THE TELEPHONE NUMBER - Happy Valentine's Day!

FADE IN:

INT. BEDROOM. APARTMENT - NIGHT

MIKE frantically fingers the contents of his wallet.

MIKE
Where is that business card?

He holds his wallet upside down, watching the waterfall of its contents cascade to his unmade bed.

MIKE
It was blue.

For the next half hour he inspects each item, discarding the unnecessary. Still, no blue business card. Despondent, he falls onto his bed; the loss of the card summing up his chaotic life.

MIKE
Think, Mike. Think.

He closes his eyes and concentrates. The first three numbers lept before him as he'd studied her telephone number countless times. But the last four...as a child repeats the alphabet to reach an elusive letter, so he tried with numbers.

MIKE
One, two, three... Three!

Scrambling for a notepad, he proceeds until seven digits stared back at him; the telephone number he could swear he'd had all along. His digital clock blares eleven o'clock.

MIKE
It's pretty late.
(pumping himself)
It's now or never!

As he dials, he visualizes the tall, slender blonde in her slinky, red dress, flirting over a martini.

MIKE
But I'm not in her league.

While the phone rings, he reminds himself that he wasn't half bad looking, and women even commented on how his glasses made him look just as adorable as Clark Kent.

MIKE
Just as clumsy, too.

A woman answers the phone.

WOMAN (OFFSCREEN)
Hello?

MIKE
Hello? Danielle?

DANIELLE (OS)
Yes?

MIKE
Um. This is Mike. You may not remember...

DANIELLE (OS)
(surprised)
I didn't think you'd ever call, Mike.

MIKE
(spirits soaring)
Would you like to go out for dinner?
You would? I mean, Saturday? Seven thirty?
Sure, I know where it is. Terrific! See you
then. Good night, Danielle.

He dances victoriously around the bedroom, then collapses onto his bed, soon falling asleep.

SEVERAL DAYS LATER

Mike rushes haphazardly, changing his Hanes underwear at least a dozen times. He would be late if he didn't step up his already frenetic pace.

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Mike follows the maitre d' who escorts him to a cozy table in the dimly lit corner at which sits a lovely, bespectacled young woman.

DANIELLE
(adjusting her glasses)
Mike?

MIKE
(mimics her)
Danielle?

While the excitement and anticipation hisses from his ego, Danielle grins.

DANIELLE
Seems there's been a little mistake.

Her embracing smile emphasizes her gentleness and sweet face.

DANIELLE
It doesn't mean we can't make the best of it.
What do you think?

MIKE
(grins sheepishly)
Sure.

After ordering, then pouring the wine, he slowly shares what had happened. Danielle's LAUGHTER, both comforting and lilting, eases his self-consciousness. The hours fly by. When they realize they're the last couple in the restaurant, they exchange warm glances.

MIKE
I'd love to see you again.

DANIELLE
I would too, Mike, but under one condition.

MIKE
What's that?

DANIELLE
(holding his hands)
You give me your telephone number.

MIKE
(chuckles)
Agreed.

INT./EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

As they walk into the crisp spring night, DANIELLE's tresses bounce in sync with Mike's newfound spring in his step.

MIKE
(to himself, glancing at the stars)
Am I glad I lost that business card!

FADE TO BLACK

**written by petra michelle (2/16/08)**

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com/

Sharing Popcorn with God -- Dedicated to Paul Newman

 (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008)

FADE IN:

EXT. CLOUD. HEAVEN - DAY

GOD and a male ANGEL are relaxing and sharing a bowl of popcorn; enjoying film images on a row of small clouds before them.

GOD
This is my favorite part.

INSERT IMAGE: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are on their horses jumping off the cliff into a river.

ANGEL
My favorite too.
(reads the cloud guide)
Looks like there's a marathon today.

GOD
What's next?

ANGEL
The Sting.

Engrossed, CRUNCHING popcorn and gun SHOTS break the silence.

ANGEL
They had a full-proof code which helped them get away with the heist.

GOD
Ah.

A sublime sunset engulfs them; they, too absorbed to notice it and the time.

ANGEL
You've seen it all, haven't you?

GOD
Not Hombre.

The Angel smiles.

GOD
The hypocricies and prejudices!

ANGEL
A fair protrait.

As they begin to reveal themselves, the Angel savors the stars' brilliance, then returns to the guide.

ANGEL
There's a few more in the marathon?
Do you have the time?

GOD
I sure could use the day off.
(beams)
Elizabeth Taylor.

ANGEL
A Cat on the Hot Tin Roof.
(turns to God)
Are you sure you should be watching these?

GOD
Are you suggesting I watch PG-13?

ANGEL
(embarrassed)
No, of course not.
(returns to images)
The Verdict!

GOD
I haven't seen it.

ANGEL
It's about a heavy drinking, down-on-his luck lawyer who makes a come back.

GOD
Good for him.
(glancing at the next cloud)
Hud?

ANGEL
The man with the barbed wire soul.

GOD
Hmmm.
(rises)
I see we're out of popcorn. I'll make dinner.

The Angel watches the serene figure admiringly as He carefully prepares their meal. Upon His return,

ANGEL
God, thanks for having given me a such a blessed life.

GOD
I'd say it was the other way around, Paul.
(sits)
What's next?

PAUL
Absence of Malice.

FADE TO BLACK

Originally published 10/03/08

**written by petra michelle**

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com

A Pocket Full Of Miracles

from my e-book "Whose Role Is It Anyway?"

FADE IN:

EXT. MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE. MANHATTAN - DAY

On a brisk December day, hurrying holiday SHOPPERS rush in and out of Macy's. Near its entrance stands a MAN CALLING OUT to anyone who will listen.

MAN
A pocket full of miracles! Get your miracle here!

PASSERSBY look upon him queerly as he continues to chant.

MAN
A pocket full of miracles! Get your miracle here!

Adjusting his iPod, a TEENAGER stops in curiosity.

TEENAGER
How much?

MAN
It's free.

TEENAGER
(sarcastically)
Nothing's free.

Then walks away. Untethered,

MAN
A pocket full of miracles! Get your miracle!

A young COUPLE stops and exchanges glances.

WOMAN
What kind of miracles?

MAN
You name it.

WOMAN
My boyfriend and I want to get married but
we can't afford a ring.

As her boyfriend tugs at her arm, the man searches for and pulls from his pocket a brilliant engagement ring. He hands it to the woman who excitedly shows it to her boyfriend.

BOYFRIEND
How much does it cost?

MAN
Nothing.

BOYFRIEND
It's a fake. Let's go.

As they walk away, the woman gleans the ring then smiles at the man appreciatively.

A hunched OLD MAN steps out of the crowds and faces the miracle man.

OLD MAN
I bet you don't have anything in your pocket for me.

MIRACLE MAN
Try me.

OLD MAN
I remember when I was twenty. I was as strong
as Hercules. Played lots of sports.

The miracle man listens patiently.

OLD MAN
My wife was my biggest fan. We were high school
sweethearts.

Not saying a word, the man begins walking; the old man in step beside him.

OLD MAN
We were married over fifty years.
(quietly)
She died last year.

MIRACLE MAN
I'm very sorry.

As they continue to walk together,

OLD MAN
I live around the corner. Would you join me
for dinner?

MIRACLE MAN
I'd be honored.

FADE TO BLACK

written by "petra michelle"

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com

House on Haunted Hill - Encore Presentation

FADE IN:

FREDERICK LOREN, and his wife, ANNABELLE, have invited several GUESTS to spend the night in their old mansion situated atop a hill.

EXT. OLD MANSION - NIGHT

Each guest arrives at the desolate mansion in a limousine provided by Mr. Loren and are attended to by his BUTLER.

INT. FOYER. MANSION - NIGHT

BUTLER
Good evening, Sir. Mr. Loren will be with you shortly.

FRANKENSTEIN passes him, GRUNTING.

BUTLER
Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Addams.

INT. SITTING ROOM. MANSION - NIGHT

MORTICIA and GOMEZ ADDAMS join Frankenstein who bends over to kiss Morticia's extended hand, then shakes Gomez's hand and offers a cigar.

GOMEZ
What's the old boy up to?

Frankenstein GRUNTS, shaking his head as he lights Gomez's cigar.

MORTICIA
It's all very mysterious, cherie.

As Gomez is about to smother her arm in kisses, the doorbell HOLLERS, distracting him. The threesome's glances follow the butler as he opens the door.

BUTLER
Good evening, Count.

As Gomez steps towards Dracula,

GOMEZ
You're looking well, Count.

DRACULA
Thank you. Where is your beautiful wife?

Gracefully walking towards him,

MORTICIA
Dear Count.

As she extends her hand, Dracula eyes her neck. All are once again distracted by the doorbell.

BUTLER
Good evening, Madam.

ELVIRA embraces Morticia as each air kiss one another.

ELVIRA
Whatever Frederick is up to, it's fabulous to see you all.

DRACULA
You're looking more lovely than ever, my dear.

Dracula salivates as he glances between Elvira's and Morticia's necks.

Looking dashing and stunning, Frederick and Annabelle suddenly appear.

FREDERICK
How gracious of you for coming tonight.

GOMEZ
Don't give it a thought, my friend. But what is the occasion?
You're famous for your tricks, old chap.

FREDERICK
I'm happy to announce Annabelle's birthday.

The group offer her hugs, kisses, and best wishes. As they do, Frederick steps towards the light switch unnoticed, and shuts off the lights.

In the darkness, a SCREAM and a THUMP are heard. Frederick switches the lights on. Dracula's fangs drip with blood.

FREDERICK
What have you done, Count?

He rushes to Annabelle squirming on the floor, her hand covered with blood trying to soothe the bite on her neck.

DRACULA
What you told me to do. To bite Annabelle.

Everyone turns to Frederick questioningly. As he assists Annabelle to her feet and tends to her wound,

FREDERICK
No, no, no, dear Count. I told you to sing to Annabelle.

DRACULA
I do not sing. I bite.

ANNABELLE
(crying)
I am a lady of darkness now.

ELVIRA
I beg your pardon, Annabelle, but I am the lady of darkness.

MORTICIA
Mon ami, you are mistaken for it is I, the lady of darkness.

Once again, the lights go out. A spotlight flashes on Frederick.

FREDERICK
For you, my darling. Happy birthday.

Frankenstein appears on a makeshift stage in a yellow, sequined jacket and black sequined pants holding a cane. As he clumsily dances, he belts out "Puttin on the Ritz." Annabelle thoroughly enjoys his performance, blowing him a kiss.

He nearly stumbles offstage as Morticia and Elvira, dressed as Flappers, sing "All That Jazz," dancing on and around their chair props. Annabelle CLAPS enthusiastically.

Gomez then appears and recites quite eloquently, Edgar Allan Poe's poem, "Annabel Lee."

Last, Dracula appears adorned in a red and black cape.

DRACULA
For this act, I will need your assistance, dearest Annabelle.

Annabelle joins him exuberantly.

DRACULA
With one swoop of my cape, I will make Annabelle disappear.
On the count of three...one, two, three.

Dracula covers Annabelle with his cape and to everyone's delight, Annabelle disappears.

FREDERICK
Bravo, Count!

MORTICIA
But where did she go?

As everyone surrounds Dracula in curious search of Annabelle, he disappears in a ball of smoke. The stunned group blinks at the stain on the floor and exchange concerned glances.

FREDERICK
He has abducted her!

As he rushes to the door,

FREDERICK
I will search high and low. Use all of my resources.
Do anything to find her. If it takes forever!

INT. DINING QUARTERS. SHIP TO TRANSYLVANIA - NIGHT

DRACULA
Are you comfortable, dearest Annabelle?

ANNABELLE
Yes, I am, Count. But where are we going?

DRACULA
Home.

ANNABELLE
(sighs)
There's no place like home.

DIRECTOR
Cut! This is not the Wizard of Oz!

To the director,

ANNABELLE
And this is House on Haunted Hill?

FADE TO BLACK

**written by petra michelle**

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com/

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

FADE IN:

INT. LOG CABIN. PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS - THANKSGIVING DAY

A FAMILY of six are gathered around the dining table adorned with the cornucopia of Thanksgiving dinner.

Anticipant as the grandfather clock CHIMES three o'clock,

MOTHER
He'll be here.

FATHER
He's late, Dorah.

DORAH
We won't start without him, Luther.

LUTHER
(firmly)
He'd be the first to understand.

As Luther begins carving the turkey, Dorah lets out a SIGH. Their DAUGHTER clasps her hand reassuringly.

DAUGHTER
He's been here every Thanksgiving, dad.

Luther stops carving with the KNOCK at the door.

GRANDSON
He's here!

He and his sister run out of the dining room and return holding the hands of Native American, MASSASOIT.

All surround him excitedly and guide him to his place at the table.

GRANDDAUGHTER
We saved your chair, Great Sachem.

Massasoit nods, smiling. As he sits, he retrieves the ceremonial pipe from his pouch, then lights it. After inhaling, he passes it to Luther who then passes it to Dorah. She respectfully inhales and returns it to Massasoit.

After snuffing the pipe, Massasoit sets it adjacent to his place setting. Ritualistically, each extends and holds the other's hand, heads bowed.

DORAH
We give thanks today for Your eternal bounty.

ALL
(in unison)
Amen.

MASSASOIT
Aho.

FADE TO BLACK

Happy Thanksgiving!

**written by petra michelle (11/21/00)**

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com

GODIVAS - Tribute to Coco Chanel

FADE IN:

INT. MILLINERY SHOP. EARLY 1900's PARIS - DAY

In the workroom of her shop, COCO CHANEL painstakingly creates an evening gown by hand; each stitch a labor of love. Her ASSISTANT appears.

ASSISTANT
A very important patron is here to see you.

Coco abandons the gown to tend to this mysterious patron. As she approaches a lovely NOBLEWOMAN,

COCO
Ah, Madam Godiva. Bonjour. How may I assist you?

LADY GODIVA
(fully clothed)
Bonjour Coco. I need something very different for a special occasion.

COCO
Of course. What is the occasion? A ball, the theatre...

LADY GODIVA
I'm to ride on a horse naked through the marketplace of my realm...
for a very worthy cause of course.

COCO
(taken aback)
To be naked, it must be.

LADY GODIVA
Isn't it wicked?

COCO
(shakes her head)
But Madam, I clothe, not unclothe.

LADY GODIVA
There must be something you can do.

Coco ponders her dilemma earnestly and sincerely. Her glance falls on a stack of pretty boxes. She rushes to the stack, scoops up a box, then returns.

COCO
May I make a suggestion?

LADY GODIVA
Yes, of course.

COCO
Give these to the people as you ride passed. You will have pleased those you shock.

LADY GODIVA
(perplexed)
With chocolates?

COCO
Godivas, Madam. You will be the crown jewel.

LADY GODIVA
Yes, I see. I shall be as tempting as chocolate.

COCO
Champagne to celebrate?

LADY GODIVA
Thank you.

As they sip champagne and share another box of Godivas,

COCO
Madam, may I ask? What is this cause?

LADY GODIVA
To lower my people's taxes.

COCO
(nods)
A very noble cause. But why naked?

LADY GODIVA
It was my husband's idea. He said he would lower them if I rode...

COCO
Your husband.
(reaches behind her)
Here's another box of Godivas, just for him.

FADE TO BLACK

**written by petra michelle, 9/19/08**

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com

JACK AND JILL - Encore presentation

FADE IN:

EXT. FOOT OF HILL - DAY

JACK and JILL climbed up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown...
Lying on the grass, distorted images of trees beneath the sky come into view as Jack slowly opens his eyes.

JILL
Jack, can you hear me?

Gingerly touching his bruised head, Jack sits up.

JACK
What happened?

JILL
You broke your crown again.

JACK
My crown? I do not wear a crown.

Studying his clothing, then feeling his face,

JACK
Where's my mask? And my cape?

JILL
Mask? Cape? That was some fall, Jack.

JACK
Have we had the pleasure of meeting, Senorita?

JILL
Well, we've only climbed that hill fetching water
together for what seems like an eternity.

JACK
Fetch water? Me?

JILL
Jack...

JACK
And why do you insist on calling me Jack? I am
Don Juan deMarco.

JILL
Who?

As he stands upright,

JACK
The greatest lover in the world.

JILL
(rolling her eyes)
If we don't fetch the water, we'll be sacked. Not
now, of all times.

JACK
My dear Senorita. You must not fret.

JILL
It takes more than love to pay the bills.

JACK
So young and so cynical. Do not underestimate
the power of love. And, it just so happens--I am rich.

JILL
And where, prey tell, is the money?

JACK
On the other side of the hill.

JILL
Fine. Let's go.

Jack and Jill climbed up the hill to fetch deMarco's money. Jack fell down and broke his crown... Moaning, Jack lies in a stupor.

JILL
Jack?
(no answer)
Mr. deMarco?

JACK
Who?

JILL
James Bond.

JACK
No.

JILL
Robin Hood.

JACK
No.

Jill guides him over the hill by the hand. As they disappear,

JILL (OS)
The King of England.

JACK (OS)
Yes. Yes. Yes.

FADE TO BLACK

**written by petra michelle, 3/21/09**

http://petramichelle.blogspot.com/