A race for love, a fight for redemption. Will Jim’s choices lead him to a life of destruction or a brighter future?
Watch the original version of Rebel Without a Cause
Prologue:
Jim Stark had always been a troublemaker. His parents had moved around so much that he never had the chance to settle down and make any real friends. So when they moved to a new town, Jim was determined to make a fresh start. He wanted to turn over a new leaf, to leave his old ways behind and try to fit in. But it wasn’t that easy. Jim was different, and he knew it. He stood out like a sore thumb and everyone could see it. But he tried his best to ignore the stares and whispers, to fit in with the popular crowd, to make friends…And that’s where he met Plato.
Chapter 1:
New Kid in Town
Jim stared out the window of the car as they drove through the quiet streets of the new town. He watched as people went about their business, as children rode their bikes, and as couples walked hand in hand. It all seemed so peaceful, so perfect, and yet he felt like an outsider looking in. He was starting to feel nervous about this new beginning.
“Cheer up, son,” his father said, patting his shoulder. “This is a fresh start for us all. Think of it as an adventure.”
Jim forced a smile, but he knew his father was wrong. This wasn’t an adventure. It was a nightmare.
They pulled up outside their new home, a modest bungalow on a quiet street. Jim stepped out of the car and gazed up at the house. It was nothing compared to their old place, certainly not as grand, but it would have to do. He could hear the sound of laughter and music coming from the house next door.
“Looks like some kids your age live next door,” his mother said, smiling at him.
Jim rolled his eyes. “Great,” he muttered under his breath.
The first day of school arrived, and Jim was a bundle of nerves. He had picked out his best clothes, hoping to make a good impression. He wasn’t used to being the new kid in town, and he didn’t know how to act. But he tried his best to appear confident as he walked into the school.
The halls were crowded with students, and Jim felt overwhelmed. He tried to keep his head down and make his way to his locker, but it seemed like everyone was staring at him. He could hear the whispers and giggles as he walked by. It was like being on stage, with everyone watching his every move.
He reached his locker and began to fumble with the combination. Suddenly, he heard a voice behind him.
“Hey, you’re new here, right?”
Jim turned around to see a tall, thin boy with glasses standing behind him. He had messy hair and a nervous smile.
“Yeah, I am,” Jim said nervously, wondering what this kid wanted.
“I’m Plato,” the boy said, holding out his hand. “Welcome to our school.”
Jim shook his hand and smiled. It felt good to have someone reach out to him, to show him a little kindness. He could tell right away that Plato was different, just like him.
“Thanks. I’m Jim,” he said, feeling a little more at ease.
Plato showed him around the school, introducing him to a few people here and there. Jim was surprised at how friendly everyone seemed to be. They weren’t like the kids at his old school, the ones who always seemed to be looking for trouble. These kids were just…normal.
As the day wore on, Jim began to feel more and more comfortable. He laughed and joked with Plato, and even made a few new friends. It was like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
But he knew that this was just the beginning, that there were still challenges to come. Being the new kid in town was never easy, but he was ready for whatever came his way. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he belonged.
Chapter 2: Meeting Plato
Jim sat in detention, feeling frustrated and alone. He had only been in this new town for a few weeks, but it already felt like an eternity. He missed his old life, his friends, his home. He missed feeling like he belonged somewhere.
As he sat there, he noticed a boy sitting in the corner of the room. He was small and slight, with a nervous energy about him. Jim didn’t recognize him from any of his classes. He wondered what he had done to end up in detention.
After a few minutes, the boy looked up and caught Jim’s eye. Jim nodded in acknowledgement, and the boy looked away again quickly. Jim couldn’t help but feel curious about him. He wondered what his story was.
When the bell rang, Jim stood up to leave. As he walked past the boy, he couldn’t resist asking him what he was in for.
The boy looked up at him, startled, and then looked away again. “I didn’t have my homework,” he mumbled.
Jim raised an eyebrow. “That’s it?”
The boy shrugged. “It’s a big deal to some teachers.”
Jim nodded, suddenly feeling sorry for him. “I’m Jim,” he said, extending a hand.
The boy hesitated for a moment, and then shook it tentatively. “I’m Plato.”
They walked out of school together, and Jim found himself drawn to this strange, quiet boy. He could tell that there was something different about him, something that set him apart from everyone else.
Over the next few days, they started hanging out more and more. Plato would show up at Jim’s house unannounced, and they would ride around town on their bikes, looking for something to do.
Jim found himself opening up to Plato in a way he hadn’t with anyone else since he had moved. He told him about his old life, his troubled relationship with his parents, and his struggles to fit in at this new school.
To his surprise, Plato was a good listener. He didn’t try to offer any solutions or advice, he just let Jim talk. And in that silence, Jim found a sense of peace that he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Plato, too, had his own share of troubles. He lived with his mother in a small apartment, and his father was in prison. He got bullied a lot at school and had few friends.
Jim couldn’t help but feel protective of him. He knew what it was like to feel like an outsider, and he didn’t want Plato to feel that way anymore.
As they spent more time together, Jim started to see a different side of Plato. He was intelligent and creative, with a quirky sense of humor. He loved to read and write, and his room was filled with books and poetry.
Jim was fascinated by him. He had never met anyone quite like him, and he could tell that Plato felt the same way.
One afternoon, they were sitting on the hood of Jim’s car, watching the sun set over the town. Plato turned to him suddenly.
“Jim, do you ever feel like you don’t belong?”
Jim looked at him, surprised. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know,” Plato said, looking away. “I just feel like I’m always on the outside, looking in. Like I don’t fit in anywhere.”
Jim felt a pang of sympathy for him. He knew exactly what he meant.
“You fit in with me,” he said, placing a hand on Plato’s shoulder.
Plato looked at him, his eyes widening. “Really?”
Jim nodded. “Yeah. You’re my friend, Plato. And that means something to me.”
As they sat there, watching the colors in the sky change, Jim felt something shift inside him. He realized that he had found something he never thought he would find in this new town: a true friend.
And he knew that, no matter what happened, he would always have Plato by his side.
Chapter 3: Falling for Judy
As Jim settles into his new school, he catches the eye of local girl Judy. She’s beautiful, rebellious, and seemingly unafraid of anything. Jim is drawn to her immediately, and they begin to spend more time together.
Judy is different from the other girls at the school. She’s not interested in wearing fancy clothes or being popular. She’s more interested in taking risks and standing up for what she believes in. Jim is fascinated by her and finds himself wanting to be more like her.
One day after school, Jim and Judy are hanging out at the local diner when they run into Buzz and his gang. Buzz is Judy’s boyfriend, a neighborhood tough guy who rules over the school with an iron fist. He immediately takes a dislike to Jim and begins to taunt him.
“What are you doing with my girl, Stark?” Buzz says, sneering at Jim.
Judy rolls her eyes. “He’s just a friend, Buzz. Chill out.”
But Buzz isn’t satisfied. He continues to taunt Jim, getting more aggressive as the conversation goes on. Jim can feel his nerves beginning to fray, but he doesn’t want to show any weakness in front of Judy.
Finally, Buzz challenges Jim to a race. “Let’s see who’s really the top dog in this town. Winner gets Judy.”
Judy looks horrified, but before she can object, Jim accepts the challenge.
The next day, Jim is filled with nerves. He’s never been in a drag race before, and the stakes are high. If he loses, he’ll lose face in front of Judy and the rest of the school. If he wins, he could be setting himself up for even more trouble with Buzz.
He spends the afternoon with Judy, trying to take his mind off the race. They walk around town, talking about their families and their hopes for the future. Judy opens up to Jim, telling him about her dreams of traveling the world and seeing new things.
For a moment, Jim forgets about the race and the problems at school. He’s just happy to be with someone who understands him.
As they walk back to Judy’s house, they spot Buzz and his gang waiting for them. Buzz looks impatient, tapping his foot on the ground.
“Are you ready to race, Stark?” he says, sneering.
Jim takes a deep breath and nods. “Let’s do this.”
They drive out to an abandoned stretch of road on the outskirts of town. The other students from school have gathered to watch, cheering loudly as the two cars line up on the starting line.
Judy stands to one side, looking worried. She doesn’t want either of them to get hurt, but she knows that there’s nothing she can do to stop the race now.
The flag drops, and the two cars peel off down the road. Jim can feel the wind in his hair and the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He’s determined to win.
The race is close, with Jim and Buzz neck and neck for most of the way. But in the end, Jim pulls ahead, crossing the finish line first. The crowd goes wild, cheering and shouting his name.
Judy runs up to him, throwing her arms around him. “You did it!” she cries, beaming.
But the victory is short-lived. Buzz is furious, and his gang starts to close in on Jim. Jim can feel his heart pounding in his chest as he backs away, trying to avoid a fight.
Just when things are about to get out of hand, the police arrive, sirens blaring. They break up the crowd and send everyone home.
Jim and Judy walk back to her house in silence, both feeling the weight of what just happened. When they get to her door, Judy turns to him with tears in her eyes.
“I don’t know if we can keep doing this, Jim,” she says. “Buzz is going to be even more angry now. It’s not safe for either of us.”
Jim nods, feeling the same sense of uncertainty. He knows that he’s in over his head, but he’s too drawn to Judy to walk away now.
As he walks home that night, Jim can’t shake the feeling that he’s made a huge mistake. He’s gotten himself in too deep, and he doesn’t know how to get out. But he knows that he can’t give up on Judy, no matter what the cost.
Chapter 4: The Challenge
The sun was setting over the small town of Milltown, casting a warm orange glow over the streets as Jim Stark walked home from school. He had been feeling restless lately and was eager to find some excitement in the sleepy suburban town. But he had no idea how much his life was about to change.
As he passed by a gas station, he saw a group of teenagers gathered around a couple of hot rods. He recognized some of them from school; they were Buzz’s gang. Jim had heard rumors about them, how they were troublemakers who got into fights and caused chaos around town. But he couldn’t help feeling drawn to their energy and rebellion.
As he approached, he saw Buzz leaning against a gleaming red car, smoking a cigarette. Buzz was the leader of the gang, a tall and muscular guy with a menacing look in his eyes. He had been dating Judy, a beautiful girl in Jim’s class, for the past few months. Jim had been crushing on Judy since the first day he saw her, but he knew she was out of his league.
“Hey, new kid,” Buzz called out as Jim walked by. “What do you think of my ride?”
Jim paused, unsure of how to respond. “It’s…nice,” he said, trying to sound casual.
Buzz smirked. “Wanna take it for a spin?”
Jim felt a rush of excitement at the invitation. He had never driven a car before, let alone a hot rod. But he also sensed that there was more to this offer than met the eye.
“I don’t know,” he said cautiously. “I don’t want to get in trouble.”
Buzz laughed. “What, are you scared? Afraid you’re gonna crash and burn?”
“I’m not scared,” Jim retorted, feeling his temper rising. “I just don’t see the point.”
“The point is, you’re the new kid in town,” Buzz said, stepping closer to Jim. “And you need to prove yourself. Or else you’re just a chicken.”
Jim clenched his fists, feeling the challenge in Buzz’s words. He knew he shouldn’t take the bait, but he couldn’t resist the temptation.
“Fine,” he said, trying to sound confident. “Let’s do it.”
Buzz grinned, handing Jim the keys. “It’s yours.”
As Jim got into the driver’s seat, he felt a mix of excitement and fear. He had no idea what he was doing, but he didn’t want to show any weakness in front of Buzz and his gang.
“Let’s go,” Buzz said, climbing into the passenger seat. “We’ll race to the edge of town. First one there wins.”
Jim started the engine, feeling the power of the car beneath him. He shifted into gear and revved the engine, feeling a surge of adrenaline as he pulled out of the gas station.
The road was empty and straight, with a few houses and fields on either side. Jim accelerated, feeling the wind in his hair and the roar of the engine in his ears. Beside him, Buzz was egging him on, shouting taunts and insults.
But as they approached the edge of town, Jim saw a car coming from the other direction. It was Judy, driving her own car with a few of her friends. Jim felt a jolt of panic, realizing that he might crash into them if he wasn’t careful.
He tried to slow down, but Buzz was still pushing him to go faster. “Don’t be a wimp!” he yelled. “You can do it!”
Jim felt torn between his desire to impress Buzz and his fear of hurting Judy. He swerved to avoid her car, but he lost control of the hot rod and skidded off the road. The car crashed into a ditch, flipping over several times before coming to a stop.
Jim was dazed and disoriented, feeling a sharp pain in his head. He looked over at Buzz, who was bleeding from a gash on his forehead. The other gang members had arrived on the scene, shouting and cursing.
As Jim tried to get up, he heard a familiar voice calling his name. It was Plato, the troubled classmate he had met in detention. Plato had been following them in his own car and had witnessed the crash.
“Are you okay?” Plato asked, helping Jim to his feet.
Jim nodded, feeling a wave of guilt and shame wash over him. He had been reckless and foolish, and now he had put himself and others in danger.
As they walked back to town, Jim realized that he had made a terrible mistake. He didn’t want to be a rebel without a cause anymore. He wanted to be someone who made a positive impact on the world, someone who didn’t need to prove himself through reckless stunts and violence.
He also knew that he had to make things right with Judy, who had been an innocent victim in his game of bravado. He didn’t know how he was going to do it, but he was determined to try.
The challenge had been a wake-up call for Jim, showing him the consequences of his actions and the fragility of life. He knew he had a long way to go to make amends for his past mistakes, but he was ready to start the journey.
Chapter 5: The Race
The day of the race had arrived, and Jim was feeling both nervous and determined. He had spent the past few weeks working on his car, making sure it was in top condition for the race against Buzz. Jim knew that this race was more than just about cars; it was a battle for respect and honor.
As Jim drove to the starting line, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and fear. He knew that the stakes were high, and the outcome of this race would determine his reputation in the town. Jim’s car was a cherry-red convertible, and he had spent countless hours working on it in his garage. He had installed a high-performance engine and made several modifications to enhance its speed and handling.
As he pulled up to the starting line, he saw Buzz’s car, a sleek black muscle car with flames painted on the hood. Jim knew that Buzz’s car was faster and more powerful than his own, but he refused to back down. Judy stood at the sideline, cheering Jim on, while Buzz’s gang stood on the other side, taunting him.
The sound of the engines roared as Jim and Buzz revved their engines, preparing for the race. The crowd of onlookers gathered around, eager to see who would come out on top. A hush came over the crowd as the flag dropped, and the two cars sped off down the street.
The race was intense. The two cars were neck and neck, with neither driver willing to give an inch. The sound of screeching tires and engines filled the air, and the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber filled Jim’s nose. He felt the wind whipping through his hair as he pushed the pedal to the metal, determined to come out on top.
As they approached a sharp turn, Jim knew that this was his chance to take the lead. He braked hard and took the corner, sliding around it with precision. Buzz’s car wasn’t as agile, and he lost control, swerving off the road and crashing into a nearby fence.
Jim’s heart was pounding as he crossed the finish line, his car screeching to a stop. The onlookers cheered and clapped, congratulating him on his victory. Judy ran over to him, throwing her arms around him, as the adrenaline pumped through his veins.
However, Jim’s victory was short-lived. Buzz and his gang were furious and seeking revenge. They approached Jim, looking for a fight. Jim tried to reason with them, but his words only seemed to fuel their anger.
Suddenly, a fight broke out, and the sound of fists hitting flesh echoed through the streets. Jim fought back, trying to defend himself, but the gang was too strong. He felt a sharp pain in his side as one of them punched him hard.
As the fight came to an end, Jim was left bruised and battered. He knew that he had won the race, but at what cost? He looked around, seeing the destruction that he had caused, and realized that he didn’t want to be part of this violent world anymore.
As he walked away from the scene, Jim saw the disappointment in Judy’s eyes. He knew that he had let her down and that his actions had consequences. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but he knew that he had to change his ways.
With a heavy heart, Jim got into his car and drove away, leaving the chaos behind. He wondered if this was the end of his rebellious nature or if he would continue to be a rebel without a cause.
Chapter 6: The Aftermath
The days after the eventful race were a turning point for Jim. He had put himself in danger, fought with Buzz, and caused turmoil for everyone around him. The gravity of his actions began to weigh heavily on him as he realized the impact they had on those he cared about.
Jim’s relationship with Judy was strained. She was upset with him for taking part in the dangerous race, and he was frustrated with her for not seeing things from his perspective. Despite his attempts to reconcile, she kept her distance from him, leaving him feeling even more isolated than before.
Meanwhile, Buzz’s gang was out for revenge. They saw Jim as a threat, and they wanted to make sure he knew it. Everywhere Jim went, he felt their eyes on him, sizing him up and planning their next move. It was only a matter of time before things came to a head.
Plato’s behavior had also become increasingly erratic. He seemed to be struggling with his own demons and was lashing out at everyone around him. Jim tried to be a steadying force in his life, but he was starting to feel overwhelmed by the weight of his own problems.
One night, Jim was walking home from a late-night movie when he was accosted by Buzz and his gang. They surrounded him, taunting him and threatening him with violence. Jim tried to remain calm, but he could feel his anger bubbling up inside of him.
Before he knew it, a fight had broken out. Jim punched one of Buzz’s friends in the face, and the others jumped in, delivering blows to Jim’s body. He tried to defend himself, but there were too many of them.
Eventually, the police arrived, and the gang scattered. Jim was left lying on the ground, battered and bruised. He was arrested for his involvement in the fight and taken to the police station, where he spent the night in a cell.
The next morning, his parents came to bail him out. They were disappointed in him, but also worried about his safety. They knew he had been struggling to adjust to his new surroundings, and they wanted to help him find his way.
Jim felt ashamed of himself as he left the police station. He had never been in trouble before, and he didn’t know how to make things right. He knew he needed to take responsibility for his actions, but he didn’t know where to start.
Over the next few days, Jim began to realize the impact his choices had on those around him. He saw the pain in Judy’s eyes when he tried to talk to her, and he felt guilty for not being there for Plato when he needed him most.
He knew he needed to make a change. He started by apologizing to Judy and promising to make things right between them. He reached out to Plato and tried to be a better friend to him, listening to his problems and offering support.
Slowly but surely, Jim began to turn his life around. He stopped getting into fights and causing trouble around town. He focused on his studies and worked on building positive relationships with those around him.
It wasn’t easy, but Jim knew it was the right thing to do. He had come to realize that being a rebel without a cause was only hurting himself and those he cared about. By taking responsibility for his actions and making a change, he was able to find redemption and hope for a brighter future.
Chapter 7: Consequences
Jim Stark sat in his jail cell, staring blankly at the gray walls around him. He had been arrested for getting into a fight with Buzz’s gang, and now he faced the consequences of his actions. He knew he had messed up, but he couldn’t help feeling angry at the world for putting him in this situation.
As he sat there, Jim began to reflect on his choices and how they had led him to this point. He realized that he had been running from his problems instead of facing them head-on. He had been trying to fit in with the wrong crowd, and it had only brought him more trouble.
Jim’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway. He looked up to see his father, Frank Stark, standing outside his cell. Frank looked worried and tired, but also relieved to see his son alive and well.
“Jim, what have you gotten yourself into now?” Frank asked, his voice laced with concern.
Jim hung his head, feeling ashamed. “I messed up, Dad. I got into a fight with Buzz’s gang. I don’t know what came over me.”
Frank sighed, shaking his head. “Jim, I know you’ve had a tough time with the move and all, but you can’t keep acting out like this. You need to take responsibility for your actions.”
Jim nodded, feeling guilty. He knew his father was right. He had to face the consequences of his actions and make a change for the better.
Over the next few days, Jim went through the legal process, appearing in court and paying fines for his involvement in the fight. He also had to perform community service, which he found surprisingly therapeutic. He enjoyed helping others and felt like he was finally making a positive contribution to society.
During this time, he also reached out to Judy and Plato, apologizing for his behavior and trying to mend their relationships. Judy was hesitant at first, but eventually forgave Jim and agreed to give him another chance. Plato was more resistant, still grappling with his own issues, but Jim continued to support him and be there for him when he needed it.
As Jim worked to make amends and move forward, he found that things were starting to look up for him. He began to feel more confident in himself, realizing that he didn’t need to rely on others’ approval to be happy. He rekindled his passion for art and started to think seriously about his future.
One day, as Jim was walking down the street, he saw Buzz’s gang approaching him. He felt a surge of fear and anger, but then something inside him shifted. He realized that he didn’t have to be afraid anymore. He stood tall and looked them in the eye, refusing to back down.
To his surprise, the gang members backed off and walked away. Jim felt a sense of triumph and relief, knowing that he had finally taken control of his life.
As the days passed, Jim continued to make positive changes in his life. He focused on his art and his relationships, and he felt more alive than he had in a long time. He knew that there would be more challenges ahead, but he was ready to face them with courage and determination.
The end of chapter 7 finds Jim finally taking responsibility for his actions and making amends with those he has hurt. He realizes that he doesn’t have to be a rebel without a cause and starts to take control of his life. With newfound confidence and determination, Jim is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Chapter 8: Redemption
Jim stood in front of Buzz’s gang, feeling a sense of fear and defiance that he had never felt before. He knew that this was the moment that could define his future. He could choose to continue down a path of destruction or choose to make a change and live a better life.
The gang members glared at him, waiting for him to make a move. Jim took a deep breath and stepped forward. “I don’t want any trouble,” he said, his voice shaking a little. “I just want to make things right.”
The leader of the gang, a tall and muscular guy named Chico, stepped forward. “You think you can just waltz in here and make things right? You’re nothing but a punk.”
Jim swallowed hard, feeling a sense of anger and frustration rising within him. He knew that he could easily lash out and fight back, but that would only make things worse. He needed to find another way to resolve this conflict.
“I know I’ve made mistakes,” he said, his voice steady now. “But I want to make things right. I want to apologize to Buzz and to everyone here.”
There was a moment of silence as the gang members looked at each other in confusion. They had never heard anyone apologize before, especially not someone like Jim, who had a reputation for being a troublemaker.
Chico took a step forward and looked Jim in the eye. “Why should we believe you?” he asked, his tone skeptical.
Jim took a deep breath and tried to focus on his words. “Because I’m not the same person I was before. I’ve realized that my actions have consequences, and I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore. I want to be better. And I need your help to do that.”
There was another long moment of silence as the gang members looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Finally, Chico spoke up. “Okay,” he said, holding out his hand. “Let’s start over. My name is Chico.”
Jim shook his hand, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. It was a small victory, but it meant everything to him. He had made peace with his enemies and had taken a step towards redemption.
As he walked away from the gang, he felt a sense of purpose and hope. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but he was on the right path. He found Judy waiting for him outside, a smile on her face.
“I’m proud of you,” she said, giving him a hug. “You did the right thing.”
Jim felt a sense of warmth and gratitude towards Judy. She had stood by him through everything, even when he didn’t deserve it. He realized that she was the real reason he had wanted to change.
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” he said, looking into her eyes. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Judy smiled and kissed him, and for the first time in a long time, Jim felt truly happy. He knew that there would still be challenges ahead, but he was ready to face them with Judy by his side.
As they walked away, hand in hand, Jim couldn’t help but think back to Plato. He had lost his troubled friend, but he had gained a sense of purpose. He knew that he had a responsibility to help others like Plato, who were struggling to find their place in the world.
He vowed to make a difference, to be a force for good in the world. He was no longer a rebel without a cause. He was Jim Stark, and he was ready to take on the world.
Some scenes from the movie Rebel Without a Cause written by A.I.
Scene 1
Genre: Drama
Logline: Jim Stark, a troubled teenager, finds himself in a new town. While trying to start afresh, he forms an unlikely bond with a disturbed classmate Plato, falls for the wrong girl, and is challenged by a neighborhood tough. Jim’s journey of self-discovery takes him down a path of rebellion and violence until he finds redemption.
Characters:
– Jim Stark: A troubled teenager who moves to a new town with his parents. He has a reputation for getting into trouble with the law.
– Plato: Jim’s classmate who is struggling with mental health issues and a troubled home life.
– Judy: Local girl who catches Jim’s eye despite being in a volatile relationship with Buzz.
– Buzz: Neighborhood tough who sees Jim as a threat and challenges him to a drag race.
Scene 1:
INT. JIM’S BEDROOM – MORNING
Jim, a teenage boy, lies in bed staring at the ceiling. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly as he gets up to start his day. The room is messy with clothes strewn all over the floor, empty soda cans litter the desk, and papers lie scattered around.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – MORNING
Jim’s mother is busy making breakfast as Jim shuffles in, still groggy from sleep.
MOTHER: Good morning, Jim. Did you sleep well?
JIM: (shrugs) I guess.
MOTHER: Your father and I were thinking of getting you a new car. Something safer, more reliable.
JIM: (rolls his eyes) That’s not necessary.
MOTHER: We just want you to be comfortable in your new school, Jim. It’s important that you make a good impression.
JIM: (scoffs) Like that’s going to happen.
MOTHER: (sighs) Just try, okay? We’re all in this together.
Jim nods reluctantly and grabs a slice of toast as he heads out the door, ready to face another day in a new town.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – DAY
Jim Stark, a troubled teenager, stands alone outside the high school, smoking a cigarette. He looks around, taking in his new surroundings.
INT. CLASSROOM – DAY
Jim is in detention, sitting at a desk with a few other students. He looks bored and disinterested.
PLATO, a shy and troubled classmate, walks in and takes a seat next to him.
PLATO
Hi, I’m Plato.
JIM
(gruffly)
Jim.
Plato looks down, seemingly hurt by Jim’s coldness.
PLATO
(sighs)
Sorry, I just thought since we’re both in detention…
JIM
(cutting him off)
It’s fine. I don’t really care.
Plato looks down again, hurt.
INT. HALLWAY – LATER
Jim is walking down the hallway when he sees Plato getting bullied by a group of jocks. Jim steps in and defends him, surprising Plato.
JIM
(to the jocks)
Leave him alone.
The jocks laugh and start to walk away, but one of them turns back.
JOCK
(mockingly)
What are you gonna do, new kid?
Jim stands his ground, ready to fight.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
Scene 3: Falling for Judy
FADE IN:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA – DAY
JIM STARK sits alone at a table, eating his lunch. JUDY walks in and scans the room, looking for a place to sit. She sees Jim and makes her way over to his table.
JUDY
Hey, mind if I sit here?
Jim looks up, surprised to see her.
JIM
Uh, sure. Go ahead.
Judy sits down across from him and pulls out her own lunch.
JUDY
So, what’s your deal, Jim Stark? Why’d you come to this lame town?
JIM
(sighs)
Just trying to start fresh, I guess. Needed a change of scenery.
JUDY
I can relate. This place can feel suffocating sometimes.
Jim nods in agreement.
JUDY (CONT’D)
What do you like to do for fun?
JIM
(shrugs)
I don’t know, just hang out with friends, I guess. What about you?
JUDY
I like to ride motorcycles.
Jim raises an eyebrow in surprise.
JIM
Really? I’ve never been on one before.
JUDY
(smiling)
Maybe I can take you for a ride sometime.
Jim smiles back, feeling a connection with Judy that he hasn’t felt with anyone else in this town.
JIM
I’d like that.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
Characters:
Jim Stark
Plato Crawford
Judy
Buzz Gunderson
Setting: A deserted road outside of town, filled with abandoned buildings and debris.
FADE IN:
EXT. ABANDONED ROAD – DAY
Jim and Buzz are standing at either end of a long stretch of road, their cars revving in anticipation. Judy stands nervously on the sidelines, watching as the two rivals prepare for the race.
PLATO approaches Jim, concern etched on his face.
PLATO
Jim, I don’t have a good feeling about this. Maybe we should call it off.
JIM
No, Plato. Buzz needs to be put in his place. We have to do this.
Judy approaches the two of them, looking worried.
JUDY
Jim, please be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you.
Jim takes her hand reassuringly, giving her a small smile.
JIM
Don’t worry, Judy. I’ll be fine. Just trust me.
Buzz revs his engine, taunting Jim.
BUZZ
Come on, Stark. Show me what you’ve got.
Jim gets into his car, a determined look on his face.
PLATO
Okay, guys. On three. One…two…three!
The cars take off, speeding down the empty road. The wind is whipping through their hair as they push their cars to the limit.
Jim’s car begins to gain on Buzz’s, inch by inch. The two cars are neck and neck, neither of them willing to give up.
Judy watches anxiously as the two cars speed towards the finish line.
JIM
(to himself)
Come on, come on. I can do this.
Suddenly, Buzz’s car begins to veer off course, swerving dangerously close to Jim’s car.
Jim’s car swerves out of the way, fishtailing out of control.
Plato watches in horror as Jim’s car spins out of control, crashing into the side of the road.
The dust settles as Jim slowly crawls out of the car, injured but alive.
Judy rushes to his side, tears streaming down her face.
JUDY
Oh my God, Jim! Are you okay?
Jim looks up at her, a pained expression on his face.
JIM
I’m okay, Judy. Just a little banged up.
Buzz and his gang triumphantly speed past them, leaving the scene behind.
PLATO
(angrily)
That son of a bitch! He did that on purpose!
Jim looks up at him, a fierce determination in his eyes.
JIM
We’re not done yet, Plato. This isn’t over.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. ABANDONED ROAD – DAY
The roar of engines fills the air as Jim Stark and Buzz are positioned at the starting line of the drag race. Judy stands nervously at the sidelines, watching intently.
JIM
(to Judy)
Don’t worry, I’ve got this.
BUZZ
(smirking)
We’ll see about that.
The two rev their engines, eyes locked on each other.
PLATO
(watching from behind)
Oh god, oh god, oh god.
The race begins and the cars speed down the road, kicking up dust and leaving a trail of smoke behind them. The two cars are neck and neck, and it’s unclear who is in the lead.
JUDY
(yelling)
Go, Jim!
Buzz’s car suddenly swerves, and he loses control. The car crashes into the barrier, sending debris flying in all directions. Judy screams as she rushes to Buzz’s side.
Jim pulls up next to them, hopping out of his car to check on Buzz. He’s battered and bruised, but alive.
JIM
(to Buzz)
I didn’t want this, man. I just wanted a fair race.
BUZZ
(weakly)
I know. It’s not your fault.
Judy looks at Jim with newfound respect, realizing that he’s not the hot-headed troublemaker she thought he was.
JUDY
(to Jim)
Thank you.
Jim nods, relieved that the situation didn’t end in tragedy.
PLATO
(whispering to himself)
It’s all my fault. I have to fix it.
He runs off, leaving Jim and Judy behind.
JIM
(to Judy)
I don’t want to leave things like this with Buzz. Can you let him know that I want to talk?
JUDY
(smiling)
I will.
As Jim drives off, he reflects on the events of the day. He’s grateful to be alive and to have made peace with Buzz. But he also knows that his troubles are far from over.
FADE OUT.
