed.

Samantha, standing at the door to her car, stands in front of Merrick. The two hug as she gets in her car.

He watches her drive off as the skies darken. Merrick notices the wind picking up and a single clap of thunder.

Merrick picks his phone up and walks into…

Still studying his phone, Merrick closes the patio door behind him. He reads –

A loud rumble of thunder, rain starts.

Merrick turns to see Richard staring at him.

Richard holds up his phone.

Merrick glances at the phone.

Richard, head down, eyes closed.

Richard begins to hyperventilate.

Richard, looking unsteady, so Merrick runs to help.

Merrick jumps away from him and falls.

Richard, leans against a wall, catching his breath.

Merrick stands up, but still slowly backs away.

Richard, still breathing hard and stuttering –

Another loud rumble of thunder as the power flickers.

From Richard’s perspective – Merrick has no face.

Richard struggles to finally sit down. Head in his hands.

Merrick turns to leave with tears in his eyes.

Nearing the doorway, Merrick runs into Vivian who stands eyes wide, mouth hanging open.

The two quickly hug as Merrick exits and Vivian stands in stunned silence, staring at Richard, a sobbing, almost hysterical mess.

Cameron stands near a window as rain smatters against it. With each rumble of thunder, he checks his phone.

A bright flash of lightning.

Cameron closes his eyes, grimaces.

.

Lightning spiders across the sky above the large oak tree.

A single GUN SHOT rings out and then a thud.

Laura hysterically tries to revive Noah’s lifeless body.

Cameron’s head is in his hands.

A car door closing sends Cameron flying out into the…

It’s pouring down and Cameron is soaking wet, and breathing hard.

Also soaking wet is Merrick who walks directly into his arms.

Cameron holds Merrick in the storm.

Richard watches Vivian packing luggage into her car from the bedroom window.

He punches the wall.

Merrick lies across Cameron upon the couch, somberly.

Cameron holds him tighter.

Richard sits at a dimly lit bar along a line of stools, having a drink. A TV plays news above the bar as the guy next to him speaks up –

Richard blank-stares him.

The bartender places his drink back down and goes back to work.

Another blank stare from Richard.

Richard hears the name Merrick Jennings on the TV, turning his attention toward it as the Bar guy follows his lead.

ON THE TV: Rumors are swirling about young actor Merrick Jennings who was photographed having a steamy moment with  an openly gay writer. The two had been cast together as  leads for a new film leading many to wonder – was this for a film or are the two actually an item?

A nice little three bedroom house.

Vivian sits with Merrick.

Vivian notices Merrick’s face.

Vivian looks out in thought, then back to Merrick.

Merrick sits back in his chair,

and after a heavy sigh.

They laugh a little.

Richard sits in a chair poolside in a robe.

His hair is a mess and needs a shave.

He stares into the pool.

Merrick pulls into a parking lot. The press is already staked out. As Merrick exits the car he’s mobbed by the press.

Merrick struggles through them and into an office building.

Merrick is waiting as Martin enters.

Martin sits down at his desk facing Merrick, with disappointment on his face.

Merrick closes his eyes, and heavily sighs.

Merrick gets up to leave, but turns to Martin, extending his hand;

They shake.

Richard, Buck and Kerri sit in a swing, each with a glass of tea.

Richard lays his drink down, leans forward.

The swing stops. Kerri’s wide eyes on Richard.

Buck tilts his head, confused, his face scrunched up.

Richard stands up, moving to the edge of the porch looking out.

Eyes closed, head down –

Richard sits back down as Kerri takes his hand, with tears in her eyes.

A lengthy silence as Buck and Kerri absorb everything.

Richard tenderly takes Buck’s hand. Buck clears his throat, trying to stifle tears.

Richard looks to Kerri, scratches his face and shifts in his chair.

Richard lets out an exasperated sigh.

Buck sighs, then sits back.

Buck chokes up.

Richard sits at the bar flipping through a photo album as three Hollywood executives sit on a couch behind him.

Richard flips to a picture of Merrick as a baby. He grins, running his finger over the photo.

Richard flips to a picture of ten year old Merrick dressed as Spider man for Halloween.

Richard jumps up, charging toward the executives in a rage.

Their eyes wide, all on Richard, fearing for their lives.

Richard storms down the driveway as the mail is arriving. The mail carrier offers Richard a single letter. Richard snaps it from the postal worker then continues on.

Richard walks down the road, eventually he glances at the letter. He stops in his tracks.

His face and demeanor change as tears fill his eyes and he presses the letter to his chest, and looks around, puts his head down and continues walking away from the house and on down the street.

Cameron stands, staring out at the ocean as Merrick approaches.

Merrick goes to Cameron, holding his hands.

Cameron places a finger on Merrick’s lips.

They embrace.

They separate.

Merrick sets luggage in his car, turns to look at the end of the driveway and pauses in thought. He looks up at the house, then back to the street.

He closes the car door and walks to the end of the driveway.

Merrick walks with his head down, hands in his pocket away from the house.

Turning leaves blow about in the little park.

Richard sits holding the letter.

Richard lowers his head and cries.

Merrick walks around to the front of the bench.

Merrick cautiously sits with Richard.

Richard turns to Merrick, and struggles to say-

Merrick closes his eyes and sighs.

Richard, eyes wide and searching, looks at Merrick.

Merrick grabs Richard, hugging him tightly.

Richard sobs in Merrick’s arms for some time. They separate.

Richard, caught off guard, laughs hard.

Richard sighs.

Richard pulls Merrick into a hug as Merrick cries.

They separate from the hug, regaining their composure.

Deep sigh from Richard, as he looks down at the letter.

Merrick examines the letter

FROM: “Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences”.

Merrick opens and reads.

Merrick’s mouth hangs open in shock, whereas Richard’s face is one of jubilation.

His words echo’s throughout the park. Merrick in such a state of shock, re-reads the letter to himself.

Merrick pulls up as Alex is sitting on the porch with a basketball on his hip. Merrick approaches Alex slowly.

They both bust out laughing.

And that’s exactly what they do.

Richard, Vivian, Samantha, Merrick and Cameron are all piled in the back. The men are all in tuxedo’s and the women are in glamorous dresses.

Merrick takes out a little white envelope.

Richard, reaches behind.

Pulls out a rolled up script and laughs.

Richard tosses it to Merrick.

Merrick and Samantha exit the limo first, waving to fans as they cheer and clap, and photos are snapped. Cameron, Richard and Vivian follow behind.

Vivian, Richard, Merrick, Cameron and Samantha sit near the stage.

A very glamorous woman announces the winner of Best Actor with a drumroll.

They’re mouths hang open in anticipation.

Thunderous applause ripples throughout the auditorium. Merrick stands and hugs everybody, then ascends up the steps to the podium.

He takes out his speech, takes a deep breath and waits for the applause to die down.

In the audience, Richard is overcome with emotion.

In the audience, Cameron is overcome with emotion.

Merrick pauses after applause, looking at Richard.

Richard grins, nods his head yes, as Merrick and others laugh.

He raises the award into the air, then exits the stage with a new confidence as the audience cheers. Richard, Vivian, Cameron and Samantha are the loudest.

Annie and David sit in front of their TV in stunned silence.

Alex and his mother are gathered around the TV.

Christina hugs Alex.

Richard and Vivian sit opposite each other. They’re the remaining two.

There’s a long silence as Richard stares at Vivian.

The car’s breaks squeak as it slows to a stop.

The limo stops and she steps out, closing the door hard.

Richard watches her walk away as the limo drives off.

He slams his hand down on the arm rest.

His eyes light up.

Looking down, he opens the console.

He grins.

Vivian is at her door digging in her purse for her keys as she hears the limo returning. Richard exits the limo with something in his hand.

Her mouth hangs open, eyes widen.

Richard kneels down on one knee and opens the ring box, offering it to her.

She stands there trying to decide if she’s still angry with him as she slowly examines the ring.

Vivian’s eyes fill with tears.

He puts the engagement ring on her, and they kiss. He holds her for a moment, then they laugh.

The house is luxurious and beautiful.

SUPER: 1 year later

Merrick sits at a computer, typing away as Cameron enters and Merrick covers up the screen with his hand.

Cameron mans a large grill. A large white wooden deck overlooks and leads out to the beach and ocean.

Standing next to him are Richard and Vivian. Buck, Kerri, Dennis, Alex and Samantha sit at a nearby table.

Merrick comes out on the deck and greets and hugs everyone.

Annie and David, looking like tourists, pop their heads out onto the deck.

Cameron and Merrick embrace them, and they meet everyone.

Richard sits alone on the beach, watching Cameron and Merrick together, who’re further away.

Merrick wears sunglasses and is laying on his back as Cameron leans over him as they talk and laugh.

Merrick is laughing and smiles brighter than he ever has. Richard slightly grins, sighs and laughs a little to himself as Vivian joins him with drinks.

The computer where Merrick sat.

It’s screen shows the title page of a screenplay.

THE TITLE: American Star