The Running Man
By 2017 the world economy has collapsed. Food, natural resources and oil are in short supply. A police state, divided into paramilitary zones, rules with an iron hand. Television is controlled by the state and a sadistic game show called "The Running Man" has become the most popular program in history. All art, music and communications are censored. No dissent is tolerated and yet a small resistance movement has managed to survive underground. When high-tech gladiators are not enough to suppress the people's yearning for freedom...more direct methods become necessary.
(Helicopter - Night)
Officer: (on radio) Yankee-nine-niner. What are your co-ordinates?
Ben: Zero-two-zero, flight level one-five. We're above release point echo- bravo-one.
Officer: (on radio) Move in and check it out.
Ben: Roger. Moving in. Food riot in progress. Approximately fifteen-hundred civilians. No weapons evident.
Officer: (on radio) Proceed with plan alpha. Eliminate anything moving.
Ben: I said the crowd is unarmed! There are lots of women and children down there! All they want is food for-gods-sake!
Officer: (on radio) As you were Richards. Proceed with plan alpha. All rioters must be eliminated.
Ben: The hell with you I will not fire on helpless people! Abort mission. We return back to base.
Officer: (on radio) Lieutenant Saunders do you copy?
Saunders: Affirmative
Officer: (on radio) Take Command. Detain Richards and proceed as ordered.
(The other soldiers in the plane attach Ben and drag him from his seat in the pilot chair. They proceed to fight.)
Soldiers: What the fuck are you doing!?! Get him! God damn it! We're losing it, tipping over!
Saunders: I got it! I got control! They said detain him, don't drop him.
Military Passenger: Richards, your going to fry for this.
Another Military Passenger: And I'll see you in hell.
(He knocks Ben unconscious with the butt of his gun.)
(Wilshire Detention Zone)
(18 Months Later)
(All the prisoners wear a metal collar around their necks. If they cross the electronic border their heads will be blown off.)
Guard #1: C'mon, keep digging.
Guard #2: What's the hold up?
Guard #1: This one's had it.
(The guard reaches down and removes the restraint collar from a dead prisoner.)
Guard #2: Watch the detonator.
Guard #1: Get that garbage out of here. Move! Hey Charley, did you see the running man last night?
Guard #2: I never miss it. Even won five hundred bucks.
Guard #1: Lucky bastard
Guard #3: Work crew coming through.
Guard #4: Prisoner transfer, from post.
Guard (on telephone): Ok, hang on. Lenny? This is East perimeter. The fresh meat just got here. Shut down the deadline.
Lenny: Affirmative. Shutting down now. Stand clear.
(Types a code into the computer. Weiss stands behind him, watching.)
Security System: Access code pending. Verified. Perimeter deactivated. Sonic deadlock is down. Sonic deadlock is down.
Guard #4: Ok ass-hole, move it.
Guard #3: Move it. Lets go.
Guard #4: Let's go!
Guard #3: Get off the land or lose your head.
(Indoors)
Guard (on telephone): East perimeter here. Your prisoners are all in compound. We're clear.
Lenny: Affirmative. Activating deadline. (turns to Weiss) What are you looking at? Get out of here.
Security System: Sonic deadline is up. Sonic deadline is up. Prisoner restraint collars armed. Prisoner restraint collars armed.
(Weiss has seen what the command code is. He nods to Ben and Laughlan who begin to fight to distract the guards. When the guards go to see what the commotion is Weiss grabs the computer.)
Ben: (as he lifts a Guard up by his crotch.) Give you a lift?
Laughlan: Get it open.
Weiss: I got it, I got it.
Laughlan: Repeat the code.
Weiss: I did. Six, five, three... shit! It's not working.
Ben: You're a hell of an actor Laughlan.
Laughlan: Who's acting?
Ben: Well you're still alive aren't you?
Laughlan: Use that code.
Weiss: Ok.
Ben: Weiss, what's the hold up? C'mon!
Weiss: The linking computer's denying the code. It must be the walls in here. It's blocking the signal. It's not happening.
Ben: Then we try it outside. Move!
(The run outside.)
Prisoner: Open the gate! Open the gate!
Ben: Go ahead! Do it! Shut off the deadline or we all lose our heads!
Weiss: Systems functioning. Must be an encryption lockout. Damn!
Security System: Perimeter deactivated. Perimeter deactivated. Prisoner restraint collars armed. Sonic deadlock is up. Sonic deadlock is up.
Chico: All right! All right!
(Chico starts running for the Perimeter.)
Prisoner: Not yet...Chico! Chico! Amigo!
Ben: Come back! The deadline's still up.
Weiss: He's not going to make it. That collar's gonna blow.
Ben: Chico!
(As soon as Chico crosses the Perimeter the collar causes his head to explode.)
Security System: Sonic deadlock is up. Prisoner restraint collars armed. Perimeter deactivated. Perimeter deactivated. Perimeter deactivated. Perimeter deactivated.
(All the prisoners run for freedom.)
(Junkyard - Los Angeles)
(There is a huge TV. Probably at least 20 feet high, if not more. Ben, Weiss, and Laughlan are watching it.)
Female Reporter: (on TV) Remember, zone passes are required at all times. Display passes properly. All inter-zone day workers with zone passes are reminded that curfews begin at midnight. Anyone without a valid zone card after midnight will be permanently detained. Cadre kids, don't forget October is bonus recruitment month, earn a double bonus for reporting a family member. ICS your entertainment and information network remind you seeing is believing.
Damon: (on TV) What's the number one television show in the whole, wide world?
Studio Audience: (on TV) The Running Man!
Damon: (on TV) Yes!
Phil: (on TV) Yes, it's The Running Man. Four hundred square blocks of game-zone...
(A young man walks up to the guys.)
Stevie: You guys wanna buy a hot stereo?
Laughlan: Stevie.
Stevie: Laughlan. Glad you guys made it.
Phil: (on TV)...network stalkers giving criminals, traitors, and enemies of the state, exactly what they deserve. I'll be tuned to eleven on ICS channel one. Produced in co-operation of the zone core department of justice, all rights reserved. The Running Man, America's favorite game show.
Female Reporter: (on TV) A child, your child, happy, loving, caring...
(Inside Resistance Center)
(An older man, Mick, is working to remove Laughlan's collar.)
Laughlan: Do you believe this shit? Twenty-four hours a day.
Mick: Seven days a week.
Ben: Don't listen to it.
Laughlan: I worry about the kids. The network shuts down schools. The kids are either in hiding or getting basic training, brain-washed by the TV.
Weiss: We can jam the network once we find the up-link to the satellite, then we'll broadcast the truth.
Ben: The truth, hasn't been very popular lately.
Mick: Can't find the code or the up-link. Don't know where the network hid something that big, but they managed. Er Stevie, would you mind? Goodbye my lovely. (drops the collar down a well where it explodes.)
(Ben sits down in the chair so Mick can remove his collar.)
Mick: Your one of the cops who locked up all my friends, burned my songs. People like you took this country, and turned it into a jail.
Laughlan: We don't want his death on our hands.
Mick: He's a cop. He's the Butcher of Bakersfield.
Weiss: C'mon Mick. Now you can see through that crap. It's network propaganda.
Laughlan: We don't know that.
Weiss: We know we wouldn't be here if he hadn't helped us.
Laughlan: We also know he's not one of us.
Mick: Perhaps now he's seen too much.
Ben: I've seen to much? All I've seen is a bunch of low foreheads who think they can change the world with dreams and talk. It's too late for that. If you're not ready to act give me a break and shut up.
Mick: Nothing worth losing your head over though, aye?
Ben: You got it.
(Junkyard - Morning)
(Ben has changed clothes and is now dressed like a worker. The worker bus arrives to take him and some others into the city.)
Laughlan: Well, there's your ride. It's all set.
Ben: Whoa, nothing like first class.
Mexican Guy: Senorita, senorita. You want to come in? Yeah. Hey, you too?
Ben: I guess this is it. Now you, Weiss, stay out of the national database. And you, Laughlan, stop trying to teach the constitution to the street punks. See you at the ten year prison re-union.
Weiss: You can still join us if you want to.
Ben: No thank you. My brother's going to get me out of the city. Plus I'm not into politics, I'm into survival.
Laughlan: Nowadays friendship's the same thing.
Ben: Laughlan, save it for the written test. Good luck.
Laughlan: Yeah, to all of us.
(Ben climbs onto the back of the truck.)
(ICS Building - Outside)
(A red limousine arrives and Damon climbs out and waves to the crowd.)
(ICS Building - Inside)
(Damon, his assistant, and his bodyguard are all walking to the elevator.)
Damon: Brenda have you got this weeks ratings or do I have to guess.
Brenda: They're the same as last week and those were the same all last month. I guess we've just peeked, but it's not like withdrawal.
Damon: Not with you, beautiful sweet-heart. (slips on a wet floor.) Woooooh!
Cleaner: Oh, I'm sorry Mister...
Damon: That's okay, what's your name.
Cleaner: Stan.
Damon: Stan, you're doing good work, your works beautiful. Don't worry.
Cleaner: Thank you.
Damon: Ok?
Cleaner: Thank you.
(Damon and his group get onto the elevator.)
Damon: Brenda if that ass-hole is mopping the floor tomorrow you will be mopping it for the rest of the week. (to Sven) Let's go!
(Apartment Building.)
(Ben unlocks the door to his brothers apartment.)
Door Lock: Security code accepted.
(Ben enters the apartment and looks around)
Ben: Edward?
(ICS - Backstage)
Brenda: Damon, were you down in wardrobe yet? They've got your new jackets. They're fantastic!
Damon: Who chose the colors? Hey. How are my people today?
ISC Employee: Fine sir.
Damon: Haha, you're looking good. Love that unif...Tony! Tony! What have you got for me?
Tony: Damon, thank god. The justice department's been calling every ten minutes.
Damon: Just give them an evasive answer. Tell them to go fuck themselves. You got my coffee? I wanna know what we got all right?
Tony: All right, let's see.
(Apartment Building)
(Amber enters the apartment where Ben's brother used to live.)
Amber: Lights. (the lights come on) (softly) Oh God. Kitchen, toast and coffee. (the toaster and coffee maker kick on.) ICS, channel one. (The TV turns on)
(Amber begins working out.)
Captain Freedom: (on TV) Are you ready for pain? Are you ready for suffering? If the answer is yes, then you're ready for Captain Freedom's Work-out. PhilYes it's America's own, Captain Freedom. Ten time national champion. The greatest stalker to ever play the game. All right now all you runners, ready, get set, go!
Reporter: (on TV) We interrupt Captain Freedom's Work-out to bring you this urgent news bulletin.
Female Reporter: (on TV) The city police are engaged in a door-to-door search for a Benjamin A. Richards. Known as the Butcher of Bakersfield, Richards, a former police officer, was the helicopter pilot who went berserk eighteen months ago firing without warning on a crowd of innocent civilians. If you see this man do not approach him, contact your local law enforcement agency. He is considered armed and dangerous. We will now return...
(Ben comes up to Amber and puts a hand over her mouth.)
Ben: Don't make a sound, you understand? Who are you? A friend of my brothers?
(Amber slaps Ben's hand away.)
Amber: What are you talking about?
Ben: This is his apartment.
Amber: I moved in last month. They said the last tenant was taken away for...
Ben: Yes?
Amber: For re-education.
(Amber takes off running around her apartment. Ben tries to catch her.)
Amber: Help! Are you the man!?! He's entered and is in my house! And Butcher of Bakersfield is in my bathroom!
Captain Freedom: (on TV) That's the ticket, no pain, no gain.
(Ben catches Amber.)
Amber: Let go of me! Let go! Let go!
Ben: Listen to me because I'm only going to say this once. This is all a lie. I was framed. I'm completely innocent.
Amber: Yeah sure.
Ben: Now be quiet and stay still. I'm out of here in five minutes.
(The phone rings.)
Answering machine: Hi, this is Amber. I'm not home right now, I'm out somewhere having a wonderful time with glamorous people at fabulous places. So, when you hear the tone contain your jealousy and leave a message. (beep)
(Amber takes off running around the apartment again.)
(ICS - Backstage)
(Damon is trying to find a Runner for his game show.)
Computer: Baby-face March.
Damon: Are you kidding me? Next.
Tony: How's this one? Case one-fourteen. School teacher. Killed his wife and mother-in-law at a faculty dinner with a steak knife.
Damon: See I like that quality. He's the sort that the neighbor's say 'such a nice man and never too busy to say 'hello''. But look at him he weighs a hundred and twenty pounds, he wouldn't last thirty seconds. Who else?
Brenda: What about those bank robbers? The ones that made that suicide pact.
Damon: Did they commit suicide?
Brenda: Obviously not Damon.
Damon: Then they're unreliable.
Tony: I got a friend at a talent agency, maybe they've got an axe-murderer or something...
(The TV in the next room catches Damon's attention.)
Damon: Hello Gorgeous.
Tony: ...somebody with stamina.
Damon: Tony. Tony. Pipe that feed in here now! Take a look at this. This is footage of yesterday's prison break. Hey. Look! Look at that mother move. Is he beautiful? Who is he?
Tony: Are you kidding? That's Ben Richards.
Damon: The cop from the massacre. Sensational. Perfect contestant. I want 'im!
Brenda: You can't have him.
Damon: Why not?
Brenda: Damon, you know our contract, we never get military prisoners.
Tony: Who's a military prisoner? He's still at large.
Damon: Yeah, well they'll get him for me. Cadre's can't have it both ways. They want ratings, I can get ten points for his biceps alone. Hello? This is Killian. Get me the justice department, entertainment division. No hold that. Operator, get me the president's agent.
(Amber's Apartment)
(Amber is now tied up to her work out bench. Ben is going through her stuff.)
Ben: What is this?
Amber: It's my synthesizer set-up. I'm a musician. Well I'm really...I'm really...a singer. I...I...I write music for the network. Have you heard the theme song 'You give me joy, you give me strife'? Well I wrote that.
Ben: You must be very proud of yourself.
Amber: It's really nothing.
(Ben goes through a card board box.)
Ben: Look at this. They're all on a censored list. And look what we have here. This looks like black-market clothing. And you wrote the network jingle.
Amber: Come on. Everybody does it.
Ben: Money. That's what I need, money.
Amber: That money's not going to do you any good. You won't be able to do squat. You don't have a travel pass.
Ben: You do. (Ben un-clips travel pass from one of Amber's shirts) Now I do.
(Begins typing on Amber's computer.)
Ben: Let's see. Now where should we go? Maybe some place warm. I need to work on my tan anyway. You see you get so pale in prison. Here you are. Good. Now, I'm going to untie you, and your going to get dressed, and your going to come with me.
Amber: Oh yeah? Well why should I?
Ben: Because I'm going to say 'please'.
(He lifts Amber and the bench off the floor with one arm.)
Amber: Well why didn't you say so?
(Airport)
Female Announcer: (over PA) All flights from Toora, Toteral and Medelinburgh are on schedule. Flights Anacon to Chile are delayed several hours. All Nidus flights are cancelled until further notice. Passengers are reminded to have your travel pass ready before boarding...
Amber: You'll never pull this off you know. You're unarmed, out-numbered. Face it, you're screwed. So why don't you forget about all this and turn yourself in?
Ben: You know, you have a very negative attitude. And remember, I can break your neck like a chicken's.
Travel Pass Guard: Travel pass.
Ben: What a beautiful day today. I can practically taste the Pina Colada's already. Right, sweet-heart?
Travel Pass Guard: Miss.
Ben: Oh you didn't put it in your purse again did you? Last vacation she put my credit cards in there and we couldn't find them for a week. Oh dear. (to Guard) Could you hold on to this please?
Woman: You wanna move it up there? We've got a plane to catch.
Travel Pass Guard: Go on. Go on.
Ben: Can't live with them, and you can't live without them.
(Shuttle Bus)
Amber: I'm warning you I get sick. Air sick, car sick, I'm going to throw-up all over you.
Ben: Go ahead, it won't show on this shirt.
(Terminal)
(Ben relaxes his grip on Amber for a second and she gets away and begins screaming for help at the top of her lungs.)
Amber: Help! He's Ben Richards! He tried to kidnap me! Help!
(Ben takes off running.)
Radio: Positive ID. Benjamin A. Richards. Area one fugitive. Repeat. All units...
(Ben has made it outside and he's running for all he's worth.)
(Security Guards are chasing him in a van.)
Guard #1: All right. We're on him. Close it in.
Guard #2: Go, go, go. Move!
(They throw a net onto Ben and he trips and stumbles, finally falling to the ground.)
Guard #1: (to Ben) You move and your dead!
(ICS - Backstage)
(Ben has been placed in a cell. There is a window and Damon comes to talk to him through the window.)
Damon: Hi cutie-pie. You know one of us is in deep trouble. Do you know who I am?
Ben: Sure, I've seen you before. You're the ass-hole on TV.
Damon: That's funny, I was going to say the same thing about you. I saw the video of your prison break. Sensational. Ben, I think we might be able to help each other out. I've got brains and you've got talent. No, you've got more than that, you've got talent, you've got charisma, and you've got balls. That's why I pulled a few strings to get you here. And that's why I'd like you to volunteer to appear on tomorrow's broadcast of The Running Man.
Ben: Fuck you.
Damon: Hahaha. You're a brilliant conversationalist Ben. A trifle limited but brilliant. Take a look.
(Flips on a TV that shows Weiss and Laughlan in another cell.)
Weiss: (on TV) How long are they going to keep us here?
Laughlan: (on TV) They've got Richards too.
Weiss: (on TV) I hope not. Lord knows what they'd do to him.
(Damon turns off the TV.)
Damon: Isn't that your old school teacher buddy there, huh? And there's that other one who helped you in the prison break.
Ben: Weiss, Laughlan. What are you going to do with them!
Damon: Well, that's really up to you, Ben. You see, I created The Running Man, but I don't make the rules. I've got a contract with the government, they send me the convicts and I put them on the show. Well you've seen it right? You know at least you've got a chance, but your buddies, Ben, they're the B-list. So if you don't do the Running Man tomorrow, Weiss and Laughlan are gonna go on in your place. What do you say?
(Preparation Room)
Tech #1: We'll see how far this clown runs when where done with him. Starting Barium I.V. That's a go.
Tech #2: (sitting at a computer)Reading all systems down the line. Your bird is singing loud and clear.
Tech #1: All systems check out.
Tech #3: Mandibular restraints. Inter-vanadic injection.
Ben: Aaahhh fuck.
Tech #3: Deltoid Thyam injection. Procedure completed.
Tech #2: That takes care of him.
(Cell)
(Ben is thrown back into his cell.)
Ben: Sons-of-bitches.
Tech #1: He's wrapped. Knock him out 'til show time.
(The Tech's leave and gas seeps into the chamber knocking Ben out.)
(Amber's Apartment)
Damon: (on TV) These guys, they never stop competing, you get thirsty just watching them. Now in my line of work I can't afford that felled up feeling...that's why I drink Cadre Cola. It hits the spot.
Female Reporter: (on TV) The capture of renegade police officer and mass murder Ben Richards, was filmed yesterday by runway security cameras. Richards' hostage Amber Mendez was unharmed. Some airport personal were not so lucky, like the Ticket Agent and Security Guard which Richards shot at point blank range when he arrived at the airport.
Amber: (to herself) But that's not true.
Female Reporter: (on TV) They were taken to Cadre memorial hospital where they remain in a guarded condition. And now back to Climbing For Dollars.
On screen: 'Climbing For Dollars will be right back...'
(ICS - Backstage)
(Ben's Cell)
(Ben's cell is opened and an Agent and a Security guard stand there.)
Agent: Mister Richards. I'm your court-appointed theatrical agent. It's time.
(Stage)
(Music is playing and there are dancers performing.)
(Backstage)
Tony: Digital effects number one (click). Roll process mod (click).
ISC Woman: Big crowd tonight.
Tony: Better there than in the streets.
(ICS - Front Doors)
(A crowd of fans is waiting for the stalkers to arrive. They are all very excited.)
Buzzsaw: Who's the number one stalker?
Fan: Buzzsaw. Slice those ones for me, man.
(Buzzsaw hits the guy in the face and keeps walking.)
Fan: He touched me! Did you guys see that? Buzzsaw touched me!
(Backstage)
Damon: (to make-up guy) Don't touch the hair!
(Hallway)
(Amber and her friend, Amy, are at the coke machine.)
Amy: Look, do you have any more change? I ran out. Six dollars, jeez this place. You're lucky to be alive. I mean that guy just killed, what, sixty, eighty, a hundred people?
Amber: Not according to him he hasn't.
Amy: Well that's what they all say.
(Ben is escorted to the stage past Amber and Amy.)
Agent: (reading legal contract)...and whereas the victim can contest this, where in the network and victim have in past been in combatants. Ad hoc defacto, the parties here in have agreed to disagree, this is now mutually consented to be diseur and therefore both parties have obligations to each other. Respective rights and obligations, 'A' the victim has no rights, 'B'...
Amy: Boy, you're lucky he didn't kill you too. Or rape you, then kill you. Or kill you, then rape you. I mean, a guy like that, what would stop him?
Amber: Yeah, what would. Look Amy, I...I have to pass on that drink I just remembered that I have some paperwork to do. So I'll catch you tomorrow.
(Stage)
Phil: ..and now the producer of The Running Man, and everyone's favorite showman, Damon Killian.
Damon: Yeah! Thank you. Your beautiful. I love you. Yes! Your beautiful. Thank you. Hahaha. Shhh...it's show time!
(The stage lights come up.)
Damon: Now tell me, what's the number one television show in the whole, wide world?
Audience: The Running Man!
Damon: And who loves you and who do you love?
Audience: Damon!
Damon: One more time!
Audience: Damon!
Damon: Yes!
(Applause!!)
Damon: Phil, my announcer. Heard the warm up today, and honestly Phil, I don't think I've ever heard you funnier. I'm just kidding guys your great at your job, to bad it isn't music!
(Backstage)
(The agents is continuing to fill Ben in on his rights.)
Agent: ...for cassettes, video tapes, bubble-chip, or all other methods of recording known or unknown. Sign here. Here, here. Here use my back victim.
(Ben signs the contract then stabs the agent in the back with the pen.)
Agent: Aaahh!
Ben: Don't forget to send me a copy.
(Stage)
Damon: ...the love of my life, my number one fan, Mrs McArdle. How are you doin'?
Mrs McArdle: Just fine.
Damon: I want a kiss now, a big kiss, but remember, no tongues.
Mrs McArdle: Bless you.
Damon: Sit down little darlin'. We have one hell of a show for you tonight. Phil, please, if you will, introduce tonight's guest runner. And watch that screen.
Phil: Our star runner tonight needs no introduction he is Ben Richards the brutal slayer of sixty men, women and children in the Bakersfield Massacre.
(On TV Screen)
(The edited footage of the Bakersfield Massacre begins to play.)
Ben: (on TV) Food riot in progress. Approximately fifteen-hundred civilians. Moving in.
Officer: (on radio) Yankee-nine-niner, the crowd in unarmed. Repeat unarmed. Abort attack. Acknowledge, Yankee-nine-niner.
Ben: The hell with you!
Officer: (on radio) Lieutenant Saunders, take command, detain Richards and return to base.
(The other officers in the helicopter begin to attack Ben.)
Officer: (on radio) Acknowledge, Yankee-nine-niner. Acknowledge. Return to base. Those are innocent unarmed people down there! Cease fire! Cease fire!
(The helicopter begins shooting at the people on the ground.)
Damon: Well, we all know the aftermath. Grieving parents, orphaned children, a nation shocked to it's very core. Here he is. Ready to pay the price for our home audience, in person, the Butcher of Bakersfield! (Ben is escorted out onto the stage. As soon as the audience sees him they begin to 'Boo'. Two of the dancers pull off Ben's outer wear to reveal a Runner's outfit underneath. The audience begins to cheer.) Damon: Now Ben Richards could have gone to prison and paid the penalty but instead he volunteered for The Running Man...and have a chance at our fabulous prizes like a trial by jury, suspended sentence, maybe even a full pardon like our previous winners, Wittman, Price and Hadad. You remember them, Wittman, Price and Hadad, there they are, and at this very moment they're basking in the beautiful Maui sun, their debt to society paid in full. Speaking of prizes, you don't have to be a menace to society to be a winner, you folks in the audience, you'll get a chance too. Phil, tell our friends what they can win today.
Phil: Damon, how about a years supply of Orgofura procreation pills, both adult and kiddie sizes, and the latest edition of The Running Man home game.
Damon: Ben, I know you're just dying to get into that game-zone and show us that same determination you showed up in Bakersfield, well first I've got a little surprise for you.
(Ben is seated in the Running Sled, and his hands and feet are clamped down. The audience laughs.)
Damon: Haha. We all know you're a big, tough guy, Ben, but that doesn't mean that you're a loner, and it takes a big man to admit that he needs his friends. We didn't want to break up a winning team Ben, so here they are ready to go for broke right by your side. Ladies and gentlemen, Ben's buddies, Harold Weiss and William Laughlan!
(A wall lowers to reveal Weiss and Laughlan in similar Running Sleds.)
Ben: Son-of-a-bitch.
Damon: You know how this works. The game-zone is divided into four hundred square blocks, left over from the big quake of ninety-seven, and I don't think any of us will ever forget that one. Once inside the zone the runners have three hours, they've got to go through all four game quads, three hours or less, and they're going to need every second because you know who's on their tail.
Audience: The stalkers!
Damon: Who!?!
Audience: The stalkers!
Damon: And you know what happens then.
Audience: Anything goes!
Damon: What!?
Audience: Anything goes!
Damon: Right! Without further ado, it's time to start running!
(The audience cheers.)
Damon: On your marks...get set...
Ben: Killian, I'll be back.
Damon: Only in a re-run. Go! Go!
Laughlan: You son-of-a-bitch!
Damon: Go! Yes!
(Laughlan, Weiss, and Ben are sucked in to a type of vacuum tube.)
(Backstage)
Woman: All systems go.
Man: Vacuum sleds passing check point one.
(Broadcast Room)
(Amber walks in and shows her badge. She goes to a small office on the other side of the room and closes the door. She then closes the blinds. She opens a drawer and finds video of the Bakersfield Massacre.)
Amber: (reading) Edited for television...(reading next cartridge) Raw footage.
(Someone walks in and catches her.)
(Game Zone)
(Ben, Laughlan, and Weiss have reached the game zone. They are met by bikers who herd them where they want them to go.)
Man: (to runners) C'mon get up!
(Stage)
Damon: Edith Wiggins, come on down!
(Edith squeals with pleasure as she runs down to the stage.)
Damon: Woah their Edith, you look like you may have done a little stalking yourself. Now, we need you to give the name of the stalker who we send out to hunt down those three desperate criminals. Give me ten seconds please.
(Junkyard)
(A crowd of people have gathered to watch the Running Man, and to place bets.)
Mexican Guy: Place your bets…(people place their bets)…that's it no more bets.
(ICS - Stage)
Edith: I don't know they're all so good.
Damon: Quickly.
Edith: Well, my husband and my little boy, they have their favorites, but I like my men big and cuddly.
Damon: Yeah? Who is it?
Edith: Subzero!
Damon: Yeah all right. Let's hear it for Subzero!
(Subzero walks onstage.)
Phil: And now out first stalker of the evening, a Cadre trophy champion with over thirty life-time kills. Let's welcome the incredible ice-man who slices his opponents limb from limb into quivering, bloody sushi, professor Subzero!
(Game Zone)
Man: (at end of vacuum sled tubes) Move. Move it. Come on.
(Stage TV Screen)
Captain Freedom: Haha Damon, here in the locker-room there's a lot of excitement here, a lot of adrenalin. The stalkers know there's four hundred square blocks of game-zone out there and anything can happen in the next three hours. I remember once when I was in the...
Damon: Ah sorry Cap, I've just been informed that the runners have entered the first quad. Let's go there now, live!
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
(The guys are being herded by men on bikes.)
Ben: Faster. Keep going.
(The runners arrive at a huge ice rink.)
(Junkyard)
Mexican Guy: C'mon give me your money. Give it to me. C'mon.
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
Weiss: Cold.
Laughlan: What is this?
(A door slams shut and locks them in Quad One.)
Ben: Guess they want us to stay.
(Suddenly Subzero arrives on ice-skates and knocks the runners down.)
(Stage)
Damon: (on stage) Subzero does it again. A triple hit!
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
Ben: Let's get out of here. C'mon! Weiss, c'mon!
(Weiss slips and Subzero traps him in a goal cage.)
Subzero: How's that!
(Stage)
(Damon is giving prizes to Edith.)
Damon: Oh look at this, an ICS home video. Yeah. And The Running Man home version, right here.
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
Weiss: Look, get me out of here you guys!
Ben: Hang on Weiss, I'm coming.
(Studio)
Old Man: (in audience) C'mon big boy!
(Bar)
Female: (watching the show on TV) Yeah!
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
Weiss: Richards? Look, get me out of here you guys! Wil, look out!
(Bar)
Man: Kill that son-of-a-bitch!
Crowd: C'mon! Yeah, Yeah!
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
(Ben pulls some barbed wire off the fence and catches Subzero around the neck with it. He strangles Subzero.)
(Studio)
Audience: Ohhh.
(Game Zone - Quad 1)
Ben: (into TV camera) Hey Killian! Here is Subzero...now plain zero.
(He and Laughlan walk away from the camera and slap hands.)
(Stage)
(The audience has fallen silent at this turn of events.)
Damon: Ladies and gentlemen this is just horrible. Words cannot express what we are all feeling at this very moment. A great champion has fallen. We'll be back right after these important messages.
(Game Zone)
(The guys manage to open the door that has trapped them in Quad One.)
Ben: Pull!
Weiss: (sniffs) What the hell is that?
Ben: It's gas. Lets get out of here. C'mon.
Weiss: I'm sure glad we took care of Subzero.
Ben: Yeah, he was a real pain in the neck.
(ICS - Backstage)
(Damon is in his office on the telephone.)
Damon: Huh?...I know...I know a stalker died. Well it had to happen sooner or later. Yeah, well it is a contact sport, right? You see you guys are justice, you can't have it both ways. You want ratings, you want people in their homes in front of the TV set rather than pickin' lines. Well you aren't going to get that with re-runs of Gilligan's Island...Gilligan's Island...Daa-Da-Da-Da...Yeah, yeah, the one with the boat!
(He slams down the phone.)
(Stage)
(A man, Leon, is onstage trying to decide who the next Stalker should be.)
Audience: Fireball! Fireball! Fireball! Get 'im Buzzsaw!
Leon: I don't know. I think maybe Dynamo, but Buzzsaw was last years champion. I can't decide!
Damon: Then don't decide, Leon. Hard decisions call hard solutions. And here are two hard-asses ready to step in and take charge. You asked for 'em Leon, you got 'em, here they are Buzzsaw and Dynamo! Phil tell us all about this champion tag team.
Phil: Let's give a down home welcome to Buzzsaw, Eddie Vacowski, last seasons leading stalker. Buzzsaw's Hammer and Gauge chainsaws are made of Trylon-coated Duro-steel and can cut muscle, bone, sinew, or even solid steel!
(Backstage)
Damon: Well?
Brenda: Ratings just jumped eight points right across the board.
Damon: Eight?
Brenda: Make that nine points.
Damon: I love Ben Richards.
Brenda: You want another surprise?
Damon: What?
Brenda: You know that girl who was with Richards at the airport?
Damon: The one with the cute ass?
Brenda: Well this is cuter. They just caught her downstairs she was pulling the Bakersfield video.
Damon: Sensational.
(Stage)
Phil:...Dynamo!
(Dynamo begins to sing in an opera voice. He throws some electricity towards a sign that says 'Clap if you love Dynamo'. The audience cheers like crazy.)
Damon: Thank you, You're beautiful. Well, it's been an exciting show so far right? We've had shocks, we've had surprises, so we though why not one more surprise. Will you please help me welcome our mystery contestant, Miss Amber Mendez!
(The audience cheers.)
Damon: Amber. Amber. Now I understand that your single Amber and that you live on the West side. And not surprisingly she has flaunted the law and traditional morality all of her life.
Amber: Go ahead, tell some lies about me now.
Damon: We don't lie. Phil, tell us all about her.
(Game Zone)
Ben: It's clear. C'mon.
Laughlan: Weiss, what is it?
Weiss: The camera relay, it's pointing into the zone, not up.
Ben: Who gives a damn? Hey, where are you going?
(Weiss runs towards the camera relay, and Laughlan and Ben follow.)
(Stage)
Phil: ..later she cheated on college exams, had sexual relationships with two, sometimes three different men in a year, and then she met mad dog Ben Richards. Her confederate, her lover.
Amber: That was a lie.
Damon: Dear, dear. Let's re-unite these little love-birds. Go!
(Amber is sucked down the vacuum tube.)
(Game Zone)
Weiss: It's got to be here somewhere.
Ben: You want to tell me what the hell is going on?
Weiss: All the relays are the same they point into the middle of the game-zone. Now sooner or later they're going to connect. Which means the up-link to the network satellite is in there.
Laughlan: No wonder Mick's people couldn't find it. No one ever comes out here.
Weiss: If we can find the up-link we can crack the code.
Laughlan: If we get it to Mick the underground will jam the network.
Ben: Jam the network? Jam it up your ass! Forget this crazy up-link business! Your going to get us all killed! We've got to move on! Let's go, move! Move! Christ.
(Ben follows after the other two.)
(ICS - Backstage)
Man: (to Buzzsaw and Dynamo) Stalkers we have a bead, twenty degrees north mark seven, twelve degrees east mark two.
Fireball: (out of costume) Let's win one for the Zero!
(Game Zone)
Ben: Up-links, underground. Up-links, underground. If you don't shut up I'm going to up-link your ass, you'll be underground. Watch out! The lights!
Laughlan: Let's get out of here.
Ben: Shh, some one's coming.
(Ben reaches around and grabs Amber. He raises his fist as if to hit her.)
Amber: Hey! Hey! Richards wait! It's Amber!
Ben: What the hell you doing here!?!
Amber: Well, you don't have to belt the crap out of me! You think I'm glad to be here!?
Laughlan: Who the hell's this?
Ben: She's the one who turned me in at the airport. Guess this is her reward.
Amber: Yeah go ahead, make jokes. It's your fault I'm here. They think I'm helping you out. They even think I'm your girlfriend.
Ben: Well I can straighten that out. See that camera up here? (points) I can strangle you for the home audience.
(Weiss heads off in another direction alone.)
Weiss: Another relay.
Laughlan: Where?
Weiss: They're out here.
Ben: Weiss!
Amber: What's he talking about?
Ben: Weiss! Over here! Over here!
(Suddenly Buzzsaw and Dynamo come at the runners.)
Laughlan: You son-of-a-bitch!
Ben: Wait! Back off! Laughlan! Let's go!
(Ben and Laughlan go off one way, and Amber and Weiss go another way. Weiss makes his way over to the relay.)
Amber: Hey man, what are you doing? Hey!
Weiss: The resistance has been trying to jam the network for five years. This could be our chance.
Amber: Let's go.
Weiss: No. This is more important. It's the up-link to the network satellite.
Amber: But he's going to find us. Weiss, come on. Weiss.
(Building)
(Ben and Laughlan crawl into the building.)
Ben: Over there.
Damon: (echo) Who loves you and who do you love? Let me here it! Ahhhhhh. Who loves you and who do you love? Let me here it! One more time!
(Buzzsaw rides up with his chainsaw aimed at Ben Laughlan pushes Ben clear but get hurt himself.)
Ben: Laughlan! Hang on I've got you.
(Ben helps Laughlan out of the way. Buzzsaw reappears and lasso's Ben. He then drags Ben along behind his motorcycle.)
(ICS - Stage)
(Damon is onstage giving Leon prizes.)
Damon: ...there you go Leon. And the Running Man home game.
(Game Zone - Building)
(Ben manages to wrap the chain around a piece of metal and Buzzsaw is jerked off his bike.)
(Junkyard)
Mexican Guy: Don't worry. It's a game. You'll make more money.
(Game Zone Relay)
(Weiss is trying to access the uplink code.)
Amber: Let's get out of here, Weiss. He's gonna find us.
Weiss: Jackpot.
Amber: What are you doing? Weiss? What's this, Weiss?
Weiss: It's the up-link interface. Look out. Great, hexagonal decode system, not impossible, it's just going to take a little time. Your name is Amber right?
(Weiss types on the computer and starts breaking the code.)
Amber: Yeah.
Weiss: Ok Amber, I'm going to need you to remember these numbers. We've gotta get them to Mick and the resistance.
Amber: All right, all right, I will. But then let's go.
(Building)
(Ben walks over to Buzzsaw to see if he's still alive. Buzzsaw just lays there. Ben turns to go but Buzzsaw jumps up and swings at him with his chainsaw. They begin to wrestle with it.)
Buzzsaw: I love this saw. This saw's a part of me. And I'm going to make it part of you!
(Ben manages to get the chainsaw positioned between Buzzsaw's legs.)
Ben: That's all right, keep it.
(Ben jerks the chainsaw up. Buzzsaw screams with pain and then dies.)
(Game Zone Relay)
(Weiss reads off the uplink code numbers to Amber.)
Weiss: Eighteen, twenty four. C'mon.
Amber: Eighteen, twenty four.
Weiss: Sixty one, B. Say them. Say them!
Amber: Eighteen, twenty four, sixty one, B. Can we go now?
Weiss: Not yet.
Amber: Not yet? What do you mean, not yet?
Weiss: Seven, seventeen, seventeen, four.
Amber: Seventeen, seven, four.
Weiss: Seventeen, seventeen, four.
Dynamo: Come to me my love.
(Dynamo shoots electricity at the relay box and Weiss is electrocuted. He then goes after Amber.)
Amber: No! Aaaaahhh! No, no. Let me go! Richards!
(Ben comes running up.)
Ben: Hey light-head! Hey Christmas tree!
Amber: Richards? Ohhhh.
(Dynamo shoots a small amount of electricity into Amber, rendering her unconscious. He gets into his car and chases Bed.)
Dynamo: Yaaaah!
(Ben takes off running.)
Ben: Oh shit!
Dynamo: (singing in opera voice) La, la, la, la...
Ben: Follow me light-bulb.
Dynamo: Ahh, got ya!
(Studio)
(The Studio audience applauds.)
(Game Zone)
(Dynamo's car flips on it's side. Dynamo is trapped inside.)
Dynamo: Oh god! Oh god! Somebody help me! Oh cut, cut, go to commercial! Jesus Christ! I have no power! Cut! Go to commercial!
(Studio)
Female Audience Member: Kill 'im!
(Game Zone)
Ben: No. I won't kill a helpless human being, not even a sadistic scum like you.
(Studio)
Audience: I my god! Boooo! C'mon! Do it!
(Game Zone)
(Amber and Ben walk away from Dynamo.)
Amber: What happened to Buzzsaw?
Ben: Oh, he had to split.
(Studio)
Audience: Boo!
Damon: (on stage) Hey what an incredible battle! Buzzsaw gone, Dynamo down, but the stalk isn't over 'til the fat lady sings, and the very last criminal...
Intercom: (backstage at ISC) Fireball report to wardrobe at once. Fireball, you are wanted in wardrobe.
Damon: (on stage) ...and our half time show.
(Game Zone)
Ben: Laughlan, breaks over. C'mon, let's get going.
Laughlan: I'm going somewhere but not with you. Buzzsaw took care of my travelling arrangements.
(He shows them a large gash across his chest.)
Ben: Oh my god.
Laughlan: Weiss?
Amber: He's dead. But he gave me the code, the satellite up-link code.
Laughlan: The underground has a broadcast center in quadrant four. Take her, take her and the code, to Mick. Don't let us die for nothing. Listen we're counting on ya, don't let us down, I don't want to be the only ass-hole in heaven, Ben. (he dies.)
Ben: He saved my life. It should be me down there.
(Suddenly a TV screen in the zone comes on. It shows Damon, backstage at ICS.)
Damon: I got it? Ben. Ben, I gotta hand it to you pal. Haha. You got the whole network in an up roar. Why, they're shipping bi-carb to the justice department in crates. So that's why this little call is just between you and I. It's not going out on the air. Listen very carefully Ben, how would you like a three year contract, guaranteed, a Cadre credit line and a beach-front condo? Sound impossible? That's the standard deal for a network stalker. And I know real talent when I see it Ben, and I'd just hate to see you get cancelled tonight when you could go the distance. Say the word Ben, and you could be the one doing the stalking. What do you think?
Ben: (holding and speaking into TV camera) You cold blooded bastard! I'll tell you what I think of it! I live to see you eat that contract, but I hope you leave enough room for my fist because I'm going to ram it into your stomach and break your god-damn spine!
(Ben throws the camera to the ground. It breaks.)
(ICS - Backstage)
(A telephone rings.)
Brenda: Damon, it's for you.
Damon: Wh...who?
Brenda: It's the attorney general.
Damon: Get out. Everybody out. C'mon! Move! Yes?
(Stage)
Audience: (chanting) ...Fireball! Fireball! Fireball! Fireball! Fireball!
Phil: And there he goes! Fireball's on his way. And Dynamo's down but not out. Back to you Damon.
Damon: Hey! All right Agnes. Listen now, big chance for you now. Win a whole lotta prizes. Ya know we've still got two crack stalkers out there. Dynamo and Fireball. Who do you think will make the next kill?
Mrs McArdle: Oh boy, that's a tough one.
Damon: Come on give it a try. You can do it. Who do you think?
Mrs McArdle: Okay...I think...the next kill will be made by...Ben Richards.
Damon: Hold it, hold it. Agnes, Richards is a runner, you've got to pick a stalker.
Mrs McArdle: I can pick anyone a choose, and I choose, Ben Richards. That boy's one mean mother fucker.
(Junkyard.)
Gambler: Two hundred dollars on Richards. Come on two hundred on Richards. Two hundred dollars on Richards. Come on man you gotta do it. Two hundred dollars on Richards.
Mexican Guy: Let's do it? Okay, you want it, you got it.
Gambler: Hey man, what have you got?
Mexican Guy: Place your bets. Place your bets, c'mon.
(A new column is drawn on the blackboard. It says Richards. Odds 100-1.)
(Game Zone)
Ben: Network broadcast center, my ass. I don't know what Laughlan was talking about there's nothing out here.
Amber: My and my big mouth. We should have taken the trip to Hawaii.
Ben: I had the shirt for it, but you fucked it up.
(The turn and spot Fireball flying through the air using his jetpack.)
Amber: Jesus Christ!
Ben: Guess again. Come on, keep up.
Amber: I'm running too fast, my feet can't keep up.
(Stage)
Damon: There we go. The number one rusher. He smells blood and nothing on Earth is gonna stop him.
(Game Zone - Building)
Ben: This way.
Amber: Why here? No I want to go that way. I think that...
Ben: You're going to get us killed.
(Fireball shoots his flame-thrower at them.)
Amber: Ahhh! Stop it! Ahhh! Richards! Let me go!
Ben: Amber! Get out of here.
(Amber runs while Ben throws barrels at Fireball. He then tips over one that contains flammable liquid. Fireballs flame thrower ignites the stuff, and Ben waits to see if he's been killed. But Fireball walks right throug hthe flames because his suit is flame-retardent. Ben picks up a flare as he runs off.)
Ben: Amber?
(Amber is wandering around in another area.)
Amber: Richards? Richards? Richards?
(Amber goes into a locker room, and stumbles across three corpses.)
Amber: Ahhhhhhhh! (She leans in and reads their dog tags.) Wittman...Price...
Fireball: ...Hadad.
(Amber turns and faces him.)
Amber: The Running Man, last seasons winners.
Fireball: No, last seasons losers.
(Fireball aims his flame-thrower at Amber. Ben pops up behind him and pulls off one of the tubes that attaches Fireball's flame-thrower to his fuel tank.)
Fireball: Ahh my gas light! My gas light!
(Ben lights the flare and throws it at Fireball.)
Ben: How 'bout a light?
Fireball: Ahhh!
(The flare ignites the fuel tank and it explodes.)
Ben: What a hot head.
(ICS - Backstage)
Intercom: Captain Freedom to wardrobe. Captain Freedom to wardrobe on the double.
(Control Room)
(Captain Freedom walks in wearing a completely ridiculous outfit.)
Captain Freedom: Forget it Killian! I won't do it.
Damon: It's not a request moron, it's an order!
Captain Freedom: I don't need this crap! This stuff is garbage! I...I was killing guys like this ten years ago with my bare hands! I'm not going for any of these tricks! This is a sport of death and honor! Code of the gladiators!
Damon: Cap, will you spare me the combat Zen speech? What the hell's the matter with you!?! Can't you see what's going on out there!?! This isn't a game! They're betting on Richards up there!
Captain Freedom: Bullshit!
Damon: Get out of here! (to Sven) Get him out of here! What's the matter, steroids make you deaf!?! Get him out of here, now!
(Sven walks over to Captain Freedom. He holds his hands up like 'You gonna leave or are you gonna make me make you leave?' Captain Freedom turns and leaves.)
(Game Zone)
Amber: Now what?
Ben: Let's find Mic's secret broadcast center...if it even exists. Oh shit! Let's try that way.
(Gates slam around them.)
Ben: We're trapped.
(Stage)
Phil: Subzero. Fireball. And Buzzsaw. Say their names with reverend pride. They punished crime and served the law. As patriots they died.
(Backstage)
Tony: This is what I hate. There's act problems. Roll stock (click). Freeze in digital memory (click). And...
Damon: ...activate travelling map. Tony, this better work pal, or you'll be a digital memory.
Tony: Take it easy Damon. We're loading Richards' image on to the database and when he's mapped on to the stunt double you'll never know the difference. All right boys, let's see you dance.
Damon: Sensational. I love it!
(Game Zone)
(A secret entrance opens and Mick walks out.)
Mick: Mister Richards, I'm surprised you were so easy caught. Welcome to the people's network. We've been waiting for you.
(Secret Broadcast Center)
Ben: This is nice Mic. But it would have been nicer if you would have gotten off your asses and helped us out there.
Mick: We couldn't. We'd have been seen and the government would have found this place. Laughlan, Weiss, would have died for nothing.
Amber: They didn't. I have the up-link code.
(She and Ben turn to look at the TV as Damon comes back on.)
(Stage)
Damon: Woo, hoo. Ladies and gentleman I've just got an up date on tonight's incredible action. The runners have entered the final quadrant.
Phil: And Captain Freedom has hung up his announcers light and come out of retirement. He's suited up and ready for the final conflict.
Damon: Let's go there now, live to the game-zone.
(Game Zone - Quad 4)
(It is a modified wrestling ring. The Amber look-alike falls through a shoot into the ring. Captain Freedom snaps her neck. The Ben look-alike falls through the shoot. He and Captain Freedom fight. But Freedom ends up impaling Ben on a wall of spikes.)
(Stage)
Phil: Yes it's all over! What a colossal fight! This is an incredible moment in sports. Captain Freedom out of retirement and still undefeated champion. Proving once again that right and might are one of the same.
(Game Zone - Secret Broadcast Center)
(Ben turns away from the TV in disgust.)
Ben: Damn that Killian!
Amber: What's wrong? You should be happy, we're officially dead. We can go anywhere, do anything.
Ben: No, don't you understand it. He'll never let us out of here alive, they can't afford it. They'll get the police, the army and hunt us down like dogs, off camera of course.
(ICS - Control Room)
Tony: Ok. Dismantle all the overlays. Put the ah...digital map in the pixel memory storage. Ya know, the damn thing worked like a charm.
Brenda: It should. Edital charged us an arm and a leg for the software. Damon, you didn't have to kill him!
Damon: It's all part of life's rich pattern Brenda, and you better fuckin' get used to it. That's the one for the awards show huh? Thank you, you're doing nice work. I thank you. Tony, you're finally (click) getting it.
(Game Zone - Secret Broadcast Center)
(A group of people walk by Ben carrying guns. Ben grabs one of the guns and holds it up.)
Ben: Guns. You don't need guns to jam a satellite.
Mick: I do, to keep it. The minute I steal the signal, the network will try to shunt the next one in orbit. Stevie's group is going inside to stop them now.
Ben: These kids? That's a bad move Mick. They need a leader. They need someone with experience.
Mick: I thought you were looking for the door.
Ben: I told Killian I'd be back...and I wouldn't want to be a liar. (smiles)
(ICS - Control Room)
Damon: Listen up everybody. I want you to all consider yourselves picked up for the rest of the season, ok? What, are you my people or an oil painting? Where up nine points! Come on now. (to Sven) Let's go champ.
(Game Zone - Secret Broadcast Center)
Mick: We're going to send the up-link code in twenty minutes. Ten seconds later I'll go on the air.
Ben: We'll be ready.
Amber: If you want to make an impression, forget the speech. Try this instead. (Slaps down a diskette.)
Mick: What is it?
Amber: It's the original video from the Bakersfield massacre, before they edited for broadcasting.
Ben: Where did you hide that?
Amber: It's none of your business.
(ICS - Backstage)
Security Guy: Hey, what the hell?!
(One of the guys knocks him out.)
(Game Zone - Secret Broadcast Center)
Guy: Six minutes.
Mick: Begin the satellite coding sequence. Load up-link code into transponder grid. Shunt power to main circuits. And Mister Spock you have the con.
Guy: Who's Mister Spock?
(ICS - Stage)
Damon: Come on let me hear it now. Oh yeah. Ok, I'll quickly rap up the show. Ladies I love ya. Thank you young man. (into phone) Hello, your on the air.
Female Caller: Hi Damon, my name's Mandy. Listen I have a question about Dynamo. Is he seriously hurt or what?
Damon: He's going to be fine love. But fortunately enough you see, Dynamo is still under factory warranty.
(Backstage)
Amber: Good luck.
Ben: You too.
(They split up. A group of guys goes with Ben, and the rest go with Amber.)
(Stage)
Damon: You're on the air.
Female Caller 2: I feel so bad about the dead stalkers. Is there anyway I can send a donation to help out their families?
Damon: Oh what a darlin' you are. Yes, Gwenda. All you do is you send your checks to the patriots fund care of this station, add the number nine, two, five...
(Game Zone - Secret Broadcast Center)
Guy: ...three, two, one. That's it. We got it! We got that baby!
(ICS - Stage)
Damon: ...and those donations are tax deductible…
(Suddenly the Studio TV displays 'KILLIAN IS LYING TO YOU!'. Damon can't figure out what's going on.)
Damon: (on TV) And who loves you and who do you love?
Audience: (on TV) Damon!
Damon: (on TV) Yes...yes...yes...
(People begin looking around in confusion.)
Female Audience Member: Hey what's going on?
Damon: (on TV) We don't lie...lie...lie...like our previous winners, Wittman, Price and Hadad. You remember them, there they are and at this very moment basking in Maui sun, their debt to society paid in full.
(Shots of the three corpses the Amber found are shown.)
Damon: (on TV) Watch that screen.
(The Un-edited Bakersfield video is shown.)
Officer: (on radio) (on TV) Yankee nine-niner, what's the status of the crowd.
Ben: (on TV) Food riot in progress. Approximately fifteen-hundred civilians, no weapons are evident.
Officer: (on radio) (on TV) Proceed with plan alpha, eliminate anything moving.
Ben: (on TV) I said the crowd is unarmed! There are lots of women and children down there. All they want is some food for-gods-sake!
Officer: (on radio) (on TV) As you were Richards. Proceed with plan alpha. All rioters must be eliminated.
Ben: (on TV) The hell with you! I will not fire on helpless human beings.
(Control Room)
Tony: Where's it coming from?
Brenda: The network satellite.
Ben: (on TV) …abort mission. We return to base...
(Stevie and his guys burst into the room.)
Stevie: Don't touch that dial.
(Stage)
(The audience is still watching the footage on the TV.)
Officer: (on radio) (on TV) ...Saunders do you copy? Detain Richards and proceed as ordered.
(On TV: The guys grab Ben and they fight.)
Passenger: (on TV) Richards, what the fuck are you doing!?!
(On TV: They knock Ben unconscious.)
Damon: Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll please bear with us, we're experiencing technical difficulties.
Mrs McArdle: Bullshit!
(Ben and his guys run up.)
Ben: It's show time. Get the people out. Come on, get the people out.
(Guards show up and they begin shooting at Ben and his guys. They shoot back. The audience tries to get out of the studio.)
(Hallway)
(Amber gets knocked down by Dynamo.)
Dynamo: Thought it was pretty funny out there in the zone? What's the matter now bitch, why aren't you laughing?
Amber: Because there's nothing funny about a dickless moron with a battery up he's ass.
Dynamo: (on top of Amber) I'll show you dickless.
(Amber shoots the sprinklers in the ceiling. They come on and she moves out of the way as the water causes Dynamo to get electrocuted.)
Dynamo: Ahhhhhhhh! Ohhhhh!
(Stage)
Good Soldier: Get out of my way!
Good Soldier 2: Get down! Down!
(The studio empties until only Ben and Damon are left.)
Ben: Hello cutie-pie. One of us is in deep trouble.
(Damon looks really nervous until he spots Sven walking onto the Stage.)
Damon: Haha. Sven, do you want to talk to Mister Richards? Well?
(Sven just looks at him.)
Sven: I got to score some steroids.
(He nods to Ben and then walks off.)
Damon: You look pissed, Ben. Believe me you've got every right to be. But hey, will ya...will you just let me explain? This is television, that's all it is. It's nothing to do with people, it's about ratings. For fifty years we've told them what do eat, what to drink, what to wear. For Christ's sake Ben don't you understand? Americans love television. They ween their kids on it. Listen, they love game shows, they love wrestling, they love sports, and violence. So what do we do? We give 'em what they want. We're number one Ben, that's all that counts. Believe me, I've been in the business thirty years.
Ben: Well I haven't been in show business as long as you have Killian, but I'm a quick learner, and I'm going to give the audience what I think they want.
(He locks Damon into one of the sleds.)
Damon: You bastard! Drop dead! Ben: I don't do requests.
(Ben hits the button which sends the sled into the vacuum tube.)
Damon: Noooooooo! Ahhhhhhhhh!
(Damon is sucked into the tube just as Ben was earlier. He burts out and slams into a Cadre Cola sign which blows up.)
Ben: Well, that hit the spot.
(ICS - Outside)
(The audience has been watching this from outside the building.)
Audience: Richards! Richards! Richards…
(Stage)
(Ben stands there and listens to the crowd chant his name. He turns around and spots Amber. He walks over to her and they kiss.)
(Junkyard, Outside ICS)
(Everyone cheers.)
(Stage)
(Ben and Amber walk out.)
(Junkyard)
(The TV in the junk yard goes fuzzy, then says 'PLEASE STAND BY'.)
(During Credits)
Phil: The Running Man has been brought to you by; Break-away paramilitary uniforms, Argofura procreation pills, and Cadre cola - it hits the spot! Promotional consideration paid for by; Kiltem flame-throwers, Dwainsright electrical launchers, and Hammer and Gauge chainsaws. Damon Killian's wardrobe by Shea Zantwan - nineteenth century craftsmanship for the twenty-first century man. Cadre trooper and Studio guard side arms provided by Gold Chester - the pistol of patriots. Remember tickets for ISC studio tours are always available for class A-citizens in good standing. If you'd like to be a contestant on The Running Man, send a self addressed, stamped envelope to ISC Talent Hunt care of your local affiliate, and then go out and do something really despicable. I'm Phil Hilton. Good night and take care.
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