The Anniversary Party Page #5

SALLY:

You know Jerry.

CAL:

Yes, of course.

SOPHIA:

I'm the wife. We've met.

JERRY:

(hugs her)

You, I know.

SALLY:

(to Evie)

Hey, beautiful girl.

She picks up the four-year-old, swings her around. Jack

hides behind his father's legs.

SOPHIA:

(a grin)

Jack? Jack, you promised.

The little boy comes out from behind his father's legs,

covers his eyes with his hands.

JACK:

(sings)

Happy anniversary to you. We're glad Joe

came home. Don't split up again. Cause

we like the food.

Much laughter and clapping.

JOE:

(in the archway)

Jack. Did you compose that yourself?

CAL:

Absolutely.

JOE:

Had a little help?

CAL:

Absolutely not.

JOE:

It has your ring.

CAL:

I'm not that good.

JERRY:

Cal, my wife Judy.

JUDY:

Nice to meet you.

CAL:

I think we've met, actually. No? At

another one of these things?

JUDY:

No, I don't think so.

JERRY:

(to Cal)

Congratulations on the Academy Award.

Great performance. Really warranted.

SOPHIA:

He thought so.

JERRY:

Sally always manages to get robbed.

SALLY:

(a mortified grin)

Enough about me.

SOPHIA:

Evie has a little something for you.

Evie shakes her head.

SOPHIA (CONT'D)

You do.

EVIE:

(even)

I don't think so.

SALLY:

Since when are you so shy?

EVIE:

(her mother's daughter)

Never.

SOPHIA:

(bright smile)

Honey, we have gifts for you and all

sorts of surprises. Where is America? I

know she's here somewhere.

Joe reaches for the gifts.

JOE:

I'll take them.

SOPHIA:

No, I have a little talking to do with

America. Privately. I'll find her.

SALLY:

(to Sophia)

In the kitchen.

JOE:

Who'd like to go and find Otis?

EVIE:

Me!

JACK:

I guess.

JUDY:

The infamous dog?

JOE:

He's the best dog in the world.

(to Judy)

They're both coming tonight. Not my

idea.

JUDY:

Ours.

JOE:

It's Jerry's worst idea.

CAL:

What's that?

JOE:

The neighbors from hell. The kind that

lay in wait. I'd rather move actually.

Wouldn't I?

(to Sally)

Wouldn't I?

SALLY:

(small smile)

Yes.

JOE:

(to the kids)

Okay. Last one to find Otis is a smelly

old bum.

Joe goes off with the children to find Otis. Cal sits at the

piano, plays.

INT. FOYER - FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS

Joe holds Evie in one arm. Jack stands beside him, holds his

hand. MONICA and RYAN ROSE face him across the threshold --

the NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS. She's in her late twenties - and

beautiful, eyes everywhere - star struck and house struck.

Ryan is somewhat older, a little awkward in company,

swallowing resentment and a little self righteous.

JOE:

Well, hello you two.

(putting Evie down; to Jack)

These are the people who live next door.

Say hello.

Jack does.

JOE (CONT'D)

And close the door, Jack. Because if we

leave it open, Otis will run out and you

know what will happen then?

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