Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Rosie - The Original Sreenplay

ROSIE Original Screenplay
Written by
George Larkins and Jill Jack
Based on the Song "Rosie"
by Jill Jack
WGA-East Reg. #1223672
1/03/2011
COPYRIGHT 2011
George A. Larkins
Jill Jack
George A. Larkins
1715 N. Blair Avenue
Royal Oak, MI 48067
248 798-3927


ROSIE
An original screenplay
Written by George A. Larkins and Jill Jack
Based on the song "Rosie" by Jill Jack


FADE IN:
INT. ROSIE’S HOME (MARCH, 2007, 5:00 AM) - BEDROOM
ROSIE an elderly woman aged eighty seven lies in bed. A
small dog nuzzles her hand. She turns slowly and opens her
eyes to see the clock read five am
ROSIE JACK
Okay, girl.
Rosie eases into slippers and makes her way to the kitchen.
The house is 1920’s Art & Crafts style. Framed photographs
of her husband (EDWIN,deceased), Son (JOSEPH) and
Granddaughter (GRACE) line the mantle. Rosie makes and pours
a cup of coffee. She stands in the door frame staring out at
the snow falling on her lawn. The newspaper deliveryman
tosses the Free Press it on lands on her stoop.
EXT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT
WIDE: The plant sits silent and foreboding in the cold pre
dawn hours.
INT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT
A group of blue-collar workers, TRUCK BOYS, stand around one
of the giant robotic arms that has halted the production of
the passenger truck line. A flustered TEAM LEADER approaches
the group. HENRY LARKINS is on the floor and reaching up
underneath the arm with his tools beside him.
WAYNE TEAM LEADER
What the hells the problem Henry?
HENRY LARKINS
(GRUNTS)
O ring.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
WAYNE TEAM LEADER
What again, we just got this arm
back from the supplier last month.
HENRY LARKINS
We can’t afford the downtime to
send it back again, my guys need
their hours.
Henry adjusts the O ring fitting and tightens the clamp. He
slides out from under the robotic arm and energizes the
machine. Working the manual override controls he swings the
arm into position almost hitting the team leader.
WAYNE TEAM LEADER
Jesus, Henry!
HENRY LARKINS
Maybe you should call OSHA and file
a complaint! Now lets get back to
work boys.
The men return to their duties as the assembly line resumes
truck production. The clock in the plant reads six am.
EXT. ROSIE’S GARAGE
Rosie adjusts her hat and scarf as she steps out her side
door into the cold morning air. She locks the door and waves
to the sad dog in the window. She walks towards her detached
garage, presses the door remote, and enters as the
florescent lights flicker on.
INT. ROSIE’S GARAGE
The walls of the garage are covered with every imaginable
tool all in organized order. A workbench and stool sit
against the wall next to a setaline tank and welding torch.
In the middle of the bench is a pair of old welding goggles
and leather welding gloves. Rosie’s car is a 1950’s era ford
in near perfect condition. She enters the car, places the
key in the ignition and starts the engine. A clock on the
wall of the garage reads six-thirty am.
DETROIT STREETS
Rosie pulls out of her driveway and drives through her
neighborhood. She drives into the city as the street scape
becomes more urbanized. She passes a sign that says
Hamtramck.
3.
EXT. KOWALSKI BAKERY
A large window shows Rosie enters the Polish bakery. Two fat
women are having a lively argument and stop to cheerfully
greet Rosie. They help her carry a doughnut and bread order
to her car. Rosie’s car pulls away.
EXT. ROSIE’S BAR
The bar is located downtown in a run down area. JIM GRAFF, a
homeless Vietnam Veteran, stands out front blowing heat
through his fingers and stamping his feet. Rosie gives him a
short wave as she passes by and turns into the alley next to
the bar. She opens the heavy roll up door with a remote and
parks the car inside the rear of the bar.
INT. ROSIE’S BAR
Rosie turns on circuit breakers that light up the interior.
Bar walls have photos of fleets of WWII planes and ships,
Detroit sports and automobiles. Rosie starts Coffee, places
doughnuts in glass display and starts kitchen prep work. She
writes today’s special on board. The bar clock reads eight
am.
Rosie pulls cord to light the neon "Open" sign and unlocks
entry door. Jim enters as Rosie returns behind the bar.
ROSIE JACK
Good morning Jim.
JIM GRAFF
Morin, Rosie, It’s colder than a
witches kiss out there. St. Anne
was full up last night and St.
Dennis shelter is closed for good
now.
Rosie draws a cup of black coffee and places it on the bar.
Jim’s eyes look pleadingly at the doughnuts as he rummages
through his Vietnam era army jacket for change. He pulls out
assorted papers, drops one that reads V.A. psychiatric
report: P.T.S.D., he puts the papers away uncomfortably.
ROSIE JACK
How much do you got there, Jim?
JIM GRAFF
Fifty cents.
Looks down at money in his hand and places it on the bar.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.
JIM GRAFF
People ain’t being so generous
these days Rosie. It’s the economy
is what keep sayin.
ROSIE JACK
Two doughnuts and two cups of
coffee and that’s it. This isn’t
the salvation army, I got a
business to run and you’re cutting
into my profits Jim.
JIM GRAFF
You are an angel Rosie, Thank You.
ROSIE JACK
Don’t you thank me, just don’t you
go and scare off any of my paying
customers, Jimbo.
Rosie slides the fifty cents back across the bar to him, he
quickly picks it up and puts it back in his pocket.
JIM GRAFF
I wont. I wont, I promise, Rosie.
They won’t even see me. I can hide
real good. I can still hide.
Jim takes his coffee and two doughnuts to a booth in the
corner of the bar. PAM MARTIN, one of Rosie’s bar maids
arrives for work.
PAM MARTIN
Good Morning.
ROSIE JACK
Good Morning, honey, hows the baby?
PAM MARTIN
She is sleeping through the night
now, finally.
ROSIE JACK
That’s good , that’s good. Would
you mind putting on the chowder? I
got a feeling were gonna get hit
with it today.
PAM MARTIN
Sure, no problem.
5.
INT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT (11:00 AM)
The clock on the plant wall reads eleven am.(HORN) The shift
is ending and the Truck Boys leave their stations. They
gather in the locker room. The men are laughing and talking.
Henry Larkins is looking down tying his bootlace.
TRUCK BOY #1
Hey Henry, I got ten bucks that
says I can take you in dart’s over
at Rosie’s.
HENRY LARKINS
I think you just bought me a steak
dinner. Who wants to see this young
man suffer.
TRUCK BOYS
(Cheers and laughter)
HENRY LARKINS
Well, lets go then.
EXT.WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT
They leave the plant and load into their high powered trucks
and SUV’s. The vehicles head down the highway towards
Rosie’s bar.
INT. ROSIE’S BAR
The bar is half full of lunch patrons. One SURLY PATRON sits
at the far end of the bar with a whiskey and beer. Rosie is
pouring coffee for a middle aged couple who are looking over
the menu.
FEMALE BAR PATRON
We’re from Memphis originally, but
his parents are from here. There up
in Grayling now. that’s where we’re
heading tomorrow.
ROSIE JACK
Oh, Memphis is a lovely place. I
had a friend who’s family moved
down there...
6.
EXT. ROSIE’S BAR
Henry and the Truck Boys pull into the lot. Close up of big
tires abruptly stopping. The men approach the bar entrance
back slapping and laughing outside the entrance.
INT. ROSIE’S BAR
Henry and the Truck Boys burst through the door as the bar
goes silent. Everyone stares at the group of men.
ROSIE JACK
Well, look what the cat dragged in.
I sure hope you truck boys are
hungry!
HENRY LARKINS
Let’s just say that plant catering
van isn’t gonna put you outta
business anytime soon. How are you
Rosie?
ROSIE JACK
Fine. fine. Now you boys just park
it over there at the bar and I’ll
finish seeing what these nice folks
would like to eat.
The men smile and laughing in a lower tone they head to the
bar. The patron at the end of the bar spins a quarter and
watches it fall. Rosie finishes taking patrons order and
returns behind the bar. She hands ticket through window to
kitchen. Rosie starts to pour cokes and pull draft beer for
Henry and the Truck Boys.
SURLY PATRON
Hey Lady, do you think I can get
another whiskey down here?
ROSIE JACK
Okay, okay. Just hold your horses
I’ll be right with you. That was
Kessler, right.
SURLY PATRON
Yeah, that’s right! Wheres my
smokes, hey, git me some matches
too. What a dump.
At the other end of the bar Henry quietly gets up and moves
towards jukebox located behind the Surly Patron. He plays a
Bob Seger song "Making Thunderbirds".
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
TRUCK BOY #1
Man, you should have seen me rollin
before that arm crashed last night.
I was on fire.
TRUCK BOY #2
Yeah, we sure had that line runnin
hard.
TRUCK BOY #3
I bet we could get out fifteen
percent more units than Abilene if
they gave us a robot that would
work a full shift.
TRUCK BOY #1
Oh yeah, right. And if you add that
fifteen percent to the eighty
percent you give we could almost
make production.
TRUCK BOY #3
Oh, I’m sorry. Were you talkin to
me? I guess you ain’t heard the
news. I’m the best there is and the
best there ever will ever be!
TRUCK BOY #2
Hey Rosie, you got any boots back
there? It’s gettin pretty deep in
here. I’m gonna need a shovel
pretty soon.
ROSIE JACK
Boy, oh boy, The Jack is really
flyin in here today! I gotta hand
it to you, though, boys. You really
do try.
SURLY PATRON
I guess I’ll just get them for
myself then.
The patron leans far over the bar reaching for the box of
matches. He knocks over his full glass of beer.
SURLY PATRON
Damn it! Now look what you made me
do!
ROSIE JACK
I told you I would be right there.
Now just give me a minute.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.
Rosie starts soaking up beer with a bar towel.
SURLY PATRON
What the hell do you know about
anything! Now get me another....
Henry grabs the man from behind. His face is forced to
the puddle of beer that remains on the bar. Henry has his
right arm pinned up behind his back. Rosie steps back. Henry
leans down to the mans ear.
HENRY LARKINS
(growls in a whisper)
The problem as I see it is that
your not fit to change this ladies
mop water, let alone sit at her
bar. Now I think you’ve had enough.
You’re going to leave that twenty
on the bar as a nice tip for
cleaning up the little mess you’ve
made.
SURLY PATRON
Okay man. All right, I get it.
HENRY LARKINS
You might want to find yourself a
new watering hole. Do I make myself
clear?
SURLY PATRON
No problem, no problem.
HENRY LARKINS
Boys, will you show this nice
gentleman to the door?
Two of the truck boys escort the man to the exit.
TRUCK BOY #2
Hey, Rosie. You got any other trash
you want us to put out for you.
(LAUGHTER)
Rosie turns to Henry and frowns.
ROSIE JACK
Now, how am I supposed to run a
business if you keep roughing up
the clientele?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
HENRY LARKINS
Rosie, I just, IROSIE
JACK
You what? You think just because
I’m eighty-seven that I couldn’t
handle a punk like that.
HENRY LARKINS
No, I mean Yeah, I just wanted to-
ROSIE JACK
You just wanted too what?. I know
what you were trying to do Henry
Larkins, and don’t think I don’t
appreciate the thought. But if I
need your help I will ask for it.
This is my bar! Until it say’s
Henry’s out front you’ll let me run
it the way I see fit.(strongly) Do
I make my self clear?
HENRY LARKINS
Yes, Rosie. I’m sorry. It wont
happen again.
ROSIE JACK
Okay, now sit down there and have
something to eat. You boys must be
famished.
Rosie’s and her barmaids serve a wonderful meal of home
style foods. After the meal the conversation continues.
TRUCK BOY #3
So Rosie, How many sub assemblies
would you use on a B-24 at willow?
ROSIE JACK
Twenty Four.
TRUCK BOY #1
Tell us about old man Sorenson.
ROSIE JACK
Smart and fast. He redesigned
willow run overnight.
TRUCK BOY #3
How big was that plant?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
ROSIE JACK
A mile long by a quarter mile wide.
TRUCK BOY #2
How many components did they put
into that big bird?
ROSIE JACK
Thirty Thousand.
TRUCK BOY #1
(whistles)
What about California, Rosie. What
was it like back then.
ROSIE JACK
Now, come on you boys don’t you get
tired of all those old stories.
Well, I guess if you all have
nothing better to do. Let me see,
That was so long ago..
Rosie stares off into the distance as the sunlight pierces
the window of the bar revealing a sparkle in her eye. She
dips the whiskey glass into the bar sink and begins to wash
it. CU of glass being washed.
DISSOLVE
INT. ROSIE’S PARENTS HOME (1939)
CU Glass being washed. Rosie aged seventeen lifts a glass
from the sudsy water and begins to rinse it. Her parents sit
in their modest kitchen behind her at a dinette. They have
just finished dinner. He is reading the paper and she is
drinking her coffee.
FATHER
Will you look at this!(reading)
"After Germany rejects the
Anglo-French ultimatum of September
first nineteen thirty nine, which
called for the withdrawal of all
German forces from Poland, The
British have declared war on
Germany at eleven a.m." (whistles)
MOTHER
Well, it’s about time. I mean
someone has got to stand up to
those fascists.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.
ROSIE
Mr. Barnes, my new history teacher,
he’s progressive, and he says that
it’s because the German people have
nothing to lose that they would
follow Ado-
FATHER
Rosie! Mr. Barnes has no idea of
the real world outside his academic
life is like. If He did, he would
know better than to be filling the
minds of young people with that
kind of propaganda.
ROSIE
(looking down at sink)
Yes Father.
MOTHER
Now, now. The only thing other than
religion and politics less welcome
at the dinner table is, well,
nothing I guess.
FATHER
Hmmmph. (resumes reading paper)
MOTHER
Rosie, dear. Mrs. Melampy saw me at
the market today, and she asked me
if you might be available this
Saturday to watch Shelly and Tim
while she plays bridge.
ROSIE
(Turns to Mother)
Oh Mother, The new movie "Gone with
the Wind" is playing at the Fox
Theater and the girls were asking
if I could come along. But, I told
them I would have to ask you first.
It’s got Clark Gable and Vivian
Liegh’s dresses are supposed to be
fabulous and its all in color! Do I
have to? Oh please Mother, do I
have to?
FATHER
Gone with the wind! Gone with the
wind, I read that it’s an
abomination full of curse words.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
MOTHER
Well, I have not given her an
answer yet dear.
FATHER
I suppose your Mr. Barnes is
recommending it for historical
accuracy, no doubt.
ROSIE
Well, actually he said-
MOTHER
Hushhh, hush now Rosie. Your Father
and I will talk it over and I will
let you know in the morning.
ROSIE
(Turns back to the dishes and
smiles excitedly.)
FADE
EXT. FOX THEATER 1939
Marquee reads "Gone with the wind" Rosie and two friends are
walking up the sidewalk and chattering excitedly. They
purchase tickets and enter theater.
INT. FOX THEATER LOBBY 1939
The girls look around wide eyed at the ornate lobby.
ROSIE
Oh, isn’t it just beautiful! look
at the velvet curtains and all the
gold fringe. It’s like a palace.
Look at the paintings on the walls.
GIRLFRIEND #1
Oh, Dahling! This is how all the
hollywood stars live! If you see
Mr. Gable tell him I’ll be in my
dressing room. (laughter)
ROSIE
You’re so dopey!
GIRLFRIEND #2
Rosie, maybe someday we could go to
California and see how the stars
really live.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.
ROSIE
That would be wonderful!
Edwin Jack and two friends are standing across the lobby.
Edwin looks up and sees Rosie. Rosie is standing in a soft
glow of light.
ED JACK
Will you look at that fellas. You
know I mean what I say. I think I
am going to marry that girl.
FRIEND #1
Okay, Valentino. The day you find a
girl and get married were all done
for.
ED JACK
Excuse me boys.
Ed walks across the lobby and approaches the Rosie.
ED JACK
This is not usually like me, but I
have to tell you, I think that your
just about the prettiest girl I’ve
seen in my whole life.
My name is Edwin Jack, would you
mind if my friends and I join you
girls to watch the movie.
Rosie is taken aback and starts to respond.
ROSIE
Who do think-
GIRLFRIEND #2
Only if you treat us to popcorn! A
real gentleman always treats a lady
to popcorn at the movies.
ROSIE
Well, IED
JACK
Well, its settled then. That’s
three popcorn’s and pops on me. You
do like Vernor’s pop don’t you? Oh,
by the way, whats your name
beautiful?, I’m going to need to
know it, since I plan on marrying
you someday.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.
beat
ROSIE
You are awfully sure of yourself,
arn’t you Mr Jack.
ED JACK
I have to be. I’m going to be a
service pilot, you see, and when
your a pilot you don’t leave
anything to chance.
ROSIE
Well, it is nice to meet you Mr.
Jack, my name is Rosie.
ED JACK
Call me Ed. Hey, fellas, come on
over here and say hello to the
girls.
The group exchanges introductions and enter the theater. The
final scene plays from "Gone with the Wind"
ROSIE
(whispers to Ed)
I’ll tell you one thing. No man
will ever treat me that way. Ever.
ED JACK
(smiles at her)
I’m no Rhett Butler, you don’t have
to worry.
EXT. FOX THEATER 1939
ED JACK
When can I see you again?
ROSIE
Well, I don’t know if my father
would take kindly to strangers
calling. He is awfully protective
of me. (feigning Scarlett O’Hara)
ED JACK
I’m not a stranger anymore.
GIRLFRIEND #1
(writes down Rosie’s phone)
Oh, here Rosie, I wrote your number
down.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
Edwin snatches the paper.
ED JACK
Okay, I’ll call and ask your
Father’s permission to take you out
for a proper date. I leave in two
weeks for training. How does
Saturday work for you?
ROSIE
Your really serious about flying.
ED JACK
You darn betcha! Nothing to chance.
I will see you on Saturday then,
Rosie. remember nothing to chance.
The boys turn and walk away as Rosie stands slightly
stunned. Her friends start to chatter excitedly about the
boys.
ROSIE
Goodbye.
DATING MONTAGE
Edwin picks Rosie up. They go to a malt shop. They go to
zoo. They walk through park. Share intimate conversation on
bench. They return to porch.
EXT. ROSIE’S PARENTS HOME. FRONT PORCH EVENING 1940
ROSIE
This is all happening so fast. You
seem very nice, but I just don’t
know what to make of it all.
ED JACK
Rosie, we don’t know what tomorrow
will bring, ever. Do you believe in
fate?
ROSIE
You mean when things are supposed
to happen and you cant change it
even if you tried.
ED JACK
Yes, Rosie. That’s what I mean. I
know that we are meant to be, I
don’t know how I know that, I just
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.
ED JACK (cont’d)
do. If you feel it too, we should
not waste another minute doubting
it. So I need to know, if your sure
or not, because I am sure that I
love you.
ROSIE
(tears)
Yes, yes Ed, I do know, I’m just
nervous, I think.
ED JACK
(hugs her)
I know, I know.
They embrace and kiss.
ROSIE
I love you Ed Jack.
ED JACK
That’s all I need to hear. Now you
get ready Rosie because Santa is
bringing you something special this
year. I met with your Father last
week and we are cleared for take
off young lady.
Ed releases her and leaps off the porch, he turns to salute
her and gives her a wink. She smiles and blows him a kiss.
He catches it and turns away leaving Rosie smiling after
him.
WEDDING MONTAGE
Ed leaves for training, letters, Ed learns to fly, Rosie at
home, Ed returns and Rosie greets him. Christmas wedding
proposal, Spring Wedding with Ed in uniform, Niagara Falls
honeymoon, Purchase Home, Ed military orders, Rosie
expecting a child, newspapers show war advancing.
INT. ROSIE’S HOME - KITCHEN TABLE - 1942
Rosie is sitting at the table writing a letter. Her voice
narration over image of Ed Jack sitting in barracks and
events in the letter.
ROSIE
(letter)
My Dearest Edwin, Our baby boy was
born last night at 2:21 am. He is
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
ROSIE (cont’d)
21 inches long and weighs 8 pounds
2 ounces. His name is Joseph
Alexander Jack after your
Grandfather. He is handsome, just
like his Daddy and misses you
already. Keep this photograph of
the two of us close to your heart
until we are together again.
I hope the men in your company are
enjoying the care packages. The
ladies guild that I started has
been sending them to as many of the
troops as we can. Our wish is that
it helps to remind them of the
people who love them and are
waiting for them here at home.
We are all doing what we can to
help even though things here on the
home front are growing more
difficult. The neighborhood
children have started to collect
rubber and metal for the war
effort. The food ration stamps
arrived last week and we will just
have to learn to get by on less.
I do worry about our house note as
the bank is demanding increased
payment and sending past due
letters. The extra laundry that I
take in does not cover the interest
rate increase and the few jobs
posted in the papers want a girl
with experience. I will keep
looking for work.
Please write when you can and come
home soon. Love Rosie
Siren, Shelling.
EUROPEAN WAR THEATER- 1942
18.
INT - AIRFIELD HANGER - U.K.
Ed is the now lead pilot of a group of U.S. airmen assisting
H.M.RAF. in England. They are preparing for another bombing
run over France.
ED JACK
Listen up fellas. Yesterday we lost
six planes to Gerry. Those men were
our friends, they were good men.
Are we going to allow their deaths
to stop us from achieving our
objectives?
PILOTS
Hell No! Let’s give it to them.
ED JACK
Okay then, Now look, I know its
hairy up there, The flack is so
thick sometimes that you cant even
see your wing man. Today, we are
going to be flying further into
France than any other run so far.
Our escorts will have to turn back
to refuel halfway. So, we will be
on our own until we reach the
target and meet up with them on our
way home. Remember to rely on your
training, read your instruments and
complete the mission. If any of you
don’t make it back from this one.
It has been an honor to serve with
each and every one of you. Now
let’s Go!
EXT. AIRFIELD - U.K.
The pilots leave the hanger and prep for take off. Ed is
climbing into his bomber, he hands a letter to the ground
man just before boarding.
ED JACK
(above engine roar)
See that this gets out to Detroit!
GROUND MAN
Yes Sir!, God Speed Sir! (salute)
ED JACK
(salute, smiles)
19.
EXT. ROSIE’S HOME - 1942
A black car pulls up to the curb. Two men in dark suits
approach Rosie’s Front door. They nail a past due notice to
her door.
Rosie opens door as the men pull away, she starts to call
after them as another vehicle pulls up. Two servicemen
approach her with a flag. She stands stunned and then
faints.
FADE BLACK
INT. ROSIE’S HOME - 1942 - BEDROOM
Rosie wakes up in her bed. Her mother is standing beside
her.
ROSIE
Where’s Joseph? Mama where is-
ROSIE’S MOTHER
He’s fine, sleeping in his crib. I
want you and Joseph to come back
home. It would probably be best for
you and the baby, now.
ROSIE
This is our home Mama. Joseph and I
want to live here, where Ed and I
decided to raise him.
ROSIE’S MOTHER
Ed is not coming back! You can’t
make it on your own, a single
woman. Even with the government
service money, you wont be able to
survive dear, come back home. We
can fix up my sewing room upstairs
for Joseph and -
ROSIE
No! Mama no. I am not going to do
that, I know you mean well, mama,
but I just cant do that.
ROSIE’S MOTHER
What are you going to do then,
dear?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.
ROSIE
I’m not sure yet, but, the bank
does not own our house, yet, and I
am going to fight tooth and nail to
see that they never do!
ROSIE’S MOTHER
I’m going to leave you to think it
over dear, maybe you will change
your mind in the morning.
ROSIE’S MOTHER
I wont Mother, I love you and thank
you, but, I wont.
Rosie’s mother leaves the room. Rosie gets up and peeks in
on Joseph who is sleeping. She goes to her kitchen and looks
through the mail. She sees a letter from Ed.
Narration of letter by Ed Jack.
ED JACK
Mrs. Jack!
I am about the happiest man in the
whole wide world at this moment. A
son! He is going to be the best of
both of us and I am going to end
this war single handed if it means
getting back to you both sooner.
Last night the fellas had a little
celebration for this proud papa and
they all send their love to you
both. It means the world to them to
get the sweets and comfort items
from home. I can’t tell you anymore
about the mission, but, will do my
best to check and recheck every
run. Nothing to chance! Remember
that baby. Kiss our son for me and
tell him when I come home were
going to play ball till the sun
goes down.
Images of Ed ejecting and parachute opening. Another pilot
witnesses his being fired on with machine gun by a Luftwaffe
pilot.
The bonus payments for hazardous
duty should be arriving soon. Some
of the fellas kicked in to get us
through till then. So you take this
money down to NBD and tell them
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
ED JACK (cont’d)
that once your husband gets back
you will be closing your account
for good.
My cousin Tommy Thompson is a pipe
fitter foreman over at the Rouge
Steel Plant. He may be able to tell
you if anyone is hiring women to
help out while some of the boys are
away. Tell him that your my wife,
and I said he still owes me for
that game of hold em.
Well we gotta head out to mess
hall, I sure miss your cooking.
I love you, Edward.
Rosie puts down the letter.
ROSIE
I love you too. (weeps)
INT. FORD AUTO ASSEMBLY
CYRIL COOPER is standing at a platform watching a group of
men assemble automobiles. The men stop and production line
stop as a radio blares an announcement.
ANNOUNCER
"We interrupt this program to bring
you a special news bulletin. The
Japanese have attacked Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii by air. The attack
was made on navel and military
bases on the island of Oahu. No
further information is available at
this time. The President is asking
for a declaration of war."
The men lay down their tools and walk off the job.
Mr. Cooper returns to his office. He opens a letter from
Ford Motor Company marked urgent.
FORD LETTER TO MR. COOPER
Mr. Cooper, you are requested to
report to the Willow Run Assembly
in Ypsilanti for immediate
reassignment. The details of your
position will be provided upon your
arrival.
22.
ENLISTMENT OFFICE
Long lines of men are being inducted for service.
EXT. ROUGE STEEL PLANT - DAY
Wide. Rosie stands at the entrance of the huge dark Rouge
Steel Plant. She approaches the gate.
ROUGE STEEL SECURITY
Can I help you lady?
ROSIE JACK
Yes, I’m here to see Tom Thompson.
ROUGE STEEL SECURITY
Hey Phil, this woman wants to see
Tommy Thompson. What? Okay.
You got an appointment or somthin?
You know Tommie’s a busy man.
Usually his lady friends like him
to clean up a little, but hey if
you ain’t too choosy.
ROSIE JACK
Now, you look here. (looks at name
tag)Clem. I am here to see Tom, and
I am going to see Tom, and, you and
your friend back there, Phil are
not going-
Phone rings in booth.
ROUGE STEEL SECURITY
Hello, yes sir, I have a man
available right now.
Rosie grabs a hard hat from rack and marches into the plant.
ROUGE STEEL SECURITY
Hey, wait lady you cant just go
in-. (spills coffee on shirt)Oh,
shit. (muttering)No sir, everything
fine, he is on his way.
23.
INT. ROUGE STEEL PLANT
Rosie turns a corner and disappears into the plant. She
walks through the foundry works the and approaches a worker.
She shouts to him asking for Tom Thompson. He nods and draws
a small map of plant and points direction. Rosie follows map
and crosses catwalk over molten steel slabs erupting from
the furnace. She follows map to boiler #6. TOM THOMPSON is
checking pressure readings on the boiler.
ROSIE
Are you Tom Thompson?
TOM THOMPSON
That depends, and who might you be,
sweetheart?
ROSIE
Rosie Jack. I’m here to collect on
a bet you owe my husband Ed Jack.
TOM THOMPSON
(Eyes widen)
Jesus, Mary and Joseph! How is
that, son of a gun! My little
cousin finally grew up and got
married, well I’ll be damned. Oh
excuse me, Rosie was it.
Reaches into his billfold and hands her some cash.
TOM THOMPSON
Here, this is five I lost to him in
cards plus interest and a little
somthin for the wedding present.
I heard he enlisted, is he active?
ROSIE
Ed, is, was in England. He was
flying bombing runs over France and
his plane took a hit. He ejected
and those Luftwaffe son’s of
bitches shot him while he was still
floating in his parachute.
TOM THOMPSON
Oh no, Eddie’s gone. I’m so sorry,
Rosie. He was a stand up guy, my
best little cousin. Those bastards,
That’s a damn shame. What can I do
to help.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.
ROSIE
Ed mentioned in his last letter
that you might know where I could
find some work. I don’t have any
office skills, but I can work hard.
Do you know of anything?
TOM THOMPSON
Yea! as a matter of fact I do. Have
you heard of Willow Run? It’s a new
plant out by Ypsilanti, they had to
replace some of the guys. Now,
look, go over and you ask for Cy,
Cyril Cooper. He’s the new assembly
foreman, you tell him I sent you
and to find you a broom or
anything. It’s no picnic over
there, but if you can pull your
weight I bet he will give ya a
shot. Hey, maybe I could introduce
you to our side of the family
sometime? They would love to meet
the girl Eddie married. Come on
I’ll walk you out.
EXT. WILLOW RUN - DAY
High aerial shot of the Willow Run assembly building. it is
the largest manufacturing building ever built. A tracking
shot shows the interior, a one mile long assembly line with
B-24 Bomber fuselages in various stages of build process.
Rosie approaches the entrance and walks into the expansive
plant.
INT. WILLOW RUN - DAY
Cy Cooper and MR. CHARLIE SORENSON are standing and looking
at sketches that will outline the B-24 Bomber assembly line.
CY COOPER
What you are talking about here is
a complete blueprint for victory.
MR. SORENSON
That’s exactly what it is.
CYRIL COOPER
Listen this may have worked for a
little V-8 jalopy, but this is an
unprecedented scale. How do you
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.
CYRIL COOPER (cont’d)
propose that we are going to build
these monsters.
MR. SORENSON
We are going to do it the same way
we built back at the Piquette
Avenue Plant. We outline the
components into separate
units. We build those units and
then deliver them as needed to
complete the entire plane. The
fuselage moves from this end and
rotates back on itself at in a
parallel line at this point.
CYRIL COOPER
And you say you came up with the
floor plan and sketched out this
design all in one night.
MR. SORENSON
That’s right.
CYRIL COOPER
And Mr. Ford has approved of it.
MR. SORENSON
Here are his initials, right here.
CYRIL COOPER
Well, that’s good enough for me. If
President Roosevelt want’s us to
build "The greatest arsenal of the
democracies" Then that’s just what
were going to give him. Now there
is just one problem as I see it. I
just need the people to build it.
MR. SORENSON
You will find the people. In the
meantime consider this your new
home until we are at full capacity.
CYRIL COOPER
Yes, Sir, Mr. Sorensen. We will
make it happen.
26.
NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE MONTAGE
"Arsenal of democracies being built at Willow Run". Navel
Fleets being assembled on east and west coast shipyards.
Saturday Evening Post.
INT. WILLOW RUN - DAY
A group of men left behind and unfit for duty are arguing
over how to assemble a sheet aluminum stamping press.
CYRIL COOPER
You men head over to the loading
docks, I want to see the freight
off those skids before the lunch
break.
The men grumble then comply and move off towards the other
end of the plant. Rosie approaches Cy Cooper from behind.
ROSIE
Mr. Cooper?
CYRIL COOPER
without looking up from his clipboard.
Yes. May I help you?
ROSIE
Maybe It’s me that could help you.
Tom Thompson sent me to see you.
I’m looking for work and seeing how
most of the men are enlisting, it
looks like you might just be in
need of someone.
CYRIL COOPER
You say Tom sent you, eh? Well let
me have a look at you.
Turns her around and looks at her shoulders and back. Turns
her back around and looks at her soft hands.
CYRIL COOPER
I don’t know if you will hold up or
not. This is hard work, it’s not
like weeding your mama’s garden.
Looks like I don’t have a whole lot
of other choice though, so, I’ll
have to give you a try. Be here at
six am tomorrow, you’ll get
apprentice wages till we see if you
can cut it or not.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 27.
ROSIE
Oh, I’ll make it Mr. Cooper, don’t
you worry about that. Thank You.
CYRIL COOPER
Yeah, yeah. Don’t make me regret it
either, what did you say you name
was again?
ROSIE
Rosie, sir, Rosie Jack. Thank You
Mr. Cooper.
CYRIL COOPER
Okay, Jack. I suggest you get
yourself a good pair of steel toe
boots. Wouldn’t want to lose any of
those pretty little toes now would
ya, Jack?
ROSIE
No, sir. I will sir.
Cy turns back to his clip board shaking his head. Rosie
walks out with a determined look and a slight smile.
INT. ROSIE’S PARENTS HOME (1942)
FATHER
You’re going to do what!
ROSIE
I’m starting at the Willow Run
bomber plant tomorrow. I’m not sure
what they will have me do yet.
FATHER
So, its come down to this. We are
going to have our women making
aero-planes now.
ROSIE
Not just planes, bomber’s dad.
FATHER
Lord help us.
MOTHER
Enters from the basement stairway.
I was able to find your Fathers old
work boots. They say steel toe
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 28.
MOTHER (cont’d)
right on them. They look to be
about you size.
FATHER
Those are my best work boots
MOTHER
Then I’m sure you will be glad to
borrow them to her.
FATHER
Well..go ahead honey. I just can’t
see a woman, my daughter working in
some grimy little old airplane
factory.
ROSIE
Gives her father a hug and a kiss.
It’s not old dad. It’s brand new
and it’s gigantic.
FATHER
You just be careful. A factory is a
dangerous place. That’s why they
don’t let women in them. I guess
until now, that is.
ROSIE
I will, be careful Daddy. I love
you Dad.
MOTHER
We have made up your old room for
Joseph. It will be nice having our
grandson stay with us for a while,
right dear.
FATHER
Pitter patter, pitter patter.
INT. ROSIE’S HOME - 1942 - BEDROOM - PREDAWN
Rosie in her coveralls packs a lunch in a metal lunch pail,
she puts on and ties her steel toe boots. She then moves to
crib and is bundling up baby Joseph.
ROSIE
Joseph, Mommy is going to start
work today. I am taking you to
grandma’s and she and PaPa are
going to take good care of you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.
I want you to be a good boy while
I’m gone. Mama will see you every
night when I get home. It’s only
for a little while baby. I promise
you.
She picks up the baby and kisses him then heads out the
door.
INT - WILLOW RUN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLY ROOM
WILLOW RUN WORKER #1
Rosie, lets start you out in the
component assembly room. We have a
few girls already working on this.
You’ll be building some wiring
harnesses for the tail wing
sections.
Rosie is led into a room where the wiring assemblies for the
bombers are being produced. She sits down at a table with
five other women.
ROSIE
Hello.
The women look up from their work. One women gives her a
feint smile and they look back to their wiring harness work.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #1
Girls this is Rosie Jack, now just
follow the other girls to see how
they put the harness together. I’ll
be back to check up on you later.
The male worker leaves.
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #1
What’s with the boots, honey?
ROSIE JACK
They told me to wear them. Go
figure. Maybe they have other plans
for me.
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #1
Yea, what? like maybe sewing the
seat covers. They don’t let women
do anything but a woman’s work in
here. These wires, its just like
knitting, only after ten hours hour
hands are so sore your fingers
can’t hold a cup of coffee.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 30.
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #2
I should have been a nurse or a
school teacher like my sister.
She’s the smart one in the family.
ROSIE JACK
I don’t believe that.
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #3
Rosie’s right. We could do just as
fine a job as the men if we had a
chance. The problem is they want to
keep us home.
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #2
Most of them can’t even pick up
their own socks without us.
(laughs)
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #2
Barefoot and pregnant
ROSIE JACK
That’s not going to be me.
WILLOW FEMALE WORKER #1
Keep dreaming honey, keep dreaming.
EXT. ROSIE’S HOME - DAY
Rosie is sitting on her porch with her Mother and baby. A
flatbed delivery truck pulls up. On the back is a large
crate marked Norton Ltd. and freight stamps from U.K.
DRIVER
Are you Mrs. Edwin Jack. (looking
at paperwork)
ROSIE
Yes, I am. Can I help you.
DRIVER
I got a delivery here. Where would
you like us to unload it.
ROSIE
There must be some mistake. I
didn’t order anything like that.
DRIVER
It say’s it was purchased for an
Air Serviceman, Edwin Jack and to
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 31.
DRIVER (cont’d)
be delivered. Look right here it’s
bought and paid for by some fellow
in England, must be a friend of
his. All, I know is I don’t get
paid unless it’s delivered and I
got a signature.
ROSIE
What in the world is it.
DRIVER
Norton makes motorcycles over
there, I know that much.
ROSIE
Well, I guess we can put it in the
garage for now. Just unload the
crate back there.
She signs the bill of sale and the driver nods and starts
to back into the driveway.
INT - WILLOW RUN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLY ROOM
Rosie is working on the electrical components. The male
worker approaches her station and says to her.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #1
I need you to come with me. Mr.
Cooper said to put you out on the
floor.
Rosie stands up and smiles at the women, she winks to the
girl who smiled at her the first day. The girl beams.
INT - WILLOW RUN FLOOR - METAL STAMPING AREA
Rosie follows the worker to the production floor area where
the men are still trying to get a metal press assembled and
operating.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #1
Men this is Ms. Jack. She is going
to work with your crew. So, you
won’t be short handed.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Who’s bright idea was this?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 32.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #1
If you got a problem, I suggest you
take it up with Mr. Cooper. His
order.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Just fine. Grab that broom and
clean up some of these metal
shavings. We like a neat work area.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #1
He leans over and whispers to Rosie.
Watch yourself out here.
ROSIE
Don’t worry, I can handle myself.
Worker #1 nods and leaves Rosie with crew.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Well, what are you waiting for the
brooms over there.
ROSIE
Sure, no problem.
Rosie starts sweeping. The men turn back to the stamping
press.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #3
The cams gotta go in this way or
it’s not gonna bolt up right.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
No, that ain’t right. You gotta put
the crank in before the cam and
secure it or the whole thing will
lock up the first time you go to
stamp. You’ll destroy the whole
machine.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #4
Maybe the new broad knows what to
do. How bout it, honey? Think you
can get it going.
Laughter
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Never mind sweetheart. Tell ya
what, why don’t you head over to
the tool crib and fetch us a krewl
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 33.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2 (cont’d)
winch. Bring it back here right
away. Go on, hop to it.
ROSIE
Which way is the Tool Crib?
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
It’s at the south end. about a half
mile that way.
Points toward other end of plant.
ROSIE JACK
You said a krewl winch. I’ve never
heard of it.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
So, you know everything already, is
it. You do what I tell you to do,
no questions asked.
Rosie scowls then turns and starts walking toward tool crib.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #3
And, hurry back, were going to need
some coffee soon.
Men snickering behind Rosie’s back unaware that Mr. Cooper
is watching the exchange from a platform.
INT - WILLOW RUN FLOOR - TOOL CRIB
CRIB FOREMAN
Can I help you with something.
ROSIE JACK
Yes, I need a Krewl Winch for the
stamping assembly area.
CRIB FOREMAN
Come again? I’m sorry what did you
say?
ROSIE JACK
A Krewl Winch for the stamping
assembly area.
CRIB FOREMAN
A Cruel Wench? Everyone knows
that’s what I call my ex wife. I
don’t know who put you up to this
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 34.
CRIB FOREMAN (cont’d)
or if this is some kind of joke.
Could be someone is just yankin
your chain, but either way, I don’t
like it!
ROSIE JACK
I’m sorry to bother you.
Rosie turns sharply and starts marching towards the other
end of the plant. She stops at the canteen and pours a hot
cup of coffee and approaches the men.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #3
Hey, look fellas here she comes
now.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Hi honey, what took you so long?
ROSIE JACK
I couldn’t find it, but here is
that coffee you wanted.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Oh, that’s a good girl.
He reaches out to take the cup as Rosie lets it drop to the
floor splattering all over him. When He looks up she slaps
him hard across the face.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
What the hell!
ROSIE JACK
I’m only going to tell you this one
time, so you had better listen
good. If you ever disrespect me
again.
CY COOPER
Jack! I need to see you in my
office, now!
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Just like a woman.
CY COOPER
You, just keep your mouth shut.
I’ll deal with the rest of you
later.
35.
INT - WILLOW RUN FLOOR - CY COOPERS OFFICE
CY COOPER
You want to tell me what just
happened out there?
ROSIE JACK
It’s nothing. Just getting to know
the boys in my crew.
CY COOPER
Getting to know the crew, eh. Do
you know why these guys are giving
you crap out there, Jack? It’s
because they consider you a threat.
You come in here and it upsets the
natural order of things, see.
ROSIE JACK
I don’t follow.
CY COOPER
Let me explain it to you then. This
is a mans world. We run the jungle.
If you come in and start showing
them you can do the job as good or
maybe better, then where does that
leave them? Now, I don’t care about
their wounded pride. All that
matters to me is the job we have
ahead of us. Do you think you can
do this job or not?
ROSIE JACK
I know I can get it done. I’m
ready, just put me to work!
CY COOPER
I am going to need your best to get
these bombers built. In fact, I’m
probably gonna need a whole lot
more just like you. Starting
tomorrow, you are to report to me
on graveyard shift. I need to see
what you’re really made of.
ROSIE JACK
You’ll find out.
CY COOPER
Just show me.
Rosie nods and turns to leave.
36.
INT - WILLOW RUN FLOOR - METAL STAMPING AREA - MIDNIGHT
Cy Cooper is waiting for Rosie on the assembly floor. On the
table is spread out blueprint diagrams.
CY COOPER
This is a floor plan for the plant
your standing in. It is the largest
assembly manufacturing line ever
constructed. You are going to learn
every station of it. And over here,
these are the engineering drawings
for the B-24. This book contains
all of the components that we
install on the line. I want you to
sit down and study this, learn
every nut and bolt that goes into
making these birds. I’ll be back at
the end of your shift.
Rosie sits on a stool and starts to go over the drawings.
Her mind pictures the plant, the components, the fuselage
and the assembly as she pours over the plans. The clock
moves to the end of her shift. Cy appears at the end of the
table. He tosses her a pair of welder gloves and pair of
goggles.
CY COOPER
The real training starts tomorrow.
TRAINING MONTAGE
Boots, lunch, boots lunch, boots lunch.. Cy is teaching
Rosie all aspects of the trade. She is working with Cy, side
by side, going over tools, air compressors, installing
components, riveting, welding, drilling metal plates,
grinding rivets and lathe turning.
EXT- WILLOW RUN - NIGHT
Wide Shot of plant looming large and silent.
INT - WILLOW RUN FLOOR - METAL STAMPING AREA
Rosie at end of her shift. She is standing at the aluminum
stamping press and has finished assembling it overnight. The
machine is spitting out airplane engine cowl panels. The men
from her former crew arrive and stand awestruck.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 37.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #4
How about that. She did it, she
actually did it!
ROSIE JACK
Morning fellas, which one of you
wants to fetch me another roll of
aluminum.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #3
Sure, let me get it Rosie.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
Hey, can I talk to you in private
for a minute.
Rosie stops the press and jumps down to face the worker.
ROSIE JACK
Whatever you got to say, you can
say it right here.
Worker #2 looks sheepishly at his other crew members and
then says to Rosie.
WILLOW RUN WORKER #2
I guess, I sorta owe you an
apology. What I’m trying to say
is... Well I’d be glad to have you
as part of my crew anytime.
ROSIE JACK
Part of your crew? I was just
thinking that if you play your
cards right, I might take you on as
a part of my crew!
They stare at each other in tension for a moment, then break
into laughter. The men gather around her laughing and
slapping her on the back.
The bomber production begins to ramp up.
INT - WILLOW RUN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLY ROOM
Cy Cooper and Rosie enter to inform the women that they will
be replaced by new girls and are to report to the floor the
following day.
CY COOPER
Ladies, You all remember Rosie. She
has shown me that you are all
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 38.
CY COOPER (cont’d)
capable of a lot more than we have
been giving you credit for. We need
you on the floor, you will be doing
a lot more physical labor and of
course receive an increase in your
wages.
Rosie steps up to address the women.
ROSIE JACK
Some of you said before that you
could show them if you had the
chance. Well this is your chance to
prove it. But, you have to want it.
If you feel you would be better off
just sitting here, then I don’t
want you, but, if you want to do
your part to protect our boys, your
sons and brothers, then lets build
the best damn bombers the world has
ever seen.
The women look around at one another nervously. The girl who
smiled at Rosie on her first day stands up. Another large
women in the back then stands and all the women come to
attention.
CY COOPER
Well, I’ll be dammed. Rosie lets
get these girls, sorry women
trained.
ROSIE JACK
Yes Sir, Follow me.
Rosie leads the women out to the floor and begins training
them in the skills she has acquired.
WILLOW RUN WOMEN TRAINING MONTAGE
Rosie begins training the women to provide floor assembly of
the bombers. All phases of airplane production. The women
are working in teams as riveters. One woman almost loses a
hand in a press and is saved from the injury at the last
moment. Planes start moving down and rolling off the line.
Newspapers spin out to declare "A bomber an hour".
39.
INT - WILLOW RUN FLOOR - FLOOR
Rosie is working alone on a gunner turret. Cy approaches
her.
ROSIE JACK
These new couplings are sure going
to hold up better. We don’t need
any loose bolts flying around up
there if the boys hit the flak. I
feel like everyone of these birds
is a newborn baby that I have to
push out of the nest. All I can do
is make sure that they are ready to
fly.
CY COOPER
We build them to make it back,
that’s all we can do.
ROSIE JACK
Yea.(sullen)
CY COOPER
Rosie, when you came here at first,
well, I have to admit I had my
doubts. You have proved me wrong in
every area where you might have
failed you have passed all my
expectations. The plant is running
at full capacity and that would not
have happened if you had not
answered the call.
ROSIE JACK
Thank You, Mr. Cooper, Cy.
CY COOPER
From day one you have done
everything asked without so much as
a complaint. Now, I’m afraid there
nothing left for me to teach you
here. I know that I have no right
to ask you do this next thing, but
I want you to give it some serious
consideration.
ROSIE JACK
I don’t get it. What are you
hinting at?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 40.
CY COOPER
The company is tied in with the
shipbuilding operations on the west
coast. They wanted to know If I
thought we, you women, could do out
there what you’ve been able to
accomplish here.
The only problem is they are going
to need someone to start training
these women, someone like you.
ROSIE JACK
Ship building? I don’t know, I mean
metal is metal, but ship building.
That’s a whole nother ball game.
I’ve seen the ore freighters on the
Detroit River off Belle Isle and
they are a whole lot bigger than
these birds!
These B-24s are all electric and
aluminum skins. A warship is a
castle!
CY COOPER
Even the largest castle is built
one stone at a time.
ROSIE JACK
Yeah, but you said somethin about
the west coast, how is that going
to play out, I’ve never even been
out of Michigan, except when Ed
took me to Niagara Falls after the
wedding.
CY COOPER
The job is in Richmond, California.
Kaiser Shipyard. If I give the word
the company will provide a cottage
for you there and cover your house
note here. You would receive
foreman wages and a substantial
bonus for completing the contract.
It is only until the war ends,
period.
ROSIE JACK
I am going to have to think about
this. There is Joseph to consider,
and my parents.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 41.
CY COOPER
I understand, look I’ve seen what
you have done with these girls here
at willow. This war is a monster
and if this country is going to win
we will need to use every resource.
It will require a tidal wave of
women who will need to learn your
skills. An opportunity like this
might not come along again for a
long time, like I said, just think
about it.
ROSIE JACK
if a women sets her mind to it, I
guess it’s going to get done.
INT. ROSIE’S PARENTS HOME (1943)
Rosie’s Father is playing with baby Joseph making googly
eyed faces and peek a boo.
ROSIE’S MOTHER
California? Oh dear, that’s so far
away.
ROSIE JACK
Yes, it is. I don’t know. It just
seems impossible. I could not leave
Joseph and put that burden on you
both.
ROSIE’S FATHER
Burden? Oh yes he is. Just one big
pain in the neck, aren’t you, you
little troublemaker?
(blows a raspberry and covers
his face)
ROSIE’S MOTHER
(whispers to Rosie)
I think you’re Father finally got
the little boy he always wanted. He
will do just fine with us if it’s
what you really want.
ROSIE JACK
I know the money will be best for
his future and I may not get
another chance like this again.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 42.
ROSIE’S MOTHER
It sounds like you need to do this.
There is a lot more to the world
than Detroit, just use your common
sense and you’ll do fine.
ROSIE JACK
Really, you would be okay.
ROSIE’S FATHER
Just stay away from Hollywood. We
wouldn’t want you to become a movie
star or something worse.
ROSIE JACK
(Hugs Father and Joseph)
Okay, Dad.
EXT. ROSIE’S HOME - 1943
Cy pulls up in front of Rosie’s home with a new red Ford
pickup truck. He beeps the horn as Rosie comes out the front
door and down the steps.
ROSIE JACK
(whistles)
Say, what a beauty Cy. I did not
know that red was your color.
CY COOPER
Like it?
Steps out of truck and hands her the keys.
ROSIE JACK
You want me to drive it?
CY COOPER
I want you to have it, well, me and
Mr. Ford that is. Consider it the
companies way of expressing
gratitude for taking on this
assignment and serving your
country.
CY COOPER
I can’t accept this, Cy.
CY COOPER
It’s a done deal, gas ration stamps
for your trip are in the glove box
along with the paperwork. They want
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 43.
CY COOPER (cont’d)
you to start yesterday, I bought
you two weeks. So, I suggest you
get packing.
Rosie hugs Cy who starts to get a little misty eyed.
Make me proud. I’ll see ya, kid.
INT. WAR INFORMATION OFFICE - WASHINGTON D.C.
Sign on door reads "War Information Office"
Inside two government agents are talking to a magazine
editor.
GOVERNMENT AGENT #1
Now, were not here to tell you how
to run your business, but the
administration would love to see
you assisting in the patriotic
duty.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
I’m sure your familiar with the
concept of freedom of the press?
GOVERNMENT AGENT #2
And, it will remain free, as long
as your government is here to
provide you the protection to
assert that freedom.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
What kind of assistance is my
government asking my magazine to
help provide?
GOVERNMENT AGENT #1
Your publication reaches over sixty
percent of the American households.
In those households are the women
and home makers that we need to
hear our message.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
And what is your message?
GOVERNMENT AGENT #2
That they need to get out of the
kitchen and into the factory. We
want to make it glamorous to put on
a pair of coveralls and go to work
for uncle Sam.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 44.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
That’s a tall order.
GOVERNMENT AGENT #1
We are fully confident that your
writers are up to the challenge.
The stories will accompany a full
advertising recruitment campaign
with a hefty budget, that is for
these times.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
Well, I think we should be able to
come up with something to help get
Suzy home maker out of the kitchen.
I just hope you fellas know what
your in for.
GOVERNMENT AGENT #2
Hows that?
MAGAZINE EDITOR
Just be careful what you wish for.
That’s one box you may not be able
to get the lid back on.
EXT. ROSIE’S HOME - 1943
Rosie is holding baby Joseph on her porch. She kisses him
and hands him to her Mother then walks to the driveway. The
pickup is loaded with the Norton Crate and her belongings.
She drives away looking ahead.
TRAVEL MONTAGE
Rosie heads across America to California. She sees wealth
and poverty along the way. She passes welcome state signs.
She sees a family kissing their son goodbye as he leaves for
the war. The terrain of amber waves of grain and purple
mountains dwarf her and the pick up. Close up of her face as
she reflects on Ed and her journey to this point in her
life. She sees the California welcome sign and stops to
check her map. As the sun sets over the Pacific she pulls up
to a small isolated weathered beach cottage. She stands on
the porch and watches the sun setting in awe of the grandeur
of the Pacific Ocean.
45.
WAR SCENES FROM PACIFIC FLEET.
The U.S. Navel fleets are under attack in the Pacific.
Newspaper and Radio Reports. Rosie clicks off the radio and
the light.
INT. ROSIE’S COTTAGE - DAY - 1943
Rosie looks at Calendar with women worker propaganda. She
marks off the date, there a three more days to her date
marked start. She begins to unpack some photos and her
clothing. She brews some coffee and opens the window to
allow he ocean breeze in.
EXT. ROSIE’S COTTAGE
Rosie grabs a pry bar and opens the motorcycle crate. The
Norton stands gleaming in the sunlight. Rosie does some
inspection of the mechanics of the machine. She then starts
the engine and teaches herself to ride it. It takes a few
tries, but then she is racing up and down her sandy two
track. She goes inside and packs a lunch and thermos in her
knapsack, puts on her leather helmet and goggles and rides
up and down the coast highway. She passes a sign that say
"Kaiser Hospital". As the sun begins to fade she pulls up to
the gated entrance sign "Kaiser Shipyards". The yard is
enormous with huge black steel hulls, smoke and flying
showers of sparks. Rosie peels around on the motorcycle and
heads back to the cottage as the sun is setting.
INT ROSIE’S COTTAGE - NEXT DAY
Rosie marks the day off on her calendar, She has two days
remaining. She packs lunch and drives the Norton to the
Kiaser Hospital. She parks the Norton out front and enters
the building.
INT. KAISER HOSPITAL
Rosie walks among the rows of wounded soldiers. Nurses are
tending to their wounds and are too busy to inquire about
her presence. A soldier is trying to reach for a cup of
water and knocks it to the floor.
ROSIE JACK
Here, let me get that.
Rosie cleans up water and pours a fresh cup. She holds it to
the soldiers mouth for him to drink.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 46.
WOUNDED SOLDIER #1
Thanks.
ROSIE JACK
No, problem. How long have you been
here?
WOUNDED SOLDIER #1
They tell me it’s been six weeks.
But, time doesn’t seem to have any
meaning here.
ROSIE JACK
I’m sorry.
WOUNDED SOLDIER #1
At least they saved my arm. It was
touch and go there,I guess a lot of
the guys weren’t so lucky. Whats
you name?
ROSIE JACK
Rosie.
WOUNDED SOLDIER #1
Are you training to be a nurse or
something?
ROSIE JACK
Not exactly.
WOUNDED SOLDIER #1
Well, that’s too bad, cause I bet
you would be a damn fine one. What
brings you in here, are you looking
for someone. I know a lot of guys
in the other companies, maybe I
could help you, I owe you.
ROSIE JACK
I don’t think I’m going to find
him, I’m sorry. I have to go.
Rosie walks out as she fights back tears. She wipes the
tears on her sleeve as she puts on her goggles and rides
off.
47.
INT ROSIE’S COTTAGE - NEXT DAY
Close ups of Rosie’s familiar pattern making lunch, tying
boots and loading her work truck.
EXT - RICHMOND SHIPYARDS - DAY
Rosie enters the shipyard in her truck. She parks it outside
the general office. She starts to walk toward the office. A
rough looking male worker confronts her.
SHIPYARD WORKER #1
Lady, you can’t park there. That’s
for yard foremen only.
ROSIE JACK
Then it’s in the right spot.
SHIPYARD WORKER #1
What are you talking about. Hey,
who let you in here anyway. This is
a secure facility.
ROSIE JACK
I don’t have time for this.
SHIPYARD WORKER #1
Steps in front of Rosie to block her way.
You ain’t going anywhere.
ROSIE JACK
Pulls out letter and sticks it in his face.
Look you dope, you better stand
down or I’ll have your ass thrown
off this yard so fast it will make
your head spin.
SHIPYARD WORKER #1
Situation dawns on him.
Oh, hey, I didn’t know that you was
coming or anything. Do you need me
to show you around the works.
ROSIE JACK
I need you to step aside and if I
need anything else I will tell you.
Do we have an understanding.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 48.
SHIPYARD WORKER #1
Sure thing, no problem boss.
INT. SHIPYARD GENERAL OFFICE - DAY
Rosie enters the office there are two supervisors standing
near a desk. Rosie hands them her orders.
SHIPYARD SUPERVISOR #1
Rosie, Hi welcome to California.
It’s just great what you all have
done up there in Detroit. We only
hope we can get that close to that
kind of production output down
here.
ROSIE JACK
Well, lets see what you’ve been
doing so far.
SHIPYARD SUPERVISOR #2
Jump right in! That’s what they
said you were like. Let’s go over
some of the yard plans and then you
can take a look for yourself. We’ve
got a new building for trainees and
a whole lot of equipment on the way
from up north.
ROSIE JACK
That’s good, because were going to
need it. I’ll tell you the first
thing were going to do. I’m going
to want to pick out the smartest
and strongest women. They are going
to be used to act as team leaders
in training our sub crews. I hope
you boys ready for this. We will
have this place humming like you’ve
never dreamed was possible. Balls
to the walls, right fellas.
The supervisors look at Rosie with a stunned expression.
Rosie walks out.
SHIPYARD SUPERVISOR #2
Where the hell did they find her?
49.
INT - KAISER HOSPITAL - DAY
The wounded soldier that Rosie met is CAPTAIN MICHAEL
BOBACK. He is being examined by an army doctor. The Doctor
is lifting his arm and checking his range of motion.
DOCTOR
Tell me when you feel pain.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
(winces)
A little.
DOCTOR
Pull hard against me.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Arm pulls half strength and drops limp.
DOCTOR
I’m afraid you will most likely
never regain full use of your right
arm. But, considering you were
looking at a field amputation, you
should consider yourself very
lucky. Very lucky indeed.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
When will I be able to return to my
unit?
DOCTOR
I can not in good conscience give
that recommendation. You will,
however, find there are still many
ways to continue to be of service
without being on the front lines.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
The problem is once you’ve been
there, you can never really come
back, can you doc?
Doctor looks at him dumbstruck.
EXT - RICHMOND SHIPYARDS - DAY
Rosie begins walking through the shipyard, she climbs a
scaffold ladder and enters a large hull of a battleship
under construction. At the far end of the dark hull she sees
sparks flying and three workers welding. She approaches and
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 50.
observes as they weld. WENDY TYLER is the leader of the
African American women welders. She cuts her torch and looks
up.
WENDY TYLER
You must be lost. All the white
ladies work up in the office. You
might break a nail down in here.
ROSIE JACK
I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
WENDY TYLER
An wheres that, here. Lady you best
just run along.
ROSIE JACK
Oh, and I guess I should just let
you keep laying that sloppy pig
iron, I suppose.
WENDY TYLER
Oh no, you jus didnt. I spose you
think you knows somthin bout
weldin. You might jus wanna step
back here a little bit.
ROSIE JACK
I know better than to blow holes
through the plate like you did
right there.
The other two black female welders snicker. Wendy gets angry
and tosses the torch to Rosie.
WENDY TYLER
Okay miss high an mighty, you talk
the talk. lets sees what you got!
ROSIE JACK
Rosie takes off her knapsack, she removes her gloves and
goggles. She clamps two pieces of steel together and starts
her torch with a loud pop! We see the weld being applied
through the goggles. She lays down a perfect bead and
finishes with quick polish using the grinder. Wendy looks
close at the perfect weld and smiles.
WENDY TYLER
Teach me.
51.
FEDERAL RECRUITMENT MONTAGE
The magazine presses are running as women are reading them
in homes and beauty parlors. Fashion work clothing is being
produced as women start leaving the kitchen for the
factories. Hundreds of women are lined up to start working.
EXT. KAISER HOSPITAL
Rosie stops at the hospital in her truck with a small basket
of cookies. She enters to find the bed where Capt. Boback
was lying. Another soldier is there with a full head bandage
over his eyes. She lays the gift on the stand next to his
bed and turns to leave.
BLIND SOLDIER
Wait. What is it.
ROSIE JACK
Just some cookies that I made. I
thought someone would like them.
BLIND SOLDIER
That’s very kind of you. Will you
sit for a minute.
Rosie pulls a chair next to the bed. He reaches out a hand
and she takes it.
BLIND SOLDIER
They’re rough, calluses.
ROSIE JACK
It’s from my work. I work with my
hands.
BLIND SOLDIER
My Daddy had workers hands.
(pause)
ROSIE JACK
How did it happen.
BLIND SOLDIER
A shell. Came right through the
bunker, never saw it coming.
Starts to convulse with emotion. Rosie squeezes his hand.
BLIND SOLDIER
I’m scared.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 52.
ROSIE JACK
It’s okay. I’m here.
BLIND SOLDIER
Thank You.
ROSIE JACK
Try to rest. It’s going to be okay.
Rosie sits with the soldier until he falls asleep. She
starts to walk out and stops to question a NURSE near the
bed.
ROSIE JACK
Excuse me, nurse, could you tell me
where I can find the soldier that
was here two weeks ago.
NURSE
Oh, you mean Captain Boback. He was
discharged two days ago. I hated to
see him go, He sure was easy on the
eyes.
ROSIE JACK
Do you know where I can find him
now?
NURSE
I don’t, but if I see him first,
well it’s every girl for herself,
right honey.
ROSIE JACK
Every girl for herself. Thank You.
INT. SHIPYARD TRAINING BUILDING - DAY
Rosie is standing in front of about fifty women. She has
equipment and a blackboard and is instructing them on
becoming team leaders for the women in the workforce. She
brings Wendy up to demonstrate some of the techniques.
EXT. SHIPYARD - ON DECK - DAY
Rosie and Wendy are working together on the ship and forming
a friendship.
ROSIE JACK
So, where are you from Wendy.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 53.
WENDY TYLER
Mosley from Texas, panhandle. But,
I got people all over. Some in
Missouri, some up north. My
husbands a Buffalo Company. Curtis,
he jus shipped out for it’ly. He be
back soon.
ROSIE JACK
How did you meet him.
WENDY TYLER
It was at a weddin. My mama’s folks
and he just asked me to dance.
Swept me off my feet.
ROSIE JACK
That’s real nice. Hey, why don’t
you come by my place. I’m all alone
out there. One of these Sundays,
come on by and we can have go have
some sandwiches out on the beach.
It’ll be fun.
WENDY TYLER
Really? Maybe I will do just that
Rosie Jack. I’ll bring some pie.
The women return to working. The Shipyards are a hive of
activity with thousands of women workers building the
fleets.
PACIFIC FLEET LAUNCH - DAY
Fleets of ships launch and head out to Pacific. Newspapers
and radio reports of the new fleets built to replace those
lost in Pearl Harbor attacks.
EXT - ROADSIDE BAR - NIGHT
After work Rosie pulls her truck up to a roadside bar and
enters. Early Hank Williams song is playing.
INT - ROADSIDE BAR - NIGHT
Rosie enters and makes her way to a seat at the crowded bar.
She orders a beer. A soldier is sitting next to her.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 54.
BAR SOLDIER
Hey, my buddy was going to sit
there, but that’s okay. He won’t
mind. How ya doin.
ROSIE JACK
Good thanks, long day.
BAR SOLDIER
I hear ya. Hey, bartender how’s
bout another shell for my new
friend here.
A group of women approach the soldier. They are dressed in
fashion clothes and are more wealthy than most patrons.
BAR WOMAN #1
Hi ya Soldier.
BAR WOMAN #2
You, mean, Hi ya handsome. I saw
him first. Where are you from
fella.
BAR SOLDIER
The Bronks, New York. Ever been.
BAR WOMAN #1
No, but it sounds so rough. Are you
rough.
BAR SOLDIER
I can hold my own.
BAR WOMAN #1
I’ll bet you can.
The two women giggle.
Capt. Boback appears behind Rosie and is listening to the
exchange. She is unaware of his presence.
BAR SOLDIER
(to Rosie)
I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.
ROSIE JACK
I didn’t give it, but it’s Rosie.
The Bar Women roll their eyes.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 55.
BAR WOMAN #2
I guess they’ll let about anybody
into this place.
BAR SOLDIER
Well it’s nice to meet you, Rosie.
Whats with the work duds.
ROSIE JACK
I work at the Kaiser yard. I build
ships.
BAR SOLDIER
No kiddin! That’s just swell. Tell
me more about it.
BAR WOMAN #2
Some people should clean the grease
from under their nails or at least
shower before going out for the
evening.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Why don’t you just shut your trap.
BAR WOMAN #1
Screw you!
BAR WOMAN #2
Looks like we found a live one.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
You and your friends. Do you think
we don’t know what you are. You
hide away in your daddy’s palace
and then come down here to slum it.
Maybe, pick up a soldier and get
lucky, then you compare notes over
on Wiltshire Boulevard.
Well, the jokes on you honey. See
you get played, you get played all
the time.
This woman is working to see that
we win this war, while people like
you go around in your little
bubble. The truth is you all are
nothing but parasites.
BAR WOMAN #2
Come on girls, lets find some
better company.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 56.
BAR SOLDIER
Good riddance, ladies.
ROSIE JACK
Thanks, but you didn’t have to do
that..
Rosie turns and they both recognize one another from the
hospital.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Hey, now, don’t go running away on
me again.
ROSIE JACK
Oh, I’m sorry about that. I came
back to apologize but you were
already discharged.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Don’t mention it. Name’s Boback,
call me Mike. ey, do you want to
grab a table over there.
BAR SOLDIER
You stealing my best girl, Boback.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
That’s up to her.
ROSIE JACK
You seem awfully nice, would you
mind terribly.
BAR SOLDIER
Naw, Rosie. Go ahead you just watch
yourself with that one. He’s a lady
killer.
Rosie and Michael move to a table away from the crowd.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
I’m guessing you come from the
Midwest, maybe Ohio?
ROSIE JACK
Close. My family is in Michigan.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
The Great Lakes State. I have
always wanted to try my luck
fishing up that way.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 57.
ROSIE JACK
You should do it! My family goes
every summer, well before the war,
way up north to a little cottage on
Grand Lake. Dad spends the whole
week just drifting around catching
walleye and perch. We would have
the best fish fry’s on the whole
lake.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
It sounds great, I’m gonna have to
do that after the war ends. I think
I’m going to have a lot of time on
my hands.
ROSIE JACK
How about you, where is your
family.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
I’m afraid it’s just me.
ROSIE JACK
I find it hard to believe a good
looking guy like you isn’t married.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Not anymore.
ROSIE JACK
What happened?
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Apparently, her sense of patriotic
duty had an expiration date. She
ran off while I was over in
Okinawa. I don’t like to talk about
it much.
ROSIE JACK
Some women. I’m sorry to hear that
Mike. I’m sure she will regret it
someday.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Plenty of fish in the sea, right.
So, I can’t believe you don’t have
a fella your not tellin me about.
ROSIE JACK
My husband was killed over France.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 58.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Aww, geeez. I’m so sorry Rosie.
That’s tough. I feel like a real
heel now with my little sob story.
How long ago was it.
ROSIE JACK
It’s been over two years. Seems
like a long time now, though.
(pause)
Sometimes I still feel him, is that
strange. When there is a little
bird outside my window or a breeze
on my cheek. Forget it, it’s silly.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
It’s not silly. We don’t really
know. I saw things over there that
can’t be explained. It’s okay.
ROSIE JACK
I’m very tired. Do you mind if we
call it a night?
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Only if I can see you again, where
can I find you.
ROSIE JACK
I’m working 60 hours a week, but
you can find me at this address on
the weekends. Come on out to the
beach sometime.
She hands him a napkin with the cottage address written.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
I’d like that.
ROSIE JACK
Me too. Goodnight Michael.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Goodnight Rosie.
INT ROSIE’S COTTAGE - SUNDAY - DAY
Rosie is working at the counter, she pauses to look out her
window at the ocean. She continues making sandwiches and
packing them in a picnic basket with red and white checked
napkins. There is a knock at the door.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 59.
ROSIE JACK
Come in.
WENDY TYLER
Ooooh. This is real a pretty little
place you got here. An look at dees
curtains you put up. I brung a
strawberry rhubarb pie, my granny’s
recipe, an no, I’m tellin ya now,
you may not have it.
ROSIE JACK
Oooh, it looks delicious Wendy, we
are going to have our selves a
regular party.
Wendy sets the pie on the counter. She is staring down at it
in a frozen stare.
ROSIE JACK
Wen. Wen what is it honey?
Wendy gasps for breath and swallows hard.
ROSIE JACK
Tell me whats happening, whats
wrong.
WENDY TYLER
I was on my way out the door. An
dis man is on ma porch. I told him.
Whatever you sellin, I aint buyin,
so he should jus move on. He was
military.
ROSIE JACK
Oh, no. Wendy.
WENDY TYLER
I told him go, jus git out of here,
an I come right over. I jus picked
out da paint. He wanted yellow, but
I told him light green. No, I told
before he left, no child of ours is
gonna grow up in a yellow room.
(pause)
Rosie moves closer as Wendy goes on. Wendy begins to cry and
gasp in short rapid speech.
Oh god.. oh god.. Rosie. I want him
back. I want him back. I want him
back. We was gonna move up the
coast soon as he got back. God
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 60.
WENDY TYLER (cont’d)
can’t have him, he can’t have him.
Rosie tell him..you tell him.
Wendy collapses in Rosie’s arms.
ROSIE JACK
stroking Wendy’s head.
Wendy. Oh honey child, I wish I
could.
WENDY TYLER
Wat I’m gonna do now, huh, wat am I
gonna do. It’s all gone now, all
gone.
ROSIE JACK
Rosie looks up in self actualization.
You carry on. Because you are
steel, just like that hard cold
piece of steel. You find it within
you, you fire it till it glows red,
so red that hell couldn’t make it
any hotter. Then you shape it, you
hammer it and you bend it till it
wants to break, but you don’t
break. You make it bend the way you
want it to bend. And you roll it
and stamp it. They cut you into
pieces and you put it back the way
you need it to fit. Drill it, rivet
it, your welds are strong, tight
and you polish it till it shines,
you make it strong and you make it
beautiful, the most beautiful thing
the world has ever seen. You make
it strong, because you know you are
going to have to send it out into
the shit. The world is going to rip
at it and do its best to tear it
apart. But you made it and built it
to make it back and it will make it
home, you will make it back.
(pause)
WENDY TYLER
Damn Rosie...
They both look at each other and begin to laugh until they
are crying.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 61.
ROSIE JACK
C’mon, we are going to have that
picnic.
EXT - RICHMOND SHIPYARDS - DAY
The next day at the shipyard Rosie and Wendy exchange
knowing glances and Wendy lights up her torch and Rosie
fires her rivet gun. They both throw themselves into the
work.
NEWS OF V.E. DAY AND WARS END MAY BE NEARING.
Radio and newspaper reports.
EXT. ROSIE’S COTTAGE - SUNDAY - DAY
Rosie is tinkering with the Norton. A jeep approaches on the
sandy two track. Captain Boback with a little difficulty
from his injury steps out of the Jeep.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Do you build motorcycles too?
ROSIE JACK
(laughs)
No. They are fickle though, need
lots of attention to keep them
running properly.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
It’s really beautiful out here. Do
you mind if we take a walk on the
beach. We could probably both use
some sand between our toes.
ROSIE JACK
I’ll help you with your boots if
You help me with mine.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Deal.
They are walking along the beach together.
ROSIE JACK
How do you live with it.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 62.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
Looks at her.
Being alone?
ROSIE JACK
Yes, being alone.
CAPT. MICHAEL BOBACK
I guess .......
CREATE DIALOG. Rosie and Michael walk the beach and discuss
difficulties of being alone. They have dinner, wine and are
listening to soft music on the radio. News flash "The
Japanese Emporer has issued an order, repeat the Japanese
have unconditionally surrendered" They lock eyes and smile
then go into a kiss . fade.
EXT. NAVEL BASE - DAY
Rosie pulls up alone on her motorcycle to a bluff over
looking the naval harbor. The ships are returning and
service men are disembarking.
EXT. ROSIE’S COTTAGE - DAY
Rosie is looking back at her empty cottage she turns and
gets into the pickup that is loaded with her motorcycle and
boxes. She drives away up the coast highway. The camera
moves in and focuses on a tight shot of her spinning chrome
wheel.
EXT - ROSIE’S BAR - FLASH FORWARD 2010
Close up of chrome truck wheel squealing into lot, it comes
to abrupt halt, spewing gravel. The truck boys pile out and
turn corner to bar entrance.
Close up of "Closed" sign. Jim Graff is sitting in the door
stoop wringing his hands. He stands up with tears in his
eyes.
JIM GRAFF
She’s gone, boys.
HENRY LARKINS
What? When.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 63.
JIM GRAFF
She died late last night. Pam
called, found her this morning. She
went in her sleep. She’s with the
angels now.
HENRY LARKINS
Okay. Jim, why don’t you come with
us now.
EXT - CHURCH
Towering shots of steeple, silent architectural features.
INT - CHURCH
Flowers, stained glass and a white casket. Joseph and his
Wife are sitting in the front row, Grace is playing on her
lap. Wendy, accompanied by her family enters and slowly
makes her way down aisle.
Henry delivers moving eulogy.
HENRY LARKINS
She.(pause)Rosie meant so much to
those lucky enough to know her and
to those who did not... We have
lost a national treasure today. All
she really ever wanted was a home,
a family, but she was pushed into
becoming more. She stood up and
became so much more than she
herself or any one of us could ever
have imagined. She was a mother to
me, when my own mother was too sick
to raise me. She steered me from
being lost in the system, another
angry statistic. I can’t repay her,
none of us could ever repay
her. (pause)I have a question?.
Who will be there to step up to
fill her shoes if duty calls. When
you go home tonight, remember,
remember that it was also in large
part due to her sacrifice and the
sacrifice of millions of women
across this nation that you may
enjoy what you have today.....
The truck boys all in dark suits carry her casket to the
waiting Hurst.
64.
EXT - GRAVEYARD
Close up of Edwin’s military headstone. Casket is in place
at grave site with mourners gathered around. Jim Graff is
dressed in his military uniform, a litle rumpled, but paying
his best respect.
PRIEST
The family and friends of Rosie
wish to thank you all...
A procession of vehicles slowly comes into view with
American Flags attached. The vehicles stop and one by one
WWII vets approach and stand at attention graveside. They
are silent stalwarts to Rosie’s service to her country.
EXT - WILLOW RUN AIRPORT
Crowd is gathered, bright red, white and blue balloons.
LOUDSPEAKER
"We would like to welcome you all
to the Willow Run Historic Airshow
Today.
INT - VINTAGE B-24 BOMBER
B-24 PILOT
We just have one deviation from our
flight plan today before we head
over to Willow, gentlemen.
EXT - GRAVEYARD
Close up of cross on Rosie’s casket and tilt up as B-24
roars past overhead. The plane heads into the sunset while
rocking it’s wings.
EXT - WASHINGTON D.C. - WWII MEMORIAL
Joseph is holding Grace in his arms. He sets her down and
she looks around shyly.
JOSEPH JACK
Go ahead, Grace. It’s okay.
Grace walks up to the memorial and places Rosie’s Goggles
and Gloves at the site. The family turns to walk out of
focus as the camera remains on the items, other blurred
visitors pass by while the credits roll over the scene.
65.
Fade to Black.

Rosie: The original screenplay

One night I attended a backyard concert in a suburb of Detroit. I met Jill Jack the performer for the evening. One song struck me and inspired me to adapt it to an original screenplay. It is a fictional historical drama based on the iconic American figure of "Rosie" the riveter.

I'm just a guy from Detroit who thinks this is an important story and appreciates the sacrifice of all the real "Rosie's" out there. I wrote it for me and want to share it with you.

Enjoy.