Passing For Hot
Season 01 - Episode 2
Passing For Hot
Season 01 - Episode 2
Kalika
Copyright 2011 Kalika
Smashwords Edition
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Preface
Hello, valued readers. Did you know that by reading my unproduced teleplay, you're taking part in entertainment history? By reading and enjoying "Passing For Hot," you will be helping to pave the road to production of this sitcom so that you will soon be able to watch it on TV. I hope you enjoy this free episode
Because this teleplay is meant for e-publication and not as a "shooting script, "out of necessity, the formatting had to be changed, and I've been careful to make it suitable for reading by the lay person by also eliminating camera shots, although I had to put certain things in, and I'll explain them now, so that when you run across them you won't be scratching your head wondering what's going on. For instance:
"PILOT": Original script for a new television show
"SITCOM": short for "situation comedy"
"FADE IN" signifies the beginning of the screenplay.
"EXT." indicates a scene taking place outside the location.
"INT.": indicates a scene taking place inside of a location.
"DISSOLVE TO:" simply means the ending of a scene with time passing.
"PARENTHETICALS" indicate what an actor is feeling or thinking and how and when he says his dialogue and/or who he is talking to.
"BEAT" simply shows the director or actor, and in this case, you, the reader, that there is some emphasis, some emotion which follows the dialogue.
"MONTAGE" means a short series of events taking place in quick succession, spanning either a short period of time or maybe even years. Sometimes these scenes are without sound and sometimes they are with sound.
(O.S.) means the sound or voice comes from off screen, but nearby.
(V.O.) means the sound comes from a place other than the location.
"SFX" means sound effects
"MOS" it means "mit out sound," coined by Erich von Stroheim" around the time of the first "Talkies.."
Now, the good part about this is, you won't have to spend your life trying to get through hundreds and hundreds of pages. I'd love to know how you felt after reading the last page. You may contact me at kalika@limitlessskyfilms.com or visit my website to read more of my screenplays at www.limitlessskyfilms.com.
Thanks so much for taking the leap into teleplay reading, and I look forward to hearing from you.
PASSING FOR HOT
SEASON 01 - EPISODE 2
EXT. RUBY’S PLACE - SUNRISE
KENNY and WINSTON unload a black leather sofa from a U-Haul truck and haul it through the rear door of the restaurant, huffing and puffing.
INT. RUBY’S PLACE - SUNRISE
WINSTON drops his end of the sofa down on the floor as soon as they cross the threshold.
WINSTON
Man, it’s too early to be up doin’ this kinda stuff. I don’t have no more energy.
KENNY
What are you gripin’ about? We’re done.
WINSTON
No, I’m done. I gotta go get some rest, man.
KENNY
(desperately)
Winston, pick up your end , man, before my arm breaks!
Reluctantly, WINSTON grabs his end and starts backing up down the hall as KENNY guides him.
KENNY has done some housecleaning and redecorating since RUBY turned the reigns of the restaurant over to him.
KENNY has exchanged RUBY’s “girlie” looking office to a slick, ultra modern decor with skinny metal lamps with black leather couches and chairs. The desk he’s chosen is a glossy black Italian with long legs. He’s also set up a mirrored wet bar in the corner and high tech electronics everywhere you look, including a huge flat screen TV.
KENNY and WINSTON enter with the sofa and sit it down behind an oblong, metal coffee table.
WINSTON wipes the sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his sweatshirt.
KENNY
Good, now all we have to do is take the truck back.
WINSTON
I tell you what, You take the truck back and I’ll pick you up after I take a nap.
KENNY
You can sleep when you’re dead. You need to be practicing on that guitar if you plan on being ready for Amateur Night this weekend.
WINSTON
First of all, I’m not an amateur. I’m just doin’ this to let people know how good I am. That’s all. I don’t need to get signed, nothin’. I just want people to know. I’m good.
KENNY
Man, in all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen or heard you play a keyboard. How could that be?
WINSTON
See. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. You don’t know, nobody knows, but I know, and we’ll see come this Friday night!
KENNY
(laughing and doubting Winston)
Yeah, we sure will...Come on, man. And don't blame me if you get booed off the stage.
WINSTON
You wanta bet money?! I'll bet money! Yeah, you're gonna eat those words, man.
KENNY starts out of the room with WINSTON lagging behind.
KENNY and WINSTON are halfway to the door when RUBY walks in, looking as surprised to see them as they are to see her.
RUBY
Kenny, what in the world are you guys doing in here?! And what’s that U-Haul doing out back?
KENNY
Oh, we just finished moving the rest of the furniture in.
WINSTON
Which was a lot harder than all that stuff we had to move out. I’m glad that’s...
RUBY
(panicking)
What? Are you talking about my office?
KENNY
Uh, I know it’s kind of early in the morning, but, you do remember you gave me the green light to do whatever I wanted to with this place?
RUBY gasps and rushes past them, flying down the hall to what used to be her office. KENNY and WINSTON run after her. RUBY gets there first and startles them with her loud shriek of surprise.
RUBY
(squealing)
I don’t believe this!
KENNY and WINSTON run in behind her. They find RUBY twirling around the room searching for anything that resembles the office she turned over to KENNY.
RUBY
Where are all my things?!!...Oh My God, my pictures, my....Oh, my God!...
KENNY
Mom, calm down, calm down...Come on, sit over here...
KENNY tries to lead her over to a seat, but RUBY will have none of it.
RUBY
No. I can't stand to look at this! I’m leaving and I want all my things put back in here right now!
KENNY AND WINSTON
What?!
RUBY
You heard me. Everything!
KENNY
I don’t understand. You’re not even supposed to be here. You’re supposed to be following your dream, remember?! And you said I could have mine.
RUBY stops; a look of sadness on her face.
RUBY
No. It was a mistake, a stupid dream. I’m too old to do anything, except be here, I guess.
KENNY
Mom! I can’t believe you’re doing this. You can’t go back on your word like that. That is so wrong. I’ve got plans. Big plans. Pretty soon people are gonna be coming from miles around just to see what’s happening at Ruby’s.
WINSTON
Yeah. And especially on Amateur Night!
RUBY
Amateur Night? This is a restaurant. What are you trying to turn this place into?!
KENNY
I just...
RUBY
I don't want to hear it! I mean it Kenny. I want everything back like it was.
RUBY starts to leave the room then thinks about it...
RUBY
“Back like it was." Ha. Nothing will ever be back like it was.
(begins to chuckle)
RUBY walks out of the room with escalating laughter, leaving KENNY and WINSTON standing there, freaking out.
KENNY
Oh, this is so bad. Mom’s lost her mind. Now I’m obligated to take over, but I didn’t want it to be like this.
(drops into a chair; hangs his head)
WINSTON
You crazy? If she didn’t lose her mind when your dad died, why should she lose it now? You know what a drama queen Ms. Rube is.
KENNY
I know, but I’ve never seen her quite like this. This doesn't make any sense!
WINSTON
All she needs is a man.
KENNY
A what?!
WINSTON
You heard me...Look, your old man would not want your mom to be all by herself.
KENNY
Me either, but, she’s not interested in finding a man. She’ll never get over my Dad.
WINSTON
She’ll never stop loving him, but he’s not here, man. He’s not here!
KENNY
So, what? You think we can just pull some old dude out of thin air?
WINSTON
As fine as your mom is, ain’t nothin’ but a thang, man. Come on.
KENNY
Where we goin’?
WINSTON
To find Ms. Rube a man. A good one It’ll be a win, win situation.
KENNY
For who?
WINSTON
Well, if she likes the dude it’ll take her mind off her lost dream. And if she doesn’t like him, maybe she'll start thinking about finding somebody on her own and forget all about running the restaurant again. So either way, we win.
KENNY
(thinks about it)
Yeah, but it still might not work.
WINSTON
Well I tell you what. If we don’t do this, we might not have Amateur Nights here, and I might not get any exposure. And Ms. Rube sure ‘nuff might not let you keep Tina, that new cook you just hired. After all, Tina only cooks vegetarian dishes.
KENNY
(suddenly motivated)
So what are we waiting for? Let’s go find “Mr. Right.”
WINSTON
(brightening)
Now you’re talking!
(high fives Kenny)
INT. DOROTHY’S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
DOROTHY, bleary eyed and wearing a bathrobe and bandana tied around her head, pours three mugs of coffee and puts them on a tray and walks over to the table and puts it down.
RUBY sits across from DWIGHT, hands folded on the table looking solemn.
RUBY
Dorothy, you know I don’t drink coffee, don’t you have any tea?
DOROTHY
(yawning)
Girl, at this time of the morning you better be glad I’m able to put one foot in front of another.
DWIGHT
(to Ruby)
Oh, don’t worry about it, we were getting ready to get up anyway.
DOROTHY
Speak for yourself.
DOROTHY walks back into the kitchen while DWIGHT tries to console RUBY.
DWIGHT
You’re gonna be just fine, Rube.
DOROTHY returns to the table and puts a cup of tea in front of RUBY.
DOROTHY
Here’s your tea. Better check it for little white crumbs that fell from my sleepy eyes...
RUBY
(totally disgusted)
Oooooooh...Ugh......
DWIGHT
Dorothy what’s wrong with you?
DOROTHY
No, I’ll support any friend who wakes me up before daybreak, if they’ve really got a problem, but Ruby, if you’re still torn between being an actress or not...
DWIGHT
You’re way off base, Dorothy. She’s just missin’ Wesley, that’s all.
DOROTHY
(suddenly apologetic)
Oh, I’m sorry Ruby...You know I wouldn’t...
RUBY
No...no, I understand...don’t be sorry...
RUBY seems to have a problem looking at either DOROTHY or DWIGHT and stares down into her teacup, dipping the teabag up and down. They watch her.
RUBY
No, it’s just a lot of things, but I couldn’t sleep and I went over to the restaurant to be by myself, to find something, anything that could make sense out of my life...
DOROTHY
You have a good life, Ruby. Wesley would’ve been proud of how you’ve handled everything. You’ve gone on with your life, you've kept the restaurant going...
RUBY
And now I’m not needed anymore.
DWIGHT
What are you talking about? Everybody loves Ruby. Maybe you need to go back to all those charity events you used to give. Kept you busy.
RUBY
But, it’s not the same without Wesley. Nothing seems to mean anything anymore. I don’t know where I fit in.
DOROTHY
Well one place is for sure. You fit in at Ruby’s. You’re what makes that place run.
RUBY
(thoughtfully)
Not anymore. It’s a brand new day, Dorothy, a new world, and I can’t find my place in it.
DOROTHY
Why are you trying to roll over and play dead?
RUBY
What do you mean?
DOROTHY
This all started after that stupid acting coach made a comment about 40 is the cutoff age for making it in Hollywood. So now your whole life has come to an end.
RUBY
Right. That’s what let me know it was over. It’s over. I’m 55 years old; might as well say 60. Once you pass 40 they roll out the wheelchair.
DOROTHY
If you want to be politically correct, it’s “Power Chair,” I just got an e-mail the other day asking me to apply for a “ free Power Chair.” Pissed me off.
DWIGHT
I hate to say this, Ruby, but I think Wesley would be ashamed of you right now.
DOROTHY
Dwight!
DWIGHT
No, I can say this ‘cause Wesley was my best friend. He’s not here to speak up, so I’ve got to do
it for him.
RUBY seems to stop breathing as she glues her attention on DWIGHT and listens to him.
DWIGHT
Ruby, you can do anything you set your mind to. You kept Wesley going when he thought the restaurant was a bad mistake. You made him see there was a way to make it work. You can do the same with your life.
RUBY shakes her head, not wanting to hear what WESLEY'S trying to say.
DWIGHT
That restaurant was Wesley’s dream, not yours, yet you took to making it a success like a duck to water. You’ve always been a winner, Rube. Now is not the time for you to start backtracking and becoming somebody you never were and was never meant to be. A quitter. If becoming a movie star is still in your heart. That’s what you need to do. And the hell with that damned age crap.
The wheels finally start turning in RUBY's head.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RUBY’S HOUSE - DAY
Soft jazz is playing as RUBY sits in the living room looking through an album of old photographs. There’s one of her as a child, a baby picture of KENNY, a group photo of RUBY, Wesley and KENNY playing softball with RUBY sliding into third base on her back side.
The doorbell interrupts RUBY’s reverie.
RUBY opens the door and sees EFFIE standing there.
RUBY
Effie. I thought you were out of town.
EFFIE
(correcting her; walking past Ruby)
Was out of town. I’m back. And I barely landed before Dorothy calls me with all this stuff about you having a nervous breakdown...
EFFIE heads toward the living room at a fast clip with RUBY following her.
EFFIE
I was just relieved you weren’t talking suicide..
RUBY
(shocked)
Have I ever?...
EFFIE
No, but you’ve never had to deal with life without Wesley either. You two were together seems like forever. I’m actually amazed you’ve been as strong as you have all this time.
RUBY
Me, too.
EFFIE
And on top of all that, you’re menopausal. It’s hard to think clearly with all that.
RUBY
Yes, it is.
EFFIE
So, how are you? Really?
RUBY
Well, I showed up at the restaurant unexpectedly and it was like...everything had changed. You should see what Kenny did to my office!
EFFIE
(concerned)
Oh Lord, what did he do?
RUBY
Took all my stuff and threw it out...well, I don’t know if he threw it out or not...
EFFIE
Of course he wouldn’t! Kenny would never do that.
RUBY
But, he changed everything. Completely. It was like...
EFFIE
Well, you did turn the place over to him. You can’t really expect him not to make changes.
RUBY
I know. But, it just became evident, like a whirlwind, that I have outlived my usefulness...
EFFIE
See, I knew it. You’re not fine. You’re talking crazy. This is not you talking. Who are you?!
RUBY
You tell me, because I really don’t know anymore.
EFFIE
You know, Ruby, sometimes when you go through menopause you can have a serious break with reality. Let me reel you in, girl.
RUBY
No, this is no menopause.
EFFIE
How do you know?
RUBY
Because it’s not. I’m being very rational and sensible. I’m a widow, 55, with a grown son and no life of my...
EFFIE
Oh, cry me a river! You are pathetic. Jeezus! We’re supposed to get wiser as we get older. What’s wrong with you? You have your health, even a little wealth now, and up until a few minutes ago, I thought a sane mind. You have talent. You shouldn’t let it go to waste.
RUBY
(surprised)
What?
EFFIE
Okay, I never told you this, but you remember that play you starred in, in high school?
RUBY
(remembering; smiling)
Arsenic and Old Lace?
EFFIE
Yeah, that’s it! You were good. You were really good. I was really proud of you. I just knew you’d be a star one day.
RUBY
But, you never told me that!
EFFIE
I know. I was jealous. Hell, I was the one that was supposed to be a famous singer and hadn’t had any luck at all. Then you take up acting and nail it right off the bat.
RUBY
You were jealous of me?
EFFIE
Yeah, but don’t let it go to your head. I haven’t been jealous of you since.
RUBY
Wow. I had no idea. Since I never got your thumbs up approval, I thought maybe I wasn’t that good. You know how I always valued your opinion.
EFFIE
And I knew that. It was a sick thing to do. I’m sorry. But at the time you were so starry eyed about Wesley anyway. You had just met him and he was all you ever thought about. Next thing I knew, goodbye acting career, goodbye college, and you were pregnant and marrying Wesley.
RUBY
(smiling; remembering)
Yeah. I had a great life with Wesley. We had it all.
EFFIE
But he’s gone now and you need to participate fully in this life. You can’t just sit by the sidelines. Old age is no joke. So before you lose them, you’d better start using those great looks you’re always bragging about.
RUBY
Oh, I don’t, either!
EFFIE
You liar! Every word out of your mouth is, “I don’t look my age; everybody tells me...”
RUBY
Yeah, but I’m just kidding when I say that.
EFFIE
Well, you sure kid a lot.
RUBY
But, maybe you’re right. Maybe I should just sign up with another acting school, maybe...
EFFIE
No.
RUBY
What do you mean, “No?” You’re the one who said Coach Ike is a raving lunatic and I was too stupid to listen.
EFFIE
Well, yeah, he is that, but I’ve also heard that a lot of his students get good breaks. And as much as I hate to admit it, Coach Ike is right. It’s tough for older people, especially in acting.
RUBY
I thought you didn’t want me to give up.
EFFIE
I don’t. I’m trying to get through your thick skull that since you look 35 you might was well be 35. It’s a fact. Letting people know your real age in this business is not a good idea, especially as old as you are!
RUBY
Old as I am? You’re a year older than me, Effie!
EFFIE
Look, we’ve all been programmed to believe older people are just worn out. Seriously, no matter what acting school you go to, you’ll still be 55 and you will be judged if you open your mouth.
RUBY
I can’t live a lie, Effie. I could never pretend to be someone I’m not.
EFFIE
Then how in the hell are you ever going to become a movie star?
RUBY starts to protest, then realizes she doesn’t have a leg to stand on and closes her mouth.
EFFIE
When’s your next class with Coach Ike?
RUBY
Tomorrow.
EFFIE
You should go.
RUBY
(thoughtfully)
Maybe I should.....Maybe I should...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. LA BREA AVENUE - NEXT DAY
RUBY can be seen anxiously driving down LaBrea and turning onto Melrose Avenue.
RUBY heads down Melrose and turns into the parking lot of “Hey I Saw You On TV.” RUBY jumps out of the car and runs toward the building with the memory of Coach Ike’s word’s chasing her.
COACH IKE (O.S.)
Being late is not an option. I don’t expect you to be late to this class. Ever!
RUBY runs into the building and disappears from sight.
INT. HEY I SAW YOU ON TV - DAY
RUBY runs up, planning to rush right into the classroom, only to find already filled seats now placed outside the classroom. She sees there is one vacant seat and grabs it, plopping down to catch her breath. She looks at her watch. She made it with a minute to spare. It’s 1:59 p.m..
COACH IKE marches down the hallway toward the classroom. His many fans see him and begin to applaud his arrival. COACH IKE, already sipping from his bottle of “mountain spring water,” acknowledges them by giving a big smile and a slight bow. As he picks up speed, he stumbles and falls over a large handbag protruding out into the aisle.
COACH IKE falls to the floor, holding his mountain spring bottle of water protectively above his head as he lands.
COACH IKE
(yelling)
The King is down! The King is down!
In an instant students are on their feet, each wanting to be the one to help COACH IKE to his feet, pushing and shoving each other. Finally, Alex, a tall, heavyset guy, helps COACH IKE to his feet.
COACH IKE looks around steadying himself. He reaches down and picks up the offending large handbag and holds it up.
COACH IKE
(exceedingly restrained)
Whose bag is this?
RUBY is paralyzed with guilt and says nothing.
COACH IKE
(repeating; higher octave)
Whose bag is this?
RUBY looks like she just might fall out and die.
JENNIFER
(pointing to Ruby)
It’s hers, Coach. I don’t know her name, but it’s hers.
RUBY waits for the ground to swallow her up as COACH IKE looks down at her with great consternation.
COACH IKE
(to Ruby)
Up!...Up You go!
Before she has a chance to think about it, RUBY is on her feet, being dragged by the arm into the classroom by COACH IKE.
CLASSROOM
COACH IKE escorts RUBY into the classroom and stands her before the class.
COACH IKE
You know, she could be a spy. So many of my adversaries want to know the secret to my success.
RUBY
I assure you I’m not a spy, and I didn’t mean to cause you any harm.
JENNIFER, like a love sick puppy, shouts from the front row.
JENNIFER
She could have really hurt you, Coach. I think you should make her leave and never come back.
SASHA
(disagreeing)
I don’t think she did it on purpose.
RUBY finally finds her voice and speaks up...
RUBY
Right. It was an accident.
(to Coach Ike)
I’m really sorry.
COACH IKE looks at RUBY with unforgiving eyes, then his expression softens.
COACH IKE
Okay everyone, take your seats and lets try and learn something here.
COACH IKE stops RUBY as she turns to head back to her seat.
COACH IKE
Oh no, no, no, Missy. Not you.
COACH IKE AND RUBY
RUBY looks at him, questioningly.
COACH IKE
You stay right where you are little lady. We’re gonna see what you’re made of.
RUBY gets into position and waits for COACH IKE's instructions as he takes his position behind the camera.
RUBY turns her head facing the wall and sees herself in living color on a large screen. She immediately notices her hair is out of place and starts to mess with it.
COACH IKE
Please do not even breathe until I tell you to.
RUBY quickly brings her attention back to the room.
COACH IKE
Now. You see the items on that table before you? What do you see?
RUBY
Dog food, toothpaste...some kind of air freshener.
COACH IKE
Let me stop you right there. These are products. Products that advertisers pay quite a lot to be advertised. They don’t want you referring to their product as “some kind of” or “cheap...”
RUBY
I didn’t say cheap.
COACH IKE
Okay, let’s go. I want you to sell these marvelous products.
COACH IKE turns his attention to the class.
COACH IKE
Okay, folks, everything that happens in this classroom is a lesson to be learned. Normally I’d have three or four of you up here with Ms. Thang...
RUBY takes offense, but tries not to show it.
COACH IKE
...but because she’s put herself in the spotlight through her careless actions...
(directly to Ruby)
I’m going to see whether you’re worthy of being in this spotlight you’ve created. Choose two of those products.
Everyone waits while RUBY decides which ones to pick. It doesn’t take long.
RUBY
I’ll take the toothpaste and the air freshener.
COACH IKE
Okay...Let’s make it fun. I’ll let you decide what the brand name is. Make one up. I just want to be sold on the product...and I want you to cheat out this way..
(points over his shoulder)
RUBY gives COACH IKE a confused and embarrassed look.
COACH IKE
Cheat out as in, do not look into the camera. You’re talking to a group of people.
RUBY
(takes a deep breath)
Okay. I’ve got it.
COACH IKE
Okay, slate your name.
RUBY who has already picked up the can of air freshener, stops in confusion.
COACH IKE
Slate your name...as in, tell us your name, and always with a smile. And make sure you keep that label up where we can see it. You’re selling whatever’s in your hand, so we need to see it...You ready?
RUBY nods.
COACH IKE
Slate your name.
RUBY
(big smile)
My name is Ruby and I love my Anytime All the Time air freshener. It comes in all these wonderful fragrances, and I wouldn’t be caught without it. I even take it to the club when I go out at night...’cause...you never know...
Laughter from the class.
RUBY
...So next time you need a breath of fresh air be sure to get Anytime All the Time air freshener; good for any occasion. Any time, All the time.
(big smile and curtsey)
The classroom erupts with applause. RUBY picks up the tube of toothpaste and gets ready to hawk it.
COACH IKE
No, no, lets try something else. You’ve heard of cold readings, haven’t you?
RUBY nods her head.
COACH IKE
Well, I give ice cold readings. I’m going to give you this copy and I want you to read it as best you can. I’ll give you five seconds to glance over it. This time remember to look into the camera and don’t spend all your time looking at the copy...Eyes up here...
COACH IKE demonstrates how she should hold the copy.
COACH IKE
Never hold copy with two hands...and don’t do anything strange with the other hand. Okay...
Coach Ike hands RUBY the copy and rushes back behind the camera.
COACH IKE
Okay, go for it.
RUBY glances at the copy for a few seconds, then smiles and looks directly into the camera as she reads the first line of the copy...
RUBY
(eyes to camera)
Ever been to Omaha?...Didn’t Think so...Explore jungles, deserts...
(eyes back to copy)
..and a new exotic island. Take an expedition...
(eyes to camera)
...through the Old Market filled with boutiques, antique emporiums
(eyes to copy)
...and one-of-a-kind restaurants.
(eyes to camera)
...Omaha is an adventure.
(excited smile)
...Start packing!
COACH IKE
Slate your name.
RUBY
Ruby.
COACH IKE
(smiling at Ruby)
You rocked that, girl!
(to class)
Let’s give her a big hand!
Everyone applauds, and RUBY smiles her thanks and starts back toward the door to her seat out in the hallway, but COACH IKE stops her.
COACH IKE
Oh, I’m sure we can find a seat for you in here, Ruby.
COACH IKE looks at a young man sitting on the front row.
COACH IKE
You wouldn’t mind giving Ruby your seat would you? You may want to write about it one day.
The GUY jumps up and graciously gives RUBY his seat. JENNIFER looks jealous and upset as RUBY settles into the seat with the graciousness of an Oscar winner.
COACH IKE
Okay, let me have four people.
FOUR STUDENTS jump up and take their places in front of the camera.
COACH IKE
I want high energy, people. Ruby has set the bar very high. Let’s do it.
RUBY can hardly contain her relief and excitement as she sits in class watching the others do their thing.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RUBY’S HOUSE - EVENING
RUBY is blasting the music again, dancing to “Right Thurr” performed by Chingy.
CHINGY (O.S.)
I like the way you do that right thurr... sway your hips when you walk, let down your hair...
RUBY is truly getting down, and would give BEYONCE a run for her money as she gyrates and hip hops around the room.
The phone rings and RUBY dances over to it and picks it up.
RUBY
(into phone)
Effie!...It’s about time you got back to me!...Girl You gotta come on over so we can celebrate...Yeah, I went...Oh My God! I was the star of the day! You should’ve seen me!....I’ll Tell you all about it when you get here.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RUBY'S HOUSE - EVENING
EFFIE sits listening to RUBY talking nonstop.
RUBY
You were right, oh you were so right, Effie. I was meant to be a star. It's written all over me! And it comes natural! Shame on me for keeping myself from the public all this time!
EFFIE
Oh, I think they'll forgive you. Especially when they see that big ego of yours blinding them.
RUBY stops and looks at EFFIE, and they both start laughing.
RUBY
I guess I did get a little carried away.
EFFIE
That's okay. I'm just glad to see you coming back to life. girl.
RUBY
So, I need to get an agent, right? Oh, and of course pictures. You know any good photographers?
EFFIE
But, you just had pictures taken.
RUBY
Oh, that was before I knew who I was. I'm star material, Effie. I need some serious professional photos now. I mean, not just headshots. I want to do a whole layout. Is that what they call it?
EFFIE
It's called a photo shoot, but you can get ripped off.
RUBY
Well, I asked you if you knew anybody!
EFFIE
It's been a long time. I mean, offhand I can't think of anybody right now.
RUBY
What about your students at your workshop? Surely they must take pictures all the time. You've probably referred some of them, haven't you?
(beat)
Oh, Effie. Honey, there's no reason to be jealous of me now. But, that's okay, I'll find my own photographer.
EFFIE
Jealous?! Girl, I will knock you upside your head!
The DOORBELL RINGS.
RUBY
Hold that thought.
RUBY rushes off to answer the door. KENNY and WINSTON are standing there with a sophisticated elderly gentleman who is holding a bouquet of roses.
RUBY
(looking at flowers)
Wow, news travels fast. Who told you?
KENNY
Told me what?
RUBY
The good news about my acting debut. I’m a star student!
RUBY grabs the flowers from the man.
RUBY
(smiling gratefully)
Thank you...all of you. I truly deserve these!
KENNY
(puzzled)
But, I thought you’d given up acting. I thought you’d given up on life.
RUBY
(brushing it off)
Whatever gave you that silly idea? My life couldn’t be better!
(indicating Elderly Gentleman)
Who is this, Kenny?
KENNY and WINSTON exchange guilty, embarrassed looks. The ELDERLY GENTLEMAN smiles invitingly at RUBY and starts to introduce himself, but KENNY cuts him off.
KENNY
(to Ruby)
He’s nobody.
RUBY
What do you mean?
The ELDERLY GENTLEMAN looks offended and tries to speak up again, but WINSTON quickly pulls him away from RUBY.
WINSTON
Oh, he just wanted an autograph, but that’s okay. No time now. Gotta go.
RUBY
(flattered)
Oh, how sweet. You can have my autograph, Sir. What’s your name?
KENNY
(practically throwing the man down the stairs)
No...We really have to go, Mom.
WINSTON whisks the man off. KENNY kisses RUBY on the cheek.
KENNY
Congratulations, Mom. Glad you’re back in business.
RUBY
(confused)
Well, thank you, son.
KENNY
KENNY runs off, leaving RUBY only mildly curious as she closes the door behind them.
RUBY runs back into the room with EFFIE and turns the music back on and starts happily dancing around, waving her flowers in the air .
RUBY
Look at this! I've got fans already and I haven't even been on the big screen yet!
RUBY dances around the room. EFFIE looks frustrated and pours herself a drink.
FADE OUT.
Afterword
Thanks for reading my teleplay. Hope you enjoyed it. Please visit my website at www.limitlessskyfilms.com and take a look at my screenplays, Two Faces of Eve, Dark Thunder, The Kaipakas, and of course, the original pilot, Passing For Hot. Those of you with aspirations to write, act or make films will find helpful information on my website, along with interesting blogs and entertaining and enlightening interviews with many wonderful writers, actors, directors and producers. So, be sure and check it out.
Thanks!