Being There Page #3

Franklin puts a hand on Hayes' shoulder as they go toward

the stairway. Suddenly, they stop, listen to the off-

stage TV.

16INT. TOWNHOUSE DINING ROOM - DAY

Chance still watches TV as Franklin and Hayes appear in

the doorway. They are surprised to see Chance.

FRANKLIN:

...Why...Hello, we thought we

heard something...

(moves to Chance,

hand outstretched)

...I'm Thomas Franklin.

Chance remains seated, takes Franklin's hand warmly in

both of his like the President did on TV.

CHANCE:

Hello, Thomas...I'm Chance,

the gardener.

FRANKLIN:

(a beat)

...The gardener?

(thinks it's a joke,

laughs)

...Yes, of course...Mr. Chance,

this is Ms. Hayes.

Hayes moves to shake Chance's hand.

HAYES:

Mr. Chance, I'm very pleased to

meet you.

CHANCE:

(doesn't rise,

again shakes with

both hands)

Yes.

Chance turns back to the TV. Hayes and Franklin ex-

change looks, there is an uneasy pause.

FRANKLIN:

We're with Franklin, Jennings

and Roberts, the law firm handling

the estate.

CHANCE:

(a smile, totally

at ease)

Yes, Thomas - I understand.

FRANKLIN:

...Are you waiting for someone?

An appointment?

CHANCE:

I'm waiting for my lunch.

FRANKLIN:

Your lunch? You have a luncheon

appointment here?

CHANCE:

Louise will bring my lunch.

FRANKLIN:

Louise?... The maid?...

(a look to Hayes)

But she should have left earlier

today...

CHANCE:

(smiles at Hayes)

I see...

FRANKLIN:

(a beat)

All kidding aside, Mr. Chance,

may I ask just what you are doing

here?

CHANCE:

I live here.

Franklin stares at Chance as Hayes unzips her briefcase.

17EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON

Chance talks to Franklin as Hayes quickly checks through

some paperwork.

CHANCE:

The Old Man himself used to

visit my garden. He would

read and rest here.

FRANKLIN:

Come now, the deceased...

(catches himself)

Mr. Jennings was bedridden for

at least the last thirty-five

years, since he fractured his

spine.

CHANCE:

Yes, Thomas. Then he stopped

visiting my garden.

(points to a small

area)

I planted a lot of tulips right

there. I like to watch them

grow.

HAYES:

(looking up

from papers)

There is no mention of a gardener.

In fact, according to our inven-

tories, there hasn't been a man

employed here since 1933...except

for a Mr. Joe Saracini, a brick

mason, who did some repairs to a

wall. He was here for two-and-a-

half days in 1952.

CHANCE:

Yes, I remember Joe. He was very

fat and had short hair and showed

me pictures from a funny little

book.

HAYES:

...Some pictures?

CHANCE:

Yes. Of men and women.

HAYES:

...Oh.

FRANKLIN:

Just how long have you been

living here, Mr. Chance?

CHANCE:

Ever since I can remember, since

I was a child. I have always

worked in the garden.

HAYES:

...The you really are a

gardener?

CHANCE:

Yes.

(again points off)

...My roses...

Rate this script:2.0 / 1 vote