It was then cut to just a small "cut to" scene which I was juggling to fit either before Norton arrives at the bar (chronological to story) or as a retrospect as to what had happened to the chimp before the conflict in the bar. ( as before the establishing shot of downtown 1930's chicago, but I thought in the end, the E.S was more important and hopefully the dialogue fills in the blanks.- Plus it follows the "story before the film" aspect I liked about 'American Gangster'.
plus I thought there was too much stuff taking up screen time before the film got to the "adrenaline moment" where the chimp is tossed into the place.
Synopsis:
Norton Lyons is the local Lieutenant in downtown 1930’s Chicago. Norton is crooked, and being a lion, he prey on the weak for a percentage of their profits. Sedrick the Zebra, the local bar owner is tired of Norton’s standover tactics so he decide to put a bounty out on Norton’s head.
Norton catches wind of the plan and decides to confront Sedrick in his Bar, believing that being at the top of the food chain means he can do what he likes, regardless of the other animal’s welfare.
However, Norton finds out the hard way that you can’t always win by being the biggest.
EXT. “Grasslands Saloon”- Downtown Chicago 1936- late Night
Pouring rain hammers down onto the cold dark pavements of a Chicago street. The streets a deserted, apart from the odd car driving quietly through the down pour. In the vague blackness of the night, faint light can be seen peering thru the gap in an old doorway of the bottom section of a rundown three storey building.
The bottom section of the building houses a small public bar. The outside of which is lined with scattered garbage cans and narrow lane ways.
The name of the bar, “Grasslands Saloon” is painted in a faded green at the side of the doorway across the brickwork.
Int. “Grasslands Saloon”- Downtown Chicago 1936- late Night
The bar is quiet with a smokey haze, which circles around the dim orange lights that hang low. The inner architecture of the bar is constructed from thick wooden beams with tables and chairs set out in no particular order. Booths line the brick interior wall. Dry grass is scattered across the floor.
SEDRICK the bar owner wipes over the bar and smiles at the laughing and camaraderie being shared in the bar.
Suddenly, NORTON is standing in the Doorway of the Bar, water drips from his jacket. The conversations die and all that can be heard is the rain.
Sedrick
I thought cats didn’t like water
Animals in the bar laugh. NORTON eyes off the animals, the laughter stops.
Norton
Funny, Horse. I’ve got one for you.
SEDRICK eyes NORTON off as NORTON disappears from the doorway.
NORTON appears suddenly in the doorway, holding up a beaten chimpanzee by the wrist.
Norton
How about, “Look what the Cat dragged in”!
SEDRICK’s eyes widen as NORTON tosses the Chimp, where he comes crashing down onto the top of a nearby table, scattering beer glasses and furniture.
Blood and drool trickles from the chimpanzee’s mouth. He is barley breathing.
SEDRICK
You son of a Bitch! What the hell do you think you’re...
NORTON
(Interrupting)
Shut up Sedrick! Word on the street is you’re trying to have me rubbed out.
SEDRICK is suddenly taken aback.
SEDRICK
You...I, I don’t know what you’re talking about.
NORTON
Really? I was shaking down the monkey here and found this...
NORTON pulls out a wet, blood spattered piece of paper from his coat.
... “Reward.5 grand for the fella who bumps off Norton Lyons. Head to Sedrick’s”.
NORTON screws up the flyer and tosses it at the out cold chimp.
...got something to say pony?
SEDRICK
I, I say bumping off Dirty cops that parade around like gangsters would be doing the community a great service.
NORTON
Oh I get it, the local hero, ey?
You think ‘cause you lived in brown grass and were given black and white stripes for camouflage that the world owes you a break, huh?
Well let me tell you something; you’re prey my friend, and I sit on top of the food chain- you and your grass eating friends sit under me; that’s how it is and that’s they way it’s gonna stay. And if you think some big miracle is going to come along, see your pretty flyer and change that, you’re wrong.
A RHINO, who had been viewing the proceedings from the corner of the room, stands up and approaches NORTON. The RHINO glares at NORTON, showing unwavering disdain.
NORTON
Let me guess, you saw the pretty flyer.
RHINO
(Growling)
Puuuudddddeeeee taaaaaaat!
NORTON smiles a wicked smile as he turns to walk away, suddenly he spins, punching the RHINO in the stomach followed by a slash to the RHINO’s face with his claws. The RHINO crashes to the floor. NORTON turns to SEDRICK.
Norton
You know what Zebra? All this excitement has made me hungry!
Suddenly NORTON pauses, his eyes widen and his head jolts. He clutches his heart and with one last gasp for air, he collapse in a heap on the floor.
The animals in the bar slowly pear over to where NORTON lies. Quiet shuffling can be heard coming from under NORTON’s body until suddenly, a tiny scorpion scurries out and crawls onto the top of the bar to face SEDRICK, who stares at him dumbfounded.
SCORPION
Umm, dreadfully sorry about that. He was rather loud, wasn’t he?
The SCORPION pulls out a small folded piece of paper from his jacket, and unwraps it to reveal a copy of the NORTON flyer. He shows it to SEDRICK.
...Do you mind if you write me a cheque? I can’t carry too many bills.
Sedrick
Err, yeah. Sure thing.
SCORPION
Could I also trouble you for a cocktail umbrella?
It’s rather wet outside.
END
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