Namesake by Joey Payne

Namesake
by
Joey Payne
Joey Payne 6 July 2010

937.760.2240
[email protected]
“A hero is someone that understands the responsibility that
comes with his freedom” - Bob Dylan
2.
FADE IN:
EXT. CHICAGO SUBURB CEMETARY- DAY
A grim, jet-black hearse crawls along a windy, paved road

surrounded by grass and gardens. We see the line of black
Sudans behind it now, making a single file line of nearly
twenty five cars.
In the distance, we see a massive, suburban cemetery. They

are headed to a funeral.
UNKNOWN MALE (V.O.)

We all have role models, a person
to look up to, a mentor or
paradigm. A guiding light for our
lives, a true hero to believe in.
BACK ON:
The Hearse. We see a massive casket in the back. We see the

DRIVER of the second car in line where:
JOAN TAYLOR, 70-75, a stunning older woman dressed in a

pristine black dress sits up straight in the back seat. The
veil over her face hides a tireless, dry gaze, masking the
emotion she feels inside. Beside her sits:
TIM TAYLOR, (50-55), her suave, oldest son. Tim comforts his
mother. He is handsome and stocky. His eyes are red but he
appears strong. In the next car back we see:
TAUNA DONALDSON, (45-50), Tim’s next sister in line, a

younger version of her mother. She is clean, put-together
and gorgeous in her middle age. Tauna sits with:
BEN DONALDSON, (55-60), her husband who drives the car. He

is a graying man with a fashionable suit on. He wears a pair
of dark rimmed eye glasses. In the back seat sits:
SAM DONALDSON, (21), Tauna and Ben’s oldest child. He has

long, combed hair. He is very preppy and attractive. Next
to him:
MARY CATHRYN DONALDSON, (19), a gorgeous, sorority girl. MC,

as everyone calls her, is the perfect completion to the
Donaldson’s nuclear family.
The following car, next in line, holds:
KEVIN TAYLOR, (40-45), a mirror image of Tim, his older

brother. He drives with one hand on the wheel and the other
holding tight to his wife:
3.
GRACE TAYLOR, (40-45), a cute, country club mom with a heart

of gold. She is in over her head as a parent but loves the
life she lives and feels blessed to have married into the
Taylor family. Behind the young couple sits:
JOEY (10), MIKEY (8), JOANIE (6), JONNY (4), and in the car
seat, JENNY (2). The SUV is complete with the family of
seven. All five kids look alike and sit silently, acting as
mature as the adults.
Finally, we see the last car:
JACK TAYLOR, (30-35), a slick, wall street kid with a black

label suit on. He is deep in thought as he follows his three
older siblings and mother to the funeral. It isn’t clear who
is in the car with him as we can only see his bust.
UNKNOWN MALE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

James Taylor was my hero.
We follow the hearse from above now, seeing each of the cars
follow behind. The cemetary is close now as BRAKE LIGHTS
begin to flicker. The hearse stops. The DRIVER opens his
door and walks around to the back. He swings the hatch open
to reveal:
FLASH OF LIGHT.
FADE OUT:
INT. JIM AND JOAN’S CONDOMINIUM, FORT MEYERS, FL- DAY
TITLE:
TWO WEEKS EARLIER
JIM TAYLOR, (80), a strong, burly old man with a face full of
wrinkles and a twinkle in his eye looks at himself in the
mirror.
He sucks in his stomach and flexes his arms. He’s casually

dressed but well kept. He lets out a big gulp of air and his
shoulders relax. He smiles at himself.
JOAN TAYLOR (O.S.)

Hurry up!
Jim washes his hands in the sink. Joan, his wife enters the
bathroom. We see her through the mirror.
4.
JOAN TAYLOR (CONT’D)

You know it’ll take ages for them
to squeeze you into another
appointment.
JIM TAYLOR
Who needs another physical
anyway...
Beat.
JOAN TAYLOR
You do and you’re late.
JIM TAYLOR
I’m as healthy as ever...didn’t you
hear the doc last week?
Joan puts her hands around his waist and rests her head on
his shoulder. They look into the mirror.
JOAN TAYLOR
You’ve been saying that for fifty
years now...its a routine follow up
and I need you in perfect shape for
next week...
Beat.
JIM TAYLOR
I wouldn’t miss it for the world
baby...
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE- DAY
Jim waits behind a MAN in line at his DOCTOR’S office. He

looks around the room. In one corner sits an OLD WOMAN on a
wheel-chair. She looks about his age. She is frail and
reads a magazine. Jim frowns. On the other side of the room
stands an OLD MAN, about his age as well. The man rests on a
walker. Beside him sits a NURSE and an air tank for him to
breathe out of. Jim frowns.
RECEPTIONIST (O.S.)
Taylor, Jim Taylor...
Jim looks behind him and does a double take. There is a

MIDDLE AGED MAN with a broken arm. He walks out of the
doctor’s door. His wife stands waiting for him.
RECEPTIONIST (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Taylor...James Taylor
5.
Jim stares at the man who now lowers his head. The wife
begins to cry. Jim frowns.
RECEPTIONIST (O.S.) (CONT’D)

(louder) Taylor!
Jim whips around.
JIM TAYLOR
That’s me...hey, that’s me. I’m
Jim Taylor.
RECEPTIONIST
Fill this out. Doctor will be with
you in a moment.
She hands him a clip board. Jim walks back to the waiting
area with the clip board. He sits down. He takes another
look at the man who stands with his crying wife. They walk
out of the door. Jim shakes his head. He looks down at the
clip board and we see:
JIM’S POV: A blur of the paper. He cannot make out the

words.
Jim holds the paper away from his face and looks again,
adjusting his sight.
JIM TAYLOR
Gettin’ old.
INT. TIM TAYLOR’S CAR- DAY
Tim Taylor drives his car on a freeway outside of London,

England. We know this because he’s drives from the right
side of the vehicle. Tim talks on his cell phone through a
speaker in the ceiling.
TIM TAYLOR
No Mom, I’m not with her anymore.
JOAN TAYLOR (O.S.)

But Timmy we loved Kim.
TIM TAYLOR
Well, I don’t know what to tell
you...I’m coming stag to the
Chicago reunion.
JOAN TAYLOR
Its not a reunion.
6.
TIM TAYLOR
Sorry, Wedding Anniversary, family
get-together.
JOAN TAYLOR
Its a big deal Tim. And it’s not
like we see you everyday.
TIM TAYLOR
Mom, I couldn’t be more excited to
see everyone. You and Pops
celebrating the big 5-0.
Unbelievable, congratulations.
How’s the old man doing by the way?
JOAN TAYLOR
Wonderful, we’re both wonderful.
But listen hun- I have to run.
We’ll see you in a few days then?
TIM TAYLOR
Can’t wait.
Tim hangs up the phone by clicking a button on the steering

wheel. He laughs to himself and smiles. Although he moved
from the US he’s happy to go back every once in a while.
Jim has filled out his paperwork and stands up. He goes to
take it to the receptionist. A nurse opens the office door.
NURSE
James Taylor-
JIM TAYLOR
Hey...that’s me.
NURSE
How are you doing today Mr. Taylor.
JIM TAYLOR
Better than ever, and yourself?
NURSE
That’s great to hear, and I’m doing
just fine.
Jim awkwardly holds the clip board.
JIM TAYLOR
What do I-
7.
NURSE
I’ll take that...right this
way...Dr. Klein will be right in-
JIM TAYLOR
Thanks little lady.
Jim is a charmer. He would chat up the drive through girl at

McDonald’s like she is was the president of the United
States. He walks past the nurse who smiles from ear to ear.
INT. TAUNA DONALDSON’S HOUSE, NEW YORK, NY- DAY
Tauna, which when pronounced sounds like “sauna” with a “T”,

opens a pan of catered meals in her MASSIVE KITCHEN. Behind
her sits Ben, Sam and MC. Her husband reads a newspaper at
the table as Sam and MC text on their smart phones.
Tauna brings the meal over to the neatly set table.
SAM
Steak again?
TAUNA
Sorry but I had no time to cook
tonight.
BEN
Give your mother a break Sam.
MC
He’s got a point though Dad, it’s
getting a bit-
BEN
Are you two packed and ready? We
fly out tomorrow afternoon.
Dad silences his children.
SAM
Already? It’ll take me two
seconds. MC’ll take a year...
MC
I’m completely ready to go Mom and
Dad.
8.
TAUNA
Wonderful Mary Cathryn...I’m
running into town tomorrow too so
let me know if anyone needs me to
pick up any last minute things for
the trip.
Beat. They take bites.
SAM
I hate Chicago.
BEN
How could you hate Chicago?
SAM
Its just a mini-New York. Why
couldn’t Gram and Gramps have had
their thing here?
TAUNA
Its not just a thing Sammy, its a
wedding anniversary.
BEN
Your grand parents have been
married for fifty years, it’s the
least you could do to grace them
with your presence.
TAUNA
And they met in Chicago, so-
MC
Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard the story a
thousand times.
TAUNA
Its going to be wonderful and you
can both explore the city. It will
be nice for you two to leave your
bubble this summer anyway.
Jim sits on the firm, cold doctor’s bed. He tries to pull

out the foot rest underneath him. He struggles.
JIM TAYLOR
Damn it.
9.
He grunts and it comes loose, making a loud, CLANK. It

startles him and he sits up innocently. He slowly rests his
feet down. Comfortable at last.
There is a KNOCK on the door.
JIM TAYLOR (CONT’D)

Password?
Jim chuckles to himself as the door cracks open revealing:
DR. KLEIN, (30-35), a tall, gentle man who wears a suit and
reads from a file.
DR. KLEIN
Hey there Jim.
EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YARD, DEERFIELD, IL- DAY
Grace Taylor pushes a stroller up to a school yard.
KIDS run around everywhere. PARENTS line up in cars to pick

up their children from school.
Grace looks down at baby Jenny (2), who smiles back up at

her.
GRACE
Hey hunny...how’s it goin’ down
there?
Grace laughs. Jenny lets out a smile that could heal the
world.
JOANIE
Mommy!
Joey (10), Mikey (8) Joanie (6), and Jonny (4) run up to
Grace. They all have their mother’s platinum blonde hair.
Their back packs bounce behind them.
GRACE
Hey guys-
JOANIE
Today, I told my teacher about our
trip and she said Chacago had the
biggest sky...sky...sky scraper in
the entire United States in the
Americas.
Joanie has trouble pronouncing the letter ‘R’.

10.
GRACE
Its called the Sears tower babe...
JOANIE
Right, the Sears tower.
MIKEY
Not the biggest ever-
JOANIE
Yeah huh-
MIKEY
Nope.
JOEY
Actually, the biggest is in a place
called Dubai.
Grace is astonished that her son knows where that is.
JOANIE
Not true..’cause Mrs.-
GRACE
Guess what? You’re all right. The
biggest building in America is the
Sears Tower. We can go visit it
this week with Grandma and Grandpa.
All the way to the top...
JOANIE
Told you-
GRACE
But the biggest building in the
world is in Dubai, in the Middle
East.
JOEY
That’s what I thought.
JONNY
What’s a Dubai?
They all laugh.
KEVIN TAYLOR (O.S.)

Need a ride?
All look back to see the familiar voice. Kevin Taylor pulls
up in his black SUV.
11.
ALL KIDS
Daddy!
Grace follows her children as they run up to his car. She

goes to the window.
GRACE
This is a nice surprise.
They kiss.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hey, I got off early for the
weekend and thought I’d swing by to
see my favorite family...
JOANIE
We’re your only family daddy.
GRACE
(Under her breath)
Sometimes I wonder.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hey...hop in. We’ve got some
packin’ to do. And your warrior
husband is home to help.
GRACE
Aren’t I lucky.
She flirts with him as she buckles Jenny in.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Yep, I’m your slave for the night.
Kevin checks his cell phone.
JONNY
Slave, slave, slave.
GRACE
Good Kev.
Kevin laughs and checks his kids in the rear view mirror.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Buckle up guys.
JOANIE
And girls!
12.
Dr. Klien sits at the desk in the room with Jim. Jim reads a
piece of paper.
DR. KLEIN
So we got the tests back from your
physical.
JIM TAYLOR
Good to know...good to know...how
am I looking in here Doc?
Jim jokingly taps his belly.
DR. KLEIN
Well, I- Let’s see here...
Jim looks at him smiling.
INT. WALL STREET STOCK MARKET- DAY
Jack Taylor walks through a hall filled of screaming STOCK

BROKERS.
Behind him follows:
ALAINA, (25-30), his assistant. She is a short, natural and

pretty girl. Alaina carries a note-pad and looks flustered.
She has to take a few steps for each of his long ones.
JACK
...I need those contracts from the
Price contract...
Alaina writes and walks.
JACK (CONT’D)
...and follow up with an e-mail
over to the New Jersey office...
Alaina scribbles. She avoids a passing WORKER.
JACK (CONT’D)
...Fuck.
Jack stops in his tracks. It is everything in Alaina not to

bump into him. She nearly falls over. He doesn’t notice.
ALAINA
Jack?
13.
JACK
Never mind I forget what I was
going to say-
He continues back to his old walking pace. She skips behind

him, brushing her hair from her face.
JACK (CONT’D)
The Price reports-
ALAINA
I drove them over this morning.
JACK
I couldn’t live without you Alaina.
I couldn’t live without you.
ALAINA
Thank-
JACK
I need a lunch with Mark from
McKinney sometime early next
week...
Alaina shakes her head and tries to speak up.
ALAINA
But...
JACK
...How’s my lunch schedule looking?
ALAINA
...Well sir...Jack, you’re going...
JACK
Because I’m gonna need to meet with
him asap-
ALAINA
You’re going to Chicago next week.
JACK
No, no, Lane, he’ll fly here for a
meeting with me...trust me...
ALAINA
Not for the meeting Jack...
JACK
That’s if he knows what’s good-
14.
ALAINA
For your parents wedding
anniversary.
Jack halts. Alaina is ready this time and speaks up.
ALAINA (CONT’D)
You and Melissa are flying out
tomorrow...I put the itinerary on
your desk. Your parents are
celebrating fifty years.
Jack looks past Alaina at the busy crowd.
JACK
Oh you gotta be fuckin’ kidding me.
ALAINA
Nope, Melissa called earlier,
making sure you upgraded the
flights to first class.
JACK
Bitch.
ALAINA
I’ve taken care of it.
JACK
Damn it. The last thing I want to
do...
ALAINA
Sir they’re your family. You
haven’t seen them in-
JACK
Do you think that’s an accident?
Dr. Klien stands now. His voice is a bit shaky. Jim sees
his timidness but tries to break the silence.
JIM TAYLOR
How’s the ticker?
Jim puts his hand on his heart.
DR. KLEIN
Its just fine...but Jim-
15.
Jim realizes something’s wrong now he looks at Klein straight

in the eye.
JIM TAYLOR
I feel like there’s something your
trying to tell me Doc. What’s
up...just give it to me straight.
DR. KLEIN
I don’t-
JIM TAYLOR
Come on’ doc-
DR. KLEIN
Jim, its your Pancreas...
Beat. Dr. Klein starts to say something and pauses again.
DR. KLEIN (CONT’D)

Well, we found cancer.
Beat.
DR. KLEIN (CONT’D)

It comes out of nowhere-
JIM TAYLOR
How long?
DR. KLEIN
It depends...
JIM TAYLOR
How long?
DR. KLEIN
Well its going to be-
JOAN TAYLOR (O.S.)

One week...
INT. FLORIDA CONDOMINIUM- DAY
Joan sits in front of her vanity mirror talking on the phone.
JOAN TAYLOR
We’ll be there for one week Fran,
and in the same hotel where we
met...
We hear the door crack open O.S.

16.

That’s right, the Embassador
East...right in the heart of the
city...how romantic is that?
We hear footsteps (O.S.) Approach the room.

...and dinner in the Pump Room,
just like the old days...I know, I
know, all the kids are
coming...It’ll be a perfect
week...just perfect.
The door to the bedroom opens.

...here he is now...he sure is...oh
you know Jimmy, he’s great. Just
wonderful...
Jim walks into the bedroom with a bouquet of flowers. Joan

pauses in her conversation.

...Exactly, hey listen I have to go
Fran but if I don’t talk to you
again, we’ll have lunch when I get
back in town?
Jim walks right up to her.

...okay, you too...bye.
Jim sets the flowers on her dresser and kisses her. She is
engulfed and completely astonished by it.

Jim?
She asks flirtatiously.

What’s all this?
Jim kisses her again, this one more short and sweet.
JIM TAYLOR
This is because I love you.
17.
EXT. THE EMBASSADOR EAST HOTEL, CHICAGO, IL- DAY
TITLE:
MONDAY
A town car pulls up to the street outside of the infamous

Embassador East hotel in down town Chicago.
Tauna Donaldson, her husband Ben, and two kids MC and Sam all
get out. Sam stretches. Tauna walks right up to the
BELLHOP. Ben speaks with the driver. MC talks on the phone
to a FRIEND.
TAUNA
We’re here for Taylor, seven rooms-
BELLHOP
Let me get your bags Miss-
TAUNA (O.S.)
Donaldson, Tauna Donaldson.
INT. THE EMBASSADOR EAST HOTEL, CHICAGO, IL- DAY
A CONCIERGE speaks with Tauna at the front desk. Tauna is

high strung but still looks put together. It is clear that
she has set up the week for everyone.
CONCIERGE
Welcome to the Embassador East Mrs.
Donaldson. We have you on the
twenty second floor. Seven rooms,
all next to the Suite at the end of
the hall.
TAUNA
Perfect. And the dinner-
CONCIERGE
Is all set for Friday night. Later
this week we can go into The Pump
Room and discuss the details?
TAUNA
Perfect.
CONCIERGE
Have the other guests arrived yet?
18.
Tim Taylor hops out of a sports car. He hands the keys to a

valet.
Ben stands with his kids as the Bellhop puts the luggage on a
dolly.
TIM TAYLOR
Benjamin.
The men shake hands. MC runs up to her uncle.
MC
Uncle Tim-
She embraces him. He chuckles and taps her back.
TIM TAYLOR
Hello my dear. Let me see you-
He pulls her back.
TIM TAYLOR (CONT’D)

Gorgeous, just like that mother of
yours-
TAUNA (O.S.)
There’s something new and
different...
Tauna walks up.
TAUNA (CONT’D)
A compliment for your little sis?
TIM TAYLOR
Tauna...get over here kid.
Tim puts an arm around Tauna and his other is around MC. Tim
is larger than life, much like his dad. Everyone loves him
and he carries himself like a celebrity.

God, Sammy...look at this man...
SAM
How’s it going Uncle Tim?
TIM TAYLOR
Oh it’s going...so are you old
enough for the bars yet bud?
19.
SAM
I turned 21 in December...
BEN
But who’s counting...
SAM
Nice car.
TIM TAYLOR
Its a rental, I’ll let you take it
for a spin later if you want...
BEN
I don’t know if that’s such a good
idea.
All laugh.
We hear, BEEP BEEP. Kevin and Grace Taylor pull up in the

family SUV. We hear Jenny CRY (O.S.)
TIM TAYLOR
There’s the crew...
Kevin parks the car, hands the keys to the valet and walks up
to his brother.

Kevin...
Tim grabs his younger brother and puts his head under his
arm.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hey there stranger...
TAUNA
How was the ride hun?
Tauna kisses Kevin on the cheek...
KEVIN TAYLOR
Long.
GRACE (O.S.)
And loud.
Grace walks up behind Kevin holding Jenny. Joey, Mikey,

Joanie and Jonny run up to MC and Sam, their cousins.
GRACE (CONT’D)
Hey Tauna...how are you?
20.
TAUNA
Oh great...let me-
Tauna takes Jenny from Grace. Jenny stops crying.
GRACE
Please-
TAUNA
Oh that’s a good girl.
Tauna turns to walk inside with the baby. Ben talks with
Kevin and Tim. MC and Sammy follow with the kids laughing.
The bellhops move in a flurry all around.
Jack sits behind the glass windows of the Pump Room Bar. He
wears a perfect suit but has undone his tie. He sees his
family out of the corner of his eye. Next to him stands:
MELISSA TAYLOR, (30-35), his gold digging, tightly wound,

bitchy wife. She’s gorgeous but in a fake way, filling the
stereotype.
MELISSA
I’m going shopping...
Beat.
MELISSA (CONT’D)
My wallet is in my bags and I
really don’t feel like-
Jack takes one last gulp from his drink.
JACK
Dear god.
He looks at his large family.
MELISSA
Jack, did you hear me...
Jack pulls out his wallet from his back pocket. He hands her
his credit card. Melissa sees the group ahead.
JACK
Go crazy.
MELISSA
I’ll take the back door.
21.
Melissa walks off in the other direction. Jack sets his

drink on a table and straightens himself up. He takes a deep
breath and looks at his vivid, animated family with angst.
He leans against the bar, standing now.
JACK
And here...we...go...
Tauna passes out room keys to everyone.
TAUNA
Remember, mom and dad are coming in
around six tonight. We’re going
out to dinner in the city. I’ll
have the taxis here around
sevinish...so in the lobby-
TIM TAYLOR
We got it...
TAUNA
Hey, I’m just trying to-
TIM TAYLOR
And you’re doing a great job.
Tim takes the key out of Tauna’s outstretched hand. Kevin

and Grace are trying to quiet down their restless kids from a
long day of travel.
TAUNA
Here Kev-, you’ve got two side by
side rooms but they connect...
KEVIN TAYLOR
Perfect...peace and quiet for a
change.
GRACE
Babe, you gave that up ten years
ago.
TAUNA
Ben, we’ve got 2204 and 2205 is for-
Sam grabs the card from his moms hand.
SAM
Thank you.
MC goes to grab it.

22.
MC
I’m more responsible.
SAM
Right...
He pockets the card and heads for the elevator.
TAUNA
And that leaves-
Beat. We see Jack leaning against the bar with a new drink
now. He raises it in the air as everyone in his extended
family sees him: Hey there.
INT. KEVIN AND GRACE’S HOTEL ROOM- DAY
Grace unpacks the luggage as Kevin sits on the edge of the

bed flipping through channels. Joanie sits on his knee and
he bounces her around.
JOANIE
Hey daddy?
Dad is into the TV. Beat.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hey...Joanie...hey.
Grace looks up.
JOANIE
Daddy...
Beat. Dad looks into the TV. Grace looks at him.
GRACE
Kevin. Your daughter’s talking to
you.
Beat.
KEVIN TAYLOR
What?
He snaps out of it and looks at Joanie.
KEVIN TAYLOR (CONT’D)

Hey hunny...what’s up?
JOANIE
What’s wrong with Uncle Jack?
23.
KEVIN TAYLOR
What do you mean babe? Nothing’s
wrong with him...he’s just-
Grace smirks. Joanie waits for an answer.

Just, uh-quiet. You know?
Joanie isn’t satisfied.
JOANIE
Nope.
INT. JACK’S HOTEL ROOM- DAY
Jack stands against the bathroom door in his bedroom. He

empties some pills into his hand. He pushes a few around in
his palm with his thumb and then pops them in his mouth. He
chases with a sip of gin.
INT. MC AND SAM DONALDSON’S HOTEL ROOM- DAY
MC and Sam lay on each of their beds. The TV is off.

Finally a moment of silence.
SAM
Did you remember your fake?
MC
Yeah.
SAM
Nice.
MC
Maybe we can go out with Uncle Tim
and Uncle Jack.
Beat.
SAM
Yeah maybe.
MC
Tim’s hilarious.
SAM
He’s funny.
MC
Jack’s cool.
24.
SAM
Sort of a dick.
MC
True. Kevin’s-
SAM
Pussy whipped.
MC chuckles.
INT. O’HAIRE AIRPORT, CHICAGO, IL- DAY
Jim Taylor follows Joan up the ramp out of the plane. A

FLIGHT ATTENDANT waits at the entrance of the doorway.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Welcome to Chicago. Enjoy your
stay.
JIM TAYLOR
Well Okay!
He says this with pep and winks at the attendant. She smiles
at his mood.
JOAN TAYLOR
I’ll call Tauna.
Jim smiles at his wife as she grabs the phone.
JIM TAYLOR
Sounds like a plan.
JOAN TAYLOR
Hey Tauna...yep, sure did. Yeah we
just landed.
Jim’s POV: Jim zones everything out and sees all of the
PEOPLE walking around the airport. Everyone different and
moving so fast, all with a separate agenda. Now he blurs
them out and looks at his wife. She smiles and laughs on the
phone. Joan is so happy and Jim can see this in the silence
he has created.
INT. THE EMBASSADOR EAST HOTEL, CHICAGO, IL- NIGHT
Jim puts the key card in the door of his hotel room. Joan
pulls at the handle and pushes the door in to reveal:
25.
INT. JIM AND JOAN’S SUITE- NIGHT
A GRAND HOTEL SUITE, equipped with everything a couple could

need.
As the couple walks in we see that there is a fruit basket

and flowers on the counter. Beneath it is a beautiful
picture of Jim and Joan from their wedding day, fifty years
ago.
Joan walks around the room, puts her bags down and takes in
the glory. Jim approaches the picture and picks it up. He
rubs his thumb over his wife’s younger face. We see a
reflection of his smile through the glass.
TAUNA (O.S.)
Do you like it?
Tauna appears in the doorway. She is all dressed for dinner

and squeezes a clutch in her hands.
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh Tauna it is absolutely perfect.
Joan scurries over to her daughter and gives her a big hug.
TAUNA
I hope it’s not too big.
Joan leans back, she has tears in her eyes. She’s such an
emotional woman who loves her family so much.
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh I can’t tell you how happy this
makes me, here with all of you.
JIM TAYLOR
Hey squirt.
Jim sets the picture down and walks over to his daughter.
TAUNA
Hey daddy...
JIM TAYLOR
My favorite daughter...
The three exchange embraces.
INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT- NIGHT
The entire extended family sits at the dinner table. Each

individual group has spread themselves around.
26.
Joan and Jim sit at each head, Grace sits with Jenny, rocking
her on one corner. Everyone is talking and laughing. We
don’t make out one exact conversation but just hear all going
on at once.
A waiter hurries around the busy table refilling drinks and

wiping his brow from stress.
INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT- NIGHT
Everyone has calmed down now. They sit, relax and drink
coffee.
Tim, Kevin and Jack sit at the bar nearby.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Single again Timmy?
TIM TAYLOR
I like to think of it as more of a
liberation-
KEVIN TAYLOR
Right.
TIM TAYLOR
No, Kim was a good egg, just the
wrong time for both of us...too
different.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hey at least you knew...
Tim smiles.
JACK
Seriously.
TIM TAYLOR
How ‘bout you Jackson? I haven’t
seen you in a damn decade.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Seriously, how long has it been?
JACK
Been busy with business.
KEVIN TAYLOR
I hear you...
TIM TAYLOR
Yeah, I’ll drink to that...
27.
KEVIN TAYLOR
How do you even float in this
economy?
We see Jack’s flashy watch and clearly expensive outfit.
JACK
I’m doing alright.
TIM TAYLOR
Clearly-
Beat.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Melissa?
We all look over to see Melissa flirting with the waiter.

She pulls on his tie. We also see Grace watching this with a
face of judgement.
Jack drinks. He couldn’t give a fuck less.
TIM TAYLOR
Well it’s great to see both of you
guys. There was a day when the
Taylor guys kicked ass together...
KEVIN TAYLOR
Sure was...
JACK
Really?
Tim tries to save. Clearly Kevin and Tim were the tight
brothers. The age difference just never really gave them a
connection with Jack.
TIM TAYLOR
I got this card.
Tim pulls a gift card out of his coat pocket.

Thought we could all chip in and
sign in like the old days?
Beat. Kevin grabs the pen. He sees:
TIM’S NOTE: “Hey Mom and Dad- Here’s to fifty years of love
and many more...you’re an inspiration to us all. Much love,
Tim.
28.
Kevin begins to write. Jack looks over at the note out of

the corner of his eye. He sets his drink down. Kevin
finishes and hands him the card.
Jack takes it. He sees Kevin’s fresh note:
KEVIN’S NOTE: “Happy Anniversary! Your the best parents a

guy could ask for...Love Ya- Kev”
We see Jack write: “Jack”
He slides the card over to Tim.
JIM TAYLOR (V.O.)

What’s this?
Tim has buried the note and all turn to see Jim with his arms
stretched.
TIM TAYLOR
Hey Dad.
JIM TAYLOR
My boys, having a few drinks, don’t
have the decency to invite your old
man?
KEVIN TAYLOR
A drink for you?
Beat.
JACK
He was being sarcastic.
All turn to Jack who stares ahead.
TIM TAYLOR
Yeah, you’ve been dry for what...
JIM TAYLOR
Let’s see-
JACK
11 years.
Beat.
JIM TAYLOR
You’re damn right. Good to see ya
bud-
Jim pats his son on the shoulder. Jack doesn’t turn.

29.
JACK
Hey Dad.
INT. CAB- NIGHT
Melissa sits against one door and Jack on the other. Jack
looks out the window.
MELISSA
God your family blows.
Beat. Melissa turns back away. Jack is not phased.
MELISSA (CONT’D)
And that Tauna...I hate the
micromanaging.
Beat.
MELISSA (CONT’D)
The rest of them are just plain
weird.
Beat.
MELISSA (CONT’D)
This is the stop.
The cab driver slows down next to a Hip NIGHT CLUB. Melissa
opens the door.
MELISSA (CONT’D)
Aren’t you coming?
JACK
No.
MELISSA
Suit yourself.
She doesn’t care. Mel
Melissa closes the door. Jack looks at her.
FADE IN:
INT. BEDROOM- FLASHBACK- DAY
We flashback to see Jack laying in his bed at his house in

NYC. He doesn’t wear a shirt and sits up on the pillow.
30.
Melissa strolls out of their bedroom in sexy lingerie. She

laughs about something. Jack smiles, this is the happiest we
have seen him. He’s a different man here.
Melissa runs and jumps on the bed on top of Jack and they
kiss.
FADE OUT.
INT. CAB- NIGHT
Jack watches Melissa being let into the club as the cab pulls
off. He just continues to gaze ahead now.
In the lobby Kevin and Grace carry their children to the

elevator. It is getting late. Tauna kisses MC good night
and motions to Ben that it’s time for bed.
BEN
Be careful kids.
Sam stands with Uncle Tim.
SAM
We’ll be alright dad...
BEN
Not too late?
MC
Never.
TIM TAYLOR
I’ll take care of them Ben. We’ll
see you at breakfast?
BEN
Deal.
Ben turns around. Tim sticks out his hand to shake Sam’s in
excitement. Sam loves this and grabs it smirking. MC walks
towards the door hailing a cab.
Jack walks in and walks past MC.
Tim grabs him.
TIM TAYLOR
Jack, my man, let’s show these kids
a good time?
31.
Jack stops, looks from Sam to MC and then to Tim. He looks

at the Pump Room Bar: His old friend.

Just for a bit...I don’t have much
in me anyway.
Sam and MC stare at Jack. They aren’t close with him and
don’t know how to react but both want him to come.
INT. BUTCH MCGUIRE’S PUB, RUSH STREET- NIGHT
Tim leads the way into the crowded bar. MC follows closely
behind. Sam looks around at the excitement. Jack bows into
the bar and looks around with a smug look. He walks up to
get a drink.
Tim has gotten four, perfect seats looking out at the busy
party street. MC and Sam sit next to him.
Jack walks up behind them holding two pitchers. He sets them

on the table.
JACK
Drink up...
The kids are hesitant but Tim pours the beers. Jack walks
back to the bar, grabs his mixed drink and sits back down
with the group.
Jim and Joan ride the elevator alone. Joan holds his arm.
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh, it’s so nice to see everyone.
JIM TAYLOR
It sure is.
Beat.
Jim remembers something. He reaches into his pocket. He

pulls out a locket. Joan is confused. Jim, with shaky hands
opens the locket and we see:
INSIDE THE LOCKET: A picture of Jim and Joan from sometime in

their mid-life years. They don’t appear to aged but not
young.
32.

I got this...
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh Jim, what for? Its only
Monday...
JIM TAYLOR
Which gives me five days to make
you fall back in love with me...all
over again.
Joan takes the locket from his hand, looks in side and holds
it to her heart.
JOAN TAYLOR
I love it.
JIM TAYLOR
It’s that picture from our-
JOAN TAYLOR
Twenty-fifth anniversary.
JIM TAYLOR
It’s nothing really, just something
you can wear that will remind you
of me-
Joan grabs Jim around the neck and plants a big, red lip
stick kiss on his cheek bone. She closes her eyes smiling in
the embrace. Jim smiles but his expression becomes more of a
gaze over his wife’s head.
Tim is tipsy. He is getting pretty old and it is clear he

can’t keep up with the kids. MC is laughing so hard that she
starts to slip off her chair. She catches herself by
grabbing the table. Sam puts his cup out to cheers Jack who
is actually smiling.
SAM
Hey, you’re closer to our age than
you are to theirs-
JACK
And don’t forget it.
Sam laughs.
MC
Where’s Aunt Melissa?
33.
JACK
In bed.
TIM TAYLOR
Kids, I think I’m gonna turn in...
SAM
But we just got here...
We see in front of Sam that there are now four empty

pitchers.
TIM TAYLOR
Sam, I’ve been coming to this dive
for thirty years. Trust me...I
didn’t just get-
MC
Come on Uncle Tim.
Tim rubs his eyes.
TIM TAYLOR
We’ve got all week guys...all week.
He stands up, puts his suit jacket on and kisses MC on the

top of the head.

Jack?
JACK
I got ‘em-
Tim reaches for a high five. Jack slaps his brothers hand
and Tim smiles.
TIM TAYLOR
Okay...remember I told your father-
SAM
I’m in college-
TIM TAYLOR
Alright guys, have a good night.
Tim walks out of the bar.
Jack grabs another mixed drink and sits down. MC looks drunk
and Sam refills his glass of beer.
34.
EXT. RUSH STREET- NIGHT
Tim walks along the street and passes by COUPLES and RANDOM
PEOPLE. He has a grin on his face that turns into a stare.
He pulls his Smart Phone out of his pocket and begins to
scroll through it. We see:
THE SCREEN: reads “Kim”. Tim presses dial and holds it up to

his ear.
We hear the phone dial.
DRUNK COLLEGE KIDS walk by singing. Tim smiles and presses

the phone against his ear.
KIM (O.S.)
Hi, You’ve reached the cellphone of
Kim Langdon. You know what to do!
Tim holds the phone out in front of him and puts it back to
his ear to hear a BEEP.
TIM TAYLOR
Hey Kim...
INT. KEVIN AND GRACE’S HOTEL ROOM- NIGHT
Grace walks out of the bathroom and ties her hair up. Kevin
lays on their big bed. Jenny is sound asleep on a fold up
crib nearby.
Grace kneels onto the mattress. Tom sits up. He reaches

over and kisses her.
She continues to mess with her hair and then falls into the
pillow. He goes for the kiss. She reaches over and flips
the light off. He tries again to turn the situation around.
GRACE
Stop, hun, I’m exhausted.
Kevin plants one more on her forehead. She turns around and
closes her eyes. He leans back. Sits up for a second and
then falls back defeated.
In the connected room, Joey sleeps with Mikey in one bed.

Joanie and Sammy are in the other. They are all sound
asleep.
35.
INT. TAUNA AND BEN’S ROOM- NIGHT
Tauna straightens up the things on her dresser. She places

everything evenly, a little OCD. Ben lays in bed sound
asleep. Tauna smiles when she looks at her husband through
the mirror. She opens her clothing drawer to get out
pajamas.
She puts them on the bed to change into and goes back to the
drawer to straightened the already folded clothes. She is
satisfied and closes it gently.
We hear yelling and laughter O.S. The glass door to the

lobby of the hotel opens to:
Jack, followed by MC. MC has her hair in her face and is

clearly blacked out drunk. She puts her hand on her uncle’s
shoulder as he guides her into the hotel laughing. Behind
them we see:
Sam crawling on hands and knees into the lobby. He is

laughing so hard that his crawl is sloppy. Jack and MC die
laughing at this. Sam continues to crawl and nails into a
table with a lamp near the lobby. The lamp topples and turns
and falls. Jack reaches to grab it and it slips out of his
hands crashing to the ground. Jack falls next to the
shattered lamp and laughs hysterically, his hands in his
face. MC stumbles to the elevator and clicks the Up and Down
buttons on each.
Now we see HOTEL WORKERS watching the debacle as Sam crawls

towards the elevator. Jack is still on the ground.
HOTEL WORKER
Sir...
Black out.
BEN
Sam. Sam...Sam, son-
TITLE:
TUESDAY
SAM’S POV: Everything is blurry. He looks up to see his

open hotel room door and his father standing over him.
36.
We now see that Sam has passed out from the night before in
the doorway. He wakes up with his legs outside the door and
his torso and head inside. He sits up and rubs his head.
BEN
Mary Cathryn, Mary Cathryn
Donaldson-
We look over to see MC lying on her bed, fully dressed, shoes

and all on top of the comforter. Her hand holds a trash can
next to the bed. She opens one eye but is too hung over and
buries her head in the pillow.
BEN (CONT’D)
What did I tell you too...this is a
family vacation, this isn’t-
Tauna walks into the room behind Ben.
TAUNA
Remember breakfast in-
She sees the ugly sight.
TAUNA (CONT’D)
Oh God.
Beat.
TAUNA (CONT’D)
Jack!
INT. MC AND SAM DONALDSON’S HOTEL ROOM BATHROOM- DAY
We see an arm and leg hanging over the side of an empty

bathtub. The arm moves and we see Jack lift his head up: A
hang over for the ages. He winces and manages to flop out of
the tub.
Sam sits up on the edge of the bed now. He runs to the

bathroom to throw up just as:
Jack walks into the room and towards the door where Ben and
Tauna stand. Ben is dumbfounded and Tauna glares at her
little brother.
Jack presses his fingers into his temple and looks up the
couple.
37.
JACK
Relax.
Jack walks past Ben and out of the room. Tauna bottles it
all up and walks to the closet to pull out a dress for her
daughter.
INT. BRUNCH- DAY
The entire extended family sits around a couple of tables in

a breakfast joint. It is a nice place and most of the family
enjoys themselves.
Ben silently sits in anger next to his two, clearly hung over
and irresponsible kids. Tauna runs the show pointing waiters
to tables and talking loudly. If the situation phased her it
doesn’t show.
TIM TAYLOR
How’s that omelet Sammy?
SAM
Stop.
Sam nearly pukes again.
TIM TAYLOR
Should have come home with me...
BEN
Yes they should have.
Tim realizes that this isn’t a joke.
TIM TAYLOR
Well-
He takes a bite of his food and shuts up.
Melissa and Jack walk up to the tables. There are two empty
seats next to Jim and Joan. Jack looks around: Any other
seat.
JOAN TAYLOR
Jack, Melissa!
She points at the vacant chairs.
JACK
Mother...
He reaches down and lets her kiss his forehead.

38.
MELISSA
Joan...
JIM TAYLOR
Hey there kiddo...
JACK
Dad.
Jack nods his head. Melissa fakes a smile.
MELISSA
Hey Jim.
The waitress comes to the table.
MELISSA (CONT’D)
I’ll have a mamosa.
JACK
Water.
JIM TAYLOR
A drink to cure the hangover young
lady?
He has a twinkle in his eye. Joan kicks her husband under

the table.
JACK
That obvious?
JIM TAYLOR
Just a joke. So how are ya doin’
kid?
JACK
Getting by dad.
JIM TAYLOR
Good to hear.
Wow. This relationship is tense. Melissa doesn’t help

either as she sips her drink uninterested.
JOAN TAYLOR
Your sister tells us your market
has taken off...
JACK
Look around mom, the market hasn’t
moved.
39.
JOAN TAYLOR
Well it seems like you’re doing
just fine for yourselves...maybe
it’s time to settle down and have a
baby.
Jim looks excited at this.
MELISSA
Excuse me.
She stands up and walks to the rest room. Jack looks into
his water with a straight face.
FADE IN:
INT. PUBLIC BATHROOM- FLASHBACK- DAY
We flashback to see Jack pacing back and forth outside of a

bathroom stall.
IN THE STALL:
Melissa sits holding a pregnancy test.
We see Jack stop. Then he paces more.
IN THE STALL:
Melissa puts her face in her hands. She drops the test and
it falls to the ground, out of the stall.
Jack picks it up and looks at it. We see a smiley face on

the contraption. Jack has a slight smile.
EXT. CHICAGO STREET- DAY
The entire family walks out of the restaurant onto the bare
side walk. They immediately fill it up with their group.
TAUNA
Okay everyone...time to explore the
city.
Grace listens attentively. Everyone else is in side

conversations.
TAUNA (CONT’D)
If anyone needs me, I’ll be at
Neiman’s...
Grace laughs. Joan and Jim stand next to Tauna.

40.
TIM TAYLOR
I need a nap.
Ben looks at his two kids.
BEN
We’re going to sit down and have a
talk.
GRACE
(to Kevin) Hunny, let’s take the
kids to the park.
JOANIE
Park, yay...
Kevin looks up at the world of opportunities around him.
GRACE
Babe, the park.
He looks at his wife and then down at the stroller. He

pushes it down the street, his other children following.
Melissa puts her sunglasses on, fakes a wave at the group and
hails a cab. Jack looks at Sam and MC. They look back in
hung over pain. He salutes them, looks at the rest of the
family disgusted and follows Tim down the street.
INT. NEIMAN MARCUS- DAY
Joan tries on a pair of shoes. There are a stack of others

next to her as a SALESMAN slips on an elegant heel. She
looks at them in the mirror from her seat.
Tauna walks through an aisle now. Everything she touches,

she places back in the spot it was, fixing the collars and
hangars.
We see Jim watching her from a few aisles away.
We see Tauna hold a beautiful dress up.
JIM TAYLOR (O.S.)

I like it.
Tauna whips around with the dress she holds up to her chest.
TAUNA
Oh, hey Dad...
JIM TAYLOR
How’s life?
41.
Tauna laughs a bit.
TAUNA
Great dad...how about you?
JIM TAYLOR
I’m good. You’ve scheduled this
week to a tee hun...it’s really
wonderful what you’re doing for
your mother and I.
TAUNA
Oh Dad, you know I love this stuff.
JIM TAYLOR
My little planner.
Beat.

You know, your siblings would
probably be glad to help you...all
you’d have to do is ask...
Beat.
TAUNA
What do you think?
She holds the dress up for her dad one last time.
JIM TAYLOR
It’s a keeper.
“PROBLEMS” MONTAGE: BEGIN.
A) Kevin helps Jonny down the slide at the park. Grace sits
in the shade with Jenny and Joanie. Joey and Mikey hang from
the monkey bars not too far off. All of the kids are
cracking up but Kevin has his head in the clouds.
B) Tim waves at Jack as he walks into the hotel. Jack

continues to walk. Tim looks down at his phone to see: No
Missed Calls. He clicks through it and then puts it back in
his pocket.
C) Tauna checks out at the desk. Joan stands beside her and
Tauna places her credit card down against Joan’s will. Joan
lets it happen and Tauna is satisfied.
D) Jim stands up from a bench in Neiman’s. He sees his wife

and daughter far off. He grimaces and clutches his stomach.
He fights the pain off and puts on a smile for his family.
42.
E) Ben shakes his head as his kids sit with him at a coffee
shop. Sam isn’t phased and is waiting for the lecture to be
over. MC pretends to be interested.
F) Jack walks down the street alone. If he had a hang over

earlier he sure isn’t now because he looks clean cut and put
together. A BUM walks up to him with a cup for change. He
brushes the guy off.
G) Kevin pushes Jenny’s stroller as Grace helps the other

kids with their melting ice cream cones. They walk past a
LOUD SPORTS BAR.
H) Tim gets off the elevator. A YOUNG COUPLE hops in after

him. They kiss and flirt.
I) Tauna checks her watch and picks up the phone, calling to

make a plan, no doubt.
J) Jack’s phone vibrates. He see’s: ALAINA CALLING. He

looks at it and gives a rare smile.
K) Jim and Joan walk hand in hand a few yards behind Tauna.
They are talking about something and Jim is laughing with his
wife.
L) We zoom out to see the whole city of Chicago.
“PROBLEMS” MONTAGE: END.
Alaina sits at her secretary dress with the phone to her ear.
She looks as cute as ever.
ALAINA
Its been quiet here...trust me
Jack.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP- DAY
Jack sits at a coffee shop in Chicago talking to Alaina on

the phone.
JACK
Doubt it...
INTERCUT WITH:
43.
Alaina stands up and walks into Jack’s office putting some

documents on his empty desk.
ALAINA
Take your vacation. You need it.
JACK
I don’t need shit.
Alaina rolls her eyes and sighs.
ALAINA
I know.
JACK
You can, uh-
This is hard for him.
JACK (CONT’D)
You can take off early this week
Lane...without me there-
ALAINA
Jack, I’m fine. Everything falls
apart when I’m not around.
JACK
You know what I say-
ALAINA
You couldn’t live without
me...that’s starting to become a
reality Jack.
We see Jack smile. He is intrigued.
Jim and Joan sit on the couch and chair in their room. The
lights are dim and they enjoy each other’s company.
JIM TAYLOR
So Jack and Melissa?
JOAN TAYLOR
None of our business...
JIM TAYLOR
He’s our son.
44.
JOAN TAYLOR
Not by choice.
JIM TAYLOR
He’s not happy Joan.
JOAN TAYLOR
He seems fine to me...
JIM TAYLOR
He’s not happy...
They fall back into silence.
TAUNA (O.S.)
Alright, here are your tickets!
EXT. WRIGLEY FIELD- DAY
TITLE:
WEDNESDAY
Tauna stands with her back to the giant Chicago Cubs Stadium.
Everyone is dressed in sporty outfits. She holds a stack of
tickets and Ben stands by her side. He stays out of the
hoopla.
TIM TAYLOR
Are we all sitting together?
TAUNA
We’ve got our own row...lead the
way Tim?
She hands him the ticket and he helps her pass them out to
everyone.
INT. WRIGLEY FIELD- DAY
We see the game underway. Everyone is lathered up in

sunscreen and the seats are great. Jim and Joan sit next to
Kevin. The five kids separate him from Grace.
JIM TAYLOR
Look at those eyes...
We see Jenny looking up at her grandpa. She smiles at him.

Kevin is interested in the game.

Hey baby...
45.
He tickles her neck. She reacts and laughs.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Heads up...
We see a BATTER in the distance crack a line drive ball

through the infield. Base hit.

Alright!
Jenny starts to cry when her father yells.

Oh come on...not now.
She only builds up more.

Jenny...Jenny...
Kevin bounces his knee under her. She just continues to sob.

Stop babe...
JIM TAYLOR
Jennifer...
Jenny starts to look at her grandfather.

It’s okay sweet heart. It’s okay.
She starts to slow down her cry.

You’re doing great baby...
Jenny has stopped crying. Kevin is relieved.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Wow...where’d that come from?
Jim looks up from Jenny.
JIM TAYLOR
I’ve got a few tricks up here bud.
Jim tugs at his sleeve.
Beat.
46.

I hope you know how beautiful your
children are son.
We look down the aisle at his crew.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Yeah...
JIM TAYLOR
And don’t ever forget it. Don’t
ever waste one moment, because one
day...
Beat.

They are the best things in your
life Kevin...but you already know
that...
Beat.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Oka-
CRACK. There is another massive hit.

It’s going, going, going, GONE!
Kevin yells, he’s a huge fan. Jenny starts crying again. He

realizes what his father has said.

I’m sorry Jen. I’m sorry.
He pulls her up to his chest and rocks her. Instead of

watching the players run the bases behind him, Kevin stares
into his daughters eyes.

Hey there beautiful...
Jim grabs Joan’s hand and squeezes.
Jack gets back from the game and he is in a pretty good mood.
He smiles as we see him take his hat off.
47.
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE- FLASHBACK- DAY
We flashback to see Melissa lying on a bed. Her shirt is

pulled up and a nurse gives her an ultra sound. Jack sits in
the corner biting his nails. Melissa seems jaded. Now we
see:
MONITOR: The black and white image moves back and forth to
show a little fetus. We can make out the head and neck. We
PUSH IN on the monitor.
FADE OUT.
We see that the monitor has become a flat screen television

in the Pump Room. Tim sits alone at the bar. He fumbles
through his phone. He looks over to see TWO MID-THIRTIES
GIRLS having an afternoon drink.
He smiles, they don’t care.
He looks at his ring finger and rubs it with his thumb:

Nothing’s on it.
Tim takes a drink and sighs sitting back.
We see Jim at the entrance of the room.
TIM TAYLOR
Dad-
He raises his hand. Jim sees him and walks over.
JIM TAYLOR
Hey there.
Jim gives a quick massage to his sons shoulders. Tim pulls

out a bar stool for his father.

(to the bartender)
Ice Tea. Please.

How about that game...
TIM TAYLOR
You know that’s one thing I miss
about the states...
JIM TAYLOR
Baseball?
48.
TIM TAYLOR
Well yeah that too...but just being
with the whole family. Together
out in the sun...just like the old
days.
JIM TAYLOR
I know what you mean.
Jim takes his drink and sips.
TIM TAYLOR
How’s mom doing?
JIM TAYLOR
She’s great. A little fire
cracker...
They laugh.
TIM TAYLOR
It’s unbelievable...fifty years. I
don’t know how you did it. Lucky
though.
Beat.
JIM TAYLOR
It’s not luck. No, no, not at all.
I worked my ass off for that woman.
TIM TAYLOR
Mom?
JIM TAYLOR
Almost lost her a few times
too...would have-
Beat.

Well it would have killed me...
TIM TAYLOR
Come on, Mom would never-
JIM TAYLOR
When I was drinking...
TIM TAYLOR
But you were never bad-
JIM TAYLOR
How’s Kim? Couldn’t make the trip?
49.
Beat. Tim smirks and shakes his head.

It’s a long ride-
TIM TAYLOR
Nah- that’s not it. Kim and I
broke up.
JIM TAYLOR
Oh god. I’m sorry son I didn’t
mean to-
Tim puts his hands up: No Offense Taken.

So what now?
TIM TAYLOR
I guess I hadn’t thought about it
really...
JIM TAYLOR
She’s out there Timmy...
INT. KEVIN AND GRACE’S HOTEL ROOM- DAY
Kevin has all the kids on one bed. He wrestles with them.
They love this. Grace walks into the room. She stops and
watches them laughing and playing. She is so relieved.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Look who it is...
All the kids turn.

Get her!
Joey, Mikey, Joanie and Jonny run towards their mother, arms
flailing in the air. Jenny stands up in her crib laughing at
the scene, bouncing up and down.
GRACE
Here I come.
They collapse into their mother and Kevin stands up brushing

himself off. Kevin and Grace connect eyes and Kevin smiles.
Joanie sees this.
JOANIE
Kiss...kiss...kiss...kiss...
50.
Grace is dumbfounded.
ALL KIDS
Kiss...kiss...kiss...
Kevin looks at her confused: What the hell. He walks up,

picks her up and plants a big one on her lips. The kids go
wild. Jonny acts grossed out. Joey covers his eyes. Joanie
claps and Mikey pretends to fall to the ground.
We see Jenny now. She squeals.
INT. MC AND SAM DONALDSON’S HOTEL ROOM BATHROOM- DAY
Sam stares out the window. The curtain shades are drawn. He
looks down at the city. MC watches the TV.
SAM
This is bull shit.
Beat.
SAM (CONT’D)
I’m an adult.
MC looks up and rolls her eyes.
SAM (CONT’D)
Dad is such a dick...
MC
Did you see us this morning?
SAM
Who gives a fuck?
MC
You didn’t even make it
“completely” into the room...
Beat.
SAM
I’m in college.
MC
Mom took it alright.
SAM
Yeah because she knows we’re just
kids-
51.
MC
She was pissed though...
SAM
Yeah.
MC
She’s just stressed.
SAM
What’s new?
MC
Look at how many people she’s in
charge of.
SAM
She signed up for the job.
He collapses onto the bed.
Alaina walks through the office. She’s finishing up for the

day. The office MAIL PERSON runs up to her with a packet.
ALAINA
What’s this?
MAIL PERSON
Over night...it’s for Mr. Taylor.
ALAINA
He’s out of town.
Beat. The Mail Person doesn’t care.
ALAINA (CONT’D)
Thank you.
She starts to open it as she walks back into his office. She
looks at the paper: Shit!
He lays on the bed unwinding. Melissa is in the rest room

working with her hair. Jack picks up his ringing phone.
JACK
I thought I gave you the rest of
the week off?
52.
Alaina walks to her car with her purse.
ALAINA
We have a problem.
INTERCUT WITH:
Jack sits up.
JACK
Trouble in paradise?
ALAINA
The Price Contracts came in early.
Jack puts his feet on the ground.
JACK
What? Those bastards.
ALAINA
They want to meet with you
tomorrow.
JACK
I’m-
ALAINA
I know. I called their office and
we can set up a meeting with their
Chicago branch.
JACK
We?
ALAINA
I’ve got the contracts.
JACK
Shit.
ALAINA
I’m on my way to the airport now.
JACK
God I love you. What would I do
without-
53.
ALAINA
Well we can’t loose this account.
JACK
Now that’s a woman who cares about
her job. So I’ll see you?
ALAINA
Tomorrow early. I don’t want to
get in the way of your party so
I’ll be in and out. But we need to
go over everything before the
meeting.
JACK
Anything to get me away from these
lunatics.
Melissa looks over at him. Jack makes a cocky grin at his

wife.
JACK (CONT’D)
Fuck off.
ALAINA
What?
JACK
Not you.
ALAINA
I’ll see you tomorrow Jack.
INT. THE SEARS TOWER- DAY
TITLE:
THURSDAY
The entire family, minus Jack and Melissa, stand in the lobby
of the Sears tower. Once again Tauna is running the show.
She clicks her heels over to a security guard.
TIM TAYLOR
Ever heard of this place guys?
Tim looks down on all of Grace and Kevin’s kids.
JOANIE
It’s the tallest building in
America.
54.
TIM TAYLOR
But not-
MIKEY
Not in the world.
GRACE
Here we go...
TIM TAYLOR
The tallest building in the world
is in Dubai.
MIKEY
Duh...
JOANIE
Yeah duh...
The whole crew crowds into the elevator. Jim puts his arms
around Joan’s waist.
JIM TAYLOR
We did a great job...
JOAN TAYLOR
With what?
Jim lifts a hand and motions toward each of the families.
JIM TAYLOR
With it all-
JOAN TAYLOR
Jim Taylor. Are you going all
sappy on me?
JIM TAYLOR
Your a good Mom Joan, a damn good
mom. And I was a good Dad.
JOAN TAYLOR
You still are a good dad. And you
always will be.
Joan turns around in his arms. He smiles into her face and
plants a kiss on her forehead.
55.
INT. PRICE BANK BUILDING- DAY
Jack stands outside as a cab pulls up letting Alaina out.
ALAINA
Are you ready?
Jack sees how beautiful she is for the first time.
JACK
Please.
ALAINA
You’re lucky you have me.
She walks by him.
JACK
I know.
FADE IN:
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE- FLASHBACK- DAY
We flash back to see Jack and Melissa walking around a store.

It is clear that Melissa has popped out a bit. We can see a
bulge coming from her shirt.
Jack picks up a baby New York Yankees Jersey. He holds it in

his hand and smiles for Melissa. She fakes a smile and keeps
walking. Jack basks in the thought of his kid wearing the
jersey.
FADE OUT.
We are now at the top of the sears tower. We look down over
Lake Michigan and the entire city. Grace and Kevin’s kids
have their faces plastered to the window in awe.
Grace and Kevin stand close behind chatting.
Jack and Alaina sit in a conference room with some other

BUSINESS MEN. Jack is stuck on a comment for something.
Alaina hands the MAN a piece of paper. Jack turns: Thank
you.
56.
Jim and Joan walk hand in hand outside. Joan rubs her locket
with her fingers. Jim just takes in the sunlight and wind.
The business men stand up. Jack and Alaina follow suit.
They all shake hands and chat. The deal is sealed.
Tim talks to a random PRETTY GIRL near the gift shop. She is
in her late thirties. She laughs at his joke and puts her
hand on his arm.
EXT. PRICE BANK BUILDING- DAY
Jack picks up Alaina outside the building. She is smiling

from ear to ear. Along with being his assistant it is clear
that Alaina has always loved Jack. They notice that it is a
bit of an awkward hug and he sets her down. They step away
from each other and brush themselves off.
MC, Sam, Ben, and Tauna look over the balcony together.
MC
So what’s the rest of the week?
TAUNA
Well...
SAM
She loves this.
Tauna brushes this off. Ben bumps him to be quiet.
TAUNA
Tomorrow afternoon are the wedding
vows.
SAM
What?
MC
Grandma and Grandpa are renewing
their vows.
57.
SAM
Why?
TAUNA
Catholic tradition...
SAM
Wait, at a church?
MC
No. They’re doing it in an alley.
Beat.
MC (CONT’D)
Dumbass.
TAUNA
At Saint Mary’s. It’s where they
were married. The mass won’t be
too long.
SAM
The mass?
BEN
Give it up.
SAM
Damnit.
TAUNA
And then after church we have
dinner in the Pump Room. It’ll be
a wonderful night.
BEN
It sure will.
Ben hugs his wife. Sam acts put out. MC laughs at her
brother’s reaction.
INT. CAB- DAY
Jack rides in a cab with Alaina. The cab pulls up to THE

DRAKE.
ALAINA
This is me...
JACK
Who’s paying for this?
58.
ALAINA
You.
JACK
Yeah, yeah.
ALAINA
My suite is gorgeous.
JACK
Watch it.
Alaina giggles and opens the door. She closes it and talks
to Jack through the open window.
ALAINA
Try to enjoy yourself tomorrow.
It’s a big day for your parents.
Jack rolls his eyes.
JACK
Thank you.
Alaina smirks.
JACK (CONT’D)
For everything Alaina.
This is sincere.
ALAINA
Anytime.
JACK
See ya kid.
The cab pulls away.
Tauna walks through the Pump Room Restaurant with a HOTEL

MANAGER.
TAUNA
So we’ll be having steak or
chicken.
HOTEL MANAGER
No ma’am.
Tauna drags her finger on the table cloth at the long private
table that they will eat at.
59.
TAUNA
I’m sorry, what?
HOTEL MANAGER
We have you down for fish and pork
chops- chicken fingers for the
kids.
TAUNA
No, that’s all wrong. That’s all
wrong.
HOTEL MANAGER
I’ve got the sheet right here.
She grabs it out of his hand.
TAUNA
No. No, this is not what I
ordered.
HOTEL MANAGER
Well it’s too late now Mrs.
Donaldson.
TAUNA
Too late?
HOTEL MANAGER
We’ve prepared for this menu.
He points at the paper in her hand.
EXT. THE SEARS TOWER- NIGHT
Tim waits outside the front of the Sears Tower by himself.

He looks at the PEOPLE walking out of the building and now we
see:
KERRY, the guide from inside that he had been flirting with.
She just got off work.
KERRY
Hey...
TIM TAYLOR
Hi there.
KERRY
Sorry I’m late, we were swamped.
TIM TAYLOR
You’re right on time...
60.
Tim holds his arm out and smiles. Kerry smiles and slides
hers into his. He politely leans in and they kiss on each
other’s cheeks.
Kevin and Grace’s kids are running around in their

grandparent’s room. Grace sits with Joan on the bed. Kevin
and Jim sit on the couch and chair in the living area.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Watch your head...
He reaches out and sticks his hand underneath Jonny’s head as

it comes dangerously close to a corner.
JIM TAYLOR
Isn’t this paradise?
KEVIN TAYLOR
You know...
Beat.
JOANIE
Hey Daddy!
She runs by and smiles laughing.
KEVIN TAYLOR
...yeah, it doesn’t get much
better.
Beat.
JIM TAYLOR
You’re a lucky man Kevin. I’m
proud of you...
KEVIN TAYLOR
Thanks dad. Learned everything I
know from you.
Jim laughs.
JIM TAYLOR
Hardly.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hey, I never said that was a good
thing.
They both laugh.

61.
JONNY
Grampa!
Jonny jumps up onto Jim’s lap. He nearly knocks him back.
JIM TAYLOR
Oh, there’s my boy.
Jonny hugs Jim hard.
JONNY
I love you Grampa Taylor...
Beat.
JIM TAYLOR
I love you too...
Jim looks around at them all and then to his wife on the bed.
She winks at him. Paradise.
Tauna paces the room. Ben sits on the bed. Sam and MC are
close by.
TAUNA
This is outrageous.
MC
Mom, it’s really not that big of a-
TAUNA
Not a big deal?
SAM
No, it’ll be fine.
TAUNA
Not a big deal?
BEN
Hun you’ve done a great job putting
this thing together...
TAUNA
On what planet does Steak and
Chicken translate to Fish and Pork
chops?
Beat. She sighs and grabs her forehead.

62.
SAM
I guess this would be a bad time to
tell you the church called this
afternoon.
TAUNA
What?
SAM
The church.
Ben looks at his son.
BEN
About what? When?
SAM
When you guys were
downstairs...they had to cancel on
us, some mass thing-
Tauna stares at her son.
MC
It’s okay Mom...we can just go to
another church.
SAM
Yeah, there are like five on this
block alone.
MC
And no one will really care. I
mean a church is a church-
BEN
Kids, lets give your mother some
time to think in here.
Tauna just stands there with a blank stare. Ben walks over
to her and kisses her cheek.
BEN (CONT’D)
You’re doing a great job here hun.
Cool down, and we’ll look into some
other venues.
Ben, Sam and MC walk out of the room.
INT. JACK’S HOTEL ROOM- NIGHT
Jack, excited still from his deal, unlocks the door to his
bedroom.
63.
Inside we see Melissa making out with a HOTEL WORKER.
He walks in, startled at first but then doesn’t care.
Melissa pulls back, the hotel worker is nervous.
JACK
Get a room.
MELISSA
We’ve got one, thanks.
Jack walks to the bathroom. The hotel worker is so confused:

Isn’t that your husband?
JACK (O.S.)
Real sneaky this time...bitch.
Melissa starts to walk to the door with the hotel worker.
MELISSA
Fuck you Jack.
Jack walks out of the bathroom.
JACK
Me? It looks like that’s his
gig...
MELISSA
You are such a dick.
She walks out to slam the door.
JACK
Fuck you very much...
He plops down on the bed and smirks shaking his head.
FADE IN:
INT. JACK AND MELISSA’S APARTMENT- FLASHBACK- NIGHT
We see Jack and Melissa walking around their apartment

screaming. Melissa still has the baby in her stomach. It’s
getting bigger. She’s bright red in the face.
Jack screams at her. We don’t know what they say but she
points at her belly. He says something that pushes a button.
She launches a fruit plate at him. It smashes on the wall
behind and the fruit goes everywhere.
FADE OUT.
64.
INT. LAKESHORE PIER- NIGHT
Tim walks Kerry down the pier. We can see the moonlight over
the water next to them.
KERRY
So tell me about London...
TIM TAYLOR
London...wow. What do you want to
know?
KERRY
Everything.
TIM TAYLOR
Well it’s, it’s pretty damn cool.
Kerry laughs. She is all about Tim.

London’s elegant- you know?
KERRY
Nope, I don’t.
She smirks.
TIM TAYLOR
Well maybe you should come find out
for yourself rather than taking my
word for it.
KERRY
Maybe I will.
Beat.
TIM TAYLOR
Hey, listen- So I’ve got this
party tomorrow night. Well, it’s
not really a party, it’s more of a
reunion, but I-
KERRY
I’d love too.
They act like two high school kids in puppy love. She
reaches up and kisses his cheek flirtatiously. He smiles:
That was easy.
65.
Tauna grabs a pillow, buries her face, and lets out a loud
scream, muffled of course. She pulls it back and looks
flustered. She throws it against the wall. She just stares
at her mess on the ground.
Tauna walks over to the pillow, picks it up and puts it back

in its designated spot on the perfectly made bed. She pulls
the comforter tight to release a crinkle.
Beat.
Now Tauna freaks. She rips the comforter off the bed
slamming it against the wall. She takes the pillows and
throws them towards the mirror. She rips the sheets off the
bed and launches them at the dresser. She picks up the
papers from the Pump Room and rips them up, throwing them in
the air and letting them all flicker down.
She sits down. Her eyes are tired and they start to let down
tears. She screams. This time without the pillow on her
face. She falls back onto the bed and relaxes at last.
We hear the end of a faint scream through the wall. Kevin

and Grace hear nothing. They are too busy making out under
the covers. They roll around in passion.
KEVIN TAYLOR
I love you Grace Taylor.
Beat.
GRACE
Shut up and get over here.
Grace grabs him and they pull the cover over their bodies.
They have finally rekindled the spark in their relationship.
Jim sits on the edge of the bed. Joan is propped up on a

pillow, reading under the covers.
JIM TAYLOR
I can’t believe this week flew by
so fast.
66.
JOAN TAYLOR
Don’t get ahead of yourself Jimmy.
Tomorrow’s a big, big day.
JIM TAYLOR
It sure is.
Jim stares blankly at the wall.
JOAN TAYLOR
It’ll be wonderful. Just like
fifty years ago.
JIM TAYLOR
But better.
Jim walks to the balcony and slides the door open. He steps
out and then back in.

My god. Look at this view.
Joan leans over but can’t see.
JOAN TAYLOR
How’s the moon?
JIM TAYLOR
See for yourself...
Joan gets out of bed as Jim walks back inside. She has a
look of excitement.
She walks out to the balcony and we see her stare up at it.
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh my God Jim. It’s beautiful. It
reminds me of the night you-
Joan turns around to see Jim on one knee holding a velvet box
in his hand. Joan is dumbfounded.
JIM TAYLOR
Joan Taylor.
Beat. Jim takes her hands in one of his.

Will you marry me?
Beat.
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh, Jim.
67.
JIM TAYLOR
Again.
Beat. Joan takes the box from his hand and opens revealing:
A MASSIVE DIAMOND RING. Joan gasps.

Well ya can’t just leave a guy
hangin...
She wraps her arms around his neck as he stands up.
JOAN TAYLOR
I do. I do. I do. I do. I do.
They twirl around. They kiss. Joan cries. Jim has never
been so happy in his entire life. We see Joan look at her
hand. The ring glistens in the light.
TITLE:
FRIDAY
We see a wedding band turning back and forth in a hand. Jack

sits in the lobby of the hotel and we see that he has taken
off his ring and contemplates.
He has a dazed look on his face. MC and Sam come off the
elevator.
SAM
Hey Uncle Jack...
JACK
Yo.
MC
Long night?
Jack looks out of it.
JACK
No, pretty low key. Has your dad
eased up on you guys at all?
SAM
Right...that’ll happen
JACK
Sorry guys.
68.
MC
Are you kidding, so worth it.
JACK
Yeah, we had some fun. Where are
you off too?
MC
To find a church.
JACK
Fall out of faith? Come on guys,
you’re going to have bigger party
nights in your lives...no need to
run to confession.
Laughs.
SAM
Saint Mary’s cancelled on us. Mom
sort of freaked.
JACK
Who Tauna?
MC
Yeah, and now we have to find a new
one because the vows ceremony is
tonight.
JACK
Talk about dedication. Hell, can’t
they have it in the hotel?
SAM
That’s what I said.
MC
Absolutely not. But we’re already
late so-
JACK
Godspeed...
Sam laughs as MC drags him out the door.
Tauna looks at herself in the mirror in her bedroom. She

smiles, she’s free.
69.
TAUNA
I finally decided...whatever
happens, happens.
Ben walks out of the shower with a towel.
BEN
It’ll work out Tauna. I promise.
TAUNA
And if it doesn’t-
BEN
It will.
TAUNA
Okay, well I just wanted to make it
the perfect week for mom and dad.
Ben walks behind her and kisses her ear.
BEN
You already did.
Tauna ruffles her bangs. She looks far more relaxed as she
lets her hair down for once.
INT. THE BEACH ON LAKE MICHIGAN- DAY
Kevin, Tim, and Grace are at the beach with Joey, Mikey,
Joanie, Jonny and Jenny. The kids are splashing on the
shore.
TIM TAYLOR
I like this girl...I really like
this one.
GRACE
Well good for you Tim.
Kevin laughs.
KEVIN TAYLOR
I don’t mean to be a downer but-
TIM TAYLOR
I know my track record and you
know, for once in my life I’m not
going to let it hang over my head.
KEVIN TAYLOR
You really are liberated.
70.
TIM TAYLOR
I just can’t believe it took me so
long to notice.
Grace smiles and wipes sand off of Joey’s face.
JOEY
I’m fine, Mom- Mom- Ugh, Stop!
GRACE
Almost got it.
Joey runs back with the other kids.
KEVIN TAYLOR
So is she coming tonight?
TIM TAYLOR
Picking her up at 7:30. I thought
I’d save her the catholic service.
GRACE
That’s tonight. Wow, this week
flew by.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Hell, I just hope Tauna knows she’s
coming...
TIM TAYLOR
Called her this morning. She
actually didn’t seem like she cared
at all.
GRACE
Tauna?
TIM TAYLOR
I know right?
KEVIN TAYLOR
Impossible.
The kids run over, splashing sand on the adults.
Jack stands outside the hotel on the phone.
JACK
No way...
71.
Alaina slouches on an airport chair. The message board at

her gate just has a big sign:
DELAYED.
ALAINA
They said for two more hours.
INTERCUT WITH:
Jack stammers.
JACK
God, I’m sorry Lane. I can’t live
without you...
ALAINA
It’s not your fault...
JACK
You’re gonna let me off that easy?
ALAINA
Well I’m sure a promotion is in my
near future.
Alaina smiles shyly.
JACK
After this week, you can have my
fuckin’ job.
ALAINA
Go back to your family. I’ll
survive here.
JACK
Are you sure?
ALAINA
Go Jack...
INT. ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL- DAY
MC and Sam walk through the center aisle of the massive

cathedral. People everywhere are flashing pictures in the
beautiful building.
72.
SAM
Remember the plan?
MC
This isn’t gonna work...
SAM
Follow my lead.
Sam and MC approach FATHER MEYER. We see them shake hands.
Joan grabs her purse and heads towards the door.
JOAN TAYLOR
I’m late for the nail
appointment...are you sure you will
be alright here for a while?
JIM TAYLOR
Never better babe.
JOAN TAYLOR
I love you.
JIM TAYLOR
I love you too. Go get pretty
sweet heart.
Joan smiles and walks out the door. Jack stands in the
doorway.
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh hey Jacky. How are you?
JACK
Good mom.
JOAN TAYLOR
Gotta run...
Joan kisses Jack on the cheek and skips out.
JACK
Hey dad.
Jim looks up from tying a shoe.
JIM TAYLOR
Hey there son.
Jack pauses and then walks in.

73.

I feel like I’ve hardly seen ya
this week...how’s my boy?
Jack sits down with a plain face.
JACK
I’m messed up dad...
Jim looks up concerned.
Kevin and Tim walk into the hotel. Grace isn’t far ahead.
Tim carries Jonny and Kevin carries Joanie.
JOANIE
I’m tired.
Joanie gives a big yawn.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Almost home baby...
JOANIE
Okay daddy...
She rests her head on his shoulder.
JONNY
I’m hungwy.
His ‘R’s’ are about as good as his sisters.
TIM TAYLOR
We have a big dinner tonight. And
you have to save room for the meal
bud-
JONNY
I have rwoom.
KEVIN TAYLOR
We’ll get you a snack dude...come
on give Uncle Tim a break.
Tim lets Jonny down to walk.

You ready for this date?
74.
TIM TAYLOR
Kev, she’s gonna meet the Taylor’s
tonight...she’s the one you should
be asking.
KEVIN TAYLOR
It’ll be fine.
TIM TAYLOR
I’m gonna get some drinks...take
the edge off.
JONNY
Save some rwoom Uncle Tim. Save
some rwoom...
Jack sits on the bed by his dad. There is a silence that has
been going on for a while.
JACK
I mean I’m really screwed up here.
JIM TAYLOR
You and me both buddy.
Jack looks up.
JACK
What? Your life is perfect. Look
around.
JIM TAYLOR
Things aren’t always what they seem
Jack.
JACK
Is it mom?
JIM TAYLOR
No, no your mother and I have never
been better.
JACK
Off the waggon?
JIM TAYLOR
Cross my heart.
Jim puts up the boy scout signal.

75.

Forget about me...what’s up?
Beat. Jack wants to tell his story.
JACK
Melissa left.
Jim opens his mouth: Nothing.
JACK (CONT’D)
Caught her in the room with another
guy last night.
JIM TAYLOR
God, I’m sorry Jack...she was never
much of a-
JACK
Good person? Yeah she was. The
Melissa I married was an angel.
JIM TAYLOR
That’s not what I meant-
JACK
Not anymore though. No my wife, if
that’s what you want to call it is
not who she used to be...and I
honestly don’t understand how
things got so fucked up.
He looks up.
JACK (CONT’D)
Sorry.
Jim smiles: It’s okay.
JACK (CONT’D)
I guess it started last summer...
We see Jack start to tell the story about his wife getting
pregnant.
INT. BEAUTY SALON- DAY
Tauna and Joan sit side by side at a beauty salon. They are
receiving pedicures by two BEAUTICIANS.
BEAUTICIAN #1
What color?
76.
TAUNA
Whatever you think...I don’t really
care.
Joan looks over at her daughter surprised.
BEAUTICIAN #2
You too?
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh heavens no...I’ll have the pearl
red.
Tauna leans back in her chair and closes her eyes.

So how are the kids? Ben? You all
just seem wonderful.
TAUNA
They’re great. MC and Sam are a
bit jaded but you know how it is.
JOAN TAYLOR
I sure do. I think I can recall a
young woman that looked a lot like
Mary Cathryn who had some problems
with her parents from time to time.
TAUNA
I was perfect.
Beat.
JOAN TAYLOR
I can honestly say...yes you were.
In every way.
TAUNA
Except for this week.
JOAN TAYLOR
Honey. This has been the most
wonderfully planned and executed
week-
TAUNA
Just wait for today...
JOAN TAYLOR
What?
TAUNA
I dropped the ball mom.
77.
JOAN TAYLOR
How could that be true? I’m sure
it’s fabulous.
Tauna begins to tell her story to her mother. Joan just

smiles when she hears the beginning.
Jim has his hand on his sons back.
JACK
I couldn’t change her mind...and
god did we argue.
FLASH IN:
INT. JACK AND MELISSA’S APARTMENT- FLASHBACK- NIGHT
We flashback to see Jack come home from work in a suit, tie

undone. He’s home alone.
JACK (V.O.)
I couldn’t believe that she didn’t
want it. We had been trying for so
hard, for so long.
The door knob turns to their house.
JACK (V.O.) (CONT’D)

We had clothes, toys, a nursery.
God I was already making plans to
coach T-ball.
We see the door open. Jack looks up to see:
MELLISSA IN THE DOORWAY: She stands there, completely

emotionless. Something’s different. Her stomach is
completely flat. She went through with an abortion.
JACK (CONT’D)
And then one day...It was all gone.
FADE OUT:
Jim sits with tears in his eyes. Jack wipes his.
JACK
I was so stupid.
78.
JIM TAYLOR
No-
JACK
I knew she had her reservations but
I never thought she would go
through with it.
JIM TAYLOR
It’s not your fault.
JACK
It is though, it is...
JIM TAYLOR
Don’t put that on yourself Jack.
It was her issue. She’s gone now.
You’ll move on.
Jack stands up.
JACK
I just can’t believe I was so
naive. So blind, I could have
stopped her-
JIM TAYLOR
Jack, she made up her mind from the
moment that baby- before
conception.
Jack shakes his head. He wipes his eyes one last time: All
clear.
JACK
I’m done talking about it. I’m
sorry I just had to tell someone.
JIM TAYLOR
Well I’m glad you came to me. I
wish we had been able to have more
of these talks.
JACK
I’m sorry I’ve been so distant but
that just- well you know.
JIM TAYLOR
Don’t apologize.
JACK
But we can now. I promise I’ll be
present. I like a new girl. I
actually think I love her.
(MORE)
79.
JACK (CONT'D)
When I caught Melissa last night
all I could think about was Alaina.
JIM TAYLOR
Alaina?
JACK
My assistant. She’s everything I
could ever ask for.
JIM TAYLOR
Pretty?
Jack laughs with his dad.
JACK
Dad, please...gorgeous. But enough
with me...what’s going on in your
life?
JIM TAYLOR
Nothing bud. I’m A-O-K.
JACK
Right...and I can’t read you like
the back of my hand.
Jack sits back down and puts his arm around his dad.
JACK (CONT’D)
What’s up?
Jim starts to cry.
JACK (CONT’D)
Dad?
INT. BEAUTY SALON- DAY
Tauna is now getting her finger nails done with her mother.
JOAN TAYLOR
It will be fine.
TAUNA
I had it all set-
JOAN TAYLOR
Hun, your father and I could renew
these things-
She holds up her ring.

80.

In an alley.
Tauna gasps.
TAUNA
Joan Taylor. Where did you get
that rock?
JOAN TAYLOR
Oh, it’s nothing.
Tauna grabs her mother’s hand. The beautician is annoyed.
TAUNA
Holy-
JOAN TAYLOR
Your father proposed to me all over
again last night-
TAUNA
How romantic.
JOAN TAYLOR
You know your dad.
TAUNA
I thought I did. Mom, this is-
JOAN TAYLOR
Hunny, it’s not about the things.
Beat.

Although I’ll hold onto this thing.
It’s about the memories. Don’t get
so caught up trying to have a
perfect life or you will look
around yourself one day, have
perfect things, a perfect house,
and a perfect appearance but trust
me, something will be missing.
Beat.

When you get to be my age you
realize the things that really
matter in life and I promise you
this isn’t it (the ring). I see
your father every morning and
remember how lucky I am.
(MORE)
81.

Looking at you kids? You’re the
most amazing pieces of my
life...This doesn’t represent who I
am...you do, and your
brothers...and your children.
Hunny, I’m a Grandmother. I have
achieved perfection...I already
know it. I have won the game. I
know who I am, what I stand for and
see my success in life.
Beat.

And if you realize that, then
decades from now, when you have
grand children of your own,
celebrating your big anniversary...
baby, you’ll see that you’ve made
it...and it will be perfect.
Joan grabs her daughter’s hand.

I promise you, it will be perfect.
Jack is sobbing.
JACK
Dad, no...no...that doctor doesn’t
know what he’s talking about.
JIM TAYLOR
He’s a good man Jack-
JACK
No, I’ll fly you out to New York.
I’ll stop at nothing. You’ll fight
this.
Jim grabs his dad’s hand.
JACK (CONT’D)
We’ll fight this.
Beat. Jim knows it’s no use to argue.
JIM TAYLOR
Okay son.
82.
JACK
Trust me dad. There are options.
Jim smiles and Jack has straightened himself up. He’s not
crying anymore. He’s triumphant.
JIM TAYLOR
Okay buddy. We’ll figure it out-
JACK
Now dad. Let’s do it now.
Jim grabs his pancreas side of his body.
JIM TAYLOR
This thing isn’t going anywhere
tonight. Now we’ve got some work
to do. Where the hell is Alaina?
JACK
Alaina?
Beat. Jim is excited and stands waiting for an answer.
JACK (CONT’D)
Well she’s at the airport.
JACK (CONT’D)
What time’s her flight?
Tauna and Joan walk arm and arm up to the front door of the
hotel. Behind them:
TIM’S RENTAL CAR: screeches to a halt on the street.
TAUNA
Tim?
He hops out, leaving the keys in the ignition.
JOAN TAYLOR
What are-
Jack busts through the front door of the hotel. Jim follows
steps behind.

Jim?
JIM TAYLOR
Gotta go honey...
83.
Jim gives a fly by kiss. Jack runs to the driver’s side.

I’m driving.
JACK
Dad-
JIM TAYLOR
I’m driving.
Jack hops through to the passenger seat. Jim steps into the
car.
EXT. HIGHWAY- DAY
We see the highway stretch. Jim’s driving is sporadic. He

disproves the stereotype for elderly drivers as he weaves in
and out of the traffic.
Alaina slouches in her chair. Everyone around her is getting

restless. A FLIGHT ATTENDANT picks up the microphone.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Alaina rips out her ear bud.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT (CONT’D)

We apologize for the delay but wish
to thank you for your patience.
Soon we will begin boarding flight
54454 to JFK. If you-
EXT. O’HAIRE AIRPORT, CHICABV GO, IL- DAY
Jim pulls up to the drop-off area at the air port.
Jack whips the door open. Jim grabs his son’s arm
JIM TAYLOR
Jack-
Jack turns around.
JACK
Thanks dad.
84.
JIM TAYLOR
No, Jack-
JACK
Yeah...
JIM TAYLOR
Our conversation today? In the
hotel room. Let’s keep that
between me and you?
Beat. Jack isn’t so sure about this.

Just until after tonight.
JACK
Dad-
JIM TAYLOR
For your mother?
JACK
Alright, yeah, okay dad-
Jack gets out of the car.
JIM TAYLOR
Jack-
Jack looks at his father.

Don’t come back without her.
Jack smiles.
Jack hops in place at the ticket counter line. He is next up

to the desk.
Alaina stands up and stretches. We see the flight attendant

get back on the loudspeaker.
Jack runs up to the RECEPTIONIST at the ticket booth.

85.
She is taken back by his excitement. She asks him something.

He sticks his hands up: I’ll take a flight anywhere.
We see him drop:
A CREDIT CARD AND LICENSE on the counter. She smiles, types

and grabs them.
Jack rips his shoes off in the security. He has no bags. He

has nothing but himself.
Alaina waits in a line to the plane now. She is about ten

people back. She looks back towards the terminal.
Jack stares up at the gate lists as he walks down the hall:

There it is. He takes off in the other direction. All we
see is his ticket fall to the ground behind him. It reads:
ONE WAY TO CANCUN
Alaina is close to the front now. She smiles as an old woman

slowly drops her ticket and the flight attendant picks it up
for her.
She’s next in line now. She pauses and looks at the flight
attendant.
Beat.
Alaina slowly turns to see:
JACK. He stands about ten yards away panting. Hands on his

knees. Alaina faces him now. She doesn’t know what to say.
Jack catches his breath and stands up straight smiling from

ear to ear.
They stare at each other.
ALAINA
Jack?
86.
Beat.
JACK
I can’t live without you.
Alaina drops her ticket out of her hand. It flutters to the

ground. Jack takes a step toward her. Alaina is stunned.
Jack walks a bit more. Alaina finishes the distance and:
JUMPS into his arms. She wraps her legs around his waist and
they connect in a kiss for the ages. Jack holds the kiss and
then spins her around. They continue. People are watching
now. Alaina pulls back. She’s ecstatic. Jack grabs her
head and plants another passionate kiss into her.
Jack holds Alaina in the same way from the air port. Jack
throws her carry on bag to the other side of the room. They
are making out intensely. He slams her against the door. It
slams shut. Alaina starts to tear his shirt off. He’s
working his best at getting hers off.
They move to the dresser. Their lips never unlock. Alaina’s

walking now with him. They hit the dresser and Jack’s
belongings drop to the floor. She unbuttons his pants. She
grabs at her thighs.
He picks her up again and brings her to the edge of the bed.
She pulls him down on top of her and they go in for the
hardest kiss yet.
Kevin, Grace, the kids, Tim, Ben, Tauna, Sam and MC stand in
the lobby of the hotel. They are dressed in suits and
dresses. Everyone looks wonderful.
JIM TAYLOR (O.S.)

Shall we?
Everyone turns to see:
JIM. He is arm in arm with Joan. Jim wears a blazer without

a tie and Joan wears an elegant suit. Jack and Alaina walk
behind them. No one asks a question. They all look good.
All smiles.
SAM
The cabs are ready for us...
87.
MC
Right this way-
Everyone follows them. Tauna bites her fingernail. Kevin

kisses Grace on the cheek and Tim texts on his cell phone.
EXT. ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL- DAY
The line of cabs pull up to Saint Mary’s. This is the same

place that denied Tauna yesterday. It is all but to notice
the white in Tauna’s eyes.
Everyone steps out of their cabs and walks up the stairs.
The families fall into line in the pews. The organs play
loud music. Father Meyer approaches the family.
TAUNA
How did-
FATHER MEYER
Brother Sam!
Sam embraces Father Meyer. Tauna is stunned. Ben chuckles.

MC basks in the glory.
SAM
Father, how are you. And you
remember sister Mary Cathryn?
Kevin and Grace smirk and help their children sit.
MC bows gracefully.
MC
Father.
FATHER MEYER
And I presume this is-
TAUNA
Tauna Donaldson, and my husband Ben
Donaldson. What did they-
SAM
Mother, Mary Cathryn and I were
fortunate enough to run into Father
Meyer on our expedition today.
88.
MC
We explained to him our study in
the convent.
SAM
And our never ending search for
Christ.
FATHER MEYER
And I’ve learned that you two
gentle souls have supported your
children by guiding them into the
life of servitude.
TAUNA
I uh-
BEN
Thank you father. It has always
been our wish to serve the lord.
FATHER MEYER
Now then. I understand we have
some vows that need renewing.
Brother Sam, Sister Mary Cathryn,
right this way.
Tauna sits down confused but extremely satisfied.
The music plays as the priest speaks at the alter, bible in

hand. Jim and Joan have their back to us and the family
watches attentively.
On either side of the priest stands Sam and MC, dressed in

the proper gowns and veils for the service. Sam winks at his
mom.
We see:
Tauna. She is crying. Ben rubs her shoulders with his arm
around her. MC glistens.
We see Joan and Jim stare at each other on the alter. We see
them reciting their vows. The priest speaks.
Jim stares hard into his wife’s eyes. This is a big moment
for both of them. Behind them, sits their family. There
isn’t a dry eye in the cathedral.
89.
We see Jim and Joan kiss. Everyone claps and stands. They
step off the alter to hugs and kisses from their family.
Jack walks up to his father and grabs him. They embrace
hard. Jim’s crying.
In the Pump room we see the history of the place. The walls
are lined with pictures of celebrities and the mobsters who
used to run the place. The family is spread around the
table. They each have individual conversations. The massive
table is set beautifully. The waiters stand attentively.
Tim walks hand in hand with Kerry.
TIM TAYLOR
You’ll do great. It’s them I’m
worried about.
Tim is legitimately nervous but smiles anyway.
KERRY
I’ll love them.
TIM TAYLOR
No they’ll love you. Trust me.
Kerry smiles and grabs Tim’s face. She kisses his lips hard.
Tim is stunned. She pulls back.
KERRY
Let’s do it.
They venture into the crowd around the dinner table and begin
to mingle.
Sam and MC stand with Ben and Tauna.
TAUNA
I still can’t believe.
SAM
Sometimes, in these situations I
just choose to say a prayer-
90.
Tauna playfully hits her son on the chest.
TAUNA
Alright, alright. Enough of that.
And MC. Who knew you had it in ya?
MC
Mother. I prefer to be called Mary
Cathryn. It is my birth name and I
am not ashamed of it.
Tauna cries from joy.
TAUNA
Thank you. Thank you both so much.
I couldn’t be more proud of you.
Ben comes up behind Tauna and puts his arm around her.
MC
So bars tonight?
BEN
Not that proud.
Sam and MC roll their eyes and their father hugs them
laughing.
Kevin and Grace stand with Jack and Alaina. Alaina holds
Joanie in her arms.
JOANIE
Mommy...mommy, she’s prwetty.
Alaina blushes.
GRACE
She sure is hunny.
JONNY
Momma, were you ever that prwetty?
They all laugh.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Are you kidding? Look at this
face.
Kevin kisses her. Jack touches Alaina.

91.
MIKEY
Kiss...kiss...kiss...
Alaina looks at Jack.
JACK
Oh come-
ALL KIDS
Kiss...kiss...kiss
Jack looks at Kevin: You’ll lose this fight.
ALAINA
Come on, is it that bad?
Alaina leans in for a kiss. Jack returns it. Just like last
time. Mikey falls to the floor rolling around in fake pain.
Joey closes his eyes and shoves his head into his dad’s coat.
Joanie claps within inches of their faces. Jonny falls to
his knees and then slams to the ground yelling. Jenny laughs
in her mother’s arms.
Everyone sits now, talking as they eat salads. The church

was fooled but the Pump Room will not be. Tauna laughs with
her husband and the waiters bring out the pork chops and fish
to each designated member of the table.
Jim chews a piece of fish.
JIM TAYLOR
Tauna.
Tauna looks up.

The fish is wonderful...
TAUNA
Thanks dad.
TIM TAYLOR
Personally, I-
Kerry hits him in the ribs with her elbow. Tauna laughs.

Nice job sis.
92.
Joan sees Kerry now.
JOAN TAYLOR
Well hello darling.
KERRY
High Mrs. Taylor, I’m Kerry
MacDonald, a friend of Tim’s.
Joan is elated.
JOAN TAYLOR
Do you like the fish hun?
Kerry looks at her food confused.
KERRY
Yeah, I love it.
Tim rolls his eyes at his mother.
JOAN TAYLOR
You fit right in beautifully Kerry.
Just promise me you don’t run off
to London with my Timmy.
Kerry is confused. Beat.

Keep him here, close to you.
TIM TAYLOR
And closer to you...
They laugh. Kerry is relieved.
Jim looks at Tim: She’s a keeper.
Everyone talks again. Kerry fits in. She talks with Grace
and Tauna. They love her. Alaina is the same way but the
kids are taking up most of her time. She will be a great
mother.
Glasses start to clink: Time for a speech. We see that Joan

stands up at the end of the table next to her husband.
JOAN TAYLOR
I wanted to-
93.
The group quiets down.

I wanted to say a few things to you
all.
Beat.

First of all, thank you everyone
for coming. We have Tim in from
London.
Everyone claps. Tim fakes a bow.

Jack in from New York and Kevin all
the way over from Deerfield,
Illinois.
Everyone laughs.

Whose ride felt the longest without
a doubt.
We look over to see all of his kids. Kevin smiles at his

mom.

But without one person...without
one person this trip could have
never happened. My beautiful
daughter, Tauna, has brought us all
here today.
Everyone uproars in an applause.

She’s a gift to our family. Tauna
we are thankful for your presence.
Everyone looks at her and smiles.
Beat.

To have you all here...on a day
like today...on a week...on a very
special week.
Joan cries a bit now but she’s holding it together.

94.

To celebrate our anniversary.
Joan rests her hand on Jim’s shoulder.

It is enough to make a
Grandmother’s heart sing.
Silence.

I’ve never been more proud in my
entire life as I was today, looking
back from that alter...thank you
all-
Beat.

So very much for being with us here
tonight and celebrating our lives.
I love you all very much...thank
you.
Everyone cheers their glasses and claps. Joan sits down.

She has composed herself and rests her head on Jim’s
shoulder. He smiles proudly.
The glasses clink again. We see that Tim is standing now.
TIM TAYLOR
Thank you, thank you...
Silence.

I don’t know how I’m going to
follow that act but-I’m going to
try.
Murmurs.

Mom and Dad...
Tim holds out his glass. Everyone else follows.

You started this whole
thing...fifty years ago.
(MORE)
95.

And tonight I’m going to tell the
story of your lives...it started in
a hospital in Iowa, seventy-nine
years ago when Jim Taylor was
born...
Everyone crackles.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Come on...
SAM
Oh god.
Everyone laughs and shakes their heads.
TIM TAYLOR
What?
The group loves the fake out.

Alright, well if we’re going to
surpass that speech then this
becomes pretty easy.
Beat.

Mom and dad. Your love and
guidance has touched each and
everyone of us. Your success as
parents is reflected in all of the
faces that sit around you tonight.
Congratulations.
Tim raises the glass higher.

To Jim and Joan Taylor!
Everyone cheers and smiles.
The night is coming to an end as everyone eats their ice

cream. Silently, Jim stands up at his place. Joan notices
and looks at him. The entire group starts to notice and
clinks their glasses one last time. He has a blank stare and
a slight smile.
Silence.
96.
Jim pulls out a crumpled piece of paper from his coat pocket
and unravels it.
Jim looks up from the paper now at the entire crowd. He goes
from face to face. They all smile back at him. He looks
back down at his wife. His eyes are full with tears. He
goes to start the first word by opening his mouth but
something more powerful happens.
Jim, for the first time in his life, is truly speechless. He

lets out a crackle of a cry and slowly sits down. The entire
group is crying now too. Jack stares into his glass. He
knows the truth behind it all. Jim sticks his hand up: Thank
you all. He reaches over and picks up his wife’s hand and
kisses it. Joan cries. The entire group claps for Jim’s
moment. Jack looks up at his father who looks him in the
eye. Then he addresses the group.
JIM TAYLOR
Thank you.
He quietly mouths this and everyone understands. He leans

over to Joan’s ear.

(Whisper)
I love you.
Joan closes her eyes with tears and then a smile.
Now everyone is up talking and laughing. Dessert is cleared

and Jim stands with his arms around his boys.
JIM TAYLOR
So all is good for the Taylor
boys...
Tim looks over at Kerry who is speaking with Grace and

Alaina.
TIM TAYLOR
Looks that way dad.
JIM TAYLOR
That’s just great...
Jim squeezes Kevin’s shoulder and neck. They look over at

the kids. Jim kisses Kevin on the head.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Thanks dad.
97.
Jack can’t even look at any of them in the eye. He is about

to burst. Jim looks up at him and nods his head with a wink.
Jack looks away and then back.
JIM TAYLOR
What about little bro?
Tim and Kevin walk over and grab him. Jack fights it but
then smiles.
KEVIN TAYLOR
Not so little anymore.
Jack fights out playfully.
JIM TAYLOR
I’m proud of you boys...each and
everyone of you. I love you.
TIM TAYLOR/KEVIN TAYLOR

I love you dad.
Beat.
JACK
I love you dad...
Walking in the lobby, Tauna holds her arm in Jim’s.
JIM TAYLOR
You did good kid.
TAUNA
Thanks daddy.
JIM TAYLOR
You’re my angel...don’t ever forget
it.
Beat.

So are you gonna start letting your
siblings help you out?
TAUNA
I don’t know about them but I’ll
certainly use the work of these
two...
She looks over at Sam and MC who laugh.

98.
JIM TAYLOR
Good. Take care of your mother
kids, she’s a good egg.
Jim and Joan walk through the door to their room. The light
is dim.
Jim grabs his wife and turns her for another kiss.
JIM TAYLOR
Mom, that was quite the speech...
JOAN TAYLOR
Well dad, you are quite the man...
JIM TAYLOR
I love you Joan Taylor.
JOAN TAYLOR
I love you more Jim.
Jim kisses his wife and then pulls her in for a tight hug.
Kevin stands with Grace next to the bed of their children.

She wraps her arms around his waist. He smiles sincerely and
kisses the top of her head. They stare for a second and
Grace rests her head in Kevin’s chest.
INT. TIM’S HOTEL ROOM
Tim kisses Kerry on the bed. They are gently making out.
There are deep, sensual kisses. Their clothes are on and
they hold each other with affection.
MC clicks the lights off. Sam and MC reach across the area
in between their beds and high five.
Tauna pulls a shirt out of her drawer. It unfolds and moves

around a few of the others. She reaches to adjust her mess
and then just looks at it smiling. Ben waits for her in the
bed. She runs and jumps in.
99.
Jack is in bed with Alaina under his arm. He stares up at

the ceiling with an ironic smile on his face. He’s content
and squeezes his girl with love.
They lay down in bed and Jim looks over at his wife. Her
eyes are closed.
JIM TAYLOR
Good night baby.
The lobby of the hotel is in a commotion, it’s check out day.

Grace and Kevin fumble with their kids. Tim kisses Kerry on
the cheek. Alaina works on her blackberry. Jack talks with
Ben. Tauna checks out with the kids.
Tauna walks back to the group.
TAUNA
All set. Everyone has their
directions, tickets,-
MC
Mom...
TAUNA
Oh, sorry...sorry. I’m sure you
are all fully capable of making the
trip without my help.
TIM TAYLOR
Thank you Tauna.
Beat. Everyone messes with their bags.
Silence.
JACK
Where’s Mom and Dad?
Everyone looks around. They are no where to be found. The

elevator light turns on and beeps. All heads turn towards it
to see:
JOAN TAYLOR, alone with her bag, sunglasses and purse. She
stands in the elevator for a moment with her head looking at
the ground. She looks up and stares at her family.
100.
Everyone knows something up. Joan gracefully glides out into

the lobby.
JOANS POV: We see the entire family staring at her for

questions: Where’s dad?
Behind the family push through PARAMEDICS and a large

stretcher. The EMC runs for the elevator, dodging out of
Joan’s way. The family members turn, confused and upset.
The EMC pounds on the elevator buttons inside. As the doors
close, we see Joan continue to walk towards her family
appearing emotionless.
JACK (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Hero is a loaded word.
INT. CHICAGO SUBURB CEMETARY- DAY
We see the entire Taylor family, guests and many more sitting
around a casket in a beautiful grave yard. The sun shines
and everyone stares at the podium:
JACK speaks to the crowd and we see that he is the one who
started the speech earlier as well.
JACK
It can be found in all different
shapes and sizes...
Beat.
JACK (CONT’D)
A hero can be a coach. Someone to
give you hope...a mentor of
courage...a person who will never
let you give up...
We see Tim sitting. He nods his head at his brother.
JACK (CONT’D)
A hero can be a teacher...a bask of
knowledge willing to share with the
world...possessing a true sense of
insight...
We see Tauna cock her head up in understanding. She wipes a

tear and looks at her kids and husband who support her.
101.
JACK (CONT’D)
A hero can even be a
critic...pointing out your
weaknesses and turning them into
strengths...A giver of passion and
love...
We see Kevin now. He clutches his wife’s hand so not to lose

it and kisses baby Jenny on the top of the head.
JACK (CONT’D)
But most of all...a hero is your
biggest fan...
We now only see Jack.
JACK (CONT’D)
...someone who finds true
satisfaction in others
happiness...a real hero puts
everyone in their life first...
We see Joan now. She cries.
JACK (O.S.) (CONT’D)

...James Samuel Taylor is my hero
as I know he is many of yours...
Joan looks at her kids and is bittersweet.
JACK (CONT’D)
...We are all blessed to have been
touched by his life...As he watches
us today I can assure you that he
has only one wish for each and
everyone of us...only one thing
that he would hope for us to
accomplish...That desire...is for
us all to learn from his life and
become-
Beat.
JACK (CONT’D)
Someone else’s hero...
Jack steps off the podium to see Alaina waiting for him. He
glances at each of his brothers and sisters: Good Job Jack.
Jack smiles, he doesn’t cry.
Jack puts his head down next to Alaina’s stomach and rests
it. Alaina runs her hands in his hair.
102.
JACK (CONT’D)
Hey Jimmy...It’s Daddy...I love
you...
EXT. CHICAGO SUBURB CEMETARY
Everyone approaches the casket leaving flowers and words.

The area clears out leaving Joan.
She slowly approaches her husband with a flower. She stands

over the casket. Joan smiles. She sets the flower on the
wood.
Beat.
Joan kisses her hand and gently touches it to the shiny lid.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
PHOTOGRAPH:
We see a picture of the entire Taylor clan hugging and

smiling into the camera in the Pump Room. Jim is in the
center gleaming.
FADE OUT.
THE END

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Namesake

Joey Payne 6 July 2010

EXT. CHICAGO SUBURB CEMETARY- DAY

A grim, jet-black hearse crawls along a windy, paved road

In the distance, we see a massive, suburban cemetery. They

UNKNOWN MALE (V.O.)

The Hearse. We see a massive casket in the back. We see the

JOAN TAYLOR, 70-75, a stunning older woman dressed in a

TAUNA DONALDSON, (45-50), Tim’s next sister in line, a

BEN DONALDSON, (55-60), her husband who drives the car. He

SAM DONALDSON, (21), Tauna and Ben’s oldest child. He has

MARY CATHRYN DONALDSON, (19), a gorgeous, sorority girl. MC,

The following car, next in line, holds:

KEVIN TAYLOR, (40-45), a mirror image of Tim, his older

GRACE TAYLOR, (40-45), a cute, country club mom with a heart

Finally, we see the last car:

JACK TAYLOR, (30-35), a slick, wall street kid with a black

UNKNOWN MALE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

INT. JIM AND JOAN’S CONDOMINIUM, FORT MEYERS, FL- DAY

TWO WEEKS EARLIER

He sucks in his stomach and flexes his arms. He’s casually

JOAN TAYLOR (O.S.)

JOAN TAYLOR (CONT’D)

INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE- DAY

Jim waits behind a MAN in line at his DOCTOR’S office. He

Jim looks behind him and does a double take. There is a

RECEPTIONIST (O.S.) (CONT’D)

RECEPTIONIST (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Jim whips around.

JIM’S POV: A blur of the paper. He cannot make out the

INT. TIM TAYLOR’S CAR- DAY

Tim Taylor drives his car on a freeway outside of London,

JOAN TAYLOR (O.S.)

Tim hangs up the phone by clicking a button on the steering

INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE- DAY

Jim awkwardly holds the clip board.

Jim is a charmer. He would chat up the drive through girl at

INT. TAUNA DONALDSON’S HOUSE, NEW YORK, NY- DAY

Tauna, which when pronounced sounds like “sauna” with a “T”,

Tauna brings the meal over to the neatly set table.

Dad silences his children.

Beat. They take bites.

INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE- DAY

Jim sits on the firm, cold doctor’s bed. He tries to pull

He grunts and it comes loose, making a loud, CLANK. It

There is a KNOCK on the door.

JIM TAYLOR (CONT’D)

Jim chuckles to himself as the door cracks open revealing:

EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YARD, DEERFIELD, IL- DAY

Grace Taylor pushes a stroller up to a school yard.

KIDS run around everywhere. PARENTS line up in cars to pick

Grace looks down at baby Jenny (2), who smiles back up at

Joanie has trouble pronouncing the letter ‘R’.

Grace is astonished that her son knows where that is.

They all laugh.

KEVIN TAYLOR (O.S.)

Grace follows her children as they run up to his car. She

She flirts with him as she buckles Jenny in.