May 24, 2013

FADE IN:

1 1INT. CLASSROOM - AFTERNOON

A Harlem classroom filled with kids and an overmatchedteacher. A cherubic little girl with red hair and a shortdress over-enunciates her essay in front of the class--

RED HAIR...So even though he wanted to do alot as president, he died after 32days in office from pneumonia. Sowe can all learn from William HenryHarrison to wear our coats, wash ourhands and eat healthy, so we havebetter immune systems. The end.

She smiles widely and flourishes with a Shirley Temple tapdance bow.

TEACHERGood job, Annie.

As she skips back to her seat the other kids roll their eyes.

TEACHER (CONT'D)Okay. Annie B. Your turn.

We find our Annie, sitting in a middle row.

ANNIEYou sure there's time? I don't wannakeep anyone from vacation.

TEACHERGet up here.

(Annie approaches)Where's your essay?

ANNIE(taps her head)

Up here. It's more of a performance *piece.

The teacher sighs. This isn't the first time.

ANNIE (CONT'D)My president is Franklin DelanoRoosevelt. He was elected in 1932 *when most people had no money. Sojust like now, but with no texting.

(MORE)

2.

ANNIE (CONT'D)(gestures to the class)

Everyone except the front row, yoube the poor people. Won't be astretch.

(laughter)You're all hungry and mad so stompyour feet.

She demonstrates and they all follow.

ANNIE (CONT'D)The front row are the rich people.

(they cheer)Laugh and beat your chests like you'rebetter than everybody.

(they follow) *Mr. Diaz, you be Franklin Roosevelt. *

(off his look)He was very smart.

Annie ushers him next to the "poor people."

ANNIE (CONT'D)He passed a bunch of laws called theNew Deal that helped people get backto work. He had people build newroads.

She takes Diaz's hand and taps a girl. She gestures for herto become "rich" -- laugh and beat her chest. She does.

ANNIE (CONT'D)And new bridges...

She nods to Diaz to continue tapping kids as she chants/singsover the beat created by the kids--

ANNIE (CONT'D)...He made it easy to buy a house...To go to college...

Soon almost all the class are rich, rubbing and smacking.

ANNIE (CONT'D)Soon the whole country was happy. They got their hands up, payin' theirbills. And it's all gonna be okay,yeah, it's a party in the USA!

(to the front row)Don't worry, rich people, you'restill better than everyone, 'causeyou got even richer.

(MORE)

3.

ANNIE (CONT'D)Yeah, it's a party in the USA! Everyone...

EVERYONEYeah, it's a party in the USA!

The bell rings. Mr. Diaz shoots Annie a look. Annie smiles.

2 2EXT. EAST HARLEM SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER

Kids stream out of school ad-libbing "Vacation!" and "have *a fun break," etc. Annie rushes through two of her fostersisters: Isabella (11 and girly) and Pepper (12 and angry).

PEPPER *Gonna make it in time? *

ANNIEI always do.

ISABELLAWe'll cover for you. *

(they slap hands) *Good luck. *

ANNIELuck's for suckers.

She bursts through the scrum and runs down the street. Thesounds of the city become a beat and "score" her movement. Cars, steam, jackhammers, sirens, yelling, etc. join togetherto form a melody and then (seamlessly) song elements fromour movie start to creep in. Our overture. Over thefollowing--

Annie jumps on the back of a friend's bicycle and zooms downthe street. (The sounds of the bell and the spokes start toincorporate themselves into the "score.") She spots a streetsweeper up ahead and, timing it perfectly, jumps on the backas it makes a wide turn. She waves to her friend as thesweeper barrels down 125th street. (Its sound now part ofthe "score.") She rides until it turns onto Broadway whereshe jumps off and hustles toward the elevated subway just asa train approaches the station.

3 3EXT. 125TH STREET SUBWAY STATION - CONTINUOUS

She sprints up the (broken) escalator and gets there just asthe train opens its doors and disgorges mobs of people. Annie waits for her moment: just when the turnstiles are attheir busiest, and the token clerk's view is blocked, she *rushes in, and ducks under the turnstile. *

4.*

She dashes across the platform as the train's doors are *closing. She's not going to make it. Like a Ninja, shehurls her backpack at the doors. Direct hit. The doorsclose on it, giving her just enough time. As the doors reopenshe slips onto the train. And smiles a $10,000 smile at thepassengers. Who can be mad at that? Surely not the imageof Teddy Stacks who appears in ads for his Stacks Mobile *throughout the subway: "Never-Drop-A-Call with Stacks!" And *sure enough, many passengers are on Stacks-branded phones.

4 4INT. SUBWAY - MOMENTS LATER

As our "score" continues (now incorporating subway sounds),Annie hurries through the train cars, making her way to thefront. She gets to the first car just as the train is aboutto go underground. WIDE SHOT of Annie from outside. Herlittle face in the front window. Smiling.

5 5 *EXT. CANAL STREET - LATER

Annie sprints up the stairs from the subway. QUICK CUTS as *she runs through the masses of people. She passes different *street musicians playing stand-up bass, drums, and a womansinging (a dangling lyric which also becomes part of theoverture -- "I think I'm gonna like it here"). Hurryingaround a corner she looks up at a huge Stacks Mobile *billboard. "It's 5:48, and No One's Dropped A Call with *Stacks." She looks back down and... almost hits a Chinese *food delivery man on his bicycle. (With the screeching and *bell ringing in the score) she nods her apology and takes *off.

6 6 *EXT. SOHO STREETS - LATER

QUICK CUTS as she runs down the street. She sees a clock in *a store window: 5:53. More running as she dodges a car and *in the distance we hear: "9..8..7..6.." It's the opening of *a brand new Stacks Mobile retail store. A crowd is gathered *under a sign: "FIRST 500 PEOPLE GET A FREE STACKS PHONE." *"5..4..3.." Annie runs to the barricades and... keeps on *running. As she sprints past we put a face to the voice-- *

STACKS *...2..1.. Light it up! *

The store illuminates, spelling "STACKS" in bright lights. *

STACKS (CONT'D) *Who wants a free phone? *

The crowd roars, Annie couldn't care less. This isn't what *she came for. Onward she goes. (With the crowd's crescendomatching the score's, signaling the overture's end.)

5.*

7 7 *EXT. SOHO STREET - MOMENTS LATER

Annie turns the corner and runs up a relatively quiet block. No tourists, very little activity. She stops at a small, *dingy Italian restaurant. "Brunello's." A waiter turns the *sign to OPEN, sees her through the window and comes out. *

WAITER *Tonight's reservations.

He hands her their reservation list. She doesn't take it, *just asks--

ANNIEAny Bennetts?

WAITERSorry.

(off her down look)I'm guessing you're gonna wait anyway.

She smiles and he shakes his head. Not the first time.

LATER. Annie sits on the sidewalk opposite the restaurant,watching people. She fingers the silver locket she wears. *Then she unwraps a PB&J. *

8 8 *EXT. STACKS MOBILE STORE - SAME

Stacks is finishing giving out free phones. *

WOMAN *Thank you. I love your phones. I'm *totally gonna vote for you now. *

STACKS *This isn't a campaign event, but *

(whisper-winks) *I'd totally love that. *

She laughs and shakes his hand. Grace, his beautiful and *whip-smart vice president, steps in. *

GRACE *That's it. You're done. *

As security guards step in front of him, Stacks instantly *drops his smile. Karl, his bulldog political consultant, *holds out Purell. *

STACKS *Hose me down. Like I'm on fire. *Put me out. *

6.*

He starts to lather himself up. Hands, face, everything. *

GRACE *You kissed a couple babies. I'd get *the tongue, too. *

STACKS *Really? I can use it on my tongue? *

GRACE *Absolutely. Dip it in there. Lather *it up. *

Stacks realizes she's messing with him. *

STACKS *You shake 500 hands. I feel like a *zookeeper. *

GRACE *Your next mayor of New York City, *ladies and gentlemen. *

STACKS *I said I wanted to help 'em, not *touch 'em. *

KARL *We gotta go. You're giving a speech *to the iron worker's union. *

STACKS *Iron workers? We taking our time *machine? *

KARL *If we get their support, the others *will follow. *

STACKS *Who, the blacksmiths? How am I *polling with the witches? *

GRACE *They find you unlikable. *

He shoots her a look. She clearly has his number. *

9 9 *EXT. BRUNELLO'S RESTAURANT - SAME

Annie sits alone on the curb, sandwich eaten. She draws her *name in the sidewalk with a pebble: a curly, cursive ANNIE. A taxi arrives and a couple get out. *

7.

African-American, late 30s. Annie jumps up and rushes across *the street into-- *

10 10INT. BRUNELLO'S - CONTINUOUS

Annie runs in and the waiter points to the couple, beingseated by the host. She sizes them up, excited. But the *host heads over, shaking his head.

HOST *They're German.

ANNIEMaybe they had me here and went back?

HOSTFirst time in America. Just cameback from The Lion King.

The man holds up his napkin a la The Lion King. The womanfinds this really funny. Annie grimaces at how lame this is--

ANNIENot my parents.

LATER. Annie sits by herself at a table. The restaurant is *closing. The waiter brings her a cannoli.

WAITERSorry.

ANNIEI just come for the cannoli. *

WAITER(laughs, then)

See you next Friday?

Another smile. Yup. WE SEE the laminated specials card onthe table: "FRIDAY - HOMEMADE CANNOLI."

11 11EXT. EAST HARLEM/HANNIGAN'S BLOCK - LATER

Annie walks by herself, passing a bodega where a man (40s) *sits behind the counter. This is Lou. Annie taps the windowand waves. He taps his watch a la "It's late!" She batsher eyes then gestures "is it okay?" He nods. Not the firsttime. She picks up a bucket with a few sad flowers.

LOUGive those to my lady!

Annie nods and off she goes with the bucket. *

8.

Down the block she approaches a brownstone. If this were87th and Park it would be worth millions. But it's 117thand Park so it's not. And instead of a single family, it'sdivided into ten apartments. The fire escape ladder hangsfive feet above the sidewalk. No trouble for Annie, whoclimbs up on the bucket and pulls herself up. WIDE SHOT asshe shimmies up the ladder and then the steps. All the way *up to the third floor, where she climbs in a window.

12 12INT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

Annie sneaks down the dark hall. She turns the knob of herdoor when... the lights go on. She freezes as she hears--

VOICEEverybody everybody! Everybodyeverybody! Everybody dance now!

Annie turns and sees the woman who belongs to the voice. Late 30s, in boy shorts, smudgy makeup, and smelling offailure, this is Miss Hannigan. And she might have had afew glasses of kahlua, because she doesn't notice Annie. She continues to sing-- *

HANNIGANCome on let's sweat, baby. Let themusic take control. Let the rhythmmove you. Sweat, sweat...

Annie slowly turns the knob and opens her door--

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)Freeze!

(she doesn't)I said freeze, you little rat! Iknow you heard me.

ANNIEI thought it was part of the song.

Hannigan yanks her into the hallway. On the wall are framedpictures of a young Hannigan in various singing performances. Annie takes out the now crumpled old flowers from her backpack--

ANNIEThese are from Lou.

HANNIGANThey look like they're from Lou.

She throws them away.

9.

ANNIEI'll tell him you loved them.

HANNIGANYou always gotta be smart. Run yourmouth.

ANNIENo, Ma'am.

HANNIGANYou think the world wants a littlesmart-mouthed girl? No or you *wouldn't be here.

(off her look)And the only reason you are here is'cause I get $157 a week from the *state. Which is not even near worththe torment you put me through.

ANNIESorry I was a little late.

HANNIGANA little late?! It's three hourspast curfew! Out all by yourself inthe city. And if something happensto you... I don't get my money.

(moves menacingly to Annie)I should put you on a leash!

Just before it looks like she might come at her, Annie grabs *a picture off a shelf. It's a framed album cover of the'90s band C+C Music Factory. Hannigan's face is just visiblein the background.

ANNIEYou're so pretty.

This immediately disarms her. Not Annie's first time. Hannigan grabs the album and falls down memory lane.

HANNIGANI used to be a bright star. Had thenumber one song in the country. Went on the Arsenio Hall Show--

ANNIESeptember 16th, 1991. *

HANNIGAN"And here they are, with their number *one song... C+C Music Factory-- *

10.

ANNIE--Featuring backup by ColleenHannigan!" *

HANNIGANLead backup. Everybody dance now, *da da da da da da da da da da da da!

(Annie makes crowd noise)But I was too good for them. Theywere intimidated. Wouldn't let me *sing on Things That Make You Go Hmmm. *You know what makes you go hmmm? *Why that song sucked so much withoutme.

ANNIEYou have a pretty voice.

HANNIGAN(sad/drunk)

I'll die with my secret.

Annie takes this opportunity to ease back down the hall. Hannigan turns and lunges at her--

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)Get back here, you monster. I'm notdone with you!

Annie slips in the room and closes the door. Hannigan grabsthe doorknob. Too late. She beats on the door--

13 13INT. ANNIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

HANNIGAN (O.S.)Double chores for you tomorrow! You *hear me? I'm gonna make you sweat!

The tiny room is lined with bunk beds filled with girls. All awake, all waiting for Annie. Tessie (10, worrier)--

TESSIEYou find them?

ANNIENah. But it's okay. *

The girls all groan and offer their sorrys. *

TESSIESssh. She'll hear us.

11.

PEPPERThey're never gonna be at thatrestaurant.

ISABELLABe quiet. Yes they are. *

PEPPERYou be quiet. Annie's never gonna *find her family. None of us are.

The youngest one Mia (8, lispy) starts to cry.

MIADon't say that.

TESSIEPepper!

ANNIEDon't listen to her, Mia. You'regonna get adopted, I promise. *

PEPPERYou keep saying that. I'm almost13. No one wants a teenager.

ANNIEYes they do! We all have families *somewhere. *

MIACan you read your note again? *

PEPPEROh god. For the millionth time.

Isabella hurls a pillow at Pepper.

TESSIEYeah, read it, Annie. But quietly.

They look at her eagerly, except for Pepper who smothersherself with the pillow. Annie gets a Ziploc bag out of hercubby. In it is an old receipt from "Brunello's." On theback is a note. Annie recites, not even looking at it--

ANNIE“Please take care of our baby. Hername's Annie. We'll be back to gether soon. *

(MORE)

12.

ANNIE (CONT'D)There's half-a-locket around her *neck and we have the other half, so *when we come for her you'll know *she’s our girl.”

They never get sick of hearing it. Even secretly Pepper.

MIACan I see it?

Annie lets her. The others gather around. Mia looks at thenote then turns it over. The Brunello's receipt is datedOct. 28 and reads: "2 cannoli."

ANNIEThey're gonna come back for all ofus.

Annie starts to sing "Maybe." Clean, unadorned, emotional:

ANNIEMaybe far away/ Or maybe real nearby/He may be pouring her coffee/ Shemay be straightening his tie...

She moves around the girls as she continues---

ANNIEMaybe in a house/ All hidden by ahill/ She’s sitting playing piano/He’s sitting paying a bill...

She picks it up a little and the girls counter with moves oftheir own--

ANNIEBetcha they’re young, betcha they’resmart/ Betcha they collect thingslike ashtrays and art/ Maybe they’restrict/ As straight as a line/ Don’treally care/ As long as they’remine... Maybe now this prayer’s/ Thelast one of its kind/ Won’t you pleasecome get your “baby”...

And now the girls sing along with her. Except for Pepper.

ANNIE/GIRLSMaybe....

Annie wills Pepper to join in. And she does.

13.

ANNIE/GIRLS (CONT'D)Maybe.

Mia is now asleep. Annie tucks her in. Then she gets inher own bed and fingers her locket, looking out the windowin determination. All alone.

14 14*EXT. ANNIE'S BLOCK - EARLY MORNING

A newspaper truck drops off papers in front of Lou's bodega. Lou looks at the New York Post. Stacks is on the cover, his *poll numbers dropping in his bid for mayor. "Never-Drop-a- *Poll Stacks?"

HANNIGAN (O.S.)Wake up, rats! Wake up!

15 15*INT. ANNIE'S BEDROOM/APARTMENT - SAME

Hannigan bursts in, wearing the same clothes from last night.

HANNIGANOut of bed!

PEPPER(groggy)

It's 6:30.

ISABELLA(groggy)

And it's Saturday.

HANNIGANThanks for the time and date. Nowover to Stormy with the weather. *"It's raining!"

She splashes water out of a pot on the girls. They jump up. *

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)The city's coming to inspect. Yougotta clean the whole place up.

ANNIEAren't they supposed to give notice? *

HANNIGANAnd aren't I supposed to be married *to George Clooney? Sorry if some *people have intimacy issues.

(rips the covers off Tessie)Wake up!

14.

TESSIE(startled)

Aah!

HANNIGANStart cleaning! If they dock me forunsanitary conditions again, I'llground you all for a month.

MIAWho's George Clooney?

HANNIGANExactly!

(as she leaves)No breakfast 'til it's spotless.

She slams the door.

PEPPER *I hate her so much. *

TESSIE *I was having the best dream. I wasice skating. On real live ice. And *I didn't fall once. *

ISABELLA *Save your dreams for good stuff. *Like shopping on 5th Avenue. With *an unlimited credit card...

MIA *Or swimming in candy. Gummy bears, *jellybeans, Swedish Fish, those little *dot things on paper-- *

PEPPEROr flying to Mars in a rocket ship-- *all things that'll never happen. *

Hannigan opens the door and hurls cleaning supplies at them.

HANNIGANClean like your life depends on it. 'Cause it does.

She stalks out. Tessie comforts Mia as Annie picks up abroom and bangs it on the ground, starting a beat.

ANNIEIt's the hard knock life for us.

15.

She tosses a broom and mop to Isabella and Tessie who bangaway.

ISABELLA/TESSIEIt's the hard knock life for us.

Annie tosses buckets to Mia and Pepper. They join.

MIA/PEPPERIt's the hard knock life for us.

MIAWait. What does "hard-knock" mean?

PEPPER *Real sucky.

MIAOh. Then yeah, it's the hard knocklife for us.

They all bang to the beat--

ANNIESteada treated/ We get tricked/ Steadakisses...

GIRLSWe get kicked!

The music starts to go along with their beat and the numberbegins. It's Stomp-esque, upbeat, and syncopated. Gymnasticand bordering on Cirque du Soleil as they clean the entireapartment. Hannigan sits on the couch, grouchy as ever. *

HANNIGANLess singing, more cleaning. Makesure you get my bathroom, too. But *don't touch my medicine cabinet! *

The girls look at each other: they know what that means. Pepper mimes drinking alcohol. *

GIRLSIt’s the hard knock life, for us.

They eventually spill out onto the fire escape--

16 16EXT. HANNIGAN'S BUILDING - SAME

Almost acrobatic, they shimmy up and down the ladders asthey sing and toss cleaning implements back and forth toeach other. Two even clean the windows.

16.

ANNIEDon’t it feel like the wind is alwayshowling/ Don’t it seem like there’snever any light...

GIRLSOnce a day, don’t you want to throwthe towel in?/ It’s easier thanputting up a fight.

ANNIENo one’s there when your dreams getcreepy/ No one cares if you grow..

GIRLS...Or if you shrink!

ANNIE/GIRLSEmpty belly life, rotten smelly life!

ANNIEFulla sorrow life, no tomorrow life!

ANNIE AND GIRLSIt’s the hard-knock life!

The girls, now all on the street outside, try to cajole afew early morning pedestrians to dance with them. But theylook at the girls like they're crazy and walk on.

ISABELLASanta Claus we never see.

ANNIESanta Claus, what's that? Who's he?

GIRLSNo one cares for you a bit when you'rea foster kid!

As they sing the chorus again, Isabella and Pepper launchMia back up to the fire escape. Then they use their brooms *and mops to hoist themselves up. It's awesome. *

GIRLSIt's the hard knock life for us!

Suddenly Hannigan appears--

HANNIGANI said no singing and dancing! *

She goes back inside.

17.

GIRLS(whisper)

It's the hard knock life. *

HANNIGAN (O.S.)I heard that.

The girls finish the dance silently - yet tremendously.

17 17INT. HANNIGAN’S LIVING ROOM - LATER

It's clean. The girls are there, dressed nicely. Hanniganenters with a stack of props: books, a recorder, ribbons,jigsaw puzzle etc. She tosses them out and assigns tasks--

HANNIGANYou, read a book. You, braid herhair. Practice for a recital.

(dumps out jigsaw puzzle)Put it together. It's a kitty cat. *

ANNIE *What should I do? *

HANNIGANPray.

TESSIE(to Annie) *

I've tried. It doesn't work.

There's a knock at the door.

HANNIGANGame time. Act well-cared-for.

GIRLS(sweet, a la the musical)

We love you, Miss Hannigan!

HANNIGANTake it down. No one's gonna believethat.

Hannigan opens the door to find a good-looking, fresh-faced *guy in his 20s. This throws Hannigan.

HANNIGAN *Whoa. Well, hello there. *

INSPECTORExcuse me?

18.

HANNIGANNothing. It's just, most inspectorsare old and not rockstar handsome.

INSPECTORAre you Colleen Hannigan?

HANNIGANMy maiden name. But I'm not marriedto it. If you know what I mean.

INSPECTORSorry to give such short notice. We *started a surprise visit program. *

HANNIGANIf you're my surprise, I fully endorsethe new policy. Come on in.

(he does) *The girls are just recreating.

The girls go into overdrive. It's over-the-top, loud, badacting. Hannigan gestures for them to take it down. Theydo. Too much, almost becoming zombie-like. Hannigan gesturesto bring it up. They do.

INSPECTORHow's everyone doing? *

ANNIELiving the dream.

The inspector hands Hannigan his clipboard.

INSPECTORAre these the children under yourcare?

HANNIGANYes. My angels. *

INSPECTORMind if I take a look around?

HANNIGANCan I offer you something to drink? Skim milk? Kale smoothie? Fresh *squeezed orange juice? *

GIRLSI'll have some!/Yes!/Juice? No way!!

19.*

INSPECTORI'm fine, thanks. Let's start inthe bathroom?

HANNIGANAfter you.

She watches his butt as they walk down the hallway. Pepper *notices the inspector left his clipboard. *

PEPPERThis has all our information.

They run and look.

ISABELLADamn, I've been in a lot of homes.

TESSIENot as many as me. Double digits.

Annie traces a line between her name and some numbers. *

ANNIEMy social security number! I can *get my records, find my parents. *

ISABELLAI'll copy it down. Plan your exit.

18 18*INT. BATHROOM - SAME

Hannigan crowds the inspector as he looks around.

HANNIGAN *People come for the bathroom, but *they stay for the bedroom. *

INSPECTOR *What? *

HANNIGAN *You know it. *

Annie's head appears in the doorway. *

ANNIECan I go to the library to study? *

HANNIGAN *(gritted teeth)

Let's talk about it after the niceinspector is gone, okay? Run along. *

20.*

ANNIEOkay. *

(new tactic) *Can I have some floss? I got some *nutritious breakfast stuck in myteeth.

HANNIGANWhat?

ANNIEPretty sure I saw some in the medicinecabinet.

INSPECTOR *(points to the cabinet) *

In here?

ANNIEPretty sure.

Hannigan scurries in front of the inspector, before he can *open it. She looks at Annie. If looks could kill. *

HANNIGANI think we're out. Why don't you *pick some up on the way to thelibrary.

ANNIE *Thank you, Miss Hannigan!

And out she goes. Hannigan holds herself back from lunging *after her, and then turns on the charm for the inspector-- *

HANNIGAN *They give me such joy. I don't do *this for them, they do this for me. *You have a strong chin, like a Viking. *

19 19EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

Annie races down the street to Lou's bodega.

20 20INT. TAKE-HOME BODEGA - CONTINUOUS

Lou is behind the counter. Vintage head shots of Hanniganare in full display. Also an old photo of her and Lou: "Lou, *Thanks for always looking out, Colleen." Annie runs in. *

LOUUh-oh. I know that run. How much *you need, mija?

21.

ANNIE$43.55.

LOUBy when?

ANNIENow? *

LOUTry robbing Citibank. I can loanyou a mask.

ANNIEPlease, Lou. I think I'm close tofinding my parents.

Lou looks at her. How can he not help her?

LOUTake out the expired drinks from the *cooler.

ANNIE *Thank you thank you thank you. *

She starts dragging a garbage can to the cooler.

LOUWhat are you doing, girl? Don'tthrow 'em out. Change the date. *

He tosses her a pen.

LATER. Annie is working away, stacking drinks as she andLou watch TV. Teddy Stacks is being interviewed--

21 21INTERCUT W/ INT. WNBC NEWS CHANNEL 4 - SAME

Chuck Scarborough sits across from Stacks.

CHUCK SCARBOROUGH...You're worth $12.6 billion, run a *fortune 500 company, one of the city's *most eligible bachelors; the obviousquestion: why run for mayor?

STACKSI've always wanted to throw out thefirst pitch at Yankee Stadium.

22.*

CHUCK SCARBOROUGHJust buy the Yankees, it wouldcertainly be less stressful.

STACKSI don't believe in stress. I believe *in hard work and being the best at *what you do. Which is what I am. *

CHUCK SCARBOROUGH *That sounds a little arrogant. *

STACKS *It's not arrogant if it's true. *

(then) *Chuck, I lost my parents when I was *very young. What I remember is how *hard they worked to provide for me. I honor them by working just as hard. *The fact that I built my company *into a worldwide leader is a testament *to that. And I plan on doing the *same thing with this city. *

CHUCK SCARBOROUGH *You're trailing in the polls by a *fair amount, how do you plan on *changing people's minds? *

STACKS *At Stacks Mobile I made a cellular *network that never drops a call. As *mayor, I'm going to make a government *that never drops a citizen. *

BACK to TAKE-HOME BODEGA--

LOUAs long as those citizens live below96th Street!

(to Annie)You're lucky you can't vote yet, mija. *Politicians are all liars. *

ANNIE(re: juice bottles)

What date should I change these to?

LOUNext week for the milk, two weeksfor the juice.

23.*

22 22*INT. WNBC NEWS CHANNEL 4 OFFICES - LATER

Stacks shakes hands with Chuck Scarborough post-interview.

CHUCK SCARBOROUGHGood luck. If there's anyone who *can pull this off it's you. *

STACKSOurs is a fickle city. Things can *change over night. *

He heads off and is met by his two confidants. *

KARLIn your next interview say you wantto throw out the first pitch at aMets game. Gotta give equal time.

GRACEYou're kidding, right? *

KARLI don't kid. You only smiled four *times, you gotta bump that up. Voters *really respond to teeth. *

STACKS *(huge, fake smile) *

Is this how you got the governor *elected? *

KARL *And five senators, eleven congressmen, *two Top Chefs-- *

STACKS *Am I gonna win, Karl? 'Cause I don't *like wasting time. *

KARL *You hired me to win, you're gonna *win. *

23 23*EXT. ROCKEFELLER CENTER - MOMENTS LATER

They exit to encounter a group of reporters and passersby.

MANYo! Never-Drop-A-Call!

WOMANMarry me, Teddy! *

(MORE)

24.*

WOMAN (CONT'D)I want half your money! *

REPORTER *Why do you hate the Mets? Do you *not care about the outer boroughs? *

KARLMr. Stacks likes the Mets, Yankees,Giants, Jets, and Knicks. Equally. *

REPORTER *What about the Nets? *

STACKS *No one really likes the Nets. The *tickets are just cheaper. *

REPORTER #2 *What about your opponent's claim that *you're trying to buy the election? *

STACKSIf it was for sale, I would've bought *it already. *

He shakes some hands as they walk to his black SUV. "STACKS:NITROGEN" is painted on it. The driver, Nash, opens thedoor and they get in and drive off through the now largercrowd. Stacks waves to them and tries to smile.

24 24EXT. MANHATTAN/INT. STACKS NITRO - MOMENTS LATER

Stacks coats his hands with more Purell. *

STACKSI hate this. For the record, I reallyhate this.

GRACELet me just check the record. Ohlook, there I am, last year saying:"you shouldn't do this, you willhate this, you will really hate this." *

STACKS *Why can't they just anoint me mayor? *

GRACE *Or how about pope? *

25.*

STACKS *You know how long it takes for them *to decide on a pope? The black smoke, *the white smoke-- and where am I *during all that, just hanging out at *some hotel in Rome waiting? Pass. *

GRACE *(deep breath, then) *

What's our next stop? *

KARLA soup kitchen in the Bronx. *

STACKSYou serious? Now I gotta shake hands *with the hobos? Why?

GRACE'Cause for some crazy reason everyonethinks you're a rich elitist whocan't connect with regular people.

STACKSThat's absurd.

GRACEYou just said "abzurd." Like a *monarch. Not like someone who grew *up in Queens. *

STACKSYou're telling me to keep-it-real? Miss Harvard Business School.

GRACEListen, Gatsby. I'm just telling *you that if you want any chance, you *have to remember where you came from.

STACKS *(re: limo) *

Here is much better. *

KARLMake sure you compliment the food, *but not too much. Say it's good,don't say great. And take seconds,but only eat half, or it'll seem *like pandering.

GRACEHow do you sleep at night?

26.

KARLOn silk sheets and Ambien.

Stacks looks out the window at the city. They pass a few *taxis with "STACKS FOR MAYOR" ads. Then a bus with a "STACKSMOBILE: Never-Drop-A-Call" ad. Right above that ad, in thebus window is... Annie. Two ships passing...

25 25INT. BUS - SAME

Annie rides the bus, clutching an already-filled-out form: *"REQUEST FOR BIRTH CERTIFICATE." She looks up and sees the *Stacks Nitro heading uptown. *

26 26INT. BRONX SOUP KITCHEN - LATER

Reporters and photographers cover the event. Stacks servespeople in the food line. Flashes go off. He's making smalltalk, smiling, seemingly doing great. Karl shares a lookwith Grace, all good.

MAN IN LINEBet you never had mashed potatoes.

STACKSYou kidding? My mom made the bestmashed potatoes. The best in Queens. *

(for Grace's benefit) *Did you know I was from Queens? *Born and raised. On the playground'swhere I spent most of my days.

Grace can't help but smile. *

STACKS (CONT'D)These look pretty good though-- not *amazing, but not terrible.

He tries a spoonful. Almost like a cartoon, he gags andspits it out all over the people in line. Snap! Flash!

STACKS (CONT'D)(gagging)

Went down the wrong pipe.

...And he spits again. Snap! Flash!

STACKS (CONT'D)These are terrible. *

27 27*INT. STACKS NITRO/EXT. UPPER MANHATTAN STREETS - LATER

Stacks, Karl and Grace return from the horror show photo-op. *

27.*

GRACE *That didn't take long. *

She holds up her iPad. The picture of Stacks spitting on a *homeless man has already gone viral. She swipes through allthe different angles on different sites. Stacks sighs. *

KARL *I'll spin it. Butter in the mashed *potatoes. You're lactose intolerant. *

STACKS *No, I'm not. *

KARL *You are now. *

GRACE *The intolerant part no one's gonna *argue with. *

(he shoots her a look) *This might be a blessing in disguise. *Just because you can run for mayor *doesn't mean you should. *

STACKS *This city needs my help. *

GRACE *Okay, Batman. *

KARL *You let all your employees talk to *you like that? *

STACKS *Just the ones who've made me billions *of dollars. *

The car jerks to a halt. Nash tries to restart the engine. *To no avail. Other cars start to honk.

28 28*INT. NYS OFFICE OF FAMILY SERVICES (HARLEM BRANCH) - LATER

It's jammed. Like the DMV, but with more desperation. Anniewaits patiently in line, her backpack by her feet. The lonechild amid a sea of parents and families. Her number isfinally called and she jumps up to the desk, behind whichsits a dour government worker, Mrs. Gilmartin.

ANNIEI'd like to get my records please. *

28.

MRS. GILMARTINYou need D.O.H. form number 4380--

ANNIE(slams down a form)

--Point 7 dash A.

MRS. GILMARTINAnd a money order for $43 and--

ANNIE(slams down a money order)

--Fifty-five cents.

MRS. GILMARTINSigned by a parent or--

ANNIEGuardian.

She points to the signature line where it reads "ColleenHannigan." It looks a little child-like, but okay. She *enters the information in her computer as Annie stares. *

MRS. GILMARTINYou gonna stare at me the whole time?

ANNIESorry.

She looks down, but peeks up at Gilmartin. After a moment, *paper spits out of a printer. She hands it to Annie. *

ANNIE *Can you read it? I'm too nervous. *

MRS. GILMARTINAnnie Bennett, abandoned January *19th outside 26th Precinct. Age *estimate: four years. Placed instate foster care, no further data.

ANNIEWhat does "no further data" mean? *

MRS. GILMARTINThat's all there is to know about *you. Sorry, honey. *

Ouch. Her parents are still a mystery. But ever the optimist--*

ANNIE *It's okay, I'll figure it out. *

29.

29 29*EXT. NYS OFFICE OF FAMILY SERVICES (HARLEM BRANCH) - LATER

Annie walks out of the building, clutching her records. She *looks around and sees nothing but families, parents and kids *together. She joins the mass of people on the sidewalk. *

WE GO long lens on her as she's swallowed up by the crowd. WE HEAR a small, hopeful voice singing "Tomorrow"-- *

ANNIEThe sun'll come out tomorrow/ Betyour bottom dollar/ That tomorrowthere'll be sun.

WE FIND HER in the crowd. The people next to her (withoutacknowledging her) drop in lock step with her. Her singingbrightens a little--

ANNIE (CONT'D)Just thinkin' about tomorrow/ clearsaway the cobwebs and the sorrow/ 'Til there's none.

She starts to incorporate some dance into her walking. Asshe does, the people around her match her moves, but again,in their own world -- not dancing with her, but rather alongher. The group gets larger and larger as they "dance" downthe street. Not just pedestrians now, construction workerson the street, police, and even the cars now seem to move insync. Her singing gets even brighter, and so do the movements--

ANNIE (CONT'D)When I'm stuck with a day that'sgray, and lonely, I just stick outmy chin and grin, and say, oh! *

She turns the corner and it's now hundreds of people dancingin lockstep with her as she continues down the street. She'sliterally bringing joy to the city. Even more people now--

ANNIE (CONT'D)The sun'll come out tomorrow/ So yagotta hang on 'til tomorrow/ Comewhat may/ Tomorrow! Tomorrow!/ Ilove ya Tomorrow!/ You're always aday away!

Shot from every angle, it looks like a giant wave of *undulating people. And in the middle is Annie, now belting-- *

ANNIE (CONT'D)Tomorrow! Tomorrow!/ I love yaTomorrow!/ You're always a day away!

30.*

A big finish as everyone finishes along with her. Then sheturns the corner and, immediately, everyone goes back totheir regular lives, like nothing happened, albeit a little *bit happier. *

She looks up and sees something. A dog. Spinning around, *chasing its own tail. Then a few sticks sail in, almost *hitting it. The dog takes off and Annie sees the source of *the sticks: two bullying teenagers. *

ANNIE *Hey! *

The teens laugh and chase after the dog. *

ANNIE (CONT'D) *Leave it alone! *

They laugh at her, ignoring. Annie takes off after them. *

30 30*EXT. 125TH AND LENOX - MOMENTS LATER

Nash and Karl are huddled around the hood of the car peeringinto the nitrogen engine. It looks like a chemistry set. Grace and Stacks approach.

STACKSWhat's wrong with it?

NASHI don't know, I'm not a chemist.

GRACE(to Karl)

You had to get this car.

KARLIt signals he cares about the *environment, looking to the future. *

(to Stacks) *That guy's taking your picture, do *something whimsical. Quick, start a *leaf fight. *

Sure enough, a guy is excitedly taking his picture. Karl *goes to gather some leaves. *

GRACE *I'll call for a car. *

STACKSI'm gonna walk.

31.

KARL/GRACEWhat?

STACKSI want the air.

KARLI'll go with you.

STACKSNo. I want to be alone.

GRACEI'll text you directions.

STACKSI know how to walk down a street.

And off he goes, leaving a stunned Karl and Grace. Aconstruction worker calls out--

CONSTRUCTION WORKERYour phone bill's killing me, bro! *

Stacks turns up his collar and hurries his pace.

31 31*EXT. 125TH AND EIGHTH AVENUE - MOMENTS LATER

Annie has almost caught up to the teens chasing the dog. *

ANNIE *I told you to stop! *

She reaches out to grab him as she runs, but the boy just *shoves her away. Undeterred, she chases after them. *

32 32*EXT. 125TH AND SEVENTH AVENUE- MOMENTS LATER

Stacks, now with his collar up and his head down, walks downthe street, doing everything he can to go unrecognized. A *few people still do. Some whisper, others call out. A taxi *driver snaps a photo with his cell phone. *

TAXI DRIVERI'm taking a picture of Stacks on myStacks!

Stacks can barely muster a meek wave. A young man in a Knicks *hat also snaps a picture of him.

33 33*EXT. 125TH B/W SEVENTH AND EIGHTH AVENUES - MOMENTS LATER

Annie runs full speed after the teens and the dog. *

32.*

The dog darts across the street, the boys on its tail. A *bus zooms by, forcing Annie to stop. When it clears, she *sees that the boys have the dog cornered. It starts spinning *again, chasing its tail. *

ANNIE *Hey! *

She sprints across the street and onto the sidewalk and... *smacks right into Stacks -- eyes down, oblivious. Stacks *stumbles, but Annie gets knocked into the street. A van *barrels towards her and slams on the brakes. But it's notgoing to stop in time. Without hesitation, Stacks lungesand yanks Annie to safety. *

VAN DRIVERWatch where you're going!

And he drives off. *

STACKSYou okay?

ANNIE(stunned)

Yeah. Are you? *

She sees that the commotion has caused the teens to stop, *giving the dog enough time to escape. Just before it *disappears around the corner it looks back at Annie. *

STACKSYou coulda got run over. *

ANNIESorry. *

STACKS *Don't be sorry, just be careful. *Why are you running? *

ANNIE *Gets me places quicker. *

Stacks can't help but smile. There's something about this *girl. Annie picks up her backpack and takes off. Behind *them the man in the Knicks hat snaps another picture. *

34 34EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - EVENING

Annie drags down the street, beat and beaten.

33.*

35 35INT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

Annie enters. Hannigan is waiting for her, kahlua in hand. *

HANNIGANHow was the library?

ANNIEEducational.

HANNIGANHere's some more education for you:I told Family Services I don't want *to foster you anymore. As of nextweek, you're somebody else's problem.

ANNIEDid they say who?

HANNIGANNot a who, sweety. A what. Grouphome. I think it's in Albany. OrSchenectady. Some place ending inY. As in "why are there 300 kidssharing one room?"

Annie's world is now officially crushed. But she refuses to *show it. She heads into her room. *

HANNIGANMaybe this will teach you to stopbeing a little smart ass!

Annie slips into her room. The door closes. Hannigan takes *a drink. Did she go too far? Maybe a little, even for her.

36 36INT. STACKS OFFICE - DAY

It's a stunning full-floor office with views of 42nd Street *and Bryant Park. Stunningly modern, mid-century furniture, *hip art (Banksy), images of CNN, MSNBC, etc. projected on *the walls. Stacks and Grace are working on the cellular *network on a screen-top desk (basically a gigantic iPad). *

STACKS *Where are we on our new phone? *

Grace swipes the desk and a model of the new Stacks Phone *pops up. Stacks moves it around with his hands. *

GRACE *We got the battery up to 150 hours. *

34.*

STACKS *That's not a week. I wanted a full *week without a recharge. *

GRACE *I know. We'll get there. But right *now it's burning people's hands. *

She swipes the desk again, bringing up some focus group *footage. A woman is on the new Stacks phone: *

WOMAN (ON VIDEO) *...that's what I told Mom. And she *says to me, she says....Aaaah! *

She drops the phone and grabs her hand in agony. *

GRACE *Don't worry, she signed a waiver. *

Just then a chime sounds and Karl's face appears on another *wall, eight feet high in perfect HD. *

STACKS *What's up, Karl? *

KARL *You're up. Five points in the polls. *

GRACE *People liked that he vomited on a *homeless man?

KARL *You saved a little girl from gettinghit by a van. Someone recorded it *and it's gone viral.

Another projection pops up. It's a cell phone video of Stacks *saving Annie from the van. Stacks yells, "Look Out!" *

KARLIt's up to 500,000 hits. And there're *already parodies.

He brings up different photos of Stacks saving different *people/things: Channing Tatum, the Mona Lisa, Mr. Potato *Head, Joe Biden, etc. And then a remixed video with Stacks'svoice auto-tuned and set to a beat.

STACKSThis is why China's winning.

35.*

KARL *No it's not.

He brings up a Chinese website: Stacks saving Chinese specific *things: a panda, Mao Tse Tung, a boy band, Yao Ming, etc. *

KARLThis is fantastic, Teddy. First time *this campaign you've done anythingvaguely human. All due respect. *

GRACEYou didn't tell me you saved a little *girl yesterday. *

STACKS *I did a lot of things yesterday. *

KARL *We gotta capitalize on this. You *invite her to lunch, see how she's *doing, snap a few pics. Press'lleat it up.

Stacks swipes through some more images: he's everywhere. *

STACKSDo we know who she is?

KARLThat's the best part. She's a fosterkid. Lives in Harlem. How perfect *is that? Harlem! Harlem! *

GRACE *Relax. Your neck vein is bulging. *

STACKS *Go get her.

KARLOn my way. *

STACKS *Not you. Grace. *

GRACE *Why me? *

STACKS *(re: a jacked-up Karl) *

Would you want that showing up at *your door? *

36.

37 37*EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - LATER

Stacks's newly repaired Nitro pulls up. Grace gets out and *rings the intercom. Nash keeps an eye out.

HANNIGAN (O.S.)Yeah? *

GRACEI'm looking for Colleen Hannigan.

HANNIGAN (O.S.)Are you a bill collector?

GRACENo.

HANNIGAN (O.S.)IRS?

GRACENo.

HANNIGAN (O.S.)American Idol? Am I going toHollywood??

GRACEI want to talk to you about a girlin your care. Annie.

HANNIGANOh.

She buzzes her up.

38 38*INT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

Hannigan throws open the door. Grace is there.

HANNIGANYou can take her today, but I wantto get paid for the month. I alreadybought her food.

GRACEI work for Stacks Mobile.

HANNIGANYou are a bill collector! It's notmy fault I went over last month. Ididn't know I was calling Greece.

37.*

GRACEI'm here on behalf of Teddy Stacks. *He'd like to invite Annie to lunch. *

HANNIGAN *Teddy Stacks? Why? *

GRACE *They ran into each other yesterday. *Didn't Annie tell you? *

HANNIGAN *We didn't get a chance to have our *girl-talk jawbone last night. Annie! *

(then) *He ran into her, huh? Now that you *mention it, her neck did seem a little *whiplashy. *

GRACE *We'd also like to make a donation tothe charity of your choice. *

HANNIGANSo many to choose from. Save theWhales... Clean Water... You knowwhat? Just make it out to "cash"and I'll divvy it up. Annie! Get *out here!

Annie comes out.

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)You're going with this lady.

GRACE *Hi, I'm Grace. I'd like to take you *to lunch. I promise I won't keep *you long.

ANNIEYou can keep me as long as you want. *

39 39EXT. HANNIGAN'S BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER

Annie and Grace exit with the kids. Hannigan is on the fire *escape holding a check. Nash opens the door.

TESSIENo way!

ISABELLAIs this for real? *

38.*

MIA(reading "Nitrogen") *

What's Nirotogana? *

PEPPERYou're so lucky!

Annie climbs into the car. *

40 40INT. STACKS NITRO/EXT. STREET - SAME

Annie looks around and can't believe what she sees: bottled *water, soda, candy, gum, magazines, etc.

GRACEHelp yourself to whatever you want. *

ANNIE *Really? Thanks! *

Grace emails Stacks and Karl: "ON OUR WAY." As she does, *Annie opens the window and passes out all the bounty to thegirls. Nash sees this in the rear view mirror and smiles. Hannigan, a little jealous, calls down from the fire escape-- *

HANNIGAN *Maybe I should come with? Make sure *everything's USDA Grade A Awesome? *

ANNIE *I'm good! *

They drive off, leaving the girls freaking out over all the *goodies they have. Hannigan watches them drive away, wary. *Lou has ambled over. He yells up-- *

LOUHey, gorgeous. How does it feel tohave a famous kid?

HANNIGANWhat?

He holds up a copy of El Diario. The cover is a photo ofStacks saving Annie with the headline "EL SUPERHÉROE STACKS."This is clearly news to her.

LOUWanna get a drink tonight?

HANNIGAN *I haven't hit that rock bottom yet. *

39.*

She heads back inside. *

LOUYou know I love it when you throw meshade!

41 41INT. STACKS NITRO/EXT. MANHATTAN - MOMENTS LATER

Annie plays with the entertainment system. It's touch screen. *She turns on the sound: It's talk radio about the election, *specifically Stacks's recent upsurge in the polls. *

GRACE *Mr. Stacks would like to take a fewpictures with you if that's alright.

ANNIEI guess so, why? *

GRACEPeople want to know you're okay.

ANNIEWhat people?

GRACEEveryone who saw that.

She points outside to an electronic billboard for WNBC Channel4 News. It has the picture of Stacks saving Annie.

ANNIEWhoa. *

The radio talks about Annie as the "mystery girl." *

GRACE *You sure you don't want to listen to *some music? *

ANNIE *I love talk radio. It calms me. *

Grace looks at her. Who is this girl? *

42 42INT. STACKS MOBILE BUILDING LOBBY - LATER

It's a huge imposing modern lobby. Annie takes it all in *as Karl approaches with a few photographers. *

KARLAnnie! Thanks for coming. Mr. Stacks *is waiting for you upstairs. *

40.*

They usher her into the elevator. The photographers snap *away. Annie sees two women whispering to each other--

WOMANThat's the girl!

43 43*INT. STACKS OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

A table has been set up with full, over-the-top catering. *Stacks is there working, surrounded by a few photographers. *

STACKSAnnie! *

He stands and takes her hand. Then turns out towards thecameras for a photo-op. Annie puts her hand up--

ANNIESlow your roll.

STACKSExcuse me? *

ANNIECan we sit down first? *

Stacks looks at Karl and Grace. They're just as confused. He motions the photographers away and they both sit. *

STACKS *Are you okay from yesterday?

ANNIEI'm fine, thanks. Are you? *

STACKS *Yeah, I think I'm gonna make it. *

ANNIESo what's the hustle? *

STACKSWhat?

ANNIEYou picked me up in a space car, *brought me to James Bond's house, to *eat... *

(looks at a lobster) *...giant bugs. I'm guessing it's *got to do with that photo of us. *

(off his look)I'm ten, I'm not an idiot.

41.*

STACKSI didn't say you were. An idiot. *Or ten. I have no idea how old you *are. *

ANNIE *Ten. *

STACKS *Okay, so you're not an idiot. But alot of people are, and when they sawthat photo they thought I'd be agood mayor. *

ANNIEWhy? *

STACKS *I'm a rich guy, you're a foster kid-- *the more that people see us togetherthe better it is for my campaign.

ANNIEThat's how a mayor gets elected?

STACKSI know, it's insane. *

He takes a drink of water.

ANNIEI bet if I moved in with you you'dbecome president.

He spits out his water, laughing and choking.

ANNIE (CONT'D)I saw that photo, too. Why do youdo that. Is it like a throat thing?

Karl starts to wildly signal Stacks. Stacks doesn't get *what he's trying to say. Annie turns and sees this. *

ANNIE *I think he wants to tell you *something. *

Stacks waves him over. *

KARL *That's not a bad idea. Annie staying *with you. *

42.*

STACKS/ANNIE *What? *

KARL *From what I understand it's pretty *crowded where you live now. How *about a little more space? Is that *something you might like? *

ANNIE *Living with a billionaire? Yeah, *that's something I might like. *

KARL *See? It's perfect. *

STACKS *What are you doing? *

Karl bends over and whispers to Stacks-- *

KARL *It'll just be for a few weeks then *she'll go back. Take in a foster *kid? Fifteen point jump in the polls,guaranteed.

STACKS *(aloud) *

I don't have time to take care of a *kid. *

ANNIE *It's easy. All I need is a bed and *meals, you don't have to do anything *else. And you get $157 a week. *

Stacks looks to Grace, a la "what do you think?" *

GRACE *Don't look at me. I don't understand *politics. *

ANNIE *You want photos, right? This is a *way to get a lot of photos. *

She gets up, puts her arm around him, and gives a big thumbs- *up for the photographers, who snap away. She's a natural. *

STACKS *There are easier ways of getting *photos. *

43.*

ANNIE *Not with me in 'em. *

She sits back down. Stacks looks at her. What is happening? *

44 44*EXT. STACKS MOBILE HEADQUARTERS - LATER

They all walk out. *

GRACE *Are you really doing this? You're *gonna play Daddy? *

STACKS *I won't even know she's there. *

He picks a piece of lint off Grace's shoulder. There's a *certain intimacy between these two. *

KARL *I wonder if she has her shots? *

GRACEYou're a moron.

More people snap their photo. Reporters, too. *

REPORTERS *How was your lunch?/What's your name? *

KARL *Her name's Annie. And she'll bestaying with Mr. Stacks for a while.

REPORTER *He's gonna adopt you? *

ANNIE *No! I have parents. This is just *temporary. If he gets approved. *

STACKS *What? *

45 45*INT. NYS OFFICE OF FAMILY SERVICES (HARLEM BRANCH) - LATER

Annie, Stacks, Karl, and Grace wait in line. *

STACKSI can't remember the last time Istood in line.

44.

ANNIEThat's the kind of stuff you need to--

(gestures "lock it down")--if you wanna get elected. *

Their number is called and they walk over to Mrs. Gilmartin,who doesn't look up.

ANNIEI need a temporary guardian approval. *

MRS. GILMARTINThere's a six week waiting periodand you need form NYS 84 dash--

(looks up and sees Stacks)Sweet Lord.

ANNIERecognize. *

46 46*INT. STACKS MOBILE LOBBY - LATER

Annie, Stacks, Karl, Grace, and Mrs. Gilmartin head to theelevator.

MRS. GILMARTINI normally don't do site visits, butI've taken a liking to young Annie.

Annie rolls her eyes.

47 47INT. ELEVATOR - MOMENTS LATER

Mrs. Gilmartin checks her clipboard-- *

MRS. GILMARTINDoes the guardian have adequate income *to provide basic shelter?

Grace hits "PENTHOUSE."

MRS. GILMARTIN (CONT'D)Check.

48 48INT. STACKS APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

The doors open. Annie and Mrs. Gilmartin are stunned. WeREVERSE to see why: it's amazing. A full floor penthousewith wall-to-ceiling windows. State-of-the art technologywith incredible furniture. They look around in awe. *

STACKS *Come on in. *

45.

They see the apartment come to life: The window blinds go *up, art pops on the walls, the espresso machine starts *brewing, Stacks's email is projected on a wall. *

ANNIEWhoa.

GRACEIt's a smart house. It recognizeshim and changes accordingly. *

MRS. GILMARTIN *Is there a co-temporary guardian? *

STACKSNo. *

MRS. GILMARTIN(flirty)

Would you like a co-temporary *guardian? *

He shoots her a look. She goes back to her clipboard--

MRS. GILMARTIN (CONT'D)I need to see the kitchen, ventilation, *at least one sink per four persons-- *

GRACE(senses Stacks's frustration)

Why don't I take you on a tour?

STACKSBest idea I've heard today. Karl.

He heads off with Karl.

GRACELet's get it to learn your voice. Speak into this.

She holds up her phone.

ANNIEWhat should I say?

GRACEAnything.

Annie looks around. Then--

ANNIEI think I'm gonna like it here.

46.

Grace checks her phone-- *

GRACEGot it.

The apartment automatically changes to what it thinks a tenyear-old girl would like. Including a contemporary (and *our) version of "I think I'm Gonna Like it Here." *

ANNIE *I think I'm gonna like it here.

Grace leads Annie and Mrs. Gilmartin throughout the massivetwo-story apartment as Annie sings and dances. As she enterseach room, the lights go on, new art pops up, and the musicchanges to accommodate the tempo--

49 49INT. KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Annie plays around with the automatic appliances. She wavesher hand in front of a machine, hot cocoa instantly shootsout into a cup. Then whipped cream. Then chocolate flakes.

GRACEJust think it and it shall appear.

Annie sips her chocolate, getting whipped cream on her face.

ANNIEI think I'm gonna like it here.

Mrs. Gilmartin helps herself to some whipped cream.

50 50INT. SCREENING ROOM - LATER

GRACEIt knows just what you want to see.

The curtain springs open and a cartoon appears.

ANNIEPlease please anything but Disney.

It changes to a music video. Mrs. Gilmartin helps herselfto some popcorn from the machine.

51 51INT. INDOOR SWIMMING POOL - LATER

GRACEIt knows the temp you're comfy in.

47.

ANNIEThat's great, can it teach me toswim?

GRACEWe'll get a coach, no need to fear.

ANNIEI think I'm gonna like it here.

Mrs. Gilmartin drinks some cucumber-infused spa water.

52 52INT. VARIOUS ROOMS - LATER

Annie dances around the apartment and balcony. Once, she *ducks her head in Stacks's home office. Stacks is there *working. Annie waves, Stacks musters a semi-annoyed return. *

ANNIEI think I'm gonna like it here./ Who wouldn't like here?/ The presidentof the world would like it here./ Ithink I'm gonna like it here.

53 53*INT. ANNIE'S NEW ROOM - LATER

It's massive: king bed, sitting area, like a suite at thePeninsula with a view of the Empire State Building.

ANNIEIs this Mr. Stacks's room?

GRACENo, Annie, this... is your room.

It changes to a little girl's room. Pink walls, art, lights, *etc. (All projected). *

MRS. GILMARTINSweet Lord.

ANNIEI think I'm gonna like it here. No,I know I'm gonna like it here.

GRACEI know you're gonna like it here.

MRS. GILMARTINDamn right you're gonna like it here.

She walks to her bed. The bedspread rolls down automatically.

48.

ANNIEI know I'm gonna like it here!

Annie ends her dance by jumping on her bed. She's launched *into the air, that's how good a mattress it is. Mrs. *Gilmartin helps herself to a Godiva chocolate as Annie takesin her new home. Jackpot.

54 54*INT. ANNIE'S ROOM/HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - LATER

Annie holds court, shoving her stuff into her backpack.

ANNIE *The closet was so big I thought it *was the living room.

They all ooh and aah.

ISABELLA *How big was the living room? *

ANNIE *I thought it was the street. *

TESSIE *Is he nice? *

ANNIE *Did you hear what I said about the *closet? That's all the nice I need. *

MIAI'm gonna miss you.

PEPPERI'm not. Finally get a little spacein here.

ANNIEWell, whenever you miss me all yougotta do is call...

She dumps out four brand new Stacks phone.

ANNIE (CONT'D)Bam. With unlimited everything. Even for you, Pepper. I know you'regonna miss me.

She jumps on her and gives her a big hug, Pepper resists. The girls go crazy -- even Pepper.

49.*

GIRLSNo way!/Thanks!/Cool! *

PEPPERIt's not an iPhone?

She smiles, just joking. Hannigan appears at the door.

HANNIGANWhat are you rats yapping about?

They all hide the phones like prisoners. She sees Annie. *

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)If it isn't Baby Jessica.

GIRLSHuh?/What?

HANNIGAN(scorned lover)

What are you doing here? Why aren'tyou with your new foster friend?

ANNIEJust picking up my stuff.

HANNIGANThen pick it up and get out. *

ANNIE *I just want to thank you for *everything you've done for me-- Ican't even do it with a straightface. Peace out. *

Hannigan lunges for her, but she skirts away. Calls after-- *

HANNIGANYou think your life's a fairy tale? There is no happily ever after! *

(turns back to the girls) *The worst thing in this world is a *little taste of something good. *'Cause it never lasts, and all you *taste from then on is not-that-taste. *

MIA *Huh? *

TESSIE *Sssh. Just let her talk when she *gets like this. Remember? *

50.*

55 55EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

Nash stands next to the Nitro, holding the door for Annie. *She gets in and sees the bounty has gotten even better: bags *of candy, full chocolate bars, even new pillows and blankets. *

NASH *Restocked. *

ANNIE *(eyes-wide) *

Thanks. *

She passes out all the goodies to the girls as Lou ambles *over. She hands him a new Stacks phone. *

ANNIE (CONT'D) *I got this for you. *

LOU *(jumps back) *

Aaah! Those things are evil. They *just steal your private information *so big business can spy on you and *crush your soul. *

TESSIE *(looking at her phone) *

What button does that? *

LOU *I'm happy for you, though, mija. *Getting off the block. *

Nash Starts the Nitro and they drive off. The girls run *after her yelling their thank-yous and good-byes. WE SEEHannigan on the fire escape, seething. Annie turns on the *music system. It's a version of "I Think I'm Gonna Like itHere" which segues into a different song that plays over thePHOTO-OP MONTAGE:

56 56EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK - DAY

Stacks pushes Annie on the swings as a few photographerssnap away. Karl reminds Stacks to smile. *

LATER. They kick a soccer ball. Stacks is actually prettygood and rifles a kick past Annie. Whoops. Karl tells Stacks *not to smile. *

57 57*EXT. STREET - DAY

Stacks and Annie walk down the street. *

51.

More photographers now. Karl gestures for Stacks to put heron his shoulders. He reluctantly does. But he's never doneit before, nor has Annie, and she flips backward. Stacksbarely catches her in time. Snap snap. Uh-oh.

Grace checks her phone. Pictures are going viral. Includingthe one of the botched shoulder-ride. But even that appearslike they're having fun, all good.

58 58*EXT. STREET - DAY

Stacks buys Annie a pretzel. There's now a scrum of reporters *and photographers.

REPORTERAnnie! You having fun?

ANNIE(mouth full of pretzel) *

Mr. Stacks is the best. I just wishI was old enough to vote for him.

They all laugh. Stacks whispers to her--

STACKSThat was a bit much.

ANNIEI'm still finding it. *

59 59INT. WNBC NEWS CHANNEL 4 - DAY

Harold Gray (Stacks's opponent, disheveled, mid-50s) is beinginterviewed by Chuck Scarborough.

HAROLD GRAYMy opponent wants to be mayor for *two reasons: feed his ego and bolster *his business interests. And he'll *stop at nothing. He has no connection *to the people of New York, now he *coincidentally takes in a foster *kid? Come on, Chuck. Don't pee in *my ear and tell me it's hot-raining. *

CHUCK SCARBOROUGHAre you saying Annie is a politicalmove?

HAROLD GRAYI'm surprised he hasn't gotten a dogyet.

52.

PULL OUT to reveal Karl is watching this on his phone as--

60 60EXT. BROADWAY - DAY

Stacks gives Annie cash to put in a homeless man's cup. Thehoard of photographers is now huge. Karl considers whatHarold Gray just said...

61 61INT. ASPCA - DAY

Annie and Stacks survey a pen of dogs, all yipping. It's afull-on photo-op: reporters, camera crews, even TV lights.

ANNIEHow do you choose?

ASPCA VOLUNTEER(spiritual)

You don't choose a dog, a dog choosesyou.

Stacks rolls his eyes as she enters the pen. The dogs allswarm, tackling her. It's nuclearly cute.

ANNIEThey all chose me!

STACKSJust one.

As Annie plays with the dogs she sees one off to the side, *running in circles. It looks just like the one Annie saved. *Could it possibly be? She gets up and heads over. It is! *

STACKS *You gotta be kidding me. *

He takes out Purell and furiously lathers himself with it as *Annie pets the dog... and it stops spinning. *

ANNIE *(to Sandy) *

Hey, girl. We found each other. *I'll never leave you again. Promise. *

She licks her face. Insanely cute. *

62 62*EXT. ASPCA - MOMENTS LATER

Annie now holds the dog at a spontaneous press conference.

REPORTERAnnie! What are you gonna name it?

53.

The dog starts spinning around again, chasing its tail. Annie and Stacks get tangled up in the leash.

STACKSShe's like a hurricane.

ANNIESandy. Her name's gonna be Sandy.

Snap! Snap! Karl nudges Grace and shows her his phone: *it's a Huffington Post mayoral poll. Stacks is now onlythree points behind Harold Gray. Two girls come up to Annie-- *

GIRL #1Can we take a picture with you?

ANNIE(a bit taken aback)

Uh, sure.

She takes a photo with them.

GIRL #2You are so cool!

They run away, giddy. Annie is over the moon.

STACKSLet's go.

He leads off down the sidewalk. WE STAY on their backs asStacks, Annie, and Sandy walk together. With paparazzirunning backwards in front of them. MUSIC ENDS OVER--

63 63INT. ANNIE'S NEW ROOM - NIGHT

Annie gets in her huge bed. Sandy is in a crate on the otherside of the room. Her phone gets a text. It's from Tessie:a photo of all the girls in their room with their new stuff,smiling (except Pepper, frowning as always). She gets anothertext: a picture of Hannigan passed out, taken surreptitiously. Annie snaps a photo of Sandy and sends it back.

Then she reaches down and gets out her locket and Ziplockednote from her backpack. Her old life, flooding back.

64 64*INT. STACKS KITCHEN - LATER THAT NIGHT

Annie walks in with Sandy. Stacks is there working. They're *both in pajamas. *

ANNIEHey. *

54.*

STACKS *Something wrong? *

ANNIE *Couldn't sleep. It's so quiet up *here. Whatcha doing? *

STACKS *Working. *

ANNIE *This late? *

STACKS *Always. *

ANNIE *When do you have fun? *

STACKS *This is fun. *

ANNIE *No, like fun fun. *

STACKS *This is fun fun. *

Annie gives him a look. *

STACKS (CONT'D) *You hungry? I can order in. *

ANNIE *You don't have a cook or something? *Or like a million servants?

STACKSI like to be alone.

ANNIESo why do you need all this space?

STACKSI like to be alone in a lot of space. *

She just looks at him. He feels the need to explain. *

STACKS (CONT'D)Everyone surrounds themselves with *all these people so they feel loved. When really, you can count the peoplewho truly matter on one hand.

55.*

ANNIE *Why are you making a fist? *

He is. He opens his hand and gets up. *

STACKS *You hungry? *

ANNIE *Always. *

He gestures to the fridge. She opens it to find only take- *out containers. *

ANNIE (CONT'D) *I can make a meal out of anything. Pick five ingredients. *

She opens the containers. Stacks isn't that interested. *

ANNIE (CONT'D) *Come on. This'll be fun fun. *

STACKS *(sighs, then points) *

That fruit, pancetta, I think that'srisotto, steak, and the fusilli.

ANNIEI've heard of two of those things. *

She feeds some food to Sandy as she gathers the ingredients.

LATER. Annie is cooking away. She seems to know what she's *doing. Stacks is impressed. Annie plates the food. They *each take a bite. Stacks immediately spits out his food. *

ANNIE (CONT'D)It's gross. Sorry.

(then)But you gotta learn to stop spitting. *You're not a camel.

STACKSYou looked like you knew what you *were doing. *

ANNIEThat's how I do.

Stacks laughs. There's something about this kid.

56.*

STACKSI have a movie premiere tomorrow *afternoon. Karl thinks you should *come.

ANNIEKarl's right. Can I bring my friends?

STACKSThere's more of you?

ANNIEMore photos? *

Stacks smiles and notices Sandy has stopped spinning. *

STACKSShe stopped spinning. *

He goes to pet her. She starts spinning again. *

STACKS (CONT'D) *Good night. *

He heads off.

65 65*INT. ANNIE'S BEDROOM - LATER

Annie in her gigantic bed, in her gigantic room, tosses and *turns. She gets up and heads into her closet, surveys it. *

LATER. Annie sleeps on the floor of the closet. Sandy next *to her. *

66 66*INT. STACKS ELEVATOR/STACKS LOBBY - DAY

Annie rides down the elevator. She makes funny faces in the *mirrored doors a la a fun house. A kid being a kid. The *doors open and two women catch her mid-face. *

ANNIE *This elevator is the best! *

MAN/WOMAN *(laughing) *

Morning, Annie./Hey, Annie. *

Annie looks at all the people in the lobby and outside the *windows. All on their phones. Talking, texting, phoning. *Nash taps her on the shoulder. *

NASH *Need a ride somewhere? *

57.*

ANNIE *I know this sounds crazy, but do you *guys spy on people with your phones? *

67 67*INT. STACKS MOBILE CONTROL ROOM - LATER

It's the worldwide control room. Every mobile call is *depicted on a projected map. It's like a war room. *

NASH *Stacks Mobile Control Center. We *can trace every call and data *transmission made on every carrierfor the past twenty years.

ANNIE *Whoa. *

NASH *People shouldn't be scared of the *government, they should be scared ofcell phone companies.

ANNIE *Lou was right. *

(then) *Can I ask you a favor? Could you *search for my parents? *

NASH *I guess so. Bennett, right? *

She nods and Nash motions for a technician to zoom in on the *map. Moving "pin drops" track cell phone usage. As he moves *the cursor, names pop up over the dots. *

ANNIE *Can you go back five years? Around *the 26th Precinct? That's where *they dropped me off. *

It hits Nash. The hopefulness. Of course he'll help. *

NASH *It'll take awhile. I'll let you know. *

ANNIE *Thanks. *

68 68*EXT. ZIEGFELD THEATER - THAT AFTERNOON

It's a world premiere. A black limo pulls up and Tessie, *Isabella, Pepper, and Mia get out in their finest. *

58.*

Annie runs up to greet them. *

ANNIE *Did Hannigan catch you? *

TESSIE *Nah, she's passed out. *

ISABELLA *(makes drinking motion) *

Things that make you go glug-glug. *

They take in the huge pageantry that is a Hollywood premiere. *

ANNIE *I know, right? *

LATER. Stacks and Annie walk the red carpet. Grace and *Karl and the girls are off to the side.

PHOTOGRAPHERSAnnie! Annie! Annie!

It's a feeding frenzy. Annie is taken aback.

PHOTOGRAPHERS (CONT'D)Smile over here! OVER HERE!

REPORTERWho are you wearing?

ANNIEThis is my friend Isabella's and *this I found somewhere. *

PHOTOGRAPHERSOVER HERE! LOOK OVER HERE!

REPORTER #3Did you like the French toast you *had for breakfast this morning?

ANNIE *So good. Wait, how'd you know that? *

REPORTER #3You tweeted it. @TheRealAnnieBananie.

Annie is getting a little overwhelmed. Stacks ushers her *off the red carpet.

KARLWe made you a twitter account.

(MORE)

59.*

KARL (CONT'D)You already have 1.3 millionfollowers.

ANNIE(horrified)

I'm Annie Bananie?

KARLNo. You're The Real Annie Bananie. It's the only thing that wasn't taken.

They start to walk into the street.

ANNIEWhere are you going?

STACKSI don't stay for the movie.

GRACEWe just walk the red carpet to get *the press. No one stays. All of *this is just for show. *

PEPPER *(to the girls) *

Like Annie. *

The Nitro pulls up. *

ANNIE *I invited my friends to see a movie. Can't we stay and see the movie? *

STACKS("I don't care") *

Sure. Go ahead. *

He heads to the car. A lone reporter calls out--

REPORTER #4Aren't you staying with Annie?

More reporters amble over. Stacks is caught. *

KARLWant me to cut the power? I can *take out the whole city block. *

STACKS *Who are you? *

60.

Stacks turns back to the press, with a big smile-- *

STACKS (CONT'D) *Just forgot my phone.

Seething, he heads back, passing Grace.

STACKS (CONT'D)You're coming with me. Make sure Idon't kill anyone.

He and Grace take Annie and her friends inside. *

69 69*EXT. MOONQUAKE LAKE - DAY

Two heartthrobs sit by a lake, dangling their feet in the *water. A mist hangs in the air.

TEENAGE BOYThings happen for a reason.

TEENAGE GIRLSaid the boy who doesn't have to gohome to the moon every night.

TEENAGE BOYThen don't go.

TEENAGE GIRL(tearing up)

You know it's not my choice.

She floats up into the air ever so slightly. He grabs her. *

TEENAGE BOYI'll make it my choice. *

PULL BACK. Stacks, Grace, Annie, and the girls are watching-- *

70 70INT. ZIEGFELD THEATER - SAME

They whisper as they scarf down popcorn and soda-- *

STACKSWhat the hell is happening?

ANNIE *Her gravity rocks are running out.

STACKSOf course they are.

On the screen, a close up of a Stacks phone, buzzing. *

61.

STACKS (CONT'D) *Hey, there's one of our phones! *

GRACE *We paid $500,000 for that. *

STACKS *What?! *

71 71*EXT. MOONQUAKE LAKE - NIGHT

The boy and the girl are swimming in the lake. *

TEENAGE BOYYou ready?

TEENAGE GIRLNever been more. *

Their fish-friend emerges from the water.

FISH-FRIENDWe're all ready down there. Soon asthe sun sets we attack.

TEENAGE GIRLThanks, Sakana. You're a true friend.

72 72*INT. ZIEGFELD THEATER - SAME

STACKSWhat's going on? *

ANNIE *The fish are gonna attack the moon.

STACKSNo, I know. Why don't they startalready? There's not gonna be enoughtime for Kyle and Saffron to escapethe Luna Monsters!

Grace gives him a look a la "you're really into this."

STACKS (CONT'D) * As long as I paid $500,000... *

Grace smiles at him. He does have another side.

STACKS (CONT'D)(to the screen)

Attack! Sakana, attack!

62.*

73 73EXT. ZIEGFELD THEATER - LATER

Stacks and the girls walk out elated.

ISABELLAI want to be Saffron so bad!

TESSIEI can't believe Sakana told on 'em. *

STACKSOf course she did. You can't trustthe fish people. Gwarklark warnedthem. He was very specific.

ANNIEThey come back in the next movie.

STACKSThere's a next movie?!

ANNIEThere're four more. And three before *this one. *

STACKSShut up!

He playfully shoves Annie and picks her up. Like a fatherwould a daughter. But this isn't staged, it's instinctual. He puts her down as they've arrived at the Nitro. *

GIRLSThanks!/So much fun!/Thank you! *

TESSIE *We never get to do things like this. *

STACKS *(getting in the Nitro) *

Let's go, Annie.

ANNIE *It's so early. Can't we all do *something else? *

The girls look up, excitedly.

STACKSI haven't worked in two hours. *

ANNIE *Oh, no! You're melting... *

(MORE)

63.*

ANNIE (CONT'D)(the girls laugh) *

Please? I guarantee you'll have a *good time. *

Stacks looks at Annie. She's impossible to resist. *

STACKS *You have this crazy way of turning *"no's" into "yes's." What is that? *

ANNIE *I think when people say no, they're *really just scared of the yes. *

STACKS *(sighs) *

What do you want to do? *

The girls cheer. *

ANNIEMore things other people get to do. *

MUSIC starts. It's an original song: "Other People" about *all the things people who aren't foster kids get to do. Itstarts with Annie--

ANNIE (CONT'D)Tonight I want to be other people...

The girls join in and start dancing. As they continue tosing/dance they get in the Nitro. *

74 74*INT. NITRO - CONTINUOUS

More song, more fun. Stacks and Grace chaperone. They both *do work on their phones. *

75 75EXT. ROCKEFELLER PLAZA ICE SKATING - LATER

They dance and sing and go ice skating. The dream Tessie *had. They ask Grace and Stacks to join them. Stacks passes, *Grace decides "what the heck" and does. The song continues... *

76 76INT. MACY'S - LATER

Isabella's dream. They dance and sing and shop and try ondifferent outfits. Shoppers ignore them. Grace is now fully *engaged, trying on clothes, participating. Stacks is off to *the side on his phone. Annie sneaks up and puts a hat on *him. Annoyed, he starts to take it off, but catches a glimpse *of himself in the mirror. *

64.*

And then tries on more hats and scarves. *

77 77*INT. DYLAN'S CANDY BAR - LATER

Mia's dream. They dance and sing and eat candy all over the *gigantic candy store. Mia even swims in it. Stacks and *Grace are now both fully engaged. Having fun even... *

78 78*EXT. VICTORIA GARDENS IN CENTRAL PARK - LATER

The song continues as the girls go on rides, eat cotton candy, *etc. All the while singing and dancing. It ends as they go *on a roller coaster. Right before the final chorus Annie *pokes Pepper and points to the roller coaster they're riding. *It's a rocket ship, destination: Mars. *

ANNIE *See? Your dream came true.

Even Pepper softens.

GIRLSOther people!

The MUSIC ENDS. Stacks's phone rings. Again. Again. *

GRACE *Teddy. Your phone. *

Distracted, Stacks didn't realize it was ringing. He answers. *

STACKS *Yeah... Okay... I'm coming. *

(hangs up) *I gotta get back. Karl's going crazy. *

GRACE *Karl is crazy. *

STACKS *But he's good at his job. *

GRACE *So was Napoleon. *

STACKS *He actually wasn't. He's *misunderstood. *

GRACEYou go ahead. I'll take 'em back. *

(then) *This was kinda fun. *

65.*

He smiles as much as he's able, and heads for the Nitro. *Annie notices him driving off. A little bummed. *

79 79EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - LATER

They exit a cab, laden with bags of clothes, etc. They dance *up the fire escape and wave good-bye. *

ANNIE *Can we make one stop? *

80 80*INT. HANNIGAN’S LIVING ROOM - SAME

Hannigan, passed out on the couch with the radio on, is *awakened from music and noise coming from the girls room. She gets her bearings. Yup, still in her old life. *

81 81INT. GIRLS' ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

The girls are listening to "I Love it" by Icona Pop anddancing around in their new clothes. Hannigan bursts in and *shuts off the music-- *

HANNIGANWhy are you still up? Where'd youget all this stuff?!

They're all quiet. Hannigan zones in on Mia, who breaks-- *

MIA *We went with Annie to a premiere and *ice skating and shopping and a candy *store and a 'musement park and it *was so cool and I love her so much. *

PEPPERNice, Mia.

MIAI can't keep a secret!

HANNIGANWell, you don't have to keep this a *secret: pack it up. It's going back. *

ISABELLAWhy?

HANNIGAN'Cause you don't deserve it.

PEPPERYes we do. It's from our friend. *

66.*

HANNIGANShe thinks she has it all figuredout. Her ticket outta here. Thereis no ticket outta here. You rats *need to start realizing that.

MIAYou're being mean!

HANNIGANI'm being educational. I used to bea dopey little girl like you. NowPACK THIS STUFF UP!

She marches out, slamming the door. A DJ is on the radio-- *

RADIO DJ (O.S.) *The city's most famous girl, Annie, *was spotted tonight out on the town *with her friends. *

They play a clip of Annie singing "Other People" from earlier. *

RADIO DJ (O.S.) *Not only is she smart and cute, sounds *like she can really sing. Not long *before she gets a record contract. *

Hannigan hurls a pillow at the radio, changing its station. *It plays the opening of "Little Girls." Hannigan sings a *soulful yet upbeat version as she struts around the apartment-- *

HANNIGANLittle girls, little girls/ Everywhere *I turn I can see them./ Little girls, *little girls/ Night and day I eat *sleep and breathe them./ I should be *anywhere but here/ Private planes, *on the stage and TV/ But I find myself *here at the snot house/ Little shoes, *little socks, please kill me... I'm *serious, please kill me, I'm not *singing i'm asking. *

(then) *Locked in a cage with all the rats/ *I've slipped through the cracks/ Andnow I'm stuck with the scraps/ And Ican't seem to find my way back/ Getme out get me out of here/ Throw mea rope/ I'm ready for stardom afterall these years./ Yes I wanna tearmy hair out/ I should be famous, apart of history./ *

67.*

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)Come on I sang "Everybody Dance Now"/ *Da Da da da da da da da!/ I'm donewith little girls/ I wanna be someonein this world/ Little girls, littlegirls. *

A lone man claps from the street below. It's Lou. *

LOUThat was beautiful!

(then) *I got you a T-shirt. *

He hurls it up. It's Annie's face and "@TheRealAnnieBananie." *

HANNIGANAaaah! *

She throws it back and heads into the apartment, enraged. *

82 82*EXT. BRUNELLO'S RESTAURANT - LATER

Annie and Grace sit on the curb opposite the restaurant. *

GRACE *You come here every Friday? *

ANNIE *It's the only day they serve cannoli. *

GRACE *That's all you have to go on? *

(off her nod) *Do you remember what they look like? *

ANNIE *I think I'll just know. *

The waiter comes to the door. He shakes his head "no." *Annie starts to draw her name on the street with a rock. *

LATER. Annie and Grace have both drawn their names all over *the street. It's been a while. The waiter comes out holdingtwo take-out boxes.

WAITER *Cannolis. One for your pretty friend. *

They take them and watch as he heads back inside, turning *the OPEN sign to CLOSED. Grace looks at Annie, making sure *she's okay. Annie gives her a look, "don't worry, I'm fine." *They get up. As they do-- *

68.*

ANNIE *Can you not tell Mr. Stacks? I don't *want to bother him with it. *

GRACE *Sure. *

83 83*INT. STACKS’S APARTMENT - SAME

Sandy runs around, annoying Stacks as he and Karl watch a *commercial for his opponent Harold Gray narrated by Michael *J. Fox, making it clear he's by far the right person for the *job. Over images of Gray working throughout the years--

MICHAEL J. FOX (V.O.)He's worked selflessly his entire *life for New York. From his first *job teaching in inner city schools,to his 25 year stint on the citycouncil, all the while working as avolunteer EMT and serving on theboards of 18 charities, Harold Gray *is the only honest choice for mayor. *

HAROLD GRAYAs mayor I will do everything that'sright for the people of New York, *not the business of New York. *

MICHAEL J. FOX (V.O.)Harold Gray. Endorsed by the NewYork Times, El Diaro, the CitizensCommission on Human Rights, and me,Michael J. Fox.

Michael J. Fox shakes hands with Gray as they both pick uptrash in an innercity park. *

STACKS *Michael J. Fox? That's dirty tricks. *

(then) *Do I have any shot of winning? *

KARLYou've plateaued.

Karl swipes his iPad and a graph of the latest poll appearson the wall. Stacks is losing by seven points to Gray. Andit's been the same for awhile. Karl highlights the graph--

KARLAnnie's gotten you here, but I thinkthis is as far as she'll take you. *

69.*

Sandy runs around him, almost knocking him over.

KARL (CONT'D)But it's not over yet. How bad do *you want this? You told me becoming *mayor would really help your business, *right? *

STACKS *Among other reasons. *

KARLSo how far are you willing to go to *get it? Or should I say, how far do *you want me to go? *

STACKS *I pay you a lot of money not to ask *me those questions. *

KARL *Roger that. *

Annie and Grace enter. *

GRACEWe're back.

ANNIE *I brought you a cannoli. *

She hands him the take-out box. *

STACKS *Because you're an Italian grandmother. *Makes perfect sense. *

Annie laughs. *

KARL *We have a charity event tomorrow. *You should go to bed.

ANNIE *Okay, K-Money. Keep your shirt on. *

(to Stacks/Grace) *This guy. *

Stacks smiles at her and she heads out. *

KARL *Did she just sass me? How come no *one respects me? *

70.*

GRACE *I think you know the answer to that. *

84 84*INT. HALLWAY/INT. ANNIE’S ROOM - LATER

Stacks walks past Annie's room. The door is open and he *peeks in. She's not in her bed. *

STACKS *Annie? *

He goes in, looks around; she's not there. He hears heavy *breathing. He walks to the closet and sees Annie sleeping *on the floor with Sandy. He watches her, concerned. *

85 85*INT. STACKS APARTMENT - THE NEXT MORNING

Annie is eating breakfast with Sandy. Stacks enters. *

STACKS *Do you get airsick? *

ANNIE *Don't know. I've never been in the *air. I threw up on the swings once.

86 86*EXT. DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN HELIPORT - LATER

Annie and Stacks get out of the Nitro and walk to the Stacks *helicopter. Sleek and big and infinitely cool. *

ANNIE *Whoa. *

STACKS *Cool, right? *

87 87*INT. STACKS CHOPPER - MOMENTS LATER

Stacks is at the controls, Annie next to him. *

STACKS *We're doing a cell tower check. *Make sure they're all working.

ANNIE *You do that yourself? *

STACKS *I told you work is fun fun. *

Stacks smiles and takes off into the sky above New York City. *

71.*

88 88*INT. STACKS CHOPPER/EXT. NEW YORK CITY SKY- LATER

They fly over the city, giving Annie a vantage she has never *seen. She's rapt. They speak through their headphones--

STACKS *You want to know the secret to Never- *Drop-A-Call?

ANNIE *Not really. *

(off his look) *Yes, yes I do. Desperately. *

STACKS *We have five times as many cell towers *as the other guys. But we hide 'emin plain sight. Like right there.

He points to the Statue of Liberty, right in front of them. *

STACKS (CONT'D) *Do you see it? It's on her crown. *

ANNIE *No. *

STACKS *Exactly. *

LATER. They're above the Brooklyn Bridge. *

STACKS *See 'em? They're on every wire. *It's all about connecting everything. *With everyone. *

ANNIE *Which is weird, 'cause you don't *connect with anyone.

STACKS *Yes, I'm cold and aloof; it's been *pointed out, thanks. *

ANNIE *No, I didn't mean-- *

STACKS *It's fine. You can't hurt my feeling. *

She smiles. They fly around for a bit. *

72.*

STACKS *Know why I love this city? It doesn't *care who you are, what you are, where *you came from. All it cares is if *you want it bad enough. And what *you do with what you got. *

The helicopter blades begin the beat of the new song "The *City's Yours." A melody kicks in as Stacks sings and flies-- *

STACKS *I don't wanna hear a sob story/ If *you got guts you'll get glory/ Anyonecan make their dreams come true inNew York City/ And I don't wanna seeanother tear drop 'cause if you workhard you can rise up/ Anyone canmake it even you in New York City/Look at me I'm just blood pumping/you and me are two hearts thumping/We are two souls feeling the samebeat/ So take it all this city'syours/ Ask it for more when it rainsit pours/ It's worth fighting for *it's all mine and it's all yours/ InNew York City, in New York City.

The helicopter is now over Harlem. She points it out-- *

ANNIE *It's worth fighting for, it's all *mine and it's all yours/ In New YorkCity, in New York City.

STACKS *So take it all this city's yours/ *Ask it for more when it rains itpours.

STACKS/ANNIE *In New York City. *

The music continues as Stacks banks over 96th street, heading *back downtown.

ANNIE *Why don't you go above 96th street? *

STACKS *No reason. *

He turns back heading uptown, over East Harlem. *

73.*

ANNIE *This is my New York City. *

STACKS *Show me where you lived. *

ANNIE *Everywhere. *

(then) *I see a cell tower! *

STACKS *Where? *

ANNIE *On that building. See it? Right *there. *

Annie points as Stacks flies close. He finally sees it. *

STACKS *Sometimes what you're looking for is *right in front of your face.

SHOT FROM straight on (outside the windshield) we can see *Stacks and Annie looking at their own reflections.

STACKS *It's worth fighting for, it's all *mine and it's all yours/ In New YorkCity, in New York City.

STACKS/ANNIE *In New York City. *

89 89*INT. STACKS OFFICE - LATER

Stacks is at his desk as Grace enters carrying a box. *

GRACE *Is Annie here? I have her dress for *tonight. *

Stacks points out the window at Bryant Park. Annie is playing *with Sandy in the middle of the huge grass field. Like it's *her backyard. They watch her, almost like parents. *

STACKS *I'll get her. *

LATER. Grace watches as Stacks walks across the field and *gets Annie. They walk back together with Sandy. *

74.*

90 90*INT. ANNIE’S ROOM - LATER

Grace sits on the bed. Annie is changing in the closet. *

ANNIE (O.S.) *Ready? *

GRACE *Very excited. *

ANNIE (O.S.) *I don't know... *

GRACE *It's a collaboration between Zac *Posen and Rodarte. They designed *it specially for you. *

Annie emerges in a crazy over-the-top gown that makes no sense. *

ANNIE *They really get me. *

GRACE *(laughs) *

Let's get you something else. *

ANNIE *Thank you. *

91 91*INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY/INT. BATHROOM - LATER

Annie walks past an open door. She peers in and sees Stacks *washing his face. When he looks up Annie sees that *he's...bald. Daddy Warbucks bald. Annie gasps. Stacks *hears this, looks up and sees her in the mirror. She quicklyaverts her eyes and scurries off. Sitting on the vanity isStacks's wig on a mannequin head. He reaches for it... *

92 92*INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER

Stacks walks out in a tuxedo and his usual full head of hair. *Annie is there playing with Sandy. It's super awkward.

STACKS *Hey, Annie... Did you just see-- *

ANNIE *I didn't see anything. *

STACKS *'Cause I thought I saw you in the-- *

75.*

ANNIE *Nope. Here the whole time. *

The door opens and Grace, in a stunning dress, walks in *carrying a garment bag.

STACKS *Wow. You look... *

GRACE *So do you. *

There's something between these two. Annie clocks it. Grace *breaks the stare--

GRACE *Got your dress. *

93 93*INT. ANNIE'S ROOM - LATER

On Grace as she takes in Annie. *

GRACE *That's more like it. *

WE REVEAL Annie. She's in a stunning, iconic, and, yes, red *dress. She looks at herself in the mirror, elated.

GRACE (CONT'D) *Made exclusively for you. By Targé. *

Annie laughs and slides her locket around her neck. Grace *goes behind her and starts doing her hair.

ANNIE *Why don't you ask out Mr. Stacks? *

Grace pulls her hair, accidentally? *

ANNIE (CONT'D) *Ouch! *

GRACE *Sorry. That's a complicated question. *

ANNIE *Not really. Do you like him? I *think he likes you.

GRACE *I work for him. Liking him doesn't *come into play.

76.*

ANNIE *Okay. *

GRACE *I mean, do I find him attractive? *Sure. Not just physically-- thoughthere's no question he's good looking,tall, broad shouldered, and that hair--

ANNIE *Well... *

GRACE *I can't afford to like people I work *with. There're enough obstacles asit is for women. I'll have time forthat when I retire.

ANNIE *When my friend Pepper liked this boy *at school she punched him in theface. She got suspended, but theyplay together in the park now. *

Grace smiles. *

94 94*EXT. NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - NIGHT

It's a formal charity event. The Nitro pulls up and Stacks *and Grace get out as photographers flash away. Annie holds *back and leans into Nash-- *

ANNIE *Did they find anything on my parents? *

NASH *Not having much luck. And they dug *pretty deep. Sorry. *

ANNIE *Thanks for trying. *

NASH *You're gonna find your family, Annie. *I promise.

She nods and heads out into the madness, passing Karl, who *seems curious about what she and Nash might be talking about. *Stacks ushers her up the stairs. *

77.*

95 95*INT. NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - LATER

Stacks is on the dais mid-speech. Annie is at a table mid- *plate of shrimp, in heaven.

ANNIE *These are ridiculous! *

STACKS *...New Yorkers face many challenges *every day, challenges that seem *insurmountable. We all tell ourselves *"no" a lot. "No, I won't get that *job." "No, I can't afford college." *"No, no, no." Well, it's time to *turn the "no's" into "yes's." Because *when we say no, we're really just *scared of the yes. *

(applause) *Say yes to yourselves and say yes to *a brighter life. *

(then) *Many of you know I've had a visitor *staying with me recently. She only *knows the word "yes." *

He points to Annie and the spotlight finds her, mouth full *of shrimp. Big applause. *

STACKS *Annie, can you come up here? We all *know you're not shy.

Everyone laughs. Karl nudges her to go up. Annie looks at *Grace, who nods "it's okay." Annie walks up to the dais.

STACKS *Do you mind saying a few words? *

He points to the teleprompter. "Stacks: DO YOU MIND SAYING *A FEW WORDS. Annie: "I'D LOVE TO! THANKS, DADDY." Stacksushers her to the microphone. But Annie freezes.

ANNIE *I don't wanna... *

STACKS *Go ahead. Just read it. *

She looks out at the crowd, Stacks points at the teleprompter. *

STACKS (CONT'D) *It's fine. Don't be nervous. *

78.*

She takes one more pause, and then steps up to the mic. And *just speaks from the heart. Ignoring the teleprompter--

ANNIE *I'm so lucky to be with Mr. Stacks. *Two weeks ago I didn't know shrimp *could get this big.

The crowd laughs. Karl is not happy. *

KARL *That's not what I wrote. *

GRACE *Obviously. It was funny and warm. *

ANNIE *He's taught me so much opportunity. *And I'll never forget it.

She looks at Stacks, who nods. Is he touched? *

ANNIE (CONT'D) *(still looking at Stacks) *

But now it's up to me. *

Annie turns to the orchestra behind her and signals for them *to play. They do, starting with classical and segueing into *contemporary. It's a new song, "Opportunity." *

ANNIE *Under the glow of warm lights/ Feels *like a dream in the night/ I turn my *head to the sky/ You must believe I *know why/ It's just 'cause I know *I'm the luckiest kid in the world/ *No never thought I'd be here/ Made a *wish, it appeared/ I turn my head to *the floor/ Thankful for all that's *what's for/ It's just 'cause I know *I'm the luckiest kid in the world./But *it's now all up to me/ To make it *count for good/ Today It's all about *Opportunity/ 'Splayed right in front *of me/ Opportunity, it doesn't come *for free/ Noh-oh-oh-oh-oh I can't go *back back back. *

(MORE)

79.*

ANNIE (CONT'D)No, it's all on me now/ Golden, I *found my church key/ Sweet OpportunityI've gotta make it count/ Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh/ It's on me Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh/ It's all about Opportunity/'Splayed right in front of me/Opportunity It doesn't come for free/Noh-oh-oh-oh-oh I can't go back backback/ Sweet Opportunity I've gottamake it count/ Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh/It's on me/ Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh. *

Everyone applauds, moved. Most of all Stacks. Karl has *made his way up to the dais. *

KARL *Read the speech now. *

(shakes her head) *Come on, Annie. Read it. *

ANNIE *I don't want to. *

KARL *Annie! You have to read it! *

ANNIE *Leave me alone! *

She runs off the stage, passing Grace and Stacks. Cameras *flash. Karl looks like he's going to be sick. *

96 96*EXT. NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - SAME

Annie runs down the steps, with Stacks and Grace on her tail. *Stacks signals to Grace that he's got it and he runs afterher, catching up down the block. *

STACKS *Annie! *

ANNIE *Leave me alone! *

(he grabs her) *I sang, wasn't that enough? *

Annie just stands there. Stacks senses something. *

STACKS *Are we asking you to do too much? *

Annie looks at him. He seems to really care. *

80.*

ANNIE *I can't read. *

STACKS *What? *

ANNIE *Nope. *

STACKS *I've seen you read. *

ANNIE *Nope. *

(then) *Sorry I ruined your shrimp event. *

She grimaces when a flash goes off. Then another. *Photographers are taking her picture. With a fury we haven't *seen before-- *

STACKS *No pictures! She's a little girl! *

Stacks shields her and walks her back to the Nitro. *Meanwhile, Karl goes up to Nash. *

KARL *What was she talking to you about *earlier? *

NASH *She asked us to try and find her *parents. But it's a dead end. I *even called my old buddies on the *force. There's nothing on that kid. *

KARL *That's genius. *

He hurries off leaving a confused Nash. As he runs he pounds *away on his phone, at work on something. Nash helps Annie *and Stacks into the Nitro. *

97 97*INT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - LATER THAT NIGHT

Hannigan is watching a video of her C+C Music Factory *performance on the Arsenio Hall Show from 1991. The intercom *buzzes. She stumbles to the door.

HANNIGAN *Who is it? *

81.*

KARL (O.S.) *Karl Danlily. From Stacks Mobile. *

She looks out the window. Good-looking man in a tuxedo. *

SECONDS LATER. She's quick-changed into a dress. She checks *herself in the mirror and spritzes herself with what we hopeis perfume. She strikes a pose and opens the door.

HANNIGAN *Hello there. *

KARL *Colleen Hannigan? *

HANNIGAN *My maiden name. But I'm not married *to it. If you know what I mean.

KARL *Sorry to bother you so late. Can I *buy you a drink?

HANNIGAN *God yes. *

98 98*EXT. HANNIGAN APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

Hannigan and Karl walk to a waiting Towncar. The girls see *this from their fire escape.

GIRLS *(kissy noises) *

Woooooh! *

HANNIGAN *Get back inside! *

99 99*INT. TAKE-HOME BODEGA - SAME

Lou watches through the window, crushed. *

100 100*INT. ANNIE'S ROOM - LATER

Stacks and Grace look in. Annie and Sandy are asleep in the *closet. *

101 101*INT. STACKS LIVING ROOM - LATER

Stacks and Grace are mid-conversation. *

82.*

STACKS *...I've been telling her she can do *anything she wants in this city, butwe haven't even taught her to read. *

(then) *We gotta get her a tutor. *

GRACE *For her though, right? Not the P.R. *

STACKS *For her. *

(off her smile) *What? *

GRACE *Your secret's safe with me. *

(off his look) *That you care. *

STACKS *About kids in New York, yeah I care. *

GRACE *It's not kids in New York. It's *Annie. *

102 102*INT. RED ROOSTER RESTAURANT - LATER

Karl and Hannigan are mid-drink at the famous Harlem eatery. *A jazz band plays. The Leaping Lizards. *

HANNIGAN *You have pointy earlobes. You know *what they say about men with pointy *earlobes... *

KARL *I don't. I want to talk to you about *Annie.

HANNIGAN *(crushed/disgusted) *

Of course you do. *

She downs her drink and signals for another. *

KARL *What do you know about her parents? *And what does she know about them? *Any and all details. *

Hannigan just stares at him. *

83.*

HANNIGAN *What's your game, dude? *

KARL *What? *

HANNIGAN *I know who you are. You're that guy *in all the photos who lurks in thebackground, pulling strings, cleaning *up messes. *

KARL *I don't lurk. *

HANNIGAN *So what is this: are you pulling, or *are you cleaning? *

He looks at her. Then drains his drink. *

LATER. Hannigan and Karl have both been drinking. *

KARL *...So if he wins, I get paid a *fortune. More than anything I've *ever made, combined. *

HANNIGAN *Why so much? *

KARL *It's like getting paid long odds on *a dark horse. You know how hard it *is to get Teddy Stacks elected? *

HANNIGAN *There've been worse politicians. *

KARL *I know. I've got them elected. But *I'm over it. Over being the cockroach *everyone needs but treats like... *

HANNIGAN *A cockroach. *

KARL *Exactly. This is my last roll at *the table. Get paid and I'm out. *

HANNIGAN *There's no such thing as a way out. *

(MORE)

84.*

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)Trust me.

KARL *There's always a way out. Trust me. *And in this particular case, it's all *about finding Annie's parents. *

HANNIGAN *They don't exist. *

KARL *But we can make 'em exist. We fake *'em. Get two people to pretend to *be her parents. They'll know every *detail and miraculously show up rightbefore the election. Add water, *instant parents.

HANNIGAN *Rinse and repeat. *

KARL *What? *

HANNIGAN *I don't know, I'm just getting really *excited. What's in it for me?

KARL *Same as me. Ka-ching. And no more *being the cockroach. *

HANNIGAN *I knew I liked you. *

She leans over to kiss him. He pulls back, confused. *

HANNIGAN (CONT'D) *We're not doing that now? Got it. *

He raises his glass. *

KARL *To a way out. *

HANNIGAN *To easy street. *

They toast. The band starts playing a jazz version of "Easy *Street."

85.*

HANNIGAN (CONT'D) *Easy Street, Easy Street/ Where you *sleep till noon/ Easy Street/ Betterget there soon.

KARL *You don't get there/ By playing from *the rule book/ You stack the aces/You load the dice/

HANNIGAN *Not by listening to your priest's *advice.

(then, to Karl) *Is it priest? Rabbi? What are you? *

KARL *I'm nothing. But I know where I'm *going...

The band changes from jazz to current as they get up and *sing and dance throughout the restaurant.

HANNIGAN/KARL *Easy Street, Easy Street/ Where the *rich folks play/ Yeah yeah yeah.

HANNIGAN *(re: dancing) *

You're really good. *

KARL *I did musicals in high school. I *was Danny Zuko.

HANNIGAN *I was Sandra Dee! *

KARL/HANNIGAN *A wop ba-ba lu-mop, a wop bam boom! *

KARL *We found our ticket out. *

HANNIGAN *Time to end the drought. *

KARL *Move your feet. *

HANNIGAN *To Easy Street. *

86.*

Big dance number. Acrobatic, athletic, artistic. Hannigan *leading the way -- she's really great. And Karl issurprisingly nimble.

KARL/HANNIGAN *Easy Street, Easy Street/ Where you *sleep till noon/ Easy Street/ Betterget there soon.

They dance out of the club and the music drops out, and they *go a cappella--

103 103*EXT. RED ROOSTER RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS

KARL/HANNIGAN *Easy Street, Easy Street/ Where the *rich folks play/ Yeah yeah yeah./Easy Street, Easy Street/ That'swhere we're gonna be!

She twirls in and ends in his arms. Two passing teens notice *this and throw them a look. Hannigan and Karl immediatelybreak and it gets super awkward--

KARL *So, see you tomorrow? *

HANNIGAN *Yup. *

They head off in different directions. *

104 104*INT. STACKS MOBILE LOBBY - THE NEXT MORNING

Annie walks off the elevator with Sandy. Stacks approaches. *

STACKS *Can I walk with you? *

ANNIE *Uh, sure. Here you go. *

She hands him a plastic bag. *

STACKS *What's this for? *

ANNIE *You'll find out. *

105 105*EXT. 6TH AVENUE - LATER

Annie and Stacks walk Sandy.

87.*

STACKS *But I saw you sign your name. *

ANNIEThat's all you gotta know how to do. Then they just assume you can read.

STACKSNone of your teachers know? How is *that possible?

ANNIEI'm good at hiding it. *

A bus goes by with some ads on it.

ANNIE (CONT'D)That's an uptown bus, you can tell *by the numbers. That's an ad of you *running for mayor. *

It's been graffitied with a moustache and glasses. *

STACKS *I like that mustache. Glasses are a *bit Harry Potter. *

ANNIE *I also listen to the news. "The Dow *is up 56 points today and Teddy Stacks *is sinking in the polls." So people *think I'm smart. *

STACKS *You are smart. And it won't take *you long to learn to read. I'm *getting you a tutor. *

ANNIE *That's okay, I don't-- *

STACKS *(stern) *

You're getting a tutor. *

ANNIE *That was more Voldemort than Harry *Potter. *

STACKS *My knowledge of Harry Potter ends at *Harry Potter. Is Baldercat bad or *good? *

88.

Annie laughs and accidentally drops Sandy's leash. She takes *off.

STACKSSandy!

He starts after her. Annie stays put. After two steps Sandystops, turns around, and sits.

STACKSWhy didn't she run away?

ANNIEShe knows how good she's got it.

Stacks pets Sandy. She doesn't spin in circles, bonded.

ANNIE (CONT'D) *...And you're about to learn what *that plastic bag's for. *

106 106EXT. STACKS MOBILE BUILDING LOBBY - LATER

They return from their walk. Nash is there with the Nitro. *

STACKSHungry? I know a good place.

Annie starts for the car.

STACKS (CONT'D)Slow your roll. I got a faster way. *

Stacks hands Sandy's leash to Nash.

107 107INT. SUBWAY - LATER

Annie and Stacks ride the subway. Stacks looks uncomfortable.

ANNIEAct like you've been here before.

STACKSI used to ride the subway all thetime.

ANNIEWhen you backpacked through Europe?

Stacks throws her a look as an old woman pipes up--

OLD WOMANAre you someone famous?

89.

STACKSKind of. I'm Teddy Stacks. *

OLD WOMAN *Oh. I'm not voting for you. You're *not likable enough. *

ANNIE(laughs)

He's getting better.

The subway emerges from the tunnel. They're in Queens.

108 108EXT. ROOSEVELT AVENUE, QUEENS - LATER

Annie and Stacks eat falafel at a street vendor.

STACKSThis is where I grew up. Haven't *been back here in forever. *

ANNIEWhy not?

STACKSNobody to come back to.

ANNIEYou don't have any family? *

STACKS *(makes a fist) *

Remember? *

She takes his hand and puts up one finger. For her. *

109 109*EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - DAY

Karl pulls up to see a line of people (African-American)outside the apartment. Pepper and Tessie are at a card tablechecking people in. Karl walks in the door.

PEPPERYo, suit. You gotta sign in.

KARLFor what?

TESSIEYou here for the auditions?

KARLOh my god. *

90.

110 110*INT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER

It's filled with people holding scripts, going over lines. *Karl runs in and down the hall. Mia is stationed outside *Hannigan's room-- *

MIA *You can't go in there.

Karl ignores her and opens the door to see-- *

111 111INT. HANNIGAN'S ROOM - SAME

Another man and woman are auditioning (terribly) for Hanniganas Annie's parents. "Annie" is a mop with a red dress.

MANOh, darling girl! It's so good tosee you after all these years.

WOMANWe've been trying so hard to findyou and then we saw pictures of youwith that nice man running for mayor.

She fingers a half-locket around her neck.

MANLet's sing our special song only usthree know--

MAN/WOMANThe sun'll come out pronto/ Bet yoursweet bottom fella/ That pronto/There'll be sun!

KARLWhat the hell is this?

HANNIGANA disaster.

(to actors)You're garbage. And pitchy. Next!

They react and leave.

KARLWhat are you doing?

HANNIGANYou told me to find two people toplay her parents.

91.

KARLI meant some friends or someneighborhood toughs, not openauditions.

HANNIGANThese are call-backs actually. Iknow, right? From that performanceyou're thinking, "what?" *

KARLAnd why are they singing?

HANNIGANPeople love musicals. Bursting intosong for no reason, it's magical.

(sings)It's a magical world, it 'tis it 'tis!

She rises and starts to dance with him. He's not having it.

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)From the leaves of the trees, to thebottom of the--

KARLStop! Do the kids know what you'redoing?

HANNIGANNo. I told 'em I'm staging an updated *production of Oliver.

(side of her mouth)The update is that they're all black.

KARLYou're done. I'll get the parents. *Don't do anything else. I'll callyou when I need you.

HANNIGANBut--

KARLNo buts. We're running out of time.

He exits, leaving her alone. She walks over to "Annie" andstrokes her "hair." She sings, melancholy--

HANNIGANIt's a magical world, it 'tis it 'tis. *

92.

112 112*EXT. QUEENS PARK - LATER

Stacks and Annie kick around an old tennis ball. Unlike inthe earlier photo-ops they're both actually having fun.

113 113INT. SUBWAY - LATER THAT NIGHT

Annie is asleep on Stacks's shoulder. The train stops and *the doors open. A street musician's saxophone wafts in. It's the melody to "Something Was Missing." Very quietly hesings to her--

STACKSI've made me a fortune/ That fortunemade ten/ Been headlined and profiledagain and again/ But something wasmissing/ I never quite knew/ Thatsomething was someone, but who?

114 114EXT. SUBWAY STATION - LATER

Stacks carries a sleeping Annie up the stairs. Music continues--

115 115INT. STACKS APARTMENT - LATER

Stacks carries Annie in the front door. The lights turn on,the art changes, and the music becomes more present.

STACKSMy speeches are greeted withthunderous acclaim/ At twouniversities bearing my name/ Yes,something was missing each time Igot through/ That something wassomeone, but who?

116 116INT. ANNIE'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Stacks puts Annie in her bed and takes off her shoes. Hesits on her bed and sings--

STACKSWho could that someone be?/ How couldshe make it known?/ Who would needme for me?/ Need me for me alone?/Her world was my oyster, but wherewas the pearl?/ Who dreamed I couldfind it?/ Yes something was missing/But dreams can come true/ Thatsomething is no one but you.

He goes to the walk-in closet and gets Sandy, who's sleeping. He pets her and scoots her on Annie's bed, as--

93.*

STACKS (CONT'D)Who would need me for me?/ Need mefor me alone/ The world was my oysterBut where was the pearl?/ Who'd dreamI would find it in one little girl?/Yes, something was missing/ But dreamsdo come true/ That something is noone.....but you.

He takes one last look and leaves.

117 117*INT. STACKS APARTMENT - LATER

Stacks looks out the window at the city. He calls Grace. *

STACKS *Let me ask you something. How hard *is it to become a foster parent? I *don't mean temporary, I mean, like a *permanent situation. *

118 118*INTERCUT WITH: INT. GRACE'S APARTMENT - SAME

GRACE *You mean adopt her? *

STACKS *Whatever the word is. *

GRACE *That's the word. *

Grace smiles. *

119 119INT. ANNIE'S ROOM - THE NEXT MORNING

Annie wakes up and realizes she's slept in the bed. For thefirst time. And kinda likes it. *

120 120*INT. STACKS OFFICE - SAME

Stacks and Grace are working, looking at a map on the wallof upper Manhattan. Through the glass they can see Annie *working with a tutor in the bullpen. Karl rushes in. *

KARLWe got our game-changer! Every *election needs a game-changer, and *we got our game-changer. *

GRACE *Stop saying game-changer. *

94.*

KARLAnnie's parents. *

(hands him a file)They saw a picture of Annie and called *us. *

He hands Stacks a file, complete with pictures. *

KARL (CONT'D) *They've been trying to find her for *years but there's nothing in the *system. *

GRACEHow do they know she's their daughter? *

KARL *Well, they're the right age, kinda *look like her, they believe in *unicorns and dreams-coming-true. *And, oh yeah, I ran a DNA test. *

(in Grace's face) *Boom goes the dynamite. *

Stacks just stares at the file. *

STACKS *I want to meet them first. Before *Annie finds out. *

Unseen by Stacks, Karl sees Annie get up and head in. *

KARLI wouldn't have it any other way. *You should totally be the one who... *tells Annie we found her parents. *

Annie enters, having heard this. *

ANNIEYou found my parents?! *

Stacks shoots daggers Karl. *

GRACEYes, honey. I think so.

ANNIENo way! Really?

KARL *We're meeting them this afternoon. *At this place called... Brunello's? *

95.*

ANNIE *That's where the note is from! *

KARLThey also said something about a *locket? *

ANNIE *I knew they'd come for me! *

STACKS *This is great. I'm happy for you, *Annie. *

ANNIEIt's all because of you. Thank you *so much, Mr. Stacks. *

She runs and hugs him. Stacks is dying inside. *

121 121*INT. STACKS NITRO/EXT. BRUNELLO'S - LATER

Annie, Stacks, Grace and Karl drive to Brunello's in silence. *Stacks cleans his hands with Purell. Back on it. *

ANNIEWhy are they all here?

Stacks looks out the window to see a mass of people and press. *

STACKSI said no press until after it's *confirmed. *

KARLThis isn't me. Someone must've leakedit. Grace?

GRACE(threatening) *

Say my name again. *

ANNIEI don't get why people wanna be famous.

STACKSThey think it means people like them.

They get out, hounded by the media. Stacks shields Annie. *

122 122INT. BRUNELLO'S RESTAURANT - SAME

They enter to find Annie's "parents" sitting in the back. *

96.*

Hannigan and Mrs. Gilmartin (both dressed to the nines) sitoff to the side. The waiter and host come up.

WAITERVery happy for you.

She smiles and they walk back. The "parents" stand up.

"DAD" *Annie!

"MOM" *My girl!

They hug her. Mom compares lockets with Annie. It's a match. *

"MOM" *We thought we lost you forever.

ANNIEMe, too.

This is excruciating for Stacks to watch. *

"DAD" *We were going through some tough *times and thought it'd be best if *someone else looked after you. *

"MOM" *I've never forgiven myself for it. *

"DAD" *When we got back on our feet we *couldn't find you. *

"MOM" *But the angels were looking out. *

Annie blanches a bit, "angels?" Hannigan comes up to Stacks. *

HANNIGANHi, I'm Colleen Hannigan. From *Annie's old life. *

STACKS *Yeah. Annie speaks highly of you. *

HANNIGAN *She does? *

STACKS *Wait. Do you own the bodega? *

97.*

HANNIGAN *No, I was her foster mom. *

STACKS *Oh. The singer. Annie said you *have a great voice. *

HANNIGAN *She did? *

ANNIE *You do. *

STACKS *I loved C+C Music Factory. I did a *lot of damage to those songs. *

KARL *Should we get started? *

He signals for Mrs. Gilmartin. *

MRS. GILMARTIN *Everything is in order, DNA test, *the judge signed it... We just need *signatures from the parents... *

As the parents sign, Stacks takes Karl aside. *

STACKS *Are we sure about this? *

KARL *That this is gonna win you the *election? Yeah. Game-changer. *

STACKS *No, this. *

KARL *It's time to let go, Teddy. *

Stacks shoots him a look. *

MRS. GILMARTINAnd the current temporary guardian... *

Stacks lock eyes with Annie. She smiles, almost reassuring, *making him feel better. Stacks signs. *

MRS. GILMARTIN (CONT'D) *...And according to the state of New *York, you are officially reunited.

98.*

KARL *Hooray! *

ANNIE *Where do you live?

"MOM" *New Jersey.

ANNIEOuch. *

"DAD" *But we're moving to Argentina for myjob. *

"MOM" *I think you're gonna like it there. *

She brushes some hair from Annie's face. Something feels *off about the whole thing to Annie. *

ANNIE *Can I go back with Mr. Stacks? Say *good-bye? *

"DAD" *Uh, we were kinda hoping to get on *the road... *

"MOM" *It's fine. We'll pick you up at *four.

She hugs Annie. Annie is happy, but yet... *

123 123*EXT. BRUNELLO'S - MOMENTS LATER

They all exit through the throng of press, now yelling out *questions about how it feels to be reunited. From Annie'sPOV, it's a horror movie. Hannigan hangs back with Karl.

HANNIGANHow'd you do that DNA test?

KARLYou can do anything with money. *

She looks at him, then over at Annie, who looks more *vulnerable than ever.

HANNIGANWho are those people? *

(MORE)

99.*

HANNIGAN (CONT'D)What's your plan with her?

KARL *Doesn't matter. She served her *purpose. *

HANNIGAN *She's still a little girl. *

KARLWhy do you care? Just go home and *keep your mouth shut. *

HANNIGANYou can't talk to me like that. Iknow things.

Karl gets right in her face.

KARLThen if you know what's good for *you, you'll go home and keep yourmouth shut. *

And off he goes, leaving Hannigan stunned. What has she *done? She watches as Annie fights her way through the crowd.

124 124INT. TAKE-HOME BODEGA - SAME

Lou is watching this on TV with the girls. *

PEPPERShe look happy to you? *

LOUOh, mija.

They're all concerned.

125 125EXT. BRUNELLO'S RESTAURANT - SAME

Annie, Grace, and Stacks are in the Nitro. *

KARL(to the press) *

Mr. Stacks is thrilled for Annie andher parents. Never-Drop-A-Citizen. Vote Stacks on Election Day.

He gets in and they drive off, photographers running after. *

100.*

126 126INT. STACKS NITRO/EXT. BROADWAY AND 69TH STREET - LATER

They ride in silence. Nash looks at Annie in his rear viewmirror. Then at Stacks. They both look the same. Down.

127 127*EXT. HANNIGAN'S APARTMENT - LATER

Hannigan walks slowly up the block, something on her mind. *The girls are playing handball outside. Mia mis-hits and *the ball flies toward Hannigan. The girls wince. But *Hannigan just catches it and tosses it back. *

HANNIGAN *Be careful in the street, honey. *

They all look at each other. Whaaaat? She continues to *Lou's bodega.

128 128*INT. TAKE-HOME BODEGA - SAME

Hannigan walks in. Lou is watching TV. Annie and Stacks *are on the news: "MAYOR STACKS? GRAY LEAD CUT TO 1 POINT." *

LOUHey, baby. Haven't seen you in here *for a minute. How you doing? *

HANNIGANNot good.

LOUYou want me to make you a sandwich? Roast beef?

HANNIGANYou ever do something you think is agood idea at the time, but then after,you're not so sure?

LOUThree ex-wives. Yes, yes, and si.

(then)What happened, baby? Whatever you *did, you know I'll help.

HANNIGANWhy are you so nice to me, the way Itreat you? *

LOU *'Cause under all that bitter, there'sa sweet lady with a big heart. She's *just been gone for awhile. *

101.*

129 129*EXT. TAKE-HOME BODEGA - MOMENTS LATER

Hannigan walks out and starts singing a new song "Who am I?" *

HANNIGAN *Who am I, what have I become?/ Do I *stand for something or for money?/ *Who am I and where's my good girlgone?/ You know I had a good heart *once you see. *

130 130*INTERCUT W:/INT. STACKS APARTMENT/ANNIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Stacks walks through the apartment, looking out the window *at his city.

STACKS *Who am I now that the armor's gone?/ *You gave me what I didn't know Ineeded./ Who am I now that my heart *is won?/ I didn't know I needed *anyone. *

STACKS/HANNIGAN *But I got today./ I gotta make the *best I can of it./ 'Cause yesterday *is dead and gone./ And me along with *it./ I want to start again./ So I *look within, remember what I wanted/ *'Cause I don't know who I've become./ *But I will trust in it, but I will *trust in it.

As Annie packs in her room-- *

ANNIE *Who am I? I've spent my life alone./ *Forever looking for someplace tocall home./ And who am I, about to *meet myself./ This should feel right *but something don't./ I want to start *again./ So I look within, remember *what I wanted. *

STACKS/HANNIGAN/ANNIE *'Cause I don't know who I've become./ *But I will trust in it./ But I will *trust in it./ Oh I will trust in it./ *But today I gotta make the best I canof it./ 'Cause yesterday is dead and *gone./ And me along with it./ I want *to start again. *

102.

It ends with Hannigan looking up at the fire escape at the *girls; Stacks looking at a picture of him and Annie; and *Annie sitting on her bed with Sandy, holding her locket. *

131 131*INT. STACKS KITCHEN - LATER

Annie and Stacks enter the kitchen from different sides. *Awkward silence. There's so much to say, and yet... *

STACKSWant something to eat?

ANNIEAlways. *

LATER. They both stare into the refrigerator. *

STACKSMy turn.

LATER. All the containers are on the counter. Annie picks--

ANNIEThat stuff, that, whatever that is,that liquidy thing, and that goo.

STACKSI think that's mold, but I'll workaround it.

LATER. Stacks tries to use the kitchen equipment. He hasno idea what he's doing but he gives it his best. Annielaughs hysterically. He eventually plates the food. *

STACKSBe prepared to change the way youlook at food.

ANNIE(looking at it in disgust)

I think I already have.

They both take a bite. And then, in unison, both spit it *out across the kitchen. Two of a kind. Sandy laps it up. Stacks steels a glance at Annie. His heart aches.

132 132INT. STACKS LIVING ROOM - LATER

Annie sits on a couch with her backpack and Sandy at herfeet. She texts her friends good-bye: frowny-face and waving- *hand emoticons. Stacks walks in and sits next to her. *Melancholia. Annie hands him her cell phone. *

103.

ANNIE *This won't work in Argentina.

STACKSNot yet. We're only in Venezuela,Ecuador, parts of Colombia, actuallymostly Southern Colombia, Bogota'stough to penetrate--

(off her look)Not that interesting?

ANNIEI got you something.

She hands him a terribly wrapped present with a note attachedto it. He looks at the note as emotion floods. It's adrawing of Annie and Stacks, holding hands. Underneath itreads "Annie (heart symbol) Stacks" in Annie's handwriting. Annie points to the "Stacks"--

ANNIEI copied my phone.

He can barely contain himself. So he does what all men dowhen they don't want to show emotion: busy themselves. Heopens the gift. It's a Moonquake Lake DVD box set. *

STACKSI get to find out where Gwarklarkcame from?! Is he part-fish? Don'tsay anything, don't say anything.

Just hug already. But they don't as Grace walks in. They're *here. Stacks nods. Karl enters with the "parents."

"MOM" *Annie! You ready? *

Annie nods, gets up, and walks to her "parents."

"DAD" *We're going right to the airport.

GRACEIt's been so great getting to know *you. You're a special girl.

She hugs her. Annie whispers in her ear--

ANNIEYou should punch Mr. Stacks in theface. So you can play in the park. *

104.*

Grace laughs and gives her a kiss. *

STACKS *I'd like to help you out.

"DAD" *Very nice of you, but we don't believein hand-outs. Just hand-ups.

(re: Annie)And you already gave us one. *

Stacks goes to Annie and... shakes her hand. *

STACKS *Bye, Annie. *

He holds her as they lock eyes. Heart crushing. *

STACKS (CONT'D) *Never slow your roll. *

Annie nods and heads out, Sandy following. *

"DAD" *What a cute dog.

Sandy immediately starts running in circles. Annie grabs *her leash and heads out with her "parents." There is silence *as they hear the door close. Karl checks his iPad--

KARLThe press is eating this up! We're *gonna crush. Goodbye, Harold Gray. *Go back to your lame life as a non- *profit do-gooder. *

Grace looks at Stacks. He's in pain. *

133 133EXT. STACKS MOBILE BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER

Annie, Sandy, and her "parents" emerge to a throng ofpaparazzi. Nash clears the way for them as they get in theircar. As Nash closes the door-- *

NASHGive 'em hell, kid.

And they're gone.

134 134INT. "PARENTS" CAR - MOMENTS LATER

They drive west. Parents in front, Annie in back.

105.*

ANNIEIs it cold in Argentina?

Mom and Dad whisper to each other. Odd. Sandy's on edge. *

135 135INT. STACKS MOBILE OFFICE - LATER

Stacks, Karl, and Grace work away. Karl notices somethingthrough the glass. It's Nash with Hannigan, Lou, and allthe girls. They walk in.

NASHI think you should hear this. *

TESSIE *Annie's in trouble.

HANNIGAN *Those weren't her parents. *

GRACE *What's going on? *

KARLIgnore her, Teddy. She's clearly *insane. *

LOUWatch your mouth, essé.

STACKS *What do you mean, those weren't her *parents? Where's Annie? *

(gets in his face)Where is Annie?

136 136*EXT. 10TH AVENUE - MOMENTS LATER

Annie's scared, clutching Sandy.

ANNIECan we stop? I gotta go to thebathroom.

"MOM" *Can you hold it? *

ANNIE *I really gotta go. *

"DAD" *Just shut up! *

106.

137 137*INT. STACKS MOBILE OFFICE HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

They all bustle down the hallway. *

HANNIGAN *I'm so sorry. I didn't know what *would happen.

GRACE *(hangs up) *

Just talked to the police. They'reputting everyone on it.

STACKSHow could you not know who has her?

KARLPlausible deniability. I have a guywho just takes care of it.

STACKSWhy doesn't that guy know?

KARL'Cause he has a guy. It's what keepsour hands clean, trust me. *

STACKS *Trust you? I can't trust you! What *the hell is wrong with you? *

KARL *I did what you told me to. *

STACKSI never told you to do this.

KARLWhatever it takes, remember? Youjust don't want to know how it getsdone. This is just as much on you.

They turn the corner and open the door to the--

138 138INT. STACKS MOBILE TELECOM HUB - SAME

TECHNICIANWe got her cell phone.

The map shows the cell phone is... in the building. Zooming *in, it's actually in Stack's living room. *

107.

ISABELLA *She's upstairs!

STACKSNo. She gave me back her phone. *

(slams the console) *Let's call the press. *

KARLNo! You're gonna undo everything *we've done. Just wait 'till theelection's over.

MIA *What about Annie?

KARLWho cares? She's just one girl. *

Grace punches him in the face. He screams like a kid. *

PEPPERThat's not 'cause she likes you.

139 139INT. CAR - LATER

They speed uptown.

ANNIEWhere are we going?

"MOM" *We're just gonna take you somewherefor awhile.

ANNIE *You're not my parents are you?

The parents glance at each other, not responding. The carhas come to a stop in traffic. Annie tries to open the door. Locked. She tries the other door. Locked. Windows? Locked.

ANNIELet me go! When Mr. Stacks findsout about this, you're--

"DAD" *He doesn't need you any more! Why *do you think we're taking you?

Mom jabs Dad, "be quiet!"

108.

ANNIEYou work for Mr. Stacks?

No answer. Annie can't believe it. Betrayed. The car starts *to move. She looks out the window, tearing up. A car pullsup next to her, with two kids in the back. They brighten,recognizing Annie. They roll down the window and startsnapping away with their phones.

ANNIEHelp! Help me!

"DAD" *Hush!

Dad peels out, going through a red light. Flash.

"DAD" *Don't do anything stupid.

Annie looks out the window as the car is forced to slow again. She gets an idea -- and taps on the window getting theattention of some pedestrians. It's Annie! They snap away...

140 140INT. STACKS MOBILE TELECOM - CONTINUOUS

They're huddled around the screens. Nash has Karl in a chair,nursing his eye.

STACKSListen to every call within a twomile radius.

LOUI knew you could do that. *

ISABELLA *Someone posted a picture of Annie ontwitter!

They all look at her phone; it's the picture those kids took. *

STACKSWhere was it taken?

ISABELLADoesn't say.

PEPPERAnother one! On an Annie blog.

She shows her phone. Another picture.

109.*

PEPPER (CONT'D)56th and 7th! *

STACKSLet's go.

They all head out. *

141 141*INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

They march down the hall. *

KARL *You do this and everyone's gonna *find out what happened. Forget about *mayor, it's gonna kill your business. *

STACKS *(to Nash) *

Take this cockroach to the police. *

NASH *Happily. *

He grabs Karl as Stacks et al keep hustling down the hall. *

KARL *You're making a huge mistake! Think *about everything you've worked for. *

STACKS *That everything means nothing to me *now. *

Nash shoves Karl against the wall. *

142 142*EXT. DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN HELIPORT - LATER

Stacks heads for his helicopter with Grace, Hannigan, Lou *and the kids in tow. They exchange looks, how cool.

LATER. They take off, Stacks at the controls. *

143 143INT. STACKS CHOPPER/EXT. NEW YORK CITY SKY- LATER

They rise into the sky.

TESSIE(off her phone)

Instagram. 57th and 7th!

HANNIGAN *Is anyone else dizzy?

110.*

Lou puts a comforting arm around her. *

144 144INT. CAR/EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - SAME

Annie is doing everything she can to be noticed by the public, *but not the "parents." This involves a lot of bobbing and *ducking, but she's succeeding. Until-- *

"DAD" *What are you doing?!

He looks out and sees some people taking her picture. He *reaches back and tries to grab her, but she eludes him. *Sandy starts barking. The car swerves. *

145 145*INT. STACKS CHOPPER/EXT. NEW YORK SKY - LATER

They fly after Annie.

MIA(off phone)

Just posted on Central Park South.

WE GO CLOSE on Stacks and Grace. She puts her hand on his, *comforting. *

GRACEWe'll find her, Teddy.

She reaches over and rubs his shoulder. They fly in silence. *

146 146INT. CAR/EXT. CENTRAL PARK - CONTINUOUS

They drive up Central Park South.

"MOM" *Oh no.

She sees what Annie sees. The police have found them. Hepeels into the park. They can see the helicopter approaching. *

ANNIEJust let me go!

He speeds up. A police car appears up ahead. Dad veers *over the curb, through a fence, and onto the Great Lawn. *SHOT FROM ABOVE we see the car gain distance on the police. *

147 147INT. STACKS CHOPPER - SAME

PEPPERThere they are!

111.

LOUCut 'em off, bro!

HANNIGANI am crazy dizzy. *

Stacks pilots the chopper in front of the speeding car. Through the window he can see Annie in the back seat.

STACKSAnnie!

He lands right in front of the car, forcing it to slam onthe brakes. Dad then tries to reverse, but Stacks takes offagain and blocks them from behind. He stays there as thepolice cars speed up and box them in. Game over.

148 148EXT. CENTRAL PARK'S GREAT LAWN - CONTINUOUS

Stacks shuts off the copter as they all jump out. Dad andMom try to run off, but Lou gives chase and tackles Dad justas the police arrive. They grab him and Mom. Stacks runs *up to Annie, Sandy by her side.

STACKSAnnie! Are you okay?

He goes to hug her. But she shoves him away, eyes filledwith tears.

ANNIEGet away from me! You don't care *about me. I was just an opportunityto you.

STACKSThat's not true.

ANNIEIt is true! You did all this to me *just so you could be stupid mayor.

STACKSNo, honey. You gotta trust me.

ANNIEI can't trust you. I can't trustanybody.

She runs away, but Stacks doesn't let her go. *

ANNIEJust leave me alone!

112.*

STACKSI'm so sorry this happened to you. I can't look you in the eye and sayI had nothing to do with this. But *I swear to you, I did not know those *weren't you real parents. You gotta *believe me. *

Annie just looks at him. She wants to believe him.

STACKS (CONT'D)I thought that working hard was all *that mattered; it's what my parents *did. But you made me realize it all *means nothing if you don't have *someone you can count on your hand. *

(puts out one finger) *This is you, Annie. This is you. *

He draws her into a hug. She resists at her first, but *quickly succumbs. They hug, emotional, cathartic. Finally. *Then he turns to the assembled press-- *

STACKS (CONT'D)I officially withdraw from the mayoralelection. The city needs a betterperson than me as its leader, I need *to focus on what matters most. Andthat's an amazing little girl namedAnnie, my family.

Everyone reacts.

LOUI wasn't gonna vote for him anyway.

Stacks sings to Annie--

STACKSYes, something was missing/ But dreamsdo come true/ That something is noone... but you. *

He gets right up close to Annie. Everyone is watching, thepress filming away. *

ANNIEI need one more thing from you.

STACKS(laugh/cries)

Always on the hustle. Let's hear it. *

113.

She holds up two fingers and nods to Grace. *

ANNIEStop playing games. *

STACKSThat's an easy one. *

He walks over to Grace.

STACKS (CONT'D)Not knowing what I have in front ofme has been a problem of mine for along time. But I'm learning.

(takes her hand)Will you go out with me?

GRACEWhat? *

STACKSI can't function without you. And Idon't mean at work.

(then)And you were right about this wholemayor thing. And about Karl. Andabout last quarter's earnings. Andabout--

She kisses him. The girls all go "Whoooo!" Stacks goes to *Annie and takes her hand. *

STACKSFamily?

(off her nod)Together at last.

ANNIETogether forever!

And they start to sing, magically--

STACKSWe're tying a knot/ They never cansever!

ANNIEI don't need sunshine now/ To turnmy skies to blue.

STACKS/ANNIEI don't need anything but you!

114.

STACKSYou've wrapped me around that cutelittle finger./ You've made life asong/ You've made me the singer!

ANNIEToday was just plain awful.

STACKS(speaks)

Today was a straight-up nightmare.(sings)

But that's not now.

ANNIEThat's then./ You're not warm andfuzzy.

STACKSAnd you're not the most shyest.

STACKS/ANNIEBut nothing on earth could ever divideus! I don't need anything but you!

Annie does a dance. Then nudges Stacks to copy her. Begrudgingly, he does. And he's fantastic. Then they dancetogether to the delight of everyone watching-- *

149 149INT. MCSORLEY'S TAVERN - SAME

Guys at the bar are watching this on TV. They're shocked--

GUYHe keeps singing and dancing, there'sno way he was gonna win.

150 150EXT. CENTRAL PARK'S GREAT LAWN - SAME

Annie and Stacks dance some more.

STACKS/ANNIETogether at last./Together forever.

Hannigan and Lou sway with the music.

HANNIGANEverybody dance now!

LOU(shushes her)

It's their thing, mami.

115.

HANNIGANSorry.

GRACEAnnie, you filled our life with asong/ You're two of a kind Thehappiest pair now/ You're floatingon air now/ And what's the title ofthe dream?

STACKSI don't need anything.

ANNIEAnything.

STACKS/ANNIEAnything. I don't need anything butyou.

They dance a duet, what we've been waiting for. It'sfantastic: dynamic, gymnastic, fluid, and just plain awesome. In the background, the police take the "parents" away. WEGO CLOSE ON Annie and Stacks. The music changes to the beat *of "Tomorrow." *

151 151*EXT. CENTRAL PARK 59TH STREET ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER

STILL CLOSE ON Annie and Stacks. PULL BACK to reveal they'renow at the entrance off 5th Avenue, and they're with Hannigan,Lou, Grace, and all the girls. In a real-time, large scalereprise of "Tomorrow" they sing and dance as they walk toStacks Headquarters. Like earlier, as they move, people around them mimic their dance. Annie in the lead, literallybringing happiness to New York City. It becomes massive. Shot from above and all sides it's a citywide dance numberwith pedestrians, cyclists, cabbies, cops, constructionworkers, etc. all dancing.

ALL *The sun'll come out tomorrow/ Bet *your bottom dollar/ That tomorrowthere'll be sun./ Just thinkin' about *tomorrow/ clears away the cobwebsand the sorrow/ 'Til there's none. *Just thinkin' about tomorrow/ Clears *away the cobwebs and the sorrow/ 'Til there's none./ When I'm stuckwith a day that's gray, and lonely,I just stick out my chin and grin,and say oh!/ The sun'll come out *tomorrow! So ya gotta hang on 'til *tomorrow/ Come what may/ Tomorrow! *

(MORE)

116.*

ALL (CONT'D)Tomorrow!/ I love ya tomorrow!/ You're *always a day away! *

CLOSE ON our cast as the music continues-- *

152 152*EXT. STACKS LITERACY CENTER OF NEW YORK - MONTHS LATER

PULL BACK at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the brand new Stacks *Literacy Center in Harlem. The high school marching band *augments "Tomorrow" and gives it a brassy tone as Annie reads *the teleprompter-- *

ANNIE *...The city is full of opportunity, *it's yours to take.

EVERYONE *Tomorrow! Tomorrow!/ I love ya *Tomorrow!/ You're always a day away! *Tomorrow! Tomorrow!/ I love yaTomorrow!/ You're always a day away!

Big finish. Except for-- *

HANNIGANTomorrow!/ I love ya Tomorrow!/ You'realways a day away!

(scats)To-ma-ma-ma-ro-ro-ro. Just a day-day-day-day, just a day-day-day,awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Scibilabapbopbabadoooo!

She realizes they're all looking at her. She clears herthroat, chastened. The music continues...

FADE OUT: *