CAST LIST
(IN ORDER)

CHARLIE CROWE    : A 73 year-old Geordie "tramp"
DARREN (DAZ) WILLIS : A 20 year-old down-to-earth rich kid
CHILD ONE : A 12 year-old Brat
CHILD TWO : Another 12 year-old Brat
STEVIE : A Chilled out Rocker
PETER : A fellow student
CANDICE : 21 year-old CHAIRPERSON
BEACON     : A long-haired male bruiser of a ROCKER
WRENCH : A young female ROCKER
DAZ'S FATHER : A well-dressed businessman
MR FISHER : A middle-aged hearty man.    
COMMITTEE MEMBER
MUSICIAN  
CONNOR EVANS: A pompous middle-aged male TV Producer.
UNIVERSITY RECEPTIONIST : A Female
ERNEST : A male pensioner
WALTER : A male pensioner
ARTHUR : A male pensioner
        

FADE IN TO:
TITLE, OPENING CREDITS and BIG BAND TITLE MUSIC over the following,

EXT: HOMELESS MISSION. DAY

We establish the front of the building where a sign on the wall proclaims, "The Disciple Mission For Care Of The Homeless".  

From within emerges MR. Douglas FISHER, the proprietor, who gently but firmly manhandles CHARLIE CROWE, a scruffy, bearded tramp out into the morning light.   

CHARLIE CROWE characteristically clasps a hand to his belt less, ragged trousers to hold them up.  HE shuffles off down the street towards the City Centre.

CUT TO:

EXT: A LINCOLN STREET NEAR TOWN. DAY

CHARLIE CROWE shuffles along the street, a sad, bitter scowl on his face.  He is oblivious to the MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC who side step him with open disgust on their faces.  Occasionally, he mutters to himself

as he takes a look into a bin or two, trying to determine the contents.  He continues on his way.

CUT TO:

TITLE, OPENING CREDITS, AND TITLE MUSIC FADE OUT.

EXT: A LINCOLN PRECINCT AREA. DAY

We follow CHARLIE CROWE, as he shuffles along, taking the odd peek through the windows of a Butchers and Bakers.  All the while he talks to himself.

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (A Geordie accent)
I don't bloody know!  Why so far?  I was ‘appy where I was!  You knew that.  Now ‘ow am I goin' t'get t'see yer?

FX:    Faint, Slow, Background Big Band Music from another precinct.

CHARLIE CROWE cocks his head, trying to determine the music direction and changes course.

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Continuing)
Big Band. (Nodding)  Yeah!  Big Band.Yer love that don't yer, pet?

CUT TO:

EXT: C&A PRECINCT AREA - WATERSIDE. DAY

A five-piece music group plays the source of the Big Band music that CHARLIE is looking for.  The band consists of DAZ WILLIS on Lead Alto Sax, STEVIE on Bass Guitar, KIERAN on drums, PETER on keyboard,

and one other MUSICIAN on trumpet.  They have an automatic synthesizer playing a backing track.

Whilst the music continues, we move into a full frame shot of DAZ to establish him, as he is totally engrossed in a feeling of euphoria, as if his chains of bondage have, for the moment, been released.

The music comes to a close, prompting some applause from the twenty, or so, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC who are stood watching.

CUT TO:

EXT: A QUIETER LINCOLN PRECINCT AREA. DAY

CHARLIE CROWE is almost in tears when he hears the music has stopped.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
No!  No, where's the music gone? (To a MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC)  Do yer know where it is?

The MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC can't get of the way quick enough.

While he is stood, FOUR CHILDREN, about eleven or twelve years old, round a corner and run up to taunt him.  CHILD 2 looks like the leader of the pack.

                    CHILD 1:
        Ugh! Why're you so dirty?

                    CHILD 2:
        It's ‘cos ‘e eats turds don't yer, Geek?!

CHILD 1 runs round the tramp, shouting.

                    CHILD 1:    
        Geek!  Geek!  Geek!

CHILD 3 runs up behind CHARLIE CROWE and pushes him in the back.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Get lost yer little bastards!!

CHARLIE CROWE swings an arm to the children and manages to cuff CHILD 2 on the arm.

                    CHILD 2:
        Oh God!  He touched me! He touched me!!  I'm gonna die!! Aaagh!

He feigns death.

                    CHILD 1:
        Dirty tramp!  Dirty tramp!

We see CHILD 2 pick up a handful of wet mud and throw it on to CHARLIE CROWE'S back and laughs.

                    CHILD 2:
        ‘ere ya, Geek!  ‘Ere's yer next meal!

They run off, laughing.  CHARLIE CROWE just shuffles on his way.

CUT TO:

EXT: C&A PRECINCT AREA - WATERSIDE. DAY

The group strike up with, "In the mood".

CUT TO:

EXT: A QUIETER LINCOLN PRECINCT AREA. DAY

CHARLIE CROWE hears the mucsic once more and hones in on it.

CUT TO:

EXT: C&A PRECINCT AREA - WATERSIDE. DAY

We see the crowd getting larger and more appreciative.  When the piece has finished, applause greets the band as DAZ WILLIS counts them in straight away with, "Tommie's Boogie Woogie".

We see the crowd is enjoying themselves until, suddenly.......

We see a disturbance in the crowd, and shouts of abuse from MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC and taunts from children as CHARLIE CROWE barges his way through the crowd to the band.

CUT TO:


ANOTHER ANGLE:

CHARLIE CROWE then paces back and forth in front of the band, oblivious to all, as he tries to mimic KIERAN, on the drums in a childish way.  

We see MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC look on in open amusement, all except DAZ WILLIS, who his too enraptured in his craft to notice.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC are laughing, whilst others leave in embarrassment.  

The music concludes, and MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC applaud.
CHARLIE CROWE shuffles from foot to foot and, since he no longer holds his trousers, we see them begin to fall.  The crowd laugh even more.  And now CHARLIE CROWE notices his whereabouts, his

situation.....and the laughing, mocking crowd.

We see sadness grip CHARLIE CROWE as he grabs his rags-for-trousers and pulls them back up.  But, still enthralled at the band, he tries to get too close and he looks pleadingly at STEVIE.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Please.......?

                    STEVIE:
        Sling yer hook, mate!

CHARLIE CROWE, head bowed, sadly walks away to more giggles and laughter.

                    STEVIE: (Continued)
Hey, Daz!  Di'y'see that?

We see DAZ WILLIS look up for the fist time.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Eh?

STEVIE only shakes his head in disbelief.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE: HIGH VANTAGE POINT

From our high vantage point a long way off, we zoom back from a close up of the group and audience, up and out to a wide angle of the town centre in general, echoes of the mocking laughter lingering on until they are gone.

CUT TO:


ANOTHER ANGLE: - HIGH VANTAGE POINT
FX:    Backing Music - "Touching Stories" (Library Music) - Start
From another part of town, from an equally high vantage point, we pan across the town and zoom to:

CUT TO:

EXT: A RIVERSIDE LOCATION OF RUBBLE AND SQUALOR. DAY

FX:  Background music continues

CHARLIE CROWE, shuffles along the river bank away from town, carrying a sorry-looking bunch of flowers. The ruins of an old house can be seen from across the river.  CHARLIE CROWE stops and stares across to the ruin.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
All those years.  For what?  Nowt!

He continues on his way along the river bank, away from the town.

TIME CUT TO:

EXT: CHURCH AND CEMETERY - BOULTHAM PARK. DAY:

An exhausted CHARLIE CROWE approaches the gate of the serene and quiet Church at Boultham Park and enters the Cemetery, closing the gate behind him.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE:

He shuffles towards us, carrying the flowers, and kneels at a gravestone, his lower lip quivering.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Hello, Gwen.    How yer doin', pet?  I...I brought yer some floowers. Now, I knows what ye'll say, "Floowers is fer the livin', not fer the dead". But, the thing is, pet, I've got noot else, not this week.

He makes a weak and feeble attempt to tend the grave, but the enormity of the task is beyond him.

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Continuing)
    It's a long time, is seven years.  A long time, alone and cold.  No one ter talk to and .... and you so far away, like.  I'll tell yer what it is, pet, it's a bloody death sentence!  Aye, the bloody death sentence fer me except..........except I keep gettin' a reprieve!   I'm not goin's t'get t'see yer as much, now pet.  Not now they've moved us.  I don't know if me legs're up to it.  It's so far! Oh, Gwen!

He tends the grave some more.

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Continuing)
I know what they say.  I know they laugh at me and make fun of me, but what can I do?  All they see a tramp, but what they don't see is the person who I was.  The human who I was.

We leave CHARLIE CROWE kneeling in front of the grave

FADE TO:

EXT: LINCOLN CATHEDRAL    . NIGHT

We see the Cathedral from the South, floodlit and Gothic.  

CUT TO:

EXT: LINCOLN CATHEDRAL. NIGHT
We sweep across to the Brayford Pool to the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, lit from within, the lights reflecting over the water.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE:
We see a floodlit sign at the entrance to the University proclaiming, "Lincoln Campus".

CUT TO:

INT: THE UNIVERSITY RECREATION AREA. NIGHT:

DAZ WILLIS is talking on a Payphone.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Dad!  Will you stop going on?  (Listening) But, I haven't done anything!  Look, I said I'd keep away and I am! (Listens) But that's not fair!  You said twenty quid every week! (Listens) Well, that's just great!  What do I do now, eat nothing?!!

He slams the phone down and storms off.

CUT TO:


INT: THE UNIVERSITY MEETING HALL. NIGHT:

DAZ WILLIS walks in passing a notice, "Special Meeting for Music and Drama Society - The Millennium Gig".  The hall is somewhat crowded with FELLOW STUDENTS, who listen intently..  

We see CANDICE, the Chairperson is stood at the front behind a lectern discussing the forthcoming event; the COMMITTEE MEMBERS sat behind her.

                    CANDICE: (V.O.)
....that in two months time this university puts on a special event to mark the Millennium and new beginning, and as such is to be given the working title of the, "Millennium Gig".  As the Chairperson of this, the Music and Drama Society, I have been instructed to discuss with you the format for this forthcoming event.

We follow with a tight shot of DAZ WILLIS as he manages to get a seat that has been reserved for him by fellow student, PETER.

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Narked)
        N'then, Pete.

                    PETER: (Expectantly)
        Is he sending it to you, Daz?

A VOICE from behind tries to hush the pair.
DAZ WILLIS looks round to the voice, completely ignorant of it.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Is he bollocks, the tight-fisted bastard!  He has one sniff of me playing in the band and he reels in my allowance.

                    PETER:

He's probably got a link in to the security cameras in town.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Never a true word.......someone tipped the git off.  

                PETER:
Never mind.  The thirty quid we got in town today'll help.

                DAZ WILLIS:
(Not impressed) Yeah, great.  Anyway, what's happened so far? (Indicating  CANDICE)

                    PETER:
        She say's the Gig's gonna be heavy metal.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        What?!  What about the rest of us?

                    A VOICE:
        Will you be quiet?!

CANDICE notices the commotion.

                    CANDICE:
        Do you have something to add on the issue, Mr............?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Willis!  Daz Willis.  You're making the Gig heavy metal?

                    CANDICE:
        Perhaps if you'd been a little earlier in your arrival......

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        I thought this music and drama society was here to serve the needs of all interested.

                    CANDICE:
        It is......

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Then how come you took it on yourself to "elect" a mere four-piece Heavy Metal gang for what is likely to be the biggest gig this University has seen in years?  There are enough musicians sat here now to create a brilliant extravaganza ......... like a Jazz, or Big Band Orchestra!  Something to gel with the people of Lincoln.

There are murmurs of agreement from the FELLOW STUDENTS.

                    CANDICE:
        It is the considered opinion of.......

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Cutting In)
        Of who?  The Principle?  The Director?!  I thought we were supposed to have a say in what and who performed!  How can you dictate to us?!

                    CANDICE:
    You have to realise, Mr. Willis, that this society, like any other internal organisation has to be managed in line with the resources of the University. After all, we want quality, not quantity!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Bollocks!

                    CANDICE:
        Mr Willis, this is not the gutter so please.......

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Get stuffed!  You're just being self-centred, too much full of your own importance!

He storms out of the hall and we are left looking at a dumbfounded PETER.

                    PETER: (to himself)
        And that from a trainee Lawyer!

CUT TO:

INT: THE UNIVERSITY - A CORRIDOR. NIGHT:

DAZ WILLIS stands fuming in the corridor as the hall is emptying of the FELLOW STUDENTS.  Many of them glance his way with expressions of open support.  However, a few have hostile expressions as STEVIE approaches DAZ WILLIS.

                    STEVIE:
        Cool speech, Guy. Trouble is, you've given our Candice something to bite on and, from that cliquey bitch, it could be painful!  ‘S'good job I play Rock as well as Jazz.  At least I'll be okay for a place.

He laughs

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Oh piss off!

DAZ WILLIS walks off leaving a bemused STEVIE.

FADE TO:

EXT: CHURCH AND CEMETERY - BOULTHAM PARK. DAY:

We see CHARLIE CROWE curled up in the doorway of the church, an old cardboard sheet over him, like blanket.  He wakes in the early morning light and wanders where he is.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
God, Gwen!  You've kept me out again!  What'll Mr Duncan say?  Oh no!

He gets up with difficulty.

CUT TO:


ANOTHER ANGLE: - SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE PARK.

DAZ WILLIS walks the park, annoyed and deep in thought.

                    STEVIE: (V.O)
She got to you, Guy, our girl...... (temptingly) .....Candice?

                    DAZ WILLIS: (V.O.)
Look, I've got to get out of here for a few hours; clear my head!

                    STEVIE:
Don't let daddy catch you........

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE:

CHARLIE CROWE is shuffling sadly out of the Cemetery. Although the weather is bright and sunny, and the birds sing, this does nothing to lift CHARLIE CROWE ‘s spirit.

FX:    Jazz Music Over

As he walks, he hears the sounds of a jazz quartet playing in the near distance, within Boultham Park.  He grins.

CUT TO:

EXT: BOULTHAM PARK. DAY

FX:    Jazz Music Over

CHARLIE CROWE searches for the jazz quartet as the music gets louder.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE

DAZ WILLIS registers the music and also looks for the source.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE

The Jazz Quartet are set up in a corner of the park and are obviously merely buskers out practising together.  The free-form jazz is exhilarating and invigorating.  

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE - CUT AS REQUIRED

We see both CHARLIE CROWE and DAZ WILLIS come across the band from different directions, totally unaware of each other; both fully honed in on the music.  They end up, still oblivious to each other, side by side,

listening.  

CHARLIE CROWE resumes his exited stepping.

The music seems to gather pace as the buskers are aware that they have an audience.  One of the musicians gets carried away and plays a duff note.  DAZ WILLIS and CHARLIE CROWE wince together.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        No hiding a bum note!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Oh I dunno, if yer know what yer doin'.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Know something about music, do you?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Aye, a bit.

The music finally ends.

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Clapping)
Brill!  Wicked!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Aye, not bad. (A longish pause) You were the Lead Alto Sax in that band in town, weren't yer?

DAZ WILLIS turns and looks at CHARLIE CROWE for the first time.  He is momentarily shocked to realise who, or what, he is making conversation with.  

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Er.........yes.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Yer band's good.  Could go a long way.

DAZ WILLIS merely nods an acknowledgement.  He tries to put a discreet distance between himself and the tramp.  CHARLIE CROWE at once realises the cold shoulder and retreats sadly into himself.

                    

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Continuing)
But then take no notice of me, what do I know?  After all, I'm not human, am I?

DAZ WILLIS is at once contrite.  He thrusts out his hand at CHARLIE CROWE.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Darren Willis.

Now it's CHARLIE CROWE ‘s turn to be shocked.  He tries to wipe his mucky hand on equally mucky trousers but finally shakes DAZ WILLIS' hand.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Charlie.  Charlie Crowe.

DAZ WILLIS has a flash of recognition at the name but is, at once, gone.  He turns to walk away, CHARLIE following.

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Continuing)
        It's been a long time since I've done that and even longer since I've heard my name mentioned.  Aye, a long time.  I'll tell yer what, it's been even longer since anyone volunteered to actually talk to me. Now, there's a thought!

DAZ WILLIS smiles but is lost in his own thoughts.

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Continuing)
        If you don't mind me sayin', for someone so young you seem to have the weight of the world and his uncle on yer shoulders.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Is it that obvious?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        I spend all day lookin' at people's faces, readin' their thoughts.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Wondering who'll drop you a quid or not?

CHARLIE CROWE looks hurt.

                DAZ WILLIS: (Continuing)
        Sorry, I didn't mean it to sound............

CHARLIE CROWE finally grins

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Well, if I'm honest, that's probably not far from the truth.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        I suppose it boils down to my Father trying to dictate to me.  Telling me what I can and can't do.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Most Father's are like that. Mine was.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        I'm studying Law at the Uni, or supposed to be...........

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        But music's yer life?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        The deal was he'd pay for everything.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Because it's a more stable profession?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Are you sure you don't know him?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        I'm a Father too, y'know......(sadly) ....or was  I don't see them now, of course.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Everything seems so much!  I feel trapped and I'm going to be like it for at least two YEARS!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Well, at the end of the day, you've got to do your own thing.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Maybe he's right, but he doesn't even want me to play ANY music.  Nothing!  No body wants to listen to what I want!  Even the music society won't listen to my suggestions!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        And that's a problem?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Just because I appreciate different music to them!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
    Big bands, aye? Now there's a thing.


                    DAZ WILLIS:
Don't get me wrong, I'm a musician, so I appreciate all music. But I like Big Bands.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Such as?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Oh, Count Bassie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington. Forties and fifties stuff. And not forgetting, of course, Glen Miller.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Of course. And your favourite?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
    Charlie Parker, his saxophone was my inspiration.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Mine was Art Blakey, the drummer.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Art Blakey? You mean you play?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        Played, past tense.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        Where? Were you big?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        I've been around.

We leave the pair as the continue their walk.

CUT TO:

EXT: BRAYFORD POOL. DAY

We sweep across the water of the Brayford over to the University.

CUT TO:

INT: UNIVERSITY RECREATION ROOMS. DAY

A group of four heavy rock musicians: BEACON, WRENCH and TWO NOISY ROCKERS are gathered round CANDICE.

BEACON and WRENCH are sharing tongues.

                    CANDICE:
            Right, shut up, will you!  And Beacon, this isn't a bloody brothel.

                    BEACON:
        What?

                    CANDICE:
        Get your tongue out of.....?

                    BEACON:
        "Wrench", we call her "Wrench".

        A quizzical look from CANDICE

                    WRENCH:
I call him Beacon because he's the light of my life.

                    BEACON :
And I call her Wrench because she tightens my bolt.

                    CANDICE:
Be that as it may, we're here for more than just a necking session......!

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE

PETER is watching the proceedings from a distance in the shadows. He listens intently.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE:

                    CANDICE: (Continuing).
Beacon, I'm told your pretty good on the skins.

                    BEACON:
Only the best.  My drums are like my women - soft, but tight!

Wrench gives him a dig in the ribs.
                

                CANDICE:
Well, you'll be interested to know that I think my voice can go a long way in promoting you.  But first I want to know your play list, and what you intend to do to make this gig better than the big band .......crap that the opposition are proposing. I've got to make sure the vote really swings this way!

                    WRENCH:
But I thought it was already voted.

                    BEACON:
Forget that!  (To CANDICE) You just tell us where and when, and we'll have them rockin'n' chuckin' up in the aisles.

                CANDICE:
You make your mark here for me and you'll get bigger coverage than you can imagine.  So listen up...

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE

Muffled discussion from CANDICE is heard by PETER. He is both shocked and excited and quickly moves back into the shadows.

CUT TO:

EXT: BOULTHAM PARK. DAY

CHARLIE CROWE and DAZ WILLIS have left the band and are walking the park. DAZ WILLIS has to walk slowly to keep with CHARLIE CROWE'S shuffle.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
        You should'na blame yer father too much.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        So when did you last see your kids?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
They're a bit too old to be bouncing on me knee y'know! More like me Grandkids! No, my kids don't see me now.  I haven't seen ‘em since Gwen's funeral.

DAZ WILLIS reflects.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
    So what made you a......

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
A what?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Well, like.... (indicating CHARLIE'S attire)

CHARLIE CROWE looks at himself.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Since I lost Gwen me and the world's not seen eye to eye.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
You just gave up?

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (Angrily)
I've never giving up! Do you think I'd be here if I had! I fought in North Africa, alongside Montgomery, I've seen some of my pals blown to bits! You don't know me! You only know what you see! A 73 year old who's a
....... who's down on his luck!

He shuffles ahead. DAZ WILLIS is concerned and runs after CHARLIE CROWE.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
        I'm..... sorry.

CHARLIE CROWE cools off.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
I'll tell you about never giving up. When we were in Alexandria we had to defend the port from the Luftwaffe. That port was crucial for the British Eighth Army's supplies, so was a natural target. I was part of a detail set-up to create a "diversion".

                    DAZ WILLIS:
What d'y' mean?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
We didn't want Alexandria bombed, so we made the Luftwaffe ‘think' they had. They bombed a beach 5 miles away instead!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
What?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Aye, we set a series of lights on the beach in exactly the same layout as the real street lamps at the port. At night, we lit the lamps and shut down Alexandria! It was great the way they bombed the shit out of the
beach!
All we did next day was place a few black painted panels on the streets and roads, circled by dirt and here were your bomb craters! Just in time for breakfast when the reconnaissance planes came over!

    Night after night we had to change the bulbs on the beach and keep a vigil, but it worked. The point is, we never gave up, even when the Luftwaffe began to suspect that their navigation systems were working
after all and they'd been had. We never gave up.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
So what happened to you after the war?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Big Bands basically. I was like you, into jazz, sweet popular music, you name it, I played it.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
As much as you can with drums.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Hey, don't knock what you don't know!

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Laughing)
I was joking.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Aye, well.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
So, where did you play?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
I eventually played in.....

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Shut up! I know! It's just come to me!  I thought I remembered the name! You played in Tommy Wilson's Jazz Orchestra.  I'm right, aren't I?

CHARLIE CROWE cannot believe his ears.  Recognition, after all these years!

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Continuing)
This is a joke, right?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Do I look like I'm joking?!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Ok Ok, chill out. This is unreal!  Hey,  I just thought, if you were with Tommy Wilson, then you're probably on some Web Site somewhere! Cool!

CHARLIE CROWE doesn't know what DAZ WILLIS is talking about.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Anyway, I played with him until he died.  That was in.......

                    DAZ WILLIS: (cutting in)
        ..........1982

                    CHARLIE CROWE: (impressed)
Aye.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Were you playing when the rest toured the States? I mean, it was like taking coals to Newcastle er... no pun intended. (Embarrassed).

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
I did. Highlight of my musical career. We went all over the world after that.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
God, I can't believe it?! Here I am talking to a walking legend. Charlie Crowe, the drummer!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Walking legend! Pah!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Well, dressed as you are, like I said, I can't believe it.

We see CHARLIE CROWE doesn't know if to be offended but DAZ WILLIS smiles back warmly.

CUT TO:

EXT: LINCOLN. NIGHT

We see the University by night, with Lincoln Cathedral in the background.

CUT TO:

INT: HALL OF RESIDENCE. NIGHT

DAZ WILLIS is sat with STEVIE, PETER and FELLOW BAND MEMBERS.  They are all in high spirits as they lounge and relax.  Some FELLOW BAND MEMBERS clean instruments, while others listen to personal

CD players.  DAZ WILLIS plays a few notes on his Saxophone, checking it, completely oblivious to the rest. STEVIE has a sudden, funny thought and starts to laugh.

                    FELLOW BAND MEMBER 1
What's the joke?

                    STEVIE:
I was just thinking back to that old tramp, in the town centre the other day!  Jesus, did you see him prancing about?  I nearly wet myself.


                    FELLOW BAND MEMBER 2
It'll be all his fleas makin' ‘im do that!

                    PETER
God, those poor fleas!  Maybe we should report the bastard to the RSPCA for cruelty!

                    STEVIE
Yeah, fancy having to put up with that.  It'd be like treading in shit every step you took!

CUT TO:

EXT: A TOWN STREET. NIGHT

CHARLIE CROWE is in a doorway rummaging down a bin.  Suddenly from up the street we can hear the raucous voices of CANDICE, BEACON, an uncomfortable-looking WRENCH, and the TWO ROCKERS, as they approach and walk by CHARLIE CROWE.

                    CANDICE:
    It'll be a surprise to them, that's for sure, especially that Darren Willis.

CHARLIE CROWE pricks his ears up at the mention of DAZ's name.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Ay'yer got twenty pee for a cuppa, pal?

                    BEACON:
(almost as an aside) Piss off.  (To CANDICE)They won't know what ‘it ‘em!

                    WRENCH:
Er....b..better than any of that old fashioned-crap!

                    CANDICE:
I can't wait to see Willis' face!

                    BEACON:
Sweet.

Curious, CHARLIE CROWE picks up on the conversation and tags along behind.

CUT TO:

INT: HALL OF RESIDENCE. NIGHT

In the background DAZ'S FATHER enters the room, wearing an expensive Camel coat and looking round.  

DAZ WILLIS' back is toward his Father, so he cannot be seen, and the cacophony of noise partly drowns the sound of the Saxophone.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE.

STEVIE notices DAZ'S FATHER and kicks DAZ WILLIS' shin.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Ow!  What was that for?

                    STEVIE:
Hey, Guy!  Your Old Man into Camel coats?

DAZ WILLIS stops playing.  PETER follows STEVIE'S gaze.

                    PETER:
Shit!  Daz, it's your Dad!

PETER grabs the Saxophone from DAZ WILLIS and buries it among the FELLOW BAND MEMBERS.

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Darren?

DAZ WILLIS looks round, dismayed, embarrassed and angry at the same time.  He gets up and approaches his Father.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Dad!  What're you doing here?

                    DAZ'S FATHER: (Hissing)
Is this how my money funds you?!  Idle chit chat?!  What about your studies?!

All eyes look on.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
For God's sake, Dad!  You are embarrassing me!

DAZ'S FATHER goes to steer DAZ WILLIS out of the room, but he is having none of it, and side-steps out of the way.

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Continued)
Dad, sod off!


                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Look, I don't know what your playing at, but after your disgraceful behaviour on the telephone the other day........

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Cutting in)
.....you'd thought you'd check up on me!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Well, yes!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
What do you expect?  You leave me without anything to feed me and you wondered why I lost my rag on the ‘phone?!  Grow up, Dad!  I'm not your little boy any more, I'm my own man!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Oh, so why beg me to pay for you; to keep you!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
I asked you for another course, not this one!  I hate it!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Oh yes, I know what you want.  I suppose your more interested in this....this Millennium Gig rubbish.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
What if I am?

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Do you have any idea how much this is costing me?

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Is that all you're worried about, the money?  You bloody cheapskate!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
I don't know why I don't stop this right now!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Why don't you?  Why don't you save us both a lot of aggro!  You never wanted me to be myself, you only ever wanted someone to be shackled to the same chains as you!  Someone to lead the same, dull, boring life!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
That's right, knock away the hand that's protected and fed you since you were a baby, the same hand that's ALWAYS given you what you wanted!  And now you can't do this one thing for me!


                    DAZ WILLIS:
Oh yeah, sign away my life! At the end of the day, Dad, I think you're just jealous because I'm refusing to do what you had to do, and what Granddad probably had to do as well.  Well, forget it!  IF I'm going to do this course, then it'll be on my terms and not yours!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
How can YOU dictate to me?  It's not you footing the bill!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Then stop this charade and I'll take my chances busking for a living! At least I'll be happier!

                    DAZ'S FATHER:
Don't you be sure about that, Lad!  

                DAZ WILLIS:
Face it, Dad, I'm a Musician, not a Lawyer!
            
                                DAZ'S FATHER:
Now you listen to me!  You either knuckle down to your studies and prove yourself a real man, or you'll get nothing from me.....ever!  Do you understand?!  Nothing!!

With that he turns on his heal and strides out leaving the silent residents looking at DAZ WILLIS.

FADE TO:

EXT: BRAYFORD POOL. DAY

We sweep across the Brayford pool, to the University.

EXT: BRAYFORD POOLSIDE - UNIVERSITY. DAY

DAZ, PETER and STEVIE and the other FELLOW BAND MEMBERS, sit outside talking.  DAZ WILLIS is dejected.

                    PETER:
I dunno, talk about Dictator!  It's a wonder he doesn't check up on yer when yer in the bog!

                    STEVIE:
If that was my Old Man, I'd've decked ‘im there and then!


                    DAZ WILLIS:
Oh, bollocks to him! Look, I don't want to hear him mentioned again, not today!  We've got to do something about swinging the vote for this Gig back in our favour!  Anyway, get your thinking caps on, while I go for a waz.

He gets up and goes inside.  Shortly, CHARLIE CROWE rounds a corner from the forecourt and approaches the group.

                    STEVIE:
Hey, it's the tramp, man! Wotcha want, smell?

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
I'm...I'm looking for a friend .......of yours?

                STEVIE:
You gotta be kiddin!  Try the dosser's dating agency!  That's the only way you'll get a companion.

                PETER: (Mimicking)
Hi there!  I'm a tramp!  I like smelling, wearing dirty old rags and begging from Humans.  If you feel this is the life for you, then call me...... any name you like, I won't mind!

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
B...but I'm lookin for Darren Wi.......

                    STEVIE:
Look, just sod off, yer bag of bones!

Everyone is laughing.......all except DAZ WILLIS, who has just emerged from the building.
CHARLIE CROWE turns and quickly shuffles away, angry and close to tears.

DAZ WILLIS is outraged.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Charlie!  Charlie!!  Wait!!

All eyes turn to DAZ WILLIS, who glares back angrily at the group as he chases after CHARLIE CROWE.

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Continuing)
Charlie!  I....I....

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Forget it!!  I came with useful information for yer!  But you're no different to anyone else!  You're all the same!


                    DAZ WILLIS:
But they didn't know.

                    CHARLIE CROWE:
Nah! How many other Dossers do you know?

He Shuffles away.  DAZ WILLIS can only stand there, mute.  Then he turns angrily back towards the group.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE

DAZ WILLIS approaches STEVIE and PETER.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
You bastards!

                    STEVIE:
Sorry, Guy, I didn't know he was a relation of yours.

There is much sniggering.

                    DAZ WILLIS:
You just haven't got a clue have you?!  Ever thought that some humility might be needed here?  Have you any idea what went on in his life to make him end up that way?  ‘Course you don't!

                    STEVIE:
He's a low life!

                    DAZ WILLIS:
Well, I'll say this, Stevie, you're observant.  All you see is a - what did you call him?  A bag of bones?  It doesn't matter that you don't know him; to you he's just another waste of space, a burden on the taxpayer, a bloody smell!  Well he isn't, he's a human being........

He turns and walks away towards town, and CHARLIE.

                    DAZ WILLIS: (Continuing)
....just like the rest of us!

The group is left quiet and humble.

TIME CUT TO:

CONTINUED IN PART TWO