"Mercy Mercy Me"
by Alana Nicole alananm@hotmail.com
ACT I
EXT. FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL PARK- APRIL 5, 1984-DAY
Heavy rain clouds don't deter the thousands of fans and several reporters who crowd outside of a small chapel. Many of them hold candles, albums and posters in tribute to Marvin Gaye. Large speakers allow them to hear the service that is going on inside the chapel. A VOICE reads the 23rd psalm.
INT.FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL PARK- CHAPEL-DAY
We see the voice belongs to Smokey Robinson. He stands at a small podium in front of the casket holding the body of Marvin Gaye II. His audience pays him little attention.
Marvin's brother FRANKIE GAYE, 43 silently mouths the words of the familiar scripture. His wife Irene holds his hand. Next to them sits Marvin's mother, ALBERTA GAY. Inconsolable tears stream down her face, though her daughters JEAN, 47 and ZEOLA, 39, attempt to calm her.
Marvin's ex-wives ANNA GORDY-GAYE and JAN GAYE hold onto their children, Marvin III, 19 (Anna's) and Nona,10 and Bubby, 8 (Jan's).
Behind them are Marvin's colleagues
HARVEY FUQUA, GWEN GORDY-FUQUA and BERRY GORDY, as well as several celebrities
from the late 70's and early 80's, including DIANA ROSS and STEVIE WONDER.
EXT. FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL PARK
As the processional plays, a TELEVISION REPORTER records a newscast.
REPORTER
Today the entire nation mourns as Motown's sexiest singer
was found shot to death in his own home. Investigators and
fans alike are still in shock. Marvin Gaye, known for his polite
and shy manner, gained worldwide fame through his duets
with Tammi Terrell and Diana Ross as well as his solo hits "I
heard it through the grapevine", "Sexual Healing", and
"Mercy Mercy Me." Yet his life came to an end after a
confrontation with his own father. One can only wonder
what caused that fatal argument.
EXT. SOUTH WEST WASHINGTON DC. 1944- DAY
African American children from the projects play in the street. Boys play baseball, girls double dutch. Music, laughter and thick smoke from a cookout fill the air. Everyone seems to be having fun. All but the Gay family.
INT. HOUSE OF GOD WORSHIP SERVICE- DAY 1944
A small church service is in progress and has been for hours. The Gay children, Marvin, 5, Frankie, 3, and Jeanne, 7 gaze longingly out the window at their friends.
PASTOR
We must never stray from the barest comforts that the Lord
hath provided.
(MORE)
There is no reason to participate in the things of this world,
for they will not carry us into Heaven. When Gabriel comes
down, it is us who will leave with him. We belong to God.
Not society.
(BEAT)
To remind us of the strengths allotted to us through our Lord
and savior, our young Marvin is going to sing us a song.
MR. GAY prods MARVIN, 5 to the pulpit. He nervously looks around, then begins to sing "His eye is on the Sparrow." His voice reveals a striking duality of softness and strength. As he finishes, the church members applaud enthusiastically.
MR. GAY
That boy will make a fine preacher someday.
EXT. SOUTH WEST WASHINGTON DC. DAY 1948
Eight young boys play baseball. Marvin, 9 steps up to bat. The pitch is thrown. He swings and misses. His friend BUDDY laughs.
BUDDY
Come on Marvin, hit the ball!
Marvin tries and misses again.
BOY 1
Strike two!
Marvin prepares for the third hit. The ball flies in his direction. Marvin grips the makeshift bat tighter and prepares to hit, but he sees his father approaching and looses his concentration.
BOY 2
Strike three. You're out!
Mr. Gay glares over at Marvin.
MR. GAY
Marvin! It's dusk! Get in this house before I take off my belt!
You know better!
MARVIN
But. . .I was just having fun with my friends.
MR. GAY
Jesus is the only friend you need.
MARVIN
Can't I have fun with my friends too? Jesus had his disciples.
MR. GAY
Yeah, and look were they got him. Those friends will not help
you any more than Judas helped Jesus.
I just want to have some fun!
MR. GAY
You don't need fun. You have God.
Mr. Gay takes the bat from Marvin and grabs his hand. They walk home.
INT. GAY HOME
Marvin and his siblings FRANKIE, 6, ZEOLA, 4, and JEANNE, 11 sit at a small table in the living-dinning room from which the entire overcrowded two story townhouse is visible. Mr. Gay sits at the head of the table.
MR. GAY
How many times do we have to go over the rules for this
house? Since Marvin is having trouble remembering, we can
go over them again. No stockings, no makeup, No movies,
no radio, no fighting, no pork. no cussing, and no staying out
after dusk ! Never question these rules, for the fifth
commandment says-
GAY CHILDREN
Thou shalt honor thy father and mother
MR. GAY
These are the rules. Whether you live inside this house or
not, you are to abide by these rules.
GAY CHILDREN
Yes, sir.
EXT. SOUTH WEST WASHINGTON DC- STREET 1952-DAY
Marvin, 13, and Frankie, 10 are walking home from school. They are approached by a group of neighborhood kids.
BOY 1
Hey Gay boys.
Boy 1 pushes Marvin.
FRANKIE
Leave us alone! We're not gay!
MARVIN
Just ignore them Frankie. Turn the other cheek.
Boy 2 walks right up to Marvin's face.
BOY 2
You're a bunch of sissies just like your dad!
We are not!
Boy 2 turns toward Frankie, but Marvin holds him back. They stare each other down for a few minutes. Then Marvin and Frankie turn to leave. Boy 1 picks up an empty beer bottle and throws it at them. It nearly misses Marvin's head. Marvin and Frankie run for their lives.
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND HOWARD THEATER.
Marvin and Frankie run and dive behind two dumpsters.
FRANKIE
Are they gone?
MARVIN
Yeah, I think so.
They breathe a sign of relief.
MARVIN
I really have to tell you something, but you can't tell anyone
else. Swear you won't tell anyone.
FRANKIE
Dad says not to swear-
(sees Marvin's look)
I won't tell.
MARVIN
I already know what I want to be when I grow up. I want to
be a singer.
FRANKIE
A singer?
MARVIN
I really love music. When I went to Buddy's house, he let me
listen to their radio. They have the most wonderful music.
I
hear it every night, playing through my head, in my heart. I'm
going to be famous one day.
FRANKIE
But. . .
MARVIN
I can do it. You'll see. I'm going to sing in the talent show
next week. But don't tell dad.
INT. WILLIAM RANDALL JUNIOR HIGH AUDITORIUM -NIGHT
A school talent show is in progress.
And next we have the very talented Marvin Gay II, singing
the Johnny Ray hit, "CRY". Put your hands together for
Marvin Gay!
The audience applauds as Marvin, now thirteen, steps out onto the stage and sings. The audience really gets into it, hollering and screaming, egging his performance on.
INT. GAY HOME-KITCHEN-NEXT DAY
Marvin, Frankie, and Jeanne are crowded around the small kitchen cleaning the dinner dishes. Jeanne stands in front of the sink, Marvin holds a raggedy dishrag, and Frankie stands in front of the dusty cabinet. Jeanne pokes her head into the living room, sees Mr. Gay and Mrs. Gay are talking quietly, then speaks to Marvin.
JEANNE
How come you didn't tell me you were performing in the
talent show?
MARVIN
Thought you might snitch.
FRANKIE
He only told me the day before.
MARVIN
How did you find out?
JEANNE
It's all everybody talked about. Even Cynthia asked me if you
had a girlfriend!
MARVIN
The cheerleader?
JEANNE
Yeah
MARVIN
Really?! She asked about me? What did you tell her?
JEANNE
That's not the point. You should have told me. I would have
come.
MARVIN
Dad would have noticed if you snuck out. You never break
rules. He doesn't care about me.
JEANNE
That's not true.
Yes it is. I'm just a big disappointment to him. Well I don't
care anymore. I'm going to do what I want to do.
FRANKIE
Shh! Don't say that! He's gonna hear you.
MARVIN
I don't care! Let him hear.
(Loudly)
I sang a rock and roll song at school and I had a great time!
And when I grow up, I'm gonna be a famous singer!
The CRACK of a belt causes all three children to flinch. They turn and see Mr. Gay glaring right behind them.
MR. GAY
Jeanne, Frankie, go upstairs and help Zeola.
FRANKIE & JEANNE
Yes, sir.
Jeanne and Frankie exit quickly. Mr. Gay bears down on Marvin. He struggles to maintain eye contact.
MARVIN
I-. . .I'm sorry sir.
(swallows nervously)
I. . .I couldn't help it. I had to.
MR. GAY
Do you know how many commandments you just broke?
MARVIN
Uh. . .
MR. GAY
Three! And not only that, you did it on the Sabbath!
MARVIN
No. No. . I didn't mean. I was. . .
MR. GAY
Not only are you deliberately going against my rules, which
are God's rules, you continually practice idolatry, the most
sacred of God's commandments!
MARVIN
Music isn't an idol, it's just a song! It's a really good song!
MR. GAY
When you place anything above the commandments that
God has given you, you are making an idol out of it.
I just want to listen to music!
MR. GAY
I won't be havin' this kind of behavior in my house!
(He beats Marvin several times.)
You will not sing any songs outside of church. You hear
me?! Or next time, you're going to get worse!
Marvin cowers against the fridge. Finally Mr. Gay backs up off him, grabs a beer and returns to the living room. Slowly and painfully, Marvin turns toward his bedroom.
INT. GAY HOME- BEDROOM- LATER
The shades are drawn. Mrs. Gay enters carrying a towel and a basin full of ice water. She gently dips the towel in the water and places it on the cluster of welts that are appearing on Marvin's lower back. He winces.
MRS. GAY
Sorry. I know you're hurting, but I want you to know your
father loves you very much.
MARVIN
No he doesn't.
MRS. GAY
He disciplines you because he wants you to be the best
person you can be. You know he's told me he thinks you
would make a good doctor.
MARVIN
I don't want to be a doctor. I want to sing! I want to use my
words, my songs to move people.
MRS. GAY
Then be a preacher.
MARVIN
Mom, I can't preach.
(quietly)
You remember the sermon last week? About God calling his
servants? He told us to listen to that voice inside our heart.
Mine is telling me to sing.
MRS. GAY
Are you sure? You know the Devil talks to people too,
sometimes it's easy to get the two confused.
MARVIN
I've spent my whole life in church. I know God. And I know
what I have to do.
Well, I'll be behind you either way. But your father and I
would be much happier if you decided to be a preacher.
MARVIN
Singing isn't bad. I'm not talking about singing the devil's
music. The bible is full of music. "Make a joyful noise unto
the Lord" that's what the bible says. There are ways of
saying things that aren't bad. You'll see.
INT. CARDOZO HIGH SCHOOL -STAIRWAY 1955
MARVIN, 16 and several friends: JAMES, VERNON, LEON, and
RESE- all skinny African Americans
waiting for a hit song or a hot girl, whichever comes
first, are huddled underneath a stairway, singing
"BABY IT'S YOU." They finish with a flourish. Passing
students clap. A teacher enters.
TEACHER
Guys, no matter how good you are, you can't stand here and
sing. Classes are going on.
RESE
Where can we sing? Marvin's dad won't let him sing
anywhere.
LEON
The DC Tones have to practice somewhere!
VERNON
Can't we just stay here a few more minutes? We're not
bothering anybody.
MARVIN
We're going to make it big one day. Just let us practice a
little longer.
TEACHER
Not while class is session.
Teacher exits.
JAMES
How are we supposed to make it big when we can't even
practice?
INT. HOWARD THEATER- 1956 NIGHT
A smaller version of the Apollo. There is standing room only as black people from all over the DC area groove along with The Platters- tonight's act.. Marvin, Rese, Buddy, James and Vernon watch in awe from the wings of the stage.
RESE
Wow, this is great Buddy. I wish my uncle was a manager.
This is even better than the front row.
I'd kill to be in the front row.
MARVIN
Who cares about the front row? I want to be on stage.
The boys nod in agreement, each dreaming of masses of adoring young women.
JAMES
Let's do it. Everyone at Cardozo High loves us. Maybe we
can get a record deal.
VERNON
You really think we can?
RESE
Why not? Let's practice right after the show.
MARVIN
I can't, it's almost 7. I gotta go home.
JAMES
You're going to miss James Brown!
MARVIN
I don't need another whippin' tonight. It's not worth it.
VERNON
But we need to work on our songs!
MARVIN
Ok. I'll try to sneak out after he's asleep. I'll meet you behind
the empty lot.
VERNON
That's what you said last time!
RESE
We waited an hour for you!
MARVIN
I know. I really tried to get out! He beat me so bad I couldn't
sit down for a week! I'm sorry. I can't go through that again.
I'll see you later.
VERNON
Right. Later.
Marvin runs out of the stage and toward home.
INT. HOWARD THEATER- BACKSTAGE-1957
Buddy and Marvin stand in the wings and watch The MOONGLOWS,
a popular five member R&B group on the verge of breaking up. A SEXY
YOUNG WOMAN enters from a side door.
Ooh, look at her.
MARVIN(WATCHING MOONGLOWS)
What?
BUDDY
It's Dionne! The manager's daughter. She just winked at me!
MARVIN
If she's the manager's daughter, doesn't that make her your
cousin?
BUDDY
He's not my real uncle. He's just my mom's friend. She just
smiled at me. I think I should go over there. You think I
should go over there?
MARVIN
What do I know about women? You're the one with all the
girlfriends.
BUDDY
What about Sadie? She's had a crush on you forever.
MARVIN
I know, I just don't feel comfortable around her. I feel like she
wants something from me.
BUDDY
She wants something from you all right.
MARVIN(BLUSHES)
Stop playin'. You know I'm not like that. I'm too afraid of what
would happen afterwards.
BUDDY
You worry too much.
MARVIN
I just don't have time for girls. The music is what matters. We
need a record deal.
(They hear applause, signaling the end
of the Moonglows set. House lights
turn on.)
They'll be coming out soon. I have to try.
BUDDY
Do you want me to stay?
MARVIN
No. I need to do this alone. You go talk to Dionne.
You sure?
MARVIN
Yeah. All right Marvin, Good Luck.
BUDDY
You too.
Buddy walks over toward Dionne. Marvin nervously shifts his weight from one leg to the other while waiting for the Moonglows to walk offstage. Finally, Marvin spots HARVEY FUQUA, the lead singer. He runs toward him.
MARVIN(ALL IN ONE BREATH)
Hey guys! I'm your biggest fan! I have a group too. We're
called the Marquees, and we sing your songs all the time!
MOONGLOW GUY 1(UNENTHUSIASTIC)
Great.
MARVIN
Do you think maybe you could give us some pointers? Or
some publicity?
HARVEY
Look, kid, we're tired.
MARVIN
Please give us a chance. We can sing for you in your
dressing room. I'll have the group ready within the hour.
MOONGLOW GUY 2
We're very busy. We have to eat, and prepare for the next
show.
MARVIN
We'll sing while you eat. Just listen.
HARVEY(SIGHS)
Three minutes. That's it. And no promises.
MARVIN
Thank you! Thank you. You won't regret this.
Moonglows walk back to the dressing room. Marvin runs out of the door to a nearby pay phone.
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND HOWARD THEATER.
Marvin eagerly calls Rese.
MARVIN
Rese? It's Marvin. We made it! We have a meeting with
the Moonglows!
What makes you so sure it will work this time? We had a
record deal and that didn't work. Nobody listened to Wyatt
Earp.
MARVIN
This is going to be different. You'll see. Just come. Call
James and Chester. They want us to perform for them right
after the set.
INT. HOWARD THEATER- DRESSING ROOM
Costumes and fast food containers fill the room. The Marquees- Marvin, James, Rese, and CHESTER SIMMONS, in well worn jeans and matching dress shirts finish singing, "Ten Commandments of Love." Harvey and the band are obviously impressed. Harvey pulls Marvin aside.
HARVEY
Hey, you're pretty good. Are you signed?
MARVIN
We're looking for a record deal.
HARVEY
I think I can help you with that. Look, I'm going to Chicago
next week. If you're ready, you can come with me. I'll teach
you what you need to know.
MARVIN
We're ready. Just tell me when and where. We'll be there.
INT. GAY HOME- BEDROOM -DAY
Marvin is hurriedly packing the few things he owns into a small bag. He bumps an iron bunk bed and it screeches loudly across the floor. His father and mother run in.
MR. GAY
What do you think you're doing?
MRS. GAY
You scared me half to death! Why aren't you at school?
MARVIN
I'm getting out of here. I got a shot at a real deal. Me and
my group, we're going to Chicago. We're going to hit it big.
MRS. GAY
Marvin, be reasonable. You can't just run off with these
guys. How are you going to make a living? This will end up
like your experience in the Air Force. Stay here. I'm sure
you could find a little job. Keep the singing thing as a hobby.
Mom, I can't! You don't understand. Music is in me! I hear
music at night when I'm lying in bed, when I'm eating
sandwiches, when I'm studying or sitting in class. You
remember what I told you that night. You said you'd be okay
with it.
MRS. GAY
I know why you want to go Marvin. But have you really
thought this all out?
MARVIN
Yes, Mother. I really have.
MRS. GAY
How are you going to get money? A roof over your head? I
don't want you living on the street!
MR. GAY
There's no way you'd ever make it.
MARVIN
I can do it! And I will!
MR. GAY
No you won't.
MARVIN
Just watch. You'll see. I can do this! I'm really sick of
everyone telling me I can't! It's time I got off on my own,
away from all this. Away from all dad's rules.
MR. GAY
There's no escaping rules. Wherever you go, however big
you become, you'll always have to answer to God.
MARVIN
He's on my side.
Marvin takes his bag and slams the door behind him. A car HONKS. We hear the sounds of a car door, then SCREECHING TIRES as the car speeds away. Mr. and Mrs. Gay are left alone standing in the middle of his mess.
INT. CHICAGO MOTEL.
Harvey stands in front of the New Moonglows- Marvin, Rese, James, Chester and CHUCK BARNSDALE. They are crowded into a roach infested single room where they have been living for the past week. Harvey hands each of them a piece of sheet music.
HARVEY
OK, here's the music. We'll take it from the top, a cappella.
One, Two , One two three-
Harvey waits for them to sing. The boys look at each other,
confused.
What's a cappella ?
RESE
What does legato mean?
CHESTER
Why does it say piano?
JAMES
What is this? Latin?
HARVEY
Italian. Don't tell me you guys can't read music.
MARVIN
I learned a little, on piano, but this is way over my head.
HARVEY
I'm beginning to think this was a bad idea. I already booked
a show for us at the Twenty Grand in Detroit.
JAMES
Detroit!? Wow.
HARVEY
No. I'm not going to be laughed at. Look, I don't think you're
ready for the Twenty Grand. It's like the Apollo!
MARVIN
We can do it. You know we have talent. We're really fast
learners.
HARVEY
But this is a big show, a Holiday celebration. We'll be on the
same bill as Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.
MARVIN
Just sing the melody. We can pick it up.
Harvey hums the beginning stanza of "Mama Loochie." The Marquees begin to pick it up.
INT. TWENTY GRAND. DECEMBER 1957
The old concert hall is packed with excited fans.
HARVEY
You've been a great audience, but unfortunately, all good
things must come to an end. Let's give a big hand to our
other acts tonight, Sam Cooke, Bo Diddley, Little Richard,
and Jackie Wilson!
(MORE)
(audience applauds loudly. Harvey
waits for them to quiet down)
For the final performance tonight, I'd like to introduce you to
my group, the New Moonglows. They will take the stage in a
few minutes, bringing Holiday Cheer with our hit "Hey Santa
Clause"
The New Moonglows, now in classy suits instead of tattered jeans, saunter confidently on-stage where they join Harvey. The crowd goes wild with excitement as the group begins to sing "Hey Santa Clause".
MOONGLOWS
Hey, Santa Clause, Hey Santa Clause. . .
MARVIN
Well, Santa Claus bring my baby back to me. Hey Santa
Clause bring my baby back to me. All I wanted for Christmas
was my baby on the Christmas tree. Hey, Hey, Hey, Santa
Clause you know I love her so. Hey, Hey, Santa Clause you
know I love her so. If she comes back, I'll never, never let
her go.
As Marvin sings, he walks around the stage and sings directly to several women. One of these women is ANNA GORDY 40, a woman well aware of her sexuality. She falls in love with him instantly.
INT. MOTOWN STUDIOS- BASEMENT -NEXT DAY
The tiny, crowded bottom floor of an old building is brightly decorated for the Christmas party. Although it doesn't look like much, the large crowd and festive decorations make it seem very cheerful. Harvey makes his way through the crowd with Marvin trailing nervously behind.
MARVIN
I don't really think I should be here.
HARVEY
Look, don't worry about it. Mr. Gordy is really nice. He won't
mind.
MARVIN
I feel like I'm crashing a private party.
HARVEY
They won't notice.
MARVIN
But-
HARVEY
Stop worrying! You need to learn to make the best of this
situation. Be brave. I've gotten you this far.
(points across room)
That's Berry Gordy over there. We worked together a while
back. He's written some songs.
(MORE)
Last I heard, he was talking about putting together a record
label. You want him to like you. Remember how you
cornered me after the Moonglows last performance? It's time
to bring out your charm.
Harvey strolls across the room, dragging Marvin behind him. They approach BERRY GORDY, a confident black man with a keen sense of business.
HARVEY
Mr. Gordy, I would like to introduce my friend Marvin Gay.
He was performing last night with my group, the new
Moonglows.
BERRY(BLOWS HIM OFF)
Ah, yes. I remember. Listen, I have some perspective
clients to talk to. Why don't you boys relax, go get a drink.
Berry walks off.
MARVIN
I don't think I made a good impression.
HARVEY
Don't worry about it, we just want him to remember you.
MARVIN
Well, I-
HARVEY
Relax.
A woman comes up behind Harvey and taps him on the shoulder. He spins around, faces GWEN GORDY, one of Berry's older sisters.
HARVEY
Gwen!
(They embrace)
I was hoping I would see you here!
(Can't take his eyes off her. Marvin
clears his throat)
Oh. This is Marvin.
GWEN
Hi.
MARVIN
Hi.
Harvey turns back to Gwen. Marvin feels like a third wheel. During the following he spends most of the time looking at the floor.
HARVEY
You look great!
17.
Thanks.
HARVEY
I haven't seen you since See Saw in '56. How you been?
GWEN
I'm doing all right.
HARVEY
You seeing anybody?
GWEN
No.
HARVEY
You wanna dance?
GWEN
Love to.
HARVEY(TO MARVIN)
I'll be back.
Harvey and Gwen head to the dance floor. Marvin leans against a wall, feeling very uncomfortable. On the dance floor, Harvey and Gwen pass Anna and her date.
GWEN(MOUTHS)
How's it going?
Anna rolls her eyes.
GWEN(TO ANNA'S DATE)
May I steal my sister for a minute?
(To Harvey)
I'll be back in a minute. Don't go anywhere.
Gwen takes Anna's arm and leads her away from the crowd.
GWEN
Do you remember that guy you told me about yesterday?
The one you saw in the show?
ANNA
Of course I do. I was up half the night thinking about him.
GWEN(GESTURES TOWARD MARVIN)
Is that him?
(Anna turns, sees him, blushes furiously.)
I thought so. He's in Harvey's group.
ANNA
Is he single?
Yeah. He just moved here. Want me to introduce you?
ANNA
And let you steal my man?
GWEN(LAUGHS)
Okay. Have it your way. He's all yours.
ANNA
That's the way I like it.
Anna reapplies her lipstick, smoothes down her hair, and struts toward him.
ANNA
Hi.
MARVIN(PLEASANTLY SURPRISED)
Hi.
ANNA
You're with Harvey and the New Moonglows.
MARVIN
Yeah. You caught the show?
ANNA
Yeah, I've seen it once, or twice. Maybe six times.
MARVIN
That's why you look familiar.
ANNA
I loved your performance.
MARVIN
Wow, thanks. I'll pass that on. The guys would love to hear
that-
ANNA
I wasn't talking about the guys. I was talking about you.
MARVIN
Really?
ANNA
Yeah. You wanna dance?
MARVIN(HESITANT)
Well, . . .I don't feel comfortable dancing in front of other
people.
ANNA
I thought all singers danced.
Not me.
ANNA
Well, what do you do?
MARVIN
I want to move people with my music. Not just physically, but
spiritually.
ANNA
Hmm. So how's that going for you?
MARVIN
Well, you know. I just got here. I was on tour for a while with
the New Moonglows, but that ain't my style. We're going
different ways now. Harvey is trying to get me some deals.
ANNA
If you're looking to break into the business, this is the place
to be. My brother Berry and I have a record company, Anna
Records.
MARVIN
You have a record company?
ANNA
Well, really, Berry's the boss. You should talk to him.
MARVIN
I already met him. I don't think he likes me.
ANNA
He likes profit. Show him what you got. He may change his
mind.
MARVIN
What do you mean? Here?
ANNA
We've got a piano.
MARVIN
Oh, I don't know. . . I haven't really performed on my own
since I was thirteen.
ANNA
You wanna move people? Here's your chance.
(To crowd)
Make room at the piano, Marvin's gonna sing for us!
Timidly, Marvin walks up to the piano and begins to play
a couple verses of "Lonely Christmas."
Just a Lonely lonely christmas, what a glad one it would be,
if only my loved one would come back to me. Seems like
she's been gone a thousand years as the days and nights
roll by. Ah yeah, she's gone away. Oh tell my why. . .
All conversation has halted. The crowd watches, transfixed. Berry, Gwen and Harvey make their way to the front of the crowd where they join Anna.
ANNA
That is one gorgeous hunk of a man.
GWEN
He's great!
HARVEY
I told you he was talented.
BERRY
I had no idea.
They turn their attentions back to Marvin. He finishes the song to enthusiastic cheer and shouts for an encore. As he gets up and bows, Anna takes his arm and leads him to a couch.
ANNA
Wow! That was amazing!
MARVIN
I was so nervous.
ANNA
Well you certainly made a good impression. Here he comes.
Berry joins them.
BERRY
Hey, that was pretty good. That song never sounded so
powerful. You put something special into it.
MARVIN
Aw, that ain't nothing but a little soul.
BERRY
Oh, is that so. You got more of that?
MARVIN
Tons more. Interested?
BERRY
Maybe. Stop by the office later. We'll talk.
Berry smiles and turns back to his friends. Marvin tries
to contain his excitement until Berry is out of sight.
Whoooo!
Anna laughs, and puts her arms around his shoulder. They head toward the food table.
INT. ANNA RECORDS- HALLWAY
A small bedroom of an old house. A sign reading "Anna Records" is taped onto the door. Marvin opens it, revealing Anna sitting at a small, cluttered desk, answering phone calls. When she sees Marvin enter, she lights up.
MARVIN
Hey, how you doin'?
ANNA
I'm good.
MARVIN
I have a meeting with Berry.
ANNA
I know.
MARVIN
Could I interest you in lunch afterward?
ANNA
I already have plans.
MARVIN
What about tomorrow?
ANNA
We have an executive meeting. You know, if Berry signs
you, I'll be your boss.
MARVIN
Then we might be spending many late evenings together.
ANNA
That's not very likely. We wouldn't keep you here late unless
there was a good reason.
MARVIN
I'll come up with a good reason.
ANNA(LAUGHS)
We'll see.
BERRY(O.S.)
Marvin, come in. We're ready for you.
Well, I gotta go. You'll be here when I get back? So we can
finish this conversation?
ANNA
Maybe.
Marvin turns and walks toward a back office.
ANNA
Wait!.
(he turns)
Good Luck.
Marvin walks into the office.
INT. SMALL DETROIT DINER.
A place full of blue collar workers filling up on greasy burgers before their twenty minute lunch break is over. Harvey and Marvin sit at a small table in front of several half empty plates.
HARVEY
How'd the meeting with Berry go?
MARVIN
He wants to sign me. He didn't come out and say that
specifically, but he really likes me. I can tell.
HARVEY
Look, don't count your chickens before they hatch.
MARVIN
He knows he needs me for his label. Besides, I have
another in.
HARVEY
Is that so?
MARVIN
You remember Anna? His sister?
HARVEY
Yeah, what about her?
MARVIN
She likes me.
HARVEY
She's just playing with you.
MARVIN
No she's not. We had dinner last night after the meeting.
She's twice your age!
MARVIN
The age difference is meaningless to me. She's a really
wonderful woman.
HARVEY
She's old enough to be your mother!
MARVIN
I don't want some little girl. Anna is everything I've ever
wanted.
HARVEY
You really think she's the one?
MARVIN
I know she is. I think she knows it too.
EXT. TWENTY GRAND-NIGHT
Crowds pile out of the double doors. Marvin holds Anna's coat out for her. As she puts it on, he slips an arm around her shoulder. They walk up the street.
ANNA
Did you like the show?
MARVIN
Yeah, They were awesome, but the whole time, I couldn't
think of anything except how good I would look on that
stage. I want to be up there so bad. Come on, tell me. Did I
get in? Is Berry going to accept me?
ANNA
You know I can't tell you.
MARVIN
So you do know.
ANNA
I'm not saying anything.
MARVIN
Would you tell me for a kiss?
She smiles as he leans in and kisses her slowly and passionately.
MARVIN
Well?
ANNA
I'm still not telling.
Marvin throws his hands up in surrender. Anna kisses him.
ANNA
But no news is good news.
He kisses her again as they walk to the car.
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