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ALL SCRIPTS


                       REVISIONS:
                       1st Blue   3/11/91
                       2nd Pink   3/28/91
                       3rd Yellow 4/08/91
                       4th Green 4/10/91
                       5th Goldenrod 4/12/91
                       6th Buff   4/12/91 (PM)
                       7th Salmon 4/18/91
                       8th Cherry 4/19/91
                       9th Tan    4/22/91
                       10th Grey 4/25/91
                       11th Ivory 4/26/91
                       12th Blue (2) 5/1/91
                       13th Pink (2) 5/8/91
                       14th Yellow (2) 5/10/91
                       15th Green (2) 5/15/91




          NEWSIES
  A Musical Feature Film



         Written by
Bob Tzudiker and Noni White


        Rewrites by
David Fallon and Tom Rickman


   Original Song Score by
Alan Menken and Jack Feldman




                       Property of:

                       WALT DISNEY PICTURES
                       500 South Buena Vista St.
                       Burbank, CA 91505
                       (818) 560-1000
                       Tom Rickman FIRST DRAFT
                         - REVISED
                       May 15, 1991

    4/8/91 YELLOW                                                     *

                              NEWSIES
    FADE IN:

1   INT. THE NEW YORK WORLD - PRESS ROOM - MORNING                1
    The huge printing PRESSES POUND out the morning edition,
    setting a rhythm that carries us through the scene as the
    newspapers are printed, collated, folded, and spit out
    onto a rapidly-growing stack.
    Pressmen bundle the papers and toss them into carts.        See
    the masthead: "THE NEW YORK WORLD, JULY 10, 1899."

    Two men push hard a cart loaded with papers to get it
    rolling down an iron ramp -- then have to run to keep up
    with it as it careens toward --


2   INT. THE WORLD - CIRCULATION ROOM - MORNING (SAME TIME)       2
    Broad-necked workmen grab the carts and begin unloading
    them -- stacks of paper grow as the POUNDING RHYTHM BUILDS
    and we GO TO --


3   INT. NEWSIE LODGING HOUSE - SAME TIME                         3
    A man's feet move up some stairs (in rhythm) -- they
    belong to KLOPPMAN, 70s, who enters --


4   INT. NEWSIE LODGING HOUSE - DORMITORY - SAME TIME             4
    A large room filled with boys sleeping in hammocks,
    including JACK KELLY, snapping his fingers in his sleep.
    On the wall by his head, the commanding visage of Teddy
    Roosevelt grins down from a rotogravure photo. Kloppman
    wakes the boys, intoning his morning ritual:

                             KLOPPMAN
               Ink's wet, the presses are rolling,
               the papers are stacking -- rise
               and shine, make a dime, no news
               without the Newsies -- etc.
    Jack jumps out of his bunk and shakes the BOY below.

                             JACK
               Wake up, Crutchy -- The World is
               waitin'.

                                                  (CONTINUED)

    4/8/91 YELLOW                                                2.       *

4   CONTINUED:                                                        4
                               CRUTCHY
                        (yawning)
                 Tell Mr. Pulitzer my yacht was
                 lost at sea.
    Jack laughs and tosses him his crutch. The dorm is now
    alive with waking boys -- yawning, stretching, pulling
    on pants, hitching up suspenders as they sing --
    SONG: "CARRYIN' THE BANNER" (Approx. 7 minutes, 15
    seconds)

                                                     RACETRACK
                                        THAT'S MY CIGAR...

                                                     SNIPESHOOTER
                                        YOU'LL STEAL ANUDDER.
    The boys begin to wake,                          KID BLINK
    yawning, stretching,                HEY BUMMERS, WE GOT WORK TO DO
    complaining as they hit
    the floor: pants pulled                         SPECS
    on, suspenders hitched             SINCE WHEN DID YOU BECOME
    up, boots laced tight.               MY MUDDER?
                                                     CRUTCHY
                                        AH, STOP YOUR BAWLIN'
                                                       ALL
                                        WHO AST YOU!
    MUSH, cross-eyed and skinny with big ears and lisp, play-
    fully pushes the NEWSIE so he falls on his hammock.

                               NEWSIE
                 Hey, whattaya?


5   INT. WASHROOM - MINUTES LATER                                     5
    Younger boys pump water for       older boys, then trade off.
    Teeth brushing, sponge baths       with cold water -- the older
    boys shave. Jack smears his        face with shaving cream as
    Mush pulls up a box next to       him.

                               MUSH
                 How'd you sleep, Jack?
                               JACK
                 On me back, Mush.

                                                       (CONTINUED)

    4/8/91 YELLOW                                            3.

5   CONTINUED:                                                    5
                               MUSH
                        (thinks that's
                         hilarious)
                 You hear that, you hear what he
                 said? I ast how'd he sleep --

                               CRUTCHY
                 Jack, this look like I'm fakin'
                 it?
    He hobbles towards Jack on one crutch.

                               JACK
                 Who says you're fakin' it?

                               CRUTCHY
                 The streets are fulla fakes these
                 days -- it's hurtin' the rep of
                 genuine articles like myself. I
                 gotta find me a new sellin' spot,
                 where they ain't used to seein'
                 me.
    Jack smiles; Mush taps
    Crutchy on the arm... sings.
                                                 MUSH
                                    TRY BOTTLE ALLEY OR THE HARBOR

                                                 RACETRACK
                                    TRY CENTRAL PARK IT'S GUARANTEED
                                                 JACK
                                    TRY ANY BANKER, BUM OR BARBER
    Jack rinses his face, takes                  SKITTERY             *
    special care adjusting his      THEY ALMOST ALL KNOWS HOW TO
    red bandana.                      READ
                                                 KID BLINK
                                    I SMELL MONEY

                                                 CRUTCHY
                                    YOU SMELL FOUL

                                                 MUSH
                                    MET THIS GIRL LAST NIGHT          *
                                                 CRUTCHY
                                    MOVE YOUR ELBOW

                                                   (CONTINUED)

    4/8/91 YELLOW                                              4.       *

5   CONTINUED:    (2)                                               5
                                                   RACETRACK
                                      PASS THE TOWEL

                                                   SKITTERY
                                      FOR A BUCK I MIGHT

                                                   CHORUS
                                      AIN'T IT A FINE LIFE
                                      CARRYING THE BANNER
                                      THROUGH IT ALL


6   INT. LODGING HOUSE - FRONT DESK - LATER                         6
    Jack and the Newsies coming                    CHORUS
    down the stairs, greeting         A MIGHTY FINE LIFE
    Kloppman and moving out the       CARRYING THE BANNER
    door --                           TOUGH 'N' TALL
                                      EVERY MORNING
                                      WE GO WHERE WE WISHES
                                      WE'S FREE AS FISHES
                                      SURE BEATS WASHING DISHES
                                      WHAT A FINE LIFE


7   EXT. NEWSIE LODGING HOUSE - SAME TIME                           7
    Jack stands next to Crutchy                    CHORUS
    and Mush as the boys file         CARRYING THE BANNER
    out.                              HOME-FREE ALL
                               JACK
                        (looks at the
                         morning)
                 What's your leg say, Crutch?
                 Feel like rain?

                               CRUTCHY
                        (feels his leg;
                         shakes his head)
                 No rain -- partly cloudy, clearin'
                 towards evenin'.
                        (as Jack laughs)
                 Who ya sellin' wit, Jack?

                               JACK
                 Ain't decided yet.
    Jack spots a passing wagon and helps Crutchy on board --
    he and Mush jump on for the ride and they all move off --

8   OMITTED                                                         8

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                        5.

9    EXT. DAVID'S APARTMENT - MORNING                           9    *
     DAVID JACOBS, 15, hurries down the street as his brother,
     LES, 8, dawdles after him.

                             DAVID
               Les, hurry up, willya? Why do I
               gotta be saddled with you?

                             LES
               Why do I gotta be saddled with
               you?

                             DAVID
               Come on -- They'll run out of
               papers!


10   EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - MORNING                         10
     KID BLINK, 16, one eye covered by a patch, moves past a
     fruit stand with three of his boys. He's about to swipe
     a banana when the shadow of a cop on horseback looms over
     him. Blink smiles up at the COP.
                             KID BLINK
               'Mornin', Officer.
                             OFFICER (COP)
               I'm keepin' my eye on you, Blink.

                             KID BLINK
               And I'll keep my eye on you, too,
               sir.
                             OFFICER
               Get moving!
     Blink and the boys race into an alley --

11   EXT. ANOTHER STREET - POLICY SHOP - SAME TIME              11   *

     A boy's hand shoots some dice -- it belongs to RACETRACK        *
     HIGGINS, an Italian beanpole, who's gambling with THREE
     OTHER BOYS.

                                               RACETRACK
                                  AIN'T THEY AS PRETTY AS A
                                    PITCH'A
                                                 (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                           6.

11    CONTINUED:                                                    11
                                                   SNODDY
      Race picks up his               THAT MAKES IT TEN GAMES OUT
      winnings and admires              OF TEN
      the pile of change in
      his hand.                                    RACETRACK
                                      A PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS
                                        WICH'YA
                                      WHO WANTS TO TRY THEIR LUCK
                                        AGAIN?
                              BOOTS
                I'm wiped out -- my mother'll
                murder me -- if I had one.
      The wagon passes -- Jack, Mush and Crutchy get out.

                              RACETRACK
                Jack -- whattaya know, whattaya
                say. Got a hot tip on a nag in
                the fourth at Sheepshead -- sure                         *
                t'ing!                                                   *
                              JACK
                Your last sure t'ing's still                             *
                runnin', Racetrack.                                      *
                                 MUSH
                          (the world's best
                           audience)
                   Ya hear that? Race says sure t'ing                    *
                   and Jack says -- ya hear what he                      *
                   said, ya hear it, he said --                          *
                                 BOOTS/CRUTCHY                           *
                          (together)                                     *
                   We heard it!                                          *


12    EXT. ANOTHER STREET - SAME TIME                             12
      David still hurrying -- Les slows to hop on a hopscotch
      game chalked on the sidewalk. David grabs his hand and
      pulls him on --

12A   EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - SAME TIME                        12A

      Kid Blink and his boys come out of an alley, joining Jack
      and the others.

                                 KID BLINK
                   Say, Cowboy -- I hear Medda's
                   breakin' in a new act at the
                   vaudeville tonight -- ya
                   interested?
                                                   (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                                              7.         *

12A   CONTINUED:                                                      12A
                                 JACK
                   Stupid question.

                                 CRUTCHY
                   Stupid question.

                                 KID BLINK
                   That an echo? Or is the Crip
                   followin' ya again?
                                 CRUTCHY
                          (swinging his
                           crutch)
                   Yeah? How'd you like it if a
                   crip cracked your head?

                                 JACK
                   Better choke it, Blink -- 'fore
                   you need another patch.
                                 KID BLINK
                   Hey, who ya sellin' wit, Jack?
                                  CRUTCHY
                   Not wit you!
                                 JACK
                   Nothing personal, Blink, but...

                                                     JACK
                                        IT TAKES A SMILE AS SWEET
                                          AS BUTTER
                                                     CRUTCHY
                                        THE KIND THAT LADIES CAN'T
      As Jack sings, the boys             RESIST
      listen carefully. They
      all respect his opinion.                       RACETRACK
                                        IT TAKES AN ORPHAN WITH A
                                          STUTTER

                                                     JACK
                                        WHO AIN'T AFRAID TO USE HIS...
                                                     KID BLINK
                                        ... FIST

13    EXT. BARREL ALLEY - SAME TIME                                   13

      Jack and the others                            ALL BOYS
      round a corner                    SUMMER STINKS AND WINTER'S
      singing as they move                WAITIN'
      through an alley filled           WELCOME TO NEW YAWK
      with barrels.

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            8.

14   EXT. OFF NEWSIE SQUARE - SAME TIME                            14
     They enter the square                        ALL
     singing.                        BOY, AIN'T NATURE
                                     FASCINATIN'
                                     WHEN YOUSE GOTTA WALK
                                          (ROUNDS)                      *
     They move towards a             STILL IT'S A FINE LIFE
     breakfast wagon run by          CARRYIN' THE BANNER
     three NUNS.                       WITH ME CHUMS
                                     A MIGHTY FINE LIFE
                                     BLOWIN' EVERY NICKEL
                                       AS IT COMES
     At the breakfast wagon,                      CRUTCHY
     the boys line up for            I'M NO SNOOZER
     coffee -- Blink tries to        SITTIN' MAKES ME ANTSY
     butt in front of Jack,          I LIKES LIVIN' CHANCEY
     who spins him back to Race,
     who spins him further back                   ALL
     as Crutchy and Mush jump        HARLEM TO DELANCEY
     in and Blink ends up            WHAT A FINE LIFE
     last. BOOTS ARBUS, 15,          CARRYING THE BANNER
     black, joins the line.          THROUGH THE SLUMS --               *

     ONE NUN ladles coffee from                   NUNS
     a large pot into the boys'      BLESSED CHILDREN
     cups; the OTHER NUN hands       THOUGH YOU WANDER LOST
     them each a roll.                 AND DEPRAVED
                                     JESUS LOVES YOU
                                     YOU SHALL BE SAVED
                             BOOTS
               How 'bout savin' me another roll
               -- okay, sister?
                                GUTTERSNIPE                             *
                         (shoves him)
               Hey!     Save some for the rest of
               us!
     The Nun smiles and gives them both one.

     SEARCHING MOTHER

     is singing as she looks for her lost son in the crowd
     around the wagon. Jack and the others sing in counter-
     point as she passes by.
                                                    (CONTINUED)

)J(   4/22/91 TAN                                             9.

14    CONTINUED:                                                   14
                   MOTHER                         RACETRACK
      PATRICK,                       JUST GIMME HALF A CUP
      DARLING...
                                                  KID BLINK
                                     SOMETHING TO WAKE ME UP

                                                  MUSH
      SINCE YOU LEFT ME              I GOTTA FIND AN ANGLE
                                                  CRUTCHY
      I AM UNDONE                    I GOTTA SELL MORE PAPES

                                                  ALL
      MOTHER                         PAPERS IS ALL I GOT
      LOVES YOU                      WISH I COULD CATCH A BREEZE
                                     SURE HOPE THE HEADLINE'S HOT
      GOD                            ALL I CAN CATCH IS FLEAS
      SAVE                           GOD HELP ME IF IT'S NOT
      MY SON                         SOMEBODY HELP ME PL --


15    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - SAME TIME                               15
      PULL BACK to reveal                         ALL
      entire square as Jack and      IF I HATE THE HEADLINE
      the gang leave the wagon,      I'LL MAKE UP A HEADLINE
      cross the square and head      AND I'LL SAY ANYTHING I HAFTA
      for the gates of The World     'CAUSE AT TWO FOR A PENNY
      Building, keeping their        IF I TAKE TOO MANY
      eyes on the huge blackboards   WEASEL JUST MAKES ME EAT 'EM
      over the street.                 AFTA
      Newsies of all   ages and sizes appear from every conceiv-
      able space and   line up outside the gates, waiting for
      them to open,   anxiously praying for a good headline to be
      chalked on the   boards overhead...


16    EXT. NEWSPAPER ROW - SAME TIME                               16
      Two men climb ladders to the blackboards above the street
      and start to write out headlines in chalk: "TROLLEY
      STRIKE DRAGS ON FOR THIRD WEEK."

17    EXT. ALLEY/OFF NEWSIE SQUARE - SAME TIME                     17   *

      A GROUP of NEWSIES follow through an alley that leads             *
      them to the square, where they see the men chalking up            *
      headlines.

                                                  (CONTINUED)

)J(   4/22/91 TAN                                            10.

17    CONTINUED:                                                   17
                NEWSIE GROUP #1                  NEWSIE GROUP #2
      LOOK! THEY'RE PUTTING         WHAT'S IT SAY?
      UP THE HEADLINE
      YOU CALL THAT A HEADLINE?    THAT WON'T PLAY
      I GET BETTER STORIES         SO WHERE'S
      FROM THE COPPER ON THE       YOUR SPOT?
        BEAT

18    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - SAME TIME                               18   *

      A GROUP OF NEWSIES cross the street and split up around           *
      the statue as they walk into the square --                        *

                NEWSIE GROUP #1                 NEWSIE GROUP #2
      I WAS GONNA START WITH       GOD IT'S HOT!
      TWENTY
      BUT A DOZEN'LL BE PLENTY     WILL YA TELL ME
      HOW'S A GUY GONNA            HOW'M I GONNA MAKE ENDS
      MAKE ENDS MEET?              MEET?


19    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE AND WORLD BUILDING - SAME TIME            19
      Jack and the gang join                     ALL
      Newsies as they               WE NEED A GOOD ASSASSINATION
      converge outside The World
      gates, singing and yelling    WE NEED AN EARTHQUAKE OR A
      at the men on the chalkboard.   WAR
      One newsie yells out:                      SNIPESHOOTER
                                    HOW 'BOUT A CROOKED POLITICIAN?
      Mush jumps all over him:                   ALL
                                    HEY, STUPID, THAT AIN'T NEWS
                                      NO MORE!
      The Newsies sing at each other:
                                                 ALL
                                    UPTOWN TO GRAND CENTRAL
                                      STATION
                                    DOWN TO CITY HALL
                                    WE IMPROVES OUR CIRCULATION
                                    WALKIN' 'TIL WE FALL
      The Newsies line up outside the gate, singing:

                JACK'S GROUP                    NEWSIE GROUP #1
      SO WE'LL BE OUT THERE        DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE
                                     HEADLINE?
                   (MORE)                       (MORE)

                                                 (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                         11.         *

19   CONTINUED:                                                  19
               JACK'S GROUP (CONT'D)      NEWSIE GROUP #1 (CONT'D)
                                   THEY CALL THAT A HEADLINE?
     CARRYING THE BANNER MAN       THE IDIOT WHAT WROTE IT
     TO MAN                        MUST BE WORKIN' FOR THE SUN
     WE'LL BE OUT THERE              DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE FIRE
     SOAKIN' EVERY SUCKER
     THAT WE CAN                                  NEWSIE GROUP #2
                                     HEARD IT KILLED OL' MAN MCGUIRE
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #1
                                     HEARD THE TOLL WAS EVEN HIGHER
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #2
                                     WHY DO I MISS ALL THE FUN?

                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #1
     SEE THE HEADLINE                HITCHED IT ON A TROLLEY
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #2
     NEWSIES ON A MISSION            MEET'CHA FORTY-FOURTH AND
                                     SECOND...
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #1
     KILL THE COMPETITION            LITTLE ITALY'S A SECRET
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #2
     SELL THE NEXT EDITION           BLEEKER'S FURTHER THAN I
                                     RECKONED
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #1
     WHILE WE'RE OUT THERE           BY THE COURTHOUSE
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #2
                                     NEAR THE STABLES
                                                  NEWSIE GROUP #1
                                     ON THE CORNER
     CARRYIN' THE BANNER IS          SOMEONE BECKONED AND I...
     THE...

     ANGLE - NEAR GATES
     Suddenly the music becomes a quiet pulse as the DELANCEY
     BROTHERS -- OSCAR and MORRIS, two muscle-bound goons --
     push with deliberate aggression past Jack and the boys.
     Tension, silence, then --
                                RACETRACK
                         (sniffs the air)
                  Dear me. What is dat unpleasant
                  aroma? I fear de sewer has backed
                  up during de night.
                                                  (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                                            12.         *

19    CONTINUED:    (2)                                              19
                                 BOOTS
                   Too rotten to be the sewer.   It
                   must be --
                                 CRUTCHY
                   -- the Delancey brothers!

      For revenge, Oscar jerks Snipeshooter out of line and
      propels him to the rear.
                                 OSCAR
                   Inna back, ya ugly little shrimp!
      Oscar and Morris glare at the crowd, daring anyone to do
      anything about it. Jack calmly walks Snipe back to his
      place in line, then faces the Delanceys who try to stare
      him down. The air is electric. Nearby --
                                 RACETRACK
                   Five to one, I say Cowboy skunks
                   'em -- who's bettin', who's
                   bettin' --
      The Newsies shake their heads.    Nearby the staring
      contest continues until --
                                 JACK
                   You shouldn't be callin' people
                   ugly little shrimps. Oscar. Unless
                   you're referrin; to the family
                   resemblance in your brother here.
      The brothers glower, look at each other, then back at
      Jack, who grins at them.
                                 JACK
                   That's right. It's an insult.
                   And so's this --
      Jack deftly reaches out both hands and flips the derbys
      off both their heads. The brothers scramble for them
      and the chase is on.

19A   EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - DAY (SAME TIME)                           19A

      DANCE BREAK... The Delanceys chase Jack throughout the
      square, entertaining the Newsies... a morning tradition.
      The Newsies sing in counterpoint, underscoring the chase.

                JACK'S GROUP                       NEWSIE GROUP
      IT'S A FINE LIFE                LOOK! THEY'RE PUTTING UP
                                      THE HEADLINE
                                                      (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                                            13.

19A   CONTINUED:                                                     19A
      CARRYIN' THE BANNER             YOU CALL THAT A HEADLINE?
      THROUGH IT ALL                                                       *

      A MIGHTY FINE LIFE              I GET BETTER STORIES FROM
                                      THE COPPER ON THE BEAT

      CARRYIN' THE BANNER             I WAS GONNA START WITH TWENTY
      TOUGH 'N' TALL
                                      BUT A DOZEN'LL BE PLENTY

                                      WILL YOU TELL ME HOW'M I
                                      EVER GONNA MAKE ENDS MEET?
                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #1         *
      SEE THE HEADLINE?               HITCHED IT ON A TROLLEY.

                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #2         *
      NEWSIES ON A MISSION            MEET'CHA FORTY-FOURTH
                                      AND SECOND...
                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #1         *
      KILL THE COMPETITION!           LITTLE ITALY'S A SECRET.

                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #2         *
      SELL THE NEXT EDITION           BLEEKER'S FURTHER THAN I
                                      RECKONED
                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #1         *
      WHILE WE'RE OUT THERE           BY THE COURTHOUSE...
                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #2         *
      CARRYIN' THE BANNER IS          NEAR THE STABLES...
      THE...
                                                   NEWSIE GROUP #1         *
                                      ON THE CORNER...

                                      SOMEONE BECKONED AND I...
      ANGLE - HORACE GREELY STATUE - DAVID AND LES

      are just arriving, hurrying towards the gates on a
      collision course with -- Jack who comes barrelling around
      the statue and runs smack into David. For a moment,
      everything stops -- Jack catches his breath, David looks
      at him in outrage.

                                 DAVID
                   Watch it, willya? What do you
                   think you're doing!

                                 JACK
                          (breathing hard)
                   Runnin'.

                                                   (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                                              14.

19A   CONTINUED:    (2)                                                19A
      He speeds on -- just as the Delanceys come thundering
      around the statue, bowling David to the pavement. Les
      looks at Jack as if he's watching Robin Hood and Br'er
      Rabbit rolled into one.

      ANGLE - NEAR GATES - JACK

      keeps running, keeping just out of the Delanceys' grasp
      -- but then he trips and they've got him. Morris lifts
      him high into the air to smash him onto the cobblestones.
      The crowd stops breathing -- but then --

19B   EXT. WORLD BUILDING GATE - DAY                                   19B

      Jack grabs the bars and like a monkey jerks free of the
      bully's grasp. The kids howl, loving the show as Jack
      avoids the brothers moving from bar to bar like Tarzan.
                                                                             *
                JACK'S GROUP                          NEWSIE GROUP           *
      IT'S A FINE LIFE                   GO GET HIM, COWBOY!
      CARRYIN' THE BANNER                YOU GOT HIM NOW, BOY!               *

      IT'S A FINE LIFE                   GO GET HIM, COWBOY!                 *
      CARRYIN' THE BANNER                YOU GOT HIM NOW, BOY!
                                NEWSIE GROUP                                 *
                   GO!                                                       *
      The NUMBER ENDS (APPROXIMATE TIME: 7:15) and the moment
      is broken when a BELL inside the World Building RINGS
      OUT.                                                                   *

                                 MUSH                                        *
                   Comin' down de chute!

      The Delancey brothers, reluctantly, give up the chase,
      and back towards the entrance to the World gates.
                                 MORRIS
                   We ain't finished with you
                   yet, Kelly.
      The gatekeeper unlocks and swings open the huge gates.                 *
      Jack hangs on.

                                 BOOTS
                   Ride 'em, cowboy!

      Newsies yell out Jack's name as he rides the gates 'til
      the last possible moment, then leaps into the back of a
      wagon. Jack takes a bow as the boys cheer, moving into
      line.

      Les watches Jack, his new hero, as David pulls him along.

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                         15.

20   EXT. CIRCULATION OFFICE - LOADING DOCK - SAME TIME          20
     Newsies jostle for position at the window -- David
     shoving and jostling like the rest. He manages to elbow
     in near the front. Les, hanging back, has his eyes on --
     -- Jack sauntering coolly to his natural place at the
     head of the line, flanked by Boots and Mush. He leans
     on the counter and grins at the rodent-faced man inside
     the window: WEASEL, 40.
                             JACK
               Ya miss me, Weasel?

                             WEASEL
               You know my name -- it's Weisel.
               Mister Weisel to you. How many?

                             JACK
               Don't rush me -- I'm perusin'                          *
               the mercandice... Mr. Weasel.                          *
     The Newsies love it as Jack deliberately takes a paper,
     turns and scans.  Seeing Les staring at him, Jack winks.
     Les smiles back, fascinated. Jack turns back to Weasel
     with a fifty-cent piece.
                            JACK
               The usual.
     Weasel grabs for the coin -- Jack flips it out of his            *
     grasp and onto the counter. The Newsies whoop.
                             WEASEL
               Hundred for the wiseguy -- next!                       *

     Oscar slams the papers down and Jack gives them a quick          *
     flip-count -- eyes closed -- as he moves away. Behind            *
     him, Race and the others get their papers.                       *
                                                                      *
     JACK
     scans the newspaper for a catchy headline; Race, Crutchy,
     the others wander up, doing the same. A commotion O.S.
     and they look up to see --
     -- at the window, Weasel is in David's face.                     *

                             WEASEL
               Ya got ya papes -- move outta here.                    *
                             DAVID
               I paid for twenty -- you only gave                     *
               me nineteen!
                                                  (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                           16.

20   CONTINUED:                                                        20
                                WEASEL
                         (loving it)
                  You callin' me a liar, kid...?
     David's sweating, aware that all eyes are on him.                      *

                                DAVID
                  I want that other paper.
     The Delanceys start for David when suddenly Jack steps                 *
     up, slams his hand on David's papers, closes his eyes                  *
     and does a flip-count. The expert.                                     *
                                JACK
                  Nineteen, Weasel. An honest
                  mistake -- on account of Oscar                            *
                  can't count to twenty with his                            *
                  shoes on.                                                 *
     Weasel glowers -- but wants to get back to business.         He
     backhands Morris who looks surprised.
                                WEASEL
                  Next!
                                 JACK
                  Hold it.   Race -- spot me two-bits.
     Race flips him a coin.     Jack slaps it on the counter.
                                JACK
                  Another fifty for my friend here.
                                DAVID
                  I don't want another fifty -- !
                                JACK
                         (moving away)
                  Sure you do. Every newsie wants
                  more papes.

     David, puzzled, grabs the papers and he and Les run
     after Jack --

21   EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - JUST OUTSIDE GATES                           21

     Jack moves on as David and Les hurry after him.      The gang
     trails along, watching, amused.

                                DAVID
                  These papers are yours, I don't                           *
                  take charity from nobody! I don't                         *
                  even know who you are --

                                                    (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            17.

21   CONTINUED:                                                     21
                                 LES
                  Cowboy!   They call him Cowboy!

     Jack turns, grins at Les.
                                JACK
                  That and a lotta other things --
                  including Jack Kelly, which is
                  what my mudder called me. What
                  do they call you, kid?

                                LES
                         (thrilled)
                  Les. This is David, he's my
                  brother. He's older.

                                JACK
                         (barely glances
                          at David)
                  No kiddin'. How old are you,
                  Les?
                                LES
                  Near ten.
                                JACK
                  No good. Anybody asks, you're
                  seven.
                         (as Les is appalled)
                  Younger sells more papes, Les --
                  and if we're gonna be partners --
                                DAVID
                  Hold it! Who said anything about
                  partners -- ?
                                JACK
                  You owe me two bits, right? Okay,
                  so I consider it an investment.
                  We sell together, split 70-30, plus
                  you get the benefit of observin'
                  me -- no charge.
                                CRUTCHY
                         (to David)
                  You're gettin' the chance of a
                  lifetime here -- you learn from
                  Jack, you learn from the best.
                                DAVID
                  If he's the best, then why does
                  he need us?
                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                           18.

21   CONTINUED:    (2)                                              21
                                JACK
                  I don't need you, pal. But I ain't                     *
                  got a cute little brother to front                     *
                  for me. And Les here...                                *
                         (smiles down at Les
                          who smiles back up
                          angelically)
                  ... With this kid's puss and my
                  God-given talent, we can easy
                  move a thousand papers a week.
                  Whattaya say? Deal?

     David is incredulous, but Les is pleading.      David sighs.
                                DAVID
                  Gotta split fifty-fifty.

                                 JACK
                  Sixty-forty.   Or I forget the whole
                  t'ing.
     David reluctantly offers his hand. Jack spits in his
     palm and shakes. Les whoops and they move off, Jack
     already being the mentor --
                                JACK
                  The name of the game is volume, Dave.
                  You only took twenty papes -- why?

                                DAVID
                  Bad headline...?
                                JACK
                  First t'ing you gotta learn --
                  headlines don't sell papes, newsies
                  sell papes. We're what holds this
                  town together -- without newsies,
                  nobody knows nuttin'!
     They move away from Newsie Square as above them, the
     GOLDEN DOME OF THE WORLD BUILDING glistens in the morning
     sun.

22   INT. WORLD BUILDING - PULITZER'S OFFICE - DAY                  22

     A very large magnifying glass in in the hands of someone
     O.S. -- it moves across the front page of today's World
     as we hear the headline being read by --

                                PULITZER (O.S.)
                         (reading sarcastically)
                  'Trolley Strike Drags On for
                  Third Week' -- this so-called
                  headline drags on for infinity!
                                                    (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            19.        *

22   CONTINUED:                                                     22
     A hand smashes the paper onto an ornate desk beyond which
     cower three harried employees of The World, including
     SEITZ, 45, the hard-bitten business manager. BUNSEN, the
     editor, and JONATHAN, an accountant.
                                SEITZ
                  The news is slow, Chief, the
                  Trolley Strike's all we got --
                                PULITZER (O.S.)
                  It's all Mr. William Randolph
                  Hearst has, too -- see how he
                  covers the strike!
     The magnifying glass swings to a copy of the New York
     Journal with a large black headline: "NUDE CORPSE ON
     RAILS -- NOT CONNECTED TO TROLLEY STRIKE." The CAMERA
     COMES AROUND to reveal JOSEPH PULITZER, himself, a
     thundering presence in smoked-glasses and a beard,
     wielding the magnifying glass like a gavel of judgment.
                                PULITZER
                  Hearst is killing us in the
                  circulation war -- and you give
                  me headlines that would put a
                  whirling dervish to sleep!
                                BUNSEN
                         (nervous editor)
                  We'll get a new headline writer,
                  Mr. Pulitzer.
                             PULITZER
               Steal Hearst's man -- offer him
               double what Hearst pays.
                             SEITZ
               That's how he stole him from us.
                      (sighs)
               Chief, you spend as much as you
               make fighting Hearst. That's why
               the paper's losing money --
                             PULITZER
               I created the World to be the best
               and I'll spend whatever it takes
               to --
                      (stops)
               What is that deafening noise?

     It's the Newsies far below, barely audible to the others.

                             SEITZ
               Just the Newsies, Chief, I'll --

                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            20.

22   CONTINUED:    (2)                                              22
                                PULITZER
                  Never mind -- where was I?                             *

                                SEITZ
                  Creating the World, Chief.                             *

                                PULITZER
                  This paper's losing money because
                  there's too much fat, inefficiency
                  -- not because I'm fighting to                         *
                  make us number one! Well, we're
                  going to cut costs, maximize
                  profits -- and still beat the
                  socks off Hearst --
                         (beat)
                  I want to know how by tonight.


23   EXT. LOWER EAST SIDE STREET - DAY                              23
     UNDERSCORED: Jack leads David and Les through an open-
     air market crowded with carts and people -- all the
     sights and sounds and smells of the melting pot.

                                JACK
                  Some newsies got corners, see --
                  same spot, same customers. Me,                         *
                  I like to keep moving, enjoy the
                  life of the big city. I spot an
                  opportunity, I sell a pape.
                  That's the advantage of being an
                  independent businessman, instead                       *
                  of workin' for wages.                                  *

     David sees TWO LOVERS kissing on the steps of a building
     -- he tries his luck.

                                DAVID
                  Paper, mister?
     Without breaking the kiss, the man kicks out at David
     who jumps away. Shaking his head, Jack whispers
     something to Les, who rushes over to the Lovers, still
     kissing.

                                LES
                         (earsplitting shout)
                  Extry -- 'Runaway Carriage Crushes
                  Cop!'

     The Lovers spring apart -- the man looks like he's going
     to throttle Les, but --
                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/12/91 (PM) BUFF                                        21.        *

23   CONTINUED:                                                     23
                                WOMAN (LOVER)
                         (cooing)
                  Oh, honey... look at that sweet
                  little lamb...
     David, watching with Jack, can't believe this.       Les comes
     running back waving a coin --

                                LES
                  He gimme a dime! He said I should
                  go far away and keep the change!

     Jack takes the dime; Les's face falls.     He flips it back.
                                JACK
                  You're a natural, kid. You remind
                  me of me -- and I can't say greater
                  than that.

24   OMITTED                                                        24


25   EXT. SIDEWALK - BARE-KNUCKLED BOXERS - DAY                     25
     duke it out as sidewalk spectators watch.      The boys work
     the crowd, each in his own style --
                                DAVID
                         (the rookie)
                  Extra, 'Trolley strike drags on!'
                                JACK
                         (the master)
                  Nextry, nextry -- 'Ellis Island in
                  flames -- big con-fla-gration!'

                                 DAVID
                  What -- ?   Where's that story -- ?
                                JACK
                         (making sales)
                  Page nine -- thank you, sir.
                  Nextry, 'Thousands flee in panic -- '

                                DAVID
                         (on page nine)
                  'Trash fire near immigration
                  building frightens seagulls -- ?'

                                JACK
                  'Terrified flight from flaming
                  inferno!' Thank you, much obliged --
                                                    (CONTINUED)

)J(   4/22/91 TAN                                              22.        *

25    CONTINUED:    (A1)                                             25
      David is incredulous -- then sees Les by the boxers
      moving up to a spectator, assuming a pathetic look.

                                 LES
                   Buy me last pape, mista...?

      He coughs, Camille-like. Makes the sale. Down the
      sidewalk Jack nods approvingly; David is disgusted.
                                 DAVID
                   Our father taught us not to lie.

                                 JACK
                   Mine taught me not to starve.
                   So we both got an education.

                                 DAVID
                   You just make things up -- like
                   those headlines.
                                 JACK
                   I don't do nothin' the guys who
                   write this stuff don't do. It
                   ain't lyin' -- it's just improvin'
                   the truth a little.
      Les comes running back, wiping his mouth, with a
      quarter.
                              LES
                The guy gave me a quarter! Quick,
                gimme some more last papers!
                                 DAVID
                          (grabs him)
                   Hold it -- I smell beer!
                                 LES
                   The guy bet me I wouldn't drink
                   some -- that's how I made the
                   quarter!

                                 JACK
                   Hey, no drinkin' on the job --
                   it's bad for business. What if
                   somebody called a cop or somethin'?

      Les' eyes go wide as he sees -- behind Jack -- a burly
      Irish cop (MacSWAIN) hurrying up with a cadaverous vul-
      ture of a man, SNYDER, who's pointing straight at them --

                                                      (CONTINUED)

       4/8/91 YELLOW                                           23.          *

25     CONTINUED:                                                    25
                                  SYNDER
                    There he is, officer -- do your
                    duty!
       Jack spins, sees the man --

                                  JACK
                    Beat it -- the bulls!
       He races off. David, confused, races after him, Les
       looks very worried as he runs with David --

                                  LES
                    Just for one little sip of beer -- ?

       Snyder and MacSwain in pursuit as Jack leads them into --


26     EXT. BLINDMAN'S ALLEY - CONTINUOUS ACTION                     26
       The boys pound down the alley, Snyder and MacSwain round
       the corner behind them, Snyder shouting --
                                  SNYDER
                    You, Sullivan! Stop, I say!     You
                    hear me, Sullivan?
                                  DAVID
                    Who's Sullivan -- ?
                                  JACK
                    Mistaken identity -- all micks
                    look alike to these birds!

                                  LES
                           (still worried)
                    One sip! I didn't even swallow
                    it!
       Jack leads them into the doorway of --


A26A   INT. TENEMENT BUILDING - CONTINUOUS ACTION                    A26A
       They clatter up flights of stairs -- Snyder and MacSwain
       clattering up below them, shouting --

                                  SNYDER
                    You young miscreant! Wait'll
                    I get you back to the Refuge!

                                  DAVID
                    The Refuge -- ?
                                                      (CONTINUED)

       4/8/91 YELLOW                                          24.          *

A26A   CONTINUED:                                                   A26A
                                  JACK
                    Sleeper!

       He leaps over a Sleeping Man on the stairwell; so do
       David and Les as they run out onto --


B26A   EXT. TENEMENT ROOFS - CONTINUOUS ACTION                      B26A
       More sleepers; people living in makeshift shelters.
       Jack runs to a plank stretched between two buildings.

                                  DAVID
                    I'm not crossing that! Anyway,
                    I don't think they're chasing us --

       Jack scoops up Les -- who's loving it -- and carries
       him across the plank.
                                   JACK
                    No?   What're they doin' then?
                                  DAVID
                    I think they're chasing you!
       Snyder and MacSwain huff out onto the roof. David,
       still uncertain, looks back at them -- the runs across
       the plank. Jack calmly topples the plank to the street
       as the pursuers reach it, gasping for breath -- he gives
       Snyder a little salute, then moves on to a rooftop exit --

26A    EXT. ANOTHER STREET (NEAR THEATER) - SECONDS LATER           26A

       The boys run out of a doorway onto the street; Jack
       stops, looks around carefully, as if expecting Snyder to
       come bounding out of the sky. David is bursting with
       suspicion -- starts to say something, but Jack shushes
       him, leads them quickly, furtively into --

26B    EXT. ALLEY BEHIND THEATER (IRVING HALL) - DAY                26B
       Jack runs to a side door and opens it, waving David and
       Les inside. He follows, giving a quick look around
       before he closes the door.

26C    INT. THEATER - BACKSTAGE                                     26C

       MUSIC lilting somewhere -- for a moment we don't know
       we're in a theater, as the boys huddle against a wall,
       catching their breath.
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                        25.

26C   CONTINUED:                                                     26C
                                 DAVID
                   I want some answers -- Why was he
                   chasing you? What's the Refuge?
                                 JACK
                   The Refuge is this jail for kids.
                   That guy, Snyder, he's the warden.

                                 LES
                   You were in jail...?   Why?

                                 JACK
                   I was starvin'. I stole some food.
                                 DAVID
                          (suspicious)
                   Right, food. He called you
                   'Sullivan' --
                                 JACK
                          (bridling)
                   Yeah, food. My name's Kelly, Jack
                   Kelly, like I told you. Think I'm
                   lyin'?
                                 DAVID
                   You have a way of 'improving the
                   truth.' Why was he chasing you?

                                 JACK
                   Because I escaped.
                                 LES
                          (awestruck)
                   Oh, boy. How?
                                 JACK
                   This big shot gimme a ride out in
                   his carriage.
                                 DAVID
                          (sarcastic)
                   Bet it was the mayor, right?
                                JACK
                   Nah. Teddy Roosevelt.    Ever heard
                   of him?
      David starts to reply when he sees something behind Jack             *
      that makes his mouth drop open. At the top of a short                *
      flight of stairs, a vision is frowning down at them,                 *
      speaking in a theatrical Swedish accent.                             *
                                                      (CONTINUED)

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                        26.         *

26C   CONTINUED:    (2)                                              26C
                                 MEDDA
                          (accent)
                   What is the meaning of this? No
                   one is allowed backstage -- you
                   will leave at once! Out, out,
                   out, out --

      She descends the stairs grandly, shooing them away like
      pigeons. Jack turns to her and grins.
                                 JACK
                   You wouldn't kick me out without
                   a kiss goodbye, wouldya, Medda?
      Surprised, she gasps in delight -- throwing her arms
      around Jack. David can't believe it. Medda's accent
      quickly disappears.
                                 MEDDA
                   Kelly, where've you been, kid?
                   I miss you up in the balcony --
                   you know I sing all my songs to
                   you.

                                 JACK
                   This is David and Les. And this
                   is the greatest star of the
                   vaudeville stage today, Miss
                   Medda Larkson, the Swedish
                   Meadowlark.
                                 MEDDA
                          (accent)
                   Welcome!
                                 JACK
                   Medda also owns the joint.

                                 MEDDA
                          (no accent; to David)
                   Don't ever own a theater, kid.
                   Don't even think about it.
                                 DAVID
                          (awed)
                   I won't. I promise.

                                 MEDDA
                          (seeing Les)
                   What have we here -- ? Aren't you
                   the cutest little fella that ever
                   was -- yes, you are --
                                                      (CONTINUED)

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                       26A.

26C   CONTINUED:    (A3)                                             26C
                                 LES
                          (into his act)
                   Buy my last pape, lady?
      A Camille-cough.     Medda looks at him critically.

                                 MEDDA
                   This kid is good. Speaking as one
                   professional to another, I'd say
                   you got a future.

                                 JACK
                   Okay if we hang here awhile, Medda?
                   'Til a little problem outside goes
                   away?

                                 MEDDA
                   As long as you like -- now the
                   lark must warble. Hey, you --
                          (flags down a passing
                           candy butcher)
                   -- give my guests whatever they
                   want.

                                                     (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                     27.           *

26C    CONTINUED:    (3)                                          26C
       She winks at the dazzled boys and hits the stage,
       singing:

                                  MEDDA
                           (singing)
                    'MY LOVEY-DOVEY BABY'... etc.

       David and Jack can't take their eyes off her; Les can't
       take his eyes off the candy butcher's tray...

27     OMITTED                                                    27
thru                                                              thru
33                                                                33


34     EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - NIGHT                           34
       Les is looking green from all the candy as he follows
       Jack and David, balancing on trolley tracks. In the
       distance, the FAINT sound of SHOUTING/SINGING.
                                  DAVID
                    It's late, my folks'll be worried
                    ... What about yours?
                                  JACK
                    They're out west lookin' for a
                    place for us to live --
                           (takes something
                            from his pocket)
                    -- like this.
       It's the cover of a dime novel with a blue-perfect sky
       over a perfect yellow desert; a large red sun shines
       down on a perfect adobe.

                                  JACK
                    That's Sante Fe -- out in New
                    Mexico? Soon's Pop finds us the
                    right ranch, they're sendin' for
                    me.
                                  LES
                           (sleepily)
                    Then you'll be a real cowboy...

       Jack nods quietly. David looks at Jack, not believing a
       word of what he's saying; seeing how much he wants it to
       be true... The SINGING grows LOUDER, the haunting
       refrain of "Seize The Day," as the boys continue --

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                        28.         *

35   EXT. ANOTHER STREET (AROUND CORNER) - NIGHT                 35
     Down the street, a trolley is in flames, surrounded by a
     mob of shouting men. David looks at it nervously.

                             DAVID
               Why don't we divvy up at my
               place...? You can meet my folks...

     The mob is chasing two men towards them, screaming --
                              MOB
               Scabs!   Soak the scabs!   Etc.

     A conductor with a bloody head and terrified face runs
     past them -- but conductor two is caught, tackled,
     beaten -- David pulls Les away --

                             DAVID
               Jack -- let's get outta here -- !
     The boys move away, Jack looking back at the beating.
                             JACK
               Maybe tomorrow we get a decent
               headline.


36   OMITTED                                                     36


37   INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT - NIGHT                              37
     The boys enter, Jack carrying the sleeping Les.   ESTHER,
     38, is setting the table.

                             ESTHER
                      (seeing Les)
               My God...! What happened?

                             DAVID
               He's just sleeping, Momma --

     She quickly takes him from Jack. MAYER, 43, is relieved
     but angry to see his sons -- his right arm is bandaged.
                             MAYER
               We've been waiting dinner --
               where've you been?
     David says nothing; crosses to the table and dumps the
     day's receipts on it, looks up at his father proudly.

                             MAYER
               You made all this selling papers...?
                                                 (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            29.        *

37   CONTINUED:                                                     37
                                DAVID
                  Half of it's Jack's -- he's our
                  selling partner. And our friend.
                  This is my parents.
     Jack nods awkwardly, starts to say something when SARAH,
     16, enters from another room with an armload of lace
     piecework. She's beautiful -- Jack becomes instantly
     tongue-tied.
                                  DAVID
                  That's Sarah.    My sister.
     She smiles -- Jack still can't find his tongue.       Mayer,
     seeing his awkwardness, steps in --

                                MAYER
                  Esther -- maybe David's partner
                  would like to stay for dinner.
                  Add some more water to the soup.
                                ESTHER
                         (mortified)
                  Mayer...!
     Mayer laughs, joined by Sarah and David -- and finally
     Esther herself as she waters the soup. Jack stands
     drinking in the family's warmth.


38   INT. APARTMENT - LATER                                         38
     Les mumbles in his sleep on a board stretched between
     two chairs. Jack, eating heartily, his eloquence
     regained, holds forth at the dinner table.
                                JACK
                  What I saw today, I gotta say your
                  boys are born Newsies, Mr. Jacobs.
                  With my experience and their hard
                  work -- just a little more, thanks --
                         (third bowl of soup)
                  -- I figure we can peddle a
                  thousand a week and not break a
                  sweat.

                                  MAYER
                  That many...?
                                JACK
                  More when the headline's good.

                                SARAH
                  What makes a headline good?

                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            30.        *

38   CONTINUED:                                                     38
                                JACK
                  Catchy words -- like, uh, 'corpse'
                  or 'maniac,' or, let's see, 'love
                  nest' or 'nude' --
     Sarah and David giggle; Esther looks shocked.

                                JACK
                         (embarrassed)
                  'Scuse the language there, uh,
                  maybe I'm talkin' too much...

                                MAYER
                         (laughing)
                  You talk fine, Jack -- Sarah, get
                  that cake your mother's been
                  hiding in the cabinet!
                                ESTHER
                  That's for your birthday tomorrow!
                                MAYER
                  I've had enough birthdays!    This
                  is a celebration!
     David leaps up to fetch silver; Sarah gets a luscious
     chocolate cake from a cabinet --
                                DAVID
                  It's only the beginning -- the
                  longer I work, the more I'll make --
                                MAYER
                  You work only until I go back to
                  the factory! Then you go back to
                  school, like you promised.

     All activity stops, an awkward silence.       Mayer looks at
     his bandaged hand.
                                MAYER
                  It will heal... they'll give me
                  back my job... I'll make them...
     Jack sees how worried the family is.       No one seems able
     to speak, then --

                                LES
                         (in his sleep)
                  'Gimme all ya got, baby...'

     The family is shocked -- except for Jack and David, who
     sputter into laughter. The celebration is restored --
     Jack digs into an enormous slab of cake, looking around
     at the smiling faces, for the moment feeling he
     belongs...

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                        31.

39    EXT. OUTSIDE APARTMENT - FIRE ESCAPE - LATER                 39
      Jack and David talk; the family visible inside.

                               JACK
                 How'd your pop get hurt?
                               DAVID
                 The factory. An accident.
                        (bitterly)
                 He's no good to them anymore so
                 they just fired him. He's got no
                 union to protect him.

      Inside, Esther is singing a lullaby to Les; Mayer calls
      out to David.

                                MAYER
                 David?   Time to come in now.
      Jack looks in at the warm family tableau: the lullaby,
      Sarah reading to Mayer. David, going in, sees his
      friend's expression.
                               DAVID
                 Why don't you stay here tonight...?
                               JACK
                 I got my own place... but thanks.                      *
                 Your family's real nice, Dave.                         *
                        (beat)                                          *
                 Like mine.                                             *
      David nods, climbs in the window.                                 *
                               DAVID
                 See you tomorrow. Carryin' the
                 banner.

                               JACK
                        (smiles)
                 Carryin' the banner.

      Jack watches as David rejoins the family inside, the
      warmth, the casual intimacy. He moves off, singing:
      SONG:   "SANTE FE":   3:06

                                                  JACK
                                     SO THAT'S WHAT THEY CALL A
                                       FAMILY
                                     MOTHER, DAUGHTER; FATHER, SON
                                     GUESS THAT EVERYTHING YOU HEARD
                                       ABOUT IS TRUE
                                                  (MORE)
                                                  (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                      32.

39   CONTINUED:                                               39
                                                JACK (CONT'D)
                                  SO YOU AIN'T GOT ANY FAMILY
                                  WELL WHO SAID YOU NEEDED ONE
                                  AIN'T YOU GLAD NOBODY'S WAITING
     Jack starts down               UP FOR YOU?
     the fire escape to
     the alley below.             WHEN I DREAM
                                  ON MY OWN
                                  I'M ALONE, BUT I AIN'T LONELY
                                  FOR A DREAMER
                                  NIGHT'S THE ONLY TIME OF DAY
                                  WHEN THE CITY'S FINALLY
                                    SLEEPIN'
                                  ALL MY THOUGHTS BEGIN TO STRAY
                                  AND I'M ON THE TRAIN
                                  THAT'S BOUND FOR SANTA FE...


40   EXT. DAVID'S BUILDING - ALLEY - NIGHT                    40
                                               JACK
                                  AND I'M FREE
                                  LIKE THE WIND
     Still singing,               LIKE I'M GONNA LIVE FOREVER
     Jack drops off the fire      IT'S A FEELING TIME
     escape into the alley;       CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY
     moves to the sidewalk        ALL I NEED'S A FEW MORE DOLLARS
     and walks off.               AND I'M OUTTA HERE TO STAY
                                  DREAMS COME TRUE
                                  YES, THEY DO
                                  IN SANTA FE


41   EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS - SAME TIME                    41
     Jack walks the streets,                   JACK
     past people cooling          WHERE DOES IT SAY
     in the night air,            YOU GOTTA LIVE AND DIE HERE?
     outside their hot            WHERE DOES IT SAY
     tenements.                   A GUY CAN'T CATCH A BREAK?
                                  WHY SHOULD YOU ONLY TAKE
                                  WHAT YOU'RE GIVEN?
                                  WHY SHOULD YOU SPEND
                                  YOUR WHOLE LIFE LIVIN'
                                  TRAPPED WHERE THERE AIN'T NO
                                    FUT'CHA
                                  EVEN AT 17
                                  BREAKIN' YOUR BACK
                                  FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S SAKE
                                  IF THE LIFE DOESN'T SEEM TO
                                    SUIT YA
                                               (MORE)
                                               (CONTINUED)

     4/19/91 CHERRY                                          33.

41   CONTINUED:                                                    41
                                                  JACK (CONT'D)
                                     HOW 'BOUT A CHANGE OF SCENE
                                     FAR FROM THE LOUSY HEADLINES
                                     AND THE DEADLINES IN BETWEEN
                                     SANTA FE
                                     ARE YOU THERE
                                     DO YOU SWEAR YOU WON'T FORGET
                                       ME?
                                     IF I FOUND YOU
                                     WOULD YOU LET ME COME AND STAY?
                                     I AIN'T GETTING ANY YOUNGER
                                     AND BEFORE MY DYING DAY
                                     I WANT SPACE
                                     NOT JUST AIR
                                     LET 'EM LAUGH IN MY FACE I
                                       DON'T CARE
                                     SAVE A PLACE
                                     I'LL BE THERE...
                                     SO THAT'S WHAT THEY CALL A
     Jack sees two cops                FAMILY
     coming and instinc-             AIN'T YA GLAD YOU AIN'T THAT
     tively hides in the               WAY?
     shadows, finishing              AIN'T YA GLAD YOU GOT A DREAM
     the song in the dark.           CALLED SANTA FE...?


42   EXT. NEWSIES LODGING HOUSE - SAME NIGHT                       42
     Jack approaches the entrance as Racetrack comes down the
     sidewalk.
                                JACK
                  How'd it go at the track, Race?
                                RACETRACK
                  That hot tip I told you about?
                  Nobody told the horse.
     They smile and continue into --

43   INT. LODGING HOUSE - LOBBY - CONTINUOUS ACTION                43

     Jack and Race pay Kloppman for the night.

                                KLOPPMAN
                  You missed your supper, boys.

                                RACETRACK
                  Then we didn't miss much, did we?                     *
                                                    (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                                             34.         *

43    CONTINUED:                                                      43
                                 JACK
                   I ate, Mr. Kloppman, I...
                          (sounds strange to
                           say it)
                   ... I was dinin' with a family.

      Race and Kloppman exchange looks as Jack moves on --

44    OMITTED                                                         44


44A   INT. LODGING HOUSE - WASHROOM - CONTINUOUS ACTION               44A
      Jack enters the empty room and walks past a row       of wash
      basins to the last one. He reaches beneath it,        dislodges
      a brick and removes a small box. In the box is        a tin
      Prince Albert Tobacco can -- Jack puts today's       take
      inside it. Then he removes --
      -- a photograph: faded, dog-eared. Against a Coney
      Island western backdrop, fake cactus, fake fence, a
      smiling man and woman beam down at a small boy in a
      cowboy hat -- it's Jack, about Les's age, with his
      parents. Jack sits hunched under the basin, alone,
      staring at it...


44B   OMITTED                                                         44B


45    INT. PULITZER'S OFFICE - NIGHT                                  45
      Pulitzer in his shirt-sleeves glowers impatiently as a
      prim 1899-vintage numbers cruncher -- JONATHAN -- deliv-
      ers the bottom line with charts, graphs, etc. Seitz
      lounges, yawning.

                                 JONATHAN
                   Actual income, as well as
                   projected income, against actual
                   operating costs, as well as
                   projected operating costs, produce
                   a reduced marginality of profit
                   which in turn --

                                  PULITZER
                   Seitz!   What in blazes is he talking
                   about?

                                 SEITZ
                   Says you need to make more money,
                   Chief.
                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            35.        *

45   CONTINUED:                                                     45
                                PULITZER
                  Of course I need to make more money!
                  But how do I make more money, you
                  bloodless blot?
                                JONATHAN
                         (unflappable)
                  I have several proposals. The
                  first is to increase the paper's
                  price --

                                PULITZER
                  Then Hearst undersells me and I'm
                  in the poorhouse. Brilliant.

                                JONATHAN
                  Not the customer price -- the
                  price to the distribution
                  apparatus.
     Exasperated, Pulitzer looks to Seitz for a translation.
                                SEITZ
                  You mean the Newsies...? Charge
                  the Newsies more for their papers?
                  Bad idea, Chief.
                                JONATHAN
                  Very well. My next proposal --
                  salary cuts, particularly those
                  at the very top --
                                PULITZER
                  Wait. What  do the Newsies pay
                  now -- fifty cents per hundred
                  papers? If  you raised it to
                  sixty cents --

                                JONATHAN
                  A mere tenth of a cent per paper --

                                PULITZER
                  -- then that, multiplied by forty
                  thousand papers a day, seven days
                  a week -- well, it would pay some
                  of the bills around here.

                                SEITZ
                  Chief, if you do this, every
                  Newsie we got will head straight
                  for Hearst.

                                                     (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                          36.

45    CONTINUED:    (2)                                              45
                                 PULITZER
                   Not necessarily. As newspapermen,
                   Hearst and I would cut each other's
                   throats to get the best of the
                   other. But as businessmen -- and
                   gentlemen -- we often agree on
                   ways to keep down certain operating
                   costs. If I know Willie Hearst,
                   he's going to wish he thought of
                   this himself.

                                 SEITZ
                   What about the other papers -- ?
                                 PULITZER
                   If we do it, they'll all do it.
                   It's only a tenth of a cent --
                   nobody gets hurt! It's good for
                   the Newsies -- an incentive, make
                   'em work harder, sell more papers!
                   Now get me Hearst on that
                   contraption.
      Seitz sighs and reaches for the phone.


46    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - MORNING                                   46
      Jack bounces into the square, still   basking in the glow
      of last night. He looks up to the    chalkboard and sees
      the headline: "BLOODY BEATINGS IN    TROLLEY STRIKE!"
      He grins, gives the high-sign -- a   very salable headline.
      He moves on to --


46A   EXT. LOADING DOCK/CIRCULATION WINDOW - MORNING                 46A

      Something's wrong -- angry shouts, arms waving.       Puzzled,
      Jack shoves through the angry Newsies to --
                KID BLINK
        They jacked up the price! Ten
        cents a hunnerd -- I can eat two                                   *
        days on ten cents!                                                 *

                                 SKITTERY                                  *
                   This'll bust me -- I'm barely                           *
                   makin' a livin' now --                                  *
                                                   BOOTSY                  *
                                         I'll be back sleepin' on          *
                                         the streets --                    *
                                                      (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                           37.         *

46A   CONTINUED:                                                      46A
                MUSH
        It don't make no sense!
        All the money Pulitzer
        makes, why would he gouge us?
      Jack sees Weasel behind his window, grinning.

                                 JACK
                   Awright, pipe down! Don't you
                   see it's a gag? Just Weasel bein'
                   a weasel. Joke's over, Wease.
                   Gimme a hunnerd.
      He plops fifty cents on the counter.      Weasel's grin
      gets weaselier as he slides it back.

                                 WEASEL
                   Hunnerd'll cost ya sixty, Cowboy.
                                 JACK
                   I ain't payin' no sixty --
                                 WEASEL
                   Then move outta the way --
                                 JACK
                   You bet -- I move right over to
                   the Journal.

                                 RACETRACK
                   It's the same at the Journal -- we
                   checked -- it's the same everywhere!
                                 JACK
                   Why the jack-up, Weasel?
                                 WEASEL
                   Why not? It's a nice day. Why
                   don't you ast Mr. Pulitzer?
      He whacks the bell with his cudgel; the Delanceys
      stir threateningly.
                                 WEASEL
                   If you ain't buyin' papes, clear
                   out! World employees only on
                   this sida the gates.
                                 JACK
                   It stinks here anyway -- let's go!

      He leads the angry Newsies out of the courtyard into --

47    OMITTED                                                         47

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                       38.

48    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - CONTINUOUS ACTION                      48
      The angry boys crowd around Jack.

                KID BLINK
        They can't do that to us --
                              RACETRACK
                They can do what they want --
                it's their stinkin' paper --
                                                   BOOTS
                                       Ain't we got no rights -- ?

                CRUTCHY
        Sure -- we got the right
        to take it in the t'roat!

                                                   RACETRACK
                                      It's a rigged deck -- why
                                      waste time kiddin' ourselves?
                                      They set the price, we gotta
                                      pay it --
                MUSH
        We got no choice! So let's
        get our lousy papes while
        they still got some --
                              JACK
                Nobody's goin' anywhere -- they
                ain't gonna get away with this!
                              EVERYBODY
                What can we do -- (etc.)

                              LES
                Stop crowding him!    Let him think!

      They back off, become quiet -- every eye on Jack as he
      thinks. And thinks again. And again. Finally --
                              RACETRACK
                       (tentatively)
                Jack...? Ya still thinkin'... ?                        *
      Jack looks at him, then the others:    his jaw set.

                              JACK
                One thing for sure. If we don't
                sell papes, then nobody sells papes.
                Nobody comes through those gates
                'til they put the price back where
                it was.
                                                  (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                         39.        *

48    CONTINUED:                                                    48
                                 DAVID
                   You mean like a strike...?

                                 JACK
                   Yeah, a strike -- good idea, Dave.

                                 DAVID
                          (alarmed)
                   No, I didn't mean -- we can't
                   strike, we're not a union --

                                 JACK
                   We go on strike, we're a union,
                   right? Keep it comin', Dave --

      Jack's moving across the square, everyone following,
      cheering, a momentum building. David moves with him --
                                 DAVID
                          (pleading)
                   There's not enough of us -- maybe
                   if we got every Newsie in New York --
                                 JACK
                   Yeah, we organize -- we get all
                   the New York Newsies to join us!
                   This is great, Dave, keep talkin' --
                                 DAVID
                   It's no joke! You saw what
                   happened to those trolley workers --
                                 JACK
                   Another great idea! Any Newsie
                   don't join with us, we soak 'im
                   -- just like the trolley workers!

                                 DAVID
                   Nooo! Stop and think, willya?     You
                   can't just rush everybody into
                   this!

      The gang is cheering every word; Jack stops at the base
      of the Greeley statue, holds up his hands for quiet.

                                 JACK
                   Dave's right again! We gotta think
                   this through! Old man Pulitzer and
                   Hearst and all them other rich
                   geezers, they run this city. Do we
                   really think a buncha streetrats
                   like us would have a chance against
                   people like them?
                                 (MORE)

                                                     (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                            40.        *

48    CONTINUED:    (2)                                                48
                                 JACK (CONT'D)
                   The choice has gotta be yours --
                   are we gonna just take what they
                   give us? Or do we strike?
      The Newsies are silent, faltering, suddenly uncertain.
      Then a small figure steps forward and raises his fist:

                                LES
                   Strike!

      The boys explode -- a beat begins to build --
                                 BOOTS
                   Keep talkin', Jack -- tell us
                   what to do --

      Jack looks desperately at David:      what do I say now?
                                 DAVID
                   Uh... uh... Pulitzer and Hearst
                   have to respect our rights --
                                 JACK
                   Pulitzer and Hearst have to respect
                   the workin' boys of New York!
                          (to David)
                   Keep it comin' -- what else.

                                 DAVID
                   Uh... they can't treat us like
                   we don't exist...
      SONG:   "THE WORLD WILL KNOW"   APPROXIMATE TIME: 3:30.
                                                   JACK
                                      PULITZER AND HEARST
                                      THEY THINK WE'RE NOTHING
                                      ARE WE NOTHING?
                                                      NEWSIE
                                      NO!
                              DAVID
                If we stick together like the
                trolley workers, they can't break
                us up.
                                                   JACK
                                      PULITZER AND HEARST
                                      THEY THINK THEY GOT US
                                      DO THEY GOT US?
                                                      NEWSIES
                                      NO!
                                                      (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                              41.

48   CONTINUED:     (4)                                               48
                                DAVID
                  It's like a union. The Newsboy's
                  Union. Are we really a union...?
                                                     JACK
                                        EVEN THOUGH WE AIN'T
                                        GOT HATS OR BADGES
                                        WE'RE A UNION JUST BY
                                        SAYING SO...
                                        AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW

                                BOOTS
                  What's to stop someone else from
                  sellin' our papes?

                                JACK
                  We talk to 'em.
                                RACETRACK
                  Some of 'em don't hear so good.
                                JACK
                  Then we soak 'em.

                                DAVID
                  No!
                                                     JACK
                                        WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE
                                        TO STOP THE WAGONS?
                                        ARE WE READY?
                                                     NEWSIES
                                        YEAH!
                                DAVID
                  No! We can't beat up kids in the
                  street! It'll destroy what we're
                  trying to do!
                                                     JACK
                                        WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE
     Jack's not listening now.          TO STOP THE SCABBERS?
                                        CAN WE DO IT?

                                                     NEWSIES
                                        YEAH!
                                                     JACK
                                        WE'LL DO WHAT WE GOTTA DO
                                        UNTIL WE BREAK THE WILL
                                        OF MIGHTY BILL AND JOE
                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                        42.

48   CONTINUED:   (5)                                           48
                                               ALL                   *
                                  AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW
                                  AND THE JOURNAL TOO                *
                                  MR. HEARST AND PULITZER            *
                                  HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU
                                  NOW THE WORLD WILL HEAR
                                  WHAT WE'VE GOT TO SAY
                                  WE BEEN HAWKIN' HEADLINES
                                  BUT WE'RE MAKIN' 'EM TODAY
                                  AND OUR RANKS WILL GROW
     Crutchy hobbles forward,
     raising his crutch.                       CRUTCHY
                                  AND WE'LL KICK THEIR REAR
                                               ALL                   *
                                  AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW
                                  THAT WE'VE BEEN...
     Jack jumps down from the
     statue.                                   JACK
                                  ... HERE!
                                                                     *
     He jumps onto the back of a wagon.
                                               JACK
                                  WHEN THE CIRCULATION BELL
     Two wagonloads of nervous    STARTS RINGING
     Newsies come through the     WILL WE HEAR IT?
     gate. Some leap off and
     join the strikers -- most                NEWSIES
     stay on the wagon.           NO!
                                               JACK
                                  WHAT IF THE DELANCEYS
                                  COME OUT SWINGING
                                  WILL WE HEAR IT?
                                               NEWSIES
                                  NO!
                                               JACK
                                  WHEN YA GOT A HUNDRED VOICES
                                  SINGING, WHO CAN
                                  HEAR A LOUSY WHISTLE BLOW?
                                               EVERYBODY
                                  AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW

     Race, Mush and Kid Blink                  ALL                   *
     leap onto the wagon with     THAT THIS AIN'T NO GAME
     baskets of rotten fruit.     THAT WE GOT A TON OF ROTTEN
     singing as a trio.           FRUIT AND PERFECT AIM.
                                               (MORE)
                                               (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                          43.        *

48   CONTINUED:   (6)                                             48
                                                 ALL (CONT'D)
     Jack steps forward.            SO THEY GAVE THEIR WORD
     Boots angrily throws a
     piece of rotten fruit
     toward The World Building.     BUT IT AIN'T WORTH BEANS


                                    NOW THEY'RE GONNA SEE WHAT
                                    STOP THE PRESSES REALLY
                                    MEANS

                                    AND THE DAY HAS COME
                                    AND THE TIME IS NOW
                                    AND THE FEAR IS GONE
     Boots, apprehensive, looks
     up at Jack in the wagon.                    BOOTS
                                    AND OUR NAME IS MUD
                                                 ALL
                                    AND THE STRIKE IS ON
                                                 BOOTS
                                    AND I CAN'T STAND BLOOD

                                                 ALL
                                    AND THE WORLD WILL...
                                                 JACK
     Jack and the others jump       PULITZER MAY OWN THE
     down from the wagon and with   WORLD BUT HE DON'T OWN US!
     David and Les following,
     move across the square.                     ALL
                                    PULITZER MAY OWN THE
                                    WORLD BUT HE DON'T OWN US!
                                                 JACK
                                    PULITZER MAY CRACK THE WHIP
                                    BUT HE WON'T WHIP US!
     The Newsies answer back.                    ALL
                                    PULITZER MAY CRACK THE WHIP
                                    BUT HE WON'T WHIP US!
     Crossing the square, as                       ALL
     they move towards the gates,   AND   THE WORLD WILL KNOW
     singing up to Pulitzer's       AND   THE WORLD WILL LEARN
     office in the dome at the      AND   THE WORLD WILL WONDER
     top of The World Building.     HOW   WE MADE THE TABLES TURN
                                                   (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                               44.

48    CONTINUED:    (7)                                                   48
                                                           ALL
                                           AND    THE WORLD WILL SEE
      The Delanceys close the              THAT    WE HAD TO CHOOSE
      gates as Weasel glares out           THAT    THE THINGS WE DO TODAY
      from the dock.                       WILL    BE TOMORROW'S NEWS

                                                        ALL
                                           AND THE OLD WILL FALL
      The Newsies interlock arms           AND THE YOUNG STAND TALL
      forming a chain of                   AND THE TIME IS NOW
      resistance and solidarity.           AND THE WINDS WILL BLOW
                                           AND OUR RANKS WILL GROW AND
                                           GROW AND GROW AND SO
                                           THE WORLD WILL FEEL THE
                                           FIRE AND FIN'LLY KNOW!

      Jack, excited by his power, is in full charge now.
                                 JACK
                   We gotta get word out to all the                            *
                   Newsies in New York! I gotta have                           *
                   some... whattaya call 'em --
                                   DAVID
                   Ambassadors.
                                 JACK
                   Right! You guys gotta be embastards
                   and tell 'em we're on strike!
                                 KID BLINK
                   I'll take Harlem!
                RACETRACK
        I got mid-town!        CRUTCHY
                        The Bronx!                MUSH
                                     I'll get da Bowery!

                                 JACK
                   Bumlet, Specs, Skittery take
                   Queens; Pie Eater and Snotty,
                   the East side -- Snipeshooter,
                   go with 'em; okay, who wants
                   Brooklyn? Spot Conlon's
                   territory?

      Suddenly they all look like they've got something else
      to do.
                                   JACK
                   Whatsamatter?    Scared of Brooklyn?

                                                           (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                             45.        *

48    CONTINUED:     (8)                                             48
                                 BOOTS
                   We ain't scared of Brooklyn. But
                   Spot Conlon makes us a little
                   nervous.
                                 JACK
                   Well, he don't make me nervous.
                   You and me, Boots, we take
                   Brooklyn. Dave can keep us
                   company. Okay, Dave?

      David looks up; Jack grins, challenging him.       David comes
      right back at him.
                                 DAVID
                   Sure. Right after you take our
                   demands to Pulitzer.
                                  JACK
                           (grin fades)
                   Me?
                          (looks up at the
                           dome)
                   To Pulitzer?
                                 DAVID
                          (his turn to grin)
                   You're the leader.

      Jack looks at the huge doors of the World Building,
      steeling himself. He starts for them, then has a thought
      -- beckons to Les, who runs to join him, thrilled.
                                 JACK
                   Maybe the kid'll soften him up a
                   little.

      Shouting encouragement, the Newsies clear a path as Jack
      and Les march up to the big doors. Jack pounds on them
      and there's a hush as everyone waits, watching -- including
      a handsome, well-dressed man in his thirties, BRYAN DENTON.

      The huge doors swing open like the mouth of a whale and
      Jack and Les disappear inside. The Newsies cheer.
      Denton moves next to David.

                                 DENTON
                   What's going on?
                                 DAVID
                   They're going in to present our
                   demands to Pulitzer.
                                   DENTON
                   What demands?
                                                      (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                             46.        *

48    CONTINUED:    (9)                                              48
                                 DAVID
                   The Newsies' demands.   We're on
                   strike.
      Denton looks around, a little amazed.     He takes out a
      notebook.

                                 DENTON
                   I'm Denton, New York Sun.   What's
                   your name?

                                 DAVID
                          (suspicious)
                   David...

                                 DENTON
                   David.  As in David and Goliath?
                          (off at doors)
                   You really think old man Pulitzer's
                   going to listen to your demands?
                                DAVID
                   He has to.

      At that instant, the big doors swing open and Jack and
      Les are spat out like two seeds.
                                 JACK
                          (yelling back)
                   So's your ol' lady! Tell Pulitzer
                   he needs an appointment with me!
      The doors slam shut; Denton scribbles, intrigued.


49    INT. NEWSPAPERMAN'S RESTAURANT - DAY                           49

      Jack, David and Les devour a tray of sandwiches as Denton
      takes notes. Newsmen at other tables glance over
      curiously as Jack holds forth.

                                 JACK
                          (a mouthful)
                   -- So this snooty mug is sayin',
                   'You cawn't see Mr. Pulitzer, no
                   one sees Mr. Pulitzer' -- real
                   hoity-toity, you know the type --
                                 LES
                          (also a mouthful)
                   Real hoity-toity --

                                                      (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                          47.        *

49    CONTINUED:                                                  49
                                 JACK
                   -- So I says, 'I ain't in the
                   habit of transactin' business with
                   no office boy -- tell him Jack
                   Kelly is here to see him now.'

                                 LES
                   That's when they threw us out.
                                 DENTON
                   Doesn't it scare you going up
                   against the most powerful man in
                   New York?
                                 JACK
                          (bravado)
                   Yeah, lookit me, I'm tremblin'.
      Denton smiles, closes his notebook.    Gets up, handing
      David a card.
                                 DENTON
                   Keep me informed -- I want to
                   know everything that happens.
                                 DAVID
                   Are we really an important story...?
                                 DENTON
                   What's important? A year ago I
                   covered the war in Cuba -- charging
                   up San Juan Hill with Colonel Teddy
                   Roosevelt. A very important story.
                   Now it doesn't seem so important --
                   except Teddy's our governor and
                   probably on his way to the White
                   House. Is the Newsies' strike
                   important? It all depends on you.
                                  JACK
                           (stopping him)
                   My name really gonna be in the
                   papers?
                                 DENTON
                   Any objections?

                                 JACK
                   Not as long as you get it right --
                   Kelly, Jack Kelly. And, Denton?
                   No pictures.

      Denton smiles and shrugs.    David suspects Jack's thinking
      of Snyder.

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                      47A.     *

50    EXT. BROOKLYN BRIDGE (MATTE SHOT - BROOKLYN SIDE) - DAWN 50
      Jack, David, Boots are walking as we WIDEN OUT to reveal
      the magnificent bridge against a dawn sky. They all seem
      a little nervous.
                              DAVID
                I've never been to Brooklyn --
                have you guys?

                              BOOTS
                Spent a month there one night.

                              DAVID
                This Spot Conlon... is he really
                as bad as they say...?

      Jack and Boots look at each other and laugh; they keep
      laughing as they walk along --
                              DAVID
                I say something funny? Come on,
                tell me -- he bad or not? What's
                the joke? Tell me, willya? (Etc.)
      We KEEP WIDENING as the figures get smaller and Jack and
      Boots keep laughing and David keeps asking about Spot...

       4/8/91 YELLOW                                          48.          *

51     OMITTED                                                      51
thru                                                                thru
54                                                                  54


55     EXT. BROOKLYN WATERFRONT - DAY                               55
       On a rotted and collapsing pier is a battered sign:
       "BROOKLYN EXCURSIONS - CLOSED." Hunched under the pier
       is a tough kid playing a harmonica, his eyes fixed on --
       -- Jack, Boots, David as they cautiously approach through
       the no-man's land of mud and junk. Boys appear like
       hostile Indians -- behind them, to the side of them, in
       front of them -- silently escorting them under the pier.
       David looks very nervous as they are halted, and the
       harmonica plays a signal, then stops abruptly.

       From behind some rotting timbers steps a freckled gnome.
       He looks them up and down, then grins. He is SPOT
       CONLON.
                               SPOT
                 If it ain't Jack be nimble, Jack
                 be quick.

       Jack meets his challenging grin with one of his own.
                               JACK
                 You're movin' up in the world,
                 Spot -- got a ocean view and
                 everything.
       Spot and Jack exchange "heh-hehs."   David's getting more
       nervous.

                               SPOT
                 So I'm hearin' things from little
                 birdies in Harlem and Queens and
                 all over. They're chirpin' in my
                 ear: 'Jackie-boy's Newsies are
                 playin' like they're goin' on
                 strike -- '

                               DAVID
                        (blurting)
                 We're not playing -- we are on
                 strike -- it's --

       Spot's eyes click like switchblades in David's direction
       -- so do his henchmen's.

                               SPOT
                 What's this, Jackie boy?   Some
                 kind of walkin' mouth?
                                                    (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                            49.        *

55   CONTINUED:                                                     55
                                JACK
                         (unintimidated)
                  It's a mouth with a brain -- and
                  if you got half-a-one you'll
                  listen. Tell 'im, Davey.

     David looks at Jack wide-eyed: "Me?" Scared to death,
     he starts -- as Spot's henchmen begin circling him like
     jackals.
                                DAVID
                  Uh... we started the strike but...
                  we can't do it alone, so... we've
                  been talkin' to Newsies all over
                  the city...

                                SPOT
                  So they told me. And what did
                  they tell you?
     David looks nervously at the circling henchmen.
                                DAVID
                  That... they're all waiting to see
                  what Spot Conlon does. That you're
                  the key...
                         (as Spot puffs
                          himself up; David
                          sees an opening)
                  That Spot Conlon is the most
                  respected and... famous... newsie
                  in New York... and probably
                  everywhere else...

     Spot signals the henchmen to stop circling; waits for
     more, lapping it up.

                                DAVID
                  And... if Spot Conlon joins the
                  strike, they'll join and we'll be
                  unstoppable so you gotta join and
                  ... well... you gotta...
     He trails off.    Spot nods, turns to Jack.

                                SPOT
                  You're right. Brains.
                         (hardens)
                  But I got brains, too -- and more
                  than half-a-one. How do I know
                  you punks won't run the first
                  time some goon comes atcha with
                  a club? How do I know you're in
                  it to win?

                                                     (CONTINUED)

       4/8/91 YELLOW                                          50.          *

55     CONTINUED:    (2)                                            55
                                  JACK
                    'Cause I'm tellin' you.

                                  SPOT
                    Not good enough, Jackie-boy.   You
                    gotta show me.

       He turns and walks away. David and Boots exhale in
       relief -- but Jack suddenly grabs a rope hanging from
       the wharf and swings in front of Spot.

                                  JACK
                    Maybe you lost your guts, Spotty-
                    boy --
                           (as Spot freezes)
                    -- or maybe you traded 'em to some
                    chicken for that beak of yours.
                           (in Spot's face)
                    Maybe you gotta show me you ain't
                    afraid to join the strike.
       Murder's in the air: David and Boots are paralyzed;
       the henchmen are ready to explode. Spot's eyes are
       locked on Jack's for an excruciating moment -- then
       Spot grins.
                                  SPOT
                    Nice try, pal. But that's just what
                    I'm talkin' about.
                           (serious)
                    Show me this strike ain't just some
                    kids do-or-dare, then we'll talk.


56     OMITTED                                                      56
thru                                                                thru
58                                                                  58

59     EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - AFTERNOON (SAME DAY)                    59

       With a bucket of red paint, Crutchy paints a portrait of
       Pulitzer on an old bedsheet. Around him, Newsies roll
       hoops, play marbles, tag, leap-frog, etc. Looks like
       more of a holiday than a strike. Jack, David, Boots
       return from Brooklyn.

                                  RACETRACK
                    So where's Spot Conlon?

       Jack looks disgustedly at the activity.

                                                     (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                            51.

59    CONTINUED:                                                    59
                                 JACK
                   He was concerned about us bein'
                   serious -- you imagine that?
      Some Newsies gather around, concerned.

                KID BLINK
      Without Spot and the others,
      there ain't enough of us...
                                 MUSH
                   Maybe we're movin' too soon,
                   maybe we ain't ready --
                                      SKITTERY
                         Definitely should put this off
                         a coupla days, definitely --
                                 PIE EATER
                   Hey, Jack -- you ready?   I'm
                   ready!
      He's swinging a picket sign.

                                 JACK
                   At least somebody's got the right
                   idea.
                                 PIE EATER
                   Who else is ready for stick-ball?
      He tears the sign off the stick and swings it like a bat.
                                 JACK
                   Who we kiddin' here. Spot was
                   right. Just a game to these
                   guys...

                                 CRUTCHY
                   Hey, Jack -- get a loada this!

      He's waving the bedsheet with the scowling devil-mask of
      "Joe P" painted on it. Jack smiles as Crutchy parades
      with the banner, the other Newsies begin to notice.

      Across the square, Denton lounges with his notebook,               *
      studying the Newsies as if he, too, were concerned about           *
      how serious they are.                                              *
      David watches Crutchy parading with the bedsheet; other            *
      Newsies put aside their marbles, hoops, etc., and watch.           *
      Sensing a moment, David moves among them, beginning to             *
      sing:
                                                     (CONTINUED)

     4/8/91 YELLOW                                          52.

59   CONTINUED:   (2)                                             59
     SONG:   "SEIZE THE DAY"

                                                  DAVID
                                     OPEN THE GATES AND SEIZE THE DAY
     As David sings,                 DON'T BE AFRAID AND DON'T DELAY
     the others join in.             NOTHING CAN BREAK US
     They stand waiting,             NO ONE CAN MAKE US
     arms interlocked, as            GIVE OUR RIGHTS AWAY
     the gates begin to              ARISE AND SEIZE THE DAY         *
     open...

               DAVID
       NOW IS THE TIME                            GROUP
       TO SEIZE THE DAY              NOW IS THE TIME
                                     TO SEIZE THE DAY
               DAVID
       SEND OUT THE CALL                          GROUP
       AND JOIN THE FRAY             SEND OUT THE CALL
                                     AND JOIN THE FRAY
               DAVID
       WRONGS WILL BE RIGHTED
       IF WE'RE UNITED
               ALL
       LET US SEIZE THE DAY
               DAVID
       FRIENDS OF THE FRIENDLESS
       SEIZE THE DAY                              GROUP
                                     FRIENDS OF THE FRIENDLESS
                                     SEIZE THE DAY
               DAVID
       RAISE UP THE TORCH
       AND LIGHT THE WAY                          GROUP
                                     RAISE UP THE TORCH
                                     AND LIGHT THE WAY
               ALL                   *
       PROUD AND DEFIANT
       WE'LL SLAY THE GIANT
       LET US SEIZE THE DAY

       NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
       FATHER TO SON
       ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE

               NEWSIE GROUP #1       *
       OPEN THE GATES
       AND SEIZE THE DAY                          NEWSIE GROUP #2      *
                                     OPEN THE GATES
                                     AND SEIZE THE DAY

                                                  (CONTINUED)

        4/8/91 YELLOW                                      53.

59      CONTINUED:   (3)                                         59
                NEWSIE GROUP #1     *
        DON'T BE AFRAID
        AND DON'T DELAY                          NEWSIE GROUP #2       *
                                    DON'T BE AFRAID
                                    AND DON'T DELAY
                NEWSIE GROUP #1     *
        NOTHING CAN BREAK US
        NO ONE CAN MAKE US
        GIVE OUR RIGHTS
        AWAY

                ALL                 *
        NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
        FATHER TO SON
        ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE


59A   EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE/GATES - DAY                             59A
      MUSIC CONTINUES as the gates swing open and wagons loaded
      with papers, followed by the nervous non-striking
      Newsies, are revealed. Weasel and the Delanceys carry            *
      clubs...
                                                                       *
      -- Jack signals and Boots, Race and the boys loose a
      volley of rotten fruit -- With a shrill cry, the Newsies         *
      rush into the courtyard and leap onto the wagons --              *
      Denton watches nearby, writing it all down.
      David moves among the ranks of terrified non-striking
      Newsies, exhorting them --
                               DAVID
                 Throw down your papers!   Join the
                 strike! (Etc.)

      Many of them do -- ripping up their papers, shouting --
      -- The Delanceys slog through a storm of rotten fruit;
      cornering some Newsies by the wagons. They're raising
      their clubs when --
      -- Paint begins to dribble onto their heads -- they look
      up and the whole bucket is dumped in their faces by
      Crutchy. They lunge for him, dripping -- he ducks away,
      poking at them with his crutch --
      -- Jack and the others toss bundle after bundle of papers
      from the wagons -- they're torn to shreds, tossed in the
      air -- a blizzard of newsprint and then: SHRILL POLICE
      WHISTLES --
                                                  (CONTINUED)

)O(    4/25/91 GREY                                             54.          *

59A    CONTINUED:                                                     59A
                                  JACK
                    Cheezit -- the bulls!

       The Newsies scatter through the snowstorm of paper as
       three mounted policemen gallop into the square --

       Crutchy, hobbling as fast as he can, falls -- a large
       hand snatches him up -- Morris, grinning through the
       paint. But no one notices as --
       The Newsies leap, cheering in triumph, through the drift-
       ing shreds of paper, as they vanish in all directions --

59B    INT. PULITZER'S OFFICE - MORNING                               59B

       He stands at the window with Seitz. Weasel hovers
       nearby, awestruck in the presence of Pulitzer.
                                  SEITZ
                    I don't think they're just going
                    to go away, Chief.
                                  WEASEL
                    Just give me the means, Mr.
                    Pulitzer. I'll take care of them
                    for you.
       Pulitzer turns his godlike gaze on Weasel, who seems to
       shrink slightly. Pulitzer studies him a moment.
                                  PULITZER
                           (to Seitz)
                    Give him whatever 'means' he
                    requires, I want this nuisance
                    over and done with.

       He looks back down at the square, where Crutchy's crude
       portrait of him, lying crumpled on the pavement, stares
       back at him.


60     OMITTED                                                        60
thru                                                                  thru
63                                                                    63


64     EXT. HOUSE OF REFUGE - NIGHT                                   64
       A dark cheerless building looming over an empty street.
       INTO FRAME step Jack and David, Jack with a rope.

                                  JACK
                    The House of Refuge... my home-
                    sweet-home...
                                                       (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                          54A.

64    CONTINUED:    (A1)                                         64
      He crouch-runs across the street David following
      nervously.

                                 DAVID
                   How can you be sure they sent
                   Crutchy here?

                                                   (CONTINUED)

      GREEN 4/10/91                                            55.         *

64    CONTINUED:                                                     64
                                 JACK
                   How can I be sure the Delanceys
                   stink -- 'cause that's how things
                   work. An orphan gets arrested,
                   Snyder gets him sent here to be
                   'rehabilitated' --
                          (lassos a chimneypot
                           on the roof)
                   -- the more kids in the Refuge,
                   the more money the city sends to
                   take care of 'em, and the more
                   Snyder can steal.
                          (starts climbing)
                   He's here alright.

      David, looking around nervously, starts climbing after
      him.


64A   EXT. HOUSE OF REFUGE - ROOF - NIGHT                            64A
      Jack and David creep along above some large barred
      windows. Jack loops the rope around his waist, swings
      over the edge --


65    EXT./INT. HOUSE OF REFUGE/BUNKROOM - NIGHT                     65
      David watches from the roof as Jack taps on a window.
      An inmate, TENPIN, 9, looks up and grins.
                                  TENPIN
                   Cowboy!   Ya miss the joint?

                                 JACK
                   Whattayasay, Tenpin.   You got a
                   new guy, Crutchy --

                                  TENPIN
                   The gimp?   I'll get him for ya.

      Jack takes a railroad spike from his belt and begins
      prying at the bars, talking conversationally up to
      David who's terrified someone's going to hear them.

                                 JACK
                   That's Tenpin -- s'posed to get
                   out last Christmas but Snyder
                   keeps tackin' more time on his
                   sentence --

                                 DAVID
                          (shushing frantically)
                   Be quiet -- they'll hear you --!

                                                      (CONTINUED)

     GREEN 4/10/91                                           56.        *

65   CONTINUED:                                                    65
     Crutchy appears, grinning at Jack dangling on the
     rope.

                                CRUTCHY
                  Hey, whattaya hangin' around here
                  for? That Dave up there? Hiya,
                  Dave!

     David pleads for silence.    Jack pries at the bars.
                                JACK
                  Go get your hat, Crutch -- kiss
                  Snyder good-bye.
                                CRUTCHY
                         (evasively)
                  Yeah... hey, shoulda seen me in
                  court today -- old Judge Movealong
                  Monahan hisself! Took him two
                  minutes to move me along to
                  Snyder for 'my own good.'
                             JACK
               Later, Crutchy -- get your stuff.
     Crutchy stops Jack's hand prying at the bars.
                             CRUTCHY
               Listen, Jack... truth is, I ain't
               walkin' so good. Oscar and Morris
               kinda worked me over a little...
                             JACK
               They hurt you...? Don't worry,
               we'll carry you --
                                CRUTCHY
                         (vehemantly)
                  I don't want nobody carryin' me --
                  never!

     Jack looks up: Crutchy's eyes flash with pride.       Then
     he smiles, softens.
                             CRUTCHY
               It ain't so bad here. Get three
               squares, sorta, and there's some
               swell fellas...
                      (up to David)
               They still talk about how Jack
               rode outta here on that coach!

                                                    (CONTINUED)

      GREEN 4/10/91                                          57.         *

65    CONTINUED:                                                   65
                                 DAVID
                          (sighs; resigned)
                   Teddy Roosevelt's. Right?
                                 CRUTCHY
                   You already heard the story.

                                 DAVID
                   You mean it's true --?
      Crutchy hears something and quickly shushes them: Jack
      disappears from the window; Crutchy slumps into a bunk
      and pretends to sleep -- just as Snyder comes into
      the room. Utter silence --

      -- except for Snyder's FOOTSTEPS as he walks slowly down
      the aisle between the bunks. He stops at the window, his
      back to it. Crutchy sneaks open his eyes to see --
      -- Jack, behind Snyder, swinging past the window, arms
      stretched in a balletic arabesque --
      -- Crutchy struggles not to laugh; Tenpin and some others
      see what's going on. They all fight laughter as --
      -- Jack swings back and forth behind Snyder, striking
      difference poses as he passes the window: the breast
      stroke, running on air, a bird with flapping wings...

      -- From the roof, David looks down in disbelief: then
      smiles -- nothing Jack does would surprise him any more.
      -- Snyder glares suspiciously at the boys, sensing
      something is going on. Behind him, Jack floats past
      as an angel -- Snyder wheels around, looks --
      -- but the window is empty. Puzzled, he walks out
      of the room. The instant he's gone, the boys explode
      in stifled laughter. We MOVE IN ON Crutchy as he
      laughs until the tears come...


65A   EXT. NEARBY STREET - NIGHT (LATER)                           65A
      Jack and David move down the deserted street.

                                 JACK
                   Crutchy won't last in there...
                   I seen stronger guys than him
                   not make it.

                                                    (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                      58.         *

65A   CONTINUED:                                                 65A
                                 DAVID
                   Did you really escape in Teddy
                   Roosevelt's coach?
                                  JACK
                   Not in it.   On it.

                                 DAVID
                   What was he doing at the Refuge?
                                 JACK
                   Runnin' for governor. Showin'
                   his concern, like all pols during
                   elections.

                                 DAVID
                   Teddy's not like other politicians.
                   He's the biggest hero in the
                   country.
                                 JACK
                   Anyway, he's there. I see his fancy
                   coach waitin' for 'im, so I sneaks on
                   top of it. Teddy gets in and he's
                   wavin' goodbye, and all the guys are
                   wavin' goodbye, and Snyder's wavin'
                   -- 'Good-byeeee, Colonel Roosevelt!'
                   So just as we're goin' out the gate,
                   I stands up and --
                          (waves)
                   'Good-byeee, Warden Snyder!' It was
                   in the papes and everything.
                                 DAVID
                          (laughs; then)
                   He's governor now. I don't understand
                   how he could see that place and not
                   do anything --
                                 JACK
                   He only seen what Snyder wanted him
                   to -- good food, everything the
                   city pays for that Snyder usually
                   steals.

                                 DAVID
                   I'll bet if he just knew -- I mean,
                   he's a hero --
                                 JACK
                   Last year he was a hero.   This year
                   he's a politician.

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                       58A.

66     OMITTED                                                      66
thru                                                                thru
69                                                                  69


70     EXT. WORLD COURTYARD - EARLY MORNING                         70
       Weasel moves down a line of frightened young scab
       newsies clutching their papers. He stops in front of --

       -- a burly THUG, 20s, and behind him two dozen more, all
       clutching newspapers.

                               WEASEL
                 Okay, 'newsies' -- you check the
                 funny papers this morning?

       The Thugs unfold their paper -- inside are clubs, chains,
       brass knuckles, saps. In the distance, we hear MUSIC
       BEGIN: the marching pulse of the strike anthem...
                                                    (CONTINUED)

     GREEN 4/10/91                                          59.

70   CONTINUED:                                                    70
                                THUG #1
                  Before we bust faces, we want our                     *
                  money.
     Weasel puts money in their hands as they file past.     The        *
     MUSIC is BUILDING and --                                           *


71   EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - MORNING                                  71
     SONG: SEIZE THE DAY explodes into full energy as Jack
     and David lead the Newsies across the square towards
     the gates.
                                                   THE NEWSIES
                                      OPEN THE GATES
                                      AND SEIZE THE DAY
                                      DON'T BE AFRAID
                                      AND DON'T DELAY
                                      NOTHING CAN BREAK US
                                      NO ONE CAN MAKE US
                                      GIVE OUR RIGHTS AWAY
                                      ARISE AND SEIZE THE DAY!

     As the Newsies converge on the gates --

72   EXT. GATES - MORNING                                          72

     The gates swing open and the young scab newsies file
     nervously out -- cannon fodder -- as our Newsies line
     up and wait for them. David leads a chant --
                                 DAVID
                  Join us!   Join us! etc.
     Some of the scabs decide fast -- they throw down their
     papers and run to the Newsies where they're welcomed with
     cheers and handshakes -- but then --
                                JACK
                         (sees something)
                  Look out -- !
     A WAGON is ROARING out of the gates full-speed -- barrel-          *
     ling towards the line of Newsies --                                *

     -- the Newsies scatter -- the line breaks as the WAGON
     ROARS through, and right behind it is --

     -- the army of Thugs, charging through the gates with
     clubs and chains waving --
                                                  (CONTINUED)

     GREEN 4/10/91                                            60.        *

72   CONTINUED:                                                     72
     -- dozens of scattered battles break out as the Newsies
     fight back as best they can --

     Denton watches at the edge of the square -- nearby him
     are six POLICEMEN, also watching, doing nothing.

                                DENTON
                  Why don't you stop this -- ?
                                COP (POLICEMAN)
                         (looks at him
                          coldly)
                  You better move along, mister...
     Denton turns, picks up something -- a large camera and
     tripod. He moves off quickly --

     -- scattered skirmishes all over the square -- clubs
     swing, fists flail -- the Thugs move the Newsies back,
     trying to box them in --
     -- Weasel and the Delanceys, backed up by other Thugs,
     are forcing Jack, David, Race, Mush, Boots and Blink into
     a tight circle. The boys fight back as best they can,
     dodging the brutal clubs and saps. As the circle
     tightens, Weasel's eyes are gleaming with gloat --
                             WEASEL
               Strike's over, boys.
     Something seems to sting him in the neck -- he slaps at
     it as if at a mosquito. Then other Thugs begin
     slapping -- all over the square, Thugs are slapping and
     looking around in puzzlement -- then --
     -- the BELL CLANGS as it's hit by a good-sized stone.

     Jack looks up as David points excitedly to the roofs
     where --
     -- It's Brooklyn to the rescue: Spot Conlon's gang is
     pelting the Thugs with volleys from their slingshots --
     and Spot himself is swinging through the air on a chain
     hoist into the square. He grins as Jack runs up --

                             SPOT
               So, ya showed me! Now I'll show
               you what Brooklyn can do --!
     The Thugs retreat from the merciless slingshots -- Jack
     rallies his Newsies and leads a screaming charge as the
     Thugs hurry behind the gates, closing them. Jack and
     Spot spit in their palms, shake hands as --
                                                     (CONTINUED)

     GREEN 4/10/91                                             61/62.

72   CONTINUED:   (2)                                                72
                                                                          *
     MUSICAL REPRISE:   "SEIZE THE DAY" begins again; jubilant,
     victorious --

                                                SKITTERY
                                   NOW IS THE TIME TO
     Jack leaps on a loose
     horse, pulls David up                      ALL
     and they lead an impromptu    SEIZE THE DAY
     victory parade.
                                                RACETRACK
     The police fade away;         SEND OUT THE CALL AND
     Spectators who have
     watched it all begin to                    ALL
     applaud. Many throw           SEIZE THE DAY
     coins, bills, or show other
     signs of support...                        BUMLETS
                                   WRONGS WILL BE RIGHTED
                                                ALL
                                   SEIZE THE DAY
                                                PIE EATER
                                   WHEN WE'RE UNITED

                                                    ALL
                                   SEIZE   THE   DAY SEIZE   THE   DAY
                                   SEIZE   THE   DAY SEIZE   THE   DAY
                                   SEIZE   THE   DAY SEIZE   THE   DAY
                                   SEIZE   THE   DAY SEIZE   THE   DAY


73   OMITTED                                                         73


74   EXT. ROOFTOP OVERLOOKING SQUARE -- DAY                          74
     Denton flashes a photo as MUSIC ENDS and we see --

75   INT. SUN - PRESS ROOM - DAY                                     75

     The front page of The Sun  SPINS OFF the press -- a big
     headline: "THE CHILDREN'S   CRUSADE" and a large picture
     of the Newsies, with Jack  very prominent. We hear
     EXCITED CHEERING as we GO  TO --


76   INT. NEWSPAPERMEN'S RESTAURANT - DAY                            76
     A boisterous and happy celebration as dozens of Newsies
     snatch copies of The Sun from Denton as he passes them
     out --
                                                (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                           62A.

76    CONTINUED:                                                       76
      -- Waiters bring trays of sasparilla and cold cuts --
      everybody talks at once --
                                                                            *
              RACETRACK
        Lookit this --
        just lookit this,
        willya -- ?
                                   SPOT
                             Where's me pitch'a?
                             Where's me pitch'a?         BOOTS
                                                   All them words --
                                                   are they all about
                                                   us -- ?
              MUSH
        Lookit Jack -- he
        looks like a general
        or sumpin'!                                      SPOT
                                                   Where's me name?
                                                   Where's it say me
                                                   name?
                                 DAVID
                   Listen!  Listen up, everybody -- !
                          (reads)
                   'Like a small but rising storm,
                   the infant newsboys' union
                   continues to gather force -- '

      Loud cheers.
                                 MUSH
                   Hey, ya write sweet, Denton -- real
                   sweet.
      Denton smiles; Jack is in the center, trying to keep
      cool.

                                 DAVID
                          (reading)
                   'Their leader is a child of the
                   New York streets with a red bandana
                   and a golden tongue, Jack Kelly -- '
                                 JACK
                   Where's it say that...?

                                 SPOT
                   Stop t'inkin' about yaself and let
                   'im read!

                                                      (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                       63.

76    CONTINUED:                                                  76
                                  DAVID
                           (reading)
                   'The latest clash demonstrates that
                   the publishers might do well to
                   reconsider their strategy of just
                   waiting out the strike -- '
                                  (to Denton)                          *
                   That's their plan? To just wait
                   us out?
                                                   (CONTINUED)

     GREEN 4/10/91                                            64.

76   CONTINUED:    (2)                                              76
                                DENTON
                  You're kids. They think   you'll
                  get tired, or bored, or  maybe just
                  too hungry. And with my   colleagues
                  on the other dailies not  allowed
                  to cover you --

     He looks pointedly at a group of reporters leaving the
     restaurant, shame-facedly averting their eyes.
                                DENTON
                  -- They can just ignore you until
                  you go away.
                                JACK
                  We ain't goin' away.   We'll never
                  go away.
                                DAVID
                  That's what we gotta show 'em --
                  we gotta do somethin' they can't
                  ignore, somethin' big --
                                JACK
                  We'll do it up big, all right --
                  We'll show 'em we ain't tired, or                      *
                  bored, and the hungrier we get,
                  the more we fight --
                         (as Denton starts
                          writing)
                  We'll have a rally -- every Newsie                     *
                  in New York -- and we're gonna send                    *
                  a message: there's a lot of us and
                  we ain't goin' away -- we'll keep
                  fightin' until doomsday if it means
                  gettin' what's ours!

     His eloquence is spellbinding; the Newsies are silent,
     looking at him with new respect. Then, from somewhere,
     there is a smattering of APPLAUSE. They look to see --

     -- At the door,      the group of reporters applauding --
     guilty applause      maybe, but still applause. One of them
     takes a dollar      and puts it in the box marked NEWSIES
     STRIKE FUND --      another follows suit, then another, and
     another...

     Jack and the Newsies watch -- then Jack begins to applaud
     the reporters. The Newsies join in, clapping, whistling,
     as the reporters hurry out, feeling a little better about
     themselves.

)R(    5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                      65.

77     INT. HOUSE OF REFUGE - SNYDER'S OFFICE - DAY                 77
       SNYDER pops a messy eclair in his mouth -- from a large
       platter of them -- as he glances at the New York Sun.
       Crutchy, with a featherduster, is eyeing the eclairs
       when he sees the picture in the Sun.
                               CRUTCHY
                 That's Jack -- ! Hey, he looks
                 just like hisself!
       Snyder looks at the picture:    instant recognition.

                               SNYDER
                 You know this boy...?
                                 CRUTCHY
                 Him?   Nah.

                               SNYDER
                        (smarmy smile)
                 You have a famous friend, this
                 'Jack.'... Do you know where he
                 lives...?
                               CRUTCHY
                 I never seen the guy, honest.
                        (hits his head with
                         his palm)
                 This brain of mine, always makin'
                 mistakes. Got a mind of its own.
       He hobbles out quickly.    Snyder looks at him, eyes
       narrowing.


78     OMITTED                                                      78
thru                                                                thru
90                                                                  90

90A    INT. IRVING HALL - WINGS - DAY                               90A
       A juggler struggles on stage. Medda, waiting to go on,
       checks her makeup as Jack and David talk to her.
                               MEDDA
                 Darlings, I love you -- I wish                            *
                 you luck on your rally, I am behind                       *
                 you one hundred percent. But I'm
                 not running a union hall here --
                 this is a theater, a temple of
                 art. And well-known money pit.

                               JACK
                 We got money, Medda.      Some, anyway.
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                        66.         *

90A   CONTINUED:                                                     90A
      David sees him take money out of the Prince Albert can.

                                 DAVID
                   We'll take a collection at the
                   door. We'll pay whatever you ask.

                                 MEDDA
                   It's not the money. I depend on
                   the papers. They write good
                   things about me, the customers
                   flock here like sheep. They give
                   me the pan, I'm the one who gets
                   sheared.
                                 DAVID
                   You're afraid of them, too...

                                 JACK
                   Medda's gotta look out for herself
                   same as anybody. We'll find
                   another place.
                                 DAVID
                   How can they make a whole city
                   afraid? We're the ones putting
                   our necks on the line -- all we
                   need is for somebody to have the
                   guts to stand up and show them
                   we're not alone!
                                 MEDDA
                   They have the power to destroy
                   people...

                                 DAVID
                   They can't destroy you if you
                   fight them -- only if you let
                   them own you!
                                 MEDDA
                          (softly)
                   You are so young...
      She looks back out at the stage; Jack pulls David away.
      Then --

                                 MEDDA
                   Got to be on Monday night.   I'm
                   dark on Monday nights.

      Jack looks at her, smiles. He tries to put his money
      in her hand: she refuses it.
                                                      (CONTINUED)

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                    66A.

90A   CONTINUED:    (2)                                    90A
                                  JACK
                   Take it, Medda. Please...?                     *
                           (as she does,                          *
                            reluctantly)                          *
                   Thanks.                                        *

                                 MEDDA
                   Don't thank me. Thank Mr.
                   Wisenheimer Guilt-maker of 1899
                   there.

      She winks at David and moves off to the stage.   Stricken   *
      to the core, David watches her begin to sing.               *

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                             67.        *

91    INT. NEWSIES' LODGING HOUSE - NIGHT                            91
      Mush painstakingly charcoals "NEWSIES RALLY -- IRVING
      HALL" on a piece of cardboard. Newsies are scattered in
      the lobby making handbills, signs, posters. Kloppman
      comes in and stops short, seeing a dark figure at his
      counter, going through his register.

                              KLOPPMAN
                Can I help you?
      The figure turns -- Snyder smiles his smarmy smile.

                              SNYDER
                Do you have a 'Jack Kelly'
                registered here? I wish to see
                him.

      The boys look up, alert.   Kloppman dislikes Snyder on
      sight.
                              KLOPPMAN
                'Jack Kelly...?' Any of you boys
                know a 'Jack Kelly'?


                SNIPESHOOTER
        Unusual name for these
        parts.                  SKITTERY
                  I knew a Jack somebody once.
                  Prob'ly not the same guy.
                                                 RACETRACK
                                         You mean Jack Kelly -- ?
      Behind Snyder, they see Jack bouncing in the front door.
      Racetrack tries to signal him --
                              RACETRACK
                -- He was here but he put an egg
                in his shoe and beat it.
      Jack sees Snyder -- but instead of running back out the
      door, he can't resist mocking him behind his back. The
      Newsies snicker; Kloppman is dying.
                              SNYDER
                I have reason to believe he's an
                escaped prisoner. Possibly
                dangerous.
                              KLOPPMAN
                Oh, dear me... dangerous? My
                files are in the rear -- this way,
                please.
                                                   (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                               68.        *

91    CONTINUED:                                                       91
      He tries to move Snyder away, silently imploring Jack to
      go -- but Jack takes his time, picks up a leaflet, elabo-
      rately approves it, pockets it and strolls out, blowing
      good night kisses. The Newsies crack up -- Snyder wheels
      around suspiciously. Racetrack thrusts a leaflet in his
      face.

                                 RACETRACK
                          (palm extended)
                   Give to the Newsies strike fund,
                   mista?

      Snyder tries to look around the leaflet -- then it
      catches his eye: "RALLY AGAINST PULITZER." He takes it
      thoughtfully, making a connection. Smiling dangerously,
      he digs out a penny and drops it in the surprised
      Racetrack's hand.


92    OMITTED                                                          92
&                                                                      &
93                                                                     93


94    EXT. DAVID'S BUILDING - FIRE ESCAPE - EARLY MORNING              94
      The orange glow of a sunrise is reflected in the window.
      Sarah appears inside, in a modest nightgown. She opens
      the window and breathes in the morning air. Then she
      sees Jack hunched against the wall on the fire escape,
      shivering.
                                 SARAH
                          (startled)
                   Did you sleep there?    Why didn't
                   you wake us up?

                                 JACK
                   Didn't wanna disturb nobody...
                   anyway, it's like the Waldorf out
                   here... great view, cool air --

      She glances back in the apartment.
                                 SARAH
                   Go up on the roof.

      She pops back inside.    He shrugs, climbs onto --

95    EXT. ROOF - MORNING                                              95

      Jack stretches, shadow-boxes:       something crackles in his
      pocket -- the rally leaflet.

                                                        (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                             69.        *

95    CONTINUED:                                                     95
      He's looking at it thoughtfully as Sarah climbs up behind
      him in a shawl, with a bundle. She sees the leaflet.

                                 SARAH
                   It's all getting so big. The
                   family's very worried about the
                   boys. And you, too.

                                 JACK
                   Your mom and pop are worried about
                   me...?

                                 SARAH
                          (shyly)
                   The whole family...

      She unfolds the bundle to reveal a breakfast of bread and
      milk. He digs in hungrily.
                                 SARAH
                   David says you're moving away when
                   the strike's over. To Santa Fe.
                   I've never been out of the city.

                                 JACK
                          (chewing)
                   You'd like it out there -- they
                   got this big yellow desert and the
                   air's real blue, see, from the sky,
                   and the sun, it's bigger out there.
                                 SARAH
                          (smiles)
                   It's the same sun as here.
                                 JACK
                   No.  No, it ain't...
                          (beat)
                   Not that I been there or nothin'.
                                 SARAH
                   Guess your parents wrote you about
                   it. Bet you can't wait to see
                   them again.

                                 JACK
                          (looks away)
                   Sure... big family reunion.
                   Soon's I get the dough for train
                   fare.

                                 SARAH
                   David said you spent all your
                   money to rent the theater.

                                                      (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                             69A.      *

95    CONTINUED:     (2)                                            95
                                 JACK
                   Sounds like you and Dave don't do
                   nothin' but talk about me.
                                  SARAH
                   We do not.

                                 JACK
                   Not that I blame you -- me bein'
                   such an interestin' guy and all --

                                 SARAH
                          (smiles)
                   Are you...?

      They're smiling, their faces close; for an instant, a
      kiss seems inevitable. But suddenly a gust of wind
      catches the leaflet and sails it off the rooftop. Jack
      lunges for it -- knocking over the milk, squashing the
      bread with his elbow. He looks up at her sheepishly.
                                 JACK
                   What'd I tell ya -- interestin',
                   right?
      Sarah giggles.       The leaflet gyrates in the wind as we
      GO TO --


96    INT. PULITZER'S OFFICE - DAY                                  96
      Another leaflet reading "RALLY AGAINST PULITZER" (the one
      Snyder took at Kloppman's) is in Pulitzer's hands as he
      listens to MAYOR VAN WYCK, very nervous. Nearby is
      POLICE CHIEF DEVERY.
                                 MAYOR
                          (sweating)
                   Of course the city is very
                   concerned that this, uh, event
                   doesn't get out of hand, but...
                   Chief?
                                 CHIEF
                   We can't just charge in and break
                   it up, Mr. Pulitzer -- we got no
                   legal cause.
      Pulitzer looks as if he knows something they don't.

                                                      (CONTINUED)

     PINK 3/28/91                                              70.

96   CONTINUED:                                                      96
                                PULITZER
                  Would the fact that this rally is
                  organized by an escaped criminal
                  be cause enough, Mayor?
                                MAYOR
                  An escaped criminal...?

                                PULITZER
                  A fugitive from one of your
                  prisons, Mayor -- a convicted
                  thief who's been at large for some
                  time under the alias of 'Jack
                  Kelly.' His real name is...?

     Snyder slinks out of a corner, humble in such august
     company.
                                SNYDER
                  Sullivan, Your Honor -- Francis
                  Sullivan. I would have caught him
                  before now but --
                                PULITZER
                  You know Warden Snyder, don't you,
                  Mayor? I believe you appointed
                  him.
     The Mayor nods ruefully; not one of his best appoint-
     ments.
                                MAYOR
                  If this boy is a fugitive, then
                  the chief can quietly arrest him
                  and --
                                PULITZER
                  Not quietly -- I want an example
                  made. I want this rabble he's
                  roused to see what happens to
                  those who dare to -- well, they
                  should see justice in action.
                                MAYOR
                  Arrest him at the rally?   But...

                                PULITZER
                  By the way, Mayor, I'm having a
                  few friends for cards that night
                  -- newspaper friends, Willie
                  Hearst, Gordon Bennett. Perhaps
                  you'll join us -- we can talk
                  about the coming election.
                                                      (CONTINUED)

      4/19/91 CHERRY                                          71.          *

96    CONTINUED:    (2)                                              96
                                 MAYOR
                          (too eager)
                   I'd be honored... thank you.
      Pulitzer dismisses them and they start out, Snyder oozing
      backwards, the Mayor now all business with Chief Devery.

                                 MAYOR
                   Chief, when you arrest this Kelly,
                   you'd better go in force -- in
                   case some of his misguided friends
                   should start any trouble.
      As they go, Pulitzer picks up his magnifying glass and
      examines the leaflet. We CUT AWAY as he stares through
      the glass so he seems to be looking at --


97    OMITTED                                                        97
&                                                                    &
98                                                                   98


99    EXT. IRVING HALL - BOOTS' EXCITED FACE - NIGHT                 99
      Boots FILLS the SCREEN as he shouts --
                                 BOOTS
                   Extry, extry -- Newsies take Noo
                   Yawk!
      Swarms of excited Newsies engulf Boots as     he pretends to
      hawk the imaginary headline. They cascade      toward the
      entrance where Jack and David shake hands,     slap backs as
      they flow past. Kloppman goes past, then      Denton. Sarah
      and Les are nearby.

                                 JACK
                   Hey, Denton -- sit down front!
                   You're the guest of honor!

                                 DENTON
                          (shakes his head)
                   I'm working press tonight.
                          (looks around)
                   The only working press. As usual.

                                 DAVID
                   As long as you keep writing about
                   us, they're gonna know we exist.


99A   INT. THEATER                                                   99A
      Boys swarm into the seats, filling the theater -- down
      front, the pit band plays a spirited tune.

      4/19/91 CHERRY                                      72.

100   OMITTED                                                   100

101   INT. PULITZER'S MANSION - NIGHT (SUDDEN SILENCE)          101   *

      as a butler passes cigars in a silver humidor to five
      men in formal clothes around a table as Pulitzer breaks
      the seal on a deck of cards. The Mayor is next to him.
      The room is cavernous, austere.

                              PULITZER
                You know the boys, Mayor -- Mr.
                Bennett of The Tribune, Mr. Taylor
                of The Times, of course you know
                Mr. Hearst -- and this is a new
                member of our little group, Mr.
                Gammon, who just came back from
                Europe...

      GAMMON, a portly fop in muttonchops, shakes the Mayor's
      hand.
                              PULITZER                                *
                Mr. Gammon owns The New York Sun.                     *
      They all light cigars as Pulitzer begins to deal.


102   OMITTED                                                   102


103   INT. IRVING HALL - NIGHT                                  103
      The place is packed. The band plays and a thundering            *
      cheer goes up as Jack, David, and Spot Conlon leap on
      the stage. Jack raises his hand and the noise subsides,
      the band stops. Everybody looks at Jack -- expectant
      silence. He lets it build for a moment, then --

                              JACK
                Carryin' the banner!
                              AUDIENCE
                       (a roar)
                Carryin' the banner!
      The noise threatens to blow the roof off the theater as
      we see --

104   OMITTED                                                   104
&                                                               &
105                                                             105

       4/19/91 CHERRY                                      73.           *

105A   EXT. NEARBY STREET - NIGHT                                 105A
       A column of mounted police clip-clop down the cobble-
       stones. The CHEERING from the theater, blocks away, is
       FAINT in the night air...

106    INT. IRVING HALL - NIGHT                                   106

       The noise subsides and Jack speaks.
                                JACK
                 We come a long way but we ain't
                 there yet -- and maybe it's only
                 gonna get tougher from now on!
                 That means we get tougher too --
                        (as a huge roar
                          goes up)
                 -- it also means we get smarter!
                 That's why we're gonna listen to
                 my pal David and stop soakin' the
                 scabs --
                                 SEVERAL IN CROWD
                 No!    They asked for it -- etc.

                               RACETRACK
                 Whatta we s'pose to do -- kiss 'em?
                               JACK
                 I personally wouldn't go that far,
                 Race.
                               SPOT
                        (jumping up)
                 Any scab I see, I soak 'em -- period!
                               DAVID
                 That's just what they want you to
                 do -- so they can say we're just
                 thugs --
                               SPOT
                 I don't care what they say -- some
                 of us ain't made to just take it!
                 I say anybody hurts us, we hurts
                 them worst! Who's with me?

       A large faction roars in agreement; arguments break out
       as --
       BY ENTRANCE DOORS

       Sarah stands next to Denton and Kloppman. Behind them,
       the door cracks and in slides Snyder. Kloppman sees him
       and whispers urgently to Denton, who starts moving after
       him.
                                                  (CONTINUED)

)T(   5/15/91 GREEN (2)                                            74.

106   CONTINUED:                                                   106
      BACK TO SCENE

      Loud voices, fists starting to fly, chaos --
                                 JACK
                   That's right -- start fightin'
                   each other! Prove what the big
                   shots say is true -- we're street
                   rats with no brains and no respect
                   for nothin' -- includin' ourselves!
                          (as they quieten)
                   Here's how it is: we don't stick
                   together, we're nothin'. We don't
                   trust each other, we're nothin'.
                   We don't act together, we're nothin'
                   -- and we might as well go back
                   to the streets where we belong.
                   What's it gonna be?
                          (looks at Spot)
                   Whattaya say, Spot?
                                SPOT
                   I say --

      He looks out at the crowd; the expectant faces, waiting,
      afraid it's all going to fall apart. Then back at Jack.
                                 SPOT
                   I say... what you say... I say!
      Spits in his palm and they shake. A huge roar goes up
      and the boys thrust their hands up in triumph -- but
      the applause isn't for them but for the curtain rising
      behind them revealing the dazzling vision of Medda,
      who walks smiling downstage and begins --
                                                                         *
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)S(   5/10/91 YELLOW (2)                                      75.         *

106   CONTINUED:    (2)                                             106
                                      MEDDA
                                     (sings)
                                HIGH TIMES, HARD TIMES
                                SOMETIMES THE LIVIN' IS
                                   SWEET
                                AND SOMETIMES THERE'S
                                   NOTHIN' TO EAT
                                BUT I ALWAYS LANDS ON MY
                                   FEET
                                SO WHEN THERE'S DRY TIMES
                                I WAIT FOR HIGH TIMES AND THEN
                                   I PUTS ON MY BEST
                                AND I STICKS OUT MY CHEST
                                AND I'M OFF TO THE RACES
                                   AGAIN

                              MEDDA
                Hiya, Newsies -- what's new?
      They roar; Racetrack's on his feet --
                              RACETRACK
                Hey, Medda, anytime you're off to
                the races, remember -- I got all
                the winners!
                              MEDDA
                You're all winners here tonight,
                Racetrack. Just being with you
                makes me feel kinda extra extra.
                                 MUSH
                          ("fainting")
                   I'm dead, I'm in Heaven --
                   somebody gimme a harp!
                                 MEDDA
                   But you never know what life will
                   bring. Over the years, I've
                   developed quite an outlook --

                                 KID BLINK
                   Oooo, lookout for that outlook!
                                 MEDDA
                   And all kinds of people are always
                   asking my advice, well, for
                   instance --
      (CONTINUES -- SONG)

                                                     (CONTINUED)

)S(   5/10/91 YELLOW (2)                                      A75A.   *

106   CONTINUED:    (3)                                       106
                                      MEDDA
                                     (sings)
                                MY GOOD FRIEND THE MAYOR,
                                   HE CALLS ME TODAY
                                SAYS ALL THE VOTERS IS
                                   TURNING AWAY
                                'HELP ME,' HE CRIES, 'OR
                                   THEY'LL GIVE ME THE AX!'
                                I SAYS, 'YOUR HONOR, YOUSE
                                   GOT TO RELAX.'

                                EVERYBODY!
                                      ALL
                                HIGH TIMES, HARD TIMES
                                SOMETIMES THE LIVIN' IS
                                   SWEET
                                AND SOMETIMES THERE'S
                                   NOTHIN' TO EAT
                                BUT I ALWAYS LANDS ON MY
                                   FEET
                                SO WHEN THERE'S DRY TIMES
                                I WAIT FOR HIGH TIMES AND THEN
                                   I PUTS ON MY BEST
                                AND I STICKS OUT MY CHEST
                                AND I'M OFF TO THE RACES
                                   AGAIN
      Medda moves through the crowd:
                                 MEDDA
                   You boys sing as sweet as
                   songbirds.

                       MUSH
      Lookit me, I'm a bird, I'm flyin',
      I'm flyin' --

                                 KID BLINK
                   It's a beautiful, Medda, I tellya,
                   I never heard such beautiful!

                                                   BOOTS
                                      (offering a blue
                                       marble)
                                My prettiest one, Medda --
                                it's like your eyes.
                                 MEDDA
                          (moved; kisses him)
                   Thank you, Boots. Would you keep
                   it for me? For luck?
      Boots beams happily as she moves to --

                                                   (CONTINUED)

)S(   5/10/91 YELLOW (2)                                       75A/75B. *

106   CONTINUED:    (4)                                        106
                                 RACETRACK
                   Medda, whattayasay -- you and me,
                   Saratoga. We catch the races,
                   maybe a nightclub --
                          (off her expression)
                   I'm dreamin', huh? It's some
                   other guy -- right?

                                 MEDDA
                   I'm afraid so, Race...

      She turns to a little boy and sings --
                                                   MEDDA
                                          (sings)
                                      SO YOUR OLD LADY DON'T LOVE
                                         YOU NO MORE
                                      SO YOU'RE AFRAID THERE'S A
                                         WOLF AT YOUR DOOR
                                      SO YOU GOT STREET RATS WHAT
                                         SCREAMS IN YOUR EAR
      The boys boo and hiss.

                                                   MEDDA
                                      YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE
                                         SOME, MY DEAR
                                                   ALL
                                      IT'S HIGH TIMES, HARD TIMES
                                      SOMETIMES THE LIVIN' IS
                                         SWEET
                                      AND SOMETIMES THERE'S
                                         NOTHIN' TO EAT
                                      BUT I ALWAYS LANDS ON MY
                                         FEET
                                      SO WHEN THERE'S DRY TIMES
                                      I WAIT FOR HIGH TIMES AND
                                         THEN I PUTS ON MY BEST
                                      AND I STICKS OUT MY CHEST
                                      AND I'M OFF TO THE RACES
                                         AGAIN
                                      I PUTS ON MY BEST
                                      AND I STICKS OUT MY CHEST
                                      AND I'M OFF TO THE RACES
                                         AGAIN!

      Medda and dance girls start it but the boys quickly join
      in -- belting out the lyrics with one great swelling
      voice, together, celebrating --

)S(    5/10/91 YELLOW (2)                                  A75C.

107    EXT. IRVING HALL - NIGHT                                  107
       The happy song roars inside the theater as the mounted
       police begin to form a half-circle around the entrance.
       A paddy wagon clops up and some foot police dismount,
       among them Officer MacSwain whom we met before.

108    OMITTED                                                   108
thru                                                             thru
111                                                              111

       4/8/91 YELLOW                                        75C.

111A   EXT. IRVING HALL/STAGE ENTRANCE - NIGHT                 111A
       Weasel, the Delanceys, roll up in two wagons, each
       filled with club bearing goons.

      4/19/91 CHERRY                                         76.

112   INT. IRVING HALL - NIGHT                                     112
      The SONG fills the hall as Jack, happy and proud, sees
      Sarah smiling at him, reaches out his hand and pulls her
      on stage. David is watching this when someone signals
      him -- Denton, who points his finger at --
      Snyder    edging closer to Jack, checking the time on his
      pocket    watch. He has something in his  hand -- a tin
      police    whistle. He puts it to his lips  and is about to
      blow it    when Denton moves up behind him and --
                                DENTON
                  Aren't you Warden Snyder?
      Snyder nearly swallows the whistle --

                                DENTON
                  I'm Denton of The Sun. I've heard
                  about your work with young people.
                  I wonder if you'd agree to an
                  interview?
      Snyder blinks at him, glances at his watch, then lowers
      his police whistle, smiling modestly.


      ON STAGE
      David tries to move to Jack to warn him but Race and the
      others have formed a chorus line and drag him into it.
      David shouts over the song --
                                 DAVID
                  Jack -- you've gotta get out of
                  here! Snyder!
                          (as Jack cups
                           his ear)
                  Snyder!

      Jack can't hear over the song but Snyder does --
                                DENTON
                         (interviewing)
                  Is it Snyder as in 'snide'?
      Furious, Snyder blows the police whistle for all he's
      worth. Instantly police burst in from every door -- all
      converging on Jack. Immediately he leaps off the stage
      into the arms of several boys below -- then fights his
      way out the front door --


113   OMITTED                                                      113

       4/19/91 CHERRY                                        77.

114    EXT. IRVING HALL/FRONT - NIGHT                              114
       Jack rushes out and slides to a stop --

       -- the mounted police form a half-circle cutting him
       off -- and from behind them, Weasel, the Delanceys,
       and the Thugs move through the horses towards him.
       Jack has no choice -- he turns and races back into --


114A   INT. THEATER                                                114A
       Jack darts past the cops back down the aisle where --

       Snyder is waiting for him at the foot of the stage,
       crouched like a football player. As he starts to
       pounce on Jack --

                                                 (CONTINUED)

       PINK 3/28/91                                           78.

114A   CONTINUED:                                                   114A
       -- David flies off the stage onto his back -- Snyder
       stumbles around as David hangs on in a wild piggyback
       ride. A cop pulls him off and hurls him to the floor --
       -- Sarah screams, seeing what's happened to David --
       Les, sobbing, kicks furiously at the cop's leg. Sarah
       pulls her little brother away as --

       -- Weasel and his thugs burst in the doors, clubs
       swinging. The Newsies scatter, try to escape -- but at
       each exit door more cops are moving in --

       -- Denton, horrified, shouts at the cops to stop -- a
       thug cracks him on the head and he staggers, bloodied...

       -- Spot, Race, Boots dart into the wings and start
       working the pull ropes --
       -- Cops converge on Jack at the foot of the stage,
       backing away, he leaps on stage desperately looking
       around when he hears behind him --
                                  WEASEL
                    Show's over, Cowboy.
       He turns to see Weasel and   the Delanceys grinning at him,
       clubs in their hands. They    start toward him and suddenly
       disappear -- straight down   the trap door that's suddenly
       opened beneath their feet.    Jack sees Spot at a lever in
       the wings --
                                  RACETRACK
                    Curtain goin' up, Jack -- !

       Race and Boots jerk the ropes of the fire curtain and
       Jack leaps for it as it starts to rise --

                                  BOOTS
                    Try to reach the skylight -- !
       Cops leap for Jack's legs as he rises above them heading
       up into the flies. He hangs on, thrusts one fist into
       the air and shouts --
                                  JACK
                    Carryin' the banner!

       In the theater, the battered Newsies cheer, heartened.
       Cops are trying to herd them out --

       -- David cheers, pulls for Jack as he watches him rise
       -- Officer MacSwain has David by the arm -- suddenly --
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)S(    5/10/91 YELLOW (2)                                  79.           *

114A   CONTINUED:    (2)                                          114A
       -- Weasel, climbing out of the trap, hurls his cudgel --
       it sails end over end and --

       -- Hits Jack in the side -- he plummets into the mass of
       cops and is engulfed in blue uniforms.


114B   IN WINGS                                                   114B
       David, chased by MacSwain, races across the stage and up
       the dressing room stairs. MacSwain nabs him, they're
       struggling; suddenly, at the top of the stairs --
                                  MEDDA
                           (the grand lady)
                    Unhand that boy this instant!
                           (as MacSwain looks
                            up, startled)
                    I said hands off the kid, you red-
                    faced baboon! Get out of my
                    theater -- out, out, out, out,
                    out!
       David twists away as MacSwain backs stumblingly down the
       stairs as Medda descends on him in full fury.
                                  MEDDA
                    If you're tired of beating up
                    children, maybe you'd like to try
                    a lady next.
       Confused and intimidated, the Irish cop looks at her --
       then ducks his head shamefacedly and moves away.

                                  MEDDA
                    Run, David, hurry --

                                  DAVID
                    They got Jack --
                                  MEDDA
                    You can't help him if you're in
                    jail, too! You were right, David
                    -- you've got to keep fighting
                    them -- always.
                           (kisses him)
                    Now go. Please.
       David looks at her, very moved, then goes. She turns
       back to her theater -- the sounds of the melee sweep over
       her. She watches, tears welling in her eyes...

115    OMITTED                                                    115

)T(   5/15/91 GREEN (2)                                     A79A.

116   INT. COURTROOM - MORNING                                   116
      A dingy room filled with dusty light.   A BAILIFF
      announces --

                              BAILIFF
                Awrise, awrise, court is now in
                session, Judge E.A. Monahan
                presiding.

      Weasel is in the gallery as JUDGE MOVEALONG MONAHAN,
      hungover, winding a pocket watch, takes the bench and
      glances down at a group of battered Newsies, including
      Spot, Race, and Boots.
                              MONAHAN
                Any of you represented by counsel?
                No? Good. That'll move things
                along considerably.
      David sees Denton come in, a neat bandage on his head.
                              SPOT
                Judge Movealong, ya honor, I object.
                              MONAHAN
                On what grounds?
                              SPOT
                       (proudly)
                On the grounds of Brooklyn, ya honor!
      The Newsies congratulate Spot.    Monahan gavels.
                              MONAHAN
                I fine you each five dollars or
                two weeks confinement in --
                               RACETRACK
                Five bucks!   We ain't got five
                cents!
                              DENTON
                       (standing)
                I'll pay the fines. All of them.
                              JUDGE
                Pay the clerk. Next.

      The Newsies mob Denton boisterously.                             *
                              ALL                                      *
                Thanks, I owe ya, you're a right                       *
                guy, Denton, etc.                                      *
                                                   (CONTINUED)

)T(   5/15/91 GREEN (2)                                        79A/80.    *

116   CONTINUED:                                                    116
                                 DENTON
                          (subdued)
                   Meet me at the restaurant, all of
                   you. We have to talk.
                                 RACETRACK
                   Talk and eat, right? On you, huh,
                   pal?
      They laugh and clap his shoulders as he looks uncomfort-
      able. Suddenly David gasps, seeing Jack led out in
      shackles, his face bruised and swollen. Everybody
      stares, horrified.
                                 JACK
                   Hiya, fellas! Hey, Denton --
                   guess we made all the papes this
                   time, huh? How'd my picture look?
                                 DENTON
                   None of the papers covered the
                   rally. Not even The Sun.
      Jack is stunned, David bewildered, as Denton turns
      abruptly and leaves the courtroom. The Bailiff shoves
      Jack in front of the bench. Snyder slips in from a side
      door.
                                 BAILIFF
                   Case of Jack Kelly, inciting to
                   riot, assault, resisting arrest.
                                 SNYDER
                   Judge Monahan, I'll speak for this
                   young man --
                                 JACK
                          (mock surprise)
                   You two know each other?   Ain't
                   that nice.

                                                      (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                              81.         *

116   CONTINUED:    (2)                                               116
                                 MONAHAN
                   Just move it along, Warden Snyder.

                                 SNYDER
                   This boy's real name is Francis
                   Sullivan; mother deceased; father a
                   convict in the state penitentiary --

      David, the Newsies, are stunned as Snyder continues.
                                 SNYDER
                   He is currently an escapee from the
                   House of Refuge, where his original
                   sentence of three months for theft
                   was extended six months for
                   disruptive behavior --

                                 JACK
                   -- Like demandin' you give us the
                   food you steal from us --
                                 SNYDER
                   -- Followed by an additional six
                   months for an attempted escape --
                                 JACK
                          (fighting tears)
                   -- Last time wasn't no attempt,
                   remember, Snyder? Me and Teddy
                   Roosevelt wavin' bye-bye --
                                 SNYDER
                   -- Therefore, I ask that he be
                   returned to the House of Refuge --
                                 JACK
                   -- For my own good, right,
                   Movealong? -- and for what Snyder
                   kicks back to ya --
                                 SNYDER
                   -- And that the court order his
                   incarceration until the age of
                   twenty-one --


                DAVID/NEWSIES                       SNYDER
           (on their feet)                  -- In the hope that we
        No! You can't do that!              may yet guide him to a
        No! Etc.                            useful and productive
                                            life.

                                  MONAHAN
                   So ordered.   Next.

      The Newsies shout angrily as Jack is led away,
      struggling. Weasel slips out the door, smiling.

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                       82.         *

117   OMITTED                                                       117
&                                                                   &
118                                                                 118


119   INT. NEWSPAPERMAN'S RESTAURANT - DAY                          119
      David, Spot, Race, Mush, Boots, Blink pick dispiritedly
      at a plate of knockwurst. Les, hungry as always,
      finishes a large sausage and takes another as he listens.
                              KID BLINK
                He won't be there long -- the jail
                ain't built that Jack can't bust
                outta.
                              BOOTS
                They're buildin' some mighty good
                jails these days...
                              RACETRACK
                So where's Denton?
                              DAVID
                He said he'd be here.
                       (beat)
                We can't let this stop us. We
                gotta keep the strike going, just
                like Jack was here.
                              MUSH
                       (the sad truth)
                Yeah, but Jack ain't here.
                              RACETRACK
                We know that, genius -- if he was
                here, he'd be tellin' us what to
                do when he ain't here.

                              SPOT
                       (gets up)
                You bummers is givin' me a
                headache.

                              DAVID
                Where you goin'? We need you.

      Spot sighs:   he hates having to explain the obvious.

                               SPOT
                Nachally  Spot Conlon is needed
                wherever  -- which right now is
                Brooklyn.   Some of my boys is
                worried,  I must give ear to their
                concerns  --
                               (MORE)

                                                 (CONTINUED)

)R(   5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                      82A.

119   CONTINUED:    (A1)                                          119
                                 SPOT (CONT'D)
                          (slams fist in his
                           palm)
                   -- and reassure them.
      As he starts out, he passes Denton, coming in. Denton
      hardly notices him as he moves up to the table and is
      greeted (AD LIB) by the boys. He seems grim, bitter.
                                 DAVID
                   Why didn't The Sun print the story?

                                 DENTON
                   Because it never happened.

                                 DAVID/ALL
                   Never happened; whattaya mean?   Etc.
                                                    (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                         83.         *

119   CONTINUED:                                                    119
                                 DENTON
                   If it's not in the papers, then
                   it never happened. The owners
                   decreed that it not be in the
                   papers, therefore...
                          (beat)
                   I just came to tell you fellows
                   goodbye.
      They exchange puzzled looks.    David sees Denton's
      expression.

                                 DAVID
                   Denton, what's happened -- you get
                   fired or somethin'?

      Denton forces a breezy tone.
                                 DENTON
                   Reassigned -- back to my old job
                   as The Sun's ace war correspondent.
                   The owner thinks I should be
                   covering only the 'really important'
                   stories. So wish me luck, boys.
                   At least half what I wish you.
                          (to David)
                   They don't always fire you, David.
      He moves off; David, stunned, hurries after him.
                                 DAVID
                   They bought you off... didn't they?
                   Didn't they!

                                 DENTON
                   They could've blackballed me from
                   every paper in the country. I'm
                   a newspaperman, I have to have a
                   paper to write for.
      He looks at David; hurt, betrayed, angry; wishes there
      was more he could say. He hands him something from his
      coat.
                                 DENTON
                   This is the story I wrote about
                   the rally. I want you to read
                   it at least.
      He hands it to David and   goes. David returns to the
      others, angrily crumpling   the story and hurling it onto
      the table. The boys look    puzzled; Les, still eating
      the sausage, picks up the   story and looks at it
      curiously.

                                                     (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                         84.

119    CONTINUED:    (2)                                             119
                                  DAVID                                     *
                           (decisively)                                     *
                    We bust Jack out of the Refuge                          *
                    tonight. From now on, we depend                         *
                    on nobody but the Newsies.                              *


119A   OMITTED                                                       119A

119B   EXT. HOUSE OF REFUGE/WALL - NIGHT                             119B

       David leads Spot, Blink, Boots, Mush, Race as they crouch
       and creep along the wall. Spot carries a rope. David
       looks up, searching for a window. Indicates one.

                                  DAVID
                    That's where we saw Crutchy...
       He starts to throw up the rope when Boots hisses from the
       corner, beckoning furiously. They hurry over and peek
       around the corner to see --


120    EXT. HOUSE OF REFUGE - COURTYARD - NIGHT                      120
       A carriage is waiting. The boys watch as a door opens
       and two figures emerge. One is Snyder, the other is
       Jack. They get into the carriage and it starts toward
       the boys -- who quickly duck out of sight as it CLIP-
       CLOPS past and enters the street.
                                  MUSH
                    Where they takin' him...?
                                  DAVID
                    One way to find out.   Meet me back
                    at the square!
       David runs after the carriage, leaping onto its back. He
       flashes the high-sign to the boys as the carriage moves
       off into the night.
121    OMITTED                                                       121
&                                                                    &
122                                                                  122

123    EXT. PULITZER MANSION - NIGHT                                 123
       David hangs on to the back of the carriage, peering
       around to see some huge stone gates as it moves into a
       circular drive and stops. He sees a figure waiting:
                                                      (CONTINUED)

      4/19/91 CHERRY                                          85.

123   CONTINUED:                                                    123
                                 SEITZ
                   Get him inside.

      David watches as Jack is led inside by Snyder.

124   OMITTED                                                       124

125   INT. PULITZER'S MANSION - NIGHT                               125

      A butler leads Seitz, Snyder and Jack across a marbled
      floor, their FOOTSTEPS ECHOING in the luxurious hall.
                                 JACK
                   Very impressive. So where do they
                   keep the trains in this station?
      Seitz shows   him into an elegant library. Snyder tries to
      follow but   Seitz stops him, closing the doors. Inside,
      Jack looks   around to see the imposing figure of Pulitzer
      staring at   him, framed by luxurious furnishings. For a
      moment, the   two just stare at each other. Then --

                                 JACK
                          (grins)
                   Sorry to see you ain't doin' so
                   good, Joe.                                             *


126   EXT. MANSION - AT CARRIAGE - NIGHT                            126
      The Driver strolls around the rear of the carriage --
      just as David slips beneath it and begins to crawl care-
      fully toward the front. Finding the lynch-pin that
      hitches the horses to the carriage, he reaches for it --
      just as the horse snorts and pulls the carriage forward a
      few steps. The Driver hurries back to the reins. With
      the Driver's boots a few inches from his face, David
      waits for another chance...


127   INT. PULITZER'S STUDY - NIGHT                                 127
      Pulitzer paces, watching Jack look at the books, the
      art, at framed front pages; headlines of the world's
      great events...
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                           86.         *

127   CONTINUED:                                                      127
                                 PULITZER
                   Know what I was doing when I was
                   your age? I was in a war. The
                   Civil War.
                                 JACK
                   I heard of it. You win?

                                 PULITZER
                   People think wars are about right
                   and wrong. They're not. They're
                   about power. You know what power
                   is?
                                 JACK
                   Heard of that, too.   I don't just
                   sell ya papes, Joe.   Sometimes
                   I read 'em.
      Pulitzer ignores the impudence, continues quietly.
                                 PULITZER
                   Power means that I could see to it
                   that you serve your full sentence
                   at the Refuge. Or I could pull
                   strings and have you free tomorrow.
                   It means I could give you my
                   pocket change -- and you'd have
                   more money than you'd likely ever
                   earn.
                                 JACK
                   You bribin' me, Joe? Thanks for
                   the compliment, but I ain't got
                   the power to stop the strike --
                                 PULITZER
                   I disagree. You're the spirit of
                   the strike, without you, they'd
                   fall apart in a few days.

                                 JACK
                   Ring for my coach, willya?   It's
                   past my bedtime --

                                  PULITZER
                   Shut your mouth and listen !
                          (as Jack looks
                            up, startled)
                   You're going to do exactly as
                   I say --

                                                       (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                          87.         *

127   CONTINUED:    (2)                                              127
                                 JACK
                   -- or what? You'll send me back
                   to the Refuge? I'll bust out
                   again --
                                 PULITZER
                   -- and be a fugitive who's pursued
                   and caught and returned. I'm
                   offering you a choice -- is that
                   what you choose?

                                 JACK
                   I told ya... I can't call off the
                   strike.

                                 PULITZER
                   I'm not asking you to. All I ask
                   is that you return to your old
                   job -- as Newsie for the The World.
                                 JACK
                   And be a scab? Forget it --
                                 PULITZER
                   For a few days. Then the strike
                   ends -- and it will end, boy, make
                   no mistake -- and you can go
                   wherever you want to buy a ticket.
                   Free and clear, with money in your
                   pocket... and no one chasing you.
      Jack is silent, troubled.    Pulitzer pushes a buzzer.
                                 PULITZER
                   You go back to the Refuge. Think
                   it over in your cell. Let me know
                   in the morning.

128   EXT. PULITZER'S HOUSE - NIGHT                                  128

      David is hiding by the gates with the lynch-pin in his
      hand. Snyder is waiting by the carriage. The front door
      opens -- Seitz and Jack walk out and appear at the top of
      the entrance stairs. David calls out --

                                DAVID
                   Jack!
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                          88.          *

128    CONTINUED:                                                     128
       Jack is surprised. He looks at Snyder and Seitz, pulls
       away from Seitz, slides down a bannister, and leaps to
       the ground. Snyder lunges for Jack, who manages to evade
       Snyder's reach.
                                  SNYDER
                           (to the driver)
                    After him!
       The driver whips the horse forward but is jerked off his
       seat as the carriage separates. The horse runs off.
       Amidst the confusion, David and Jack tear through the
       gates way ahead of Snyder.
                                  SEITZ
                           (stepping up to Snyder)
                    Don't worry. He's got no place to go.


128A   EXT. NEARBY STREET/STONE PILLAR - NIGHT (SECONDS LATER)        128A
       At the pillar, Jack stops running.
                                  DAVID
                    Why're you stoppin' -- we've got
                    to run!
                                  JACK
                    You shouldn't'a done this, David.
                    They could put you in jail --
                                  DAVID
                    It's worth it -- let's go --

                                  JACK
                    You go to jail, what happens to
                    your family? You don't know
                    nothin' about jail! Thanks for
                    what you done, but you gotta get
                    outta here --

                                  DAVID
                    I don't understand --
                                  JACK
                    I don't either -- I don't
                    understand nothin' no more!
       Jack pushes David down the street.

                                 JACK
                    Just go!
                                                       (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                          89.          *

128A   CONTINUED:    (2)                                              128A
       David looks over his shoulder and runs off, leaving Jack
       alone on the street. Jack steps into the shadows as we...

                                                      CUT TO:
128B   INT. HOUSE OF REFUGE                                           128B

       As Jack steps back into the light, the CAMERA WIDENS and
       we realize he's back in the House of Refuge. Jack begins
       to sing softly: REPRISE: "SANTA FE."

       Jack sits in a small dark room -- an isolation room;
       moonlight shines through barred windows; there's a door
       with a small serving panel in it.

                                                    JACK
                                       SANTA FE
                                       MY OLD FRIEND
                                       I CAN'T SPEND MY WHOLE LIFE
                                          HIDIN'
                                       YOU'RE THE ONLY LIGHT THAT'S
                                          GUIDIN' ME TODAY
       Jack looks up as the serving panel opens and Crutchy
       peers through, offering him something furtively: a
       boiled potato.
                                  CRUTCHY
                    Snitched it offa Snyder's plate
                    when I was servin' him -- the
                    biggest one!
                           (as Jack shakes his
                            head, looks away)
                    Snyder was eatin' good tonight --
                    the stuff we don't never get?                            *
                    Patatas... olives...
                           (mouth watering)
                    ... liver and bacon. Sauerkraut...
                           (grins)
                    Guess what I done to his sauerkraut.

                                  JACK
                           (irritably)
                    So what's it git'cha?

                                  CRUTCHY
                    Anudder three months, prob'ly.
                    But you can't let 'em beat'cha,
                    right, Jack?

                                  JACK
                    We was beat when we was born.
       Crutchy, concerned, hears something and closes the panel.

                                                      (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                    89A.

128B   CONTINUED:                                                128B
                                                 JACK
       Jack looks at the            WILL YOU KEEP A CANDLE
       moonlight shining               BURNIN'?
       through the bars...          WILL YOU HELP ME FIND MY
                                       WAY?
                                    YOU'RE MY CHANCE
                                    TO BREAK FREE
                                    AND WHO KNOWS WHEN MY NEXT
                                       ONE WILL BE?
                                    SANTA FE
                                    WAIT FOR ME

129    OMITTED                                                   129
thru                                                             thru
140                                                              140


141    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - AT GATES - MORNING                   141
       The Newsies chant at the crowd in the courtyard:
                                                 (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/26/91 IVORY                                          90.         *

141   CONTINUED:                                                   141
                                 NEWSIES
                   Stop The World -- don't scab, stop
                   The World -- don't scab, etc.
      David moves among them, looking like a leader now.

                                 DAVID
                   Nobody sells a pape today -- we're
                   hurtin' them and they know it!
                   Remember -- no soakin', no hittin'
                   -- etc.

      The gates open, the wagons start out, followed by nervous
      scabs flanked by cops and goons. The chant builds as the
      scabs parade by, then suddenly --

                                 SPOT
                   Look... I'm seein' t'ings... tell
                   me I'm seeing t'ings -- !
      David and the others look in disbelief -- walking with
      the scabs is Jack, wearing a tight new suit, flanked by
      Weasel and other goons. As Jack moves past, staring
      straight ahead, the chant dies...


                RACETRACK
        What's he doin' with the
        scabs...?
                              KID BLINK
                   It ain't happenin'... it
                   can't be happenin'...
                                                  MUSH
                                          Hey, Jack -- it's me,
                                          Mush, lookit me --
                                          look, willya?

                BOOTS
        Where'd he get them
        clothes -- ?

                                 WEASEL
                          (as he passes)
                   Mr. Pulitzer picked 'em out
                   hisself. A special gift to a
                   special new employee. Only not
                   so new, huh, cowboy?
                                 SPOT
                   He sold us out! Ya dirty scab,
                   I'll murder ya -- !

      Spot tries to bust through the goons but they hurl him
      back. David, confused, angry, runs alongside Jack,
      shouting across the smirking Weasel as they march
      along --
                                                 (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/26/91 IVORY                                         91.         *

141   CONTINUED:    (2)                                           141
                                 DAVID
                   This is why you wouldn't escape
                   last night -- why'd you do it?
                   Talk to me, you liar! What else
                   did he give you to sell us out --
                   money? What else? Look at me!
                          (as Jack keeps
                           walking)
                   You lie about everything --
                   headlines, your family --
                          (as Jack keeps look-
                           ing straight ahead)
                   -- because nobody counts but you
                   -- nobody or nothing! Look at me.

      David lunges for him and Weasel grabs him, hissing.

                                 WEASEL
                   I'm gonna be lookin' for you,
                   wiseguy --
                          (grins)
                   -- or maybe you'd like a nice new
                   suit of your own.

      David twists away, tries to rally the Newsies.
                                 DAVID
                   Keep after them -- we don't need
                   him!
                          (starts the chant)
                   Stop The World -- don't scab! Etc.
      Some chant halfheartedly, confused, demoralized. A few
      toss down their picket signs in disgust. David moves
      among them, desperately trying to keep the chant going.
      The scabs move on, passing Les, who gives Jack a stricken
      look as he moves away.

                                 LES
                          (to himself)
                   He's just foolin' 'em... so he can
                   spy on them or something...
                          (with certainty)
                   That's it. He's spyin' on 'em.
                   He's gotta be.


142   OMITTED                                                     142
&                                                                 &
143                                                               143


144   INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT - DAY                                144
      David sits in the window, brooding.
                                                   (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/26/91 IVORY                                           92.

144   CONTINUED:    (A1)                                            144
      Mayer is removing the bandage from his injured hand,
      helped by Les. Sarah and Esther work on lace piecework.

                                 ESTHER
                   That hand is not ready to work.

      Mayer flexes his fingers, pale from being bandaged so
      long.
                                                     (CONTINUED)

      PINK 3/28/91                                           93.

144   CONTINUED:                                                   144
                                 MAYER
                   Ready or not, it can handle a
                   broom.
      He gets his coat; Sarah, looking for something, finds a
      stained paper package under a sewing basket.

                                 SARAH
                          (holds up the package
                           distastefully)
                   What is this?

                                 LES
                   Hey -- I'm saving that!

      He grabs the package and unwraps it -- revealing a half-
      eaten knockwurst -- throwing the wrapping on the floor.
      Irritably Sarah starts to throw it away when she sees it
      has writing on it.
                              MAYER
                       (to David)
                Don't be too hard on your friend.
                Maybe he had his reasons for doing
                what he did.
                                 LES
                          (chewing knockwurst)
                   I told you. He's spyin' on 'em.

                                  MAYER
                   There.   You see?
      Mayer smiles and goes.     Sarah moves to David with the
      stained papers.
                                 SARAH
                   It's Denton's story. 'The Dark
                   Truth: Why Our City Really Fears
                   the Newsie Strike, by Bryan
                   Denton. Last night I saw naked
                   force exercised against mere boys,
                   the Newsies, who earn at best a
                   few pennies a day. I wondered why
                   so much, against so little -- '

      David refuses to listen; he angrily steps out on the fire
      escape and stares off into the city. Sarah keeps reading
      to herself. What she reads disturbs her.

145   OMITTED                                                      145
&                                                                  &
146                                                                146

       4/19/91 CHERRY                                      94.

147    INT. DORM/NEWSIES LODGING HOUSE - NIGHT                    147
       The gang looks sullenly at the door where Kloppman is
       ushering in two policemen.

                               KLOPPMAN
                 He will only be a minute.   Please,
                 no trouble.

       A policeman stands aside and Jack enters, in the new
       suit. Utter silence. The police escort him the length
       of the dorm and into --


147A   INT. WASHROOM - NIGHT                                      147A
       Jack goes straight to his hiding place and removes the
       box. He looks inside and is startled --

       -- a dead rat is inside the box, covered with tiny pieces
       of the photograph with his family. His money is gone.
       He tosses the box aside; his eyes hardening. The police
       escort him back into --


148    INT. DORM - NIGHT                                          148
       A few snickers as he moves toward his bed. Racetrack
       stands holding a bundle of Jack's belongings: he shoves
       it into Jack's chest and does his Delancey routine.

                               RACETRACK
                 Dear me, what is dat unpleasant
                 aroma -- ?
                        (as Jack's fists
                         clench)
                 Go on, take a shot -- I bust your
                 scab face, ya yellow-livered,                           *
                 rotten stinkin' piecea garbage!                         *

       Jack just looks at him, unclenches his fists. He moves
       for the door, as one by one the Newsies turn their backs
       on him.

149    OMITTED                                                    149
thru                                                              thru
151                                                               151

152    INT. WORLD BUILDING - BASEMENT - NIGHT                     152

       The BIG PRESSES POUND RHYTHMICALLY somewhere O.S. in the
       building. A candle illuminates Weasel's gloating face as
       he leads Jack down a flight of RICKETY STAIRS.
                                                  (CONTINUED)

      4/19/91 CHERRY                                        95.          *

152   CONTINUED:                                                   152
                                 WEASEL
                          (over the noise)
                   Mr. Pulitzer says nothin' but the
                   best for you, cowboy. He takes
                   care of his loyal employees -- and
                   he's put me personally in charge
                   of seein' that you stay a loyal
                   employee.
      He opens a door and they enter --


153   INT. OLD PRESS ROOM - NIGHT                                  153
      Weasel lights a lantern and Jack sees a wooden bed,
      an old printing press, junk, all covered with dust.

                                 WEASEL
                   You try any tricks, and I go
                   straight to Mr. Pulitzer.
                          (grins)
                   Will you be requirin' anything
                   else? Then I bid you good night.

      He goes. The great PRESSES THUNDER heavily somewhere in
      the building above, like a judgment. Jack looks at the
      bleak room, buried in dust and noise.


154   OMITTED                                                      154

155   EXT. CIRCULATION WINDOW - MORNING                            155

      With the other scabs, Jack steps up for his papers.
      Weasel shows his usual charm.

                                 WEASEL
                   Sleep well, cowboy...?
      Jack ignores him, moves off with his papers. The
      Delanceys pass by; Morris grinning at him, bouncing a
      club in his hand.
                                 OSCAR
                   Come wit' us, cowboy -- we're
                   gonna fix your pal Davey today --
                   fix 'im so's he can't walk no more.
                                MORRIS
                   Shuddup!

      He backhands Morris in the chops and they move on.    Jack
      starts after them, alarmed -- then he sees Weasel.

                                                   (CONTINUED)

      4/19/91 CHERRY                                         96.         *

155   CONTINUED:                                                   155
                                 WEASEL
                   Lift one finger... and you're
                   right back in the Refuge.
      Jack stops, torn.    He nods meekly, moves off.   Weasel
      looks satisfied.


156   OMITTED                                                      156

157   EXT. BAXTER STREET - DAY                                     157
      Sarah, with a basket of lacework, is coming down the
      street, Les dawdling behind, in a bad mood.

                                 SARAH
                   Les, come on -- you're supposed to
                   be helping me today.
                                 LES
                          (sulking)
                   I'd rather be soakin' scabs.

      He stops to kibbitz a game of marbles in an alley.
      Sarah walks on -- suddenly a man steps in front of her.
                                 OSCAR
                          (grinning)
                   'Scuse me, sweetface.
      She tries to step around him but Morris is there. He
      "accidentally" knocks her lacework into the gutter. Les
      sees it -- and races towards the Delanceys --
                                 LES
                   Get away from my sister!

      He flails at Morris -- who effortlessly shoves him flat
      on his bottom and turns, grinning, to Sarah.

                                 MORRIS
                   Where's ya brudder, tootsie?
                   Where's little Davey...?

                                 SARAH
                          (calmly)
                   You... stupid... ape!
      On "ape," she socks him square in the grin -- he recoils,
      licking a bloody lip. Behind him, she sees David
      rounding the corner --
                                                   (CONTINUED)

)O(   4/25/91 GREY                                                 97.

157   CONTINUED:                                                         157
                                  SARAH
                   David!   Run -- get away!

      Oscar grabs Sarah from behind and lifts her up, taunting.
                                 OSCAR
                   Yeah, run, Davey! We got the best
                   parta ya family right here!
      David, furious, runs down the sidewalk towards them.
      Morris slips on some brass knuckles in anticipation.
      Sarah struggles, screaming --
                                 SARAH
                   David, no -- don't -- !

      Oscar hangs on to Sarah, enjoying himself -- suddenly,
      from behind, two hands grab the rim of his derby and jerk
      it down to the bridge of his nose. Blinded, he releases
      Sarah and staggers around, trying to pry the hat off his
      eyes. Les looks up to see --
                                    LES
                   Jack!
      Jack flashes him a grin        as he works on Morris's bread
      basket. Just as Oscar         frees himself from the derby,
      David leaps on him like        a fury. Punches fly and the
      Delanceys beat a quick        retreat down the sidewalk, yelling
      back --

                MORRIS
        Ya better run, cowboy --
        we're tellin' Weasel! You'll
        be back in the Refuge by
        supper time!                                 OSCAR
                                             Yeah, run, ya lousy
                                             coward -- run!
      But they're the ones running. David, catching his
      breath, looks at Jack, beginning to understand.
                                 DAVID
                   Couldn't stay away, huh.                                    *

                                 JACK
                   Guess I can't be somethin' I ain't.
                                    DAVID
                   A scab...?                                                  *

                                    JACK
                   Nah.    Smart.                                              *

      Jack shrugs, smiles.      David looks at him worriedly.

)O(    4/25/91 GREY   A97A.

158    OMITTED            158
thru                      thru
160B                      160B

)R(    5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                      97A.       *

160C   EXT. DAVID'S FIRE ESCAPE - DAY (LATER)                     160C
       Jack, David, Sarah thoughtfully on the escape.

                               DAVID
                 Without you, the strike's falling
                 apart...

                               JACK
                 I got no choice. I stay here,
                 they lock me up 'til I'm twenty-
                 one.

       Les clambers out with a pair of Mayer's cast-off high-
       button shoes.
                               LES
                 Jack, for the trip -- a pair of
                 cowboy boots! Sorta.
       Mayer with a bundle of clothes; Esther with food come to
       the window. She gives it to Jack.
                               ESTHER
                 Who knows what's to eat where
                 you're going?
                               MAYER
                        (gives the clothes)
                 A few things of mine and David's.
                 Wish we had money to give you...
                               JACK
                        (very moved)
                 Who needs it...? I go down to the
                 train yards, hop me a freight, go
                 in the best style -- free...
                               MAYER
                 I don't know what's waiting for
                 you in Santa Fe, but you'll always
                 have family here.

       They embrace him and move away. An awkward moment --
       Jack picks up the bundle to go and --
                               SARAH
                        (decisively)
                 You're not going to run away.
                 They'll just come after you. You
                 have to fight them.

                                                    (CONTINUED)

)R(    5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                      98.          *

160C   CONTINUED:                                                   160C
                                  JACK
                    They got it all wrapped up, Sarah
                    and nothin' I can do is gonna make
                    one bit of difference.
                                  SARAH
                    You're wrong. You touched people
                    you don't even know about.
       She removes the stained pages from her shawl.

                                  SARAH
                    Denton's story.
                                  JACK
                    Denton looked out for hisself just
                    like I gotta do -- so save it.
                                  SARAH
                    Just listen! 'The men who run
                    this city are terrified of the
                    Newsies strike -- because other
                    child laborers in the factories
                    and sweatshops are hearing the
                    message of the Newsies leader --'
                                   LES
                    That's you!   He's writin' about you!

                                  SARAH
                    'In the voice of Jack Kelly, these
                    children hear strength and pride.
                    Most of all, they hear hope...'

       Jack listens questioningly.
                                    JACK
                    Keep reading.
       Can these words really be about him...?     As we GO TO --


160D   EXT. ALLEY - LATE AFTERNOON                                  160D
       Denton reads his own words:

                                  DENTON
                    ' -- And that is what terrifies
                    the powers-that-be, for they know
                    our city thrives on the shame of
                    child labor. Therefore, Jack
                    Kelly's voice must be stopped,
                    whatever the cost...
                           (stops)
                    Damn good writing, isn't it?
                                                     (CONTINUED)

)R(    5/8/91 - PINK (2)                                   99.

160D   CONTINUED:                                          160D
       Jack has listened somberly, moved.

                                  JACK
                    All them sweatshop kids are
                    listenin' to me...?

                                                  (CONTINUED)

)O(    4/26/91 IVORY                                            100.          *

160D   CONTINUED:                                                      160D
                                  DENTON
                    They think if the Newsies can do
                    it, why can't they? All they need
                    is a leader.
                                  JACK
                    The minute I show my face, I'm
                    back in the Refuge.
                                  DENTON
                    You'd have help this time. I've
                    been investigating the Refuge -- I
                    know somebody who's going to be
                    very interested in Snyder's little
                    racket.

                                  DAVID
                           (wryly)
                    What happened to the ace war
                    correspondent?
                                  DENTON
                    This war'll do for now.

                                  SARAH
                    Whatever happens, it's Jack's
                    decision. He's the one in danger.
       They look expectantly as he stares off, deep in thought.
                                   LES
                    Jack...?   You thinkin'...?
                                  JACK
                    Yeah... I'm thinkin' of Newsie
                    Square full of kids...

                                  DAVID
                           (picks it up)
                    ... Another rally, right under
                    Pulitzer's nose, and not just the
                    Newsies --
                                  JACK
                    -- Every workin' kid from every
                    sweatshop in New York. We gotta
                    get the word out -- let's go get
                    the Newsies --
                           (catches himself)
                    They still think I'm a scab...

                                  LES
                    I'll tell 'em you was a spy!
                                                       (CONTINUED)

)O(    4/26/91 IVORY                                         101.          *

160D   CONTINUED:    (2)                                         160D
                                  DENTON
                    How're you gonna reach all these
                    people? No paper in New York will
                    print anything about the strike.
                                  JACK
                    We're Newsies, ain't we?   So we
                    make our own paper.
                                  DAVID
                    Be quiet and let me think.

                                  JACK
                    Whattaya need to start a paper?
                    Writers, right? So we got Denton.
                    What else?

                                  LES
                    Advertisements!
                           (as they look at him)
                    Cartoons?
                                  DENTON
                           (the cold facts)
                    A printing press. And no paper or
                    printer is going to defy Pulitzer.
       The others look discouraged; Jack's thinking again.

                                  JACK
                    Les. Go set me straight with the
                    Newsies, okay? Tell 'em to meet
                    us later at the World Building.

       Les races off on his mission; the others look question-
       ingly at Jack.

                                  JACK
                    So happens I know a guy with a
                    printing press.


161    OMITTED                                                      161
thru                                                                thru
165                                                                 165


165A   INT. WORLD PRESS ROOM - PULITZER'S PRESSES - NIGHT        165A
       The huge PRESSES pound out papers; a LOUD THUDDING rhythm
       shakes the building --

       PINK 4/1/91                                             102.

165B   INT. WORLD BLDG. - BASEMENT (AS IN SC. 152) - NIGHT          165B
       The THUDDING rhythm seems very near. Jack leads Sarah,
       David, Denton, Les down the rickety stairs with a candle.

                                JACK
                 They're  right above us -- and if
                 Weasel  catches us, it won't be
                 just me  they'll throw in the
                 slammer  --
       They can barely hear over the DIN of the PRESSES.

                               SARAH
                 What -- ?
                               JACK
                 I said shhhh! -- or we all go to
                 jail!
       The others shush him hastily; MUSIC BEGINS as they
       go into --

166    INT. BASEMENT PRESS ROOM - NIGHT                             166

       Denton heads straight for the old press, checking it over
       expertly. Jack directs the others to ink, paper, etc.,
       as --
       MUSICAL NUMBER:   "THE POINT OF NO RETURN" BEGINS:
                                                      DAVID
                                       WHAT'S THAT?
                                                      JACK
                                       SHHH!    YOU'RE MAKIN' ME NERVOUS!
                                                      DAVID
                                       SORRY.
                                                      SARAH
                                       WATCH OUT!

                                                    DAVID
                                       THERE'S SOMEBODY THERE.

                                                      SARAH
                                       WHERE?
                                                      JACK
                                       STAY CALM!

                                                      DAVID/SARAH
                                       BUT --
                                                      (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                                          103.

166   CONTINUED:                                                    166
                                                  JACK
                                     I'M BEGGIN' YA!
                                     CHEESE IT, SOUSE IT.
                                     CHOKE IT, DOUSE IT.
                             DAVID                                        *
                   But --                                                 *

                                                  JACK
                                     DON'T YOU BUMMERS GET WHAT I'M
                                       SAYIN'
                                     THIS AIN'T HIDE AND SEEK THAT        *
                                       WE'RE PLAYIN'
                                     ONE FALSE STEP AND THEY'LL BE
                                       IN HERE
                                     ONE STRAY HAIR, THEY'LL KNOW
                                       WE BEEN HERE
                                     QUESTIONS -- IT'S TOO LATE
                                       FOR 'EM
                                     ANSWERS -- WE CAN'T WAIT FOR
                                       'EM
                                     WE'RE AT THE POINT OF NO
                                       RETURN

      Denton finds the type-
      font: David is ready to
      ink the rollers. A NOISE
      O.S. makes them freeze.
      Jack puts his finger to                      DENTON
      his lips; hoists Les up to     WHO'S THAT?
      the window to be a lookout.
                                                  DAVID
                                     IS SOMEBODY COMING?

                                                  LES
                                     NOT THAT I CAN SEE.
      David tosses some candles
      to Sarah; she lights them                    DAVID
      for Denton as he works.        NICE CATCH.
                                                   SARAH
                                     THANKS.
      Jack finds a roll of
      newsprint.                                  JACK
                                     THAT OUGHTA GO THERE.                *

                                                  SARAH
                                     BRING THOSE OVER.
                                                   (CONTINUED)

      4/8/91 YELLOW                              103A.

166   CONTINUED:    (A2)                             166
                                        DENTON
                           THAT'S IT YOU'RE GETTING IT
                           KEEP IT STEADY
                           ALMOST READY
                   JACK    WON'T BE LONG 'TIL SOMEBODY
      CHOKE IT               GUESSES
                           THEY GOT PROWLERS INKING
      CHEESE IT              THEIR PRESSES
                                       (CONTINUED)

      PINK 4/1/91                                              104.

166   CONTINUED:    (2)                                             166
                                 DENTON/JACK
                   RIGHT OR WRONG WE'RE ON THE LAM NOW

                                  SARAH
                   TOO LOUD!   SOMEONE'S OVER US!

                                 DENTON/JACK
                   RIGHT OR WRONG AIN'T WORTH A DAMN NOW!
                                 DAVID
                   TOO LATE, GOTTA FINISH IT.

                JACK/DENTON                         DAVID/SARAH
      SOME THINGS                      SMART WE AIN'T
      ARE WORTH TRYING FOR
      SOME DREAMS                      MOM WOULD FAINT
      ARE WORTH DYING FOR
                                 EVERYBODY
                   WE'RE AT THE POINT OF NO RETURN!
                LES                                 DAVID
      AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW          NOW WE HAVE TO WRITE A HEADLINE
                                       YOU GOTTA HAVE A HEADLINE
                                                    JACK
      WHAT WE'VE COME TO SAY           DENTON OUGHTA DO IT
                                       HE KNOWS ABOUT THE HEADLINES
      AND THEY ALL REMEMBER US         SOMETHING REALLY FLASHY
      AND TALK ABOUT THE NIGHT         SO EVERYONE REMEMBERS
                                       AND DON'T FORGET TO PUT IN
                                         THERE
      WE SEIZED THE DAY                THAT KIDS FROM EVERYWHERE
                                       WILL BE AT NEWSIES' SQUARE
      During the above, Sarah holds a candle for Denton as he
      sets a headline in very large type: HOW WE CAN SHOW
      THIS CITY -- David has a better idea: he grabs some type
      and resets the headline: HOW WE CAN STOP THIS CITY.
      Meanwhile, Jack hits the switch and the PRESS HUMS to
      life.
                                 JACK/DENTON
                   THEY'RE HITCHIN' ON A TROLLEY
                   RIDIN' ON A WAGON
                   STOWIN' ON THE FERRY
                   COME TO SLAY THE DRAGON
                JACK/DENTON                         DAVID/SARAH
      HAILIN' FROM CANARSIE            SOFTER
      BENSONHURST AND CHELSEA          KEEP IT QUIET NOW
      ASTORIA AND BRIGHTON BEACH       FASTER
                                       LET ME TRY IT NOW

                                                      (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                      105.

166    CONTINUED:    (3)                                           166
                                  LES
                    AND SHEEPSHEAD BAY!

       INSTRUMENTAL break.             *
                  DENTON/SARAH                    JACK/DAVID
       TIME IS UP                    NEWSIES ON A DEADLINE
       LET'S JUST CLEAR OUT NOW      GOTTA WRITE THE HEADLINE
       LUCK IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT *
          NOW                      * NEWSIES ON A MISSION
       TOO BAD                       PRINT THE NEXT EDITION
       THINGS GOT BLISTERY           SHOW THE DIRTY LIARS
       TOO LATE                      WE CAN MAKE SOME FIRES
       THIS IS HISTORY               THANK YOU, MR. PULITZER
       THAT'S RIGHT                  FOR HELPIN' WITH THE FLYERS
       TAKE THE HEAT OR YOU BURN!    THANK YOU FOR THE HALL
                                     THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR
                                       CONCERN
                                  LES
                    AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW
                    AND OUR RANKS WILL GROW
                    AND THE WORLD WILL LEARN --

                                 ALL
                    SHHHHHHH!
       (NOTE: During the above, several QUICK CUTS or DISSOLVES
       should give the impression that they've worked through
       the night:)
       A)   Lead type being rapidly hand-set by Denton, helped
            by David -- a sub-headline forms: "House of Refuge,
            House of Shame."
       B)   Papers -- "THE NEWSIE NEWS" -- start rolling off the
            press as they examine it proudly.

       C)   They fold and bundle the papers, happy but exhausted.
       D)   Pale pre-dawn light shines through the window framing
            Les as they pass him bundles of papers and he passes
            them out the window to --

166A   EXT. WORLD BUILDING - PRE-DAWN                              166A

       MUSIC CONTINUES. Race, Boots, Blink, Mush take the
       papers from Les and toss them into Kloppman's wagon --
       he's on the driver's seat, keeping a lookout. Sarah                *
       climbs out the window, followed by the others. The last            *
       out is Jack -- carrying his belongings in a rolled bundle          *
       -- when he and the Newsies see each other, they freeze             *
       awkwardly. Silence until --                                        *

                                                  (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                       106.          *

166A   CONTINUED:                                                   166A
                                  RACETRACK
                    You thinkin' you'd like to take a
                    shot at my schnozz -- right?
                           (beat)
                    Five to one says you can't break
                    it.

       Jack laughs -- the tension breaks.    Hugs and backslaps
       as they climb onto the wagon.
                                  DAVID
                    The cops are looking for Jack --
                    we gotta protect him --
                                  KID BLINK
                    Any bull comes after jack, they
                    gotta go through all of us.
                                  BOOTS
                    What's with the bundle, Jack -- ya
                    leavin'?
                                  JACK
                    Sante Fe bound, Boots -- but not
                    without givin' Pulitzer one last
                    kiss goodbye --
                                 KLOPPMAN
                    Boys -- !
       He points frantically at Weasel crossing the square
       towards them. They duck quickly -- and he weaves past
       whistling tunelessly, drunk. As Kloppman eases the
       wagon away, everybody looks back, shouts --
                                  EVERYBODY
                    Hey, Weasel... Good ni-ight!

       He looks around blearily:    must be the d.t.'s.
                                                    EVERYBODY
                                       WE'RE AT THE POINT OF NO
                                          RETURN!
                                       WE'RE AT THE POINT OF NO
                                          RETURN!


166B   OMITTED                                                      166B
thru                                                                thru
185                                                                 185

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                     106A.         *

185A   HUNDREDS OF COPIES OF THE NEWSIE NEWS (OPTICAL)            185A
       swirl and cascade, FILLING the SCREEN as we see
       SUPERIMPOSED a series of living portraits of the
       working children of the 1890s... young boys in too-
       large caps and too-small coats, holding lunchpails...
       holding picks and shovels far too large for them...
       girls in shapeless dresses sewing, or scrubbing...
       shining eyes, dirty faces... sad expressions beginning
       to bloom into hope as they snatch and read the news that
       the headline proclaims as it whirls TOWARD us ON the
       SCREEN: HOW WE CAN STOP THIS CITY!

       We see that same headline across --

185B   INT. MANSION - BACK OF MAN'S HEAD - MORNING                185B

       as he reads the Newsie News at breakfast attended by a
       butler (the Rough Rider) in a khaki uniform. He's
       reading a headline: "HOUSE OF REFUGE, HOUSE OF SHAME"
       with a subhead beneath it: "SCANDAL HIDDEN FROM TEDDY
       ON VISIT." We glimpse a famous walrus mustache as the
       Man slams his fist on the table in anger. A figure steps
       INTO FRAME across the table: Denton.

                               DENTON
                 I thought you'd feel that way,
                 Governor Roosevelt.
                               TEDDY ROOSEVELT (MAN)
                 Dis-graceful, Denty! Those poor
                 boys -- and I did nothing!
                        (pure steel)
                 Until now!

       The Rough Rider snaps out a silk hat and a silverheaded
       walking stick. Teddy snatches them as if they were
       armor.

186    OMITTED                                                    186


187    EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - DAY                                   187
       Our Newsies look anxiously around the square, empty
       except for them. They take pains to conceal Jack among
       them.
                               MUSH
                 So when's the others comin',
                 Cowboy?

       Jack looks glumly at the empty square; at the gates of
       the World where Weasel and his goons are beginning to
       line up, clubs in hand.
                                                  (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                        107.

187   CONTINUED:    (A1)                                        187
                                 JACK
                   They ain't comin'... There ain't
                   gonna be nobody but us...
      The boys are silent, disappointed, feeling alone and
      defeated.

                                                  (CONTINUED)

)J(   4/22/91 TAN                                            108.

187   CONTINUED:                                                   187
      Then Les steps forward, a defiant look on his face,
      glaring at the goons beyond the gates. He sings out
      loud and clear --
      REPRISE:   "AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW"

                                                   LES
                                      WHEN THE CIRCULATION BELL
                                      STARTS RINGING, WILL WE
                                      HEAR IT?

      A group of   Factory Boys                    RACETRACK
      appears in   the square;        NO!
      followed by   others. The       WHAT IF THE DELANCEYS COME
      boys begin   to take heart --   OUT SWINGING, WILL WE HEAR
                                          IT?

                                                   LES
                                      NO!
                                                    NEWSIES
                                      WHEN YA GOT A MILLION VOICES
      More kids are appearing;        SINGING, WHO CAN HEAR A LOUSY
      messengers, garment girls,      WHISTLE BLOW?
      kids of all kinds --
                                                   ALL
                                      AND THE WORLD WILL KNOW!
      Kids are coming from everywhere, filling the   square --
      Spot and the Brooklyn Newsies; more and more   kids,
      cheering, waving the Newsie News -- Jack and   David laugh
      in triumph as shouting and MUSIC RISES UP TO   --
                                                   ALL
                                      AND THE WORLD WILL FEEL THE
                                      FIRE AND FIN'LLY KNOW


188   INT. PULITZER'S OFFICE - DAY                                 188   *
      The SONG RESONATES in the golden dome; Pulitzer stares
      down at the crowd as the mayor, sweating as usual, waves
      the Newsies' paper at him. Seitz sits reading a copy,
      impressed, as Jonathan fields phone calls.

                                                   (CONTINUED)

       PINK 4/1/91                                              109.

188    CONTINUED:                                                    188
                                  MAYOR
                    They're all yelling at me -- me!
                    -- factory owners, bankers,
                    businessmen -- the whole city's at
                    a standstill and they're blaming it
                    on me -- !

                                  PULITZER
                           (not listening)
                    Kelly's down there. He should be
                    back in jail.

                                  SEITZ
                           (with the Newsie
                            News)
                    Those kids got out a pretty good
                    paper, Chief.
                                  PULITZER
                    Too good! Those illiterate
                    guttersnipes couldn't have done
                    this on their own. Somebody's
                    behind this, trying to pull a
                    fast one...
                                  JONATHAN
                    Mr. Hearst on the line, sir. Wants
                    to know if you've read the Newsies'
                    paper?
       Pulitzer glowers in suspicion at the telephone.
                                  MAYOR
                    I'm not taking the heat for this --
                    you've got to talk to them --
                    settle it --

                                  PULITZER
                    Tell Hearst I'm busy!
                           (ominously)
                    I'll settle it all right -- once
                    and for all.

188A   EXT. WORLD BUILDING - DAY                                     188A

       The huge doors of the World Building open and Seitz
       marches out, flanked by guards. The crowd opens a path
       as he marches up to Jack and David.

                                  SEITZ
                    It's time to talk.
                                                       (CONTINUED)

       GOLDENROD 4/12/91                                       110.          *

188A   CONTINUED:                                                     188A
                                  JACK
                    Like I said, I don't transact
                    business with no office boys.    We
                    talk to old Joe hisself or we
                    don't talk. Period.

       The Newsies love it. Seitz stiffles a smile at Jack's
       bravado -- a smile of admiration.
                                  SEITZ
                    Then I guess you talk.

       Jack beckons David to follow as they enter the huge
       doors and --


188B   INT. PULITZER'S OFFICE - MORE HUGE DOORS - DAY               188B
       open as Seitz ushers them inside, closes the doors,
       leaving them alone. Pulitzer waits by the windows, a
       looming shadowy figure; sounds of CHANTING, SHOUTING
       floating up from below. David is awed by the palatial
       office, but Jack saunters coolly to the windows past --

                                  PULITZER
                    You're going to listen to me,
                    boy --
                                  JACK
                    I'd like to, Joe --
                           (opens a window;
                            crowd noise pours
                            in)
                    -- but I can't hear ya.
                                  PULITZER
                    We had a deal -- you broke it.
                    You're going back to jail.
                                  JACK
                    Maybe. But you can't put every
                    kid in that square in jail. They
                    ain't goin' away, Joe.
                                 PULITZER
                    Neither am I. I can wait them
                    out. It won't be me that's hurt.
                                  JACK
                    You sure about that?

       He nods at David who produces a paper, reads:
                                                      (CONTINUED)

       GOLDENROD 4/12/91                                        111.          *

188B   CONTINUED:                                                      188B
                                  DAVID
                    'Since the strike, the World's
                    circulation has dropped 70 per
                    cent; advertising has been cut
                    in half -- '
                           (stops reading)
                    Every day you lose thousands of
                    dollars -- just so you can beat
                    us out of a lousy tenth of a cent
                    per paper. Why?

                                  JACK
                    It ain't about money, Dave -- if
                    Joe gives in, that would mean
                    nothin's like us got power. He
                    can't let that happen -- no matter
                    what it costs him. Right, Joe?
                                  PULITZER
                    I'm about to show you what power
                    really is...
       He slams the window shut; CROWD NOISE abruptly DROPS --

                                  PULITZER
                    I have the police outside waiting
                    to arrest you --
                                  DAVID
                    You lousy double-crossing -- !
                                  PULITZER
                    -- then I'll deal with that rabble
                    in the street.
       He's crossing to a buzzer on his desk; Jack, thinking
       fast, snatches up a copy of the Newsies News.

                                  JACK
                    Ya got me, Joe -- but tell me one
                    thing, willya? How'd ya like our
                    paper -- nice printin', ain't it?
                    Right off the presses of one of
                    New York's greatest newspapers --

       That stops him.    He looks at Jack, frowning.

                                  PULITZER
                    All the papers have an agreement...
                    we print nothing about the
                    newsies. Whose press did you use?
                           (as Jack shrugs,
                            smiles)
                    It was Hearst, wasn't it...!

                                                       (CONTINUED)

       GOLDENROD 4/12/91                                    112.        *

188B   CONTINUED:    (2)                                         188B
                                  JACK
                           (surprised)
                    Hearst? Nah, it was yo --
       David quickly stops him, seeing the gleam in Pulitzer's
       eyes.

                                  PULITZER
                    I knew it. Whoever helped you
                    print this lying rag is trying to
                    break the strike, get the jump on
                    the rest of us. Well, you're
                    going to expose this backstabber
                    to the other owners -- in
                    exchange, I'll call off the
                    police.

       Jack and David exchange glances, seeing an opening --
                                  JACK
                    Not enough, Joe -- you gotta deal
                    with our demands. Otherwise, our
                    lips are sealed.

                                  PULITZER
                           (impatiently)
                    All right, all right -- just say
                    the traitor's name. It's Hearst,
                    isn't it? Say it! Say the name
                    of the scoundrel whose press you
                    used so I can make him the
                    disgrace of the newspaper world!
                    Say his name, damn you!

       He thunders over them, eyes blazing in triumph. The
       boys say nothing, just smile up at him knowingly until
       at last the horrible truth begins to dawn and --

                                   JACK
                    We just wanna say, 'Thanks, Joe.'
                           (as he stares,
                             stunned)
                    And Hearst and them other owners?
                    Maybe they don't have to know.
                    Depends.

       Pulitzer walks with stiff dignity to the window; from
       below, the FAINT CHANTING floats seems deafening to his
       ears.

                                  PULITZER
                    Perhaps we can resolve our...
                    small differences.
       David digs out their demands and prepares to read.

      GOLDENROD 4/12/91                                    113.         *

189   OMITTED                                                     189
&                                                                 &
190                                                               190


191   EXT. NEWSIE SQUARE - DAY                                    191
      Race, Boots, Les, etc. unpacking rotten fruit, getting
      ready for action. They see several police moving into
      the square -- including a paddy wagon.
                              RACE
                We gotta warn Jack -- !

      The others nod agreement -- but where is he?   Then they
      see --


192   OMITTED                                                     192


193   EXT. COURTYARD - GATES OF THE WORLD - DAY                   193
      Behind Weasel and the line of goons Jack and David are
      approaching, beaming in triumph. Seitz is with them.
      Les quickly slips through the bars, running to tell Jack
      -- but Weasel grabs him, shoves him back roughly --
                               LES
                Jack -- !   Jack -- !

      Weasel, surprised, sees Jack behind him.
                              WEASEL
                I don't know how he got in here,
                Mr. Seitz -- but I'll take care of
                him, with pleasure. Just say the
                word!

                              SEITZ
                With pleasure. You're fired.
                              WEASEL
                Come again...?
      A tomato hits him in the face; he turns to see Les wiping
      tomato juice off his hands.

                              LES
                He said, you're fired.
      Triumphant, Jack hoists Les over his shoulders:

                              JACK
                The strike's over -- we beat 'em!
                                                  (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                           114.

193   CONTINUED:                                                       193
      A huge roar goes up outside the gates -- they swing open
      and the Newsies swarm in, engulfing Weasel and the
      Delanceys -- trying to look like part of the gang -- as
      they rush to mob Jack and David. Jack spots Sarah --
      she's waving and pointing in alarm at something.

                                 LES
                          (remembers)
                   The bulls! Jack -- the bulls!
      Jack sees several police shoving through the crowd toward
      him. He quickly deposits Les -- turns to run and sees --
      -- Snyder right in front of him, hands behind his back.
      Jack spins away and right into the arms of --

                                 MacSWAIN
                   Easy, lad! You don't have to run
                   anymore -- not from the likes of
                   him anyway!
      Jack looks again and sees Snyder's hands are handcuffed
      behind him; two cops have him in custody. Denton is
      there, smiling.
                                 DENTON
                   We brought the Warden over to say
                   goodbye. Goodbye, Warden.

      Jack watches, amazed, uncomprehending,    as the cops move
      Snyder to the paddy wagon. As the rear     doors are opened,
      several boys pile out -- former inmates    of the Refuge,
      including Tenpin. As Snyder is loaded     in, the last boy
      is coming out, crutch first --
                                 CRUTCHY
                          (to Snyder)
                   Remember what I told ya -- first
                   t'ing ya do in jail, you make
                   friends with the rats, share what
                   you got in common --
                          (sees Jack)
                   Hiya, Jack! My leg tells me the
                   strike's over!
                                                                             *
                                 JACK
                          (confused)
                   Crutchy -- I don't get it.   What
                   happened -- ?

                                                       (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                          115.       *

193   CONTINUED:    (2)                                             193
                                 CRUTCHY
                   Ya orta seen it, Jack -- he came
                   chargin' into the Refuge wavin'
                   his walkin' stick like a sword and
                   he's leadin' this army of lawyers
                   and cops and Snyder's hidin' in
                   the patata bin --

                                 JACK
                   What're you talkin' about -- who
                   come chargin' in?

                                  CRUTCHY
                   Who?   Your pal! Him!

      He points O.S. -- Jack turns to see --


      ELEGANT COACH
      parked across the square. A Rough Rider opens the door
      and a man leans forward -- a glimpse of silk hat and
      walrus mustache as Teddy Roosevelt raises his walking
      stick in salute to Jack across the square.


      BACK TO SCENE
      Jack is awestruck; so are the other Newsies gathering
      around. Denton moves up to Jack.
                                 DENTON
                   Governor Roosevelt's very grateful
                   that this problem was brought to
                   his attention. He'd like to offer
                   you a lift, anywhere you like.
                   This time, you ride inside.

      Jack looks at the coach, torn. Boots holds the bundle of
      belongings he gave him earlier. Suddenly Jack decides,
      snaps his fingers, Boots tosses him the bundle.

                                 JACK
                   Think he could drop me at the
                   train yards?

      Denton moves off toward the coach. David, Sarah, Les
      look stunned, dismayed -- Jack avoids their eyes. Behind
      them, the BELL RINGS, the circulation window opens for
      business -- a crowd of Newsies races to line up. The
      gang looks at them hungrily, eager to return the work.
      They look at Jack.
                                                      (CONTINUED)

)P(   5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                           116.        *

193   CONTINUED:    (3)                                               193
                                 RACETRACK
                   You really goin' this time...?

                                 JACK
                   It's now or never, Racetrack.

                                 RACETRACK
                   Won't be the same without ya.
                   Give ya even odds on that.
      He shakes; the others crowd around. David looks on, left
      out for the moment; Sarah and Les beside him.

                KID BLINK
        See ya in the funny papes,
        cowboy --
                                            JACK
                          Yeah, Blink, keep ya eye
                          peeled.
                                                     MUSH
                                              (forced)
                                           Ya hear what he said --
                                           Blink says... ya hear
                                           it?
                BOOTS
        We heard it.
                (offering
                  marbles)
        My best shooters. Never
        know when ya need good
        shooters.
                                                       SPOT
                                           Take it   easy, Jackie-
                                           boy. Ya    ever get in a
                                           spot --
                                             (spits   in his
                                              palm;   shakes)
                                           -- think   of me.

                                 CRUTCHY
                   Don't wanna alarm ya, Jack, but
                   what I hear, out West ain't like
                   New York at all -- it's fulla
                   bulls, for one t'ing -- not cops,
                   neither, but big ugly animals with
                   horns and --
                                 JACK
                          (hugs him)
                   I'll miss ya, Crutch.
      Crutchy hobbles off to the dock. Jack looks off at the
      waiting coach, then holds out his hand to Les, who runs
      up and clings to him.
                                                 (CONTINUED)

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                             117.          *

193    CONTINUED:    (4)                                                 193
                                  JACK
                    I ain't no good at writin' and
                    stuff but... I'll be thinkin' of
                    ya...
                                  SARAH
                    You don't have to run away anymore,
                    Jack. You have a choice now.
                                  DAVID
                    We won today, but the fight's not
                    over. You're needed, Jack. We
                    need you. Here.
       He stands, looking at them.

                                  JACK
                    Maybe that's what scares me...
       Suddenly, the emotions are too much for him -- he turns,
       runs across the square, not looking back, racing towards
       the coach. Les starts after him -- David catches him,
       holds him, as he and Sarah watch --

       -- Jack climbing into the coach, greeted by Teddy.          The
       door closes, the coach trots away. "SANTA FE" is
       underscored.
       As the coach moves off, the Newsies move up, waving their
       caps goodbye. David and Sarah watch, feeling a great
       loss; Les is crushed. The Newsies move into the court-
       yard, trying to keep their spirits up as:
       MUSIC BEGINS:       REPRISE:   "CARRYIN' THE BANNER"   APPROX:
       3:00
       The Newsies sing as they                        MUSH
       line up, trying to keep            TRY BOTTLE ALLEY OR THE
       their spirits up.                    HARBOR
                                                       KID BLINK
                                          TRY CENTRAL PARK IT'S
                                            GUARANTEED
                                                       BOOTS
                                          TRY ANY BANKER, BUM, OR
                                            BARBER
                                                       CRUTCHY
                                          THEY ALMOST ALL KNOWS HOW
                                            TO READ.

193A   OMITTED                                                            193A

)P(    5/1/91 BLUE (2)                                     117A.

193B   EXT. LOADING DOCK/WINDOW - NEWSIES                       193B
       sing as they wait for papers,
       but something's missing...                 NEWSIES
       a voice, a presence, a        IT'S A FINE LIFE,
       spirit -- and then --         CARRYIN' THE BANNER... (ETC.)
       -- Jack leaps onto the dock and rings the bell --

                                                  (CONTINUED)

       PINK 4/1/91                                                118.

193B   CONTINUED:                                                     193B
                                    JACK
                    Call it, Les!

                                  LES
                    Comin' down the chute!

       The papers slide down the chute; Jack moves to the front
       of the line grinning -- seeing Sarah smiling at him from
       the gates.
       Jack sings   out, the song soars,    continuing as the Newsies
       are back on   the job -- getting    their papers, fanning out
       across the   courtyard, into the    city beyond. It is indeed
       a fine life   as closing credits    roll until we --

                                                      FADE OUT.




                                     THE END


Newsies



Writers :   Bob Tzudiker  Noni White  David Fallon  Tom Rickman
Genres :   Family  Musical


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