Airplane! Page #8

ELAINE:

That's great. By the way, Joey Hammen

asked me if you would autograph this

basketball.

Murdock autographs it reluctantly.

INT. PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

A JAPANESE GENERAL, dressed in World War II uniform, is now

seated next to Striker.

STRIKER:

After the war, I just wanted to get as far

away from things as possible. So Elaine

and I joined the Peace Corps. We were

assigned to an isolated tribe, the

Molombos.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. AFRICAN VILLAGE - DAY

Striker and Elaine are being escorted to the chief's hut by

two GUARDS. We hear Jungle Animal SOUNDS. The chief is

standing in front of his hut surrounded by several TRIBESMEN

who are making the jungle animal sounds.

STRIKER (v.o.)

They had never seen Americans before.

When Striker and Elaine arrive, the CHIEF holds up his hands

and the sounds stop.

STRIKER (v.o.)

At first, they didn't know what to think

of us; but soon we gained their trust.

The Chief extends his right hand for conventional handshake.

Striker shows him power grip. When the Chief is pleased,

Striker gives him five. The Chief pauses then decks Striker.

STRIKER (v.o.)

It really was a challenge during the year

introducing them to our Western culture.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. JUNGLE - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

Elaine is having a Supperware party for native women.

ELAINE:

Also, Supperware products are ideal for

storing leftovers to help stretch your

food dollar. This two quart "Seals-M-Rite"

container with a special "Close-M-Tite"

lid keeps hotdog buns fresh for days and

prevents sugared cereals from sticking.

She scoops a ladle of corn mush from a carved wooden bowl

into a Supperware container.

ELAINE:

Meat and dairy products are protected

against unwanted refrigerator odors when

sealed in this non-slip pastel colored

"Freez-o-leer".

When she burps the lid, the Supperware makes a human burp

SOUND.

EXT. JUNGLE - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

Striker nailing crude basketball rim and net to tree.

STRIKER (v.o.)

You must understand that these people had

been completely isolated from

civilization.

Striker demonstrates a two-handed set shot to natives. He

misses.

STRIKER (v.o.)

No one had ever outlined a physical

fitness program for them and they had no

athletic equipment.

Native examines basketball for first time. After two slow

dribbles, he gracefully feints lefts, then, dribbling

through his legs, sinks a two-hand, over-the-head, reverse

dunk shot.

STRIKER (v.o.)

We also emphasized nutrition and taught

them to watch their diets.

Another native hits a long jump shot.

STRIKER (v.o.)

The exercise improved their physical

fitness and condition.

One shot after another swishes through the basketball rim.

STRIKER (v.o.)

My working with them seemed to reinforce

our objectives of group cooperation and

controlled-competitive activity.

Striker approaches Elaine who is standing on the sideline.

As they talk, the natives are passing the ball around and

shooting baskets Harlem Globetrotter fashion.

STRIKER:

I think they're getting the hang of it!

When we re-enlist I'll teach them

baseball!

ELAINE:

Ted, I don't want to stay here. It's time

for us to go back home -- to the plans we

made before the war.

STRIKER:

A lot of people made plans before the war.

Like George Zipp.

Elaine walks away, dejectedly. CAMERA STAYS with Striker as

he pours Gator-Ade into a glass.

STRIKER (v.o.)

I guess it was at that moment that I first

realized Elaine had doubts about our

relationship. And that as much as anything

else led to my drinking problem.

Striker has a problem drinking. He raises his glass of

Gator-Ade, then suddenly pours it on his forehead.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

STRIKER:

We did come back to the States. I tried a

number of jobs...Well, I could go on for

hours, but I'd probably start to bore you.

The Japanese General is kneeling on the seat committing Hari

Kari.

STRIKER:

You know, I really couldn't blame Elaine.

She wanted a career. I was offered a job

at Boeing but I couldn't bring myself to

take it...

EXT. LAX PASSENGER LOADING AREA - NIGHT

The businessman waiting in Striker's cab checks his watch.

EXT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT

THUNDER and lightning.

INT. PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

Shirley is ill and holding her stomach in pain.

SHIRLEY:

Oh, I can't stand it.

JACK:

What is it?

Elaine approaches.

ELAINE:

Yes?

SHIRLEY:

My, stomach. I haven't felt this awful

since we saw that Lina Wertmuller film.

ELAINE:

I'll see if I can find some Dramamine.

Elaine exits.

SHIRLEY:

OOOOOO.

INT. PASSENGER CABIN - STEWARDESS ALCOVE - NIGHT

Elaine is on the phone.

ELAINE:

Captain, one of the women passengers is

very sick.

INT. COCKPIT - NIGHT

Joey enters to retrieve basketball. Murdock is wearing

goggles.

OVEUR:

Airsick?

ELAINE:

I think so, but I've never seen it so

acute.

OVEUR:

Find out if there's a doctor on board, as

quietly as you can.

Oveur hangs up phone.

OVEUR:

Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish

prison?

INT. PASSENGER CABIN - ANOTHER AREA - NIGHT

MR. HAMMEN

(nauseous)

Oooh, I shouldn't have had that second cup

of coffee.

He grabs for motion sickness bag. CAMERA ZOOMS to CLOSEUP of

Mrs. Hammen.

MRS. HAMMEN'S THOUGHTS (v.o.)

Jim never vomits at home.

EXT. AIRPLANE

THUNDER and lightning.

INT. PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

Rate this script:5.0 / 4 votes