100 Days By Patricia Goren Analysis

1

100 Days- A Screenplay Written by Eric Goren and Inspired by Patricia Goren

INT: APARTMENT-MORNING
A messy one bedroom apartment located in Manhattan. The room is sparse except for a large television, stereo system with speakers, a beat up couch and table, and clothing, bottles, and empty cartons of Chinese food and pizza boxes are strung around the apartment.

RICHIE DEUSCH is a late 20 something single guy who is of average height and build.
He is sleeping in his messy bed in his very messy bedroom.

The alarm clock reads 8:39 and then it goes off loudly, and Richie is quite shocked and upset over the alarm clock going off.

SONG PLAYING: BAD DAY-DANIEL POWDER

RICHIE
(Completely shocked)
Holy shit Fuck. God
Dammit

Richie then leaps out of bed and rushes straight into the bathroom. He takes his boxer shorts off and jumps into the shower.

INT: BATHROOM-MORNING
Richie’s bathroom is very messy as well. Dirty towels are on the floor and sink, and his Crest toothpaste, Gillette razor and shaving cream, Head and Shoulder’s Shampoo, Ivory soap, and other products are strung all over the counter.

RICHIE
Damn......NO MORE HOT WATER...AHHHHHHHHHH

Richie shouts loudly as the hot water runs out quickly. He then rinses off and grabs a towel.
He goes towards the mirror and starts to shave.

RICHIE
(As he lathers his face)
No time This is fuckin ridiculous.

He then takes another towel and wipes his face. Then, he grabs some Scope mouthwash and gargles and spits.

He then runs back to his bedroom and puts his clothes on. He grabs a crisp white button down shirt from his messy closet, a blue stripped tie, black pants, and black lace up shoes.
2

Richie is muttering to himself as he walks quickly into his messy kitchen. He looks in the cupboard for a clean cup. He can’t find one so he opens the refrigerator and takes out some orange juice and just drinks it from the carton.

RICHIE
No time for breakfast...

He quickly puts the television on and walks to get his briefcase in the corner of the apartment.
The news is on and a reporter comes on the television as Richie is just about to turn the TV off but doesn’t.

NEWS REPORTER
(On the TV)
And today marks the first day of the city teacher strike. Thousands of teachers have just walked off their jobs and are on strike. Our schools will be in a state of chaos as the city figures out a way to keep the schools running. Reporting live from the
Board of Education building at city hall, this is Ed Franks.

RICHIE
(Muttering to himself)
I’d be damned if I ever became a teacher. I hate fuckin kids..

He then runs down the stairs and out of the building to his car that is parked out in front of his apartment building. It is a late model Japanese sedan.

INT: RICHIE’S CAR-DAY
Richie is driving, but there is so much traffic clogging the city streets, and Richie decides to cut down a side street to avoid the traffic. He then looks at the car clock and it shows 8:52.

RICHIE
Eight damn minutes. Absolute insanity

EXT: CITY STREET SCENE-DAY
Richie finally gets to his destination and to his surprise there is an open spot. Richie pulls the car into the spot, checks his watch (8:57) and gets out of the car. He then proceeds to walk away from the car without really checking where he parked, and crosses the busy street to his office building workplace. There are crowds of people rushing in all directions.

A very loud fire alarm sounds.
The sound is ear piercing and appears to be coming from a fire house very close to where Richie just parked his car.

The camera then peers to Richie’s car which just happens to be parked in front of the fire house blocking the fire engine’s garage. There is a sign next to Richie’s car which states
3

no parking zone. Violators will be fined and face jail time for blocking the firehouse.
RICHIE
(Muttering to himself)
I wonder what’s going on?

EXT-FIRE HOUSE -DAY
A very large fire engine is backing out of the garage, and has to abruptly stop. Alarms are still going off wildly and a group of firemen are standing in front of the fire house near Richie’s car.
The fire engine is honking its horn loudly.

FIREMAN #1
Whose fuckin car is this? Is this one of our boys’s?

Another fireman looks at the dashboard for a plaque.

FIREMAN #2
No

FIREMAN #1
We’ve got to get to the fuckin fire. What dya want to do, captain?

FIREMAN #2
Ram it...

FIREMAN #1
What?

FIREMAN #2
You hear me. Ram that piece of
shit.

The firemen then move off to the side as the fire engine backs out really fast. The impact of the crash causes the car to explode on contact. Firemen quickly rush to extinguish the blaze. Within seconds, the blaze is out, but the car is totally burned up. Richie is seen running across the street towards the fire house and his blazed car.

SONG PLAYING: BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE-TALKING HEADS

RICHIE
(Shouting)
What the hell happened here?

FIREMAN #1
(Calling 911)
Come quickly. A federal offense just happened. Some dude blocked the entrance to our fire house, and we couldn’t make it to a fire. RICHIE
(Look of shock)
Huh? What the? That’s my car

Two burley firemen then grab Richie and hold him until a swarm of police, federal agents, FBI, and Port Authority officers arrive in their respective cars. The officers get out of their cars.

POLICEMAN
(Pointing to Richie)
Come here, scumbag.

RICHIE
Who me?

POLICEMAN
No, the old lady over there. Of course, you, dickhead.

RICHIE
Officer, sir, I have no idea what’s going on. All I know is my car is ablazin and somebody owe’s me big time.

The police officer then takes out his handcuffs and grabs Richie’s hands.

POLICEMAN
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law...

Meanwhile, the fire engine rapidly exits down the block with its siren blaring. Richie is escorted to a police car and he is pushed into the back of a car.

INT: POLICE CAR-DAY
Richie is sitting in the back of the car and it is just like a scene out of COPS.

SONG PLAYING: BAD BOYS BY INNER CIRCLE

POLICEMAN
You’re in big trouble. With all the crap going on with terrorism in this country, you could seriously face at least two years.

5

RICHIE
What? For what? What did I do?

POLICEMAN
Let the judge and the courts make that decision.

The police car pulls up to the police precinct. Richie is escorted into the precinct and then into a holding cell.

INT: JAIL CELL-DAY
Richie is sitting in a jail cell. He is the only guy in the cell. The cell is barren except for a toilet and bed. He is dressed in an orange jumpsuit with a number on it and black shoes.

INT: HALLWAY OF JAIL-DAY
Two guards approach Gorman and escort him from the jail cell to the courthouse, which is adjacent to the precinct.

INT: COURTHOUSE-DAY
The courthouse is crowded with people from all walks of life. Richie is still escorted by the officers, and then he is placed on a wooden bench. The courthouse is plain, grey, and musty. A JUDGE appears and he is quite old with wire rim glasses and grey hair. He is dressed in a black robe and sits behind his bench. Richie is sitting with his LAWYER, a young good looking man in a blue suit.

JUDGE
What have we here?

LAWYER
My client pleads innocent on the charges of blocking a federal building, in this case a fire house, with his car knowingly.

The judge interjects.

JUDGE
Come to the podium, boy, and tell Judgy McPatrick what happened.

Richie approaches the bench still in his orange jumpsuit and handcuffed.

RICHIE
I didn’t mean to do it. I was in a fuckin rush, judge, honest.

JUDGE
Watch your language, or I’ll throw you back in jail for contempt.

6

RICHIE
Sorry, sir. I was running late for work and I though that I found an awesome parking spot right near my building. So, without thinking, I just parked the car and left minding my own business.

JUDGE
So you’re telling me that you had absolutely no clue as to what you were doing? That’s absolute bullcrap, and you know it.

RICHIE
I swear to you that I had no idea, and I can’t end up in jail for this.

JUDGE
Richie, are you Irish?

RICHIE
Half, why?

JUDGE
This is indeed your lucky little day. Let me ask you a few questions, okay?

LAWYER
I object?

JUDGE
Sit down....Better yet, get out. This is just a preliminary hearing and you don’t have to be here.

The lawyer picks up his folder and briefcase, looks at Richie, and then walks out of the building. RICHIE
Hey, that’s not fair. What’s your problem? You suck.

JUDGE
For that little outburst, I’m adding another ten days. You wanna go for more, tough guy?

RICHIE
Bite me

JUDGE
Your bitten. Fine, another ten days. You just added twenty days till I even look at you again in my courthouse.
7

Now two court officers approach Richie and Richie calms down.

RICHIE
Alright, I’m sorry.

JUDGE
Let’s try this again. I’m going to ask you some questions, Mr. Deusch.

RICHIE
Great Outstanding That’s just swell

JUDGE
Do you have a bachelor’s degree..A college degree?
RICHIE
Yeah, from NYU

JUDGE
Good, that wasn’t so hard now, was it. Other than this incident, have you ever been in trouble with the law, arrested, drugs, rape,....murder?

RICHIE
I’m clean. No arrests until now.

JUDGE
Listen here, and listen good, Richie. Today is indeed your very lucky day.
Being that there is a teacher’s strike which has affected almost every school in the entire city, I have decided to propose this option for you, and you can take it or leave it. I would suggest that you should take it.

RICHIE
Oh noooooooo.....No way....I see where this is going.

JUDGE
I give you 100 days in prison or 100 days as a substitute teacher. You’re choice. SONG PLAYING: BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS-GREEN DAY

RICHIE
Give me a minute to think about that....

The judge gives Richie a look and then examines his watch and waits.

8

JUDGE
Time’s up What your decision, Richie?

RICHIE
I can’t believe that I’m gonna say this but I want to teach. Oh joy

The judge then takes a piece of paper off his desk and hands it to the bailiff who gives it to
Richie. The bailiff then takes the cuffs off him.

JUDGE
Tomorrow morning at 7:45 sharp you are to report to East Side High School.
In 100 days from now you will report back to this very courtroom so that
I can decide your fate. If you fail to show up, a warrant will be issue for you immediate arrest. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

Richie reads the piece of paper given to him and shakes his head.

RICHIE
I’ll see ya in 100 days, judge.

Richie then walks down the aisle and grabs his bag of clothes, and heads down the lobby of the court house.

INT: SLATER’S BAR-DAY
Richie walks into Slater’s Bar, which is the local watering hole near Richie’s apartment. Richie goes over to his usual bar stool and sits down. The bar is empty on this late afternoon. The bartender is a 30ish man name Scotty.

RICHIE
Hey, Scotty, give me a Jack and water. Make it a double.

SCOTTY
What, Richie, bad day?

RICHIE
The day from hell.

Richie drinks both glasses of liquor quickly.

SCOTTY
What happened?

9

RICHIE
The luck of the Deusch’s I guess. My car blew up this morning, I was arrested, and worst of all, tomorrow I gotta be a teacher.

SCOTTY
Oaaaaaaaaf That hurts like a kick in the nuts. Your girlfriend might as well break up with you at this rate.

Richie’s cell phone rings, he looks at the number, and he answers.

RICHIE
Hey there, gorgeous!

GIRLFRIEND
(Speaking on cell phone)
You’re a fuckin asshole...I hate you so much. Don’t ever call me again. And, you owe me the 500 dollars back that I lent you last week. Have a great life, loser. Richie’s girlfriends clicks the cell phone off and Richie sits at the bar dumbfounded, and then he puts the cell phone on the bar top.
A policeman enters the bar and sits next to Richie. Scotty immediately gets the policeman his drink (a shot of whiskey followed by a beer).

POLICEMAN
(Looks at Richie)
Are you Deusch? Richie Deusch?

RICHIE
Yeah, why?

The policeman gives Richie a yellow summons/ticket.

RICHIE
(Reading the ticket)
Are you shitting me. You’re charging me for storing my car, or what’s left of my car that has been blown to smithereens. The fire truck blew up my car.

POLICEMAN
Hey, man, don’t get pissed at me. If you wanna take it up with someone, take it up with Bloomberg. He makes the rules here. I gotta go. Later Scotty. Enjoy your tickets, Deusch.

The policeman gets up and walks out of the bar.
10

RICHIE
I’m outta here too.

Richie looks at the tab that Scotty left on the table for him.

RICHIE
Scotty, why are you charging me 35 bucks for my two drinks?

SCOTTY
Well, somebody’s gotta pay for Mr. Policeman’s drinks, and it certainly ain’t gonna be me.

Richie reaches in his pocket and leaves forty bucks.

RICHIE
Keep the change, asshole.

Richie walks out of the bar.

INT: RICHIE’S APARTMENT-NIGHT

SONG PLAYING: 99 PROBLEMS-JAY Z

Richie is seen sprawled out on his bed and he looks miserable. He is sweating profusely and his t-shirt is completely soaked. He looks at the alarm clock and its red light reads 2:30AM. He continues to move around in the bed. In the next moment, he looks at the clock and it reads 3:19.

INT: RICHIE’S APARTMENT: EARLY MORNING
The alarm goes off at 5:30AM. The alarm blares for a few seconds until Richie reaches over to the clock and throws it against the wall. It shatters into many pieces but still is blaring. Richie then gets out of the bed and grabs a baseball bat at the side of the bed and proceeds to smash the alarm clock until it stops sounding off.

EXT: RICHIE’S BUILDING- MORNING
Richie is seen rushing out of his apartment building and he is walking briskly to the subway station. The street is very crowded.

EXT: SUBWAY STATION-MORNING

SONG PLAYING: THE JUNGLE BY GRANDMASTER FLASH

Richie is coming out of the subway station and he spots a group of thuggish looking teenagers. Richie approaches the group of teens. The teens are wearing baggy jeans, baggy long t-shirts,
11

do rags, and sneakers.

RICHIE
(In his best Vanilla Ice imitation)
Yo there, homeslice....You got some serious bling...Yo.Yo..Yo..Where’s the
East Side High school at, fresh prince?

THUG STUDENT
(Looks annoyed and pissed)
Yo G, who you callin a homeslice, fool?

RICHIE
Chill.. My bad...Don’t be illin.....

THUG STUDENT #2
Man, straight ahead and make a left. Aight dog!

RICHIE
Much love....Much love... (and Richie touches his heart)

THUG STUDENT #1
(Shaking his head)
What a deusch

Richie walks towards the school.

EXT: EAST SIDE HS- DAY
Hundreds of students are literally hanging out in front of the school. Some students are smoking, some are listening to their Ipods, some are pushing and shoving each other. The school is a huge, overcrowded building that is falling apart. Richie pushes his way through the crowd.

INT: EAST SIDE HS-DAY
Three SECURITY GUARDS are scanning the students and all people must pass through a metal detector. Richie approaches the guard and check point.

SECURITY GUARD
Who are you? Let me see some ID.

RICHIE
I’ve been assigned to this school. Here

Richie hands the guard his ID and a piece of paper.

12

SECURITY GUARD
Put your arms up now

The guard waves the wand around Richie.

SECURITY GUARD
Go through.

Richie walks through the metal detector.

RICHIE
(Muttering to himself as he looks around)
I’ve entered the cuckoo’s nest. What the fuck am I doin....?

Richie walks through a crowd of tough looking students and heads to the principal’s office. He approaches a middle age frazzled SECRETARY, who is seated behind a desk and the phones are ringing off the hook.

RICHIE
Hi. I’m Richie Deusch.

The secretary is taking calls and putting every call on hold. All of the lights on the phone are blinking.

SECRETARY
(To Richie)
Wait one minute.
Richie sits down while the secretary finishes up her conversation on the phone. She then looks at Richie again.

SECRETARY
It’s been so busy here with the teacher’s strike and all. Who are you?

RICHIE
Mr. Deusch..

SECRETARY
HA.....HA.....HA....No really, what’s your name?

RICHIE
(Looking unamused)
Richie Deusch.

The secretary stops laughing.
13

SECRETARY
Let me give you one piece of advice, Richie. Change your last name. Those kids are gonna rip you apart.

RICHIE
Okay, thanks for your vote of confidence. I’m Richie Dushay. Is that better?

SECRETARY
We’ve been expecting you. Hold on.

A phone call comes in and the secretary answers it. She then looks at Richie.

SECRETARY
Dr. Liberman will see you now. Just go to the first door on the right.

Richie walks over to Dr. Liberman’s office. DR. LIBERMAN is a 40ish white woman who is rough around the edges and is all no nonsense. She has a condescending attitude towards everyone.

DR. LIBERMAN
Mr. Deusch, have a seat.

Richie looks around but there isn’t a seat. So he just stands.

DR. LIBERMAN
I know exactly why you are here. I’ve inherited you through Judge McPatrick’s
Make It Right Program, but I’ll be perfectly honest with you. You are coming here because we are short handed. So, let’s make this as quick and pain free as possible. What is your background?

RICHIE
(Thinking for a moment)
Well, I’m an assistant investment broker for Smith and Kelson on Wall Street.
I have a degree in economics and history from NYU.

DR. LIBERMAN
Very Good. That’s what I thought. Here are your books.

She bruskly pushes a pile of old outdated dusty books into Richie’s arms.

DR. LIBERMAN
I think they’ll suit you just fine.

Richie then looks down at the pile of books.
14

RICHIE
Errr. Dr. Liberman, what am I teaching?

DR. LIBERMAN
Business, Economics and History to students who failed the class already.

Richie looks down again at the short but heavy stack of books in his arms.

RICHIE
Aahhhh....but these books are on violence prevention...wha the?? How do these books relate to business and history?

DR. LIBERMAN
Well, if you don’t want them fine, but you might be crying for your mammy later on without them, Mr. Deusch. Do you think you’re ready?

RICHIE
I guess so

Dr. Liberman then looks very sternly at Richie.

DR. LIBERMAN
Let me be perfectly frank with you, Deusch. I don’t think you’re gonna last one day here. The judge told me that you’re a wisecracking, trouble-maker who only cares about himself. I’m gonna have my eye on you all the time

RICHIE
Thank you so much for your faith in me. I’ll be just fine.

Richie starts walking out of the office.

DR. LIBERMAN
One more word of wisdom from me, Deusch. Don’t think that your so damn smart, creative, and intelligent that you can just wing a great lesson and teach what you want to teach. You must do book work only. No ifs, ands, or buts. That’s my rule. RICHIE
What? Book work only? But?

DR. LIBERMAN
Oh, before you stroll out of here, Deusch, here’s your schedule.

Richie puts the stack of books down and looks at the schedule.
15

RICHIE
Where’ room 211?

DR. LIBERMAN
With your prestigious background and education from NYU, you can figure it out. Would you excuse me, I have to find 25 more substitute teachers or this place will be a freakin zoo in ten minutes. Good day, Mr. Deusch.

Richie walks out of the principal’s office with his stack of books and his schedule.

INT: TEACHER’S LOUNGE-DAY
Richie is on the second floor but cannot find room 211. He hears a group of teachers talking and he goes into the teacher’s room. MR. PAUL is standing near a table and laughing very loudly and cursing. He is a huge, black 6'6 250 pound social studies teacher with a Jamaican accent.
He is dressed in baggy jeans, a baggy black sweatshirt, sneakers, and he sports short hair, gold chains, and an earring. A regular sized Caucasian man is seated at the table taking with Mr. Paul. He is MR. ALPERN, and he is a math teacher. He is wearing a button down shirt, Khaki pants, and he is in his mid-forties.

RICHIE
I was wondering if you fellas can help me. I’m looking for room 211?

Mr. Alpern rolls his eyeballs and Mr. Paul starts laughing again.

MR. PAUL
Oh, man oh man. Mr. Alpern, man, the circus has just begun. We gonna see so many new teachers comin and goin due to the strike.

MR. ALPERN
You’re so right. I think me and you are the only senior teachers who didn’t cross the picket line.

MR. PAUL
No. A couple of other’s didn’t either. Ah, that piece o ass Elle Brevot’s still here, and at least it gives us old fellas something to look at.

MR. ALPERN
(Sipping his coffee)
Absolutely, Mr. Paul. Who are you?

RICHIE
I’m Richie Deusch.

Mr. Alpern is in the middle of a sip of coffee and he spills the coffee onto his shirt as he
16

starts laughing. Mr. Paul gives a very surprising look.

MR. ALPERN
Nice to meet you, Mr. Deusch-BAG?

Richie looks unamused and rolls his eyeballs as if he’s heard that joke a million times.

RICHIE
Har-de-har-ha. That’s very funny, guy.

Mr. Alpern gets his papers together and starts walking towards the door.

MR. ALPERN
Deusch, lighten up. You gotta roll with the punches in this profession and take everything with a grain of salt. I’m Mr. Alpern, and I teach math in room 218 right down the hall from you. I’ll see ya later, guys

Mr. Alpern walks out of the teacher’s lounge.

Mr. Paul goes over to Richie and extends his hand. Richie shakes his hand back.

MR. PAUL
I’m Davy Paul. Man, I also teach social studies. What brings you here, man?

RICHIE
It’s a very long story, but I’m here not by choice.

MR. PAUL
Oh, man, one of those. Let me guess. You were arrested for doin something really stupid, and the judgeman sent you over here

RICHIE
How’d you know, Mr. Paul?

MR. PAUL
Call me Davy, man. I’ve seen too many people come here and then quit.

RICHIE
You mean after a day or two?

MR. PAUL
No, man, after an hour or two. They run straight out the front never to come back.

A bell sounds and a couple fo other teachers rush to the teacher’s lounge and grab a cup of
17

coffee or put their books into their lockers. Mr. Paul grabs his books.

MR. PAUL
Richie, class starts in ten minutes. Let me give you two pieces of advice:
One, don’t take no shit from no one, period Two, just be yourself
You follow that and you’ll be fine. Oh and three, call me, room 216 extension, if you’re getting threatened or mugged . I take no shit from no one

RICHIE
Wha?

MR. PAUL
I gotta go, show no fear, man That’s it.

Mr. Paul walks out of the teacher’s lounge. Moments later Richie walks out of the teacher’s lounge too but cannot find Mr. Paul. The hallways are filled with teenagers.

INT: HALLWAY LEADING TO ROOM 211-DAY

SONG PLAYING-ROUGH RYDER’S ANTHEM-DMX

Richie witnesses two boys fighting and smacking each other and all of the students in the hallway could care less. He sees a teenager putting his weapons into his locker. He sees a drug deal go down between two thugs. Finally, Richie takes his key and opens room 211. He slowly walks into the room which is a complete mess, and puts his books, and papers on the dilapidated desk.

RICHIE
(Muttering)
Holy shit....What a dump. What a pigstey. So this is what our hard earned tax dollars go to.

A giant rat scampers by Richie and Richie jumps.

RICHIE
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Richie is in complete shock as he goes over to a broken down closet that is half off its hinge.
Richie opens the closet and swarms of cockroaches and vermain scurry out of the closet and Richie runs out of the room. He runs straight into the classroom next door.

INT: ROOM 209-DAY-ELLE BREVOT’S ROOM

SONG PLAYING-DARE YOU TO MOVE-SWITCHFOOT
18

ELLE BREVOT is putting up some projects onto her bulletin board. Her back is turned and Richie just stares at her ass. Elle Brevot is a mid-twentiesh , tall, strikingly beautiful lady.
Her golden brown hair is in a bun, and she is wearing stylish glasses. She is wearing a long denim skirt with a slip up the back, brown long boots, and a lot cut brown top. She moves with grace and charm. Her room is extremely neat, orderly, and well kept. Her desk is immaculate with files and papers stacked neatly.

Elle is reaching high to put up a report onto her bulletin board and Richie is just staring as her shirt slinks up her back exposing her tatooo. Elle then turns around and catches Richie staring at her.

ELLE
You look lost. Can I help you?

Richie is completely perplexed and stunned by her beautiful face and body as she looks at him.

RICHIE
Ah....Ah......I was just....ah....checking you .........your room.....out...for ideas.

Richie then goes over to her desk and tries to act cool, but he then knocks over all of her papers and files. Papers are scattered everywhere. He then begins to pick them up.

RICHIE
I’m....so sorry.....for knocking your things over...

ELLE
That’s OK.

Elle walks over to Richie and helps him pick up the papers. As the two are on the floor picking up papers, Richie bumps his head into Elle’s head.

RICHIE
Oh....I’m so....clumsy.....Again, I’m sorry....

Elle gets up, and Richie then gets up. Elle walks over to Richie and extends her hand.

ELLE
I’m Elle. Elle Brevot.. Nice to meet you.

RICHIE
I’m Richie.....Deushay.

19

ELLE
Well, Mr. Dushay, you are here as a substitute teacher to fill in for the striking teachers.
You are a.........professional broker or banker on Wall Street who really does not like teenagers, or for that matter kids, you never though of teaching as a career, and you’re here now because you were laid off.

RICHIE
Ah, not...not exactly. But, kind of close.

ELLE
I’m way too busy to waste my time talking to a person who probably won’t last the day here, let alone the entire year.

RICHIE
Wait, Elle, you don’t understand. I’m.......

ELLE
Class starts in one minute. If I were you, I would go back to my classroom, and think of something really important to say to your students. I’ll see you around,
Mr. Dushay.

Elle goes back to her work, and starts putting her final touches on her bulletin board.
The bell rings and Richie rushes back to his classroom.

INT: RICHIE’S CLASSROOM-DAY
Richie is standing by the blackboard and starts thinking.

SONG PLAYING-HATE IT OR LOVE IT-THE GAME

RICHIE
(To himself)
Something important to say...Important to say...Say something important....
Damn, nothing....

Suddenly, students file into Richie’s room.
The desks are arranged in rows, but the desks are old and dilapidated. KONSTANTINE enters first and he is a good looking, dark haired Russian teenager who dresses like he is from the ‘hood. He has a slight Russian accent mixed in with New York ghetto. RASHAD comes in at just about the same time. He is a very tall (6'5), light skinned African American young man with a huge afro. JOSE struts in cooly. He is a light skinned, medium sized Hispanic young man who has bling and style. SHEILA is seen next and she is a dark skinned African American young lady who is very pretty, has long black hair, and wears very tight skimpy outfits. WOO, the Chinese gangster, comes in next, and he is quite short (5'5), has a shaved head with a bandana, and he loves to wear black and red baggy
clothing.
Finally, ISSAC stolls in, and he is a very skinny, tall, sly African American young man who
20

dresses casually. All in all, the classroom is filled to the rim with students, who are carrying on.

Richie is standing at the front of the room just looking at the different students coming in. He has a stunned and perplexed look on his face.

RICHIE
Class, settle down...Please settle down. Over here, guys.

Students are not listening. Konstantin takes out a deck of cards and a wad of bills. He looks over at Issac and Jose.

KONSTANTIN
Check this out

Konstantin flashes his wad of bills.

JOSE
Shit, you got stacks of benjamin’s ese.

KONSTANTIN
From last night...Dmitri owed me 500 for four Benz rims I got.

ISSAC
Hit me, K-dog.

The three guys start playing a round of poker right in the back of the class.

RICHIE
Are you kiddin me, fellas?

The three guys look at Richie and keep going with their poker game. Im the meantime,
Rashad and Woo are playing dice on the other side of the room. Rashad is standing up and shooting the dice against the wall and demanding money from Woo.

RASHAD
(As he looks at the dice on the floor)
China boy, you owe me 10.

WOO
Fuck you. I shit on your 10. I shit on your dice, man I owe you nothin.

Rashad proceeds to pick Woo up with one hand and throws him against the wall and the demands the money again. Woo falls to the ground.
21

WOO
Okay, Okay. Stop Here

Woo pulls 10 dollars out of his pocket and gives it to a smiling Rashad. Rashad then goes back to his seat.

RICHIE
C’mon You guys better take your seats or else..

Rashad stands up and interrupts abruptly.

RASHAD
Or else what, mista

Richie looks completely intimidated.

RICHIE
Or I’m gonna get you out of here

Rashad makes a pfffff sounds and sits down. Richie then goes to the blackboard and writes his name on the board. As he is writing, Issac throws a huge wet paper ball wad that hits Richie in the back of the head. The class starts laughing hysterically. Richie turns around.

RICHIE
Alright, who threw that?

No one answers but the students are all laughing to themselves.

RICHIE
Cowards My name is Mr. Deusch, and I’m gonna be teaching you economics and history. The class is laughing hard again. Sheila raises her hand and Richie calls on her.

SHEILA
That’s a funny name, Mr. Deusch. If I had a name like that, I’d change it.

RICHIE
Okay, and you are?

SHEILA
Sheila Coles.

22

RICHIE
You know what, Sheila, you can call me Mr. D. Would that suit you better?

SHEILA
Yeah

In the meantime, Issac pulls out a lighter and starts burning paper, but then puts the lighter back into his pocket before Mr. Deusch can see.

Richie begins to sniff.

RICHIE
Do you smell something? Something burning?

The class nods and Richie hands out index cards that he found in the class.

RICHIE
Please fill out the index card. Put your name on the top, address, parent phone number, and things you like to do.

JOSE
Deusch, I ain’t got no parent phone number?

RICHIE
What? What do you mean?

JOSE
I ain’t got no parents So, I can’t put nothin down, G.

RICHIE
Just leave it blank then, and I’ll talk to you later.

Then, as Richie is looking through some books, Issac pulls his lighter out and Woo takes out a pack of cigarettes. Woo puts a cigarette into his mouth and Issac lights it, and then Issac takes a cigarette and lights it too.

Richie looks over and the class is out of control again, and he focuses in on Issac and Woo smoking. He walks over towards then.

RICHIE
(Angry but speaking slowly and clearly)
Are you shitting me? Put the fuckin cigarettes away
23

ISSAC
Make me I ain’t putting them away, nigga.

Woo puts his cigarette out on the floor and takes his seat.

RICHIE
Walk with me outside, Issac.

ISSAC
Fuck you Nobody tells me what to do

Issac then flashes a weapon and Richie catches a glimpse of it.
ISSAC
Mista, watch out. I’ll pop some ice in yo ass, son.

Richie then goes out the door and looks for help, any help, but no one is available in the hallway.
Richie then goes back into the classroom and the students are completely out of control worse than before.

SONG PLAYING: CAN I KICK IT-Q-TIP

RICHIE
C’mon, cut me a damn break. I’m new to this game. I’m here to teach you business and history. If you don’t wanna learn, then leave.

The students start getting up out of their desks, grab their bookbags and notebooks, and start walking towards the door to leave. Rashad, Issac, Konstantine, Jose, and Woo are slapping fives with each other and other students as they leave the room. Richie just stands their in shock.

RICHIE
Get back in here, NOW Or else.

Issac and Rashad walk back towards Richie and Issac again flashes his weapon at him.

ISSAC
Man, I told you already, Leave me the fuck along What are you gonna do about it,
Deusch?

Suddenly, Davy Paul is heard in the hallway yelling at the students that left the room.
He enters into Richie’s classroom holding Woo in one arm and Konstantine in the other.

24

DAVY
(Yelling in his thick Jamaican accent)
Rashad, Issac, sit the fuck down, man. Stop this shit Listen to yo teacha
Respect yo teacha

Issac, Rashad, and all of the other students run back to their seats. Davy throws Woo and Konstantine into their seats. Davy then puts his arm around Richie.

MR. PAUL
This is yo teacha What he say goes. He is da rule in da class. Do I make myself cleah

Davy then walks over to the door and stands there like a bouncer.

MR. PAUL
(Muttering to himself)
What kind of shit is this? These fuckin kids are smoking too much jigga

RICHIE
Now that I got you attention, you’re gonna read the handout on Economics and answer the questions at the bottom of the page.

Most of the students start reading and writing their answers.

ISSAC
Yo, Mista, I ain’t got no pen. I can’t do this.

Mr. Paul walks towards Issac and grabs his hand real hard.

DAVY PAUL
You got no pen, you got no brain. So, I’ll squeeze yo hand till it bleeds and yo can drip blood as your ink.

Mr. Paul starts squeezing his hand really hard.

ISSAC
(Wincing in pain)
Aight Stop I gots me a pen Chill, Davy.

Davy releases his hand and Issac gets a pen out of his baggy pants and starts writing.
Davy then leaves the room, but comes back in.
25

MR. PAUL
Richie, man..Any mo problems, call my cell, man. I’ll be back.

Davy gives Richie his cell number and Richie programs it into his cell phone.
Scene fades out with the students quietly completing their work.

INT: TEACHER’S LOUNGE-DAY
Davy Paul, Mr. Alpern, and Elle Brevot are seated at a long table in the teachers lounge. Davy is drinking a Pepsi, Mr. Alpern is sipping a Mountain Dew, and Elle is drinking a Diet Pepsi. Another teacher is sitting on a chair reading a newspaper, while another teacher is sleeping off to the side.

MR. PAUL
Dis strike is hurtin us. We’re hurtin right now

MR. ALPERN
You’re right Davy, but hopefully it’ll be over soon. We are so short handed right now, and there are so many new substitute teachers taking over the classrooms.

ELLE BREVOT
Unfortunately, the kids don’t have any respect for these new teachers.

MR. ALPERN
Let alone any respect for their regular teachers. Everything is placed on our shoulders. If the student fails, who is blamed guys?

MR. PAUL
We are, man.

ELLE BREVOT
We sure are. Sometimes I wish my students would take more responsibility for their actions and their classwork.

MR. ALPERN
The whole system’s a joke. Unfortunately, I would be on strike right now but I can’t afford the penalties.

MR. PAUL
Two for one, mon. I got three kids, and I can’t take dat kind a hit.

ELLE BREVOT
I’m here for the students. I just couldn’t strike.

26

MR. ALPERN
You’re not burnt out yet, Elle. Just wait till you’ve been teaching for over twenty years like me. Hey, has anyone heard from Duesch yet? Is he alive or dead?

Elle has a look of concern on her face.

ELLE
When I walked by his room a few hours ago, he was really struggling. I really wanted to walk into his room to help him, but I didn’t. I feel so bad now.

MR. PAUL
I tink he’ll be OK. Just a feelin I got.

Richie then walks into the teacher’s lounge and he looks extremely worn out. He drops his stack of books on the table and sits next to Davy.

MR. ALPERN
Rough day, Duesch

RICHIE
Well, somehow I made it through day one. I need a fuckin shot of whiskey. No, scratch that. I need a fuckin bottle of Jack now.

MR. PAUL
Relax, Richie. Tomorrow brings another day, and mo shit form da thugs.

RICHIE
Oh joy Can’t wait.

The bell rings signaling the end of the day. Davy, Mr. Alpern, and the other teachers start gathering their possessions and leave the room.

MR. ALPERN
Goodbye, the lovely Elle Brevot. Richie, I hope to see you again tomorrow.

MR. PAUL
Later. Any problems, Richie, dial my digits, man. Dat’s it. I gotta pick up my sons.

Davy and Mr. Alpern walk out of the room leaving Richie and Elle alone in the room. Richie gathers his books and puts his bookbag on his back. Elle gets her bag together as well.
27

Richie looks at Elle and is about to walk out of the teacher’s lounge.

ELLE
Wait Mr. Dushay or is it Mr. Duesch

RICHIE
I can explain. Ah.....

ELLE
You lied to me about your name, so what other lies are you gonna concoct now?

RICHIE
But, c’mon...I thought you would make fun of my name like everyone else ever did in my life. Deusch this and Dueschbag that I didn’t want you to laugh at me.

ELLE
I have to go now. I have a lot of work to do and errands to run. See you around,
Richie.

Elle heads out of the teacher’s lounge into the cleared out hallway. Richie catches up to her.

INT: HALLWAY OF SCHOOL-DAY

SONG PLAYING: DON’T WAIT- DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

Richie and Elle are walking in the hallway. Elle then stops as Richie comes up to her and extends his hand.

RICHIE
Hello. I’m Richard Deusch. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You are the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen.

ELLE
Cut it out. I’m sorry I gave you a hard time in there. It’s just that I work so hard and care so much for the students and you may not even come back here tomorrow.
I don’t want to waste my time talking to someone who is not going to make the commitment to teach.

RICHIE
Let me tell you something. I’m gonna be here tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. I’m not a quitter.

28

The two approach the front entrance and walk out of the front of the school. They are standing in front of the school.

ELLE
I’m headed uptown. That’s where I live.

RICHIE
Well, I’m going downtown.

ELLE
I’ll see you tomorrow then?

RICHIE Hell yeah

Richie walks towards the subway stairs, but then turns to watch Elle go the other way.
He watches her walk and stares at her ass. Elle keeps walking.

RICHIE
(To himself)
Damn. Wow Mercy

Richie continues down the stairs to the subway.

EXT: HIGH SCHOOL-MORNING

SONG PLAYING: I’M A THUG-TRICK DADDY

Groups of students are hanging out and congregating in front of the school. Issac, Rashad, and Jose are talking near the school. Richie is coming towards the school from a distance and he notices Jose and Issac are making some sort of deal. Richie walks a bit closer and hides behind a huge garbage can about fifty feet from the situation. Richie notices Jose giving Issac a plastic bag while Issac gives Jose a sad of cash. Issac slips the plastic bag into his CD case. The two shake hands as Isaac walks away. Richie proceeds towards the school and passes by Rashad and Jose.

JOSE
(Looking nervous)
Yo back fo sa mor shit, G?

RICHIE
(Looking directly at Jose and Rashad)
Bring it on. I’ll see you in class later.
29

RASHAD
You trippin if yo think you gonna teach today, Mista.

Richie walks over to the two guys.

RICHIE
(Clearly)
I may be trippin and flippin, yo, but you’re gonna learn something today that can help you in life, G. See you lata.

Richie walks up the stairs of the school.

RASHAD
G’s whack

JOSE
I ain’t learnin nothin today, man

INT: RICHIE’S CLASSROOM-DAY
Richie is sitting at his desk and he is writing a lesson plan out. A couple of books that he brought from home are opened around him. Davy walks into his room.

MR. PAUL
Richie, I can’t believe my eyes. Yo back for s’more

RICHIE
I’m gonna change it up a bit today, Davy. Just like my students, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.

MR. PAUL
What cha doing?

RICHIE
I’m kind of preparing a more hand on type of lesson today. Yesterday’s lesson didn’t go so good. So, I’m retooling my teaching philosophy.

MR. PAUL
Very Good Just don’t take no hardcore shit from da thugs. Do what you got to do to survive. Man, its survival of da fittest. If you need anyting, just holla

Mr. Paul gives Richie a handshake and walks out the door. Richie goes back to his lesson and starts rummaging through his bag. The bell rings and students start walking in the hallways.
Richie goes outside of his door and quickly walks by Elle’ Brevot’s room. Her door is half
30

opened. Richie peers through the door and stares at Elle, who is wearing a black mid length skirt, black boots, and a white low cut blouse. Sheila, the girl from Richie’s class approaches Richie but Richie is too busy just looking at Elle. Students are in the hallway and the bell rings to signify the start of class. Elle looks over and sees Richie staring at her.

SHEILA
Mista Mista

Richie isn’t listening to her.

SHEILA
Mista Deusch

Still no response. She then taps him on the shoulder. Richie flinches and looks at Sheila.

RICHIE
Oh, what...Err. Hi, Sheila. What do you want?

SHEILA
You betta get to class. The bell just rang, Mista. And stop staring at Ms.
Brevot.

RICHIE
I’m not stare.......I’ll be in class in a sec.

Sheila walks to class and Elle comes over to Richie at her doorway.

ELLE
Good job, Mr. Deusch. Why don’t you make it a little more obvious next time when you want to look at my ass.

Richie is completely embarrassed.

RICHIE
No, I wasn’t looking at your er.. ah.... I just....just wanted to ask....you......something about my...uh my..lesson. idea....but now I want....to just... kill.... myself..

Richie hits himself gently in the head and looks completely lost.

Elle smiles at him and walks back into her classroom. But then walks back toward Richie who is turned the other way just standing there.

31

RICHIE
(To himself)
Real smooth, Deusch. Good job. You just made a complete fool of yourself in front of the most beautiful woman. You suck big time

Richie then walks into his room shaking his head and Elle again smiles.

INT: RICHIE’S CLASSROOM-DAY

SONG PLAYING-HE GOT GAME-PUBLIC ENEMY
The students are fooling around again as Richie gets back to his classroom. Konstantin and Woo are playing cards in the back, Rashad is ripping papers and throwing them on the floor, Issac and Jose have big black markets out and are grafitting the desks, and Shelia is listening and singing to her music on her IPOD. Richie walks to the front of the room.

RICHIE
Let’s start

He is completely ignored. Richie then grabs a stack of thick textbooks and slams them into his desk really hard. All of the students stop what they are doing instantly.

RICHIE
Now that I got your attention, we are gonna do something a little bit different today.

KONSTANTIN
Good Cause yesterday’s lesson sucked

RICHIE
Thank you for that insightful comment, Kon. But, who here wants to make money.
I don’t mean a few dollars, but big, huge stacks of money. Hamiltons, Jacksons,
Grants, and Benjamins.

RASHAD
I wanna make a shitload of money, G.

RICHIE
Before we go on, what are some other names for let’s say a ten dollar bill?

The class is at full attention.

SHEILA
A ten spot

32

WOO
A tenner

ISSAC
A sawbuck

RICHIE
Issac, that very good. Where did you learn about that term?

ISSAC
Shit, man, I don’t know. I heard somebody talkin on the History Channel about how carpenters in the 1800's would nail two wooden boards togetha, and it formed somethin like the letter X, which looked like the Roman Numeral for 10.

The class looks stunned and perplexed as well as Richie.

RASHAD
What the fuck?

RICHIE
Great You all learned something new today from Issac. Alright, now we’re getting somewhere. What are some other words used for One Hundred Dollar Bills?

JOSE
Benjamin..It’s all about the benjamins, homie

RICHIE
Thank you, Puff Daddy, P.Diddy..Sean Puffy Combs...

KONSTANTIN
C-Note. Y’all top that one, ganstas Dat’s my rap name too!

RICHIE
What do you mean by C-Note?

KONSTANTIN
I learned this in math class, G. C is the Roman numeral for 100. Hence,
C-Note means 100 dollars. I’m so smart, I know. I know.

Rashad takes a piece of paper and throws it at Konstantin.

RICHIE
Cut the crap now.
33

At that moment Dr. Liberman walks into the room but she is completely surprised that Richie has commanded the attention of his students. Richie looks at her and ignores her.

SONG PLAYING-MO MONEY, MO PROBLEMS-P. DIDDY
RICHIE
What are some common ways in which you guys can make some money such as in sawbucks or C-Notes?

ISSAC
Stealin

RASHAD
Dealin

KONSTANTIN
Robbin rims

SHEILA
Pimpin

WOO
I knew she would way that. She’s a ho

SHEILA
Fuck you You Chinese gansta wannabe I ain’t no ho

Richie does not look entertained but he then jumps into the conversation.

RICHIE
Its completely amazing that you have come up with all illegal ways to make money. Can anyone think of legitimate ways to make money?

Not one student answers. The room has become dead silent. Dr. Liberman gets up to leave but looks at Richie.

DR. LIBERMAN
See me at the end of the day

She walks out.

SHEILA
Oooooooh Mista, you in trooooooble

34

Richie ignores Sheila’s comment.

RICHIE
We’re gonna start a business up in the school.

A few hands go up but Richie quickly says:

RICHIE
But it has nothing to do with drug dealing.

The hands go down. The bell rings and the students get up to leave. Issac and Jose go over to Richie as the other students file out.

RICHIE
(Loudly)
Think of some differently kinds of businesses we can start in school that are legal

ISSAC
Mr. Deusch, that was a cool lesson

RICHIE
You Okay, Issac. That’s the first time you called me by my name.

ISSAC
You buggin, G. How do you know so much about money and bling?

JOSE
Yeah, ese. How you know so much about it? Are you a pig?

RICHIE
What? No. I’m a stockbroker on Wall Street. I deal with stocks, bonds, C- notes, treasury bonds, and other money making concepts.

ISSAC
What cha doin here then?

RICHIE
It’s a long story, and I’ll tell ya one day if you tell me why you’re dealin.

ISSAC
Dealin....Dealin what fool? I ain’t dealin nuthin

JOSE
You buggin, G.
35

RICHIE
Alright. If you wanna learn more about starting your own businesses, be here tomorrow on time and read up on this word called entrepreneurship.

ISSAC
Entrepren- What?

RICHIE
You’ll find out about that soon enough. Have a good day, fellas.

Richie then walks down the hall and Jose and Issac go in the other direction.

INT-TEACHER’S LOUNGE-DAY
Richie walks into the teacher’s lounge after a long day. Davy Paul and a few other teachers are sitting at a table. Richie joins them. Richie opens a can of Pepsi and is eating an Entemann’s donut that was sitting in a box on the table.

MR. PAUL
Today better than yesterday, man?

RICHIE
Yeah....

MR. PAUL
You got to get their attention, man with tings dey can relate to. I always talk about ganstas, thugs, and tings that dat

RICHIE
You’re absolutely right, Davy. I hooked them today on money. Even Issac was interested.

MR. PAUL
Dat wanna be is trouble, Richie. He don’t even listen to me half da time unless
I threaten him with bodily harm. Dat kid is either gonna be in jail or dead before he turn 21, man.

All of the teachers but Davy Paul get up. Richie finishes his donut.

RICHIE
These donuts are as my students say “da bomb”.

Davy Paul reaches for a donut and starts eating.

36

RICHIE
Davy, help me out on this one. The principal came into my room for a few minutes, and she saw my students answering questions and engaged in the topic, but now she wants to see me in her office right after this period. What should I do?

MR. PAUL
Richie, I luv givin new teachas advice. Here’ some words of wisdom from an old Jamaican man dat I knew. Always nod yo head and say yes maam, but den do da opposite and do whatcha wanna do with da kids. Dat’s what I do, man.

All of the sudden, Elle Brevot walks into the teachers lounge. She puts her books down on the table and goes over to the Pepsi machine. Richie si watching her every move.

SONG PLAYING: HANGING BY A MOMENT-LIFEHOUSE

MR. PAUL
Richie, Richie, are you listenin to me

Davy starts snapping his finger at him.

RICHIE
Oh, yeah...I hear you....but...

MR. PAUL
Snap out of it. She’s out of yo league, brotha. Da last guy she dated was a Calvin
Klein model, man, and I tink before dat was some soap opera star on da Guiding Light or somethin.

Elle the walks over to the table and sits down with he beverage. Richie then looks at her and then knocks his Pepsi all over her.

RICHIE
Ahh.Ahh....Elle? I’m....ah sorry bout that? I keep knockin things over.

Davy Paul gives Elle a paper towel and she wipes off her shirt. A big stain is left on her shirt.

ELLE
Don’t worry about it. It’s just a stain. It’ll come out.

Richie runs over to the sink and gets a paper towel and wets it. He then goes over to Elle and starts blotting her blouse.

ELLE
Ah, Richie, what are you doing?
37

Richie stops and can’t believe what he just did. Davy Paul is laughing and then pulls Richie over as he gets up.

MR. PAUL
Relax, man. As my hero Bob Marley used to say: Everyting’s gonna be alright.
It’s written all ova you face too.

RICHIE
What? What do you mean?

MR. PAUL
You like dis girl. You got good taste too. Just be yourself, Richie.
Don’t be a damn fool Good luck with da principal later.

Mr. Paul leaves the room and Richie walks back to Elle who is putting on a sweater to cover her stained shirt.

RICHIE
I really do apologize for my clumsiness. I hope you don’t think that I’m a real dope.

The bell rings signifying the end of the day.

ELLE
I think you’re kind of cute in a puppy do sort of way.

Richie starts to smile really big.

RICHIE
Really?

Elle grabs her bookbag and books and starts leaving the room.

ELLE
I’ll see you around, Richie Deusch.

Elle exits the room and Richie starts walking to the principal’s office.

INT: PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE-DAY
Richie walks into the main office and knocks on the principal’s door. He then proceeds into her office. The principal is sitting at her desk, and Richie pulls a chair up.

38

DR. LIBERMAN
Mr. Duesch, I want to talk to you about the lesson I saw this morning.

RICHIE
Er..Ahh. ..Okay....Did you...ahh....enjoy it?

DR. LIBERMAN
(Looking unamused)
I thought I told you that you were teaching history and economics?

RICHIE
You did, maam. And I was just doin some economics with the class.

DR. LIBERMAN
(Loudly)
Having my students discussing ways in which they can make money by stealing, dealing, and as one girl so eloquently said it, “pimpin” is not teaching. To top it off, you allowed foul language in the class and did virtually nothing to stop it What was that all about? Very unprofessional.

RICHIE
Um. Well. Er.. Ughh.. My bad?

DR LIBERMAN
My bad? That’s all you can say. I am this close to calling up the judge and sending you back to him. Do I make myself clear?

RICHIE
Yes

DR. LIBERMAN
No more nonsense. Just teach from the book and that’s it Now, get out of my office and don’t screw up again.

Richie gets up out of his seat and leaves the principal’s office shaking his head.

EXT: HIGH SCHOOL-LATE AFTERNOON
As Richie is walking out of the building towards the subway, he sees Elle from a distance coming out of a bodega and heading in the direction of the subway. Richie picks up the pace of his walk.

SONG PLAYING-FOR YOU I WILL-TEDDY GEIGER
39

RICHIE
(Shouting)
Elle....Elle...

Elle stops for a moment and sees Richie. Richie catches up to her.

ELLE
What are you still doing coming from the school so late?

RICHIE
I was talking to, I mean getting shamed by the principal. That lady intimidates me.
Man, I felt like I was back in fifth grade the way she spoke to me.

ELLE
Don’t worry. She’s like that to everyone. She takes some getting used to.

RICHIE
I guess so. Hey Elle, the principal told me to teach just from the book. What do you think I should do?

ELLE
(Serious)
I know that you should teach from the heart. I overheard one of your students talking in my class, and he said that he “fuckin” loved the money lesson today.

RICHIE
Oh yeah. Who said that?

ELLE
I....I....forgot...But the point is, teaching works best when you make that special connection with your students. You can do that, Richie.

A black Mercedes with tinted windows pulls up by Elle. The windows roll down and a good looking man apppears.

MAN IN MERCEDES
Hey, Elle. Are you ready for dinner? Get in.

ELLE
There’s my ride See ya

Elle gets into the car and looks at Richie who appears like he has been struck by a train.

40

ELLE
Please take my advice, Richie.

Elle closes the door and the car speeds off. Richie stands by the subway stairs and just looks confused and upset. He starts walking down the stairs towards the subway.

INT: SLATER’S BAR- EARLY EVENING
Richie enters Slater’s bar and there are a few guys sitting on bar stools. Scotty is behind the bar. Richie walks up the bar and takes a seat.

RICHIE
Scotty, what’s up? Let me have a scotch and soda.

SCOTTY
How’s your teaching gig going there?

RICHIE
It’s alright.

Scotty finishes making the drink and gives it to Richie.

SCOTTY
Well, at least your still in one piece. Some of those high school kids are tough, huh.

Richie takes a gulp of his drink.

RICHIE
You ain’t kidding me. But, I gotta do it or else their gonna send me to the slammer. Remember, 100 days of this shit.

SCOTTY
Yeah...You got a long way to go still.

Scotty walks away and starts cleaning some glasses.

RICHIE
Scotty, let me ask you a question. Since you are a bar tender, I trust your advice more than say a psychologist or even my mom.

SCOTTY
Shoot.

41

RICHIE
There’s this teacher at school that is so freakin hot, but I just keep making an ass out of myself every time I try to talk to her. I stammer, stutter, and act like a complete klutz.

SCOTTY
Dude, it sounds to me that you really like this girl. My advice to you would be
Richie, stop acting like a complete deusch. If you can master not being a deusch, you will be successful in the hunt for this woman.

Richie finishes up his drink and starts walking out of the bar.

RICHIE
Thanks for you shitty advice, Scotty. I’m fuckin exhausted.

Scotty runs towards Richie just as he is stepping out the door and Richie comes back into the bar.

SCOTTY
I was only kidding with you. For real, it sounds like you’re crazy about this girl and that is why you are acting that way around her. Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place.

RICHIE
Thanks.. Until next time, Scotty, peace.

Richie walks out of the bar.

INT: RICHIE’S APARTMENT-NIGHT

SONG PLAYING: FOLLOW THROUGH-GAVIN DEGRAW

Richie is sitting at his desk and working on his Apple computer. He is looking at the computer screen and writing down some information. He is then seen contemplating. He then gets up out of his seat and looks at the teacher’s information and phone number list. He zeros in on Elle Brevot’s name. He takes his cell phone out and starts to dial the phone. It rings and Elle picks up.

ELLE
Hello. Hello...Is there anyone there? Hello? (Click)

Richie goes back to his desk and puts his face into his hands. The cell phone rings , Richie looks at the number on the phone, but does not pick it up. Scene dims and fades out.
42

INT: FRONT OF SCHOOL: MORNING
Richie is headed into the front entrance of the school. He passes by students who are going to their lockers and fooling around. Konstantine, the Russian student from his class, walks quickly to catch up to Richie.

KONSTANTINE
Mr. Deusch... Hey man, Mr, Deusch.

Richie turns around and stops.

RICHIE
Konstantine, what going on?

KONSTANTINE
What do you know about being arrested?

RICHIE
Why? Who put you up to this?

KONSTANTINE
You seems to know a lot about stuff that’s real. I got caught yesterday.

RICHIE
What? What do you mean, Kon?

KONSTANTINE
I was borrowing some rims off a Beamer on Central Park West, and I got busted. Busted by the pigs, mista.

Richie starts walking towards the main office with Konstantine.

RICHIE
How’d you get out?

KONSTANTINE
I gots youth on my side. I’m only fifteen. They released me to my moms.

RICHIE
I’m sorry to hear this news but if you want we can talk more about it later.
If you want, I can talk to Mr. Paul or somebody that can help you better than me. I’m new to this teaching game.

43

KONSTANTINE
Don’t tell anybody bout this. As far as you know, we never talked.

RICHIE
My lips are sealed.

Mr. Deusch is about to head into the main office and Konstantine asks him.

KONSTANTINE
Deusch, Are we gonna learn about money today? Dat was like the first lesson that interested me the whole year.

RICHIE
(Thinking)
Definitely. I got something even better in store for class. You’ll love it.

KONSTANTINE
Peace, G.

RICHIE
Right back at ya!

Richie then walks into the main office.

INT: MAIN OFFICE-MORNING
Richie is goes over to his teacher’s mailbox and gets his mail and announcements. Dr. Liberman approaches Richie from his other side and shocks him as he turns forward. Richie drops his mail.

DR. LIBERMAN
So, Mr. Deusch, have you given any thought to our little conversation yesterday?

Richie is on the floor picking up his mail and then drops it again.

RICHIE
(From the floor)
Yeah, I....have.

DR. LIBERMAN
Book lessons only....No as they say shooting from the hip. You better follow my advice or else.

Richie then stands up and he is nervous.

44

RICHIE
That’s a lovely shirt you have on today, Dr. Liberman.

Dr. Liberman starts to walk away.

DR. LIBERMAN
Don’t bullshit me, Deusch. I’m watching you at all times.

RICHIE
Your nun like sweater is also very beautiful. (whispering) Damn Bitch.

Richie then walks toward the door of the main office and he drops his books and mail again.
As Richie is bending over on the floor to pick up his books, Elle walks through the door and trips over Richie. She falls right on top of Richie. Richie is extremely embarrassed. Richie gets up and reaches for Elle’s hand. The entire office staff is watching intently.

SONG PLAYING: FOR YOU I WILL-TEDDY GEIGER

RICHIE
Give me your hand.

Elle gives him her hand and he pulls her up. Elle looks very striking today in her black tight skirt and beige tank top with low heels. Her hair is not in a bun and is long with curls.

ELLE
You’re something else, Richie...

RICHIE
I’m...er...walking ...to my classroom...now...Do you want..to...er..walk with...me?

ELLE
Sure! But I have to ask you something, Richie.

The two walk out of the main office towards their classrooms.

RICHIE
(Looking very nervous)
O.....Okay!

ELLE
Did you call me last night and hang up?

RICHIE
Uhhh...Er.....Ummm....No?
45

Elle gives him a look and a nod.

ELLE
C’mon...I have the number saved on my cell phone.

Elle stops walking and shows Richie the cell phone with the number from last night.

RICHIE
Very...Very interesting. I don’t think that’s my..uh..phone...number.

They continue walking.

ELLE
I called back and I heard you breathing heavy in the background.

RICHIE
I don’t’ br ....br...breath heavy.

ELLE
You are right now and I matched the number to the number listed in the Yellow Pages.

They get to Elle’s classroom and the bell rings.

RICHIE
Aren’t you...going...um....out...with...the guy in the ...Mercedes?

ELLE
That guy? He’s just an old friend. We had dinner. Nothing else. Why do you ask?

The students then start filling the hallways heading to their classes. Woo walks by and sees Richie and Elle talking.

WOO
You a playa, Mista Deusch. Ms Brevot, I love you. You so pretty!

ELLLE
Thank you, Woo. Now, go to your class.

WOO
I LOVE YOU. WOO LOVE YOU, Miss.

Woo then walks into Richie’s classroom next door. Richie starts to walk to his classroom.

46

RICHIE
Elle, I....really........

Issac, Jose, Rashad, Konstantine, and Sheila walk by and slap Richie’s hand and make hoots and hollers.

RICHIE
Have to go to class now.

Elle looks disappointed as Richie walks to his classroom.

INT: RICHIE’S CLASSROOM-DAY
Richie goes into his class and his students are conversing and carrying on. He goes over to his desk and looks at the huge stack of business books that he is suppose to give out to his students.

RICHIE
Woo....Rashad....Pass out the text books now, please.

Woo and Rashad walk up to the desk and each takes a stack of the text books, and starts to pass out the books to each student in the class. The books are from the 1950' and ridiculously outdated. Dustballs are spiraling into the air.

ISSAC
G, whatcha doin? I though we was gonna learn about entreapprenticeship today.

RICHIE
You mean entrepreneurship.

ISSAC
Yeah, whatever. I actually went to the library yesterday and printed this crap out for you. Here.

Issac gives Richie printouts of businesses, entrepreneurial profiles, and stock reports. Richie looks at it and gives it back to Issac.

KONSTANTINE
Yeah, and I even stole, I mean bought this Wall Street Journal. Look!

Konstantine hands his Wall Street Journal to Richie. Richie flips through it and gives it back.

SHEILA
Mista D, I told my pops about yo lesson on money. He was impressed, G. Why you passing these ugly old books out to us?

47

RICHIE
Well, Sheila, today is textbook appreciation day, and we’re gonna do some really fun and interesting book work, as your principal calls it, today.

RASHAD
I hate that lady , yo. She’s messed up!

KONSTANTINE
This book is wak, mista.

RICHIE
Alright, turn to page, let’s see, one, and read up till page seven. Answer the questions on page seven. Write out the complete questions and answers. No one word answers either.

WOO
(Sniffing the book)
Dis book smells, and it’s fallin apart. Look (as the books splits into two pieces).
I ain’t reading this corny shit, G-Unit.

RICHIE
Fine....Then put your head down woo and take a little napsie. I’ll sing you a lullaby if you want.

Woo looks pissed off but puts his head down. Moments later the principal appears at the door and walks into the classroom. She sees that most of the students have a textbook and appear to be reading.

DR. LIBERMAN
(Looking at Richie)
Much, much better, Mr. Deusch. This is how I like my classrooms to look. I like this lesson much better than yesterday’s.

She continues to walk down each aisle, peering at each student as she passes. She then approaches Richie.

SONG PLAYING: LIKE GLUE-SEAN PAUL

DR. LIBERMAN
Remember, book work only...or else you’re fired. Capesh!

She starts to walk out of the room and Richie begins to imitate her.

48

RICHIE
(Muttering loudly)
Book work only..Well La De Da. Book work only. You can shove that book straight up your ass, beeyatch.

Dr. Liberman turns at the door.

DR. LIBERMAN
Did you say something, Deusch?

RICHIE
Ahh.....um....The book work is fantastic, maam, and you’re the super best principal in the world.

DR. LIBERMAN
I thought so.

She walks out of the room. Richie looks at his students who appear to be struggling and upset with the work. Richie thinks for a moment as he looks at the students again. Richie then walks over to the window and opens it up. He then throws his books out the window. The students look shocked. Issac then runs over to the window and tosses his book out the window. Konstantine then throws his book at Woo.

WOO
Ouch! What’s yo problem? I shit on this book!

Woo then gets up and throws his book out the window. All the students are lining at the window throwing their books out of it. The students go back to their seats and start applauding Richie’s actions.

RICHIE
You can’t do book work......without books!

Richie goes up to the blackboard and writes the word Entrepreneurship on the board.

RICHIE
Class, what does the word entrepreneurship mean?

SHEILA
I heard that before. Wait a minute..It’s when you start your own business, right?

49

RICHIE
Good, Sheila. Can anybody give me examples of businesses in your neighborhood?

All of the students hands go up.

RICHIE
That are not illegal!

All of the students hands go down.

RICHIE
C’mon. I know you guys can do this.

RASHAD
Mista, my older brotha has a barber shop up in Harlem. I help him out on the weekends sometimes.

ISSAC
You cut hair? Man, you should get a haircut yoself. Look at yo fro, nigga.

Rashad gets up but Richie quickly goes over to him and settles him down.

RICHIE
Chill, guys, chill. Anyway, what are some characteristics that an entrepreneur, or someone who starts their own business has?

Richie stands by the chalkboard ready to create a list.

KONSTANTINE
They are risk takers, man.

Richie writes that on the board.

RICHIE
Great, what else?

Elle then appears at the door to Richie’s classroom. Richie and his students are so wrapped up in the lesson that they don’t see her. She just stands there, smiles, and watches the lesson.

WOO
Positive attitude, like me, Mista.

Richie writes that on the board.
50

RICHIE
More. Cmon..

SHEILA
Entrepreneurs are hard working and goal oriented, Mr. D.

Richie writes the words on the board.

RICHIE
Spectacular, Sheila. How bout some more?

ISSAC
They know a lot about money, like Bill Gates G. I wish Bill Gates was my daddy.

Richie writes the characteristics on the board.

RICHIE
What a great list you guys came up with. Now, before the bell rings in 20 seconds,
I wanna tell you that we are going to start our own business tomorrow right here in this very class. Hasta La Vista, see you tommorrow.

Richie looks over and sees Elle standing at the door, but she quickly leaves. The bell then rings and the students leave the classroom.

INT: TEACHER’S LOUNGE
Mr. Paul, Mr. Halpern, Elle, and an older fiftiesh female burley and manly teacher named SUE
SLOANEY are talking.

MR. PAUL
(Sipping his Mellow Yellow)
Hey, mon, when dya tink dis strike is gonnna be over?

MR. HALPERN
(Sipping Aquafina water)
I’ve heard that a little progress has been made, but the reports have been brief. ELLE
(Sipping a Starbucks coffee cup)
I hope the strike ends soon, so we can resort back to normal.

Ms. Sloaney is staring at Elle and then she starts paging through the New York Daily News.

51

MS. SLOANEY
Did you see this, Elle. Both the Yanks and Mets won yesterday. Who do you like better, Elle the Yanks or the Mets?

ELLE
Mets all the way, Sue. How bout you?

MS. SLOANEY
I kind like you better then both teams..snort...ha.ha.snort..No, just kidding, I like the Milwaukee Brewers. That’s my favorite city to be in.

ELLE
O-----KAY....

MR. PAUL
Anyone heard from Richie?

MR. HALPERN
When I was in the main office just before, I overheard the principal saying that she’s probably going to get rid of him once the strike is resolved.

ELLE
What? What do you mean, Mr. Halpern?

MR. HALPERN
Lois, her secretary told me that “off the record” Dr. Liberman hates Richie and will do everything in her power to get him fired for not following her directions and disrespecting her.

MR. PAUL
Dat damn fat ugly beyeetch. Give da guy a chance, mon!

Richie then walks into the teacher’s lounge with a positive look on his face. He goes over to the Pepsi machine and buys a Pepsi. He goes over to the group of teachers and sits down.

RICHIE
Hey guys, what’s up?

Elle has a concerned look on her face. Elle goes over to Richie and pats his shoulder. Ms
Sloaney gets very upset as she gets up to leave.

MS SLOANEY
Now now, Elle. I wouldn’t waste my time with that man. I’m a real wo----man.
Elle, you’re so cute....
52

Ms. Sloaney then gives Elle a hug, gives Richie a dirty look, and walks out of the room in a huff.

RICHIE
What was that all about?

MR. PAUL
I don’t trust dat Sloaney. She’s gonna run to dat principal in like tree seconds.
Elle, she really like you too.

MR. HALPERN
How are things going in class, Richie?

RICHIE
Better. But, I do believe that the principal has a problem with me. She came into my room today and told me to do book work or else.

ELLE
Did you do book work?

RICHIE
I tried, but you know that book work sucks and really doesn’t work. I told my class that we’re gonna start a business in the school .

MR. HALPERN
Are you sure that’s a good idea, Richie. That sure goes against Dr. Liberman’s book work or else philosophy.

RICHIE
I don’t give a rat’s ass what she says. I’m gonna do it my way!

MR. PAUL
Richie, you can count on me to help ya. It sounds like a great idea, and I hate dat damn principal so much. I love pissin her off. She can’t touch me with my tenure and record, mon.

RICHIE
Thanks!

The teachers continue talking and the scene fades out.

EXT: EAST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL-LATE AFTERNOON

SONG PLAYING-THE REASON-HOOBASTANK
53

Richie and Elle are seen exiting the school together. They are walking and stop briefly for a moment.

ELLE
Richie, why are you here?

RICHIE
(Perplexed)
Uh. What? I’m here.. because 33 years ago my mother and father had sex, and then, nine months later, wham, I.....came out head first...

ELLE
(Laughing)
No, really. What happened that caused you to become a teacher?

RICHIE
We kind of talked about this the first time I met you, remember. You said that I would not last one day here and that you didn’t want to waste your time talking to me. Hey, you’re still talking to me and I’ve been here a while now.

ELLE
(Looking sad)
It was totally wrong for me to say that to you. I should have been more supportive to you, especially with coming here with no experience and all.

Richie and Elle start walking again but as Richie is looking at Elle and not paying attention he crashed into a garbage can and trips over it. Elle reaches down to help Richie.

ELLE
Oh my god...Are you okay?

Richie looks embarrassed and Elle helps him up.

RICHIE
Thanks....

The two start walking again towards the subway train.

ELLE
By the way, Richie. If you want assistance with your school store idea, I would love to help. You really are making a special connection with your students. I admire you for that.

54

RICHIE
You....do? Would...you admire..um....me...if I....ask you....ahh.out for....dinner for Saturday...night?

Elle begins to blush and she blurts out.

ELLE
Sure....I’d love to have dinner with you.

They reach the train station.

RICHIE
I know this routine already. I’m going downtown and you’re going uptown.

ELLE
Yes indeed.

Elle goes over to Richie and kisses him on the cheek and then runs down the stairs to her subway. Richie just stands there and feels great.

RICHIE
(Screams at the top of his lungs)
YES! YES! HELL YEAH!

People look and Richie as he pumps his fists and clicks his heels together as he heads down the stairs to the subway.

INT: RICHIE’S APARTMENT-NIGHT
Richie is working on his Apple Notebook computer and listening to his IPOD. He appears really into his work and his apartment is cleaner and neater. Richie is in a very positive mood.
He continues working on his computer.

INT: HALLWAY OF SCHOOL-MORNING
Konstantine and Woo are walking in the hallway when all of the sudden a gang of thugs come from the other direction and “jumps” Konstantine and Woo. As that happens, Richie and Mr. Paul hear the commotion and run quickly to break up the incident.

SONG PLAYING-DIRT OFF YOUR SHOULDERS- JAY Z

MR. PAUL
(Trying to pull the thugs off Woo)
Stop dis shit, man. Cut it out...
55

Richie goes over to help Konstantine who is being jumped by two thugs. Konstantine is getting pounded and then Richie gets hit in the side of his face and falls to the ground. Students start running over to the fight and crowd around. Three security officers come over to the situation and finally round up the thugs and take them away. As one of the security officers grabs Woo and Konstantine, Richie gets up. The crowd begins to disperse.

RICHIE
Don’t take Woo or Kon. They didn’t do anything. Mr. Paul and I saw the whole thing go down.

SECURITY OFFICER
They’re all yours then. Two less problems for me to deal with.

The security officers then walk away with the four thugs that jumped Woo and Konstantine.

MR. PAUL
Watch yoself, boys. Next time you may not be dis lucky. You alright, Mr. Deusch?
You got clocked in da face.

Richie begins to feel his face for blood or a bruise.

RICHIE
I’ll be fine.

MR. PAUL
Lata!

Mr. Paul walks away and Richie goes towards Woo and Konstantine.

RICHIE
What was that all about, guys?

KONSTANTINE
Nothin, Mista.

Woo shakes his head.

RICHIE
So I got hit in the face for nothing. That’s a crock of crap and you know it.

KONSTANTINE
G, thanks for helping us out. But, dos ghetto thugs jumped us for no reason.

56

WOO
Aight! Except I looked at one of their girls. She’s tight!

KONSTANTINE
Would you shut the fuck up, you Jackie Chan wannabe.

RICHIE
Get the dirt off your shoulders and brush yourself off. We got class now.

As Richie walks away from Kon and Woo, he goes into the doorway of his class, which is filled with students waiting. Elle comes over to Richie and gives him a great big hug. Ms. Sloaney just happens to be walking by at the same time. Woo and Kon go into the classroom.

ELLE
How do you feel?

RICHIE
Much, much better, Elle. Can you make me feel even better?

ELLE
Shut up. OK.

MS SLOANEY
Would you two get a room. I don’t need to see this. But, Elle you are so sweet!

Richie and Elle are still embracing.

RICHIE
(Muttering so Sloaney can hear)
When was the last time you had a man? Never!

ELLE
Richie!

Elle then kisses Richie on the lips and the entire class can be heard.

ENTIRE CLASS
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Elle then walks away from Richie back to her room. Richie is staring in awe as she walks away.

Issac goes over to Richie who is in the hallway.

57

ISSAC
Mista Deusch. You is so gangsta! First you be body guarding Woo and Kon, and now you gots a real kickin shorty.

RICHIE
Ok, Issac. Now it’s time to get back into Mr. Deusch’s crib. It’s lesson time.

Issac walks back into the classroom and gives “props” and shakes to Rashad, Sheila, and other students. Richie goes to the front of the room and starts his lesson. He writes on the board what are your goals for the future.

SONG PLAYING-NUMB/ENCORE-LINKIN PARK/JAY Z

RICHIE
Guys, today we are going start off talking about goals. It is so important that each one of you sets goals for the future. Take out a piece of paper and your pens.

Class groans and moans.

RICHIE
Don’t worry. This is an assignment about you for you. Write down on your paper your goals for the future and how you are going to achieve them.

All of the students start writing their goals down.

RICHIE
Would anyone like to share with me their goals?

No one raises their hand. Finally Konstantine raises his hand.

RICHIE
Konsatantine?

KONSTANTINE
Now don’t all ya laugh at me now. My goals for the future are to make my mom proud. I want to graduate from high school, go to college, and become a pharmacist.

The students begin to laugh.

RASHAD
What? You gonna sell drugs?

58

KONSTANTINE
No, stupid that’s a street pharmacist. A real pharmacist, who helps people and gets medicines together and shit.

RASHAD
Oh!

RICHIE
Anyone else? How bout Jose?

JOSE
No, man...No...

RICHIE
C’mon...What are your goals?

JOSE
I couldn’t think of any, G.

RICHIE
Well, now Jose, I’m gonna give you your first goal for yourself.

JOSE
Oh yeah? What?

RICHIE
After school today, we’re all gonna meet in the basement of the school, and we’re gonna start our school business.

SHEILA
Cool! What is it?

RICHIE
I’ve been doing some research and I stumbled upon some information. Anyway, to make a long story short, I got a grant from Staples to start our school store.

WOO
What’s a grant, Deusch?

RICHIE
It’s money that is given to a person or school that must be used for a specific purpose. 59

JOSE
You mean, we gonna start a business from scratch.

RICHIE
Yes, you are going decide what to sell, and how to sell it. But, first we’re gonna meet later and create our business plan.

Richie continues talking and the scene fades out.

INT: SCHOOL’S BASEMENT-DAY
Richie, Mr. Paul and the students are in the basement which is dingy, dirty, moldy, and filled with broken desks, chairs, teachers desks, boxes of junk, garbage. Richie gives each of the students a garbage bag, cleaning supplies, and plastic gloves.

SONG PLAYING- I CAN- NAS

RICHIE
Class, this is going to be our new home. We are going to clean this place up now and we’re not leaving until its spic and span. Jose and Sheila, sweep up the floors and make piles of the dirt and junk. Rashad, pick up the piles and put them into the Hefty bags. Issac, could you go over to the door and see if it leads outside.

Issac walks over to the door and opens it. It leads right into the back of the school.

RICHIE
Ok, then Issac, Konstantine, and Woo, start bringing the broken desks, chairs, and furniture outside and stack them neatly there. The rest of you, take the brooms, and bags and clean this dump out.

Mr. Paul walks over to Richie.

MR. PAUL
Hey Richiemon, dis is a wonderful ting you’re doing, but did you get approval from da queen to do this?

RICHIE
What do you mean?

MR. PAUL
Dis is the Board of Ed, man. You can’t just do tings you wanna do. Tings got to be approved by da big bosses.

RICHIE
If I wait for the big wigs to approve this school store, the student’s will have
60

long graduated and be 30 years old by that time. Sometimes you gotta take initiative. I’m just trying to be a good teacher and do the right thing.

MR. PAUL
I know...I’ll help ya the best I can.

Mr. Paul grabs a ladder and starts screwing in nice light bulbs and the room becomes lighter and lighter. Richie grabs some Lysol and starts disinfecting the room by spraying and wiping down the area.

CUT: The students are seen working really hard, sweating, and dirty. The room is coming along nicely.

Elle comes downstairs into the basement and is completely in awe. She walks over to Richie and Mr. Paul. She is wearing overalls and work boots.

ELLE
I’m ready to work. What do you think?

RICHIE
You look really cute, Elle. We are gonna start painting the room now. Grab a paint brush and a bucket and you can help the kids.

ELLE
I love painting! Yeah! You guys have done an amazing job cleaning this place out.
Wow! I feel like I’m on Trading Spaces !

RICHIE
More like Home Improvement. But, it’ll be fun.

MR. PAUL
Hey Richie, help me out.

Mr. Paul is holding up a huge box and Richie runs over to help him.

MR. PAUL
Thanks!

CUT: The students, Elle, Richie, and Mr. Paul are painting the walls.

CUT: The students and teachers are having a fun moment dabbing each other with paint and laughing.

61

CUT: Elle dabs Richie’s face with white paint and snickers.

CUT: Mr. Paul is putting up some more cool lighting.

CUT: Students are moving new tables into place.

Richie looks at his watch and it is 8PM.

RICHIE
Okay, everybody. Come over here. Right now.

All of the students and teachers come over to Richie.

ISSAC
We did good today, right Mr. Deusch?

Richie looks around the newly improved, freshly painted, cleaned up basement and shakes his head. Richie then takes a huge Staples banner and with Mr. Paul’s assistance, hangs it up.

RICHIE
You guys did a fantastic job today. You all learned about reaching a goal, team work, cooperation, and discipline. Those are all excellent features of a great businessperson.

MR. PAUL
Give yoselfs some love, mon. Give youselves a round of applause.

The students, Elle, Richie, and Mr. Paul all start clapping.

Mr. PAUL
Give yo teacha’s some love!

The students start hollering and clapping for their teachers.

RICHIE
Tomorrow, the supplies from Staples will be coming. Hopefully, we can start this show next week and you guys will learn how to make some money.

The students start filing out and leaving.

SHEILA
That was so much fun, Mr. Deusch. Thank you!

RICHIE
No, thank you, Sheila. Great work. See ya tomorrow.
62

The rest of the students and Mr. Paul leave. Elle and Richie are left in the basement.

ELLE
You are truly unbelievable, Mr. Deusch.

RICHIE
You’re my inspiration, Elle.

Elle kisses Richie and walks away.

INT: FRONT OF SCHOOL-EVENING
Richie is walking out of the building and he sees Mr. Paul getting into his black Lexus.
Richie goes up to his car and Mr. Paul rolls the window down.

RICHIE
Holy shit. Nice car. How’d you get this on a teacher’s salary?

MR. PAUL
Dis is a good damn ride, Richie. My wife and I have a Jamaican restaurant in Brooklyn, man. It’s our family business. Hey, mon, whatcha doin now?

RICHIE
I’m gonna get something to eat. I’m really hungry.

Mr. Paul gets out of his car and grabs Richie by the head and starts scratching his head.

Mr. PAUL
Get in da car. Come to da restaurant. You can meet my boys .

RICHIE
Alright! Are you sure its no problem?

MR. PAUL
It’s nuting, man.

Richie gets into the car.

SONG PLAYING: NO WOMAN NO CRY-BOB MARLEY

INT: MR. PAUL’S CAR-NIGHT

63

RICHIE
I love Bob Marley. I have his Legends disc.

MR. PAUL
He’s da boss, he’s really cool! Much love!

RICHIE
Hey, Davy let me ask you something?

MR. PAUL
Yeah.

RICHIE
How did you get involved in this teaching gig?

MR. PAUL
Oh man, I just stumbled upon it, kid. When I came to America, man, I had a degree from the University at Kingston, you know, Jamaica, and my shorty was 7 months with my first son. I needed to make some chedda, and the board of ed was hiring.

RICHIE
Do you like it?

MR. PAUL
It kind of grows on you like mold, mon. It pays da bills!

Davy parks the car right in front of a Jamaican restaurant.

MR. PAUL
Dis is it. Richie, dis is my restaurant, man.

Richie gets out of the car and he is in a pretty dangerous section of Brooklyn. He looks at the restaurant and he and Davy walk into the building.

RICHIE
This is awesome, Davy.

MR. PAUL
You ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait till my wife cooks da dinner.

INT: DAVY’S RESTAURANT-NIGHT
The restaurant is empty except for a table with three boys at it. The boys are aged 15, 12, and 10
64

and they are doing homework around the table. A women comes out of the kitchen in wearing a scarf around her head.

MR. PAUL
Dis is the family. Dats Sean, Robert, and Ziggy. And, dat’s my beautiful wife Ebony.

The boys get up to shake Richie’s hand and the boys are very tall and big like their father.
Richie shakes their hands and Ebony’s hand as well.

RICHIE
Nice to meet you all!

Ebony goes back into the kitchen and brings out Jamaican Jerk chicken, sweet potatoes, and collard greens.

EBONY
You eva have dis before, Richie?

RICHIE
No, it looks delicious. Thank you so much.

Richie and Davy are given their plates and the boys are still sitting at the table.

RICHIE
You have a fantastic family. And this chicken is awesome! Mmmm.

MR. PAUL
So, Richie, how do you like teachin so far?

Richie stops chewing for a moment and looks up at Davy.

RICHIE
Believe it or not, this is the first time in my life that I’ve ever taken a job, or for that matter anything seriously. I wanna make a difference with these kids.

MR. PAUL
Dat is very satisfying indeed, but you seem to like dat girl Elle a lot.

RICHIE
Oh yeah. That definitely is another perk to keep me at East Side High. But,
I really do care about this job, Davy. I’m gonna do a good job.

65

MR. PAUL
Dat’s cool! Keep it real, man!

Davy and Richie continue eating and the scene fades out.

INT: MAIN OFFICE-EAST SIDE HS-MORNING

SONG PLAYING: SABOTAGE- BEASTIE BOYS

Richie walks into the office and Dr. Liberman’s secretary waves him over to her desk.

SECRETARY
Ohhhh, Mr. Deusch....She’s really mad today.....She’s flipping out this morning.
She want’s to see you in her office right now! Ohhh....

Richie has a look of fear and terror on his face because he knows exactly what Dr. Liberman is going to say to him. He walks into her office and Dr. Liberman is seated at her desk.

DR. LIBERMAN
Shut my door!

Richie goes over and shuts the door. Before Richie has a chance to say anything Dr. Liberman starts yelling at him.

DR. LIBERMAN
What is your problem, Deusch? What the hell are you up to?

Before Richie can respond she starts in again.

DR. LIBERMAN
You have done nothing to make me happy and everything to annoy me.
First of all, you just can’t follow directions. I wanted you do book work only.
What the fuck is this that I here that you are now starting some kind of school store?

RICHIE
Yeah. I did a little research and Staples gave me a grant to start a school store.
So, yesterday, my students and a few teachers helped fix up the basement so that we can make it all nice and pretty.

DR. LIBERMAN
The basement? You can’t use that.. That’s our store room. You also can’t just do things without approval.

66

RICHIE
Okay, then. Do you give me and my class permission to start a school store?

DR. LIBERMAN
Absolutely no...Do I make myself clear again. Now, I’m gonna have to disable you’re little school store idea and take your grant away. Just leave the money with me and I’ll be sure to return it to Staples. How much did they give you?

RICHIE 5 grand.

DR. LIBERMAN
Oh, really. Tell me, Richie, which teachers were helping you yesterday?

RICHIE
I forgot...I can’t remember.

She then reaches for the phone and starts dialing a number.

DR. LIBERMAN
I need to know who was helping you. Maybe I need to speak to Judge McPatrick about your behavior here. I’m sure he’d love for you to finish the rest of your days in jail.

RICHIE
Sorry, I can’t tell you.

The phone rings and the Judge picks up. Split screen.

Dr. LIBERMAN
Judge..This is Dr. Liberman from East Side High School. You remember me, right?

JUDGE
Yes indeed. How’s our boy Deusch doing?

DR. LIBERMAN
Not so good.

JUDGE
What do you mean?

DR. LIBERMAN
He just stole 5,000 dollars from the school treasury to start a business in school.

67

JUDGE
He did what?

Richie has a look of shock and anger on him.

RICHIE
Give me the phone, Dr. Liberman. That’s a damn lie you’re telling him.

Richie approaches Dr. Liberman and tries to get the phone from her.

DR. LIBERMAN
Stop it Richie. You’re hurting me. Judge, call 911 fast for me. He’s...

The phone goes dead. Dr. Liberman then pushes Richie away from her.

DR. LIBERMAN
Get the hell out of my office and you’re fired.

RICHIE
What? Huh?

Dr. Liberman calls for school security and within a few seconds two officers arrive.

DR. LIBERMAN
Get him out of here!

The school security officers walk Richie out of her office past the secretaries and at that point Elle walks into the office. Richie is being pushed and led out of the office by the security officers.

ELLE
What’s going on? Richie? Where are they taking you?

Richie is being led to the front of the school. Richie shouts back at Elle.

SONG PLAYING: SING FOR THE MOMENT-EMINEM

RICHIE
Elle, they’re taking me back.

ELLE
What do you mean?

68

RICHIE
To jail.....I can explain....everything........

Four police officers arrive at the school and Dr. Liberman rushes out to greet them. Elle follows.
Many of Richie’s students are watching as handcuffs are place upon Richie’s hands. Issac, Rashad, Konstantine, Sheila, Woo, and Jose are looking at Richie disappointed.

POLICE OFFICER
You again? You have the right to remain silent....anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.....

The principal rushes over to the police man and has a look of concern on her face.

DR. LIBERMAN
Officer, check his pockets, please. He stole a 5000 dollar check made out to the school from Staples.

The officer frisks Richie and finds an envelop in his jacket pocket. The officer opens the envelope and finds a check for 5000 dollars made out to the school from Staples. The officer proceeds to give the principal the check.

DR. LIBERMAN
Have fun in prison, Deusch...

Dr. Liberman starts smirking and walks right past Elle, gives her a very dirty sneer, and goes back to her office smiling.

As Richie is being led away, he sees the look of disappointment on his student’s faces.

RICHIE
(Looking at his students and then at Elle)
I’m innocent...This is all a big mistake. She stole the money...

POLICE OFFICER
Shut up, buddy. Save your words to the judge.

Richie is led out of the school in handcuffs and in shame. Richie walks through a crowd of students and teachers who are just shaking their heads. Elle is shaking her head as well.

Richie is led into a police car and the car speeds off.

INT: COURTHOUSE-AFTERNOON
Richie is sitting at a bench in front of the Judge. Richie is dressed in an orange jumpsuit as the
69

Judge calls for order. A bailiff brings Richie to the front of the Judge’s chambers.

JUDGE
My,my,my, Mr. Deusch. You’ve really done it this time.

RICHIE
Judge, I swear to you. I’ve been set up! That principal was out to get me since day one.

JUDGE
Yeah, Deusch, that’s what they all say. Be a little more creative next time.
I’m not sure what I’m going to do with you now.

RICHIE
What do you mean?

The judge pulls out a stack of faxes from the principal.

JUDGE
You’ve been quite the trouble maker at East Side High School. Look!

He shows Richie all of the faxes from the principal and then starts reading one of the faxes.

JUDGE
Dear Judge,
Mr. Deusch was extremely disrespectful to me today. He muttered profanities at me and told me to stick a book up my ----, beeyatch. Mr. Deusch, did you say this to the principal?

RICHIE
Well, um...uh...

JUDGE
Remember, this is a court of law.

RICHIE
Yes, sir. I did whisper something to that affect, but I thought that she didn’t hear me.

JUDGE
That’s no excuse.

He proceeds to look at other faxes and shakes his head.

70

JUDGE
Disobedient, disrespectful, not following school rules, kissing another teacher in front of the students, making fun of Mr. Sloaney’s whiskers.

RICHIE
You mean Ms Sloaney, Judge.

JUDGE
Ughhh, really? But, the deal we made was 100 Days as a substitute teacher or 100
Days in jail. You fulfilled only 22 days at school. You owe me, let’s see, 78 more days
IN JAIL. That’s two and a half months. Take him away. Have a great time in jail, Mr.
Deusch.

Two guards approach Richie and start pushing him forward.

RICHIE
I’m telling you, that principal set me up. Ask Elle Brevot or Davy Paul. They’ll straighten this whole thing out. Please.

Richie is almost out of the courtroom handcuffed.

JUDGE
Learn to behave. Be respectful. You’ll have plenty of time to think about this.
Good day!

Richie is lead out of the courthouse to his jail cell.

EXT: IN FRONT OF CITIBANK: DAY
Dr. Liberman is rushing into the Citibank with her grant check and deposit slip in hand. She goes into the bank quickly.

INT: TEACHER’S LOUNGE-DAY
The teacher’s lounge is buzzing with activity. Teachers are all talking about the main event of the day: Richie being arrested and led out of the school to a squad car. Elle, Mr. Paul, Mr.
Halpern, and Ms. Sloaney are talking at a table.

MR. PAUL
I can’t believe dat she got Richie arrested. Now he got to go back to prison.

ELLE
What do you mean by that, Davy? Richie mentioned something about that as he was being carted away by the cops.

71

MR. PAUL
Richie mentioned tome on da first day I met him dat he was arrested for doin someting. He didn’t tell me for what though. But, I know dat dey have a program here in New York City dat gives first time offenders a choice of
100 days in da jail or, since there is a teacha strike, 100 days as a substitute techa.

ELLE
Oh! Now I kind of get it.

MS SLOANEY
I still think that Deusch is guilty. He obviously took the money that our great principal was talking about. The check was in his pocket.

MR. HALPERN
Yeah, I never trusted that guy. There was just something about him that I thought was a little bit shady. I can’t believe they would put a criminal in here in the first place. MR. PAUL
Shut up, Halpern. Der are lots of criminals, thugs, and ganstas in dis school right now. And, dat principal is a crook, man. She set my boy up! What do you tink, Elle?

Elle gets up to leave.

ELLE
I’m not sure. I really want to believe Richie, but he does have a criminal record, and he started up the school store so damn quickly. Maybe he did pocket some funds.

MR. PAUL
No, man...Richie wouldn’t do dat...He’s no thief!

Elle walks out of the room as the other teachers discuss the events of the day.

INT: MAIN OFFICE-DAY
The school secretary has the radio on and a special bulletin is announced.

ANNOUNCER
We interrupt this program to bring you this breaking news story. The teacher’s strike is over. Terms of a new contract were reached about an hour ago at city hall.
All striking teachers will return to school tomorrow. More details will be available later on today.

72

The secretary turns the radio off and goes into Dr. Liberman’s office.

INT: DR. LIBERMAN’S OFFICE-DAY
Dr. Liberman is on the phone with her bank and quickly hangs up.

SECRETARY
Sorry to interrupt you, Dr. Liberman.

DR. LIBERMAN
That’s Ok. And..

SECRETARY
The teacher’s strike is over. I just heard an announcement on the radio.

DR. LIBERMAN
On the radio. You’re not suppose to be listening to the radio on my time. But, that is great news. What a day..I got rid of Deusch, and now the strike is over.

The secretary begins to walk away.

DR. LIBERMAN
Get a sub for Deusch’s class now until the teachers return.

The secretary walks away and shakes her head. Dr. Liberman picks up the phone again and calls the bank.

DR. LIBERMAN
I’m putting a check into the account for 5,000 dollars. The account is to be renamed “my special account”. Thanks.. When will the money be available?
Tomorrow! Great. Have a wonderful day. I know I will.

She hangs up the phone and starts smiling and laughing.

INT: RICHIE’S CLASSROOM-DAY
A “new” teacher is sitting at Richie’s desk. His name is MR. MURPHY, and he is 40ish balding teacher with glasses and he is wearing a tweed sports jacket, shirt, bow tie, slacks, and loafers.
The students from Richie’s economics class file in. Issac, Rashad, and Konstantine are talking outside of the door.

ISSAC
You don’t think that Deusch really pocketed that grant money, do you?

RASHAD
I don’t know, nigga. I just don’t know.
73

KONSTANTINE
G was an honest dude. Watching him being taken by the 211 was sick. He didn’t commit no crime.

ISSAC
For real, K-on. Deusch is straight up, brotha! He don’t front! Aight!

Mr. Murphy walks to the door and looks at the boys.

MR. MURPHY
Get in here now. The class has begun. My economics lecture will resume.

Issac, Konstantine, and Rashad look at each other and walk into the classroom.

ISSAC
Don’t be buggin, Mista.

MR. MURPHY
Take you seat now or I’ll get someone in here to remove you. Settle down.

WOO
Hey mista!

MR. MURPHY
My name is not Mista. It’s Mr. Murphy! Speak correctly, son!

WOO
Okay, Mista. You want some Orbit gum?

MR. MURPHY
Why? There’s no gum chewing aloud in this class!

WOO
You got the dragon, Mista. Yo breath really stinks.

MR. MURPHY
Get out....Get out of my class now..

Woo gets up to leave and Mr. Murphy takes out his lecture notes.

MR. MURPHY
What is the difference between New Keynesian Economics and Post Keynesian
Economics?

74

The class looks blankly at the teacher. Mr. Murphy goes over to the desk and gets a pointer.
He slaps the pointer onto the desk. He then points his pointer at Issac.

MR. MURPHY
You, there. This is economics, right?

ISSAC
Get that damn pointer out of my face. We want Deusch back, Mista.

MR. MURPHY
He’s not coming back. I’m your new teacher, Mr. Murphy. Now, then, what is the difference between micro economics and macroeconomics? You.

He points to Jose.

JOSE
Fuck you, ese. I want Mr. Deusch back.

MR. MURPHY
No foul language in class. Get out of here.

Mr. Murphy slams his pointer again on the desk and Jose walks out of the class.

MR. MURPHY
Obviously your teacher did not teach you anything. Boy, this class is really stupid. Answer my questions already.

Mr. Murphy slams his pointer again and the scene fades out.

INT: ELLE’S CLASS-DAY
Issac, Jose, Woo, and Konstantine stop into Elle’s classroom and she has a look of concern on her face. She goes over to the students.

ELLE
Hello guys. How are you holding up?

ISSAC
Ms Brevot. Dat new teacha is really wak. He keeps smashing his pointer on the desk and calling us stupid.

ELLE
Oh really?

75

WOO
He threw me out of class because he has stinky breath.

ELLE
What?

WOO
He smells, not like you. You smell like roses, Miss. I love you...

ELLE
That’s so sweet, Woo. Thank you.

KONSTANTINE
The fellas and I were thinking Ms Brevot, if you would meet us in the basement later after school.

ELLE
Uhh....Okay...Why what’s going on?

KONSTANTINE
Just meet us down there at 4:00. I’ll explain everything then. Holla!

The guys walk out of Ms Brevot’s room and spot Mr. Paul.

ISSAC
Hey dog...Yo...Mista Paul....Davy..man..

Mr. Paul walks toward the fellas.

MR. PAUL
What it be.

ISSAC
Yo, Mista. You gots to meet us down in the basement at 4:00. Aight?

MR. PAUL
Okay...

KONSTANTINE
Any word on G?

MR. PAUL
Notttin, mon...Not one mention...I’ll be there!
76

Mr. Paul walks away and the guys go towards the computer room.

INT: COMPUTER ROOM-DAY
Woo, Issac, and Konstantine peer into the computer room and notice that the lights are off and nobody’s in the room. They open the door, which is unlocked and go towards the Apple IMACS and Woo logs into the computer.

ISSAC
Woo, You’re the Chronic Computa Hacka! Let’s find out some stuff on Deusch!

KONSTANTINE
Faster, Woo. Faster.

Woo is typing on the computer and working quickly. He gets into the site he was looking for.

WOO
Booyah! Check it out!

Issac reads a description of what happened when Deusch got arrested the first time.

ISSAC
According to this, Deusch was arrested by the pigs for parking his car illegally and blocking a firehouse during a fire call. Wow, Deusch isn’t so gansta!
I thought he was busted for selling drugs or a 187 or something!

WOO
What’s 187?

ISSAC
You ghetto freak...That mean murder..

WOO
I knew dat....I was just testing you!

KONSTANTINE
Hey Woo, see if you can find out if Staples issued Deusch or our school 5 G’s to start the store.

Woo is typing quickly on the computer again.

WOO
Bam! Check this out, homies!

The three boys read the website that Woo hacked into and shake their heads yes.
77

KONSTANTINE
I knew it. They did give him a check to be used for our supplies and shit. Print it out Woo!

Woo presses some buttons and the printer prints out the information. Konstantine grabs it and puts it into his pocket. Suddenly, the door to the computer room opens and it is
Dr. Liberman. Woo tries to shut the computer down but Dr. Liberman comes right up to them.

DR. LIBERMAN
What are you doing in here? You are not suppose to be in here.

ISSAC
Sorry, we were just....working on a project.

DR. LIBERMAN
Project for what class?

ISSAC
Economics...Mr. Deusch..I mean Mr. Murphy’s class.

DR. LIBERMAN
I suggest you get out of here before I call your parents and have you arrested. GET OUT!

Konstantine, Woo, and Issac walk quickly out of the computer room. Dr. Liberman looks at the computer that the guys were working on and she tries to figure out what they were doing.

INT: JAIL CELL-DAY
Richie is seen sitting on his bed in the jail. He is sitting with his head in his hands and is contemplating. He appears extremely upset and saddened.

SONG PLAYING: HEMORRHAGE BY FUEL

INT: BASEMENT OF SCHOOL-DAY
Mr. Deusch’s entire Economics class is in the basement waiting for Mr. Paul and Ms
Brevot to show up. They are busy putting the finishing touches on the school store.
Issac, Woo, and Konstantine are coming down the stairs with huge Staples boxes filled with school supplies. The three boys then put the boxes on the ground.

ISSAC
There are five more boxes of stuff from Staples.

78

JOSE
Nigga, how’d you guys get those boxes past security and the principal?

KONSTANTINE
That for us to know, and you to find out, brotha!

WOO
The boxes were just left outside by the front entrance of the school.
We took initiative as Mr. Deusch taught us and carried the boxes down here.

SHEILA
Open em up! What goodies did they give us?

ISSAC
Chill, woman. We are going to sell these items in our School Store. That’s what
G would want.

Konstantine, Woo, Sheila, and Issac start opening the boxes and putting the items on the table.
Mr. Paul and Ms Brevot come down the stairs and approach the students.

MR. PAUL
Issac, Konstantine...Why did choo want us down er, man?

RASHAD
Look, Mista!

MR. PAUL
Oh, da supplies arrived...Now, we aint gonna just sell dis stuff without figuring out da prices, supply, demand, and other tings you need to know about.

ELLE
Staples sent you these items? But the principal said that Mr. Duesch pocketed the grant money? I knew he wouldn’t do that.

MR. PAUL
I tink our man is innocent.

ISSAC
Here, dog. These instructions came in the packet. Read it.

Elle looks on with Mr. Paul as they read the instructions.

79

KONSTANTINE
Mr. Paul. Ms. Brevot. Issac, Woo and I gots to show you somethin really important that we found.

ISSAC
We hacked on the computers before and we found this printout from Staples about G’s grant for the school store. Check it out.

MR. PAUL
Gimme dat! I’ll take a lookey.

Mr. Paul reads the printout and gives it to Elle.

MR. PAUL
Holy shit! Dis is amazin! How’d you get this?

WOO
The incredible Woo loves computers and can find anything you need. It’s my special ability, Mista.

ELLE
Great work, guys! Mr. Paul, I gotta go! I have to make some calls.

Elle runs quickly up the stairs.

MR. PAUL
Come ova here now!! Quickly!

The entire class comes over to Mr. Paul

MR. PAUL
Sit down!

The entire class sits on the floor.

SONG PLAYING: FEEL GOOD-GORILLAZ

MR. PAUL
We gonna put dis store togetha now! Everybody’s gonna work togetha! Got it!

CLASS
Yeah!

80

KONSTANTINE
I knew Mista Deusch didn’t steal no money or no check. Get ta work y’all!

CUT: Issac, Rashad, and Jose are carrying the rest of the boxes down to the basement.

CUT: Woo is working on a computer in the basement and making flyers for the school store. CUT: Sheila and Konstantine are taking the items out of the box and putting them onto the table.

CUT: Mr. Paul and Issac are putting together a broken cash register.

CUT: All of the students are putting flyers up in the school.

CUT: All of the students are putting flyers up around the neighborhood.

INT: BASEMENT OF SCHOOL-NIGHT
The students and Mr. Paul reconvene back in the basement. The school store is completely ready to go. The students are tired and it is close to 9PM.

MR. PAUL
Well, ladies and gentleman. You did good! You did real good! Dis place looks great! You pulled it togetha and worked as a team.

KONSTANTINE
There’s only one thing missin right now, well actually two things?

ISSAC
What, K?

KONSTANTINE
Well, my motha Ms Brevot ain’t here and my fatha Mr Deusch ain’t here neitha.

RASHAD
Fa Shizzle, Kon. Let’s get outa here!

The students file up the stairs and Mr. Paul shuts all of the lights off.

INT: ELLE’S APARTMENT: NIGHT
Elle is on the computer and she just sent an email off. Her cell phone rings and she answers the phone. Elle’s apartment is immaculately clean, fresh, and airy. She has many flowers in vases
81

and candles burning. The essence of the room is “cool”. Split screen between Elle and
Richie.

SONG PLAYING: MISS YOU- BLINK 182

ELLE
Hello?

RICHIE
It’s great to hear your voice, Elle. Listen, they forgot to give me my call this afternoon when I was booked, so I figured who better to call than you.

ELLE
Are you alright, Richie? I was so scared when you were taken out of the school.
Why didn’t you just tell me, Richie?

RICHIE
What do you mean? Tell you what?

ELLE
The whole story about why you came to school. That would have made things a whole lot easier, don’t ya think?

RICHIE
I couldn’t tell you, Elle. I was so embarrassed about the whole situation.
I thought that you definitely wouldn’t like me. Just think about it for a moment, guy tells you that he was arrested and given the choice to go to jail or teach at a school. You would have run for the hills.. And to top it all off, I get.. so.. nervous around you.

ELLE
You don’t have to be nervous around me Richie. You never really did anything wrong except that you did not tell me the whole situation. But, that’s okay.

RICHIE
Elle, remember when I asked if you would go out to dinner with me for Saturday?

ELLE
Of course!

RICHIE
Being that tomorrow is Saturday, and I am gonna be locked up in here for a while, can we make that dinner some other time?

82

ELLE
You’re innocent......I believe you. Mr. Paul believes you. And, especially your students.

RICHIE
What do you mean?

ELLE
They can’t wait until you get back. Just trust me and you’ll be fine.

PRISON GUARD’S VOICE
Time’s up, Deusch. Back to your cell now. Let’s go now.

RICHIE
Elle, I have to go. Hopefully I’ll be out of here soon. Bye Bye! (Click)

ELLE
Bye, Richie...Get out soon!

Elle goes back to her Apple computer and looks at her computer screen. She then shuts off her computer and sits at her desk sipping her Starbucks coffee.

INT: JAIL CELL: DAY

Richie is sleeping in his jail cell and it is about 1:30 PM on a Saturday. A guard approaches the jail cell.

GUARD
Hey Richie, wake up, you have a visitor.

Richie opens his eyes and looks up. Richie looks really tired, he is unshaven, and his hair is in disarray. The door to the jail cell is open and Richie is handcuffed. Richie is led by the guard to the visitor’s room.

SONG PLAYING-FIX YOU- COLDPLAY

INT: VISITOR’S ROOM-DAY
Richie arrives at the visitor’s room. There is a plexiglass divider seperating the visitor’s side from the jail cell side. Richie takes a seat and then Konstantine walks over from the side of the visitor’s area and sits down. Each picks up a telephone to communicate with each other.

RICHIE
Holy shazam! Konstantine, how’d did you know I was here?
83

KONSTANTINE
Mr. Deusch, G, homie, bro! I had to see for myself what prison would be like, and
I ain’t never gonna be in here! No more stealin rims and smokin jigga!
We miss you man!

RICHIE
Good for you, Kon. You don’t wanna end up in here like me. This place really sucks.

KONSTANTINE
When you get out, G are you gonna come back to class? They got you a really lame ass replacement who treats us like shit. He carries a whip with him and cracks the desks when we bad.

RICHIE
What? No way.

KONSTANTINE
Ir’s true.

RICHIE
How did you find me here?

Suddenly, Mr. Paul goes to the visitor’s window. Konstantine gives the phone to
Mr. Paul first and walks away. He waves at Richie and Richie waves back. Richie has a big smile on his face.

MR. PAUL
Richiemon...You a gansta now. No one’s gonna mess wid you! Orange is ya color,
Richie.

RICHIE
What a freakin surprise. Thank you so much for coming! I’m innocent, dude! I did nothing wrong. You have to believe me, Davy.

MR. PAUL
I believe you, son. We’ll get you out real soon, but I gotcha one more surprise.
I’ll see you, mon!

RICHIE
Thanks, Davy Paul mon!

The next surprise arrives and it is Elle. Richie falls off of his chair onto the floor. The guard comes running towards him.
84

RICHIE
I’m Ok....I’m fine.

The guard then walks away shaking his head.

ELLE
Oh my, Richie. I can’t believe this has happened to you again.

RICHIE
I seem to be getting used to this. Granted, these orange jumpsuits are not my color, but at least they’re kind of comfy!

ELLE
I have great news for you. Actually, Konstantine, Woo, and Issac are the real heros for you.

RICHIE
Are you kidding me. Woo? Issac? Kon? What did they do?

ELLE
You didn’t steal any grant money. The boys found this information out yesterday using the computers. Here, look.

Elle slides the printout of the Staples grant for 5000 dollars given to the school with Richie’s name as the grant coordinator and supervisor.

RICHIE
Fucking exquisite! Those guys are gonna get an A in class, no doubt!

ELLE
Hey Richie, remember yesterday you said that you would have to cancel out date for dinner tonight?

RICHIE
Yeah. I can’t make it. I’m a little tied up for the moment.

He shows her his handcuffs. Elle then takes two bags out from her larger shopping bag.
She takes out two plates that are covered with a plastic cover. She slides one of the plates under the glass with a fork and knife.

ELLE
Well, here’s to our first date. Enjoy your Swanson’s Salisbury steak dinner.

85

RICHIE
(Looking impressed)
Elle, you’re too much!

Richie and Elle start eating their meals and the scene fades out.

INT: MAIN OFFICE: MORNING
The main office is buzzing with activity. Dr. Liberman arrives at school and seems to be in a very foul mood. She goes over to her secretary.

SONG PLAYING-BITCH-MEREDITH BROOKS

DR. LIBERMAN
You need to page Ms Brevot and Mr. Paul right now. Move it, move it. Quickly..

The secretary goes over to the PA system and makes an announcement.

SECRETARY
Attention, Ms Brevot and Mr. Paul...Report to the principal’s office immediately.
Again, Ms Elle Brevot and Mr. Davy Paul to the principal’s office.

Dr. Liberman goes into her office and she has two giant boxes in her room. She looks at the boxes and starts to open them.

DR. LIBERMAN
(To herself)
Thank you Staples....thank you Deusch....Rot in hell....

She laughs loudly and opens the packages which have lap top computers, IPODS, and a huge flat panel TV. She goes out to the secretary once more.

DR. LIBERMAN
Hey, Lois, can you come in here and take these things to my car . Be careful when you open the trunk, I just put a new sound system in it! Where are those two teachers?

SECRETARY
There coming. I just made the announcement.

Soon after, Mr. Paul and Ms Brevot arrive in the main office. Mr. Paul looks visibly angry and Ms Brevot looks completely shaken.

DR. LIBERMAN
You two, come into my office!
86

MR. PAUL
What is dis about?

DR. LIBERMAN
What is this about, you say? I’ve been waiting for this moment since the day
I arrived here. Ms Brevot, get out now until I tell you to come back in.

Elle leaves the office quivering and shaking.

DR. LIBERMAN
Shut the door!

MR. PAUL
No, woman, you shut da door.

DR. LIBERMAN
Very well then!

She gets up and shuts her door and then sits down again.

DR. LIBERMAN
Mr. Paul, your services are no longer welcome at this high school. Good day, and goodbye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

MR. PAUL
You can’t do dat. I got tenure.

DR. LIBERMAN
Hey look, here’s your tenure papers.

She proceeds to rip up his tenure papers.

DR. LIBERMAN
Look at all this documentation I have on you. Cursing at kids, threatening my students, violating children’s well being. Hitting students. It’s all here. You fired! Get the hell out of here or I’ll put you in jail with your friend Mr. Deusch.

MR. PAUL
Look, lady...You can’t do dat.

She gets on the phone and calls security.

DR. LIBERMAN
I can do whatever I want. I’m the principal, remember?
87

MR. PAUL
You piece of shit...You beeyatch...You..

The security officers arrive and take Mr. Paul out of the office and out of the school.
Dr. Liberman then makes a motion for Elle to come into her office.

DR. LIBERMAN
Hello, my pretty!

ELLE
You are out of control, Dr. Liberman.

DR. LIBERMAN
Elle, shut up! I can have you fired just like that too. But, for some reason I have pity for you. For one thing, your interest in Mr. Deusch I’ll never understand. Maybe it was an error of judgement.

ELLE
I don’t think so!

DR. LIBERMAN
I’ll spare your job and your career as a teacher if you help me out. I want
Deusch to rot in prison for as long as possible! You are going to sign this piece of paper saying that he violated you. I did see you two kissing in the hallway. Then, I’ll fax it to the Judge. Just sign this paper and you’re free to go.
As a matter of fact, I’ll give you a free flat screen TV as a token of my appreciation. ELLE
No way! I’m not signing that.

DR. LIBERMAN
Very well then. You give me no choice.

Dr. Liberman picks up the phone to call the judge but Elle grabs the phone out of her hand.

CUT: Elle and Dr. Liberman get into a scuffle.

CUT: Dr. Liberman grabs Elles hair and Elle winces in pain.

CUT: Elle grabs Dr. Liberman by her shirt and throws her against the wall. Dr.
Liberman falls to the ground and then the entire filing cabinet falls on top of her.

88

INT: FRONT ENTRANCE OF SCHOOL-DAY

SONG PLAYING-CHANGES BY TUPAC

Dr. Liberman is being led out of the school by the NYPD officers. Hundreds of students are looking at her, pointing at her, and laughing at her. Issac then spits on her as she passes by him and laughs. Jose, Issac, Konstantine, Sheila, Woo, and Rashad are seen watching the proceedings take place. A group of men in suits are standing next to Mr. Paul and Elle.
Dr. Liberman is placed into a police car and as that happens, a black Lincoln Town Car pulls up. Richie and the Judge get out of the car. The judge walks over to the police car with Dr. Liberman in it.

JUDGE
Dr. Liberman, it looks like a fascinating change of events has occurred! I hope that you like to wear orange. Life is very ironic, isn’t it?

Richie walks over to the judge who puts his arm around Richie.

DR. LIBERMAN
I’ll get you for this, Deusch. I’ll get all of you..

The police car then speeds off with its siren blaring. The Judge and Richie then walk over the Elle, Mr. Paul, and the men in suits near the front entrance.

JUDGE
I owe you a big apology, Richie. It takes a big man to say he’s sorry, and an even bigger man to admit that he’s wrong. I hope that you can accept my sincere words to you.

RICHIE
Judge, you didn’t believe me at first. You thought that I was a snot nosed, know it all punk twenty-something slacker. Well, I am all of that, but one thing that I’m not is dishonest. Life works in mysterious ways though.

They approach Elle, Mr. Paul, and then men in suits. Elle and Richie embrace really hard. Then Richie embraces Mr. Paul.

RICHIE
I owe you two guys big time! Dinner tonight at Rosa Mexicano?

ELLE
Most definitely, Richie!

89

RICHIE
Davy, I’ll cook you some Jamaican jerk chicken and collared greens tomorrow.

MR. PAUL
No problem, son..Sounds great!

Richie then walks over to the men in suits with the Judge.

JUDGE
Richie, I would like to introduce you to Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Staples.

MR. SARGENT
Nice to meet you, Richie.

JUDGE
This is John Mahoney, Vice Chairman of Staples.

MR. MAHONEY
Pleasure to meet you.

JUDGE
And lastly this is Michael Miles, President and COO of Staples.

MR. MILES
How do you do!

RICHIE
Nice to meet all of you, but what’s this all about?

MR. SARGENT
Richie, let me just tell you that I always enjoy meeting dedicated young educators like yourself and your friends. Ms Brevot e-mailed me the other day and filled me in on what happened to you.

RICHIE
Wow!

MR. SARGENT
We were so impressed with what Ms Brevot told us about your situation, how you started the school store for the kids, applied for and received legally the Staples grant to your school, and how your principal attempted to cover up the money that she stole from us, that we are awarding your Staples school store with an additional 5000 dollars.
90

People start applauding and cheering for Richie.

RICHIE
(Appearing choked up)
I don’t know what to say, but thank you. I thank you, the teachers thank you, but most importantly, the students thank you.

Richie looks at his students and gives them a wave to come over. Woo, Sheila, Kon, Rashad,
Issac, and Jose rush over to Richie and surround him with a hug.

JUDGE
Richie, come over here for a minute before I leave.

Richie walks over to the judge.

JUDGE
I’ve been thinking about your situation for a while. I have decided to throw out the charges against you and you are free to return to your life that you used to have. As of now, you no longer have to work in this school.
I have taken the liberty to call your previous employer and they want you back at Smith and Kelson tomorrow. But, do me just one favor: Don’t park in front of the fire house.

The judge rips up the 100 days paper and tosses it in the air.

RICHIE
Thank you so much, judge.

Richie then shakes the hand of the judge and the judge goes into his car. The car leaves the scene. Elle has heard the entire conversation and walks over to Richie.

SONG PLAYING-HERE WITHOUT YOU- THREE DOORS DOWN

ELLE
I guess this is goodbye, right?

Richie looks at Elle, looks at the school, looks at Mr. Paul, looks at his students and then looks at Elle again. Elle is sobbing and everyone has a somber look on their faces.

Lois, the secretary comes running out of the front entrance of the school. She is out of breath.

SECRETARY
(Shouting)
Mr. Paul....Mr. Paul....You wouldn’t believe this.
91

Mr. Paul walks over to the secretary.

MR. PAUL
What is it? What can be so important right now?

SECRETARY
It came through..

MR. PAUL
What? What are ya talkin about?

SECRETARY
You’re appointment!

MR. PAUL
Ya mean I’ve been reinstated?

SECRETARY
No, you have been appointed to be the new principal of
East Side High School.

MR. PAUL
No way, mon....Holy sheeet! Yeeehaaa!

Mr. Paul then picks up the secretary and dances around with her for a moment. He then puts down the secretary and goes over to Elle and picks her up. He then goes over to Richie and picks him up. He then runs by all of the students and high fives them on his way into the school.

Richie then looks at Elle who has a concerned look on her face. Mr. Paul runs back out and rushes over to Richie.

MR. PAUL
My first act as principal, mon is to hire Richie Deusch back as our new Coordinator of
Business and he’s gonna run da school store! Congratulations! What dya tink, Richie?

RICHIE
I accept!

The two embrace once again.

INT: ROSA MEXICANO-NIGHT
Richie and Elle are seen having an intimate dinner together. The two are dressed elegantly and
92

are toasted with a bottle of wine. The two are deep in conversation as the scene fades out.

INT: SCHOOL BASEMENT-DAY
It is the official grand opening of the Staples school store. A ribbon cutting ceremony is taking place with Richie cutting the ribbon. Mr. Paul, Elle, teachers, and students are all watching the proceedings. The store is completely immaculate, well stocked, clean, and bright.

RICHIE
I dedicate this store to my students. Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible.

People then go into the store and Issac, Sheila, Jose, Konstantine, Rashad, and Woo are seen in their work uniforms doing various tasks.

INT: RICHIE’S CLASSROOM-DAY

SONG PLAYING- BEAUTIFUL DAY-U2

Richie is standing in front of the class and he is teaching his students about how to read the stock market tables in the Wall Street Journal. Each student has a Wall Street Journal on their desk.

RICHIE
Why is it important for you to know how to read and interpret these stock tables?

WOO
So I can makes me lots of money, G?

RICHIE
Good, why else?

KON
To better understand the way in which the economy works in America and the world. RICHIE
What? Oh my God! I think I’m dreaming. Did you just say that, Konstantine?

KON
Word!

Mr. Paul suddenly barges into the room.

93

MR. PAUL
How many times I have to tell you: Book Work Only. Do I make myself absolutely cleah? Richie takes an eraser and throw it at Mr. Paul who laughs, and walks out of the room.

SONG PLAYING: THE ADVENTURE- ANGELS AND AIRWAVES

CUT: Mr. Paul walks to a room on the other side of the school and Mr. Murphy, Richie’s sub, is putting old beat up books into a closet, but he is surrounded by hundreds of dirty old books. The door to the book closet closes and he is locked in there shouting to get out.

CUT: Elle is teaching her class and they are reading a work of literature together. The class is listening to her every word.

CUT: Ms Sloaney is cleaning out the girl’s locker room with a mop and bucket at her side.
She is muttering to herself.

CUT: MR. HALPERN is working at a seven-eleven giving out Slurpees to little kids.
He looks angry and annoyed.

CUT: Dr. Liberman is seen in her jail cell wearing her Orange jumpsuit. She is screaming at the guards to let her out.

CUT: Davy Paul is sitting at a desk and talking to a group of people. The nameplate on the desk says Mr. Davy Paul, School Chancellor.

CUT: Elle appears pregnant and she and Richie are walking in Central Park holding hands into the sunset.

CUT: Woo is working in a computer office developing the next IPOD type of contraption.

CUT: Konstantine is in medical school listening to the professor.

CUT: Issac is a school teacher working at East Side HS.

CUT: Rashad has his own barbershop.

CUT: Jose and Sheila are fire people at the very same firehouse that started this whole movie in Manhattan.

Credits role

100 DAYS

Written by Eric Goren Story Inspired By Patricia Goren

Home [phone] Cell [phone] [e-mail] 67 Aster St. Massapequa Park, NY 11762 WGA Registration #1143832 US Copyright Pending