mrs. cratchit's christmas carol by charles deemer · "mrs. cratchit's christmas...

"MRS. CRATCHIT'S CHRISTMAS CAROL"

by

Charles Deemer

[email protected]

FADE IN:

EXT. CITY - STREET - DAY

The business area of a mid-sized city.

SUPER: "The day before Christmas. The present."

A large sign stands out on one building:

"Scrooge & Marley Accounting Services"

Among the nearby cars, a VAN is parked on the street.

INT. SCROOGE/MARLEY BUSINESS - DAY

EBENEEZER SCROOGE, 60s, puts on his coat. He is gray andlooks older. He has the body language of an impatient tyrant.

He stands near the desk of BOB CRATCHIT, 40s.

BOB CRATCHITIsn't it early for the bank, sir?

SCROOGEIt is. But they insist on closingearly today, which means I mustleave early to get in line withall the other businessmen losingmoney today. How soon before youwrap that up?

Cratchit has been working at his computer.

BOB CRATCHITA few days yet, sir.

SCROOGEI suppose you don't want to worklate tonight. We'll talk about itwhen I get back.

He goes to the door. Stops, turns.

2.

SCROOGEMy nephew is coming by for mycomputer. He insists on updatingsomething or other.

BOB CRATCHITYou won't have your computer, sir?

SCROOGEHe's giving me a loaner. He saysI can still do my accounts on it.Back to work.

He leaves.

Bob Cratchit takes a deep breath and returns to his computer.

EXT. SCROOGE/MARLEY BUSINESS - DAY

Scrooge comes out and heads up the street, toward the van.

INT. VAN - DAY

Watching Scrooge from the van are MRS. CRATCHIT, 40s, andFRED HOLYWELL, 30s.

Behind the wheel is Mrs. Cratchit's brother, CHARLES, 30s.

FREDHere he comes.

MRS. CRATCHITWait till he gets out of sight.

They watch Scrooge move past the van.

FREDWell, here goes.

CHARLESFred?

FREDYes.

3.

CHARLESDon't forget the computer.

FREDRight.

He fetches a laptop and exits the van.

MRS. CRATCHITI hope this works.


Bob Cratchit is still hunched close to the desktop computer.

The door opens and Fred enters, carrying the laptop.

FREDMerry Christmas, Bob! Is my unclearound?

BOB CRATCHITHe just went to the bank. Heshouldn't be long if you want towait.

FREDLast minute shopping to do. Ijust need to pick up his laptop.I told him I'd update Windows. Ofcourse, he'd have nothing to dowith it unless I gave him aloaner. I'll make the exchangeand be on my way.

Fred quickly heads into Scrooge's office.

BOB CRATCHITMr. Scrooge doesn't like anyoneentering ... but I guess it'sokay this once.

INT. SCROOGE/MARLEY BUSINESS - SCROOGE'S OFFICE - DAY

Fred goes to a laptop on the desk.

4.

He makes the exchange, leaving the one he brought from the van.

He pauses a moment, as if making a secret incantation forGood Luck.

INT. SCROOGE/MARLEY BUSINESS

Fred exits Scrooge's office with the other laptop.

FREDI hope Uncle Scrooge is lettingyou go home early today.

BOB CRATCHITHe usually does, in his own sweettime.

FREDMaybe I'll stop by later and putin a good word. I want to makesure he's comfortable with theloaner. Uncle Scrooge isn't themost computer literate man inthe world.

BOB CRATCHITI've noticed that, yes. Even Ihave had to help him from time totime, and I'm no whiz at it.

FREDI'll see you in a few hours then.If you're still here. MerryChristmas, Bob!

BOB CRATCHITMerry Christmas, Fred ...


Fred comes out.

He gives a "thumbs up" in the direction of the van and movesoff.

5.

INT. VAN - DAY

Mrs. Cratchit and Charles get the signal.

MRS. CRATCHITAll set then.

Charles starts the engine, and the van heads out.


Scrooge continues walking to the bank.

The van approaches behind him.

INT. VAN - DAY

Mrs. Cratchit sees Scrooge on the street.

MRS. CRATCHITOh my God, there he is!

She ducks down out of sight.

CHARLESAren't you carrying this a littlefar?

MRS. CRATCHITYou don't know how that man'smind works. He sees conspiracieseverywhere. And he thinks I'mheadstrong.

Charles laughs.

CHARLESI like him better already.


The van passes. Scrooge walks on.

6.

INT. BANK - DAY

Scrooge stands in line at a window. He fidgets.

The bank is crowded with HOLIDAY SHOPPERS. Lines at everywindow.

Scrooge looks more impatient. Finally he taps the shoulderof a WOMAN in front of him.

SCROOGEExcuse me. I'm in a hurry. Do youmind if I--?

WOMANWe're all in a hurry. I stillhave shopping to do. I supposeyou do, too.

SCROOGEShopping? What shopping is that?

WOMANFor Christmas, of course. Oh, Isee. That was a joke.

SCROOGEChristmas is the joke! It'sChristmas that has the bankclosing early, and Christmas thatputs me here in line, waiting andlosing money while I'm doing it.

A GENTLEMAN ahead of the woman has heard what is going on.

GENTLEMANI'm in no hurry. You can go infront of me if you like.

SCROOGEThen I will.

He moves up in line.

GENTLEMANMerry Christmas to you, sir.

7.

SCROOGEDon't press your luck.

GENTLEMANSir?

The window is open.

BANK TELLERNext please.

Scrooge steps up to the window.

BANK TELLERMerry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge.

SCROOGEIs it? You close early today, soI have to come earlier than usualwhen I have work to do in theoffice. Do you know how muchmoney I'm losing by being here?

BANK TELLERI'm sure the work will wait for you.

She takes Scrooge's deposit and enters it in her computer.

BANK TELLERYou've done your shopping early,have you?

SCROOGEI don't like shopping.

BANK TELLERIn a couple hours, I think I'llbe agreeing with you. You're all set.

Scrooge takes his receipt and steps away.

BANK TELLERAnd Merry Christmas, even if youdon't like me saying it.

SCROOGE(under his breath)

Bah, humbug.

8.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Scrooge moves down the street.

A SOLICITOR catches up with him.

SOLICITORExcuse me, sir. Ebeneezer Scrooge,isn't it?

SCROOGEDo I know you?

SOLICITORWe talked several months ago. Ata business association meeting.

SCROOGEI don't recall.

SOLICITORAt any rate, I'm collectingdonations for a new homelessshelter. I have the holiday spirit!

Scrooge just stares at him.

SOLICITORI was thinking you might want togive something.

SCROOGEThen you think wrong.

SOLICITOREbeneezer, I'm sure you're awarethat our homeless populationcontinues to grow and--

SCROOGELet them get jobs like anyone else.

SOLICITORIn today's economy that's not--

SCROOGEI never met a man who wanted ajob who couldn't find one.

9.

SOLICITORI beg to disagree--

SCROOGEYou're entitled to your opinion.And I'm entitled to mine. I thinkwe're done here.

Scrooge steps away.

SOLICITOR(after him)

No hard feelings, I hope. MerryChristmas, Ebeneezer.

SCROOGE(to himself)

Bah, humbug ...


Bob Cratchit stands at a coffee machine. He pours a cup.

Scrooge enters.

SCROOGEEarly for a coffee break, isn'tit, Cratchit?

Cratchit hurries back to his desk.

BOB CRATCHITYour nephew came by. He took yourcomputer and left a loaner. Iassume this was okay.

Scrooge goes into his office.


Scrooge sits down at his desk. He stares at the replacementlaptop computer.

Finally he turns it on. It boots up.

Scrooge stares at it.

10.

SCROOGECratchit!

Almost immediately Cratchit hovers in the doorway.

BOB CRATCHITMr. Scrooge?

SCROOGEI thought you said my nephew tookmy computer.

BOB CRATCHITHe did, sir.

SCROOGEAre you sure? This looks exactlylike my computer.

BOB CRATCHITI saw him take it myself. It mustbe the same model.

SCROOGEPerhaps so. I'll call him.

BOB CRATCHITHe said he had shopping to do,sir. But he planned to stop by later.

SCROOGEShopping! Has the world gone crazy?

BOB CRATCHITSir?

SCROOGECrazy with Christmas shopping!

BOB CRATCHITI see, sir.

SCROOGEVery well then. Back to work.

Cratchit scuffles off.

Stooge stares at the computer.

11.

EXT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY

The van pulls in front of an apartment building.

INT. VAN - DAY

Mrs. Cratchit reaches for the door, then stops and turns.

MRS. CRATCHITThis has got to work. I'm at mywit's end with that old man. Godknows, Bob will never stand up tohim.

CHARLESRelax and let me do my job.

He snickers.

MRS. CRATCHITWhat?

CHARLESIf he's as computer ignorant asyou say he is, when that laptopstarts talking to him, it's goingto be something to see.

MRS. CRATCHITI hope you're right.


Cratchit reappears in the doorway.

BOB CRATCHITExcuse me, Mr. Scrooge. I waswondering if you're having anytrouble with the computer.

SCROOGENone at all. I like this onebetter. I'll tell my nephew thatI want to keep it.

Cratchit stays in the doorway.

12.

SCROOGEIs there something else?

BOB CRATCHITI was wondering if I might leaveat four today, sir. Instead ofworking overtime. Given it'sChristmas eve and all.

SCROOGEYou said you were a few days fromfinishing.

BOB CRATCHITI've worked overtime every daythis week.

SCROOGEYou say that as if you expect amedal. Or a raise.

BOB CRATCHITI didn't mean that. It's just,well, I still have Christmasshopping to do--

SCROOGEShopping, shopping, shopping! Andmost of it charged, mind you.More debt. More groundwork forbankruptcy.

A silence. Cratchit looks nervous.

SCROOGEOh, go on and do your shopping.

BOB CRATCHITThank you, sir! Merry--!

He catches himself.

SCROOGEBut I want you here early the dayafter, you hear me?

BOB CRATCHITAbsolutely. And overtime as well.Thank you so much.

13.


Cratchit grabs his things and rushes out of there, as ifexpecting Scrooge to change his mind.

INT. SCROOGE/MARLEY BUSINESS - SCROOGE'S OFFICE - NIGHT

Scrooge hovers over the laptop.

Fred appears in the doorway.

FREDMerry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge!

SCROOGESurely you know how I feel aboutthat by now.

FRED(ignoring this)

Must you work so late onChristmas eve? How's the loanerworking for you?

SCROOGEI like this computer. I'm goingto keep it.

FREDWait till you see the other withupdated software. Fast as lightning.

SCROOGECratchit said you had "shopping"to do. I hope you didn't charge it.

FREDWhy don't you come to Christmasdinner tomorrow?

SCROOGEAvoiding the question, I see. Iimagine that wife of yours keepsyou very busy "shopping" forpresents for her.

14.

FREDNow you're avoiding the question.Come to dinner. We'd love to haveyou. Both of us would.

SCROOGEI don't have time for Christmasdinner.

FREDThen make time. That's rather thepoint, uncle.

SCROOGEThe point is, Every time I thinkof how much money I'm losingbecause banks close and employeestake the day off, my blood beginsto boil. Now get out of here so Ican finish and go home.

FREDIf you change you mind, even atthe last minute, you're alwayswelcome.

No reply. Scrooge is back at work on the computer.

FREDMerry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge.

SCROOGEHumbug ...

EXT. SCROOGE/MARLEY BUSINESS - NIGHT

The lights in the office go out.

Scrooge comes out after working late. He carries the laptopin a case.

He starts down the street.

EXT. CITY - STREET - NIGHT

Scrooge passes a Christmas choir of YOUNG PEOPLE, singing ona street corner.

15.

Nearby a SANTA CLAUS rings a bell, collecting donations.

Scrooge hardly looks up as he passes, a permanent scowl onhis face.

A YOUNG LADY in the choir notices this.

YOUNG LADYMerry Christmas, you old grouch!

Laughter -- and the choir continues singing.

EXT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - NIGHT

Scrooge approaches home, the bottom floor of an oldVictorian duplex.

The van is parked across the street.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles sits in the back of the van in front of a computer.He wears headphones.

He looks like he's enjoying this. Like playing CIA.

A cam recorder on the van shows Scrooge on Charles'scomputer screen.


Scrooge enters the building.

INT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - NIGHT

Scrooge enters his living space. Spartan, drab, not a signof a hobby or interests anywhere.

Scrooge puts the laptop on a small desk and continues intothe ...

16.

INT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - KITCHEN - NIGHT

He turns on a CD player. An OPERA begins to play.

Scrooge goes to the cupboard. He takes out a bottle ofwhiskey. Pours a finger into a coffee cup and bolts it down.

From the other room he hears ...

VOICE(O.S)

Scroooooooge! .... Scroooooooge!

Scrooge stops and listens. He turns down the music.

VOICE(O.S.)

Scrooooge! ...

SCROOGEWho's there?

He waits -- no reply.

Scrooge looks around and grabs a butcher knife.

Slowly he moves toward the sound.

VOICE(O.S.)

Scrooooooge! ...

Scrooge approaches the desk. The sound seems to be comingfrom the laptop.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles, headset on, speaks into the mic.

CHARLESScroooooge! ...

His computer screen is split into two windows:

in one, what Scrooge sees on his laptop;

in the other, a cam on Scrooge.

17.

And in this window Scrooge looks scared and bewildered bythe talking laptop.


Scrooge stands before the laptop on his desk.

He looks more frightened than ever. He holds the knife as ifhe plans to attack the computer.

Suddenly an image appears on the screen: it is a photographof JACOB MARLEY.

Scrooge gasps and drops the knife.

SCROOGEMarley!

MARLEY'S GHOST(voice of Charles,over image on screen)

Then you recognize me.

SCROOGEOf course I recognize my oldpartner. Is that you talking? Itdoesn't sound like you.

MARLEY'S GHOSTWhere I am, everything is different.

SCROOGEMarley, if you're here because ofthat favor I forgot to do for youafter you died--

MARLEY'S GHOSTSilent! I talk, you listen. Wehaven't much time.

SCROOGEOf course. Whatever you say.

MARLEY'S GHOSTI want you to hear something.Move closer. Listen carefully.

18.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

At the computer, Charles loads an audio file.


Scrooge leans close to the screen. A sound of somethingbeing dragged across a floor.

MARLEY'S GHOSTHear it?

SCROOGEYes. What is it?

MARLEY'S GHOSTMy chains, Ebeneezer! My chains!The chains I must drag untileternity!

Louder now.

And the sounds of CRIES and MOANING now come from the computer.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles controls everything on Scrooge's laptop from his owncomputer in the van.

He clearly is enjoying the hell out of himself, watchingScrooge's growing fear.


Scrooge falls into the chair at the desk. He covers his ears.

SCROOGEStop it! Please stop it!

MARLEY'S GHOSTMy fate will be your fate as well,unless you change your ways.

19.

SCROOGEBut I've done nothing wrong. Iwork hard. I run a good business.You know that more than anyone.

MARLEY'S GHOSTBusiness! What do you really knowabout business? Is the commongood and welfare of your fellowman your business? Are charity,mercy, forbearance and benevolenceyour business?

SCROOGEMy business is financial. TheBottom Line. Surely you rememberthat, Marley.

MARLEY'S GHOSTHear me, Ebeneezer! My time isnearly gone. Tonight you will behaunted by Three Spirits. Withouttheir visits, you cannot hope toshun the path on which I suffer.

SCROOGEThree spirits?

MARLEY'S GHOSTThis is your last chance to avoidmy fate, Ebeneezer. Listen to thespirits and learn!

The sound of chains dragging. The screen image of Marleyslowly begins to fade.

SCROOGEMarley, come back! Where will Ifind these spirits? Will theycome all together? Marley?

The screen is black.

Scrooge presses keys, trying to get Marley back. No luck.

20.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles looks very pleased with himself. He takes out hisBlackberry and punches a number.

INT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT - NIGHT

Watching a movie on television are Mrs. Cratchit, BobCratchit, and their children MARTHA, teens, and TIM, about 8.Tim is in a wheel chair.

The phone rings.

MARTHA(overlapping)

It's for me!

MRS. CRATCHIT(overlapping)

I'll get it.

Mrs. Cratchit answers. Martha waits expectantly.

MRS. CRATCHITHello.

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

CHARLESIt's me.

MRS. CRATCHIT(to Martha)

It's for me.(on phone)

Have you started?

CHARLESWorked like a charm.

MRS. CRATCHITReally?

Bob watches her. She tries to hide her relief and joy.

21.

MRS. CRATCHITWell, then. I guess it will workout. I'll talk to you later.

CHARLESRelax and get a good night'ssleep, sis. I think this is goingto work out fine.


Mrs. Cratchit hangs up.

BOB CRATCHITWho was that?

MRS. CRATCHITHillary was having trouble with arecipe. I guess she has itfigured out.

Bob goes back to watching TV.

MRS. CRATCHITShould I make popcorn? Martha? Tim?

TIMPopcorn would be awesome!


The street is dark. Not a house light on anywhere.

INT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Scrooge in bed, asleep.

A bedside clock reads 11:59 ... and turns to midnight.

LOUD CHRISTMAS MUSIC suddenly starts from another room.

Scrooge bolts up.

22.


Scrooge, in his robe, enters.

The music comes from the laptop.

Scrooge sits down and hits a key. The music stops.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles at the controls.

CHARLES(to himself)

Now the fun begins, old man ...

He punches keys to start ...


... an IMAGE suddenly comes on the screen. The GHOST OFCHRISTMAS PAST stares out at Scrooge from the screen. Herather resembles one of the Three Wise Men.

Scrooge sits down.

SCROOGEAre you the spirit Marley saidwould visit me?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTI am the Ghost of Christmas Past.

SCROOGELong past?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTYour past.

A SLIDE SHOW starts on the screen: images from Scrooge'spast: his parents, Scrooge as a boy, his school, Scrooge'sschool photos etc. Over this:

23.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTBehold the images of your life!Remember how you were before youbecame obsessed with what youcall Finances.

SCROOGEWhere did you get these?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTThat is not important. Ebeneezer,look at your past and remember!Look and remember!

Scrooge watches the slide show of his past. And hisexpression changes, as he begins to remember ...

EXT. SCHOOL - PLAYGROUND - DAY (FLASHBACK)

YOUNG SCROOGE, his sister FAN and other CHILDREN are playingsoftball.

SUPER: "50 years earlier"

Scrooge is at the plate. Fan in the batting box.

FANHit a good one, Ebeneezer! Youcan do it!

Wind up and pitch.

And Scrooge clobbers it!

Runners score from third and second base, the winning runs.

The winning team rushes Scrooge, the game's hero. Kidspounding him on the back.

The school bell rings. Children enter the school.

Fan goes up to Scrooge.

FANI knew you'd do it.

24.

YOUNG SCROOGEThat's because little sistersworship big brothers. It's anatural law.

FANI was right, wasn't I?

YOUNG SCROOGEFan, you were right as rain.

Scrooge lovingly messes her hair, and they enter schooltogether.

INT. SCHOOL ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

A TEACHER at the front of the class.

STUDENTS, including Young Scrooge, in their seats.

TEACHERAnd now the yearbook results forthe student voted Most Likely ToSucceed. And the winner is ...

She holds the moment. Expectation.

TEACHEREbeneezer!

Applause.

SCATTERED STUDENTSSpeech! Speech!

TEACHERWill you say a few words, Ebeneezer?

Young Scrooge goes to the front of the class.

YOUNG SCROOGEThis is an honor, thank you! WhenI'm playing center field for theYankees, I'll remember that youguys supported me from the beginning!

More applause.

25.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

A high school dance. Young Scrooge, now teens, dances withBELLE, teens.

The song ends.

BELLELet's get some air.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

They come outside.

BELLEIt's a beautiful night.

She stands close to Young Scrooge. He looks ill at ease.

BELLEIsn't it a beautiful night?

YOUNG SCROOGEYes. Of course.

BELLEYou can kiss me if you want.

YOUNG SCROOGEI can?

She puckers up.

Young Scrooge awkwardly kisses her.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Young Scrooge and Belle in a car. They are making out heavily.

Up for air.

BELLEWhat are you thinking?

YOUNG SCROOGEDoes this mean we're going steady?

26.

BELLEI accept!

She kisses him, and they are petting again.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - BALL FIELD - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Young Scrooge and other PLAYERS at baseball practice.

The COACH watches with a visiting BASEBALL AGENT.

COACHEbeneezer is the best prospectI've had since coming here.

BASEBALL AGENTI've sure heard good things abouthim.

COACHEbeneezer! Hit a few, would you?

On the field, Young Scrooge trots in from the outfield to bat.

TEAM MATEShow him what you can do, Ebby.

Young Scrooge selects a bat. He steps to the plate.

The pitcher winds up. Throws.

Scrooge hits the first pitch a mile.

The coach grins. The baseball agent is impressed.

More pitches, more solid hits.

Then a stray pitch comes at Young Scrooge. He tries to duckbut it hits him on the knee.

Young Scrooge falls, squirming in great pain.


Scrooge snaps out of his memory.

27.

SCROOGE(to himself)

Mother wouldn't let me play afterthat. The injury ended my career ...

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles hears this. He wasn't expecting it. He speaks on themic.

CHARLES(voice of ghost)

What's that you say?


Scrooge remembering the accident.

SCROOGEIt was a freak accident. By thetime I recovered, my entire lifehad changed. Baseball no longerinterested me.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

In a waiting room are Young Scrooge, older, with a cane; hisMOTHER and FATHER; and a TEENAGE BOY, the father of the baby.

SCROOGEWhen my sister got pregnant andhad her first child, her onlychild, there were complicationsand ...

A DOCTOR appears. Everyone stands for the news.

DOCTORI have good news and bad news.

MOTHERGood news first.

DOCTORShe had a healthy boy.

28.

FATHERAnd the bad news?

DOCTORI'm so sorry ... We did everythingwe could.

Young Scrooge understands the message. He breaks down.

EXT. SCROOGE HOME - PORCH - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Young Scrooge and Belle sit on a porch swing.

YOUNG SCROOGEIf there was a God, he wouldn'thave let Fan die.

BELLEWe don't always understand Hisreasons for doing things.

YOUNG SCROOGEWhat I understand is that theworld's a cruel place. All youcan do is whatever it takes toprotect yourself.

BELLEI don't think you can ever dothat really.

YOUNG SCROOGEWith enough money you can.

BELLEI know how hard it is, Ebeneezer,but--

YOUNG SCROOGEDo you?

BELLEI think so. I know how muchyou're hurting. First your knee,you lose playing baseball, andthen losing your sister ...

29.

YOUNG SCROOGEIt doesn't matter.

BELLEOf course it matters.

YOUNG SCROOGEIt doesn't matter because I'm asurvivor. I can survive anything.

BELLEOh, Ebeneezer ...

YOUNG SCROOGESo what I can't play baseball? Sowhat I don't have a sister?

BELLEPlease don't ...

YOUNG SCROOGEI'll make so much money itdoesn't matter what anybody elsethinks about anything. I'll be acountry unto myself.

BELLEYou don't mean that.

Young Scrooge doesn't reply.

BELLEWhat about me?

YOUNG SCROOGEWhat about you?

BELLEWhat if I don't want to live thatway?

YOUNG SCROOGEIt's a free country. Do what youwant.

She studies him.

30.

YOUNG SCROOGEWhat?

BELLEI don't know you any more.

YOUNG SCROOGEThat's too bad. Because this iswho I am.

BELLEVery well then.

She takes off the ring she's been wearing on a chain aroundher neck.

BELLEI suppose I won't need this anymore. Will I?

YOUNG SCROOGEYou have to answer that questionyourself.

She holds out the ring. He doesn't take it. She sets it onthe swing.

BELLEGoodnight, Ebeneezer.

He just stares at her.

She fights back tears.

BELLEI hope you find what you'relooking for.

She waits but still no reply. She runs off.

Young Scrooge fights hard to keep his composure. His face istense, muscles tight.

But he doesn't break.

31.


Scrooge at the laptop. The memory lingers.

On the screen, an image of Belle as a young woman.

SCROOGEBelle was such a lovely girl ...

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST(Charles as ghost)

You let her get away, didn't you?

SCROOGEI suppose I did.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTYou gave her up in order topursue a career in Business!Money, is what it amounts to.Your finances!

SCROOGEI had no choice. A man has tomake a living.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTLet's look at this living youmade, Ebeneezer. There are a fewthings you may have forgotten.

Another SLIDE SHOW, images from Scrooge's business career.

--FUZZIWIG shaking hands with Scrooge as a young man.

SCROOGEThat's Fuzziwig.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTWho gave you your first job.

SCROOGEAnd I was excited to get it.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTA decade later, you and Marleybought him out. You were none toogenerous about it either.

32.

SCROOGEHe was almost bankrupt.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTWhich meant he had no choice butto accept what you offered. Whichwas half of what the company wasactually worth.

--Scrooge and Marley pose under their new business sign,Scrooge & Marley Accounting Services.

SCROOGENaturally, in business, onestrives for the best deal you canarrange.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTBusiness, business! Losing hiscompany broke his heart. He diedin less than a year.

SCROOGEI had nothing to do with that. Iwent to the funeral.

--Graveside, Fuzziwig being laid to rest. Scrooge in a groupof men paying respects.

Scrooge stands up.

SCROOGEHow long must I do this?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTRemembering the past bothers you,does it?

SCROOGEI'm very tired.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTAs well you should be.

SCROOGEMarley said there would be threespirits. Must I visit the otherstonight?

33.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTYou don't have to do anything,Ebeneezer. You can always go tothe office and do business, can'tyou?

The Ghost of Christmas Past starts laughing hysterically.His image begins to fade on the screen.

SCROOGEWhat's so funny?...You can't gountil you tell me why you'relaughing?...WHAT'S SO FUNNY!?

A black screen. Silence.

Scrooge composes himself. He staggers to ...


... and crashes on the bed.

He looks exhausted. His eyes close.

He starts snoring.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles stands and stretches.

He looks at his watch.


Mrs. Cratchit sits in a dark room. Restless.

She dials a number on her cell phone. Waits.

MRS. CRATCHITHi. I know I shouldn't be calling.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles on the phone.

34.

INTERCUT

CHARLESSis, I told you to relax.Everything's going well.

MRS. CRATCHITI don't know why I'm nervous.

CHARLESI don't know either. This isgoing much better than I expected.

MRS. CRATCHITYou didn't think it would go well?

CHARLESTo be honest, when I first heardthe idea, I didn't know what tothink.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Mrs. Cratchit and Charles sitting close at a table. Speakingin low tones, privately.

SUPER: "Six months earlier"

CHARLESThere's no technical problem. Ican run his computer from mine,make the videos and run them --but I'm still not sure what thepurpose is.

MRS. CRATCHITTo give him some of his own medicine.

She thinks a moment.

MRS. CRATCHITNot exactly that. It's just Bobwill never stand up to him.Scrooge runs over him at will.

(MORE)

35.

MRS. CRATCHIT (CONT'D)Do you know, he has never givenChristmas day off withoutresisting it, reminding Bob howmuch money he'll lose that day?It just infuriates me that no onewill stand up to him.

CHARLESAnd you can get all the familyphotos?

MRS. CRATCHITBob says Scrooge's nephew, FredHoneywell, has been researchingthe family tree. He has more thanyou'd need, I'm sure.

CHARLESAnd I can get holiday footagefrom the archives at the station.Lots of possibilities there.

MRS. CRATCHITSounds great.

CHARLESAnd the nephew goes along with it?

MRS. CRATCHITI haven't asked him yet. I wantedto make sure something like thiscould be done.

CHARLESTechnically, not difficult at all.

MRS. CRATCHITFred is as frustrated withScrooge as everyone is. The manwakes up on the wrong side of thebed every day of his life. So youcan make the videos yourself?

CHARLESI still have a few actor friendsfrom college. Something like thiswould appeal to them. But this isgoing to take time.

36.

MRS. CRATCHITCan you get it done before Christmas?

CHARLESThat should be doable.

MRS. CRATCHITThen it's a deal?

She offers her hand. They shake.

CHARLESHow come it took this long for meto find out what an evil mind mysister has?

He's grinning.


Scrooge asleep. Snoring.

The bedside clock reads 1:59. And advances to 2:00 a.m.

Once again, loud CHRISTMAS MUSIC begins from the laptop inthe other room.

Scrooge stirs.


Scrooge comes to the laptop and plops down at the desk.

A new image on the screen: THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT.

SCROOGEOkay, spirit, I'm here. whatmemories do you want to show methat the other one missed? I hada root canal once. We haven'tcovered that.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTHave you learned nothing from thepast?

37.

SCROOGEDon't mind me. I'm still halfasleep. What have you got for me?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTI bring no memories. I am theGhost of Christmas Present.

SCROOGEChristmas present? Excellent. Idon't celebrate Christmas, so Ican go back to bed.

He stands up.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTSit down!

He does.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTI'm going to show you how otherpeople celebrate Christmas.

SCROOGEIf you must.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTThat attitude will be changedsoon enough. Watch the screen.

A home VIDEO begins on the laptop.

HOME VIDEO #1 - FRED AT CHRISTMAS

A Christmas party in progress. A crowded room. The focus ofthe camera, Scrooge's nephew Fred. Clearly a home made video.

Near Fred, JANET, 20s, his wife. They laugh and embrace.

Scrooge and the ghost (Charles) speak over the images.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTDo you recognize them?

38.

SCROOGEOf course. My nephew and his wife.But this can't be Christmaspresent. Christmas isn't untiltomorrow. Well, today actually.But everyone should still be asleep.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTThis is how they celebrated lastyear. They'll be in the very samegood spirits later today.

SCROOGEEasy enough for them to look sohappy. They have their best yearsahead of them.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTAs you did at their age. And lookhow you squandered it with yourobsession for Business!

The Christmas party goes on. A spontaneous Christmas carolstarts.

Fred gets everyone's attention.

FREDI want to propose a Christmastoast! Quiet everyone! ... Inthis season of Peace and GoodWill toward man, let's take amoment to remember the loved oneswho surround us and the goodfortune that fills our lives. Iespecially want to remember a manwho is very important to me, moreimportant than he would thinkhimself. My mother died in childbirth, as many of you know, andmy father died in a car accidentwhen I was only 12. Mygrandparents raised me and ofcourse, I remember them dearly.

(MORE)

39.

FRED (CONT'D)But the one who most reminds meof my mother, in whose face I seea resemblance to the photographsof my mother I treasure so much,the man who reminds me most ofthis lost side of my roots, myfamily, is my dear Uncle Scrooge.I would like--

JANETMy God, Fred, what has thatornery old man ever done for you?Or for us?

FREDI admit he's, well, eccentric,and not so easy to get to know,but--

JANETImpossible to know because hedoesn't want anything to do withanyone!

FREDAll the same, he is my mother'sbrother. And I do see her when Ilook at him. And this is why Ipropose a toast to my Uncle Scrooge.

JANETI'm doing this for you, not for him.

She raises her glass. More glasses are raised.

FREDTo Uncle Scrooge!

VOICESTo Uncle Scrooge!


Scrooge stares at the computer.

The image of the Ghost of Christmas Present returns.

40.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTHow does that make you feel,Ebeneezer?

FREDI didn't know he cared.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTNot everyone is so lucky to haverelatives to wish them a MerryChristmas. I have something elseto show you.

Another video comes on.

VIDEO #2 - HOMELESS FAMILY

A city street.

A HOMELESS MAN pushes a shopping cart filled with bottlesand cans.

SCROOGEIf you expect me to have sympathyfor someone who won't get a job--

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTOh, he had a job. He was asoldier in Iraq. Won a few metalsdoing it, too. Came back, managedto readjust better than many do,and yes, even found himself a job.

SCROOGEWhat did he do to end up like this?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTHis company decided to downsize,move most of its operations toSouth America. He got axed in theshuffle. Before he could findanother job, he found himself onthe street.

The homeless man goes through a garbage container. He findsa few empty bottles and tosses them in the cart.

41.

SCROOGEHe has a drinking problem,doesn't he?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTMany on the street do, it's true.But no, he's been a teetotalerfor years.

The homeless man pushes the cart to the next container.

SCROOGEHis problem isn't my fault. Therewill always be haves and have-nots.

The homeless man brings out a piece of cheap jewelry fromthe container. He studies it.

Deciding to keep it, he drops it into a pocket.

And moves on to the next container.

SCROOGEHow long do I have to watch this?

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles running the show as before.

CHARLES(as ghost)

Want to see something else, doyou? How about this?

Keystrokes ... accessing a different video.

VIDEO #3 - HOMELESS CAMP

On Scrooge's laptop, a new video starts.

This shows a camp of homeless people -- MEN, WOMEN, CHILDRENof various ages -- gathered around a campfire.

Sleeping bags and lean-to's strewn about.

The group is singing "Silent Night." It's quite moving.

42.

SCROOGEWhere is this? Are they gypsiesin Europe?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTYou don't have to go far to findthem, Ebeneezer. Just down by theriver, past the freeway bridge.

SCROOGEYou mean these people live here?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTHome sweet home.

The singing continues.

SCROOGEMy God, Spirit! What do you wantfrom me?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTEnough Christmas singing for you?Easily fixed.

And the other video comes back on.


Now the homeless man sits on a bench on the bus mall. He iswrapping the cheap jewelry in a page of newspaper funnies.

SCROOGEWhat's he doing now?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTI'd guess he's wrapping aChristmas present.

SCROOGEA Christmas present ...?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT'Tis the season, still. In caseyou've forgotten.

The homeless man finishes and inspects his work. A shrug. Itwill have to do.

43.

He gets up and pushes the cart on down the sidewalk.

CUT TO:

A huge parking lot in a shopping center.

The homeless man pushes the cart toward an older model carat he edge of the lot.

As he gets near, the car door opens. A WOMAN holding a CHILDgets out. Both are bedraggled, unkempt.

HOMELESS MANMerry Christmas, Jennifer! I havesomething for you.

He brings out the present wrapped in funnies.

SCROOGEMy God ...

Scrooge looks touched by the scene but quickly succeeds inhiding his emotions.

JENNIFERWhat did you get me?

HOMELESS MANHave to open it to find out.

JENNIFERHold Alice.

She hands the child to the homeless man. He begins to rock her.

Jennifer tears open the package -- and finds the costumejewelry. A necklace.

JENNIFEROh my word! I hope you found thisand didn't go buying it.

HOMELESS MANLike it, do you?

JENNIFERI love it.

44.

HOMELESS MANPut it on.

Scrooge gets up and moves away from the laptop. He lookslike he's seen enough.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTWe're not done here.

Silence,

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTDo you want to end up like Marley?If you do, then fine, go on backto bed.

SCROOGEThis is not easy.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTWhoever said it would be? Here, Ibet you recognize these folks.

Scrooge comes back to the computer. A new video has started.

VIDEO #4 - CRATCHITS AT CHRISTMAS

The Cratchit family at Christmas dinner -- home video from arecent year.

Everyone is in good spirits -- Bob, Mrs. Cratchit, Martha,Tim. Tim's wheelchair is parked near his chair at the table.

SCROOGEBob Cratchit's family.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTIndeed, it is.

SCROOGESpirit, before I watch this, canyou answer a question about thehomeless man?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTIf I can.

45.

SCROOGEThe woman and child -- are theyhis family?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTOf course. They lost theirapartment after he was laid off,and they've been living in theircar for two months now.

SCROOGEAnd he can't find a job anywhere?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTHe has little time to look forone any more. All his time isspent collecting bottles and cansfor food and gas. They take itone day at a time.

Scrooge's expression softens with care. He's not as hard andcold as earlier.

On the video, sudden LAUGHTER gets Scrooge's attention.

Tim laughs so hard that he slips off his chair onto thefloor. Bob is quickly to his side. Mrs. Cratchit and Marthaaren't far behind.

BOB CRATCHITCareful, Timmy!

MARTHAAre you all right?

TIMI'm good ...

They help the boy back onto his chair.

SCROOGEWill the boy ever be able to walk?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTNo. It's a degenerative disease --the blessing now is life, notwalking.

46.

SCROOGEI never realized.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTDon't know much about youremployees, do you? Other than howmuch work they produce -- ordon't. How much money they cost you.

Bob stays on his feet after the others sit.

BOB CRATCHITI want to propose a toast.

The others raise their glasses.

BOB CRATCHITI give you Mr. Scrooge, theFounder of the Feast!

MRS. CRATCHITThe Founder of the Feast indeed!If he were here, I'd give him apiece of my mind to feast upon!

TIMMom says old Scrooge is--

BOB CRATCHITThat's enough! It's Christmas day.

MRS. CRATCHITThe one day of the year on whichone drinks to the health of suchan odious, stingy, hard,unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge.

BOB CRATCHITChristmas Day!

During a pause in the video action, Scrooge looks stricken.

MRS. CRATCHITI'll drink his health for yoursake, not for his. Long life tohim! A merry Christmas and ahappy new year!

(MORE)

47.

MRS. CRATCHIT (CONT'D)He'll be very merry and veryhappy, I have no doubt!

They all drink.

SCROOGESpirit, how long does the boyhave to live?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTHe won't reach his teens, I'm afraid.

SCROOGEThere's nothing that can be done?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTOh, there's research and newsurgeries being tried, but evenif they find remedies, it's allso expensive. Far beyond themeager health insurance you giveyour employees.

SCROOGEAnd the family living in theircar ... will they be living therelong?

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles at the mic.

CHARLES(as ghost)

Some months longer yet. Let's seehow they are doing.

He punches some keys. The video on the laptop changes again.


The homeless man and Jennifer are in a long line on thesidewalk. Jennifer holds the child. The line leads into arescue mission.

48.

SCROOGEWhat is this?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTTheir one free meal for the day.

SCROOGEThere are so many of them.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTTrue enough. And I'm pleased youdidn't say what I thought youmight say.

Scrooge looks puzzled.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT"Let them eat cake."

The video cuts to ...

INT. RESCUE MISSION

... where SERVERS are filling food trays of the passingHOMELESS PEOPLE.

The homeless man, his wife and child come up to be served.

Scrooge moves closer to the screen.

SCROOGEThat man serving the food! I knowhim! I've done business with him!How can he be homeless?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTOh, he's not homeless. He's avolunteer. This whole affair ismostly run by volunteers.

SCROOGEHe's volunteering?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTNot getting paid a cent. What aconcept.

49.

Scrooge studies the screen.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

At the controls Charles looks pleased by Scrooge's reaction.He nods, as if to say, Now we're getting somewhere.

Then he speaks as the ghost.

CHARLESI think you've seen enough now.


Scrooge straightens up.

SCROOGEI didn't expect this to be soexhausting.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTWe're done here.

SCROOGEWhat about the third spirit?Marley said there'd be three.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTI'm sure you'll know when it'stime to see the final spirit.

SCROOGEI'll say goodnight then.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTGood night, Ebeneezer. And MerryChristmas.

Scrooge starts to say Merry Christmas but stops himself. Notquite there yet.

He moves off.

50.


Scrooge crawls back into bed. He pulls the covers up.

He closes his eyes. A word, almost involuntarily, comes fromhis lips.

SCROOGEMerry ...

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles stretches.

He punches some keys.

On his computer, a file manager. He opens a file called"Xmas Future."

He double clicks a file called "Future vid"

An error message comes on screen: "Video file corrupted."

CHARLESNo ...

He tries again. "Video file corrupted."

CHARLESDon't do this to me.

He tries another way. He opens a media player. Hits"File/Open" ... selects "Future vid" ...

"Video file corrupted."

Charles slumps in his chair, looking defeated. What now?

He takes a deep breath.

One more try via a different media player.

"Video file corrupted."

CHARLESNo!

51.

He gets up and starts pacing around inside the van.

An idea!

He takes out his Blackberry.

He accesses Twitter.

He stares at the Twitter opening screen. His expressionlooks hopeful now, as if a new plan is being born.

Suddenly he punches a phone number.

INT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit and Bob are asleep.

The bedside phone rings. Mrs. Cratchit answers it.

MRS. CRATCHITHello ...

INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

CHARLESSorry to wake you.

His voice bolts her awake. She sits up.

Beside her, Bob stirs.

MRS. CRATCHITWhat's wrong?

CHARLESI can't play the last video. It'scorrupt.

MRS. CRATCHITOh no!

CHARLESBut I have a Plan B. It's justgoing to take your help.

MRS. CRATCHITOf course. What do I have to do?

52.

CHARLESI'll pick you up in fifteen minutes.

MRS. CRATCHITOkay.


Mrs. Cratchit hangs up.. She sneaks out of bed.

She grabs clothes and leaves the room.

Bob wakes and catches her figure going out the bedroom door.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles secures his work space in the back of the van.

He moves to the driver's seat.

He starts the engine.


The van moves down the street.


Mrs. Cratchit finishes dressing. She goes to the front door.


Bob is fully awake now.

BOB CRATCHITHoney?

He gets out of bed.


Bob enters just as the front door closes.

53.

He goes to the window and sees ...

EXT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit gets into the van. The van heads off.


Bob looks confused, troubled.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit gets comfortable. She's wearing a black raincoat with a hood.

MRS. CRATCHITSo what's the plan?

CHARLESI think you'll like it.


A dark house.

The van is nowhere to be seen.


Scrooge asleep, snoring.

The clock reads 3:59 ... and turns to 4:00 a.m.

As before, CHRISTMAS MUSIC starts.

Scrooge stirs and sits up.

SCROOGEI know the drill ...

He gets out of bed.

54.


Scrooge enters and sits down at the laptop.

There is a message on the screen: "There is a Blackberry onyour front porch. Get it and follow the instructions on thescreen."

SCROOGESpirit, are you there?

No reply. The music plays. The message remains on the screen.

Scrooge goes to the front door.


The door opens. Scrooge steps out.

There's a manila envelope leaning against the wall.

Scrooge fetches it. He opens it.

A Blackberry is inside. There is a message on the Twitterscreen, a "tweet":

"@XmasFuture. Msg from Ghost Christmas Yet To Come. Move upstreet twd mkt. Then press enter."

SCROOGEI'll need my robe, Spirit.

Scrooge looks startled by his own voice. He looks around.Nothing. Nobody.

He hurries inside, clutching the Blackberry.


Scrooge dashes in and grabs his robe.


Scrooge comes out, putting on the robe.

55.

He looks at the Blackberry. Same message.

He steps off and heads up the street.

On his way, he presses enter.

A new tweet comes on the screen: "@XmasFuture. At stoplight,turn L. Cont. next light, turn R."

Scrooge walks on.

EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT

The van is parked on the street outside a cemetery.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles at the laptop controls. He has been sending the tweets.

Beside him sits Mrs. Cratchit in the black rain coat.

CHARLESShouldn't be long now. You wantto take position?

MRS. CRATCHITWhy am I so nervous?

CHARLESIt's your Oscar-winning opportunity.

She punches his arm.

MRS. CRATCHITRight. With no lines.

CHARLESYou want lines? I can give you lines.

MRS. CRATCHITThis is all I can handle, thankyou very much.

She gets out of the van.

56.

EXT. VAN - CEMETERY - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit hurries across the street and enters the cemetery.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles enters another tweet.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Scrooge reads a new message on the Blackberry: "@XmasFuture.Cont. ahead. Enter cemetery main entry. Cont. R."

Scrooge continues on.

He passes the van across the street.


Scrooge enters the cemetery.

He continues right.

New message: "@XmasFuture. Cont. to corner of grvyd. Go tofresh grave."

Scrooge follows directions.

Ahead, at the corner of the graveyard, are signs of freshdigging.

Suddenly a FIGURE steps out of the darkness. Black coat andhood, face hidden -- this is Mrs. Cratchit. She pointsominously at a wooden marker nearby.

Scrooge sees the figure and stops.

SCROOGEAre you the new spirit?

Mrs. Cratchit moves her arm, gesturing again.

Scrooge sees a wooden marker in the ground.

57.

SCROOGEAm I to go there?

Another gesture.

SCROOGEYes, of course.

Scrooge approaches the wooden marker.

It sticks out of fresh dirt, like a temporary gravestone.

Scrooge comes closer. Close enough to read it.

He looks down at the marker and sees ...

"Ebeneezer Scrooge. 1947 - 201?. A man who never learned themeaning of Christmas."

Scrooge gasps in horror.

He twirls around in panic.

SCROOGEMy gravestone! But spirit, whatif I learn, what if the spiritshave taught me that--"

But Mrs. Cratchit, the figure, is gone.

Scrooge turns back to the marker. Still there.

He looks at the Blackberry. A new message:

"@XmasFuture. Ebeneezer Scrooge: R,.I.P."

Scrooge screams in fear. He drops the Blackberry.

He turns and starts running for the exit from the cemetery.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit climbs back into the van.

CHARLESHow'd it go?

58.

Before Mrs. Cratchit replies, they are distracted by Scroogerunning out of the cemetery.


Scrooge is running for all he's worth, looking like a madman.

Out of nowhere, a POLICE CAR appears, lights and sirens on.It takes after Scrooge.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

They witness the police car.

MRS. CRATCHITOh my God ...

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

The police car stops Scrooge down the street.

TWO POLICEMEN jump out, guns drawn.

Scrooge stops.

SCROOGEThe police, thank God! Help me!The spirit is going to kill me!

POLICEMAN #1Whoa, old-timer...

SCROOGEThey've already prepared mygravestone!

POLICEMAN #2I don't see anybody after you, sir.

POLICEMAN #1Come on, we'll talk about it atthe station.

59.

SCROOGELock me up! Please lock me up!I'll be safe from the spirits injail.

They lead Scrooge to the back door of the police car.

POLICEMAN #2What spirits are you talking about?

SCROOGEThree of them. The Christmas spirits.

The policemen exchange an amused look.

POLICEMAN #1Was that 80 percent spirits? Or100 percent?

Scrooge is shoved into the back seat.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

They've witnessed it all.

MRS. CRATCHITWe can't let them arrest him. Can we?

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

The police car drives off.

The van follows the police car.

EXT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

The policemen lead Scrooge into the station.

The van has parked nearby.

Mrs. Cratchit and Charles climb out and head for the station.

CHARLESYou okay?

60.

MRS. CRATCHITI can do this.

CHARLESAnd you're the one who didn'twant any lines.

INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit and Charles enter.

Scrooge is at the booking table.

MRS. CRATCHITDad, there you are!

CHARLESWe've been looking all over for you!

One of the policemen approaches.

POLICEMAN #1This is your father?

Mrs. Cratchit speaks softly.

MRS. CRATCHITWhat's left of him. Alzheimer's,you know. We saw you arrest him.He's not going to jail, is he?

POLICEMAN #1You've been looking for him?

MRS. CRATCHITHe lives with us. This is my husband.

CHARLESHello.

MRS. CRATCHITHe sometimes wanders the streetsat night. Thank God I checked inon him.

61.

POLICEMAN #1He says he was being chased byChristmas spirits.

MRS. CRATCHITIt happens every year. It'supsetting, of course, but atleast he's harmless. Perfectlyharmless.

CHARLESHe doesn't even carry on loudenough to wake anybody up.

MRS. CRATCHITDid he break a law of some kind?

CHARLESA little old for curfew.

POLICEMAN #1Just a minute.

The policeman returns to the booking desk.

Mrs. Cratchit and Charles exchange a hopeful work.

The policeman returns with a very bewildered Scrooge.

Mrs. Cratchit quickly embraces him.

MRS. CRATCHITWe'll get you home, Dad. TheChristmas spirits can't botheryou there.

EXT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit and Charles escort Scrooge into the van.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Scrooge sits between them in the front seat.

SCROOGEWhere are we going?

62.

CHARLESHow about we take you home?

Scrooge stares at Mrs. Cratchit.

SCROOGEHave we met? You look familiar.

MRS. CRATCHITI have one of those faces.

The van starts up.


The van pulls up.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Charles turns to Scrooge.

CHARLESHere we go.

SCROOGEThank you so much.

Mrs. Cratchit gets out so Scrooge can get out.

He slides out. Then turns in back to Charles.

SCROOGEYou're not a spirit, are you?

CHARLESNope. Merry Christmas to you, Mr.Scrooge.

MRS. CRATCHITTry and get some sleep.

SCROOGEYes. Merry ...

He stops. But he's halfway there.

63.


Scrooge shuffles toward the front door. He moves like a veryold man.

The van pulls away.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit looks back at Scrooge.

MRS. CRATCHITI don't know what I was thinking of.

CHARLESWhat do you mean? He'll neverforget this night. I bet he's achanged man.

MRS. CRATCHITBut for the better or for the worse?

Charles drives on.


Scrooge enters.

He looks around warily, as if expecting spirits to jump outat him.

He sees the laptop on the desk and jumps.

SCROOGESpirit, stay away from me!

No reply.

He slowly approaches the laptop.

He gets close enough to see the screen is black.

SCROOGESpirit, are you there?

No reply.

64.

SCROOGEWhy must I die?

No reply.

SCROOGESpirit?

(to himself)Is this all a dream?

He pinches himself. Nothing.

He turns and staggers toward the ...


He plops down on the bed. He crawls under the covers, robeon and all.

SCROOGEThere was no date when I died. Atleast that. And it said I neverlearned the meaning of Christmas.But if I did learn, then there'dbe no reason ...

The thoughts are exhaustive. Scrooge closes his eyes.

He's very soon asleep.


The van pulls up.

INT. VAN - NIGHT

Mrs. Cratchit embraces her brother.

CHARLESWhat time do you want me?

MRS. CRATCHITWe'll eat at three, same as everyyear.

65.

CHARLESSee you then.

MRS. CRATCHITThanks for everything. I think.

CHARLESIt was fun. And as far as I'mconcerned, the glass is alwayshalf full. He won't forget thisnight for a very long time.


Mrs. Cratchit gets out of the van and approaches the building.

The van pulls away.


Mrs. Cratchit enters to find ...

Bob Cratchit in a chair, waiting for her.

BOB CRATCHITI'm glad I recognized yourbrother's van. Otherwise Iwould've thought you were havingan affair.

MRS. CRATCHITI'm sorry I woke you.

BOB CRATCHITI imagine you are.

Tense silence.

BOB CRATCHITYou won't give me the courtesy ofan explanation?

MRS. CRATCHITI don't know where to begin. AndI'm very tired.

66.

BOB CRATCHITI've been imagining all sorts ofthings. Maybe she--

MRS. CRATCHITBob, don't, please. Let's go tobed. I promise I'll explaineverything in the morning.

BOB CRATCHITIt is morning.

MRS. CRATCHITAfter we get some sleep. Please.The children will be up soon enough.

BOB CRATCHITI love you.

MRS. CRATCHITI love you, too! Don't you everdoubt it. Come ...

She offers her hand.

He takes it. They move toward the bedroom.

EXT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - DAY

A bright sun shines on Scrooge's building.

INT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - BEDROOM - DAY

Scrooge waking. A tentative process.

He opens an eye. Both eyes.

He wiggles his nose. He opens and closes his mouth.Everything works.

He sits up and looks around.

He slips out of bed and stands at a mirror. He inspects hisimage.

67.

SCROOGETesting one, two, three ... Goodmorning. Good morning, Ebeneezer.I would say you're very muchalive this morning.

He grins at himself. Still in the mirror:

SCROOGEMerry Christmas! Merry Christmas,Ebeneezer.

He does a little jig.

EXT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - DAY

A cab pulls up and honks.

Scrooge, dressed for the day, comes out.

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge climbs in back.

The CABBIE catches his eye in the rear-view mirror.

CABBIEWhere to?

SCROOGEI hardly know where to begin. Thesupermarket.

EXT. SUPERMARKET - PARKING LOT - DAY

The cab parked.

Through the window, Scrooge can be seen talking to a STOREMANAGER about something.

INT. CAB - DAY

The cabbie does a puzzle, waiting.

68.

EXT. SUPERMARKET - PARKING LOT - DAY

Scrooge comes out. He carries a small flat package.

He faces the parking lot and remembers something. He scansthe corners of the lot, looking for something.

He goes to the cab window. The cabbie rolls it down.

SCROOGEWhere do the homeless families live?

CABBIEExcuse me?

SCROOGEThe homeless families that livein their cars. One of them wasliving in a parking lot like this.Way out on the edge of it.

CABBIEDon't know nothing about that.

SCROOGEThere can't be that many lots intown, can there?

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge gets in the back seat. He sets down the small flatpackage.

CABBIEI thought you were gettingyourself a turkey.

SCROOGEFor someone else. But they wereout of turkeys. I had to get a goose.

A SERIES OF SHOTS -- THE SEARCH

The cab enters one market parking lot after another, perhapshalf a dozen in all.

No luck finding the homeless couple.

69.

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge leans forward.

The small flat package is still on the seat beside him.

SCROOGEMaybe this is good news. He founda job. They can afford an apartment.

CABBIEWho found a job?

SCROOGEDo you know the camp under thefreeway?

CABBIEThe homeless camp?

SCROOGEI want to go there.

CABBIECan't. They clean it up everyholiday. They kicked everybodyout a couple weeks ago. Course,they'll all be back before theyear's out.

SCROOGEWhere do they go?

CABBIESome leave town but not many.They just park themselvessomeplace else. You'll never getrid of the poor, if you ask me. Icount my blessing every day I gotthis job.

Scrooge looks lost in thought. Then ...

SCROOGEI want to go to the, what's itcalled? Not a church. Somethinglike a church. Where they giveout the free meals.

70.

CABBIEThis I can help you with.

EXT. RESCUE MISSION - DAY

The cab cruises by. Already a long line has formed for theafternoon's free Christmas dinner.

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge peruses the line.

SCROOGEI want to get out. Wait for me.

EXT. RESCUE MISSION - DAY

Scrooge gets out.

He glances around like someone who is lost.

A HOMELESS WOMAN in line sizes him up.

HOMELESS WOMANLine forms at the rear, bud.

SCROOGEDo you know who's in charge here?

Before she replies, a OLDER WOMAN steps forward.

OLDER WOMANMay I help you?

SCROOGEI hope so. I want to volunteer. Iwant to help serve the meal.

OLDER WOMANWe have all the help we needtoday. Never a problem gettingvolunteers on the holidays. Butthe rest of the year, if you'restill interested, we can alwaysuse help then.

71.

SCROOGEYes, I am interested. Here, takemy card. Please call me anytime.

OLDER WOMANGod bless you, sir. And MerryChristmas.

SCROOGEMerry Christmas.

INT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY

Mrs. Cratchit, Martha and Tim (in his wheel chair) are busywith Christmas meal preparations.

The doorbell rings.

TIMI'll get it.

He starts away.

MARTHAIt's probably Uncle Charles.

MRS. CRATCHITNot this early.

ENTRYWAY

Tim opens the door.

A DELIVERY MAN has a box.

DELIVERY MANPackage for Bob Cratchit.

IN THE KITCHEN

Tim wheels in with the package. And Bob Cratchit enters.

BOB CRATCHITWhat's this?

72.

TIMIt's for you. It smells like aturkey.

BOB CRATCHITWhat?

MARTHAWe have a turkey.

MRS. CRATCHITWould somebody open it?

Tim opens the package. Bob helps.

And they take out ...

A cooked, stuffed goose with all the trimmings.

MRS. CRATCHITOh my word!

MARTHAWhat is it?

TIMIt's a goose, isn't it, mom?

MRS. CRATCHITWho would send us a goose?

BOB CRATCHITThere's no card.

Bob searches the box for a return address. He finds thereceipt and reads it.

He looks shocked by what he finds.

BOB CRATCHITIt's from Mr. Scrooge.

And the family's mouths drop open.

EXT. STREET - DAY

The cab drives on.

73.

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge notices something ahead.

SCROOGEPull over there.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

The cab pulls in front of the cemetery.

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge reaches for the door.

SCROOGEI won't be a minute.

INT. CEMETERY - DAY

Scrooge enters the cemetery.

With some trepidation, he traces the path from before.

He approaches the pile of fresh dirt. He stops.

He is shocked to see ... a wooden marker in the ground.

SCROOGE(to himself)

But I've changed ...

He looks around, as if looking for spirits.

Back to the marker. Should he or shouldn't he?

He steps forward. And closer.

He reaches down and looks ...

... and the wooden marker reads ...

"God bless us every one!"

Scrooge lights up with joy.

74.

SCROOGEMerry Christmas! God bless usevery one!

INT. CAB - DAY

Scrooge practically leaps into the cab.

CABBIEAnd now where to, old-timer?

SCROOGETo Christmas dinner! Where else?

INT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT - DINNER TABLE - DAY

In the middle of Christmas dinner are Mrs. Cratchit, Bob,Charles, Martha and Tim.

Charles leans close to Mrs. Cratchit.

CHARLESBet you didn't expect to get afree goose out of the deal.

Bob has overheard.

BOB CRATCHITThe ends don't justify the means.

MRS. CRATCHIT(to Charles)

I told him everything.

TIMTold what?

MRS. CRATCHITNothing you should worry yourpretty little head about.

CHARLES(to Bob)

You can't be mad at her.

75.

BOB CRATCHITI haven't decided.

MARTHAWhy is everybody whispering?

MRS. CRATCHITI think we should toast MrScrooge for the wonderful dinner.What is it you say, the Founderof the Feast?

Everyone toasts.

ALLThe Founder of the Feast!

Charles catches Mrs. Cratchit's eye and winks.

He sees Bob watching and crosses his eyes.

EXT. FRED'S HOME - DAY

The cab pulls up.

INT. FRED'S HOME - DAY

A Christmas gathering at Fred's home. Laughter and conviviality.

The doorbell rings.

Fred's wife, Janet, heads for the door.

She opens it to find ... Scrooge.

JANETYes?

SCROOGEI'm sorry. I forget your name.

JANETDo I know you?

SCROOGEI'm Fred's uncle.

76.

JANETOh! I'm sorry, I didn't recognizeyou.

SCROOGEI hardly recognize myself. IsFred here?

JANETOf course. Come in.

She leads Scrooge into the party.

Fred is surprised to see him.

FREDUncle Scrooge! What a surprise.I'm so happy to see you.

SCROOGEMerry Christmas, Fred.

Even more shock. Then Fred grins ear to ear and embraces him.

FREDMerry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge.This will be the best Christmas ever!

LATER

Everyone sits around the large DINNER TABLE.

Scrooge turns to the man, DR. HOWARD, next to him.

SCROOGEMerry Christmas. I'm EbeneezerScrooge.

DR. HOWARDMerry Christmas. I'm Dr. John Howard.

SCROOGEA doctor!

DR. HOWARDSorry, old habit. Call me John.

77.

SCROOGEI've been wanting to talk to adoctor. What do you know aboutdegenerative diseases?

DR. HOWARDA good deal actually. Why do you ask?

LATER

At the ENTRYWAY, as people begin to leave.

Fred and Janet escort Scrooge to the door.

Scrooge sees Dr. Howard nearby. He takes out a business card.

SCROOGEHere's my card. I'd like tofollow up on what we were talkingabout. I want to make anappointment for the boy.

DR. HOWARDOf course. Take my card as well.

Back to his nephew.

SCROOGEAnd to think what I've beenmissing all these years.

FREDBetter late than never. Isn'tthat what they say?

They embrace.

EXT. FRED'S HOME - DAY

The cab is outside.

Scrooge waves, then climbs in.

INT. CAB - DAY

The cabbie puts down his paperback.

78.

SCROOGEI'm sorry. I was much longer thanI thought I'd be. Thank you forwaiting.

CABBIEIt's your dollar.

He starts the engine.

In the back seat, Scrooge looks positively blissful.

The small flat package is still on the seat beside him.

EXT. CRATCHIT APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY

Near sunrise.

Bob Cratchit rushes out. He looks like he's late.


Bob Cratchit races inside.

INT. SCROOGE/MARLEY OFFICE - DAY

Bob hasn't even reached his computer when ...

SCROOGE (O.S.)Cratchit! Get in here immediately!

INT. SCROOGE/MARLEY OFFICE - SCROOGE'S OFFICE - DAY

Scrooge sits at his desk.

Bob Cratchit appears in the doorway.

BOB CRATCHITI know I'm late, sir. We all gotcarried away yesterday, I'mafraid. The goose you sent overwas such a surprise and such awonderful gift, and--

79.

SCROOGETaste okay, did it?

BOB CRATCHITIt was truly the best goose Iever ate. I can't thank you enough.

SCROOGEI can make a suggestion on that.

BOB CRATCHITI'll work overtime every day thisweek, sir.

SCROOGENo, you won't.

BOB CRATCHITI won't? Two weeks overtime then?

SCROOGENo overtime at all.

BOB CRATCHITSir?

SCROOGEYou have to sit down with yourwife and figure out what to do.

BOB CRATCHITWhat to do, sir? Are you firingme then?

SCROOGEI'm not firing you. I'm givingyou a raise! Unless you don'twant it, of course.

BOB CRATCHITA raise? But ...?

SCROOGEBut but but but but. Now are yougoing home to talk to your wifeor not?

80.

BOB CRATCHITYou mean now, sir?

SCROOGEYes! This very moment!

BOB CRATCHITIt shouldn't take long. I shouldbe back by--

SCROOGEIf you step into this officeagain today, Cratchit, I willfire you. Is that clear?

Bob Cratchit is speechless.

SCROOGEI said, Is that clear?

BOB CRATCHITYes! Yes, yes ...

SCROOGEThen go home. And come in at theregular hour tomorrow.

BOB CRATCHITYes, sir!

He practically trips over himself getting out of there.

Scrooge grins. Very pleased with himself.

On the desk is the small flat package. Scrooge reaches for it.


Scrooge puts a small sign in the front window -- the flatpackage. Only the back of the sign is visible to us.


Scrooge comes out. He inspects the front window.

The sign in the window says:

81.

"Closed for the day."

Scrooge looks even more pleased with himself than earlier.

INT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - KITCHEN - DAY

Scrooge watches as popcorn pops.

INT. SCROOGE'S DUPLEX - DAY

At the television, Scrooge roots around his DVDs and tapes,looking for something.

He finds it. He puts it in a player.

He settles on a divan. He puts a bowl of popcorn in his lap.

A movie starts on the television.

Movie title: "Pride of the Yankees."

Scrooge is a picture of contentment. Watching a baseballmovie on a work day. God bless us every one.

He reaches for popcorn and ...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BASEBALL PARK - DAY

...two hands reach for popcorn.

The hands belong to Scrooge and the older woman from therescue mission. They are watching a baseball game together.

SUPER: "Three years later"

The CRACK of a bat.

A long foul ball rises high and heads into the stands ...where it lands into an outfielder's glove ...

The glove belongs to Tim. He stands with the help of a cane.The wheel chair is nowhere to be found.

82.

Scrooge and the older woman are next to Tim. They beam as heshows off the baseball to the cheering crowd.

Scrooge and Tim embrace.

SCROOGEGod bless us ...

TIM... every one!

FADE OUT

mrs. cratchit's christmas carol by charles deemer · "mrs. cratchit's christmas...

Documents