Banjo Man & The Statue. Starring, Steve Martin as Frankie, and Pete Davidson as Harry.
1.
FADE IN:
NEW YORK CITY
EXT. SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY
We see dozens of people walking hurriedly to get on the subway train, while others get off. Some
stopping for a few minutes at a time to watch the handful of buskers up, and down the platform.
FRANKIE is frantically playing his banjo as if he's a madman. Someone walking by kicks his
banjo case full of change, and his money goes flying in the air, then coming down with pings, and
dings that blend in with the notes echoing through the subway. Almost simultaneously a string
breaks on his banjo and he stops playing to dig in his long coat pockets to search for something.
He pulls out a packet of strings, but he realizes the packet is empty. Frankie starts smashing
his banjo on the ground shouting profanities, two POLICE OFFICERS intersect with Frankie
to investigate the disturbance. Pieces of the banjo litter the deck.
OFFICER
Frankie, we warned you. After you clean up this mess you
have to go somewhere else. If we see you back here, there are
no more warnings.
FRANKIE
What are you going to do about these bullies?! I was minding
my own goddamn business!
OFFICER
If you could control your temper, maybe we wouldn't get distracted.
Alright get moving.
FRANKIE
Ah fuck it, I can make more money on the streets anyway.
Still visibly angry, Frankie picks up the broken pieces of banjo, puts it in his case, then heads to the
stairs. He sees the bully by the stairs smirking, and he starts to RUN toward him with purpose. The
cops notice, and follow in pursuit to try, and head off Frankie, before he commits assault.
FADE OUT:
___________________________________________________________________________________
2.
FADE IN:
EXT. NYC STREET - DAY
We see Frankie WALK up, and stand near HARRY who is dressed as a chrome metallic man in a hat
statue costume. He is elevated in the air while holding a shovel set in a black box. Frankie pulls out a
beach stool from his long coat, opens it then sits down, his banjo slung across his back like a sword, he
spins his banjo to the front of his body and starts to tune his instrument. Someone puts a dollar
in Harry's black box, and he suddenly comes to life gesturing a thank you. A few more passersby
repeats the cash offering to Harry's magically levitating chrome self. Frankie plays his banjo with
earnestness to get passersby attention as quickly as possible, giving friendly smiles, and morning
hellos at the same time.
CROSSFADE:
EXT. NYC STREET - CONT.
A small crowd surrounds Frankie as he plays a melodious arrangement with the highest of skill.
He finishes his musical number, and the crowd applauds with a few people contributing cash to
his banjo case. Frankie packs up while doling out thanks and thank you to everyone. As the crowd
disperses, MEDUSA, a goth thirty something with tattoo sleeves - steps from where the crowd was and
walks over to Harry's spot. We see Harry disconnect himself from the freestanding shovel, and Medusa
assists him.
MEDUSA
When did the Banjo Man start working this street?
HARRY
Just today. You know him?
MEDUSA
You've never heard of him? I'm surprised to see him above ground.
You're going to have to change streets.
HARRY
Yeah, he is good, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm not worried about it.
How'd your gig go?
MEDUSA
Fucked up. Place was a dump, and there were twenty - thirty
people maybe.
Frankie decides he's done for the day too and packs up at the same time. Frankie waves, and smiles
at Harry, and Medusa as he walks away in the opposite direction.
CUT TO:
___________________________________________________________________________________
3.
INT. HARRY'S NYC APT. - NIGHT
Harry and Medusa lay next to each other naked and sweaty on their bed breathing heavy,
obviously having had a passionate moment. Medusa grabs the bong and lighter on the nightstand,
then lights up for a hit, she offers it to Harry, he partakes, he hands it back, and she puts it
back on the nightstand. Medusa gets out of bed, and dresses.
MEDUSA
You have to make Banjo Man find another street. Your income
has gone down.
HARRY
I think I might move instead.
MEDUSA
Fuck that, it's the best street, you're the one who said you
weren't going anywhere in the first place.
HARRY
I can't do it. I can't push him away.
MEDUSA
(annoyed)
We're going on tour in a couple weeks with Dead Pony. They're
blowing up, and it's a great opportunity.
HARRY
For how long?
MEDUSA
(angry)
I don't know! You need to get a real job Harry, I'm tired of carrying us.
Medusa LEAVES the bedroom, disappearing into the kitchen, the fridge door can be heard
slamming shut. Medusa yells OFF SCREEN.
MEDUSA
We can't even afford beer!
CUT TO:
Harry joins Medusa in the living room, and notices that she is getting ready to leave.
MEDUSA
I'm leaving, got practice.
HARRY
I got to know him. We're kind of friends.
MEDUSA
Friends?
Medusa rolls her eyes, then slams the door shut while leaving. Harry looks around - shakes his head,
in disapproval.
FADE OUT:
___________________________________________________________________________________
4.
FADE IN:
EXT. NYC STREET - DAY
Harry is on his magic shovel stand, and Frankie is just out of ear shot of Harry. A passerby puts a five
bill in Harry's box, and he comes to life shifting horizontally tipping his hat in thanks at the same time,
he then walks in place while suspended in mid-air and gives an extra nod of thanks for good measure.
Harry notices Medusa talking to Frankie but stays in character.
MEDUSA
Hi, I'm Medusa, Harry's girlfriend.
FRANKIE
Hi, I'm Frankie. I know, Harry told me all about you, it's nice to
finally meet you. Oh, you go by the name of your band ok I get it cool.
MEDUSA
He did uh? How well do you know each other?
FRANKIE
Every day for the past week we take a lunch break at the same
time, and chit chat. It was his idea. He's actually helped me
a lot with my anger issues which is amazing because no one has
been able to do that before. Kind of fast friends.
MEDUSA
That's sweet. Hey, Frankie, my band is playing at the Cave
tomorrow night. You should come check us out.
FRANKIE
Sorry I'm trying to avoid bars. But if you ever play a non-alcohol
establishment I'm there.
MEDUSA
Ok, deal. I gotta go Frankie, nice meeting to you.
Medusa WALKS over to Harry's spot. Harry breaks character.
HARRY
What did you guys talk about?
MEDUSA
Just that if we ever play a place that's not a bar he'll come
check us out. Hell, I might just invite him to play with us.
See you at home.
Medusa leaves in a hurry. Harry glances over at Frankie with concern. Harry notices Medusa
halfway down the block.
HARRY
(yells)
Hey, Medusa you're not going to help me break down?!
Frankie is suddenly standing next to Harry seemingly from out of nowhere.
FRANKIE
I'll help you.
HARRY
Thanks. She's not herself lately.
FRANKIE
Oh really? You haven't mentioned that before.
HARRY
I'm getting a sinking feeling.
FRANKIE
You wanna learn the banjo?
Frankie assists Harry to unhook from his shovel gadget, and Harry breaks down the rest.
HARRY
Nah, but thanks for the offer. See you tomorrow, Frankie.
FRANKIE
See ya tomorrow.
FADE OUT:
___________________________________________________________________________________
5.
FADE IN:
INT. CAVE BAR AND GRILL - NIGHT
We see Medusa and her band on the stage playing their set to a packed house, the side bar is busy,
with the few tables full of people eating, and drinking. Frankie is standing in the back of the club
listening, and head bopping to the music with banjo in tow like a backpack.
CUT TO:
Medusa's POV from stage. She notices Frankie as they finish the song, and after the crowd cheers die
down she suddenly puts him on the spot over the PA system.
MEDUSA
Thank you! Hey, everyone, we have a local celebrity in the bar
tonight, and I hope he doesn't mind, but the Banjo Man is right
over there. He makes New York streets a little more fun, and
a little brighter. Frankie come on up, and jam with us, it would be
an honor.
Frankie goes up on stage feeling embarrassed. We see Harry push his way to the front, with a concerned
look on his face, he settles in on the second row slightly hidden from view.
HARRY
(quietly to himself)
Medusa what did do?
MEDUSA
None of this is rehearsed so bear with us, and just have fun!
Frankie tunes his banjo, then stands ready. Medusa counts down four, and the free jam kicks in loud,
and hard blasting the whole room like thunder. Frankie jumps in with an incredible banjo solo, and
just goes on for at least eight measures, the crowd screaming cheers of approval the whole time.
CLOSE ON Harry smiling, and bopping his head, while looking around at the crowd yelling, and
enjoying themselves. The band ends the impromptu rockabilly piece with Frankie doing one last
solo in sync with the other musicians being cued by the drummer. The crowd applause roars.
Frankie attempts to bow but collapses on stage. The roars turn to gasps in an instant. Medusa, the
bandmembers, and Harry all come to his aid. Medusa looks at Harry, and he gives Medusa
a dirty look back. The house EMT runs up to check Frankie's vitals.
CLOSE ON Harry, and Medusa leaning over Frankie. Sirens in the background gets nearer.
The crowd can be heard murmuring about banjo man's condition here and there.
HARRY
(angry)
Did he drink?
MEDUSA
(offended by accusatory tone)
No. I don't know. Not that I saw. Why?
HARRY
Oh, c'mon. As if you didn't know.
MEDUSA
I didn't know he was going to be here.
Firemen go on stage with a rollaway stretcher, and everyone moves out of the way.
CUT TO:
___________________________________________________________________________________
6.
INT. HOSPITAL FOYER - DAY
Harry goes to the front desk to check in as a visitor.
HARRY
Hi, I'm here to see Frankie Deloy.
DESK PERSON
Deloy, Deloy...
HARRY
The Banjo Man.
DESK PERSON
Oh yeah, banjo man. Mr. Deloy checked himself out this
morning.
HARRY
Oh really? I thought he was dying. He told me he had cirrhosis.
I figured that's why he collapsed.
DESK PERSON
You'd have to ask his doctor. Are you a friend or relative?
HARRY
Never mind, thanks.
Harry hurries out.
CUT TO:
EXT. MEDUSA'S CAR - CONT.
Harry is riding shotgun while Medusa drives through NYC.
HARRY
Take me to Central Park.
MEDUSA
Why?
HARRY
I think Frankie might be there, it's almost lunch, and that's
where we would go to talk at lunch.
MEDUSA
I'm leaving on tour tonight. We need to talk when I get back.
Medusa pulls up curbside at Central Park and turns off the engine.
HARRY
You planning to break up with me? Because I've been getting
vibes for a while now.
MEDUSA
Go find your friend.
HARRY
Ok Celeste. When you get back, we'll talk. You know Celeste is
a beautiful name. I don't understand why you don't use it.
Harry gets out of the car, and Medusa stares at him for a moment with obvious tears welling
in her eyes. Harry notices and is taken aback. She turns on the engine, then pulls into traffic and
drives away. Harry pauses long enough to watch her disappear around the corner.
CUT TO:
___________________________________________________________________________________
7.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - CONT.
Harry slow jogs through the park searching for Frankie. He hears a faint banjo playing, and he jogs
toward the sound. Frankie comes into Harry's POV and there's a small gathering listening to
Frankie twang away. Frankie finishes his tune just as Harry arrives at his spot in time to participate
in the applause, and donations. Harry TOSSES a wad of TWENTY-dollar bills in Frankie's
banjo case before Frankie can notice it was him. The crowd disperses.
FRANKIE
(looking at Harry)
I don't need that, but thanks. I thought you were struggling,
on the verge of eviction?
HARRY
You have some explaining to do.
FRANKIE
Take your money back. And you first.
Harry grabs his wad of bundled cash from the case and holds it up in front of Frankie.
HARRY
Let me by your lunch, this time skip the hot dog stand.
CUT TO:
INT. CELESTE ITALIAN RESTAURANT - CONT.
We see Harry, and Frankie sitting across each other in a shared booth enjoying authentic PIZZA.
A waitress brings a pitcher of ROOT BEER to their table.
FRANKIE
I wasn't lying about cirrhosis. But that's not why I collapsed.
I was just dehydrated, and those stage lights were hot. Oh, I also
fell off the wagon months ago so I might die faster. Your turn.
Harry puts his food down, and his expression turns sullen.
HARRY
I'm sorry Frankie.
FRANKIE
Don't you dare ruin this amazing lunch by getting sad for me.
It is what it is. You met me at the end Harry, there's no going back.
Enjoy this new friendship while it lasts, and just shut the fuck up
about everything else. Eat your pizza it's getting cold.
Harry holds up his slice of pizza, then Frankie does the same, and they tap the pieces together.
HARRY
Cheers.
FRANKIE
Cheers.
They take big bites and enjoy it like there's no tomorrow.
FADE OUT:
___________________________________________________________________________________
8.
FADE IN:
EXT. - NYC STREET - DAY
TWO WEEKS LATER
We see people hustling and bustling walking in both directions like they have somewhere to be
in a hurry. ANGLE ON Harry in full chrome painted statue costume levitating in the air like
magic firmly gripping his shovel. An occasional person stops to slip in coins or a dollar bill
into the black box to get him to activate. Harry notices the spot where Frankie usually busks
and it's a flock of pigeons instead.
CUT TO:
INT. HARRY'S NYC APT. - NIGHT
Harry is watching tv sipping beer. There's a knock on the door. He puts his beer down, and
gets up to look through the peep hole. KATHERINE stands on the other side holding a large beige
envelope.
HARRY
Who is it?
KATHERINE
Sorry for this unannounced visit, I tried calling, but it
kept going to voicemail. I'm Kathrine Deloy, Frankie's daughter.
Harry unlocks the door and opens it.
HARRY
Hi yeah, I recognize you from the pictures your dad showed me.
Sorry I forget to charge my phone half the time, come in. I'm
expecting my girlfriend back tonight from going on tour with her
band, maybe you'll meet her too. Anyway, nice to meet you.
Harry rushes to put the half drank beer in the kitchen sink out of sight.
HARRY
Tea, coffee? Water?
KATHERINE
No thank you. I can't stay long, I'm here to drop this off to you.
It's important. Smells like weed in here.
HARRY
Oh, sorry I hope it doesn't bother you.
KATHERINE
It's fine. I don't drink, but I smoke occasionally to relax.
HARRY
(nods in acknowledgement)
What is it that you have for me? Frankie is ok right?
CROSSFADE:
Medusa comes in with luggage in tow. She looks up and is surprised to see Harry in the company
of another woman. Kathrine gets up from the couch, and Harry is holding an official document
in his hands, he quickly puts it down on the coffee table, and also stands up.
HARRY
Hey babe.
He goes to hug Medusa. He holds her for a moment, then briefly kisses her.
HARRY
Missed you. This is Kathrine, Frankie's daughter. I just met her
tonight myself, she had something for me from her dad. This is
Medusa.
MEDUSA
Let me guess, you tried to call first, but his phone was dead.
Nice to meet you Kathrine, you can call me Celeste.
KATHRINE
Thanks for understanding my intrusion. I really do need to go.
HARRY
Alright well thank you. I'll look that over, and I'm going to call
Frankie in the morning.
Katherine smiles, and Harry escorts her to the door.
HARRY
I'll walk you to your ride.
KATHRINE
I'll be fine, thanks. If you have any more questions reach out.
Harry throws Katherine a smile, and he closes the door behind her.
CUT TO:
___________________________________________________________________________________
9.
INT. HARRY'S BEDROOM - CONT.
Medusa sits on the bed crossed legged with the document in her hand just staring at it. Harry comes
into frame shirtless, and with wet hair, and hops on the bed, lays down, grabs the tv remote, and
turns on the tv.
HARRY
What do ya wanna to watch?
MEDUSA
Blown Away. I haven't seen season four yet. I can't believe this.
A Penthouse? He's rich? And why you? Nothing makes sense.
HARRY
Was rich. His disease cost him everything. He was a Titan on
Wall Street, and he signed it all over in the divorce except that.
MEDUSA
We need to sell it. The money could save us.
HARRY
No! I need to figure out a way to give it back, or at least
transfer it to Kathrine.
MEDUSA
(angry, takes off promise ring and throws it at him)
I can't do this anymore! A relationship takes more than love,
and we're broke! I'm done. I'm moving out tomorrow.
Medusa starts emptying out her side of the closet.
MEDUSA
It's not cheap living in the fuckin city you know. And I make
shit from the band.
HARRY
Your parent's restaurant is doing fucking fantastic! How come
they don't help you more? And yes, yes I do carry my own weight
so don't give me any of that bullshit that you're tired of carrying
me. You know what yeah pack your shit and get out!
Medusa packs some clothes, and heads for the door.
MEDUSA
I'll be back for the rest tomorrow. And good luck with paying rent
without me. Fuck!
Slams the door as she leaves. Harry still laying in bed as if he was paralyzed, remote in hand clicks
on season four of Blown Away on Netflix. Tears fall from his eyes. he wipes them away.
HARRY
(out loud)
Good freakin show.
FADE OUT:
___________________________________________________________________________________
10.
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPICE CARE BUILDING - DAY
Harry WALKS in and stops at the front desk to inquire with the attending NURSE.
HARRY
I'm here to see Frankie Deloy.
NURSE
Relation?
HARRY
Iiii'mmm...
Kathrine suddenly appears at the desk and intercedes.
KATHRINE
He's with me. A close friend of my dad.
NURSE
(looking at Harry)
Driver's license.
HARRY
(gets wallet out, then I.D.)
Here you go.
NURSE
Put this tag on. Kathrine, are you sticking around?
KATHRINE
Yeah, I'll take him back.
NURSE
Well alrighty then.
HARRY
(thumb point at the Nurse and smiling too)
I like her.
Harry and Kathrine disappear out of frame. The Nurse calls them back to the desk.
NURSE
Hold up! Your license.
HARRY
Thanks.
They disappear out of frame again.
CUT TO:
INT. - FRANKIE'S HOSPICE ROOM - CONT.
We see Harry and Kathrine at Frankie's bedside. Frankie is wide awake, and peaceful.
FRANKIE
Kathrine can you give us a moment?
KATHRINE
Yeah, no problem. Harry is your phone charged?
HARRY
Yeah you bet. I learned my lesson. Why?
KATHRINE
I want to put my number in your contacts so you can text when
you're done talking to my dad.
HARRY
Ok.
Harry reaches in his back pocket, pulls his phone out, unlocks it and hands it to her.
CONT.
___________________________________________________________________________________
11.
CLOSE ANGLE on Harry SITTING in a chair butted up to Frankie's bed. Harry gives Frankie
his undivided attention.
FRANKIE
Why didn't you tell Celeste who you really are?
HARRY
I don't know. Maybe I couldn't bring myself to fully trust
her. Maybe it's for the best we broke up. Why didn't you tell
me who you really are?
FRANKIE
Your instinct with Celeste was right. My instinct with you was
right. The world has trust issues. We're all in the same boat. I didn't pry
Harry, your family just happens to run in the same circles as my family.
HARRY
I stayed away from those circles. I'm the black sheep, probably
why I didn't recognize you.
FRANKIE
Hell no one recognizes me. When I first started buskering I did it
right in front of the Stock Exchange. I'd see my former colleagues
walk right past me, some even throwing coins in my case. Not
once did they look at my face. I became a ghost. There's a lot I
didn't tell you, and I'm sorry.
HARRY
I'm sorry too. But no harm no foul friend.
FRANKIE
Dinner is served.
Kitchen service wheels in a cart with PIZZA on it, then the server leaves.
FRANKIE
(mouth full)
Ask Kathrine out.
HARRY
(eyes widen from an epiphany)
You buskering next to me was no accident.
FRANKIE
This pizza is no Celeste's but partake with me.
Harry grabs a slice and holds it up in the air toward Frankie.
HARRY
Cheers.
FRANKIE
Cheers.
Harry takes a nice bite, and Frankie takes another, both chewing, and smacking their meal in
enjoyment like there's no tomorrow.
FADE OUT:
___________________________________________________________________________________
12.
FADE IN:
MONTAGE of Harry, and Kathrine, early days of dating. Eating in restaurants, going to movies,
bowling, walking downtown at night, and a few other typical activities couples do newly dating.
CUT TO:
INT. - HARRY'S NYC APT. - NIGHT
CLOSE ANGLE on Harry, and Kathrine on his bed facing each other. They peck kiss gently a few
times, then continue to stare at each other - comfortable with their new familiarity - puppy love.
KATHRINE
What are you going to do with the Penthouse?
HARRY
I let Medusa move in for free as long as they want.
KATHRINE
Medusa? Your ex-girlfriend?
HARRY
She goes by her real name now, Medusa the band, all of them
living together in luxury. If I was in a band trying to make it I'd
be stoked to live there - so there you go, I couldn't resist.
KATHRINE
Does my dad know?
HARRY
He suggested it.
CUT TO:
INT. THE PENTHOUSE - DAY
We see CELESTE, and the other Medusa band members, ZURA, and NANO come into the
Penthouse. They stop and stand in awe at the size and luxury of the full open concept. They WALK
together to the large windows, and gaze out at the NYC skyline with Central Park in view.
They separate to tour the beautiful dwelling headed to different rooms. After examining every
square foot they all end up sitting on the huge couch feeling like they're having an out of body
experience. Zura gets up, and goes to a big clear area of their new home, and stands in the middle.
ZURA
We can build a stage right here for practicing. Do some sound
proofing. This is going to be awesome.
NANO
I'm going to have to buy another kit because I'm not dragging
my shit up, and down 43 stories every time we have a gig.
CELESTE
(looking at the high ceiling, then around)
What if we had our gigs here? I mean look at this fucking place, it's
huge and gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to watch a rock show here?
CROSSFADE:
___________________________________________________________________________________
13.
EXT. HOSPICE BUILDING - DAY
We see Frankie STANDING outside the entrance. A car pulls up to the curb, and stops in front
of him, the driver gets out, and helps Frankie with his bags, they get in, and drive-off.
CUT TO:
EXT. NYC SUBWAY - CONT.
FRANKIE WALKS DOWN THE STAIRS and settles into his usual spot from when before he got
kicked out. He pulls his banjo out of the case, tunes it, then begins to play the most amazing display of
skill he's ever done and plays a solo that attracts a crowd so fast that a large amount of people build
around him to watch almost instantaneously.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE of DAILY LIFE and ACTIVITY in NYC WITH FRANKIE'S BANJO JAM
AS THE SOUNDTRACK.
CUT TO:
EXT. NYC SUBWAY - CONT.
Frankie finishes his arrangement, and the crowd bursts out in clapping, whistles, and CHEERS.
He smiles ear to ear glowing with joy and acknowledging everyone with thank Yous.
THE SONG 'RAINBOWS' BY DEAD PONY PLAYS.
FADE TO BLACK:
THE END.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
I
Comments
Post a Comment