In a war-torn Vietnam, one DJ’s humor brought light to the darkness, but also made him a target.
Watch the original version of Good Morning, Vietnam
Prologue:
The year is 1965, and the Vietnam War is in full swing. Young men and women are being sent overseas to fight for their country, and tensions are high both at home and abroad. Amid all the chaos, a new voice is about to emerge — that of Adrian Cronauer, a witty and irreverent DJ who is sent to Vietnam to work for the Armed Forces Radio Service.
Chapter 1 – The Arrival:
Adrian stepped off the plane and into the humid Vietnamese air, feeling a mix of excitement and nervous energy. He had always loved radio, and the chance to work for the Armed Forces Radio Service was a dream come true. He was also eager to see the troops he would be entertaining, to hear their stories, and to make them laugh.
As he made his way to the base, Adrian took in his new surroundings. The heat was oppressive, and the air was thick with the sound of helicopters and the smell of burning rubber. He passed by groups of soldiers in fatigues, some smoking cigarettes or playing cards, others hurrying off to their next assignment. Adrian felt a pang of homesickness, but he knew he was up for the challenge.
Finally, Adrian arrived at the base and was greeted by his CO, a stern-looking man named Major Dickerson. “You’re the new DJ, then?” Dickerson asked, eyeing Adrian suspiciously.
“Yes sir,” Adrian replied, standing at attention.
“Well, we’ll see how you do,” Dickerson said, his tone not exactly welcoming. “Radio is an important part of keeping morale up here, Cronauer. You better not screw it up.”
Adrian felt a twinge of anxiety at the Major’s words, but he didn’t let it show. He was determined to make a difference, to use his humor and wit to entertain the troops and to remind them that they were loved and appreciated.
Over the next few days, Adrian settled into his new routine. He spent hours in the studio, tinkering with the equipment and familiarizing himself with the music library. He also made sure to spend time with the troops, getting to know them and their stories, and finding ways to integrate their experiences into his broadcasts.
It wasn’t long before Adrian’s broadcasts became a hit with the troops. He played a mix of rock and soul, along with witty commentary and entertaining skits. He even took requests from soldiers in the field, dedicating songs to their girlfriends and wives back home. The troops loved him, and they started to tune in every day, eager for a taste of home and some much-needed laughter.
But while Adrian was a hit among the troops, his superiors were not so pleased. They didn’t appreciate his irreverent style, and they worried that his humor might be too much for the troops to handle in such a tumultuous time. They warned him to tone it down, to be more respectful and serious in his broadcasts.
Adrian tried to follow their instructions, but he couldn’t help himself. He was a funny guy, and he wanted to make the troops laugh. He kept pushing the boundaries, making jokes and poking fun at the absurdities of war. And while the troops loved him even more for his humor, his superiors became increasingly frustrated.
One day, Adrian got called into Major Dickerson’s office. He knew it couldn’t be good. “What’s the problem, sir?” he asked, trying to keep his tone respectful.
“The problem, Cronauer, is that your broadcasts are out of line,” Dickerson said, his face stern. “We’ve been getting complaints from higher-ups, saying that your humor isn’t appropriate for the situation at hand. They’re worried that it’s bringing down morale, not uplifting it.”
Adrian felt his heart sink. He had been afraid of this. “Sir, all I want to do is make the troops laugh,” he said, his voice earnest. “They’re going through hell out there, and if I can make them forget about it for a little while, isn’t that a good thing?”
Dickerson sighed. “I understand that, Cronauer. But you have to toe the line. You can’t just do whatever you want, whenever you want. We have rules and guidelines for a reason.”
“Sir, I hear you,” Adrian said, feeling frustrated. “But if I stop being myself, if I stop being funny, what’s the point? I might as well be a robot.”
Dickerson looked at Adrian, his face softening a little. “I get it, Cronauer. I really do. But you need to understand that this is a war. We’re fighting for our lives here. We can’t afford to let our guard down, even for a minute.”
Adrian nodded, feeling defeated. He didn’t like the idea of compromising his sense of humor, but he also didn’t want to get in trouble. He knew he had to find a way to make it work.
As he left Dickerson’s office, Adrian felt a mix of emotions. On the one hand, he was grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the troops. On the other hand, he was frustrated by the limitations placed on him by his superiors. He didn’t know how he was going to navigate this delicate balance, but he knew he had to try. For the troops, and for himself.
Chapter 2 – The First Show
Adrian stepped into the studio with an air of confidence, eager to begin his first broadcast for the Armed Forces Radio Service. He had prepared a playlist of upbeat music and a few jokes to get the troops laughing. As he put on his headphones and adjusted the mic, he felt a thrill of excitement course through him. This was what he had trained for, what he had dreamed of – the chance to entertain troops and make them feel a little bit closer to home.
“Good morning, Vietnam!” Adrian announced into the mic, trying to catch the troops’ attention with his enthusiasm. “This is your new DJ speaking, here to bring you some tunes and some good vibes to get your day started right.”
As Adrian began to play his first song, he could hear the chatter of troops tuning in from all over the base. He grinned to himself, feeling a surge of pride in his new job. But as he began to get into a rhythm, he couldn’t resist a quick joke.
“Hey, troops, did you hear the one about the two antennas that got married? The wedding may have been a bit dull, but the reception was excellent!”
There was a brief pause on the other end, and Adrian worried that he had taken things too far with his humor. But then he heard a burst of laughter from a few of the troops, and knew that his joke had landed.
“Alright, alright, settle down now,” Adrian chided, trying to keep things professional. “We’ve got some great music coming up, so stick around.”
And with that, Adrian launched into another song. As he played, he could feel himself relaxing into his role as DJ, tapping his foot to the rhythm and occasionally making small talk with the troops.
But just as he was starting to feel like he had found his groove, the door to the studio burst open. Adrian turned to see a stern-looking officer standing in the doorway, glaring at him.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” the officer barked, his voice echoing around the studio.
Adrian felt a cold knot of fear settle in his stomach. He had heard rumors that his humor and irreverent style might not be appreciated by the higher-ups, but he hadn’t expected to be called out so quickly. He tried to compose himself, feeling his heart racing with adrenaline.
“Sir, I’m just doing my job,” Adrian replied, trying to keep his voice calm and even.
“Your job is to play music and keep the troops informed, not to make a mockery of our service,” the officer snapped. “I don’t want to hear any more of your jokes or your antics. Is that understood?”
Adrian felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. He had thought that his humor would be well-received by the troops, but now it seemed like he was on the wrong side of things. He tried to push down his feelings and focus on the task at hand.
“Yes, sir,” Adrian replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “I’ll do my best to keep things professional from here on out.”
The officer nodded curtly and stormed out of the studio, leaving Adrian to pick up the pieces. As he put on the next song, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. He had wanted to bring some levity and humor to the troops’ lives, but now it seemed like he was on a very short leash.
But even as he struggled to find his footing, Adrian knew that he wouldn’t give up on his mission. He would find a way to entertain the troops, to keep them feeling connected and upbeat even in the midst of war. And as he played the next song, he couldn’t help but smile to himself, knowing that he was just getting started.
Chapter 3 – The Enemies
Adrian had been working at the Armed Forces Radio Service for a few weeks now, and things were going well. He had quickly become popular among the troops for his humor and energetic style, and he was enjoying his job more than he ever thought possible. However, not everyone was thrilled with his irreverent style, and he was about to find out just how much trouble it could get him into.
One day, Adrian was called into his boss’s office. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach as he walked down the hall, wondering what he could have done wrong. When he arrived, his boss was sitting behind his desk, looking stern and serious.
“Adrian, have a seat,” he said.
Adrian sat down, trying to keep his nerves in check. “What’s up?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
“I’ve been hearing some complaints about your broadcasts,” his boss said, his voice tight. “Some of the higher-ups aren’t happy with your humor and your laid-back style. They say you’re not taking this job seriously enough.”
Adrian felt his heart sink. He had known that he was taking a risk with his humor, but he had never thought it would get him in this much trouble.
“I understand,” he said, trying to sound contrite. “I’ll try to tone it down.”
“You’d better,” his boss said. “I don’t want to have to take any disciplinary action against you.”
Adrian nodded, feeling like he had just narrowly escaped disaster. He knew he needed to be more careful from now on, but he couldn’t help feeling like he was being stifled. He loved entertaining the troops, and he didn’t want to lose that connection with them.
Over the next few days, Adrian tried his best to tone down his broadcasts. He still tried to inject some humor into them, but he was more cautious than before. He could tell that the troops were still enjoying his shows, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was walking on eggshells.
One day, Adrian was walking down the hall when he heard someone call out his name. He turned to see a group of officers standing there, looking at him with disapproving expressions.
“Adrian, we need to talk to you,” one of them said, his voice cold.
Adrian felt a chill run down his spine. He had a feeling he knew what this was about.
“What’s going on?” he asked, trying to sound innocent.
“We’ve been receiving complaints about your broadcasts,” another officer said. “Some of the troops are saying that you’re not taking your job seriously enough.”
Adrian felt his frustration rising. He had been trying to be more careful, but it seemed like no matter what he did, he was going to get in trouble.
“I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone,” he said. “I’ll try to do better.”
“That’s not good enough,” the first officer said. “We have an image to maintain, and we can’t have someone like you tarnishing it.”
Adrian felt a surge of anger. He knew that the officers were more concerned with their own image than with the troops’ morale, and he couldn’t stand it.
“I’m sorry that I’m not playing by your rules,” he said, his voice shaking with anger. “But I’m here to entertain the troops, not to serve your image.”
The officers looked shocked, and Adrian realized that he had gone too far. He had just openly defied his superiors, and there was no telling what kind of trouble he was going to be in now.
“Adrian, that’s enough,” the first officer said, his voice dangerous. “I’m suspending you from your job, effective immediately. You can consider this a warning.”
Adrian felt his heart drop. He had just lost his dream job, and all because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He knew he had made a mistake, but he couldn’t help thinking that he had been betrayed by the very people he was trying to entertain.
As he walked out of the office, feeling defeated, he realized that he was going to have to find a way to keep entertaining the troops, even if it meant risking his own safety. He couldn’t give up on them, no matter what his superiors thought of him.
Chapter 4 – The Love Interest
Adrian didn’t expect to find love in Vietnam. He had come to the country to entertain the troops, to make them laugh and to bring a little bit of joy to their lives. He had never anticipated falling in love with a local woman. When he met Mai, he was swept away by her beauty and her warmth. She was unlike any woman he had ever met before, with a gentle spirit and a kind heart. They had bonded over their love of music, and Adrian knew he had to see her again.
He made arrangements to meet Mai at a local café, and they talked for hours over coffee. They talked about their dreams and ambitions, their families and their hopes for the future. Adrian felt a connection to Mai that he had never felt before, and he knew he wanted to spend more time with her.
But as they left the café, they were stopped by a group of soldiers. Adrian recognized them as his superiors, and his heart sank. He knew they wouldn’t approve of his relationship with Mai, and he was right. They ordered him to leave her alone, telling him that fraternizing with the locals was forbidden.
Adrian was devastated. He couldn’t understand how falling in love could be wrong. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and he knew he couldn’t just walk away from Mai. He tried to reason with his superiors, but they wouldn’t budge. They threatened to report him if he continued to see her, and Adrian knew he was in trouble.
He tried to stay away from Mai, but he couldn’t. Their connection was too strong, and he found himself thinking about her all the time. He started to meet her in secret, and they would walk along the beach or sit in a hidden spot in the park. They would talk and laugh, and Adrian felt happier than he had ever felt before.
But his happiness didn’t last long. One day, as he was walking back to the base after seeing Mai, he was confronted by his best friend and fellow DJ, Eddie. Eddie had always been a bit of a troublemaker, and Adrian had always been there to bail him out. But now, Eddie had turned against him.
He told Adrian that he had seen him with Mai, and that he was going to report him to their superiors. Adrian felt a wave of betrayal wash over him. How could his own friend turn on him like this? He begged Eddie not to say anything, but Eddie wouldn’t listen. He told Adrian that he had to report him, or else he would be in trouble too.
Adrian felt like his world was falling apart. He had never felt so alone and helpless. He knew that if his superiors found out about his relationship with Mai, he could lose his job, and possibly even be thrown in jail. He couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from her, but he didn’t know what to do.
He spent the next few days in a haze, unable to think or concentrate. He knew that his time in Vietnam was limited, and that he would have to leave soon. But he didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye to Mai. He knew he had to see her one last time, no matter what the consequences.
He made arrangements to meet her at the café again, and they talked and laughed like they always did. But there was a sadness in their eyes, a recognition that their time together was limited. Adrian knew that he had to leave soon, and he didn’t know when he would be able to see her again.
As he walked back to the base, he felt a heavy weight in his heart. He knew that he had made the right decision in falling in love with Mai, even if it had cost him his job. He knew that he had made a difference in her life, and in the lives of the soldiers he had entertained. He may have been leaving Vietnam, but he knew that he had left a part of himself behind.
Chapter 5 – The Betrayal
Adrian had never felt more alive than he did in Vietnam. The energy of the troops and his love for entertaining them had given him a sense of purpose he hadn’t felt before. But everything changed when he met Mai.
Mai was Vietnamese, beautiful and kind. She worked as a waitress at a local café, and Adrian had first noticed her when he stopped in for a cup of coffee one day. They struck up a conversation, and soon they were spending every spare moment together.
Adrian knew that fraternizing with local women was frowned upon by his superiors, but he didn’t care. He was in love with Mai, and he couldn’t imagine life without her.
But his happiness was short-lived.
One day, Adrian’s best friend and fellow DJ, Eddie, pulled him aside after their show. “Adrian, we need to talk,” he said, his expression serious.
Adrian felt a sense of foreboding. “What’s going on, Eddie?”
“It’s about Mai,” Eddie said, looking uncomfortable. “I heard a rumor that one of the guys saw you with her, and I had to report it to our superiors.”
Adrian’s heart sank. He had hoped that he could keep his relationship with Mai a secret, but now it seemed that he had been found out.
“Why did you do that, Eddie?” Adrian asked, hurt and angry.
“I had no choice, Adrian,” Eddie said, his voice low. “We both know the rules. You’re not supposed to fraternize with locals. If our superiors find out, you could get in serious trouble.”
Adrian felt a surge of rage. He had trusted Eddie, and now he felt betrayed.
“How could you do this to me, Eddie?” Adrian asked, struggling to control his emotions.
“It’s not personal, Adrian,” Eddie said, putting a hand on Adrian’s shoulder. “I’m just trying to protect you. And the mission. We’re here to entertain the troops, not get involved with the locals.”
Adrian shook his head, feeling disillusioned. He had always thought that his fellow DJs were his friends, but now he realized that they were just looking out for themselves.
“I can’t believe this,” Adrian said, his voice shaking. “I trusted you, Eddie. And now you’ve gone and done this.”
“I’m sorry, Adrian,” Eddie said, looking genuinely upset. “I had to do what I thought was right.”
Adrian didn’t know what to say. He felt as though his world had been turned upside down. He had fallen in love with Mai, and now he was being forced to choose between his heart and his job.
He knew that he couldn’t keep seeing Mai, not if he wanted to keep his job. But he also knew that he couldn’t just walk away from her.
“I don’t know what to do,” Adrian said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I know it’s tough, Adrian,” Eddie said, his tone sympathetic. “But you have to do what’s right for you. And for the mission.”
Adrian nodded, feeling defeated. He knew that Eddie was right. He had to make a choice.
But he didn’t know how he was going to do it.
Chapter 6 – The Attack
Adrian and his fellow DJs, Eddie and Phil, were in the middle of their broadcast when the base came under attack. At first, they thought it was just incoming fire from the surrounding area, but soon they could hear the sound of bombs exploding and the screams of their fellow soldiers.
Adrian knew that he had to keep broadcasting, even as chaos swirled around them. He grabbed the microphone and started speaking, his voice steady and calm.
“Attention, all personnel. This is your DJ, Adrian Cronauer. We are under attack, but we are going to get through this together. I want you all to know that we are doing everything we can to keep you safe. Stay where you are and keep calm. We’ll get through this together.”
Adrian’s words seemed to calm the troops, and the chaos outside subsided slightly. But then they heard the sound of gunfire getting closer, and Adrian knew that the base was being overrun.
“We’ve got to move,” he said to Eddie and Phil. “We can’t stay here.”
They grabbed their equipment and started to make their way through the base. The sounds of gunfire and explosions were all around them, and Adrian could see the fear in the eyes of the soldiers they passed.
“Hang in there, guys,” he said, waving at them. “We’re going to make it out of here.”
As they made their way through the base, they saw the devastation that had been wrought. Buildings were on fire, and soldiers lay injured and dying on the ground. But Adrian kept moving forward, determined to keep broadcasting and keep the troops’ spirits up.
Suddenly, they heard a loud explosion and the ground shook beneath their feet. Adrian stumbled and fell, and for a moment, he thought that it was all over.
But then he heard Eddie’s voice. “Get up, man! We’ve got to keep going!”
Adrian got to his feet and kept moving. They finally made it to a bunker, where they could set up and continue broadcasting.
As they broadcasted from the bunker, Adrian began to realize just how important his role was. The troops were listening to him, and his words were helping to give them hope and strength.
He started telling jokes and playing music, and gradually the morale of the troops began to lift. They laughed at his jokes and sang along to the songs he played, and for a brief moment, it was as if they weren’t even in the middle of a war.
But then the bunker was hit by a bomb, and everything went black. When Adrian came to, he found himself lying on the ground, covered in dust and debris.
He looked around and saw that Eddie and Phil were both badly injured. “Hang on, guys,” he said, crawling over to them. “We’re going to get out of here.”
Adrian managed to drag Eddie and Phil to safety, but he knew that they needed medical attention quickly. He started to broadcast again, hoping that someone on the base would hear him and come to their aid.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, a helicopter arrived and took them to safety. As they flew away from the base, Adrian looked down at the devastation below and felt a sense of loss and despair.
But then he remembered the troops he had been entertaining, and he knew that he had made a difference. He had given them hope and laughter in the midst of chaos and destruction, and that was something that would stay with them forever.
As they landed at a nearby hospital, Adrian realized that he had become more than just a DJ. He was a lifeline for the troops, and in that moment, he knew that he would do whatever it took to keep them entertained and uplifted, no matter the circumstances.
Chapter 7 – The Suspension
Adrian sat in the waiting room, nervously tapping his foot against the linoleum floor. He’d been summoned to a meeting with his superiors, and he had a feeling it wasn’t going to be good news.
He fidgeted with his tie, feeling like he was suffocating in the stifling heat of Vietnam. The air conditioning in the room was barely working, and sweat was beading on his forehead.
Finally, the door opened and a stern-faced colonel walked in, followed by Adrian’s immediate supervisor, Sergeant Major Dickerson.
“Adrian,” the colonel began, “we’ve received numerous complaints about your broadcasts. Your humor is inappropriate and unprofessional. You’re entertaining the troops, not engaging in stand-up comedy.”
Adrian tried to defend himself, but the colonel cut him off. “This isn’t about your talent, Adrian. It’s about the way you’re misusing it. You’ve been suspended from your job, effective immediately.”
Adrian’s heart sank like a stone. This was his dream job, and he’d blown it. He felt like he’d let down everyone who had supported him and encouraged him to pursue this path.
Sergeant Major Dickerson stepped forward. “You’re to leave the base immediately. You’ll have a few days to pack up your things, but you’re not to broadcast or interact with the troops during that time. Is that understood?”
Adrian nodded numbly, feeling like he was in a bad dream. He’d never been fired from a job before, let alone a job he loved and believed in. He wondered what he was going to do now, how he would support himself, how he would ever find another job that made him feel alive like this one had.
He stumbled out of the meeting, feeling like he might vomit. He knew he had to tell his colleagues and friends on the base, but he didn’t know how to face them. They’d all supported him and his style of broadcasting, but now he felt like he’d let them down, too.
As he walked back to his living quarters, he saw a group of soldiers gathered around the radio tower. They were listening to his colleague, Charlie, broadcasting his regular show.
Adrian felt a pang of jealousy and sadness. He’d lost his job, his friends, and his sense of purpose. But then he took a deep breath and remembered something he’d learned from his time in the military: never give up.
He put on a brave face as he entered his living quarters, trying to act like everything was normal. His roommates, two other DJs, looked up from their books and greeted him cheerfully.
“Hey man, what’s up?” one of them asked.
Adrian took a deep breath. “I’ve been suspended from my job.”
His roommates were shocked. They knew how much Adrian loved his job, and how hard he worked to entertain the troops. They tried to console him, telling him that he was a great DJ and that he would find another job soon.
But Adrian couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d let everyone down. He spent the next few days packing up his things, wandering around the base like a ghost. He didn’t broadcast or interact with anyone, feeling like he was in exile.
But then something strange happened. Soldiers began to approach him, asking him why he wasn’t broadcasting anymore. They missed his humor and his energy. They told him how much they appreciated him and how he’d made them laugh even in the darkest of times.
Adrian was touched and surprised. He’d thought that no one cared about him anymore, that he was a has-been. But these soldiers showed him that he was still a valuable part of their lives, even if he wasn’t technically working for the Armed Forces Radio Service anymore.
He decided to put on a farewell broadcast, to say goodbye to the troops who had meant so much to him. He didn’t know what he was going to say, but he knew that he wanted to thank them for their support and their friendship.
On the day of his last broadcast, Adrian walked into the studio feeling like he was walking into a funeral. He was saying goodbye to his dream job, to his friends, and to the soldiers who had become like family to him.
But then he saw the soldiers gathered around the radio tower, listening to his show. They were smiling and laughing, looking up at him with a sense of admiration and respect.
Adrian took a deep breath and began his broadcast. He thanked the soldiers for their support and their friendship, and told them that he would never forget the time he spent in Vietnam.
He also told them that he wasn’t going to stop making them laugh, even if he wasn’t doing it over the airwaves anymore. He promised to visit them, to write to them, and to keep in touch with them even after he left.
As he signed off for the last time, Adrian felt a sense of closure and resolution. He had lost his job, but he had gained so much more: the love and respect of the soldiers he had entertained, the knowledge that he had made a real difference in their lives, and the sense that he could never be silenced or defeated.
He left Vietnam with a heavy heart, but also with a sense of pride and accomplishment. He knew that he would never forget the time he spent there, or the soldiers who had become like family to him. And he knew that he would never stop making people laugh, no matter where his path took him next.
Chapter 8 – The Departure
Adrian felt a lump form in his throat as he stepped away from the microphone for the final time. The last notes of the final song faded away, and there was only silence. It was hard to believe that his time in Vietnam was over.
As he stepped out of the radio station, he was met with a sea of faces. Soldiers had come from all over the base to say goodbye to him. Adrian was taken aback by the outpouring of affection and support. He had never realized just how much he had meant to the troops.
The soldiers were all grabbing him, hugging him, shaking his hand, telling him how much they would miss him. Some even thanked him for saving their lives. Adrian felt humbled and grateful. It dawned on him that he had made a real difference in these soldiers’ lives.
Amidst the chaos, Adrian spotted Mai standing in the back of the crowd. They locked eyes for a moment, and Adrian knew that he had to make his way over to her. As he pushed his way through the throng of soldiers, he could feel their eyes on him. He felt like a celebrity, and it both thrilled and scared him.
When he finally reached Mai, she threw her arms around him, and they embraced tightly. For a moment, Adrian felt like everything was okay. But then he remembered that he had to leave.
“I don’t want to go,” Adrian said, his voice cracking.
“I don’t want you to go either,” Mai said, wiping away a tear.
Adrian held her tight, taking in every detail of her face, committing it to memory. He knew that he would never forget her.
Finally, they parted, and Adrian made his way to the helicopter waiting to take him away. As he climbed aboard, he looked back at the soldiers one last time. They were still cheering and waving, and Adrian felt like he was leaving a part of himself behind.
As the helicopter lifted off, Adrian looked out the window at the base disappearing into the distance. He felt a sense of loss and sadness, but also a sense of pride. He had accomplished something here, something that had made a difference.
He thought about all the soldiers he had met, all the stories he had heard. He knew that he would always carry those stories with him, and that they would influence him for the rest of his life.
As the helicopter disappeared over the horizon, Adrian closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. He knew that he would never forget his time in Vietnam, and that he would always cherish the memories.
The end.
Some scenes from the movie Good Morning, Vietnam written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
Adrian – The new DJ.
Eddie – Adrian’s best friend and fellow DJ.
Mai – A Vietnamese woman who Adrian falls in love with.
Colonel Taylor – Adrian’s superior officer.
Scene 1:
INT. AIRPORT – DAY
Adrian arrives at the airport with his bags, looking around at the bustling crowds of people. He’s young, excited, and a little bit nervous. His eyes widen as he takes in his new surroundings – the vibrant colors, the strange smells, the heat.
Adrian: (to himself) “Wow. This is it. Vietnam. Let’s do this.”
He makes his way through the airport, following the signs to the exit. Outside, a group of soldiers are waiting for him, holding up a sign that reads “Welcome, Adrian!”
Adrian: (smiling) “Hey, guys! Good to be here.”
Soldier 1: “You ready to rock the airwaves, man?”
Adrian: “Absolutely.”
Scene 2:
INT. RADIO STATION – DAY
Adrian is in the studio, getting ready for his first show. He’s nervous, pacing back and forth and fidgeting with his headphones.
Eddie walks in, grinning from ear to ear.
Eddie: “Hey, buddy! You ready for this?”
Adrian: (bouncing on the balls of his feet) “You know it!”
Eddie: “Just remember, keep it light, keep it funny. These guys need a laugh.”
Adrian nods, taking a deep breath. He puts on his headphones and takes a sip of water.
Adrian: (to himself) “Okay, here we go.”
He begins his first show, and the troops love him immediately. They laugh at his jokes, request songs, and even send in messages to their loved ones back home. Adrian can feel the energy in the room, and it’s infectious.
Adrian: (smiling) “Good morning, Vietnam! Let’s get this party started.”
The screen fades to black.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. ARMED FORCES RADIO SERVICE BUILDING – DAY
Adrian, a young and energetic DJ, arrives at the radio station in Vietnam. He’s eager to start his job and entertain the troops. As he enters the building, he’s greeted by his boss, Lt. Hauk, a stern and no-nonsense military man.
LT. HAUK:
(sarcastic)
Welcome to Vietnam, Airman Cronauer. I’m sure you’ll find it quite different from the states.
ADRIAN:
(enthusiastic)
Yes sir, I’m excited to be here and entertain the troops.
LT. HAUK:
(sternly)
Just remember, Airman, this is a military operation. We don’t want any irreverent humor or political commentary on our radio station.
ADRIAN:
(smiling)
Don’t worry, sir. I know how to keep it light and fun.
CUT TO:
INT. RADIO BOOTH – DAY
Adrian dons his headphones and starts his first broadcast. He plays some classic rock and introduces himself to the troops.
ADRIAN:
(enthusiastic)
Good morning, Vietnam! This is your new DJ, Adrian Cronauer, and I’m here to make your days a little brighter.
As Adrian talks, he starts to crack jokes and make humorous commentary about the military bureaucracy. The troops laugh and cheer, but Lt. Hauk listens in disapproval.
LT. HAUK:
(to himself)
This is not what I had in mind.
CUT TO:
INT. LT. HAUK’S OFFICE – DAY
Lt. Hauk storms into his office and picks up the phone.
LT. HAUK:
(into phone)
General, we have a problem. This new DJ is completely out of control and making a mockery of the military on our radio station.
CUT TO:
INT. RADIO BOOTH – DAY
Adrian continues to entertain the troops with his humor and wit. His popularity grows among the soldiers, who start requesting songs and sending in messages. But little does he know, Lt. Hauk is plotting his downfall.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
INT. AFRS OFFICE – DAY
Adrian sits nervously in front of his superior officer, LT COL STEVENSON.
LT COL STEVENSON: Adrian, we’ve had some complaints about your broadcasts.
ADRIAN: Sir, I’m just trying to entertain the troops.
LT COL STEVENSON: We understand that, but your humor is not appropriate for a military setting. We need you to tone it down.
ADRIAN: Sir, with all due respect, the soldiers love my broadcasts. They need something to lift their spirits in this war.
LT COL STEVENSON: I understand that, Adrian, but we can’t have you making jokes about our superiors or the war effort. It’s disrespectful.
Adrian nods, but the disappointment in his face is evident. He’s always known that his humor was risky, but he never thought it would get him into trouble.
ADRIAN: Yes, sir. I’ll make sure to keep it more appropriate.
LT COL STEVENSON: That’s all we ask, Adrian. We want you to continue to entertain the troops, but we also need you to be mindful of your audience.
Adrian nods again, feeling defeated. As he leaves the office, he can’t help but wonder how he’s going to make the troops laugh without getting himself in trouble.
Scene 4
Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
Characters:
Adrian – The new DJ in Vietnam who loves to make jokes and entertain the troops.
Mai – A beautiful Vietnamese woman who Adrian falls in love with.
Eddie – Adrian’s best friend and fellow DJ who ends up betraying him.
Setting:
The scene takes place in a bustling Vietnamese marketplace, with Adrian and Mai walking amongst the stalls and shops.
Dialogue:
(Adrian and Mai are walking through the crowded market, holding hands)
Mai: “I love coming here with you. It reminds me of the Vietnam before the war.”
Adrian: “Yeah, it’s a shame what’s happened to this place. But hopefully one day it’ll be back to its former glory.”
Mai: “I hope so too. But for now, I’m just happy to be with you.”
Adrian: “Me too. Mai, I know we have to keep our relationship a secret, but it’s hard not being able to show you off to the world.”
Mai: “I understand, Adrian. But we have to be careful. We don’t want anyone to find out.”
(Just then, Eddie appears from behind a nearby stall)
Eddie: “Adrian! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Adrian: “Hey, Eddie. What’s up?”
Eddie: “You need to come back to the base. The Colonel wants to see you.”
Adrian: “Alright, I’ll be there in a bit.”
(Eddie notices Mai)
Eddie: “And who’s this?”
Adrian: “This is Mai. Mai, this is Eddie. He’s one of the other DJs on the station.”
Eddie: “Nice to meet you, Mai. Adrian, we need to get going.”
Adrian: “Yeah, I know. I’ll see you later tonight, Mai.”
Mai: “Be careful, Adrian.”
(Adrian and Eddie leave the marketplace, with Mai watching them go)
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. ARMY BASE – DAY
Adrian and Eddie are walking towards the radio station, laughing and joking. As they approach the door, Eddie’s face falls.
EDDIE
Adrian, I have to tell you something.
Adrian looks at him warily.
ADRIAN
What is it?
EDDIE
I overheard Major Barnes talking to the CO. They’re not happy with your relationship with Mai.
Adrian’s face falls as well.
ADRIAN
What do you mean? Did they say anything specific?
EDDIE
They said that you could compromise the security of the base by being involved with a Vietnamese woman.
Adrian looks down at the ground.
ADRIAN
I knew it was too good to be true.
EDDIE
I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean to ruin things.
ADRIAN
It’s not your fault. I knew the risks. I just didn’t think they’d find out.
Eddie puts a hand on Adrian’s shoulder.
EDDIE
We’ll figure something out. Maybe you can talk to the Major…
ADRIAN
No. It’s over. I can’t risk getting Mai in trouble.
Eddie nods, looking guilty.
EDDIE
I’m really sorry, Adrian.
Adrian manages a small smile.
ADRIAN
It’s okay. I’ll figure something out.
FADE TO BLACK.
