Guion Green Book

GREEN BOOK
Written by
Nick Vallelonga & Brian Currie & Peter Farrelly
© 2018 STORYTELLER DISTRIBUTION CO., LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FADE IN:
TITLE CARD: “New York City, 1962”
EXT. COPACABANA - 10 EAST 60TH ST. - NYC - NIGHT
The famous red awning with COPACABANA in white block letters

hangs over the entrance of the world-renowned nightclub. A
long line of well-dressed customers fills the sidewalk
waiting to get in.
OVER THIS - WE HEAR the opening horns of Bobby Rydell’s

version of “THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC”...
INT. COPACABANA - MAIN ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The vibe is electric. SIX HUNDRED PATRONS pack the tables in

the main room. Brazilian in theme, the Copa décor is art deco
throughout, filled with palm trees illuminated by blue and
pink hues. Pure elegance.
Peppering the crowd... gorgeous COPA GIRLS, white-jacketed

WAITERS, MAITRE D’S in Black Tuxedo Jackets, CAPTAINS in Blue
Tux Jackets, and BOUNCERS in Red Tux Jackets.
On stage in front of the Orchestra, tuxedo-clad BOBBY RYDELL.

The crowd APPLAUDS.
BOBBY RYDELL
Thank you very much! Welcome to
Jules Podell’s Copacabana! I’m
Bobby Rydell and I’m happy to be
here!
(singing)
That old Black Magic has me in its
spell...
THE SONG CONTINUES THROUGH THIS ENTIRE SEQUENCE...
FRANK “TONY LIP” VALLELONGA, 40s, Copa bouncer, moves quickly

through the crowd. Lip is imposing with a charismatic
presence. You don’t mess with this guy.
Following Lip, an ATTRACTIVE COUPLE. Lip leads them to a

table near the front of the stage. The man slips Lip some
cash.
The Orchestra kicks in big, the room is jumping...
At a back booth, JULES PODELL, 60, Copa owner, a tough-as-

nails bulldog of a man. He taps his diamond ring on the table
to the beat of the song.
2.
INT. COPACABANA - COAT CHECK - CONTINUOUS
Lip trolls for customers who will tip him for a table. He
NOTICES...
JOEY LOSCUDO, 50s, a Mob Boss, entering the club followed by

his CREW. Loscudo walks over to the COAT-CHECK GIRL, takes
off his coat and hat, hands them to her.
LOSCUDO
Guard this hat with your life... My
mother gave it to me.
He winks.
COAT-CHECK GIRL
Yes, Mr. Loscudo...
He hands the Coat-Check Girl some money. The MAITRE D’,

CARMINE, walks over.
CARMINE
Joey!
LOSCUDO
Hey, Carmine!
Carmine slips Lip some cash.
CARMINE
That’s not necessary...
LOSCUDO
Come on. You know I saw this kid
Rydell last year in Philly. Nobody
knew who he was.
CARMINE
Well they know him now...
They hug, then Carmine escorts Loscudo and his ENTOURAGE into
the main room. Lip approaches the Coat-Check Girl.
LIP
Gimme Loscudo’s hat.
COAT-CHECK GIRL
But he said...
LIP
I know, just give it to me...
He bangs her a couple bucks, she turns the hat over to him.
3.
INT. COPACABANA - MAIN ROOM - CONTINUOUS
RYDELL’S STILL SINGING, THE JOINT’S ROCKING... A FIGHT breaks

out... FOUR GOOMBAHS pound each other. Tables flip, glass
breaks, patrons scream...
ANGLE ON Podell as he jumps up...
PODELL
TONY LIIIIIIIIIIIIIP!!!
Lip is already on the move, running to the fight...
It’s pandemonium, but Rydell doesn’t stop. He and the

Orchestra building the speed and intensity of the song...
Lip is joined by Carmine, and some BOUNCERS, all of them

grappling with the Goombahs. They quickly RUSH THEM OUT OF
THE ROOM....
EXT. COPACABANA - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
Everyone comes CRASHING out the front door. Lip throws the
Goombah down the steps to the street. He jumps up.
GOOMBAH
YOU PUT YOUR HANDS ON ME, YOU
PUNK?!
LIP
Do yourself a favor--go home with
your friends.
GOOMBAH
Don’t you tell me where to go! Do
you know who I am?! I’m goin’ back
in there!
LIP
Nah, you’re not.
The Goombah TAKES A SWING at Lip and it’s on. Lips KNOCKS HIM
ON HIS ASS, then jumps on him and starts to BASH HIS FACE IN.
CLOSE ON - Lip, brutally punching, his fists bloody, as WE

HEAR O.S. APPLAUSE and
SMASH CUT TO
INT. COPACABANA - STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The band’s swinging as Bobby Rydell delivers the big climax

to the song...
(CONTINUED)
4.
CONTINUED:
BOBBY RYDELL (O.S.)

(singing)
...Whoa, that old Black Magic
called loooooooove!
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. COPACABANA - COAT CHECK - LATER - NIGHT
A line of people wait behind mob boss Joey Loscudo as he

screams at the Coat-Check Girl. Carmine stands by.
LOSCUDO
I‘ll burn this place down! Where’s
my hat!
COAT-CHECK GIRL
I’m sorry, Mr. Loscudo, I went to
the ladies room, I was only gone a
minute...
LOSCUDO
Someone better find it!
CARMINE
It’ll turn up, I swear it’ll turn
up.
LOSCUDO
Really? You tell that fat Jew
bastard Podell that if it doesn’t
turn up, I’ll burn this place down!
You hear me? I’ll burn the Copa
down!
EXT. COPACABANA - ENTRANCE - NIGHT - LATER
Lip, Carmine, and another bouncer, DANNY, smoke cigarettes,

lean against a dinged-up ‘55 BUICK Sedan.
A poster at the Copa entrance reads: BOBBY RYDELL - SOLD OUT!
A worker pastes a banner over it: COPA CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER - SEE YOU IN JANUARY WITH SAMMY DAVIS, JR.!
CARMINE
Jesus Christ. Loscudo is out of his
mind.
DANNY
We earned our money tonight.
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED:
CARMINE
Lip, I thought you were gonna kill
that guy.
LIP
Better him than me. What are you
gonna do while we’re closed?
DANNY
I don’t know. Maybe work at my
Uncle’s pizza joint.
LIP
(to Carmine)
What about you?
CARMINE
I’m gonna drink for two months.
The men straighten up as Jules Podell exits the club.
JULES PODELL
Take me home, Lip.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. JILLY’S SALOON - NIGHT
LOSCUDO’S HAT GETS PLOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A TABLE...
PULL BACK... Luscudo sits in the corner booth, holding court

with JILLY and friends.
LOSCUDO
My hat! Jesus Christ, if you had
tits, I’d kiss ya! How the hell’d
you find it?
ANGLE ON LIP standing in front of the table.
LIP
Heard it was missing, so I looked
into it.
LOSCUDO
I wanted to kill that broad.
LIP
Wasn’t her fault.
JILLY RIZZO
Who had the balls to clip it?
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Don’t worry about it, I took care
of him.
LOSCUDO
I hope you gave him some beating.
Loscudo pulls out a wad of cash, peels off a C-note.
LIP
No, I can’t. It was my pleasure,
Mr. Loscudo.
Loscudo SLAMS the MONEY into Lip’s hand.
LOSCUDO
Bullshit. And from now on you don’t
have to call me Mister Loscudo, ya
hear me?
Lip smiles.
EXT. LIP’S APARTMENT - BRONX - DAWN
A six-story brick building with fire escapes framing the

windows. Parked cars fill both sides of the street. Lip’s car
pulls up and parks in front of a FIRE HYDRANT. He gets out,
grabs a garbage can, and PUTS IT OVER THE HYDRANT.
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - MORNING
Lip ENTERS the small one-bedroom apartment. He moves to the
kitchen, opens the refrigerator, chugs half a bottle of milk.
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING
Lip ENTERS. Sleeping in the bed, Lip’s wife DOLORES, late
30s, pretty. Beside her, NICK, 9, and FRANKIE, 7.
Lip takes off a ring, his watch, places them on top of the
bureau. Empties his pockets of crumpled wads of cash.
Lip strips down to a t-shirt and boxer shorts, gets in bed,

snuggles up to Dolores. She wakes, kisses him.
DOLORES
‘Morning...
LIP
‘Night...
7.
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
CLOSE ON - A BLACK AND WHITE TV, THE YANKEES PLAY THE SAN
FRANCISCO GIANTS, GAME 6 OF THE WORLD SERIES.
PHIL RIZUTTO (V.O.)

“Roger Maris at the plate, Pierce
checks the signs...”
PULL BACK -- On the couch watching the game, Lip’s Father,

NICOLA, 70s, brother RUDY, 30s, Dolores’ father, ANTHONY,
70s, and her two brothers JOHNNY, 40s, and LOUIE, 30s.
JOHNNY
Come on, Roger! Hit one out!
RUDY
Be quiet, you’re gonna jinx it!
Lip ENTERS still wearing his t-shirt and white boxers.
LIP
(sarcastic)
Johnny, think you can yell a little
louder?
JOHNNY
Maris is up...
LIP
Yeah, so am I now. What the hell
are you guys doing here?
Johnny discreetly nods toward the kitchen where we see TWO

BLACK WORKMEN laying down linoleum. The kids, Nick and Frank,
play with plastic Green Army soldiers in the corner.
JOHNNY
Figured we’d come up and keep
Dolores company...
BACK TO SCENE - Lip gets the point.
ANTHONY
(in Italian)
You shouldn’t be sleeping in the
middle of the day, leaving my
daughter here alone with these
sacks of coal.
NICOLA
(in Italian)
And why do you hire them to do an
Italian’s job? It’s a disgrace.
(CONTINUED)
8.
CONTINUED:
LIP
(in Italian)
I don’t know who they’re gonna
send.
ON Dolores - she pours a couple glasses of lemonade and hands

the drinks to the Black Workmen.
BLACK WORKMAN
Thank you, ma’am.
Lip watches as the Workmen drink the lemonade, then Dolores

takes the glasses and PUTS THEM IN THE SINK. As she leads the
men to the door, we go...
ON THE TV - MARIS SWINGS... CRACK!
PHIL RIZUTTO (V.O.)

“Deep to center field, holy cow he
did it! A home run for Roger Maris!
Holy cow!”
Johnny jumps up, they all CHEER...
Except Lip, whose eyes keep darting toward the GLASSES IN THE
SINK. Dolores comes back and Lip joins her in the kitchen. He
pours himself a glass of water, dips his finger in the sauce
she’s cooking. Dolores slaps his hand away.
DOLORES
Get dressed, Tony, we’re gonna eat.
She picks up a big platter of meatballs and sausage and takes

it into the dining room. Lip glances into the sink.
CLOSE ON - The Black Workmen’s two empty lemonade glasses.
Lip takes the GLASSES out of the sink, DROPS THEM INTO THE
GARBAGE.
CUT TO:
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - DINETTE - LATER
Lip’s at the table, dressed now. Wine and plates of rigatoni.

Joining them for lunch are FRAN, Johnny’s wife, and LYNN,
Louie’s wife. Dolores makes the sign of the cross.
DOLORES
Bless us our Lord, for these thy
gifts, which we are about to
receive, from thy bounty through
Christ our Lord, Amen.
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED:
They all make the sign of the cross.
NICOLA
Salute.
They start stuffing their faces.
DOLORES
If anyone hears about a job for
Tony, let us know.
LIP
(nobody’s business)
Dolores...
RUDY
What happened, you get fired?
DOLORES
No, Copa’s closing for repairs. He
needs something for just a couple
months.
JOHNNY
I’ll ask around.
NICOLA
(in Italian)
Mister big shot. Always spend,
spend, spend. No job, he gets
himself a new kitchen floor.
LIP
(in Italian)
Come on, Pop. The kids were gettin’
splinters in their feet.
FRAN
All the people he knows, he’ll find
something.
JOHNNY
He had a great job at the
sanitation department.
(to Lip)
You shouldn’t have punched out the
foreman.
LIP
He shouldn’t have woke me up.
Everyone LAUGHS.
CUT TO:
10.
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY - LATER

Dolores is cleaning up. She’s scraping a plate into the
garbage can when she notices something O.S.
DOLORES’ POV - Two empty glasses in the garbage...
She SIGHS, disappointed in her husband, then picks up the

glasses from the garbage pail and puts them back into the
sink.
CUT TO:
INT. GORMAN’S HOT DOGS - DAY
Johnny, Lip, and Lip’s youngest boy, Frankie, ENTER.
JOHNNY
I’m tellin’ you, this is gonna be
the easiest fifty bucks you ever
made.
They walk over to a table where FAT PAULIE, 40s, is waiting

with the owner, GORMAN, and a couple other CUSTOMERS.
FAT PAULIE
Johnny told me you ate forty-eight
White Castle burgers in one
sitting.
FRANKIE
Cheeseburgers.
FAT PAULIE
I don’t believe you.
LIP
What do I care if you believe me?
(beat)
Gorman, who’s got the record for
hotdogs here?
GORMAN
Fat Paulie. Fifteen.
JOHNNY
Why wasn’t Lip in on that contest?
FAT PAULIE
What contest? I was hungry.
The guys CHUCKLE.
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED:
GORMAN
Bet’s simple. Half a C-note. Most
hotdogs in an hour wins. With
toppings.
Lip sizes him up.
LIP
What the hell you weigh?
FAT PAULIE
Two-sixty.
JOHNNY
Aaaaay. Your left ass weighs two-
sixty.
Fat Paulie raises his right hand.
FAT PAULIE
May my mother-in-law drop dead on
the spot if I’m lyin’.
They all LAUGH.
LIP
Okay, you’re on.
SMASH CUT:
INT. GORMAN’S HOT DOGS - LATER
The table filled with an assortment of hot dogs. Everyone

CHEERS, CLAPS, as Lip and Fat Paulie STUFF THEIR FACES.
JOHNNY
Come on, Lip, pick it up! The baby
elephant just hit nineteen!
Lip sweats, slows down, looks like he’s gonna puke. The crowd
cheers as Fat Paulie calmly takes a big bite of another dog.
CUT TO:
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Lip and Frankie ENTER. Frankie runs over to Nick who is doing
homework.
LIP
Nicky, you doin’ your homework?
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED:
NICK
Yeah.
DOLORES
Where were you?
Lip plops down in a chair, exhausted.
LIP
Gorman’s. Fat Paulie bet me fifty
bucks he could eat more hot dogs
than me. He knocked off twenty-
eight. Guy’s an animal.
DOLORES
Are you crazy--you lost fifty
dollars?!
LIP
Dolores, please. I ate thirty.
Lip pulls out the winnings. She plucks the bills from his
hand.
DOLORES
Thank God. The gas bill came in
today.
THE PHONE RINGS. Lip answers.
LIP
Yeah?
INT. COPACABANA - DAY - SAME
Jules Podell sits at his table in the empty Copa. He sips a
cup of coffee as WORKERS clear tablecloths, flip chairs onto
tables, etc.
JULES PODELL
(into phone)
Hey, Lip, some guy called over here
-- a doctor’s lookin’ for a driver.
You interested?
INTERCUT CONVERSATION:
LIP
Yeah.
JULES PODELL
They’re interviewing guys tomorrow
afternoon. Here’s the address.
13.
EXT. CARNEGIE HALL - 881 SEVENTH AVENUE - NYC - DAY
Lip, wearing black slacks and a bowling-style shirt, stands

at the front of... CARNEGIE HALL...
He takes out a piece of paper, looks at it. This can’t be the

place...
INT. CARNEGIE HALL - CONCERT HALL - DAY
Magnificent. Lip enters, moves down the aisle. He takes in

the spectacle.
WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.)

Excuse me. We’re not open right
now...
Lip turns to face the BOX OFFICE MANAGER across the room.
BOX OFFICE MANAGER

But you’re welcome to buy tickets
to tonight’s performance.
LIP
‘There a doctor’s office ‘round
here? I think I got the wrong
address.
Lip holds up the paper.
BOX OFFICE MANAGER

You have the correct address. Dr.
Shirley lives upstairs, above the
hall.
INT. DON SHIRLEY’S APARTMENT HALLWAY - DAY
Lip walks down the hall. Two ENGLISH BUTLER-TYPES sit in

chairs outside a door. The door opens and an ASIAN MAN, black
suit and tie, carrying a briefcase, exits.
At the door stands an Indian valet, AMIT, white Nehru shirt,

white linen pants, clipboard in hand.
LIP
I’m here for the driver job. Tony
Lip.
Amit checks the list, flips a page, can’t find it.
LIP (CONT’D)
I should be on there.
(CONTINUED)
14.
CONTINUED:
AMIT
No Tony Lip. I do have a Tony
Val...Valle...
LIP
Vallelonga. That’s me.
AMIT
Fill this out while you wait.
LIP
What?
AMIT
Fill. It. Out. While you wait.
Amit hands him a clipboard and a pen, then Lip takes a seat
next to the butlers.
INT. SHIRLEY’S APARTMENT - DAY - LATER
Amit escorts Lip in. CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS.
AMIT
Take a seat.
Lip sits in a leather chair and Amit EXITS. Lip looks around.
Never seen anything like it. Thirty-foot ceilings, giant
skylight, enormous French windows overlooking Manhattan.
It’s filled to the rafters with paintings, African art,

sculptures, Chinese lanterns, a giant gold Buddha, and two
six-foot elephant tusks. A crystal chandelier hangs above a
black Steinway Concert Grand Piano.
A THRONE... an actual King’s throne... sits on a riser, back

against the glass window.
VOICE (O.S.)
Mr. Vallelonga, sorry to keep you
waiting...
Lip turns...Standing before him is DR. DONALD SHIRLEY, late

30s, black, resplendent in a traditional African robe. He’s
bedecked in assorted chain necklaces, bracelets, watch, and
rings. Dr. Shirley speaks in a clipped, refined manner.
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m Dr. Donald Shirley.
Lip’s taken aback. Not what he expected. He stands.
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Hi. Tony.
Shirley extends his hand. They shake.
DR. SHIRLEY
Please, have a seat.
Lip sits. Shirley sits on his “throne,” looking down at Lip.
LIP
This is some place you got here.
Motioning to the Elephant Tusks.
LIP (CONT’D)
Them horns real?
DR. SHIRLEY
Elephant tusks. Yes.
Lip nods, points to the chain around Shirley’s neck.
LIP
What about that? That a molar?
DR. SHIRLEY
A what?
LIP
A molar.
Lip points to his side teeth.
LIP (CONT’D)
Like a shark tooth? Or a tiger’s?
DR. SHIRLEY
Um, no. It was a gift.
LIP
Oh.
(looks around)
I thought I was going to an office.
They said a doctor needed a driver.
DR. SHIRLEY
That’s all they told you?
Lip shrugs.
(CONTINUED)
16.
CONTINUED: (2)
DR. SHIRLEY (CONT’D)

Actually, it’s a bit more
complicated than that. Have you
ever driven professionally before?
LIP
Sanitation.
(beat)
Garbage trucks.
Off Shirley’s unimpressed look.
LIP (CONT’D)
Plus I drive my boss home at night.
I can drive anything.
DR. SHIRLEY
I see. What other experience do you
have?
LIP
I worked a lot of joints. The Wagon
Wheel, Peppermint Lounge, Copa...
DR. SHIRLEY
In what capacity?
LIP
What do you mean?
DR. SHIRLEY
What did you do there?
Lip chews on that. You can smell the wood burning...
LIP
Public relations...
Shirley nods, understanding.
DR. SHIRLEY
Well, first of all, Tony, I’m not a
medical doctor. I’m a musician.
LIP
You mean like songs?
DR. SHIRLEY
Yes. I’m about to start a concert
tour, the majority of which will be
down South.
LIP
Atlantic City?
(CONTINUED)
17.
CONTINUED: (3)
DR. SHIRLEY
The deep south. We start in the
midwest, but then we’re taking a
hard left. Kentucky, North
Carolina, Tennessee, and on down
through the Delta.
(beat)
Do you foresee any issues working
for a black man?
LIP
No, no... ’fact just yesterday me
and the wife had a couple colored
guys over the house. For drinks.
Shirley takes a BEAT.
DR. SHIRLEY
Oh, I see. You’re married.
LIP
Yup. Two kids.
DR. SHIRLEY
I don’t know if this is the proper
job for a married man.
LIP
Why, we bringing broads?
Shirley shoots him a look.
DR. SHIRLEY
My point is, you’ll be gone for
eight straight weeks--with no
breaks--right up until Christmas.
You’re quite sure you can leave
your family for that long?
LIP
Depends on what you’re paying.
DR. SHIRLEY
Ninety dollars a week, plus room
and board. But let me be crystal
clear... I’m not simply hiring a
chauffeur. I need someone who can
handle my itinerary. I need a
personal assistant. I need a valet.
I need someone who will launder my
clothes, shine my shoes...
LIP
Good luck, Doc.
(CONTINUED)
18.
CONTINUED: (4)
Lip stands, heads for the door. Shirley steps down off his
throne.
DR. SHIRLEY
Tony...
Lip turns back, faces Shirley.

I had my record label ask around
town to find me the right man. Your
name came up more than once. You’ve
impressed a lot of people by the
way you handle... trouble. That’s
why I called and asked about your
availability.
Lip thinks about it.
LIP
Look, I got no problem being on the
road with you. But I ain’t no
butler, I ain’t ironing shirts, and
I’m not shining nobody’s shoes. You
need someone to get you from point
A to point B? You need someone to
make sure there’s no problems along
the way -- and you going through
the deep South, believe me, there’s
gonna be problems. So if you want
me, it’s gotta be a buck and a
quarter a week. Or go hire the
little Chink that just pranced out
of here and see how far you get.
Shirley stares, stone-faced.
DR. SHIRLEY
Well, Mr. Vallelonga...thank you
for coming in.
As Lip turns and walks out, we --
CUT TO:
EXT. JOE & JOE RESTAURANT - BRONX - LATE AFTERNOON
A tired Lip comes walking down the sidewalk and ENTERS.
INT. JOE & JOE RESTAURANT - BAR/DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Smoky, packed, loud... Lip snakes his way to BOBBY, 40s,

CHINESE, who’s behind the bar.
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Bobby, give me a Rheingold. Ice
cold.
Bobby pours a draft of Rheingold, slides it in front of him.
BOBBY
(concerned)
Mister Tony. Augie asking about
you.
Lip isn’t happy to hear this. A CUSTOMER pounds on the bar.
CUSTOMER
Come on, I’m dying of thirst over
here!
BOBBY
Shut up, I’m talking!
He turns back to Lip.
LIP
When?
BOBBY
Now. He in his box.
Lip drains the beer, leaves the bar area, weaves his way
through the crowd to an ENCLOSED, PRIVATE BOOTH with a
curtain blocking the people inside. Lip hesitates, then opens
the curtain.
HIS POV - AUGIE, rough-looking, dead eyes, sits there

stuffing his face with linguini and clam sauce. TWO
PSYCHOPATHS sit with him. The Psychos look on blankly. A
lesser man would shit his pants.
AUGIE
(intense)
Tony Lip. What the hell happened at
the Copa? I heard you split a guy’s
face open.
Lip shrugs.
AUGIE (CONT’D)
That guy you hit. He was one of
Charlie the Hand’s crew.
LIP
Then he shoulda known better.
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED: (2)
Augie mad-dogs him, never losing eye contact as he stuffs his

face. Lip doesn’t blink.
AUGIE
The Hand wanted me to look into it.
I spoke to Podell. Whole thing was
over a piece of ass, right?
Lip shrugs.
AUGIE (CONT’D)
A beef like that should never
happen in the club. They were out
of line. So we squashed it.
He wipes olive oil off his chin.
AUGIE (CONT’D)
Sit down. Have something to eat.
LIP
Thanks, but I already ate.
Augie chews away, not sure if he believes him.
AUGIE
You looking to earn some extra
scharole? I could keep you busy
while the Copa’s down.
LIP
What I gotta do?
AUGIE
Things...
LIP
Appreciate it, but I’m gonna spend
some time with the family.
AUGIE
Don’t be stupid. You can make a few
bucks, buy something nice for your
wife.
LIP
I’m good. I’m flush right now.
CUT TO:
21.
EXT. WHITE PLAINS ROAD - BRONX - EARLY EVENING
The EL TRAIN thunders above Lip as he enters a PAWN SHOP.
INT. PAWN SHOP - BRONX - EARLY EVENING
CLOSE ON Lip’s WRISTWATCH on the counter. The pawn guy,

CHARLIE, looks up at Lip, concerned. Reluctantly, he hands
Lip cash and a ticket.
PAWN GUY
Here’s fifty. Give me sixty before
Christmas, you get it back.
Lip turns to leave.
PAWN GUY (CONT’D)

Hey, Lip... everything okay?
LIP
(offended)
You got beak trouble, Charlie? Mind
your business.
Lip walks out.
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Lip sits watching TV as Dolores hands him a bowl of spaghetti.
DOLORES
So what happened with the doctor
interview?
LIP
He ain’t a real doctor, he’s a
piano player.
Lip digs in, starts stuffing his face.
DOLORES
I don’t understand--why’d they say
he was a doctor?
LIP
I don’t know. I think he’s like a
doctor of piano-playing or
something.
DOLORES
You can be that?
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED:
LIP
I guess. He lives on top of
Carnegie Hall. You shoulda seen
this place, Dee--it was filled with
statues and all kinds of fancy
crap. And he was sitting on a
friggin’ throne all dressed up like
the king of the jungle bunnies.
DOLORES
He’s colored? You wouldn’t last a
week with him.
LIP
For the right money, I would.
As Lip continues eating, we go...
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Lip and Dolores are asleep in bed, the kids asleep in another
bed across the room. THE PHONE RINGS. Lip and Dolores wake
up. Lip looks at the clock--8 a.m. He answers the phone.
LIP
(into phone)
Hello... Yeah... Really?... Why?...
Okay, hold on.
Lip puts his hand over the receiver.
DOLORES
Everything okay?
LIP
It’s him.
DOLORES
Who?
LIP
Dr. Shirley, the piano guy. He
wants to talk to you.
She sits up.
DOLORES
(whispers)
Me? What? Why?
Lip shrugs. He holds out the phone, Dolores takes it.
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED:
DOLORES (CONT’D)
(into phone)
Hello... Good morning, Doctor, nice
to talk to you, too...
She glances at Lip.
DOLORES (CONT’D)
(into phone)
Yes, that is a long time...
Dolores looks at Lip as Shirley talks on.
DOLORES (CONT’D)
(beat)
It is...Yes, I’m sure...Thank you
for calling...Goodbye.
Dolores hangs up.
LIP
What he say?
Dolores looks stunned.
DOLORES
He wanted to know if I’d be okay
with him taking my husband away
from his family for two months. He
said he’d pay you what you asked
for.
Lip looks surprised. She rolls away from him.
LIP
It’s good money, Dolores. You know
we need it. I can’t be eatin’
thirty hot dogs every day.
Dolores wells up.
DOLORES
I know...I said it was okay for you
to go.
EXT. LIP’S APARTMENT - MORNING
Dion's “RUNAROUND SUE” drifts lazily from a transistor

radio... Laundry hangs from fire escapes. OLD ITALIAN WOMEN
sit in folding chairs CHATTING while Grandpa Nicola, Grandpa
Anthony and Rudy watch Nick and Frankie play.
A 1963 CHRYSLER NEW YORKER and a 1961 CADILLAC SEDAN are

parked in front.
(CONTINUED)
24.
CONTINUED:
Lip, wearing a well-worn black suit, stands next to the

Chrysler talking to a RECORD EXEC, 40s, sharply dressed, no-
nonsense, and his nebbishy ASSISTANT. The Record Exec hands
Lip a check.
RECORD EXEC
Here’s the first half of your pay.
You’ll get the rest when the tour’s
over.
LIP
Uh-uh, I gotta get paid every week.
RECORD EXEC
Sorry, that’s not how the record
company does it.
Lip glares at him.
RECORD EXEC (CONT’D)

We gotta have some guarantee you’ll
finish the job.
LIP
Why the hell wouldn’t I finish the
job? I took it, didn’t I?
The Record Exec glances at his assistant, then back at Lip.
RECORD EXEC
Then you’ve got nothing to worry
about.
The Exec holds out the car keys. As Lip reaches for them, the
Exec pulls them back.

Here’s the deal, Mr. Vallelonga.
It’s your job to get Don to all his
tour dates on time. If he misses
any shows, you’re not getting your
back-end.
Lip takes the keys.
LIP
He’s not gonna miss any shows.
RECORD EXEC
Good. And you’re going to need
this.
He hands Lip a small GREEN BOOK.
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED: (2)

It’s the book I told you about.
Sometimes you’re staying in the
same hotels, and sometimes you’re
not.
As Lip glances at the book, we --
ANGLE ON Lip’s brother-in-law, Johnny, exiting the building.

He carries a suitcase over to the Cadillac.
As the Record Exec and his assistant drive off in the

Chrysler, Lip walks over to Johnny.
JOHNNY
(re: Caddy)
Madonne. This the new one?
LIP
The record company rented it.
Lip opens the trunk, Johnny puts the suitcase in.
JOHNNY
So what’d my sister say about you
being gone for three weeks?
LIP
Eight weeks.
Johnny smirks.
JOHNNY
Yeah, right. Ten-to-one you slap
the moolie out and come home under
a month.
Lip smiles, shoves Johnny. Dolores approaches with the kids.
DOLORES
Come here. Say goodbye to your
father.
Nick and Frankie run to Lip, hug him. They get emotional.
LIP
Stop that. You gotta be big boys,
take care of your mother...
HE give the kids kisses, then they run away.
(CONTINUED)
26.
CONTINUED: (3)
DOLORES
Did you go to the A-A-A for the
maps?
LIP
The record guy gave me maps and
directions with the itinerary
thing. And this.
Lip pulls out the small green book that the Record Exec gave
him.
DOLORES
(reading)
The Negro Motorist Green-Book?
LIP
Lists all the places coloreds can
stay down south. Like if you’re
traveling while black.
DOLORES
Traveling while black?
LIP
Yeah. Like if you’re black but you
gotta travel for some reason.
DOLORES
They got a special book for that?
LIP
I guess.
DOLORES
Did you pack an iron?
LIP
I ain’t lugging around no iron,
Dee.
DOLORES
How you gonna keep your pants
pressed?
LIP
I’ll put ‘em under my mattress.
Dolores takes Lip’s hand.
DOLORES
I want you to write me a letter
every chance you get.
(CONTINUED)
27.
CONTINUED: (4)
LIP
Aw, come on, Dee, I can’t write
letters.
DOLORES
Take you five minutes. Promise me.
LIP
I can’t write, it’s embarrassing--
they ain’t gonna be no good.
DOLORES
It’s a lot cheaper than callin’
long distance, Tony. Promise me
you’ll write.
Lip SIGHS.
LIP
Okay. I promise. I’ll try.
She looks at him.
LIP (CONT’D)
Yeah.
Lip hugs and kisses her. He gives her the check.
LIP (CONT’D)
Put this in the bank today.
She takes it and hands him a brown paper bag.
DOLORES
I made a couple veal-cutlet
sandwiches for you and Dr. Shirley.
Be careful. I love you.
LIP
Love you, too.
DOLORES
You better be home at Christmas or
don’t come home at all!
As they kiss, Grandpa Nicola CALLS OUT to Lip:
NICOLA
(in Italian)
He who arrives late has no bed!
Lip waves goodbye to everyone. WE STAY ON Dolores as he

drives away...
28.
EXT. CARNEGIE HALL - 881 SEVENTH AVENUE - NYC - DAY
Lip parks Shirley’s rented Cadillac in front of an identical

Cadillac, gets out, opens the trunk. Smoking next to the
other Cadillac is OLEG MALAKHOV, 30s, Russian, wears glasses,
and GEORGE DYER, 30s.
Lip takes out a cigarette, is about to light it, then notices

Oleg smoking. He puts the cigarette back in the pack, then
walks over to Oleg and George.
LIP
Bum a smoke?
Oleg sizes Lip up, then reluctantly hands him a cigarette.
LIP (CONT’D)
I’m Tony. You the band?
OLEG
(Russian accent)
Oleg. Cello.
GEORGE
George. Bass. And we’re not a band,
we’re a trio.
Dr. Shirley exits the building, impeccably dressed in a silk

suit. He’s followed by his valet, Amit, who awkwardly carries
three large pieces of Shirley’s EXPENSIVE LUGGAGE.
Lip opens the back door of the car. Shirley gets in. Amit
drops the bags he was carrying on the sidewalk. Shirley sits
in the back seat. Amit leans in, places a RED CASHMERE
BLANKET over Shirley’s legs.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you, Amit.
AMIT
Have a wonderful trip, Doctor.
Amit shuts the car door. The luggage sits on the sidewalk
between Lip and Amit. Lip smokes his butt, shoots Amit an “It
ain’t my job” look. Standoff.
Amit caves, picks up the three bags, one at a time, puts them
into the trunk. Lip SLAMS the trunk shut.
29.
EXT. GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE - DAY
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW of The Westside Highway in 1960’s Manhattan

and the glistening Hudson River as the two Cadillacs cross
the upper-level of the George Washington Bridge surrounded by
hundreds of period cars.
EXT. ROUTE 80 WEST - NEW JERSEY - LATER - DAY
Dr. Shirley’s Cadillac drives west on Route 80, followed by

Oleg and George.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY
Lip’s driving fast, smoking faster. Shirley chokes on the

blue haze filling the car, cracks his window.
Lip reaches into the brown paper bag, pulls out a wax-paper-
wrapped sandwich with “Tony” written on it, peels back the
foil. Veal cutlet and peppers sandwich on a loaf of Italian
bread. Still smoking, Lip starts to eat.
DR. SHIRLEY
Tony, when we arrive in a city, the
first thing I’d like you to do is
check the piano where I’m playing.
Make sure it’s a Steinway as per my
contract.
Lip pulls out a pen, writes “STAIN WAY” on the map.

And could you see to it that I have
a bottle of Cutty Sark in my room
every night.
LIP
Every night?
Lip smiles.
LIP (CONT’D)
Well if you ever need any help with
that...
DR. SHIRLEY
I won’t. And ten-and-two on the
wheel, please.
Tony loses the smile. Shirley slides over in his seat so that
he’s directly behind Lip.
(CONTINUED)
30.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Doc, I noticed on the itinerary
thing there that the last show’s
December 23rd.
DR. SHIRLEY
Birmingham, yes. It’s a Christmas
show.
LIP
Any way we could hit the road early
the next morning so we could be back
home in time for Christmas Eve?
DR. SHIRLEY
We’ll see. Could you please put the
cigarette out?
LIP
Why?
DR. SHIRLEY
Because I can’t breathe back here.
LIP
What are you talking about? Smoke’s
going into my lungs. I’m doing all
the work here.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you.
Lip thinks about it, defiantly takes one long last drag off
the heater, then another, then finally FLICKS IT OUTSIDE.
Lip rolls up his window, shoots a look at the second

sandwich, “Dr. Shirley” written on it. FUCK THIS GUY. He
opens it, stuffs Shirley’s sandwich in his mouth, looks
straight ahead.
CUT TO:
EXT. PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE - LATER - DAY
CLOSE ON A SIGN - PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE.
EXT. PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE - CONTINUOUS
Oleg’s car speeds up, pulls next to Shirley’s Cadillac. Oleg

rolls down his window, motions to Shirley, who rolls down his
window.
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED:
OLEG
(in Russian)
Everything okay?
DR. SHIRLEY
(in Russian)
Yes. Everything’s fine.
Lip looks back over his shoulder, stunned to hear Shirley

speaking in another language.
OLEG
(in Russian)
Good. We’ll meet you at the hotel
in Pittsburgh.
DR. SHIRLEY
(in Russian)
Make a reservation for dinner.
We’ll rehearse immediately after.
See you there.
Oleg gives Lip the hairy eyeball, blows past him.
LIP
(to himself)
Hell’s he looking at?
Lip looks in the mirror at Shirley.
LIP (CONT’D)
You speak German, huh?
DR. SHIRLEY
That was Russian.
LIP
Yeah, I was stationed in Germany in
the army. I can pick up a little of
what you’re sayin’. Be careful,
Krauts are all sneaks. Kennedy
shoulda bombed ‘em when we had the
chance--plus now them Cuban
bastards.
Shirley rolls his eyes.
LIP (CONT’D)
Where they going anyway? Ain’t they
supposed to be following us?
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED: (2)
DR. SHIRLEY
They have the itinerary. As long as
they make it to the shows on time,
I don’t worry and you shouldn’t
either.
LIP
(offended)
I ain’t worried about nothin’.
CUT TO:
INT. DINER - DAY
Lip and Shirley sit in a booth eating lunch. Shirley picks at

a tuna salad while Lip chows down on a pot roast. Shirley
watches Lip, amazed at the ferocity with which he attacks his
meal.
DR. SHIRLEY
How is that?
LIP
Salty.
Lip continues to stuff his face.
DR. SHIRLEY
Have you ever thought of being a
food critic?
Lip looks up, hopeful.
LIP
Not really, but...why? Is there
money in that?
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m just saying, you have a
marvelous way with words when
describing food. Salty. So vivid.
One can almost taste it.
Lip feels the jab.
LIP
I’m saying it’s salty, and salt’s
cheatin’. Any cook can make things
salty. But to make it taste good
without the salt, with just the
other flavors, that’s the trick.
See, when you--
(CONTINUED)
33.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
We should be going soon if we
expect to get to Pittsburgh by
dinner.
LIP
You know, when I was in the army I
knew a guy from Pittsburgh, but he
called it Titsburgh because he said
all the girls there have big tits.
DR. SHIRLEY
That’s absurd. Why would women in
Pittsburgh have larger breasts
than, say, women in New York?
Lip shrugs.
LIP
‘The hell I know? Guess we’ll find
out, huh?
Lip goes back to his plate.
LIP (CONT’D)
By the way, when you hired me, my
wife went out bought one of your
records--’one about the orphans.
DR. SHIRLEY
Orphans?
LIP
Yeah. Cover had a bunch of kids
sitting around a campfire?
Shirley has to think a moment.
DR. SHIRLEY
Orpheus.
LIP
What?
DR. SHIRLEY
Orpheus in the Underworld. It’s
based on a French Opera. And those
kids on the cover? They were demons
in hell.
LIP
No shit? Must of been naughty kids.
CUT TO:
34.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY - LATER
They’ve been driving awhile now. Lip starts to pull the car
over to the side of the road.
DR. SHIRLEY
What are you doing?
LIP
I gotta take a leak.
DR. SHIRLEY
Here? Now?
LIP
What, you want me to piss my pants?
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS
The Cadillac stops on the shoulder of the road next to some

trees. Lip gets out, takes a few steps... then realizes he
forgot something...
Lip goes back, opens the driver’s side door and GRABS HIS
WALLET OFF THE DASH.
Shirley and Lip’s eyes meet for a moment. Then, wallet in

hand, Lip heads to the woods to pee.
CUT TO:
INT. PENN-SHERATON HOTEL - LIP’S ROOM - NIGHT
Lip wears a guinea T-shirt. He steps out of the bathroom,

dries his hands with a towel, opens a sliding glass door that
leads to...
EXT. LIP’S ROOM - 2ND FLOOR BALCONY - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
From this perch, the courtyard is illuminated by the

reflection of the pool light. Lip steps out, fires up a
smoke, takes in the cool breeze.
LIP’S POV - Oleg and George are at a table poolside, playing

grab-ass with TWO WOMEN, drinking, LAUGHING...
Lip peers across the courtyard, finds Dr. Shirley sitting on

the patio outside his room, drink in hand, a half-empty
bottle of Cutty beside him.
Lip observes a moment, goes back into his room.
CUT TO:
35.
INT. PENN SHERATON HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY
Lip, wearing a black suit, sits reading a paper. Shirley

wearing a tuxedo, enters, crosses to Lip. Shirley pulls a
roll of cash out of his pocket, peels off some bills, gives
them to Lip.
DR. SHIRLEY
Take this for any incidentals we
may need. If you want something for
yourself, you don’t have to ask me,
just make sure you keep the
receipts. When it runs low, let me
know.
Lip nods. They walk towards the exit.

One more thing--we will be
attending many events before and
after the concerts, interacting
with some of the wealthiest and
most highly-educated people in the
country. It is my feeling that your
diction, as charming as it may be
in the tri-state area, could use a
bit of finessing.
LIP
Like you mean diction in what way?
DR. SHIRLEY
In the only way the word “diction”
is ever used.
LIP
(unsure)
Okay...
DR. SHIRLEY
Your intonation, inflection, choice
of words--
LIP
Ayyyy, I got my own problems, I
gotta worry what other people think
about the way I talk?
DR. SHIRLEY
There are simple techniques I can
teach you that are quite effective.
I can help you.
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED:
Lip is frustrated.
LIP
I don’t need no goddamn help. If
people don’t like the way I talk,
they can go take a shit.
DR. SHIRLEY
The profanity is another issue.
LIP
A fanabla, why you breakin’ my
balls?
DR. SHIRLEY
Because you can do better. And
here’s another thing--as guest of
honor, I will be announced when I
enter these intimate events. You
will be announced as well.
Vallelonga may be difficult to
pronounce. I was thinking “Valle”
would be more appropriate. Tony
Valle. It’s short and simple.
LIP
Nuh-uh. If they got a problem with
Vallelonga, they can call me Tony
Lip.
Shirley winces.
DR. SHIRLEY
These are genteel people. That might
be a little...worldly for them.
LIP
Then it’s Tony Vallelonga. All
these high-class people that are so
much smarter than me, with all
their intelligence and speakin’
abilities, you’re telling me they
can’t pronounce my name?
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m just telling you, Valle will
make things easier.
LIP
My last name is Vallelonga and I
ain’t changing it for nobody. They
don’t like it, they can shove it up
their ass--I’ll just wait outside.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED: (2)
Dr. Shirley considers this.
DR. SHIRLEY
A sound compromise.
CUT TO:
ESTABLISHING SHOT - PITTSBURGH MANSION - EVENING

EXT. MANSION - BACK PARKING LOT - EVENING - SAME
Filled with BLACK CHAUFFEURS killing time next to their cars.

Waiters, Busboys, Waitresses, Cooks, ALL BLACK, move in and
out of the home. Lip lights a cigarette, looks around...
CLOSE ON - LIP’S EXPRESSION as he realizes he’s THE ONLY

WHITE HELP.
Lip NOTICES A CHAUFFEUR trying to watch the show from a WIDE-

OPEN SIDE-WINDOW. He joins him. From here, he can see inside
the BALLROOM.
HIS POV - a well-dressed WHITE AUDIENCE packs the lavish

room. On stage, a Steinway piano, a Cello, and a Stand-up
Bass. A distinguished-looking WOMAN, MC, 40s, steps up to the
microphone.
MC
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we
are privileged to present a great
American artist. He gave his first
public performance at the age of
three. At age eighteen, at Arthur
Fiedler's invitation, our guest
made his concert debut with the
Boston Pops. He holds Doctorates in
Psychology, in Music, and in the
Liturgical Arts, and has performed
at the White House twice in the
last fourteen months. He is a true
virtuoso.
BACK ON Lip as he leans toward a CHAUFFEUR, 60s, beside him.
LIP
Virtuoso--that’s Italian. Means
he’s really good.
BACK TO SCENE --
MC
Ladies and gentleman, please
welcome The Don Shirley Trio!
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED:
As the AUDIENCE APPLAUDS, Dr. Shirley, Oleg, and George take

their places at their respective instruments. The Trio opens
with the Irving Berlin standard “BLUE SKIES.”
Shirley, using his own prodigious technique, is ELEGANT. The

AUDIENCE IS MESMERIZED.
ANGLE ON Lip as he steps closer to the window.
CLOSE ON DR. SHIRLEY - His hands glide over the Steinway’s

ivories like a bird in flight. Each finger is center key,
each note plucked perfectly. HE’S A VIRTUOSO AT THE PEAK OF
HIS CRAFT.
PUSH IN ON LIP as he realizes that he’s not driving a piano

player, he’s driving a genius.
CUT TO:
EXT. MANSION - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
CLOSE ON - DICE ROLLING... A FOUR AND A SIX!
PULL BACK - A CRAPS GAME BEING PLAYED OUT BETWEEN PARKED

CARS... DICE, DOLLAR BILLS, and QUARTERS ON THE GROUND.
Lip rolls the dice. He’s surrounded by the chauffeurs,

busboys, waiters, cooks. Everyone SCREAMS as Lip...
Rolls FOUR AND FOUR. MORE CHEERING, MONEY LAID DOWN...
Lip rolls again... FIVE AND FIVE! WINNER! CHEERS AND MOANS...
Lip grabs the pile of money.
BUSBOY
Shit! He won again!
LIP
Hey, it’s your dice, I’m just
having a lucky day.
DR. SHIRLEY (O.S.)

Tony!
Lip turns to see Shirley at the end of the aisle of parked

cars.
CHAUFFEUR
Boss man’s callin’.
LIP
He ain’t my boss. I work for the
record company.
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED:
Lip scoops up his winnings, walks away to the crowd’s dismay.
BUSBOY
(calling after him)
Come on! Give us a chance to win
back our loot!
LIP
Sorry, fellas, duty calls!
Lip joins Shirley at the car.
DR. SHIRLEY
I’ve been looking for you.
LIP
Sorry. The guys were having a
little game.
DR. SHIRLEY
If you need extra money, next time,
ask me.
LIP
It’s more fun winning it.
They reach the Cadillac. Lip opens the back door.
DR. SHIRLEY
What if you lost?
LIP
(smiles)
Craps and cards, I don’t lose, Doc.
I don’t lose.
DR. SHIRLEY
And stooping down in the gravel
throwing dice for pocket change
makes you a winner?
LIP
What are you giving me shit for?
Everybody was doin’ it.
Shirley eyeballs Lip.
DR. SHIRLEY
They didn’t have a choice whether
to be inside or out. You did.
This hits a nerve with Lip.
(CONTINUED)
40.
CONTINUED: (2)

Let’s go. And wipe your knees,
you’ve got dirt on them.
Shirley gets in, pulls the car door shut. Lip, embarrassed,
brushes the dirt off his pants.
ESTABLISHING SHOT - MOTEL - OHIO - NIGHT
INT. MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Modest, dimly lit. Lip sits at a desk, pen poised. He stares

down at a blank piece of paper, takes a breath, starts to
write.
LIP (V.O.)
(slow, simple)
Dear Dolores... How are you? I am
fine...
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - DAY
Nick and Frankie are eating lunch as Dolores sits, READS:
DOLORES
(reading)
“I’m eating real good--hamburgers
mostly--so don’t worry about me not
eating good. We are doing lots of
driving around, and we talk a lot
in the car. I saw Dr. Shirley
tonight play piano. He doesn’t play
like a colored guy. He plays like
Liberace but better and I ain’t
lying. He’s like a genius I think.
When I look at him in the rear-view
mirror, I can tell he’s always
thinking and working stuff out in
his head, I guess that’s what
geniuses do. But it don’t look fun
to be that smart. I miss you very
very much, Baby. Love, Tony. P.S.--
I told you I can’t write letters,
ha ha! Regards to your father and
brother. I’m going to get a haircut
tomorrow. P.S.--Kiss Nickie and
Frankie both for me.”
As Dolores smiles, we --
CUT TO:
41.
EXT. HIGHWAY - OHIO - DAY

Shirley’s Cadillac drives along.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY
Lip drives. Next to him, a couple of maps, soda bottles,

empty candy wrappers. Shirley sits comfortably in the back,
reading glasses on the edge of his nose, reading Allan
Drury’s A Shade of Difference.
Lip fiddles with the radio, changing stations. Stops on the

song Lucille. Lip turns it up. Shirley takes notice.
DR. SHIRLEY
Who is this?
LIP
What?
DR. SHIRLEY
On the radio.
LIP
Lil’ Richard.
Dr. Shirley listens, surprised.
DR. SHIRLEY
This is Little Richard?
LIP
Yeah, he’s good. Think you could
play somethin’ like this, Doc?
DR. SHIRLEY
(of course he could)
I don’t know. Sounds very
complicated.
Shirley lowers his book.

So where did this “Tony the Lip”
moniker come from?
LIP
Not Tony the Lip. Tony Lip--it’s
one word. I got it when I was a
kid. My friends said I was the best
bullshit artist in the Bronx.
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED:
Lip smiles into the rear-view mirror.
DR. SHIRLEY
Why are you smiling?
LIP
Huh?
DR. SHIRLEY
You don’t mind that your friends--
the people closest to you--consider
you a liar?
LIP
(offended)
I never said liar, I said bullshit
artist.
DR. SHIRLEY
What’s the difference?
LIP
I don’t lie. I’m just good at, you
know, talking people into doin’
things they don’t wanna do. By
bullshittin’ ‘em.
DR. SHIRLEY
And you’re proud of that?
Lip shrugs, smiles.
LIP
Well it got me this job.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - OHIO - DAY - LATER
The Caddy whips by.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY - SAME
Slow Twistin’ by Chubby Checker plays on the radio. Lip is

looking back at Shirley, annoyed.
LIP
You’re full of shit! You never
hearda Chubby Checker?
DR. SHIRLEY
Of course I’ve heard of him, I just
never heard his music.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
43.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY (CONT'D)
But I like this. He’s got a silky
voice... smooth.
LIP
This is what everyone dances to now --
DR. SHIRLEY
Eyes on the road please.
Lip flips the station. Aretha Franklin’s Won’t Be Long PLAYS.
LIP
How about this? You know this song.
DR. SHIRLEY
I don’t think so...
Lip looks back at Dr. Shirley in disbelief.
LIP
How could you not know this music?
Chubby Checker, Lil’ Richard, Sam
Cooke, Aretha--these are your
people!
Shirley wears a strained smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. GAS STATION/NOVELTY SHOP - DAY
Lip and Shirley’s car, followed by Oleg and George’s car,

pull into the gas station and parks. Lip gets out, Shirley
waits in the car, window open. Oleg and George also get out
of their car, stretch, smoke.
Lip walks to the novelty shop, which has an outside porch

area with multiple displays, knick-knacks, etc. One of the
boxes is filled with an assortment of POLISHED STONES of
various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Lip goes to the box of stones, picks up a few, checks them

out, puts them back.
Oleg WATCHES AS Lip spot a large JADE-COLORED STONE on the

ground. He picks it up, looks it over... Puts it in his
pocket...
ON DR. SHIRLEY’S CAR - MOMENTS LATER
Oleg speaks to Shirley through the back window. Lip exits the
store, lights a smoke, heads toward Shirley’s Cadillac. Oleg
goes back to his car. Lip gets in, starts the car.
(CONTINUED)
44.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
Before we pull out, Tony, we need
to talk. I just heard something
that disturbed me a great deal. I
gave you petty cash.
LIP
Yeah, so?
DR. SHIRLEY
Oleg told me what you did.
LIP
What I do?
DR. SHIRLEY
You stole a jade stone from the
store.
LIP
No I didn’t.
DR. SHIRLEY
He watched you do it.
LIP
I didn’t steal no stone.
DR. SHIRLEY
You picked it up and you put it in
your pocket.
LIP
Yeah, I picked a rock up off the
ground--I didn’t steal one from the
box.
DR. SHIRLEY
Why would you pick up a rock off
the ground?
LIP
‘Cause that ain’t stealin’. It’s
just a regular rock.
DR. SHIRLEY
(frustrated)
But why would you want a regular
rock?
LIP
(searching)
I don’t know, just to have. Like
for good luck maybe.
(CONTINUED)
45.
CONTINUED: (2)
DR. SHIRLEY
A lucky rock? Let me see it.
Reluctantly, Lip pulls out the JADE STONE.
I want you to go back and pay for
it.
Lip is embarrassed, angry.
LIP
I told you that Kraut was a sneak.
Rats me out for something I didn’t
even do.
DR. SHIRLEY
Pay for the stone, Tony, you’ll
feel better.
LIP
I feel fine, and I’m not paying for
no regular rock I found in the
dirt.
Lip PUTS THE CAR IN DRIVE.
DR. SHIRLEY
Do not drive, Mr. Vallelonga.
Lip stops, puts it in park. They sit in silence. Finally...

Lip gets out, SLAMS the door, storms off. Shirley waits. A
few moments later, Lip gets back in the car, throws it into
drive.

Feel better?
LIP
No.
DR. SHIRLEY
Tony, if you’d like, I will happily
buy you that stone.
LIP
Don’t bother. You took all the fun
out of it.
As Shirley’s Cadillac pulls back onto the highway, we go...
ESTABLISHING SHOT - COLLEGE CAMPUS - INDIANA - DAY
Shirley’s Cadillac pull in front. Lip gets out.

46.
INT. INDIANA COLLEGE CAMPUS - CONCERT HALL - AFTERNOON
The place is empty except for Oleg and George setting up

their instruments on stage. As Lip ENTERS, OLEG starts to
PLAY A SONG on the Cello.
Lip goes to a BROKEN DOWN PIANO on the stage. He looks it

over. This can’t be right. He opens the top, inside...
GARBAGE... CRUMBLED PAPERS, A COKE BOTTLE, DIRTY NAPKINS...
Lip sees the STAGE MANAGER off to the side of the stage.
LIP
Excuse me... I’m with the band.
STAGE MANAGER
You’re all set up.
LIP
This ain’t the piano, right?
The STAGE MANAGER approaches. This guy’s big, Duke Wayne with
a hammer holster.
STAGE MANAGER
That’s it.
LIP
This isn’t a Steinway...?
STAGE MANAGER
So what?
LIP
Dr. Shirley only plays on
Steinway-brand pianos. It’s in his
written contract.
STAGE MANAGER
Who’s Dr. Shirley?
LIP
Dr. Shirley--the Don Shirley Trio?
STAGE MANAGER
Does it really matter?
LIP
Yes, it does. It’s in his contract.
The Stage Manager rolls his eyes.
(CONTINUED)
47.
CONTINUED:
STAGE MANAGER
Come on, what’s the difference --
these coons can play on anything.
CLOSE ON OLEG AND GEORGE as they stop what they’re doing and
take notice.
BACK ON Lip as he looks closely at the filthy piano.
LIP
But there’s garbage in this thing.
STAGE MANAGER
So, take it out.
Lip stiffens.
LIP
What’d you say?
STAGE MANAGER
You heard me.
LIP
Get a clean Steinway in here.
STAGE MANAGER
There’s no Steinway on campus.
LIP
Not my problem.
STAGE MANAGER
I bet there ain’t two Steinways in
the whole state of Indiana.
LIP
Then you better move your ass and
start lookin’.
Oleg and George exchange a glance. The Stage Manager puffs up.
STAGE MANAGER
Who you think you’re talking to,
greaseball?
Without warning, Lip LASHES OUT with a BRUTAL OPEN-HAND SLAP

to the Stage Manager’s ear. The Stage Manager STAGGERS BACK
AND SIDEWAYS. He stares at Lip, dazed.
SMASH CUT TO:
THE STEINWAY EMBLEM...

48.
INT. INDIANA COLLEGE CAMPUS - CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
Dr. Shirley’s fingers tinkle the ivories on a Steinway,

performing “HAPPY TALK” to a sold-out house.
CLOSE ON THE WING OF THE STAGE where Lip is listening to the

music, satisfied. The Stage Manager stands a few feet back
from him, looking sheepish and a little scared.
DISSOLVE TO:
QUICK MONTAGE AS “HAPPY TALK” CONTINUES...
-- LIP SITS IN A DINER WRITING A LETTER. SHIRLEY IS ACROSS

FROM HIM, READING A NEWSPAPER.
LIP (V.O.)
“Dear Dolores... This morning I had
steak and eggs. For breakfast.”
-- DOLORES READING THE LETTER AND SMILING.
LIP (V.O.)
“The band has been playing at very
ritzy joints. Dr. Shirley and I are
getting along pretty good, but
sometimes I think he gets depressed
and drinks too much.”
-- CLOSE ON DR. SHIRLEY PLAYING AT A HIGH-SOCIETY PARTY...
LIP (V.O.)
“I never knew how very beautiful
this country was. Now that I’m
seeing it I know. You wouldn’t
believe how beautiful nature is--it
is as beautiful as they say. I wish
I had a camera and took some
pictures, they would be collector’s
items, I wish I knew how to
describe it to you.”
-- DR. SHIRLEY’S CAR DRIVING ON VARIOUS HIGHWAYS, WITH

AMAZING VIEWS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE... SIGNS FOR NEENAH,
WISCONSIN... MUSCATINE, IOWA... INDIANAPOLIS... ST. LOUIS...
LIP (V.O.)
“And the traffic out here in the
country is nothing, which is fine
by me.”
49.
-- BACK IN THE DINER WHERE LIP IS WRITING THE LETTER.
LIP (V.O.)
“Right now I’m eating spaghetti and
meatballs in a diner that tastes
like ketchup on Chinese noodles. I
miss your cooking...”
-- SHIRLEY LOWERS HIS NEWSPAPER, GLANCES AT LIP’S CHICKEN-

SCRATCH PENMANSHIP, SHAKES HIS HEAD.
-- SHIRLEY TRIO PERFORMING FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE...
LIP
“We are heading down south now... I
will write you another letter when
we get down south. I love you...
Your husband Tony... P.S.--Kiss the
kids for me...”
-- DOLORES SITS ALONE IN BED, FINISHES READING THE LETTER.
“HAPPY TALK” ends.
EXT. KENTUCKY HIGHWAY - DAY
Shirley’s car motors past a “WELCOME TO KENTUCKY” sign.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY
On the radio, “WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’ GOING ON,” Jerry Lee Lewis
attacking the piano.
LIP
Got any family, Doc?
DR. SHIRLEY
Not really.
LIP
Not really? Either you do or you
don’t.
DR. SHIRLEY
It’s a long story, Tony.
LIP
What, we’re in a rush now?
Shirley takes a BEAT, reluctantly opens up.
(CONTINUED)
50.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
I have a brother somewhere. We used
to get together once in a
while...but it got more and more
difficult to keep in touch. That’s
the curse of being a musician--
you’re always on the road, like a
carnival worker, or a criminal.
(beat)
It took a toll on my marriage as
well.
Lip glances in the rear-view mirror.
LIP
You’re married?
DR. SHIRLEY
Was.
They drive for a moment.

June was a good person--terrible
grammar, but a kind soul.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the
constitution to do a husband act as
well as a concert pianist act. I
couldn’t balance both worlds.
EXT. ROAD - KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN - DAY - LATER

ANGLE ON Kentucky Fried Chicken sign, then we...PAN to the
Caddy approaching.
INT. CADDY - CONTINUOUS
Lip sits up, excited.
LIP
Kentucky Fried Chicken... in
Kentucky! When’s that ever gonna
happen?!
EXT. KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

The Cadillac pulls into the parking lot.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Lip looks over the seat-back.
LIP
What do you want?
(CONTINUED)
51.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m fine. Thank you.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. CADILLAC - DAY
They’re back on the road, a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken
in the front seat next to Lip. He wolfs down a chicken leg as
he drives.
LIP
This might be the best Kentucky
Fried Chicken I ever had. But I
guess it’s fresher down here,
right?
Dr. Shirley shrugs.
DR. SHIRLEY
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone
with your appetite.
LIP
No, I bought the bucket so you
could have some.
DR. SHIRLEY
I’ve never had fried chicken in my
life.
LIP
Who you bullshittin’? You people
love the fried chicken, the grits,
the colored greens...I love it,
too. The negro cooks used to make
it when I was in the army.
DR. SHIRLEY
You have a very narrow assessment
of me, Tony.
LIP
(pleased)
Yeah, I’m good, right?
DR. SHIRLEY
What? No. No, you’re not good,
you’re bad. I’m saying, just
because other negro people listen
to a certain kind of music doesn’t
mean I have to. Nor do we all have
to eat the same food.
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED:
Lip looks at Shirley in the mirror.
LIP (CONT’D
Whoa, wait a minute. If you said
all guineas like pizza and
spaghetti and meatballs, I’m not
gonna get insulted.
DR. SHIRLEY
You’re missing the point. For you
to make the assumption that--
LIP
Doc, you want some or not?
Lip holds up the bucket.
DR. SHIRLEY
No.
Lip takes another big, juicy bite.
LIP
Tell me that don’t smell good?
DR. SHIRLEY
It smells okay, but I don’t want to
get grease on my blanket.
LIP
Oooh, I’m gonna get grease on my
blankie--have a piece. It ain’t
gonna kill ya.
Lip takes a piece of chicken, holds it out to Shirley.
LIP (CONT’D)
Just grab it and eat it!
DR. SHIRLEY
No.
LIP
I’m gonna throw it in the back
seat.
DR. SHIRLEY
Don’t you dare!
LIP
Then you better take it.
(CONTINUED)
53.
CONTINUED: (2)
DR. SHIRLEY
How? Do you even have utensils?
Plates?
LIP
Bah fongool! Eat it with your hands,
that’s how you’re supposed to.
DR. SHIRLEY
I can’t do that.
LIP
I swear I’m gonna throw it!
Shirley reluctantly takes the chicken.
DR. SHIRLEY
I... I really can’t do this.
LIP
Eat the goddamn thing.
Shirley takes a bite. Lip can see he’s enjoying it.
LIP (CONT’D)
What, no good?
Very good.
DR. SHIRLEY
I just... this seems so... so
unsanitary.
LIP
‘Gives a shit?! Relax and enjoy it.
My father always says, whatever you
do, do it hundred percent. When you
work, work, when you laugh, laugh,
when you eat, eat like it’s your
last meal.
Shirley is clearly enjoying the chicken.
LIP (CONT’D)
Want another piece? Have a leg!
Lip hands Shirley a leg.
DR. SHIRLEY
What do we do about the bones?
LIP
We do this.
(CONTINUED)
54.
CONTINUED: (3)
Lip throws his bones out the window. After a BEAT, Shirley
rolls down his window and does the same. They smile at one
another for the first time. Then Lip finishes his Coke and
TOSSES THE CUP OUT THE WINDOW. As Shirley loses his smile, we:
CUT TO:
SAME SCENE - MOMENTS LATER
The Caddy is backing up in the breakdown lane. It stops next

to the DISCARDED CUP, Lip’s door opens, he picks it up, and
they drive on.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE MOTEL - EARLY EVENING
The Caddy pulls up in front of a RUN-DOWN MOTEL with a “FOR

COLORED ONLY” sign. Low-end, one-level on the edge of
downtown. Nothing like the upscale hotels they’ve been
staying in.
Lip behind the wheel, READING THE GREEN BOOK; Shirley in the
backseat.
LIP
This can’t be it. Says right
here...
(points to Green Book)
...cozy as your own home... This
place looks like my ass.
DR. SHIRLEY
This is the place.
The guys get out of the car. Lip takes Shirley’s bag out of
the trunk.
LIP
If you need anything, I’ll be up
the street at the Easton Inn.
So...see you tomorrow.
Dr. Shirley takes his bag, walks up the rickety front steps.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE MOTEL - EVENING - LATER
MUSIC from a transistor radio. BLACK FAMILIES sit at tables
outside the motel.
(CONTINUED)
55.
CONTINUED:
Shirley, smartly dressed in a DINNER JACKET, sits away from

everyone on the ramshackle porch nursing a glass of CUTTY
SARK.
SHIRLEY’S POV - The families are eating, drinking, enjoying

the night. CHILDREN run around, playing games, having fun.
THREE MEN are setting up a game of HORSESHOES in the yard.

One of the MEN calls to Shirley.
MAN #1
Hey, fancy-pants, you wanna play?
DR. SHIRLEY
Um... no, thank you.
MAN #2
Come on, we short a man!
Shirley shifts in his chair, uncomfortable.
DR. SHIRLEY
I... I’d rather not.
MAN #1
What, you too high and mighty?
MAN #3
He’s just afraid of getting that
butler uniform all dusty!
The men LAUGH.
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m just... I’m on my way out to
meet a friend.
Shirley drains his scotch, stands, and WALKS INTO THE NIGHT.
INT. LIP’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
CLOSE ON BEDSIDE TABLE where we see a wallet, a pack of

smokes, and, surprisingly, the JADE ROCK that we thought Lip
had returned.
PULL BACK to reveal Lip, in boxers, sitting up in bed,

flipping through the GREEN BOOK.
He puts the book aside a moment, opens a pizza box on the bed
beside him. He takes out the ENTIRE UNCUT PIZZA, FOLDS IT IN
HALF AND TAKES A BITE.
(CONTINUED)
56.
CONTINUED:
He goes back to the book. CLOSE ON the cover - Up top it

says Negro Motorist Green Book. Down below reads: “For
vacation without aggravation.”
LIP
(reading to himself)
Vacation without aggravation...
vaffangool.
He flips through the book. CLOSE ON A PAGE - It reads:

“Assured Protection for the Negro Traveler.” Below it there’s
an ad for “Gerald’s Restaurant in Buffalo, New York -
Delightful Dinners for Particular People -- open 24 hours.”
Lip turns to another page. CLOSE ON PAGE - A photo of Mrs.

Ressie Harris, the owner of Quinn’s Hotel - “The most
fabulous hotel for colored.”
There’s an URGENT KNOCK ON THE DOOR.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Tony, it’s George! Wake up! Hurry
up!
Lip gets up, opens the door. It’s George, sweating and out of
breath.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Dr. Shirley’s in trouble.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
George and Lip hustle down the street.
GEORGE
(panicked)
I went out for a drink, I walk into
this bar, and there’s Shirley
getting bounced around! I didn’t
want to leave him, but I didn’t
know what to do!
INT. DIVE BAR - NIGHT
A shit-hole. Drunken REDNECKS surround an EVEN DRUNKER

Shirley. LAUGHING as they shove him, smack him around.
LIP (O.S.)
Get your hands off him!
The Rednecks stop their fun. Bar goes quiet. They turn toward
Lip and George.
(CONTINUED)
57.
CONTINUED:
REDNECK #1
What the good goddamn we got here,
fellas?
LIP
Hand him over, we walk out, won’t
be a problem.
REDNECK #1
Already is a problem, Mister.
DR. SHIRLEY
(slurring)
I just came in for a drink.
REDNECK #1
You come in here for a drink? Then
you must be tired of livin’, boy.
LIP
I told you, hand him over, we’ll
leave.
Redneck #2 roughly rubs Dr. Shirly’s head.
REDNECK #2
He ain’t going nowhere, we need
this brillo pad to wash them dishes
with...
LIP
Hey, do yourself a favor and let
him go. Now.
TENSE BEAT.
REDNECK #1
Say it nice.
LIP
I just said it nice.
The Bumpkins spread out, advance a step. REDNECK #1 pulls out

a BUCK KNIFE.
REDNECK #1
This boy’s gonna get what’s coming
to him, and you ain’t got no say!
Lip calmly reaches behind his back, under his suit jacket.
(CONTINUED)
58.
CONTINUED: (2)
LIP
Maybe. But, whatever happens, I’m
gonna put a bullet right in the
middle of that thick skull of
yours.
BEAT.
REDNECK #2
He ain’t got no gun, Ray. Let’s get
him. He’s fulla shit.
REDNECK #3
What if he ain’t?
Redneck #1 tries to read Lip’s face... impossible. Lip can

stare down an army.
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)

Well, I sure ain’t.
ANGLE ON - THE BARKEEP, 60s, holding a shotgun, pointing it

directly at Lip and George.
BARKEEP
And I won’t be having none of this
come to pass in my place. Let the
spook go. I want these Yanks off my
property.
After a BEAT, the Rednecks reluctantly open a path for Shirley.

Shirley staggers toward Lip and collapses against him. Lip
motions for George to exit, then Lip throws Shirley over his
shoulder and backs out the door, his eyes peeled for trouble.
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE MOTEL - NIGHT - LATER
An irate Lip walks an inebriated Shirley throught the parking

lot of the motel.
LIP
What the hell’s wrong with you?!
You go in there alone?
An unsteady Shirley leans against a car.
DR. SHIRLEY
(still slurry)
I apologize for putting you in that
position, Tony.
(CONTINUED)
59.
CONTINUED:
LIP
I don’t understand you, Doc, honest
to God. Why couldn’t you just drink
here--you got a whole bottle?
DR. SHIRLEY
I needed some air.
LIP
Air?! Don’t you know where you are?
Shirley looks at him oddly.
DR. SHIRLEY
Does the geography really matter?
LIP
What?
DR. SHIRLEY
If I walked into a bar in your
neighborhood, would this
conversation be any different?
Lip dodges the question.
LIP
From now on you don’t go nowhere
without me. Nowhere!
DR. SHIRLEY
Tony...Do you really have a gun?
LIP
‘Course not. Now get some rest. You
got a big show tomorrow night. Now
where’s your room doc?
Shirley points, Lip helps Doc to his room.
CUT TO:
INT. LOUISVILLE CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
Lip stands off to the side as an ALL-WHITE AUDIENCE watches

the Don Shirley Trio give a magnificent performance of their
hit, “LULLABY OF BIRDLAND.” When they finish, the crowd
ERUPTS in a STANDING OVATION.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you, Louisville, for your
warm hospitality!
60.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NORTH CAROLINA - DAY
Shirley’s Cadillac passes a BILLBOARD that reads: “WELCOME TO

RALEIGH - HOME OF THE N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY WOLFPACK”.
INT. CADILLAC - NORTH CAROLINA - DAY
Lip and Shirley drive along looking through bug-smeared

windows. Miles and miles of SWEET POTATO fields.
LIP
(struggling; slow)
“Betty bought... a bit of buttah...
but she found the buttah bittah...”
DR. SHIRLEY
Not buttah... butter. Say the “er.”
LIP
Er.
DR. SHIRLEY
“So Betty bought a bit of better
butter to make the bitter butter
better...”
LIP
“So Betty bit a buttah...”
DR. SHIRLEY
Don’t be lazy--enunciate. “So Betty
bought a bit of better butter...”
LIP
“So, Betty bit a better buttah--”
this is bullshit.
DR. SHIRLEY
No, you need to start somewhere.
Athletes stretch to warm up before
an event. A singer does vocal
exercises. These drills will
strengthen your speech muscles.
WE HEAR A NASTY “PING” FROM THE ENGINE O.S. STEAM rises from
under the hood, splashes against the windshield.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NORTH CAROLINA - DAY
The Caddy pulls over and Lip steps out into the blazing sun.
Heat waves ripple off the scalding asphalt. Lip removes his
jacket, tosses it onto the front seat. He rolls up his
sleeves, lifts the heavy Cadillac hood.
(CONTINUED)
61.
CONTINUED:
Shirley rolls down the back window, observes dozens of BLACK

WORKERS laboring in the sun.
Men, women, children, bent to the waist, filling woven

baskets with sweet potatoes.
Shirley steps out of the Cadillac, walks to the front of the

car where Lip is thigh-deep under the hood.
While Shirley leans on the fender, Lip walks to the trunk,

pulls out a jug of water and a rag. He goes back to the
engine, opens the hot radiator cap, pours the water in.
Dr. Shirley wipes the sweat beads off his forehead with his
suit-pocket handkerchief, looks out onto the fields.
One by one the Pickers STAND UP and STARE BACK AT HIM from
BOTH sides of the road. They’ve never seen a black man like
him before.
Lip crawls out from under the hood, wipes his hands with a
cloth. He notices the Pickers staring at Shirley.
Lip SLAMS the hood, gets in the car. Shirley takes a

reflective BEAT... follows.
CUT TO:
ESTABLISHING SHOT - NORTH CAROLINA PLANTATION - LATE DAY
CLOSE ON a stuffed-shirt, MORGAN ANDERSON, 50s, standing on

the veranda.
MORGAN ANDERSON
Ladies and gentlemen, our very
special guest from the far north...
Don Shirley!
APPLAUSE. PULL BACK TO REVEAL an elite Southern crowd

surrounding him. CLASSICAL MUSIC drifts from the stereo
inside. BLACK WAITERS carry trays filled with champagne and
hors d’oeuvres.
ANGLE ON a wide-eyed Lip standing with Shirley, Oleg, and

George.
MORGAN ANDERSON (CONT’D)

Accompanying Mr. Shirley, the
members of his trio...
(reading a small program)
Oleg Malakhov, George Dyer, and his
associate, Tony Vallla...
Valleg...Valle...
(CONTINUED)
62.
CONTINUED:
Shirley, embarrassed, shoots Lip a vague I-told-you-so look.

Lip shrugs, he’s not helping.

Valley...lohnja.
Lip smirks as the PARTYGOERS CLAP. Afterwards, Anderson turns

back to Oleg and George.

Gentlemen, if you don’t mind, I’m
going to steal Donnie away for some
introductions.
As Anderson walks Shirley into the house, Oleg and George

grab glasses of sugared bourbon and mingle. Lip looks around,
takes it all in. A WAITER approaches with a tray.
LIP
What’s this?
WAITER
Pimiento-cheese sandwich, sir.
Lip takes one off the tray, tries it.
LIP
Oof.
Lip SPITS INTO A NAPKIN, plops the BALLED-UP NAPKIN ON THE

TRAY.
SMASH CUT:
INT. PLANTATION - DINING ROOM - NIGHT - LATER
Guests sit around an immense dining table. Lip sits between

the Well-Coiffed Woman and an Elderly Woman. Dr. Shirley sits
in the seat of honor to the right of Mr. Anderson, at the
head of the table.
White-gloved BLACK WAITERS place sterling-silver-covered

platters down the length of the table.
MORGAN ANDERSON
Earlier this week, we asked our
help what Mr. Shirley might like
for supper. So the boys in the
kitchen whipped up a special menu
in honor of our guest.
They lift the platter covers, revealing: Corn on the cob,

baked beans, collard greens, grits, and the main course...
(CONTINUED)
63.
CONTINUED:
FRIED CHICKEN...
Lip shoots Dr. Shirley a look... See?

Don, I do hope you enjoy it! Dig
in, everyone!
Shirley nods and bites his tongue as a Waiter piles fried

chicken onto his plate.
WE HEAR THE BEAUTIFUL CHORDS OF “WATER BOY” as...
INT. NORTH CAROLINA PLANTATION - BALLROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
The Don Shirley Trio gives a magnificent performance of their

biggest hit. As Shirley finishes the song, the room ERUPTS in
APPLAUSE. Dr. Shirley bows.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you...thank you. We will
return after a brief intermission.
INT. NORTH CAROLINA PLANTATION - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Shirley walks down the hall. He sees a bathroom and starts to
ENTER.
MORGAN ANDERSON (O.S.)

Excuse me, Don!
Shirley turns to see Anderson coming down the hall.

Lovely work in there!
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you.
MORGAN ANDERSON
Are you looking for the commode?
Here, let me help you.
He leads Shirley to a back door, opens it.

It’s right out there ‘fore the
pines.
Shirley looks out, sees an old OUTHOUSE at the edge of the

woods.
DR. SHIRLEY
I’d rather not use that.
(CONTINUED)
64.
CONTINUED:
MORGAN ANDERSON
Don’t be silly, Don. It looks a lot
worse from the outside.
DR. SHIRLEY
I understand. But I’m not going in
there.
There’s an awkward standoff.

I could go back and use the
facilities at my motel, but...
that’s going to take at least a
half an hour.
Anderson considers this for a BEAT, then gives a friendly

smile.
MORGAN ANDERSON
We don’t mind waitin’.
SMASH CUT TO:
QUICK SHOT OF THE CADDY WHIPPING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD.
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT - SAME
Shirley stews in the back seat.
LIP
Why don’t I just pull over--you can
piss in the woods?
DR. SHIRLEY
Animals go in the woods.
LIP
But it’s twenty minutes if we go
back to your motel.
DR. SHIRLEY
So let’s just get there so I can go
back and finish the show.
LIP
Ayyyy. See, that’s the difference
between you and me. I’d have zero
problem goin’ in the woods.
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m aware.
(CONTINUED)
65.
CONTINUED:
Lip glances in the mirror.
LIP
Why you sore at me? I don’t make
the rules down here.
DR. SHIRLEY
No? Who does?
Lip gets the subtext.
LIP
Ay are you sayin’ that just ‘cause
I’m white and they’re white?
That’s a very prejudice thing you
just said there, a very prejudice
thing. I got more in common with
the hymies at Second Avenue Deli
than I got with these hillbilly
pricks down here.
DR. SHIRLEY
Eyes on the road.
LIP
You know, you always say that when
you don’t like what I’m saying.
DR. SHIRLEY
Eyes on the road.
CUT TO:
EXT. NORTH CAROLINA PLANTATION - NIGHT - LATER
Show’s over, GUESTS are departing. As Dr. Shirley accepts

congratulations out on the steps, Lip stands by the Cadillac,
smoking with George.
LIP
How does he smile and shake their
hands like that? If they tried to
pull that outhouse shit with me,
I’d piss right on their dining room
floor.
GEORGE
Don’t do that...
Oleg hears this, approaches.
OLEG
We have many concert dates left.
(CONTINUED)
66.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Yeah...?
OLEG
You realize we are contractually
obliged to play them?
LIP
Of course I do. If he don’t play
‘em, I don’t get paid. What’s your
point?
Oleg lights a butt.
OLEG
Ugly circumstances are going to
happen again... so control yourself.
Lip kicks his cigarette out in the dirt.
LIP
Don’t lecture me, you rat.
OLEG
Dr. Shirley could’ve stayed up
north getting rear-end kissed at
Park Avenue parties for three times
money, but he asked for this.
LIP
Why?
Oleg takes a pull off his cigarette, walks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. STUCKEY’S RESTAURANT - SOUTH CAROLINA - DAY
Lip and Dr. Shirley sit at a table outside. Lip eats potato
chips as he WORKS ON A LETTER. Shirley can see that he’s
struggling.
DR. SHIRLEY
What on God’s green earth are you
doing?
LIP
A letter.
DR. SHIRLEY
Looks more like a piecemeal ransom
note.
(CONTINUED)
67.
CONTINUED:
Shirley holds his hand out.

May I?
Lip reluctantly hands him the letter.

(reading aloud)
“Dear, Dolores--I’m meeting all the
highly leading citizens of the
town, people who use big words, all
of them, but you know me, I get by,
I’m a good bullshitter.”
(to Lip)
Two “t”s in “bullshitter.”
(continues reading)
“As I’m writing this letter, I’m
eating potato chips and I’m
starting to get thirsty. I washed
my socks last night and dried them
on the TV. I should have brung the
iron.”
(to Lip)
You know this is pathetic, right?
Lip shrugs, embarrassed.

Tell me what you’re trying to say.
Lip looks up.
LIP
(embarrassed)
I don’t know. Just... you know, how
I miss her and shit.
DR. SHIRLEY
Then tell her that. But try to say
it in a manner that no one has ever
said it.
LIP
Shit...
DR. SHIRLEY
And without profanity.
Shirley gives the letter back to Lip, then starts to pace.
(CONTINUED)
68.
CONTINUED: (2)

Put this down. “Dolores, when I
think of you, I’m reminded of the
beautiful plains of Iowa.”
Lip stares at him.

Put it down.
Lip starts to write.
LIP
(repeating)
“When-I-think-of-you-I’m-reminded-
of-the-beautiful...”
Lip looks up.
DR. SHIRLEY
Plains of Iowa.
LIP
What planes?
DR. SHIRLEY
The plains. P-L-A-I-N-S. Those big
fields we saw.
LIP
Oh, those were nice.
(writing)
“...plains of Iowa--which is what
they call big fields around here.”
DR. SHIRLEY
(annoyed)
Tony, no expounding.
Lip looks up, confused.
LIP
No what?
DR. SHIRLEY
Just write what I say.
Shirley keeps pacing as he thinks.

“The distance between us is
breaking my spirit... My time and
experiences without you are
meaningless to me.”
(CONTINUED)
69.
CONTINUED: (3)
Lip writes feverishly to keep up.
LIP
(repeating)
“...Are meaningless to me.”
Lip starts to write again.
DR. SHIRLEY
Now this... “Falling in love with
you was the easiest thing I have
ever done.”
Eyes glued to the page, Lip SCRIBBLES AWAY FURIOUSLY.
LIP
“Falling in love with you was the
easiest thing...”
(looks up, smiling)
This is very fucking romantic.
As Lip continues writing, we go...
Dolores sits on the couch reading the letter, the kids asleep
next to her... In her head, she HEARS LIP’S VOICE.
LIP (V.O.)
Nothing matters but you. I am the
luckiest man alive, and every
moment I am without you, I realize
this.
Dolores can barely believe the poetry pouring out of her

husband.
LIP (V.O.)
I loved you the day I met you, I
love you today...
Dolores is PRACTICALLY IN TEARS and we go...
BACK ON SHIRLEY AS HE FINISHES DICTATING THE WORDS.
DR. SHIRLEY
Is it okay if I say, “P.S., kiss
the kids”?
Shirley breaks from his trance.

A P.S.?
(CONTINUED)
70.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Yeah, at the end.
DR. SHIRLEY
That’s like clanging a cowbell at
the end of Shostakovich’s 7th.
Lip nods as if he knows what Shirley’s talking about.
LIP
(hopeful)
So it’s okay?
Dr. Shirley can’t say no to the child in front of him.
DR. SHIRLEY
It’s perfect, Tony.
Lip smiles and writes...
CUT TO:
EXT. MACON, GEORGIA - DAY
Lip and Shirley walk down the street. They pass by a MEN’S
CLOTHING STORE and Shirley stops to look in the window.
ANGLE ON STORE WINDOW -- a WHITE MANNEQUIN dons a high-end

British-style suit and vest.
LIP
That guy looks just like you, Doc.
DR. SHIRLEY
He does?
LIP
(realizing)
Size-wise.
Shirley studies the suit, considering it.
LIP (CONT’D)
Go in and try it on. What, you
always gotta wear a tux on stage?
Mix it up a little.
INT. MEN’S CLOTHING STORE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER
As Lip and Shirley ENTER, a couple BUSINESSMEN are trying on
suits. A TAILOR approaches Lip.
TAILOR
May I help you, sir?
(CONTINUED)
71.
CONTINUED:
LIP
We want to try on that suit in the
window.
TAILOR
Of course.
The Tailor pulls a suit off the rack, hands it to Lip.
TAILOR (CONT’D)
Dressing room’s in the back, sir.
Lip hands Shirley the suit.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thanks. I’ll just be a moment.
LIP
Take your time. I’ll check out some
ties for ya.
The Tailor REACTS, follows Shirley toward the dressing room.
TAILOR
Uh, excuse me, you’re not allowed
to try that on.
DR. SHIRLEY
I beg your pardon?
The Tailor takes the suit from him.
TAILOR
If you would like to purchase it
first, we’ll be happy to tailor it
to your needs.
Shirley stares at him a moment, gets it, and heads for the door.
ANGLE ON Lip at the tie rack, watching all this. Frustrated,

he glares at the Tailor and follows Shirley out.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPITOL THEATRE - NIGHT - SAME
The Don Shirley Trio is in top form as they finish playing a

spirited rendition of BLUE SKIES. The song reaches a
crescendo, the crowd BURST INTO APPLAUSE, and we
CUT TO:
72.
INT. LIP’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Lip’s in the BATHROOM washing his socks in the sink. WE HEAR

ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS coming from the O.S. TELEVISION.
THE PHONE RINGS O.S.
Lip goes to the bed, passing the television. WE SEE black

socks hanging on the rabbit ears antenna and some underwear
drying on the vents of the TV. Lip answers the phone.
LIP
Yeah...
EXT. MACON YMCA - NIGHT
Lip enters the YMCA.
INT. MACON YMCA - POOL AREA - MOMENTS LATER
Lip approaches POLICEMAN #1 standing beside a swimming pool.
LIP
I got a call about Dr. Shirley.
POLICEMAN #1
Come on...
Lip follows the Policeman.
INT. MACON YMCA - LOCKER ROOM/STEAM ROOM - NIGHT
Policeman #1 enters the locker room followed by Lip.
Dr. Shirley, BRUISED, is handcuffed, sitting on the floor,

naked (also seen from the side). His skin still wet from the
steam room and sweat. Next to him also naked and cuffed to
the radiator, is a WHITE MAN.
Policeman #1 walks Lip over to POLICEMAN #2, African

American.
POLICEMAN #1
This is him.
LIP
Can you give the guy a towel, for
Chrissakes?
No one moves. Lip grabs a towel off a rack and throws it to

Shirley, who covers himself as best he can.
POLICEMAN #2
You a lawyer?
(CONTINUED)
73.
CONTINUED:
LIP
No.
POLICEMAN #2
Well you should call one. We’re
taking your Auntie in.
LIP
For what?
POLICEMAN #1
Manager caught him and the other
guy...
The Cop motions to the Caucasian Man in cuffs.
Lip glances over at the dazed and humiliated Shirley.
LIP
Can’t we get the cuffs off him, let
him put his pants on?
POLICEMAN #1
Sure we can. But we ain’t.
LIP
Look, we’re out of here in the
morning, you’ll never see us again.
There’s gotta be a way to work this
out.
(scrambling)
What if, uh, you let him go, and I
give you something to thank you?
BEAT.
POLICEMAN #1
You bribing us?
LIP
No, no... a thank you.
POLICEMAN #1
What kind of thank you?
LIP
Like... a donation to the police
force. To you guys. Whatever you
want.
(thinks)
You like suits?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
74.
CONTINUED: (2)
LIP (CONT'D)
I was walking through your nice
town today, I saw a store that was
selling suits. Nice suits.
The cops glance at one another.
LIP (CONT’D)
How about, as a thank you--a
donation--I buy you guys each a
suit? You get dressed up nice, take
your wives out to dinner. Guys like
you, you deserve it.
The two Policemen glance at each other.
SMASH CUT TO
EXT. MACON YMCA - NIGHT
Shirley trails Lip as they EXIT the YMCA and walk toward the
parking lot. No one speaks. Then...
DR. SHIRLEY
(subdued)
They were wrong for the way they
treated me, and you rewarded them.
We see that Shirley’s eye is bruised, his lip slightly

swollen.
LIP
I was hired to make sure you get
from one show to the next. How I do
it shouldn’t matter to you.
DR. SHIRLEY
I just wish you hadn’t paid them
off.
LIP
I did what I had to do. You know,
if this got out it would kill your
career.
DR. SHIRLEY
Okay, Tony, quit your phony
altruism and concern for my career.
LIP
What the hell does that mean?
(CONTINUED)
75.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
You were only thinking about
yourself back there, because you
know if I miss a show, it comes out
of your pocket.
LIP
Of course I don’t want you to miss
a show, you ungrateful bastard! You
think I’m doing this for my
health?! Tonight I saved your ass,
so show a little appreciation.
Besides, I told you never to go
nowhere without me!
DR. SHIRLEY
(calmly)
I assumed you would want this to be
the exception.
Lip gets in the car without opening Shirley’s door. Shirley

stands alone a moment, then opens his own door.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - NEXT DAY
The Cadillac drives past a WELCOME TO TENNESSEE sign.
CUT TO:
EXT. PEABODY HOTEL - MEMPHIS - FRONT ENTRANCE - DAY
Shirley’s Cadillac pulls up. The windows are closed.
INT. CADILLAC - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Lip and Shirley sit for a moment. It’s clear they haven’t
spoken for a while.
LIP
(re: bruises)
Should I try to find you some make-
up or somethin’ before the show?
DR. SHIRLEY
I’m fine.
LIP
You sure?
DR. SHIRLEY
I said I’m fine.
76.
EXT. PEABODY HOTEL - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Lip gets out of the car, opens Shirley’s door.
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
Tony Lip!
Lip turns to see TWO NEW YORK WISEGUYS standing out front
waiting for their car. The mouth of the group is pug-nosed
DOMINIC.
LIP
Dominic. The hell you doin’ here?
WISEGUY #1
Brooklyn sent us down to take care
of a few things.
He glances at Shirley, who’s waiting by the hotel entrance.
DOMINIC
(in Italian)
Who’s the eggplant?
CLOSE ON - Shirley, waiting for Lip by the hotel entrance.
LIP (O.S.)
(in Italian)
I’m working for him.
BACK TO LIP AND DOMINIC.
DOMINIC
(in Italian)
What’d you lose a bet?
One of the wiseguys LAUGHS.
DOMINIC (CONT’D)
(in Italian)
What’s wrong with you? You need
work, you come to me! I’ll always
find work for you. Matter of fact, I
can use you this week. Gotta hit a
few joints, straighten some people
out--you’ll make some real money.
LIP
(in Italian)
I’m making money.
(CONTINUED)
77.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
(in Italian)
Whatever he’s paying you, I’ll
double it.
Lip glances at Shirley.
LIP
(in Italian)
This isn’t the place to talk about
it.
DOMINIC
(in Italian)
Meet me in the bar at eight o’clock
sharp. Forget this guy.
CUT TO:
INT. PEABODY HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT
A concerned-looking Don Shirley sits in front of the mirror

in his room. He takes make-up from a SMALL KIT and dabs at
his lip and bruised cheek.
CUT TO:
INT. PEABODY HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT
Dominic sits at the bar, having a drink. Wiseguy #1 enters,

walks over to Dominic.
WISEGUY #1
I just called his room. He’ll be
down in a minute.
INT. PEABODY HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Lip comes out of his room, locks his door.
DR. SHIRLEY (O.S.)

Where are you going?
Lip turns to see Shirley behind him in the hallway.
LIP
Oh. Hey. Just... downstairs. For a
drink.
DR. SHIRLEY
(in Italian)
To meet your friend, Dominic?
(CONTINUED)
78.
CONTINUED:
Lip is taken aback.

(in Italian)
Before you decide whether or not to
take him up on the job offer, I
think we should have a word.
Lip realizes that Shirley understood the earlier conversation.

(in English)
Tony, I think you’re doing a
wonderful job.
Lip shrugs, not used to Shirley being so solicitous.

So I would like to formally offer
you the position of my road
manager. With the title comes more
responsibility and, of course,
there will be a raise in pay.
LIP
No, thanks.
Shirley nods, disappointed.
LIP (CONT’D)
You and me, we agreed on a hundred
and twenty-five a week, plus
expenses. That’s our deal. I ain’t
goin’ nowhere, Doc. I’m just goin’
down to tell ‘em.
A surprised Shirley watches Lip walk to the stairway.
DR. SHIRLEY
Tony...
Lip stops, looks to Shirley.

Sorry about last night.
Lip nods.
(CONTINUED)
79.
CONTINUED: (2)
LIP
Don’t sweat it. I been workin’
nightclubs in the city my whole
life...I know it’s a complicated
world.
As Lip heads downstairs, WE PUSH IN on Shirley.
CUT TO:
INT. PEABODY HOTEL - LOBBY - LATER THAT NIGHT
Dr. Shirley and Lip sit at a table in the lobby. Shirley

pours them both a drink from a bottle of Cutty Sark.
LIP
So, how’d you learn how to play so
good, Doc?
DR. SHIRLEY
My mother. She taught me how to
play on an old spinet. Soon as I
could walk, we’d travel around the
Florida panhandle and I’d put on
little shows in parishes and halls.
A man who had seen me play arranged
for me to study at the Leningrad
Conservatory of Music.
LIP
So that’s where they taught you all
them songs you play?
DR. SHIRLEY
Actually, I was trained to play
classical music. Brahms, Franz
Liszt, Chopin--it’s all I ever
wanted to play.
(smile fades)
But I was persuaded by my record
company to pursue a career in
popular music instead. They told me
audiences would never accept a
black pianist on the classical
stage. Wanted to turn me into just
another “colored entertainer.” You
know, the guy who smokes while he’s
playing, who puts a glass of whisky
on the piano and then gets mad when
he’s not respected like Arthur
Rubinstein. Well, you don’t see
Arthur Rubenstein smoking and
putting a drink on his piano.
(CONTINUED)
80.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Personally, if you stuck to that
classic stuff I think it would’ve
been a big mistake.
DR. SHIRLEY
A mistake? Performing the music I
trained my entire life to play?
LIP
Trained? What are you, a seal?
Anyone can sound like Beethoven or
Joe Pan or them other guys you
said. But your music, what you do,
only you can do, and nobody can
train for that.
Shirley thinks about this.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you, Tony.
(beat)
But...not everyone can play
Chopin...not the way I can.
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTRY STORE - DAY
The weather has cooled. Lip sits on a bench SCRIBBLING while

a bundled-up Shirley paces and WAXES POETIC.
DR. SHIRLEY
(dictating)
“...The trees have shed their leafy
clothing and the colors have faded
to grays and browns, but my heart
bursts with reds and blues and
greens from the love I hold inside
for you...”
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Dolores reads the letter ALOUD to Louie’s wife, Lynn, and

Johnny’s wife, Fran. In the b.g., we see the guys--Grandpas
Nicola and Anthony, Louie, Rudy, Johnny--at the kitchen table
PLAYING CARDS.
DOLORES
(reading aloud)
“It’s getting colder as we travel,
but the country is still beautiful.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
81.
CONTINUED:
DOLORES (CONT'D)
I saw millions of trees, all dusted
with snow, just like out of a fairy-
tale...”
Lynn and Fran are enthralled.
LYNN
He’s so expressive.
Dolores smiles proudly.
DOLORES
“We’ve only a few more shows before
our Christmas concert in
Birmingham, Alabama on the 23rd. I
will count the hours, minutes, and
seconds until you are in my arms. I
love and miss you more than I can
explain. Tony. P.S.--Kiss the
kids.”
CLOSE ON THE GUYS playing cards in the kitchen. They couldn’t

help overhearing Dolores.
LOUIE
Gotta admit, Lip’s letters--they’re
not bad.
RUDY
Well, it’s in the family. They say
we had a great, great, great
grandfather helped Da Vinci with
the Sixteen Chapel.
JOHNNY
You mean Michelangelo.
RUDY
Right. And that’s a true story,
right, Pop?
JOHNNY
What the hell’s that got to do with
writin’ letters?
RUDY
I’m just sayin’, we’re an arty
family.
Frances yells to John.
FRANCES
John, I want a letter.
(CONTINUED)
82.
CONTINUED: (2)
JOHNNY
Yeah, soon as you make a meal...
As the guys CHUCKLE, Shirley’s song “THE LONESOME ROAD”

begins PLAYING, and we go to...
A MONTAGE OF THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS...

--Shirley’s Cadillac barrels down a southern highway. The
bare trees along the road show SIGNS OF THE COMING WINTER.
--THE DON SHIRLEY TRIO PERFORMING AT A MEDIUM-SIZE CONCERT
HALL.
--LIP AND SHIRLEY’S CAR STOPPED AT A LIGHT.
A car pulls up next to them. The COUPLE inside, 30s, start to

stir, as they notice that Lip, a white man, is chauffeuring a
black man. The couple gawks rudely at them. Lip looks over,
smiles, and FLIPS THEM THE BIRD.
DR. SHIRLEY
(admonishing)
Tony...
As they drive off, we ANGLE ON Shirley, who cracks a tiny smile.
--SHIRLEY’S CADILLAC DRIVES THROUGH A RURAL LANDSCAPE DUSTED

WITH SNOW.
--DOLORES AND THE KIDS DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE. SHE PLUGS

IT IN, THE TREE LIGHTS UP.
--A MAN IN A WHITE TUXEDO INTRODUCES DON SHIRLEY TO A SMALL

GATHERING.
TUXEDO MAN
Let’s give a fine Louisiana welcome
to Don Shirley and the Don Shirley
Trio!
The GROUP gives him rousing APPLAUSE.
CUT TO:
EXT. MISSISSIPPI ROAD - NIGHT
Rain pounds the pavement, THUNDER. The Cadillac’s HEADLIGHTS

fight to cut through the darkness.
83.
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
THE TORRENTIAL RAIN HAMMERS THE ROOF OF THE CAR. Visibility

is zero, the wipers aren’t helping. Frustrated, Lip wipes the
windshield with his hand.
LIP
Your mother’s ass...
Through the rear window, A PAIR OF HEADLIGHTS. Shirley looks

back. THE CAR FOLLOWS THEM.
LIP STEPS ON IT. THE LIGHTS FROM THE TAILING VEHICLE GET
CLOSER AND BRIGHTER, ILLUMINATING THE BACKSEAT.
LIP FLIPS UP THE REAR-VIEW TO CUT THE GLARE.
LIP (CONT’D)
‘Hell’s this guy doin’?
SUDDENLY RED LIGHTS FLASH.
EXT. MISSISSIPPI ROAD - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
STEADY RAIN... Shirley’s Cadillac pulls over, stops. The

Highway Patrol Car tucks in close behind them.
TWO HIGHWAY PATROLMEN IN RAIN GEAR exit their cruiser,

approach Shirley’s Cadillac, shine FLASHLIGHTS into it.
INT. CADILLAC - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
PATROLMAN #1’s flashlight beams through the driver’s window,

almost blinding Lip. A tap on the window. Lip opens it.
PATROLMAN #1
License and papers?
LIP
Glad to see you guys. I’m a little
lost.
Lip hands Patrolman #1 his papers.
ANGLE ON Shirley sitting quietly in the back as PATROLMAN #2,

20s, fresh-faced, shines his flashlight through the window.
PATROLMAN #1
(to Lip)
Step out of the car.
LIP
In the rain? What I do?
(CONTINUED)
84.
CONTINUED:
PATROLMAN #1
Out of the car.
Patrolman #1 opens the door, Lip gets out.
Lip stands in the dark, muddy road, the red police lights
flickering off his drenched face.
PATROLMAN #1 (CONT’D)
Why you on this road?
LIP
I told you, I had to detour and I’m
lost. We’re not from around here.
PATROLMAN #1
No, you ain’t. So I’m gonna ask you
again... what the hell you doin’
out here?
(glances at Shirley)
And why you driving him?
Patrolman #2 keeps the light shined on Dr. Shirley.
LIP
He’s my boss.
The Patrolmen look at one another.
PATROLMAN #1
He can’t be out here at night. This
is a sundown town.
LIP
What’s that mean?
PATROLMAN #1
(to Patrolman #2)
Get him out of the car. Check his
I.D.
LIP
Come on, it’s pouring.
The young Patrolman looks to his senior partner.
PATROLMAN #2
I can just get it through the
window.
PATROLMAN #1
Get him out the goddamn car!
(CONTINUED)
85.
CONTINUED: (2)
Patrolman #2 opens Shirley’s door.
PATROLMAN #2
Out.
Shirley gets out in the rain. Patrolman #1 studies Lip’s

license.
PATROLMAN #1
What’s this last name say?
LIP
Vallelonga.
PATROLMAN #1
‘Hell kind of name is that?
LIP
Italian.
PATROLMAN #1
Oh, now I get it. That’s why you
driving this boy around... you half
a nigger yourself.
LIP SLAMS PATROLMAN #1 WITH AN UPPERCUT, DROPPING HIM LIKE A

STONE.
PATROLMAN #2 PULLS HIS REVOLVER ON LIP.
POLICEMAN #2
(shaking)
Hands in the air, now!
CUT TO:
INT. MAYERSVILLE, MISSISSIPPI POLICE STATION - NIGHT
Lip sits on a concrete slab in a small cell. Shirley peers

through the bars out at Patrolmen #1, #2, and the grizzled
POLICE CHIEF, 50s.
DR. SHIRLEY
Excuse me!
(no response)
Excuse me, sirs. I quite understand
why my associate is being held, but
what exactly am I being charged
with?
Not a glance in his direction.
(CONTINUED)
86.
CONTINUED:

You seem like reasonable men--can
you let me out so we might discuss
the situation please?
PATROLMAN #1
Put the apple butter away, boy--you
ain’t goin’ nowhere no time soon.
Dr. Shirley’s demeanor hardens.
DR. SHIRLEY
You cannot hold me without cause!
PATROLMAN #1
I got cause. ‘Cause you let the sun
set on your black ass!
The Chief LAUGHS.
DR. SHIRLEY
I want to speak to a lawyer, I want
my phone call! This is a flagrant
violation of my rights! I demand my
phone call immediately!
The younger officer looks to the Chief, uncomfortable.
PATROLMAN #2
He does have...rights.
The Chief glares at him. Finally, the Chief looks at

Patrolman #1.
POLICE CHIEF
Give the negra his goddamn call.
Reluctantly, Patrolman #1 goes to the cell, unlocks it, walks

Shirley to a side office.
The cop picks up the phone, holds it out to Shirley.
PATROLMAN #1
You know a lawyer? Call him.
As the cop steps away, Shirley pulls a SMALL BLACK BOOK out
of his jacket pocket, flips to a page, DIALS...
SMASH CUT TO:

87.
INT. JAIL CELL - NIGHT - LATER
Lip sits on the floor, stone-faced. Shirley paces the room,

increasingly annoyed.
DR. SHIRLEY
As my mother always said, “What
kind of brand new fool are you?!”
Lip doesn’t respond.

Look out there, Tony. Take a good
look at the officer you hit.
Lip doesn’t move.

Look at him.
Lip raises his eyes.
HIS POV - Patrolman #1 is sitting in the bullpen, drinking

coffee, horsing around with the other cops.

He’s having a grand old time,
chatting up his pals, having a nice
cup of coffee. And where are you?
In here. With me. Who did nothing.
Yet I’m the one who’s paying the
price. I’m the one who’s going to
miss the Birmingham show.
LIP
Hey, I’m losin’ a lot of money,
too, if you don’t play Birmingham.
Shirley steps in front of Lip.
DR. SHIRLEY
So your little temper tantrum...was
it worth it?
(beat)
You don’t win with violence, Tony,
you win when you maintain your
dignity. Dignity always prevails.
And tonight, because of you, we did
not.
The station PHONE RINGS and Patrolman #2 answers.
PATROLMAN #2
Mayersville Po-lice.
(CONTINUED)
88.
CONTINUED:
The young cop STRAIGHTENS UP, color draining from his face.
PATROLMAN #2 (CONT’D)
(into phone)
No, sir. Not me, sir. Yes, sir,
he’s right here, sir.
He holds the phone out to the Chief.
POLICE CHIEF
What?
The rookie is too stunned to speak. Finally, the Chief grabs
the phone.
POLICE CHIEF (CONT’D)
Chief Pratt--who’s this?
(beat)
Bull-oney.
Patrolman #2 waves frantically and the Chief starts to sweat.

He stands, starts to pace.

Okay, yes, now I hear it, Governor.
I’m sorry. Yes, of course I
recognize your voice.
(shrinking)
I-I’m sorry, you sayin’ the boy we
got locked up called who, sir?
(beat)
And he called you?
The rattled Chief glances at Shirley and Lip--who the hell

are these guys? We HEAR the O.S. Governor SCREAMING AT HIM
over the phone.

But an officer was assaulted in the
line of...
(backing down)
No, no, I don’t want no National
Guard down here, neither, sir.
(wilting)
Yes, Governor, immediately. And
good night to you and the missus.
The Chief hangs up, turns to Patrolman #1.

Let ‘em go.
PATROLMAN #1
What?!
(CONTINUED)
89.
CONTINUED: (2)
POLICE CHIEF
Cut ‘em loose, goddamnit!
ANGLE ON SHIRLEY and a STUNNED LIP watching all this.
PATROLMAN #1 (O.S.)
But that dago-wop hit me!
POLICE CHIEF (O.S.)

Now!
BACK ON COPS - Defeated, Patrolman #1 hurries over to the

cell, opens it up. Lip turns to Shirley, amazed.
LIP
Who the hell’d you call?
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - RAINY NIGHT
The Cadillac FLIES PAST a sign reading: “WHITES ONLY WITHIN

CITY LIMITS AFTER DARK.”
Lip wears a mad, shit-eating grin as he drives through the

SLASHING RAIN on the way out of town.
LIP
Bobby Kennedy just saved our asses!
Maddon...How great is that?!
DR. SHIRLEY
It’s not great--it’s not great at
all--it’s humiliating.
Lip glances in the rear-view.
LIP
‘The hell you talking about? We
were screwed and now we ain’t.
DR. SHIRLEY
And I just put the Attorney General
of the United States in an
incredibly awkward position.
LIP
So what? That’s what the guy gets
paid for. What else he got to do?
Shirley glares at Lip.
(CONTINUED)
90.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
That man and his brother are trying
to change this country--that’s what
else he’s got to do! Now he thinks
I’m garbage. Calling from some
backwoods swamp jail, asking if he
can help attenuate assault charges...
who does that? Garbage, that’s who.
This stings Lip.

You shouldn’t have hit him!
LIP
I didn’t like the way he was
treating you, making you stand out
in the rain.
DR. SHIRLEY
Please. You hit him because of what
he called you. I’ve had to listen
to that kind of talk my entire
life, you should be able to take it
for one night.
LIP
What, I can’t get mad when he says
that stuff ‘cause I’m not black?
Christ, I’m blacker than you.
Shirley REACTS to this.
DR. SHIRLEY
You’re blacker than me?
LIP
You don’t know shit about your own
people! What they eat, how they
talk, how they live--you don’t even
know who Lil’ Richard is!
DR. SHIRLEY
So knowing who Little Richard is
makes you blacker than me? I wish
you could hear yourself sometimes,
Tony--you wouldn’t talk as much.
(CONTINUED)
91.
CONTINUED: (2)
LIP
Bullshit! I know exactly who I am.
I’m the guy who’s lived on the same
block in the same Bronx my entire
life, with my mother and father and
my brother, and now my wife and
kids. That’s it--that’s who I am.
I’m the asshole who’s gotta hustle
every goddamn day to put food on my
table. You? Mr. Big Shot? You
travel around the world and live on
top of a castle and do concerts for
rich people! I live on the streets,
you sit on a throne--so yeah, my
world is way more blacker than
yours!
DR. SHIRLEY
Pull over.
LIP
What?
DR. SHIRLEY
Pull! Over!
LIP
I ain’t pullin’ over!
DR. SHIRLEY
STOP THE CAR!
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
Lip steers the car to the side of the road. Shirley opens the
door, gets out in the rain.
Lip looks out the window as Dr. Shirley walks down the
drenched, muddy road.
LIP
What are you doin’?!
When Shirley doesn’t stop, Lip gets out, hustles after him.
LIP (CONT’D)
Get back in the car!
Shirley keeps walking. Lip catches up, grabs his arm. Shirley
turns, his face drenched...
(CONTINUED)
92.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
Yes, I live in a castle! Alone. And
rich white folks let me play piano
for them, because it makes them
feel cultured. But when I walk off
that stage I go right back to being
another nigger to them--because
that is their true culture. And I
suffer that slight alone, because
I’m not accepted by my own people,
because I’m not like them either!
So if I’m not black enough, and I’m
not white enough, and I’m not man
enough, what am I?!
Tony doesn’t know what to say. They stand in the rain while
Shirley tries to compose himself. Lip awkwardly touches
Shirley’s shoulder. Shirley turns and walks back to the car,
leaving Tony standing alone in the downpour.
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT - LATER
Back on the road, both of them disheveled and wiped out from
the evening. Nobody speaks for a while.
DR. SHIRLEY
I need sleep.
LIP
Okay, I’ll pull over at the next
place we see and I’ll sneak you
into my room.
DR. SHIRLEY
No. No. I refuse to stay at an
establishment that doesn’t want me.
LIP
Okay.
Lip picks up the Negro Moterist Green book from the seat next
to him.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALABAMA - GREEN BOOK MOTEL - NIGHT

CLOSE ON A COLOREDS ONLY sign out front of a ramshackle brick
building.
PAN TO the Caddy pulling into the DIRT PARKING LOT full of
puddles and BEAT-UP CARS.
93.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT - LATER
Lip lays in a sunken twin bed in his t-shirt and underwear

WRITING A LETTER. Shirley, in silk pajamas, folds his clothes
and places them into his suitcase.
DR. SHIRLEY
You realize you’re going to be home
before that letter gets there?
LIP
Yeah, I was gonna just bring it
with me. Save on stamps.
Shirley rolls his eyes.
DR. SHIRLEY
Give it here, I’ll fix it.
Shirley reaches for the letter, but Lip pulls it away.
LIP
No offense, Doc, but I think I got
the hang of it.
For a moment, Shirley’s offended. Then he SNATCHES THE LETTER

out of Lip’s hand.
DR. SHIRLEY
(reading)
“Dear Dolores, sometimes you remind
me of a house.”
Shirley glances at Lip... what the hell?

(reading)
”A house with beautiful lights on
it where everyone inside is happy.”
Shirley hands the letter back to Lip.

Yeah, you got it.
Shirley gets in bed, tries to sleep. We hear O.S. cars;

occasionally a dog barks in the distance.
LIP
Doc...
DR. SHIRLEY
Yes?
(CONTINUED)
94.
CONTINUED:
LIP
Thanks for helping me with the
letters--you’re really good at
writin’ ‘em.
(beat)
Maybe when you get home you should
write one to your brother?
DR. SHIRLEY
He knows where I am if he wants to
reconnect.
Lip nods. He puts his letter down, turns out the light.
LIP
Don’t wait for him, Doc. This I
know...the world’s full of lonely
people afraid to make the first
move.
Shirley thinks about this, then rolls over.
LIP (CONT’D)
You know, something’s been eating
at me the whole trip.
DR. SHIRLEY
Hmmm?
LIP
That Tittsburgh was a real
disappointment. I didn’t notice any
difference at all.
DR. SHIRLEY
Good night, Tony.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The Caddy motors by on its way to Birmingham.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - CITY STREETS - EVENING
Shirley’s Cadillac drives through the city.

95.
EXT. BIRMINGHAM HOTEL - EVENING - CONTINUOUS
A BANNER across this large wooden hotel reads: “CHRISTMAS

CONCERT TONIGHT -- DON SHIRLEY TRIO”.
THE CADDY PULLS UP FRONT AND PARKS.
Lip and Shirley get out. Waiting for them is GRAHAM KINDELL,
40s, blue blazer, pressed slacks, friendly as hell.
GRAHAM KINDELL
(deep southern accent)
Welcome, Mr. Shirley! Graham
Kindell, I’m the general manager.
So nice to meet y’all!
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you, Mr. Kindell. This is
Tony Vallelonga.
GRAHAM KINDELL
Pleasure, Tony. Right this way.
INT. BIRMINGHAM HOTEL - KITCHEN/DRESSING ROOM - EVENING
Lip and Shirley (carrying his tux) follow the affable Kindell
through the large working kitchen. COOKS, BUSBOYS,
DISHWASHERS, ALL BLACK. They continue down several busy
hallways to a backstage dressing room.
GRAHAM KINDELL
If you need anything--anything
t’all--you let me know.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you.
INT. BIRMINGHAM HOTEL - DRESSING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kindell leads Shirley and Lip into the modest room. A small
table, one chair, a mirror.
GRAHAM KINDELL
Here you are. We have about an hour
before show time. Any questions?
LIP
Where’s the restaurant?
GRAHAM KINDELL
Continue down the hall, Tony, to
the right, across the lobby.
(CONTINUED)
96.
CONTINUED:
Kindell EXITS.
LIP
We’ve got an hour. I’m starving.
DR. SHIRLEY
Go ahead. I’ll meet you there.
INT. BIRMINGHAM HOTEL - DINING ROOM / CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
A cavernous DINING ROOM/HALL. Ornately decorated in red and
green ribbons and wreaths. A twenty-foot Christmas Tree
towers behind the Trio’s instruments onstage. Filling in fast
with well-dressed WHITE CUSTOMERS.
Lip ENTERS, sits at a table.
HIS POV - Across the room, Oleg and George eat dinner, drink
wine. George CALLS OUT:
GEORGE
Tony!
George waves him over. Lip joins them.
LIP
Shirley’ll be here in a minute.
A WAITER approaches.
BIRMINGHAM WAITER
Cocktails, gentlemen?
OLEG
Three shots vodka.
Tony looks at Oleg.
OLEG (CONT’D)
Last show. Cold war over. Time for
truce.
Lip nods, smiles. The Waiter leaves to get the drinks.
GEORGE
Is Shirley in his dressing room?
LIP
More like a broom closet. I don’t
understand why he puts up with this
shit.
Oleg takes a sip of wine, glances at George.
(CONTINUED)
97.
CONTINUED:
OLEG
Six years ago, 1956, Nat King Cole
was invited to perform at Municipal
Auditorium right here in
Birmingham. Mr. Cole was very first
negro asked to play at a white
establishment in this city.
Lip butters a roll, takes a bite.
OLEG (CONT’D)
Soon as Mr. Cole started playing, a
group of men attacked him for
playing white people’s music.
Pulled him off stage and beat him
badly.
Lip stops chewing.
OLEG (CONT’D)
You asked once why Dr. Shirley does
this? I tell you. Because there is
no genius without courage.
The Waiter returns with the drinks. They CLINK glasses, down
the shots.
Lip NOTICES Shirley (now in his tux) and the MAITRE D’ having
a conversation at the entrance. Lip walks over.
LIP
What’s the problem?
DR. SHIRLEY
This gentleman’s saying I can’t
dine here.
LIP
(to Maitre D’)
No, you don’t understand, this
guy’s playing here tonight--he’s
the main event.
MAITRE D’
I’m sorry. It’s the policy of the
restaurant.
Graham Kindell, the congenial GM, joins them.
GRAHAM KINDELL
Everything all right?
(CONTINUED)
98.
CONTINUED: (2)
LIP
No, it’s not all right. Dr.
Shirley’s being told he can’t eat
here.
GRAHAM KINDELL
(to Shirley)
I apologize, but these are... long-
standing traditions. I’m sure you
understand.
DR. SHIRLEY
No. I don’t. In 45 minutes I’ll be
entertaining your guests up on that
stage, but I can’t eat here?
Graham Kindell shifts uncomfortably.
LIP
Wait a minute. You’re tellin’ me
the bozos in his band, and the
shlubs that came to see him play
can eat here, but the star can’t?
Customers take notice. It’s getting embarrassing.
GRAHAM KINDELL
I’m afraid not.
Lip looks to the stoic Shirley, then back to Kindell,

searching for a compromise.
LIP
Well he’s gotta eat. Can you at
least bring him food from the
restaurant to his dressing room?
GRAHAM KINDELL
Of course. We’ll be happy to send
him anything he would like.
(to Maitre D’)
John, show him a menu.
DR. SHIRLEY
No. I’m not eating in a dressing
room.
There’s a brief standoff.
(CONTINUED)
99.
CONTINUED: (3)
GRAHAM KINDELL
Okay... if you’d prefer, there’s a
very popular establishment right
down the road--the Orange Bird--
they’ll be happy to feed you.
Lip turns to Shirley.
LIP
Food’s probably better there anyway
--the dinner rolls here are like
rocks. Come on, we can be back in
45 minutes.
When Shirley doesn’t respond, Lip pulls him aside.
LIP (CONT’D)
Doc, it’s the last show. Let’s just
get through this and we can go home
and get away from all these
assholes.
Dr. Shirley thinks about it.
DR. SHIRLEY
No. Not this time. I’m eating in
this room or I’m not playing.
Kindell’s frustration grows.
GRAHAM KINDELL
(to Lip)
May I have a word with you?
Lip follows Kindell through a door, into a side parlor.
INT. BIRMINGHAM HOTEL - RESTAURANT - PARLOR - CONTINUOUS
Kindell tries to pour on the Southern charm.
GRAHAM KINDELL
Mr. Villanueva, you have to talk
sense to Mr. Shirley. Please
explain that we’re not insulting
him personally, this is just the
way things are done down here.
LIP
Yeah, well he ain’t from down here.
(CONTINUED)
100.
CONTINUED:
GRAHAM KINDELL
Just ask him to be reasonable. I
have 400 guests out there who
expect to be entertained tonight.
LIP
And Dr. Shirley expects to eat
tonight. Why can’t you just make an
exception this one time?
Kindell SIGHS.
GRAHAM KINDELL
Lemme tell you a story. You ever
hear of the Boston Celtics
basketball club? Those boys came
through here a couple years ago on
a barnstorming tour. Now, seeing as
they were World Champions of the
league and all, we was tickled to
have ‘em eat here and we rolled out
the welcome wagon. So you know what
table their big coon ate at that
night?
LIP
No.
GRAHAM KINDELL
I don’t either. But it wasn’t one
of ours.
Kindell drops the genteel demeanor.
GRAHAM KINDELL (CONT’D)

Now let’s cut the bullshit. Tell me
what it’s gonn’ take.
Kindell takes out his wallet.

Say one hundred dollars and you get
your boy to play?
The veins on Lip’s neck rise.
LIP
You think you can buy me?
GRAHAM KINDELL
All do respect, sir, but you
wouldn’t be doing a job like this
if you couldn’t be bought.
(CONTINUED)
101.
CONTINUED: (2)
Lip GRABS Kindell by the collar, raises a fist.
DR. SHIRLEY (O.S.)

Stop!
They turn to see Shirley in the doorway. Graham Kindell pulls

away from Lip, fixes his collar.

It’s all right, Tony. I’ll play...
if you want me to.
Graham Kindell SIGHS, clearly relieved. Lip is relieved, too.

But only for a moment. Something comes over him. He glances
at Kindell, then back at Shirley. Lip finally sees the big
picture, and realizes that, for him and Shirley, this is the
moment of truth. Then...
LIP
Nah, let’s get the fuck outta here.
CUT TO:
INT. BIRMINGHAM HOTEL - DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Lip escorts Shirley through the crowded ballroom toward the

exit with Graham Kindell on their heels in a panic.
GRAHAM KINDELL
Don, don’t do this!
Shirley and Lip keep moving at a brisk pace through the

surprised and bewildered crowd.

We have a contract, and I know
you’re the kind of man that honors
a contract!
ANGLE ON the BLACK SERVERS watching their boss grovel. They

maintain deadpan expressions, but we can see the APPROVAL IN
THEIR EYES.

You got a show to do, mister!
Scattered BOOS and CATCALLS from the diners as the FURIOUS

Graham Kindell follows them out the front door...
CUT TO:
102.
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
They pull onto the street and drive in silence, both in shock
about what just happened. Shirley looks at Lip in the rear-view.
DR. SHIRLEY
You hungry?
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ORANGE BIRD - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING SHOT
INT. THE ORANGE BIRD - NIGHT
This is a Blues Bar/Restaurant. Lip and Shirley ENTER. A

small BAND in the corner--piano, drums and guitar--plays the
BLUES. Lip’s the only white guy in here and he doesn’t go
unnoticed, especially standing next to Shirley in a tuxedo.
They make their way to the bar, sit. A female BARTENDER gives
Lip the once-over.
ORANGE BIRD BARTENDER

You a cop?
LIP
I look Irish?
She smirks.

What you want, baby?
DR. SHIRLEY
Two Cutty’s, neat.
Shirley takes out a BIG WAD OF CASH. A couple DRUNKS at the

bar take notice.

Comin’ up.
She grabs a bottle of Cutty, pours the drinks.
DR. SHIRLEY
Whatever your specialty is, we’ll
take it.
She CALLS back toward the kitchen:
Two orange birds!
SMASH CUT:
103.
SAME SCENE - LATER

Lip and Shirley are devouring two barbecue chickens, their
hands and faces covered in orange sauce.
LIP
I like what you did back there,
Doc. You stood up for yourself.
It’s like your friend the President
says -- “Don’t ask what your
country can do for you, ask what
you can do for yourself.”
Shirley smiles. The Bartender approaches.
(to Shirley)
So, darlin’, what you do, all
dressed up like that?
He shrugs.
DR. SHIRLEY
Nothing important.
LIP
He’s only the greatest piano player
in the world.
She smiles.

That right? You good?
LIP
Don’t be shy, Doc. Tell her who you
are.

Don’t tell me nothin’--show me.
Shirley thinks a moment, glances at the BEAT-UP PIANO. He
gets up, walks to the stage, sits at the piano. He notices a
drink on the top of the piano. Shirley takes the drink, puts
it on the floor.
SHIRLEY PLACES HIS HANDS ON THE KEYS, TAKES A MOMENT...
And then... Shirley starts to play. This isn’t a catchy jazz

solo or a Christmas ditty. It is, instead, an explosion of
sound, the eye-popping machinations of Chopin’s Etude Op. 25
No. 11, one of the most difficult piano solos ever written.
The crowd lower their forks and gaze up in disbelief.
(CONTINUED)
104.
CONTINUED:
ANGLE ON Lip watching this in awe.
Black kitchen workers stop what they’re doing to watch. A

COOK steps out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron.
BACK ON SHIRLEY as he negotiates the eight-finger chord

combinations with the mastery of the maestro that he is.
He builds and builds and builds until his fingers become JUST
A BLUR ON THE KEYS.
Shirley FINISHES, the room is quiet.
Then the place ERUPTS IN APPLAUSE!
CLOSE ON Lip. He’s as blown away as the audience.
Shirley looks toward a stunned Lip and winks.
The GUITAR PLAYER, DRUMMER, and SAX join Shirley on the

stage. They start a cool up tempo rockin’ blues number.
Shirley effortlessly joins in, taking the music to another
level. The entire room begins to PULSATE. The crowd eats it
up.
Shirley plays as if Little Richard had taken over his body.

Obviously this man can play anything. A true musical genius.
ANGLE ON Lip as he looks on, really getting into it.
BACK ON SHIRLEY, the happiest we’ve seen him.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE ORANGE BIRD - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
An exhausted Shirley and Lip are dragging themselves across

the parking lot toward the Cadillac.
DR. SHIRLEY
If we leave right now, I think you
can make it.
LIP
Make what?
DR. SHIRLEY
Christmas Eve.
Lip stops walking, holds his hand in front of Shirley. Lip

reaches behind his back, PULLS OUT A GUN, SHOOTS INTO THE
AIR.
(CONTINUED)
105.
CONTINUED:
ON CUE, one of the runks from the bar, knife in hand, jumps
out from BEHIND THE CADDY and SPRINTS OFF, followed by the
other drunk. THEY HIGH-TAIL IT OUT OF THERE. Shirley looks to
Lip, shocked.
LIP
Don’t ever flash a wad of cash in a
bar.
As Lip walks to the car...
DR. SHIRLEY
I knew you had a gun!
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - MORNING
The Cadillac breezes down the highway in a light rain.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CADILLAC - DAY - LATER
A LIGHT SNOW flicks against the windshield. Lip checks out

the ominous sky.
LIP
This could get bad.
DR. SHIRLEY
Yes, it’s a shame we don’t have
something to protect us on our
journey.
Dr. Shirley thinks, then SNAPS his fingers.

Why don’t you put your lucky rock
up on the dash, Tony?
Lip stares at him in the mirror for a LONG BEAT. Finally, he

reaches in his pocket, pulls out the JADE STONE THAT WE
THOUGHT HE HAD RETURNED, places it on the dash.

Thank you. I feel safer already.
Lip wears a tiny smile.
LIP
You’re a real prick, you know that?
106.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
It’s SNOWING HEAVILY now and conditions have worsened. The

Caddy is one of the only cars on the road.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The Caddy passes by, BLOWING UP A SHEET OF SNOW.
Lip squints, trying to focus, WIPERS FLAPPING VIOLENTLY,

visibility awful.
LIP
Doc, my eyes are stingin’, I might
need to pull over.
DR. SHIRLEY
Keep going as long as you can,
Tony.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The lonely Cadillac fights through the NORTHEASTER as

conditions get more and more treacherous.
A tense-looking Lip struggles to keep the car on the road.

SUDDENLY A BLUR OF RED LIGHTS FILLS THE CAR FROM BEHIND. Lip
glances in the mirror.
LIP
Shit...
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
The Cadillac pulls over in the slush, a MARYLAND STATE POLICE

CAR right behind it.
An annoyed Lip sits waiting for the Cop.
A LIGHT beams through the window. Lip rolls it down,

revealing a MARYLAND STATE TROOPER.
STATE TROOPER
What are you doing out here?
(CONTINUED)
107.
CONTINUED:
LIP
We’re trying to get to New York.
The Trooper flashes his light on Shirley in the backseat.
DR. SHIRLEY
Is there a problem, Officer?
TENSE BEAT, THEN...
STATE TROOPER
Yeah. I noticed your car was
tilting to the left. Looks like
your back tire’s flat.
Lip opens the door, glances back at the snowy flat tire.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT - MINUTES LATER
The State Trooper DIRECTS TRAFFIC SAFELY AROUND THEM as Lip

jacks up the car in the storm.
CUT TO:
SAME SCENE - LATER
Lip SHUTS THE TRUNK and gets back in the car. The Trooper
approaches his window.
STATE TROOPER
Okay... be careful, gentlemen.
Merry Christmas.
This is the first flicker of humanity they’ve experienced in

a while. As the Trooper walks away, Lip and Shirley glance at
each other, smile.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
The Caddy drives through a blizzard.
Lip blinks repeatedly as he tries to concentrate on the road.

From the O.S. RADIO, we HEAR:
(CONTINUED)
108.
CONTINUED:
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
“Weather advisory warning this
Christmas Eve, as a major snowstorm
is hitting the eastern seaboard
with the severest weather in
eastern Pennsylvania, northern New
Jersey and the five boroughs.
Travelers are advised to stay off
the Jersey Turnpike, as well as the
bridges and tunnels leading into
New York City, due to possible road
closures...”
LIP
That’s it. I’m pulling us into the
next motel.
DR. SHIRLEY
Keep going, Tony, you can make it.
LIP
I can’t keep my eyes open, Doc--I’m
gettin’ hytnotized by the snow. I
think my brain’s gonna explode.
As we PUSH IN on a disappointed Shirley, we...
CUT TO:
INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
CLOSE ON - A NEEDLE AS IT DROPS ONTO THE GROOVES OF A

SPINNING ALBUM...
“HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS” FROM THE FRANK

SINATRA CHRISTMAS ALBUM plays on a record player.
SINATRA (V.O.)
“Have yourself a merry little
Christmas...”
The tiny apartment is filled with CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS,

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AROUND THE WINDOWS, A SMALL CHRISTMAS TREE
WITH TWINKLING LIGHTS IN THE CORNER.
The dining room table has been moved into the living room to
accommodate all the guests.
Grandpa Anthony, Grandpa Nicola, Rudy, Louie with his wife

Lynn and their baby, Johnny with his wife Fran, their two
little DAUGHTERS, and Nick and Frankie.
(CONTINUED)
109.
CONTINUED:
Everyone’s in good cheer, talking, drinking wine, eating

appetizers. Dolores is busy putting platters of THE FEAST OF
THE SEVEN FISHES, all fish dishes cooked Italian style, on the
table. Stuffed Calamari, Baked Clams Oreganata, Fried Filet of
Sole, Fried Calamari & Shrimp, Linguini with Clams, etc.
KITCHEN - Dolores moves into the kitchen, now alone. She

braces herself on the counter, tries not to cry...
EXT. BRONX, NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT
SNOW AND SLEET POUND THE EMPTY STREETS. The snowflakes

reflect red, white, and green from the lights that adorn the
buildings. There’s not a moving vehicle in sight. Then...
IN THE DISTANCE, one lonely set of CAR LIGHTS appears. PUSH

IN SLOWLY, SLOWLY until the lights get closer and we can MAKE
OUT that it’s THE CADDY.
Lip’s STRETCHED OUT in the back seat, SLEEPING. PULL BACK to

reveal DR. SHIRLEY AT THE WHEEL, FOCUSING INTENTLY.
We can HEAR the O.S. SOUND of the CADILLAC’S WHEELS SPINNING

as Shirley negotiates the slippery streets.
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER
Lip still sleeping in the back seat. He’s jolted awake by

someone BANGING on the window.
DR. SHIRLEY (O.S.)

Tony, wake up!
THE SNOW CONTINUES TO FALL... The Caddy is parked in front of

Lip’s apartment building. Shirley stands on the sidewalk,
Lip’s bag on the ground beside him. Shirley opens the back
door. Lip looks up, groggy. He realizes he’s home.
LIP
What... Doc, whadja’ do?
Shirley helps Lip climb out of the car. He hands Tony his
suitcase.
DR. SHIRLEY
You’re home. Go inside.
LIP
Doc, why don’t you come up, meet my
family...?
(CONTINUED)
110.
CONTINUED:
DR. SHIRLEY
Merry Christmas, Tony.
Shirley gets in the car. Lip’s stunned, this can’t be how it

ends.
LIP
Doc, wait up! Hey...
Lip watches as the car drives off, the tail-lights of the

Caddy disappearing into the snowy night.
Jimmy Roselli’s “BUON NATALE (MEANS MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU)”

PLAYS on the stereo. Dinner is winding down. Everyone at the
table is stuffed and having a festive time, except...
Dolores, who fights the good fight for her guests.
THE KITCHEN - Dolores comes in, starts putting dirty plates

in the sink... She HEARS A COMMOTION coming from the living
room...
THE LIVING ROOM - Everyone jumps up from their seats as LIP

ENTERS, brushing snow off his coat, singing an Italian song.
JOHNNY
Hey, look who it is--Shakespeare’s
home!
The kids run into their father’s arms. Everyone crowds around
Lip, hugging, kissing...
Dolores enters from the kitchen, stands watching...
Dolores and Lip gaze at each other... She moves to him, wraps
her arms around his neck, they kiss. The family breaks into
applause.
DOLORES
You hungry?
LIP
You kiddin’? I’m starving.
They all laugh, sit at the table.
CUT TO:
ESTABLISHING SHOT - CARNEGIE HALL - NIGHT
We can barely see the building through the snowfall.

111.
INT. SHIRLEY’S APARTMENT - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER
Shirley ENTERS his apartment, followed by his valet, Amit,

who carries Shirley’s luggage.
AMIT
Welcome home, Dr. Shirley.
DR. SHIRLEY
Thank you, Amit.
AMIT
I turned down your bed, sir. Will
you be needing anything else?
DR. SHIRLEY
No, thank you. Go home to your
family.
AMIT
Thank you, Doctor. Merry Christmas.
Amit EXITS. Suddenly SHIRLEY IS ALL ALONE. He glances around

his apartment at the throne, the elephant tusks, all his
possessions. The room is quiet.
Dr. Shirley reaches in his pocket, takes out the JADE STONE.
He PLACES IT ON HIS MANTEL, next to some other artifacts.
CUT TO:
Lip and the entire family are at the table. Lip has an over-
stuffed cannoli in front of him while everyone else is
picking away at a large assortment of desserts. Everyone’s
talking except for Lip, who seems happy but distant.
JOHNNY
Tony, s’matter with you? You
haven’t said a word.
LIP
Yeah, sorry, just tired. Long trip.
(under breath, to Johnny)
You take care of that thing?
JOHNNY
Yeah, yeah.
He pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to Lip

UNDER THE TABLE.
(CONTINUED)
112.
CONTINUED:
ANGLE UNDER THE TABLE - we see that it’s Tony’s WRISTWATCH.
Lip puts the watch on.
LIP
Thanks.
JOHNNY
You owe me seventy-five bucks.
Lip REACTS.
LIP
Charlie said sixty.
JOHNNY
What, I’m doing this for nothin’?
Lip shoots Johnny a look.
LOUIE
Hey, Lip, tell us about the trip.
RUDY
Yeah. So how was he, the tootsune?
He get on your nerves?
Lip shoots him a look.
LIP
Don’t call him that.
Rudy’s taken aback. Embarassed.
RUDY
Okay...
ANGLE ON DOLORES watching this. She looks surprised by Lip’s

reaction to the slur. A pleasant surprise. The family’s
surprised too. Everyone’s quiet. Dolores changes the subject.
DOLORES
Tony, you should’ve seen the day
last week when Frankie grabbed onto
the TV and climbed up on it! I took
a picture...
FRAN
Are you nuts, Dee? With all those
tubes back there, and the cord--he
could’ve got electrocuted!
(CONTINUED)
113.
CONTINUED: (2)
JOHNNY
You’re thinkin’ of toasters. No
one’s gettin’ electrocuted from a
TV.
As everyone starts to ARGUE about toasters and TVs, there’s a

KNOCK ON THE DOOR. Lip gets up, goes to the door. He opens
it, REACTS.
Charlie from the pawn shop stands in the doorway with his
wife, Marie.
LIP
Charlie!
PAWN GUY
Hey, Lip. Johnny invited me.
LIP
Come on in.
PAWN GUY
You remember Marie.
LIP
Hi, Marie, Merry Christmas.
Johnny gets up from the table, greets Charlie and Marie.
JOHNNY
Charlie, you came? I was kidding?
And you brought the wife, too?
He takes them to the table.
JOHNNY (CONT’D)
Hey, everybody, Charlie from the
pawn shop. Can you believe it?
Christmas, he didn’t bring nothing!
Charlie, I’m kidding, sit down...
Lip turns to shut the door and sees - Dr. Shirley, standing
in the doorway, holding A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE, looking
unsure.
Tony Lip smiles and hugs him, walks him in. Lip turns to his
family, excited.
LIP
Everyone, this is Dr. Donald
Shirley!
(CONTINUED)
114.
CONTINUED: (3)
DR. SHIRLEY
Merry Christmas.
REVERSE ANGLE reveals Johnny, Nicola, Rudy, Louie, Anthony,

everyone... watching them, STUNNED AND SPEECHLESS. No one
budges. Shirley smiles nervously. LONG BEAT. Then finally
Johnny stands.
JOHNNY
Well, come on, make some room! Get
the man a plate!
Dolores approaches Shirley.
DR. SHIRLEY
You must be Dolores.
She smiles and he hands her the champagne.

Buon Natale. Thank you for sharing
your husband with me.
Lip smiles. Dolores hugs Shirley and WHISPERS in his ear...
DOLORES
And thank you for helping with the
letters.
Shirley, surprised, laughs.
CLOSE ON DOLORES - She smiles, and we --
CUT TO BLACK.
THE END
EPILOGUE
Dr. Donald Shirley continued to tour, compose, and record. He

was awarded the Isaac Stern Medallion, and was the only other
Carnegie studio resident, besides Leonard Bernstein, who
performed annually at Carnegie Hall.
During his prolific career, he composed three symphonies, two

piano concerti, a cello concerto, three string quartets, a
one-act opera, a symphonic tone poem based on Finnegan's
Wake, and a set of "Variations" on the legend of Orpheus in
the Underworld.
(CONTINUED)
115.
CONTINUED: (4)
Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga went back to his job at the

Copacabana, eventually becoming Maitre’ D, until its closing
in 1973.
It was at the Copa where he met Francis Ford Coppola, who

cast him in a small role in The Godfather. This led to an
impressive acting career, including roles in Raging Bull, The
Pope Of Greenwich Village, Donnie Brasco, and Goodfellas.
Lip is best known for his portrayal of New York crime boss
Carmine Lupertazzi in the HBO series The Sopranos.
Tony Lip and Dr. Shirley would remain lifelong friends until
their deaths within months of each other in 2013.

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GREEN BOOK

Nick Vallelonga & Brian Currie & Peter Farrelly

© 2018 STORYTELLER DISTRIBUTION CO., LLC

TITLE CARD: “New York City, 1962”

EXT. COPACABANA - 10 EAST 60TH ST. - NYC - NIGHT

The famous red awning with COPACABANA in white block letters

OVER THIS - WE HEAR the opening horns of Bobby Rydell’s

INT. COPACABANA - MAIN ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The vibe is electric. SIX HUNDRED PATRONS pack the tables in

Peppering the crowd... gorgeous COPA GIRLS, white-jacketed

On stage in front of the Orchestra, tuxedo-clad BOBBY RYDELL.

THE SONG CONTINUES THROUGH THIS ENTIRE SEQUENCE...

FRANK “TONY LIP” VALLELONGA, 40s, Copa bouncer, moves quickly

Following Lip, an ATTRACTIVE COUPLE. Lip leads them to a

The Orchestra kicks in big, the room is jumping...

At a back booth, JULES PODELL, 60, Copa owner, a tough-as-

INT. COPACABANA - COAT CHECK - CONTINUOUS

JOEY LOSCUDO, 50s, a Mob Boss, entering the club followed by

He hands the Coat-Check Girl some money. The MAITRE D’,

Carmine slips Lip some cash.

INT. COPACABANA - MAIN ROOM - CONTINUOUS

RYDELL’S STILL SINGING, THE JOINT’S ROCKING... A FIGHT breaks

ANGLE ON Podell as he jumps up...

Lip is already on the move, running to the fight...

It’s pandemonium, but Rydell doesn’t stop. He and the

Lip is joined by Carmine, and some BOUNCERS, all of them

EXT. COPACABANA - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

CLOSE ON - Lip, brutally punching, his fists bloody, as WE

INT. COPACABANA - STAGE - CONTINUOUS

The band’s swinging as Bobby Rydell delivers the big climax

BOBBY RYDELL (O.S.)

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. COPACABANA - COAT CHECK - LATER - NIGHT

A line of people wait behind mob boss Joey Loscudo as he

EXT. COPACABANA - ENTRANCE - NIGHT - LATER

Lip, Carmine, and another bouncer, DANNY, smoke cigarettes,

A poster at the Copa entrance reads: BOBBY RYDELL - SOLD OUT!

A worker pastes a banner over it: COPA CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS

The men straighten up as Jules Podell exits the club.

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. JILLY’S SALOON - NIGHT

LOSCUDO’S HAT GETS PLOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A TABLE...

PULL BACK... Luscudo sits in the corner booth, holding court

ANGLE ON LIP standing in front of the table.

Loscudo pulls out a wad of cash, peels off a C-note.

Loscudo SLAMS the MONEY into Lip’s hand.

EXT. LIP’S APARTMENT - BRONX - DAWN

A six-story brick building with fire escapes framing the

Lip strips down to a t-shirt and boxer shorts, gets in bed,

INT. LIP’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

PHIL RIZUTTO (V.O.)

PULL BACK -- On the couch watching the game, Lip’s Father,

Lip ENTERS still wearing his t-shirt and white boxers.

Johnny discreetly nods toward the kitchen where we see TWO

ON Dolores - she pours a couple glasses of lemonade and hands

Lip watches as the Workmen drink the lemonade, then Dolores

ON THE TV - MARIS SWINGS... CRACK!

PHIL RIZUTTO (V.O.)

Johnny jumps up, they all CHEER...

She picks up a big platter of meatballs and sausage and takes