"Mercy Mercy Me"
by Alana Nicole alananm@hotmail.com
INT. HITSVILLE STUDIO- MEETING ROOM -NIGHT
A small dining room has been converted into a board room with a wide table and chairs of various shapes and sizes. Stacks of papers clutter the table. Marvin struggles to sign each one as Harvey throws it in his direction.
HARVEY
Sign here. . . and there. . . .and here.
(Marvin signs)
You are now an official employee at Anna Records.
(beat)
As your manager, I think we should go out and
celebrate.
MARVIN
Is your wife going to let you out that late?
HARVEY
Quit jivin'. Gwen knows I'm the man.
MARVIN
Is that so?
(beat.)
Tell me, What's it like being married to a Gordy?
HARVEY
Well, it's not always easy. They're a tight knit
bunch. But I love it. Why? You and Anna aren't-
MARVIN
No, I haven't asked her yet, but I am thinking about
it.
HARVEY
Marrying Anna won't automatically get you a hit
album. You realize that right?
MARVIN
Marrying a queen might not make me a king, but at
least I'd have a shot at being a prince. Berry don't
pay me no mind now.
(sees Harvey's look)
But on the real, I love her. Not because she's a
Gordy, but because she's an awesome woman.
MARVIN
Don't start. I know what you're gonna say and I
don't wanna hear it.
HARVEY
But she's-
MARVIN
Let people say I'm dating my mother. Don't you
get it? I don't care! I'm in love. Do you know how
this feels?
HARVEY(ROLLS EYES)
Fine. I'm not tryin to rain on your parade. I'm just
sayin-
MARVIN
Don't bother.
HARVEY
Fine. Here's the schedule
(hands him a sheet of paper)
We have a meeting in two weeks. Berry wants to
meet everybody at 2648 West Grand Blvd.
MARVIN
Why?
HARVEY
I have no idea. But he said it's real important.
Don't be late.
EXT. HITSVILLE USA -DAY
Berry, Anna, Marvin, Harvey, THE MIRACLES, THE MARVELETTES, and several other excited musicians stand in front of a run down house at 2648 West Grand Blvd.
BERRY
I know it doesn't look like much now. But this is my
dream. We can't work out of that tiny office
anymore. I want this label to be a music
superpower. So, we're merging Anna Records,
Tri-Phi and Tamala to create Motown!
BERRY
You are all a part of this. Together, we can make
this happen. Talent is everywhere in this city. If we
all work together, we can show the world how
fabulous Detroit is! Anna and Marvin, grab the paint
cans, Miracles, start taking stuff out of the truck.
Everyone else, start picking up this garbage and
cleaning out the house. Let's make Hitsville USA a
home!
Everyone works on the house.
EXT. HITSVILE USA- LATER-DAY
The fresh paint glistens on the beautiful building.
INT. HITSVILLE STUDIO- RECORDING ROOM -DAY
The freshly painted recording room is full of the latest
equipment. The Miracles, led
by SMOKEY ROBINSON sing energetically into the mikes.
Marvin unenthusiastically
plays drums. They finish with a flourish.
SMOKEY ROBINSON
Ok, that's a wrap. See you guys tomorrow.
The Miracles walk out the door, right past the band.
Marvin angrily bangs on the
snare, then begins playing a melody he is in the midst
of writing. When he sees Anna
poke her head in, he drops the sticks and runs up to
her.
MARVIN(KISSES HER)
Hi, how are things?
ANNA
They're okay.
MARVIN
What about my album? Did you talk to Berry?
When can we work on that?
ANNA(TURNS AWAY)
Yeah, I talked to him, but he said we can't afford to
work on your album. We spent a lot of money
working on this new studio. We do appreciate your
help with the painting.
ANNA
I know. . I know. I'm sorry.
MARVIN
I don't want any more apologies! I just want studio
time!
ANNA
The money is a little tight, but things will pick up
soon.
MARVIN
They'll pick up a lot sooner when I get behind the
mike instead of these stupid drums.
ANNA
I'm sorry about that, but you know we can't afford
real musicians. We only have enough money for
one album and Smokey's group has a lot of set
material. If their album does well, then we'll have
the money to put together something for you.
MARVIN
So I'm last on your list?
ANNA
No, you're first on my list, but-
(sighs)
Don't take this personally. You have to understand,
we need to make a name for this company. You're
helping us do that. Every song you sing on, every
note you play goes toward making this company
stronger. That will help you.
MARVIN
It's not helping me now.
ANNA
It will.
ANNA
You'll get there honey, I promise. I'll talk to Berry
again tomorrow. I'll look at the schedule. Maybe we
can squeeze an hour or two in somewhere. Don't
give up. I believe in you.
INT. HITSVILLE STUDIO -RECORDING ROOM 1960-DAY
Marvin practices. Cole Porter's "Love For Sale".
Anna walks in. He stops singing and
runs over to her.
MARVIN
Hi! Did you hear it? Did you like it?
ANNA
Marvin, I like everything you sing. But I don't think
these songs will get you noticed. This isn't what
people are listening to.
MARVIN
What about this one? I just finished recording it
this morning. It's the one Berry wrote, "Let your
conscious be your guide." Have you heard it yet?
ANNA
I heard a little bit.
MARVIN
Let me play it for you, I want to know what you
think.
He plays the recording for "Let your conscious be your guide."
MARVIN
What do you think? Can you dig it?
He pulls her into a tight embrace and begins to dance with her.
ANNA
What is your conscious telling you to do now?
ANNA
Oh, really?
MARVIN
Yes, really. I know I don't have much to offer you,
but I'll work hard. When I make enough money, I'll
marry you, but I don't want to wait that long. I
want us to be together now.
(waits for response, finds none)
Please? I really want you to. I need you.
(gets down on his knees)
Please !Please?
ANNA
I don't think I can do that.
(Marvin looks crestfallen. Anna smiles)
There isn't enough room in that tiny apartment for
you me, Harvey and Gwen. You'll have to move in
with me.
Marvin picks her up and spins her around.
MARVIN
I love you!I love you!I love you!
They kiss.
INT. ANNA'S APARTMENT -KITCHEN/GREAT ROOM.
It's small, but it's all they can afford. Most of the furniture is used. There is so much junk it's difficult to walk around. Anna enters with a bag of groceries. She piles them on a cluttered kitchen table.
ANNA
Marvin?
She walks into the bedroom.
INT. ANNA'S APARTMENT- BEDROOM- DAY
Marvin sits at a small table. The bottle of vodka next
to him is mostly empty. Anna
enters.
She runs over and sits on his lap, arm around his shoulder
so that she is holding him
as much as he is holding her. They sit in silence for
a few seconds.
ANNA
I'm sorry about the Album.
MARVIN
They hate me.
ANNA
No, it's not you.
(she stands so she can face him)
It's the music. I told Berry you need something
upbeat. No one wanted to listen to me.
MARVIN
I didn't want anything upbeat! I wanted to sing
something real! I want to make music the way I
want to!
ANNA
Honey, if you want your albums to sell, they have to
be commercial!
(Marvin stands and starts to walk
away, but Anna holds him back)
I'm sorry, but it had to be said. You want to sell
records to the public, you have to sing something
that will appeal to them.
She hugs him
ANNA
I know you're hurting. But we can get past this.
Together.
MARVIN
Why would you wanna stay with me?
ANNA
Because I love you.
MARVIN
I'm nothing but a failure.
MARVIN
I fail all the time.
ANNA
This was only your first album. It will get better.
MARVIN
What if it doesn't?
ANNA
Then we'll find a cozy spot underneath a beautiful
bridge and stay there until the coroner pulls us
apart.
She grins. He can't help but smile.
ANNA
That's better. I talked to Berry. We have a couple
hours of studio time scheduled next Wednesday.
He wants you to record Sandman.
MARVIN
What if that flops?
ANNA
Then we'll try another one. We're not ready to give
up on you yet. Remember the Miracles first album
didn't go anywhere either.
MARVIN
Maybe it's Motown.
She spins around angrily, then jabs an accusatory finger at his chest.
ANNA
How dare you! After all we've done! I-
MARVIN
I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. But this isn't going
well. I'm going to end up being a studio musician
for the rest of my life. I don't want to live that way. I
want to be a real man.
(MORE)
ANNA
Motown can do that for you.
MARVIN
Smokey and the Miracle's "Shop Around" just hit
number two on the pop charts. The Marvelettes
"Please Mr. Postman" is the best selling single in
the United States. And you know what I've been
doing this whole time? Playing drums on their
albums! Berry is only using me 'cause he can't
afford any real musicians. He didn't even try to sell
my album.
ANNA
That's not true. He tried to promote it, but nobody-
(sighs)
Just stay with Motown one more year, if nothing
happens, then we'll talk to Berry. Promise me you'll
give it another year.
MARVIN
And waste another year hoping something will
happen?
ANNA
No, we'll spend this year working on your other
dreams.
MARVIN
What do you mean?
ANNA
You said you want to get married, have a family. We
don't have to wait. We can do it now.
MARVIN
Now?
ANNA
Now.
Wedding music can be heard as Marvin and Anna exit the
back doors of a small
church. Harvey, Gwen, Berry and a few other guests throw
rice at them.
INT. HOTEL ROOM- HONEYMOON SUITE- DAY
Anna is awakened by Marvin excitedly humming as he writes
on a few pieces of loose
leaf.
MARVIN
I'm just a stubborn kind a fellow, hmmm-
ANNA
Marvin, what are you doing?
MARVIN
Oh, Hi.
ANNA
"Oh Hi?" Marvin this is our honeymoon! Put that
away!
Marvin closes his eyes, tries to concentrate.
MARVIN
I've got news for you. . plans for two. I'm a
stubborn kind of fellow. . got my mind made up to
love you. . . oh, yeah-
Anna plants kisses along his neckline.
MARVIN(AGITATED)
Anna, please. Don't interrupt me. I'm in the middle
of something very important.
ANNA
You just vowed to love and cherish me every hour
of the day. We've been married less than eight
hours and you're breaking it already!
MARVIN
Not now! Don't do this. I gotta finish this verse!
Closes his eyes and hums.
MARVIN
Please be quiet!
ANNA
Is this how it's gonna be?
MARVIN
Shut up!
Enraged, Anna throws on her robe and storms out into the
hallway, slamming the door
behind her. Marvin stares at the paper, tries to
think, but is unable to concentrate. He
angrily throws the paper and pen down onto the bed and
chases after her.
INT. HOTEL ROOM-HALLWAY-DAY
Anna, looking like an angry rhinoceros, is pacing the
halls. Marvin struggles to catch
up.
MARVIN
Anna! Slow down. I'm sorry!
ANNA
Go away!
MARVIN
Please come back inside.
ANNA
No!
MARVIN
Anna please, hold up.
He catches up to her and pulls her into an embrace, she
only fights for a minute. He
holds her tighter and she begins to cry.
MARVIN
I'm sorry. You have to understand that when I hear
music, I have to write it down that moment or I'll
loose it.
MARVIN
It was pouring out of me and I was trying to write it
as quickly as I heard it. I can't even read music
well. I might not remember tomorrow what I wrote,
but the way it sounded, I feel like this could be the
hit I've been waiting for. God finally answered my
prayers.
ANNA
What about me?
MARVIN
This song is for you. I want to buy you diamond
rings, gold bracelets and a beautiful home. Singing
is the only way I can do it. I want you to be proud
of me.
ANNA
Honey, I am proud of you.
MARVIN
But I don't have anything.
ANNA
You have me.
They kiss. She leads him back to their suite. The door
closes, then opens. A HAND
places a "Do Not Disturb" sign over the doorknob.
INT. ANNA'S APARTMENT- GREAT ROOM
Anna turns on the TV and excitedly jumps up and down
ANNA
Here it is! He's on! He's on!
Harvey, Gwen, Berry, and several FRIENDS AND FAMILY members
join her in front of
the TV.
DICK CLARK
And now, introducing Marvin Gaye, here to perform
his first big hit, "Stubborn Kind of Fellow"
The audience cheers excitedly as Marvin sings.
DICK CLARK
So, how does it feel to be number eight on the R&B
chart?
MARVIN
I'm just glad to be here. Without my wonderful
supporting wife Anna, none of this would have been
possible.
BACK TO SCENE
Anna hugs Gwen and Berry. Friends and family members jump and shout excitedly.
INT. GAY HOME-LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Gay can be seen stirring something in the kitchen.
Mr. Gay lounges in a chair. A
PHONE RINGS. Frankie runs in and grabs it
FRANKIE(ON PHONE)
He is?! Yes, I'll be right over.
Hangs up phone.
FRANKIE
Marvin's on TV! Come on, let's go to Jeanne's!
MR. GAY
We don't watch TV.
FRANKIE
But it's Marvin! He's singing on National
Bandstand! We're missing it!
MR. GAY
Good! I will not support Marvin singing the devil's
music to those sinners.
FRANKIE
But-
MRS. GAY
I'm sure Marvin will tell us about it tomorrow.
Frankie looks at watch.
FRANKIE
We're gonna miss it! He's only on for a few
minutes, hurry up!
MR. GAY
We're not going.
FRANKIE
But it's Marvin!
MR. GAY
I told you, we're not going.
FRANKIE
But he's your son!
MRS. GAY
Frankie, calm down.
FRANKIE
Don't you wanna see him?
MR. GAY
No. Not as long as he follows the path of
destruction. 2nd Samuel 23:6 says, "Evil men are
all to be cast aside like thorns."
FRANKIE
Marvin is not evil!
MR. GAY
"No good tree bears bad fruit".
Silence. Stunned, Frankie grabs his coat.
FRANKIE
I don't understand you.
INT. FOX THEATER -STAGE- SEPTEMBER 13, 1964
Marvin performs "Pride and Joy" in front of thousands
of screaming women. Anna
watches warily from the wings. She doesn't like the attention
he is getting. The minute
he steps backstage, young women crowd him.
FAN 1
Marvin! I love you!
FAN 2
Let me be your Pride and Joy!
FAN 3
Marry me!
Marvin smiles and signs autographs. Fan 1 hugs him very closely.
MARVIN
Thanks, beautiful. You know Marvin Gaye is all
about love.
FAN 2
Let me show you some love.
Fan 2 kisses his cheek and pulls him toward a side door.
Anna pushes her way
through the crowd.
ANNA
Hey!
MARVIN
Oh, there you are.
ANNA
Didn't seem like you was worried about looking for
me.
MARVIN
I'm just tryin' to handle my business.
(Anna glares.)
They love me. What can I say?
Anna pulls him away from the crowd.
MARVIN
I thought we were on the same side.
ANNA
Why do you let all those girls backstage?
MARVIN
I can't control them.
ANNA
Can you control yourself?
MARVIN
Anna-
ANNA
I been hearin' stuff. I'm not saying I believe it. You
know I trust you. But-
MARVIN
People talk. That's all it is.
ANNA
I don't want them talkin' about my husband.
MARVIN
What do you want me to say?
ANNA
Tell me it's not true.
MARVIN
You're the only one I love.
(he can tell she's not convinced)
Why would I want those skinny little girls when I
have you?
He kisses her. She wants to believe him.
Marvin stands next to TAMMI TERRELL, 21 petite, vivacious
and very sexy. Berry
stands behind her with Anna(48) and her two year old
son MARVIN GAYE III(Little
Marvin)
BERRY
Marvin, I would like to introduce you to Miss Tammi
Terrell. The duets with Mary Wells and Kim Weston
were phenomenal, but I think you're going to hit it
big with Tammi. I have a new song worked out for
you two. It's by Nikolas Ashford and Valerie
Simpson, it's called, "Aint no Mountain High
Enough. It goes - Ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough, Aint no river wide
enough, to keep me from gettin' to you.
Marvin and Tammi walk into the recording room and begin
to rehearse the piece. Anna
watches them. Jealousy burns in her eyes. Little
Marvin SCREAMS and tries to squirm
out of his mother's arms. The sound drowns out
the singers.
BERRY
Anna, take him outside!
ANNA
I'm not leaving those two alone!
BERRY
He's making too much noise!
Little Marvin SCREAMS again. Anna puts him down.
He pulls out an electrical cord and
starts to put it in his mouth. Gordy stops him
just in time. He scoops the toddler up
and hands him to Anna.
GORDY
Anna, this is no place for a child. He needs to be
home with his mother.
ANNA
I'm not leaving.
GORDY
Nothing is going to happen.
ANNA
Nothing's going to happen as long as I'm here.
ANNA
I don't trust her.
GORDY
It's just business.
ANNA
He's my husband, and I don't want him singing with
those little girls.
GORDY
Tammi is only two years younger than he is.
ANNA
That's my point!
GORDY
Anna, you're being irrational. These records sell.
The audiences love to see him with women.
ANNA
He's married! He's not supposed to be with
women!
GORDY
Anna, Please! it's just business. Let them do their
job. I promise, I'll have him home soon.
Anna reluctantly exits.
INT. HITSVILLE STUDIO- RECORDING ROOM
Marvin and Tammi take off the recording equipment and turn off the intercom.
MARVIN
You have a beautiful voice.
TAMMI
Thank you.
Marvin gestures toward a scar on her left temple
Tammi quickly tries to hide it.
TAMMI
Oh, nothing. My boyfriend has a bit of a temper,
that's all.
MARVIN
That doesn't sound like much of a boyfriend.
TAMMI
Oh he is, You know David Ruffin, from the
Temptations.
MARVIN
Yeah, I know who he is. Everyone knows who he is.
But that doesn't mean he's a good man.
TAMMI
He's a great man.
MARVIN
I'm sorry. It's none of my business. But, if you
ever need anyone to talk to, I'll be here for you.
TAMMI
Thanks, I appreciate that. I don't know anybody
here.
MARVIN
I'll introduce you to some people. We'll have a
party.
INT. MARVIN'S HOME-NIGHT
Marvin's prosperity has brought them a nice three story
home. Normally, it's spotless,
but a party of writers, singers and wannabes have destroyed
the serenity. Anna,
expecting a quiet evening,
angrily searches through the crowd until she finds Marvin- with Tammi on his lap.
ANNA
Marvin!
MARVIN
You remember Tammi.
ANNA
How come every time I turn around you're with
some hussy?!
MARVIN
Stop it! We're just having some fun.
(smokes a joint, passes it to her)
Here. Relax.
Anna knocks it out of his hand.
ANNA
How am I supposed to relax when you're always off
with some girl? This was supposed to be our night!
Denise is watching Little Marvin so we could spend
some time alone. Alone!
MARVIN
I'm not dealing with this right now.
ANNA
You're going to deal with this right now. I refuse to
spend any more time with a lying, cheating-
TAMMI
Honest, Mrs. Berry, Marvin and I weren't-
ANNA
I don't want to hear anything from you. This is
between me and my husband.
MARVIN
Fine! Let's take this upstairs!
They march through the crowd to their spacious second floor bedroom.
INT. MARVIN'S HOME-BEDROOM-NIGHT
Marvin settles down on the bed. Anna stares out the window.
Anna joins him on the bed.
ANNA
All I wanted was to spend the night alone with you.
We haven't done that in years. You're always busy.
MARVIN
It doesn't mean I don't love you. I'm trying to
provide for my family.
ANNA
You're pushing us away. We want to be a part of
your life.
MARVIN
You are a part of my life. But so is my job. Tammi
is feeling really alone right now. She just moved
here. I wanted her to feel like part of the Motown
family. I'm just trying to keep up a healthy
professional relationship- nothing more. Anna you
have to understand this is my job. My audience
loves romance. We're only acting the part.
ANNA
Well you certainly put on a good show of it-
MARVIN
That's exactly it. It's a show. The reality is I love
only you. I've been one hundred percent faithful to
you since the day I met you. That's not going to
change.
ANNA
Promise?
MARVIN
I swear.
(He kisses her)
Now go home. You're ruining the party.
MARVIN
Well go get a beer. You need to loosen up.
ANNA
I'm loose enough. You've had enough alcohol for
both of us.
MARVIN
I didn't have that much beer. This is the good
stuff.
(pulls out a bag of cocaine)
You should try it.
ANNA
No. I ain't messing with that stuff. You shouldn't
either.
MARVIN
Why not? It's harmless. I've been using it since I
was a kid.
ANNA
Just keep it away from the baby.
MARVIN
It's impossible to keep anything away from that
boy.
ANNA
Not if you watch him closely. You don't pay enough
attention to him. You're always partying, recording,
performing. . . you're never home anymore.
MARVIN
It's not easy being a superstar.
ANNA
It's not easy being your wife either. I just want you
home with me tonight. Do you know how long it's
been? I need you.
MARVIN
Not now. I can't.
She kisses him. He gets up.
MARVIN
Not now.
He walks over to the table and opens a bag of cocaine.
Anna knocks it out of his hand. It spills all over the floor. He
crawls around and tries to sweep it back into the bag. She stands
in his way. He PUSHES her away. She falls backwards into lamp.
Anna and
the lamp CRASH TO THE FLOOR. He rushes to her side and
cradles her.
MARVIN
Baby, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'll
never hurt you. . . .
INT. COCONUT GROVE THEATER
Marvin has just finished a number. He addresses the audience of screaming fans as the music for "Your Precious Love" begins.
MARVIN
I'd like to introduce a friend of mine to you. Her
name is Tammi Terrell. She came all the way from
Philadelphia just to be with me. Come out here
Tammi. There's something I want to tell you.
Tammi enters.
MARVIN(SINGING)
Oh, everyday there's something new. Honey, To
keep me in love with you. And with every passing
minute, aw baby, so much joy is wrapped up in it.
As they sing, the chemistry between the two of them is palpable.
MARVIN&TAMMI
Oh, Heaven must have sent you from above,
heaven must have sent your precious love.
TAMMI
And now, I've got a song to sing, telling the world
about the joy you bring, and you gave me a reason
for living. You taught me, you taught me the
meaning of giving.
MARVIN
To find a love like ours is rare these days, because
you've shown me what happiness means in so
many ways. . .
The audience cheers enthusiastically.
INT. COCONUT GROVE THEATER-BACKSTAGE
Having finished their set, Marvin and Tammi run backstage.
He lifts her into the air and
spins her around.
MARVIN
You were awesome! They love you!
TAMMI
They really liked it!
MARVIN
Are you kidding! They loved it! When the single
drops, it will blow up the charts.
TAMMI
You think so?
MARVIN
Trust me baby, we're going all the way. You and
me, we're gonna rock the world!
He hugs her tightly. From the side curtain, Anna,
still scarred from the fall, watches
them. Little Marvin holds out his arms for his father,
but Anna turns him away.
ANNA
No Marvin, Your daddy doesn't have time for you
now. We don't matter anymore.
INT.MARVIN'S HOME-BEDROOM-LATE NIGHT
Anna enters and turns on the light. She jumps back
when she sees Marvin sitting at
the table, waiting for her.
MARVIN
I thought you would be in bed when I got home.
Where were you?
ANNA
Out. Since when do you care?
MARVIN
I always care.
ANNA
Not lately. Tammi's the one you spend all your
time with.
MARVIN(MUMBLES)
Here we go again.
ANNA
What?
MARVIN
How many times do I have to tell you she means
nothing to me!
ANNA
I saw you! Both of you backstage!
MARVIN
We were heated from the performance!
ANNA
So?
MARVIN
You're never sung onstage. You don't know what
that feels like. I hate performing. I'm always afraid
the people will hate me. When they love you like
that, screaming and yelling, it's the most incredible
feeling in the world.
ANNA
And where am I supposed to be while you're out
romancing the world?
ANNA
No. I have never been the stay at home wife. You
knew that when I married you!
MARVIN
You're the one who wanted this kid so badly. If
you're not going to stay home and take care of
him, why were you so desperate to have kids?
ANNA
It's not the kid I wanted, it's you! All I wanted was
for us to be a family.
Marvin smokes a joint.
MARVIN
I'm doing everything I can.
ANNA
No you're not! Go back to church. Drop the drugs. I
miss the way we used to hang out. You used to be
fun.
MARVIN
So did you.
He lays back on the bed and smokes. Anna walks out.
EXT. HOTEL ROOM BALCONY- LATE NIGHT
Marvin and Tammi relax after a performance. Her legs lie
across his lap as he
massages her feet. They smoke joints.
TAMMI
I am so exhausted, my head is pounding.
She removes a bottle of aspirin from her purse and removes
six pills, she quickly
swallows them.
MARVIN
You've been having bad headaches since March.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
She smiles seductively at him, then laughs.
MARVIN
You should stop saying stuff like that. Anna's
getting really upset.
TAMMI
I'm just playing with you. She knows as well as I do
that you'd never cheat on her.
MARVIN
She doesn't act like it.
TAMMI
Sometimes I feel like I know you better than she
does. Why doesn't she trust you?
MARVIN
She's intimidated by my fans. You know how
sensitive she is, especially about her age. But I
don't think I can take the accusations anymore.
How do you deal with it?
TAMMI
David's a singer too.
(beat)
But he doesn't like it either. He gets really jealous
sometimes. But we're going to get through this. I
love him.
MARVIN
Then take it slow. Don't make the mistake I made.
TAMMI
Is marriage that bad?
MARVIN
Yes.
TAMMI
Why? I don't understand. I know you still love her.
TAMMI
You're not thinking about divorcing her?
MARVIN
No, of course not. I just don't know what to do.
TAMMI
What can you do? Well, don't worry. I'm sure
things will work out. In the meantime, you know I'm
always here for you. Anytime.
MARVIN
I don't want to bother you.
TAMMI
You have done so much for me. I was a skinny little
nobody before I met you. Now look at me.
MARVIN
I didn't do anything.
TAMMI
I've been in show business since I was nine. I
never had any really close friends. So, your
friendship means a lot to me.
INT. FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA-HAMPTON SYDNEY COLLEGE- OCTOBER 14 1967-NIGHT
Over four thousand people are packed into the gymnasium.
Marvin and Tammi are in
the middle of the number "Aint no mountain high enough"
Tammi is struggling a little,
but she stays on beat.
TAMMI(SINGING)
If you need me call me, no matter where you are,
no matter how far-
MARVIN(SINGING)
Don't worry baby.
MARVIN & TAMMI
Ain't no mountain high enough, Ain't no valley low
enough, Ain't no river wide enough, to keep me
from gettin' to you
Tammi is having trouble breathing, she looks feeble.
MARVIN
Remember that day, I set you free told you you
could always count on me darling, from that day
on, I made a vow, I'll be there when you want me
some way, some how-
Tammi collapses on stage. Marvin responds quickly
enough that she falls into his arms.
Marvin shakes her, she doesn't wake up. Emergency personnel
come on the scene and carry her offstage.
INT.HOSPITAL
Marvin sits at Tammi's bedside. She is visibly weakened.
MARVIN
Tammi, why didn't you tell me?
TAMMI
I thought they were only bad headaches.
MARVIN
You should have gotten it checked! The doctors
said if it had been treated right away, they could
have helped you, but now-
TAMMI
I'll be fine.
(sings chorus "Baby Don'tcha worry")
When the dawn comes over the mountain, and the
valley is filled with blue. Don't worry baby. Baby
don'tcha worry. Because I'm coming home to you.
MARVIN
Tammi, this is serious. The doctors say it doesn't
look good.
MARVIN
No. You need to stay in the hospital. No more
concerts, no more performances. No more studio
time. I need you to get well.
TAMMI
Marvin, I don't need the doctors. You're all I need
to get by.
INT. HITSVILLE STUDIOS- RECORDING ROOM
Tammi sits in a wheelchair underneath a microphone, Marvin
stands next to her and
holds her hand. Berry watches from the anteroom.
MARVIN
You sure you're up to this?
Tammi smiles confidently. The music for "You're All I Need to Get By" starts.
TAMMI (SINGING)
You're all I need to get by. . .
MARVIN
Like sweet morning dew, I took one look at you,
and it was plain to see you are my destiny.
TAMMI
With arms open wide, I through away my pride, I'll
sacrifice for you, dedicate my life to you. I'll be
there, when you need, always there in time of need.
MARVIN
Whenever I loose my will, you'll be there to push
me up the hill.
MARVIN&TAMMI
There's no, No looking back for us. We got love,
'sure nough, that's enough. You're all, You're all I
need to get by.
TAMMI
You're-
Marvin and Berry exchange very worried looks.
INT. MARVIN'S HOME-LIVING ROOM APRIL 4, 1968
Marvin sits at a piano, slowly playing "Nobody Knows the
Trouble I've Seen" trying to
hide the tears that threaten his eyes. Anna walks in.
ANNA
Have you heard anything yet?
MARVIN
No, I'm going to stop by the hospital in an hour or
two.
ANNA
I'm sure she'll come out just fine.
MARVIN
This is her third surgery. She's already lost all her
hair and she's thin as a stick. If things keep going
this badly I don't know what I'm going to do. First
Kennedy, now Martin. . .I don't understand. Why is
everybody dying?
Anna tries to console him, but Marvin jumps up when he hears the telephone RING.
MARVIN(ON PHONE)
Yes. . . Thank you. I'll be right there.
(To Anna)
I'm going to the hospital. Tammi's out of surgery.
INT.HOSPITAL
Marvin sits by her bedside, holding her hand. Tammi slowly
awakes. All her hair has
fallen out. Her face has no color. She is so weak,
she is barley recognizable as the
vibrant woman we met earlier. She speaks very slowly,
and with great effort.
TAMMI
You didn't have to stay here with me.
MARVIN
Yes, I did. You're my best friend. I can't let you go
through this alone. You shouldn't be going
through this at all.
MARVIN
No. It's too hard on your body.
TAMMI
I can sing.
MARVIN
It isn't worth the risk.
TAMMI
But the label likes the song, they think it could be
another hit.
MARVIN
You are much more important than any song, no
matter how much money it brings in. I want you to
get better.
TAMMI
But my part-
MARVIN
Don't worry about it. I got a friend to sing it for
you, Valerie Simpson. She can't replace you, but
her voice is close to yours. If I close my eyes, I
almost can't tell the difference.
TAMMI
But my fans-
MARVIN
Let them believe you sung it. Valerie will keep the
promise. She wants you to get better almost as
much as I do. Everybody is rooting for you. We all
need you to pull through.
Tammi relaxes and begins to fall asleep. Marvin never lets go of her hand.
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