Screenplay by: Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer
February 21, 1997
THE PARENT TRAP
FADE IN:
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - SOUTHERN MAINE - DAY
[A caravan of THREE CAMP BUSES with the name CAMP WALDEN FOR GIRLS
emblazoned on their sides climb a tree-lined road. The Buses turn down a
narrow lane and pass through a freshly painted wooden gate as the CAMERA
RISES giving us a sweeping view of beautiful CAMP WALDEN. A magnificent lake
sparkles in the distance with red canoes lined up on its shores. over this
quiet serenity we HEAR the bus HORNS HONKING to announce the first day of
camp has officially begun.]
EXT. MAIN LODGE - CAMP WALDEN
[Girls. Girls. Girls. Tall ones, short ones and everything in between. Some carry pillows, others carry stuffed animals, all wear backpacks. There are more pony-tails swinging at this moment than you can imagine. Teenage Counselors try to control the pandemonium without much luck. The only men in sight, the Bus Drivers,. toss duffel bags out of the buses and into a large pile. MARVA KULP, the owner of the Camp, late sixties, four and a half feet tall, wearing khaki shorts, talks through a BULLHORN. Next to her stands her daughter and first lieutenant, MARVA JR., just under six feet, tanned and humorless. She also holds a BULL-HORN.]
MARVA SR.
(into bull-horn)
Good morning, ladies and welcome to Camp Walden. I'm Marva, your Camp Director
and this is my daughter and right hand man, Marva, Jr. Girls, please find
your duffels as quickly as possible, we've got a big, big day ahead of us.
Marva,'bunk assignments, if you please.
[Marva Jr. lifts her BULL-HORN and starts barking out bunk assignments right into her Mother's ear. Marva Sr. covers her ears in pain.]
MARVA JR.
Berg, Kate, Iroquois, bunk seven Berg, Lily! Chickasaw, bunk five!
(we HEAR a SCREAM of joy)
Burnham, Daisy! Kickapoos, bunk three!
[A MOUNTAIN OF DUFFEL BAGS sits on the quad as one eleven year-old, HALLIE PARKER, pops up from behind the huge pile.]
HALLIE
(to herself)
Okay, found my duffel, now the question is, how do I get it out?
[Hallie wears overalls, a baseball cap that says Girls Rule, sunglasses, and a sweat-shirt tied around her waist. Her ears. are pierced, her hair is short, she wears bright red high tops and metallic blue nail polish.]
HALLIE
(finding her duffel bag strap)
Okay, I can do it.
[Hallie pulls on the strap with all her might, her face turning bright red.]
HALLIE
Okay, no I can't.
[A skinny kid with a long neck, ZOE, steps in, carrying her duffel bag on her shoulder and chewing gum.]
ZOE
You must be new.
HALLIE
How can you tell?
ZOE
You didn't know to grab your duffel before the apes tossed it into the heap.
I would say you need some serious help.
HALLIE
Thanks. it's the big blue one.
ZOE
(helps Hallie pull on the strap)
Cool hat.
HALLIE
Thanks, it was a going away gift from my Dad.
[As Zoe and Hallie pull on the strap together, the Bus Drivers toss another half-dozen new duffels onto the pile. Hallie and Zoe shoot the Bus Drivers a look. Just then, NICOLE, a strapping ten year-old in a tie-dye T-shirt, beads and a bandana around her head arrives and easily pulls her duffel from the center of the pile.
HALLIE
Now that's my kind of woman.
ZOE
(cups hands around her mouth)
Hey! Tie-Dye girl!
[Nicole turns around.]
HALLIE
Would you mind giving me a hand? My duffel's the red one, way in there.
Nicole nods and drops her duffel. It LANDS right on Zoe's foot.
HALLIE
You okay?
ZOE
(grabbing her foot)
That would be negative.
[Nicole yanks Hallie's duffel out of the pile and drops it on Zoe's other foot.]
ZOE
Aaaahhh! Why, thank you.
NICOLE
(smiles)
You're welcome.
(reading name-tag on Hallie's duffel)
Hey, you're from California?
ZOE
You are? Do you live in Hollywood?
NICOLE
Do you like live next door to a movie star?
HALLIE
-- What are you two, Lucy and Ethel?
[I’ve never even been to Hollywood. I live in Napa, that's in Northern California, and I live next door to a vineyard.]
ZOE
A whatyard?
HALLIE
A vineyard. It's where you grow grapes to make wine. That's what we do, me
and my Dad, we own a vineyard. What bunk are you guys in?
ZOE/NICOLE
(at the same time)
Arapahoe.
[Zoe and Nicole look at each other, not thrilled.]
MARVA JR.
(yells from bull-horn)
Parker, Hallie...
HALLIE
(yells back)
Yo! Right here!
MARVA JR.
(looks over and waves)
Arapahoe! Bunk eleven!
[The Girls slap hands and head off toward their bunk.]
HALLIE
So, either of you by any chance know how to play poker?
(Nicole and Zoe shake their heads)
No? That's a shame. So, tell me, how much cash did you guys bring with you
this summer?
[As the Girls walk off, CAMERA BOOMS UP to a LIMOUSINE pulling up in front of the MAIN LODGE. Heads turn as the Driver, in a dark suit and cap, hops out and opens the limousine's back door. Out steps a PROPER BRITISH BUTLER, perfect posture, elegant grey suit, extremely proper demeanor. His name is MARTIN and he speaks with a stuffy ENGLISH ACCENT. Martin leans into the back-seat and takes the hand of an elegantly dressed eleven year-old, ANNIE JAMES. Annie wears a powder blue suit and carries a purse and a small vanity case. Her hair is perfectly neat, shoulder length and worn with a powder blue head band. As Annie turns to Martin, we see her face and we realize SHE LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE HALLIE PARKER! Same hair color, same eyes, same nose, same mouth, same height, same weight. Identical in every way.
MARTIN
Well, here we are - Camp Walden For Girls.
(looks around, with disdain)
We travelled six thousand miles for... this?
[Annie looks around. She also speaks with a BRITISH ACCENT.]
ANNIE
It's rather picturesque, wouldn't you say?
MARTIN
I don't know if that's precisely the term I would use.
[Annie smiles as the Limo Driver lines up four pieces of matching luggage by Martin's side.]
MARTIN
So, lets review, your Mother's list, shall we?
(pulls out a typed list)
Vitamins?
ANNIE
Check.
MARTIN
Minerals?
ANNIE
Check.
MARTIN
List of daily intake of fruits and vegetables?
ANNIE
Check. Check.
(Martin looks up)
Check for fruits, check for vegetables. Go on.
MARTIN
Herbal teas, sugarless candy, sun block, lip balm, insect repellent, umbrella,
stationary, stamps, fountain pen, flashlight, batteries, photos of your mother,
grandfather and of course....
(turns page)
Yours truly!
ANNIE
Got it all, I think.
MARTIN
Oh, and here's a little something from your Grandfather, a brand new deck
of cards.
Maybe you'll find someone on this continent who can actually whip your tush
at poker.
ANNIE
I doubt it but thanks. And thanks for bringing me, Martin.
[Martin is suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. He looks away, about to burst into tears, quickly grabs Annie, hugs her tightly, then just as quickly - regains his dignity.]
MARTIN
And remember, if you change your mind and want me to pick you up at the end
of camp, I'm only a phone-call away.
ANNIE
I'll be fine. See you in eight weeks, Marty ol’ pal.
MARTIN
Eight weeks it is, Queen of my Heart.
[Annie puts out her hand, Martin places his hand over hers and they proceed to do an extravagantly worked out SECRET HANDSHAKE - with all kinds of moves in it including a butt bump, a wave under the chin and a shimmy to-and-fro. When it's over, Martin resumes his proper Butler demeanor and gets into the Limo. As the Limo pulls away, we HEAR:]
MARVA JR.
Annie James?
ANNIE
Yes, hello. I apologize if I'm late. My plane was fogged in leaving Heathrow.
You know how- London is in June.
JR.
Can't say that I do. Never been to jolly 01- England but never-the-less,.malady,
welcome to the U.S. of A. and what we like to think of as the most beautiful
spot on God's green earth - Camp Walden.
(takes a huge sniff of fresh air)
Oh, jeez, a bug flew up my nose.
(starts honking and swatting at MORE around her nose and generally going
crazy)
ANNIE
Are you all right?
MARVA JR.
Oh sure. Just one of the hazards of camp life. You have a little schnoz ...
you'll be fine.
(indicates her own nose)
With this honker, you got problems.
(looks at Arnie's luggage)
Okey-dokey, let's get this show on the road.
ANNIE
Can you manage?
MARVA JR.
Manage? Uh, sure... Suppose I can... Why not?
[Marva Jr. awkwardly gathers up all of Annie's luggage and leads her toward her bunk.]
MARVA JR.
I know this sounds weird, but ... have we met before?
[-Marva accidentally steps in a gopher hole and stumbles forward...]
ANNIE
Met before? No, no, I don't think so.
(catching her)
I'm positive I'd remember you.
[EXT. ANNIE'S BUNK - THE NAVAJOS --A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER
Marva Jr., huffing and puffing, leads Annie up the steps to her cabin.]
MARVA JR.
Showers are to your right. Rec room's to your left. Mess hall's straight
ahead. Chow's at seven, twelve-fifteen and six thirty. Mother gives five
demerits for being tardy, so don't be.
[Marva Jr. holds the screen door open with her
LEG as she balances Annie's suitcases under her arms.]
MARVA JR
Welcome to the Navajos.
[INT. NAVAJO BUNK
Eight cots with Seven Girls unpacking and getting into their uniforms. Annie
and Marva Jr. enter.]
MARVA JR.
New arrival, girls. Name's James.
[A cherubic-looking Black girl, JACKIE, her hair in corn rows, looks up from her Game Boy.]
JACKIE
Your name's James?
MARVA JR.
Annie James. Just arrived from London, England.
(dropping Annie's luggage)
First time in the country, I believe, right, Ann?
ANNIE
Yes, ma'am, just arrived this morning, which is actually tonight for me,
which makes this tomorrow morning, which...
(notices everyone watching her)
makes me a ' bit jet-lagged.
(notices empty cot)
This one mine?
MARVA JR.
Yep. Has to be made every morning right after reveille. Mother's a stickler
for neatness, so remember to police your area daily. Now, change into your
uniform, James, chow's at thirteen hundred.and Mother gives five demerits...
ANNIE
--for being-tardy.
(MARVA stops short)
I remember.
[CROSBY, a freckled camper, with a CD Walkman
around her neck, catches Annie's eye and smiles.]
ANNIE
But thank you for reminding me, Ma'am.
MARVA JR
Quite welcome, James.
(as she exits)
Introduce yourself, ladies. Be sociable.
[Marva trips over a sneaker on her way out. The Girls hold in their laughter as she BANGS her head on the door frame. As soon as she's gone, the Girls crack-up.]
CROSBY
How scary is it that that woman's in charge?
[INT. DINING HALL - TWENTY MINUTES LATER.
A hundred and fifty Girls, all in camp uniforms, have arrived for dinner.
Two lines of Girls approach a central buffet table. IN ONE LINE we
find Hallie. IN THE OTHER LINE, headed right toward her, is Annie. Both Annie
and Hallie are busy talking to their friends and don't notice each other.
As Annie reaches the front of the line and approaches the buffet table,
Hallie does the same. For a split second, they stand directly next to each
other. Just as they are about to see each other, Marva, Sr. steps between
them with a plate full of food.]
MARVA SR.
Excuse me, girls ... I've just got to have a scoop of those gorgeous
strawberries.
(holding a large spoonful, turns to Hallie)
Care for some?
HALLIE
Oh, no thanks, can't, I'm allergic.
[Hallie takes her plate and moves off.]
MARVA SR.
(turns to Annie on her other side) .
How bout you, dear? Strawberries?
ANNIE
(moving off)
Sorry, wish I could but I'm allergic.
MARVA SR.
(confused, looks back to Hallie, who is now gone)
Oh, yes, allergic, you just told me that. How'd you get over there?
Oh, well, first day of camp... You'll have to excuse the ol’ girl. At
least I'm not Putting salt in the sugar shakers yet. I mean, sugar in the...
(turns back to Annie, who is also gone)
Now, where'd she go?
[INT. SHOWER HOUSE - LATER THAT EVENING
Hallie ENTERS a shower stall and begins washing her hair. She wears a small
GOLD LOCKET around her neck. A beat later, Annie ENTERS the stall next
to her and turns on the water. She wears the IDENTICAL LOCKET. The
Girls can not see each other over the partition. Hallie drops her soap and
it slides into Annie's stall. Annie reaches over the partition and hands
the soap back to Hallie.]
ANNIE
Here you go.
HALLIE
Got it! Thanks.
[As their FINGERS TOUCH, they both STAND FROZEN for a moment... a current of some sort running between them. They each TURN AND LOOK AT THEIR TOUCHING HAMS. Then they both let go. Hallie lifts her locket, sucks on it. Annie does -the exact same thing as she turns off the water...]
[EXT. CAMP - THE FOLLOWING DAY
A FENCING MATCH. Two Girls, each wearing nylon jackets and wire-mesh masks
are in the middle of a duel. The First Girl is whipping the Second's
butt, knocking her sword out of her hand and pinning her against the wall.
The other Campers applaud and cheer. Both Girls take off their masks and
we see Hallie is the victor.]
MARVA JR.
Touche! Excellent, girls.
(raises Hallie's arm)
The winner and still undefeated champ, Hallie Parker!
[Hallie takes a bow and moves off with her-friends.
Annie, Crosby and Jackie pass by in time to hear:]
MARVA JR.
Do we have any challengers?
ANNIE
(pulling on a mask)
Sure. I'll take a whack at it.
[She snaps on a vest, flips the sword into the air and catches it, then nods to Marva, Jr.]
MARVA JR.
(blows her whistle)
En garde!
[Hallie, still in her mask, turns to see Annie in her mask and vest. Annie
SALUTES briskly with her sword. Hallie hesitates, then does the same. They
stand on guard... looking like bookends. Marva, Jr. blows the whistle again
and...
THE DUEL BEGINS
Hallie lunges, Annie parries, then attacks. Hallie tries to knock the sword
out of Annie's hand but Annie deflects the blade, whirls around and lunges.
Point for Annie! Hallie gets the jump on Annie and comes in low. Point!
Hallie lunges but Annie catches her sword and sweeps it in a full circle
pulling them together, mask-to-mask. They break. Hallie charges
but Annie side-steps and Hallie runs past her. Hallie stops and whips around
to find Annie lunging toward her. ..Hallie steps back, loses her balance
and falls butt-first into a WATER TROUGH, landing with a huge splash. The
Campers explode with laughter. Annie reaches out to help Hallie but
Hallie grabs Annie's hand and yanks her into the trough. The Campers crack-up
as the two Girls sit soaking, side-by-side. They climb out together and angrily
pull off their masks. Annie tosses her long hair as Hallie shakes her
short hair dry.]
MARVA JR.
Looks like we got ourselves a new camp champ. Miss Annie James! Let's'shake
hands, girls.
[Neither girl turns around.]
MARVA JR.
Girls!
[Annie and Hallie turn, hands extended. And for the first time, THEY LOOK
INTO EACH OTHER'S FACES. They freeze. Speechless. it's like looking
into a mirror. Hallie extends
her hand...Annie reaches for it.
CLOSE ANGLE - THEIR HANDS
as they touch, something electric again passes between them. ANNIE
AND HALLIE look down at their hands, then up at each other... not knowing
what to say. Just then, their friends join them and they immediately slip
their hands into their pockets - at the same time. Their friends stop in
their tracks and look from Annie to Hallie - stunned at the resemblance.
The lunch bell RINGS and everyone else on the lawn runs toward the Mess Hall.]
HALLIE
Why's everyone staring?
ANNIE
Don't you see it?
HALLIE
See what?
ANNIE
The resemblance between us.
HALLIE
Between you and me?! A resemblance? Let me see, turn sideways ...
(Annie turns)
Now the other way...
(Annie does)
well, your eyes are much closer together than mine. Your ears stick out,
your teeth are crooked and that nose... well, don't worry, those things can
be fixed.
[Zoe and Nicole laugh.]
CROSBY
(to Annie)
Want me to deck her for you?
HALLIE
Hold on, I'm not quite finished. You want to know the real difference between
us?
ANNIE
I have class and you don't? Or I know how to fence and you don't? Take your
pick.
[Hallie angrily steps forward but Marva steps between them.]
MARVA JR
Okay, ladies, time to break-up this little love fest. Annie... Hallie...
(notices how they look alike)
I mean, Hallie... Annie...
[The lunch bell RINGS again. Jackie and Crosby pull Annie away, as Zoe and Nicole pull Hallie in the other direction.]
ZOE
That girl is a major loser.
NICOLE
Yeah. Too bad you couldn't look like somebody cooler.
[ANGLE - ANNIE AND HER PALS - TRACKING]
ANNIE
Do we really look as much alike as I think we do?.
CROSBY
It's just a weird freak of nature.
(slaps her on the back)
Please accept my condolences.
[Annie looks back at Hallie, who is sneaking a look at her. She quickly turns away.]
[INT. ANNIE'S BUNK - THE NAVAJOS - NIGHT
CLOSE on a PILE of CHANGE, crumpled DOLLAR BILLS, CANDY BARS. ANGLE BACK
to see a Crowd of Girls watching a poker game Annie, with a Tootsie Pop dangling
from the side of her mouth, is playing with Four Older Girls and winning
big-time.]
ANNIE
Sorry, ladies, read ‘em and weep.
[Annie spreads out a full house. The Older Girls groan and toss in their hands, as Annie rakes in the pot.]
ANNIE
So... that's-it... no other takers?
LITTLE KID
You've already tooken everybody...
[A CRISP NEW FIVE DOLLAR BILL floats on to the cot.]
HALLIE'S VOICE
Not everybody.
[ANGLE - HALLIE
standing over Annie, a smile on her face.
CUT TO: HALLIE'S HANDS - SKILLFULLY-SHUFFLING A DECK OF CARDS
As she deals, we see A SERIES OF QUICK CUTS of Annie and Hallie, going
one-on-one... shuffling, dealing, drawing, bluffing... First Annie rakes
in the pot... then Hallie... then Annie... it's back and forth... until finally
the entire pot sits in front of Hallie and Annie is down to her last dollar.]
HALLIE
(tossing in her bet)
Three bucks.
[Annie checks her hand... she's holding a straight. She bites her lip... knowing she's holding a winning hand.]
HALLIE
Tell you what I'm gonna do, since you're almost tapped out... I'll make you
a deal. Loser jumps into the lake after the game.
ANNIE
Excellent.
HALLIE
Nude.
ANNIE
Even more excellent.
(revealing her hand)
Queen high straight.
HALLIE
(spreads-a full house across the blanket)
Start unzipping, Princess... full-house.
[EXT. LAKE - NIGHT
CAMERA IS CLOSE on Annie's CAMP UNIFORM as it falls to the sand. Annie's
BARE FEET step away from the clothes.
ANGLE - THE GIRLS FROM THE POKER GAME
huddled on the shore holding candles. Hallie stands in the center of the
group, a content smile on her face.]
ZOE
(watching Annie walk to lake)
That girl's butt looks awfully familiar.
(off Hallie's look)
It does!
[CLOSE - ANNIE
She reaches the dock, teeth chattering. She turns back, looks at the Girls.
Hallie and her friends wave. Annie salutes them.
THE LAKE
as ANNIE'S LEGS gracefully slice through the water, in a perfect dive. Annie
pops up in the water, looks out at the Girls but THEY ARE GONE!
ANNIE'S WET FEET hurry across the sand and arrive at where her clothes were
but all that's left are her sneakers.
ANGLE - ANNIE'S WET AND SHIVERING FACE]
ANNIE
(catching on)
Let the games begin.
[EXT. CAMP WALDEN - THE FOLLOWING DAY
Hallie and her friends are trudging home after a hike. They're hot, sweaty
and tired.]
ANNIE
I swear I heard that girl sneezing all the way across the mess hall this
morning.
(the others laugh, Hallie yawns)
I'm so tired. I'm crawling back into bed and sleeping until lunch.
NICOLE
(stops, looking up at the roof of their bunk)
That does not seem like a possibility.
HALLIE
Why not?
NICOLE
(pointing)
That's 'why not'.
[Hallie stops in her tracks, her eyes rising to THE ROOF OF THE BUNK where every single COT is now perched.]
HALLIE
No way.
[EXT. CAMP WALDEN - NIGHT
Lights are out. Everything is quiet and peaceful. Suddenly, THREE SHADOWY
FIGURES run silently toward Annie's bunk.
INT. ANNIE'S BUNK - NIGHT
CAMERA PANS past a sleeping Jackie, Crosby and Annie. The door squeaks open
and Hallie steps inside. She signals the "coast is clear" and Nicole and
Zoe tip-toe in carrying strange, unidentifiable objects. They all quickly
go to work and we SEE: A jar of HONEY is opened and
poured into a pair of Adidas. A can of SHAVING CREAM is squirted onto a
pillow-case. A ball of TWINE is wound around a bedpost, then zigzagged
across the room.
An industrial-size can of CHOCOLATE M UP is emptied into a bucket. WESSON
OIL is poured all over the floor.
CUT TO: MORNING - A SLEEPY SEVEN YEAR-OLD WITH A BUGLE
plays reveille... badly.
INT ANNIE'S BLINK - FOLLOWING MORNING
The bunk looks like one giant spider web. Mazes of string everywhere. The
sound of EMILLE reverberates through the room as the Girls get out of bed,
slide in the Wesson Oil, get stuck in the honey, trip over the string...
lots of yelling and screaming. Annie stands dripping in shaving cream.]
ANNIE
She's without a doubt, the lowest, most awful creature that ever walked the
planet!
[EXT. ANNIE'S BUNK - SAME TIME
Hallie, Zoe and Nicole are peeking in the windows, thrilled with their
achievement.]
HALLIE
(ala Elvis)
Thank you, thank you very much.
[Just then, the Two Marva’s appear behind them, clipboards in hand.]
MARVA SR.
'Morning, girls.
HALLIE/NICOLE/ZOE
'Morning, Marva's.
(then, freaked out)
Marva's?!?!
MARVA JR.
(climbing steps to Annie's bunk)
Navajos... Surprise inspection. Ten-shun! Mom, why don't you do the honors...
[Marva Sr. nods and reaches for the screen door handle but Hallie rushes to her.]
HALLIE
No, no, don't go in there!
[Annie crosses to her side of the SCREEN DOOR and watches, wondering what Hallie's up to.]
HALLIE
One of the girls got sick last night and it's a big mess. Save yourself the
aggravation. It's really disgusting.]
MARVA, SR.
Well, if someone's sick, dear, then I must go in.-
[She starts to OPEN the door, not realizing she's PULLING on a string attached to a BUCKET that's about to tip right over her head. Hallie's eyes shoot up to the bucket, then back to Marva, Sr.]
No, really, let go of that door. I insist. She's highly contagious.
ANNIE
Actually, we're all fine in here. Unless Hallie Parker knows something we
don't know.
(Annie watches Hallie's eyes go up to the bucket)
Open the door and come on in, ma'am.
[With that, Marva Sr. swings OPEN the door, TIPPING THE BUCKET which we now see is filled with HERSHEY'S SYRUP. Marva Sr. is instantly covered head-to-toe in CHOCOLATE. Marva Jr. : SCREAMS, slipping in the syrup and tumbling down the stairs. Marva Sr. turns to Hallie, slowly wiping the syrup from her eyes. OVER, we HEAR:]
MARVA, SR. (V.0.)
Congratulations, ladies ...
[INT. MARVA'S TENT - MOMENTS LATER
Annie and Hallie stand side-by-side as Marva Sr. paces in front of them,
holding a towel, still wiping off chocolate. Marva, Jr. stands at her side,
also spotted in chocolate.]
MARVA, SR.
-- That little stunt was the most revolting display of hooliganism ever to
take place on these hallowed grounds.
MARVA JR.
A-men.
MARVA SR.
And worst of all, coming from two sisters who should be setting an example
for the entire...
ANNIE
We're not sisters, ma'am. Marva Sr. turns, looks at them.
HALLIE
-- We've never even seen each other before.
MARVA SR.
That's impossible.
MARVA JR.
I'm afraid the look-alike thing has been the crux of the problem, Chief.
MARVA SR.
Well, whatever the excuse, I recommend immediate dismissal.
HALLIE
You're sending us home?
MARVA JR.
(sotto)
That does somehow say we failed, doesn't it, Mom?
MARVA SR.
All right, all right... Let me just think...
MARVA JR.
(under her breath)
Uh-oh.
[The Girls both bite their lockets, nervously awaiting their fate, as MUSIC
BEGINS.
EXT. CAMP GROUNDS - A LITTLE LATER (MUSIC OVER)
The Two Marva's lead Annie and Hallie away from their bunks and up a long
winding hill. Hallie balances her duffel bag .-on her shoulder, as Annie
struggles, her full of luggage. The rest of the Girls, and we mean, the ENTIRE
CAMP, marches in a line behind them.
INT. ISOLATION BUNK - A FEW MINUTES LATER
The Two Marvas catch their breath as they lead Annie and Hallie into a bunk
with just two cots and two trunks.]
MARVA, SR.
We've got six weeks left at camp and you two are going to spend every glorious
one of them - together. You'll eat together, bunk together and do all your
activities together. Either you'll find a way to get along or you'll punish
yourselves better than I ever could.
MARVA JR.
You'll thank us for this, you'll see.
[The Marvas exit, leaving Annie and Hallie alone and worse, with each other.
Annie lifts her suitcases onto the bed and neatly starts unpacking her things.
Hallie, on the other hand, flips open her trunk, unzips her duffel and shakes
her things out like she's emptying a bag of potato chips into a bowl.
A SIGN that reads: Isolation Table - Do Not Disturb. CAMERA TILTS DOWN to
see Annie and Hallie eating at a table in the MESS HALL, directly under the
sign. They are separate from the other Campers and eat without speaking.
Annie eats a well balanced meal while she reads a book as Hallie munches
on a cheeseburger and plays Game Boy. They never look at each other.
INT. DANCE ROOM - DAY
Annie, wearing a black leotard, her hair in a bun, stands at the ballet bar,
practicing her plies to SWAN LAKE. Hallie ENTERS in black bike shorts
and sports bra, carrying a boom box. She ignores Annie, turns on a JANET
JACKSON CD and starts practicing a hip-hop routine. Annoyed, Annie TURNS
UP Swan Lake. Hallie BLASTS Janet Jackson right back at her.
INT. BATH HOUSE - NIGHT
Hallie stands in front of the mirror, in pajama bottoms and a T-shirt, combing
her wet hair. She wraps a towel around her head as Annie's pal, Crosby enters.]
CROSBY
(mistaking her for Annie)
Annie, hi! Oh, man, I can not believe they stuck you with that Hallie person,
I feel so bad for you.
HALLIE
(doing her best ENGLISH ACCENT, which is pretty melodramatic)
You have no idea, luv. It's just bloody awful being in isolation with that
dreadful little monster. I do miss you so, daahling. Come give us a kiss...
Right here on my rosy little cheek. Come, come, don't be shy,.. I've been
ev-uh so lonely.
[Crosby gives Hallie a strange look, then kisses her awkwardly on the cheek. Just then, Annie ENTERS, holding her toothpaste and toothbrush.]
CROSBY
(leaping away)
Annie!
ANNIE
Crosby?
HALLIE
Guess that makes me Hallie.
[Crosby's SCREAM is drowned out by the SOUND of ROLLING THUNDER.
EXT. ISOLATION BUNK - ANOTHER DAY
It's pouring. The wind howls.
INT. ISOLATION BUNK - SAME TIME
Hallie, in flannel p.j.'s and a sweat-shirt, is pinning up postcards and
photos above her cot. Annie, in matching sweater and pants, plays solitaire.
Now and then, each sneaks a glance at the other.
A sudden GUST of wind blows the door open, sending Hallie's stack of photos
flying into the air. Hallie screams, trying to salvage them, as Annie rushes
to the door and bolts it shut. Together, the girls tie down the blinds.
Annie finds Hallie's favorite stuffed animal, CUPPY, lying on the floor
and hands him to Hallie.]
HALLIE
Thanks.
ANNIE
Any of your pictures ruined?
HALLIE
(holding torn photo)
Only the beautiful Leo DiCaprio.
ANNIE
Oh, your boyfriend?
HALLIE
(shows her photo)
Yeah, right.
(then)
You've never heard of Leonardo DiCaprio?
ANNIE
I've heard of Leonardo DiVinci.
HALLIE
How far away is London anyway?
ANNIE
From here - six thousand miles. But sometimes, it seems much further.
-How far away is your home?
HALLIE
California’s way at the other end of the country.
(shows her photo)
Actually, here's a picture of my house.
ANNIE
Wow. It's beautiful.
HALLIE
We've got this incredible porch that wraps around the whole house with rocking
chairs and a hammock and stables back thataway... and this great pool with
a sliding board...
ANNIE
How cool.
(points to the back of a Man)
Who's that?
HALLIE
Oh, that's my Dad... He didn't know I was taking a picture or he would've
turned around. He's kinda like my best friend. We do everything together.
[Annie reacts strangely, as if chilled, she rubs the goosebumps on her arms.]
HALLIE
What's the matter?
ANNIE
(pulling down her sleeves)
It's chilly in here, that's all.
[Hallie crosses to her trunk and takes out a bag of oreos. Sees Annie watching her.]
HALLIE
Want one?
ANNIE
Sure. I love Oreos. At home, I eat them with peanut butter.
HALLIE
(stops, surprised)
You do? That's so weird. So do I.
ANNIE
You're kidding? Most people find that totally disgusting.
HALLIE
I know. I don't get it.
ANNIE
Me either.
[The Girls laugh, feel a little guilty for enjoying each other's company, then laugh even harder. Hallie digs a jar of peanut butter from her trunk and opens it. The Girls start eating.]
HALLIE
What's your dad like? I mean, is he the kind of father you can talk to or
is he one of those workaholic types that says, 'I'll talk to you later, honey',
but never really does? I hate that.
ANNIE
I don't have a father, actually. I mean, I had one, once, I suppose, but
my parents divorced years ago. My mother never even mentions him. It's like
he evaporated into thin air or something.
HALLIE
It's scary the way nobody stays together any more.
ANNIE
Tell me about it.
[Both Girls devour their Oreos and peanut butter.]
HALLIE
How old are you?
ANNIE
(her mouth full)
I'll be twelve on October 11th.
HALLIE
(chokes)
So will I.
ANNIE
Your birthday's October 11th?
(Hallie nods)
How weird is that?
HALLIE
Very.
(then, realizing)
Hey, it stopped raining. Want to get a popsicle or something?
[Annie walks to Hallie and looks her up and down, really studying her, biting on her locket. Hallie, feeling her eyes on her, plays with her necklace.]
HALLIE
What's the matter?
ANNIE
Hallie, what's your mother like?
HALLIE
I never met her. She and my Dad split up when I was a baby, maybe even before,
I'm not sure. He doesn't like to talk about her... but I know she was really
beautiful.]
ANNIE
How do you know that?
HALLIE
Because my Dad had this old picture of her hidden in his sock drawer and
he caught me looking at it all the time so he gave it to me to keep. I'm
really thirsty, you sure you don't want to go to the canteen and get something
to drink?
ANNIE
Will you stop thinking about your stomach at a time like this!
HALLIE
At a time like what?
ANNIE
Don't you realize what's happening?!? Don't you find it peculiar that
we both look so much alike and have the same birthday and...
(putting it all together)
Oh man, this is beyond coincidence, this is beyond imagination! I only have
a mother, you only have a father.. You've never seen your Mom, I've never
seen my Dad. You have one old picture of your Mom, I have one old picture
of my Dad but at least yours is probably a whole picture.
(Hallie drifts over to her trunk)
Mine's a pathetic little thing, ripped right down the middle... What are
you rummaging in your trunk for?
HALLIE
(turns, holding PHOTO to her chest)
This. It's the picture of my Mom. And it's ripped, too.
ANNIE
(a little spooked)
Right down the middle?
HALLIE
(nods, nervously)
Right down the middle.
[Annie rushes to her trunk, wildly tossing out her things. She pulls out a small box, opens it and carefully takes out her RIPPED PHOTOGRAPH. She walks to Hallie, holding it to her chest.]
ANNIE
This is so freaky. Okay. on the count of three, we'll show them to each other,
okay?
HALLIE/ANNIE
(at the same time)
One... two...
(they put their PHOTOS together)
Three!
[INSERT - THE TWO TORN PHOTOS
which, when placed next to each other, fit perfectly, forming one COMPLETE
PHOTO. ANNIE'S MOM sits cozily next to HALLIE'S MOM. Behind them, is a life
preserver with the ship's name on it.]
(biting her nails)
That's my Dad...
ANNIE
That is my Mom...
[The Girls stare at the photo, then at each other. A formality of strangeness settles on them. They both reach for their lockets. O.S., the lunch BELL SOUNDS.]
ANNIE
That's the lunch bell.
HALLIE
[I'm not so hungry anymore. So if your Mom is my Mom and my Dad is your Dad... and we're both born on October 11th, then you and I are... like... sisters.]
ANNIE
Sisters?!? Hallie, we're twins!!!
[Frozen, Annie laughs then tears come to her eyes. Hallie's eyes fill up and soon tears streak her cheeks. They put their arms around each other and embrace, sobbing. They pull apart, look at each other, smile, then begin to laugh. Hallie bites nervously on her locket.]
ANNIE
What's that locket you're biting?
HALLIE
Oh, I got it when I was born. It has my initial "H" on it.
ANNIE
(showing hers)
I got mine when I was born, too. Except mine has an "A" on it.
HALLIE
Now I’ve got goose-bumps
(realizing)
Oh my God. I'm a twin?!?. There's two of me! I mean, two of us? Wow! This
is like... I have to sit down.
[Hallie takes a seat on Annie's bed.]
ANNIE
(sitting next to her)
Think I'll join you.
[They sit for a beat, then:]
HALLIE
Can I see your toes?
ANNIE
(pulling off her sneakers)
Sure.
[Hallie kicks off her shoes and they hold their feet out in front of them, side-by-side.]
ANNIE
Identical! Hands?
[They hold out their hands together.]
HALLIE
Oh my god. Exactly the same. Except I bite my nails.
ANNIE
You should stop. See how nice they could look.
HALLIE
What's your favorite color?
ANNIE
Mint Green.
HALLIE
Oh my God Oh my God!
ANNIE
(bending her right thumb down to her wrist)
Can you do this with your right hand only?
HALLIE
(bending her left thumb down)
No, but I can do it with my left hand only.
ANNIE
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
HALLIE
I don't know. Pizza...
ANNIE
Topped with... ?
HALLIE
Olives, green pepper...
ANNIE
And... ?
HALLIE
Anchovies.
ANNIE
Oh my God. We are twins!
[The Girls hug.
INT. MESS HALL - DINNER TIME
Annie and Hallie sit at their Isolation Table, talking a mile-a-minute.]
ANNIE
I don't know what our parents fought about but it must've been pretty
dreadful
for them to bisect us like this.
HALLIE
I can't imagine anyone not getting along with Dad. Everyone loves him.
ANNIE
I know, same with Mom.
HALLIE
Tell me about her, what's she like?
ANNIE
She's a clothing designer.
HALLIE
Get out!
ANNIE
She designs the most beautiful wedding gowns. That's her specialty. She's
becoming quite famous, actually. A Princess in Greece just bought one of
her gowns.
HALLIE
Wow.
ANNIE
You know what's interesting - neither of them ever got married again. Has
your...my... our Dad ever been close to remarrying
HALLIE
Never. He always says I'm the only girl in his life.
ANNIE
Mom's never come close either. You know what this means, don't you?
HALLIE
Not exactly. You’re obviously the older one, you get everything before
me. What does it mean?
ANNIE
(leaning in)
Secretly, in their innermost heart of hearts, they must still be in love
with each other.
HALLIE
You think so? Then why haven't they tried to see each other all these years?
ANNIE
That's the way true love works. History's filled with stories of lovers parted
by some silly misunderstanding. Anyway, Mom can be unbelievably stubborn
when she wants to be.
HALLIE
She can't be worse than Dad
ANNIE
(laughs)
They sound exactly like us.
[EXT. ISOLATION BUNK - ESTABLISHING - LATE AT NIGHT
Everything is quiet and peaceful until we HEAR:
HALLIE’S VOICE (O.S.)]
OhmyGod!
[INT. ISOLATION BUNK - SAME TIME
The room is Dark, Annie is sleeping. HALLIE BOLTS STRAIGHT UP IN BED.]
HALLIE
I have a brilliant beyond brilliant idea.
(gets out of bed, paces)
I'm a genius. Annie, wake up, you're related to a bona fide genius.
ANNIE
What are you raving about?
HALLIE
You want to know what Dad is like, right?
ANNIE
I was just dreaming I was on your front porch with him.
HALLIE
-- And I'm dying to know Mom. So what I'm thinking is ... Oh man, this is
so brilliant, it's scary.
ANNIE
What is it?!?
HALLIE
I think we should switch places. When camp's over, I leave as you and go
back to London and you leave as me and go to California.
(off Annie's look)
We can pull it off. We're twins, aren’t we?
ANNIE
Twins from different countries, with different accents, different hair-styles,
different vocabularies... different everything. Hallie, we're totally and
completely, one hundred percent different.
HALLIE
So? What's the problem? I'll teach you to be me and you teach me to be you.
(gets on knees and begs)
C'mon, I gotta meet my Mom.
ANNIE
(gets out of bed)
The truth is, you know, if we switch, sooner or later they'll have to un-switch
US.
HALLIE
And when they do, they'll have-to meet again.
ANNIE
Face-to-face. After all these years.
HALLIE
I told you I'm brilliant.
[INT. DANCE ROOM - DAY
Hallie wears Annie's leotard and Annie wears Hallie's bike shorts and sports
bra. Hallie holds a large pad on which she has drawn the layout of her house.]
HALLIE
-- okay, dining room's on the right, but we never eat in there except on
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Living room's here... Dad's office is the first
door down the hall. You never have to knock, if you do, he'll think it's
weird... Down here is...
[EXT. LAKE - SUNSET
Annie and Hallie sit on the dock looking through a stack of photos, as the
sun sinks behind them. Annie wears Hallie's Girls Rule baseball cap.]
ANNIE
This is Grandfather.
HALLIE
He's so cute. What do we call him?
ANNIE
Grandfather.
HALLIE
That makes sense.
ANNIE
(showing next photo)
This is Martin. He's our Butler.-
HALLIE
We have a Butler?
[MAIN HALL - NIGHT
The entire camp is assembled for a screening of Father Of The Bride, Part
II, and naturally, they're laughing hysterically. Hallie and Annie sit in
the middle of the crowd, whispering.]
ANNIE
But I never bite my nails!
HALLIE
But I always do. Daddy'll know.
ANNIE
(sits on her hands)
I can't.
HALLIE
Want me to do it for you?
[Annie rolls her eyes and starts chewing away.
INT. MESS HALL - MORNING
Annie sits in Hallie's seat and Hallie sits in Annie's. Hallie sips a cup
of tea, very lady-like and Annie munches on Fruit Loops.]
HALLIE
(with a proper British accent)
I dare say this is frightfully good tea, wouldn't you agree?
ANNIE
(playing Game Boy)
What-ever.
[INT. ISOLATION BUNK - DAY
PANS the walls which are now covered with charts, photos and diagrams of
Annie's London Town House and Hallie's Napa Ranch House. COMES TO REST on
ANNIE, sitting on a stool in front of a mirror, biting her locket.]
ANNIE
Okay, I'm ready.
[CLOSE - A DRAWER SLIDES OPEN and Hallie takes out a comb and a pair of
scissors.
CLOSE - ANNIE - CLOSING HER EYES Hallie steps INT FRAME, grabs a of clump
of Annie's hair and closes her eyes, as well.]
ANNIE
Don't shut your eyes!
HALLIE
Oh, right. Sorry. I'm just a little nervous.
ANNIE
You're nervous?!? An eleven year-old is cutting my hair. Go ahead, just do
it!
[As Hallie raises the scissors ...
ANGLE - THE FLOOR
as ANNIE'S HAIR falls in a ring around her feet. A beat and CAMERA TILTS
UP to ANNIE staring in the MIRROR at her new "look". Hallie leans in next
to her. They are now IDENTICAL in every way.]
ANNIE
This is scary.
HALLIE
(New York accent)
Honey, you never looked better.
(realizes something)
OhmyGod!
ANNIE
ohmygod what?
HALLIE
I have pierced ears!
ANNIE
Yeah... ?
(then, panicked)
Oh, no. Forget it! Uh-uh, not happening. Sorry. Wrong number.
HALLIE
Then cutting your hair was a total waste. There's no way I could go to camp
with pierced ears and come home
without 'em. I mean, come on. Get real.
ANNIE
This isn't fair. I've had to chew my nails, cut off my hair and now you want
to punch holes in my ears! You didn't have to do one bloody thing to become
me!
HALLIE
Hey, can I help it if I'm a complicated woman with a look entirely my own?
[A MATCH is FIRED UP. Hallie holds a sewing needle over the flame.]
HALLIE
(very calmly)
Needle sterilized.
[Hallie professionally carries the needle to Annie, who lies on her bed, petrified, holding an ice cube to her ear.]
ANNIE
Y-Y-You sure you know what you're doing?
HALLIE
(cool as a cucumber)
I've gone with all my friends to have their ears pierced. Just close your
eyes, it'll all be over before you know it. Earring ready?
[Annie holds up the earring as her reply.]
HALLIE
Okay, just relax. On the count of three, remove the ice. One, two, three!
[Annie shuts her eyes TIGHTLY, pulls the ice away as Hallie -STICKS THE NEEDLE
through Annie's ear lobe. Both Girls SCREAM at the top of their
lungs.
CUT TO:
HALLIE - PASSED OUT COLD ON THE FLOOR
Annie, now wearing the earring, gently slaps Hallie's face trying to revive
her.]
ANNIE
Hal, are you okay? Wake up! Hallie! Hallie OPENS her eyes.
HALLIE
Are you bleeding to death?
ANNIE
I'm fine. It didn't hurt at all. But I refuse to go through life with only
one pierced ear.
(holds up NEEDLE.)
Back to work, darling.
[Hallie takes one look at THE NEEDLE and PASSES OUT AGAIN.]
ANNIE
Hal!
[EXT. MAIN LODGE - MORNING
Teary-eyed Campers are hugging good-bye, as they load into the buses and
cars.
Crosby, Jackie, Zoe and Nicole hug Hallie and Annie good-bye and-climb into
their buses. Hallie is now dressed in Annie's blue suit and Annie is dressed
in Hallie's overalls.]
ANNIE
Okay, so remember, you're going to find out how Mom and Dad met...
HALLIE
-- and you're gonna find out why they broke up...
MARVA JR.
(through her bull-horn)
-- Annie James! Your car's here! Annie James, front and center!
ANNIE
That's you.
(hands her envelope)
Here's your ticket and passport. The plane leaves at noon.
(then)
Also, remember, you've got to figure out a way to bring Mom out to California.
MARVA JR
Last call, Annie James!
[The Girls hug.]
Give Dad a kiss for me.
ANNIE
And give Mom one for me.
[Hallie nods and takes off. Annie watches her, biting her locket.]
ANNIE
OhmyGod! Hallie! I mean, Annie!
Hallie!
(Hallie turns)
The lockets!
[Hallie rolls her eyes, runs back and the Girls quickly switch lockets, kiss
good-bye and Hallie takes off again. ANNIE WATCHES FROM THE CROWD
as Hallie greets the Limo Driver, climbs in the back seat and speeds off.
Annie crosses her arms, then crosses her fingers.]
ANNIE
Good luck.
[CUT TO: LONDON
from 10,000 feet.
ANGLE - HALLIE - SEATED BY THE WINDOW
on British Air, just moments before landing.]
HALLIE
(to herself)
okay, this is it. Oh, God, I hope she likes me. Please like me.
[INT. BRITISH AIR TERMINAL - A FEW MOMENTS LATER
A steady stream of Passengers fill the terminal. Hallie cautiously enters,
looking into the SEA OF FACES waiting behind a velvet rope, when she HEARS:]
MARTIN (O.S.)
Annie!
[Hallie looks up and sees Martin pushing through the crowd, holding a small bouquet of flowers]
HALLIE
(with her best British accent)
Maaaw-tin!
[She rushes to him and dives him a big hug.]
MARTIN
You look fantastic. What did you do to your hair?
HALLIE
Cut it. Do you like it?
MARTIN
Love it. It's the new you!
(notices)
And you got your ears pierced! Give me five, girlfriend!
[He puts out his hand to start "the handshake". Hallie looks at him strangely
for a moment, then remembers "the handshake" and executes it to perfection.
LONDON - THE SIGHTS as seen from a moving Limo. We PASS the HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT,
WESTMINSTER ABBEY and BIG BEN.
INT. LIMOUSINE - MOVING - SAME TIME
Hallie has the window rolled down, her head resting on her hands, as she
soaks up the sights.]
HALLIE
This is so amazing! What a city!
MARTIN
Eight weeks at camp and suddenly you act like a American tourist.
HALLIE
That's what camp's for, silly. Makes you appreciate home. I just love how
everyone drives on the wrong side here.
(then, realizing)
I mean, here they actually drive on the right side, but after being in America
where they drive on the wrong side, which after a while begins to feel like
the right side, makes this seem like the wrong side... OhmyGod! Martin!
Buckingham Palace!!! Can we stop?!? I'm dying to see one of the guards
up close.
MARTIN
You've seen the guards up close a million times.
HALLIE
But never with short hair and pierced ears.
MARTIN
Did they serve you anything funny to drink on that plane?
HALLIE
Please, Martin. Just for a sec.
MARTIN
Just for a sec? Now you're even talking like an American. Oh, dear... Gareth
pull over, will you, old boy?
[The Driver pulls up in front of BUCKINGHAM PALACE and Hallie gets out and runs up to one of the Royal Guards. As is the custom, the Guard doesn't look at Hallie, doesn't even blink.]
HALLIE
(waves)
Hi, there. How ya' doin'?
(no answer, whispers)
My name's Hallie. I'm from California. We don't have anything remotely like
you in California. Oh, this is too cool. My Dad has a nutcracker shaped just
like you. Same outfit... everything. is the Queen home? What's she doing?
I know you can't answer. Can you blink if she's home?
Suddenly, the Guard clicks his heels, lifts his rifle over his shoulder and
snaps to attention. A DOZEN OTHER GUARDS join him, doing the same. immediately,
the other side of the gate is flanked by a MATCHED SET OF GUARDS, all switching
their rifles from one shoulder to the other and snapping to attention. The
enormous Gates to the Palace MAJESTICALLY OPEN and a DOZEN PALACE GUARD holding
Royal Flags exit in formation, followed by A WHITE ROLLS ROYCE. The Rolls
slowly pulls through the Gates and heads directly toward Hallie, who stands
frozen among the Palace Guards.]
HALLIE
Oh jeez, tell me this isn't happening!
[The Rolls comes to a stop in front of Hallie and the tinted window in the back-seat slowly lowers. Hallie starts to fall backwards. The Palace Guard pushes her back upright. From the back-seat, behind the Driver, QUEEN ELIZABETH leans forward and peers out crown and all.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Good afternoon.
HALLIE
Good afternoon.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
What's your name, dear?
HALLIE
Hallie Parker. I mean, Annie James, ma'am. Not Hallie Parker. Sorry. Forgot
my name.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Yes, I have that effect on people. So nice to meet you, Annie James. Thank
you for stopping by the Palace today.
HALLIE
Thank you, Your Highness. Very nice to meet you personally like this ...
I didn't even know you were home. I was excited just to see one of your Guards
... I'm supposed to curtsy, aren't I?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
That's okay, my dear, I shan't tell a single soul. I promise.
HALLIE
(nods, stunned)
You shan't? Oh, thank you, ma'am.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
(waves, with a gloved hand)
Time for me to go. Ta-ta.
HALLIE
(waves back, shocked)
Ta-ta.
[The window rises and the Rolls pulls off amongst The Queen's Guard.]
PALACE GUARD
(through locked teeth)
Now that's a first.
[Hallie turns to Martin and the Chauffeur, who watch, their mouths agape.
EXT. 18TH. CENTURY HOUSE - REGENT'S PARK - A LITTLE LATER
An elegant town house on one of London's loveliest streets. The Limousine
pulls up and the Driver gets out, opening the back door for Hallie. She steps
out and looks up at the house.]
HALLIE
(to herself)
This is it, 18 Cumberland Square.
[Martin helps the Driver with the luggage as Hallie rushes up the steps. She places her hand on the big round knob and turns it.]
[INT. TOWN HOUSE
A beautiful, sun-filled house with a fantastic carved staircase. Hallie stands
in the foyer, feeling very small.]
HALLIE
Hello?
[She peeks into the Drawing Room, doesn't see anyone, heads around the stairs,
counting the doorways and stops at:
THE LIBRARY
where she sees someone sitting in a leather chair, smoking a pipe, hidden
behind The Financial Times.]
HALLIE
(softly)
Grandfather, I'm home.
[Hallie's Grandfather, CHARLES JAMES, a small, dapper man, with a moustache and wearing a Saville Row suit, rises with a smile.]
CHARLES
Is that my little girl? That tall gangly thing?
HALLIE
Yes, it's me.
(takes her in his arms)
Did you have a good time, sweet pea?
HALLIE
(buried in his suit jacket)
Uh-huh... Great...
CHARLES
(amused)
What are you doing?
HALLIE
Just smelling.
CHARLES
Smelling?
HALLIE
I'm making a memory. Years from now, when I'm all grown up, I'll remember
my Grandfather and how he always smelled of peppermint and pipe tobacco.
[He pulls her close, she rests her head on his chest. Then, from the top of the stairs, Hallie HEARS:]
ELIZABETH'S VOICE
Annie...!
[Hallie looks up to the balcony at the top of the stairs and sees her Mother - for the first time in her life. ELIZABETH JAMES is a natural beauty in her mid-thirties. Hallie walks trance-like to the bottom of the stairs.]
HALLIE-
Mother?
ELIZABETH
Honey, welcome home!
[Elizabeth rushes down the stairs as Hallie flies up toward her.. Hallie falls into her Mother's arms, tears flooding her eyes.]
HALLIE
I can't believe it's you.
ELIZABETH
And I can't believe it's you and with short hair no less.
HALLIE
A girl I met at camp cut it. Do you hate it?
MARTIN
(entering with the luggage)
I think it looks awesome.
ELIZABETH
So do I. I absolutely love it. And you got your ears pierced?!
[Hallie nods.]
CHARLES
Looks very chic if you ask me, although nobody ever does.
ELIZABETH
Any other surprises - belly-button rings, tattoos ... ?
[Hallie laughs, shakes her head, looks up at her Mother with tears in her eyes.]
ELIZABETH
What is it, sweetie?
HALLIE
I'm sorry, it's just... I've missed you so much.
ELIZABETH
(hugging her)
Can you believe it? It seems like it's been forever.
HALLIE
You have no idea.
[INT. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
We hear LAUGHTER OFF-CAMERA then Elizabeth and Hallie E R. Hallie takes in
the room... it's beautiful, feminine and gracious. Tea has been laid on a
corner table. Elizabeth leads Hallie to a small love seat.]
ELIZABETH
So tell me all about camp.
HALLIE
Ohmygod, I love your room, Mom... it's so... totally Mom-like.
ELIZABETH
Nothing's new... it's just as Mom-like as it's always been. So... c'mon,
tell Anne... Did you like everyone? Was it fun?
HALLIE
Yeah, it was great and I liked this one girl a real lot,
I mean... in particular. She's from California, actually.
(then)
Have you ever been to California?
ELIZABETH
(pouring tea)
Yes... Once. But that was a long time ago, before you were born.
HALLIE
(staring at Elizabeth)
Man-o-Manichevitz ... I didn't realize you were so beautiful.
ELIZABETH
Man-o-Manichevitz ... I love your new vocabulary.
[Just then, Martin knocks on the open door and with
disdain, holds up Hallie's Teddy Bear, by it's ear.]
MARTIN
I found a stowaway in your suitcase.
HALLIE
OhmyGod, Cuppy.
(Elizabeth turns to her)
[He belongs to a girl in my bunk... I don't know how on earth he ended up in my suitcase. Gosh, whaddya know.]
MARTIN
Well, since he's not our 'Cuppy’, shall we dispose of him?
HALLIE
(retrieving it)
No! I mean, no. I'll mail him to her. She loves this thing a lot. A lot.
A lot. She's like slept with that thing her entire life and she could never
be like in a foreign country without him. No, no, I'll take care. of it,
thank you, Martin.
[Just then, the PHONE RINGS. Elizabeth answers it.]
ELIZABETH
Hello? Hi... Really? Can't you manage without me? Annie just got home from
camp... Well, what's the problem?
[As Elizabeth talks on the phone, Hallie crosses to the dresser and runs her hand across her Mother's brush, her pearls, smells her perfume, then lifts up a photo of Elizabeth as a little girl. Hallie turns back, looks at her Mom. Elizabeth makes a face about the phone call. Hallie laughs as Elizabeth continues on the phone. Hallie notices Elizabeth's closet door is open and she enters, gazing at all of her Mother's clothes. She looks at a row of evening clothes and touches the beautiful fabrics.]
ELIZABETH
Annie!
[Hallie pops out of the closet, worried she's been caught trespassing.]
ELIZABETH
Would you mind very much running down to the studio with me?
[EXT. KINGS ROAD - LONDON - A LITTLE LATER
Through a LONG LENS, shooting through taxi cabs and traffic, we SEE one very
happy Little Girl walking the streets of London, holding her Mother's hand.
A STORE WINDOW - MOMENTS LATER
CLOSE on a mannequin wearing an EXQUISITE WEDDING GOWN. Above the window
is the name Elizabeth Tames Designs.
HALLIE (O.S.)
Wow, that's incredible.
[ANGLE BACK to REVEAL Hallie and Elizabeth standing in front of the shop.]
ELIZABETH
Really? You don't think it's too over-the-top?
HALLIE
No. I love it. You know who would look really beautiful in that gown? I mean,
beautiful?
ELIZABETH
Who?
HALLIE
You.
ELIZABETH
Me? I think the time change has made you a little loopy. Come on, let's see
what all the fuss is about...
[ELIZABETH JAMES STUDIOS - DAY
A skylight fills the foyer of this converted town house with a splash of
white light. A huge vase of white orchids sit on an antique table. Elizabeth
and Hallie climb a circular stairwell, passing a Bridal Boutique on the first
floor.]
HALLIE
-- You mean you never think about getting married again?
ELIZABETH
No, I like things exactly the way they are, thank you.
[An Assistant hurries past them, carrying a veil.]
ASSISTANT
Hi, Elizabeth. Hey Annie, welcome home. Great haircut.
HALLIE
Hi... Thanks ...
(shuts her yes, thinking hard)
-- Fiona! Yeah, I'm back. Thanks.
(then)
But Mom, seriously, doesn't designing all these wedding gowns ever make you
think about marriage... or maybe just think about the "F" word?
ELIZABETH
(stops)
The ‘F’ word?!
HALLIE
My 'father'.
ELIZABETH
Oh. That ‘F’ word. Well, no, actually it doesn't because I didn't
even wear a wedding gown-when I married the 'F' word.
HALLIE
You didn't? -Why not?
ELIZABETH
Hey, how did we get into this discussion anyway?
(they arrive at a large loft filled with people)
Okay, here we are. Now let's see what disaster awaits us.
[As they step into THE LOFT, we see a PHOTO-SHOOT is in progress. A MODEL wears a beautiful wedding gown as a PHOTOGRAPHER, shoots away. Make-Up, Hair people and Assistants scurry about. MUSIC plays in the B.G. Hallie watches like a kid in a candy store.]
PHOTOGRAPHER
Okay, she's here.- We're saved.
ELIZABETH
(sotto, to Hallie)
Uh-huh, the pressure's on.
PHOTOGRAPHER
We don't know what to do with the veil. if she wears it, it covers the back
of the dress, if she doesn't the dress looks--
ELIZABETH
-- incomplete. Right.
(to Model)
Can you try standing sideways..? Head up, kind of an Audrey Hepburn type...
that's it. That's perfect.
(to Assistant)
Now slip the veil on and drape it back... not over her shoulders ... straight
back, there you go...
(to Model)
Now lift the train in your arms like you're carrying it. Don't worry about
the bouquet, you're married now, you gotta learn to juggle... Beautiful.
And look happy, it's your wedding day!
[The Model laughs as the Photographer reels off shots.]
HALLIE
(to herself)
Mom is too cool.
[STUDIO CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
Elizabeth and Hallie make their way down the hall, passing a row of design
offices. Two Assistants carry a gown past them.]
HALLIE
So what did you wear to marry my Dad?
ELIZABETH
Why the sudden curiosity about your Dad?
HALLIE
Well, maybe because he's never mentioned and you can't blame a kid for
wondering...
ELIZABETH
(sticks her head in an office)
I'm going home, kids ... See you tomorrow.
[Elizabeth and Hallie head back down the circular staircase.]
HALLIE
So, what was he like? Really.
ELIZABETH
Who?
[Hallie rolls her eyes.
EXT. ELIZABETH JAMES DESIGNS - LONDON - LATE DAY
Elizabeth and Hallie step onto the street.]
HALLIE
Mother, you can't avoid the subject forever.
ELIZABETH
Okay. He was quite lovely to tell you the truth. When we met, he was...actually
entirely lovely. All
right?
HALLIE
(smiles)
All right.
[It starts to RAIN. Elizabeth snaps open an umbrella.]
ELIZABETH
(puts her arm around Hallie)
Are you cold?
HALLIE
I'm fine.
(looks up at her)
So, did you meet him here in London?
[Elizabeth-takes Hallie's hand as they dash across the street.]
ELIZABETH
We met on the QE 2.
HALLIE
The QE what?
ELIZABETH
The Queen Elizabeth 2. It's an ocean liner that sails from London to New
York. I was nervous about flying in those days, so was your father.
(remembering back)
We met our very first night on board the ship, actually. We were seated next
to each other at dinner. He's an American, you know.
HALLIE
No kidding?
ELIZABETH
(nods)
We kind of hit it off immediately.
HALLIE
Hey, I love Americans. I mean, if I wasn't British, I'd be an American. So,
was it love at first sight?
ELIZABETH
I knew you were going to ask me all these questions one day.
(yells)
Taxi!
[Elizabeth raises her am and hails a cab. It splashes to a stop and they
hurry inside.
INT. TAXI - MOVING
Elizabeth and Hallie sit side-by-side.]
HALLIE
So, did you see each other every single night?
ELIZABETH
You know, this part of your personality reminds me of you father. You'd think
he raised you instead of me.
(looking into Hallie's eyes)
Yes, we saw each other every night, every morning and every hour in-between.
Then one night, he popped the question, right there in the middle of the
Atlantic.
HALLIE
Cool.
ELIZABETH
And since a ship's Captain can do all kinds of special things, like even
marry people...
HALLIE
OhmyGod, you mean, you got married on the QE 2?
(Elizabeth nods)
That's beyond cool. So what happened? You didn't love each other when you
weren't in the middle of the Atlantic?
ELIZABETH
I don't know, honey. These things are complicated. I'm very British and you
father's very American. I tried living in California, he tried living in
London but...
HALLIE
It just didn't work out.
ELIZABETH
No, it didn't. Except for having you.
[Hallie smiles. Elizabeth puts her arm around her, pulls her close. Hallie signs.]
HALLIE
Dear old Dad. I wonder what he's doing at this very moment?
[CUT TO: DEAR OLD DAD
CAMERA is CLOSE on NICK PARKER and he is lovely, indeed. A smiling, ruggedly
handsome guy, who shines among a throng of people waiting anxiously at THE
NAPA COUNTY AIRPORT. Suddenly, he brightens and waves.]
NICK
Hal! Hey, welcome home, kiddo!
[ANGLE - ANNIE WALKING ACROSS THE TARMAC
carrying Hallie's duffel bag over her shoulder. Nervous at first, she breaks
into a grin at the sight of her father, waving and smiling at her.]
ANNIE
Dad!!!
[Annie runs to him and stops just as she reaches him.]
ANNIE
(looking up at him)
Dad... Finally...
NICK
Get into these arms, you little punk.
[Nick wraps his arms around Annie and pulls her close.]
NICK
I hope you had a lousy time at that camp 'cause you're never going back -
I missed you too much.
(Annie smiles, Nick looks at her)
What happened to you? Something's changed. Did you get taller?
[They walk off, arm-in-arm, into the terminal, Nick carrying Hallie's
duffel.
INT. TERMINAL]
ANNIE
So, what's up, Dad? How’s Chessy and everybody?
NICK
Great. Everybody's great, can't wait to see you. Eight weeks really is too
long, Hal. So much has been happening around here.
ANNIE
A lot's happened to me, too. I feel like I'm practically a new woman.
[As they walk, Annie keeps peeking at Nick.]
NICK
What's the matter? Did I cut myself shaving?
ANNIE
No, it's just seeing you for the first time. I mean, you know... in so
long.
(giggles)
You look taller to me, too.
NICK
(pulls her to him)
C'mon, squirt, let's go home.
[EXT. NAPA, CALIFORNIA - AERIAL VIEW - DAY
A dark green Suburban drives past picture perfect wine vineyards.
INT. SUBURBAN - MOVING
Nick drives wearing a straw cowboy hat. Hallie sits next to him.]
NICK
Hey, by the way, thanks for all those newsy letters. I'm really glad I bought
you all that personalized stationary you just had to have.
ANNIE
We meant to write, Dad, but we just got so busy with...
NICK
We?
ANNIE
Oh. Me and my friend. I met this girl at camp and we got really close.
Practically like sisters. She was a lovely girl.
NICK
‘Lovely’? You seem to have gotten very Proper all of a sudden.
(takes her hand, looks at it)
Still biting those nails.
ANNIE
Dad! You noticed!
NICK
Whaddya mean, noticed? You've been biting them since you got teeth.
ANNIE
But I've decided to stop, Dad. It's a horrid, habit, really it is, Dad.
NICK
'Lovely' girl ... 'Horrid, habit? Did I send you to summer camp or finishing
school? And why do you keep saying 'Dad', at the end of every sentence?
ANNIE
I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was doing it, Dad.
(realizing she's done it again)
Sorry, Dad.
[They both laugh.]
ANNIE
Do you want to know why I keep saying Dad... ? The truth?
NICK
Because you missed your old man so much?
ANNIE
Exactly! it's because in my whole life, I mean for these past eight weeks,
I was never able to ever say the word 'Dad'. Never. Not once! And a Dad is
an irreplaceable person in a girls' life. I mean think about it, there's
a whole day, devoted to celebrating Fathers, right? Just imagine, someone's
life without a Father. Never buying a Father's Day card, never getting their
Father a birthday present, never sitting on their Father's lap, never being
able to say, 'Hi, Dad', 'What's up, Dad?', 'Bye, Dad', 'Catch you later,
Dad'. A baby's first words are always 'Dada', aren't they? Then there's
'Daddy', 'Daddio', 'Pop', 'My old man'... Not to mention, 'Wait 'til your
father gets home',
and...
NICK
So, let me see if I get this ... you missed being able to call me Dad.
ANNIE
Yeah. I really have, Dad.
[Nick smiles as he turns in under a wooden sign that says Parker Vineyard and Winery. Annie looks out the window.]
ANNIE
OhmyGod.
NICK
Now you sound like your old self.
[EXT. NICK AND HALLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
A rambling Victorian-style ranch house, with a wide porch that wraps around
the entire facade. Nick toots the HORN as he drives down the long gravel
driveway. SAMMY, a big golden mutt, races after the car, barking. JOSE, Nick's
right-hand man, arrives from the side of the house, drinking a small bottle
of juice. He opens the Suburban's door for Annie.]
JOSE
Well, look who finally decided to come home.
ANNIE
Hey, Jose.
JOSE
Did your old man tell you we decided no more camp for you?
ANNIE
(climbing out)
Yeah, he told me.
JOSE
(hugging her)
It got too quiet around here, Hal. We couldn't stand it. Nobody blasting
music, nobody playing hide and seek in the vineyards, nobody getting stuck
up on the roof...
[Annie laughs as the screen door swings open and CHESSY EXITS, humming as if she's a one-woman welcome home band. Chessy, the most lovable woman on the planet, early thirties, warm eyes, great sense of humor, lifts Annie right off her feet.]
CHESSY
Hell-o, Gorgeous! You grew, you lost weight, you look fabulous, we missed
you, don't let these bums talk you out of, going back to camp. You're a growing
girl. You need adventure. You hungry? I made cornbread and chili. Why're
you so quiet? What's wrong?
ANNIE
I'm just so happy to be home.
NICK
(passes, carrying Hallie's duffel)
Did I hear something about cornbread and chili?
CHESSY
It's on the stove...
(without even looking)
Wipe your feet, Jose!
[Chessy looks Annie over, hugs her again.]
CHESSY
You've changed, Hal ... I can't put my finger on it, but something about
you has definitely changed..
[Sammy bounds down the steps of the porch.]
ANNIE
Really? Me?
(then)
Hi, Sammy!
[Sammy sniffs at Annie's shoes, looks up at her, then backs off suspiciously, BARKING at her.]
CHESSY
What's with you, goofball! It's Hallie.
[Sammy continues BARKING.]
ANNIE
I probably smell like camp, that's all.
[Annie runs up the porch steps, followed by Chessy.]
CHESSY
(to Sammy)
What's wrong with you? it's like you didn't even recognize her.
[INT. HOUSE
A spacious comfortable ranch house with high ceilings and panoramic views
of Nick's vineyards.]
ANNIE
(taking it all in)
Wow! It's even better than the pictures.
CHESSY
Whaddya want to do first, kiddo - unpack or eat? Or eat, then unpack? Or,
we can eat while we unpack.
ANNIE
You mean I can eat in my room?
CHESSY
(looks at her like she's nuts)
Yes, I would say that's a definite possibility.
[-As Chessy and Annie head up the stairs, Nick ENTERS, eating a big bowl of chili.]
NICK
Hal, when you're done, come on down, there's someone I want you to meet.
ANNIE
(looks down at him)
Okay, Dad.
NICK
(smiles)
Okay, Hal.
[Annie continues up the stairs, suddenly stops. Turns to Chessy.]
ANNIE
Someone he wants me to meet?
CHESSY
(on the sly)
[-He didn't tell you?]
ANNIE
Tell me what?
[Annie HEARS the SOUND of A WOMAN LAUGHING. She looks down.
ANNIE'S VIEW - THE LIVING ROOM BELOW
Nick turns as MEREDITH BLAKE enters from the patio. Meredith is a tawny beauty
of twenty-six, wearing a chic sleeveless dress, sleek hair and heels.' Nick
takes her hand. Annie turns back to Chessy and mouths "Who is that?”
Chessy motions for Annie to follow her upstairs.
INT. HALLIE'S ROOM
Sunny, warmly furnished with lots of books, CD's, Horse Show ribbons and
toys. The French doors are wide open and a gentle breeze billows the curtains.]
ANNIE-
Who’s the blonde?
CHESSY
Hal, it's none of my business how your father makes a fool out of himself,
you understand? He's a big boy, he can do what he wants.
ANNIE
Right. So who is she?
CHESSY
Her name's Meredith Blake. She's a publicist from San Francisco. Your father
hired her at the beginning of the summer to do some publicity for the vineyard
and if you ask me, she's done a better job selling herself than the grapes.
ANNIE
Whaddya mean?
CHESSY
Look, you and I know your Dad's no suave debonair Bachelor of the Month-type,
so I wonder what a young hot thing like her sees in a guy who walks around
with his shirt-tail hanging out and his cereal bowl full of chili. Then I
realized, there's a .million reasons why that girl's giggling and they're
all sitting in the Napa Valley Community Bank.
ANNIE
You mean you don't think she even really likes Dad...
CHESSY
-- What do I know? But I'll tell you one thing. This one could give Sharon
Stone femme fatal lessons. She's got your father eating out of the palm of
her hand. They ride together, they swim together, they're out to dinner every
night. Not to mention she treats yours truly like the shlepper help of all
time which has really endeared her to me, as you can imagine. You go down
and meet her and see for yourself. Don't let me influence you.
[INT. LIVING ROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATER
Annie bounds down the stairs, wearing sunglasses and a faded Parker Vineyards
T-shirt over a bathing suit-. She looks around, sees lots of PHOTOGRAPHS
of Nick and Hallie when Hallie was a baby.]
ANNIE
(admiring a photo)
We were such a cute baby.
[She's distracted when she HEARS Meredith's LAUGH. Annie lowers her sunglasses,
peering over them at Meredith lounging by the pool ogling Nick.
EXT. POOL
Annie joins Nick and Meredith under an umbrella. The vineyards and mountains
cascade down from the pool creating an incredible vista.]
NICK
There's my girl! Hal, I want you to meet a friend of mine. Honey, this is
Meredith Blake.
ANNIE
(waves)
Hi ...
MEREDITH
Hi. Wow. I can't believe I'm finally meeting the famous Hallie. I've looked
forward to this all summer.
ANNIE
Really? Well ... here I am.
MEREDITH
Nicky, she's adorable.
[Nick blushes as Annie mouths "Nicky-O"]
MEREDITH
The way your father talked about you I expected to meet a little girl but
you're so grown up...
ANNIE
I'll be twelve soon. How old are you?
MEREDITH
(a little thrown)
-- Twenty-six.
ANNIE
Only fourteen years older than me. How old are you again, Dad?
NICK
Oh, suddenly she's interested in math. I'm gonna get some more chili and
a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
ANNIE
What are we celebrating?
[Nick pauses.]
MEREDITH (jumping in)
You're home-coming of course.
[Nick and Meredith exchange a quick look which is not lost on Annie. Nick heads toward the house as Annie sits by the pool, dunking her feet in the water. A cell-phone RINGS, Meredith flips it open.]
MEREDITH
Hello. Yes, Reverend Mosby... Uh-huh. I'll certainly ask him but I doubt
if he'll be available. I understand it's for a local charity. Um-hmmm...
I'm writing it all down.
(she writes nothing down)
Okay, got it. Sounds very worthwhile, I-agree but unfortunately, I see that
Mr. Parker will be out of the country those days. Yes, I'll be sure to mention
it to him. Thank you
(snaps phone shut)
So. How was camp, Hal? Was it fabulous?
ANNIE
Yes, I loved it actually. My Dad's going out of the country? When?
MEREDITH
No, no, I just had to say that to get him out of something.
(changing the subject)
You know I never heard a man talk about his daughter the way Nicky talks
about you. You two are obviously incredibly close.
ANNIE
We're closer than close. We're all each other has...
[Annie does a huge cannonball into the pool, SPLASHING water all over Meredith. Pissed, but controlling it, Meredith walks to the edge of the pool picks up a towel and pats herself dry as Annie POPS to the surface.]
ANNIE
Sorry, did I get you wet, Mer?
MEREDITH (trying to be sweet)
Just a little, Hal.
(then)
Hey, guess what? Your Dad took me riding the other day and he let me ride
your horse. I hope that's okay with you.
ANNIE
Oh, sure. Sprout's used to strange women riding her. Not that you're strange
or anything.- Actually, compared to the others, you seem relatively normal.
(she floats on her back)
MEREDITH
(curiosity getting the best of her, walks to Annie)
Others? What others?
ANNIE
What others? Puh-leeze.
(laughs hysterically, sees Meredith's concern)
You want the 411?
MEREDITH
The 411?
ANNIE
The 'information'... the lowdown on the other women. Can't say that I blame
you. I'd want to know if I was number twenty-eight ... I mean... number
twenty-nine in a man's life.
MEREDITH
I'm number twenty-nine?!
ANNIE
Well, yes but I didn't start counting ‘til I was about four. God knows
how many there were before then. it's always the same routine... horseback
riding through the vineyards ... long romantic dinners with his special reserve
label wine... moonlight swims ...
(Meredith nods, intrigued)
But I always say, it's none of my business if a man his age wants to make
a fool out of himself. Although, maybe he's changed and you're the real thing,
Mer.
[Just then, Nick arrives with a bottle of Champagne.]
NICK
Okay, here we go. A bottle of my special reserve label. You girls find something
to talk about while I was gone?
[Annie smiles and dives under the water, just like a little angel.]
NICK
Does that mean 'yes'?
MEREDITH
It sure does.
[EXT. ELIZABETH'S TOWN HOUSE - LONDON - FOLLOWING MORNING OVER, a PHONE RINGS.
INT. FOYER - SAME TIME
Grandfather walks right past the RINGING PHONE, reading the morning paper.
Elizabeth stands at the top of the stairs, slipping on pair of heels.]
ELIZABETH
Somebody grab that, please.
[Martin passes through carrying a tray with coffee on it. He picks up the phone, balancing the tray with his other hand.]
MARTIN
James residence... Annie?
[Hallie walks by.]
HALLIE
Yes, Martin?
MARTIN
(does a double-take)
oh dear, it sounded just like you on the phone.
(into phone)
I'm sorry, who did you wish to speak with? Annie? Of course. One moment,
please.
(hands Hallie the phone)
A Mildred Plotka for you... Sounds like your twin.
HALLIE
My twin? Very funny.
(into phone)
Hello? Oh, Mildred, how you doin'?
[INT. HALLIE'S BEDROOM - NAPA, CALIFORNIA - MIDNIGHT
Annie holds the phone as she crosses the bedroom, sneaks into the BATHROOM
and locks the door.]
ANNIE
(as herself)
Hey! How's it going over there?.
HALLIE
(also as-Annie)
Oh, everything's quite lovely here. We're expecting a bit of rain today but
Mildred, can you... hold on for a moment7
[Hallie sees the coast is clear and ducks into the hall closet, shutting the door just as Martin walks past. He does another double-take... Where'd she go?]
[INSIDE THE CLOSET - SAME TIME
Hallie pulls a string above her head, turning on the light.]
HALLIE
(as herself)
Okay, now I can talk. OhmyGod, mom's incredible. I can not believe I've lived
my. entire life without knowing her. She's beautiful and fun and smart and
I love the gowns she designs and I got her talking about how she and Dad
first met and what happened between them and if you ask me--
[INTERCUT - HALLIE AND ANNIE]
ANNIE
(WHISTLING into phone)
Hallie! Stop! We've got a major problem. You're going to have to bring mother
out here immediately.
HALLIE
Immediately? Are you nuts? I've had one day with her. I'm just getting to
know her. I can't. I refuse.
ANNIE
But this is an emergency. Dad's in love.
HALLIE
(laughs)
Get out of here. Dad doesn't fall in love. I mean, not seriously.
ANNIE
Trust me, he's serious, about this one. He's always holding her hand, kissing
her neck, waiting on her hand and foot..
HALLIE
(sinking-to the floor)
He is... ?
ANNIE
It's disgusting.
HALLIE
Well, you'll just have to break 'em.up. Sabotage her. Do whatever you
have to.
ANNIE
I'm trying but I'm at a slight disadvantage I only met the man twelve hours
ago. You've got to get back here to help me.
HALLIE
Annie, I can't. I want more time with Mom
[Hallie FINDS A CANDY WRAPPER in one of Annie's coat pockets, WRINKLES it over the receiver making it SOUND LIKE STATIC.]
HALLIE
Annie, are you still there? I can barely hear you... Ann....
(clicks the receiver)
ANNIE
I'm here! What are you..?
HALLIE
(wrinkles the wrapper)
Operator... ! Operator... Sorry, think I lost you, Annie.
ANNIE
(knowing what's up, holds receiver out from her ear)
Thanks for your help, Hal.
[INT. FOYER - LONDON - SAME TIME
Hallie creaks open the closet door and crawls out on all fours, only to find
her Mother, Grandfather and Martin standing in the FOYER, all looking down
at her.]
HALLIE
[Had a phone call. From a friend at camp. It's an old camp tradition.-..
Talk to your best friend from inside a closet... kinda stupid, I know
but...
(rises, replaces the phone on the table, sighs)
So... Breakfast anyone?
[CUT TO:
Two PLATES LOADED WITH BACON, EGGS, TOAST AND PANCAKES
ANGLE BACK- with Chessy, as she carries the plates across the KITCHEN to
Annie.
CHESSY
Okay, here we go, most important meal of the day... Eggs sunny side up, bacon,
toast and just in case you're really hungry... a stack of humongous chocolate
chip pancakes which smell incredible, if I do say so myself.
[Chessy places all of this in front of Annie.]
ANNIE
(not too interested)
Thanks, Chessy.
[Chessy waves her hand over the food, sending it's aroma toward Annie.]
CHESSY
Not hungry again? You hardly ate your chili, your favorite food and now you're
not eating your breakfast. You're not sick, are you?
[Chessy puts her hand on Annie's forehead, then joins her at the kitchen table.]
ANNIE
I'm fine, I promise. Where's Dad?
CHESSY
He and Miss--
(Imitating Meredith)
"I'll just have half a grapefruit, thank you", left about an hour ago. You
overslept and he didn't want to wake you. Of course, I'd oversleep
too if I was up at midnight making mysterious phone calls from my bathroom.
ANNIE
Oh, that. I was calling a friend from camp. Mildred. She lives in New York.
CHESSY
Oh, I see and you wanted to call Mildred at a time that was convenient for
her. Because of the time difference.
ANNIE
Exactly. Because of the time difference.
CHESSY
Uh-huh. So you waited until it was three in the morning her time. That makes
perfect sense.
ANNIE
Actually, it was seven at night her time. You see she lives in New York but
she was on vacation with her family in Bora Bora.
[Annie takes a bite of bacon and gives Chessy a smile. Chessy gives her a stare.]
CHESSY
Very smooth. Your Dad wants you to go over to his office as soon as you're
done with breakfast.
ANNIE
He does? Thanks.
(shoves bacon in her mouth)
I'm done.
[She rises as Sammy enters, sees Annie and GROWLS as he scoots around her.]
ANNIE
That dog has gotten so weird! Bye, Chessy, thanks again for breakfast. It
was great.
[Chessy looks down at the plate of untouched food. Annie pushes on the screen door but it goes nowhere.]
CHESSY
(watching her carefully)
Pull, Hal.
[Annie laughs, pulls on the door and runs out. CAMERA MOVES IN on Chessy, wondering what's going on.]
[INT. PARKER VINEYARDS - BARREL ROOM - A LITTLE LATER
Nick and Annie walk through a huge vaulted room that houses hundreds of wooden
barrels filled with wine.]
NICK
(puts his arm around her)
Honey, I'm glad you're here, there's something really important I want to
talk to you about.
Go back to the Disney Freak's Web Site!!! ºOº
Go on to The Parent Trap Script Part II
