Hi
Here’s a short film script – if you’d like to produce it, just get in touch.
John and Mary
FADE IN
SCENE 1 INT MARY’S SHOP DAY
DAVE, (Mary’s Husband 43, a flash git) is flirting with PAULINE, (26, an in-your-face bimbo employee). We see him
write her phone number on a losing betting slip. It breaks up as MARY, (45, secretly attractive) appears.
FADE TO BLACK
SCENE 2 INT MARY’S KITCHEN SUNDAY LATE MORNING
Mary cleans, Dave reads the paper, the relationship is dead. Dave’s phone rings, he reads a text and starts to leave.
MARY
(apologetic)
You’ll be home for dinner?
Dave ignores her and opens Mary’s purse.
DAVE
(harshly)
Got any cash?
He takes everything then puts a tenner back, he reconsiders, takes the tenner and leaves a fiver. Dave leaves.
FADE TO:
SCENE 3 EXT PARK SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Mary walks through the park, she sees a young couple – she’s drowning in sadness. She walks towards the cafe and enters.
CUT TO:
SCENE 4 EXT PARK OUTDOOR CAFE SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Mary exits the cafe carrying a tray with tea for one and a slice of cake. She looks for a table, the only free seat is at the table where JOHN, (60) is sitting. She approaches and gestures to the empty chair without speaking. John makes a help your self motion. John is feeding some sparrows with bits of his sandwich. Mary smiles, first at the sparrows, then at John. John’s plate is empty, he throws his last crumbs
JOHN
(to the birds)
That’s it.
Mary throws the birds some crumbs from her cake.
JOHN (CONT’D)
Let them eat cake, hey?
Mary smiles. They’re both living empty lives. We see a connection. Mary’s sadness lifts, John becomes brighter too.
FADE TO
SCENE 5 EXT PATH LEAVING THE PARK SUNDAY AFTERNOON
John and Mary walk towards the exit still chatting, they part. Mary briefly watches John walk away.
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE 6 INT MARY’S SHOP MONDAY DAY
Pauline’s holding up a pair of earrings, a gift from Dave.
PAULINE
They’re fab.
DAVE
. . so were you.
Pauline looks faux shocked then gives Dave a come on smile which turns into a giggle. Mary enters the shop as she hears Pauline’s giggle, she knows what’s going on, it’s happened before, it’s part of their life. She doesn’t care.
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE 7 INT MARY’S KITCHEN SUNDAY LATE MORNING
Mary stands at the sink, Dave, dressed to kill, enters the kitchen, doesn’t acknowledge her, and leaves without comment. Mary fluffs her hair, puts on her coat, looks herself over in the mirror and leaves – she looks more attractive.
FADE TO:
SCENE 8 EXT PARK SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Mary walks through the park, a more positive attitude, she sees the same young couple as before – she smiles. She walks towards the park cafe, looking for John, he’s not there, she looks forlorn. Just as she’s about to enter the cafe John walks out – with tea for two – he looks smarter too.
JOHN
I said to myself – if I buy it she
will come.
FADE TO:
SCENE 9 EXT PARK SUNDAY AFTERNOON
John and Mary walk together talking. They reach the park gates, John kisses Mary gently on the cheek.
JOHN
Next Week?
MARY
Perhaps?
They walk in opposite directions – Mary turns to look back at John – he doesn’t see – John turns to look back at Mary – she doesn’t see – they both turn back to look at each other again, they wave – they both turn back again and look at each other, they laugh like kids.
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE 10 INT MARY’S KITCHEN SATURDAY EVENING
Mary’s cooking. Dave enters still sending a text message on his phone. He opens her purse for cash – she’s hidden it.
DAVE
(aggressively)
I need money for a hotel . . give
us your card.
Intimidated, she hands it over. Dave heads for the door
MARY
(mumbles)
You give all my profits to your
tarts and bookies and I’ll end up
bankrupt, same as you.
Mary’s shocked she’s voiced her thoughts. Dave’s on his way out the door, he’s surprised too, thinks about giving Mary abuse, but doesn’t have time, he’s got to meet Pauline.
DAVE
(shouts back abusively)
Watch your mouth woman.
FADE TO:
SCENE 11 EXT PARK CAFE AFTERNOON
Mary, radiant, sits at a table with tea for two. John joins her, he’s sparkling too.
JOHN
You’re perfect.
John kisses her hello.
FADE TO:
SCENE 12 EXT PARK AFTERNOON
John and Mary walk through the park, holding hands – this is the real deal. They stop and kiss, with passion.
MARY
I never expected this.
JOHN
I thought it was just tea and mutual sympathy.
They both laugh regretfully. They walk on in silence. They reach the park entrance then say goodbye – for the final time – Mary starts to weep softly
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE 13 INT MARY’S SHOP MONDAY AFTERNOON
John enters and walks to Mary and holds her.
JOHN
Come with me . . I need you . . I
love you.
Her eyes fill with tears. Pauline sees the intensity of the conversation, but can’t hear what’s said.
MARY
(to herself as much as to
John)
No . . I don’t know . . do I have
the strength?
Mary shakes her head, not saying a final no, but to avoid saying anything more. John steps away and holds Mary’s hands and looks into her eyes.
JOHN
(questioning, imploring)
Sunday morning?
FADE TO:
SCENE 14 INT MARY’S KITCHEN SUNDAY MORNING
Dave enters buttoning his shirt, Mary’s tense.
DAVE
(aggressively)
Sunday morning yeah . .n’your old
geyser’s not been back to see you?
Right?
As he heads for the door Dave swings at her, not for the first time, she ducks, he misses.
DAVE (CONT’D)
You silly cow . . no one’s gonna
look at you twice . . not even some
senile old git.
Dave leaves.
FADE TO:
SCENE 15 INT MARY’S KITCHEN SUNDAY MORNING (LATER)
Mary pays locksmith, picks up suitcase and leaves
FADE TO:
SCENE 16 EXT PARK CAFE CAR PARK MORNING
John is putting Mary’s suitcase into his car.
FADE TO:
SCENE 17 RESTAURANT
Dave and Pauline finish lunch, The waiter delivers the bill
PAULINE
. . So she’s gone . . Fab
Dave keys his pin into the machine – it fails – he taps again it fails again
Dave phones Mary
MARY
(Before Dave speaks)
Dave . . bank account’s closed. .
Locks changed . . Goodbye Dave
Dave shrivels
DAVE
(to Pauline)
. . you got fifty quid I can borrow
PAULINE
(light bulb moment)
. . course . . the money . . everything . . it’s hers . . you’re
bankrupt
(Pauline stands)
Goodbye Dave
Pauline leaves, the waiter starts hassling Dave for cash
CUT TO:
SCENE 18 MOTORWAY SERVICE STATION DAY
John and Mary walk back to the car Mary looks peaceful.
MARY
(only to herself)
Goodbye Dave.
John puts his arm around her waist and hugs her to him.
FADE OUT