ST. ELMO'S FIRE
Written by
Joel Schumacher & Carl Kurlander
THIRD DRAFT
September 18, 1984
RED TITLES ON BLACK. The sound of a young MAX and WOMAN
on a WILD CAR RIDE. At the END OF the TITLES, the sound
of a sudden CAR CRASH, a WHITE INCANDESCENT FLASH of
light FILLS the SCREEN. THROUGH the BRILLIANT WHITE
LIGHT we --
DISSOLVE RAPIDLY TO:
1 INT. GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER - RIGHT (SEPTEMBER) 1
Electric' doors zip open. ALEC NEWBERRY, a handsome
possessor of The Right Stuff, his beautiful roommate
LESLIE HUNTER, KEVIN DOLENZ, self-styled, chain-
smoking, sardonic, and KIRBO KREAGER, short, hyper,
dressed like a waiter -- dash worriedly into the busy
emergency room. They are all twenty-two, or barely
twenty-two. Only four months out of college, they are
in their freshman year of life.
Alec, Leslie, Kevin and Kirbo dash past a cubicle, where
a totally naked, three-hundred-pound man paces in a daze.
Past this, they find a black nurse talking with two COPS.
ALEC
Wendy Beamish and Billy Hicks?
They were in a car accident?
ELECTRIC DOORS
zip open again, introducing JULIANNA VAN PATTER (JULES),
another freshman in life, but her sleek style gives her
a certain sexual sophistication. She is accompanied by
her dark, interesting DATE as she joins her friends and
the Cops.
JULES
They're dead, aren't they?
Everyone ignores her as Alec hands his card to the Cops.
ALEC
Officers, I'm Alec Newberry with
Congressman Langston's office.
Leslie whispers to Jules, while Alec and the Cops talk.
LESLIE
I think they're okay.
JULES
Thank God.
(BEAT)
Are you aware there's a three-
hundred-pound man walking around
naked?
(CONTINUED)
2.
1 CONTINUED: 1
WENDY BEAMISH, a sweet-faced, insecure preppy, emerges
from a first-aid room with a bandaged forehead.
HER FRIENDS
Wendy. Oh, my God. Are you
all right???
WENDY
I'm fine. It's the car my father
gave me for graduation that's
totalled.
ALEC
(TO KEVIN)
Find Billy. See if you can sober
him up.
Kevin always does what Alec tells him to. Meanwhile,
Wendy pulls out her Visa card and speaks to the nurse.
WENDY
How much do I owe you?
JULES
He almost killed you. Destroyed
your car, and you're paying...?
LESLIE
Jules, please.
As Leslie comforts her, Wendy is looking over Jules' Date
who hovers in the distance.
WENDY
Is that your date?
The naked man wanders past them.
JULES
No, that's my date!
As usual, Jules has managed to make Wendy laugh, Just as
the Cops approach her.
COP # 1
You pressing charges?
WENDY
No.
KI RBO
'I'm Mr. Hicks' legal counsel and
he's not required to take any
tests.
(CONTINUED)
3.
1 CONTINUED: (2) 0
COP 1
You're a little late, Counselor.
He's in the van giving blood right
now.
The Cops start toward the electric doors as Kirbo and
Alec follow. Leslie helps Wendy with the bill. CAMERA
FINDS Jules whispering dramatically to her Date.
JULES
I'll have to be with her all night.
They don't know if she's going to
make it.
DATE
She looks fine.
JULES
Shock. She could black out at any
second... I'll call you...
Jules joins Leslie and Wendy.
LESLIE
He's cute.
JULES
Too young... and don't you both
start on your father complex
theory.
2 EXT. MEDICAL CENTER 2
Alec and Kirbo follow the Cops toward a mobile van.
KIRBO
We're dealing with a first offender
here, and since Ms. Beamish doesn't
want to press charges, whaddya say
we just let this one slide,
Officers?
They reach the back of the mobile van, where we see BILLY
HICKS, a handsome daredevil, playing his saxophone,
wearing handcuffs, for two good-looking nurses and Kevin,
who is trying to give him black coffee.
COP $1
Okay, you're under arrest.
Alec looks to Kevin for information about Billy's
condition.
(CONTINUED)
2 CONTINUED: 2
KEVIN
I wouldn't strike a match near his
blood.
BILLY
(TO COPS)
Hey, watch my sax...
(TO NURSES)
. You girls believe in premarital
sax?
They laugh as Alec barks at him.
ALEC
Billy -- four months after
graduation and you're still
acting like every night's a
fraternity party. Aren't you
even concerned about Wendy?
BILLY
(TRUE PANIC)
Wendy? Jesus, how bad is it?
KEVIN
Severe. She might have finally
exceeded the limit on her father's
Visa.
Billy smiles with relief as the Cops lead him toward
their car.
ALEC
Will you both get serious. He's
being arrested for drunk driving.
BILLY
Drunk maybe. But I don't know if
you could call that driving.
Wendy, Leslie and Jules come from the hospital, just in
time to see Billy being put into the cop car. Wendy
rushes to Billy and they embrace.
BILLY
Sorry, babe... sorry.
WEHDY
We'll be right behind you!
They all move toward Alec's car except Kirbo, who sud-
denly notices'someone. He becomes mesmerized as he falls
away from the group and starts back for the hospital.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 5.
3 INT. EMERGENCY ROOM 3
He enters and begins to pick up speed as he quickly
catches up to a beautiful INTERN in a white lab coat.
KIRBO
Dale?... Dale Biberman?
She hesitates, somewhat puzzled.
KIRBO
You don't remember me.
DALE
I do, but I'm trying...
KIRBO
Kirby Kreager. You were a senior
when I started Georgetown.
DALE
Kirby... It's been four years.
How are you?
KI RBO
I graduated!
DALE
I always knew you would.
KIRBO
And I'm a lawyer.
(as she looks at
his waiter's duds)
I mean I'm a waiter, studying to
be a lawyer... and you became a
doctor... Just like you said you
would.
DALE
Almost. I'm finishing my clinical.
KIRBO
Dale Biberman. I can't believe
it. Do you still like Woody Allen
movies?
There is a big COMMOTION at the other and of the hail.
DALE
I've got to go. Nice seeing you.
She races down the hall, joining paramedics wheeling in
a large black man on a gurney. His hysterical wife runs
screaming behind them.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 6.
3 CONTINUED: 3
Dale helps them maneuver the gurney down the hall, leaving
a small black child, alone and frightened, in their wake.
Dale comes running back and picks up the child. Kirbo
watches, as the rest of the hospital moves in real time,
but Dale, comforting the frightened child, moves in
ROMANTIC SLOW MOTION. SONG BEGINS.
KIRBO
Madly in love.
4 EXT. "M" STREET (GEORGETOWN) - NIGHT 4
CAMERA PANS the preppy nightlife and drinking spots.
CAMERA FINDS a group of. postgrads moving into a build-
ing. One of the postgrads drops his half of-a bureau
and runs into the street toward Alec's old Oldsmobile.
POSTGRAD
Hey, Billy, where's the fifty you
owe me...
5 OMITTED 5
6 INT. ALEC'S CAR - MIGHT 6
Alec drives while Leslie tends to Wendy between them.
Billy, Kirbo and Kevin are in the back seat, with Jules
on their lap.
BILLY
Alec, could you kinds burn a little
rubber?
Alec turns the corner as Billy continues.
BILLY
Thanks for bailing me out.
JULES
Again.
7 EXT. ST. ELMO'S BAR - NIGHT 7
A local hangout for those primarily in their twenties.
Alec parks as his gang emerges.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 7. s
7 CONTINUED: 7
JULES
When are you going to get a new
car? One that truly expresses
your lifestyle as the perfect
couple.
LESLIE
Not everybody got recruited out
of school into international
banking, 'moneybags.'
ALEC
Besides... My mom and dad gave us
this car. I think I was conceived
in the back seat.
KEVIN
It's still sticky.
WENDY
Oh, God. Wait 'til my father hears
the car is totalled.
BILLY
I'm gonna get you a new car, Wendy.
Everyone screams in disbelief as they go into St. Elmo's.
Alec, Leslie, Jules, Wendy, Kevin holds the door open,
but no one thanks him.
KEVIN
You're welcome. You're welcome.
A young, burned-out UNDERGRAD (CLAYTON) follows.
KEVIN
You're not welcome, Clayton. How's
school?
CLAYTON
Baroque. Thank you very much.
How's life after school?
KEVIN
Like getting slam-dunked against
a brick wall, thank you very much.
CLAYTON
College is the last womb. Got a
cigarette for a lowly undergrad?
KEVIN
If you tell me the meaning of life?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 8.
7 CONTINUED: (2) 7
CLAYTON
Life? Life's like acne. It has
to get worse before it gets better.
8 INT. ST. ELMO'S - HIGHT 8
Young professionals, graduate students, and precocious
undergrads populate the P.J. Clarke-like bar/restaurant.
Kirbo quickly goes back to work waiting tables. Alec gets
rid of a group of rowdy undergrads sitting at two tables
pushed together. He admonishes WALLY, the burly owner.
ALEC
Wally! You let undergrad punks
at our tables???
WALLY
Relax, Alec... they've only been
there ten minutes.
ALEC
Yeah, well, we've been here for
four years.
Alec, Leslie, Jules, Wendy, Kevin and Billy (still with
sax around his neck) take their usual chairs as Kirbo
drops off a large pitcher of beer.
BILLY
Hey, I need a real drink.
Kirbo is long gone. Kevin pours.
KEVIN
Waiters are like cops. Never
around when you need one.
Kevin and Alec begin bouncing quarters from the edge of a
table into their beers -- obviously some ritual.
BILLY
Will somebody get me a screwdriver?
JULES
And a hammer.
ALEC
You know what it means to have a
suspended license for drunk driving
on your record?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84
CONTINUED: (A2)
BILLY
Yeah, Al. It means I won't ever
be able to be a cop in D.C... Hey,
Wend, you're not angry are you?
WENDY
No, I'm not angry.
KEVIN
Never trust a woman who says she
isn't angry.
(CONTINUED)
9.
8 CONTINUED: (2) 8
WENDY
You better call your wife, Billy.
Billy reluctantly leaves as Jules laces into Kevin.
JULES
You're the one who's so angry
these days. I thought writing
for the Washington Post would
make you happy.
KEVI N
Writing obituaries is not writing,
Jules. All my characters die in
the and. I'd like to write
something about the meaning of
life for a change.
LESLIE
You'll get your chance, Kevin.
Alec suddenly spots TOMMY BANCROFT, an older version of
Alec, across the room.
ALEC
Hey, Tommy...
(TO LESLIE)
Tommy Bancroft, Senator Hodges'
key guy. Come on, I want you to
meet him.
They leave the table as Jules turns to Kevin.
JULES
The meaning of life, Kevin, is
fun, good times and a little
H-U-M-O-R. Don't you enjoy
anything anymore? Like girls?
KEVI N
I enjoy being afraid of Russia.
It's a harmless fear. Makes
America feel better and Russia
gets an inflated sense of national
worth from our paranoia... Excuse
me, I have to call in my latest
epitaphs to the death squad. The
presses are waiting.
He gets up and leaves the table, passing Kirbo.
KIRBO
Did you see her at the hospital?
Dale Biberman?
(CONTINUED)
10.
8 CONTINUED: (3)
KEVIN
Who...?
9 BILLY ON PHONE 9
BILLY
Well, honey, I kinda had a car
accident... What? Stop shouting.
I know I don't have any insurance.
Aren't you even gonna ask if I'm
okay? --
Billy adjusts a framed photo on the wall of him, Alec,
Jules, Wendy, Kevin, Leslie and Kirbo in their graduation
caps and gowns. He notices a woman's reflection in the
glass. He turns to see she is flirting with him from the
bar. He smiles back. Kevin arrives and Billy sees a
perfect way to get off the phone.
BILLY
Here's Kevin, he wants to say
hello.
He hands the phone to a more than reluctant Kevin and
moves toward the YOUNG WOMAN at the bar.
BILLY
Hey, Wally... a double screwdriver.
He joins the Young Woman who is eyeing his sax.
BILLY
So, you believe in premarital sax?
10 INT. LADIES ROOM - NIGHT 10
Leslie watches as Jules applies eyeshadow to Wendy's
bruised eye.
WEND Y
Will you both give Billy a break?
He lost his job today.
LESLIE
The job Alec got for him?
JULES
You didn't give him any money, did
you?
WENDY
A little...
(CONTINUED)
1 1
1 0 CONTINUED: 10
€¢ JULES
I thought you were going to take
definite steps to change everything
in your life that is not working.
WENDY
That doesn't leave much left.
LESLIE
I better break this to Alec gently
before he finds out the wrong way
and destroys his political career
by murdering Billy in front of
fifty witnesses.
She leaves as Jules looks to Wendy.
JULES
Wendy, this is all too destructive.
WENDY
Life in the-fat lane.
JULES
You're not fat.
WENDY
My thighs are fat. And no diet
works. The only way to lose
weight on your thighs is amputation.
JULES
You have to amputate Billy the Kid.
WENDY
I know, but I can't.
JULES
I don't get it.
WENDY
Me, either.
1 1 BAR 11
Billy gets cozier with the Young Woman.
YOUNG WOMAN
So, what line of work are you in?
BILLY
Me? I'm a very important drinker!
So how 'bout we cut outta here?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 12.
11 CONTINUED: 11
• YOUNG WOMAN
I came with my girl friend.
BILLY
That's okay, honey. This face
seats five.
Alec appears.
ALEC
Billy, may I see you, please.
Billy follows as Leslie alerts Kevin and Kirbo.
12 INT. MEN'S ROOM 12
Alec and Billy enter.
BILLY
What's up, Al?
ALEC
May I see you over here, please.
Billy joins him. Alec grabs him and shoves his head in
the toilet.
ALEC
Why didn't you tell me you blew
another job?
BILLY
For some insane reason I thought
you'd take it badly.
Kevin and Kirbo rush in.
KEVIN
Don't drown him, he's a father.
Alec releases Billy who comes up with his hair wet and
gives Alec a major shove.
ALEC
That's right, you are a father and
when are you gonna grow up?
BILLY
Like this was real mature, Al?
They all start to laugh. Alec softens.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 12A.
12 CONTINUED: (AL) 12
ALEC
I just got pissed off 'cause I had
to pull so many strings to get you
that job.
(CONTINUED)
13.
12 CONTINUED: 12
€¢ BILLY
Working for Senator Pomerantz was
not for me...
Billy looks at himself in the mirror.
ALEC
Sorry, Billy.
BILLY
That's all right. You couldn't
help yourself. You're an asshole.
Besides, the wet look is in.
He shakes his head, showering them with toilet water.
KEVIN
Why do they put ice cubes in the
urinals?
KIRBO
It tastes better.
13 OUTSIDE MEN'S ROOM 13
Leslie, Jules and Wendy wait anxiously, but the guys
emerge, pals forever again. Together as a group, they
join Tommy Bancroft and his pals at the jukebox singing
"I LIKE A GIRL WHO DRINKS."
14 INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S LOFT - CLOSE ON MECHANICAL 14
C DRAWINGS - NIGHT (LATER) L
15 15
Leslie works at a large drafting table in their sparsely
furnished loft. She wears over-sized pajamas.
LESLIE
If we could find the money it would
be better to get the longer sofa.
Alec enters in his underwear, brushing his teeth.
ALEC
Tommy Bancroft said I could start
working on weekends for Hodges. No
pay at first, but a way toward
big dough.
They wrap themselves around each other, kissing.
LESLIE
Isn't Hodges a Republican?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 1 4.
14 CONTINUED: 14
0 C
€¢ 15 ALEC 15
He's a senator, and Republican
senators' aides get paid a lot
more than Democratic congressmen's
assistants.
LESLIE
(KISSING HIM)
What happened to that Newberry
political conviction I fell in
love with?
ALEC
You want the longer sofa?
LESLIE
- I want you.
ALEC
I'm going to buy you a red
nightgown with satin and lace.
LESLIE
And rubber and leather...
ALEC
Yeah, leather...
He opens her shirt and smothers her with love.
LESLIE
Your breath is so sweet... Wait,
let me get the babykiller.
She starts for the bathroom.
ALEC
Come on. Let's just do it. We're
getting married soon.
LESLIE
Not so soon.
ALEC
Let's take a chance... Russian
roulette!
LESLIE
And guess who has to carry the
bullet around for nine months.
There is a KNOCK at the front door.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 15.
14 CONTINUED: (2) 14
E R
15 LESLIE 15
Who could that be?
ALEC
Who else could it be... Jules, of
course, afraid to stay in her new
apartment alone and she's spending
the night again.
16 INT. KITCHEN AREA OF LOFT - FEW MINUTES LATER 16
Jules sits drinking vodka as Leslie listens.
JULES
So this crummy welfare hospital
called and remember I told you
about my father's second wife. My
'stepmonster.'
LESLIE
The one who used to lock you in the
closet all the time?
JULES
She gambled away all the money she
got out of my father, is on her
I deathbed and she put me down as
next of kin.
LESLIE
But what about your father?
JULES
Unreachable somewhere in South
Africa with his new wife, who it
turns out is only three years older
than me. And if I don't reach him,
guess who's going to end up paying
for that old witch's funeral. Is
there some insane irony to this or
what?
LESLIE
I'm sure your father will take care
of everything.
JULES
Sure, just like he takes care of
everything else, including not
showing up for my graduation.
In the background, Alec has brought in their mattress and
some sheets and a pillow.
(CONTINUED)
16.
16 CONTINUED: 16
JULES
Thanks, Alec. You're still my
Indiana Jones. Always coming to
my rescue.
ALEC
I just know better than to try and
break the umbilical cord between
two old roommates. Good night,
Jules.
Leslie kisses Jules and goes into the bedroom with Alec.
Jules takes another belt of vodka.
17 INT. KEVIN AND KIRBO'S APARTMENT - MIGHT (LATER) 17
Dirty laundry and Woody Allen posters. Kevin sits in the
middle of the mess looking at photographs longingly. He
wears camouflage shirts, a black beret and shades --
drinks brandy and writhes in orgiastic ecstasy as he
sings along with JANIS JOPLIN.
KEVIN
TAKE IT... TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE
PIECE OF MY HEART NOW, DARLIN'...
Kirbo enters carrying his bike, and Kevin immediately
hides the photographs in a straw basket and becomes his
sophisticated self.
KEVIN
Quick, what's the meaning of life?
KIRBO
Dale Biberman.
Kevin looks puzzled as Kirbo hangs up his bike.
KIRBO
The girl I fell in love with when
we were freshmen. Remember, I met
her at that big fountain on main
campus? The one that says
'Knowledge, Art, Religion, Life'...
she was sitting on the 'Life' side
and she smiled at me.
KEVIN
You took her to one movie! That's
not love, it's infatuation!
Kirbo searches madly through records strewn on the floor.
(CONTINUED)
17.
17 CONTINUED: 17
• KI RBO
Kevin, there are several
quintessential moments in a man's
life... losing his virginity...
He yanks JANIS JOPLIN OFF abruptly.
KIRBO
... Getting married... becoming a
father.
KEVIN
Killing his roommate for removing
Janis Joplin for the soundtrack
from Manhattan???
KIRBO
And having the right girl
smile at you. She has the whitest
teeth I've ever seen.
"RHAPSODY IN BLUE" fills the room. Kevin begins gathering
up his endless pieces of paper, notes, etc.
KEVIN
If you think I'm going to live
through another year of finding
poorly written, unmailed love
scratchings around this apartment.
KIRBO
I found her again. It's fate.
It's true love. I have her
hospital schedule!
KEVIN
Love is just an illusion created
by lawyer-types like yourself to
perpetuate another illusion called
marriage to create the reality of
divorce and the illusory need for
divorce lawyers. Did you know
there are more people in law school
right now than there are lawyers on
the planet?
KIRBO
You're just bitter, 'cause you
haven't had sex for a long time.
KEVIN
No wonder. The sexual revolution?
Who won?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 18.
17 CONTINUED: (2) 17
KEVIN (COHT'D)
Nobody... It used to be that sex
was the only free thing in the
world. No longer. Palimony,
alimony. All financial. Love's
an illusion.
Finally having gathered up all his notes, Kevin moves
toward the bedroom.
KIRBO
It's the only illusion that counts.
KEVIN
Says who?
KIRBO
Anyone who's ever been in love.
KEVIN
Love stinks.
He moves into the bedroom, closing the door on Kirbo.
18 EXT. "0" STREET (GEORGETOWN) - DAY 18
A great fall day. Young people shop and party on the
busy street. CAMERA FINDS Jules, Wendy and Leslie exit-
ing a store with their purchases. Jules is on Wendy's
case.
JULES
You should have bought the red
dress. Red drives men mad.
As two college guys hit on Jules she flips her red cape.
JULES
See...
WENDY
I have a mad man in my life
already.
JULES
You have to put some kind of
distance between you and Billy.
LESLIE
Jules is right.
Kevin and Kirbo join them.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 18A.
18 CONTINUED: 18
WEHDY
It's easy for both of you. Men
are just a game for you Jules.
JULES
Trivial pursuit.
WEHDY
And of course you and Alec are...
LESLIE/JULES/WEHDY/KEVIN/KIRBO
The perfect couple!!!
They approach Jules' Jeep.
LESLIE
Thanks for the pressure, guys...
(TO WENDY)
.. Shouldn't we be finding you an
apartment?
19 OMITTED 19
& C
20 20
19.
21 EXT. STREET CORNER - DAY (CONTINUOUS) 21
• The group picks up Alec and Billy who have just come from
a small office building. Billy has made a great effort
to look establishment. Alec, as always, looks like a
Ralph Lauren ad. They cram into the crowded Jeep.
WEND Y
How'd you do?
BILLY
I'm an official pollster, thanks
to Alec.
Everyone applauds.
ALEC
(KISSING LESLIE)
I had to promise our first born.
'Keep your nose clean and you could
move up fast, Billy.
Billy is quickly pulling off his tie, unbuttoning his
shirt and messing up his hair.
BILLY
You're a god, Alec.
JULES
How 'bout bloody Marys on me at
St. Elmo's?
Everyone cheers except Alec.
ALEC
I gotta get back to work.
KIRBO
Since when do you work on Saturdays?
LESLIE
Since he started volunteer
moonlighting for Senator Hodges.
KI RBO
What is the three-year president
of Georgetown's Young Democrats
doing working for a Republican?
ALEC
Moving up, Kirbo.
As most of the others boo and hiss playfully, CAMERA
FINDS Billy talking to Wendy. Reaching in his pocket,
he gives her a toy car.
(CONTINUED)
Mb tEti4yA)
Rev. 10/11/84 20.
21 R CONTINUED: 21
BILLY
I told you I'd get you a new car.
I'm goin' ultimate on this gig, Wend.
Gonna pay you back for everything...
Let's celebrate tonight.
WENDY MI
What about Felicia and the baby?
BILLY
Hey, come on, it's Saturday night.
Let's party out. Let's go ultimate.
Could he mean sex? Love? What she's been waiting for?
WENDY
Okay. Why can't I say no to you?
22 EXT. ATTRACTIVE TOWNHOUSE - DAY (LATER) 22
The Jeep parked, Jules lets Kevin in.
23 INT. VERY DRAMATIC APARTMENT - DAY 23
Jules and Kevin can be heard CLIMBING the STAIRS outside.
JULES (O.S.)
You haven't been here since you
helped me move in...
KEVIN (O.S.)
Oh, did you move in, too? I only.
remember 800 pair of shoes.
She opens the elaborate locks and they enter.
JULES
What do you think?
KEVIN
Very subtle and very pink. Must
have cost some subtle bucks.
JULES
Why do you think God invented credit
for fabulous people like me? Fix
us a drink.
She disappears into the bedroom.
JULES (0.5.)
I knew you'd like it. You have
such sensitivity... Fix me a
vodka rocks...
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 24.
29 CONTINUED: 29
V There's no one home. Sadly she walks back to her apart-
ment. It's getting darker outside.
30 EXT. GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER - DUSK 30
Kirbo, wearing a jacket, anxiously waits behind a tree,
watching a car pull into the parking lot. Dale Biberman
emerges. Kirbo keeps out of sight, and frantically
dashes toward a side entrance to the building.
31 INT. HOSPITAL - DUSK 31
Kirbo dashes down the hall. Approaching a corner,-he
immediately achieves nonchalance as he "accidentally"
runs into Dale at the entrance.
KIRBO
Why, Dale? How nice to see you
again.
DALE
Kirby, what brings you back here?
Nothing serious, I hope.
KIRBO
Oh, no... just tying up some legal
loose ends for my friends...
DALE
Excuse me... I'm late...
KI RBO
Ah, funny running into you again.
I noticed there's going to be a
Woody Allen festival and I thought
maybe we...
DALE
I don't get to the movies much
anymore... I've got to go.
She is moving away.
K I RBO
Well, lunch. How about lunch?
DALE
Sure. That would be nice sometime.
She is moving quicker.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 25.
31 CONTINUED: 31
€¢ KIRRO
Wednesday? How about Wednesday?
Dale is gone.
32 INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S LOFT - NIGHT 32
Leslie is trying to coordinate dinner'while Kevin is
looking at a rendering of a complex housing unit.
LESLIE
A whole community within
itself. Right near Lockheed.
Open some wine.
KEVIN
Looks like it could be put
together with Leggo blocks. You
design this?
.LESLIE
I did all the mechanicals for one
of our senior architects and I think
he's going to promote me to the
design staff.
Kevin is fighting with a ridiculous wine opener.
KEVIN
Maybe you could design a corkscrew
that actually works. Everything in
this apartment comes from Scandinavia.
They don't even have wine in
Scandinavia.
Naturally Leslie opens it in a flash.
KEVIN
Do you think my attachment to Alec
is unnatural?
LESLIE
No, I think mine is. We've only
just started to live together and
he's already pushing for 'the
wedding.'
KEVIN
Well, since you fell in love with
a Democrat and now he's a
Republican, I think all bets are
off.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 26.
32 CONTINUED: 32
• Leslie burns herself and shouts.
LESLIE
How do some women do this every
night of their lives and not go
insane?
KEVIN
They are insane. Wives, husbands,
children, love, marriage,
relationship. It's all insane.
LESLIE
That's what I'm afraid of. Did I
tell you that my perfect sister
and her perfect husband are getting
a perfect divorce-?
KEVIN
I have the perfect cure. Stay
away from love.
He finds the butter and puts some on her hand.
LESLIE
You must have been in love, once.
You like hot peppers?
KEVIN
Doesn't Alec hate them?
LESLIE
Insurrection... Now, come on, Kevin,
you must have been in love with
somebody, sometime...
KEVIN
Once, in junior high. I played
guitar in a group and fellin love
with our singer who did 'We've Only
Just Begun' as sweet as Karen
Carpenter. I got high on cheap
champagne and pledged my love.
Next day she ran off with the bass
player named Rocky and I traded my
guitar in for a battered Underwood
typewriter.
LESLIE
On which you will type your way
to being one of the most important
writers in America.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 27.
32 CONTINUED: (2) 32
KEVIN
€¢
On which I continue to turn out
obituaries and very little else...
Taking out shreds of papers and napkins.
KEVIN
I can't seem to organize any of my
thoughts into anything of any
substance.
LESLIE
Maybe you need to stop thinking so
much and fall in love again.
KEVIN
Love stinks.
The door opens and Alec arrives home.
ALEC
Hi, guys.
He kisses Leslie.
KEVIN
Rough day with the right wing,
dear?
Alec hands Leslie a red box. She opens it excitedly and
finds a black lace nightgown. She screams as Alec heads
for the kitchen.
ALEC
Try it on...
Leslie makes naughty eyes at Kevin and disappears into
the bedroom.
ALEC
Leslie has to marry me, soon.
KEVIN
Why, you pregnant? Kidding.
What's your 'marriage' hurry?
ALEC
When you have a serious
relationship, Kev, you'll find out
the problem with living together:
it's too easy.
KEVIN
Maybe for you and Leslie. You have
the perfect relationship.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 28. s
32 CONTINUED: (3) 32
I ALEC
I mean, it's too easy to get out
of. You either build to something
bigger -- like marriage -- or one
day you could make a mistake and
the person you were living with is
gone.
Alec takes a bite of dinner and cringes.
ALEC
I'm going to kill myself.
KEVIN
They're only peppers, Alec.
ALEC
I can't believe what I just did. I
innocently go to buy the nightgown
and this amazing blonde salesgirl
starts coming on to me... we wind up
doing it standing up in front of a
three-way mirror in the dressing
room.
He lies down on the floor.
ALEC
If Leslie would just marry me, I
know I wouldn't do stuff like that
-- it would be a legal violation.
KEVIN
As opposed to tonight's standing
violation. You think marriage is
going to make you faithful?
ALEC
Yes.
KEVIN
The idea of two people spending
their lives together was invented
by people who were lucky to make
it to thirty without being eaten
by dinosaurs. Marriage is obsolete.
ALEC
Dinosaurs are obsolete. Marriage
is still around.
Leslie screams from the bedroom.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 28A.
32 CONTINUED: (4) 32
LESLIE (O.S.)
I S
This is obscene. I love it.
Alec dashes into the bedroom. As he opens and then
closes the door, Kevin sees a flash of Leslie looking
absolutely ravishing in the nightgown. As they SCREAM
and PLAY, Kevin, feeling very alone, stirs the burning
dinner.
CUT TO:
29.
33 EXT. BAD NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT (LATER) 33
A few hookers work the corner. FOCUS ON a BLACK HOOKER
talking to passing car.
BLACK HOOKER
You want a date...? Hi... you
want a date...
Kevin passes quietly and she ignores him.
KEVIN
Why don't you ever ask me if I
want a date?
BLACK HOOKER
'Cause I thought you were gay.
KEVIN
Why would you think I'm gay?
BLACK HOOKER
'Cause I never see you with a girl.
And you always look real strange.
KEVIN
Well, just for your information.
I happen to be in love with someone
but they don't know it. I guess
you wouldn't understand loving
someone from afar.
He takes a swig from a bottle in a paper bag.
BLACK HOOKER
Delaware's about as far as I've
ever gone. Is this person a he
or a she?
She takes the bottle and takes a swig.
KEVIN
It's a secret. But I guess you
wouldn't understand about that,
either.
BLACK HOOKER
Oh honey, lots of people come to
me for love and it's a secret.
He takes his bottle back and goes home.
34 INT. VISTA WELFARE OFFICES - AFTERNOON 34
Wendy is interviewing a good-looking WOMAN with five
children crawling all over her.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 30
34 CONTINUED: 34
WENDY
See our real purpose, Miss Chambers,
or do you prefer Ms... is to get
you off welfare and train you in a
skilled profession. Now, do you
have any interest in the janitorial
field?
WOMAN
Jus' give me my check.
WENDY
There are educational...
WOMAN
Jus' give me my check.
Wendy hands her the check.
WOMAN
You get some hot clothes, get
yourself a man... you won't be
worryin' about all this shit.
She leaves as Billy arrives in time to check her out.
BILLY
Welfare recipients are getting
better-looking these days.
WENDY
Ever feel like you're not
accomplishing anything?
Billy sits on her desk.
BILLY
I think I'm in touch with the
feeling. Let's go get a drink.
WEND Y
Billy, why aren't you at work?
Billy gives her a look she knows all too well.
35 INT. ST. ELMO'S - DAY (AN HOUR LATER) 35
Wendy and Billy sit at the bar as Kirbo pours.
KIRBO
Buddy, the only extra money I
have is my savings for the most
important date of my life.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 31.
35 CONTINUED: 35
WENDY
E
Are you in love?
KIRBO
I'm ripped between rapture and s
torture. s
WENDY
I'm all tapped out from the accident
but I could probably get some from
my father...
BILLY
No more money from you, Wend. But
maybe you could help me find another
job.
WEND-Y
Do you have any interest in the
janitorial field?
They both smile.
WENDY
You should be playing your music.
Billy...
BILLY
I'm a family man and the rent is
due.
Alec, followed by Kevin, storms into the bar and attacks
Billy.
ALEC
You dumb shit. You have to start
making passes at the women you're
supposed to be polling?
BILLY
Actually, they were the ones who
suggested another type of polin'...
He smiles as Alec grabs him.
ALEC
You're twenty-three years old.
You got a wife and kid.
BILLY
A
And you're a great American.- Are
you new at this? Or just an
asshole?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 32.
35 CONTINUED: (2) 35
€¢ ALEC
You're not the fraternity star
anymore. No more Billy the Kid.
Billy starts to leave. Alec follows.
ALEC
I didn't bargain for you turning
out this way.
BILLY
And I didn't bargain for you
turning into a pompous politico.
Suckin' up to Hodges. That's it,
Al, isn't it?... You've become a
Republican!!!
ALEC
And you've become a drunk.
BILLY
Oh, no, not just 'a' drunk, Big
Al. One of the great drunks!
Born, bred and diseased in the s
U.S.A.
(TO WENDY)
Come on...
(TO KEVIN)
You with us, Kev...?
Kevin hesitates.
BILLY
Oh, I forgot, Kev. You don't do
anything Alec doesn't tell you to
do. Well, that's-okay, 'cause
just remember one thing. You can
pick your friends and you can pick
your nose, but you can't pick your
friend's nose.
Billy leaves. Wendy looks at Alec and starts to laugh.
ALEC
Stay right here, Wendy.
She can't and runs after Billy.
INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 36
They are both asleep as the PHONE RINGS. Alec pulls
himself together and speaks alertly.
ALEC
Alec Newberry.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 33.
37 INT. VAN BUREN HOTEL - BATHROOM - NIGHT 37 s
• Jules, wearing a sexy dress, whispers into the phone.
JULES
Alec, it's Jules. I'm at the
Van Buren... X
INTERCUT their phone conversation.
ALEC (V.0.)
What time is it?
JULES
Please... I'm with these Arabs...
and they've been forcing me to do
coke all night... And I only
understand a little Arabic, but
I'm sure I heard the words for
'gang bang' and 'white slavery'...
Please get me out of here... Suite
2708.
38 INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT (SECONDS LATER) 38
Leslie watches anxiously as Alec throws on his clothes.
A
LESLIE
You're so wonderful taking care of
all of us. I love you. I really,
truly love you.
He kisses her.
39 EXT. VAN BUREN - NIGHT (TEN MINUTES LATER) 39 :
Alec gives his car to a valet and rushes into the hotel.
40 INT. VAN BUREN - TOP FLOOR - MINUTES LATER 40
The elevator opens and Alec quickly finds the room and
knocks loudly.
ARAB VOICE (O.S.)
Yes.
ALEC
Open up.
After a beat, the door is opened by a sedate Arab
businessman. Alec pushes past him.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev.. 10/1/84 34.
41 IXT. SUITE - NIGHT 41
Four additional sedate Arab businessmen sit calmly
watching MTV. Jules is pacing nervously by the bar,
smoking. She fakes surprise at Alec's entrance.
JULES
Alec, what are you doing here?
He quickly grabs her and they leave the suite. The Arabs
hardly notice.
ALEC
Okay, nobody make a move.
42 INT. VAX BUREN LOBBY - RIGHT 42 s
Jules and Alec walk from the elevators.
JULES
You're a real pal. My Indiana
Jones. I won't forget how you came
to my rescue again.
ALEC
They hardly impressed me as the
gang bang type, Jules. Now much
coke have you done?
JULES
Shovels full. They've got
barrels.
ALEC
You're just paranoid from the coke.
You know sometimes I think you just
make up these dramas to test me or
something.
JULES
That's very interesting, let's
stay up all night like the old
days and discuss it.
ALEC
I have to be at work in a few hours.
(INDICATING HER
FURS)
And where are you getting all this
money from?
JULES
'I'm a financial genius, haven't
you heard?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 35.
42 CONTINUED: 42
She goes toward the public phone.
LJ
ALEC
Who are you calling?
JULES
A systems analyst I met... very
hot Jewish guy.
ALEC
What are you, the new Middle East
Ambassador? It's two-thirty.
Come on, I'll take you home.
JULES
And waste all this good coke!
As Jules connects with her number, Alec starts to head
out of the hotel in disgust. A beautiful older woman is
getting her key from the desk and crosses in front of him
toward the elevators. She and Alec check each other out.
He smiles. She smiles. As her elevator, arrives, she
changes her mind and, giving Alec an inviting smile,
steps into the dimly-lit bar. Alec is torn between
morality and temptation. Temptation wins as he follows
the sexy lady.
43 INT. LA PETITE CHATEAU - MORNING 43
Kirbo, dressed in his best, enters the elegant, but empty
dining room. Searching around quickly, he begins to try
out various tables. He exchanges floral arrangements at
one as the austere MAITRE D' approaches as Kirbo peruses
a menu.
MAITRE D'
Excuse me, sir. We do not open
until eleven.
KI RBO
That's all right. I'll wait.
MAITRE D'
Do you have a reservation?
KIRBO
Yes. Kreager. One o'clock. I
want this table.
MAITRE D'
At that time, I will find a lovely
table for you and your guest. But
this is a table for four.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 36.
43 CONTINUED: 43
KIRBO
I'll pay double.
MAITRE D'
I'm sorry.
KI RBO
I want this table... and I'm
waiting right here.
44 INT. INTERNATIONAL BANKING OFFICE - ONE HOUR LATER 44
Jules, wearing glasses, is at work speaking on the phone
in front of a bank of computers..
JULES
You could order a nice Napa Valley
Chardonney, unless you want to
impress her with an import.
45 INTERCUT - KIRBO IN THE RESTAURANT 45
With a phone at his table, looking at the menu.
KIRBO
Money's no object.
JULES (V.0.)
Montrechart or Mersalt then
and don't forget to smell the cork.
KIRBO
Okay and how do you say escargot?
JULES (V.O.)
Escargot. I'd stay away from them
if I were you... heavy garlic.
46 INTERCUT - INT. BANK 46
A WOMAN moves through the desks with a box of envelopes.
JULES
It's payday, thank God!
WOMAN
Jules, you're advanced on your salary
two months. I have no check for you.
KIRBO (V.0.)
Jules, I owe you.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 37.
46 CONTINUED: 46
€¢ JULES
That's good. 'Cause I owe
everyone else.
She hangs up and follows the Woman.
JULES
I've got to pay for my stepmonster's
funeral. Then I'll catch up.
WOMAN
I'm afraid you'll have to see
Forrester Davidson.
JULES
The president of the bank?
47 BACK TO RESTAURANT 47
The Maitre D' grandly takes the phone from Kirbo's table.
KIRBO
Could you please clean up these
crumbs, waiter?
MAITRE D'
I am not the waiter. I am the
captain.
KIRBO
Aye, aye, sir.
Dale Biberman rushes into the restaurant in all her
splendor. Kirbo is extremely excited.
DALE
Sorry I'm late. Have you been
waiting long?
KIRB0
Just got here.
Kirbo beats out the Maitre D' and pulls out Dale's chair;.
DALE
The food is great here.
K I RBO
I'll be having the alfalfa sprouts
and a plate of mashed yeast.
(CONTIRUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 38.
47 COHTIHUED: 47
€¢ DALE
Are you a vegetarian?
KIRBO
Ho... that's from Annie Hall, the
movie we saw together... don't
you remember?
DALE
That's funny... I thought we went
to see a Mel Brooks movie.
KIRBO
Ho... it was Annie Hall.
DALE
Are you sure? 'Cause I don't like _
Woody Allen movies very much.
KI RBO
Oh, me, too. I hate Woody Allen
movies.
The Maitre D' comes over to the table.
MAITRE D'
Will you be ordering any wine?
KIRBO
Of course... We'll have the...
DALE
I can't... I'm on call.
Kirbo is shot down as the Maitre D' hands Dale a menu.
KIRBO
So... how's your, uh... are you
seeing anyone?
DALE
To tell you the truth, my work's
so time-consuming, I don't get the
chance to date, but when I do --
well, medicine's such an incestuous
profession, the only people I seem
to ever go out with are doctors.
The Maitre D' returns with the telephone.
MAITRE D'
Miss Biberman? Telephone.
(CONTINUED)
39.
47 COHTIHUED: (2) 47
DALE
r See, they just won't let me alone.
(INTO PHONE)
Hello... Yes, yes, doctor, right
away.
(HANGS UP)
I've got to get back to the hospital.
I'm so sorry. Maybe we can do this
again sometime.
KIRBO
When?
She is gone as the Maitre D' walks over to him with his
pad and speaks with exquisite, controlled sarcasm.
MAITRE D'
Have you had enough time to look
at the menu?
48 INT. LAUNDROMAT - DAY 48
Kevin and Kirbo fold their laundry.
KEVIN
You cannot go to med school just
to impress this girl with whom
you have a fleeting infatuation.
KIRBO
This is not just an infatuation and
she's not just a girl -- she's the
only evidence of God I can find on
this planet -- with the exception
of the mystical force which removes
one of my socks from the dryer every
time I do laundry.
Laundry folded, they head out of the laundromat passing
the drop-off "Fluff and Fold" facilities.
KIRBO
'Fluff and Fold.' I'm telling
you, Kev, when I make it, that's
where I take my laundry.
KEVIN
Dreamer.
KIRBO
I understand 'Fold,' but what is
'Fluff'?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 40.
48 CONTINUED: 48
KEVIN
'Fluff' is what I write for the paper.
They leave the laundromat. Kirbo drops a sock.
49 OMITTED 49
50 INT. BEAMISH DINING ROOM - NIGHT 50
Wendy's formidable FATHER shows Billy framed greeting
cards. Billy drinks heavily. Wendy worries.
MR. BEAMISH (FATHER)
We've got twenty-four 'Card-A-
Terias' now. What line are you
in?
BILLY
Munitions.
WENDY
He's kidding, Dad. He's a musician
and a very fine one.
Wendy leaves them as she enters:
51 INT. BEAMISH KITCHEN - NIGHT 51
where her two-blonde sisters (RACHEL and LIBBY) help her
BLONDE MOTHER with dinner.
RACHEL
Please do not bring up moving out
tonight. Daddy'll have a heart
attack in front of your boyfriend.
WENDY
He's not my boyfriend.
LIBBY
There's a nice young guy working
for us now. Howie Krantz.
WENDY
Libby, please.
(KISSING MOTHER)
You're looking beautiful, Mom.
MRS. BEAMISH
(STAGE WHISPER)
I'm fat. I'm thin. I'm fat. I'm
thin. I'm blonde. I'm brunette.
(CONTINUED.)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 41.
51 CONTINUED: 51
WEKDY
Look at it this way. You always
wanted to look like Elizabeth
Taylor... and now you do.
52 INT. BEAMISH DIKING ROOM - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS ACTION) 52 s
Billy fills his glass while Wendy's niece and NEPHEWS
watch. Wendy joins him.
WEKDY
There are certain words my mother
finds too horrible to utter so
she whispers them... you'll get
used to it...
53 INT. BEAMISH DINING ROOM - NIGHT 53
Everyone is eating. Billy is drinking. Wendy's mother
is talking.
MRS. BEAMISH
Hear about Betty Rothberg?
(STAGE WHISPER)
Cancer.
One of Wendy's BROTHERS-IN-LAW speaks to Billy.
BROTHER-IN-LAW #1
The day I married Rachel, I got
three 'Card-A-Teria' franchises.
Just bought a BMW.
BILLY
(to other Brother-
IN-LAW)
You in the card game, too?
BROTHER-IN-LAW #2
Six franchises! We have two kids.
Mrs. Beamish addresses Billy.
MRS. BEAMISH
Where did you and Wendy meet again?.
BILLY
(STAGE WHISPER)
Prison.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 42.
54 TNT. BEAMISH DEN - NIGHT 54
Wendy's father gives her money.
MR. BEAMISH
If you'd get married and run a
franchise like your sisters, you
wouldn't need to borrow money.
WENDY
I have a job with the Department
of Human Services, Dad.
MR. BEAMISH
That's not a job. It's killing
time 'til you get married.
WENDY
I'm very committed and I think I
should get my own apart...
Suddenly, one of Wendy's Nephews comes running into the
room excitedly.
NEPHEW
Billy's up on the roof.
0 55 EXT. BEAMISH. HOUSE - NIGHT 55
The entire family comes running out of the house. Billy
is way on top of the three-story house, sitting above
the cupola and widow's walk, his legs dangling.
MR. BEAMISH
Come down from there.
RACHEL'
What, is he crazy?
MRS. BEAMISH
I knew it the minute he walked in
the door...
(STAGE WHISPER)
drugs!!!
Wendy runs inside.
56 EXT. BEAMISH ROOF - NIGHT 56
Wendy joins him.
X
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 43. s
56 CONTINUED: 56
She sits down next to him.
WENDY
All the years we lived here and
no one ever did this.
BILLY
I used to do this at the Prat
house all the time. Climb out
from Alec's room onto the roof
and play my sax.
57 EXT. BEAMISH HOUSE - NIGHT 57
Below, the family comes running out again.
RACHEL
Oh, my God. Wendy's up there with
him!
Wendy and Billy ignore them as the family screams and
runs back into the house.
BACK ON WENDY AND BILLY 88
WENDY 59
You miss school, don't you?
BILLY
Not a day does by that I don't
wish we were all back there.
Everything made so much sense
then. Our group being so
ultimate, so number one.
WENDY
Every group on campus thought
they were number one.
BILLY
But we were. Alec and me running
everything. Jules and Leslie
the hottest girls... Kevin and...
WENDY
Me having the fattest thighs.
BILLY
You being the best of us all...
Those all-nighters when we used
to talk about our dreams.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 44. s
58 CONTINUED: 58
8
WENDY 59
I was gonna save humanity.
BILLY
I was headed for New York with my
sax... to become the new Clarence
Clemmens. Then I met Felicia and
she got pregnant, or said she was.
Wendy looks shocked.
BILLY
By the time I found out she had
lied, she really was pregnant...
WENDY
Why didn't you ever tell me that
before?
BILLY
No matter... I probably wouldn't
have made it in New York, anyway.
WENDY
You're very talented, Billy.
BILLY
School was so damned ultimate.
Everyday life... there's no way
to go ultimate.
(SMILING)
But if it all gets too much
Like just too fucking much...
You can end your life at any
moment.
He dangles his feet dangerously off the edge.
WENDY
That's ultimate.
BILLY
Don't you ever just want to
die?
WENDY
Not while I'm still a virgin.
Billy looks over at her. He's amazed.
BILLY
Why didn't you ever tell me that
before?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 45.
58 CONTINUED: (2) 58
59 Brother-in-Law #1 arrives at the window below them. 59
10
BROTHER-IN-LAW I1
Will you get down here before
your parents have matching heart
attacks?!
60 INT. BEAMISH FOYER - LATER 60
Wendy waits in the hallway, listening to bedroom DOORS
CLOSING. Confident her parents have bedded down, she
tiptoes back into:
61 INT. BEAMISH DEN 61
where Billy is drinking heavily at the bar.
BILLY
Want some?
Wendy takes a big gulp. They are both awkward and ap-
prehensive. She turns out a lamp. So does he, but
knocks it over.
WENDY
Sssssh.
She waits, and when she realizes no one has heard the
crash, she sits down on the small loveseat. Billy joins
her and going to kiss her, knocks her glasses askew.
WENDY E BILLY
Sorry...
He goes to kiss her again and she responds. He pulls up
her skirt and starts to stroke her legs.
BILLY
What the hell is that...?
HIS POV
Her long-line panty girdle.
BILLY (O.S.)
What's that, your scuba suit...?
He laughs as Wendy is destroyed with mortification.
She gets up.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 46.
61 CONTINUED: 61
BILLY
W
Hey, come on, Wend. You're allowed
to laugh when you're screwing.
Wendy is destroyed as she opens the door.
WEND Y
I don't think we should see each
other, anymore.
She pulls out the money her father gave her and places it
on a nearby table.
WEHDY
There's your rent money. Just
take it and go away.
She starts up the stairs. Billy comes to the doorway.
BILLY
Wend... I'm sorry...
She is up the stairs and out of sight. Billy feels
terrible. He eyes the money on the table and decides
not to take it. As he opens the front door, white light
from the moon glares INTO the CAMERA, as Billy moves into
the light, it becomes whiter, more incandescent -- he
becomes a ghostlike shape that eventually disappears and
the SCREEN becomes SHIMMERING WHITE as we --
DISSOLVE RAPIDLY TO:
62 EXT. GEORGETOWN STREET - NIGHT (FEW WEEKS LATER) 62
A ghoulish Halloween mask FILLS the SCREEN. Children run
BY CAMERA trick-or-treating, revealing the Georgetown
streets alive with mild Halloween shenanigans. Jules
comes zooming around a corner, driving her black Jeep.
She, Alec, Leslie and Kevin are in costume.
63 EXT. ST. ELMO'S BAR - RIGHT 63
Balloons and streamers fly from Jules' Jeep as she pulls
up near St. Elmo's.
A large paper banner across the window reads "LIVE MUSIC
EVERY FRI. R SAT. -- STARTING TONIGHT." CAMERA MOVES
CLOSER TO the window, where THROUGH the rowdy patrons,
some in costume, we see a trio on a small platform led by
Billy playing his sax.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 47.
64 INT. ST. ELMO'S -- HIGHT 64
Kirbo is ushering Alec, Kevin, Leslie and Jules to their
usual table.
LESLIE
But don't you need science credits
to get into mad school?
KI RBO
I have most of the credits from
when I was going through my
'major-of-the-week' phase. All I
need is Organic Chemistry which I
just enrolled in for January.
ALEC
This must be some woman to turn 7
you into a doctor, Kirbo.
KIRBO
Hey, I've been an amateur
gynecologist for years.
He is gone as Jules and Leslie wave to Billy and start
toward the ladies' room.
JULES
So, I went to see my boss and I
thought he'd say something
presidential like, 'How can I be
in banking when I can't even
balance my own checkbook.' But
instead, he took me to dinner --
several times.
LESLIE
I was wondering why you haven't
been sleeping over. Jules, I
don't think you should start
bopping your boss.
JULES
Too late, Leslie. You should see
him -- sort of a cross between John
Forsythe and Richard Gere.
LESLIE
An old man who doesn't wear
underwear.
65 OMITTED 65
0,
1
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 48.
66 INT. ST. ELMO'S - NIGHT 66
Billy is happily playing his heart out. CAMERA FINDS
Alec and Kevin at their table flipping quarters.
ALEC
Do you have an extra key to your
apartment I could use tomorrow?
KEVIN
What for?
ALEC
Remember the lingerie salesgirl?
She's been calling me at work.
KEVIN
Alec, you're going to have to
learn to say 'no.'
AJ.EC
I need a reason to say no. Until
Leslie agrees to marry me, I've
got to grab some of the gusto.
KEVIN
You've seen too many beer
commercials.
Wendy arrives, nervously, with HOWIE KRANTZ, a plump,
cheerful guy, uncomfortable in his preppy clothes.
WEND Y
Hi... this is Howie Krantz.
As Alec and Kevin welcome Howie, CAMERA STAYS ON Wendy,
who is filled with mixed emotion watching Billy play.
As she sits down slowly, Kevin'speaks to her:
KEVIN
Thought you weren't coming here
anymore.
WENDY
Oh, we were just passing by.
Kevin and she smile as he puts his arm around her. Alec
and Howie are talking business.
HOWIE
Greeting cards. I work for one of
Wendy's brother-in-laws.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO`S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 49.
66 CONTINUED: (A2) 66
ALEC
• A humongous future in greeting
cards.
Alec wickedly eyes Kevin as Jules and Leslie return.
During introductions to Howie. Jules shouts across the
room to a new arrival:
(CONTINUED)
50.
66 CONTINUED: (2) 66
JULES
€¢
Over here!
Kevin is watching Alec kiss Leslie, when suddenly they
are joined by Jules' neighbor, ROH.
JULES
Everybody... this is my friend
and decorator, Ron Dellassandro!!!
(TO KEVIN)
You remember Ron.
This is not Kevin's night. As Ron sits next to him,
Alec's jovial mood suddenly changes.
ALEC
Oh, shit.
All their eyes move across the room, where a very sexy
young WOMAN has entered with a noisy blue-collar type.
HOWIE
What's wrong?
WENDY
That's Felicia. Billy's wife.
JULES
But who is she with?
Kirbo seats them at a small reserved table.
Alec, Leslie, Jules, Wendy, Kevin and Howie all turn
their attention immediately to Billy, who is playing his
heart out -- until he sees FELICIA.
Felicia and blue-collar get chummier.
Billy stops abruptly and jumps from the platform.
Alec is up in a flash and headed after him.
Billy arrives at their table.
BILLY
Hands off my wife.
FELICIA
Oh, you finally remembered. Where
were you this past week?
Alec arrives.
(CONTINUED)
51.
66 CONTINUED: (3) 66
ALEC
IS
Billy...
BILLY
I said, take your goddamn hands off
my wife.
Blue-collar just smiles. Billy throws himself on top of
him, slugging. Felicia screams. Alec tries to stop
them. St. Elmo's watches as Billy and blue-collar beat
the shit out of each other. Blood flows. Wally, the
owner, arrives with a baseball bat.
WALLY
Get him outta here.
Alec, Kevin and Kirbo get Billy moving toward the door.
FELICIA
Yeah, get outta here... you no-
good shit.
Felicia is hurling insults at Billy as she tends to blue-
collar. Alec and the others drag Billy past Leslie and
Jules, who look to Ron, who has been hiding behind them
with a hand in front of his face.
ROM
I just had my nose done.
WALLY
You're fired, Billy.
(TO BAND)
You, too. Out, all of you.
Wendy is dying, as she watches them take Billy out.
WEHDY
He's bleeding.
FELICIA
Get outta here, Billy. Get outta
my life!!!
67 EXT. ST. ELMO'S - HIGHT 67
Alec, Kevin and Kirbo are dealing-with Billy's rage.
Patrons and friends begin to gather and watch.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 52.
67 CONTINUED: 67
I BILLY
I shoulda had a vasectomy at birth.
You ever have boys, do 'em a favor
and get 'em neutered at birth.
Knock up some slut and you're the
one who's really fucked. Fucked
for life. I hate that bitch!!!
He pushes his friends away as he lunges into the street
to make a grand gesture of marching away. Suddenly blue-
collar comes charging out of the doorway and kicks Billy
in the back. Billy goes down as Felicia jumps on him.
FELICIA
Goddamn you, Billy. You shit.
There is pandemonium as Felicia and Billy pummel each
other. Alec grabs Billy, while Kevin and Kirbo restrain R
Felicia. As the young couple are being dragged away 2
from each other, suddenly Felicia cries out to,her man.
FELICIA
Billy...
BILLY
(MELTING)
Baby...
They break away from the friends who are restraining
them, and rush to each other in the middle of the street.
Only the very
young and the very drunk can get away with
this. They collide in sexual frenzy.
68 IN CROWD 68
Wendy watches, filled with emotions as Leslie and Jules
stand on either side of her.
LESLIE
You just go ahead with your evening
with Howie.
JULES
Yes. No matter what he looks like.
Leslie glares at Jules, but Wendy starts laughing.
69 INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S LOFT - NIGHT (AN HOUR LATER) 69
• Felicia puts ice packs on Billy's face. Leslie and Kevin
make coffee.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 53
69 COHTIHUED: 69
FELICIA
This is all my fault.
BILLY
Ho, you married a loser and you
better face it.
FELICIA
Don't say that.
BILLY
Alec's,known it for a long time.
Haven't you, Big Al?
ALEC
You're just running away from x
responsibility, and it's catching
up with you, just like I said it
would.
FELICIA
I'll get a job.
BILLY
I won't have you working.
ALEC
Listen to me, Billy. There's a
hot-shot Korean in town. Big
money. He needs a gopher. I
don't know, for some reason I
think you might be perfect for
each other.
FELICIA
Alec. You've been so good to us.
ALEC
But if you blow this one, Billy...
BILLY
I'm not gonna blow this one, Alec
I'm gonna do ultimate by
everybody...
(starting to cry)
I almost lost my wife tonight
. and my little baby... Jesus...
Felicia starts to cry as she holds him.
70 INT. ALEC AHD LESLIE'S KITCHEN -.NIGHT 70
Alec joins Leslie and Kevin.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 54.
70 CONTINUED: 70
LESLIE
0
Still want to get married?
ALEC
Leslie, that is not a marriage
in there. That is a mistake.
LESLIE
And who's this Korean hot-shot?
ALEC
A business acquaintance.
She leaves with the coffee.
KEVIN
Speaking of business acquaintances,
you still want my extra key?
71 EXT. KEVIN AND KIRBO'S NEIGHBORHOOD - LATER 71
Kevin walks with his thoughts. He approaches the Black
Hooker on her usual corner.
BLACK HOOKER
Hey, secret love, you want a date
tonight?
KEVIN
What would you say the meaning of
life is?
BLACK HOOKER
Got fifty bucks? I'll show you
the meaning of life.
KEVIN
I don't pay for sex.
BLACK HOOKER
Oh, you think if you get some
girlfriend, or maybe a wife, you
ain't gonna pay? Oh, you'll pay
. but you won't ever be sure
you're gonna get it. Now with me,
you pay, but you get it, and you
get it good!
KEVIN
Food for thought. Food for
'thought.
He walks toward his apartment.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 55.
72 EXT. DALE'S BUILDING - EXTREME CLOSEUP - NIGHT 72
• "DALE BIBERMAN" typed on an apartment registry.
73 EXT. BUILDING - WIDER SHOT - NIGHT 73
Kirbo agonizes, paces and finally rings the bell.
DALE (V.0.)
Yes...?
Kirbo cannot bring himself to speak.
DALE (V.0.)
Hello.
Kirbo is dying to speak, but can't. He quickly charges
out of sight.
74 EXT. DALE'S BUILDING - NIGHT 74
Dale opens her second-story window and looks out. She
searches the night and is about to close her window when
a sudden flash gets her attention.
Is 75 EXT. ALLEY 75
Hidden by the night, Kirbo has just snapped Dale's
picture. He charges down the alley and leaps on his bike.
76 EXT. DALE'S BUILDING 76
puzzled and pissed, closes her window.
76A INT. MOVIE THEATER - DAY 76A
On screen "MANHATTAN." Woody talks into a microphone.
WOODY (V.0.)
An idea for a short story, about
um, people in Manhattan who, uh,
who are constantly creating these
real, uh, unnecessary neurotic
problems for themselves 'cause it
keeps them from dealing with, uh,
more unsolvable terrifying problems
about, uh, the universe.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 56.
76A CONTINUED: 76A
R AUDIENCE
Kirbo and Kevin watch.
KEVIN
Not just in Manhattan, Woodman.
Kirbo quickly pulls out his camera and snaps a picture of
the screen.
76B INT. LAUNDROMAT - LATE DAY 76B
Kirbo and Kevin do laundry.
KEVIN
You can't keep ringing doorbells
and running away, calling her and
hanging up. What are you afraid
of?
KIRBO
Rejection. Total and devastating.
As long as she hasn't rejected me,
there's hope.
KEVIN
I have lived with a secret obsession
many years myself. However, I
realize the other person has no
interest in me -- so I pursue my
career which is going even more
unsuccessfully.
KIRBO
Who are you in love with?
KEVIN
I don't have to share everything
with you...
(GRABBING LAUNDRY)
My underwear is enough. Kirbo, if
you must pursue this narcissistic
mortification, that you have decided
to call love, then you must ask her
out on a proper date. Like a young
god. Like Alec, our leader, would.
KI RBO
Alec has balls. He sees things
with his balls. A ball's-eye view
so to speak.
Having taken their stuff out of the dryer they leave.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 57.
76B CONTINUED: 76B
KIRBO
10,
'Fluff and Fold,' buddy. Soon as
I get some dough, I'm goin' 'Fluff
and Fold.'
76C EXT. STREET - DAY 76C
They move through the busy street together passing some
double Dutch champions.
KEVIN
You'll go fluff and fold, someday.
Whereas I will still be writing
obits. I can't even come up with
a decent piece for the paper to
show my editor.
KIRBO
I can't help you with your writer's
block -- until I see that look in
Dale Biberman's eyes. The look
that says she knows I'm the one
for her.
KEVIN
Kirbo, what about all the other
women you were going out with?
KIRBO
They weren't women. They were
practice.
KEVIN
You'll never catch me making a
fool ofmyself over a beautiful
woman. I know what they're really
made of. Watch this.
(TO APPROACHING
BEAUTIFUL GIRL)
What's the meaning of life?
BEAUTIFUL GIRL
Leave me alone.
KEVIN
The defense rests.
They disappear into their building.
77 INT. VISTA SOUP KITCHEN - DAY 7 7
Bums, bag ladies and the less fortunate are getting meals.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 58.
77 CONTINUED: 77
Wendy is advising a street youth as she supervises the
whole operation. Suddenly, Leslie and Jules arrive.
WENDY
Hi. x
JULES
We came to take you to lunch.
La Petite Chateau. One o'clock.
WENDY
I can't leave here and go to La
Petite Chateau. Ladies, please, x
let's have a little perspective.
LESLIE
Well, we could eat here.
78 LUNCH LINE - MINUTES LATER 78
The girls drag metal trays through the line.
JULES
Campbell's mushroom barley. How
chic.
They are joined by MYRA, a bag lady, and several other
regular patrons.
WENDY
This is Myra. Myra, Jules and Leslie.
LESLIE
How's Howie?
WENDY
I wouldn't say my father is trying
to bribe me, but he offered me a
Chrysler Le Baron convertible if
I'd get engaged to Howie.
JULES
Have you fucked him yet?
WENDY
Jules!!!
JULES
You haven't? Listen, get engaged. x
Get the car. Fuck him and if you
don't like it, break the engagement.
X
They put their trays down at a table.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 59.
78 CONTINUED: 78
JULES
Well, no sense beating around the
bush. Wendy, we came to see you
because we're both worried about
you.
WENDY
No, Jules, that was the scam that
Leslie and I worked out because we
were worried about you.
JULES
Moi? Your were worried about moi?
LESLIE
We were worried about you and this
affair with your boss.
JULES
Forrester is the greatest...
LESLIE
Forrester is married...
JULES
Leslie, this is the Eighties... I
bop him for a few years -- get his
job when he gets caught with his
hand in the vault. I become a
legend -- do a black mink ad, but
get caught in a sex scandal.
Retire in massive disgrace -- but
write a huge bestseller and become
the star of my own talk show.
WENDY
Silly of us to be concerned.
JULES
And besides, Forrester suggested
some fabulous alternatives for my
stepmonster...
WENDY
That's another thing. You seem
obsessed with this woman's dying.
It's creepy.
JULES
Well, it turned out that cremation
is almost as expensive as the non-
torch method -- so if I don't find
a cheaper solution -- I'll probably
end up...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 60. s
78 CONTINUED: (2) 78
JULES (CONT'D)
(SOTTO)
like one of these bag ladies.
Of course, I'll have alligator
bags...
She looks at her watch.
JULES
Oh, I've got to meet Forrester.
LESLIE
Jules, you haven't touched your
food.
JULES
Who'd want to? I think this was a
wonderful talk, don't you? Nice
meeting you, Myra.
Jules is gone in a neurotic flurry. Leslie and Wendy are
worried.
79 OMITTED 79
THRU THRU
84 84
85 EXT. GEORGETOWN CANAL - DAY 85
Wendy and Leslie walk together.
LESLIE
The senior architect I've been
assisting is going to promote me to
the design staff.
WENDY
That's so great.
LESLIE
Yeah, it worked out really well.
WENDY
That's great. So I guess that
means marriage now, huh?
LESLIE
It scares me. My sister lived with
her husband for five years before
they got married. And now it's over.
They loved each other so much, but
somehow it just disappeared.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELI10'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 61/62.
85 CONTINUED: 85
€¢ WENDY
You can't say that. You're not
your sister. You and Alec were
made for each other.
LESLIE
I love Alec. I do, but I just
don't think I'm ready for the
big step.
WEND Y
Seen Billy?
LESLIE
I was wondering how long it was
going to take until you asked.
WENDY
It's like stopping smoking. I can
go as long as I can and then I just
have to have a hit.
LESLIE
Alec's got him working for some
Korean gangster, and I actually
think Billy is doing a great job.
WENDY
Great. Great.
86 EXT. ATTRACTIVE GEORGETOWN HOUSE - DAY 86
A limousine arrives and a female CHAUFFEUR opens the door
for KIM SUNG HO, a well-dressed Korean.
87 INT. ATTRACTIVE TOWNHOUSE - DAY 87
Kim enters looking over some mail.
KIM SUNG HO
Billy?
KITCHEN DOOR
A house boy, sensing what's going to happen, ducks back.
88 INT. HO TOWNHOUSE - SECOND FLOOR - DAY 88
ROCK and ROLL BLASTS as Kim Sung Ho opens the bathroom
door, revealing Billy in the marble Jacuzzi with a naked
blonde and a bottle of vodka.
(CONTINUED)
63.
88 CONTINUED: $$
Everyone is shocked to see everyone.
BILLY
Ah... I thought you were comin'
back Thursday.
89 EXT. GEORGETOWN STREET - NIGHT 89
Dale Biberman, dodging the RAIN, leaves her building
and gets in her car. CAMERA FINDS Kirbo, across the
street, watching. He jumps on his bike and follows.
90 EXT. FASHIONABLE BROWNSTONE - HIGHT (FEW MINUTES LATER) 90
A carpark helps Dale into the house with an umbrella.
CAMERA FINDS Kirbo, who looks in the window of the
brownstone.
91 INT. FASHIONABLE TOWNHOUSE - HIS POV - HIGHT 91
Dale enters and talks animatedly with two attractive
young men. The party is filled with attractive yuppies.
92 INT. FASHIONABLE BROWNSTONE PARTY - HIGHT 92
Dale continues talking with the men as the CAMERA MOVES
THROUGH the party TOWARD her. The CAMERA is Kirbo.
Although we do not see him, we hear people talking to
him.
VOICES
Excuse me... Sir...?'
The CAMERA (Kirbo) STOPS as Dale looks up from her con-
versation. She is pleasant, but slightly stunned.
DALE
Kirby... How are you?
We see Kirbo now, soaking wet and in pain.
KI RBO
I'm obsessed. Thank you very
much.
93 INT. DALE'S CAR - NIGHT (TWENTY MINUTES LATER) 93
Dale drives, Kirbo next to her, his bike on the trunk.
It has stopped raining.
(CONTINUED)
64.
93 CONTINUED: 93
DALE
r What's going on?
KIRBO
I'm going to be a doctor.
DALE
That's not what's going on.
They pull up in front of her building and get out of the
car.
KIRBO
Why did you tell me you had to
work tonight? Why did you lie?
DALE
I didn't want to hurt your
feelings.
KIRBO
I'm obsessed with you, Dale. I
have been for four years.
DALE
But you don't even know me.
KIRBO
I know. But I'm obsessed by my
fantasy of you.
Dale realizes this man needs some help.
94 INT. DALE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT (MINUTES LATER) 94
Kirbo is actually entering Dale's apartment. A shrine.
DALE
I'm very average... full of
flaws...
She gestures toward her sloppy bedroom.
DALE
I'm a slob.., can't even make a
bed straight... You ready for
more...
(INDICATING MAGAZINES
on a coffee table)
.. I steal People magazine from
my dentist's office.
She then goes into the tiny kitchen and picks up a large
garbage bag.
(CONTINUED)
65.
94 CONTINUED: 94
DALE
Here. Watch. Dale Biberman takes
out her own garbage.
She opens the apartment door as her roommate, JUDITH,
arrives home with a bad cold.
DALE
Here's my roommate, Judith. She
hates me.
JUDITH
I hate her.
Judith disappears into the bedroom as Dale puts out the
garbage. Kirbo sits for a moment alone, stunned. Dale
returns.
DALE
And here's the worst of all...
When I first decided to be a
doctor, I thought it was because
I wanted to serve people. But
now, well, I'm beginning to get
this funny feeling that what
medicine's really all about is
money... You want some coffee?
MIRBO
It's money, isn't it? That's what
you're trying to tell me. It's
'cause I don't have any money!
Thank you for being so honest.
He gets up and leaves.
DALE
Kirby?
95 EXT. GEORGETOWN CAMPUS - DAY 95
CLOSE ON Billy as he walks across the campus and even-
tually stops.
96 HIS POV - HIS OLD FRATERNITY HOUSE 96
A few young men stop their activities when they see
Billy. Others join. TROY, an undergrad big shot,
arrives.
TROY
The man. The myth. The legend.
The one and only Billy the Kid!
The guys all cheer as they surround Billy.
66.
97 EXT. CAMPUS - DAY (LATER) 97
Billy plays football with the younger students. He
seems happy and home at last. As the others run toward
the opposite side of the grounds, Billy looks to Troy.
TROY
Like old times, Billy-Boy.
BILLY
You know I've been thinkin', Troy
6 9 I'd like to get some kind of
job maybe on campus... you know
work with the students or the
fraternity. Maybe coaching or
something.
TROY
We could use somebody like you
around, Billy.
BILLY
(ENCOURAGED)
Really?
TROY
Yeah. We need somebody to get us
some good drugs.
Billy realizes there is no place for him here either.
He looks up to see Felicia and the baby. He gives the
football to Troy and slowly walks across the field.
BILLY
Hi, babe...
There is a long pause.
FELICIA
'Member Ray Slater? He was the
guy I was goin' with before I met
you?
BILLY
Felic...
FELICIA
He came to see me, Billy, and he
still wants to marry me. And held
take good care of Melody and I
could probably get an annulment.
BILLY
Don't give up on me. Please,
baby.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
67.
97 CONTINUED: 97
BILLY (COHT'D)
I know it's been rough on you.
But I'll get the right job soon.
I'll change... I swear it. No
women, no booze... You won't
believe how ultimate I'm gonna
go...
He holds her and she wants to believe him badly.
98 INT. KIM SUNG HO'S TOWNHOUSE LIBRARY - DAY 98
Kim Sung Ho paces the elegant room.
KIM SUNG HO
I work out of my house. You must
be available twenty-four hours a
day. Complete discretion and
loyalty. Five hundred dollars a
week.
We now see he is talking to Kirbo.
KIRBO
I'm your man, Mr. Ho.
KIM SUNG HO
Your scholastic record is very
impressive, why would you be
willing to leave law school for
essentially a gofer's position?
KIRBO
I don't feel it has any relevancy
in the world I want to go into.
KIM SUNG HO
Which world is that?
KIRBO
The 'real' world. Besides, did
you know that there are more
students in law school than there
are practicing lawyers?
99 EXT. GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER - DUSK 99
Winter is on the way. Dale gets out of her car. As she
starts for the hospital, a limousine pulls up. Kirbo is
sitting in the back.
(CONTINUED)
68.
99 CONTINUED: 99
KIRBO
Hi, Dale.
€¢
DALE
Kirby. What are you up to?
KIRBO
I was hand-picked as special
attache to Kim Sung Ho. You know,
the famous Korean entrepreneur?
He quickly holds up a newspaper with Kim on the cover.
DALE
What about medical school?
KIRBO
I have to grab my huge financial
opportunities while-I can. It's
all about money, isn't it, Dale?
DALE
Well, good luck.
KIRBO
I'm giving a little party Saturday
night at Kim's house.
(handing her card)
I'd really like to see you there.
DALE
Well, thank you, Kirby. I'll try...
She smiles sweetly and runs off as Kirbo sits back and
talks to the female Chauffeur.
KI RBO
She'll be there. You see her
face when she saw this car?
CHAUFFEUR
Mr. Ho catches you having a party
in his house Saturday night.
You'll be out on the street.
KIRBO
He won't be back until Sunday...
remember, there's an extra hundred
bucks for you and Kenny to shut up.
100 INT. NEIGHBORHOOD LAUNDROMAT - LATE DAY' 100
Kirbo proudly drops his laundry off.
KIRBO
Fluff and Fold!!!
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 69.
101 EXT. LAUNDRY 101
The Chauffeur waits as Kirbo comes proudly out of the
laundry. The neighborhood Black Hooker looks it all over
as Kirbo pulls away grandly.
102 EXT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S - SATURDAY NIGHT 102
Traffic, people. The smell of fun and sexual contact in
the air. Party MUSIC PLAYS.
103 INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S LOFT - HIGHT 103
Leslie hangs out the window calling to someone below.
LESLIE
We'll be right down.
Alec comes from the bedroom getting dressed.
ALEC
June first!'
LESLIE
Honey, I just got promoted. I'm
going to have a lot more
responsibility. I'm sure it's
the right time.
ALEC
Looking at my big picture agenda,
I want to be playing softball
with my firstborn in about four
years.
LESLIE
Do you realize that over half the
marriages today end in divorce.
ALEC
And the other half don't.
LESLIE
My six-year-old niece asked me
today why everyone's father
doesn't live in a separate house
like her father does. I don't
want us to become another divorce
statistic in Newsweek.
ALEC
Look at my parents. My father may
not come home with a raging hard-
on, anymore, but they're happy.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 70. t
103 CONTINUED: 103
LESLIE
Your father sits around playing
chess while your mother talks to
him constantly. But he's not
listening.
ALEC
That's probably why they're happy.
(he grabs her)
Leslie, let's stop living together
. get married and start really
living together!
LESLIE
Sweetheart, please. Let's not talk
about it tonight. This party means
a lot to Kirbo. The floor's filthy
again.
ALEC
Just pick a date, any date...
She opens the door as he grabs a nearby can of white
spray paint, and sprays the floor white again as they
back out through the door.
LESLIE
There are some things we have to
work out first.
104 INT. ALEC'S LOFT - HALLWAY - RIGHT 104
Leslie locks the door as Alec sets the spray can down and
they disappear down the Victorian stairwell.
ALEC
Okay. Okay. Like my mom always
says, 'Don't get a hard-on'...
LESLIE
And like my mom always says...
'Marriage makes two people one.
But you never know which one.'
ALEC
Yeah, and like my pop says, 'The
way to woman's heart is,to saw
her in half.'
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 1.0/1/84 71.
105 EXT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S LOFT - STREET - NIGHT 105
They emerge from the building to find Wendy and Howie in
Wendy's brand new white Chrysler LeBaron. Alec and Leslie
make a big deal about it as they get in.
LESLIE
So, does this mean you're
officially engaged?
HOWIE
Yes.
WENDY
No... It just means I'm officially
thinking about it.
ALEC
What is this? Howie, didn't you
always think women were dying to
get married?
HOWIE
Not to me.
106 INT. KIM SUNG HO'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 106
• Kirbo, in his underwear, is looking through his employer's
impressive closet. As he moves in front of a mirror, we
see Kevin watching him from the bedroom.
KEVIN
Does Alec know you're doing this?
KIRBO
I told him I had Kim's permission.
Should I go for the formal'tux, or
the velvet smoking jacket, I-do-
this -all -the -time look?
KEVIN
You've left school, put yourself
into debt, lied to Alec who got
you this job in the first place --
and all for a woman who doesn't
seem to be interested in you.
KIRBO
When she sees me in this setting
and realizes my potential, which
she has always secretly known
about me, the veil will be stripped
from her eyes and she will give
herself to me tonight.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 71A.
106 CONTINUED: 106
KIRBO (CONT'D)
€¢
Perhaps in that very bed you are
sitting on. Is the cummerbund
out of style?
KEVIN
Well, excuse me, buckeroo. But I
think you're a fool.
KI RBO
Perhaps, but a well-dressed fool.
107 INT. KIM SUNG HO'S LIVING ROOM - LATER 107
SHOTS of party beginning: Alec, Leslie, Wendy and Howie
arrive. Other guests arrive, including some regulars
from St. Elmo's, undergrads and old schoolmates. Billy
enters and seeing some old frat brothers goes nuts.
Wendy watches him painfully.
KEVIN
holds court for the undergrads.
KEVIN
The best advice I can give you
undergrads is to fail. Failure is
a virtue in today's society. Human
error is a badge of honor. If
you're the alcoholic child of a
celebrity, you can blame them and
earn a year on the best-seller
list. If you're a celebrity, your
mistake will earn you a People
magazine cover. It's post-
Watergate morality. Take
responsibility for your mistakes
and make a quick buck while you're
at it.
ALEC
Then Sully snuck the pizza
waitress into the showers...
They start screaming with laughter.
(CONTINUED)
72.
107, CONTINUED: 107
BILLY
€¢
And the fat chick Sandy met on a
plane. Alec and me pretended to
be renting agents. She wound up
taking on the whole house...
Everyone laughs as Alec looks to Billy seriously.
ALEC
I'm not getting you any more jobs,
Billy...
BILLY
You know, Al, you're so perfect.
Such a young god... I'll bet you
were sproutin' pubic hairs at the
age of three.
Jules redoes Wendy's makeup as Leslie watches.
WENDY
Jules, your hands are shaking.
JULES
Thin blood.
LESLIE
How's Forrester?
She drops the makeup.
JULES
Oh, shit.
Wendy and Leslie are worried.
LESLIE
How's your stepmother?
JULES
Hanging on. the old witch. At
least it gives me a chance to
funeral-shop. Did I tell you I
found this place in California
-- 'The Neptune Society.' They'll
wrap her up and throw her to the
sharks for five hundred dollars...
But I have to ship the body all
the way out there... Excuse me.
Wendy and Leslie look to each other. Kirbo nervously
dials the 'phone.
(CONTINUED)
73.
107 CONTINUED: (2) 107
KIRBO
€¢
Ah... by any chance did Dale
Biberman get called in on
emergency duty tonight?... Ho?
He hangs up and tries her home number. It's busy.
108 EXT. BACK OF HOUSE - NIGHT 108
Wendy steps out to get some air. Billy is fooling around
inside the house, when he notices her through the window.
Their eyes meet, Wendy quickly looks away and moves down
the back steps. In a few seconds Billy comes out onto
the back porch.
BILLY
So how you doin'? Still living
at home?
WENDY
Yeah, how about you?
BILLY
Felicia hasn't kicked me out yet.
WENDY
You been playin' your sax?
BILLY
I hocked it to pay the phone
bill... You forgiven me yet for
bein' such a horse's ass?
WENDY
There's nothing to forgive. In
fact, I should thank you... It
helped me grow up a lot and see
how stupid I was...
BILLY
How stupid you were to be caring
about a loser like me. I agree
with you wholeheartedly.
They both pause for a beat.
WENDY
You have a lot of talent, Billy.
BILLY
So you still a virgin?
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 74.
108 CONTINUED% 108
9 WENDY
That's none of your business.
Wendy quickly goes back into the house. Billy spits at
the moon.
1 09 INT. HOUSE - HIGHT 109
Kirbo is shouting at an operator on the phone.
KIRBO
Emergency break in!... Operator!
. That's right... What do you
mean she won't release the
phone??? Did you tell her I'm
giving a party for her???
1 10 INT. DEN - HIGHT 110
Jules is doing coke with Kim's female chauffeur.
1 11 INT. LIVING ROOM - HIGHT 111
Alec, deep in his cups, clinks bottles loudly.
ALEC
Quiet. Big Al has an announcement.
Everyone more or less quiets down. Kevin TURNS DOWN
the STEREO, but not without SCRATCHING the record.
ALEC
On June first. Leslie will do me
the long-awaited honor of becoming
my bride. You're all invited.
Everyone rushes to Leslie, who is stunned.
LESLIE
Alec, you're drunk.
Alec is already accepting congratulations, and passing
out cigarettes like cigars, as Leslie grabs him.
LESLIE
Alec, may I speak to you please...
She leads him toward the kitchen as he shouts back:
(CONTINUED)
D
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 75.
1 11 CONTINUED: 1 11
0 ALEC
Hey, Howie... how 'bout we make
it a double wedding?
They pass Kirbo who dashes out of the kitchen franti-
cally. He finds Wendy.
KI RBO
Can I use your car?
WENDY
No.
KIRBO
Wendy, please, this is the most
important thing in my life...
WENDY
It's brand new.
KIRBO
Trust me.
1 12 INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT 1 12
• Alec and Leslie talk as the servants pretend not to
eavesdrop.
LESLIE
You just want a yearly Christmas
card with the Newberrys in front
of the fireplace..
ALEC
You're just afraid to commit.
LESLIE
You don't have to slow down your
career to help raise them.
ALEC
Jesus Christ, will you just for
once not make the reason you
won't marry me your fucking career!
LESLIE
All right then, what will we do
about your extra-curricular love
life?
ALEC
What extra-curricular love life?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/1/84 76.
112 COHTIHUED: 112
ALEC (COHT'D)
What did Kevin tell you?
LESLIE
Nothing.
ALEC A
What?
He dashes back into the
113 INT. LIVING ROOM 113
where people are dancing and cavorting. Quickly finding
Kevin, Alec punches him with all his might. Kevin goes
flying. People shout as Kevin lands against the stereo,
taking several thousands of dollars' worth of porcelain,
jade and flowers with him. Leslie runs to Kevin's aid.
ALEC
What'd you tell her?... Little
buddy... little traitor. Huh,
what'd you tell her?
LESLIE
He told me nothing. It was just
a hunch... until now.
Alec filled with guilt and remorse becomes angrier. Alec
realizes that everybody in the house is watching him. He
must save face.
ALEC
Leslie, I want you out of the
apartment tonight.
Alec marches out the door. The place is a wreck.
(CONTINUED)
77.
113 CONTINUED: 113
BILLY
Hey. everything's cool. It's not
a party 'til something gets broken.
114 EXT. DALE BIBERMAN'S BUILDING - NIGHT ' 114
Wendy's car still running. Kirbo buzzes Dale's bell and
shouts up to her second-story window:
KI RBO
You better get off the phone and
open this door!
Suddenly the window above him opens and Dale's roommate
Judith appears angrily.
JUDITH
Are you the maniac trying to cut
in on my line?
KIRBO
Where is Dale?
JUDITH
She went skiing.
KIRBO
What???... Where???
JUDITH
Why should I tell you?
KIRBO
Because I'm not responsible for
what I'll do to you if you don't.
115 EXT. KEVIN'S NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT (LATER) 115
Kevin and Leslie walk together silently. Kevin sees they
are approaching his neighborhood Black Hooker. He
proudly takes Leslie's arm. He'll show her who's gay.
BLACK HOOKER
.You think you ain't gonna pay?
You'll pay.
116 INT. KEVIN AND KIRBO'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 116
Usual mess. Kevin enters and quickly starts to pick up.
(CONTINUED)
78.
116 CONTINUED: 116
LESLIE
I haven't been here for a long
time.
KEVIN
It's still the same. Small and
ugly... but then again it's small
and ugly. Are you sure we
shouldn't find you some nice
lady-like hotel?
LESLIE
No, I'll be fine here for tonight
0 as long as I'm not putting
you or Kirbo to any trouble...
(NOTICES SOMETHING)
. What are you doing.with a
coffin?
We now see that a long coffee table which has always been
covered with junk is indeed a black coffin.
KEVIN
That's not how you're supposed
to ask. You're supposed to be a
young lady who is very impressed
with. my mind. Having come from a
deep Hungarian film and getting
cozy over a brandy, she says...
'Is that... a coffin...?' And,
then I say, 'Yes, it's my coffin'
. 'Your coffin,' she would gasp,
her interest in me growing by leaps
and bounds. Then'I would sit back
stroking her arm and say 'Yes, I
figured we're going to spend a long
time in the ground together so I've
made friends with it... I've gotten
drunk on it... rolled joints on it
. Even made love on it many times!'
It's a prop for affect.
LESLIE
Does it work?
KEVIN
How would I know?
LESLIE
Well you better not let Jules see
it. She'll steal it for her
stepmother. Are these relatives
of yours?
(CONTINUED)
79.
116 CONTINUED: (2) 116
She holds up a beautiful photograph of a very beautiful
E
distinguished family.
KEVIN
No, that's more effect.
He opens a straw box, obviously filled with his most
personal possessions and extricates a photograph of a
very ordinary family.
KEVIN
You remember my family.
LESLIE
So I've wandered into a real
woman trap here, haven't I?
KEVIN
Except you're the first woman
I've ever been able to get up
here. And I've blown all my
props already... So how about
some brandy?
Kevin searches for clean glasses in the debris that
passes for a kitchen, Leslie finds photos and political
cartoons in his straw box. Eventually, she finds a
photo of herself, and then another -- followed by dozens
more. Kevin has an entire homage to her in his secret
stash. He comes back with the brandy to find her looking
at the photos.
LESLIE
Am I part of your props?
KEVIN
(PAINFULLY; SWEETLY)
No... you're the real thing.
He quickly starts pouring the brandy as Leslie looks at
Kevin, almost for the first time.
117 EXT. WEST VIRGINIA FREEWAY SIGN - NIGHT 117
It is starting to snow.
118 INT. WENDY'S CAR - NIGHT 118
Kirbo drives frantically. As snowflakes begin to hit
the windshield, he grabs for the windshield wiper. Not
knowing how it works, he forces it the wrong way. The
handle comes off in his hand.
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 83.
125 INT. KEVIN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 125
MUSIC PLAYS. Much brandy has been had.
R
LESLIE
Alec was the first. There were
other guys, in high school, boys
-- but he was the first love of my
life. I always wondered if Alec
and I hadn't ended up in the same
dorm -- well, I guess I would have
just found someone else. And so
would he.
KEVIN
Alec had the luck of geography.
Whatever we say about Alec we'll
regret tomorrow.
LESLIE
What do you think about our
relationship. as an outsider?
KEVIN
Oooo -- dangerous question.
(BIG SLUG)
Sometimes I think I just hang
around with you and Alec 'cause.
well, since he introduced me to
you...
LESLIE
Kevin.
KEVIN
And I think the reason I'm not
interested in other women... is
'cause I...
LESLIE
(tears of joy)
Kevin. All this time right in
front of us. How could I have
been so blind?
KEVIN
Leslie, we won't even remember
this tomorrow.
(CONTINUED)
84.
125 CONTINUED: (2) 125
LESLIE
S
It is tomorrow.
There is a mad moment of hesitation and then Kevin and
Leslie smash into each other's arms.
KEVIN
I love you... I've always loved
you.
They kiss madly, passionately. They fall to the floor
in a frenzy. Leslie pulls Kevin's hair.
KEVIN
Aaaaah. Ouch...
(as she stops)
No. I love it. I love it!!!
Leslie grabs onto the large throw rug as they roll around
the floor. Somehow as they roll and turn, the rug gets
wrapped around them. Leslie tears at his shirt, as he
yanks her sweater off. Kevin fights madly with the back
of Leslie's bra. He is going berserk trying to find the
clasp.
LESLIE
No... it's in front.
With a flick of her hand she undoes her bra and opens up
the wonders of paradise to her old buddy. They kiss
madly again as they roll in the rug.
126. SHOTS OF CLOTHES ALL OVER THE ROOM 126
Leslie and Kevin fuck on the floor, on the coffin, in
the shower. All over the apartment.
127 EXT. SHOW-COVERED PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE - NIGHT 127
The worst turnpike in the world. Kirbo swerves on the
slushy lanes. Fortunately he is the only car on the
road.
KIRBO (V.0.)
Dear Mr. Iacoccoa... Recently, in
a life and death situation, I
had the bad luck to use one of
your so-called luxury cars...
Finally, he sees a large sign reading: "SEVEN SPRINGS."
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 80.
119 EXT. VERY ORDINARY BLUE COLLAR NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT 119
0 Jules' Jeep (with vinyl doors for the winter) cruises
down the middle of the cold, quiet street.
120 INT. JEEP - HIGHT 120
Jules, in a fur coat, is driving Billy home. They both
are moving kind of slow, having had too much of
everything.
JULES
Which one is yours? I always
forget.
BILLY
So do I. You wanna go someplace?
He points to a house. Jules stops the Jeep.
JULES
Do I. I've had a shit day.
BILLY
I've had a shit year.
JULES
Where do you want to go?
BILLY
The bars are all closed. How 'bout
your place?
JULES
We're going to my place. Good.
She STARTS up the JEEP.
BILLY
Jules, you've really grown up into
a fine-looking woman.
JULES
I don't feel very fine-looking.
BILLY
I've been meaning to ask you
something all night. What do you
have on under that skirt?
JULES
You should know.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 81.
120 CONTINUED: 120
€¢ BILLY
Come on -- Gimme some of those
beautiful lips.
Jules needs some attention. The hot couple kiss. He
immediately goes for the gold.
JULES
Billy... enough!
BILLY
Who says?
JULES
I say.
BILLY
Yeah, well, I bet you really won't
have so much to say with me in
your mouth.
He kisses her wildly as she pushes him away aggressively.
JULES
I'm serious, Billy. No!!!
He grabs the keys from the ignition as the CAR DIES.
JULES
Billy!
Holding her off with one hand, he shoves the keys into
his underwear and then sits back grinning.
BILLY
Come and get 'em.
JULES
You shit!!!
She attacks him, biting his hands, his neck and his
chest. Billy shrieks with laughter and pain.
121 EXT. JEEP - NIGHT 121
He tumbles out of the Jeep, onto the street, laughing and
shouting. Jules tumbles right after him, belting, pinch-
ing, biting. As she goes to kick him, Billy slides
between her legs and looks up under her skirt.
BILLY
Ultimate...
(ECHO)
Ultimate!!
(CONTINUED)
J
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 82. s
121 COHTIHUED: 121
• She sits down an his chest, undoes his pants and gets her
keys. Felt up with all, she heads back to the Jeep.
JULES
I really needed you tonight.
BILLY
Nell, just get back in the Jeep
and assume the missionary
position.
JULES
You break my heart. You break
everybody's heart.
She drives off in the Jeep. Billy fumbles with his pants
and then turns toward his house. Felicia, holding their
baby, stands watching from the porch. Obviously having
seen most of this, she silently goes back into the house,.
locks the door and turns out the light. Alone, drunk and
bewildered, Billy starts moving away from the house real-
izing he has no place to go.
122 INTO WEHDY'S CAR - HIGHT 122
40
Kirbo is still driving frantically, but, without the
windshield wipers, snow is building rapidly on the wind-
shield.
123 EXT. CAR - MIGHT 123
Kirbo, with one hand on the wheel, hangs out of the car
using his left hand to wipe off the snow. It's cold.
KIRBO
Shit... Goddammitt...
124 IHT. CAR - MIGHT 124
He searches the dashboard frantically.
KIRBO
Heater. Where's the defroster???
He rams and jams every button and knob in sight as he
weaves dangerously on the freeway. Eventually one of the
levers comes off in his hand.
KIRBO
Dear Mr. Iacoccoa... I recently
had the misfortune of using one
of your, so-called, new luxury
cars in an emergency situation.
So much for American enterprise!
85.
128 EXT. SEVEN SPRINGS SKI RESORT - HIGHT (LATER) 128
• Kirbo tries to stop the car in front of a cabin, but
it slides further than he had planned and almost hits
it. Getting out and trudging through the snow, in his
party clothes. he bangs on the door.
MAX (V.O.)
Who is it?
KI RBO
Is Dale Biberman in there?
MAX (V.0.)
Who wants to know?
KIRBO
Kirby Kreager! And who the hell
are you?
The door swings open and there stands GUY, a handsome
thirty-year-old wrapped in a blanket. Dale comes from
the bedroom, fastening a man's robe and staring at Kirbo
in disbelief.
DALE
Kirby? What are you doing here?
His entire world has collapsed. He can't swear, shout
or cry -- he can only dash toward the car frantically.
Falling in the snow once or twice, he eventually jumps
into the car and tries to peel out, but it just spins
in the snow. Meanwhile Guy has put on heavy boots and
comes running out to the car where Kirbo stands on the
gas to no avail.
DALE
Kirby, stop. Come inside.
He ignores her maniacally as he keeps desperately trying
to get out of there.
GUY
You've got no skid chains or snow
tires. You've got no traction.
Kirbo ignores them.
DALE
Kirby, please!
GUY
You-'re not gonna get out of here
tonight. You better come back
inside.
(CONTINUED)
86.
1.28 CONTINUED: 128
KIRBO
I'll stay in the car.
GUY
(yelling at Dale)
He wants to stay in the car.
DALE
He'll freeze!!!
She begins pulling on her boots as Guy tries to reason
with Kirby.
GUY
People have died out here.
KIRBO
Leave me alone. I'm not your
responsibility!
Dale has joined them.
DALE
By driving up here, you've made
us responsible for you. Now
come inside.
129 INT. CABIN - NIGHT (MINUTES LATER) 129
Kirbo sits in front of the fire wrapped in a blanket.
Guy goes back into the bedroom as Dale finishes making
a bed for him on the sofa.
DALE
Your clothes should be dry in a
few hours.
KIRBO
He's a doctor, isn't he?
DALE
Here are some pajamas.
KIRBO
You expect me to wear his pajamas?
DALE
We'll talk in the morning.
She joins Guy, in the bedroom and closes the door. Kirbo
is left with the pajamas and his desperate anguish.
87.
130 INT. KEVIN'S BEDROOM - NEAR DAWN 130
The room is destroyed as Leslie and Kevin lie on the
floor blissfully in each other's arms. They hear the
front DOOR OPEN.
KEVIN
Kirbo?
ALEC (O.S.)
No, it's Alec.
Kevin and Leslie look at each other frantically.
KEVIN
(WHISPERING)
I gave him a key.
131 INT. LIVING ROOM 131
Alec, miserable, hungover, having walked all night in the
cold, shuffles around the living room.
ALEC
I'm only gonna ask you this once.
Did you tell Leslie about my
screwing around?
132 INT. BEDROOM 132
Kevin looks to Leslie as they wonder how to handle this.
KEVIN
No.
133 INT. LIVING ROOM 133
Alec has found a beer.
ALEC
I believe you. I want you to
know that I believe you and, Kev,
I'm sorry I hit you. Shit, how'd
she find out? How long has she
known? I've been thinking all
night about school... How sex
was always a barometer,'especially,
at the fraternity. The more women
you got, the more of a man you
were... or thought you were... I
thought I was.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
88.
133 CONTINUED: 133
9 ALEC (CONT'D)
Shit, my whole life at school
revolved around sex... even after
I fell in love with Leslie. I
always had to be doing better than
the next guy... I had my rep. Big
Al... It all started as a game...
Kevin gingerly comes from the bedroom in a robe.
KEVIN
Ah... I kind of have company.
ALEC
Oh Jesus... I'm sorry... I never
thought. Who is it?
KEVIN
Alec...
ALEC
That fat chick from the party?
You and the fat chick...
KEVIN
Alec, I'll call you later.
Alec capitulates and leaves the apartment. Kevin relaxes
just as Alec pops back in.
ALEC
Just tell me if it's the fat
chick...
The bedroom door opens and Leslie appears wrapped in a
sheet.
ALEC
No. No. No... wait a minute...
I don't believe it. This could
not be real. There is no way
this is happening.
LESLIE
It happened, Alec.
ALEC
Not Kevin. Little fuckin' Kevin.
My little buddy. No way, Jose.
LESLIE
He didn't do it alone, Alec.
(CONTINUED)
89.
133 CONTINUED: (2) 133
Alec moves toward Kevin with murder as his intent. Kevin
€¢
takes a stand.
KEVIN
I know that if we fight, you're
going to win. But I'm warning
you, I will use every bone in my
body, every lamp in this room to
make sure I inflict as much damage
as possible on you before you
bring me down.
Kevin prepares for the fight.
ALEC
You're both pathetic. I don't
want to see either one of you
again, ever. You understand me?
You see me on the street, you see
me at St. Elmo's, just pretend you
don't know me.
On his exit, Alec takes a lamp and throws it against a
Woody Allen photograph on the wall. Kevin and Leslie
look at each other, uncertain of what they have done.
€¢
134 EXT. GEORGETOWN - SUN 134
rises.
135 EXT. KIM SUNG HO'S TOWNHOUSE 135
A taxi delivers Mr. Ho to his front door.
136 INT. KIM HO'S HOUSE - DAY 136
Mr. Ho enters to find a big mess from the party and Wendy
and Howie asleep in the living room.
KIM SUNG HO
Where's'Kirby Kreager?
WENDY
He took my new car.
137 EXT. SKI LODGE - MORNING 137
• Guy is heating up the block of Wendy's car with a couple
of hair dryers on long extension cords. He shouts toward
the open door of the cabin.
(CONTINUED)
90.
137 CONTINUED: 137
0 GUY
It's thawing... and the roads
look pretty clear.
138 INT. CABIN - DAY 138
Dale is doing dishes -- Kirbo hasn't touched his break-
fast. He looks suicidal and possessed.
DALE
I'm sorry. I had no idea it had
gone this far.
KIRBO
I gave up school... and my job
at St. Elmo's... and you never
even knew about it. It's kind
of funny, isn't it?
Dale sits down next to him.
DALE
The reason I didn't know... is
because all of this happened
R
between you and you. I could
never participate because I
never knew what was expected of
me. Love isn't like this, Kirby.
It's mutual and reciprocal.
Guy yells to them from outside.
GUY (O.S.)
Okay, she's starting... You better
get out of here before it starts
snowing again.
139 EXT. CABIN - MINUTES LATER 139
Guy sits in Wendy's CAR making everythng HUM. Dale
escorts Kirbo.
DALE
Drive carefully.
Guy gets out of the car.
GUY
Wait a minute... I've got to get
a picture of you old college
chums...
(CONTINUED)
91.
139 CONTINUED: 139
0 He goes into the cabin. Dale sees Kixbo's pain.
DALE
I don't really know you well...
but you seem like a fine person
.. and I want you to know that
I'm flattered by all of this and
deep down, I'm sure for a long
time, I'll wonder if maybe
this somehow isn't my loss.
She kisses him gently on the cheek. He is about to sink
into more pain when suddenly he grabs Dale and kisses her
with all the passion he has for her. When he releases
her she is dazed. Something has definitely happened.
GUY
Smile.
They turn to face Guy and his Polaroid camera. After he
takes their photo, he hands it to Kirbo who hands it to
Dale'and quickly gets into the car.
GUY
Aren't you going to wait for it
to develop?
Kirbo drives off quickly.
REARVIEW MIRROR
Dale gets smaller and smaller.
IK DALE'S HAND
The Polaroid picture becomes clear of Kirbo and Dale.
MIRROR
She is smaller and smaller.
KIRBO
A kind of win fills his senses.
1 40 INT. WENDY'S CAR - HIS POV - DAY 140
The mirror, the Polaroid, the snow, the sun, they fuse
together in a brilliant, incandescent white light that
FILLS the SCREEN. In this glaw we rapidly --
DISSOLVE TO:
€¢
93.
143 CONTINUED: 143
• MR. BEAMISH
Love comes later. Marriage,
family, the family business --
children carrying on the parents'
traditions... that's what...
WEHDY
Dad, I have my own work, and I
want to get my own apartment.
MR. BEAMISH
All right, keep your job 'til you
get pregnant. Howie is a fine
boy. You don't need your own
apartment.
WEHDY
I don't love Howie, Dad. I love
Billy!
MR. BEAMISH
Billy on the roof? Let me tell
you something, he's a drunk and
a lowlife. How could you love
such a person?
WEHDY
He's talented and confused and
he's not a lowlife. And I love
him because he's alive! He's the
most alive person I've ever known.
MR. BEAMISH
When he looks at you, all he sees
is U money. He doesn't give a
damn about you...
Wendy has started to cry.
MR. BEAMISH
I'm warning you, young lady. You
marry him -- no 'Card-A-Terias' !
Wendy is overcome with grief.
WEHDY
I hate you, Dad. I really hate
you now.
She rushes from the counter grabbing her coat.
40
144 EXT. STREET - DAY 144
Wendy rushes into the street crying.
(CONTINUED)
92.
141 EXT. CAPITOL HILL, GEORGETOWN, ETC. - DAY 141
(LATE NOVEMBER)
€¢
SHOTS of lunchtime in D.C.: Clerks, pages, government
employees of all description leave work and venture
forth for the lunch ritual.
142 EXT. UNDERPRIVILEGED NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY 142
Wendy leaves the Welfare office and hurries down the
street. She comes to the window of a modest coffee shop
and looks inside. Her father is waiting for her.
143 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY (MINUTES LATER) 143
Wendy and her father sit at a counter FACING the CAMERA.
They finish ordering as the waitress leaves them.
MR. BEAMISH
Some place this is. Your car
fixed?
WENDY
I got a personal letter from Lee
lacocco... they fixed everything
for nothing.
MR. BEAMISH
Good... so you like the car?
WENDY
It's a great car, Dad, but I can't
keep it. I don't feel right about
driving a car like that and
working with people who can't
afford to eat.
She finds the keys and hands them to him.
MR. BEAMISH
Keep the car... you and Howie are
going to need it.
WENDY
I'm giving Howie back, too.
MR. BEAMISH
Wendy, listen to me. You think I
wanted to marry your mother? I
was pressured into it. She was
pressured into it.
WENDY
I don't love Howie.
(CONTINUED)
94.
144 CONTINUED: 144
Eventually, Mr. Beamish comes running after her.
MR. BEAMISH
Wendy...
Wendy keeps running. A BAG LADY from the soup kitchen,
crosses her path.
BAG LADY
Hi, Wendy.
A
Wendy ignores her as she keeps running. Mr. Beamish
suddenly gets a cramp in his leg.
MR. BEAMISH
Wendy... Wait. Oh, my God, my
leg!
Wendy continues running and crying as YOUNG STREET TOUGHS
run past her.
STREET TOUGH #1
Don't worry, Wendy... we got the
old pervert covered.
Wendy keeps running, but then looks back. The Street
Toughs are giving her father a hard time as he puffs,
wheezes and deals with the pain in his chest and his
leg. Wendy can't stand it. She shouts at them.
WEND Y
That's my father. You leave him
alone... that's my father!
She runs over to them and shoos the Toughs away. Still
crying, she guides her father toward a stoop.
WENDY
Sit down, Daddy... sit down.
They sit down, both still very emotional. After a
moment, Mr. Beamish takes a torn greeting card from
his pocket. It has a very sexy woman on it.
MR. BEAMISH
See this... A feminist came into
the Pennsylvania Avenue store this
morning -- called me a 'sexist'
and a 'pig' and tore the card up.
I said 'Listen, we got naked men
on cards, too, with their pee-pees
hanging out... It's fair! We got
men and we got women!'
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
95.
144 CONTINUED: (2) 144
MR. BEAMISH (CONT'D)
(CRYING)
And she spit in my face.
WENDY
Daddy, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I
said I hated you...
MR. BEAMISH
That's okay. I'm sorry about
Howie. You don't have to marry
anybody you don't want to marry
and if you want to move out, well,
move out... But listen...
He starts to get up with her help.
MR. BEAMISH
.. Don't judge your mother and
me so hard... and the way we
raised you and your sisters.
There's no training to be a parent,
you know. You're learning every
day on the job.
They start back toward the restaurant.
WENDY
There's no training to be me
either, Dad. I'm learning on
the job, too.
He hugs her as they walk back into the restaurant.
145 INT. ALEC AND LESLIE'S LOFT - AFTERNOON 145
Leslie enters carrying several empty cardboard boxes.
She shakes off her many emotions and tries to efficiently
gather her things. Beginning with record albums, she
accidentally knocks an ashtray to the floor.
LESLIE
Shit.
As she picks up the broken pieces, the door opens from
the bedroom. Alec appears, looking horrible, in his
bathrobe.
LESLIE
I especially took off work because
I thought you wouldn't be here.
(CONTINUED)
96.
145 CONTINUED: 145
ALEC
I'm sick.
LESLIE
What's wrong?
ALEC
Just sickness...
(noticing an album)
.. Hey, you can't take The
Pretenders' first album. That's
mine.
LESLIE
I bought it.
ALEC
You did not!!!
(IN CONCESSION)
You can have all the Billy Joels.
Except for 'The Stranger.'
LESLIE
I'm taking 'Thriller' and Mahler's
Ninth.
ALEC
Kevin is so fond of Mahler.
LESLIE
I've moved in with Jules.
ALEC
How nice. Roomies again...
(GRABBING ALBUMS)
. No Springsteen is leaving this
house. But you can have all the
w Carly Simons.
LESLIE
You got those for me on Valentine's
Day. When there were still
valentines around here.
ALEC
You ran out on this relationship.
You take the consequences.
LESLIE
I didn't run out on anything. You
ran out.
ALEC
You fucked Kevin!
(CONTINUED)
97.
145 CONTINUED: (2) 145
LESLIE
€¢
You fucked manyl
ALEC
Nameless, faceless manyl
LESLIE
(SARCASTICALLY)
Oh, I feel much better now.
Alec angrily grabs another album from her.
ALEC
You're not taking The Police so
just forget it!
LESLIE.
I didn't 'fuck' Kevin. I was
confused and angry... and I care
for him deeply.
ALEC
No more albums! That's it... Get
your clothes and give me the keys.
Leslie reluctantly hands him the keys and moves toward
the bedroom closet slowly.
LESLIE
I don't believe this is happening
to us.
Alec sits down angrily on the new sofa, clutching his
albums.
ALEC
Wasted love. I wish I could get
it all back.
CUT TO:
146 EXT. GEORGETOWN STREETS - CLOSEUP - LESLIE - LATER 146
AFTERNOON
Dealing with her emotions, she drives Jules' Jeep through
the Georgetown streets. The back of the Jeep is filled
with her clothes, etc.
147 EXT. JULES' BUILDING 147
Kevin is waiting on the doorstep with flowers, champagne,
and a stack of newspapers.
(CONTINUED)
98.
147 CONTINUED: 147
As Leslie pulls up, he greets her by pressing a newspaper
against the windshield. After a moment, she focuses on
a small article entitled: "THE MEANING OF LIFE"; OBSER-
VATIONS BY KEVIN DOLENZ.
LESLIE
You did it!!!
148 INT. JULES' APARTMENT - DUSK 148
Leslie's stuff is still in boxes. Kevin fixes a fire
as Leslie re-reads his article, sipping champagne.
LESLIE
God, this is so exciting. Your
first byline...
KEVIN
I'm sure I'll be back doing obits
tomorrow.
LESLIE
Oh, no. You're going to really
attract some attention with this...
(LAUGHING)
Did somebody actually say 'I
believe in the golden rule,
whoever's got the gold makes the
rule'?
KEVIN
Sort of. Leslie, I couldn't write
anything of any meaning until you.
He kisses her warmly.
LESLIE
Kevin.
He aggressively gets on top of her, and feeling the
excitement and the champagne kisses her madly. The
front door opens and Jules appears breathless.
JULES
Don't you two ever use a bed?
Leaving the door wide open, she races through the apart-
ment. Kevin continues to madly attack Leslie when Ron,
carrying packages, arrives at his door across the hall.
He and Kevin exchange a look as-Ron goes inside.
LESLIE
Let me show Jules your piece.
(CONTINUED)
99.
148 CONTINUED: 148
She grabs a paper and starts for the hall. She stops
for a moment as she sees Jules, using her long pinky
nail, deftly take a couple of pops of coke. Unaware
that Leslie is watching, Jules starts back down the hall.
LESLIE
Kevin has his first byline.
Jules is so stoked she can't focus.
JULES
Wonderful. Brilliant... Ha ha...
'Tract Housing in Maryland'...
LESLIE
No, it's the other piece... Jules...
JULES
Got to fly. Forrester, the
magnificent animal, is waiting.
Did the hospital call? Is my
stepmonster dead yet?
LESLIE
Jules, I'd like to meet him.
JULES
I'll have him wave up to you.
She is out the door in a flash as Leslie moves toward
- the window.
LESLIE
Doesn't she seem out of control
to you?
KEVIN
Since the day I met her.
They look out of the window.
149 EXT. STREET - THEIR POV 149
Down below Jules jumps into a small dark Mercedes, helped
by a slightly nefarious-looking hunk. They wave to
Leslie.
150 INT'. APARTMENT 150
KEVIN
Who's that?
(CONTINUED)
100.
150 CONTINUED: 150
LESLIE
Jules' boss and lover...
International banking seems to
be getting sexier.
KEVIN
Speaking of which...
As she closes the window, Kevin attacks her again.
LESLIE
Kevin, I've been thinking.
KEVIN
Me, too, and I don't like to count
my cornish hens before they hatch,
but I do think I'll be getting a
raise. And I was thinking we
could get a place together.
LESLIE
Kevin.
KEVIN
I know it's fast. But I also know
I love you.
LESLIE
I don't think you do love me.
KEVIN
What?
LESLIE
I mean we love each other as
friends. But... Kevin, you were
sitting on all these incredible
feelings... all tied up in that
box with my pictures in desperate
need of a love affair. And me...
well, I needed to break the Alec
habit... and it's only natural I
would turn to you in my confusion.
But this doesn't feel real. It
feels manufactured.
KEVIN
It's me, isn't it?
LESLIE
Are you kidding? You're a little
• miracle.
(CONTINUED)
101.
150 CONTINUED: (2) 150
KEVIN
But not a big miracle like Alec.
LESLIE
Oh, Alec was the big miracle for
a long time... But I think I'd
like to try life without any
miracles for a while.
Kevin realizes how serious Leslie is.
KEVIN
Well, having your first byline,
and losing the love of your life
in the same night has a certain
'The Gods must be laughing at
me' feeling.
LESLIE
I'm not the love of your life.
KEVIN
Who says?
LESLIE
I say.
KEVIN
But you're a girl, what do you
know?
Leslie embraces him with deep friendship.
151 INT. MOVIE THEATER 151
Kevin and Kirbo are watching the and of ANNIE HALL.
On screen, Woody says goodbye to Diane Keaton.
WOODY CV.O.)
I realized what a terrific person
she was and how much fun it was
knowing her and I thought of that
old joke, you know, this guy goes
to a psychiatrist and says, 'Doc,
uh, my brother's crazy. He thinks
he's a chicken,' and the doctor
says, 'Well, why don't you turn
14 him in?' And the guy says, 'I
would, but I need the eggs.' Well,
I guess that's pretty much how I
feel about relationships.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
102.
151 CONTINUED: 151
WOODY (V.O.)
R
You know they're totally irrational
and crazy and absurd and... but .1
guess we keep going through it
because, uh, most of us need the
eggs.
152 EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT 152
Kevin and Kirbo walk away from the theater advertising
the "WOODY ALLEN FESTIVAL."
KI RBO
I don't think I need the eggs
anymore. Dale Biberman gave me
enough cholesterol for a lifetime.
You were right all along... Love
stinks.
KEVIN
I've had second thoughts. Intimacy
is dangerous and shattering... but
ultimately necessary.
KIRBO
But, Kevin, I used to wait outside
her house,. ring the bell and then
when she'd come to the window I'd
run away. Just to get a glimpse
of her.
KEVIN
The night Leslie gave me the kiss-
off, I fucked a black hooker three
times.
KIRBO
Not Naomi, from our corner?
KEVIN
Naomi from our corner.
KIRBO
I think you better go to the
doctor and get some shots.
KEVIN
I used a rubber. She put it on
me with her mouth.
€¢
153 EXT. ST. ELMO'S - NIGHT 153
They stop as they reach St. Elmo's. Looking inside, they
see Alec at his usual table.
103.
154 INT. ST. ELMO'S - THEIR POV 154
Alec is playing his old quarter game, but with Tommy
Bancroft and his new political friends.
155 EXT. ST. ELMO'S - NIGHT 155
KI RBO
I always thought we'd be friends
forever.
KEVIN
Forever got a lot shorter suddenly.
They move on, passing a sign on the door: "WAITER
WARTED." Kevin points to it.
KIRBO
No, as soon as I get back in
school, I'm going to work part-
time for a law firm. Did you know
there are as many people in law
school as there are practicing
lawyers?
KEVIN
Sounds familiar.
KIRBO
How'd she put the rubber on with
her mouth?
156 INT. LARGE GLAMOROUS INTERNATIONAL BANKING OFFICES - DAY 156
A well-dressed female executive secretary looks disturbed
as she enters a formidable office. She returns with a
distinguished GENTLEMAN in a grey suit. He approaches
Leslie who is waiting anxiously.
GENTLEMAN
Yes, may I help you?
LESLIE
I want to see Forrester Davidson
Jr.
GENTLEMAN
I am Forrester Davidson Jr.
Leslie is shocked and even more confused.
LESLIE
Well, there must be some mistake.
I've come to see Julianna van
Patten and they told me she
doesn't work here anymore.
104.
157 INT. SENATOR HODGES' HEADQUARTERS - AFTERNOON (NOVEMBER) 157
Busy. Active. Alec is on a phone and talking to co-
workers at the same time. He looks up to see Leslie,
very shaken, waiting across the room. He is immediately
angered, but eventually gets off the phone and joins
her.
ALEC
Did you forget one of your albums?
LESLIE
I'm sorry to bother you here.
It's Jules. After she left for
work this morning, the finance
company came and took away all
her furniture, her Jeep, everything
they could get their hands on...
I couldn't reach her so I finally
went over to her office. Alec --
she was fired three weeks ago!
All this time, she's been
pretending to go to work every day
, and pretending to be still
having this affair with her boss.
And she's been doing a lot of coke
.. Well, anyway, I confronted her
at the apartment, and at first she
denied everything, but then she
went crazy -- and now she's locked
herself in the apartment and she
won't let me back in... I'm really
worried about her.
Alec hesitates angrily.
LESLIE
Alec, please. I need your help.
158 INT. JULES' APARTMENT BUILDING - HALLWAY - HALF-HOUR 158
LATER
Alec knocks on the door with Leslie.
ALEC
Jules, open the door.
Leslie puts her key in the door.
159 INT. JULES' APARTMENT - CLOSE ON DOOR - DAY (LATE) 159
Dead locks and a heavy bolt prevent it from opening.
LESLIE (0.S.)
She's in there.
(CONTINUED)
159 CONTINUED:
ALEC (O.S.)
• Jules, come on. Just open the
door.
160 INT. JULES' APARTMENT 160
The main room is empty and dark, except for Jules, who
sits on the floor dressed only in a thin T-shirt and
bikini pants. Thin, tired, no makeup, this is a differ-
ent Jules than we have seen before. Freezing winds shoot
through the open window.
161 INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY 161
ALEC
Jules, remember my junior year
when I went cold turkey on
cigarettes? You sat up with me
all night in the commons room
feeding me emergency carrots...?
No answer.
LESLIE
Jules, if you don't let us in, we're
going to have to call the police.
There is a beat and then Jules speaks from the depths of
hell.
JULES (O.S.)
I'll throw myself out the window
before they get through the door.
LESLIE
Not my greatest ploy.
ALEC
Jules, remember the time I flunked
art history and I was trying to
drink myself to death...
Kevin and Kirbo come dashing up the stairs breathlessly.
KIRBO
How is she?
LESLIE
She just threatened to throw
herself out the window.
Kevin and Alec have a moment of awkwardness.
LESLIE
The fire escape!
106.
162 EXT. JULES' BUILDING -.LATE AFTERNOON 162
Alec, Kevin and Kirbo climb up the fire escape. They
arrive at the second floor to find burglar proof grill-
work locked in place, but the windows are still wide open.
163 INT. APARTMENT - THEIR POV 163
Through the iron bars they see Jules.
164 EXT. FIRE ESCAPE 164
ALEC
Jules, what are you doing? You'll
freeze...
He stops.
KEVI N
To death. Exactly!
The three young men start tearing at the bars frantically.
165 INT. HALLWAY 165
Leslie pounds on the door.
LESLIE
Jules, you're really scaring me
now.
166 EXT. JULES' FIRE ESCAPE - LATE AFTERNOON 166
Alec, Kevin and Kirbo cannot budge the bars.
KEVIN
The whole country is.falling apart,
but these five bars are made
perfectly.
ALEC
We need something that cuts
through metal.
KEVIN
Or an experienced thief.
KIRBO
I'll find Billy.
Kirbo dashes down the fire escape.
KEVIN
I was kidding.
(CONTINUED)
166 CONTINUED:
KIRBO
Billy's working at the big Chevron
station on Michigan. He must have
a hacksaw or something...
Kirbo takes off on his bike as Alec looks at Kevin.
ALEC
Billy is working in a gas
station???
KEVIN
He needed the money.
Suddenly, Alec and Kevin become aware that they are
alone.
ALEC
I saw your article.
KEVIN
Yeah, well, yesterday's editorial
achievement is today's garbage
wrapper, right...?
Kevin tries to laugh charmingly. Alec tries to laugh
along with him, but suddenly rage returns.
ALEC
You little shit!!!
He grabs Kevin. Kevin tries to fight back, but Alec is
so overpowering he pushes Kevin up to the railing of the
fire escape, and then pushes him over. Kevin hangs
upside down as Alec holds him by his legs. Dozens of
scraps of paper fall from his pocket.
Leaning out the apartment hallway window, Leslie sees
them.
LESLIE
Alec, no!!!
167 INT. JULES' HALLWAY - LATE AFTERNOON 167
Leslie runs screaming through the hall and down the
stairs, passing Ron Dellassandro who is just coming home
from work.
RON
What's happening???
108.
168 EXT. JULES' FIRE ESCAPE - LATE AFTERNOON 168
Kevin, still hanging upside down, tries to hang on to
Alec. Papers continue to fly.
KEVIN
My notes!
ALEC
You won't need any more notes on
the meaning of life.
KEVIN
(upside-down,
STRAINING)
I'm kinda betting on you not doing
it, Al... think of your political
career.
Leslie runs into the alley underneath them.
LESLIE
Alec, stop Iit!
She frantically starts climbing the fire escape.
LESLIE
Alec!!!
BACK TO ALEC AND KEVIN
ALEC
After all I've done for you.
KEVIN
I feel I've done a lot for you,
too, Al... so pull me up and we'll
call it even.
ALEC
What you did for me was take the
woman I was going to marry.
The woman he was going to marry arrives frantically onto
their landing. She struggles with Alec.
LESLIE
Alec, stop it right now!
Below them, Billy and Kirbo pull up in a Chevron tow
truck. Billy, wearing Chevron coveralls, jumps out with
an acetylene torch in hand, shouting.
BILLY
Looks pretty ultimate up there...
168 CONTINUED:
He helps Kirbo, who is struggling with a two-wheeler
dolly holding a large tank of oxygen and acetylene.
LESLIE, ALEC AND KEVIN
KEVIN
You think this is helping Jules?
With Kevin's life still in his hands, he suddenly
remembers Jules.
169 INT. APARTMENT - THEIR POV 169
Looking back inside, he sees her still in the same posi-
tion, freezing.
170 EXT. FIRE ESCAPE 170
He slowly pulls Kevin onto the fire escape.
LESLIE
Are you all right?
Kirbo tries to get the dolly up the fire escape with
Billy.
KIRBO
Hey! Help.
Kevin goes down the fire escape to help him, leaving Alec
and Leslie alone. Leslie kneels by the window with her
hands on the iron bars and speaks to Jules.
LESLIE
Oh, my God. Jules, please, it's
so cold.
ALEC
Very noble how you ran up here to
save your lover.
LESLIE
He's not my lover. Jules, listen...
ALEC
Bullshit.
LESLIE
I have never lied to you once
since the day I met you... you
cocky shithead.
(CONTINUED)
110.
170 CONTINUED: 170
Alec knows it's the truth.
LESLIE
Hang on, Jules. We all love you.
She has been holding onto the bars with her bare-hands,
but the bitter cold makes her wince as she removes her
hands. Alec is overwhelmed with feelings as he takes her
hands and holds them to his mouth, breathing warm breath
onto them. Much emotion passes between them.
LESLIE
Your breath, your breath is so
sweet.
ALEC.
Leslie, I'm sorry. I'm so
profoundly sorry.
Kirbo and Kevin arrive. Billy races down the alley.
KIRBO
Blowtorch, anyone?
ALEC
Give it to me.
KEVIN
Do not hand him a blowtorch!
Kevin takes the torch and goes for the bars. SPARKS and
fire fly. Suddenly there is a PHENOMENAL POUNDING from
inside the apartment at Jules' front door. It stops
everyone on the fire escape.
171 INT. JULES' APARTMENT 171
The POUNDING jolts Jules.
172 EXT. JULES' HALLWAY - LATE AFTERNOON 172
Billy pounds on the door as Ron watches nervously.
BILLY
(FRIENDLY)
Jules, it's Billy. Open the door.
(NO REPLY)
Okay, Jules... Open up the goddamn
door, or I'm coming right through
it.
No reply. Billy spots a large metal fire extinguisher at
the end of the hall.
114.
178 CONTINUED: 178
LESLIE
You want some coffee, Ron?
Ron enters tentatively and joins them as JULES and BILLY
start SHOUTING and LAUGHING LOUDER.
RON
You know, until today I thought
gay people were nuts.
179 INT. UNIDENTIFIED APARTMENT - MIGHT 179
Billy sits on the floor playing his sax soulfully.
WIDER ANGLE
REVEALS it's Wendy's apartment. It is partially painted
and a large ladder stands in the room. A small. wing
chair has fabric swatches on it. Cartons, books, etc.
Wendy sits on the floor watching Billy.
WEND Y
Then what happened?
BILLY
That was it... We came out of the
bedroom and had coffee with
everybody.
WEND Y
You saved her life.
BILLY
Let's not get dramatic.
WENDY
So, when did you get so sane?
BILLY
When I realized how insane I've
been all this time tryin' to be
like Alec and Leslie... and you
and Kevin... I'm not part of this
post-college Georgetown life;
marriage and jobs. Felicia and
Melody'll be better off without me.
WENDY
Did she get remarried already?
BILLY
Three or four weeks...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
115.
179 CONTINUED: 179
BILLY (CONT'D)
I was thinkin' of hanging around
tryin'to be one of those in-the-
neighborhood dads... but it would
just confuse everybody... especially
me. New York'll suit me fine. if
somebody'll let me play sax.
(INDICATING APARTMENT)
This is great.
WENDY
I'll tell you what's great. Last
night I woke up in the middle of
the night and made myself a peanut
butter and jelly sandwich... and
you know it was my kitchen, and
my refrigerator and My apartment
. and it was the best peanut
butter and jelly sandwich I've
ever had in my life.
They chuckle together and then they become more serious.
WENDY
So you're goin', huh...?
She picks up his sax and blows a few comic notes.
BILLY
So, are you still a virgin?
WENDY
Why is my sexual status so
important to you?
BILLY
Have I abused our relationship too
much? Or could I be so bold... as
to ask you for a going-away present...?
Wendy is moved.
CUT TO:
180 WENDY 18O
Lying on the floor of her bedroom. Only a candle lights
the room. Billy's face comes INTO FRAME and they kiss,
tenderly at first and then more passionately. Wendy
looks beautiful and she and Billy are filled with a
tenderness and love that can only exist from the years
they have shared together.
The SAX BUILDS as the wonder of the two young lovers
builds.
DISSOLVE TO:
181 EXT. BUS TERMINAL - NIGHT 181
A large bus pulls out as Leslie stands at a coffee
vending machine. Alec approaches.
ALEC
Need someone to blow on your hands?
She smiles, but shows him her gloves. As she searches
for change in her pockets, Alec stops her and puts his
own coins in the machine. He presses buttons as he
talks.
ALEC
Did you know that I.always wanted
to make you coffee? I tried once
-- when you were in the shower --
but it didn't turn out right, so I
threw it out and cleaned everything
up so you wouldn't know. I don't
like doing things I'm not good at
-- like making coffee and saying
I'm sorry...
He looks at her sincerely as he hands her the plastic cup
from the machine.
ALEC
Leslie, I'm sorry.
They exchange a tender glance, and then Leslie takes a
sip from the steaming cup.
LESLIE
Alec, this is soup.
ALEC
What?
LESLIE
This is soup.
Alec's nervousness turns to embarrassment as they both
start to laugh. Old feelings surge.
LESLIE
I love you.
They look at each other for a moment.
LESLIE
We need time.
ALEC
I know.
(CONTINUED)
ST. ELMO'S FIRE - Rev. 10/11/84 116A.
181 CONTINUED: (AL) 181
Kirbo comes running over.
KI RBO
The bus is leaving.
Alec and Leslie Join him and they quickly move to where
Jules. Kevin and Wendy are saying goodbye to Billy who
has his suitcase and sax. A bus waits.
JULES
'Bye, baby.
She hugs him expansively. Billy next kisses Leslie and
shakes hands with the guys at the same time. Wendy waits
until last and then they embrace emotionally.
(CONTINUED)
117.
181 CONTINUED: 181
She whispers into his ear.
WENDY
Go ultimate.
Billy smiles at her as she fights tears.
BILLY
I'll keep in touch.
WENDY
(LAUGHING)
No, you won't.
He wants to say more to all of them, but the bus is wait-
ing and he hops on it. The door closes and the bus backs
out of the terminal. Billy stands near the driver and
waves out at them.
HIS FRIENDS
watch him pull away.
BUS
As it pulls backward, we can see Billy with his friend's
reflections on the bus's windshield SUPERIMPOSED OVER his.
The bus's headlights flare INTO the CAMERA. The images of
all of them mix with the white, hot GLARE SUPERIMPOSED
OVER this, for a brief second we see IMAGES of them all
from past, from school, from St. Elmo's, ,etc.
The SCREEN GOES totally WHITE with incandescent
brilliance as we --
182 -EXT.. STREET - ST. ELMO'S - NIGHT (LATER) 182
`Alec, Leslie, Kevin, Krbo, Wendy and Jules walk together
slowly.
WIDER SHOT
Coming upon St. F'1mo's, they stop. Looking,in the
window...
183
They see their old tables filled with younger students,
led by Claton, the undergrad.
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