The Evolution of Plymouth St.

Cloud 1

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud by Ed Vela

INT-DAY-TV Studio

The opening of credits of Environment: Entertainment a

cheesy entertainment news program. A program with tilted
shots, quick zoom ins, cutaways of ECU's of hands, eyes,
etc., in their attempt to look cutting edge, and artsy-
fartsy. All it looks is tacky, and shaky. A fast zoom
reveals too much of MIA Albritton, the attractive, blond,
female anchor of the show. As SAM Gura, a haggard man in
his fifties, is seen in cutaways waiting for his turn to
talk.

MIA
I'm Mia Albritton, and welcome to Environment:
Entertainment. We are coming to you today from
our New York studios, and talking with Broadway
agent Sam Gura. A man who has sprung onto the
scene following the disappearance of one his young
Broadway actors, Plymouth St. Cloud. Mr. Gura…

SAM
Call me Sam, please, Mia, and thank you having me
on the show today.

MIA
Any progress in the search for Plymouth St. Cloud?

SAM
I'm afraid not, it's been a couple of weeks since
anyone's seen him. The NYPD is getting ready to
call off the active search for him, and I'm here
today to offer a one-hundred-thousand dollar
reward for any information leading to his
whereabouts.

MIA
Do you hold out any hope at this point that the
boy will be found alive?

SAM
Of course I do Mia, I have to. I have to think
that Plymouth is out there. Perhaps hurt, perhaps
in trouble, but out there, and alive.

MIA

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 2

How's his mother holding up?

SAM
Not very well, otherwise I wouldn't be the one out
here, making this announcement. But, the woman's
been so shattered since…

MIA
Yes, of course, I understand. And, when was the
last time you, personally, saw Plymouth St. Cloud?

SAM
The last time I saw him…
(Blinks a few times, as though pondering)
The last time I saw him…

An ECU of Sam's eyes as they well with tears.

Cut to:

Voices in darkness

PLYMOUTH
Christ, the place still looks the same.

SAM
Hang on let me find the light switch. Denise gave
me the keys to the place, as long they’re dark.

PLYMOUTH
Literally…

SAM
Give me a break, Py. Denise tells me they're
tearing the place down next week. There I got it.

Lights flicker, then come on to reveal PLYMOUTH St. Cloud,

a slightly built boy of thirteen, and SAM. In stark B/W, a
contrast to the colorful studio. Their surroundings are a
run down empty theatre in the round. The florescent lights
causing it to look even more depressing than an empty
theatre usually is.

PLYMOUTH
It looked better in the dark. What a shit-hole!
To think this is where you found me?

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 3

SAM
About a million years ago.

PLYMOUTH
How old was I?

SAM
Six, almost seven. The humble beginnings of
Plymouth St. Cloud.

PLYMOUTH
Shit, I wish I had changed my name way back then,
but who knew I was gonna get famous, and I’d be
stuck with that ass-dick name for the rest of my
life.

SAM
Hey, be glad you got famous. There were a lot of
kids I took on the same year I started
representing you that never made it past doing
commercials and the occasional episode of Law and
Order.

PLYMOUTH
It sucks that that is one of the only shows they
shoot in the city. The scripts of theirs I had to
do while I was coming up can best be described as
Law and ODOR.

SAM
I didn’t hear you knocking the nice bucks they
paid you?

PLYMOUTH
That’s because between you sucking on this tit for
fifteen percent, and my Mom barely following the
law and putting away fifty percent for me, while
she gouged me for the thirty-five percent you
weren’t screwing me for, hanging off of this tit,
those were some happy bucks back then.

SAM
Oh, poor little rich boy. I wish I had had your
trust fund when I was thirteen.

PLYMOUTH

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 4

Yeah, well, trust is a funny thing… So, they're

finally gonna bulldoze this dump, huh?

SAM
In just a few days. Denise says they're tearing
it down. Re-pouring the foundation to make
condos.

PLYMOUTH
Yeah, well if you want to see its current
foundation just go to the tech booth.

SAM
What do you mean?

PLYMOUTH
They got some loose floorboards near the audio
board, and anything I ever dropped down there went
straight to friggin' China!

SAM
Maybe they fixed it.

PLYMOUTH
Not with what they called a budget.

PLYMOUTH takes notice of a black steel pole in the corner

of the staging area, shaking his head and patting it as he
speaks.

PLYMOUTH (Cont’d)
God, I used to hate this chicken-shit retaining
pole. I was always tripping over it when I made
an entrance from this corner of the stage.

SAM
Hey, it held up the ceiling.

PLYMOUTH
Barely. Am I glad I only had to do a few shows
here. But, you saved me from the wiles of Off-
Off-Broadway, didn’t you, Mr. Gura?

SAM
Why so formal, Py? And, why did you want to meet
here after all these years. Did you have the urge

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 5

to slum now that you’re so close to your big

break?

PLYMOUTH
First of all, I’m not your little Py anymore. My
name is Plymouth St. Cloud. Or don’t you read the
reviews in the Times? You know what the papers
are calling me now? PSC.

SAM
Sounds like a venereal disease.

PLYMOUTH
Yeah, well, anything’s better than Plymouth.
Every time those casting agents used to hear that
they’d think I was a rock or an insurance company.

SAM stifles back a laugh, as he is amused at PLYMOUTH’s

plight

PLYMOUTH (Cont’d)
Don’t laugh you friggin' old canker sore.

SAM
Look, I knew we needed to take a meeting, but the
truth is I haven’t heard anything from the guys at
DreamScapes about the movie deal. I’m thinking it
might be slipping away.

PLYMOUTH
It sure as shit is slipping away from you, Gas-
head.

SAM
Hey, hey, I tried. I guess they didn’t want to
take a chance on an unknown after all.

PLYMOUTH
Unknown? I’ve done more Goddamn Broadway then I
can count on my fingers and toes, twice. I’ve
done episodic TV. That one year from hell on that
shit for nuthin’ soap opera. Jesus, when they

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 6

killed me off I wanted to sing gospel hymns, and I

don’t even believe in God.

SAM
Look, bitch all you want, DreamScapes…

PLYMOUTH
Is in my hip pocket, Sam.

SAM
What are you talkin’ about?

PLYMOUTH
That’s why we’re here. My Mom wanted to send you
an email, but after six years and alotta miles I
just couldn’t do that to you. My Mom doesn’t even
know I’m here. Nobody does. They all think I’m
off touring Manhattan, saying good-bye to the city
in my own way. But I knew I needed to come here.
Seems appropriate that it should end where it
began.

There is an uneasy silence as SAM looks at PLYMOUTH, as

realization sinks in.

SAM
You little sonofabitch, you got West Coast
Representation, didn’t you? They brokered the
deal with DreamScapes for you, didn’t they?

PLYMOUTH
It was my Mom and Krysten, really…

SAM
Krysten! I told your Mom not to hire that Ivy
League bitch. You didn’t need a Business Manager.

PLYMOUTH
Well I sure as hell do now. She’s the one that
got me the West Coast agent. She arranged for me
to fly out there to meet with the director.

SAM
When did you…?

PLYMOUTH

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 7

Remember last month when I was gone for a week?

On vacation to Florida? Or at least that’s what I
told you. Well, that’s when we were doing final
screen tests. Yesterday morning I hear the news
that I’m in. But you’re out.

SAM
We have a contract.

PLYMOUTH
Their lawyers have already looked it over, and
according to them, it’s got more loop holes than a
macramé muffler. That’s what comes from letting
your cousin, the idiot, make up your contracts.

SAM
Al’s a good man.

PLYMOUTH
But a lousy lawyer.

A look passes between them, and the boy softens.

PLYMOUTH (Cont’d)
Look, Sam, nobody thinks this sucks worse than I
do. You’re not just my agent, Goddamn it, you’re
my friend. You’ve been there for me since back
when I was working swing in the chorus of Lion
King. But this was a move I had to make, and to
them, out there, you’re just small potatoes. You
may be able to book Broadway, and Off-Broadway,
handle some soap traffic, and score some network
TV, but big budget movies shooting outside of the
city? You’ve never cracked that. Never even come
close. I had a shot. But not with you.

SAM
I know, kid. I know. I guess if I was you, I
would’ve done the same. It’s part of the
evolutionary process. Remember back when you
couldn’t do a time step and a break to save your
ass?

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 8

PLYMOUTH
Oh, God, yes. And my voice would crack on a high
solo if you weren’t there to remind me to warm up
before I’d go on.

SAM
You still look like such a kid to me.

PLYMOUTH
Looks can be deceiving when you’ve been in the
business for almost half your life.

SAM
All those others I took a gamble on when you were
starting out… They all… You’re… You were my one
successful client. Past few years… You were
keeping me afloat, Py.

SAM pulls out a whiskey flask that resembles a cell phone,

and begins unscrewing the antenna cap.

PLYMOUTH
I know, Sam, and I’m sorry. But you can do some
scouting quick before it gets around that I’m
gone. Maybe sign a couple of up and comers before
they…

SAM
What? Realize that my one A-List client just went
off to LA to make a movie that’s probably gonna be
the runaway hit of next summer? Excuse me, but a
really have to take this call.

He takes a swig from the flask.

PLYMOUTH
You really think that’s gonna help?

SAM
Well, it couldn’t hurt right now, kid!

PLYMOUTH
Sam, I don’t want to leave you hanging, and I sure
don’t want to hurt you like this, but… That’s why
I wanted to see you in person. I wanted to make

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 9

it as right as I could. I wanted you to know it

wasn’t me. It just happened.

SAM
Bullshit! What the hell is this? The up close
and personal way of sticking the knife in? Maybe
it would’ve been better to send me that email? At
least I wouldn’t have to look you in the eyes
while you tell me to go screw myself!

PLYMOUTH
That is not what I’m telling you. And when I get
there, and I’m in good with those Hollywood dip-
shits, I’ll do what I can to get you in too. You
think I won’t?

SAM
And how long will it be before you forget that
idea?

PLYMOUTH
I won’t forget about you, Sam. Do you hear me?!
What kind of a person do you think I am?

SAM
Oh, you’ve proven that already, haven’t you?

PLYMOUTH
Don’t, Sam.

SAM
You remember the joke. A guy walks into a bar…

PLYMOUTH
(He knows what's coming)
Stop it, Sam.

SAM
He sees this real knock out blond sitting at a
table alone. He walks up to her and says: Would
you go to bed with me for a million dollars? She
says: Sure. The guy says: Would you go to bed

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 10

with me for ten dollars? She says: Ten dollars?

What do you think I am? The guys says: We’ve
already established that, now we’re just haggling
over price. Tell me, kiddo, did they meet your
price? What’s the going rate for loyalty and
integrity these days? What’s the price of your
soul, son? Or do you still have one?

SAM takes another long swig, as PLYMOUTH glares at him

PLYMOUTH
It was a mistake coming here. How could I expect
any more from a worthless, burned out, old drunk,
who’s been riding my back for the last three
years?! You say I’m their whore? Well, it’s
better than being your cash cow, you pathetic, old
bastard! My star is rising now though, and I’m
going somewhere, I’m gonna be somebody! And you…
You can look up at me from the gutter, because
that’s where your sorry ass is gonna end up. Just
down from the bag lady, and across from the crack
dealer! And, you know something? That’s all you
deserve!

SAM
Shut up!

SAM backhands PLYMOUTH, who falls off camera, as SAM turns

away and the camera zooms in on his face, as he speaks to
PLYMOUTH but never turns to look at him.

SAM (Cont’d)
Oh, God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you, I…
Jesus… Plymouth St. Cloud… I guess that was a
name that was made for the movies. You’re right
about me, kid. I should’ve kept looking for new

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 11

talent years ago, but I kept thinking some of the

kids that came up the same time as you would make
it too. I guess I was too loyal to them, but they
needed me to be. Just like you needed me to be…
Once. I know you did what you had to do. I know
that you’re gonna be a big star now. I guess I
can say, I knew you when. I’m no good at this
sentimental shit, but I guess you know that I
didn’t wait with you backstage when you were doing
chorus, or sit with you in the green room while
you were sweating call backs for a big role, just
because I had a stake in it. I was there because
I… You were always my best, and you wanted it
so much. Your ambition was contagious. I try not
to play favorites with my clients, but you were
the one I always wanted this for the most… I
won't give you any trouble about all this…

SAM finally turns to look at PLYMOUTH, lying very still

against the steel pole, his neck awkwardly twisted to the
right. He moves closer to him, the camera follows him over
to the boy’s lifeless body

SAM (Cont’d)
Py…? Py!

SAM grabs him pulling him up by the shoulders, PLYMOUTH’s

head hangs awkwardly back. SAM presses his ear against the
boy’s chest.

SAM (Cont’d)
Oh, my God…

SAM puts his hand behind the boy’s head as it dangles there
like it was suspended by a thread. A close-up reveals the
boy’s half-open, dead eyes. A cut to SAM’s eyes, welling
with tears. Back to a two shot of them, as SAM hugs
PLYMOUTH, as he looks around the theatre fearfully.

Cut to:

INT-DAY-TV Studio

SAM blinks away a tear, as he turns to look at MIA.

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 12

SAM
We had a meeting over at 30 Rock to discuss Py
doing a guest shot on a new limited series they
were developing to shoot here in the city.

MIA
Py…?

SAM
Oh, that was just something I called Plymouth, a
nickname.

MIA
You two must've been very close.

SAM
Please don't talk about him in the past tense,
Mia. In my heart I know he's listening.

MIA
But, no ransom demands in all this time? And,
what about this film that he was offered shortly
before he disappeared?

SAM
No, no ransom demands, so we're not thinking it's
a kidnapping anymore, as for the studio… Well,
they have been kind enough to hold up production
for this long, but I don't know…

MIA
I understand that they're considering using
another one of your clients in the event the St.
Cloud boy isn't found?

SAM
Yes, well actually he's a brand new client of mine
that they're taking a look at right now. Since
all this media attention started, I've been
getting quite a few new clients. This young man

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved

The Evolution of Plymouth St. Cloud 13

is quite a bit younger than Py, but he's amazing.

Just… Just like he was.

MIA
Sounds like he wasn't just your client?

SAM
No, Mia, he was my friend.

MIA
And, if you could say anything to your friend
right now?

SAM looks into a camera, talking to it, as though he was

talking to PLYMOUTH. Intercut with B/W shots of hands
pulling off loose floor boards, then a cement mixer pouring
cement into a foundation.

SAM
Py, I know you can hear me. I know you're
listening. You know I love you, son. And, we'll
see each other again soon. They're saying now
we'll never find you. But, I don't believe that.
I can't believe it. I know that you're out there,
and we'll see each other again, real soon.

Fade to black

Roll Credits

END

(c) 2006 11 or 10 Productions - Ed Vela - All Rights Reserved