Post on 05-Apr-2018
8/2/2019 A Dove Among Pigeons - Final Rev
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A Dove among Pigeons
A Screenplay
by Chris Mackey
and Chad R Homan
Based on a Story
by Chris Mackey
Final Draft Rev1 Chris Mackey
Copyright 3-11 by Chris Mackey Porterville,CA
Registered, WGAw 559-361-3002
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A DOVE AMONG PIGEONS
BLACK SCREEN:
THE MELODIC STRUMMING OF AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR IN A SNAPPY BLUES
RHYTHYM SLIDES THROUGH THE FLAPPING WINGS OF SEVERAL BIRDS
BLEND IN
FADE IN:
EXT. SKY AFTERNOON
The big blue horizon is scattered with a few faraway clouds.
A FLOCK OF PIGEONGS FLY IN FROM THE DISTANCE COMING CLOSER,
CLOSER, CLOSER AND THEN OUT OF VIEW.
DISSOLVE INTO:
EXT. PARK SETTING - AFTERNOON
An AGELESS WOMAN, who appears to be homeless, sits on a park
bench SOWING BIRD FEED FROM A SMALL SACK. She is SANDRA, the
BIRD LADY. Shes comfortable in her colorful, multi-layered
outfit which seems to be the latest from a second-hand store.
The outfit is completed with a knitted cap and winter gloves.
As THE MUSIC SUBSIDES, A YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN, JACK and
CRYSTAL, are playing around, looking at the woman from a
distance
JACK
Hey Crystal, bet you didnt know
that pigeons dont hop like most
birds, but, walk or run with their
heads bobbing back and forth.
Jack acts pigeon-like, demonstrating for Crystal
CRYSTAL
Well, what I studied was, that most
birds take a sip of water and throw
back their heads to let the water
trickle down their throats.
(Demonstrates)
Pigeons suck up their water using
their beaks like straws.
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THE OPENING MUSIC PICKS UP AGAIN. THE SOUND OF FLAPPING BIRD
WINGS RETURN as Crystal and Jack FLAP THEIR ARMS LIKE WINGS,
act generally like birds and fly off
2
DISSOLVE INTO:
EXT. SKY AFTERNOON
OPENING MUSIC CONTINUES
THE FLOCK OF PIGEONS FLY BACK AND FORTH THROUGH THE BIG BLUE
VISTA
Super In/Out: OPENING CREDITS AND TITLE ROLL
FADE TO BLACK:
Super In/Out: The First Day
FADE INTO:
PARK SETTING CONTINUOUS
A middle-aged business man, WALTER, SWINGING A SACKED LUNCH,
APPROACHES THE BENCH where Sandra is sitting. Hes in a smart
grayish business suit and tie, shaking his head. As he
approaches Sandra, He SNIFFS loud and dramatically. Acting
disgusted with the woman, he passes by. Sandra notices that
his feigned disgust was aimed at her.
Two PARK RANGERS, STEVE PEREGRIN and ERIC FALCONE appear and
stand distantly. Eric motions to Sandra while nudging Steve.
STEVE
You know were supposed to make her
stop feeding them birds and move on
ERIC
Ol buddy, you know City Halls
tryin to pass a law against her.Lesee, hows that go again?
IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO
CAMP, MAINTAIN PETS, AND STORE
PERSONAL BELONGINGS ON ANY PUBLIC
STREET, PARK OR PROPERTY.
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STEVE
Now thats a mouthful Worse than
Miranda Id say. (Pause) But heck,
whatever it takes to (Continued)
(MORE)
3(CONT)
STEVE (Continuing)
keep them damn birds from pooping
all over the place and (beat) You
know, some even croak they eat so
much.
ERIC
(Sarcastic)
Is that what that smell is?
STEVE
Or is it just the old lady lacking
soap? Or a sink It would be
comforting if suds were coming out
of the bird bath so
ERIC
Hey, be nice Peregrine Sometimes I
think youre certifiable.
Another couple, CECE, a woman seemingly in despair, and JIM,
her life coach, come along and sit down as the Rangers move
on. The couple is each wearing outfits with logos from a non-
descript organization. They start stretching for exercise.
CeCe seems troubled in some way. Jim peers over at CeCe as she
goes through her routine
CECE
So what do we discuss today Coach
Jim? Instead of watching movies like
we used to at the club (beat) On TV
last night Doctor Seacrest says TO
LOSE THE POUNDS LOSE THE FROWNS!...
I know it does not rhyme but it is a
great start to our run today
JIM
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Well I dont know if it will Turn
your frown upside down, CeCe but
we could discuss women as homeless
like that old woman over there on
the bench.
They glance over at Sandra.
4
CECE
Allright That topic would help me
to focus and get my mind off the
munchies.
CeCe looks back over at Sandra.
CECE
You know she does remind me of the
Lady Mary Poppins who feeds the
birds odd huh?
JIM
See, I was thinkin (continued)
Sandra is sitting comfortably on the bench leaning back with
an arm over the top. With her legs slightly apart, shes
scratching her stomach.
JIM (continuing)
theres Lindsay Lohan in a few
years
(Pause)
JIM STARTS TO SNIFF THE AIR ABOUT THEM, taking his attention
off of CeCe.
CECE
(Long pause
Staring at Jim)
Can you just focus for my sake!?
Comments like yours make me want to
grab a snack and never be skinny
like her!
JIM
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Sorry But seriously now do you
smell her, that?
CECE
Its all probably all the rotten
junk food preservatives keep that
stuff fermentingewww!
FADE TO BLACK:
5
Super In/Out: The Next Day
FADE INTO:
EXT. PARK SETTING - AFTERNOON NEXT DAY
Sandra, in the same outfit, but with different gloves, is
again on the bench and again, WALTER IS APPROACHING HER FROM
A DISTANCE, CARRYING HIS LUNCH SACK, GESTICULATING, MUMBLING
He hesitates and stops when he notices the two Rangers have
also returned. They all eye Sandra from a distance as before
STEVE
Lets just run her ID If she has
any see if we can add to her list
of misdemeanors.
ERIC
Reeaalllyy Falcone?... Then we can
see ourselves featured by big actors
on a new TV series (spreading palms)
FRESNO PARK, CSI! (continued)
(Pause)
ERIC (continuing)
our harassment would be sooo
believable
The Rangers go back to patrolling, surveying Sarah as they
leave. Like a wary coward, Walter watches them walk off He
then starts to move and pose himself straightening his
shoulders, puffing up his chest and summoning up courage as if
preparing to go on stage and make a speech. HE BOLDLY WALKS
OVER TO SARAH, leans down to her as she humbly looks up at
him
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WALTER
(quietly, yet forceful)
Okay Birdshit for brains,
(slower, quieter, a whisper)
Slide it or lose it (continued)
Sandra doesnt flinch and Walter, still upset, pulls back,
still hovering over Sarah. Still deliberate, he tries a
different approach
6
WALTER (continuing)
You cant even afford to feed these birds!
Sandra stares back wide-eyed at Walter
SANDRA
(unabashed)
For such a new friend I like your
smarts I was thinking the other
day Money is getting tighter and
tighter and how can I fund my little
groups meals? Then it hit me On
one of my little scavenger hunts
WALTER
(mumbling under
breath)
You mean dumpster dives
Sandra reaches back somewhere in her multi-layered outfit of
soiled clothing
SANDRA
in the trash, a cup or penny pot
as we used to say
She pulls out a well-worn and equally soiled styrofoam cup
with the words Cup-a-Noodles. She SHAKES THE CUP towards
Walter as COINS JINGLE INSIDE. Walter jolts back, flaying
his arms as if Limburger Cheese were being put to his nose.
He loses his balance and falls HIS LUNCH SCATTERS
WALTER
Geeze Lady! That smells nauseating
(continued)
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Sandra looks at the cup, looks at Walter, looks out and shrugs
her shoulders Walter rises, sitting with his forearms resting
on open knees
WALTER (continuing)
Look lady, this is the only placehere I can eat my lunch in peace!
(continued)
7
WALTER BEGINS PICKING UP HIS FOOD ITEMS, HURRIEDLY CRAWLING
AROUND LIKE AN INFANT
WALTER (continuing)
And since youve arrived...
(continued)
SHE RISES AND TURNS, LEAVING... Walters too busy to notice.
Shaking his head, HE PICKS UP HIS ITEMS IN CADENCE WITH HIS
WORDS
WALTER (continuing)
I-dont-have-time-for-old-ladies-
who
Walter gets up on his knees finally noticing SANDRA WALKING
OFF, he makes a smile. THEN, SANDRA TURNS BACK AROUND to
Walter, still on the ground.
SANDRA
Entertain my babies for a moment
Momma needs seed.
WALTER
I only have a half an hour!
As SANDRA WALKS OFF, WALTER PULLS HIMSELF UP ONTO THE BENCH
MUSICAL MONTAGE - CONTINUOUS
Sandra solicits money. Walter eats his lunch on the bench. The
other couples busy themselves The Rangers Patrol Joggers
pass by Jack and Crystal dance Sandra gets popcorn Jim and
CeCe run. Children ride by on bikes. People generally busy
themselves in the park
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PARK SETTING LATER SAME DAY - CONTINUOUS
On the bench, scattered remains of a sacked lunch encircle
Walter. He looks over to see Sandra approaching. He quickly
stuffs a last morsel into his mouth, PICKS UPS HIS WRAPPERS
AND RUSHES OFF
Sandra returns to the bench with her cup as Jack and Crystal
are walking by. SHE RATTLES HER CUP AT THEM
SANDRA
Pennies for pigeons?
8
JIM PUTS SOME CHANGE INTO SANDRAS CUP. Sandra graciouslyaccepts with a slight nod and cautiously looks around while
STUFFING THE CUP BACK INTO HER CLOTHING.
SANDRA
Thank you, now if you dont mind
(continued)
Sandra gently puts her palms to their backs and ushers them
off
SANDRA (continuing)
Its feeding time.
As the TWO WALK AWAY
JACK
Hey, check her out At least the
Salvation Army rings a bell when you
drop change.
CRYSTAL
Oh dont pick on the old lady Jack.
(continued)
The Couple stop, turn their shoulders and take a wondering
look back at the woman
CRYSTAL (continuing)
(sweetly)
I think shes a dove among pigeons
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(Pause)
As THEY RESUME WALKING AWAY
JACK
And what are we?
CRYSTAL
Well, youre definitely a hawk With
what you brought into the nest last
night?... all that silly string?
The FLAPING WINGS SOUND OF SEVERAL BIRDS FILL THE AIR
FADE TO BLACK:
9
Super In/Out: The Final Day
FADE INTO:
EXT. PARK SETTING - AFTERNOON NEXT DAY
The FLAPING WINGS SOUND CONTINUE FOR A WHILE AND THEN ABATE
while Sandras on the bench, looking up down and around, a bag
of popcorn in hand, making COOING SOUNDS. Yet there are no
birds in sight SHE THROWS THE KERNELS AROUND in front of her.
SANDRA
There there my pretties eat up, eat
up There my Sweeties
A PAPER SACK CRACKLES AS IT SWINGS across the view.
With lunch sack in hand, WALTER QUICKLY WALKS in a decisive
gait. He scans the ground in front of him, shaking his head
back and forth and making general mannerisms of disgust.
Sandra notices Walter approaching yet continues SPREADING THE
FEED. WALTER WALKS RIGHT UP TO THE BENCH ignoring Sandra and
plops himself down forcefully. HE IMMEDIATELY JUMPS BACK UP,
turns around and pulls a popcorn kernel out from the crack in
the back of his pants
Sandra and Walter warily make eye contact. With frustration he
forces his hand into the lunch sack and pulls out a napkin. He
hurriedly busies himself wiping down the bench where he was
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sitting. While turning his head to Sandra, Walter starts
making SNIFFING SOUNDS again and wrinkling his nose.
WALTER
Can you finish feeding those birds
and move off my bench? My times
short While youre at it, why dontyou go use the bird bath over there
to get some of that stench off of
you?
SANDRA
(unphased and
politely)
Whats your name young man? (beat)
People rushing into judgment without
any introduction
Theres a moment of silence before Walter replies
10
WALTER
(slightly perturbed)
Lets just say its Walter
(feigning politeness)
And yours?
WALTER SITS BACK DOWN.
SANDRA
Everybody calls me bird brain even
my friends, but then they nicknamed
me BeBe. Except (continued)
She looks up at him coyishly
SANDRA (continuing)
My real name is Sandra.
(properly nodding
her head)
Sandra Raven.
Sandra gives a pleasant smile Walter returns to his negative
tirade
WALTER
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(sarcastically)
Well Mrs. Sandra Raven
(matter of fact)
Those birds are soo nasty
(with emphasis)
Theyre useless
(slowly buildingto anger)
Birds squawk.
Birds are noisy. (continued)
WALTER NOW STANDS, pointing to the ground.
WALTER (continuing)
Birds Poop Everywhere!
Birds are Dirty!
Birds Have Disease!!
BIRDS CAN KILL YOU!!!
Sandra corrects Walter like a 3rd Grade School Teacher.
11
SANDRA
PIGEONS Walter, pigeons...
(shaking head back
and forth)
They are not just birds.
WALTER SITS BACK DOWN, REACHES INTO HIS SACK, PULLS OUT AN
ITEM AND BEGINS TO EAT. He starts to settle down. A few times
he curiously looks over at Sandra while continuing to stuff
food down his mouth.
WALTER
(seemingly pleasant)
Have you seen that Mary Poppins
video, that song?... You remind me
of that old lady in the square who
sings that song.
Walter looks up as if recollecting and trying to draw the
words out of his head
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WALTER
Lesee Hows it go? (Pause) Tupp
Tuppa Tupperware
(now nasty)
..for BIIRRDS! (continued)
Walter is now actually taunting her, in a sing-song fashion ofrecitation, teasing
WALTER (continuing)
TUPPERWARE FOR BIRDS TUPPERWARE FOR
BIRDS
Sandra continues her feeding, all the while ignoring Walter
and his mimicry. As she finishes spreading the handful of
feed, she turns to address Walter as if an old fashioned
disciplinarian school teacher.
SANDRA
(contained)
Oh Mr. Biig Executive
(Sarcastically quizzical)
In such a rush through life?
12
Walter eventually becomes enraged again
WALTER
Would you just move on? So I can
finish my inadequate lunch, go Back
To My Inadequate Job My Nine TO
FIVE GRIND ALLREADY!!!
(Pause)
SANDRA
LOOK!
In a paranoid manner, Walter quickly swivels his head in all
directions Sandra points to his feet.
SANDRA
Youre pigeon-toed!
SANDRA CHUCKLES, Walter becomes indignant at the perceived
snipe and furiously eyes the sack in Sandras hand. HE RASHLY
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STANDS UP. IN ONE BRUTAL SWEEPING MOTION, WALTER SWIPES THE
BAG FROM SANDRAS HAND, QUICKLY TURNS IT UPSIDE DOWN, POURING
THE FEW REMAINING KERNELS AND PIECES -- covered with a little
greenish powder -- DOWN HIS GULLET SLOPPILY, SOME TRICKLE OUT
OF HIS MOUTH AND SACK FALLING DOWN HIS SHIRT As WALTER
GOBBLES DOWN THE FEED, WIPING HIS MOUTH WITH HIS SHIRT SLEEVE,
Sandra watches him curiously
SANDRA
Oh dear Like that day old popcorn
do you Walter? (continued)
WALTER THROWS DOWN THE SACK DECISIVELY. HE THEN CHOKES A
LITTLE, SPITTING UP SOME PARSELS He wipes his mouth with his
hand again where a few pieces and a smudge of the powder
remain
SANDRA (continuing)
(in a teaching
tone)
Do you know my dear Walter, that the
avian oral-factory system is
different than that of mans?
(pause)
Doesnt that popcorn taste bitter to
you? (continued)
13
WALTER SHRUGS, SWIRLS HIS TONGUE AROUND HIS MOUTH, giving
Sandra a puzzled look.
SANDRA (continuing)
For one thing, there are very few
taste buds in the oral cavity of
pigeons -- only 37 while you and I
have over 9,000! (continued)
WALTER COUGHS A LITTLE. Still staring at Sandra
SANDRA (continuing)
My my my
This allows them to consume many
things which you and I would find
unpalatable
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Walter rolls his eyes, shakes his head back and forth,
incredulous at her ongoing soliloquy. He opens his mouth to
respond, yet finds he can only speak in a raspy tone
WALTER
What are you talkin, go go goin
WALTER COUGHS SOME MORE, as if trying to get rid of a clog in
his throat Now a little troubled, Walter puts a hand up to
his throat, COUGHING, while Sandra continues unabated
SANDRA
Rotten produce dead insects, animal
shit (Pause thinking) but not
road kill for some reason
(Pause)
Now more troubled, Walters legs start to tremble.
WALTER
What tha.. Whas ha LaLaLady!?
SANDRA
Not just rotten foods though Some
whose tastes are just too rich and
strong for us. Like chili peppers
not everyone can eat those, but
pigeons can without a thought.
(continued)
14
Walters movements become odd while he tries to split his
attention between Sandra and what is unnaturally occurring
within his body. Sandra is unaware, continuing with her
lesson.
SANDRA (continuing)
Jalapenos, Seranos, the Tabasco
Pepper, even the Red Habenero
Thats why a lot of them die from
consuming natural poisons they
cant taste the bitterness
(continued)
Walters eyes widen with a daunting thought. He grows weaker.
SANDRA (continuing)
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Oh, which brings me back to what I
meant to say Yes I have been
feeding the pigeons Walter. Ive
been feeding them to put them to
sleep
Ive been putting them to sleep to
take them out of their misery
Hardly able to walk or talk well, WALTER APPROACHES SANDRA.
WALTER
I, I, Ive You, You
SANDRA
(with concern)
Is your throat starting to swell
Walter?
Nothing comes out of Walters mouth. He is starting to
tremble. To stable himself, he grabs hold of the back of the
bench next to Sandra.
SANDRA
Thats one of the first effects of
the extra ingredient I put into the
feed ground Oleander leaves.
(Pause)
(Matter of fact)
Oh I know some call it poison, but I
like to think of it as medication.
(continued)
Walters eyes really widen now. He grabs his throat with both
hands, yet is barely able to steady himself.
15
SANDRA (continuing)
Medicine to put the pour dears out
of their daily misery just like you
Walter. (continued)
Walter begins to shake and slumps down next to Sandra
SANDRA (Continuing)
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A daily grind in an inadequate
space, inadequate food I would have
warned you (continued)
SANDRA SLAPS WALTER ON THE KNEE.
SANDRA (continuing)But youre in such a rush to
nowhere Hadnt you noticed that the
pigeon population has reduced quite
substantially since Ive arrived?
With great difficulty, Walter grabs at Sandras sleeve, trying
to raise his head and speak to her
WALTER
Sandra HeHeHeellp.. Mmm
SANDRA
Maybe in the next place youll learn
to slow down a bit and not eat so
fast. (continued)
She slaps him on the knee again Seen from a distance, Sandra
looks over at Walter AS GURGLING SOUNDS ARE HEARD
SANDRA (continuing)
Oh, Thats a good sign
Walters face is distorted with a copious amount of FOAM
POURING FROM HIS MOUTH
SANDRA (continuing)
It means the medicine is quickly
working
His shaking has increased SANDRA PUTS HER ARM AROUND WALTER,
as if consoling a loved one
SANDRA
(consoling)
And those convulsions shouldnt last
long either. (pause) Shortly theyll
(MORE)
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(CONT)
turn into paralysis A complete and
total systemic shut down Soon you
wont have to breathe any more of
this fowl air
(pause)
SANDRA STARTS TO CHUCKLE
SANDRA
Oh what a funny pun!
Walters eyes now start to recede into the top of their
sockets. His mouth begins to open on its own But nothing can
come out now except INFANTILE COOS He appears to be losing
control of all of his muscles Sandra gently strokes his hair
SANDRA
See, By helping the pigeons, Im
making room for others In my parks,
on my benches (continued)
SANDRA REACHES DOWN TO PICK UP THE NEAR-EMPTY SACK
SANDRA (continuing)
All from a harmless looking bag
(continued)
She brings her shoulders up, smiles and SHAKES THE BAG.STUFFS
IT INTO A POCKET AND PULLS OUT A KERCHEF AND BEGINS TO WIPE
OFF THE FOAM/DROOL AROUND WALTERS MOUTH as if he were an
infant.
SANDRA (continuing)
See, I am helping you. Soon youll
be out of this ho-hum existence;
soon youll be sleeping with the
pigeons.
Walter, even with his eyes receding can still manage to look
up and over at Sandra. His muscles have tightened even more,
causing his arms and legs to kink as the shaking begins to
subside... WALTERS BREATHING BECOMES STRAINED. SANDRA SIGHS.
SHE CONTINUES STROKING WALTERS HAIR.
SANDRA
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You should have taken the pigeons
(MORE)
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(CONT)
SANDRA (cont)
lead my dear boy See, once theflock starts dying off the others
get the message (beat) Ha Ha!
Messenger Pigeons and they fly off
to another location. But you didnt
get the message Walter.
Walter struggles to breathe and tries to fight off the
contractions and a few remaining spasms but he is defenseless
Yet Sandra continues on, unaffected
SANDRA
The retirement money my husband left
will soon run out I cant keep
chasing them from park to park
bench to bench But youll have no
such worries Dear Walter Youve
assured yourself of that
(continued)
Walters muscles have now fully contracted, bringing his feet
off the ground and shrinking him into a fetal state, totally
catatonic. SANDRA CONTINUES STROKING WALTERS HAIR.
SANDRA (continuing)
There, there No worries for the big
(Sarcastically)
New Accounts Executive.
SANDRA PUTS HER ARM AROUND WALTER.
SANDRA (continuing)
No more misdirection No more idle
chit-chat (continued)
Sandra looks up to the sky as dusk looms
SANDRA (continuing)
Eskimos say that stars are the
spirits of those who have passed
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Shinning down upon us from Heaven,
to let us know they are happy
(continued)
17
Walters curled into his fetal state with his head on Sandras
shoulder
SANDRA (continuing)
Will you be happy Walter? If, thats
where youre going Will you be
having an enlightened discourse on
High or a heated debate below?
(continued)
WALTERS LABORED BREATHING CEASES WITH A DEATH RATTLE
SANDRA (continuing)
Youll be like a new born babe now
(continued)
SANDRA KISSES DEAD WALTER ON THE FORHEAD
SANDRA (continuing)
Now well see who smells
(continued)
SHE BEGINS TO SING TO DEAD WALTER
SANDRA (continuing)
Rooock aaabye baaaby onna treee
taaahhp (continues)
Something does not sound quite right with Sandras singing.
Its not off key, theres just a disquieting, eerie, haunting
refrain to it.
WHILE SANDRA CONTINUES THE LULLABY, Dusk Comes. Cradling
Walter, she begins to rock him Now changing to a view of
Sandra from above, she is seen actually holding, rocking and
petting instead -- a dead pigeon
THEME MUSIC BLENDS IN As the scene darkens into black, stars
come out
Super In/Out: FIN
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END CREDITS ROLL
FADE OUT.