Callahan

FADE IN:

I/E. POTRERO HILL HIGH SCHOOL 1961 - DAY

The year is 1961. Car models of the time are parked in the school parking lot. There is an American Flag waving from the top of a pole. There is some graffiti painted on the side. There are some HIPPIES walking around the school smoking joints.

In the hallway in the school young HARRY CALLAHAN (17, tall and clean cut) opens his locker and puts his Biology book inside. He looks over at his friend STEVE JACOBY (17, African-American, medium build, wearing glasses)

HARRY CALLAHAN:

I really appreciate your help Steve. You sure are a whiz at this medical stuff. I’m gonna barely squeak by now.

Steve nods in appreciation.

THREE STUDENTS make their way towards Steve and start to heckle him and point out his minority status. The leader named MITCH FORREST (17, muscle shirt, cowboy boots) speaks

MITCH FORREST:

(sarcastically) Hey Steve! How ya doin’ n*gger?

Mitch blows a spit wad through a straw and connects with Steve’s face.

Harry is angered and is about to charge towards Mitch. Steve shakes his head, motioning to Harry. Harry ceases.

Steve tries to ignore the arrogant students as he walks away. Harry keeps a close watch with a steely-eyed glare.

Steve spots a drinking fountain and stops to drink. Mitch shoves Steve’s face into the water spout. Steve chokes. The other two students chuckle.

MITCH FORREST:

Look at that black son of a bitch! All wet and cant do nothin’ about it.

Harry is outraged and he charges Mitch and wrestles him violently to the floor.

The other two students run off as Harry looks at them with an intimidating stare. Harry punches Mitch in the nose with a quick jab.

Harry then forces Mitch into the nearest bathroom. 2 OTHER STUDENTS are watching, mouths wide opened.

Harry forces Mitch into the bathroom stall. He lifts him upside down and edges closer to the toilet.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Now, you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch!

Harry drops Mitch’s head into the toilet and flushes it and gives him a swirly.

Harry notices the two other students staring intently at him. Their dumbfounded stares irk him. Harry looks at both of them.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Care to join him?

Both students stop staring and just walk out

INT. PRINCIPAL HOWARD’S OFFICE - DAY

Principal JOHN HOWARD (50’s, slacks, white shirt and tie) confronts Harry about the incident.

JOHN HOWARD:

You know Harry, a part of me doesn’t want to suspend you. I’m sure Mitch Forrest probably had what was coming to him. He is a cocky, sniveling kid. The problem is there was no credible evidence to back you up.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

What about Steve? What did he say?

JOHN HOWARD:

Steve Jacoby isn’t saying anything. I guess he doesn’t want any more trouble.

Harry just nods his head

JOHN HOWARD:

Meanwhile, Mitch Forrest has a broken nose, sopping wet hair, and two eye witnesses who give detailed incriminating evidence of what happened.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

I guess people can get away with about anything. Maybe I should just turn the other cheek?

Howard just shakes his head in dismay as he empathizes with Harry.

JOHN HOWARD:

The world isn’t fair Harry. But that doesn’t mean you resort to dirty tactics to get even. Otherwise people will start calling you “Dirty Harry”

Harry shakes his head and smirks a bit.

Howard notices Harry’s reaction and interjects.

JOHN HOWARD:

I knew your father quite well Harry

Harry looks at him seriously.

JOHN HOWARD:

Harry Sr was so much like the way you are now. Great Cop! However, I truly believe it was his head on approach for justice is what got him killed. He underestimated the sinister and secret behavior of his enemies. They never forget!

Harry rises from his seat and makes his way to the door

JOHN HOWARD:

Especially when they have been humiliated. Their egos cannot handle it. One thing I’ve learned in life is that you should expect some kind of retaliation.

Harry turns around and looks at Howard one last time.

JOHN HOWARD:

I’m just giving you a nickel’s worth of free advice.

EXT. CALLAHAN’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Harry is outside mowing the lawn of the well manicured landscape of the small rambler home.

Harry is using and old-fashioned 50’s style self-powered trimmer. He almost steps in dog feces.

He is perturbed. Harry’s mother, JULIA (late 40’s), notices from the inside of the house. Harry looks over at the neighbors house where the dog resides.

The neighbors yard is not well taken care of. Weeds and rusted cars occupy the front yard.

The dog is barking and moving around on a chain. Harry notices the neighbors, a HIPPIE COUPLE (long-haired, 20’s) sharing a joint inside.

Harry starts to make his way towards the neighbor’s house, but ceases as he hears his mother tap on the window from inside.

JULIA:

Just let it go Harry!

Harry heads back to his yard. He scoops up the dog droppings forcefully into a garbage bag.

INT. CALLAHAN'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

The Callahan home is neatly organized. On the wall are some photos of the Callahan family.

A photo of police Sgt. Harry Sr alongside 8 year old Harry is accompanied by a newly wed photo of Harry Sr and Julia.

Julia is in the kitchen looking in the fridge. The sound of the front door is heard. Harry walks in.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Lawn is all mowed, Mother.

JULIA:

Good work son.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

(sarcastically) Have you met our friendly neighbors across the street?

JULIA:

No. Not yet.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

(continues sarcasm) Probably a good idea. If the Bible tells us to love thy neighbor then its probably best not to ever know them.

Julia chuckles a bit then rolls her eyes.

JULIA:

Sounds like something your father might have said.

Harry nods with a sly grin.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Wise man

Julia looks at Harry with serious intent.

JULIA:

Not always.

Harry pays closer attention to her.

JULIA:

How was school by the way?

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Don’t want to talk about it mother.

JULIA:

Dammit Harry. You got to let things go.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

I was just protect....

JULIA:

I don’t want to hear it. You got to worry about yourself sometimes.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

What?

JULIA:

Yeah! I mean normal things a high school senior should be thinking about. Hell Harry...You act more like a 40 year Western Marshall instead of 17 year old.

Harry looks a little bewildered as his mother explains things to him

JULIA:

You should be thinking about girls Harry...not being the judge, jury, and executioner. When was the last time you took a girl out?

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Don’t get me started with girls, mother. 7 girls in my class are pregnant, including Sarah Gunderson who got knocked up by the Drama teacher.

Julia shakes her head in disgust.

JULIA:

Alright! Alright!

Julia sighs a little then inquires some more.

JULIA:

Have you thought about what you will do after graduation?

Harry looks at the photo of his father and he on the wall. Julia notices. Harry then looks at the clock. It reads 4:45 PM.

JULIA:

No! No! Harry! Don’t tell me you still want to be a cop? I don’t want to see you dead like your father!

Harry glares at his mother for a moment then his eyes lower and focus on the floor. He looks at the clock again.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

I got to get ready for work mother.

INT. HARRY’S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

On Harry’s wall there is his father’s police star enclosed in a casing. There is a photo of the late inspector. Harry takes a quick glance at it then turns away.

Harry pulls out a folded red smock. He unfolds it and puts it on. It reads “Potrero Hills 4th Ave Market”

INT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - EVENING

Harry bags some groceries for an ELDERLY WOMAN (80’s silver haired) He shows hospitality as he performs his duty.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

There you go ma’am.

The elderly woman smiles at him.

ELDERLY WOMAN:

What a nice young man!

Harry assists the woman and her cart towards the exit. They are walking very slowly

EXT. PONTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - MOMENTS LATER

In the back of the Market, Harry’s car is being approached by Mitch Forrest and his 2 accomplices.

FRIEND 2

Are you sure we wont get caught?

MITCH FORREST:

Hell yes! Harry likes to park where no one else is around. Stupid bastard doesn’t realize that it works in our favor. Look around...

Mitch’s buddies look to see the area vacant behind the Market. Harry’s car is about yards behind the store in a secluded and seemingly well hidden spot. Slight grins appear on all their faces.

FRIEND 1

What about the fuzz?

MITCH FORREST:

I’ve been casing this place a lot. This is where I get my beer with my fake ID when Harry isn’t here. The people ain’t too bright in there. There is one clueless cop that comes in here the same damn time at the end of his shift. He talks to his wife for at least ten minutes. He’s too fuckin’ tired to do anything anyway. Stick to the plan and we should be golden.

I/E. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - NIGHT

Friend 1 walks around to the front of the store and enters. He walks inconspicuously with his hair tucked away in a cap.

He tries to disguise himself by a sign near the produce. Harry notices this while he is bagging.

OFFICER WILKES (50’s, white male) walks in looking weary from a long day. Harry and Wilkes wave at each other as Wilkes passes by to greet his wife.

Harry immediately turns his attention back to Friend 1 who pretends to be browsing the produce, but looks in Wilkes direction periodically.

Wilkes approaches his WIFE (late 40’s, hair in a bun)

WIFE:

Did you leave your gun and cuffs in the car?

Harry listens in right as Wilkes responds.

WILKES:

(looks down)

Oh shit! Yes I did

Harry shakes his head with his back turned to Wilkes.

WILKES:

Its just been one of those days. Damn stakeout has fried my brain.

The Wife shakes her head and gives him an empathetic look.

WIFE:

Well, dear. We all have those kind of days. We can talk about it more when I get home from work.

Wilkes smiles and kisses his wife.

WILKES:

I gotta go to the can!

Wife smiles as he turns towards the restroom.

WIFE:

That's my Romeo!

Both Wilkes and his wife smile. Right as Wilkes enters the restroom, Harry notices Friend 1 leaving just seconds afterwards.

Harry squints and scowls as he suspects something bad is taking place.

EXT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - MOMENTS LATER

The 3 delinquents total Harry’s car. They slash his tires and shatter his windshields with a tire iron.

Mitch uses a spray can and paints “n*gger lover” and “Fag” on the sides of the car accompanied with pornographic images.

The two other friends undo their fly’s and begin to urinate on the slashed tires.

MITCH FORREST:

Cut that out! Let’s get the hell out of here!

INT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - MOMENTS LATER

Harry continues to bag for the customers. His SUPERVISOR (male, late 30’s blonde) approaches him.

SUPERVISOR:

Before your shift is over Harry, I need you to empty the trash in the rear dumpster, okay?

Harry nods, the Supervisor nods alike. He walks away with little expression.

EXT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - MOMENTS LATER

Harry takes the trash outside from the side door of store. He makes his way to the rear and stops in his tracks as he notices his vandalized car.

On the street closest to the rear of the Market, 100 yards away, the thugs are spying on Harry.

INT. MITCH’S CAR (55 FORD, BLACK) - NIGHT

Mitch’s gang is watching gleefully as they take turns looking at him with binoculars.

MITCH FORREST:

(along with friends)

Ha! Ha! Ha! Look at that n*gger lovin’ cocksucker.

BACK TO:

EXT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - SAME TIME

Harry doesn’t overreact. His brow furrows as he quickly scans the area.

He spots Mitch’s car and his steely glare scares Mitch to put down his binoculars.

MITCH FORREST:

Oh shit! The bastard saw us

FRIEND 2

No prob Mitch. He can’t do anything about it anyway.

Harry then starts to walk briskly from the rear to the front parking lot of the Market.

Mitch notices through his binoculars while the other two spot him from afar.

FRIEND 2

Where the hell did he go? You think he talked to the fuzz?

FRIEND 1

No, the pig’s in there pinchin’ a loaf.

MITCH FORREST:

Don’t worry guys. All I have to do is step on the gas and burn rubber.

FRIEND 2

Do it then!

MITCH FORREST:

Shut the f*ck up! I wanna see what he’s up to. I’m gonna pull up in front.

FRIEND 2

You fuckin’ crazy?

Mitch glares at Friend 2. He grabs his knife and shows it to him in a threatening matter

MITCH FORREST:

Shut the f*ck up and sit down. Remember that I call the shots here.

The Friend complies and sits back. The two friends sit in silence.

CUT TO:

EXT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - CONTINUOUS

Harry is in the front parking lot and spots the police car. He notices the officer’s weapon and cuffs on the passenger seat, keys in the ignition. He looks around and casually gets inside. He turns on the ignition.

Mitch pulls his car around the front parking lot. He and his friends scan the area. Harry notices.

Harry sits low on the seat to avoid being noticed.

SUPERIMPOSE:
- YEARS EARLIER IN HARRY’S YOUTH.

Harry is in a police car listening to his father on tips on being a cop.

HARRY SR:

This is how you load a gun.

Harry Sr. Loads his gun and shows Harry.

HARRY SR:

And this is how you call in a criminal...

Harry Sr. Grasps his police radio and fakes a call.

HARRY SR:

10-31 in progress. Officer requests back up.

SUPERIMPOSE:
- BACK TO PRESENT

Harry loads his gun like his father did in his flashback. He attempts to call the police on the radio.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

(on radio)

10-31 in progress. Request police assistance.

RADIO DISPATCH:

(radio)who is this?

Before he can answer, Harry realizes he is spotted by Mitch and his gang.

MITCH FORREST:

That’s Harry. Fucker is in the pig’s car.

FRIEND 2

What are we gonna do?

MITCH FORREST:

Kill the son of a bitch!

Mitch is about 20 yards away as he revs his engine and guns his car towards the police car.

Harry grasps the loaded gun tightly in his hand he opens the door and darts out quickly.

Harry then aims his gun at Mitch as he edges closer. Mitch’s eyes meet Harry’s and his eyes widen with terror.

Mitch covers his face and lowers his head. Harry turns his gun upwards and fires a shot in the air.

INT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET (RESTROOM) - CONTINUOUS

Officer Wilkes hears the gunshot and rises up from the toilet frantically. He pulls his britches up.

WILKES:

Oh shit!

EXT. POTRERO HILLS 4TH AVE MARKET - MOMENTS LATER

Officer Wilkes runs out and sees Mitch’s car smashed into a light pole.

Harry is pointing a gun at the three perps. They don’t move and Mitch is bloody from the impact.

WILKES:

Hold up!

Wilkes rushed towards Harry.

WILKES:

Give me the gun Harry?

Harry looks almost demonically in Mitch’s eyes. He doesn’t drop his aim on Mitch.

WILKES:

Dammit Harry! Give me the damn gun.

Harry squints and reluctantly lowers the gun. Wilkes takes it from him.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Don’t let em get away!

Harry’s intense look into Wilkes’ face almost intimidates him as he takes possession of his firearm.

Mitch is compelled to speak as Harry hands the firearm over to Wilkes.

MITCH FORREST:

He tried to kill us officer.

WILKES:

I don’t believe you! Nobody is going anywhere. We’re all going to take a ride down to the station and figure this out.

INT. POLICE STATION CAPTAIN’S OFFICE

Police CAPTAIN BRONSON (50’S, grey-haired, masculine) sits in his office with Harry and Officer Wilkes.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

Dammit Wilkes! This is unacceptable. Never, under any circumstance, do you leave your firearm in an unlocked police car. What are you fuckin’ stupid? Hell, you’re a veteran cop. You know better than that!

Wilkes lowers his head in dismay.

WILKES:

Yes, sir!

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

I should suspend you, but truth is we need the man power.

Captain Bronson focuses his attention to Harry.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

As for you...It is also a crime to impersonate a police officer. You are damn lucky things worked out in your favor. Wilkes here put in a good word for you and explained the situation. Not that I should have much faith on his testimony due to his recent idiotic actions.

Bronson looks at Wilkes seriously with angry eyes. Wilkes looks downward.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

More importantly, we found paint cans in Mitch Forrest’s car along with a tire iron with fragments of glass that match the glass in your windshield. We also discovered various illegal drugs and a fake ID Mitch had been using.

Bronson looks seriously at Wilkes again.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

Your so-called friends will be detained in juvenile detention for the time being.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

Then what?

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

He will be tried in court, but the odds are he will be released after doing community service due to the fact he is still a juvenile.

Harry shakes his head in disgust.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

It’s bullshit, but its the law. Shit like this is what adds strands of grey to my hair everyday.

Harry continues to show his displeasure. Captain Bronson grins slightly with appreciation for Harry.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

Well...Mr. Callahan. I said what I needed to say. You are free to go.

Harry rises from his chair. He turns towards the exit and Wilkes gives him an appreciative pat on the shoulder.

CAPTAIN BRONSON:

And off the record...good work Callahan! But if you want to play cop, do it legally and go to the Academy.

Both Wilkes and Bronson smile as they look at Harry.

HARRY CALLAHAN:

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