This morning I revisited my One Foot in the Door screenplay from 1992. This 107 page script is my only screenplay which I’ve written a first draft for but never bothered to polish and complete. And looking at it this morning it’s easy to see why – the whole thing’s an undeveloped mess. But it’s an interesting mess – from the opening Patrick Henry quote “If this be treason, make the most of it” to the wild structure of the final execution scene. Not to mention that this script’s chaotic everything goes attitude fits alongside nicely with my current Death & Glory script.

The plot of One Foot in the Door follows two twelve-year old videographers, Bobby Static & Velouria Mactavish, who through their short films, expose countless hypocrisies within the U.S. Government only to be subsequently championed by the same Government. However, in the end, the two are executed because of an obscure technicality.

Here’s an excerpt from the script as our two heroes Bobby and Velouria await their own execution. Bobby, being a videographer, discusses with a Priest his concerns in regards to him videotaping his own execution (which incidentally is being televised nationwide on pay-per-view):

EXT. EXECUTION SITE – OUTSIDE THE PRISON – NIGHT

BOBBY
I just hope I can get the whole shot in
focus. How fast do the shooters
move their arms once they aim?

PRIEST
Not too much. They’re pretty
steady.

BOBBY
And tell the producers not to cut the tape
short. Be sure the whole execution runs to
the end – once me and Velouria fall
down – blood’s everywhere – keep
the whole thing running! Tape’s
cheap.

INT. BOBBY’S HOME – NIGHT

BOBBY’S MOM and SISTER sit in front of the TV set. The static NOISE from the TV set HUMS -

BOBBY’S MOM
(holding back tears)
Bob always promised that he’d be going out
on top.

SISTER
I’d say – Tom Brokaw, Larry King,
Pat Robertson, nobody’s missing this one.

BOBBY’S MOM
Bobby told me last night that he didn’t
think it would hurt too much. He says that
the bullets which the military uses these days
are very humane in their effectiveness.

SISTER
I just hope Bobby videotapes it good – so
we can watch it over and over…

BOBBY’S MOM
Let’s just hope it’s not too bloody – after all,
Little Butch is watching.

CLOSEUP ON LITTLE BUTCH – Bobby’s sister’s sugar-crazed three year son who plays with the remote control.

EXT. EXECUTION SITE – OUTSIDE THE PRISON – NIGHT

BOBBY continues to walk with the priest. A large CROWD of assorted military people, politicians, reporters, etc. have gathered.

Bobby’s camera equipment is lined up directly on one side of the firing squad. Camera, lights, tripods, microphones, etc.

ON A MILITARY LEADER (will describe him better the next draft) GIVING A SPEECH -

MILITARY LEADER
We’re here at a special occasion.
Something unique which probably only occurs once every century.
(beat)
The execution of two twelve-year old
United States citizens.

ON BOBBY AND VELOURIA who both stand and listen.

INT. BOBBY’S HOME – NIGHT

BOBBY’S MOTHER and SISTER continue to watch the pay-per-view and share a bag of potato chips.