The Last Act

Written By

Gemma Titchmarsh

 

1

INT. CIRCUS MUSEUM - DAY

FADE IN to see OLD MAN standing by display case. He isstaring intently at the objects in the cases. A SECURITYGUARD walks past and takes note of the OLD MAN and thatparticular display. He changes course and heads over.

SECURITY GUARD

"SURE IS A DAMN SHAME"

The OLD MAN jumps at the sudden voice behind him, andstarts to turn to look at who the voice belonged to.

SECURITY GUARD

"THE ACCIDENT I MEAN."OLD MAN

"AH...YES..."

The OLD MAN turns to face the display again. It rangedfrom old leotards, a picture of two young men; staringintently out of the photograph, a rusty old grappling hookand a yellowing newspaper with the bold headline "BURCHBROTHER DEATH".

FADE OUT

EXT. HENGLER CIRCUS - OUTSIDE - DAY

Two young men in leotards stand outside the main tent,surrounded by photographers. The taller of the two; DONBURCH, is answering the questions of the reporters, whilstthe other; DAN BURCH, looks on with a displeased look.

EXT. HENGLER CIRCUS - PERFORMERS CARAVANS - NIGHT

The BURCH BROTHERS are standing outside their caravan, theyounger; DAN BURCH, is excitedly expressing his idea fortheir performance.

DAN

"SERIOUSLY, I THINK THIS WILL WORKOUT! IT'S ABOUT TIME WE CHANGED THISUP!"

DON

(WEARILY) "BUT OF ALL THINGS...THAT? ARE YOU SURE..."

DAN

"C'MON, WHO'S THE ONE WHO ALWAYS SAYSTHERE'S NO POINT IN THIS BUSINESS IFTHERE ISN'T A BIT OF DANGER?"

(MORE)

 

2

DON

"C'MON, WHO'S THE ONE WHO ALWAYS SA...

"I...I GUESS YOU'RE RIGHT, WE'LL SEEHOW IT GOES THEN"

DAN excitedly holds onto the grappling hook he was showingto DON and grins wildly.

CUT TO:

INT. HENGLER CIRCUS - NIGHT

The BURCH BROTHERS stand before the audience, waving andbowing in every direction as they are welcomed to thestage. DAN begins to cast the grappling hook, whichsecures itself nicely with the equipment for their trapezeact.

The two mount opposite platforms and take their places.The drum rolls.

DAN gripping the rope that belonged to the grappling hook;he launches from the platform and swings across the gap.

 At the same time DON releases the swing from his side tomeet DAN in the middle.

He successfully makes the jump and the crowd cheers. Theact continues like so for awhile.

DON takes his turn with the grappling hook, and as heswings, he's jolted as the hook begins to get loose. DANswings as per the routine and as he reaches to grab DON,the grappling hook falls and with it DON.

The crowd gasp/scream as DAN fails to catch DON.

DON screams, echoing.

FADE OUT

INT. CIRCUS MUSEUM

The OLD MAN stares up at the photo, with a pained face ashe recalls that day. His hand is placed gently on top ofthe photo.

His expression changes to one of surprise as he notices achange in the photo. DON was smiling a him, not likebefore when the photo was an intense stare.

The OLD MAN tears up, and for the first time in awhilesmiles up at the photo.

 After a few moments he moves his hand and tilts his hat atthe photograph before walking away.

FADE TO BLACK.