GREMLINS



                                 Written by

                               Chris Columbus

          



          HONG KONG - AN OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE
          Crowded. Filled with oriental and British merchants.
          You can buy anything here. Electronics. Food. Any-
          thing.

          RAND PELTZER
          walks through the owd. An American businessman.1-He
          wears a tas eful g3,y suit. He's thin, with distinguished
          good looks and thin brown hair. He's 56 years old.
          Rand looks around; fascinated by the vast array of people
          and merchandise. He stops at a booth. A tiny ORIENTAL,
          WOMAN stands behind the counter. Rand gives her a polite
          smile.

          RAND
          Hi. I'm from out of town...
          on business from the U.S.
          The woman nods and smiles.

          AN ORIENTAL MAN
          passes by. He is very old. Deep wrinkles. Long white
          hair. Ragged clothes. A rotted smile. Overhearing
          Rand, the man stops to eavesdrop.

          RAND
          (explaining to
          Oriental woman)
          I'm looking for a present...
          for my son.
          The woman nods. She searches through her wares. She
          holds up a basketball. Rand shakes his head.

          RAND
          He's not really involved in
          sports...
          The woman puts away the basketball. She picks up a Sony
          "Walkman". Rand again shakes his head.,

          RAND
          No. I want something unusual...
          something he can't get at home...
          something different..

          
          

          .2.

          A HAND
          reaches out and grabs Rand's arm. Startled, he turns.
          The Oriental man stands before him. He stares into Rand's
          eyes.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          I can help you.
          He leads Rand away from the booth.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          I offer something very different.
          Very unusual.
          Rand is puzzled. The Oriental leads him to a doorway.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          Follow me.
          He opens the door, motioning for Rand to follow. Rand
          pauses, skeptical.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          Come. Take a look. It will cost
          you nothing.
          (a beat)
          You won't be disappointed.
          The Oriental enters. Rand shrugs and follows.

          INSIDE
          Rand follows the man up a narrow, dark set of stairs.
          At the top, they enter a room.

          INT. ROOM

          Dark. No windows. No furniture. Filled with cardboard
          boxes and wooden crates.
          Rand crinkles his nose. It su,Qlls bad in here.
          The Oriental flips on a dim light bulb. He leads the
          nervous, apprehensive Rand to a dark corner of the room.
          The Oriental picks up a small, metal box. A HIGH PITCHED
          GIGGLE echoes from inside the box.

          

          

          

          

          3.
          Rand is very puzzled.
          The Oriental rests the box on a stack of crates. He opens
          the box.
          A TINY CREATURE is inside'.
          The animal is eleven inches tall and stands; upright on
          two legs. It has two arms, with small; four-fingered
          hands. Its body is covered with fluffy brown fur. The
          piercing eyes are big, sad. Its ears are long and pointed.
          A tiny black nose sits above a wide mouth, with small,
          square teeth.
          The creature is smiling. It lets out a giggle.
          Rand is delighted and surprised. He's never seen anything
          like this. The animal is more charming than a Disney
          character.
          The Oriental claps his hands.
          The creature leaps from the box, onto Rand's shoulder.
          The animal licks Rand's cheek.' He laughs, amused by the
          creature.
          The Oriental claps his hands again.
          The creature hops back into the box. It stares at Rand
          with those cute green eyes'.

          RAND
          (to the Oriental)
          What is it?

          ORIENTAL MAN
          It is called ' Mogwai ' .
          (a beat)
          A very rare and intelligent animal.
          I found it in the fields near my
          home It will obey all orders.
          It learns fast.
          The Oriental looks at Mogwai and claps his hands.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          (Chinese,; English

          SUBTITLES)

          

          

          

          

          4
          --Mogwai leaps to the ground. It scurries across the floor,
          to a wooden crate.
          Mogwai removes a raw tuna from the crate. It tears off a
          chunk of the fish and carries it to the oriental man..
          He takes the fish. Mogwai hops back into the box.
          Rand shakes his head. Amazed by the animal.
          he Oriental takes a bit from the raw fish. Juice runs
          own his chin. He smiles at Rand.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          And if you are ever in need of
          a song...
          He claps his hands to the creature.

          ORIENTAL MAN.
          (Chinese; English

          SUBTITLES)
          Music.
          Mogwai begins to hum, in an unearthly falsetto. It's
          beautiful.
          Rand watches with wide eyes. He feels like a child again.

          RAND -
          How much?

          ORIENTAL MAN
          One hundred American Dollars.
          Cash.
          Rand removes five twenties from his wallet. He gives
          them to the man.
          The Oriental smiles and claps his hands. Mogwai jumps
          onto Rand's shoulders. Rand pets it. Mogwai emits a cute
          giggle.

          ORIENTAL MAN
          It never sleeps. It will eat any-
          thing... but prefers raw meat.

          (PAUSE)
          It must always be kept indoors during
          the day. It lives in shadow. It
          hates bright light. Direct sunlight
          will kill it.
          Rand nods. He takes Mogwai from his shoulder and puts it
          into the box. Rand puts the box under his arm. The
          Oriental smiles

          

          

          

          

          ORIENTAL MAN
          Your son will enjoy his new friend.
          Rand smiles and exits. The Oriental takes a bite from
          his raw fish.

          CUT TO:..

          INT. HONG KONG AIRPORT

          Rand is on the pay telephon His baggage rests beside
          him.
          Mogwai is inside of a small plastic pet box. The creature's
          bright eyes shine from inside.

          RAND
          (into the phone)
          Yes, Fred. The Tai-Chan account
          is definite. MmmHmm. My plane
          l eaves in twenty minutes. See
          you in Pennsylvania.
          He hangs up. He picks up his bags and walks to the check-
          in counter.

          THE CHECK-IN GIRL
          tags Mogwai's box and puts it on the conveyer belt.
          Rand watches the box disappear through the baggage chute.

          CHECK-IN GIRL
          Don't worry, sir. Your pet will
          be safe.
          Rand smiles.

          CUT TO:

          EXT. SKY

          The jet flies through the clouds.

          INT. AIRPLANE

          Rand is eating his airline dinner. AN ORIENTAL STEWARDESS
          walks up and refills his coffee. He looks at her.
          with the word 'Mogwai'?

          

          

          

          

          6.
          She nods.

          RAND
          What does it mean?

          STEWARDESS
          Devil.
          She moves to the next passenger.
          Rand stares. Surprised. Confused.

          DISSOLVE TO:

          A GREEN ROAD SIGN:

          "WELCOME TO KINGSTON FALLS, PENNYSLVANIA. POPULATION 6,122"

          CREDITS BEGIN OVER VARIOUS IMAGES OF THIS SMALL TOWN.
          One week before Christmas. It's snowing hard.
          A man hangs Christmas lights outside of his home. His
          young son helps.
          Children ice skate along a large,. frozen lake.
          A woman trudges through the snow, to her mailbox. A down
          parka is over her pajamas.
          Kingston's business district. Chilly gas station atten-
          dants pump gas into cars.
           A Pharmacy owner hangs "Merry Christmas" (in sparkling
          gold letters) in his store window.
          Telephone line workers share hot coffee from a thermos.
          The Union Savings and Trust Bank. Two teenagers push a
          woman s car from a ditch.

          CREDITS END. CAMERA DOLLIES TO THE BANK DOORS. WE GO

          INSIDE.
          Crowded. Several peoplestandin line.

          BILLY PELTZER
          a bank teller, writes out a receipt for a customer.

          

          

          

          

          7.
          Billy is 26 years old. His sturdy build and good looks are
          buried beneath wire rimmed glasses, slicked dirty-blonde
          .hair, a red sweater vest, a loose fitting checkered shirt,
          baggy corduroys and worn loafers.
          râ¢ Finishing the transaction with his customer, Billy looks to
          the line of waiting people.

          BILLY
          Next.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          an elderly woman, walks to Billy's window. She's a real
          prude. Tight lips. Heavy make-up. Bleached hair. Cheap
          fur coat. She hands Billy a personal check.

          TRACY ALLEN
          another teller, works beside Billy. Tracy is pretty. Big
          brown eyes. A sexy smile. Long dark hair. Perfect figure.
          25 years old.
          Tracy counts out some cash to a customer. She's trying
          to concentrate, to keep her mind on work.. But it's diffi-
          cult when

          GARY LUCIA
          the bank security guard, is trying to make her laugh. He
          stands by the bank entrance, making funny faces at Tracy.
          Gary is 30 years old. Former high school jock. Dark,
           thick hair. Deep brown eyes. Muscular. A strong, handsome
          face.
          Meanwhile, Billy gives the check back to Mrs. Deagle.

          BILLY
          I can't cash this, M'am. Your
          last check hasn't cleared.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          Don't you recognize me?

          BILLY
          No, M'am. I'm sorry...

          

          

          

          

          8.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          (loud, so everyone can

          HEAR)
          My name is Mrs. Julia Deagle! My
          husband manages the.Sparkle Market!
          We've been banking here for sixteen
          years!

          BILLY
          T at's very nice, M'am. But your
          c eck hasn't cleared and...

          MRS. DEAGLE
          That's the problem with this world.
          It's a mess because of people like

          JI$

          BILLY
          It's not my.fault your check didn't
          clear, M'am,

          MRS. DEAGLE
          Don't get smart with me, oung man.

          BILLY
          I wasn't getting smart, I was...

          MRS. DEAGLE
          (shouting,-looking

          AROUND)
          Where's the president? I want to
          see the bank president!
          Billy rubs his eyes. Tense. Embarrassed.
          Everyone watches the scene. Tracy. Gary. The customers.

          ROLAND FRESCO
          the bank's Vice President, walks over to Billy and Mrs.
          beagle. Roland is tall, slender with thin grey hair and
          a pencil thin moustache. Friendliness and courtesy are
          his job. He smiles at Mrs. Deagle.

          ROLAND
          What seems to be the problem,
          M'am?

          MRS. DEAGLE
          My name is Mrs. Julia Deagle. This
          young teller is being very rude! I
          demand that you fire him!

          

          

          

          

          9
          Roland looks at Billy. Billy rolls his eyes. Roland
          smiles.

          ROLAND

          (COMFORTING)
          Now,-Mrs. Deagle...I'm sure this
          isn't that serious. I'm sure an
          apology would fix things right
          up. Wouldn't it?
          The woman shrugs.' Roland turns to Billy.

          ROLAND
          Apologize to the woman, Billy.
          Billy leans to Roland.

          BILLY
          (angry whisper)
          I. didn't do anything wrong.

          AA;

          ROLAND
          (doesn't care, the
          customer comes first)
          Just apologize.
          Roland.leans back and smiles at Mrs. Deagle.
          Billy looks at her. He doesn'-t want to do this.
          Everyone in the bank is watching him, waiting for him
          to take a stand.
          Billy sighs. He needs his job.

          BILLÂ°
          (forcing himself)
          I'm sorry, Mrs. Deagle.
          She nods and smiles. Roland puts his hand on the woman's
          shoulder.

          ROLAND
          Come back to my desk, Mrs. Deagle.
          I'll personally take care of your
          banking problems.
          Roland walks back to his office with Mrs. Deagle.
          Gary chuckles. Tracy goes back to work.
          Billy just sits. Angry. Humiliated. He calls the next
          customer.

          

          

          

          
          lb.

          BILLY
          Next.

          CUT TO:

          INT. BANK - LATER

          Billy puts on his brown winter coat and green scarf.
          He picks up his dog eared copy of "The Once And Future
          King". He walks to the bank lobby.

          TRACY
          stands in the lobby, putting on.her coat. Billy moves to
          help her.

          BILLY
          Let me.
          He helps her on with the coat.

          BILLY
          You look very pretty today.

          TRACY

          (FLATTERED)
          Thanks, Billy.

          BILLY
          I mean.. .not that you don't look
          pretty every day...But you look
          especially pretty today.

          TRACY

          (CHUCKLES)
          You're cute.
          Gary walks up. He puts his arm through Tracy's.

          GARY
          Let's go. I'm hungry.
          (notices Billy)
          Hey, Peltzer...Whydidn't you stand.
          up to that old bag, today?

          

          

          

          

          I

          11.
          Billy shrugs. Embarrassed.
          Gary notices the book. He takes it from Billy's hand.

          GARY
          What's this?

          BILLY
          It's a book. You read 1t.
          Billy exchanges a smile with Tracy. Gary isn't amused.

          GARY
          I know that, asshole. I meant
          what's it about?

          BILLY
          King Arthur. . .Sir Lancelot... Knights
          of the Round . Table... Dragons...

          GARY
          Aren't you a little old for that
          kinda' junk?

          BILLY

          (SHRUGS)
          Beats T.V.

          GARY-
          (gives Billy the

          BOOK)
          I'll take 'Monday Night Football'
          over this crap any day.
          (takes Tracy's arm)
          C'mon. Let's go.
          Tracy gives a wave to Billy. She and Gary walk away.
          Billy watches. He draws an imaginary sword from his side.
          He lifts the sword and lunges forward. At Gary.
          Billy sits at a table. Alone. He's reading his book. He
          eats, but his wide eyes never leave the page. He's fas-
          cinated by the story. Like a child. He gets to a funny
          section.. He laughs.

          

          

          

          

          12.
          Gary notices Billy. Gary nudges the others.

          GARY
          What a nut. Laughin' to himself.
          That's the kind of guy who'll shoot
          a president.

          TRACY

          (DEFENSIVE)
          I don't see anything wrong with him.
          I'm sure he's very intelligent.

          GARY
          Yeah, and those are the guys who
          always crack. The real smart guys.
          6ti (pause)
           He's gotta be a psycho. 26 years old,
          still lives with his parents. Doesn't
          have a girlfriend. He's always alone.
          Real weirdo.
          The others agree. Tracy doesn't. She likes Billy.
          Billy continues to read, totally caught up in his book.
          Totally caught up in his fantasy.

          DISSOLVE TO:

          INT. BILLY'S FORD PINTO - LATER THAT AFTERNOON

          Billy drives home from work. He moves slow. The snow
          still falls. The roads are icy.

          CAR RADIO (V.0.)
          .And the snow keeps coming, folks.
          Looks like we're gonna have a White
          Christmas. Another three inches is
          expected tonight...
          Billy looks out of his side window and sees

          PETE FOUNTANE
          walking home from school. Pete is 16 years old. A chunky,
           pleasant baby faced kid. With his bright orange down jacket,
          Pete resembles a tiny snowman.
          Suddenly, Pete.slips on the ice. Bam. Right on his ass.
          His school books scatter over the ground.

          

          

          

          

          13.
          Billy stops the car. He gets out and hurries to Pete.

          BILLY
          Pete...You okay?
          Pete nods. Billy helps him up. Pete brushes himself off.
          Billy is amused by the boy.

          BILLY
          You want a ride home?

          PETE
          Thanks. That'd be nice.
          Billy helps Pete pick up his schoolbooks.

          CUT TO:

          INT. CAR - A FEW MINUTES LATER

          Billy drives, while trying to tell a story to Pete.

          BILLY
          (energetic, en-

          THUSIASTIC)
          Lancelot raises Excalibur and...
          Wham! He knocks the Black Knight
          down ! Then with-another swing...
          Wham! He finishes him off!

          PETE
          (impressed by
          Billy's storytelling)
          Wow...
          Billy digs into his pocket and gives Pete the copy of
          "Once And Future King".

          BILLY
          Here. You can borrow it.
          Pete takes the book.

          PETE
          Hey, Billy...You know so much about
          Vikings and stuff...You should
          write one of these stories yourself.

          

          

          

          

          14.

          PETE
          Really?

          BILLY

          (PROUD)
          'Savage Hearts Of The Round
          Table'. A Trilogy Of Honor.,
          Adventure nd Romance by William
          :C. P.eltzer

          PETE
          Sounds gre t. When can I read it?

          BILLY

          (CHUCKLES)
          I've only got about 70 pages done...
          But as soon as it's published, you'll
          get one of the first copies. Speci-
          ally autographed by the author.
          Pete smiles. Billy makes a turn. He pulls into the parking
          lot of

          DOUGAL'S ANTIQUES
          A huge, three story home, with an antique shop set up on
          the first floor.
          Billy and Pete get out of the car and enter the store.

          DORRY DOUGAL
          the 64 year old storekeeper, stands behind the counter.
          Dorry is husky, bald on top, with thick patches of red hair
          on his temples. A huge, red moustache sits beneath his
          bulbous nose. His arms are thick, hairy. A strong Irish-
          man.

          DORRY
          Good afternoon to you, Billy.

          BILLY
          Hi, Dorry.
          (eyes light)
          Is it ready yet?
          Dorry smiles. He reaches to a shelf behind the counter.
          He removes ,a long object, wrapped in a piece of green cloth.
          He rests it on the counter.

          

          

          

          

          15
          Billy watches with.wide eyes. Pete is curious.
          Dorry slowly unwraps the object. Inside the cloth, is a
          long silver sword, with a gleaming blade and an engraved
          steel.holster.. - Pete is impressed..

          DORRY
          (to Pete)
          It's an authentic replica of an
          Eleventh Century sword.
          Billy's eyes examine every inch of the sword. It's
          beautiful.

          DORRY
          I got most of the rust off...But
          there were a couple spots that
          wouldn't budge.
          Billy runs his finger along the blade.

          DORRY
          Careful. It's sharp.
          A big smile covers Billy's face.- He's in love with the
          sword.

          BILLY
          What do I owe you?

          DORRY
          Two hundred. You can pay me twenty
          a week.
          Billy pulls a twenty from his wallet and pays Dorry.
          Billy carefully wraps the sword and puts it under his
          arm.

          BILLY
          Thanks, Dorry.

          DORRY
          My pleasure, son.
          Billy and Pete exit the store.

          CUT TO:

          EXT. MAIN STREET

          The suburbs. Rows of houses. All very similar. Two
          stories Aluminum siding. One car garage.

          

          

          

          

          16.
          All are decorated for Christmas. Some are simple and
          sweet. Others are ornate and flashy.

          EXT. FOUNTANE.HOME

          Billy's car pulls into the driveway. He drops Pete off.
          Pete thanks him and Billy drives off.

          ' HE PELTZER HOME
          blends in with the others. But it's a little nicer,
          better kept. A row of colored lights is draped across
          the snowy shrubbery.
          Billy's Pinto pulls into the drive. He gets out, sword
          under his arm. He enters the house.

          INT. FRONT HALLWAY

          A small hallway, leading to a stairway.

          BARNEY
          a friendly Irish Setter, greets Billy. He pets the dog
          and hangs his coat in the hail- closet.

          INT. KITCHEN


          LYNN PELTZER
          Billy's Mother. 53 years old. Slightly heavy. Well
           dressed. Styled brown hair. A pretty woman.
          She hears Billy enter. She quickly pops a valium from
          a small pill bottle. She calls to her son.

          LYNN
          Billy? Is the'.t you honey?

          BILLY
          sighs.He hates to be called "honey".

          

          

          

          

          17.

          LYNN (O.S.)
          Dinner will be ready in ten
          minutes.
          Okay.
          He hurries upstairs w Iith

          INT. BILLY'S ROOM

          1 I i
          Furnished with a sing Ile bed, two chairs, ajdesk and dresser.
          A manual Smith-Corona, rests on the desk top. A full-sized
          mirror is fastened to[ the;closet. A few plants hang in
          the window.
          The walls are covered with Medieval drawings, a poster of
          St. George fighting the dragon, Frazzeta.paintings of
          warriors, etc. A miniature set of armor rests on the
          dresser's cabinet.
          Billy enters. He rests the sword on his bed. He unwraps
          it. He picks up the sword.
          He turns to the mirror and poses with the sword. He holds
          it at a few differentangles, trying to decide which looks
          best for him.
          He takes a few swings with the sword.
          He stops and smiles to himself. A real warrior.

          CUT TO:

          DINING ROOM
          Billy sits at the table, eating dinner with Lynn.

          LYNN
          How was work?

          BILLY
          Okay.

          LYNN
          Have you asked that Tracy girl
          out yet?

          

          

          

          

          18.

          LYNN
          I was just curious.

          BILLY
          Yeah,.well it's none of your
          business.
          Nervous,Lynn popsvalfum with her wine.

          .{ LYNN

          (OFFENDED)
          I guess it's none of my business
          that your clothes are washed and
          ironed, or that you have a hot
          meal on the table...

          BILLY
          No. It isn't. I'm old enough
          to take care of that stuff myself.
          I'm old enough to get a place of
          my own.

          LYNN
          Don't start that again. Your
          Father's coming home tonight.

          BILLY
          Good. I think we should talk
          about it.

          LYNN
          It'll put him in a bad mood.

          BILLY
          No, it'll put you in a bad mood.
          Lynn and Billy exchange a glare. They look down at their
          food.
          A few silent, uncomfortable moments pass.
          Lynn looks back to Billy. She smiles. Time for the
          tender approach. She touches his hand.

          LYNN
          Billy, honey...

          BILLY
          (moves his hand
          from hers)
          Stop calling me 'honey'.

          

          

          

          

          19.
          She smiles and tries again.

          LYNN
          Dad and I just don't want you to
          have to struggle like we did.
          We want to help, until you can
          support yourself as a writer.

          BILLY
          Bit it's gonna take me another-
          year to finish my novel. . .and what
          if it doesn't get published?

          LYNN
          It'll get published.

          BILLY
          But what if it doesn't? Are you
          gonna take care of me until I'm
          old and grey, working on my 25th
          unpublished novel?...

          LYNN
          If it takes that long, yes.

          BILLY

          (FRUSTRATED)
          Don't you understand?.. .I've got
          to 'leave now! I rve got to try and
          make it on my own now!
          Before Lynn.can reply, A VOICE INTERRUPTS.

          RAND (O . S . )
          Is anybody home?
          Lynn stands and whispers to Billy.

          LYNN
          Please, let's forget about this.
          Just for tonight. Okay?
          Billy pauses. Finally gives in and nods.
          Lynn stands. She pops another valium and exits to greet
          her husband. We hear them, exchange an excited ".hello".
          They kiss and laugh, glad to be in each other's arms.
          Billy just sits. Burning.

          

          

          

          

          20.

          INT. FRONT HALLWAY

          Rand hugs his wife. Barney is jumping up and down, tugging
          at Rand's coat.
          Suitcases rest on the floor.' Beside them, is, Mogwai's
          plastic case.
          Billy enters. Rand sees him.

          RAND

          (SMILES)
          Billy .. ,
          Billy walks to his Father. They embrace.

          BILLY
          (happy to see him)
          Hi, Dad.
          They hold each other for a second. Lynn closes the front
          door. Rand picks up Mogwai's case. Lynn turn's to her
          husband.

          RAND
          (takes Lynn's hand)
          Not now. I've got a surprise for
          both of you. Come on.
          He leads them into the living room. Lynn and. Billy exchange
          a puzzled glance. They follow Rand.

          INT. LIVING ROOM

          Rand dims the lights. He motions for Billy and Lynn to
          sit on the sofa. They do. Barney sits on Billy's lap.
          Rand sits in front of them, on a leather easy chair. He
          rests Mogwai's case on his lap. He opens the case.
          Mogwai leaps out, onto the coffee table.
          Lynn and'Bill are startled. They stare at the creature in
          wonderment.
          Barney hates it. He growls at Mogwai.

          

          

          

          

          21.
          Rand lights a cigarette. He turns to Mogwai and claps
          his hands. The creature picks up an ash tray and carries
          it to Rand. Mogwai hops onto Rand's lap.
          Lynn and Billy are amazed...

          BILLY
          (staring at Mogwai)
          What is it? A.monkey? A rat?.

          RAND
          Your new pet.

          BILLY

          (UNCERTAIN)
          Mj Oh, yeah?...
          Mogwai starts to sing, humming in that unearthly falsetto.

          BILLY
          What's that?

          RAND
          He's singing.

          BILLY
          Sounds kind of creepy.
          Barney still growls.

          RAND
          Barney! Be a good dog and go up-
          stairs!
          Barney reluctantly hops off Billy's lap and exits.
          Lynn stares at Mogwai.

          LYNN
          I think he's just darling.
          Mogwai.
          Rand holds the creature out to Billy.

          

          

          

          

          22

          RAND
          Hold him.

          BILLY
          (inching back)
          Maybe later.

          RAND
          C'mon. He won't bite.
          Billy forces himself to take the creature. Mogwai nestles
          close to Billy. Rand smiles at his son.

          RAND
          He likes you.
          Billy looks nauseous. Lynn stands.

          LYNN
          You two look so cute together.
          I have to take a picture.
          Lynn walks to a nearby drawer, opens it and removes-a
          Kodak Instamatic.
          Mogwai is on Billy's shoulder, licking his cheek.. Billy
          hates it.

          RAND -
          I want you to take good care
          of him.
          Lynn focuses the camera on Billy and Mogwai.

          LYNN
          Okay smile.
          Billy forces a smile. Mogwai still licks his cheek.
          Lynn snaps the picture. Flash!
          Mogwai lets out a high scream. Frightened of the bright
          light, Mogwai jumps back, accidentally scratching Billy's
          cheek.

          BILLY
          Little bastard.
          Mogwai scurries back to Rand. He pets the creature,
          comforting it

          

          

          

          

          11 23.
          Settle down, Billy-There's no
          reason to get upset. The little
          fellow's scared. He hates bright
          light..
          Billy shrugs. He wipes his fingers along the scratch on
          his face. He looks -at t em.
          There's blood on hisï¿½4ingertips.
          Billy looks at Mogwai.
          The creature looks at Billy. It giggles.

          CUT TO:

          INT. BILLY'S ROOM - LATER

          Billy sits at his desk, working on his novel. His typing
          is fast, intense. A small desk lamp lights.his working
          area.
          Mogwai watches Billy. from the darkness of the book shelves.
          Above Billy., The creature begins to sing.
          Billy tries to ignore Mogwai's singing. No good. It gets
          on his nerves. Billy slams his hand on the desk top. He
          glares at the creature.

          BILLY
          Shut up.
          Mogwai stops singing. Billy goes back to his writing.
          Mogwai.hops from the shelf. Staying out of the direct
          light, the creature moves across the desktop and cuddles
          up to Billy's arm. He jumps back.

          BILLY
          Get off of me.
          Mogwai just looks at him.

          BILLY
          Get.off`my desk.
          Billy shines the bright.desk light into the creature's
          eyes. Mogwai screams and jumps. off the desk, to the floor.
          Billy looks down at the creature.

          

          

          

          

          24

          41

          BILLY
          Stay down there.
          Billy goes back to his work.
          Mogwai is-bored. The creature leaps up to the bed.. It
          sees the sword. Mogwai lifts one end, examining it. It's
          too heavy. The sword slips off the bed and falls to the
          floor.
          Billy turns.
          Mogwai takes a step back. Guilty. Frightened.
          Billy picks up the sword. The handle is chipped.

          BILLY
          (angry, to Mogwai)
          You stupid little...
          Billy raises the sword over.Mogwai. He's ready to kill
          the tiny creature.
          Mogwai loo] .s up at Billy. The creature is shivering. It
          is frightened. It's big, green eyes are watery.
          Billy suddenly feels sympathetic. He lowers the sword and
          picks up the.creature.

          BILLY

          (TENDER)
          I'm sorry.. .just try to be more
          careful.
          Billy holds Mogwai to his chest. He's petting it, com-
          forting it.

          CUT TO:

          INT. BILLYS ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT

          Billy sleeps. The room is totally dark.
          CAMERA PANS to another area of the room.

          

          

          

          

          25

          INT. BILLY'S CAR - NEXT MORNING

          Outside, the snowing has stopped. Billy drives to work..

           CAR. RADIO (V.0.)
          It looks like the snow has stopped
          for awhile. But don't put away those
          ear muffs, more flurries are
          scheduled for tonight...

          CUT TO:

          INT. BANK PARKING LOT

          Billy's car pulls into the lot. He gets out.
          Tracy is getting out of her car. Billy walks up to her.

          BILLY
          Starting work early today?

          TRACY
          Oh, hi. Well, I thought the
          roads would be icy.

          BILLY
          We've got a half hour before
          work. Wanna go have a cup of
          coffee?
          She.pauses and smiles.

          CUT TO:

          INT. COFFEE SHOP

          Tracy and Billy sit at a table, sipping hot. coffee.

          BILLY
          .and if I sell the novel, I'll
          â¢be able to quit the bank.

          TRACY
          I'd love to quit. I'd run straight
          to the airport and buy a one way
          ticket to Paris.

          BILLY
          Why Paris?

          

          

          

          

          T

          26.

          TRACY
          I've only seen it in movies and
          T.V... . But it seems like it's
          got everything that this town
          doesn't...Museums...great restaur
          ants... Beautiful artworks and
          architecture...
          (embarr-a s-s-ed )
          Listen to me, talking like I've
          been there 10 times. I shouldn't
          get so carried away. It's only a
          dream.

          BILLY
          Hey...Don't give up on your dreams.
          They just might come true.
          Tracy shrugs and takes a sip of coffee.

          BILLY
          Can I ask you a personal question?
          (Tracy nods)
          What is it with you and Gary? Is
          he your boyfriend?

          TRACY
          He thinks he is.

          BILLY
          Do you think he is?

          TRACY
          No. I think of him more as a friend.
          But he thinks of me as a lot more.

          BILLY
          So there's a possibility...I mean...
          I.just might have a chance with you?

          TRACY
          (smiles),
          Don't give up on your dreams. They
          just might come true.
          They both laugh.

          CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL
          Standing across the street, looking into the coffee shop
          window. He watches Billy and Tracy. An angry, jealous

          

          

          

          

          27
          look fills Gary's eyes.

          CUT TO:

          INT.-BILLY'S ROOM - THAT EVENING-

          Dimly lint with Billy's small desk lamp. Billy waters his
          pl)ants_ ith a.spray bottle.,
          Mggwai's case sits on the ed. The creature is inside.
          Billy finishes his watering. He sits at his desk. He
          takes adrink from glass of milk and snacks from a plate
          of brownies. He proofreads some pages from his novel.

          PETE (O.S.)
          Hello? Is anybody home?

          BILLY

          (SHOUTS)
          n here, Pete.
          Billy holds the tray of brownies to him.

          BILLY
          Want some?

          PETE _
          I'm s'posed to be on a diet...
          He grabs a brownie. He notices Mogwai's case.

          PETE
          What's in there?
          Pete walks over and opens the case. Mogwai hops out, onto
          the bed. The creature giggles. Pete is, taken aback.

          PETE
          What is it?

          BILLY
          A present from my Dad.
          Pete picks up the creature and pets it. Pete likes Mogwai.

          PETE
          It's neat.
          Billy shrugs. Mogwai sees the brownies. The creature hops
          from Pete's hands, onto the desk. Mogwai grabs a brownie
          and starts to eat.

          

          

          

          

          28.

          PETE
          Hey, Billy.. .You think I might
          be able to borrow it? Just for
          a night?

          BILLY
          I dunno, Pete...

          PETE
          C'mon...My Mom will never know.
          I'll hide it under my bed.
          Pete reaches down to pick up Mogwai. His hand clumsily
          knocks over the water bottle.
          A few drops of water splash Mogwai.
          The creature arches its back and lets out a high pitched
          scream.
          Billy is surprised. Pete takes a step back. Scared.
          Mogwai tenses up. The spots on its body that were hit with
          water begin to bubble... .expand...'
          Billy can't believe his eyes.
          Mogwai writhes in pain. The spots on its body expand more,
          getting bigger, bigger.. .ready to explode.
          Billy and Pete stare. Fascinated.
          The spots burst.

          FOUR NEW CREATURES
          popout. Clones of Mogwai.
          The spots on Mogwai's body bond together and disappear, as
          if they were never there.
          There are now five identical creatures on the desktop.
          Billy and Pete share a shocked glance.
          Billy grabs the water bottle. He has to be certain that
          he wasn't halucinating. He splashes a little more water
          on one of the new creatures.
          The process begins again. The creature's body,contorts.
          A few lumps form. The lumps expand until...they burst.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 29

          LI

          THREE MORE CREATURES ARE BORN.
          Billy tries to make sense out of it all.
          EIGHT CREATURES stand on.the desk top, examining their
          new world.
          Billy picks up his glass of milk. He splashes some milk
          on one of the crealtures.
          Nothing happens.

          BILLY
          They must only multiply with plain
          tap water.

          PETE

          (AMAZED)

          M
          Wow..â¢.thisâ¢is better than "Twilight Zone ( )
          Pete looks at Billy.

          PETE
          Now can I have one?

          BILLY
          (still dazed)
          Huh? Well, yeah. I guess so.
          Pete grabs one of the creatures, taking it from the group.
          It cries out. In a high, piercing scream.
          The other creatures leap at Pete. They grab the creature
          and bring it back to their group.

          PETE

          (SCARED)
          Maybe I won't take one.
          The creatures have moved to the brownies. They rip the
          brownies to pieces, devouring them. They're giggling.

          INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT

          Rand sits in a chair, opposite Billy. The 8 creatures
          climb all over Rand. Playfully tugging at his hair and

          

          

          

          

          30.
          clothes, licking his face. Rand loves the adorable
          little things.
          Billy has a worried look on his face.
          Barney, the dog, sits in a corner of the rood. He glare
          at;the creatures. Jealous that they're gettjng all the
          atjtention .I

          I

          I RAND
          (to Billy)
          What are you so worried abot?

          BILLY
          Dad...We don't know anything about
          these things.

          RAND
          We know they're cute.. We know.."
          they're intelligent. And now we
          know they multiply by water.

          BILLY
          Yeah, but isn't that pretty weird?
          I mean, if I throw water onï¿½Barney
          over there, we're not gonna;getjten
          copies.
          A creature licks Rand's ear. He chuckles.

          RAND
          All I know, is that I've got a million
          dollars sitting in my lap.

          BILLY
          Huh?

          RAND
          I'm going to market these things.

          BILLY
          (hates the idea)
          Oh, Christ. C'mo'i,Dad...that's ...

          RAND
          Just imagine the excitement when
          word gets out. Everyone will want
          a Mogwai of their very own.

          BILLY
          Don't you think we should have them
          checked out first? Just to make
          sure...

          

          

          

          

          31

          RAND
          No. If we want to make a big
          profit, we have to move:fast
          I have some investors coming over
          to the house on Thursday.
          (a . beat)
          Who,knows?...Mogwai could replace
          dog as man's best friend.
          wls from his corner.
          Rand continues to play with the creatures. Billy watches.
          Skeptical.

          CUT TO:

          EXT. BANK PARKING LOT - THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON

          It's snowing., Very hard. The bank has just closed.
          Billy hurries to his car. Gary walks up. Billy turns to
          him.

          BILLY
          Oh, hi Gary. Look, I'm kind of
          in a hurry.
          Gary grabs Billy by the collar and throws him against
          the car.

          GARY
          a< ; Listen, Peltzer...she's my girl-
          friend. Keep your hands off. Under-
          stand?
          Billy nods.Gary lets him go.He turns and walks away.
          Billy straightens his clothes. He glares at Gary.

          CUT TO:

          EXT. FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL - A FEW MINUTES LATER

          Students hurry from the school, anxious to get home.
          0 Billy's car pulls into the parking lot. He gets out. Pete
          waits in front of the school. Billy walks up to him. They
          enter the school,

          

          

          

          

          32.

          J INT. SCHOOL - BIOLOGY LAB

           The last of the students exits the classroom.

          ROY HANSON'
           the Biology teacher, stands at the sink. He's washing out
           some used glass j4rs and basins Roy is 35 years old. Tall.
           Thin. Black. Good looking.
          Pete knocks on the door. Billy enters with him. Roy turns.

          ROY
          Hey, Pete-what's up?

          PETE
          Mr. Hanson...this is my friend
          Billy. He wants to talk to you
          about somethin'.

          ROY
          (friendly smile)
          Well, sure...
          (shakes Billy's hand)
          .I'm Roy Hanson. What can I do

          F
          or you?

          BILLY
          Well, you're the closest thing
          this town's got to a scientist...
          and I need some information about an
          animal.

          ROY
          What kind of animal?

          BILLY
          That's what I'm trying to figure
          out.

          CUT TO:

          INTBILLY'S ROOM - LATER
          The curtains are drawn. The lights are dim. The eight
          creatures are on the desk top. Giggling. Humming in
          falsetto.
          Billy enters with Roy and Pete. Roy stares at the
          creatures. He is shocked. Delighted.

          

          

          

          

          33

          ROY
          I've never seen anything like this.
          Billy grabs the water bottle.

          BILLY
          Watch this.
          Billy squeezes a drop of water on one creature. Mogwa'
          lets out a scream. A lump appears on the creature's back.
          The lump gets bigger...bigger...bigger ...
          Roy watches with wide eyes.
          Suddenly, another creature bursts from Mogwai's body.
          NINE IDENTICAL CREATURES now stand on the desk top.

          .ROY
          (startled, shaken)
          Holy shit.
          He remains-speechless for a few moments. He looks at Billy.

          ROY
          May.I stay for a while?...Run a
          few tests?...

          BILLY
          (nods, checks his

          WATCH)
          My parents won't be home until
          7:00. You've got three hours.
          Roy takes off his coat and opens his black leather case.
          Billy exits with Pete.

          CUT TO:

          T.V. SCREEN
          "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" plays.

          BILLY AND PETE
          sit on the sofa, watching the T.V. Roy enters. He sits
          across from Billy.

          

          

          

          

          I

          34.

          ROY
          I discovered some interesting
          things...

          (CONTINUING)
          The creatures are drawn to water.
          if they sense water nearby...
          they'll go to it.
          (a beat)
          Als , unless)th y're hunting for
          foo or water.. they hate to be
          separated. I t ied to move one
          from the others. They cried out.
          Clawing. Screeching.

          PETE
          Yeah...that's what happened when
          I tried to take one.

          ROY
          If one is separated. The others
          will follow.

          BILLY
          Anything else?

          ROY
          They qan't multiply by water if
          their environment temperature is
          below '25 degrees-
          (a beat)
          It's amazing. They have no bio-
          logical link with any other species
          of animal...in the whole world.
          Billy gives an uncertain nod.-

          DISSOLVE TO:

          INT. BILLY'S ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT

          Silent. Dark. Billy sleeps.
          Distant sounds are heard. Animal-like noises. Gurgling.
          Slurping. Chewing.
          Billy wakes. He sits up in bed. The sounds continue.
          He looks around the room.
          The creatures are gone.
          Billy notices his room door.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 35.
          He gets out of bed. He looks at his sword, hanging above
          the bed. He takes the sword from the wall. He walks out
          of the.room.

          HALLWAY
          Billy walks. Sword in hand.
          The noises get louder. Crisper. Clearer.
          Nervous, Billy descends the dark stairs. He arrives at
          the bottom. He stops to listen.
          The sounds are coming from the living room.

          LIVING ROOM
          Billy enters. He looks to the floor. Beneath the'Christmas
          tree.
          The creatures surround Barney.
          They have killed the dog.
          Billy tries to move. He's frozen.
          The creatures are eating the dog.
          They look up at Billy.
          Their bright green eyes are fiery.
          Blood covers their mouths.
          They smile.
          They giggle.
          Billy screams.

          CUT TO:

          CLOSE UP - A CANVAS MAIL BAG
          The bag moves. Squirms. Shakes. The creatures are
          inside.
          Rand carries the bag up a ladder that leads into the
          attic.

          

          

          

          

          36
          Lynn and Billy stand a few feet away, in the hallway.
          Rand lets the creatures loose in the attic. He quickly
          latches the attic's trap door, securing it with a padlock.
          He climbs down the ladder.

          RAND
          This should keep them out for
          the rest of the niht...

          INT. ATTIC

          Dark. The Mogwai cluster around the trap door. They
          scratch at the door. They want out.

          RAND (0. S . )
          Tomorrow we'll take them out in
          the sun...

          INT. HALLWAY


          RAND
          .and.finish them off.
          Lynn nods. Rand looks at Billy.

          RAND
          I'm sorry, son. I never expected
          to...

          BILLY
          Forget it.
          Billy stares coldly at his Father. Embarrassed, Rand looks
          away.

          RAND
          We should all get back to sleep.
          Rand puts his arm around Lynn. They walk to their bed-
          room.
          Billy looks up at the attic door.
          The creatures' scratching is heard.

          DISSOLVE TO:

          

          

          

          

          37

          EXT. PELTZER HOUSE - MORNING

          The sun rises behind the house. Snow is falling.

          INT. ATTIC

           The tr p door opens. Billy and Rand climb inside. They
           .both carry flashlights.
          They s ine the lights through the attic, looking for the
          creatu es. They see nothing.
           Billy spots something. He nudges his Father.
           There are NINE INDIVIDUAL PODS, stuck to various places-on
          the floor. The pods are 16 inches long, 12 inches in dia-
           meter. They are wrapped with a vein-like wire and covered
          with a thick, syrupy glaze.

          RAND
          What in the hell?...
          Billy picks up a broomstick andl pokes one of the things.
          Won't budge. Hard as a rock.

          BILLY
          Damn things are stuck to the
          floor.
          Rand picks up a baseball bat. He raises it over his head
          and swings down, hard. Against the pod.
          The bat snaps in two.
          The pod is unblemished.
          Rand rubs his stinging hands. Billy and Rand just look
          at each other. Puzzled.

          CUT TO:

          INT. KITCHEN LATER THAT EVENING

          Roy Hanson sits with Billy and Rand. Lynn pours them
          coffee. Roy has just examined the pods.

          

          

          

          

          38.

          A.
          r?1ND
          Like a butterfly?

          ROY
          Exactly. Those things in the
          attic-are cocoons. Inside,. the
          creatures are going through some
          sort of change...a metamorphosis.

          BILLY
          Why did they attack my dog?

          ROY
          Simple. They're animals. They
          were hungry. Aside from water,
          food is their main concern.

          RAND
          How long until they hatch?

          ROY
          A week...a month...I really can't
          say.

          BILLY

          (STANDS)
          I'm not waiting around to find
          out.

          ROY
          Billy, don't be hasty...You've
          stumbled onto a new life form.
          What comes out of those cocoons
          could be a major scientific
          discovery...

          BILLY
          Screw'science. I want them des-
          troyed.

          RAND
          Billy ...Maybe Mr. Hanson's got
          a point...

          BILLY
          (stern, bitter)
          Dad, they killed Barney. Or
          have you already forgotten?
          Rand just looks'at his son. Lynn pops a valium in the
          background.

          

          

          

          

          39.

          CLOSE-UP
          Red hot light. The flame of a torch.

          CAMERA PANS UP TO
          RAND. He's holding the gas torch, aiming it at the cocoon.
          Billy stands beside him. They're inside-theattic.
          Rand shuts off the torch. He touches the cocoon. It
          appears unharmed.

          RAND
          Not even warm.
          (shakes his head,

          SURPRISED)
          They're indestructible.

          BILLY
          Now what do we do?

          RAND
          I get back from Seattle on
          Wednesday. I'll call some con-
          struction people. They'll come
          in next week and cut these things
          out of the floor.

          BILLY
          I don't think we should wait. Let's
          do it ourselves.

          RAND
          No. It's late. I've got an early
          plane to catch.

          (PAUSE)
          The attic door is locked. There are
          no windows up here. Nothing can get
          in or out.
          Rand pats Billy on the back.

          RAND
          Son, you've got to stop worrying.

          CLOSE UP - BILLY
          A doubtful, uncertain expression on his face.

          

          

          

          

          40.

          THE FOLLOWING DAY - LATE AFTERNOON

          I

          VARIOUS SHOTS. OF. THE.-TOWN
          Snow comes down. Fast and hard. RADIO (V O.)
          Heavier nowfalls are cheduled
          Cas swerve on the; road. for this evening. Sto and
           -blizzard warnings are in effect.
          Little children build snbwmen. So if yoi don't have t go out,

          1
           please stay indoors.
          Tricksiplow the roIgds.
          Anjelderly man snow-blow his
          driveway.

          CUT TO:
          a sign hangs on the-door:

          OPEN LATE FOR HOLIDAYS, SPECIAL

          CHRISTMAS HOURS: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

          INSIDE
          A wall clock reads 5:25. Billy counts out money to a
           customer. Tracy works beside him.
          Finished with the customer, Billy looks to the line of
          waiting people.

          BILLY
          Next.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          walks to Billy's window.

          BILLY
          (forced smile)
          Hello, Mrs. Deagle. How are you
          this afternoon?

          MRS. DEAGLE

          (SOUR)
          Horrible. My arthritis acts up
          when it snows.

          (MORE)

          

          

          

          

          41

          MRS. DEAGLE (CONT'D)
          (glares at Billy)
          see they still haven't fired you.
          Billy shrugs, trying to remain-ca-lm.

          CUT TO:

          R

          INTJPELTZEï¿½ HOME
          Lynn removes freshly bakedSanta Claus sugar cookies from
          the Microwave oven.

          INT. ATTIC

          Small lumps have formed over all of the cocoons. Slowly,
          the lumps rise up and down-. Bubbling,. Breathing. Coming
          to life.

          CUT TO:

          INT. BANK

          Mrs. Deagle is screaming at Billy.

          MRS. - DEAGLE
          Do not try and tell me what to
          do, young man!

          BILLY
          (trying to stay

          CALM)
          M'am...I'm only suggesting that
          you see a bank officer to...

          MRS. DEAGLE
          I want to speak to Mr.. Fresco!
          (loudly calling out)
          Mr.Fresco! ...Mr. Fresco!.
          Roland Fresco, the Vice President, gets.up from his desk.
          He walks over to Mrs. Deagle and Billy.
          Everyonein the bank is watching.
          Billy bites his bottom lip, holding in his anger.

          CUT TO:

          

          

          

          

          42.

          C ) INT. PELTZER HOME - KITCHEN

          Lynn decorates the cookies. She adds white icing to Santa's
          beard. She dips her butterknife into the large blender that
          has made the icing.

          INT. ATTIC

          The cocoons are bubbling furiously; as if they were being
          baked in an oven.
          Suddenly, a crack appears on one. Then another. And
          another. Cracks begin to cover all the cocoons.
          Green smoke seeps from the thin openings. A slow soft
          hiss is heard.
          They're hatching.

          CUT TO:

          INT. BANK

          Roland stands beside Billy. Mrs. Deagle patiently waits.

          ROLAND
          (whispers to Billy)
          Apologize to the woman, Billy.

          BILLY

          (HONEST)
          But, sir...I didn't do anything
          wrong. Really.

          ROLAND
          Apologize. Now.
          Billy turns to the woman.
          Everyone in the bank is.watching. Especially Tracy.

          BILLY
          (forcing himself)
          Mrs. Deagle, I...

          

          

          

          

          43

          BILLY
          Mrs. Deagle, I...
          (He can't do it.
          He lets out his
          honest feelings)
          I think you're an-ugly old fart
          and I; hope yo u fall down on the
          ice a td breath your fucking neck!
          Mrs. Deagle is sho ked. fi e other customers hide their
          laughter.
          Gary smiles. Tracy is proud.

          ROLADN

          (BOILING)
          Peltzer, you:are fired! Do you
          understand me?!? You're fired!
          Billy smiles.

          CUT TO:

          INT. PELTZER ATTIC

          Green smoke has filled the room. The cocoons quiver.
          Shake. Each one is covered with cracks.

          A THREE FINGERED BLACK CLAW
          suddenly breaks out of one cocoon. It clutches at the
          air.

          ANOTHER CLAW
          breaks through the shell of another cocoon.
          They all begin to hatch., Claws emerge from each one,
          reaching for the air.

          INT. KITCHEN

          Lynn. slowly arranges the finished cookies on a tray.

          A LOUD RATTLING NOISE ECHOES FROM UPSTAIRS.
          to listen.

          CUT TO:

          

          

          

          

          44.

          0 EXT. ATTIC DOOR

          The door rattles. The lock shakes. The creatures want out.

          LYNN
          slowly moves to the kitch n doorway. Sh listens.

          THE ATTIC DOOR
          The wood surrounding the lock begins to splinter. It finally
          snaps.
          The door pops open. The lock falls to the floor. A loud
          thump.

          LYNN
          jumps at the noise. Scared, she runs to the kitchen phone.

          INT. BANK

          Billy puts on his coat, preparing to leave.
          In the background, Mr. Fresco consoles Mrs. Deagle.
          Tracy walks up to Billy.

          TRACY '
          Billy...I thought you were great.
          He smiles. Gary watches the two of them.

          ANOTHER TELLER
          (calling to Billy)
          Billy...You have a phone call.
          Billy hurries to the phone. He answers.

          BILLY
          Yeah?...

          LYNN
          stands in the kitchen, tightly holding the phone receiver.

          

          

          

          

          45.

          LY'N
          Billy-those things in the
          attic... They're alive...I hear
          noises upstairs...
          gets scared. His face goes white.(

          BILLY
          Mom...stay downstairs. I'll be
          right home.
          He drops the phone and runs out of the bank.
          Gary exchanges a puzzled glance with Tracy.

          CUT TO:

          LYNN
          standing in the kitchen. Frightened. She downs two
          valiums from her bottle.

          LOUD THUMPS. RATTLING. VARIOUS OTHER NOISES ECHO FROM

          THE ATTIC.
          Lynn exits the kitchen and slowly walks upstairs.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          Nervous. Sweating. Behind the wheel of his car. He tries
          to drive fast, but the heavy snowfall and icy roads prevent
          it.
          Outside, the sun is going down.

          CUT TO:

          LYNN
          She's arrived at the top of the stairs. It's dark up here.
          She looks to the end of the hallway.

          

          

          

          

          46
          Lynn--gets -a chill. She slowly walks to the door.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          still driving. He tries to pass a slow truck. He hits
          a is spot.

          }

          THE CAR
          swerves and spins off the road. It lands in a ditch. The
          engine stops.

          BILLY
          tries to start it. Nothing happens. It's stalled.

          BILLY
          No...Not now...
          He tries again. No good. It's dead. Frustrated, Billy
          slams his fist on the steering wheel. Â°

           CUT TO:

          LYNN
          standing below the open attic door. She tightly clutches
          her valium bottle. She looks up.
          Nothing but darkness.
          Lynn pops another valium. She climbs theladder, into
          the attic.

          TRACKING SHOT
          Billy. He runs home through the snow.
          It's dusk. People have begun to turn on their Christmas
          lights.
           Billy runs harder. Faster. His house comes into view.
          At the e nd o f the block.

          CUT TO

          

          

          

          
          REV. 4/30/82 r 47.

          INT. ATTIC

          Lynn pokes her head inside, looking around.
          Everything looks fine. Calm.
          She sighs. Relieved.

          SUDDENLY
          Something leaps out and grabs Lynn by the throat.
          A creature. We can't see it clearly. - It moves too fast.
          It is hiddenby the shadows.
          Other dark figures come at Lynn. More creatures. They
          want their share of the food.
          Lynn watches in horror as the creatures surround her head.
          She screams.

          EXT. ATTIC

          Lynn's body jumps and twists. Her feet kick as she is
          pulled up into the attic.
          There are a few seconds of silence.
          Then we hear the sounds.
          Chewing. Swallowing. Giggling.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          sprints down his driveway.
          He arrives at the porch of his home.
          He opens the front door.

          INSIDE
          Dark. Silent.
          Billy calls out before entering.

          EM,000

          

          

          

          

          48

          BILLY
          Mom?..
          Scattered giggling echoes from inside.
          Billy flips on the'front hall..light..
          A few tiny shadows scatter. They dash into other rooms.
          Afraid of the light.
          Billy'slowly enters. He's scared.
          He looks to the top of the stairs.

          BILLY
          Mom?...
          More giggling.
          Shaking'. Nervous. Billy climbs the stairs.
          At the top, he quickly flips on the bright hall light.
          Something darts up into the darkness of the attic. Escap-
          ing the light.
          Billy spots the open attic door.
          He walks beneath it.
          He looks up into the dark attic.

          BILLY.
          (shaking voice)
          Mom?...

          AN OBJECT
          is thrown out of the attic. It lands at Billy's feet.
          He jumps back. He looks at the object.

          LYNN'S VALIUM BOTTLE
          Stained with her blood.
          Billy picks it up.
          A giggle from the attic.
          Billy takes a few stepsback. He dashes into

          

          

          

          

          49

          INSIDE
          Billy grabs the sword off his wall.
          He walks back. into the. hallway.

          HALLWAY --
           Billy stands several feet from the open attic doo
           He clutches the sword.
           He takes a deep breath and flips out the hall light.
           Darkness.
          Billy waits. A few seconds pass.

          A CREATURE
          leaps from the attic, into the hallway.
          Billy jumps back.
          Mogwai snarls at him.
          Mogwai has changed.
          It stands two feet tall.
          The brown fur is gone, replaced by rock hard, rippled armor.
          The arms and legs are muscular, covered with the same armor.
          The paws have been replaced by claws. The fingernails are
          sharp.
          The tail is long and pointed. Reptilian. It thrashes
          back and forth.
          Sharp white horns have replaced the ears.
          The green eyes are larger. They bulge. Evil. Angry.
          A:huge mouth distorts the face with its wide grin. The
          countless teeth are long and sharp. Gleaming white. Fresh
          blood drips from them.
          The giggle remains, undercut with a hungry animalistic growl

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 50.

          THE CREATURE
          leaps at Billy.
          Billy raises his sword and swings. He hits the. creature
          in mid-air.
          Mogwai fal is to the gro4nd. Thick green blood pours from
          a. deepâ¢ wou nd ;in its the t.
          Billy stabs the creatur Mogwai dies with a long hiss.
          Billy looks back to thelattic.
          Sword extended, he rushes to the ladder and climbs into the
          attic. I

          INSIDE
          Billy sees Lynn's body. She lies on the floor. Dead.
          Billy walks to her.
          Lynn is covered with bites and scratches.
          Billy looks away. Angry. Saddened.
          He notices the cocoons. All hatched.
          Sounds echo from downstairs. Thumps. Giggles.
          Billy's face goes white with fear. There's more.
          He dashes out of the attic.

          UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
          Billy walks slowly. Clutching his sword. Ready for an
          attack.
          He descends the stairs.

          FRONT HALLWAY

          

          

          

          

          51.

          A CREATURE
          leaps from the overhead chandelier. It lands on Billy's
          back.
          The creature tries to bite Billy's neck.
          Billy slams his blade 'nto Mogwai. He whacks the creature.
          Again and again.
          Finally, Mogwai falls to the floor.
          Billy brings down his blade. Hard.
          It slices Mogwai's head off. The creature's body quivers.
          It dies.
          Billy moves to the living room.

          LIVING ROOM
          Dimly lit. The fireplace burns. The Christmas tree lights
          flash.
          Billy enters.

          AN OBJECT
          flies at Billy from across the room. He ducks.
          A DINNER PLATE smashes against the wall behind him.
          Billy looks to the

          CHINA CABINET.
          A CREATURE sits on the middle shelf. Giggling. It throws
          another plate at-Billy.
          He bats the plate away with his sword.
          Mogwai continues to throw plates at him.
          Billy dodges the plates, making his way to the China Cabinet.
          There, he lunges forward with his sword. Bullseye. Mogwai
          is stabbed. Straight through the chest.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82
          The creature screams, writhing in pain. It falls from the
          China shelf to the floor. Dead.
          Billy slowly moves across the room. His eyes dart back
          and forth, looking for creatures.'
          He walks by the fireplace.
          Three large RED VELVET STOCKINGS hang from the mantle.
          Each one is inscribed with a name: BILLY, RAND and LYNN.

          A-CREATURE
          pops out of each stocking. Growling. Snarling.
          Startled, Billy jumps back.
          The three creatures hop to the floor and move towards

          BILLY:
          He clutches his sword. Tight.
          Two creatures leap at him.
          He spears one in mid-air.
          He quickly spins around, knocking the other Mogwai to the
          ground. He stabs the creature in the throat. He twists
          the sword until Mogwai chokes to death on its own blood.
          The remaining creature attaches itself to Billy's leg.
          It takes a bite from his calf.
          Billy cries out in pair.
          Mogwai stays on. Biting hard.
          Billy kicks his leg near the fireplace.
          Scared of the firelight, Mogwai lets go.
          Billy stabs the creature.. He holds Mogwai in the roaring
          flames of the fireplace. Mogwai screams until it burns to
          a crisp.
          Billy removes his steaming sword.
          The charred creature collapses into the flames. Dead.
          Billy checks his leg. A small bite.
          He walks to the kitchen.

          

          

          

          

          53.

          CAMERA PANS TO THE CHRISTMAS TREE.
          Its tiny lights flash. THE CAMERA MOVES closer to the
          tree.
          TWO LARGER GREEN EYESâshine from inside the tree. The eyes
          of ANOTHER CREATURE.;

          CUT TO.:.

          INT. KITCHEN

          Billy stands quietly!'in the doorway.

          TWO CREATURES
          are inside. They don't notice Billy.
          One has crawled into the large blender. It laps up the
          left over white icing.
          The other sits on the table. It nibbles on the Santa cookies.
          Billy looks at the bl!ende1r. It's' unplugged.
          Billy moves quickly. He dashes across the room and plugs
          in the blender. It starts with'a loud whirr.
          The startled creature spins inside.. Mogwai's screams
          die as it is chopped into a green mush.
          The remaining creature growls at Billy.
          Billy lunges forward with his sword.
          Mogwai leaps out of the way, onto the kitchen cabinet.
          Billy turns to the creature.
          Mogwai stands in front of the open microwave oven.
          Billy pokes at the creature with his sword.
          Mogwai takes a few steps back.
          Billy still pokes at Mogwai, forcing the creature into
          the oven.
          Billy quickly closes theoven door.
          Mogwai is trapped inside.

          

          

          

          

          54
          Billy flips the oven switch to "bake". The microwave
          purrs.
          Inside, Mogwai screams and pounds against the glass door.
          Soon, the creature falls.' Its body quivers. The armor-,.
          like skin bubbles and pops. Mogwai boils to death.
          Bill wipes the swea from hs brow and exits the kitchen.

          LIVING ROOM
          Billy enters. He looks at the dead creatures. He sighs.
          Relieved. They're all gone.
          Billy rests his sword against the wall. He picks up the
          telephone and dials "0".

          BILLY
          Yes, could you connect me with
          the Sheriff's Office?...

          A SWIFT SHADOW
          moves across the floor, behind Billy.

          BILLY
          Hello? ...Is this Sheriff Lucia?...

          A CLAW
          tears the phone cord from the wall.

          BILLY

          (DISCONNECTED)
          Hello?...Hello?...

          THE CREATURE
          walks toward Billy, ready to attack from behind.

          BILLY
          (clicking the phone)
          Hello?...
          It hisses.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82
          Billy turns. Face to face with Mogwai.
          Billy glances to his sword. A few feet away. Against
          the wall.
          Mogwai takes a step closer.
          Billy reaches for the sword.
          The creature leaps and lands on Billy's chest, knocking
          him to the floor. {
          .Billy wrestles with the creature. He tries to grab the
          sword, but Mogwai is clawing and biting at him.
          Billy's hand finally reaches the sword. He snatches it.
          He brings down the blade, into the creature's arm.
          Mogwai jumps back. Wounded.
          Billy stands. He raises his sword to finish off the creature.
          Mogwai dodges theblade, jumping to the window ledge.
          Billy moves toward the creature.
          Mogwai smashes through'the window, escaping into the night.
          Billy hurries out of the house.

          OUTSIDE
          The blizzard is starting up.
          Billy arrives at the broken window. He looks to the ground
          and sees

          MOGWAI'S FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW
          They stretch across the backyards of suburbia, disappearing
          into the darkness.
          Following the footprints, Billy runs after the creature.
          a cute, blonde-haired, blue-eyed 8 year old
          backyard. She is building A snowman.

          

          

          

          

          56.

          PEGGY'S MOTHER
          opens the back door of their home. She calls to her daughter.

          MOTHER
          Peggy! Come inside! It's too
          dark! You'll ruin your eyes
          building the snowman!

          PEGGY
          Just five more minutes.. And
          'Skippy The Snowman' will be
          finished. Please, Mommy?

          MOTHER

          (SIGHS)
          Alright, young lady. But if you're
          not inside this house in five,'
          minutes...

          PEGGY
          (.smiles)
          Thanks, Mommy.
          She goes back inside.
          Peggy inserts pebbles for "Skippy's" eyes.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          running through the snow. Following Mogwai's footprints.

          CUT TO:

          PEGGY
          inserting the final pebble for "Skippy's" smile.
          Peggy takes a step back. She looks over her creation. She
          smiles.

          PEGGY 0
          Gee, Skippy...You look cute.

          SUDDENLY

          MOGWAIBURSTS OUT OF THE SNOWMAN'S CHEST.

          

          

          

          

          57.
          Before Peggy can scream, Mogwai grabs her.
          The creature pulls Peggy inside the snowman.
          Peggy puts up afight. But she isn't strong enough. Her
          little feet kick as she is pulled inside of the snowman.

          BILLY(
          arrives in Peggy's backyard. He sees the young girl's
          legs kicking from the snowman's torso.
          Billy rushes over. He grabs Peggy's legs. A tug of war.
          Billy pulls Peggy out of the snowman.
          Peggy brushes the snow from her face.

          A

          E BILLY
          Are you okay?

          PEGGY
          (unharmed, shaken)
          A monster came out of Skippy
          the Snowman.
          Billy quickly attacks the snowman with his sword.
          He swings and swings until "Skippy" is nothing but a pile
          of snow.
          But there is no sign of Mogwai.
          Billy spots footprints leading away from the snowman.
          Mogwai has escaped.
          Billy runs after the footprints.
          Peggy watches him disappear around the corner of the house.
          Peggy's Mother opens the door. She is puzzled by the pile of
          snow in front of Peggy.

          MOTHER
          Peggy...What happened to your
          snowman?

          PEGGY
          (wide eyed)
          This ugly little monster came
          out of Skippy's chest! It tried

          (MORE)

          000ï¿½ï¿½.

          

          

          

          

          58

          PEGGY (CONT'D)
          to pull me inside and eat me!
          But this man with a big sword
          came over and saved me!
          Peggy's Mother just.stares at her. She shakes her head.

          MOTHER
          I think you've been playing too
          many of those video games.

          CUT TO:

          CAROLERS
          A group of thirty high school students stand on the front
          lawn of a home. They happily belt out a Christmas Carol.

          CAROLERS
          'Joy To The World, the Lord'-has
          come...

          CAMERA PANS
          their bright cheery faces.

          PETE
          stands in the back row, wearing his orange down jacket and
          a long checkered scarf. He stands in the back row, singing
          tenor.

          THE CREATURE
          pops out of a snow drift, behind the carolers. Mogwai eyes
          the kids. Pete stands closest to, Mogwai.
          The creature smiles.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          running through the backyards, following Mogwai's footprints
          The carolers' singing echoes in the distance.

          

          

          

          

          THE CAROLERS
          loudly singing.

          CAROLERS
          "And heav'n and nature sing...
          A ,tenor voi a sudde ly drops out.
          A few of th carol s xchange puzzled glances. But they
          resume their singin

          PETE
          is being dragged from the group by his checkered scarf.
          Mogwai pulls the youth into a nearby wooded area.
          Pete kicks and shouts. But the caroler's singing drowns
          out his cries for help.
          Mogwai jumps onto Pete's chest.
          The creature's razor sharp teeth bite into the boy's
          neck, tearing out a huge chunk.
          Pete screams.
          No one hears.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          running to the group of carolers.
          They are puzzled by the.sword in his hand, his tattered,
          bloody appearance. But they continue singing.
          Billy follows the creatures' footprints behind the carolers ,
          into the woods.
          Several feet away, Billy so-es Mogwai The creature is on
          top of,Pete's body
          Billy rushes, to the scene.
          Mogwai sees Billy. The creature gets scared and dashes off.
          Billy stops

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 60.
          Pete is dead.
          Billy covers Pete's body with his coat. Billy is angry.
          Sickened.
          He quickly runs after the. creature.

          CUT TO:

          TRACKING SHOT.

          BILLY
          chasing the creature through the snow covered woods.

          MOGWAI
          runs out of the wooded area, into the parking lot of

          THE Y.M.C.A.
          The building is deserted. Closed because of heavy snow-
          fall.
          Billy comes out of the woods and sees the creature ahead.
          Mogwai runs to the building.
          Billy follows.
          Mogwai scales up the building's side, to the roof.
          Billy runs-up. Frustrated. He can't get to the roof.
          He watches Mogwai climb into-the building through
          small chimney.
          Billy runs to the front door. He tries to open it.
          Locked.
          He notices a window, a few feet above him.
          He hops to the window. He breaks the glass with his sword.
          He opens the window and climbs inside.

          

          

          

          

          Y.M.C.A. HALLWAY
          Billy jumps inside from the window. He looks around.
          It.':s_ dark in here
          Billy sees a closet marked "Janitor". He opens it.
          Inside,1he finds a flashlight. He turns on tie flash-
          light. { It's 'upright.

          GYMNASIUM - SWIMMING POOL
          The door is sightly open.
          Billy walks to the door.

          INT. GYMNASIUM

          Divided into two sections. One side: A basketball court.
          The other: A swimming pool.
          It's dark. Billy enters.

          TWO GREEN EYES BURN
          from the far side of the gym.- Mogwai sits at the top of
          the stacked bleachers.
          Billy doesn't see the creature. He shines his flashlight
          across the gym floor.

          BILLY
          know you're here.
          The flashlight stops on the gymnasium light box. The box
          is attached to a.farwall, beside. the swimming pool.

          DASHES
          Billy hears the creature move. He flashes his light to
          the bleacher. tops.. He sees nothing.
          feet. He. screams and shines

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 62

          V.

          A BASKETBALL
          rolls to a stop at Billy's feet.
          Mogwai's giggle echoes through the gymnasium.
          Billy looks into the vast darkness.

          BILLY
          Colme on out...you bastard...
          It is silent again. Billy is frightened. He walks
          faster, moving to the light box.
          Billy hears another sound. He shines the light to another
          area.
          Again. Nothing.
          Billy starts to tremble. He runs to the light box.
          gets there and quickly flips open the box.
          Billy drops the flashlight and sword.
          The creature's sharp fingernails clutch onto Billy's chest.
          Billy falls backward, with Mogwai holding onto him.
          They tumble into the swimming pool. The deep end.

          THE. WATER
          Billy separates himself from the creature. He swims to the
          side of the pool and gets out.
          He runs and picks up his sword. He looks at the scratches
          on his chest. They bleed. But he'll live.

          SUDDENLY
          A small rumbling sound echoes from
          Billy locks to the pool.
          The water is moving. Bubbling. Rippling
          Billy is scared. He runs to the exit doorway.
          The rumblinggets.louder. The pool's water gets
          violent.

          

          

          

          

          63.
          Billy looks back to the pool.

          A CREATURE
          crawls out of the swimming pool.
          It is followed by anoth'r creature.
          They are followed by three more.
          Then five more. Eight more. Ten more.
          They keep coming. In droves.

          BILLY
          watches from the doorway.

          BILLY

          (SHOCK)
          Oh my God.

          HUNDREDS OF CREATURES
          are now coming out of the pool.- The huge amount of water
          forces them to multiply at an-incredibly fast rate.

          BILLY
          runs outof thegymnasium.

          HALLWAY
          Billy closes and locks the door.
          He runs to the window, boosts himself up and crawly out.

          EXT. Y.M.C.A

          Billy runs from the building.

          CUT TO:

          R ï¿½'

          0000

          

          

          

          

          64

          INT. POLICE STATION


          SHERIFF FRANK LUCIA
          sits' behind his desk..:'. He's
          Frank is 4 years old. His
          wears glas es. H deputy

          OFFICER BRENT
          a scrawny, weasel'' ike man in his mid-thirties, Standd's

          ;
          beside the! Sheriff i. Brent is also laughing.

          117

          BILLY
          sits in front of the two men. A serious, helpless look
          covers his face.
          Frank leans toward Billy.

          FRANK
          (holding back a

          LAUGH)
          Let me get this straight... You're
          telling me that 'little monsters'
          are multiplying by the hundreds,
          down at the 'Y'?

          BILLY
          Yes... that's right...

          FRANK
          These little things killed your
          Mother and the Fountane boy?
          Billy nods.

          FRANK
          And they eat human flesh?

          BILLY
          (nods, displaying
          the bite on his

          CALF)
          They did this.

          FRANK

          (SKEPTICAL)
           Looks like a dog.

          E

           E, 0 0 0

          

          

          

          

          65.

          BILLY
          It wasn't a dog, sir.

          (NERVOUS)
          Look... these things are deadly
          when they're alone. but if a
          couple hundred get loose.. . They'll
          be hungry. Real hungry. They'll
          head straight fo the town.. You' 1
          h ve a major dis ster on you
          hï¿½nds
          Frank looks at Billy.

          FRANK
          Look, Billy...We all know that you
          have a very active imagination. My
          brother told me about the books you
          read down there at the bank ...Now,
          Dungeons and Dragons are fine if
          you're five years old, but...
          Billy stands. Upset.

          BILLY
          My Mother is dead. So is my friend.
          I am not imagining things.
          Billy glares at Frank. The Sheriff sighs. He looks at
          Officer Brent.

          FRANK
          Brent, go with Peltzer...check
          out the 'Y'...then his house.

          BILLY
          (not satisfied)
          Sheriff... you should radio for
          more help. . .warn the people in

          FRANK

          (ANGRY)
          Listen P?ltzer, now you're getting
          me pissed off. You're lucky I don't
          just throw vuu out on your ass for
          telling me stories.
          Frustrated, Billy exits with Officer Brent.
          Frank shakes his head. He picks up the phone and dials.

          

          

          

          

          66

          EXT. Y.M.C.A.

          The building appears calm. Peaceful. No sign of the
          creatures.
          The police car pulls.into the parking lot. I

          INT. POLICE CAR

          Officer Brent parks the 'car. Billy silts beside him.
          Brent looks at the building.

          BRENT
          Looks fine. I don't see anything.

          BILLY
          They're inside.
          Brent checks his pistol. It's loaded.

          BILLY
          Look...You can't go in there
          alone. It's'suicide. You've
          got to radio for more help...

          BRENT
          (holds up the

          PISTOL)
          I've got, all the help I need.
          Brent handcuffsBilly to the grating of the police car.

          BILLY

          (PLEADING)
          Please... listen to me...You can't
          go- in there...
          Brent gets out of the car and walks to the building.
          A nervous, frustrated Billy watches.

          BRENT
          walks to the building's front door. Locked. He smiles.
          He takes astep back, draws his gun and shoots off the
          door lock.
          He enters.

          BILLY
          waits in the car. Frightened. Restless.

          ) 0T

          

          

          

          

          67.
          His sword lies on the back seat. Billy grabs it.
          He begins to pound at the handcuff chain with his blade.

          INT. Y.M.C.A. HALLWAY

          Pistol drawn, Brent walks down the hallway, to the gym
          doors.
          He can hear the sounds from inside. Gurgling. Breathing.
          Giggling.
          He takes a drink from his hip flask. He enters the gym.

          INSIDE
          Brent is shocked by what he sees.

          HUNDREDS OF PAIRS OF BURNING GREEN EYES
          fill the gymnasium, shining in the darkness. Like a
          starry night.

          DROVES OF MOGWAI
          are still coming out of the swimming pool.
          Brent is frozen. He tries to scream.
          The creatures notice him. Several move towards him.
          Brent fires his pistol. Useless. There are too many
          creatures.

          BILLY
          He hears the gunshots. He moves faster, desperately
          hacking at the handcuff chain with his sword.

          CUT TO:

          INSIDE - BRENT
          drops his gun. Out of bullets. He turns to run.

          

          

          

          

          68.
          A creature leaps. It lands on his back.
          Another leaps at him. He falls to the ground.
          Brent screams-as the:creatures jump him.
          They cover him like a blanket.
          They feast.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY
          Sweating. Nervous. Hacking away at the handcuff chain.
          Brent's screams fade in the background.
          Billy looks out the side window. He sees

          THE Y.M.C.A.'S FRONT DOORS BURST OPEN
          Droves of creatures pour out into the night.

          BILLY
          panics. He hacks at the chain. Harder. Faster.

          THE CREATURES
          move toward the police car.

          BILLY
          finally breaks the handcuff chain. He quickly moves to
          the driver's seat and starts the car.

          THE POLICE CAR
          tears out of the parking lot
          The creatures still pour out of the 'Y'.
          drives. He looks to the rearview mirror. The

          

          

          

          

          69
          reflection of

          COUNTLESS GREEN EYES
          'burns in the mirror. The creatures are following'him.

          BILLY
          drives faster.

          BILLY

          (PANIC)
          I gotta warn people. . .1 gotta tell

          THEM
          He flips on the police siren and heads for town.

           CUT TO:

          THE SUBURBS
          Peaceful. Calm. Christmas lights twinkle.

          THE POLICE CAR
          suddenly squeals down the main road. Lights flashing.
          Siren blaring.

          BILLY
          steers the patrol car into the first driveway.
          The car screeches to a stop. Billy gets out. Sword in
          hand, he runs to the front door of the house. He
          knocks. Hard.

          MR. FUTTERS
          a balding, middle-aged man, wearing a bathrobe and pajamas,
          answers the door.

          MR. FUTTERS

          (PUZZLED)
          Billy Peltzer?...What's going on
          here?..

          

          

          

          

          70.

          BILLY

          (BREATHLESS)
          They're coming.

          MR. FUTTERS
          Huh?..

          BILLY
          (fast, hyper)
          You've got to keep your wind ws
          locked. Or better yet...boa d them
          up! And your lights... You've got
          to leave them on!
          f+ MR. FUTTERS
          What are you talking about, boy?

          BILLY
          There are these little things...
          animals...They're all over the
          place! They'll kill you and your
          family!...
          Mr. Futters starts to laugh.

          MR. FUTTERS
          Have you been drinking?

          BILLY
          No sir, I...

          MR. FUTTERS
          And what the hell is that? A
          sword?

          BILLY
          Yes...

          MR. FUTTERS
          And what are-you doing with the
          Sheriff's car? Are you on drugs?
          Billy starts to explain when

          MR. DEAGLE
          the next door neighbor, walks onto his porch.
          Deagle is a portly man, with curly grey hair and a beard.
          He calls to Mr. Futters

          

          

          

          

          71.

          MR. DEAGLE
          Hey, Joe...I saw the police car.
          You in some kind of trouble?

          MR. FUTTERS
          ,No, it's this Peltzer kid. He
          thinks we're gonna get: eaten up
          by wild animals. And he's
          carrying a sword.

          MR. DEAGLE
          Did you say 'Peltzer'? Billy
          Peltzer?

          MR. FUTTERS
          1 Yeah...

          MR. DEAGLE
          (shakes his head)
          He's a nut. Went crazy in the
          bank today. Called my wife all
          kinds of names.
          (to Billy)
          You smartass son of a bitch. If
          I was ten years younger I'd beat
          the crap out of you.
          Billy sighs, frustrated.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          joins her husband on the porch.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          What's the matter?...
          (she sees Billy)
          Oh, it's you. Here to
          apologize?

          MRS. DEAGLE

          MR. DEAGLE
          The boy went crazy, dear.
          carrying a sword.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 72.

          MRS. DEFILE

          (SMILES)
          I knew he was crazy from the
          start.
          (glares at Billy)
          I hope they lock you up for
          good, and throw away the key.
          Mr. Deagle puts his arm around his wife.

          MR. DEAGLE
          C'mon back inside, dear. Let's
          finish watching 'Dallas'.
          (to Mr. Futters)
          G'night, Joe.

          MR. FUTTERS
          Good night, Ed.
          (to Billy)
          You've got ten seconds to get
          the hell out of my yard. Then
          I'm.calling the Sheriff...if he
          isn't out looking for you already.
          He slams the door and goes inside.
          Billy just stands there. Defeated. Frustrated.

          A CREATURE
          hisses. Behind Billy.
          Billy turns. Mogwai leaps at him.
          Billy raises his sword and swings.
          He knocks the creature down. He stabs Mogwai.
          Mogwai dies with a long scream.
          Billy looks up and sees

          THE PACK OF CREATURES
          moving down Main Street. They have arrived. Looking for
          food.
          Many break into the house across the street. There are
          some human screams. Then the house lights go out.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 73
          Several creatures come towards Billy.
          Billy runs to the police car. He opens the door and gets
          inside.
          A creature leaps at him.
          Billy slams the car door. It severs the creature4si-rand..
          Several creatures surround the car.
          Billy hears a familiar voice. Screaming. He looks out
          the window.

          MRS. DEAGLE
          comes running out of her house, towards the police car.
          f_ She-'s screaming for help.

          I
          A creature is on her back.
          Another creature leaps at her.
          She falls. Into the snow.
          Several creatures attack Mrs. Deagle. Her screams fade.
          So does her life.

          BILLY
          looks away. More creatures are. surrounding the car.
          They pound against the windows. They want in.
          A scared Billy flips on the police radio.

          BILLY
          Sheriff?...It's Billy Peltzer...
          Can you hear me?!?...

          INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE

          Frank plays cards with his brother, Gary. Gary is still
          in his bank security guard uniform.
          radio.

          BILLY M.O.)
          Please answer! It's me;--Billy...
          GREiï¿½;âºooo05

          

          

          

          

          74
          Frankgrabs the mike. Gary smiles.

          GRANK
          What's going on Peltzer? Where's
          Officer-Brent?.

          BILLY (V.0.)
          He was kiljed by.ithe creatures.
          What? Whe

          THE POLï¿½CE C AR
          is blanketed by creatures, trying to get in at Billy.
          Billy screams into the radio mike.

          BILLY
          (panic, screaming
          into the radio mike)
          The creatures are all over town...
          breaking into houses... killing
          people... You've got to get help!...

          THE READ WINDOW SMASHES.
          The creatures start to rip away at the glass.
          A creature's arm smashes through the passenger window.
          Billy drops the radio mike.

          SHERIFF (V.0.)
          Peltzer?!?...Peltzer?!?...
          Billy thinks fast. He flips on the siren and flashing
          roof lights.

          THE CREATURES
          are scared of the bright lights. They scatter away from
          she car.

          BILLY
          starts the engine. He squeals out of the driveway.

          

          

          

          

          75.

          INT. SHERIFFS OFFICE


          FRANK
          (into the mike)
          Peltzer?...Peltzer?...
          (slams down the

          MIKE)
          Damn.

          GARY

          (SMILING)
          Sounds like he really flipped
          out this time.
          Frank stands. He straps on his gun holster.

          FRANK
          Looks like I'm gonna have to
          straighten this out myself. Want
          to go for a ride?

          GARY
          (eyes light)
          Can I drive?
          Frank. reluctantly nods. Gary stands.

          GARY

          (SARCASTIC)
          But, Frank...With everybody out...
          Who's gonna be here to answer the
          Emergency phone calls?

          (FALSETTO)
          'Help! The little gremlins are
          eating my baby!'
          Gary laughs hard at his joke. They exit the police station.

          CAMERA STAYS BEHIND
          in the deserted police station. We hear Frank and Gary get
          into the car and drive off.

          THEN
          A telephone rings. And another phone rings. And.another.
          People need help.

          

          

          

          

          76

          BILLY
          Shaky. Nervous. Behind the wheel of the police car.

          OUTSIDE
          The creatures are making their way down M in Street.
          They are everywhere.
          On rooftops. Front lawns. Smashing through windows.
          Breaking into homes.
          Scattered human screams echo through the night.
          People are dying.
          Mogwai is taking over the. town'.

          BILLY
          looks through his windshield. Up ahead, he sees

          TRACY
          screaming for help, from a third floor window of her home.

          BILLY
          steers the police car into her driveway. He squeals to
          a stop.
          He grabs his sword and gets out of the car.

          OUTSIDE
          Billy runs to below Tracy's window. He shouts to her.

          BILLY
          Tracy!...It's me! Billy!

          TRACY
          stands in her bedroom. The bedroom door is closed. Locked.
          The creatures pound against it.. They want in.

          

          

          

          

          77
          Tracy shouts down to Billy.

          TRACY
          Billy! These things are all over
          my house... I'm trapped!
          (a beat) 1
           There's a ladder beside the garage...
          Billy runs to the garage side. e reaches down and picks
          up a rusty aluminum ladd r.

          I
          He puts the ladder up to Tracy's window and climbs to her.

          INT. TRACY'S ROOM


          THE BEDROOM DOOR BURSTS OPEN.
          Two creatures stand there Growling. 'Hungry. They,
          move to Tracy.
          She screams.
          Billy gets to Tracy. He quickly pulls her out of the
          window. They begin to climb down the ladder.

          ON THE GROUND BELOW
          a creature jumps onto the ladder.
          Tracy. is startled. She nearly falls. Billy grabs. a. better
          hold of her. He drops his sword. It falls to the ground
          and lands in the snow.
          The creature looks up and sees Billy and Tracy. A few
          feet above. Mogwai begins to climb the ladder, going
          after them.
          Billy and Tracy start to climb up the ladder.
          But the two other creatures come out of Tracy'.s bedroom
          window. They see Billy and Tracy below. They climb oft
          after them, down the ladder.
          Billy and Tracy are trapped. Sandwiched between the
          creatures.
          Billy looks to his sword on the ground. So far away.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 78
          Thinking fast, Billy pulls the ladder back.
          It sways. He pulls harder.
          The ladder tilts to the ground. Falling.
          The three creatures are thrown to the ground, into the
          deep snow.
          Billy and Tracy ride the ladder down. The snow breaks
          their fall.
          The creatures dig their way out of the snow. They move
          towards Billy and Tracy.
          Billy snaps up his sword and jumps to his feet. Ready
          to fight. He keeps one protective arm around Tracy.
          The creatures surround them. Waiting for the right moment
          to attack.
          One of the creatures moves forward.
          Another leaps behind Billy.
          Billy lunges forward and spears the first creature.
          He quickly reels around, slicing the other creature in
          two.
          Both creatures lie in the snow. Dead.
          Billy turns to the last Mogwai. With two swings of his
          blade, he kills the creature.
          Billy wipes the green blood off his sword with his coat
          sleeve. Breathless, he looks at Tracy .
          Hair .hangs in his eyes. Blood runs down the side of his.
          sweaty, unshaven face. His dark brown eyes stare at Tracy.
          The transformation from meek bank clerk to sexy hero is
          complete.
          He embraces her. They run to the police car and get inside.
          Billy'starts the car. He and Tracy drive off into the
          night.

          

          

          

          

          79.

          INT. SHERIFF'S CAR

          Gary drives. Frank sits beside him. Gary flips on the siren
          and lights. He smiles. Like a little kid. Frank reaches
          over and.turns off the siren. Gary complains.

          GARY
          Hey, C'mon...

          FRANK
          I got a headache.

          GARY

          (SARCASTIC)
          But this is an emergency. We
          gotta warn everybody! The gremlins
          are coming!
          Gary laughs. Frank sighs

          GARY
          So when are you gonna make me
          Deputy?

          FRANK
          When you grow up.

          GARY
          Why don't you fire Brent. He's
          nothin' but a drunk. I'could do
          a lot better.
          They arrive at the outskirts of town. Frank notices some-
          thing up ahead.
          He can see the shadows of the creatures. Crawling on
          houses. Running across the front lawns.
          Frank motions for Gary to slow down.

          FRANK
          Something looks weird.
          (rolls Jown. his

          WINDOW)
          Damn windshield.`:: frozen. Can't
          see a thing.
          He sticks his head out the window to look out.
          Gary continuesto drive.
          Frank turns from outside, back to Gary.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 80.

          FRANK
          Snow's too'heavy. I can't...

          A CREATURE
          leaps onto the car's passenger' side. The creature grabs
          Frank' arm. He tries to shake off the creature.
          Gary gl nce over. Shocked. Horrified.
          Mogwai takes a huge bite out of Frank's arm. He screams.
          Gary turns to help him.

          THE POLICE-CAR
          slides on the ice. It slams-into a guard rail, flips over
          a ditch and spins to a stop.

          CUT TO:

          BILLY'S CAR
          Billy drives, as fast as possible through the heavy snow.
          He's headed out of town. Tracy sits beside him. She
          looks out the window..

          OUTSIDE
          The rows of once peaceful, cheerful homes are now the
          scenes of frenzied horror.
          People run out into the night, screaming for help, only
          to be dragged to the ground by creatures.
          Ravaged bodies lie in the snow. Frozen.
          An ambulance is overturned on the roadside.
          Phone lines are town down.
          The creatures have made their way across town. They now
          attack the last few houseson the block.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 81.

          TRACY
           looks away from her window. Tears fill her eyes. She's
           sickened by all of it. Billy holds Tracy's hand, comforting
           her.. Billy notices something.up ahead. He.stops the ( ::
          police car. ( '

          {

          ( 

          ( 

          OUTSIDE
          The headlights shine on Frank's overturned police car.
          Gary is inside. Still alive. He screams for help.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82

          BILLY
          I'll get him out.
          Billy quickly opens the police car door. He jumps out.

          OUTSIDE
          He closes the door. Tracy is safe inside.
          Billy walks to the.sheriff's car. He stays in the safety
          of the headlight's beam.
          Billy stops a few feet from the sheriff's car.
          The passenger side is crushed. The driver's side is
          barely damaged, save for a dented, jammed door.
          Gary pounds against-the door. He wants out.
          Billy grabs the car handle. He pulls hard. The door
          pops open. He pulls Gary out.
          Gary gets to his feet. He's okay. Billy looks inside
          the car.
          Billy closes the door.

          GARY
          What.about my brother? Can we
          get him out?

          BILLY
          He's dead.
          Tears fill Gary's eyes. Billy leads Gary to the car.

          BILLY
          C'mon. Just stay in the light.
          They're afraid of the light.
          Gary walks. He looks scared. Helpless.
          They get to the police car. Billy opens the door.

          INT. POLICE CAR


          

          

          

          

          83.

          GARY
          Tracy.
          She smiles. Glad to see him alive. They kiss. Gary puts
          his arm around her..
          Billy hops into the driver's seat. He rests the sword
          beside him.--He--starts the car and continues to drive.,
          Gary gives Tracy another kiss. He needs her comfort.
          Billy just stares ahead, at the snowy road.

          CUT TO:

          DOUGAL'S ANTIQUE STORE - ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN
          Closed.. But the upstairs lights are on. Someone is
          home.
          Everything here looks calm. Untouched. Safe.
          The police car pulls into the driveway.

          INSIDE
          Billy turns to Gary and Tracy.

          BILLY
          We're just outside of town...
          Doesn't look like the creature's
          got here yet.
          (a beat)
          Let's go inside and warm up.
          They exit the police car.

          DORRY
          comes to the door. He sees the worn, hollow faces of Gary
          and Tracy. He sees the bruised and bloodied Billy.

          

          

          

          

          84.

          DORRY
          What the hell happened to you?
          Billy looks at Dorry.

          DISSOLVE TO:

          INT. DOTJGAL'S LIVING ROOM- LATER

          Dorry bandages Billy's calf. Gary sits with Tracy on
          the sofa.
          Billy finishes telling the full story to everyone.

          BILLY
          .and they originate from this
          marketplace in Hong Kong.
          Dorrystands and shakes his head.

          DORRY
          Hard to believe. Like Satan's
          come to walk the earth.

          BILLY
          (looks at everyone)
          You see...they''re drawn to water.
          Now, if my hunch is correct... They'll
          be leaving town, and heading for the
          water tower-which means they'll have
          to pass by here tonight.
          (a beat)
          We have to get help. These things
          have to be kept under control. If
          they get to the water tower .they
           could spread all over the St ate...
          maybe the Country. They're like
          inhuman divining rods.

          GARY
          Why didn't you think of that before,
          Peltzer?

          BILLY
          I did. But nobody would listen.

          GARY .
          Maybe if you weren't such a nut
          people would believe you.

          

          

          

          

          85.
          Dorry intervenes.

          DORRY
          Nowt boys...arguing won't get us
          anywhere.
          Gary still glares at Billy.

          GARY
          This is your fau t, Peltzer.

          BILLY
          That's not true.

          GARY
          My brother's dead because of
          you.

          BILLY
          That isn't..

          GARY
          The people in town. They're
          â¢ dead because of you.

          BILLY

          (ANGRY)
          Stop it.

          GARY
          You did it. You killed all
          those people.. You're. a murderer,
          Peltzer.
          Billy lunges at Gary. They fall to the ground. Fighting.
          Dorry and Tracy break it up.

          TRACY
          If we want to stay . alive... We
          have to stick together.
          Billy turns away. Cooling off.
          Gary is comforted by Tracy. But she keeps her eye on
          Billy. Dorry looks at everyone.

          DORRY
          We should get in touch with
          the authorities.

          

          

          

          

          86

          BILLY
          Yeah, and then I'd like to try and
          get in touch with my Dad. If we
          can...

          THE LIGHTS GO OUT.
          Total darkness.

          CUT TO:

          EXT. DORRY'S STORE

          Mogwai's claw tears at the wires in the electrical box.

          CUT TO:

          LIVING-ROOM
          Gary's cigarette lighter illuminates the room. Everyone
          stays quiet. They listen.
          THE GIGGLING of several creatures echoes from outside.

          BILLY
          They're here.
          A frightened Gary holds Tracy.

          GARY
          Now what do we do?
          The giggling gets louder. Closer. Billy turns to Dorry.

          BILLY
          Do you have a place without win
          dows?... .A place where we could be
          safe?
          Dorry pauses to think.

          DORRY
          The storage room
          The sound of breaking glass is heard.

          

          

          

          

          87

          BILLY
          (clutching his sword)
          We have to hurry.
          Dorry leads everyone.out of the.room...

          INT. STORAGE ROOM

          Large area. Crowded wit.. an#i.ques.
          Dorry leads everyone inside. He closes and lo'ks the
          door. He lights two canÂ¢1es.,,

          BILLY
          We'll stay ere until daybreak.
          Gary sits with Tracy on an old sofa.
          Dorry sits beside them in anï¿½old rocking chair.
          Billy pulls up an old wooden'chair.

          LOUD NOISES, CRASHES. BANGS, THUMPS, GIGGLES..
          They echo from OFFSCREEN. The creatures rummage through
          the antique store.

          CLOSE-UP - BILLY, GARY, TRACY, DORRY
          listening to the sounds. Frightened.

          DORRY
          Mischevious little devils,
          aren't they?
          No one disagrees.
          Tracy suddenly notices something. She cries out.

          TRACY
          (pointing to the

          DOOR)
          Billy!

          SEVERAL CREATURES' CLAWS
          scratch through the thin wood of the storage room door.
          Thinking fast, Billy moves to a large cabinet. He
          turns to Gary.

          

          

          

          

          88.

          BILLY
          Help me with this.
          Gary and Billy slide the cabinet in front of the door.

          BILLY
          That'llkeep them out. We're
          safe now..
          Billy sits back. The ï¿½oipjs contipue.
          Dorrylook at ever y on

          DORRY
          I've only been this scared two
          other times in my life. Once
          was when I got drafted. The
          other, was when I was six years
          old.
          (everyone listens)
          It.was Christmas Eve. My sisters
          and I were decorating the tree
          with our Mother. We were singing
          caroles...happy ...excited...
          waiting for Dad to get home from
          work.
          (a beat)
          A few hours passed, and we started
          to worry. Dad wasn't home yet. My
          Mother called the office. They said
          he left.

          (PAUSE)
          After about a week... the police gave
          up. My Mother was close to a nervous
          breakdown... The rest of us weren't
          eating.. .we couldn't sleep.. .Every-
          thing was falling apart.

          (PAUSE)
          It was snowing outside. The house
          was cold. I threw some logs on
          the fire.--..That's when I noticed
          the smell.
          (a beat)
          The firemen came. They broke
          through the chimney top. We were
          all waiting, expecting them to
          pull out some dead cat or bird...
          Instead, they pulled out my Father.

          (PAUSE)
          He was dressed in a Santa Claus
          suit. He had been climbing down
          the chimney on Christmas Eve,
          his arms loaded with presents.

          AMORE)

          

          

          

          

          89.

          DORRY (CONT'D)
          He was going to surprise us.

          (PAUSE)
          The coroner said that he lost
          his footing. He slipped and
          broke his neck. Died instantly.
          His body was lodged in the narrow
          chimney shaft.

          (PAUSE)
          ,That how I found out there was
          no Sahta Claus.
          Everyone has a chilled look on their faces. Dorry just
          stares.
          Billy stands and clears his throat..

          BILLY
          Well...I think you should all
          try and get some sleep.
          (a beat)
          I'll watch the door.
          Everyone agrees. Billy moves his chair in front of the
          door.
          .Dorry relaxes.inhis rocking chair.
          Gary stretches out on the sofa, expecting Tracy to cuddle
          with him. Instead,"she walks:over to Billy.

          TRACY
          Billy...
          He looks at her. She gives him a comforting smile.

          TRACY
          I just wanted to say thanks...
          I mean...If it wasn't for you, I
          don't know what any of us would
          have done.
          Billy smiles.

          TRACY
          is it okay if I sleep here? On
          the floor beside you?...I'd feel
          a lot safer.
          Billy nods. Tracy moves a carpet next to Billy's chair.
          She lies on the carpet. She closes her eyes.
          Gary watches from the sofa. Jealous.

          

          

          

          
          Dorry has fallen asleep in his chair.
          Billy sits. Sword on his lap. He guards the door.
          Sounds still echo-from downstairâ¢s,.throughout the antique
          store.

          CLOSE-UP - BILLY
          The horror of it all finally hits him.
          His eyes fill with tears.
          He cries. Alone.

          FADE OUT.

          FADE IN:

          BILLY
          sleeping in his chair. His hand still holds the sword on
          his lap.
          The others are asleep.
          Billy's hand quivers. The sword drops to the floor. He
          wakes. Startled. He quickly grabs the sword.
          Everyone else wakes from the sound.

          BILLY
          (looking at their
          scared faces)
          Everything's okay...I just
          dropped my sword.
          Gary rubs his eyes.

          GARY
          What time is it?

          DORRY
          (checks his pocket-

          WATCH)

          9:15.
          Billy stands. He pushes the wood cabinet from the door
          The door is covered with scratches. Billy slowly opens it.

          

          

          

          

          91
          The room is bathed with light, coming from a window
          facing the door.
          Everyone smiles. The light feels good. Safe.
          They exit-the storage room.

          INT LIVING 7 0
          Destroyed by lithe creatures. Furniture. is overturned.
          Windows are broken. Curtains are torn.
          Billy, Dcrry, Gary and Tracy enter.

          CAMERA FOLLOWS
          the four people through the house. Into the kitchen, the
          bedrooms, the hallways.
          Every room has been destroyed by the creatures.

          INT.. STORE AREA

          All of the antiques have been smashed or broken by the
          creatures.
          Dorry is shocked to see his store in this state.
          Billy walks to the front door. He tries to open it. It's
          jammed. He pulls hard. Finally., it opens.

          OUTSIDE
          A blanket of snow. covers everything. It snowed hard last
          night.. Three feet's worth.

          BILLY
          Try. the phone. .see if we can
          get help...
          Dorry walks back inside. Gary flips on a transistor radio
          that has been sitting on the shelf.

          RADIO (O . S . )
          All major highways and roads are
          closed. Driving is close to

          (MORE)

          

          

          

          

          92

          RADIO (O.S.) (CONT'D)
          impossible. It looks like we're
          gonna be snowbound for the Holidays.
          Dorry returns.

          DORRY
          Phone's. dead.

          BILLY
          Damn.

          TRACY
          We're trapped.

          GARY
          I think we should get out.
          Now.

          BILLY
          How? The nearest town is fifteen
          miles away.

          GARY
          I'll walk.

          BILLY
          In this? You won't get far.

          GARY -
          It's worth'a try.

          BILLY
          And-what happens when it gets
          dark? ...And you're on the road.
          Alone.
          Gary says nothing.

          BILLY
          No. We have to stick together
          and fight these things. At least
          until we can get help...
          Tracy folds her arms.

          TRACY
          I'm cold.
          Gary puts his arm around her. She'd rather have Billy's.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 93.

           DORRY -
           There's a McDonald's about a
          block away.

           BILLY
          Okay. We 11 get something to
          eat.
          (a beat),
          Them we go 1 to wJork.

          CUT TO:

          EXT. MC DONALDS - LATER

          The police car is parked outside. Many of the restaurant
          windows are broken. A few deserted cars are in the parking
          lot.

          INSIDE
          The creatures have been here.
          The dead body of an old man is slumped across a table.
          A half eaten Big Mac is still in his hand.
          In a booth, sits a dead family: Mother, Father, boy and
          girl. Their food still sits-in front of them. Untouched.
          A dead cashier girl lies on the counter.

          BILLY, TRACY, GARY AND DORRY
          sit at a table in the rear of the restaurant. Away from
          the grisly sights.-
          They eat burgers and fries. Gary takes a bite of his
          burger and nods to Billy.

          GARY
          Not bad, Peltzer. I-didn't
          know you could cook.

          

          

          

          

          94.

          DORRY
          Could there be other people in
          town? Alive?

          BILLY
          It's.possible. But it's more
          important to get at the creatures.
          We've got the advantage now. It's
          daylight.

          GARY I
          You know where they are, Peltzer?

          BILLY
          No...But they're all gathered in
          one place. And the sun rose before
          they could make it to the water
          tower. So they must be holed up
          between here and there.

          TRACY
          The old church?

          BILLY
          (shakes his head)
          Too many windows. Too much light.
          it's got to be someplace dark.
          Totally dark.

          DORRY
          How about somebody's garage?...
          Or tool shed?...

          BILLY
          No. There's too many of them..
          They'd need a huge area...

          TRACY
          Ridge's movie house.
          Everyone pauses to think.

          GARY
          It's a big place. No windows.

          DORRY
          Always dark. Pitch black.
          Billy nods to himself. That's the place.

          CUT TO:

          

          

          

          

          95.

          EXT. RIDGE'S MOVIE THEATER - LATE AFTERNOON

          The sun is going down.
          Walt-Disney's "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs" is
          playing. A written sign is posed in the box office window.

          TONIGHT'S SHOW CANCELLED BECAUSE OF SNOW
          Billy and the others walk up-to the theater. Gary is
          carrying a flashlight. Billy turns to him.

          BILLY
          You used to work here, right?

          GARY

          (SHRUGS)
          When I was a kid.

          BILLY
          You're coming in with me., You can
          show me around.

          TRACY
          What are you going to do if they're
          inside?

          BILLY
          Blow up the theater.
          Everyone seems puzzled. Billy turns to Gary.

          BILLY
          This place has some kind of boiler
          room...with a furnace... right?

          GARY

          (NODS)
          In the basement.

          BILLY
          (to the others)
          I'll use the gas lines as a bomb.
          The fire will destroy the creatures.
          Dorry looks at Billy.

          DORRY
          I want to come in with you.You'11
          need the extra hand.

          

          

          

          

          96

          TRACY
          Well I'm not staying out here
          alone. It's getting dark.
          Billy nods. -They'll all go in together.

          BILLY
          Okay...just remember;.We've got
          to stick together. And keep close
          to the flashlight. They're scared
          of the light.
          Everyone nods. Gary turns on the flashlight.
          Tracy takes Billy's hand. Gary is jealous.
          They enter the theater.

          INT. THEATER LOBBY

          Gary shines the flashlight.
          The candy counter has been smashed. All of the candy is
          gone.
          The popcorn machine is empty. The soda machine has been
          emptied and turned on its side.
          Billy walks to the theater entrance door. He looks into
          the small window.

          INT. THEATER

          Countless pairs of green eyes shine in the darkness. The
          creatures murmur among themselves.
          Billy whispers to the others.

          BILLY
          They're inside the theater.
          The others peer into the window.

          BILLY
          (to Gary)
          How do we get to the boiler
          room?

          

          

          

          

          97.

          BILLY
          Damn. There's too many of those
          things. They'll- see us.

          (PAUSE)
          1 If we could. just distract them...
          Tracy perks up.

          â¢TRAC Y-
          I have an 'idea'.-
          They look .t her .

          CUT TO:

          PROJECTION BOOTH
          Billy, Tracy, Dorry and Gary enter. Tracy walks to the
          projector.. She finds the forward switch. She flips it.
          The projector purrs. The lamp goes on. The reels turn.

          INT. THEATER

          The second reel of "Snow White" fills the screen.
          The seven dwarfs are singing "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to
          work we go..." The song echoes through the theater.

          THE CREATURES
          are frightened by the images on screen. The light hurts
          their eyes. But gradually, they become interested in the
          movie.

          PROJECTION BOOTH

          CUT TO:

          INT. THEATER

          The creatures are clustered in their seats. Puzzled.
          Fascinated by the animated screen

          

          

          

          

          98
          Billy and the others move through the darkness. They crawl
          on the floor, on the outside aisle of the theater, to the
          Exit door.
           They move carefully. Slowly. Silently. They make it
           to the Exit. They Crawl out. safe.-
          The creatures still watchthe movie.

          INT. HALLWAY

          Out of the theater, BillyTracy, Dorry and Gary run to
          the boiler room.

          INT. BOILER ROOM

          Billy walks to the large gas furnace. He examines the
          gas line. He finds the shut-of.f valve and turns off the
          gas.
          Billy takes off his coat and shirt. He removes his T-shirt.
          He looks at Gary.

          BILLY
          Give me your T-shirt.
          Gary reluctantly takes. off his T-shirt. Billy ties the
          two shirts together. He winds them into a cord.
          He finds a connection in the gas line. He begins to
          pound against it with the handle of his sword. The. sounds
          of metal ring out.

          CLANG, CLANG, CLANG.

          CUT TO:

          INT. THEATER

          The film's reel ends. The screen goes blank.
          The creatures are puzzled. Distracted. They throw
          their candy boxes and paper cups at the screen.
          The CLANG of Billy's sword hitting the pipe is heard.
          Several of the creatures group together. They move from
          their seats, to the exit door. They follow the sound.

          

          

          

          

          99.

          INT. BOILER ROOM

          Billy gives one final hit to. the gas line. The connection
          snaps. He stuffs the line with his and Gary's shirt. He
          turns the gas back on and lights the end of the crumpled.
          shirt with a match. The flame slowly creeps up the shirt,
          to the line.

          BILLY
          We have to get out. Fast.
          Gary points to a rear exit.

          GARY
          That leads outside.

          SEVERAL CREATURES
          burst into the room.
          Gary panics. He pulls out a gun and starts shooting.

          BILLY
          Not your gun. There's too
          many. Use the light.
          Gary stops shooting and fumbles for his flashlight.
          A creature leaps atDorry, pinning the old man to the
          ground. Other creatures attack Dorry. Biting. Scratching.
          Tearing.
          Billy picks up his sword and begins to knock the creatures
          off Dorry.
          Creatures come at Tracy. She picks up a section of thick
          lead pipe and bats off the oncoming Mogwai.
          Gary finally turns on the flashlight beam. It keeps some
          of the Mogwai at bay.
          Fire creeps up the T-shirt, getting closer to the gas
          line.
          Billy gets all-the creatures off Dorry.
          More creatures come through the door.
          Gary gets scared. He drops the flashlight and runs
          for the rear exit.

          

          

          

          

          100

          BILLY
          (screams to Gary)
          Get back here! We need you!
          .Gary runs out, leaving the others alone.
          Billy and Tracy continue to fight the creatures.

          I
          Dorr7 lies the ground.

          EXT . ! BEHIND "HEATER
          Gary`] rushes] but. It's dark. He runs throi}gh the snow-
          filled alle'i, to the front of the theater.

          INT. BOILER ROOM

          The fire is`o'nly a few inches from the gas line. Soon
          the place will blow.
          Billy and Tracy still fight. Billy inches back to the
          rear exit. His arm blindly gropes for the 'door handle.
          The fire isï¿½almost at the gas line.
          Billy's hand reaches the door handle. He opens it.
          He turns to Tracy.

          BILLY
          Let's go.
          Billy picks up Dorry's body. Tracy protects him by batting
          away any oncoming creatures.
          They hurry out of the boiler room.

          INT. HALLWAY

          Tracy closes the boiler room door. locking the creatures
          inside.
          Billy.carries Dorry's body. He and Tracy run to the exit.

          EXT. ALLEY - BEHIND THEATER

          Tracy and Billy burst through the door. They fall into
          a snow p l e

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 101

          THE THEATER EXPLODES.
          Doors fly off., Windows break. The entire theater is
          engulfed in flames.
          Loud high pitched screaming is'heard. Creatures are
          dying.
          Billy stands up from the sn w drift. H loo s at T acy.
          She's okay. They look to Dcrry.

          I
          His body is covered with scratches and bites. He's dead. ( 
          Billy picks up Dorry's body. He carries it to the front
          of the theater. Tracy follows.

          CUT TO:

          INT. THEATER


          TRACKING SHOT
          Camera moves through the flames. Some creatures scream,
          burning to death. Others try to avoid the flames.
          Camera moves to the ceiling.

          THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM TURNS ON.

          CUT TO:

          CLOSE-UP - GARY
          sweating. Scared. Out of breath.
          He stands across the street from the theater. Watching.

          BILLY AND TRACY
          emerge from behind the building. They walk towards Gary.
          Billy walks up. He's holding Dorry's body. He lowers
          the body-to the ground. He glares at Gary.

          BILLY
          You bastard. You ran out on us.
          Left us alone. To die.
          Billy drops his sword and jumps Gary. They fall to the
          ground. Fighting. Punching.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 102.
          Gary knees Billy in the groin. Billy is bent over,
          catching his wind.
          Gary snatches the sword. He lunges at Billy with the
          blade.

          TRACY
          Gary! ...No!...
          Billy dodges the bladï¿½.
          Gary moves closer to Billy. The sword is inches away
          from Billy's chest.
          Gary swings. Billy steps back. The tip of the sword
          scratches across his chest.
          Tracy cries out.
          Gary lunges at him again. Billy is scratched across the
          s tomach-.
          Billy is backed against,a building wall.
          Gary pulls back his sword, ready to spear Billy..

          A CREATURE
          leaps out of the darkness and grabs Gary by the throat.
          Gary screams. He drops the sword.
          Another creature attacks Gary. Followed by another.
          And another.
          They bring him to the ground. They eat. He dies.
          Billy quickly picks up his sword, before the creatures
          get to hi_m and Tracy. He grabs her hand. They.run to
          the police car.
          They get inside and lock the doors.

          INT. POLICE CAR

          Billy and Tracy look across the street.

          

          

          

          

          103.
          CcUNTLESS CREATURES
          are pouring out of the theater. Into the night.

          THE POLICE CAR
          squeals away into the night.

          INT. CAR

          Tracy examines Billy's shoulder. A deep cut.

          THE CREATURE ON THE BACK SEAT
          opens its eyes. It lets out a high pitched, wounded cry.
          Tracy picks up the sword, ready to kill the creature.
          Billy stops her.

          BILLY
          Wait...
          He looks out the rear window.

          THE PACK OF CREATURES
          are following the police car.

          BILLY
          looks at the creature on the back seat. It still cries
          out in that high pitched scream.

          BILLY
          (to Tracy)
          Hear that? He's calling his
          friends for help. They're
          following us. As long as
          he's alive and screaming... they'll
          come after him.

          TRACY

          

          

          

          

          104.

          BILLY
          We can't kill him. He's our
          bait. We'll be able to lead them
          away from the water tower.
          (points to the
          back seat)
          Just keep an eye on the thing...
          make s re it doe n' hurt us.
          Tracy keeps the swo d on the cre ture. Billy guns the
          engine and screeches off. He looks to the rearview
          mirror.

          THE COUNTLESS GREEN EYES FOLLOW..

          DISSOLVE TO:

          EXT. EXXON STATION - LATER THAT NIGHT

          The station is deserted. A clock in the window reads

          5:27 AM.

          THE POLICE CAR
          pulls into the station'lot.
          Billy and Tracy get out. They look tired. Worn. They've
          been driving all night. Billy pumps gas into the car.

          THE WOUNDED CREATURE
          still lies on the back seat. Mogwai still screams in
          its high pitched wail.

          TRACY
          looks into the distance.

          THE PACK OF GREEN EYES
          is visible. A few miles away.. They move to Tracy and
          Billy's direction.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82

          BILLY
          We'd better hurry. They're
          getting close.
          They.. get into the car..

          INSIDE
          Billy starts the car. Tracy looks into the back seat.

          TRACY
          Billy!...

          THE CREATURE IS GONE.
          Billy and Tracy are shocked. Puzzled.

          CUT TO:

          BEHIND THE POLICE CAR
          The creature has crawled outside, through the rear
          window. It crawls BENEATH THE CAR, moving into the engine.

          BILLY AND TRACY
          look around. Puzzled. Confused.

          BILLY
          Where in the hell?...

          SUDDENLY
          The car stalls. Billy tries to re-start it. No good.
          Dead engine.
          GIGGLING echoes from under the hood.
          Billy and Tracy get out of the car.

          OUTSIDE

          THE PACK OF CREATURES ARE GETTING CLOSER.
          Billy and Tracy move to the-car's hood. Billy opens it.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82

          MOGWAI
          is inside. Its mouth is full of tangled wires and plugs
          that the creature has ripped from the engine. Mogwai
          giggles at Billy.

          BILLY
          (to Tracy)
          Check the garage... ee if
          there's a bag...a b x...
          something we can keep this
          little bastard locked up in.
          Tracyhurries to the garage.

          INT. STATION GARAGE

          Tracy finds a small, red metal toolbox., She empties
          it and carries the box back to the car.

          BILLY
          grabs the creature. Mogwai is still wounded and dazed.
          But it manages to bite and scratch at Billy.
          Tracy holds the tool box open. Billy forces Mogwai inside.
          He closes the tool box and locks it shut.
          Mogwai is trapped inside. The creature pounds against
          the metal. Its loud cry echoes from inside.
          Billy checks the car's engine.

          BILLY
          Damn! He ripped out the
          coil wires! The car won't
          run without them!

          TRACY
          Can you fix it?
          Billy looks into the distance. The creatures are getting
          very close..

          BILLY
          There's no time.
          (grabs her

          HAND )
          Come on.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/.82
          Billy and Tracy run. Billy carries the tool box. Mogwai
          cries from inside.
          Billy looks behind him.

          THEGWAI
          !through the snow, moving closer to Billy anTracy. plow

          TRACKING SHOT
          of Billy and Tracy. Running fast. Out of breath. Trying
          to keep ahead of the droves of Mogwai.
          Billy looks into the distance, at the top of a hill.

          A GREENHOUSE
          sits in a large open area. It overlooks the entire town
          of Kingston Falls.

          BILLY AND TRACY
          run up the hill, towards the Greenhouse.

          THE MOGWAI
          move fast. They're getting closer to Billy and Tracy.
          Some of the creatures travel beneath the snow. Others
          hop through it.

          BILLY AND TRACY
          arrive at. the top of the hill. They run to the
          Greenhouse entrance. They open the doors and enter.

          INSIDE
          Billy drops the toolbox on top of a Greenhouse table..

          OUTSIDE
          The creatures arrive at the top of the hill. They move
          to the Greenhouse doors

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82

          INSIDE
          Billy spots a huge tree. It grows up, through the
          center of the Greenhouse.
          Billy takes Tracy's hand. They run to the tree. They
          begin to climb to the top.

          THE CREATURES
          crash through the Greenhouse doors. Several of them
          surround the tool box. Mogwai screams from inside. Others
          tear through the Greenhouse, smashing plants, overturning
          tables, etc.
          The creatures spot Billy and Tracy, climbing the tree.
          The Mogwai move to the tree.

          BILLY AND TRACY
          climb. Billy looks to the sky.
          Dawn is approaching.
          Billy looks below him.

          THE CREATURES
          climb the tree, scurrying up to Billy and Tracy.
          Billy fights off the oncoming Mogwai with his sword.

          AT THE TREE'S BOTTOM
          Several creatures have begun to gnaw at the tree trunk.

          BILLY AND TRACY
          are near the treetop. They cling to a large, thick branch.
          The creatures still chase after them. Billy keeps them
          at bay.

          AT THE TREE'S BOTTOM
          The creatures have almost-completely gnawed:through the
          tree trunk.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82
          The tree sways.
          The trunk snaps.
          .Billy and Tracy hold tight as the tree falls to the
          ground.
          Billy smacks to the Greenhouse floor. Slightly.-dazed.
          Tracy lands beside him. Unconscious.
          A few creatures jump on her.
          Billy stands. He knocks the creatures off Tracy.
          Several creatures attack him.
          Billy fights. But there are too many.
          They keep coming. Surrounding him.
          Billy can't keep up with them.

          OUTSIDE
          The sun is coming up. The darkness fades.

          INSIDE
          The creatures still attack.
          Billy tries to fight.
          A creature grabs his wounded leg.
          Billy cries out in pain.
          Another creature rips at his arm.
          Billy drops the sword.
          He's f inis;'ed
          He falls to the ground. Beside Tracy.
          The hungry creatures surround Billy.
          Weak. Defeated. Billy closes his eyes.
          He finally gives

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 110.

          ( )

          THE SUN RISES.
          The creatures move to finish off Billy...
          Suddenly, ,they stop. They become weak..
          Brigh' sunlight shines into the Greenhouse.
          The c eatures try toun owhere,to hide.
          Billyopenjs his eyes. He watches.
          The sun shines brighter.

          1
          Sweatpours from the creatures' bodies.
          They cry out in pain. Unearthly screams.
          "Their bodies start to smolder.
          Cracks appear in their skin.
          The creatures begin to melt. Like candles.
          Billy,wat'hes in horror.
          Their'bodies collapse to the floor.
          The become mounds of unrecognizable liquid.
          Their screams fade. Die out.
          Billy gets to his feet. He looks around.
          All that remains are pools of smoldering liquid.
          The nightmare is over. Mogwai is dead.
          Billy takes a breath.
          Cuts. Bites. Scratches. Theycoverhisbody.
          He looks down at Tracy.
          Billy kneels, resting her head and shoulders in his lap.
          She opens her eyes.
          She gives a weak smile to Billy.
          He lightly kisses her on the lips. He holds her tight.
          He helps Tracy to her feet. He picks up his sword.
          Billy and Tracy exit the Greenhouse.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82

          OUTSIDE
          Billy and Tracy stand in the snow.. They look out over
          Kingston Falls. Now a ghost town.
          Billy looks at his sword.
          He pull back ,nd throws the sword.
          it flip throw h the air. {
           It lands. Several feet away. Speared upright. In the
          snow.
          Billy collapses in the snow. Exhausted.
          Tracy kneels beside him.--
          It CLOSE-UP
           Billy's face. Lying in the snow.. Unconscious.
           Hard. Lonely. Worn.
           The face of a warrior. The face of ahero.

           DISSOLVE TO:

          CLOSE-UP

          RAND PELTZER.
          A pensive, tired look covers his face.

          CAMERA PULLS BACK
          We'.re inside of a hospital room. Rand sits in a chair,
          across the room from

          BILLY
          He lies in bed. His wounds are bandaged. An I.V. needle
          is in his arm.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82

          RAND

          (COMFORTING)
          It's okay, Billy...It's
          over...
          Billy holds his Father tightly.

          BILLY
          How's Tracy?

          RAND.
          Fine. She's in a room o{f
          her own. You can see her
          tomorrow.
          Billy nods.

          SUDDENLY
          Billy's head pops up. His eyes are wide. Hysterical.
          A shocked expression covers his face.

          BILLY
          Oh my God! No!...No!...

          RAND
          Billy?...What is it?...

          BILLY
          The tool box! It's locked! I
          didn't open it!...It's dark
          inside!...

          RAND
          What?...
          Billy jumps out of bed. He tears the I.V. out of his arm.
          He opens the closet and starts to get dressed.

          2 NURSES AND A DOCTOR
          hurry into the room. They grab. Billy. and wrestle him
          back to bed'. The doctor gives Billy a 'shot.

          BILLY
          (fighting,

          SCREAMING)
          Waitl...You've got to let
          me gol... .1 didn't', open the
          tool boxl...I didn't get the...

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82
          Billy's words begin to mush.together. His eyelids get
          heavy. He falls to sleep.
          The Doctor turns to Rand.

          DOCTOR
          He'll be okay. He's still
          in shoc .exhiausted. He
          needs m re resltï¿½.

          L
          Rand nods. The nurses and Dlo ctor exit.
          Rand just stares at Biliy.
          i CUT TO:

          CLOSE-UP:

          THE RED METAL TOOL BOX.
          Still locked. Still sitting on the Greenhouse table,
          where Billy left it.

          CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL
          SEVERAL WORKERS cleaning up the debris, repairing the
          broken Greenhouse windows.
          The workers load the trash onto a dump truck.
          Outside, the snow is melting. The sun shines bright.

          A BURLY, MUSCULAR WORKER
          walks up to the table and picks up the tool box. He shouts
          to another worker.

          ANOTHER WORKER
          Throw it out. â¢ .with the
          other trash.
          The worker is ready to throw it out. He examines the tool
          box. Fairly new. In good condition. He decides to
          keep it.
          He walks to his van -and rests the tool box on the front
          passenger seat.

          

          

          

          

          REV. 4/30/82 114.

          ( )

          THE WORKER
          driving home in his van. Later that afternoon. The radio
          plays a Country tune.

          THE TOOL BOX
          rests on the seat beside him.

          SUDDENLY
          the tool box begins to shake. Something pounds against it
          from inside.

          THE WORKER
          pulls his van to the roadside. He stares at the shaking
          tool box. His eyes are wide. Scared.
          The worker grabs the tool box. He gets out of his van.

          OUTSIDE
          The tool box shakes and rattles in the worker's hand.
          Frightened, he throws the box-over a hilly, wooded area
          at the side of the road.

          THE TOOL BOX
          tumbles down a steep hill.
          It lands at the bottom and bounces into a

          LAKE
          The tool box stays afloat for a few seconds. Then it
          slowly sinks into the lake water.

          INT. WATER

          The tool box sinks to the bottom of the lake.

          MOGWAI'S GIGGLE
          the soundtrack.