Most films about this era are made by outsiders looking in.
The modern world is yearning for authentic connection to a vanished era. We all crave a time machine — to transport us back to periods in our lives like 1980 London, where music and fashion collided into a kaleidoscope of tribal identity and in your face anarchy. It meant something then, it means something now.
This was youth street culture at its most explosive — raw, unfiltered, and utterly graphic. Warrior Charge is different.
This isn't research. This isn't recreation. This is resurrection.
Every scene springs from lived experience. Every tribal detail verified by participation. Every music cue chosen by someone who was there, dancing to it, living it, surviving it.
From the 159 bus journey with Edgware Road sound systems to backstage at Dublin Castle, from BOY fashion shoots to Mark The Saint's back street tattoo parlour — this story emerges from the streets themselves.
Act I The Fall From Grace
- 01Requiem (2005 Digital Remaster)Killing Joke
- 02Warrior ChargeAswad — Babylon: The Original Soundtrack
- 03Blitzkrieg Bop (1999 Remaster)Ramones
- 04Ever Fallen in LoveBuzzcocks
- 05Baggy TrousersMadness
- 06A ForestThe Cure
- 07Down in the Tube Station at Midnight (Single Version)The Jam
- 08LadyAdam & The Ants
Act II The Transformation
- 09A Message to You Rudy (2002 Remaster)The Specials
- 10Are 'Friends' Electric?Gary Numan & Tubeway Army
- 11Happy HouseSiouxsie and the Banshees
- 12Rainbow Culture (Live)Aswad
- 13Anarchy in the UKSex Pistols
- 14Runaway BoysStray Cats
- 15Telegram SamBauhaus
- 16I Was a Teenage WerewolfThe Cramps
- 17I'm an UpstartAngelic Upstarts
- 18Wardance (2005 Digital Remaster)Killing Joke
- 19Holiday in CambodiaDead Kennedys
- 20Holidays in the SunSex Pistols
- 21I Just Can't Be Happy TodayThe Damned
- 22PoisonGeneration X
- 23Mirror in the BathroomThe Beat
- 24Bela Lugosi's DeadBauhaus
- 25Wardance (Original Single Version)Killing Joke
- 26Bad ManCockney Rejects
Act IIA The Spiral
- 27Taken for a RideCock Sparrer
- 28Going UndergroundThe Jam
- 29The PrinceMadness
- 30Night Boat to Cairo (2009 Remaster)Madness
- 31Teenage KicksThe Undertones
- 32Police & ThievesThe Clash
- 33House of FunMadness
- 34Groove Baby Groove (BBC Pebble Mill)The Stargazers
- 35New RoseThe Damned
- 36IdentityX-Ray Spex
- 37Atmosphere (2020 Digital Remaster)Joy Division
- 38Cities in DustSiouxsie and the Banshees
- 39WarheadUK Subs
- 40Concrete Jungle (2002 Remaster)The Specials
- 41The Sound of the Suburbs (Original 7" Mix)The Members
- 42Love Will Tear Us ApartJoy Division
Act III The Spiral Into Darkness
- 43Banana RepublicThe Boomtown Rats
- 44Ghost RiderAlan Vega
- 45DisciplineThrobbing Gristle
- 46Mad World (live)Gary Jules & Curt Smith
- 47Mad WorldTears for Fears
- 48Psycho KillerTalking Heads
- 49Requiem (Malicious Damage Mix)Killing Joke
- 50Decades (2007 Remaster)Joy Division
Act IV Rebirth
- 51A Forest (instrumental)The Cure
- 52The UnknowingJófríður
- 53DreamsThe Cranberries
- 54Girls on FilmDuran Duran
- 55Warrior Charge (Remix)Aswad
Warrior Charge
74 scenes. Music cues in red — press play and let the soundtrack run alongside.
1INT. ALDRIDGE FLAT - EARLY MORNING
BBC Radio 4 News drifts in from a radio outside the bedroom. We pan a 1980 schoolboy's bedroom - twin beds unmade, school blazer draped over chair, half-finished Airfix Spitfire on the desk. Posters of Star Wars and Evil Knievel on the walls, textbooks scattered about.
The radio fades out.
CHARLOTTE (O.S.)
(Charles and James's Mother Charlie)
You're both going to be late and it's your first day of term!
CHAZ
OK, we're going now mum - see you later - Bye!
JAMES
See you later mummy! Love you!
CHARLOTTE
(Charlotte's head pops around the door from the living room)
Have a great day my darlings!
Charlie, make sure James gets on the right bus!
CHAZ
Of course Mum..
BOYS IN UNISON
See you later alligator!
The flat door slams shut with a thud.
2INT. COMMUNAL STAIRWELL - CONTINUOUS
Two feet running down the common hallway steps in Dunlop Green Flash - old and dirty - then another pair of slightly smaller feet wearing blue kickers. The door to the street slams shut.
3EXT. ST. JOHN'S WOOD - CONTINUOUS
We rise up and away - the almost-empty streets of St. John's Wood, N.W. London, dropping beneath us to a bird's-eye view. London, 1980. Opening credits roll.
MUSIC: Killing Joke - "Requiem"
Route-master bus headlights appear through morning mist. We settle back to street level on a solitary figure - CHARLES, soon to be gifted the moniker of Chaz - in his prized aged and ratty Levi's jacket. Heavy schoolbag, suggesting weight of expectations.
4EXT. ABBEY ROAD - 159 BUS STOP - CONTINUOUS
We follow from behind, eye level, as Charles walks slowly to the bus stop on Abbey Road from Finchley Road, where he's just put James (JAM) on the number 13 bus to school. We swing round to front him.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
(male, mid-50s - N.W. London, confident streetwise accent)
See that boy down there, that's Charles Richard Aldridge - And his life's going through a major change.
(Charles walks even slower the closer he gets to the Abbey Road bus stop.)
NARRATOR (V.O.)
If he walked any slower he'd be walking backwards.. This isn't his normal route, this isn't his normal life, not anymore, everything he knows and loves has gone down the drain!
We cross to the far side of the road. Cars pass by on both sides. Across the way, Charles leans against the bus shelter - moody, scared and depressed.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Jeezz! What a sight - Look at him standing there, trying to appear invisible in a shitty old jacket he thinks makes him look tough. He has no idea what 'tough' really means. Not yet he doesn't.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
You know he's never taken the 159, That's not his usual bus. Before now he'd be going up Finchley Road way, catching the number 13 with Jam to his private boys school, 'UCS'. Now there he is, checking his pocket for the right change for a completely different journey, good luck mate, you're going to need it.
A red Route-master bus approaches through the morning mist. Throbbing bass becomes more audible.
MUSIC: Aswad - "Warrior Charge" (Babylon film version) - growing louder as the bus nears.
Laughter and shouting from the upper deck. Fog rises off the damp road surface. Charles nervously adjusts his jacket collar. The bus indicator shows '159 WEST HAMPSTEAD'. Through the windows: a group of teenagers on the back seats of the upper deck.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The boy who'd spent his life in privileged, private education was about to get his first real lesson in London street life. Those Edgware Road boys on the bus were about to give him a taste of what's to come.
5INT. 159 BUS - UPPER DECK - CONTINUOUS
BUS CONDUCTOR
There's a seat on the upper deck lad.
(gestures upstairs with his chin)
We follow Chaz up the stairs, the upper deck opening out around him. He nervously takes the only free seat, adjacent to the two rearmost bench seats where the EDGWARE ROAD BOYS - KEITH, ALLEN and MARVYN - have set up camp.
The upper deck is thick with cigarette smoke. The boys command the back seats, ghetto blaster claiming its own space. Other passengers shrink into themselves, avoiding eye contact.
BOY 1 KEITH
(voice getting loud with excitement)
Allen this is da boom ya na! Turn it up bruv, TURN-IT UPP!
BOY 2 ALLEN
Babylon bootleg bruv, it's da best init!, wait for da bass. Itz going to kick-in any minit
Music volume increases, the bass physically shaking the bus windows.
BOY 3 MARVYN
Nitto Allen! Yeah Boy, feel dat ridim!
Marvyn jumps onto the seat, 'winding' - a reggae hip gyration dance.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The upper deck of a London bus, usually a sanctuary of resigned silence and cigarette smoke at this time of day. Not this morning. These boys had turned it into their personal sound system, and Charles had walked right into their dance.
BOY 2 ALLEN
Come on, stop hanging around man! Light it up then Keith! - Time to burn some bush init!
A joint is lit - heavy grey wisps of smoke. Synchronised jumping to the bass, shouts of "Lion Zion" from the boys. Other passengers try to appear invisible, intimidated.
6INT. 159 BUS - LOWER DECK - CONTINUOUS
The bus conductor's head snaps up at the loud bass and the smell of sinsemilla wafting down the spiral stairs. The music gets turned up as the boys start chanting along. His heavy boots hit the stairs, mixing with the reggae beat.
We ride up the spiral stairs with him - ticket machine swaying, determined expression, years of experience in his stance, steam from his breath mixing with the smoke.
7INT. 159 BUS - UPPER DECK - CONTINUOUS
NARRATOR (V.O.)
(wry, knowing tone)
Here comes trouble..
He reaches the top and squares up, then we pull back - wide - to take in the whole deck.
BUS CONDUCTOR
(red-faced, angry)
Oi you lot! Turn that bloody racket off, no redgy music allowed on my bus.
BOY 2 ALLEN
(casual, defiant)
Your bus man? Nah mate, it belongs to the govern-mentt, this bus is for da tax paying city-zens init you I-DI-OTT!
The group laughs, music still pounding.
BUS CONDUCTOR
(moving closer - leaning into Allen's face)
Right! That's it! I can smell that bloody wacky-backy - OFF NOW or I'm calling the Old Bill!
Allen leans forward, grabs the conductor's cap and flings it down the aisle like it's a frisbee.
The flat cap flies to the front of the bus, ricocheting off a window and landing on the floor 6 rows ahead. The conductor's face reddens with anger and embarrassment, ticket machine swinging with his gestures. Chaz shrinks, trying to become invisible in his seat. Smoke curls around the ceiling. Other passengers watch through the reflections, scared.
Quick cuts:
Allen's cap-flip. The cap flying like a frisbee to the front. The other boys erupting in laughter. Bass pounding through the speakers. Joint smoke swirling.
The conductor - face turning purple, stumbling down the aisle after the cap, dignity completely gone, ticket machine bouncing against his chest. The Edgware Road boys laugh in unison.
BUS CONDUCTOR
(shouting)
That's it! Off you bloody WOG bastards
Furious, he pulls on the driver's stop cord in a specific, frantic coded pattern. Morning light strobes through the windows. The bus slows, then very quickly comes to an abrupt stop.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Charles ain't never seen nothing like this in his private school days. But then again, the number 13 to Hampstead never had its own sound system.
The boys grab the ghetto blaster and run down the stairs, laughing, and jump off the bus - stopped on the winding West End Lane in heavy rush-hour traffic. The traffic behind begins to beep in frustration. The Edgware Road boys dart across the road, laughing, still toking on their joint. "Warrior Charge" pumps loud out of the ghetto blaster on Allen's shoulder.
On the pavement, BOY 1 raises his fist - fingers facing forward, as if part of the 'Black Panther' movement - and gestures to the bus. Everyone stares out of the windows at them, incredulous, yet relieved.
Back inside, on the upper deck: Charles, head down, scared. We pan slowly across the recovering passengers to the bus conductor.
BUS CONDUCTOR
(straightening cap, muttering)
Fought the bloody Germans we did - for what? This lot! No respect country's gone to the dogs!
His voice fades as he descends the stairs. The bus engine and traffic fade with him.
8EXT. HAMPSTEAD COMPREHENSIVE - SCHOOL GATES - MORNING
MUSIC: The Ramones - "Blitzkrieg Bop" - opening guitar riff, fades in
We crane up and over to reveal Hampstead Comprehensive looming ahead, then track with Charles, creating purposeful energy matching the Ramones tempo. Morning sun now stronger. Streams of students converging. Different tribal groups visible. Charles a small figure walking towards the throng outside the school gates. School buildings looking institutional.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
This is going to be a bit of a shock to the system.
UCS had been all blazers and ties, pleases and thank yous sir, and all boys and boys school rules. Welcome to the Zoo Charles.
A tribal showcase: mohicaned punks, anarchy t-shirts-leather jackets emblazoned with motifs, skinheads in pressed trousers staples and rolled up Red-tag denim's and Fred Perrys, rockabillies with sculpted quiffs, ska boys in sharp suits. Chaz backs against the wall, overwhelmed by the cultural collision.
We move through the crowds, catching details.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Oh so many girls! Charles had never dealt with girls at school before. They're louder than the boys, more confident, and more terrifying, and of course much more interesting, much, much more..
Charles backing up against the school wall. Eyes darting between groups. Adjusting his Levi's jacket nervously. Trying to look invisible.
"Blitzkrieg Bop" fades as we establish the school exterior.
THIN SKINHEAD
(pointing at Charles and laughing along with his mates)
Oi Sid look at that fucking hair cut, Hahaha
SKINHEAD 2
Looks like he did it himself
further laughter ensues..
THIN SKINHEAD AND SKINHEAD 2
(chanting)
Oi! Bowl-ed! Bowl-ed! Want some fruit for that bowl, mate?
Laughing from a good few of the kids around the gate.
THIN SKINHEAD
Look at that fucking mess!
SKINHEAD 2
Did your mummy dress you, little boy?
PUNK GIRL
Leave him alone, you neanderthals.
THIN SKINHEAD
(obviously getting here tribe wrong)
Shut it, you goth bitch
A loud voice can be heard at the back of the crowd.
GT
Get out of my way you freaks!
GT
(approaching)
Problem here?
THIN SKINHEAD
Just having a laugh with Mr. bowl-head here.
GT
Funny. I'm not laughing.
Others in the crowded school gate area look around to see who's shouting.. Then clock Charles. Punks and Goth's - some looking, some looking scared and some indifferent.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
If it isn't Moses himself - (Crowd Parts Like the Red Sea)
A crowd of students. A look of fear on some faces. GT's confident approach from the other side of the gates. The crowd parting. GT gives Chaz an acknowledging and knowing nod.. Chaz joins GT.
GT and Chaz move slowly through the crowd.
DAVE
(spots GT and Charles)
All right G.T.!
GT
All right Dave, how's it going mate?!
DAVE
Yeah, I'm sweet GT, Who you wiv?
GT
Chaz init, you'll see him ron - in class yeah!
DAVE
Nice one mate, see ya both laters!
People step back, making way. GT's movement: a purposeful stride like a big cat, a direct line through the crowd towards the gate - they part out of respect and or fear.
GT puts his arm around Charles' shoulders conspiratorially, leaning in.
GT
Don't worry yourself none Chaz, this lot are a bunch of pussies.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
It looks like Charles has a new best mate, and a new name - 'Chaz' it is then! Looks like GT may have just saved his bacon.. and it won't be the last time. That's for sure!
MUSIC: Buzzcocks - "Ever Fallen in Love"
We dolly along the iron railings, panning slowly past a couple - VINCE, big powerful Skinhead (20-ish), towering over BETH (petite, pixie like, beautiful dark haired Modette - 15 years old), cutest girl in the school, black bob, black eyeliner - dresses like a 60's Mary Quant stylised model. His size emphasised against school railings. Construction worker steel toe capped boots. Traditional skinhead style but more threatening. Muscles straining against Fred Perry shirt. Tattoos visible at neck, arms and hands. Her small frame minuscule against his bulk.
Vince leans in and kisses, contrasting with his intimidating presence - more to show she's his property. A brief intimate moment between them. Vince's eyes darting around territorially. Momentary eye contact with Chaz. A subtle but threatening change in Vince's expression.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And there she is... the lovely Beth. Though Chaz doesn't know it yet, she'll change everything. Shame about her boyfriend Vince. He changes things too... but not in a good way.
As Chaz clocks Vince and Beth, he's hugely intimidated by Vince, he's older, bigger than anyone he's ever seen, with muscly arms stretching the sleeves of his Fred Perry making him look like he could bend the the school iron railings with ease. But Beth's beauty and style makes him look back again, this isn't missed by Vince - who looks like a giant next to her.
GT notices Chaz's lingering look, follows his eye line to Vince. His playful demeanour shifts instantly.
GT
(low, serious tone)
Stay away from that one mate! He's trouble with a capital 'T' and he's an evil bastard too!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
GT isn't wrong about Vince. But some warnings just make things inevitable.
Chaz looks at GT with open wide eyes - looks down as he's not sure what to say - so he doesn't respond.
GT and Chaz walk into the school grounds together towards the institutional concrete buildings, Chaz can't help and take one last look at Beth.
9EXT. HAMPSTEAD COMPREHENSIVE - BEHIND THE BINS - MORNING
MUSIC: Madness - "Baggy Trousers"
GT and Chaz walk away from the main entrance, off towards the school building beyond. They take a sharp right and duck behind the rubbish bin area, where some kids are smoking. Neither of them smokes - yet. But GT knows some girls he likes will be there.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And so began Chaz's intro to the secrets of Hampstead Comprehensive starting with the unofficial communal area behind the bins.
Cigarette smoke hangs in the air. A small group is gathered, relaxed poses. ROB THE SNOB leans casually against the wall, trying to act cool. GT introduces Chaz and he's welcomed by them all.
Rob the Snob is in Fleming House and will be Chaz's classmate in class 5F. GT doesn't much like Rob - they're from different socio-economic backgrounds, and GT reckons he's a fake posh wanker trying to be cool - but he tolerates him.
Three girls - DEBS, THERESA and SARAH - giggle. Sarah catches GT's attention. Rob's in expensive casual wear. A cigarette pack is passed around. GT throws subtle glances at Sarah. Rob manages a forced smile.
GT
(mock posh accent)
Right then, my lovelies! Meet Chaz - he's new to our merry band.
GT gives an elaborate genuflection, playing lord of the manor.
GT (CONT'D)
We've got Sarah, Debs and Theresa and Rob the snob here..
GT has his eye on Sarah, the prettiest of the three girls.
ROB THE SNOB
All right mate - how's it going?
GT deliberately ignores him, focusing on the girls.
GIRLS
Hello, hi, giggling hello
CHAZ
Hello everyone, nice to meet you all
THERESA
Oh you've got such a posh voice on ya, Incha!
DEBS
(looking up and down at him)
He's cute in a posh way, do you smoke?
Debs offers a Rothmans 10-pack towards Chaz. Chaz goes bright red at her remark.
CHAZ
Er, er, no I don't smoke actually!
DEBS
Suit yourself love..
SARAH
Ah look Debs you're making him embarrassed, Hope you like it here, we are really quite nice
ROB THE SNOB
What class you in? Do you know yet?
CHAZ
5F - Fleming House
ROB THE SNOB
Same as Debs and me - We'll introduce you to everyone..
CHAZ
Thanks Rob, really appreciate it, it's an enormous school and I'm already feeling a bit lost here..
ROB THE SNOB
Just follow me.. you'll be fine.
CHAZ
I do hope so..
ROB THE SNOB (CONT'D)
By the end of tomorrow you'll know where everything is and everyone here, including all the wankers!
GT
(chatting away with the girls - end of convo)
Yeah we met in the summer hols playing tennis over at the old hospital in the wood..he's a really nice lad for a posh boy!
SARAH
You are sweetie really aren't you GT (smiles with a look that could eat GT alive)
GIRLS
(turning away from GT - surrounding Chaz)
Where're you from? Which school was you at before? Do you know many people here? Where do you live? Do you have an older cute brother?
They all natter together for a bit before the morning bell goes. The music fades out. A school bell rings - harsh, industrial. The group disperses, the girls looking back. GT catches Sarah's eye and winks at her.
10INT. HAMPSTEAD COMPREHENSIVE - 5F CLASSROOM - MORNING
Rob and Chaz head the same direction, into a standard comprehensive school classroom.
MUSIC: The Cure - "A Forest" - fades in
NARRATOR (V.O.)
That's Fleming House, Class 5F, Rob and Chaz would be seeing a lot of each other. GT might not have liked it, but sometimes your friends don't choose themselves.
Chaz sits in the middle of the class, staring out of the window, daydreaming. The teacher's voice fades to background. Basic maths problems on the blackboard, far below his level. The clock ticks slowly.
11INT. FAMILY KITCHEN - EVENING (FLASHBACK)
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE 1 - FOUR MONTHS EARLIER. Black and white.
CHARLOTTE, the boys' mother, sits at the kitchen table with a stack of unpaid bills. Two boys watch her face. Her hands shake as she holds one of the bills.
CHARLOTTE
James, turn that bloody radio down!
JAMES
It's not even loud Mummy!
CHARLOTTE
Everything's loud right now! I can't think straight.
(holding bills)
Charlotte stares at the pile of red-stamped bills. Final Notice. Final Notice. Disconnection Warning.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
He's stopped paying. Everything
CHAZ
What d'you mean stopped?
CHARLOTTE
I mean we're broke, Charles. Completely broke!
12INT. FAMILY FLAT - LIVING ROOM - EVENING (FLASHBACK)
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE 2. Late evening, the family flat in St. John's Wood. Black and white.
FATHER
(drunk, belligerent)
You think money grows on bloody trees don't you!Where am I meant to keep finding al this extra money you think I have?
CHARLOTTE
I think you should have thought about that before you started gambling it all away!
FATHER
Don't you dare lecture me, woman!
In their bedroom, JAM leans to Chaz, whispering.
JAM
(to Chaz, whispering)
Are they getting divorced?
CHAZ
I don't know, James. I honestly don't know
13INT. PARENTS' BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE 3. Black and white. The sound of objects being thrown, a mirror breaking.
FATHER
I'm not paying those extortionate private school fees anymore, I told you already I can't afford it! They can go to state schools like most other kids do..
CHARLOTTE
Why not? They're YOUR sons!Don't you want them Toi have a proper education?
FATHER
Then they can bloody well learn to survive like I did!I never bloody went to private school.. This was all your stupid idea!
CHARLOTTE
I hate you! You are such a complete and utter bastard!
14INT./EXT. FAMILY FLAT - SATURDAY AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK)
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE 4. Black and white.
MUSIC: The Jam - "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight"
CHARLOTTE
(screaming)
Fifteen years! Fifteen years I've put up with your lies!
FATHER
I'm not listening to you caterwauling any more!
CHARLOTTE
I thought I was marrying a real man, not a lying gambling addict!!
FATHER
(shouting)
Try living on your own without my money then you stupid bitch..
Charles runs to the front door to catch his father stepping out into the main communal hallway.
CHARLES
Dad don't go!
FATHER
Sorry Charles, I can't live like this anymore - You're the man of the house now!
The father exits the flat - the door crashing shut with a thunderous bang. He heads to the street, two floors down. Chaz and James run after him.
Down at street level: it's a busy shopping day on the high street below. Men's clothing starts raining down from the second-floor window onto the busy high street, shoppers looking up, faces frozen. Charlotte is at the window, shouting, face contorted with rage. The father's suits and shirts hit the pavement. Neighbours watch. James clutches Chaz's arm. Chaz's face burns with embarrassment.
CHARLOTTE
(throwing clothes out of the window two floors above)
Let them watch you run away you coward! Let them all see what kind of man you are!
NEIGHBOUR 1
Should we call someone?
NEIGHBOUR 2
Best stay out of it, love.
JAM
(crying)
Charlie, make her stop!
CHAZ
(hugely embarrassed, arm around James)
Come on, let's go back inside
15INT. FAMILY KITCHEN - THE AFTERMATH (FLASHBACK)
Black and white. Charlotte is exhausted, shaking, tears running down her face, drinking a glass of rosé wine while smoking a Gold Leaf cigarette.
CHARLOTTE
I'm sorry you boys had to see that.
CHAZ
Mum, are you OK? I've never seen you so angry and upset before..
CHARLOTTE
It's been heading to this for a while, he's never here, he never takes you boys out to play football or help with your homework, he's a failure as a father and a failure as a husband.
CHAZ
It will be alright Mum, we'll take care of you!
CHARLOTTE
No, it's not going to be alright Charlie. Nothing about this is ever going to be alright.
JAM
(crying, shocked, traumatised)
Mum, Where's Dad going to live?
CHARLOTTE
I don't know, darling and frankly, I don't care.
JAM
(young James, Chaz's little brother)
Charlie... what's going to happen to us?
16INT. HAMPSTEAD COMPREHENSIVE - 5F CLASSROOM - MORNING (BACK TO SCENE)
We fade back to the classroom. Colour returns.
TEACHER (V.O.)
(fading in)
Charles? Charles Aldridge! The answer please!
CHAZ
Sorry, what did you say?
TEACHER
Charles, perhaps you can solve this equation?
ROB THE SNOB
Bet he can do it in his sleep.
CHAZ
(looking at simple algebra)
"It's... it's X equals seven
TEACHER
Show your working next time, Charles
RANDOM VOICE OF A STUDENT
POSH GIT!!
EXT - First Day - Lunch Break - Behind the Bins
DEBS
So how's it going so far Chaz? Finding it alright here?
CHAZ
I suppose so Debs(looks glum)
THERESA
Why'd you come here? Get kicked out of your posh school?
CHAZ
Family stuff.
SARAH
Family stuff, that's the worst kind of stuff, we all know that one!
[The three girls all nod in agreement - no one smiles..]
DEBS
Sure you don't want a ciggie? Might help you feel calmer?
CHAZ
Alright then, thanks Debs
[Lights his cigarette, Chaz coughs up his lungs]
DEBS
Take it easy Chaz, don't wan-cha dropping dead on us now do we..
THERESA
Sarah give him your can of Coke will ya.. he's going cough to death with his first ever Ciggie!
SARAH
Here you go love, drink that and cheer up, we're your mates now
THERESA
Yeah, bloody right Sarah, we're your mates now..
CHAZ
Jesus that cigarette has made me feel really dizzy..
DEBS
Nicotine rush! Sweet! Haha
The girls all laugh together with Chaz..
FADE OUT
MUSIC: Adam and the Ants - "Lady"
17INT. GT'S BEDROOM - EVENING
MUSIC: The Specials - "A Message To You Rudy"
GT sits on the floor with the day's takings spread out in front of him, counting stolen goods.
GT
(to himself, counting stolen goods)
Tenner for the necklace, fiver for the radio, score for the watch... Fuck not nearly enough!
GT'S MUM (O.S.)
(shouting from downstairs)
Gary! Your tea's ready!
GT
Coming, Mum!
He hides the stolen goods under the bed.
18INT. GT'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
GT drops into a chair at the table, all innocence.
GT'S MUM
How was school love?
GT
Brilliant! Learning loads
GT'S MUM
That's my boy, Your dad will be proud of ya
GT
(guilt flashing across face)
Yeah. Course he will mum
19EXT. DARK STREETS - FORD CORTINA - NIGHT
GT
(guilt flashing across his face)
Yeah. Course he will mum
GT walks out of the estate and meets his FENCE, sitting in a Ford Cortina MK1.
MUSIC: Gary Numan - "Are 'Friends' Electric?" - fades in
FENCE
This is good stuff, GT. Where you getting it?
GT
Don't ask questions you don't want answers to, I don't ask you where you get your gear do I
FENCE
Fair enough. Fifty for the lot, deal?
GT
Make it sixty and we've got a deal
FENCE
Only if you can get more gear like this, no tat mind you! Now how many grams of sulphate are you taking this time.. no more credit mind you GT..
GT
C'mon, just 10 grams and I'll get it sorted! I'll pay you the full amount next week, straight up!
FENCE
I'll be waiting right here as always.. Make sure you have the gear and the money next time GT or there will be penalties to pay - if you know what I mean! So don't take the piss!
GT
Crystal, nice one!
The car door slams. GT disappears into the dark.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Sticky fingers and a powdered nose, who would have thought..
Music and scene fade out.
20EXT. ROB'S HOUSE - BACK GARDEN - DAY
MUSIC: Siouxsie and the Banshees - "Happy House"
ROB THE SNOB
This stuff grows like wildflowers, they're weeds really!. Amazing what people don't know grows in this garden
He pulls off some buds and leaves.
ROB THE SNOB (CONT'D)
Here smell it..
CHAZ
Oh wow, that smells really nice, But doesn't your mum see them here?
ROB THE SNOB
Mum thinks it's herbs for cooking, no wonder dad looks so stoned after dinner - laughs
CHAZ
And your dad, what does he say?
ROB THE SNOB
(walking around inspecting the weed plants)
Guess he's too stoned to care
ROB THE SNOB (CONT'D)
Dad thinks mum's lost her mind growing weeds. They both have, in a way we've all lost our mind,
He laughs to himself.
21INT. ROB'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
MUSIC: Aswad - "Rainbow Culture" - softly in the background
ROB THE SNOB
(rolling a spliff)
Have you ever been properly stoned Chaz?
CHAZ
What do you mean by properly?
ROB THE SNOB
I mean have you ever been so off your nut, you know, where everything makes no sense and nothing matters anymore
CHAZ
That sounds like my life every bloody day Rob
ROB THE SNOB
Blimey Chaz, sounds like you should light this one up then, here be my guest
He hands the spliff to Chaz.
CHAZ
Cheers Rob, You know what, I really think I could do with this right now, life's been really shit lately..
ROB THE SNOB
Life is about to get better
CHAZ
It won't make me sick or mad or anything like that will it?
ROB THE SNOB
It's not dangerous, Nothing to worry about - It's only homegrown - it ain't Durban poison or Thai stick!
CHAZ
Durban poison? Thai sticks? What are those?
Chaz lights the jay with a box of Swan Vesta matches.
ROB THE SNOB
Types of weed my friend - Haha, I'll teach you all about the finer things of life Chaz.. sit back and enjoy the music..
CHAZ
I love Reggae, my uncle used to play me Trojan and Studio 7 inches all the time
ROB THE SNOB
Get away! Really?
CHAZ
Oh yeah, you know like, Horace Andy, Dennis Brown, John Holt, stuff like that..
ROB THE SNOB (CONT'D)
Brilliant, I'd never have thought that coming from a UCS boy.. There's more to you that meets the eye Chaz Aldridge
CHAZ
(picking up album sleeve)
Haha maybem, let's see what this weed does..
ROB THE SNOB
Give it some time, this one creeps up on you..
CHAZ
(giggling as he tokes on the small joint)
this is bloody amazing Rob, giggling
ROB THE SNOB
Yeah, nice - I see you like the weed then Chaz
(smiling with a stoned grin)
its just like a regular garden weed isn't it, that's why its called weed - winking - thinking he's being intelligent and witty.
The sound of feedback from an amp.
ROB THE SNOB
(adjusting volume)
Rob pushes a C90 cassette into the tape deck, and the sound of a band thrashing out a punk tune throbs through the speakers.
ROB THE SNOB (CONT'D)
See if you like this.
MUSIC: The Sex Pistols - "Anarchy In The UK"
CHAZ
Oh wow.. Who's this then?
ROB THE SNOB
The Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the UK
CHAZ
I might have to get this..
ROB THE SNOB
Want to come record shopping some time, I know so really cool record shops
CHAZ
That would be great! I'm in! I see you've got loads of instruments here, do you play them all?
ROB THE SNOB
Congo's mainly
ROB THE SNOB (CONT'D)
I play in a band called 'Paradox', we jam here sometime Mum hates it, but Dad's never home enough to complain, he's at work most of the time
CHAZ
I'd love to watch you guys play some time
ROB THE SNOB
Come over at the weekend.. This Saturday afternoon if you're free, we're rehearsing in here
CHAZ
OK you're on Rob, thanks mate - Can I bring my little brother, James? He likes to hang out with me at the weekend.
ROB THE SNOB
For sure - More the merrier Chaz! Do you play any instruments?
CHAZ
It depends on if you count the recorder as an instrument?
Rob and Chaz both laugh at the ridiculousness of the question.
FADE OUT.
22INT. ANNA'S HOUSE - UNDERGROUND GARAGE - EVENING
Chaz sits on an old sofa. Radio 1 blares in the background.
MUSIC: Stray Cats - "Runaway Boys"
ANNA
(under the car)
Pass me that spanner please will you Charlie.
CHAZ
Which one?
ANNA
That big one, you muppet!
CHAZ
You mean the 1/2 inch, why didn't you just say so
(smiling)
ANNA
OK clever clogs, so you know mechanics now do you? - Then pass me the Phillips as well while you're at it
CHAZ
Here you are. How do you know so much about cars? Where did you learn it all? You never told me, I just assumed you taught yourself..
ANNA
I wish! Nah - Mainly Dad taught me, that's before he sodded off.
CHAZ
Yes that was strange - I know he left - but didn't know where or why, I never wanted to intrude and ask you about that, you know private family stuff..
ANNA
You are such a gent Charlie - He fucked off to Australia. Said he needed some space. Like a bloody enormous 5 bedroom Mansion with underground parking wasn't enough space for him apparently.
CHAZ
Sad.. Are you OK though?
ANNA
I'm over it now, mum seems happier too
CHAZ
She seems to always have friends around
ANNA
Yeah, she likes a drink and a laugh, don't we all!
CHAZ
Speaking of which.. can I smoke this down here?
ANNA
You don't smoke!What's that a roll-up?
CHAZ
Kind of, it's a spliff - Rob the snob at school gave it to me.
ANNA
I know him, he's got a band, PARADOX right?
CHAZ
Yeah that's the one.. He played a demo tape to me, they sound bloody amazing!
ANNA
Do they, we should go and see them play sometime.. Light it up then.. I haven't had any grass for ages.
CHAZ
You mean weed?
ANNA
Yes grass, weed, marijuana, Mary Jane, herb, all the same stuff, their are tons of names for it,
ANNA (CONT'D)
(sliding out from under the car)
Theirs lots you don't know about me Charlie
CHAZ
That does seem to be the case, you go ahead and light it up then..
ANNA
Thank you young man.. I'll be happy to do the honours.. I bloody love this song - C'mon Charlie dance with me..
Laughing together, they imbibe on Rob the Snob's homegrown while Anna encourages Chaz to bop to the music.
FADE OUT.
23EXT. 159 BUS STOP - WEST END GREEN - AFTERNOON
MUSIC: Bauhaus - "Telegram Sam" - fades in
Going home after school one day, into the second or third week. GT has a serious chat with Chaz at the bus stop.
GT
Chaz mate - we've got to do something about your look, or lack of! You're getting the piss taken out of you all the time, that and your posh voice is going to get you into some serious trouble my old mucker!
CHAZ
My look?, my voice? What do you mean?
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Listen to him Chaz, he's about to change the direction of your life you soft little twit!
Chaz looks at GT as if he's going to burst out in tears, then just nods, understanding.
GT
Yeah, right, you get it, OK, let me explain! Listen my old fruit - This is my idea! Let's get your mate 'Anna the Spanner' to come with us down to Camden on Saturday, we'll get you some new clobber. Actually second hand clobber if I am being more exact. You'll need that mop cut too! You bloody need that more than anything.
CHAZ
Haircut? What for?
GT
Don't you have a mirror at home? Does Bowl-ed ring a bell?
CHAZ
Ok, Ok.. I got it..
GT
Good man.. Now let's get the plan moving and get that help from your mate spanner. She's cool, you got to love a girl with a peroxide blonde flat top
(laughs and winks at Chaz)
She'll know what to buy, I bet ya..
GT almost gives away that he fancies 'Anna the Spanner'.
GT (CONT'D)
How does that sound?
CHAZ
(stammers)
Well er.. yyy-yeah alright then, but a small problem, I've got no money GT.
GT
Oh fuck that, don't worry we're going to Camden market my old China, and we'll make your cloths - you're going to be a punk ain't ya Chaz!
CHAZ
Really? A punk? Why a punk?
GT
Coz you'll look cool - Buy some second hand black jeans, t-shirts, zips, safety pins, get some bleach, do a bit of sploshing here, bit of sowing there and you've got a new wardrobe aint-cha-son.
CHAZ
I'm speechless GT..If you think it's a good idea, then I'll do it, I TRUST YOU.
GT
yes mate! - Nitto! And after that you're getting a a couple of tats..
CHAZ
Tattoos! - Excuse me, but you can fuck right off here and now, in the most polite way of course, there's no chance I'm getting any tattoos.
GT
Haha - no choice matey - I can't baby sit you anymore!
CHAZ
No way! Mum will kill me!
GT
Better your mum kills you rather than half the school? Am I right?
CHAZ
Oh shit - Er, Yeah I guess so
(looks at the floor crestfallen)
GT
C'mon - cheer up, you'll get them where you can hide them from your mum. She'll be so focused on your new hair cut, that will keep her occupied.
CHAZ
Great!
(said sarcastically)
GT
That's the spirit!
(ignoring Chaz's negativity)
Not to worry my son!!
(slaps him on the back)
GT laughs.
24EXT./INT. ANNA'S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING
A Queen Anne style town house, NW8.
MUSIC: The Cramps - "I Was a Teenage Werewolf" - the intro beat matches Chaz and GT's walk up to the front door, blasting from a third-floor open window.
The music fades... but continues playing.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Some things never change - Pam, Anna's mum, and Charlotte were sharing their second or third bottle of Anjou Rosé, nothing new there, while upstairs, Anna was about to prove why everyone called her 'The Spanner' - if she could fix up a '59 Ford Zephyr, surely she could fix up Chaz!
PAM (MRS L) opens the door, a glass of rosé in hand.
PAM
Hello Charles, your mother's here... oh who's this with you?
She looks down through the specs resting on the end of her elegant nose at GT, with some interest.
GT
(quickly piping up)
Hello Mrs L - I'm GT. Actually we have a project to work on with Anna if you don't mind
He pushes past Pam. Cigarette smoke and laughter drift from the kitchen.
ANNA THE SPANNER
(leaning over the third-floor banister)
Who's that mum? Oh hello you two.. wasn't expecting you..
She spots Charlie's awful clothes.
ANNA THE SPANNER (CONT'D)
Bloody hell Charlie! First time I've seen you without the UCS uniform on for a while, and you're wearing those flipping flares again Oh my god.. Get up here now, we need a chat
GT
(following up the stairs)
That's what I've been saying Spanner - kid's getting killed out there. He needs sorting out.
ANNA THE SPANNER
Three flights up and GT, you better have a plan.
In the kitchen: the mothers in conversation - an empty Anjou Rosé bottle, another half-drunk bottle open, three ciggies on the go. Charlotte, Pam and their friend Annie, their laughter echoing up the stairwell.
Anna's room: classic car magazines scattered about, photos of Anna with various vintage cars, rockabilly / psychobilly / rocking posters covering pink flowered wallpaper.
25INT. ANNA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - SATURDAY MORNING
Chaz's makeover day. Anna and Pam chat before the big day.
BBC Radio 4 News in the background fades in - "SWAMP 81 - Sus Law Passed in Parliament" - fades out.
PAM
You sure about this makeover business?
ANNA
GT's right mum. He's getting eaten alive at school.
PAM
And you think punk clothes will help?
ANNA
I think anything's better than what he's wearing now.
PAM
Fair point.
26EXT. 74 BUS STOP - PRINCE ALBERT ROAD - MORNING
MUSIC: Angelic Upstarts - "I'm an Upstart"
The two boys turn the corner. Anna is already waiting at the bus stop.
ANNA THE SPANNER
So there you both are, we've just missed a bus
CHAZ
You are always punctual aren't you
GT
In my defence, his mum was making him finish an errand before she'd let us go.
ANNA THE SPANNER
Twenty gold leaf and a bottle of Anjou rose?
CHAZ
Close, 20 Gold Leaf and some milk
(smiling together knowingly)
ANNA THE SPANNER
Here one's coming..
A bus appears at the St. George and Dragon roundabout.
GT
This is going to be bloody brilliant!
CHAZ
You're scaring me GT
ANNA THE SPANNER
Don't worry Charlie, I'll take care of you
GT
Piss off Spanner - most of this is your idea
(laughing)
ANNA THE SPANNER
Shhhh - you'll scare him off
CHAZ
Now you're taking the piss Anna.
GT
Now now children.. let's be civil. This plan will work, mark my words!
ANNA
Here we go..
(arm outstretched, hailing the bus)
All three are seen running up the stairs to the top deck of the double-decker Route-master.
FADE OUT.
27INT. CAMDEN MARKET - DAY
TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE. Quick montage clips of shopping, then slowing for moments of dialogue.
MUSIC: Killing Joke - "Wardance" - building through the sequence
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And so begins Chaz's metamorphosis. Camden will never seem the same again after today.
FAST MONTAGE - CAMDEN MARKET:
Anna rifling through leather jackets. GT bargaining with a market trader. Boots being tried on. Cash exchanging hands. Secondhand DM Para boots being dropped into a bag.
The sequence slows to normal speed.
ANNA THE SPANNER
(holding up a leather jacket)
This one - proper motorcycle jacket, not fashion shit.
GT
How much?
TRADER
Thirty quid
GT
You're having a laugh mate! Tenner?
TRADER
It's worth twenty-five minimum.
ANNA THE SPANNER
Twenty-five with the boots and you've got a deal!
TRADER
Done!
CUT TO - CHANGING ROOM:
Chaz looks at his reflection.
CHAZ
I look ridiculous
ANNA THE SPANNER
You look different, and different's good isn't it!
GT
Different means survival!
CHAZ
I don't feel like me
ANNA THE SPANNER
Good! The old you was going to get hurt or worse..
CUT TO - BARBER SHOP:
BARBER
You sure about this, son? I don't want your mum round here giving me grief!
CHAZ
She won't and no I'm not sure. But do it anyway.
ANNA THE SPANNER
Not too short. He's not ready for a skinhead.
BARBER
What's he ready for then?
ANNA THE SPANNER
Something in between what he is now and what he could be.
BACK TO FAST MONTAGE:
Hair falling in clumps. Anna directing the barber. GT nodding in approval. The mirror revealing a new spiky cut. Chaz touching his hair nervously.
28INT. MARK THE SAINT'S FLAT - BACK STREET COUNCIL TATTOOIST - LATE AFTERNOON
MUSIC: Dead Kennedys - "Holiday in Cambodia"
We slow right down as we come into Mark The Saint's flat.
MARK THE SAINT
First tattoo then?
CHAZ
Yeah it is and I'm shitting myself.
MARK THE SAINT
Hurts less if you don't think about it.
CHAZ
How do you not think about someone stabbing you with needles?
MARK THE SAINT
(winks)
Don't look
CHAZ
Thanks for the advice!
MARK THE SAINT
It's not all that bad.. The Saint it is then - Good choice! Going to take all of 3 minutes to do that one. Where's it going?
CHAZ
(points to right calf)
The leg... Here where it won't show.
GT
Bloody hell, what's the point of that?
MARK THE SAINT
Everyone starts somewhere, let him be.
Close on the needle.
GT
Oi Chaz, remember when you were scared of the skinheads at school?
CHAZ
I'm still scared of them.
GT
(shows him an eagle holding a scroll design)
You won't be after this mate. Here's number two Mr. Saint if you don't mind please and this one is going up on his arm!
ANNA
Charlie - Fear's just respect waiting to be earned - I love what you've done already today, you're looking tougher already!
GT
Yes Anna, he's a changed man!Proud of you my son!
ANNA
For the better! Love the cool tattoos too! I'm proud of you too!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
So Chaz has metamorphosed into a punk and gets blooded by Mark The Saint into the bargain too - That's bloody poetic when you're still underaged public schoolboy at heart.. But that's going to change - isn't it!
We speed back up - tattooing Chaz, Anna and GT walking about looking at designs, pointing out tattoo number 3 and number 4, sitting on the sofa watching intently - then the finished tattoos being shown off..
29INT. ANNA'S ROOM - EVENING
Final reveal. Normal speed for the reaction.
ANNA THE SPANNER
Turn around Chaz...
(inspecting the new Chaz as he does a turn)
bloody hell, we're good.
GT
Haha we are bleeding brilliant! Not bad for a day's work me old mucker! Peel off that clingfilm so we can see your tats better..
CHAZ
(inspecting his new ink)
My mum's going to kill me...
ANNA THE SPANNER
No she won't - She's too busy getting pissed with mum and Annie!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
What had started as a shopping trip had ended in blood and transformation. The Saint on his leg might have been hidden, but the others on his arms won't be so easy to hide and there's no hiding what Chaz is becoming.
CUT TO:
30INT. BOY PHOTO STUDIO - LADBROKE GROVE - DAY
JOHN DOVE
(looking at the newly punked-out Chaz)
He looks cute - not many 15 year old punks with tats like that.
SARAH DOVE
Told you dad! - He's perfect for what you need.
JOHN DOVE
Here Chaz... we're doing a photo shoot for a clothes catalogue - for BOY - you may not have heard of it, but we design a lot of clothes for them.
CHAZ
Do you mean modelling? But I'm not a model...
MOLLY WHITE
Exactly - you're a natural.
JOHN DOVE
If you're up for it - Let's crack on - meet Sheila, she's a professional photographer and will take over from here.
SHEILA ROCK
(American accent, energetic)
Oh my God, you kids look absolutely fantastic! This is going to be amazing!
SARAH DOVE
Sheila, this is Chaz - and you know everyone else - Rob, Lou, Sadie, Beth, and Phil.
ROB THE SNOB
Alright Sheila - this should be a laugh!
SHEILA ROCK
Rob! Looking cool as always honey - love your punk attitude!
SADIE FROST
(confident, striking presence)
Are we doing group shots first or individual?
SHEILA ROCK
Group first - I want to capture this whole beautiful punk family together. You all look like you stepped out of a rock magazine!
Later. End of the BOY photoshoot.
SHEILA ROCK
(looking at a few test Polaroids)
Chaz, honey - you're a natural! Look at these Polaroids!
CHAZ
(looking at the instant photos, amazed)
That's... that's really me?
SADIE FROST
You look proper cool, Chaz.
ROB THE SNOB
Fair play mate - you look like you've been doing this for years.
SHEILA ROCK
The camera loves authentic attitude - and you've got it in spades honey! You all have! Can't wait to see how the photos turns out.
SARAH DOVE
Dad, these test shots look brilliant for the catalogue.
JOHN DOVE
Agreed sweetheart. You're all exactly what BOY represents - real punk spirit!
MOLLY WHITE
Thank you, now I think it's time we all head off to MacDonalds - Who wants to ride in the Cadillac?
FADE OUT.
31EXT. HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL - SCHOOL GATES - MORNING
MUSIC: Sex Pistols - "Holidays in the Sun"
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I see Jay has turned up for his monthly appearance at school - That Aussie blond Flat Topped Psychobilly is the son of a famous advertising art director, but he keeps schtum about that. He is in fact a posh Aussie - No one knows because of his accent and he's always joking about like a bloody great clown - great camouflage!
GT
I see no ones calling you bowl-ed anymore are they!
ANNA
Charlie - see you fit in now!
JAY
(6th former)
Haha, he kind of does, but he kind of doesn't, he's still got a posh accent aint-ya cobber -
(claps him on the back)
CHAZ
I feel like a freak!
ANNA
Freak - no way! We love the way you look now Charlie - can we bleach your hair next? And add an earring or two - yes?
(rhetorical question)
CHAZ
Hold on.. let me get used to this lot first!
GT
Darling people - I think we need a company meeting.. My office (Behind the bins) at break time if you don't mind.
ANNA
Okie dokie
JAY
Alright mate, I'll be there.
CHAZ
Does that include me GT?
GT
It's about you - so yeahhhh it does very much include you, you great wazzock!
CHAZ
Knew it!
32EXT. HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL - BEHIND THE BIKE SHEDS - LUNCH BREAK
MUSIC: The Damned - "I Just Can't Be Happy Today" - fading in background
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Looking the part was one thing. But in 1980's London, image was only half the battle
GT
(looks at Chaz)
Right, now you're all here, I'll tell you the next part of the plan Anna and I have been working on - Now then sunshine, you look the part, but now you need to get a rep and by having a ruck or two!
CHAZ
(touching new haircut)
What a fight? No way. I'm not fighting anyone!
Jay lights a cigarette and takes a long thoughtful drag on it.
JAY
(slaps Chaz on the back)
HI hate saying this, but he's right you know Chaz. Looking tough isn't enough, not in this place, you got to prove yourself, besides everyone still thinks you're a posh twat! Laughing
GT
Hahaha not wrong are ya Jay, that's why we are going to help him get himself a rep!
JAY
(looking more serious)
Too right GT - Coz the first sign of weakness, they'll tear those nice new punk clothes right off you blue, and hang you up by those bondage straps and cut off your plums
CHAZ
(posh accent betraying nervousness - gulps)
But I don't know how to fight Jay!
JAY
(exchanging looks with GT)
That's not the point. You just need to show you willing to have a scrap mate.
GT
Listen to us if you want to survive, coz I can't always be there to protect ya. Sometimes you've got to stand your own ground, know what I mean?
JAY
(cheeky smile)
Even if you get beaten up, fighting back counts for something. I'd respect you more, even if no one else does.
CHAZ
Easy for you to say Jay - you're cool, bigger than most and everyone likes you.
GT
He isn't that cool, he just doesn't take any shit off anyone. You on the other hand are a bloody plonker, we know it's not easy. That's the point, and that's why we are helping you, but you can't see it yet!.
JAY
For fucks sake Chaz, grow some balls will ya..
ANNA
He's been very brave so far.. haven'y you!
GT
Look my old China! We're are all behind you on this.
Ciggies get sparked up as they all huddle together and start chatting on who will be Chaz's first opponent.
GT (CONT'D)
Bigger the better it is then, people will take him more seriously if it looks mismatched!
JAY
That's a bit chancy, I'd say!
ANNA
Any of you seen Rob-the-snob ruck before?
GT
Nope, that's what I'm banking on.. banking on, hoping on that he can't
CHAZ
I think you have all lost your minds! For one he's huge, two he's a class mate, three he's been really nice to me..
GT
That's the idea, he probably won't have it in him to kill you and you are the one to profiteer from this little side show.. Got the drift?
ANNA
It's rather clever of us actually Chaz. You'll survive and look like a really tough little posh boy!
CHAZ
Tough little posh boy? Sounds like an oximoron to me?
GT
Oxi--what? What gibberish are you speaking?
JAY
He's saying it doesn't fit..
ANNA
No point in arguing now, it's been decided.. Rob the snob it is.
GT
I think take the bull by the horns and do it today, or Chaz will never turn u at school again.
JAY
Yeah, I agree
ANNA
Me too!
CHAZ
(gone as white as a ghost)
Shit!
GT
You'll have to get annoyed and push him .. call him a dickhead, a lanky yid or something.. Then tell hime outside after school
ANNA
That'll do it!
CHAZ
Fuck! That easy is it?
JAY
Yep it is cobber! Just make sure everyone hears and sees you so he can't back out..
CHAZ
Now I'm shitting myself.
FADE OUT.
33INT. HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL - TECHNICAL BLOCK CORRIDOR - MID AFTERNOON
In between classes. Chaz has to man up if he's going to survive.
MUSIC: Generation X - "Poison"
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Sometimes respect starts with the smallest spark. In this case, one carefully chosen word
CHAZ
You're such an idiot Rob
He pushes Rob the Snob against the wall.
ROB THE SNOB
(laughing, pushing back)
What's got into you Chaz?
CHAZ
Fuck off you Jewish prick!
ROB THE SNOB
(surprised and annoyed)
No, you fuck off you posh little cunt!
CHAZ
(loud enough for others to hear)
Don't call me a posh little cunt - Fucking hypercrit! Outside! After school!
ROB THE SNOB
I'll be looking forward to it you fucking little runt!
CHAZ
Yeah! Fuck you!
Chaz holds up two fingers. Other kids in the corridor shout - fight.. fight.. fight..
FADE OUT.
34INT. HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL - BOYS' TOILETS - END OF SCHOOL
Before the fight.
MUSIC: The Beat - "Mirror in the Bathroom"
CHAZ
I can't do this, GT, I am scared as hell!
GT
Stop fucking bricking it! You'll be fine, and yes you bloody can and you bloody well will do it or I'll kick the shit out of you myself! It's me or Rob The Snob, who do you want to fight?
CHAZ
You leave me no option do you GT I'll do it - but believe me I am properly shitting myself!
JAY
Jesus Chaz, I know he's twice your height, and you could have picked a fight with someone your own size, but you've got balls mate to carry this out! Everyone will say that!
GT
Jay - shut the fuck up! Height don't mean shit in a real fight.
JAY
I guess you are right GT - size means nothing unless you're scrawny little shit like Chaz - he's going to kill you - hahaha - just joking!
GT turns and gives Jay the evil-eye, then turns back to his prodigy and shows him some fighting moves.
GT
(showing him some fighting moves)
Upper cut - Jab, kick to the balls - game over!
FADE OUT.
35EXT. MENELIK ROAD - LATE AFTERNOON
MUSIC: Bauhaus - "Bela Lugosi's Dead" - opening bass line, building tension
Chaz, GT, Jay and Spanner walk along the pavement to the corner of Westbere Road and Menelik Road. The crowd parts to allow the four through - chanting - fight! Fight! Fight! repeatedly baying like a pack of blood thirsty hyenas.. Robe the snob stands tall, with his Paradox mates and what seems like the rest of the school backing him up..
MUSIC: Killing Joke - "Wardance" - fading in over the Bauhaus
GT
(whispers in Chaz's ear)
Be quick just fuck him up, Do what I taught you - just do it quickly! and remember what I told you to say to him!
The crowd parts. Chaz moves out in front, opposite Rob The Snob.
CHAZ
(shouting at Rob)
Let's do it then you lanky yid bastard!
ROB THE SNOB
Fucking public school boy wanker! This is going to hurt you more than me..
They connect, more of a wrestle than a punch up.. Crowds form a circle - shouting - Rob!!!! Rob!! Some shouts of C'mon Chaz! From some of the skins and punks.. Rob towering over Chaz. GT watching approvingly. Anna biting her lip. Teachers conspicuously absent.
Chaz ducking Rob's longer reach. Quick jabs connecting. Rob grabbing Chaz's throat, has him over a car bonnet. A moment of panic.
Cut to the music's rhythm - initial circling, quick exchanges, the stranglehold moment - blood dropping in slow motion.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Some fights are about hatred. This one was simply about pecking order
ROB THE SNOB
(he says as he has Chaz over the car bonnet)
This is stupid
CHAZ
Yeah, well, stupid's all I've got left.
ROB THE SNOB
I don't want to hurt you.
CHAZ
Good. Cause I'm about to hurt you.
Then a head-but to Rob the Snob's nose! Blood spraying.
CROWD
Blood! Stop!! Some shout fight on!
GT
(says to Anna and Jay)
That's my boy!
ANNA
Jesus, Charlie!
JAY
Where the hell did that come from?
ROB THE SNOB
(holds his head back)
Shit you've busted my nose!
GIRL 1
Rob, here's a hanky - you'll be OK
GIRL 2
It's stopping a bit, I think
ROB THE SNOB
Thanks, I'm OK - Really I'm OK
The crowd disperses. Rob's bloody nose - blood streaming. Chaz's newfound stance. Respect earned.
MUSIC: Cockney Rejects - "Bad Man"
Rob sits on the kerb holding his head back with a blood red hanky, blood stained shirt. Chaz walks over to offer his hand to help him up.
CHAZ
Rob, so sorry, I've been a real idiot, I never meant to hurt you like that that.. Does it hurt much?
ROB THE SNOB
Yes you have been an idiot and yes it does bloody hurt..much
36EXT. WESTBERE ROAD - WALKING BACK TO SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
ROB THE SNOB
(swollen nose, still holding a white and red hanky to his nose)
Fair play, Chaz. Fair bloody play, never have believed you could do it.
CHAZ
Sorry about your nose.
ROB THE SNOB
Don't be. I had it coming.
GT
That was fucking fun! Let's do it again soon..
Rob and Chaz look at each other and then burst out laughing!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Blood changes everything. After that day, Chaz wasn't just the new posh punk kid anymore - He had learnt how to get respect and he'd earned it!
37INT. VINCE'S COUNCIL FLAT - PETTY HOUSE ESTATE - MORNING
MUSIC: Cock Sparrer - "Taken for a Ride"
VINCE
(lifting weights)
Hundred and twenty kilos. Not bad for a Tuesday morning.
BETH
Show off! - You're going to hurt yourself.
VINCE
Nah, never, I'm prefer to hurt other people.
BETH
That's your favourite hobby isn't it!
VINCE
Hobby? Nah It's my job! Shit-bags everywhere - bloody cockroaches - They need to be stamped on!
BETH
Nice.. What's happened to you, you weren't like this when we met, what's got into you lately? You've changed!
VINCE
I'm me, the one and only Vince Mckenzie, you're the one that's changed, or you're just blind! You're a dreamer Beth! I'm the best thing that ever happened to you!
BETH
You're the best thing that happened to me? - You honestly think that do you? You're a damned psychotic drunkard that lives for fighting and football, you've got no time for me anymore, that's bloody obvious!
VINCE
At least I get some fun with my mates.. you're not even a good shag!So what have you got going for you? Fuck all!
BETH
You can talk, you last all of 30 seconds in bed.. some man you are!
VINCE
Fuck off Beth, before I give you a good slap! You're too stupid to get into University - you know that, it's a bloody pipe dream!
BETH
Typical small mind remark! So you feel challenged by my intelligence? Is that the problem? Is that why you becoming less of a gentleman and more of a, a, a fucking gorilla!
VINCE
Haha you're a joke - You'd never make it as a fashion designer.. you don't have clue how to design anything..
BETH
That's what University is for you berk!
VINCE
(laughing)
just get a job in Woolworth's that would suit ya better.
BETH
Now off you trot - school girl!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
(sarcastic)
Such a nice man, he treats all the special people in his life like that.. god forbid if you're not special then!
The door slams.
VINCE
(talks to himself)
She's turning into a right moody twat - shit shag as well.. time to find another bird me thinks!
FADE OUT.
38INT. ADELAIDE HOUSE - BETH'S FLAT - NEXT MORNING
A tower block. The buzzer rings.
Buzzzzzzz!
BETH
I'll get it mum..
BETH'S MUM
Thank you Pet!
BETH
Hallo..
VINCE (V.O.)
It's me, let me in..
BETH
NO..You can wait if you want to see me
VINCE (V.O.)
Like that is it..
The intercom goes silent.
39EXT. THE WALK TO SCHOOL - MORNING
Vince has his gorilla arm hanging over Beth's little shoulders.
BETH
You don't have to walk me in every day, I'm not a child or your pet.
VINCE
Yeah actually I do.. and you are my pet haha
He laughs at his own remark.
BETH
That's how you think of me isn't - for real, I'm your bloody pet!
VINCE
Your mine,and what's mine stays mine!
BETH
Well I'm not your possession, Vince! You can just sod off if you think like that!
VINCE
We all belong to someone don't we now, and you belong to Vincent Mckenzie
BETH
(getting more annoyed)
I don't belong to anyone you shit head! Who do you belong to? The Chelsea Headhunters?
VINCE
You're getting more and more North and South on ya.. I am gonna slap you if you carry on speaking to me like this..
BETH
That's it, I'm off, don't wait for me later, I'll be out! You can consider us over!
VINCE
(catches up and grabs her by the arms)
Where you going? With who? Tell me! I'm the one that says when we're finished.. Come here when I'm talking to you!
BETH
Take your hands of me! I don't know! - Somewhere you're not!
And I'm not telling you, just sod off!
VINCE
Be like that then - you're such a fucking bitch! If we weren't here I'd give you a much deserved slap!
BETH
Bully! I'm not scared of your words! Stop being a giant sized arsehole, I'm sick of you taking to me like that, you ain't no gentleman any more..
VINCE
Gentleman! Pin Stripe suit, Bowler hat and a bloody brolly! Hahaha! You can fuck right off then if you feel like that!
BETH
(storms off, pulls away)
Exactly! I will!
Vince runs after Beth, catches up, grabs her by both arms again, but more violently, and puts his angry red face close into hers.
VINCE
Im the one that says it's over when I want it to be over - I own you and just you remember it! Now fuck off to school like a good little girl!
Beth half runs - half speed walks off towards the school, her tight pencil skirt preventing her from full tilt - she's angry and crying, her mascara smudging, keeps her head down to avoid eye contact and head into the school bathrooms!
40INT. THE GOOD MIXER PUB - NIGHT
MUSIC: The Jam - "Going Underground"
GT is dressed sharp - pegged trousers, a red Pringle short-sleeve two-button polo shirt.
GT
Right, first rule of London pubs...
CHAZ
There are rules?
GT
Always buy your round. Never start a fight you can't finish. And never, ever trust a skinhead with your bird.
Anna is cool as ice in her black Levi's denim jacket, black skin-tight jeans, biker boots and a silver-studded leather belt, her flat-top peroxide white.
ANNA
Charming advice.
Jay sports his much-loved GI-style buzz-cut, a white Levi's jean jacket, a white Fruit of the Loom crew-neck tee and ivory Levi Sta-Prest trousers.
JAY
He's not wrong though.
CHAZ
Let me get the first round - I want to thank you all!
GT
See he's a brilliant student! Learning the ropes already!
(ruffles Chaz's hair in a brotherly way)
Mine's a Larger and Light if you don't mind please! And so you have to put that shit in your hair
(wipes his hand on Jay's jacket)
JAY
Fuck of GT. hahaha
GT playfully chases Jay around the pub table.
Later. Chaz hands a pint of lager and a bottle of light ale over.
GT
Thanks Chaz - here you are master
(winking)
GT (CONT'D)
Sweet! Thanks Chaz - Spanner what's this band playing at The Dublin Castle tonight?
ANNA
Camden Invaders - ska band - you'll all love them.. local lads too - my mate Anne - you might know her as Bettie Bright goes out with the lead singer 'Suggs' invited us.
JAY
Cor - Bette Bright - she'll be there too.. can't wait!
CHAZ
(handing the others their drinks)
Here you go - I'm shy to say this will be my second ever gig!
GT
He isn't fucking kidding are ya!
CHAZ
No I'm not - I'm afraid that's the god's honest - GT took me to the Lyceum to see Adam and The Ants and 9 Below Zero at The Lyceum - that was my first gig - I don't remember much as I was pissed as a fart by the end of it!
CHAZ (CONT'D)
We all were! Amazing that we got in with that bowl-had hair cut and dodgy flares you woz wearing!
JAY
Tonight will be different Chaz You look the biz-ness - But you've got some catching up to do mate - down that pint and lets go..
ANNA
Jay - Let's have another here and head to The Dublin Castle in a bit.. I'll get these! OK?
FADE OUT.
41INT. THE DUBLIN CASTLE - CAMDEN TOWN - EVENING
Formerly billed as The Camden Invaders - a Madness gig. The pub is packed out.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
So finally Beth has had enough of being a door mat! - About bloody time.. I'd say She's growing up fast, and it's time for her to step up and step away from Vince
Steam on the windows. Suggs on stage with The Camden Invaders. Chaz visible in his new punk gear. Beth in her mod style, snakebite-stained lips - a cocktail of lager, cider and a splash of blackcurrant cordial. A sweat-drenched crowd, skinheads and punks skanking.
MUSIC: Madness (live on stage) - "The Prince" + "Night Boat to Cairo"
Jay, Anna and GT come off the dance floor, sweating, in need of refreshment.
JAY
My round I think
CHAZ
I need another snakebite please
GT
Yeah another bevy will hit the mark
ANNA
Who's Chaz chatting with? - oh it's Beth!
BETH
You're the one who nutted Rob the Snob?
CHAZ
Word travels fast.
BETH
In this world, everything travels fast. Gossip, violence, disease...
CHAZ
You're very cheerful.
BETH
I'm realistic. There's a difference.
CHAZ
C'mon, let me buy you a drink, what you having?
BETH
Thanks - I'll have a snakebite with extra blackcurrant please
They walk over to the busy bar. Chaz tries to hide his face - he's grinning from ear to ear, amazed with his luck. This beautiful girl wants to have a drink with him.
BETH
You dance like you fight.
CHAZ
Badly you mean?
BETH
Desperately maybe!
CHAZ
Is that good or bad?
BETH
Depends what you're desperate for
(winks)
CHAZ
I can't tell you
BETH
Really? I bet you can with a little encouragement
ANNA THE SPANNER
(shouting over the music to Beth)
Look who's here without her Bull dog!
BETH
(grinning)
He's probably fighting someone somewhere.
She glances at Chaz, who's trying not to stare.
GT
(nudging Chaz)
Guess those boots are made for dancing!
GT winks at Anna.
GT (CONT'D)
My round - snake bites all round again
ANNA
Thanks GT, can I have a Vodka soda this time - double?
(gives him a big cute smile)
GT
Anything you heart desires Spanner
(winks)
ANNA
Anything?
(raises eyebrows)
GT
Anything!
(smiles cheekily)
ANNA
Come here then..
GT puts his arm around her waist.
GT
I'VE WANTED TO KISS YOU SINCE THE MOMENT I FIRST SAW YOU LAST SUMMER
ANNA
Ditto!
Anna cups the back of his neck with her right hand as they start snogging. Jay, Chaz and Beth look at each other and smile widely as the couple snog on the edge of the dance floor. The energy is high stakes.
JAY
Nitto!
Jay laughs and dives into the crowd, dancing.
CHAZ
(to Beth)
Our turn -
He takes Beth's hand and heads towards the entrance of the pub.
42EXT. THE DUBLIN CASTLE - CONTINUOUS
Cool night air, streetlights catching their breath. Their first kiss, against the pub wall.
MUSIC: The Undertones - "Teenage Kicks" - fades in
Anna and GT fall out the door of The Dublin Castle, laughing, hand in hand. Jay and a cute punk girl, looking slightly worse for wear, are one step behind.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
For one almost perfect night, consequences didn't matter.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But consequences were Vince's specialty!
GT gives a mocking wolf whistle as he comes out and spots the pair.
GT
Oi oI!
(whistles)
Whiiiiit Whirlll
JAY
All right you lot, this is Karen, she's from Swiss Cottage and goes to QK
ANNA
QK eh, GT, your sis Lisa goes there doesn't she!
GT
yeah, she's in the 4th year, do you know Lisa Thomas?
KAREN
Nah, I'm in the 5th year, only arrived there at the beginning of the year, I woz in Pali Hill girls school before that!
JAY
That would explain your posh accent
(laughing, receiving a playful punch in the arm from Karen)
ANNA
Is everyone up for coming back to mine for some drinks then?
CHAZ
Fuck yeah! Raid your mum's drinks cabinet again shall we?
ANNA
Yeah, she's actually over at your place tonight with Charlotte
CHAZ
That's a deal then, I don't want to go home either!
JAY
Karen, you want to come along? Anna's place isn't that far, she lives near Maida Vale on the edge of the wood.
KAREN
Yeah alright then, as long as you promise to get me back safely home after
JAY (CONT'D)
Promise! Cross my heart!
(crosses his heart)
GT
C'mon then, let's get moving then.. We can jump on the N74 down to the wood.
43EXT. BACK STREETS OF ST. JOHN'S WOOD - LATE EVENING
Beth and Karen walk and natter, getting to know each other. Anna and GT hold hands. Chaz and Jay walk just in front of them.
GT
(shoves Chaz playfully from behind)
Mate, When Vince finds out you snogged his bird, he's gonna absolutely murder you!
(laughing despite the serious warning)
ANNA THE SPANNER
Worth it though, right? Look at his face!
JAY
You lucky bastard - she's cute as hell.. I'm jealous
(laughing and joking as usual)
ANNA
You did alright for yourself tonight - Karen's lovely!
JAY
I know.. what a bloody awesome night!
GT
Ain't finished yet either is it my lovelies!
The group laugh as they walk on. The camera cranes up into the street above and behind, creating distance.
44EXT. END OF CAVENDISH AVE / CIRCUS ROAD - 12:30AM
The last leg of the walk.
MUSIC: The Clash - "Police & Thieves" - mixes in with police sirens
The sirens get louder. Suddenly police cars pull up in Circus Road and on the corner of Cavendish Ave. Police jump out and put the group up against a brick wall on the corner.
An overhead drone shot: multiple cars and a Black Maria pull up. It's SWAMP 81 - the SUS law coming into effect. We return to street level.
PC MARSDEN
Right then, you lot - what's all this then? Causing a disturbance, are we?
ANNA
I live around here
PC MARSDEN
Oh yes miss - Bit late to be wandering about, isn't it?
BETH
We're not children! Up to us when we go home - it's a free country!
PC SARAH JONES
You girls empty your pockets
PC MARSDEN
Any drugs or weapons on you?
JAY
We don't do drugs!
PC MARSDEN
So your the ring-leader are you?
JAY
Ring leader? No idea what you're on about!
PC MARSDEN
We got a call that some one or some ones were making a racket around here..
GT
Oh yeah was it Paul or Linda McCartney that called you lot up.. Lets ask them shall we - their mansion is just there
(points down Cavendish Ave)
PC WHITLEY
(shoving GT up against the wall)
Don't get clever with me, sunshine Think you're a right little hard man?
GT
No I don't, but We were quiet as mice..
PC MARSDEN
Right bunch of scruffs, you lot are Let me take a closer look - Oh If it isn't Master Gary Thomas in person! I want a word in your shell like.. Come over here..
(grabs him by the ear and pulls him away from the others)
GT
OI that bloody hurts, that's harassment that is
PC MARSDEN
This is nothing, want to see what real harassment feels like - continue opening that big gob of yours.. and you'll be sure to find out
(stepping on GT's toes, eyeball to eyeball)
CHAZ
(polite posh voice)
How can we help you constables?
The question is ignored.
PC SARAH JONES
(standing with two female PC colleagues)
You girls step this way
(grabbing Karen's arm)
ANNA
No, we stay with the boys
BETH
Yeah we're not splitting up!
FEMALE PC 1
No mouth miss!
JAY
You obviously don't know who my dad is.. he's going to be pissed!
PC MARSDEN
(laughs)
Well lets all get acquainted then shall we now
(to PC Jones - they can all stay here together for now)
I want your names, addresses and date of birth, then I want you all to empty your pockets.
CHAZ
We've done nothing wrong, we're just on the way home..
PC WHITLEY
Let's start with you then posh boy!
The police let them go with a stern warning to keep it schtum, or else. GT, however, has been taken aside and told to visit Paddington Green Police Station tomorrow or expect a home visit - he's well known to the local plod.
The group take off towards Anna's house - loud, boisterous, not caring - sobered up by their confrontation with the police, and intending to make up for it at Anna's.
45EXT./INT. ANNA'S HOUSE - MIDNIGHT
Walking into the private close.
MUSIC: Madness - "House of Fun"
ANNA
That was fun wasn't it!!
(sarcastic)
bloody filth - who the hell do they think they are!
BETH
What is it about Edgware Road pigs, they are the worst!
JAY
I think the boys and girls in Brixton and Bristol may disagree with you - it's all kicking off - riots and police brutality everywhere, sus law gone fucking mad!
ANNA
Fuck it - let's get pissed..
(arriving at Anna's house)
Here we are this is my house..
KAREN
This is lovely Anna -
(looks around the close)
Queen Anne style right?
ANNA
Fuck! Karen I am impressed! - spot on girl! You into architecture or something?
KAREN
A bit yeah, I want to be an architect..
ANNA
Jay you better hold onto this one - she's got a brain and she's cute!
JAY
I think I already noticed that!
(smiles and laughs, putting his arm around Karen's shoulders, pulling her closer)
ANNA
(opens the front door)
Kitchen's in here - Mum always has lots of beer and wine
JAY
(opens the American oversize fridge)
Jeez Anna you weren't kidding - it's like a bleedin pub in here..!
ANNA
(laughing)
my lovely Mother keeps it well stocked - dive in then! Beer or wine?
BETH
Beer please for me
CHAZ
Same for me cheers Anna
ANNA
Karen?
KAREN
Oh, is that rose I see?
ANNA
Yeah, fancy a glass?
KAREN
Oh yes please, I need it after that
GT
Pass me a Grol-ch - never tried that one before
ANNA
It's pronounced Gr-ol-schh - It's dutch..
GT
Thanks for the Dutch lesson Spanner, pass me two please - need to wet my whistle after being jumped by the fucking gestapo!
ANNA (CONT'D)
Yeah, I know what you mean GT Be my guest! - And you are staying tonight aren't you?
(winks conspiratorially at GT)
GT
(makes a mocking coughing sound, turning away slightly, going a little red at the direct request - which means sex)
Cough cough
ANNA
C'mon - Let's go down to the garage - I've got a great hifi down there and you can see my beautiful boy - Freddy!
Freddy - the '59 Ford Zephyr she's renovating, hence the moniker 'Anna the Spanner'.
MUSIC: The Stargazers - "Groove Baby Groove"
The friends party on, Anna playing DJ and host, everyone admiring her '59 Zephyr and the contents of her mum's fridge.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
All to the friends having fun - what a riot - Chaz can't believe his luck with Beth - is she his lucky mascot or is she his poison chalice - He'll find out which very soon..
FADE OUT.
46EXT. ALLISON ROAD - SUNDAY MORNING
GT bumps into his mate Dave on the way back from Anna's.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
So the cat got the cream last night, billy big bollocks sorted himself right out it seems!
DAVE
Alright GT, Top of the morning to ya mate!
GT
Hello me old China, how are ya on this blissful Sunday morning?
DAVE
Obviously not quite as chipper as you are judging by your ear to ear
GT
Ah well, if I told ya that would be telling won't it! Nudge nudge wink wink - say no more -
(winks conspiratorially)
DAVE
Yeah alright, I know the score - you look well chuffed with yourself, she must be a keeper if you're keeping your North and South shut.
GT
That my old mucker is the god's honest!
DAVE
Actually I wanted to see you, to tell you something I heard, not a good thing though.
(pauses)
GT
Spill the beans then!
DAVE
You didn't hear this from me OK.. It's about your mate Chaz
GT
OK! Chaz - Now get on with it then, I'm all ears and don't have all bloody day
DAVE
Well I heard he was seen snogging Vince's bird last night outside The Dublin Castle. Is that true?
GT
My lips are sealed mate, you know that, I'm no grass!
DAVE
Yeah well.. Vince has gotten wind of it and is on the war path by all accounts.
GT
That's not good news is it.. OK, thanks for the intel Dave... Appreciated, but keep schtum, just in case it's a load of bollocks! We don't want start any gossip
(winks)
DAVE
Roger that GT! - Laters yeah!
GT
Laters Dave!
47EXT. ANNA'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
GT rings the bell.
ANNA
(opens the door, still half asleep)
GT! - What's up? Surely you can't be missing me so quickly?
GT
Can I come in.. I've just heard some bad news..
48INT. ANNA'S KITCHEN - MORNING
GT (CONT'D)
I just bumped into Dave on my way home.. He told me that Vince is on the war path for Chaz - he knows - someone saw them snogging last night..
ANNA
You almost predicted this didn't you!
GT
I wish I was wrong - but with that many skins in the pub, I'm not surprised!
ANNA
We better get word to him - as in now!
GT
I think he went back with Jay last night didn't he?
ANNA
I'm not sure, I was busy with someone
(smiles conspiratorially)
OK, here's Jay's number
(looking at the family phone book)
GT
You call him please - you've known him the longest
ANNA
Ok, sure, but this isn't such a nice call to make - especially after such a bloody brilliant night too
GT
Got it.. Highs and lows - highs and lows Anna!
(rests his head on his hand, a sign of inevitable sadness)
Anna phones Jay's house. The phone rings at Jay's family home.
JAY
Hello
ANNA
Helo Jay, it's Anna
JAY
Hello Anna, what's up? how are ya? Got a hangover this morning have you? hahaha
ANNA THE SPANNER
No nothing like that.. Jay I'm worried, I've got some bad news, is Chaz with you?
JAY
Yeah he's right here, Chaz it's spanner
(hands the phone to Chaz)
CHAZ
Hey Anna, what's happening -
(surprised)
you've never called me here before..
ANNA THE SPANNER
Yeah yeah I know.. Look.. It's Vince, he knows about you and Beth last night
CHAZ
(goes white as a ghost)
Fuck! How did he find out?
ANNA THE SPANNER
He had mates at the Dublin Castle I guess - You better be careful, he's looking for you.
CHAZ
OK, ok, let me think.. I've got to think..
ANNA
Call me later won't you?
CHAZ
Yes, I will..
The call ends. Chaz puts the receiver down. He's quiet as a mouse.
JAY
(having listened to Chaz's side)
It's Vince right?
CHAZ
(looks up, scared)
I'm dead Jay! I'm truly fucked! Vince knows about me and Beth!
JAY
Shit, that's not good news!
CHAZ
What am I going to do Jay? He'll slaughter me!
JAY
You better lie low cobber, just stay out of the pubs in the wood, stay out of the way!
CHAZ
That's for sure, I wish he didn't live so close to me
JAY
Hopefully it will blow over.. We're out of the manner tonight at the Babylon film premier - lots of free booze - that'll help you forget and I've got some speed too!
CHAZ
Oh yeah, I completely forgot, is Michelle going to be there?
JAY
Yeah and Sally, I think you'll see lots of famous people, so make sure you look good!
CHAZ
Fuck it! I'm going to have some fun, fuck Vince, fuck him, I'm a punk now.. fuck everyone!
JAY
That's the right attitude blue! Nitto! Fancy a line now to pep you up?
CHAZ
Yes Jay! Bring it on!
JAY
GT's done a good job on you, you're a proper anarchist now.. yes!! Fuck everyone!
Jay opens a white folded origami-like paper packet of off-white powder onto the glass-topped coffee table and rolls up a five-pound note to snort it.
49EXT. CORNER OF ST. JOHN'S WOOD HIGH STREET - LATE EVENING
MUSIC: The Damned - "New Rose"
Chaz is with his younger brother JAM (12), returning from the corner shop with a carrier bag of cans, crisps and chocolate.
Out of the blue, a dark figure leaps from the shadows and drop-kicks Chaz. It's VINCE. Chaz hits the ground immediately.
VINCE
Gotcha you fucking little cunt! Think you can get away with getting off with my bird did ya! You were seen together at the Dublin Castle you dumb fuck wit!
CHAZ
I've no idea who you are or what you're on about
VINCE
Oh you think you can blag your way out of this do ya - your posh accent's given you away init - you posh little punk git
JAM
My brother hasn't done anything
VINCE
Open you gob-shite mouth and you're next fat boy
Vince doesn't want conversation, he wants retribution - and only Chaz's blood will cool his temper. A kick to the balls. Chaz bends over in agony. A kick to the face sends him onto his back. A size 12 steel toe-capped boot stomps his head. Another drop-kick, another stomp - on and on, like a madman. Chaz is out, a rag doll bleeding on the pavement.
JAM
(crying, screaming, trying to pull Vince away)
Leave him, leave him!
VINCE
(punches the side of Jam's head)
Fuck off maggot!
Jam falls back in pain - but gets up and runs down the street, screaming for help.
JAM
Heeelp!! Someone heeelppp! help us!
Then the coup de grace - a running kick to Chaz's head.
Chaz is in a coma. Eventually an ambulance arrives, along with the police. Vince is long gone, and Jam has no idea who Vince is or why his brother was nearly murdered.
Jam is frozen in horror - too small to help, tears streaming, Vince not even noticing him. His POV: his brother's blood on the pavement, Vince's methodical violence, unable to look away. Childhood ending in real time. He breaks into a run, screaming for help, a small figure disappearing down the High Street.
FADE OUT.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Sometimes the hardest thing isn't taking the beating. It's watching someone you love take it.
50INT. UCL HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM - LATE EVENING
MUSIC: X-Ray Spex - "Identity" - fading into darkness
Machines beep rhythmically. An oxygen mask clears and fogs with each breath. Blood and saline bags drip. Bruises darken. Bandages on his head, arms covered in dressings. Charlotte sees the tattoos - ignores them. Monitors glow in the dim light.
Soft footsteps in the corridor. Anna gasps at the doorway. GT's fists clench. Jay stands like a statue, unusually quiet and solemn.
GT understands, now, the real consequences of street violence. Is he going to lose his friend? Anna, his childhood friend on the verge of death, streams tears. Jay looks lost and sad. Jam sleeps in a chair from stress, worry and shock, a huge bruise on his face.
CHARLOTTE
(looks up briefly to the friends)
Find out who did this!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Friends come in many forms. Some throw punches for you. Others just stand by you and watch while you heal.
51INT. CHAZ'S BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Two weeks after the attack.
MUSIC: Joy Division - "Atmosphere" - fading in and out
Chaz sits on the edge of the bed, examining his reflection in a hand mirror. Bandages cover head wounds, left eye still swollen. His hair has been shaved off around the stitches. Prescription bottles on the nightstand. Get-well cards from school friends. His punk clothes hanging untouched. A cricket bat in the corner - childhood innocence.
CHAZ
(touching shaved sections, talks to the reflection in the mirror)
Bowl-head to skin-head in one beating
Charlotte enters with tea and biscuits.
CHARLOTTE
Doctor says you can go back to school next week if you're feeling up to it.
CHAZ
(flatly)
Can't wait.
CHARLOTTE
(sits beside him)
Charles... Who did this to you? Really?
CHAZ
Just some huge guy Mum. Gang thing.
CHARLOTTE
(notices Saint tattoo)
This isn't the boy I raised. Fighting, tattoos... When did you get that?
CHAZ
(covering it)
Does it matter?
CHARLOTTE
Everything matters when I nearly lost my son.
A long pause. Rain against the window.
CHARLOTTE
Your father called. He wants to see you.
CHAZ
(sharp look)
No - not like this
CHARLOTTE
Charles..
CHAZ
He left us broke and broken. I don't want to see him - not now at least.
Charlotte nods, understanding. She exits quietly.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Some beatings break your body. Others teach you exactly who you really are!
52INT. CHAZ'S FLAT - FRONT DOOR - EVENING
MUSIC: Siouxsie and the Banshees - "Cities in Dust"
Rain creates halos around streetlights. The intercom buzzes persistently. Chaz, wearing tracksuit bottoms and t-shirt, approaches the front door speaker.
CHAZ
(groggy)
Yeah?
BETH (V.O.)
(voice crackling through speaker)
It's Beth. Please... I need somewhere to go.
Chaz hits the buzzer immediately. The main door unlocks below.
53INT. STAIRWELL - CONTINUOUS
Chaz waits at his flat door. Footsteps echo up concrete stairs. Beth appears, and Chaz's expression changes completely.
Black eye, swollen shut. Split lip, dried blood. Torn mod dress. Shivering from cold and shock. Mascara streaked down cheeks. She's at the flat door, shivering, shaking, crying. The corridor light revealing black eye, bruises and cuts. Rain mixed with tears.
CHAZ
(whispered)
Jesus Christ, Beth.
BETH
(trying to smile)
You should see the other guy.
She collapses slightly. Chaz catches her, helps her inside.
54INT. CHAZ'S FLAT - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Chaz sits Beth at the kitchen table, fills the kettle. His movements are careful, deliberate. Something fundamental has shifted in him.
CHAZ
When?
BETH
Tonight. After he found out I was at the Dublin Castle with you, I've been hiding ever since.
Said I made him look weak.
CHAZ
(back still turned)
Where is he now?
BETH
At the pub, where he usually is. Celebrating probably.
Chaz turns. His face is completely calm, which is somehow more frightening than anger.
CHAZ
Stay here tonight. Mum's at Annie's.
BETH
I can't go home, Chaz. Not ever.
I'm scared to death he'll kill me
CHAZ
You won't have to ever be scared again - I promise you that.
The way he says it makes Beth look up. Something in his voice she's never heard before.
CHAZ
(gentle)
Let me clean those cuts.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Sometimes rage isn't hot. Sometimes it's cold as steel.
55EXT. ORDNANCE HILL - NIGHT
The next night.
MUSIC: UK Subs - "Warhead" - rising out of "Cities in Dust"
Chaz watching the pub from the shadows. Baseball bat heavy in hand. Cigarette glow marking time. Waiting like a hunter.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Some lines, once crossed, can never be uncrossed.
Chaz follows the dark figure of a slightly drunk Vince from the pub - he looks big, invincible. There is a dark section on Ordnance Hill, near the primary school. Chaz silently nears Vince, baseball bat high up on his shoulder at the ready.. His body burns from the bruising and cuts from his beating.
Footsteps without sound. No words.. Then a god almighty crack as if thunder had and lightening had struck - CRACK! A direct hit on Vinces head.. He falls down like he's a sack of potatoes..
CHAZ
(whispered, almost to himself)
Funny thing about private school.
He swings.
CHAZ (CONT'D)
They taught us anatomy
Impact.
CHAZ (CONT'D)
Exactly where the skull is weakest
A final devastating blow.
VINCE
NO please!
Then silence. Body twitching. Breath gurgling. Chaz watching clinically. No remorse visible.
The baseball bat washed clean and thrown in a cloth bag with some rocks, tied and thrown into Regents Park Canal. Blood-stained clothes burnt. Chaz washing his hands methodically. A new darkness in his eyes.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
London streets have their own justice. And sometimes the victim becomes the executioner.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Sometimes the most dangerous person isn't the one who was born violent. It's the one who learned it
FADE OUT.
56INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
MUSIC: The Specials - "Concrete Jungle"
PC Marsden reviewing witness statements at his desk.
PC MARSDEN
(to colleague)
Only one witness, Mrs Hendricks of 5 Darling House. She's old with bad hearing and even worse eyesight..
PC WATSON
Any description of the attacker?
PC MARSDEN
Baseball cap. Stick of some sort - Could be anyone.
PC WATSON
What about motive?
PC MARSDEN
(opens Vince's thick file)
You know Vincent Mackenzie as much as I know him, a local small time thug with a lot of previous, he's a proper PPO (Prolific Prior Offender). He's got GBH, ABH, D&D, Common, you name it, nicked all over the place.. Probably got a long list of enemies, he's associated with The Chelsea Headhunters gang too - but no arrests associated - so there's a long bloody list right there.. Take your pick!
PC Marsden closes Vince's file.
PC MARSDEN (CONT'D)
One thing you should keep in your mind PC Watson..
PC WATSON
Whats's that Sir?
PC MARSDEN
Mark my words, this was personal.Very personal. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing. Looks methodical. Planned I'd bet.
Only targeted cranial damage - nothing else - almost like an assassination. You ever seen an assault like this?
PC WATSON
No never, if the 'Super' wasn't all over this, I'd say someone had done us a favour!
PC MARSDEN
Keep that to yourself in here - But I hear you!
FADE OUT.
57EXT. ORDNANCE HILL COUNCIL ESTATE - AFTERNOON
MUSIC: The Clash - "Police on My Back"
Police knocking on doors, ringing bells of the flats.
PC MARSDEN
(knocking on yet another council flat door - without any luck)
FLAT TENANT 1
(old Auntie, hair in rollers preparing for night out at the bingo hall - opens the door - surprised)
Ello, what do you want Constable?
PC MARSDEN
Excuse me for the interruption, I'm police constable Marsden and I'm enquiring about a fight that happened near the The Star Pub, the one on the corner of the estate You know the one right opposite here. The assault happened around 11;30pm on Thursday evening last week. A man was nearly beaten to death, do you know anything about it?
FLAT TENANT 1
Fursday you say, nah, nuffing, sorry I can't elp constable.
The door slams.
PC Marsden interviews Mrs. Hendricks, elderly neighbour.
MRS. HENDRICKS
Heard the screams first. Looked out me window and saw this lad with a cricket bat or something.
PC MARSDEN
Cricket bat?
MRS. HENDRICKS
Baseball bat maybe. One of them American things. Going at Vincent Mckenzie like he was chopping wood.
PC MARSDEN
Did you see the attacker's face?
MRS. HENDRICKS
Too dark, love. But methodical, he was, just like he was chopping wood.. Not my business - so drew the curtains, called 999 as you know and went back to my knitting.
PC MARSDEN
Is that all? Anything else?
MRS. HENDRICKS
By the time I came out again, Vince was lying in a huge pool of blood, I thought he was a dead-un, his head looked like a crushed hedgeghog or sommet, then your lot turned up and then the ambulance..
PC MARSDEN (CONT'D)
Thank you Mrs. Hendricks - if we have any further questions I'll be sure to come back and ask.
MRS. HENDRICKS
You do that love - I am always at home unless I pop to the shops - Oh and I play Bingo every Wednesday night.
FADE OUT.
58INT. HOSPITAL - VINCE'S ROOM - DAY
Vince is connected to machines, his head bandaged, unconscious.
DOCTOR
Severe head trauma. He'll live, but there'll be permanent damage. Possible motor functions, speech, memory problems, any of those or all of them.
PC MARSDEN
When will he be able to answer questions?
DOCTOR
If he ever can, it won't be for months. And even then...
(shakes his head)
PC MARSDEN
So our main witness is a vegetable.
DOCTOR
I wouldn't put it quite like that, but essentially, yes for now at least.
PC MARSDEN
Thank you - Please notify me of any changes.
DOCTOR
We will constable.
59INT. POLICE STATION - INTERVIEW ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Silence, just fluorescent buzzing.
PC MARSDEN
We've got you bang to rights Gary. Didn't you see the video camera in the HiFi shop warehouse? Not so clever are you young man!
GT
I want a lawyer
PC MARSDEN
You've been watching too much of The Sweeney - no lawyer for you, you're off to borstal my Lad!
GT
Fuck!
PC MARSDEN
Don't swear in front of me..
He slaps GT around the head.
PC MARSDEN (CONT'D)
But maybe you can help me and yourself..? Now tell me what you know about the assault and battery of one Vincent Mackenzie. Why did someone beat him to a pulp - You know he's now lying in a hospital bed - The man's a vegetable, we want to know who that someone is?
GT
Lot of people could have done it. He wasn't liked by anyone.
PC MARSDEN
We have a witness - we know only one person did it, tell us who it was and we'll go easy on you.
GT
How would I know who?
PC MARSDEN
Because you know everything that happens in 'The Wood'.
GT
I don't know and besides I'm not a grass!
PC MARSDEN
No, no you're not - but you're looking at three years. That's a long time to think about loyalty.
GT
(to himself)
Three years... Christ, three years.
GT (CONT'D)
(putting on bravado)
I don'y know who did it and to be frank I don't care!
PC MARSDEN
You leave me no choice.. My patience has worn-out! Gary Thomas I'm charging you for the break-in and robbery at..
GT
Wait... wait .. what if... what if I knew something, maybe I can help a bit, would you drop the charges?
PC MARSDEN
What do you mean help a bit, you either give me the name of the person that did this or you'll be locked up for good.
GT
Nah Nah c'mon police constable Marsden, I'm no snitch, I've got a reputation to keep in these parts..
PC MARSDEN
Worth nothing in the nick is it! So what's your rep going to be inside? You're a council house snot nosed petty thief - No one is going to give a shit about you inside - you'll be forgotten and rot there!
GT
I don't have choice do I?..
PC MARSDEN
Not really - no!
GT
I'll tell you what I know Ok! But I want community service - no time ok?
PC MARSDEN
I'll see what can be done.. Now tell me what you know son..
FADE OUT.
60EXT. SCHOOL GATES - MORNING
MUSIC: The Members - "Sound of the Suburbs"
Chaz has had his hair cropped short, the wounds on his head stitched up - he's a skin now. Jam has emulated his big brother in solidarity - a skinhead too. The bass line matches the brothers' footsteps as they walk in sync, the crowd parting silently, two crops catching the morning light. Chaz's scars are visible but proud. Jam walks tall beside him.
Fresh skinhead look: toothpaste-stripe Ben Shermans pristine, braces straight and black, 501s perfectly rolled, Para boots gleaming. The brothers in perfect step. Respectful nods, whispered admiration, understanding glances - a new status established.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Nothing says welcome like a slap on the back from those who once might have given you worse.
GT leans on the gatepost, watching. Skinheads emerge from the crowd, respect in their stance. The first skin approaches and gives Chaz a sharp slap on the back - "Alright mate?" - and others follow suit, each slap a badge of honour. GT peels off the gatepost and falls in step, three abreast now, Jam proudly alongside, other skins falling in behind. Multiple crops gleaming, Doc Martens in step, Sta-Prest creases sharp, Ben Shermans crisp. Brotherhood evident. The crowd parts - fear replaced by acknowledgment. A new order established. A family formed.
SKINHEAD 1
Oi Chaz.. Nitto mate!
Chaz nods in acknowledgement.
SKINHEAD 2
You are a crazy bastard - nice one mate! How you doing?
CHAZ
(wry smile)
I'd say he was the crazy bastard - Doing alright thanks!
Calls of "Oi Oi!", whistling and clapping around them. Word has gotten out - Vince was downed by Chaz. Punks and skins fall in behind Chaz and Jam.
Then Beth walks from out of view, straight towards Chaz. The three stop. She puts her hand around the back of his neck, leans up, and kisses him on the lips.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And that's the kind of courage that takes everyone by surprise.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Some declarations come with violence. Others come with a kiss.
61INT. HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL - INSIDE THE GATES - CONTINUOUS
MUSIC: The Beat - "Mirror in the Bathroom" - fading to a heartbeat
The crowd buzzes. Jam looks embarrassed. Skins exchange glances. The new skinhead arrives with total respect - hard man Vince is no more.
MUSIC: The Members - "Sound of the Suburbs"
NARRATOR (V.O.)
News travels fast in London. Especially when someone's fallen from their throne.
Groups huddled, whispers spreading, respect in the eyes watching Chaz - fear replaced by something else.
STUDENT (V.O.)
Heard about Vince?
STUDENT 2 (V.O.)
Hospital... brain damage.
STUDENT 3 (V.O.)
Never be the same.
STUDENT 4 (V.O.)
The new posh-kid is as hard as nails.
STUDENT 5 (V.O.)
Who'd have thought.
Beth and Chaz walk together openly now, her hand in his - no more looking over shoulders. GT watches his creation: pride mixed with concern, and something else. He understands the price.
62INT. ANNA'S BEDROOM - POST-MIDNIGHT
MUSIC: Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart" - low in the background
Post-sex. Anna traces patterns on GT's chest. GT stares at the ceiling, clearly troubled. He's been holding this in for weeks.
ANNA
You've been weird lately.
GT
Weird how?
ANNA
Distant. Like you're carrying something heavy. And it's getting worse every day.
GT sits up and reaches for his cigarettes. His hands shake lighting one.
ANNA (CONT'D)
Is this about Chaz? You've been funny about him since he came back to school.
GT
(defensive)
Funny how?
ANNA
I don't know. Watching him. Like you're proud but also... not.
GT
(a long pause)
He's done well for himself, hasn't he?
ANNA
You should be chuffed. You made him what he is.
GT
(a bitter laugh)
Yeah. I did, didn't I?
Anna sits up, bearing her naked breasts - studies his face in the dim light.
ANNA
GT, what's wrong? Really?
GT takes a long drag, stares out the window. When he speaks, it's barely a whisper.
GT
I fucked up, Anna. Really fucked up.
ANNA
What do you mean?
GT
(building up)
You know when the police were sniffing around about Vince? Asking questions?
ANNA
Yeah, but they never found anything.
GT
(blurting it out)
They know it was Chaz because I told them.
Silence. Anna goes very still.
ANNA
What?
GT
(words tumbling out)
They had me bang to rights on the hi-fi job. I was looking at three years in borstal. And I was sitting there thinking about Chaz getting all the respect, everyone looking up to him like he's some kind of legend...
ANNA
GT...
GT
(anguished)
And I was jealous! Proper jealous! Of this kid I pulled out of the gutter! How fucked up is that?
ANNA
(understanding dawning)
No...
GT
(hands in his hair)
So when they asked if I knew anything about Vince getting done - offering me a deal - I just... I just blurted it out. I said Chaz had been talking about getting back at him.
ANNA
(standing, backing away)
You grassed him up?
GT
(desperate)
I didn't mean to! It just... you know.. the words came out and I couldn't take them back!
ANNA
I know? One thing I know is your a poisonous fucking reptile..
(grabbing her dressing gown)
You jealous, twisted...
GT
(standing naked, pleading)
Anna, I love that kid like a brother! But watching everyone treat him like he's something special when I'm the one who made him...
ANNA
You made him and then you tried to destroy him - to save your own arse!
GT
(breaking down)
I know! I know! I hate myself for it! Every day I watch him and I'm proud of what he's become and I want to kill myself for what I did!
ANNA
(ice cold)
When was this?
GT
Today!
ANNA
You've got the nerve to come here and fuck me and then tell me this! Get dressed. Get out.
GT
(pulling on his clothes frantically)
I never wanted him to get hurt! I thought they'd just question him, maybe rough him up a bit. Bring him down to earth.
ANNA
Listen to yourself! You sent the police after your best mate because your ego couldn't handle him being better than you!
GT
(at the door, voice breaking)
I still care about him, Anna. That's what's killing me. I betrayed someone I actually love.
ANNA
(throwing his jacket at him)
GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!
GT
(desperate)
Don't tell him. Please. Not yet. Let me find a way to make it right.
ANNA
(vicious)
Make it right? How do you make betrayal right?
GT
I don't know! But I have to try!
ANNA
(shouting)
GET OUT! GET THE FUCK OUT!
The door slams. GT stands in the hallway, understanding he's lost everything.
63INT. THE GOOD MIXER PUB - NEXT EVENING
Chaz and Beth sit outside with their drinks. Jam, Jay, Karen and Anna are all present. GT is nowhere to be seen.
CHAZ
Where is GT, he never misses our night at The Good Mixer.. Anyone hear anything, you must know Anna you thick as thieves with him at the moment..
ANNA
I know, I don't know.. Shit I don't know where to begin..
JAY
(laughing)
Spit it out Anna -
CHAZ
You look deadly serious, what's happened?
BETH
I don't like this - quickly Anna - get it over with - I feel a bad vibe..
ANNA
This isn't right what I am about to do - But Charlie you are my oldest friend - I'm distraught to be frank. But you all need to know
JAY
Know what?
ANNA
(takes a long swig of her beer)
Charlie, GT was pulled by the old bill. They have him bang to rights for the HiFi robbery that he did - There was a video camera taping the idiot robbing the place.
KAREN
Shit that's rough!
ANNA
That isn't the rough part!
CHAZ
How does this affect me?
ANNA
They gave him a deal - They know he knows everything that happens in The Wood.. They pressed him for knowledge on who hospitalised Vince.. In return for a name - Your name!
JAY
(stands up, knocking over his chair in a fury)
Cunt! - I'll kick the living shit out of him!
CHAZ
(now on his feet, his face black with a deep anger)
Jesus fucking christ! He sold me to the old bill! You are having a fucking joke! Really!
BETH
Sit down Chaz - wee can work this out
CHAZ
How? I need to disappear
BETH
We'll disappear together
JAM
(pipes up)
Charlie - you can't disappear, mum and I need you!
ANNA
I'm so sorry - I only heard in the small hours - I of course kicked the poisonous snake out straight away - Guess he's laying low..
JAY
Fucking cunt - wait till I see him!
CHAZ
Nope - he's mine to deal with!
JAY
Even so - it's wrong! Just fucking wrong!
CHAZ (CONT'D)
I'm OK, Beth, Jam let's go home.. Gotta tell mum and pack.
BETH
We'll stay at mine for a few days until we can find somewhere else out of the manor.
ANNA
You will keep in touch You? - None of us here will ever grass on you!
CHAZ
I know that ANNA - You should never need to say anything like that to me - we are family for fucks sake. We've got get going - See you all soon!
Chaz, Beth and Jam walk away from The Good Mixer.
FADE OUT.
ACT III - THE SPIRAL INTO DARKNESS
64EXT./INT. LONDON - DESCENT MONTAGE - NIGHT
Opening sequence - still in control.
MUSIC: The Boomtown Rats - "Banana Republic"
Legitimate venues. Dublin Castle crowds. Stage diving at Dingwall's. Beth and Chaz dancing. Friends still together.
MUSIC: Sex Pistols - "Anarchy in the UK"
Moving underground. First squat parties. Broken windows. Candlelit rooms. Police sirens distant. GT watching, concerned.
MUSIC: Bauhaus - "Telegram Sam"
The descent deepening. Gaz's Rockin' Blues, a Soho dive club, at 3am. Chemical haze. Beth leading deeper. Reality bending. Friends fading away.
MUSIC: Alan Vega - "Ghost Rider"
Reality fracturing. Abandoned buildings. Needles appearing. Money disappearing. Dawn through broken glass. The world spinning faster.
MUSIC: Throbbing Gristle - "Discipline"
Full descent into chaos. Complete disorientation. Faces merging. Time losing meaning. Industrial soundscape matching his mental state. Loss of control total.
Each track darker than the last. Lighting getting dimmer. Venues getting grimier. Crowds getting shadier. Hope disappearing.
65EXT. BUILDING SITE - FIRE PIT - NIGHT
NIGHT WATCH - THE AWAKENING.
MUSIC: Tears for Fears - "Mad World" - low, acoustic version
Orange flames flicker. The London skyline distant. Two figures silhouetted. Steam rising from tea cups. BILL - a night watchman - has an old soldier's bearing, a weather-worn face, kind eyes. Chaz's defences lower after a couple of hours of fireside stories.
BILL
What's all this then, what are you doing here at this time of night?
CHAZ
(trying to sleep amongst the cement and tarpaulins in the stock room)
Oh sorry - I was trying to get warm...
BILL
You do realise the site is closed and you shouldn't be here.. If the gaffer catches you, he'll sack us both
CHAZ
Sorry, you're Bill right?
BILL
Yeah. That's right, I've seen you on the site, what's your name?
CHAZ
It's Charlie, I mean Chaz
BILL
Well Charlie - Chaz - you can't sleep here..
CHAZ
Can I stay another 20 minutes, I'm so cold..
BILL
Come out by the fire, that will warm you up some.
CHAZ
(slowly tries to get up with difficulty)
I don't suppose you have any tea or anything do you?
BILL
(walking out to the fire pit - they sit down on some sand bags)
Here son, something stronger than tea.
(passes a whisky flask)
CHAZ
I'm not sure if I should..
BILL
You're not well.. what's wrong with ya?
CHAZ
I'm pretty sick, life has gone bad for me, really bad!
BILL
That doesn't tell me why your shivering and look like death warmed up
CHAZ
My girlfriend OD'd last night and I'm coming down of the same shit
BILL
Smack is it, the big 'H'?
CHAZ
Yeah, we were, were experimenting
BILL
I see, so she's a goner?
Chaz starts to cry.
BILL (CONT'D)
Ok I understand, you better have some of this in your tea
He pours a cup from the tin kettle on the side of the fire pit, takes a hip-flask from the inside pocket of his donkey jacket, and pours some whiskey into the chipped enamel mug.
BILL (CONT'D)
Right son, start from the top, get it all of your chest, I'm not the old bill, I am 'The Bill' - big difference there son.
Chaz recounts everything, from the first day at Hampstead Comp until now. Bill sits quietly, nodding in an understated, knowing way, topping up Chaz's mug each time it's emptied.
CHAZ
So Bill - I'm really at rock bottom, never been so sad, so poor or so stupid.
BILL
We'll it certainly sounds like life has dealt you some bad cards as of late..
CHAZ
You could say that, but I feel disgusted with myself..
BILL
No need to feel like that - that's cold turkey making you think the worse son..
BILL (CONT'D)
Let me tell you a bit about my story so we are even Stevens - alright?
CHAZ
Alright, fair enough!
BILL
I see you looking at my fake hand - A prosthetic hand they call that. I lost me hand in hand to hand combat with a Jerry that caught me unawares - he came at me with his rifle, luckily he had run out of bullets and was going to run me through with the bayonet on the end of his rifle.. All I could do was to grip that blade with all my might, stop him skewering me good an proper.. Problem was it cut through my hand - just a few threads held it together..
CHAZ
What happened then?
BILL
Well he decide to pull his pistol on me to finish me off, he was so bloody surprised I fought like hell.. and decided it was time to end it all..
CHAZ
So he didn't shoot you, I mean you're here now - alive!
BILL
I guess he forgot I had another hand didn't he.. I jumped at him before he could point that bloody Lugar at me, and in the scuffle - the gun went off and it got him in the head..
CHAZ
My god, you must have been badly hurt.
BILL
Better my hand than my life.. Want to see it?
CHAZ
Your hand?
BILL
No you plonker - the Lugar
CHAZ
You still have it?
BILL
Bloody right I do, it's one of three special souvenirs from the war..
CHAZ
What are the three souvenirs?
BILL
(pulls a dirty rag package out of his shoulder bag, unwraps it carefully and looks down at it)
This my son is a genuine Lugar, why that soldier had it, is a surprise, I never saw it on his belt, mind you a bayonet coming at ya is all you think about at the time.. It's a beaut isn't it!
CHAZ
That's the first gun I've ever seen in real life.
BILL
Wanna hold it? It's not loaded or anything..
CHAZ
Not sure if I do..
BILL
Go one.. it won't bite ya
(hands Chaz the Lugar)
CHAZ
Jeez that's heavy as a bag of sugar!
BILL
Yeah - Solid as a rock - well sought after at the end of the war by collectors - I kept this ever since, still have a few bullets in the bag here too, not that I'm about to start shooting Jerry's anywhere in Highbury..
CHAZ
(hands back the Lugar)
Thanks Bill.. so what are the other souvenirs?
BILL
(wraps up the Lugar and puts it back into his shoulder bag, then pulls out a brown leather case closely formed around a black Leica camera)
This son is my pride and joy - I've recorded many memories with this, it's my way of remembering the past...
CHAZ
(looks up, eyes widening)
What's that? Looks old, like you!
BILL
It's not quite as old as me son.
BILL (CONT'D)
You know what the worst thing about war was?
Chaz shakes his head.
BILL (CONT'D)
Not knowing. Not knowing if you'd see anyone again. Your Mrs, your mates, your family again, this helped.. I just started taking pictures to help me reason with being alive, when they were not..
CHAZ
Really - who did you loose?
BILL (CONT'D)
Yeah lost my best mates over in France, came back and my Mrs was dead from the bombing.. we never had any kids - so it was just me - so here I am - night watchman and general dogs body -
(laughs)
A meaningful pause.
BILL (CONT'D)
When did you last see your mum, son?
Chaz stares into his enamel tea mug, says nothing. Just looks up, then back to his mug.
CHAZ (CONT'D)
Not seen anyone for weeks, no one knows about Beth yet.. How do I tell them?
BILL
You say the ambulance came - did you give them all her details?
CHAZ
Yeah.. I did
BILL
Then her family will know already - They will be in pain right now and forever more - That I am sure! Same as you son!
Chaz starts crying again, sobbing.
BILL (CONT'D)
C'mon son, this will be the darkest and longest night of your life - and for a long while to come - but you'll get through it.. I promise ya.. Here have another tea - and a drop of whisky - better than that smack and all the other shit you've been poisoning yourself with.
Chaz holds his mug out to Bill, then sits quiet, cupping his mug in both hands, staring into the fire, mesmerised by the dancing flames.
BILL (CONT'D)
Here - I want you to have something.. It's a gift to remember tonight by, because by god you'll never forget it. Take the camera it's yours.. I want you to record your life with it.
CHAZ
(snaps out of his reverie)
I can't that's one of the three..
BILL
My photographer days are over son.. Not easy with one hand at my age, and besides, what am I going to take pictures of? This building site?
He laughs to himself, coughs, opens a packet of Gold Leaf cigarettes and lights one with a box of Swan Vesta matches.
CHAZ (CONT'D)
BILL - you are very kind - But I'll never get used to it, it looks too complicated..
BILL
Ah you wait and see - it's all mathematics - I'll explain how it works tomorra - It's easy enough - the photos it takes are beautiful, sharp as a tack.. Those Jerry's know how too make cameras.. and guns.. I'll pick some film from the chemist in the morning.
CHAZ (CONT'D)
So what's the third souvenir Bill?
BILL
You've been looking at it all night - my hand.. or lack there of son..
CHAZ
Of course, I understand now, you've been through a hell of a lot. Thank you Bill for talking to me and listening - It's helped a bit.. I better get going I've take up all your time
BILL
Time? That's all I have left son. Where too? - That shitty squat you told me about..
BILL (CONT'D)
Nah - you're kipping on my sofa Chaz.. got to take care of each other us soldiers ain't we!
CHAZ
That's too kind, and besides I can't, all my stuff is at the squat..
BILL
Go and get it and come back here - I knock off at 5am.. so you got a few hours yet
CHAZ
Won't you get into trouble?
BILL
From who? The gaffer? Haha he ain't my Mrs you know - you are funny lad..
CHAZ
OK, thank you, just for a night..
BILL
As long as it takes for you to sweat that stuff out of your system and get yourself back on your feet!
Chaz gets up onto unsteady legs.
CHAZ
See you soon Bill
BILL
Make sure you do, I'll leave word that the gaffer knows you sick and won't be in tommora.. So don't worry..
66EXT. BUILDING SITE - FIRE PIT - NEXT NIGHT
Chaz and Bill huddle closer to benefit from the fire's light. Bill shows the camera controls, explaining how it works. Chaz handles it carefully. Something awakening. A future forming.
BILL
Hello and good evening Chaz - I take it you found the sandwich and milk I left out for ya?
CHAZ
Thanks Bill, but I've got such a small appetite
BILL
You're still sweating and shivering aint'ya - But you look better for that change of clothes and a good wash..
CHAZ
Yeah helped a bit..
BILL
Did ya get any sleep at all?
CHAZ
Not much, but I feel miles better now
BILL
Good news - now pour yourself a brew and sit here.. I'll show ya how the camera works - I bought some film for it today.. And here have a finger of whiskey to take the shivers away..
CHAZ
(intrigued with the camera and safely under the wing of his new mentor)
This is amazing Bill..
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
67INT. BILL'S COUNCIL FLAT - OFF HOLLOWAY ROAD - MORNING
Bill mentors Chaz to be an upstanding man - to do the right thing and appear at Beth's funeral.
MUSIC: Tears for Fears - "Mad World" (full studio version)
BILL
You awake son?
CHAZ
Kind of, been having lots of nightmares
BILL
I think I can imagine what..
CHAZ (CONT'D)
You know already..
BILL
Son, I need to ask you a question..
CHAZ
Course..
BILL
Did you love her, Beth.. love her so much you'd die for her?
Chaz starts shaking, welling up with tears.
CHAZ
I'd happily have swapped places with her Bill..
Chaz turns into a blubbering wreck. Bill puts his hand on his shoulder, gives Chaz a few moments to let it out.
BILL
Here, drink this..
He hands Chaz a mug of steaming coffee. Chaz takes it without a word.
BILL (CONT'D)
I gotta say some fink, you've been avoiding thinking and talking about.. But it's your call son. I think if it was you that O-Deed, Beth would be at your funeral to send her love to the other side..
Chaz looks up at Bill, red-faced, absolutely broken.
BILL (CONT'D)
You know where I'm going with this dontcha?
CHAZ
You want me to man up and go to Beth's funeral, stand him front of her family, the boy that killed her..
BILL
Misadventure son.. it happens and it happened to her.. and you probably nearly copt it too if I hadn't have found ya..
CHAZ
I'll do it.. I don't care if they have me hanged.. I'll do it for Beth.
BILL
That is a soldier I see in sida of ya son. I'm proud you said that.. Now get washed up and get calling to your mates to find out what's going on.. You'll need to be prepared, body and soul son.. Be the best you can.. is that a deal?
CHAZ
It's a deal Bill, I won't let you down.
BILL
Don't let Beth down son.. that's what counts.
68INT. HOSPITAL - VINCE'S WARD - DAY
Vince's Recovery & Revenge Planning. He's heard nothing yet - bandaged, wrecked, but conscious and dangerous.
IAN, Vince's best mate, arrives.
IAN
Fucking Aida Vince, you look like a fucking bus ran over you.
VINCE
It fucking feels like it too.. Did you bring me any snout?
IAN
Yeah here you are, some swans too. Half a bottle of Bells and a few top shelve mags for ya just in case you need to bash the bishop hahaha
VINCE
You are a bleeding national treasure Ian and a fucking joker too!
IAN
I think we should go and have a smoke, I have some news, good and bad.. I want you fortified first.
Vince opens the Bells and necks half of it.
IAN (CONT'D)
Fuck.. you on pain killers too.. you'll be out like Alan fucking Minter any minute
VINCE
Hit me you big cunt, I'm not a baby..
IAN
It's Beth
VINCE
Fucking hoare, what about that bitch?
IAN
She's dead
VINCE
(starts laughing)
joking again.. nice one mate..
IAN
Vince - I'm deadly serious .. she O-deed with that posh cunt
VINCE
(sits up violently, in acute pain)
You bloody well say that again, slowly and don'y you leave a single detail out or I'll stab you,
IAN
Calm down, you'll have a fucking heart attack..
VINCE
IAN!!!
IAN
Sorry, I heard this morning that she was found dead at squat in Highbury opposite the Arsenal stadium. I am guessing it was smack! The old bill and ambulance were there.. that's all I know.
VINCE
When?
IAN
Two days ago
VINCE
What about the posh cunt?
IAN
No one knows - he's gone
VINCE
Gone! What the fuck do you mean by gone?
IAN
He's no where to be seen.
VINCE
He's a dead man walking and I know where he'll be next
IAN
Where's that?
VINCE
At her funeral of course. The right place to end him and all of this.. He's going to pay with his life..
IAN
Vince mate.. this isn't the wild fucking west..
VINCE
My town.. my rules,.. you going to argue?
IAN
Course not..
VINCE
I need to speak to Kelly
IAN
Headhunters Kelly?
VINCE
Yeah, who else is going to get m a shooter..
IAN
(whistles a low whistle)
VINCE
(pulls the bell cord for the nurse)
Nurse, get me a wheel chair I need to make a call pronto..
NURSE
I'll get one of the orderlies to come and get you Mr Mckenzie
VINCE
Make it fucking snappy will ya..
CUT TO:
69INT. HOSPITAL - PAYPHONE - CONTINUOUS
MUSIC: Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer"
Vince sits in a wheelchair at a payphone. He's talking seriously - we hear only his side of the conversation to Kelly of the Chelsea Headhunters. He makes a gun shape with his hand and points it at his own temple, Ian looking on. He means business.
70EXT. ST. PANCRAS CATHOLIC CHURCH - FRIDAY MORNING
Beth's funeral. The graveside - Beth interned. The weather is cold, overcast, sleeting.
MUSIC: Killing Joke - "Requiem"
A crowd of at least 50 - family, friends, school colleagues - stands around the grave. Chaz is clocked by everyone as he walks up, wearing black jeans, a black shirt and DMs.
ANNA
Chaz.. bloody hell, you made it.. I thought..
CHAZ
I know what you thought, same as everyone, and you'd be right too
ANNA
(claps his hand in hers)
You look, different Chaz
CHAZ
I have an angel looking after me and his name is BILL - he basically saved my life. But that's for another day
ANNA
(crying now)
I've been so worried, we all have.. Jesus Christ Chaz.. come back home please.. Charlotte and Jam have been at their wits end without you. Mum's been asking about you every day and when she heard what happened with Beth, Charlotte, Annie and everyone were in tears.
CHAZ
My god Anna, I've hurt so many people and killed the girl I love.
ANNA
Come here..
She hugs Chaz.
JAY
(joint hug with Anna and Chaz, whispers)
You are one site for sore eyes.. Bloody missed you - you strong enough for this?
CHAZ
For Beth, yeah, anything! Seen GT?
ANNA
Nah, he's bloody persona non grata
CHAZ
Should think so too.. fucking creep.
ANNA
That's another convo for another day
PRIEST
My dear friends and family, We stand here today in the shadow of a terrible loss. A young life, full of promise, has been taken from us far too soon. In our hearts there is pain, confusion, and perhaps anger. We ask, "Why?" and find no easy answer.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
The Church teaches that every person is loved by God, and that His mercy is greater than any mistake we make. We do not judge the circumstances of her death. We entrust her to the compassion of Christ, who came not to condemn, but to heal and to save.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
To her family: your grief is known. To her friends: your love mattered to her, even when she could not see it clearly. Let us not let shame or silence steal her memory. Let us remember her laughter, her kindness, the moments when she was truly alive.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
We commit her body to the earth, and her soul to God. May the Lord grant her peace, and may He give us all the grace to carry one another through this dark time with patience, forgiveness, and hope.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. Please say your prayers and your goodbye, we shall all be reunited in heaven by god's divine grace.
BETH'S MUM
Sleep well my love
She walks forward and throws a single white rose on the coffin. She clocks Chaz - gives him a very long, long look. Everyone has clocked the eye to eye, the transmission, everyone waiting on the judgement - a question and an understanding that Chaz has grown into a man to be here. She feels his pain and sees it too. Now to be judged by all.. She says nothing and steps back.
They all take their turn and walk away from the grave.
Chaz walks away on his own, shoulders down, just managing to keep some dignity. A dark figure steps out from behind a tree, on crutches - in one hand, a pistol.
MUSIC: Joy Division - "Decades" - fades in
VINCE
Not as clever as you think are you Charles Aldridge
Chaz freezes, maybe 20 paces away.
CHAZ
You! I thought you were in hospital?
Vince drops one of the crutches and raises the pistol.
VINCE
You should have done your job properly, but you have no guts.. Now I'll finish you here now.. you can join that bitch in hell..
CHAZ
Don't call her a bitch, not ever, not here, not now..
People have noticed Vince, and the gun has just turned a sacred place into hell. They scatter. GT has been hiding - he was there for the service. He's not a bad man.. he's just weak..
VINCE
Any last words before I execute you?
CHAZ
Yeah.. go fuck yourself you fucking cripple!
Vince fires off a shot - but out of nowhere GT flies in front of Chaz and takes the bullet in his arm.
Vince fires off another shot, missing both men.
VINCE
It's not over..
He makes his ridiculous getaway.
CHAZ
(shouts)
Fuck, GT - Someone call for an ambulance - ambulance GT's been shot
GT
Sorry mate, really I am so sorry, I'll live mate.. go and get that fucker!
CHAZ
We'll speak later.. yeah I will get that fucker..
ANNA
(shouting)
Chaz where are you going..
FADE OUT.
71EXT. STREETS - ST PANCRAS TO ST JOHN'S WOOD - DAY
MUSIC: The Cure - "A Forest" - fades in
Chaz knows where to go - Petty House - and he's running there. It's raining hard. He's running for Beth, he's running for his life - he wants Vince.
Vince's mate IAN has been waiting in the car. We see them silent, driving through the rain back to St John's Wood and the Petty House Estate.
We cut between Chaz running and the car splashing through puddles, the coming darkness making the scene tense. Chaz runs across the wet streets away from St Pancras Church - through the rough, bleak Somers Town council estates, across Camden, past the Music Machine, across Primrose Hill, past people walking their dogs and rushing home from the weather. Getting closer. We cut back and forth to Vince and Ian - Vince seems vulnerable now. He's retreating.
The car arrives at Petty House. Vince gets out. The car drives off.
He's alone.. but he's not.
Chaz arrives, out of breath.
CHAZ
Oi you - you cunt.. I haven't finished with you!
VINCE
(surprised for the first time)
What the fuck.. how you get here so fast?
CHAZ
(ignoring the question)
You turn up at Beth's funeral and disrespect her as you always did I'm not letting you get away with that.. you pay for everything now..
VINCE
(standing uneasily on his crutches, pulling the gun from his black Harrington pocket)
I think it may be an uneven fight you stupid cunt..
CUT TO - a clip of Chaz calling Bill from a call box.
BACK TO SCENE:
CHAZ
(a scowl to a smile in a millisecond, resigned to whatever happens, ready to die if need be)
You think I came unprepared?
Another voice, from around the corner. Bill.
BILL
(Luger in hand, pointed at Vince)
I know all about you Vince Mckenzie. We fought Nazis to keep this country a place where people like you were not part of the deal.. And here you are - worse than any Nazi I killed..
CHAZ
Give me the gun Bill, he's mine..
BILL
No son.. he's not yours.. you are not going to walk the earth with the guilt and memory of this shit on your conscience. My days are ending and my duty is clear..
With that, Vince takes a shot at Bill and hits him in the stomach.
CHAZ
(shouting as Bill goes down)
Bill, Bill,
He runs over to him. Vince takes aim at Chaz.
BILL
Son.. run, you run as quickly as you can..
With that, Bill squeezes off a last shot before he passes away, as Chaz leans over him. Chaz looks around - Vince is on the floor, a bullet hole in his head, a pool of blood forming.
CHAZ
(crying)
Jesus.. save us ..
He looks at Bill, closes his eyes. He gets up, takes one last look at Vince, and runs off.
72INT./EXT. VARIOUS - LETTER WRITING / LIVERPOOL DOCKS / NEW YORK - MONTAGE
MUSIC: Jófríður - "The Unknowing"
Colour, for the letter writing and the boarding of the cargo ship - then into black and white for the New York b-roll.
Chaz writes everyone a letter. Bill has got him passage on a cargo ship leaving Liverpool for New York. Farewell letters. The cargo ship journey. A photography career building.
73INT. THE GOOD MIXER PUB - LUNCHTIME - 15 YEARS LATER
A successful Chaz, with family, back in London, visiting the old haunts.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
To Beth and Bill - loved and never forgotten - say no more
The camera sees the group in the pub stand and raise their glasses.
FINAL MONTAGE
MUSIC: The Cranberries - "Dreams"
Quick cuts: early photographs, fashion shoots, magazine covers, family moments, success building.
FINAL PHOTO MONTAGE & CREDITS
MUSIC: Duran Duran - "Girls on Film"
Fashion studio lights flashing. Models posing. Chaz directing shots. Magazine covers appearing.
The credit sequence intercuts with: early street photography, first fashion shoots, climbing success, studio openings, a family growing. Black and white to colour. Amateur to professional. Punk to polish. Street to studio.
Personal moments: a wedding to a blonde wife, children being born, old friends at celebrations, Bill at Chaz's first exhibition, Charlotte proud at a gallery opening.
74EXT. HAMPSTEAD, LONDON - DAY
The big reveal. An expensive German convertible. The blonde wife, two blonde children in the back seat.
The camera, on a dolly, follows a man with his back to us as he walks to the slick German convertible. It's summer - he's in black shorts and a black t-shirt, a black baseball cap, wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
New angle - camera low and close to the driver's door. He opens it. We see the bottom half of him as he gets in - and his calf comes into shot: the Saint stickman tattoo. The narrator's voice has been Chaz all along.
Chaz turns to camera, takes off his shades and winks conspiratorially.
CHAZ
And that my friends is how we roll.
The door closes, the engine roars, and they speed off up the road.
Credits roll over contact sheets and prints from different eras of his life, as "Girls on Film" fades out and "Warrior Charge" fades back in.
MUSIC: Aswad - "Warrior Charge" - fades back in as "Girls on Film" fades out