The Twilight Zone: Time Can Be A Tragedy

This is a treatment for an episode of the Twilight Zone, one of my all time favorite TV shows. I was born too late to write for Rod Serling, so I'll consider this my homage to the great man.

Tone: Suspenseful drama, think GLENNGARY GLENN ROSS or DEATH OF A SALESMAN.

NARRATOR: (Opening Narration) Witness if you will the sad, desperate lives of seven people, seven men and women who will all soon be sharing a rendezvous with fate. All seven of tonight's featured players are seeking that which is the most elusive of all precious resources - time. Tonight all of them will be thrown together in a place where time and space have little regard for human desire, for tonight all of them have reservations in...the Twilight Zone.   

EXT. (establishing shot) UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII CAMPUS - LATE JUNE

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. SMALL CLUTTERED OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

We meet: SERIOUS thirty year-old UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR (THINK JON HAMM).

Classes have ended for the summer, and he is shuffling papers at his desk, when the DEAN (THINK JEFF BRIDGES) of the College walks in.

The gist: The PROFESSOR is told his research activities are interfering with the quality of his teaching - his students have rated him poorly. He is told by the DEAN that a short sabbatical is advised. He protests, stating he just needs a little more time.

The PROFESSOR is 30, and like all research scientists who reach 30 without making any significant discoveries, he feels he is a failure.

                                                               MOMENTS LATER:        

EXT. FACULTY PARKING LOT - PROFESSOR IS SEEN LOADING BOXES INTO HIS CAR

The PROFESSOR has secrets - he is a COMPULSIVE GAMBLER and WOMANIZER. 

                                                         FLASH FORWARD TO:

EXT. (establishing shot) CONVENIENCE STORE PARKING LOT 

After he leaves the university the PROFESSOR stops at a convenience store to buy LOTTERY TICKETS. He scratches them feverishly while seated in his car - and WINS half a million dollars.

                                                                     DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LOTTERY OFFICES

The PROFESSOR takes the ticket to the lottery offices and receives a check minus the taxes, which is still a lot of cash. He now has the funds to pursue his research, and with the forced sabbatical, the time. It is the HAPPIEST day of his life.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. LARGE BANK

PROFESSOR is shown depositing his winnings.

                                                               MOMENTS LATER:

EXT. SHORELINE DRIVE

PROFESSOR shown happily driving his small crappy car when he notices a large sign for Island cruises. On a whim he pulls into the travel agency. 

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. TRAVEL AGENCY

There it is explained that the cruise is inter-island, and offers the chance to snorkel or scuba dive, depending on the customer's skills.

The PROFESSOR decides to take the cruise in order to clear his head, get a better idea of what he is going to do with the MONEY (he had been thinking of doing in his colleagues at the University - professional jealousy, believes one of them stole his research).

He is told the cruise will be leaving first thing in the morning (it is now 6:00 in the evening). 

                                                         FLASH FORWARD TO:

EXT. (establishing shot) RITZY RESTAURANT

The PROFESSOR decides to treat himself to a nice meal at a restaurant.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. RITZY RESTAURANT

The PROFESSOR is seated eating his dinner when he witnesses a SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS (THINK LINDSEY LOHAN) being followed by PAPARAZZI. He is disgusted by all the attention being paid to her while brilliant minds like his are ignored.

                                                                     DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX IN BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD

The PROFESSOR is seen pulling into parking spot. Notices a YOUNG WOMAN (THINK MAIARA WALSH) laying out at the apartment pool. The PROFESSOR momentarily stares lustfully.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. PROFESSOR'S APARTMENT

The PROFESSOR tinkers with a few of his unrealized inventions for a few hours before going to bed early in order to get up feeling refreshed for the cruise.

                                                                 FLASH BACK TO:

EXT. APARTMENT SWIMMING POOL JUST AFTER THE PROFESSOR WALKED PAST - CONTINUOUS

The YOUNG WOMAN the PROFESSOR noticed is approached by a YOUNG MAN (THINK HUNTER PARRISH). He sits on the chaise next to hers. 

The YOUNG MAN talks to the YOUNG WOMAN animatedly. The camera POV is too far for the conversation to be overheard, but it is evident that the YOUNG WOMAN is very upset.

The YOUNG WOMAN gets up from her chaise quickly, grabs her purse and leaves. The YOUNG MAN looks disdainfully but not forlornly after her.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. YOUNG WOMAN'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

The YOUNG WOMAN has stormed into her apartment. ON THE BED there is a open and empty suitcase with an airline luggage tag still around the handle indicating the bag came from Iowa. Next to the suitcase are two tickets for the inter-island cruise tomorrow at 6:00am.

The YOUNG WOMAN sinks into a chair sobbing uncontrollably. We watch her for a few moments in the chair, then she gets up and walks to the dresser. She picks up a photograph of her and the YOUNG MAN at what looks like a high school prom. She then picks up a photograph of the YOUNG MAN in a Naval uniform. With tears in her eyes she rips up both pictures and tosses the pieces into the trash.

The YOUNG WOMAN walks to the closet and selects an elegant evening dress, tosses it on the bed. Her back is to the camera as she removes her top and walks toward the shower visible through the open bathroom door.

The YOUNG WOMAN has secrets - she came to HAWAII pregnant, hoping to marry her HIGH SCHOOL boyfriend. HE told her to get an abortion.

                                                                     DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. (establishing shot) HIGH-RISE HOTEL ON THE BEACH - SAME NIGHT

Valet shown greeting couple along with bell boy placing 
luggage on cart.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL SUITE - VIEW FROM WINDOW IS AT LEAST TWENTY STORIES UP - CONTINUOUS.

OLDER COUPLE (THINK WILLIAM H. MACY and EMBETH DAVIDTZ) standing at the side of a large bed. The bed is covered with MONEY.

The OLDER COUPLE are having a heated discussion involving the source of the money. The OLDER MAN is stating that they need time, that they need to hide from people who are after them. Older woman is admonishing the OLDER MAN for putting them in danger.

The OLDER COUPLE is shown placing the money in a large trunk. Camera should pan towards the balcony and reveal tickets for the inter-island cruise scheduled for 6:00am on the dresser.

The OLDER COUPLE has secrets - they are both GRIFTERS and are now running from the LAW, the MAFIA, and JAPANESE YAKUZA

                                                         FLASH FORWARD TO:

INT. RITZY RESTAURANT THE PROFESSOR DINED AT - SAME NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

The SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS is still at the restaurant. She is now seated in a booth with two men. One of them is her agent (THINK NATHAN FILLION) and the other is her attorney (THINK POWERS BOOTHE).

The two men are attempting to explain to the SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS the repercussions of a recent arrest. They are trying to get her to understand she is facing prison time. She is arrogantly/haughtily telling them that she is too big for prison, and it's their job to make sure it doesn't happen

They press her on the issue and she is losing patience. She excuses herself to use the women's room.

                                                               MOMENTS LATER:

INT. WOMEN'S RESTROOM AT RITZY RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS

SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS is standing in front of a mirror. At the mirror next to her is the YOUNG WOMAN who was at the PROFESSOR'S apartment complex pool. Both women are working on their eye makeup.

YOUNG WOMAN notices the SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS from reflection in her own mirror, turns to the ACTRESS and speaks: "You look like you're having as good a time as I am."

SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS is caught off-guard by YOUNG WOMAN'S nonchalant demeanor, replies: "Yeah...people can really be a pain sometimes, even people who are supposed to be helping you."

YOUNG WOMAN says: "That's too true. I came out here to spend time with someone I thought was special, and now all I want to do is spend time with myself, and as far away from him as I can get!"

SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS says: "Geez, I wish I could get away from everyone! I wish I could spend some time by myself too!"

YOUNG WOMAN replies jokingly: "I'm going on a short inter-island cruise first thing in the morning - got an extra ticket now and you're welcome to it!"

SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS stares into the mirror for a long moment, then turns towards the YOUNG WOMAN: "Seriously? This is probably crazy, but I'll take you up on that offer - but I have to ditch my agent and my lawyer. Is it possible for me to stay at your place tonight and go with you in the morning?"

YOUNG WOMAN, taken by surprise: "Sure! I'll tell you what, I'll pull my rental car over by the back patio, you can sneak out the gate, and we'll make a sleepover and a girl's day out of it!"

                                                               MOMENTS LATER:

EXT. SMOKERS PATIO OF RESTAURANT 

SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS is seen surreptitiously leaving via a vine covered back gate. She runs over to the rental car the YOUNG WOMAN is in and they drive off.  

The SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS has no secrets - everybody who ever knew her even remotely have sold their stories to the tabloid press.

                                                                  THE SUN SETS:

EXT. MARINA - EARLY THE NEXT MORNING - CONTINUOUS 

Tourists are mingling with each other as deckhands gather gear, readying boats for the day's cruises.

The PROFESSOR parks his car, retrieves a SMALL BACKPACK from the trunk, smiles mysteriously and pats it as he walks towards the berth.

The PROFESSOR notices a YOUNG WOMAN with a small suitcase - he comments to himself that she looks familiar, and is somewhat "farmgirlish", though fit and attractive. He also sees an OLDER COUPLE, with two men helping them with a few large trunks. The OLDER MAN constantly looks about nervously.

Nearing the small vessel the cruise is to be taken on, the PROFESSOR notices a TALL WOMAN with her hair in a headscarf and a long overcoat covering her from head to foot. She is also wearing sunglasses. As he stares at her he realizes it is the SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS who was being harassed by the PAPARAZZI last night.

                                                                               CUT TO:

EXT. BERTH OF THE SMALL CRUISE SHIP - CONTINUOUS

As the PROFESSOR nears the berth, he sees a large man in a CAPTAIN'S attire helping another man wearing a SEAMAN'S cap load a large crate onto the boat.

The PROFESSOR is greeted by the large man in the CAPTAIN'S attire: "Welcome aboard (looks at clipboard)...Professor Hinkley. Let my FIRST MATE take your BACKPACK and find yourself a seat topside, We'll be casting off shortly for a three hour tour of the islands. The weather should be great."

The CAPTAIN and the FIRST MATE both have secrets - their longing for each other, which they hide from even themselves.

The scene then shifts to the boat underway. The PROFESSOR approaches the SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS standing on the deck, looking at the limitless horizon. The PROFESSOR states: "I saw you being harassed by all those cameramen last night - I can understand how you would want to get a bit of time to yourself, but I just wanted to say I love your work - you have it all over Kidman."

The SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS gives him a small smile, continues to look at the horizon, then comments: "Do you think those clouds on the horizon will be a problem?"

The PROFESSOR shades his eyes and looks: "No, we should be fine. The CAPTAIN of this boat strikes me as a competent man - I think he knows what he's doing."

                                                                     DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. (establishing shot) VAST EXPANSE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. SHIP'S WHEEL HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

The CAPTAIN is looking through binoculars towards the horizon. The FIRST MATE is staring at the screen of a small GPS. The CAPTAIN states: "Those co-ordinates have got to be wrong. NIHOA should be dead ahead, and I see nothing but ocean."

The FIRST MATE looks up from the GPS: "There is something wrong with this - according to the data, we are now closer to SOUTH AMERICA than we are to HAWAII."

The CAPTAIN looks over at the FIRST MATE. His eyes linger on his slender frame and it would be obvious to any observer that he lusts after the young man. He says, "That's ridiculous, we haven't been in the water more than two hours. We couldn't have traveled more than 20 miles in that time."

The FIRST MATE looks back to the CAPTAIN. His eyes admiring the larger man in much the same fashion the CAPTAIN appreciated the FIRST MATE. He replies: "Look, all I can tell you is what's on the screen. Something weird is going on with the GPS."

                                                         FLASH FORWARD TO:

EXT. THE DECK OF THE BOAT - CONTINUOUS

The YOUNG WOMAN is laying on a chaise in a tied off red flannel shirt and denim shorts. The OLDER MAN is also on a chaise, and has been casting glances her way over his sunglasses. The OLDER WOMAN, laying in a chaise next to the OLDER MAN, has been eyeing the PROFESSOR who is at the railing, and he has been chatting up the SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS.

The OLDER WOMAN turns toward the OLDER MAN: "This may have been your best idea yet. If the CAPTAIN can be bribed into letting us disembark at one of the smaller islands, we'll have more than enough time to disappear and all that money will disappear with us."

The OLDER MAN looks at the OLDER WOMAN with an agreeing smile: "Yes - like I've told you, a little time and distance and we are home free. We have enough in that crate to bribe the Admiral of the US Navy - the CAPTAIN of this tub will be no problem."

                                                                               CUT TO:

EXT. (establishing shot) BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF BOAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN

Storm clouds are shown accumulating in time-lapse. The small boat is shown being battered by large waves. 

The weather has turned and the boat is being tossed about in a violent storm. The PASSENGERS are all shown in various stages of distress trying to keep calm while the CREW tries to keep the boat afloat. 

                                                              FLASH FORWARD:

EXT: BEACH - THE NEXT MORNING - THE STORM HAS PASSED AND THE BOAT IS NOW AGROUND - CONTINUOUS

The PROFESSOR wakes up clutching his BACKPACK. He sits up and scans the beach. He spots luggage/crates scattered everywhere, and sees all of the other passengers and the crew sprawled out along the shore.

The CAPTAIN is the next to wake up, then the crewman in the SEAMAN'S hat. The OLDER COUPLE get up at about the same time. The SEMI-FAMOUS ACTRESS and the YOUNG WOMAN also get up. All seven people walk toward the grounded boat.

The CAPTAIN climbs aboard the boat, followed by the PROFESSOR.

                                                                               CUT TO:

INT. SHIP'S WHEEL HOUSE

The CAPTAIN and the PROFESSOR survey the damage. All of the electronics are fried. The only piece of equipment that seems to have survived is a lone portable shortwave receiver. They both look at the last print-out on the GPS's printer. They stare at each other in disbelief.

The CAPTAIN turns from the cabin and exits the boat. 

                                                               MOMENTS LATER:

EXT. THE BEACH - CONTINUOUS

The CAPTAIN addresses all the people who have gathered around him: "Inexplicably, the storm took us quite a few miles off course. From the last position recorded by the GPS, we are almost a thousand miles from where we should be, where they will be looking for us. It may take some time before we are found, so I think it's best if we explore this island a little and find shelter. It's typhoon season, and we need to make use of what time we have before the next storm hits. Let's get moving - we have no time to waste."

                                                                               CUT TO:

EXT. VIEW OF THE ISLAND FROM THE OCEAN - CONTINUOUS

NARRATOR: (Closing Narration) A cautionary tale of seven stranded castaways, destined to be here for a long, long time. They will have to learn to make the best of things, a challenge sure to be an uphill climb. Will the first mate and the Skipper learn to lay their fears to rest, finally becoming comfortable in this tropic island nest? With no phones, no lights, no motor cars and not a single luxury can they live like Robinson Crusoe, as primitive as can be? Joined together when all were weak can they become friends and learn to smile? These seven stranded castaways...all here on Gilligan's Isle?

Que eerie guitar-driven theme music, roll credits.