ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE Directed By Tom Shadyac
Written by Jack Bernstein, Tom Shadyac, Jim Carrey
Cast:
Actor Character
________________ ________________
Jim Carrey Ace Ventura
Courteney Cox Melissa Robinson
Sean Young Lois Einhorn
Tone Loc Emilio
Dan Marino Himself
Noble Willingham Riddle
Troy Evans Roger Podacter
Raynor Scheine Woodstock
Udo Kier Ronald Camp
Frank Adonis Vinnie
Tiny Ron Roc
David Margulies Doctor
John Capodice Aguado
Judy Clayton Martha Maxx
Bill Zuckert Ray Finkle
EXT. STREET - DAY
A UPS Man with a big pot belly is walking down the street, whistling and carelessly tossing a
package in the air. We hear the sound of broken glass in the box. He passes a professional
woman.
UPS MAN
Good morning, UPS!
He tosses the box behind his back like a basketball, then acknowledges another passerby.
UPS MAN
UPS, good to see you!
He takes a couple of steps, then flings the package incredibly high into the air, spins
completely around and expertly drops to one knee and catches the box. A Hispanic man passes.
UPS MAN
Buenos dias. Uo Pay eSsay.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
The UPS Man dodges a couple of black kids as though playing basketball. He runs up the front
steps of the building. He reaches out to open the front door and inadvertently flings the
package behind him and back down the steps.
He goes back, retrieves the package, then enters the building.
INT. LOBBY - DAY
Several people stand in the elevator. The UPS Man just makes it, but the door closes on the
package... REPEATEDLY. He feigns embarrassment.
INT. 3RD FLOOR - DAY
ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN. The UPS Man throws the package out onto the floor and starts kicking it
down the hall like a soccer player. With one last big kick the parcel lands in front of
APARTMENT 3B. He picks it up and knocks on the door.
We hear a small dog barking.
GRUFF MAN (O.S.)
Shut the hell up, you stupid mutt!
An angry, burly man pokes his nose hairs out the chained door.
GRUFF MAN
What do you want?
UPS MAN
UPS, sir. And how are you this
afternoon? Alrighty then!
The man grumpily unchains the door. He's a big guy - 6'5", 250, and 50 of that is chest hair.
UPS MAN
I have a package for you.
The UPS guy thrusts the package toward the man. We can clearly hear broken glass inside.
The man takes the package.
GRUFF MAN
It sounds broken.
UPS MAN
Most likely sir! I bet it was
something nice though! Now... I
haver an insurance form. If you'll
just sign here, here, and here,
and initial here, and print your name
here, we'll get the rest of the
forms out to you as soon as we
can.
The man begrudgingly begins to fill out the form. The dog wags his tail and whines. We can see
that he likes the UPS guy.
UPS MAN
That's a lovely dog you have. Do
you mind if I pet him, sir?
GRUFF MAN
(mumbles)
I don't give a rat's ass.
The UPS Man bends down and talks to the dog in a really sucky pet talk.
UPS MAN
Oo ja boo ba da boo boo do booo!
GRUFF MAN
(under breath)
Brother.
Before the Gruff Man can finish, the UPS Man stands back up and takes the form again.
UPS MAN
That's fine sir. I can fill out
the rest. You just have yourself
a good day. Take care, now! 'Bye
'bye, then!
THRASH MUSIC STARTS
INT. HALLWAY -- CONT'D
The UPS Man moves swiftly down the hall and into the stair well.
INT. APARTMENT 3B - CONT'D
The Gruff Man shakes the box, tosses it down and sits in front of the TV.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - CONT'D
The UPS Man bursts from the front door and hustles down the street very quickly. He passes
several people.
UPS MAN
(quickly)
UPS, S'cuse me. UPS, comin'
through.
INT. APARTMENT 3B - CONT'D
We see the back of the Shiatsu staring at the crack in the front door. He has not moved an
inch. The Gruff Man looks over.
GRUFF MAN
Hey, stupid! Get away from the
door!
The dog doesn't budge and this really pisses him off. He gets up and heads for the dog.
GRUFF MAN
What's the matter with you, I said
GIT!!!
He roughly picks the dog up by the scruff of the neck, but as he turns it around we see that
it is a stuffed dog. Around it's neck is a business card that reads, "You have been had by
Ace Ventura - Pet Detective." He breathes fire.
GRUFF MAN
Son of a bitch!
He smashes the dog to the ground.
EXT. ALLEY - CONT'D
As the UPS Man/Ace rounds the corner, his shirt opens up at his pot belly and the Shiatsu's
head sticks out. Ace is gloating.
ACE
(announcer's voice)
That was a close one, ladies and
gentlemen. Unfortunately, in
every contest, there must be...
A LOOSER!
He jumps into an old beat-up Chevy Bel Air, and lets the dog out onto the passenger seat.
ACE (CONT'D)
LOOOHOOOSERRRHERRR!
He then pulls open the car's ashtray, and to the dog's delight, it's filled with puppy chow.
He tries to start the engine but it won't turn over. The dog shoots him a look.
ACE
(to dog)
No problem, it gets flooded.
We'll just wait a few seconds.
Ace sits back. SMASH!!!
From Ace's POV we see a Baseball bat shatter the front windshield.
ACE
Or, we could try it now.
Ace frantically tries to start the car. His new friend continues around the car beating the
living shit out of it.
ACE
Oooh, boy.
ACE'S POV
We see the creep wailing on the car in Ace's side view mirror.
ACE
Warning! Assholes are closer than
they appear!
The dog is barking insanely.
ACE
(to dog)
You think you can do better?!
The baseball bat is now pummeling the trunk.
ACE
Wanna give me a push while you're
back there?
BOOM! The back window shatters. Then the car's engine roars to life. Ace rejoices.
ACE
FARFEGNUGENNNNN!!!
Ace leaves the bad guy in a cloud of dust and gravel, screaming bloody murder.
EXT. MIAMI CITY STREETS - DAY
Ace and his new pal speed away freely.
Close on the happy dog, hanging his head out the car window. PAN across the broken windshield
to Ace, also hanging his head out the window to see where he's going.
The car drives by a sign on a telephone pole: "Reward" -- with a picture of the Shiatsu in
Ace's seat.
THRASH MUSIC ENDS
INT. HOUSE - DAY
A very sexy woman is hugging and kissing the Shiatsu.
WOMAN
My little baby. You missed mommy
didn't you? Did daddy hurt you?
I won't let him, no I won't. He
may have kept the big screen TV,
but he's not gonna keep my baby.
No he isn't.
(very sexy to Ace)
Thank you, Mr. Ventura. How can I
ever repay you?
She slinks over to Ace and puts her arms around his neck.
ACE
Well, the reward would be good,
and there was some damage to my –
She cuts Ace off with a devastating kiss.
WOMAN
Would you like me to take you
pants off instead?
ACE
Ummmm… Sure.
She pulls him toward the bedroom.
WOMAN
It takes a big man to stand up to
my husband. He's already put two
of my lovers in the hospital.
ACE
How did he find out? Does he have
you followed.
WOMAN
No… I tell him
She plants a kiss on Ace's neck and pulls him down out of frame onto the bed.
EXT. DOLPHIN STADIUM PLAYING FIELD - DAY
The stands are empty, but there's plenty happening on the field. The Miami Dolphins are
practicing. Dan Marino is in top form, hitting pass after pass.
Behind one of the goal posts, the team's mascot, a rare dolphin (SNOWFLAKE), wearing #4, is
practicing his routine. The Trainer is dressed like a quarterback.
TRAINER
Blue! 42! Blue! 42! Hut! Hut!
Snowflake swims over, snatches a small football out of the Trainer's hand, and does an end
zone dance on his tail. He then returns the ball to the trainer.
The Trainer now sets the ball on the dolphin's tail and snowflake "kicks" a perfect field
goal. The Trainer blows a whistle and raises both arms.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DOLPHIN STADIUM PLAYING FIELD - NIGHT
The stadium is now completely empty. Snowflake peacefully swims around his tank.
Suddenly, the water is illuminated by the headlights of an n.d. panel truck.
The rear door slides open. Two men jump out in wet suits.
They slip into the water while a third waits outside the tank.
Snowflake surfaces to check out the action. One of the men holds out a fish. Snowflake eagerly
takes it, then shudders as a large syringe is stuck into his back. Snowflake thrashes around.
Quick cut of a hand with the blur of a ring slamming against the tank. But the needle has done
its job. Snowflake quickly goes limp.
Snowflake is loaded into the back of the truck. Move in on Snowflake's face. His excited
cackle has turned into a painful whimper.
The truck skids away passing the guard gate. The guard is hog tied and gagged, struggling to
free himself.
INT. ADELLE'S FRIENDLY PET SHOP - NEXT DAY
Close up on a dead goldfish laying on a newspaper. We pull back to reveal ADELLE ROSENBERG,
the seventy year old owner of a cluttered pet shop. She's handing a live goldfish in a bag to
JENNIFER, a very sweet nine year old.
ADELLE
Here you go, honey. Now
remember… this kind of fish
doesn't like it in the freezer.
JENNY
But what's gonna happen to Dolly?
ADELLE
Don't worry, I'll make sure she
gets a proper burial.
Jennifer exits. Adelle calls to her cat, and tosses it the goldfish. The cat catches it in
mid-air.
ADELLE
Rest in peace.
Ace enters the pet shop. It looks like he slept in his clothes.
ADELLE
Well… here comes another dead
fish.
ACE
Hi, beautiful. What time do you
get off?
ADELLE
Uh oh.
ACE
(suggestively)
I've heard some pretty great
things about your kibble.
ADELLE
Well, I hope I'm not getting a
reputation.
ACE
(switching to mock anger)
Just get me the food!
She chuckles at Ace as she loads a couple of bags with different kinds of pet food.
ADELLE
So… ahh, when can I expect you
to pay your tab?
ACE
I'm a little bit Sli Pickins,
right now, I'm a little Tight
Squeeze Louise, a little Welfare
Wolly, Potless Pissing Pete, I'm
ah –
ADELLE
If you were a horse I'd shoot ya'.
Just take it.
ACE
Gravy! I'm good for it, Adelle.
I'm on a very big case right now.
Ace reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a flyer with a picture of a white pigeon.
ACE
See this pigeon? It's a true
albino. Some rich guy lost it.
He's offering a ten thousand
dollar reward.
ADELLE
Wow, albino pigeons are very
rare. How are you going to find
him?
ACE
Just keep my eyes open, and hope
to god it doesn't snow.
Ace grabs his bags and heads for the door.
ADELLE
You're a good boy, Ace. A good
boy.
He holds the door open for an elderly gentleman who is entering at the same time. The gentleman
is walking a toy poodle on a leash. The poodle is dragging its butt along the entire length of
the floor. Ace and Adelle just stare.
ELDERLY MAN
(in a loud voice)
Do you have anything for ringworm?
EXT. SURFSIDE APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
Ace enters the courtyard of a two story U-shaped apartment complex carrying his groceries. It's
EXT. SECOND FLOOR - DAY
Ace is just putting the key in the door when the landlord steps up behind him. Ace is startled
by the dreaded 'Shickadance Rasp' (not unlike Linda Blair in THE EXORCIST).
LANDLORD
Venturaaaaa?
Ace straightens up, but doesn't turn around.
ACE
Yes, Satan?
Now Ace turns around in mock surprise.
ACE
Oh, I'm sorry, sir. You sounded
like someone else.
LANDLORD
Never mind the wise cracks
Venturaaa. You owe me rent!
ACE
Mr. Shickadance… I told you,
you're my first priority! As soon
as I find the white pigeon,
you're paid!!
LANDLORD
I heard animals in there Ventura!
I heard 'em again this morning,
scratchin' around.
ACE
I never bring my work home with
me, sir.
The landlord notices the bags of kibble.
LANDLORD
Oh, yeah? What's all this pet
food for?
ACE
(beat)
Fiber.
The landlord isn't buying it.
ACE
You wanna take a look for
yourself? Go head.
Ace rattles his keys in the door. Then he swings it open and turns on the light.
The house is clear. Ace walks in as the landlord stands there snooping and sniffing the air.
ACE
Well… are you satisfied?
LANDLORD
(still suspicious)
Yeah, but don't ever let me catch
you with an animal in there,
that's all!
ACE
Okay then. Take care now. 'Bye
'bye.
The landlord walks away as Ace closes the door.
ACE
(quietly to himself)
LLOOSER.
He then turns to the room and gives a distinct whistle.
CHAOS ENSUES! Animals jump out from every direction. Lizards crawl out of drawers, birds fly
through the air, all of them gravitating to Ace.
ACE
(to his flock)
Ooshhooboobooboodoodoo!
INT. MIAMI DOLPHIN HEADQUARTERS - LATER THAT DAY
The very imposing office of BOBBY RIDDLE, owner of the Miami Dolphins. Riddle, 70, is a take
charge, doesn't take crap from anyone type of guy. He is yelling at ROGER PODACTER, an
ex-linebacker in his early sixties, and MELISSA ROBINSON, Podacter's attractive assistant.
RIDDLE
I just want to know one thing; How
the hell do you lose a 500 pound
fish?!
Melissa's about to speak but hesitates.
RIDDLE (CONT.)
What?
MELISSA
It's not a fish, sir. It's a
mammal.
An angry Riddle stands up.
RIDDLE
Oh, thank you very much, Mrs.
Jacque Cousteau!
PODACTER
Bob, she didn't mean anything by
it.
RIDDLE calms down a little, and sits.
RIDDLE
(calmer)
Listen, personally, I don't give a
good god damn about a fish.
He looks at Melissa. She doesn't dare say anything.
RIDDLE (CONT.)
All I care about is winning this
Super Bowl! I want the players'
head in the right place. Shit,
Roger, you've been in this game
long enough, you know how
superstitious players are. Our
quarterback's been putting his
socks on backwards since high
school. And I got a lineman who
hasn't washed his jock in two
years because he thinks flies are
lucky! I want that god damn fish
on the field Super Bowl Sunday!
FIND THE FISH, OR FIND NEW JOBS!
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS ACTION
An upset Podacter and Melissa walk through the hallway.
PODACTER
Why did it have to happen now? I
got three stinking years left till
retirement.
MELISSA
I've got forty.
PODACTER
I'll tell you who did it. It was
those goddamn animal rights nuts!
Always out there with their
goddamn signs, ANIMALS WERE BORN
FREE, STOP TORTURING SNOWFLAKE!
That goddamn fish lives better than
they do!
They stop outside Melissa's office by her secretary's desk.
MELISSA
The police are checking into the
animal rights people.
(to secretary)
Martha, have the police called
back about the dolphin yet?
MARTHA
No, but I wanted to tell you, when
I lost my Cuddles, I hired a pet
detective.
PODACTER
A what?
MARTHA
A pet detective.
MELISSA
Thanks Martha, but we'd better
leave this to professionals.
MARTHA
Well actually, he was quite good.
Pet detection is a very involved,
highly scientific process.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROOF OF HOUSE - SAME TIME
CLOSE ON ACE - COOING like a pigeon. Widen to reveal, Ace precariously perched on the roof of
a two story building. He is four feet away from "The" pigeon. Ater a beat, he makes a mad,
spastic, yet scientific, lunge for the bird.
ACE
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
The bird makes a clean getaway. Unable to stop his momentum, Ace flies past the edge of the
building and slides down the side of the roof.
EXT. GROUND - CONTINUOUS ACTION
BAM!!! Ace crashes to the ground. As he lies face down, in a heap of trash, his beeper goes
off.
EXT. DOLPHIN HEADQUARTERS/BOBBY RIDDLE STADIUM - DAY
Parking lot. Ace's clunker drives by some real nice cars. Employees stare at him.
INT. SECURITY CHECK POINT - DAY
A stern guard is admitting people into the stadium. He scans each one with a security
detection wand.
MAN #1
Art Wheeler. Sporting supplies.
The guard scans him. He goes.
MAN #2
Tom Anderson. Concessions.
The guard scans him. He goes.
ACE
Ace Ventura. Pet detective.
The guard stares at Ace, accusingly.
INT. MELISSA'S OFFICE - DAY
Martha enters.
MARTHA
Ah… Mr. Ventura to see you.
MELISSA
Okay, send him in.
Martha exits, Ace enters.
MELISSA (CONT.)
Hi, I'm Melissa Robinson. Did you
have any trouble getting in?
ACE
No, the guy with the rubber glove
was surprisingly gentle.
MELISSA
(apologetically)
Super Bowl week. Security's
tight. Mr. Ventura, I'll get
right to the point…
She slips a tape in the VCR and gestures for Ace to sit.
MELISSA
Our mascot was stolen from his
tank last night. Are you familiar
with Snowflake?
The tape shows Snowflake doing a trick. The trainer, dressed like a quarterback, shouts out
signals.
TRAINER (ON TAPE)
Blue! 42! Blue! 42! Hut! Hut!
Snowflake swims over, snatches the small football out of the trainer's hand, swims the length
of the pool, does an end zone dance on his tail, then returns the ball to the trainer.
MELISSA (O.S.)
We got Snowflake from the Miami
Seaquarium. He's a rare Bottle
Nose Dolphin. That's the new
trick he was going to do during
the half-time show.
While Ace studies the tape, he chews sunflower seeds in a bird-like fashion, placing the
shells in a neat little pile on her desk.
MELISSA
Would you like an ashtray?
ACE
No, I don't smoke.
He adds more shells to the pile.
Melissa is already wondering if she has made a mistake.
MELISSA
To be honest, Mr. Ventura.
I'm pretty skeptical. Before
today, I didn't even know there
was such a thing as a pet
detective.
ACE
Well, now that you do, you'll know
who to call if your Schnauser ever
runs away.
MELISSA
How did you know I have a
Schnauser?
Ace pulls a, invisible-to-the-naked-eye dog hair off here blouse and presents it to her.
ACE
He's young, about five pounds,
black coat, white speckles…
(sniffs the hair)
…likes to chase cars.
MELISSA
Very impressive.
ACE
You should see what I can do with
a good stool sample.
MELISSA
I can hardly wait. Look, we've
got a problem. Can you help me or
not?
ACE
(coy)
Well, sea faring creatures aren't
really my expertise…
MELISSA
We'll give you three thousand
dollars on delivery.
Ace immediately becomes the narrator of a nature show.
ACE
The dolphin is a social creature.
Capable of complex communication.
Traveling in large groups or
schools…
EXT. PLAYING FIELD - A SHORT TIME LATER
The Dolphin players practice. A crowd of reporters interview Marino.
MARINO
We just choked in 82. We had a
chance to win it and we didn't.
Nobody's gonna choke this time,
and if they do, I'll kill 'em.
Ace and Melissa head for Snowflake's tank.
MELISSA
The police were here this morning.
Apparently, the kidnappers used
the back gate.
Ace bends down to look at some tire tracks on the field.
MELISSA (CONT)
They said some kind of a –
ACE
Four wheel drive van… loaded from
the rear.
Ace sniffs the turf. Podacter enters nervously.
MELISSA
Oh, hi, Roger. How are you holding
up?
PODACTER
Well if it looks like I'm walking
funny it's because I have a bunch
on reporters up my ass. They've
been asking me about Snowflake all
day. Who's this?
MELISSA
Roger Podacter, meet Ace Ventura.
Ace is our pet detective.
Podacter shakes his hand.
PODACTER
Nice to meet you. Martha Metz
recommended you very highly.
ACE
Martha Metz? Martha Metz. Oh
yeah, the bitch.
PODACTER
What?
ACE
Pekinese. Hyperactive. Lost in
Highland Park area. She was half
dead when I found her. Is that
the tank?
They both follow Ace as he makes a B-line.
EXT. SNOWFLAKE'S TANK - MOMENTS LATER
The tank is empty.
ACE
Cops drain it?
MELISSA
Yes. This morning.
Ace hops on the ladder.
ACE
If I'm not back in five
minutes… call Lloyd Bridges.
INT. DOLPHIN TANK - MOMENTS LATER
While eating sunflower seeds, Ace meticulously examines the tank, including the scratches
where the hand banged up against the wall when Snowflake was stolen. All the while, he is
singing a bastardized version of the theme from, "Flipper."
ACE
…Wonderful Flipper… glorious
Flipper… magnificent
Flipper… The flippiest Flipper…
Podacter and Melissa, watching from the rim, look at each other like, "What have we gotten
ourselves into?" Podacter spots something.
PODACTER
Oh, great.
A hoard or reporters are headed their way.
PODACTER (CONT)
I'll try to head them off.
MELISSA
(to Ace)
Get out of the tank.
ACE
(still singing)
…Can't hear you Flipper,
Flipper… Lookin' for Flipper,
gotta find Flipper…
MELISSA
I said, get out of the tank! Now!
The reporters draw closer. Podacter heads them off.
REPORTER
So where's Snowflake?
PODACTER
Ah… Snowflake is just, ah, not
available right now.
REPORTER
Come on, I'm supposed to get a
shot of his new trick for the
evening news.
REPORTER #2
What? Is he sick?
Other reporters chime in.
VARIOUS REPORTERS
Did something happen to
Snowflake?! What're you
hiding..?!
Melissa and Podacter don't know what to say. Then, a strange voice is heard.
ACE/HEINZ (O.S.)
(unrecognizable accent)
How cun I be getting dis vork dun
mit all da shouting? What for is
dis shouting?
REPORTER
Who the hell is that?
MELISSA
That? That's…
ACE/HEINZ
Heinz Kissvelvet. I am Trainer of
Dolphins. You vant to talk to ze
dolphin, you talk to me!
REPORTER
What happened to the regular
trainer?
ACE/HEINZ
Vy do you care about the dolphin?
Do you know him? Does he call you
at home? Do you have a dorsal
fin?
(beat)
To train ze dolphin, you must zink
like ze dolphin. You must be
getting oonside ze dolphin's head!
Just yesterday I'm asking
Snowflake… "ee, eee, eee." He
said, "Eee, eee, eee, eee." Und
you can quote him.
Ace spits at the reporters' feet. Podacter jumps in.
PODACTER
Gentlemen, please, Coach Shula's
press conference is just about to
begin. Why don't I take you over
there and let, ah, Heinz, do his
job.
He ushers the press away.
MELISSA
(sotto to Ace)
Are you finished, Heinz?
ACE
Not yet.
Ace goes to the filter outside the tank, opens it, and pours out its contents – mainly leaves,
small twigs and gunk. He roots through it, notices a very tiny amber stone. He smiles to
himself.
ACE
Now I'm finished.
EXT. METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT - LATER THAT DAY
A flurry of activity in the detective division. As Ace enters, several cops taunt him on
sight, led by the obnoxious, SERGEANT AGUADO.
AGUADO
Hey, Ventura! Make any good
collars lately?
ANOTHER COP
Or were they leashes?
They all bust up. Aguado spots a bug on the ground.
AGUADO
Uh oh.
(steps on the bug)
Homicide, Ventura!
The cops are falling all over themselves laughing.
AGUADO
How you gonna solve this one?!
Ace walks up to them and looks at the squashed bug.
ACE
Good question, Aguado… first I'd
establish a motive. In this case
the killer saw the size of the
bug's dick, and became insanely
jealous.
The other cops all react with a big "ooooooo". Aguado has no comeback. Ace comes face to face
with him.
ACE
Then I'd lose thirty pounds
porking his wife.
Aguado suddenly loses it and swings at Ace.
With a lightening move, Ace sidesteps the punch and forces Aguado's face down next to the dead
bug.
ACE
Now kiss and make up.
Ace walks off.
ACE
(to himself)
LLLOOOSER!
Ace walks to the desk of EMILIO ECHAVEZ, a young energetic member of the homicide division.
Ace has a silly impish look on his face.
ACE
(playfully)
I miss you.
EMILIO
It's not a good time, Ace. If
Einhorn sees me talking to you I'm
gonna be history.
ACE
Okay. Just tell me what you got
on Snowflake. That's all I need.
EMILIO
…I can't say anything. My hands
are tied.
ACE
(effeminate)
Sounds like my kind of a party.
A cop comes to Emilio's desk.
COP
Look alive, Einhorn's on her way
down.
EMILIO
Ace, please?!
ACE
Just tell me who's working the
case?
EMILIO
Aguado.
ACE
Aguado?! He's pimple juice! He's
the poster child for lead paint
chip eaters!
EMILIO
Look, Ace. We're a little busy
with murderers and drug dealers.
A missing dolphin isn't exactly a
high priority.
The elevator is getting closer.
EMILIO
Ace, gimme a break will ya?
Ace nonchalantly sits back in a chair, pops a sunflower seed into his mouth and cracks it
loudly.
EMILIO
(quickly)
Okay, okay. We checked all the
local animal rights groups,
taxidermists, and we're running a
check through DMV on all recent
van rentals. So far, nada.
ACE
Any unusual bets being made?
EMILIO
Ace, it's the Super Bowl, of
course there's bets being made.
ACE
What'd you find out about the
tank?
EMILIO
Nothing weird. Just the tire
tracks and the exit route. The
guard didn't see anything.
ACE
That's it?
EMILIO
That's it. I swear. Now please
go away!
ACE
You know something?
(again impish)
YOU'RE NICE!
Ace gets up and exits the room. Then just as Emilio sighs with relief, Ace pops back in.
ACE
What about crazy Philly fans?
The elevator bell rings. Out steps police LT. LOIS EINHORN, mid 30s, with a slender build, a
great pair of legs and a bad tude.
ACE
Holy Testicle Tuesday!
EINHORN
(to Emilio)
What the hell is he doing here?
ACE
I came to confess. I was the
second gunman on the grassy knoll.
EINHORN
Spare me the routine, Ventura. I
know you're working the Snowflake
case. May I suggest you yield to
the experts on this one? We'll
find the porpoise.
ACE
(mock relief)
Whewww… now I feel better!
Ace turns to go.
ACE (CONT)
Of course, that might not do any
good. You see, nobody's missing a
porpoise. It's a dolphin that's
been taken. The common Harbor
Porpoise has an abrupt snout,
pointed teeth, and a triangular
thorasic fin, while the Bottlenose
Dolphin, or Tursiops Truncatus,
has an elongated beak, round,
cone-shaped teeth, and a
distinctive serrated dorsal
appendage. (beat) But I'm sure
you already knew that. (beat)
That's what turns me on about you.
Hey… maybe I'll give you a call
sometime, lieutenant. Your number
still 911? Alrighty then!
Ace exits.
CUT TO:
INT. TEA ROOM - NIGHT
A wild thrasher club. An incredible thrash band is on stage cranking. Kids jump wildly into
the "moshing" pit.
Ace enters, sees a burnout at the bar whose head is circling insanely to the music.
ACE
(shouting)
Excuse me?! Is Greg here?!
The burnout's head thrashes on. No acknowledgement of Ace.
ACE
Thank you!
Ace heads for the basement stairs.
INT. BASEMENT STAIRS - NIGHT
Ace descends the stairs, stopping at a large steel door. Ace bangs on it three times. A voice
is heard from inside.
VOICE (O.S.)
Password!
ACE
Tom Vu! I pay for sex! You can
too!
CLICK! The door electronically unlatches and slides open.
INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
Ace enters. Green Peace "Save the Whales" posters abound. GREG/WOODSTOCK, a laid back, ex-hippy
with long gray hair, sits at a very impressive computer set up. Ace and he have their own
distinct banter.
A thud from above. Ace looks up.
ACE'S POV
Part of the ceiling is made of metal grating, so you can see the bottom of the dance floor.
A guy's face gets smashed into the grate. We see that it is the burnout from the club.
ACE
(to burnout)
Found him!
WOODSTOCK
Hey! St. Francis! How's it goin?
ACE
Super, and thank you for asking.
Hope you're having a nice day.
WOODSTOCK
Do you?
ACE
Don't I? And what are you up to?
WOODSTOCK
Just watching the fishies, man.
There is a BLIP on the computer screen.
WOODSTOCK
Alright, you're just in time for
the party. You see those blips?
ACE
I certainly do.
ON THE SCREEN
A map with several ships on the ocean.
He quickly taps in some commands and the ships start sailing in all different directions.
WOODSTOCK
That's a Norwegian whaling fleet.
I'm sending them new directional
coordinates… They'll find Jimmy
Hoffa before they find any
Humpbacks.
ACE
Gravy.
Woodstock moves to a different screen.
WOODSTOCK
Check this out.
More computer graphics come up on the screen.
WOODSTOCK
Just changed the formula for
Purina's puppy chow.
(turns to Ace)
Too much filler, don't ya' think?
ACE
(acting turned on)
I'm very attracted to you right
now.
Woodstock chuckles.
WOODSTOCK
Are you?
ACE
Aren't I? Can you still tap into
all the aquatic supply store in
the area?
WOODSTOCK
Of course I can. Why?
ACE
I want to trace the sale of any
equipment for transporting or
housing a dolphin within the past
few months…
WOODSTOCK
C'mon, Ace. I thought you might
have a challenge for me…
Woodstock starts hacking away.
ACE
Okay then, try to remember the
sixties.
WOODSTOCK
Wow! God one! Let's see…
Marine winch sling, feeder fish,
20,000 gallon tank…
He waits. We hear a beep.
WOODSTOCK
That's it. I found the culprit.
ACE
Who is it?
WOODSTOCK
(dramatically)
…Sea World.
ACE
…bastard.
WOODSTOCK
Hang on, hang on…
(He taps a couple keys)
Well, what do we have here?
That's a lot of equipment for a
civilian.
The printer spits out some data. Woodstock rips off the page and hands it to Ace.
ACE
Ronald Camp? The billionaire?
WOODSTOCK
Billionaire and rare fish
collector.
ACE
RRREHEHEALLY!
A PICTURE OF CAMP
Comes up on the computer screen.
WOODSTOCK
That, my friend, is the face of
the enemy.
He pages through his file on screen.
WOODSTOCK
…Always tryin' to get his hands
on endangered species…
Newspaper articles fill the screen. One shows a picture of Camp and some Dolphin players.
ACE
Hold on, this guy's connected with
the Dolphins?
Ace leans in.
WOODSTOCK
Camp donated the land the new
stadium's built on.
(re: article)
Oh, look at this, he's throwin'
another, "I'm the richest man in
the universe" party.
ACE
(thinking)
Hmmm… I wonder if I can find
myself a date.
INT. CAMP'S MANSION - NIGHT
It's a magnificent home. There is an extremely formal party in progress. Twenty to thirty
people having champagne, caviar, and hot air. We see Dan Marino sitting with an audience
around him.
DAN
We just choked in 82. We had a
chance to win and we didn't. But
nobody's gonna choke this time; if
they do, I'll kill 'em!
Everybody laughs.
EXT. CAMP'S MANSION - NIGHT
Ace and Melissa climb an impressive stairway leading to Camp's mansion.
MELISSA
I'm really going out on a limb
here, Ventura. Camp's social
events are strictly A-list.
ACE
(a la Love Connection)
'Well, Chuck… the date started
off good, but just before we got
to the party, she seemed to tense
up.'
Melissa rolls her eyes, then taps a huge door knocker.
MELISSA
I swear, if you do anything to
embarrass me in front of Camp…
ACE
You mean like this?
Ace starts doing a spastic body convulsion. Just then a bald-headed butler, who looks a little
like Gavin McCloud, opens the door. Ace doesn't notice until Melissa hits him with her purse.
ACE
Owwwe!!!
He sees the butler.
ACE
Oh, hi Captain Stubing.
Melissa storms in, already pissed.
INT. CAMP'S MANSION - CONT
Ace and Melissa enter. Camp looks over.
CAMP
Melissa! Glad you could make it!
Oh, and who is this?
MELISSA
This is my date. He's a…
lawyer.
CAMP
Well, does he have a name, or
should I call him "Lawyer"?
MELISSA
I'm sorry, it's Ace - ah, Tom Ace.
Ace is very unimpressed with her lying ability. He jumps in.
ACE
Tom Ace. Wonderful to meet you,
Mr. Camp, and congratualtions on
all your success. You smell
terrific.
CAMP
Ah, well, thank you. Please, come
in.
Ace boldly leads the way over to an hors 'oeuvre table. Melissa closely follows.
MELISSA
(sotto)
This is insane. There's no way
that Camp stole Snowflake.
ACE
(spreading pate' on a cracker)
Will you just keep him occupied,
while I work my magic please.
She crosses the room. He puts the cracker in his mouth and begins to crunch. A man in a tux
beside Ace spreads pate' on his own cracker.
ACE
(with a mouthful, to man)
Smooshy, isn't it?
Off the stuffy man's reaction…
INT. CAMP'S MANSION - SECONDS LATER
Ace approaches Camp.
ACE
Excuse me, Ron, I need to use the
bathroom?
(palms his stomach, whispering loudly)
I think it's the pate'.
CAMP
Um, it's just over there.
ACE
Thanks. Stuff probably looks
better on the way out, huh?
Ace laughs, slaps Camp hard on the back and heads for the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM - CONT
Ace wastes no time. He locks the door, turns on the water faucet, steps onto the toilet seat,
opens and climbs out a window.
EXT. MANSION COURT YARD - CONT
Ace drops to the ground. He follows a pathway, through a gazebo and into a doorway, all the
time quietly singing the musical score to 'Mission Impossible'.
INT. CAMP'S MANSION - FISH TANKS - CONT
Ace browses through a myriad of dramatically lit, salt water tanks, still singing. They're all
filled with colorful exotic fish. Very impressive, but nothing large enough to house a dolphin.
He continues on towards a large door.
INT. TANK ROOM - SECONDS LATER
A huge above-ground tank is covered with curtains to discourage onlookers. Ace swings open
the large door and enters.
ACE
Gravy.
Ace climbs a ladder on the side of the tank, singing more intensely now. The ladder leads to
a narrow catwalk over the center of the water. Ace grabs a feeder fish from a pail and walks
carefully out there.
CLOSE ON ACE. THIS IS IT.
He looks into the dark pool, but sees nothing. Now he stops singing, quietly squats down and
dangles the fish over the water.
ACE
(gently)
Snowflake… Here, Snowflake…
Snooowflaaaake…
A GREAT WHITE LUNGES OUT OF THE WATER AND SNAPS ITS JAWS AN INCH FROM ACE'S FACE!!! NEEDLESS
He reels back, falling off the catwalk, into the water.
INT. CAMP'S MANSION - SAME TIME
Melissa is admiring some beautiful tropical fish. Camp approaches.
CAMP
Wonderful, aren't they?
MELISSA
(nervously)
Yes. They're incredible.
CAMP
No matter what is going on in my
life, I can always watch them
swim and be completely at peace.
INT. INDOOR POOL ROOM - SAME TIME
The water is still for a moment. Then, Ace breaks the surface.
ACE
(frantic, to himself)
It's not Snowflake… It's not
Snowflake.
Instantly, Ace's body is thrashed around back and forth through the water, the entire length
of the pool.
ACE
(screaming)
IT'S NOT SNOWFLAAAAKE!!! IT'S NOT
SNOWFLAAAA!!!
INT. CAMP'S MANSION - LATER
A line is forming outside the bathroom. Camp and Melissa are seated nearby. He's getting
curious.
CAMP
Are you sure he's okay? It's been
an awfu;;y long time.
MELISSA
Who, Tom? Oh, I'm sure he's fine.
Ace suddenly opens the bathroom door and stands there, completely drenched from head to toe,
with his pants in shreds. Everyone stops. They all stare at Ace in amazement.
ACE
(loudly to the entire room)
DO NOT GO IN THERE!
(fanning the air)
Whewww!!
EXT. CAMP'S MANSION - LATER
Ace and Melissa are exiting. Camp stops in the doorway.
CAMP
(still confused)
I'm very sorry, Mr. Ace. I'll
have the pluming checked
immediately.
ACE
Be sure that you do. If I had
been drinking out of that toilet,
I might have been killed!
Ace shakes Camp's hand and notices his ring. He holds on to get a better look. It's a very
distinct, commemorative ring.
Camp wants his hand back but Ace won't let go. Melissa finally drags Ace away.
MELISSA
We'd better go.
Camp looks on and shakes his head.
INT. MELISSA'S CAR - NIGHT
Ace is thinking. Melissa is pissed.
MELISSA
…Y'know, I don't even want to
know why your pants are missing!
I don't care what happened! You
could have cost me my job.
ACE
(on his own wavelength)
I was wrong about Camp. He's
breaking the law but he's not our
guy.
MELISSA
It's a sure thing! It's
definitely him! Just get me in
there! Let me work my magic!
Ace takes the stone out of his pocket and studies it intensely.
ACE
This is the key. Right here!
MELISSA
Hiring you was the biggest mistake
I ever made!
ACE
So small! So unnoticeable! Yet
an invaluable piece… of our
twisted little jigsaw puzzle!
Melissa stares at Ace like he's gone crazy. There is a flash of headlights and a car horn.
Melissa swerves back into her own lane. Ace drops the stone somewhere on the seat and begins
to search for it frantically.
ACE
Damn it!
(to Melissa)
Try to keep it on the road.
INT. MELISSA'S LIVING ROOM
Melissa enters, followed by Ace.
MELISSA
So, you found a pebble in
Snowflake's tank. Excuse me while
I call CNN.
ACE
I found it in the filter. And
it's not a pebble. It is a rare,
triangular cut, orange amber.
Ace hands Melissa the stone and quickly goes to one of her bookcases.
MELISSA
What are you talking about?
ACE
Tonight I saw the exact same stone
in Camp's ring.
Ace finds a book on the Dolphin team and flips through it.
MELISSA
I thought you said he didn't do
it.
ACE
N. Camp's clean. His ring
wasn't missing a stone. But
whoever was in that tank had a
ring just like his.
MELISSA
Wait a second. What ring?
Ace hands her the book. It's open to a photo of…
ACE
The 1982 Dolphin AFC Championship
ring.
Melissa holds the stone up to the picture. It's a perfect match.
ACE
I find the ring with the missing
stone, I find Snowflake.
MELISSA
How are you gonna do that?
ACE
Simple.
MUSIC UP
CUT TO:
EXT. TRACK - DAY
Ace is wheezing and gasping for air as he struggles to jog up beside a large man who's running
around the track at a very fast pace. When he finally catches up, he awkwardly tries to catch
a glimpse of the man's ring and trips. The man just keeps going.
INT. FOOTLOCKER - DAY
Ace sits waiting with one shoe off. The store manager, an ex-player for the '82 team, sets
down several shoe boxes. Ace checks out the ring.
CLOSE ON
A poster of the '82 team. The player we just saw is being crossed out.
EXT. HOTEL - DAY
Pan a few kids getting autographs from Marino and other players, ending on Ace dressed up and
looking like a pimply kid. As the players sign, he checks their rings.
EXT. TRACK - DAY
Ace is again trying to catch the large man on the track. This time, just as he draws near,
the man leaves him in the dust.
INT. SPORTS BAR - DAY
Two big guys finish arm wrestling. Ace steps up to challenge. He spends an undue amount of time
preparing his grip, as he checks out the ring. Ace finally gets set and gives the "go ahead"
nod. He is instantly thrown across the room.
CLOSE ON
The poster of the '82 team. Another group of players are being crossed out.
EXT. STREET
Ace spots a player driving along side him. He can't see his ring.
Ace deliberately cuts off the player's car and flips him off. The angry player flips Ace off.
We see his ring is intact. Ace waves and drives off.
INT. MEN'S ROOM
One huge lineman uses a urinal. Ace, using the urinal next to him, nonchalantly tries to catch
a glimpse of the guy's hands. The Lineman has a very angry look on his face, but after a beat
it changes to a "come on" smile.
CLOSE ON
The poster of the '82 team. There is only one face that has not been crossed out. Ace circles
it.
EXT. TRACK - DAY
Once again we see the large, fast man jogging toward camera. Suddenly Ace runs up behind him,
with a desperate look on his face, pouring a bottle of chloroform into a cloth. He leaps onto
the man's back, smothering him with the cloth and holding on for dear life. The man slowly
gives up the fight and collapses. Ace casually checks the ring, then walks away disappointed.
EXT. MELISSA'S BACKYARD - EARLY EVENING
Ace sits in a lawn chair depressed. Melissa consoles him.
MELISSA
Ace, that stone could have come
from anywhere. An earring, a
necklace…
ACE
(with murder in his eyes)
It came from an '82 AFC
Championship ring.
MELISSA
Lt. Einhorn thinks it was an
animal rights group. Have you
heard of FAN?
ACE
Free Animals Now? Started in 1982
by Chelsea Gamble, daughter of the
famous industrialist, Fischer
Gamble? Over half a million
members from Florida to Finland?
(beat)
No. Who are they?
MELISSA
Did you know that last year they
sent threatening letters to 127
college teams, demanding the
release of their mascots? At last
count –
ACE
What do you feed your dog?
We see Melissa's dog lying near Ace's feet.
MELISSA
Ah… dog food, why?
ACE
He's miserable.
MELISSA
What are you talking about?
ACE
He's just very unhappy, I feel
sorry for him. Bad diet, isolated
environment. It's amazing he's
still alive.
MELISSA
You're just mad because your
stupid pebble theory didn't work
out and you don't know how to
express your anger.
ACE
Yeah? And you're ugly.
MELISSA
I'm not even gonna' talk to you,
please leave.
ACE
What, so you can beat him? Fatty!
MELISSA
You… are unbelievable.
The phone rings inside the house. Melissa goes to answer it.
MELISSA
Hiring you was a huge mistake!
The door slams and Ace is alone with the dog. After a moment he reaches down to pet it and we
all see that it is one of the happiest dogs in the world.
ACE
You like her, huh?… Yeah, she's
alright.
Ace, feeling guilty, walks into the house.
INT. MELISSA'S DEN - CONT
Ace walks toward Melissa.
ACE
Look, Melissa, I, ah…
Ace stops when he sees Melissa. She is sitting, holding the phone in her lap with a completely
stunned look on her face. Something is very wrong.
EXT. HIGH RISE APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Chaos. Police, lights flashing, paramedics, crowds of people.
Ace and Melissa see Roger Podacter's body taken away in an ambulance.
ACE
You okay?
Melissa nods bravely. Emilio joins them.
ACE
What'd you find?
EMILIO
Podacter, Roger. Routine suicide.
He was alone. He'd been drinking.
No sign of a struggle. Neighbor
heard him scream on the way down.
Just your classic fifteen story
swan dive.
Melissa shudders. Ace gives Emilio a "way to go" look.
EMILIO
Sorry.
INT. HIGHRISE LOBBY - NIGHT
The three enter. Emilio pushes the button for the elevator.
MELISSA
It just seems so out of character.
He was going to retire in two
years.
ACE
Did he leave a note?
The elevator arrives.
EMILIO
No. That's nothing unusual. Some
do, some don't. He didn't.
The elevator doors close.
INT. PODACTOR'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Police are everywhere. Emilio, Ace and Melissa enter and are immediately approached by one of
the officers.
EMILIO
Miss Robinson, this is officer
Carlson.
CARLSON
Evening, ma'am. I wonder if you
could answer a few questions about
the deceased?
Ace slips away, we follow him as he eavesdrops on conversations.
NEIGHBOR
(to a cop)
I told you, I was across the hall
in my apartment, I heard a scream.
The door was locked, so I called
the manager…
The Manager reiterates her story to the cop. The Manager is about 100 years old.
MANAGER
…The place was empty, except for
the damn dog in the other room.
Then I opened the balcony door,
looked over the railing,
and… splat, bang, pancake time…
Ace, continuing his investigation notices…
PODACTER'S DESK
in perfect order.
Next, he notices police coming in and out of the balcony, closing the door behind them,
shutting out the noise.
INT. PODACTER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A dog is cowering in the corner. Ace tries to comfort the little guy.
ACE
Hey, fella, have a bad night?
Ace examines its paws.
Ace then gets down and finds scratches in the door. TWO FEET interrupt.
Ace stands. He is face to face with Einhorn.
EINHORN
Who let Dr. Doolittle in?
Emilio steps in immediately.
EMILIO
Ah, Lieutenant. He came with Miss
Robinson –
EINHORN
This is official police business.
We'll let you know if the coroner
finds any ticks.
Cops snicker.
EMILIO
I just thought since Melissa –
ACE
E, forget it. She's right.
Besides, I wouldn't want someone
tracing my steps and pointing out
all the mistakes I made.
Ace crosses to…
EXT. PODACTER'S BALCONY - CONT
Ace examines the area. Einhorn is in hot pursuit.
EINHORN
Oh, so, you don't think this in an
obvious suicide, Mr. Pet
Detective?
ACE
Well, I wouldn't say that. Lord
knows, there is plenty of evidence
here to support your theory,
except of course that spot of
blood on the balcony.
On the railing, sure enough, there is a tiny spot of blood.
Einhorn glares at a couple of nearby cops. They look down.
ACE
May I tell you what I think
happened? Alrighty then!
Ace moves as he talks.
ACE
Roger Podacter went out after
work. He had a few drinks, and he
came home. But he wasn't alone.
Someone was with him in this
apartment. There was a struggle,
and then Roger Podacter was thrown
over that balcony. Roger Podacter
didn't commit suicide. He was
murdered.
A beat as everyone considers this.
EINHORN
Well, that's a very entertaining
story, but real detectives have to
worry about that little thing
lawyers call evidence.
Ace picks up a lottery ticket on Podacter's desk and becomes a condescending kid show host.
ACE
Let's take a trip to clue
corner, shall we? Can anyone tell
me why a man buys a lottery ticket
on the day he is going to commit
suicide? Or why the family pet,
suffering from acute canine
trauma, clawed at the bedroom door
until his paws bled? How about
the blood on the railing? I'll
bet if we put our thinking caps on
we'll see that it was the result
of the struggle that took place
inside this apartment while Mr.
Podacter was still alive!
(singing)
NEXT TIME YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE
COME ON BACK TO CLUE CORNER! BOOP!
Everyone looks to Einhorn.
EINHORN
Not a bad try for a pet detective,
but not near conclusive enough for
us real investigators.
(beat)
First, people buy lottery tickets
everyday. It's a habit. It
doesn't prove a thing. Second,
the dog wasn't suffering from
canine trauma, he was suffering
from bladder trauma. Sergeant
Neilson found a piss stain as big
as Lake Huron near the bed. And
third, the blood on the railing.
Simple. He doesn't jump far
enough and whacks his head. A
fact confirmed by the paramedics
who found cuts on his scalp, with
traces of a white chalky
substance. i.e. plaster from the
balcony.
Einhorn shows Ace the paramedics report. Everyone is impressed with Einhorn.
EINHORN
So much for your murder, Ventura.
AGUADO
Uh oh, I think I heard a toilet
flush. Maybe someone lost their
turtle?
Everyone has a laugh. Ace looks beaten.
ACE
Well, maybe I'm just a little out
of my league, here. Einhorn…
Ace holds out his hand, Einhorn shakes it.
ACE
…good work.
Ace and Melissa head for the door.
ACE
Oh, there is just one more thing,
Lieutenant.
(re: the neighbor)
This man is Roger Podacter's
neighbor. He lives across the
hall. He said he heard a scream,
is that right, sir?
The neighbor nods. Ace turns to the apartment manager.
ACE
And you said you had to open the
balcony door when you keyed into
the room?
MANAGER
That's right.
Ace walks out onto the balcony and turns, facing them.
ACE
You're certain you had to open
this door?
She nods.
EINHORN
What's the point, Ventura?
ACE
Only this…
AAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWW…
Ace sustains an incredible Pavorati note, while he repeatedly opens and closes the glass door
between them. When the door is closed nothing can be heard.
ACE
(tapping the door)
This is double paned, sound-
proofed glass. There's no way
this neighbor could have heard
Podacter scream on the way down
with this door shut. The scream
he heard came from inside this
apartment, before Podacter was
thrown over the railing! And the
muderer closed the door before he
left!
(celebrates insanely)
Yes! Yesss! I have exorcised the
demons!
(a la Poltergeist)
This house is clear.
INT. ACE'S CAR - A SHORT TIME LATER
Ace drives straight ahead.
MELISSA
What are you thinking?
ACE
I'm thinking this whole thing is
connected somehow.
(frustrated)
I'm thinking I want to find that
other ring!
MELISSA
You checked all the rings.
ACE
I know, Pessimistress. Could
anyone else have gotten a ring
that year?
MELISSA
No. Camp was the only honoree.
Just players and coaches.
Everyone in the photo.
ACE
…Receipts! There must be
receipts! You have a key to the
office.
MELISSA
Ace this has been a really tough
day. Can't we do this in the
morning?
Ace looks at his watch.
ACE
Absolutely.
EXT. DOLPHIN HEADQUARTERS - 1:00 AM
Ace's car screeches to a stop, in front of the building. Ace jumps out, followed by Melissa.
INT. DOLPHIN HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - NIGHT
It's dark. Team pictures adorn the walls.
MELISSA (O.S.)
These files go back to seventy-
eight.
INT. DOLPHIN OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Ace is flipping through a file cabinet, looking at receipts. Melissa is starting to warm to him.
MELISSA
That was pretty impressive, what
you did back at the apartment.
ACE
(still looking)
You don't have to tell me. I was
there.
MELISSA
Maybe you should have joined the
police force… become a real
detective.
ACE
(shaking his head)
I don't do humans.
Melissa gets a bit closer.
MELISSA
You really love animals, don't
you?
Ace stops searching and looks into her eyes.
ACE
I feel a kinship with them. I
understand them. Wanna hear
something kinda spooky?
MELISSA
Sure.
She gets closer still.
ACE
One time, when I was about twelve,
I had this dream that I was being
followed by a dog with rabies. He
had these really bloodshot eyes
and foam coming out of his
mouth… and just before I got to
my front door… he jumped on me
and sunk his teeth in. Then I
woke up, and felt the back of my
neck… check this out.
Ace motions for Melissa to feel the back of his neck, but when she does, he snaps at her hand,
barking like a vicious dog.
ACE
ARARAR!!!
Melissa jumps out of her skin.
MELISSA
Ohhh!! You bastard!
ACE
(snickering)
I'm sorry. I couldn't stop
myself. Are these all the
receipts?
MELISSA
(mildly annoyed)
I don't know.
ACE
There's only a dozen of them here.
Ace turns from the file cabinet with a hopeless look on his face. Melissa begins to clean up
his mess.
MELISSA
(pointedly)
Gee… maybe they were misplaced
because somebody didn't put the
files back when he was…
ACE
Who the hell is that?
MELISSA
What…
Ace crosses to a big picture of the '82 team that hangs on the aadjacent wall and points out a
player.
ACE
That! Who the hell is that?!
He quickly pulls out his crossed out pictures of the team and begins to compare the two.
MELISSA
Oh, that's Ray Finkle… the
kicker. Don't you know who Ray
Finkle is?
ACE
No! How come he's not in this
picture?!
Melissa checks Ace's photo.
MELISSA
This was the picture you were
using? This was taken earlier in
the year. Finkle wasn't added to
the roster till mid-season.
She starts to realize what Ace has already figured out.
MELISSA (CONT)
He's the guy that missed the final
field goal in the Super Bowl that
year. Cost the Dolphins the game.
ACE
But he got a ring?
MELISSA
Definitely.
INT. STADIUM/PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE - LATER
Ace and Melissa look through Finkle's file on a microfiche screen. Newspaper articles,
headshots flash before them…
MELISSA
'Replacement Kicker Having Great
Year'… 'Ready For Super Bowl,
Confident Kicker Boasts'.
ACE
'Field Goal Sails Wide, Dolphins
Lose Super Bowl'.
MELISSA
"The kick heard round the world."
That was Finkle. The Dolphins lost
by one point.
Another headline hits the screen: FINKLE CONTRACT NOT RENEWED.
MELISSA
Poor guy.
ACE
Poor guy with a motive, baby.
Where is he now?
MELISSA
Last I heard, he went back to his
home town, Collier County. He
used to work in a bar up there.
ACE
(pondering)
REHEHEALLY.
MELISSA
Can you drop me off before you go?
ACE
(shaking his head)
No way. It may not be safe at
your apartment, and you shouldn't
be left alone.
MELISSA
What do you suggest?
CUT TO:
INT. ACE'S BEDROOM - LATER
We see a person's butt under a sheet coming up into frame repeatedly.
SKIN, SWEAT, SHEETS FLY, as Ace and Melissa roll back and forth on the bed. Ace is taking no
prisoners.
CUT TO:
50 animals at the bottom of the bed, with eyes as big as silver dollars, watching them
silently. We cut back and forth between furious lovemaking and shots of staring animals.
Melissa and Ace simultaneously reach the pinnacle of pleasure.
MELISSA
(totally amazed and exausted)
OH man… oh man! Oh wow!
ACE
(mock embarrassment)
I'm sorry… that's never happened
to me before. I must be tired.
EXT. HIGHWAY ONE - DAY
Various traveling shots of Ace en route to a 'Deliverance' type town deep in the Everglades.
A sign reads "Gas - Food - 2 Miles" but the word "Food" is crossed out.
INT. BILBO'S GAS STATION - DAY
A pitifully sad country song plays on the radio. FERN BILBO sits at his cluttered desk with
the end of an old shotgun in his mouth. He is struggling to reach the trigger.
Through the glass behind him, we see Ace's car pull up to the only gasoline pump.
DING! The bell rings. Fern begrudgingly takes the gun out of his mouth, sets it down and walks
out.
EXT. BILBO'S GAS STATION - CONT
Ace gets out of his car.
ACE
Excuse me, sir. Do you know where
I can find the Pigskin Sports Bar?
FERN
Do I have a "kick me" sign on my
back, son?
ACE
I wouldn't know anything about
that, but if you could point me
toward the bar.
Fern breaks down, sobbing.
FERN
They all left me… all of them!
ACE
Well… Hypothetically speaking,
say they all left you and went to
the Pigskin Sports Bar. How would
they have gotten there from here?
FERN
Two miles down and take the first
left.
ACE
Thanks very much! Take care now,
'bye 'bye then!
Ace gets into his car and pulls out.
INT. BILBO'S GAS STATION - CONT
Fern enters, sits down at the desk, places the end of the shotgun in his mouth, reaches for the
trigger and…
DING! Another car pulls up to the pump. Exasperated, he takes the gun out of his mouth.
FERN
(murmers to himself as he gets up)
Can't get anything done around
here…
EXT. PIGSKIN SPORTS BAR - DAY
A weathered dive in the middle of a swamp. Ace parks.
INT PIGSKIN SPORTS BAR - DAY
If depression had a home, this is it. Several dejected men, with various degrees of missing
teeth, sit around the bar. A couple hapless guys play pool. One throws darts.
Ace enters, pops a sunflower seed in his mouth and addresses the room.
ACE
Excuse me, guy?! My name is Ace
Ventura, I'm a pet detective. I'd
like to ask you a few questions if
I could.
No one even looks at him.
ACE
Just a few questions, that's all.
Still no one reacts.
ACE
(very up)
Who wants gum?!
Again, no reaction. Ace walks over to the bartender and slides a five across the bar.
ACE
I'm looking for a guy who used to
work here.
The bartender takes the money.
BARTENDER
That right?
ACE
He was a kicker for the Dolphins.
Ray Finkle.
A pool ball flies by Ace's head shattering a mirror behind the bar. All eyes are on Ace.
ACE
(to guy who threw it)
That would be a scratch.
TOOTHLESS GIANT
You a friend of Finkle's?
ACE
(thinks)
…Yes?
CRASH! The giant guy smashes his bottle.
ACE
Sorry, I have "say the opposite of
what you mean" disease.
Several undesirables surround Ace.
TOOTHLESS GIANT
That bastard ruined this town.
ACE
Ewww… I hate that!
HICK #2
We bet everything we had on that
Super Bowl and that son of a bitch
gagged.
ACE
What a diiick!
They all move closer in a threatening manner.
HICK #3
Shanked a goddamn 26 yarder!!!
ACE
Death to Finkle! Death to Finkle!
The bartender steps in.
BARTENDER
We had a hell of a thing going
here. Tourists coming to see Ray
Finkle's home town. He was
standing right over there when he
got the call from the Dolphins.
The bartender points to a payphone. It has had the shit beaten out of it. Every expletive you
can think of is graffitied around it.
ACE
Did he come back after the Super
Bowl?
BARTENDER
Yeah… but the boys here had ways
of letting him know he wasn't
welcome.
HICK #1
Excuse me, I gotta take a wicked
Finkle.
Laughter.
TOOTHLESS GIANT
What's the difference between
Finkle and a jackass? A jackass
can kick.
More laughter.
HICK #2
Why did Finkle cross the
road?!
ACE
(facetious)
Wait… I know this one.
HICK #2
He didn't! And I've got the hair on
my bumper to prove it!
Maniacal laughter and chanting ensues.
MOB
FINKLE SUCKS! FINKLE SUCKS!
FINKLE SUCKS!
ACE
It's good you're dealing with the
anger.
(beat)
I don't suppose anyone's seen him
lately?
The chanting stops and the guys all look at Ace.
BARTENDER
No… but we know where his
parents live! Don't we boys?!
HICK #1
Yeah! We sure do!
They all laugh insanely again.
EXT. HOUSE - DAY
Ace pulls up outside a two-story stilt house. The place has been completely desecrated by
graffiti, bullet holes and paint bombs. Toilet paper is strewn through the trees. Ace walks up
and knocks on the door. A wooden peephole slides open revealing a suspicious pair of eyes.
ACE
…Hi, I'm looking for Ray Finkle.
A gun slides out into Ace's face.
ACE
(with a gulp)
And a clean pair of shorts.
A deep gruff voice from inside.
VOICE
What do you know about Ray Finkle?
ACE
Southpaw soccer style kicker.
Graduated from Collier High in
June, 1976. Stetson University
honors graduate, class of 1980.
Holds two NCAA division one
records. One for most points in a
season, one for distance. Former
nickname The Mule. The first and
only pro athlete ever to come out
of Collier County. And one
helluva model American.
After a beat the peephole closes. The door slowly creaks open revealing MR. FINKLE, an
unsmiling, taciturn, elderly man holding the gun.
MR. FINKLE
Are you another one of them
scumbags from 'Hard Copy'?
ACE
No, sir. I'm just a very big
Finkle fan. This is my Graceland,
sir.
Mrs. Finkle, a sweet, adorable elderly woman comes over.
MRS. FINKLE
Will you put that gun down. The
boy's a fan of our son. So nice
to meet you. I'm Ray's mother,
and this is Ray's father.
INT. FINKLE HOUSE - DAY
ACE
It's a real honor.
MRS. FINKLE
My Ray is so appreciative of his
fans. He'll be so pleased you
stopped by.
ACE
Are you expecting Ray anytime
soon?
MRS. FINKLE
Oh, yes. I expect him home any
minute.
Ace is surprised.
MRS. FINKLE
Would you like some cookies? I
just baked them.
Mrs. Finkle hurries off to the kitchen. Ace smiles at Mr. Finkle. The guy's a corpse.
ACE
Wow… Ray Finkle's house! Can't
wait to meet him!
MR. FINKLE
Ray ain't comin' home.
ACE
But your wife said you expect him
home any minute.
MR. FINKLE
She expects him home any minute.
He points to his head, and looks toward the kitchen.
MR. FINKLE
Engines runnin but there's no one
behind the wheel. Ten years ago
our son escaped from Shady Acres
Psychiatric Hospital in Tampa.
They're still buggin' us to pick
up his stuff.
Mrs. Finkle returns with a plate of football shaped cookies.
MRS. FINKLE
(sweetly)
It was all that Dan Marino's
fault, everyone knows that. If he
had held the ball laces out, like
you're supposed to, Ray would
never have missed that kick. Dan
Marino should die of Gonorrhea and
rot in Hell. Would you like a
cookie, son?
Ace takes a cookie. Holding it up.
ACE
Hey, what do ya know. They're
little footballs.
MRS. FINKLE
Laces OUT!
CRASH!! A large stone smashes through the window. Outside, a pickup truck filled with drunken
patrons from the Pigskin Sports Bar drives by yelling their Finkle chant.
MOB
FINKLE SUCKS! FINKLE SUCKS!…
MRS. FINKLE
I told you he had a lot of fans.
Mrs. Finkle picks up the rock and hurls it out the broken window. It hits one of the vandals,
knocking him out cold, as the truck peels away.
MR. FINKLE
(aside to Ace)
She got the arm. The boy got the
leg.
INT. HALLWAY - A SHORT TIME LATER
Mrs. Finkle and Ace are walking down the hallway to Ray's room.
MRS. FINKLE
When Ray gets back and starts
kicking again, he'll never even
know he was gone. I kept his room
just the way he left it.
She opens the door to Ray's room. Ace steps in.
INT. RAY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
It's a death shrine to Dan Marino. Complete with lifesize cutouts of Dan Marino, some with
nooses around the neck, other hacked to pieces. Painted on the walls: "Death to Marino!",
"Marino must die!!!", etc.
ACE
…Oooh boy.
MRS. FINKLE
What a sports nut, huh?
In the center of the room is a movie projector.
ACE
May I?
MRS. FINKLE
Oh yes. By all means.
Mrs. Finkle shuts the lights off. Ace turns on the projector.
The film flickers over the "Marino must die!!!" graffiti. It's the final play of the Super
Bowl. Marino takes the snap, Finkle kicks and the ball sails wide. The film repeats itself ad
infinitum.
EXT. BILBO'S GAS STATION - DAY
Ace on the payphone. We see the gas station in the background.
ACE
Melissa, it's Ace.
INT. MELISSA'S OFFICE - DAY
MELISSA
Ace? Where are you?
INTERCUT ACE/MELISSA
ACE
I'm in Psychoville and Finkle's
the Mayor. Where's Dan Marino?
MELISSA
Marino? Why?
ACE
Because he's about to join
Snowflake. I gotta know where he
is.
MELISSA
Okay, hold on…
Melissa checks Marino's itinerary. Ace waits, impatiently.
ACE
(to himself)
Come on. Come on…
In the background, we see two paramedics exit the gas station office rolling a dead body on a
gurney. The area of the sheet that covers the face is a giant red spot. We widen to see them
load good old Mr. Bilbo into an ambulance and drive away, ringing the station bell one more
time. Ace doesn't notice.
MELISSA
Ah, he had practice. Then… he
has a commercial shoot out at the
Prescott Sound Stage.
ACE
Where is that?
MELISSA
It's on Route One by the Six Cut
Off. Thirty minutes outside of
town.
ACE
Okay, that's about fifteen miles
from me. Call the police. Get
extra security over there now.
MELISSA
Ace, tell me what's going on.
(beat)
Ace?…
The payphone dangles off the hook. Ace is…
EXT. HIGHWAY ONE - DAY
…in his car racing out of the swampland, his heaad now back out the window so he can see. He
leaves a faded, old, barely legible sign in his wake:
"WELCOME TO COLLIER
COUNTY. HOME OF RAY
FINKLE"
The "F" in "FINKLE" has been replaced with "ST" in spray paint.
INT. PRESCOTT STUDIOS - DAY
Rehearsal for an Isotoner ad in progress.
MARINO
…So I protect the hands that
protect me. With Isotoners.
Marino gets carted off by FIVE HUGE LINEMEN.
DIRECTOR
Good. Remember, exit camera
right. That's to your left.
Alright, let's get ready to shoot
this.
FIRST A.D.
(to the linemen)
Helmets on this time!
The linemen disperse.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Ace runs a red light causing cars to skid in every direction.
INT. PRESCOTT STUDIO - DAY
Marino is in the make-up chair.
MARINO
(to make-up girl)
See, in 82 we just choked. We had
a chance to win it and we
didn't –
DIRECTOR
Dan, are you ready?
MARINO
Ah, sure.
(to girl)
I'll tell you later.
EXT. STUDIO - DAY
The cops race onto the lot.
INT. STUDIO - DAY
Marino takes center stage.
A.D.
Quiet on the set… roll…
speed…
DIRECTOR
…And action!
MARINO
Hi, I'm Dan Marino. If anyone
knows the value of protection,
it's me…
We see an old clip of Marino getting sacked.
EXT. STUDIO - DAY
Cops scramble on foot to the sound stage.
INT. STUDIO - DAY
The commercial is winding up. The linemen ready themselves.
MARINO
…So I protect the hands that
protect me. With Isotoners.
The five linemen grab Marino and run off camera.
DIRECTOR
And cut! That was good. Again
from one.
But two of the linemen keep running with Marino…
DIRECTOR
I said cut!!
…And they keep running.
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
What the hell are they doing?
…Right out the studio door. Then the cops arrive and race after them. Two linemen stumble out
of the dressing room holding their heads.
EXT. SOUND STAGE - DAY
Ace skids around a corner, looking way up ahead.
He sees Marino being shoved into a black 81 Ford Bronco. They drive off.
The cops come out of the building on foot. Too late.
Ace in hot pursuit almost runs the cops down.
ACE
(yelling at cops)
S'cuse meee! Pet Detective!
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Ace's head is out the driver's window through the entire chase. As he starts gaining on the bad
guys, they start shooting. Ace wisely puts his head inside the car.
ACE'S POV
He can't see shit through his broken windshield.
He pokes his head out again. They shoot again.
Ace swerves off the road into…
EXT. PARK - DAY
Ace's car smashes through benches and tables. Then it flips over a few times and lands on its
wheels with a horrid SMASH. Ace is still strapped into the drivers seat, unconscious.
Ace's prized WHITE PIGEON lands on the car door right beside him. Ace cracks his eyes and sees
the bird. Then, with a sudden quick lunge he successfully traps it in his hands, and forgets
all about Marino.
ACE
I did it! I did it! I caught the
white pigeon! I caught the white
pigeon!
Ace jumps out of his car and starts skipping around the park with the pigeon held high over his
head. He looks insane.
ACE (CONT'D)
(singing)
I caught the white pigeon, I
caught the white pigeon, I caught
the white…
Ace slows down and begins to look around warily. There are now an unusual number of birds
perched on the telephone wires around the park and on the monkey bars, and on the swings.
The sky grows darker. He slowly turns and tries to get back to the car. All the birds take
flight.
Ace sets the white pigeon free and starts to run, but it's too late. The birds are on him.
Pecking, and gouging, and ripping his flesh.
Now we see ten birds flying away with a leg. Five birds flying away with an arm. Twenty others
are trying to take Ace's left arm off, and half his face is missing…
ACE
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - DAY
Ace is back in his wrecked car with his arm hanging out the window. A small boy is pulling it.
BOY
Hey mister. Hey mister.
Ace come to suddenly, and looks at the boy with a crazed expression.
BOY (CONT'D)
That was a really neat crash,
mister. Do it again!
Ace sighs with relief.
EXT. MIAMI - DAY
Various headlines hit the news stands: "MARINO KIDNAPPED" "STAR QB MISSING" "DAN WHERE ARE YOU?"
THE GLOBE HEADLINE: "MARINO ABDUCTED BY ALIEN FRANCHISE!" On the cover, Marino stands with
several Space Aliens in football gear.
EXT. POLICE STATION - LATER THAT DAY
A chaotic press conference. Zillions of REPORTERS shout all kinds of questions at Einhorn.
REPORTER
Lieutenant, have there been any
ransom demands?
EINHORN
There's been no communication with
the kidnappers at this time.
REPORTER #2
What's going to happen to the
Super Bowl? Will it be postponed?
EINHORN
As of now, the game is going on as
scheduled.
REPORTER #3
Why wasn't the public told about
Snowflake's kidnapping?
EINHORN
Secrecy was essential. We didn't
want any public interference.
REPORTER
Are the crimes related? And what
about Roger Podacter's murder?
EINHORN
I'm sorry. I can't comment any
further. Now if you'll excuse me.
Einhorn pushes her way through the crowd of reporters.
INT. POLICE STATION - MOMENTS LATER
Einhorn is barking out orders to other cops as she heads for her office.
EINHORN
Emilio, get me the autopsy on
Podacter! Aguado, send out a
memo. No one talks to the
press…
INT. EINHORN'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS ACTION
EINHORN
…And somebody get me a cup of
coffee!
ACE
(TV announcer's voice)
Tonight on "MIAMI VICE", Crockett
geets the boss coffee!
Ace is in her office, popping sunflower seeds, kicking back. Einhorn walks to her private
bathroom.
EINHORN
Ventura, when I get out of this
bathroom, you better be gone.
ACE
Is it number one or number two?
Einhorn turns and glares at Ace.
ACE
I just want to know how much time
I have.
Einhorn goes to the sink and begins washing her hands.
ACE
Oh, by the way, I went ahead and
solved that pesky,
Snowflake/Podacter/Marino thing.
EINHORN (O.S.)
(humoring him)
Oh yeah?
ACE
yeah, ever hear of a former
Dolphin kicker named Ray Finkle?
The water shuts off. Einhorn appears around the corner.
EINHORN
Alright, Ventura. Make it quick.
ACE
I found a rare stone at the bottom
of Snowflake's tank. It's from a
Dolphin '82 AFC Championship ring.
It would have been a Super Bowl
ring, but Ray Finkle missed the
big kick. Blames the whole thing
on Marino. We're talking
paranoid, delusional psychosis. I
saw the guy's room… Cozy, if
you're Hannibal Lector.
EINHORN
So how does Roger Podacter fit in?
ACE
My guess is Finkle was snooping
around. Podacter recognized him.
End of story. As for Snowflake…
they gave him Finkle's number, and
taught him how to kick a field
goal. Finkle took it personally.
Einhorn listens with great interest.
EINHORN
So where is Finkle, now?
ACE
He broke out of a metal hospital.
Did a Claude Raines. He's been
planning his revenge for years.
Waiting for the perfect time to
get back at the Dolphins. The time
when it would hurt them the most.
Super Bowl time! Man, I'm tired
of being right!
Einhorn walks in front and sits on the edge of the desk. She's totally softened her demeanor.
EINHORN
Congratulations. You've done some
fine detective work, Ace.
ACE
Ahh, could you talk in my good
ear. I thought I heard you call
me Ace.
Einhorn gets real close.
EINHORN
Maybe I was wrong about you.
Maybe you are more than just a pet
dick.
SHE SUDDENLY PLANTS A MAJOR, TONSIL CLEANING, OPEN MOUTHED KISS ON ACE.
Objects are knocked off the desk as they lean back.
ACE
Your gun's digging into my hip.
More kissing, the Ace stops.
EINHORN
(still coming on)
What's wrong, Ace? Want me to
read you your rights?
ACE
Maybe later.
EINHORN
What is it? That bony little
bitch, Melissa Robinson?
ACE
(defensive)
No. You just don't do anything
for me.
He quickly adjusts his crotch, to conceal the erection. Einhorn withdraws with a coy smile.
EINHORN
I'll be here if you ever want a
real woman.
There's a sharp KNOCK at the door.
EINHORN
What is it?
Aguado opens the door.
AGUADO
Everything okay in here? Heard
some commotion.
EINHORN
Fine, Sergeant.
AGUADO
You want me to throw him out?
EINHORN
Why don't you throw yourself out.
AGUADO
…Yes, ma'am.
A crestfallen Aguado exits. Ace heads for the door.
EINHORN
Ace, I want you to leave
everything to us.
ACE
Can't do that, Lieutenant. I was
hired to find Snowflake.
EINHORN
When we find Marino, We'll deliver
Snowflake.
ACE
When I find Snowflake, I'll
deliver Marino.
He exits.
INT. TEA ROOM - NIGHT
A full on thrash metal band is cranking on stage. Kids leap wildly into the moshing pit.
The same Burnout is still thrashing his head wildly to the music.
ACE
(shouting)
Nice to see you again!
The Burnout just keeps thrashing. Ace spots Woodstock watching the band and joins him.
WOODSTOCK
St. Francis, how's it goin'?
ACE
(kidding)
That's none of your damn business.
WOODSTOCK
Isn't it?
ACE
Is it?
WOODSTOCK
Anything new on that dolphin?
ACE
Got his picture on some tuna cans,
but nothing so far.
A singer ROARS on stage. He sounds like a garbage disposal full of cutlery.
SINGER
Arroohhghhh! Myrrrooohghhhh!
Geroooghhh!
WOODSTOCK
So, what can I do for you today?
ACE
I need info on a football flunky
named Ray Finkle.
WOODSTOCK
Sorry, Ace, I can't help you right
now. I gotta watch this band!
They are the shit!
ACE
Are they?
WOODSTOCK
Aren't they?
ACE
Alright then. Don't worry about
it. I mean dolphins aren't
exactly an endangered species.
It's not like the whole food
chain's gonna be affected if one
highly intelligent mammal dies a
slow and painful death! Hell, if
the band is loud enough, you won't
even hear its pitiful whimpering!!
Ace does his best suffering dolphin impression. Woodstock is no longer enjoying the band.
CUT TO:
INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
Woodstock is at his computer. Ace looks over his shoulder. Finkle's Social Security information
appears on the screen.
WOODSTOCK
This guy's last reported income
was September, 1982.
ACE
Well then. We know he's
incredibly thrifty.
WOODSTOCK
Is he?
ACE
Isn't he?
Woodstock types in more information. Finkle's TRW flashes on the screen.
WOODSTOCK
Well, I think we can be pretty
sure he's involved in the
kidnapping of the dolphin.
ACE
Really? What makes you say that?
WOODSTOCK
There's two-thousand dollars worth
of smelts on his VISA card.
After a beat Ace realizes it was a bad joke.
ACE
Please yank me no further. I beg
of you.
WOODSTOCK
Alright already. The last time
this guy used his credit card was
June, '84. He rented a car from
Avis. And… eww… he was a bad
boy. They found it abandoned two
months later in South Miami.
ACE
Anything else?
WOODSTOCK
Nope.
ACE
Well… you did all you could.
Thanks for nothin.
WOODSTOCK
Hey man, according to this, your
friend Ray Finkle doesn't exist.
ACE
Hmm, I know what that's like.
WOODSTOCK
Do you?
ACE
Don't I?
INT. TEA ROOM - NIGHT
Ace emerges from the basement. The band is between songs. Ace strolls by the burnout whose head
has now stopped.
ACE
(to burnout)
Did you get all the spiders outta
there?
Ace heads out, then freezes. The two thugs that took Marino are standing at the exit. Then they
see Ace and start towards him, reaching inside their coats.
Suddenly the music starts. The burnout's head wails again. His manic gyrations interfere with
the thugs long enough for Ace to bolt.
One of the thugs pushes the burnout violently against the wall as they pursue Ace.
BURNOUT
(calling, as he gets up)
Thanks, man! You're a great
dancer!
Ace pushes his way through the crowd. The thugs follow.
Ace nears the stage. It's wild. People are diving off and getting moshed.
Before the thugs grab him, Ace runs up and throws himself from the stage. The insane crowd
begins to pass him around over their heads.
The thugs exchange a look, then dive after Ace, and a "mosh" chase ensues.
Ace is passed back onto the stage as the song comes to an end. The singer is lying there
exhausted. Ace sees the crowd starting to put the thugs down, so he quickly grabs the
microphone off the floor.
ACE
(screams)
ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, SPANK ME
MOMMY!!!
The audience looks at Ace for a second. Then the band members exchange a look and go for it!!
It's a nightmarish little ditty. Ace sings like one of Satan's minions.
ACE
URGHHUURRAAAW! ARGHUURRRREEEW!
The crowd seems to understand. They throw the thugs high in the air again and mosh them away
from the stage. The Thugs are shooting stray bullets the whole time.
Ace incites the crowd, even more now, with a punching gesture. The crowd follows their new
leader, punching with one hand, moshing with the other.
The thugs get the living crap "moshed" out of them.
When the song ends, Ace raises fists in the air. The cheering crowd violently drops the thugs.
They're out cold.
EXT. TEA ROOM - NIGHT
Ace's car PEELS OUT and races by the parked '81 Ford Bronco.
EXT. MELISSA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Ace's car skids to a halt. He hops out.
INT. MELISSA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
There's a loud BANGING at the door. Melissa awakens, looks at the clock: 3:32 a.m. She drags
herself to the door.
MELISSA
Who is it?
ACE (O.S.)
Ira.
MELISSA
Ira who?
ACE (O.S.)
I refuse to do a 'knock knock
joke'. Come on, open up!
Melissa opens the door.
MELISSA
Ace, what are you doing? It's the
middle of the night!
ACE
You have to commit me.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAWN
Ace's clunker speeds down the highway.
ACE (V.O.)
Finkle escaped from Shady Acres in
Tampa. They still have some of
his stuff.
MELISSA (V.O.)
So you think they're going to let
us just waltz in and look