A comedic crime adventure inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, where three convicts find more than just treasure on their journey.
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Prologue:
The deep south of the 1930s was a land of contrasts. The world was in the grip of the Great Depression, and the economic hardships of the time weighed heavily on people’s minds. In this backdrop, three prisoners – Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar – are chained together as they work on a chain gang in rural Mississippi. They dream of escaping the harsh life of the prison and finding a treasure that would change their fortunes forever.
Chapter 1: The Great Escape
The sun was setting on another hot and humid day in Mississippi as the chain gang trudged back to the prison after a long day of work in the fields. Ulysses Everett McGill, the de facto leader of the trio, could feel the sweat trickling down his back as they walked in step. He looked around at his companions, Pete and Delmar, and wondered if they had the same idea that he did.
As they approached a bend in the road, Ulysses whispered to his friends, “This is it, boys. This is where we make our move.” Delmar looked skeptical but Pete nodded his head in agreement. Ulysses had a plan, but it would require timing and precision.
As they rounded the bend, Ulysses saw an opportunity. The guards were distracted, and he quickly whispered orders to Pete and Delmar. They broke the chain, and each man ran in a different direction.
Ulysses ran as fast as he could, clutching a piece of paper that contained the location of a hidden treasure. He had stolen the paper from the prison warden’s office and had been waiting for the right moment to make his move.
He could hear the guards shouting and the sound of barking dogs as he ran through the woods. His heart was pounding, and he could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He was free, but he still had a long way to go before he could even think about finding the treasure.
After running for what felt like miles, Ulysses finally stopped to catch his breath. He had lost the guards and the dogs, but he knew that they wouldn’t give up the hunt so easily. He looked around and realized that he was alone. His friends were nowhere to be seen.
He began to walk, not sure which direction to take. He knew that he had to keep moving, but he didn’t want to make any noise and draw attention to himself. He walked for hours, his mind racing with thoughts of the treasure and what he would do with it.
Suddenly, he heard a voice from behind him. “Hey there, fella. What are you up to?” Ulysses turned around to see a man standing in front of him, holding a shotgun. His heart skipped a beat as he realized that he might have been caught.
The man looked at Ulysses for a moment before lowering his gun. “You don’t look like no ordinary prisoner. What’s your story, son?” Ulysses realized that he had to think fast if he wanted to stay free.
“I’m just a traveler, sir. Looking for work and a place to stay,” he said, trying to sound as innocent as possible.
The man looked at him for a moment longer before nodding his head. “Well, I reckon I can help you out. Follow me.”
Ulysses followed the man, feeling a mixture of relief and trepidation. He didn’t know what lay ahead, but he knew that he had to be careful. He had a feeling that his journey had only just begun.
Chapter 2: The Siren’s Song
As the three convicts, Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar, continue their journey in search of the hidden treasure, they stumble upon a group of women washing clothes in a river. The women’s beautiful voices draw them in, and they find themselves captivated by their enchanting singing. The trio is hesitant to approach the women, wary of the lawman hot on their heels. However, their curiosity ultimately gets the best of them, and they cautiously make their way towards the group.
As they near the women, they realize that their enchanting voices are coming from a trio of sirens, who are using their singing to lure in unsuspecting men. The sirens, who identify themselves as the Soggy Bottom Girls, try to seduce the men, promising them love and companionship. Delmar, who believes he’s found true love, falls for their trap and eagerly follows the women into the water.
Ulysses and Pete, however, are aware of the sirens’ true intentions and do their best to resist their allure. While Pete remains guarded, Ulysses takes a different approach, using his intellect to outsmart the sirens. He insists that he must first consult with the group’s leader before joining them, which buys him and Pete some time to devise an escape plan.
Meanwhile, Delmar is oblivious to the danger he’s in, believing he’s truly found a soulmate in one of the sirens. He even goes so far as to ask for her hand in marriage, to which she coyly responds, “I’m not a marrying kind, Delmar.”
As the day wears on and the sun begins to set, the sirens’ intentions become increasingly clear. They reveal their true form, transforming into hideous creatures and attempting to drown the men. Ulysses and Pete manage to escape, but Delmar is dragged underwater by his siren.
Ulysses and Pete frantically search for Delmar, ultimately finding him washed up on shore. He’s shaken by his experience, but the trio continues on their quest, now more aware than ever of the dangers that lie ahead.
As they walk away from the river, the Soggy Bottom Girls continue to sing their enchanting song, luring in more unsuspecting victims. However, the trio knows better than to be tempted again, and they move forward with caution and a newfound sense of determination.
Overall, this chapter serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of temptation and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of danger. The sirens’ song may be alluring, but it ultimately leads to destruction and despair. The trio is forced to consider their mortality and realize that their journey is not just about finding treasure, but also about discovering themselves and their true priorities.
Chapter 3: The Cyclops’ Den
Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar had been on the road for days, surviving on stolen food and the occasional generous stranger. As they trekked through the deep south, they encountered many strange and interesting characters.
One day, as they were resting in an abandoned barn, they heard the sound of a approaching horse. They quickly hid themselves, only to be confronted by a massive man with one eye, who introduced himself as Big Dan Teague.
Big Dan was a con artist who had lost his eye in a knife fight. He offered the trio a business proposition, suggesting they make a deal to sell him some of the treasure they were searching for in exchange for valuable information about where to find it. Sensing danger, they declined the offer and tried to make their escape.
Unfortunately, Big Dan had other plans. He chased them out of the barn and into the nearby woods. Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar ran as fast as they could, but Big Dan was hot on their trail. They eventually stumbled upon a cave and took refuge inside.
As they caught their breath, they realized that they had entered the den of a one-eyed giant, much like the Cyclops in Homer’s Odyssey. The giant, whose name was Vernon T. Waldrip, was not pleased with his uninvited guests.
Despite their attempts to reason with him, Vernon was determined to eat them. Ulysses, being the cleverest of the three, convinced him otherwise by claiming they were part of a famous traveling band, and promised to put on a show for him.
Vernon, who had a penchant for music, eagerly agreed. The trio, with their rousing rendition of “Man of Constant Sorrow,” impressed Vernon and his wife, who invited them to stay the night.
The next morning, Vernon offered to join them in their search for the treasure. Despite their initial hesitance, they accepted his offer, hoping it would keep him from turning on them.
As they traveled together, Vernon shared his vast knowledge of the area and helped them avoid the lawman’s traps. He even showed them a secret location where they could find a clue to the treasure’s whereabouts.
As they bid farewell to Vernon, they realized that he wasn’t such a bad guy after all. He had even given them a gift – a delicious pie made with apples from his orchard.
As they continued on their journey, Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar reflected on their experience with the Cyclops. They had successfully outwitted him and gained a valuable ally in their quest for treasure.
Little did they know that more unexpected situations and perilous adventures awaited them on their journey.
Chapter 4: The Three Sisters
As Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar continue on their journey to find the hidden treasure, they stumble upon a quaint farm inhabited by three sisters. The sisters invite the trio in and fawn over them, offering them food and drink. However, the sisters soon reveal their true intentions – they are witches who plan to trick the men into accepting a love potion that will make them fall in love with them.
The sisters, who are dressed in long, flowing dresses with twisted hair and mischievous grins, lead the men outside to perform a series of strange rituals. They create a potion using an array of ingredients, including snake venom and spiderweb, and force the men to drink it. As the potion takes effect, the sisters begin to enchant the men with their alluring spells.
Ulysses, the more levelheaded of the three, seems to be immune to the potion’s effects. However, Delmar and Pete quickly fall under the sisters’ spell and begin to act like lovesick puppies. The sisters cackle with glee as they watch the men fawn over them, offering them flowers and professing their love.
Ulysses tries to snap Pete and Delmar out of their trance, warning them that they are being tricked by the sisters. However, the sisters are too powerful and continue to cast their spells on the men. Meanwhile, Ulysses begins to investigate the sisters’ home, looking for a way to break the spell.
As he rummages through the sisters’ belongings, Ulysses discovers a book of spells hidden away in a chest. He quickly realizes that the key to breaking the spell lies in the book. Using his wits, Ulysses manages to steal the book from the chest and takes it outside to read it.
As he starts to read aloud, the sisters become enraged and try to stop him. However, Ulysses is determined to break the spell and continues to cast the counter spell. Slowly but surely, the effects of the potion wear off and Pete and Delmar return to their senses.
As the spell is broken, the sisters’ true form is revealed – they are old and wrinkled, with rotten teeth and twisted features. Pete and Delmar are horrified and run away screaming, while Ulysses stands his ground, unfazed by the witches’ true form.
The sisters, angry that their plan has failed, curse Ulysses and the others, warning them that they will face a terrible fate as they continue on their journey. Undeterred, Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar set off once again, determined to find the hidden treasure – and wary of any more strange and dangerous characters they may come across on their journey.
Chapter 5: The Road to Redemption
Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar were on the run from the law, but Ulysses had something else on his mind. He had been carrying a heavy guilt from his past, and he was seeking a way to make things right. They traveled through the deep south, searching for the treasure that would set them free, but Ulysses was searching for something more, something intangible.
As they wandered through the countryside, they stumbled upon a baptism ceremony taking place in a local river. The congregation was singing hymns and praising the Lord, and Ulysses was drawn to them. He felt like he needed to be baptized, to wash away his sins, and start fresh.
Pete and Delmar were hesitant, but Ulysses was determined. He approached the preacher and asked to be baptized. The preacher welcomed him with open arms, and the congregation watched as Ulysses was lowered into the water. When he emerged, he felt like a new man.
The three convicts continued their journey, but Ulysses carried himself with a newfound confidence. He was no longer weighed down by his past, and he felt like he had been given a second chance. However, their newfound freedom was short-lived.
As they were walking down a dirt road, a car approached them from behind. It was the lawman, and he had finally caught up to them. He got out of his car and approached the convicts with his gun drawn. Ulysses stepped forward, knowing that he was the one the lawman was after.
The lawman was a stern man, with a no-nonsense attitude. He had been chasing Ulysses for months and was not going to let him slip away again. Ulysses tried to reason with him, telling him that he had been baptized and was seeking redemption, but the lawman wasn’t interested in hearing it.
A scuffle broke out, and Ulysses and the lawman fought fiercely. They traded punches and grappled on the ground, both determined to come out on top. Ulysses managed to gain the upper hand and disarmed the lawman, pinning him to the ground.
As he held the lawman down, Ulysses had a moment of clarity. He realized that he didn’t want to be known as a criminal anymore. He wanted to leave his past behind and start fresh. He turned to the lawman and offered him a deal.
“Let us go,” he said. “And I’ll turn myself in tomorrow. I’ll face the consequences of my actions, but let my friends go free.”
The lawman hesitated, but eventually agreed to the deal. He let the trio go and watched as they disappeared into the woods. Ulysses felt relieved, knowing that he had made the right choice. He also knew that he had to follow through with his promise.
The next day, Ulysses turned himself in, and he was taken back to prison. But this time, it was different. He had a sense of peace, knowing that he had done the right thing. He served his time and was eventually released, a changed man.
When he emerged from prison, he was greeted by his friends, Pete and Delmar. They hugged him tightly, and Ulysses knew that they had formed a bond that would last a lifetime. They had all gone on a journey together, a journey of redemption and self-discovery.
As they walked away, Ulysses looked back at the prison, knowing that it was a chapter of his life that was now closed. He was moving forward, with a newfound sense of purpose and a desire to make things right. And who knows, maybe they would even find that treasure they had been searching for all along.
Chapter 6: The Devil’s Bargain
As the trio continues their quest for the hidden treasure, they come across a crossroads, where they meet a mysterious and sinister figure named Scratch. He offers them a deal that they cannot refuse – their souls in exchange for the treasure they seek.
Scratch is manipulative and cunning, playing on the trio’s greed and desperation. Ulysses, being the most level-headed of the group, is hesitant to accept the offer. However, Pete and Delmar are easily swayed by the promise of riches and agree to the devil’s bargain.
Feeling helpless and conflicted, Ulysses seeks guidance from a blind prophet who tells him to seek out a wise man named W. Wash. W. Wash is known to have mystical powers, and it is believed that he can help Ulysses in his time of need.
Ulysses sets off to find W. Wash, who lives deep in the woods. After many trials and tribulations, Ulysses finally finds him and tells him of the devil’s bargain that his friends have made. W. Wash tells Ulysses that he can help him, but warns him that it comes at a great cost.
W. Wash gives Ulysses a potion and tells him to slip it into their drinks when they meet Scratch again. The potion will make them forget about the treasure, and hopefully, the devil’s hold on them.
Ulysses returns to his friends and tells them about his encounter with W. Wash. Pete and Delmar are dismissive, but Ulysses knows that it’s his only option. He asks Scratch to meet them at the crossroads again, and he agrees.
At the crossroads, Scratch appears with a sly grin on his face. The trio is nervous, but they try to hide it. Scratch is ready to seal the deal when Ulysses slips the potion into their drinks. Scratch is enraged, realizing that he has been tricked.
The trio starts to forget their obsession with the treasure, as the potion takes effect. They realize that the true treasure was their friendship and the journey they shared. Scratch curses them, but they leave him behind and continue on their journey.
As they walk away from the crossroads, the trio feels lighter and happier than they’ve ever been. They’ve learned that greed and material possessions can blind us from what’s truly important in life.
The experience with Scratch and W. Wash has taught them valuable lessons about the dangers of temptation and the importance of true friendship. They continue their journey, knowing that they have each other’s backs and that nothing can tear them apart.
Chapter 7: The Governor’s Party
As the trio continues their search for the hidden treasure, they begin to encounter a variety of interesting characters and situations. One such scenario arises when they hear about a political rally being held by the state’s governor, and they decide to attend in disguise.
The trio comes up with a plan to dress up as musicians and perform at the rally, hoping to attract the attention of the crowd and possibly even the governor himself. Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar each take on new personas and begin practicing their music in preparation for the event.
When the day of the rally arrives, the trio arrives at the location dressed in their new outfits and carrying their instruments. They are let in without issue and soon begin performing on stage, much to the delight of the crowd.
The governor’s wife, a beautiful and sophisticated woman, takes a particular interest in the trio’s performance. She approaches them after the show and invites them to her mansion for a private performance later that evening.
Excited at the prospect of performing for such an important figure, the trio eagerly accepts the invitation and spends the rest of the day rehearsing. As evening approaches, they make their way to the governor’s mansion and are greeted by the governor’s wife at the door.
She leads them into a large, opulent room where they begin their performance. The music fills the room and the atmosphere is electric. As the night goes on, the trio becomes more and more comfortable around the governor’s wife, and they begin to let their guard down.
Suddenly, the governor himself walks in, accompanied by several armed guards. He demands to know who these musicians are and why they are in his home. The trio tries to explain their situation, but the governor is not convinced.
Realizing that they have been exposed, the trio tries to make a run for it. They are chased by the governor’s guards and must navigate through the mansion’s various rooms and corridors, all while trying to avoid capture.
Eventually, they find themselves cornered in a small room with no escape. The governor himself enters the room, ready to take them into custody. But just as all seems lost, a group of police officers arrives, having been tipped off by a sympathetic member of the crowd at the rally.
The trio is taken into custody but is ultimately released due to lack of evidence. They return to their quest for the hidden treasure with renewed vigor, knowing that they must be more careful in their actions going forward.
Overall, the governor’s party represents a turning point in the trio’s journey. They realize that they can no longer simply blend in and that they must be more careful in their dealings with others if they hope to succeed in their quest. Despite the setback, they remain determined to find the treasure and overcome any obstacles that come their way.
Chapter 8: The Flood
The trio had been making their way through the deep south for weeks, following a series of clues that they hoped would lead them to a hidden treasure. They had faced many challenges along the way, but none quite like the one that was bearing down on them now.
The storm clouds had been gathering for days, and the air was thick with the promise of rain. As they made their way through the dense forest, the wind picked up, and they could hear the distant rumble of thunder.
“We need to find some shelter,” Ulysses said, looking up at the sky. “This storm looks like it’s going to be a bad one.”
Pete and Delmar nodded in agreement, and they quickened their pace, scanning their surroundings for some kind of refuge. But just as they thought they had found a suitable spot – an old abandoned barn – the heavens opened, and the rain came pouring down.
In seconds, they were drenched, and the ground beneath their feet turned to mud. The wind whipped around them, and lightning flashed in the sky, illuminating their surroundings in a blinding glare.
As they huddled together in the shelter of the barn, the storm raged on, getting worse by the minute. It wasn’t long before they realized that they were in serious trouble. The rain was falling so hard and fast that the nearby river was starting to swell, and they could hear the sound of rushing water in the distance.
“We need to get out of here,” Delmar said, his voice rising above the din of the storm. “This place isn’t safe.”
But before they could make a move, the barn door was suddenly ripped from its hinges, and a torrent of water swept through the structure, knocking them off their feet and carrying them out into the open.
They were swept downstream, clinging to pieces of debris and struggling to keep their heads above water. The rain continued to come down in sheets, and the river continued to rise, until it became clear that they were in grave danger of being swept away to their deaths.
Just when it seemed like there was no hope, Ulysses caught sight of a small island in the middle of the river, and they all made a beeline for it, fighting their way through the raging current.
By the time they reached the island, they were exhausted, battered and bruised, but alive. They lay there, panting and shivering, as the storm raged on around them, wondering what would become of them.
Hours passed, and the storm eventually subsided, leaving the landscape around them unrecognizable. The river, once a gentle stream, had become a raging torrent, tearing through the countryside and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
With no other option, the trio began to make their way downstream, hoping to find some way back to civilization. But as they trudged along, they soon realized that the destruction had only just begun.
The floodwaters had taken out bridges, washed away roads and uprooted trees. The landscape was dotted with stranded animals and people in desperate need of help.
Over the next few days, the trio did what they could to assist in the recovery effort, using their unique set of skills to help people in need. They worked tirelessly to clear debris, build makeshift bridges and rescue stranded animals, earning the gratitude and respect of the people they helped along the way.
And as they made their way through the storm-ravaged countryside, they began to realize that their journey had taken on a new meaning. It wasn’t just about finding treasure anymore – it was about making a difference in the world, no matter how small that difference might be.
They knew that they still had a long way to go, and that there were more challenges to come, but they also knew that they had each other, and that they were capable of anything as long as they stuck together.
As they walked, the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds, and a rainbow appeared in the sky. It was a moment of hope and optimism, a sign that the worst was behind them and that better days were ahead.
And so, the trio pressed on, ready to face whatever lay ahead, and knowing that they would never forget the lessons they had learned on their journey through the deep south.
Chapter 9: The Final Showdown
The sound of gunfire echoed through the air as Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar found themselves in a final standoff with the lawman who had doggedly pursued them throughout their journey. They had managed to evade him at every turn, but now they were backed into a corner with no way out.
Ulysses had always known that this day would come. He had been waiting for it, preparing for it, and now that it was finally here, he was ready. He had a plan, and he hoped that it would be enough to see them through.
The lawman was a formidable opponent. He was tough, he was skilled, and he was relentless. But Ulysses had one advantage that the lawman didn’t – he had his friends. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with.
The three convicts took cover behind a stack of crates as the lawman advanced on them, his gun at the ready. Ulysses motioned for Pete and Delmar to follow his lead, and they crawled along the ground to a nearby set of stairs that led to the roof of the building.
Ulysses had scoped out the area earlier and knew that the roof provided the perfect vantage point for their attack. Once they were all in position, Ulysses signaled the start of the plan.
Pete and Delmar started firing at the lawman, drawing his attention to them while Ulysses made his move. He climbed up onto the roof and crept along the edge, keeping low to avoid being seen.
The lawman was focused on Pete and Delmar, who were keeping him pinned down with their gunfire. He didn’t notice Ulysses until it was too late.
Ulysses leapt from the roof, landing squarely on the lawman’s back. The force of the impact knocked the lawman to the ground, and Ulysses quickly disarmed him.
Pete and Delmar rushed over to help, and together they managed to restrain the lawman. They tied him up with some rope they had brought with them and hoisted him onto their shoulders.
As they made their way out of the building, they encountered a group of lawmen who had come to back up their colleague. But the trio was not to be deterred. They swung the bound lawman in a circle, using him as a human shield to fend off the attackers.
The plan worked, and the lawmen were taken aback by the trio’s audacity. In the moment of hesitation, Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar were able to make their escape, running down the street with the bound lawman still in tow.
They didn’t stop running until they reached the outskirts of town, where they finally collapsed from exhaustion. They were all covered in sweat, their chests heaving with exertion.
The lawman lay there, bound and at their mercy. Ulysses stood over him, looking down at him with a mixture of pity and contempt.
“You could have just let us go,” he said, addressing the lawman. “But you had to keep chasing us. Now look where it’s gotten you.”
The lawman said nothing, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. He was defeated, and he knew it.
Ulysses untied him and helped him to his feet. “Go home,” he said. “And don’t ever come after us again.”
The lawman nodded, and with a defeated air, he turned and walked away.
The three convicts watched him go, feeling a sense of satisfaction and relief wash over them. They had done it. They had beaten the lawman.
As they walked away, Ulysses thought about how he had always known that this day would come. He had always known that he would have to face his past and confront the demons that had haunted him for so long.
But now that it was over, he felt a sense of peace. He knew that he could never go back to the life he had led before, but he also knew that he would never forget the lessons he had learned on this journey.
The treasure they had been searching for all along had been the bonds they had formed along the way – with each other, with the people they had met, and even with their enemies.
And as they walked into the sunset, Ulysses knew that they had found what they had been looking for all along.
Chapter 10: The Treasure
The sun was setting over the rolling hills of Mississippi as Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar finally reached the spot where the treasure was buried. They had overcome so many obstacles on their journey, and now they were about to lay their hands on the long-awaited prize.
Ulysses, the natural leader of the group, slowly walked towards the marker that he had found in a pile of rocks. He looked back at his companions, who were both grinning from ear to ear, and said, “Boys, we’ve come a long way, but we’re finally here. Let’s get to work.”
They all began digging, their shovels striking the hard earth. The sky was getting darker, but they didn’t care. They were so close to their goal; nothing could stop them now.
As they dug deeper, they started to encounter some resistance. The dirt was getting harder, and they were struggling to make any progress. But they refused to give up. They dug and dug, sweat pouring down their faces, until they finally hit something solid.
Pete let out a whoop of joy as he lifted a large wooden chest out of the hole. They all gathered around it, staring in disbelief at the treasure they had uncovered. It was filled with gold coins, precious jewels, and other riches beyond their wildest dreams.
For a moment, they were silent, unable to comprehend the sheer magnitude of what they had found. And then they all burst into laughter, hugging each other tightly and dancing around in a circle.
But as they celebrated, Ulysses couldn’t help feeling a sense of emptiness inside. He had achieved what he had set out to do, but he realized that the true treasure was the journey they had gone through together.
“Boys,” he said, holding up his hands to quiet the celebrations. “We’ve got a lot to be proud of. We’ve been through hell and back, but we’ve come out stronger on the other side. And now that we’ve got this treasure, we can start anew. We can build a better life for ourselves – one that’s honest, and true, and free.”
Pete and Delmar looked at him with a sense of awe. They had never heard Ulysses speak with such conviction before, and it reminded them of why they had followed him in the first place.
As they packed up the treasure and made their way back to civilization, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. They knew that their journey together had come to an end. But they also knew that they had formed a bond that would last a lifetime.
When they finally arrived in town, they went their separate ways. Pete and Delmar decided to go into business together, using their share of the treasure to start a legitimate enterprise. Ulysses, on the other hand, felt like he had one more thing to do before he could move on with his life.
He walked into the local jailhouse, where he had spent so much of his life, and turned himself in. The lawmen were shocked to see him voluntarily give himself up, but they had no choice but to take him back into custody.
As they locked him up in a cell, Ulysses looked out the window, staring at the sunset. He knew that he had done something crazy, but he also knew that it was the right thing to do. He had finally found redemption, and he was at peace with himself.
Years later, long after Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar had passed away, their story became the stuff of legend. People talked about the three convicts who had escaped from prison and journeyed across the deep south in search of treasure. But the true legacy of their adventure was the bond they had formed – a bond that had lasted long after the treasure was forgotten.
Some scenes from the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? written by A.I.
Scene 1
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Logline: Three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them through the deep south during the 1930s. Along the way, they meet comical characters and find themselves in incredible situations.
Characters:
– Ulysses Everett McGill: The leader of the trio, a fast-talking and charismatic man who always has a plan.
– Pete Hogwallop: The loyal right-hand man, who doesn’t always agree with Ulysses but trusts him nonetheless.
– Delmar O’Donnell: The dim-witted but good-hearted member of the group, who is easily swayed by others.
Setting:
The story takes place in the deep south during the 1930s, with sprawling fields, dusty roads, and small towns.
Scene 1: The Great Escape
Fade in:
EXT. A FIELD – DAY
Three CONVICTS, Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete Hogwallop, and Delmar O’Donnell, are chained together, working in a field with other prisoners. Ulysses is digging a hole with a spoon while the other two are sweating and swinging their picks.
Ulysses:
(to Pete and Delmar)
Boys, it’s time. We’re breaking outta here.
Pete:
(to Ulysses)
We can’t just up and leave like that. We’ll get caught.
Delmar:
Yeah, I don’t know about this, Everett.
Ulysses:
We ain’t got no choice. I know a way out. Trust me.
Ulysses pulls out a small black rock and shows it to the others.
Ulysses:
This here’s a petrified unicorn horn. It’s been passed down in my family for generations. It’s powerful magic.
Delmar:
Magic?
Pete:
Yeah, right.
Ulysses:
We’ll use it to break the chains. Now, on the count of three, you both start coughing and hacking like you’re sick.
The trio begins to fake cough and Ulysses uses the petrified unicorn horn to break their chains. They quickly grab their shovels and make a run for it.
EXT. A FOREST – DAY
The trio runs through the forest, panting and sweating. Suddenly, they hear the sound of dogs barking and a SIREN wailing in the distance.
Ulysses:
(to Pete and Delmar)
We gotta keep moving. We need to find a place to hide.
The trio continues running until they come across a small river.
Ulysses:
We’ll follow the river. It’ll lead us to safety.
The trio jumps into the river and swims downstream, trying to escape the law.
Fade to black.
Scene 2
Logline: Three escaped convicts in the deep south during the 1930s search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.
Scene 2: The Sirens’ Song
INT. RIVER – DAY
The camera pans across a crystal clear river with green trees and grassy banks on either side. The sound of birds chirping in the background. Suddenly, the camera zooms in on the trio – Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar – walking along the riverbank.
Pete: You thinking what I’m thinking, boys?
Ulysses: I sincerely hope not.
Delmar: Nah, he’s thinking about them girls up ahead.
Pete: Exactly. Let’s go see what those pretty ladies are up to.
As they approach the women washing clothes in the river, the camera reveals their seductive beauty. The women begin to sing a haunting melody, captivating the trio.
Siren 1: Come on in, boys. The water’s fine.
Siren 2: We could use some help washing these clothes.
Ulysses: (shaking his head) No, no, no. We don’t have time for this.
Pete: Come on, Ulysses. Just a quick dip.
The trio strips down to their underwear and wades into the water. The women continue to sing, luring them deeper into the river.
Delmar: Hey, fellas. This feels mighty strange.
Ulysses: That’s because we’re being led astray. Come on, let’s get out of here.
Just as they begin to leave, the women reveal their true form as waterlogged corpses. The trio frantically swims back to shore, narrowly escaping the sirens’ grasp.
Pete: Well, that was the closest we’ve come to drowning.
Delmar: You reckon that was a sign of some kind?
Ulysses: Yeah, a sign that we should stay focused on finding that treasure and stay away from distractions like those sirens.
As they walk away from the river, the sound of the sirens’ song echoes in the background. The camera fades to black.
Scene 3
Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Crime
Setting: Deep South during the 1930s
Logline: Three escaped convicts search for treasure while evading the law and encountering a myriad of peculiar characters.
Characters:
– Ulysses Everett McGill (Lead) – A quick-witted and charming convict who is determined to find the treasure before the law catches up to him.
– Pete – Ulysses’ loyal and dependable friend who follows his lead without question.
– Delmar – The simple-minded and superstitious member of the trio who is easily persuaded by others.
CHAPTER 3 – The Cyclops’ Den
EXT. BACKWOODS – NIGHT
The trio stumbles upon a rundown barn and seeks shelter for the night.
INT. BARN – NIGHT
ULYSSES
(to Pete and Delmar)
Stay quiet and alert. We don’t know what’s lurking in the shadows.
PETE
What are you expecting, Ulysses? A monster?
ULYSSES
Big Dan Teague is worse than a monster. He’s a one-eyed salesman who’ll cheat anyone out of their hard-earned money.
DELMAR
(cowering)
I don’t want to meet no one-eyed man. It’s bad luck.
Suddenly, the barn door creaks open and a towering figure steps inside – it’s Big Dan Teague.
BIG DAN TEAGUE
Well, well, well. What do we have here?
ULYSSES
We’re just passing through, sir.
BIG DAN TEAGUE
I don’t take kindly to uninvited guests. I reckon you’ll have to pay a price for your stay here.
Ulysses pulls out his wallet and hands over some cash.
ULYSSES
Anything else we can do for you, sir?
BIG DAN TEAGUE
As a matter of fact, there is. You boys look like you could use a good thrashing.
Big Dan grabs Ulysses by the collar, but he quickly dodges and trips him.
ULYSSES
(to Pete and Delmar)
Grab his wallet, boys.
The trio runs out the barn with Big Dan hot on their trail.
EXT. BACKWOODS – NIGHT
The trio dashes through the woods and comes across a river.
ULYSSES
We’ll cross the river and lose him on the other side.
They wade through the water, but Big Dan catches up to them and grabs Delmar.
BIG DAN TEAGUE
I’ve got one of you. Who’s next?
Ulysses and Pete look at each other, then run back to rescue Delmar.
They hit Big Dan over the head with a log, knocking him out cold.
PETE
(panting)
That was a close one.
DELMAR
(excited)
We got his wallet!
ULYSSES
(shaking his head)
You boys are something else. Let’s keep moving. We’ve got a treasure to find.
They continue their journey into the unknown, with no idea of the challenges that lie ahead.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. RIVERBANK – DAY
Ulysses, Pete and Delmar are sitting by the river, looking dejected.
DELMAR:
I can’t take this anymore. We’ve been wandering for days without any luck.
PETE:
We need to find that treasure soon. We can’t keep running forever.
ULYSSES:
We’ll find it. We just need to keep moving.
Suddenly, they hear the sound of laughter from the distance. They look up to see three women approaching them.
WOMAN 1:
Well, howdy there, fellas.
WOMAN 2:
What brings y’all out here?
ULYSSES:
We’re just passing through.
WOMAN 3:
You boys look like you could use a good meal and some company.
DELMAR:
(skeptical)
What’s the catch?
WOMAN 1:
No catch. We just want to help you out.
PETE:
(suspicious)
What could three women possibly do for us?
WOMAN 2:
(smiling)
We have a gift. We can wash away your sins.
ULYSSES:
(intrigued)
Wash away our sins?
WOMAN 3:
Yes, Jesus can forgive anything.
DELMAR:
(excited)
I want my sins washed away!
PETE:
(irritated)
This is ridiculous.
ULYSSES:
(to his friends)
Let’s hear them out.
The women lead the convicts to a nearby river and begin to baptize them. Suddenly, they are pulled underwater and held down by the women. They struggle to break free but are overpowered.
ULYSSES:
(struggling)
What the hell is going on?!
WOMAN 1:
(grinning)
We told you we could wash away your sins.
DELMAR:
(panicking)
We’re gonna drown!
PETE:
(determined)
Not if we do something about it.
Pete breaks free and grabs a stick, using it to fight off the women. Ulysses and Delmar follow his lead and soon they are able to overpower the women and escape.
DELMAR:
(shaken)
What the hell was that all about?
PETE:
(angry)
Those women were nothing but con artists.
ULYSSES:
(realizing)
We need to be more careful. We can’t trust anyone out here.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 5
Characters:
– Ulysses: The leader of the trio, a smooth-talking con artist with a hidden moral compass.
– Pete: The wiser but hot-headed member of the trio, with a knack for trouble.
– Delmar: The youngest and most naive member of the trio, with a heart of gold.
Setting:
1930s Deep South
Scene 5: The Road to Redemption
FADE IN:
EXT. RIVERBANK – DAY
The trio walks along the riverbank, tired and disheveled. Ulysses looks contemplative, Pete is agitated, and Delmar looks hopeful.
PETE
(sarcastically)
So, we’re just gonna start over, huh? Like nothing ever happened?
ULYSSES
(defensive)
I’m trying to make things right, Pete. We can’t keep running forever.
DELMAR
(enthusiastic)
I’m ready for a fresh start. I feel like this could be a turning point for us.
Suddenly, they hear singing in the distance. The trio follows the sound and comes across a group of people gathered by the river, singing and baptizing.
DELMAR
(excitedly)
They’re having a baptism! This is a sign. I gotta get right with the Lord.
Ulysses and Pete exchange skeptical glances.
ULYSSES
(to Delmar)
You do what you need to do. We’ll wait for you by the riverbank.
Delmar runs towards the group, while Ulysses and Pete set up camp. As they relax by the river, a group of lawmen on horseback appear in the distance.
PETE
(alerting Ulysses)
Look over there. We got company.
ULYSSES
(nonchalantly)
Don’t worry, Pete. We’ll deal with them.
The lawmen approach the trio, ready for a fight.
LAWMAN
(to Ulysses)
We got you now, boy. You’re under arrest for the murder of the governor’s son.
Ulysses stands up, looking calm and collected.
ULYSSES
(to the lawman)
I reckon I’m ready to face my punishment. But before you take me in, let me finish what I came here for.
The lawman nods, still suspicious but willing to hear him out.
DELMAR (O.S.)
(voice trembling)
Ulysses! Pete!
The lawmen turn around, distracted by Delmar’s arrival. Ulysses seizes the opportunity and takes out the lawmen one by one, using his quick wit and agility.
ULYSSES
(to Pete and Delmar)
C’mon, let’s get out of here.
They run towards the woods as the lawmen chase after them.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
EXT. CROSSROADS – DAY
Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar stand at the crossroads, unsure of which path to take. Suddenly, a dark figure appears out of nowhere – it’s Scratch, the devil.
SCRATCH
Well, well, well. What do we have here?
ULYSSES
Who are you?
SCRATCH
I’m the devil, and I hear you boys are looking for treasure.
PETE
How do you know that?
SCRATCH
I have my ways. Listen, I can give you the location of the treasure, but it’ll come at a price.
DELMAR
What kind of price?
SCRATCH
Your souls, of course.
Ulysses considers the offer for a moment, then turns it down.
ULYSSES
No deal. We’ll find the treasure on our own.
Scratch lets out a sinister laugh.
SCRATCH
Suit yourself, boys. But mark my words, you’ll regret it.
With that, Scratch disappears into the shadows.
DELMAR
That was creepy.
PETE
Yeah, let’s get out of here.
The trio continues on their journey, wary of any other supernatural encounters.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 7
INT. GOVERNOR’S MANSION – NIGHT
The mansion is filled with well-dressed guests, sipping cocktails and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres. The trio has snuck in, disguised as members of a traveling band. They make their way to the stage, instruments in hand.
As they begin to play, their music catches the attention of none other than the governor’s wife, PENNY.
PENNY:
(to the governor)
Who are those musicians? They’re quite talented.
GOVERNOR:
I don’t know, but they certainly are entertaining.
The trio finishes their song, and Penny approaches them.
PENNY:
That was wonderful, could you play something else for us?
Ulysses steps forward, trying his best to hide his true identity.
ULYSSES:
Sure thing, ma’am.
They launch into another tune, with Delmar and Pete providing backup vocals. The crowd begins to dance, and the governor himself joins in.
As they finish their set, Penny takes Ulysses aside.
PENNY:
I couldn’t help but notice your voice, Mr. … ?
ULYSSES:
Oh, my name’s Ulysses ma’am.
PENNY:
Well, Ulysses, I think you have a real talent. I would like to offer you a job as my personal singer.
Ulysses is stunned.
ULYSSES:
I don’t know what to say, ma’am.
PENNY:
Don’t say anything, just come see me after the party and we’ll discuss it further.
As the trio makes their way out of the mansion, they are stopped by a security guard.
SECURITY GUARD:
Excuse me, but I don’t recognize you. What are you doing here?
DELMA:
Uh, we’re just part of the band, sir. We played at the party.
The guard eyes them suspiciously.
SECURITY GUARD:
I don’t remember seeing you with the rest of the band. You’re going to have to come with me.
The trio looks at each other, knowing they’ve been caught. They make a run for it, with the guard in hot pursuit.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 8
Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Crime
Setting: The Deep South during the 1930s
Characters:
– Ulysses, a quick-witted and charming convict
– Pete, a simple-minded yet loyal friend of Ulysses
– Delmar, a hapless and superstitious convict
– Sheriff Cooley, a ruthless lawman who is determined to capture the trio
– Blind radio station owner
– Comical Characters encountered in their journey
Scene from Chapter 8: The Flood
EXT. MISSISSIPPI RIVER – DAY
The river is flooding heavily. Boats, debris, and bodies are floating downstream. Ulysses is holding onto a log, while Pete and Delmar are nowhere in sight.
ULYSSES:
(Panicked)
Pete! Delmar! Where are you two?
A voice from behind responds, as a hand touches Ulysses’ shoulder.
BLIND RADIO STATION OWNER:
(Grinning)
Well, well, well. If it ain’t my old backwoods friend Ulysses. What brings you here?
ULYSSES:
(Pointing towards the river)
My friends are lost in this flood. I have to find them.
BLIND RADIO STATION OWNER:
(Concerned)
That flood is dangerous. I’ll help you search for them. But first, let’s get you dry.
The radio station owner leads Ulysses to his shack, where he switches on the radio.
BLIND RADIO STATION OWNER:
(Explaining)
I’m a radio station owner. I’ve been broadcasting news about this flood all day.
The radio crackles to life with a news broadcast.
RADIO NEWS ANNOUNCER:
(From the radio)
…continuing storms are expected throughout the night. Residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground…
BLIND RADIO STATION OWNER:
(Turning off the radio)
You seem like you’re in a bit of trouble. Do you have a place to go?
ULYSSES:
(Shaking his head)
We’re fugitives. We’ve been on the run for a while.
BLIND RADIO STATION OWNER:
(Sympathetic)
I see. Well, you can stay here for tonight. We’ll search for your friends in the morning.
The scene fades out as Ulysses settles in for the night, with the sounds of the flood outside.
Scene 9
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING – DAY
The lawman closes in on Ulysses, Pete and Delmar, who are hiding behind a pile of debris. Gunfire echoes through the building.
ULYSSES
(to Pete and Delmar)
We can’t keep running forever. We have to face him head-on.
DELAMAR
Are you crazy, Ulysses? That guy’s a crack shot!
PETE
He’s right, Delmar. We can’t outrun him forever.
The lawman approaches slowly, gun at the ready.
LAWMAN
This is it, boys. End of the line.
ULYSSES
Not if we have anything to say about it.
Ulysses jumps up from behind the debris and points his gun at the lawman.
LAWMAN
You’re a dead man, Ulysses.
ULYSSES
Maybe. But I’m taking you down with me.
Pete and Delmar follow suit and stand up, guns drawn.
LAWMAN
I don’t want to kill you boys. Just turn yourselves in and we can end this peacefully.
ULYSSES
We’re not going back to prison, lawman.
The lawman takes a step forward and the trio open fire. Bullets whizz past each other as the shootout intensifies.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them begins to shake.
PETE
What the hell is going on?
The building begins to collapse, the sounds of cracking wood and shattering glass filling the air.
The lawman tries to make a run for it, but Ulysses tackles him to the ground just as a beam falls inches away from them.
The trio and the lawman emerge from the building, covered in dust and debris. They stand there in silence, catching their breath.
LAWMAN
You got lucky this time, Ulysses. But I’ll be waiting for you.
ULYSSES
We’ll be ready.
The lawman walks away as the trio share a triumphant smile.
PETE
I can’t believe we made it out alive.
DELAMAR
That was one hell of a shootout.
ULYSSES
(to Pete and Delmar)
That was nothing compared to what’s waiting for us at the treasure site.
The trio share a knowing look before setting off on their next adventure.
FADE TO BLACK.
