Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Page #14

55.

Resigned, DUKE turns off the ignition. A young CLERK

arrives breathlessly with a smile and a YELLOW LETTER IN HIS

HAND.

CLERK:

Sir?

(thrusts out a TELEGRAM)

This telegram came for you.

Actually, it isn't for you. It's

for somebody named Thompson, but it

says 'care of Raoul Duke'. does

that make sense?

DUKE:

(barely able to speak)

Yes... It makes sense.

DUKE stuffs the telegram into his top pocket.

The CLERK peers into the car -- sees part of the enormous

stash inside.

CLERK:

I checked the register for this man

Thompson. We don't show him but I

figured he might be part of your

team.

DUKE:

He is. Don't worry, I'll get it to

him.

He fires up the engine -- eases the RED SHARK into low gear.

SECURITY GUARDS are looking across -- sharing a quiet word

or two.

CLERK:

What confused us was Dr. Gonzo's

signature on the telegram from Los

Angeles. When we knew he was right

here in the hotel.

DUKE:

You did the right thing. Never try

to understand a press message.

About half the time we use codes --

especially with Dr. Gonzo.

CLERK:

Tell me. When will the doctor be

awake?

56.

DUKE:

(tenses)

Awake? What do you mean?

DUKE's eyes are on the SECURITY GUARDS -- moving closer.

CLERK:

(uncomfortably)

Well... the manager, Mr. Heem,

would like to meet him. Nothing

unusual. Mr. Heem likes to meet

all our large accounts... put them

on a personal basis... just a chat

and a handshake, you understand.

DUKE:

Of course. But if I were you, I'd

leave the Doctor alone until after

he's eaten breakfast. He's a very

crude man.

DUKE edges the car forward, but is stopped by the CLERK.

CLERK:

But he will be available? Perhaps

later this morning?

DUKE:

Look. That telegram was all

scrambled. It was actually from

Thompson, not to him. Western

Union must have gotten the names

reversed. I have to get going. I

have to get out to the track.

CLERK:

There's no hurry! The race is over!

DUKE:

(taking off)

Not for me.

He waves the CLERK off the car -- roars away.

CLERK:

Let's have lunch!

DUKE:

Righto!

EXT. ROAD OUT OF VEGAS - DAY

DUKE drives the RED SHARK out of Vegas.

57.

A "YOU ARE LEAVING LAS VEGAS" sign flashes past.

Bob Dylan plays:
"Memphis Blues Again -- "Aaww, Mama, can

this really by the end...?"

A sign:
LOS ANGELES -- 400 miles.

DUKE (V/O)

Jesus, bad waves of paranoia,

madness, fear and loathing --

intolerable vibrations in this

place. Get out! The weasels were

closing in. I could smell the ugly

brutes. Flee!

DUKE drives fast.

DUKE:

Do me one last favor Lord: just

give me five more high-speed hours

before you bring the hammer down;

just let me get rid of this goddamn

car and off of this horrible desert.

A sign flashes "YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE."

A patrol car pulls out behind him, lights flashing.

DUKE (CONT'D)

You evil bastard! This is your

work! You'd better take care of

me, Lord... because if you don't

you're going to have me on your

hands.

The patrol car screams after the RED SHARK.

DUKE (V/O)

Few people understand the psychology

of dealing with a Highway Traffic

Cop. Your normal speeder will

panic and immediately pull over to

the side. This is wrong.

DUKE floors the gas pedal.

DUKE (V/O)

It arouses contempt in the cop heart.

THE SPEEDOMETER CLIMBS STEADILY.

58.

DUKE (V/O)

Make the bastard chase you. He

will follow. But he won't know

what to make of your blinker signal

that says you're about to turn right.

DUKE signals right. The RED SHARK screams at 120 mph.

DUKE (V/O)

This is to let him know you're

looking for a proper place to pull

off and talk.

AN EXIT OFF RAMP: MAX SPEED 25.

DUKE hits the brakes. The COP brakes.

DUKE (V/O)

It will take him a moment to

realize that he is about to make

180 degree turn at speed... but you

will be ready for it, braced for

the G's and the fast heel toe work.

The patrol car spins and fishtails crazily out of control.

EXT. SCENIC PICNIC AREA - DAY

The patrol car comes skidding around the corner. DUKE

stands beside the RED SHARK, completely relaxed and smiling.

The HIGHWAY PATROLMAN gets out of the car, screaming.

HIGHWAY PATROLMAN

Just what the F*** did you think

you were doing?!

DUKE smiles.

HIGHWAY PATROLMAN

May I see your license.

DUKE:

Of course, officer.

DUKE reaches for it. And BOTH MEN look down at a beer

can -- which DUKE had, somehow, forgotten was in his hand.

DUKE (V/O)

I knew I was f***ed.

The COP relaxes -- actually smiles... He reaches out for

DUKE's wallet, then holds out his other hand for the beer.

59.

HIGHWAY PATROLMAN

Could I have that, please?

DUKE:

Why not? It was getting warm anyway.

The HIGHWAY PATROLMAN takes it, pours out the beer --

glances in the back seat of the RED SHARK. Amongst the bars

of soap... A case of warm beer. DUKE smiles back at him.

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