Almost Famous Page #3

VOICE (O.S.)

Are you really in our grade?

9INT. JUNIOR HIGH LOCKER ROOM -- DAY 9

VOICE:

(louder)

Are you really in our grade?

William turns to see tall, adenoidal TIM TOBIN. The most mature

looking kid we've seen yet, he challenges William in a loud

theatrical tone. It is a voice right out of Guys and Dolls,

which incidentally is the school play in which Tobin had just

starred. William answers in a respectful voice. He is

desperate for acceptance.

WILLIAM:

Yeah.

TOBIN:

Hey guys! Check it out! William

doesn't have any pubes!

Others now begin to gather around, examining William. He has

never been more naked.

GUY # 1

How old are you man?

TOBIN:

He's not a man, he's a little baby

kid. He Doesn't even get zits yet.

GUY # 2

How come you don't have any hair down

there?

TOBIN:

(in loud, funny voice)

Where are your pubes???!!

Their voices echo off the tiled walls. Now everyone is watching

the hairless William. He is confused by their meanness.

GUY # 2

Yeah. Where are your pubes?

All eyes are on him, waiting for a response. The kid's mental

wheels turn frantically. And from somewhere comes an attitude,

a swagger, and somehow the perfect line arrives from what could

only be a merciful deity.

WILLIAM:

(cool, dismissive)

I had 'em. I shaved 'em off.

It is a new persona for the kid -- the witty guy. And it works.

Guy #2 cracks up, then others. William's new accuser is

suddenly surrounded by the impressed gales of laughter of these

older boys. Others turn away, on to other things. Tobin stares

at William, and then also turns away.

10 INT. FAMILY CAR -- DAY10

William jumps into the backseat of the white Ford Country Sedan

station wagon, carrying books. ("See ya pubes!") Mom continues

driving William and Anita home from school.

ELAINE:

(cheerfully, by rote, to

William in back)

Put on your seatbelt. I don't want

you flying through the windshield.

Anita examines her own un-fastened seatbelt, which Mom hasn't

noticed.

WILLIAM:

We got our annuals today --

ELAINE:

(cheerful, automatic)

"Received" your annual.

WILLIAM:

(looking at his photo)

I look so much younger than everyone

else.

ELAINE:

Enjoy it while you can.

Camera drifts from Mom to Anita, who can take it no longer.

ANITA:

Mom. It's time.

ELAINE:

(pleasant, pointed)

Can this wait until we get home?

ANITA:

Mom, pull over. Tell him the truth.

Tell him how old he is.

Mom pulls over, and stares straight ahead with deep irritation.

ELAINE:

(as in "be quiet")

He knows how old he is.

ANITA:

The other kids make fun of him because

of How young he looks. Nobody includes

him.

They call him "The Narc" behind his back...

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