I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY: THE LILLIAN BRIGGS STORY (Screenplay Sample)
Lee Schiller The true story of Lillian Briggs, the very first "Queen of Rock & Roll" and how she fought for and achieved The American Dream ... Twice.
- I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY: The Lillian Briggs Story
-Screenplay Presentation Videos -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9xUgktg9q4
And
http://vimeo.com/116459514 -
Registered: WGAw No. 1572559
- Austin Film Festival: Winner's Circle Award - http://www.austinfilmfestival.com
- Feature Film: 129 pp.
- Genre: Musical/Bio/Drama
- Legal: Copyrighted © Authorized by Lillian Briggs, Executed Rights and Releases on File
- Additional: Wm. Morris Agency Story Report, By Daniel B. Sweeney - http://www.wma.com
- Status: AVAILABLE - Inquire via 'Contact' page
- The Miracle Of Love/Lillian's Theme by Federico Vaona - http://www.federicovaona.com
- Graphic/Visual Design: by Samantha Perez at: http://www.artbysamanthaperez.com
- LILLIAN BRIGGS: Info, Lyrics, Photos, Music + More - http://pl.ayli.st/Lillian+Briggs
- Feel free to browse a few of Lillian's scrapbook photos by using the end-of-screenplay links and visit the Lillian Briggs Page on Facebook. - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lillian-Briggs/112526965428581
LILLIAN BRIGGS INTERACTIVE LINK:
http://www.mashpedia.com/Lillian_Briggs
LILLIAN BRIGGS BIO LINK:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Briggs
LILLIAN BRIGGS YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuYc7zghmGrepbn6SIsEtJg/videos
(Additional information: http://www.google.com)
"THE TONIGHT SHOW" (1955) Lillian Briggs Host: Steve Allen - First TV Appearance VIDEO LINK:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=156762581102557&l=251792390719852763 (VIDEO)
"WHAT'S MY LINE?" (3-21-65) Lillian Briggs - First Mystery Guest Star Panel:Carol Channing,Arlene Francis,Alan King VIDEO LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421914688&x-yt-cl=84503534&v=-X6n1SLLo64 (VIDEO)
Lillian Briggs - "I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY" - MUSIC VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWxOMEhkVI0
Lillian Briggs - "COME HERE" - MUSIC VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8VIyAbntAs
(Additional Lillian Briggs Music Videos: http://www.youtube.com and http://www.dailymotion.com)
I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY
FADE IN:
CREDITS ROLL:
EXT. Rural Pennsylvania - Day (1952)
AERIAL SHOT as CAMERA searches the steely gray sky. Rain clouds hang heavy. The trees below are bare, leaving no color on the horizon. Dotting the bleak countryside are small farms, their fields reflecting the overpowering grayness everywhere. The landscape is unrelentingly oppressive and lifeless. Then, CAMERA ZOOMS IN on a small back road -
EXT. Pennsylvania Back Road - Day
A large truck with 'Hudsco Cleaners' lettered across the sides, roars around a corner. It splashes through puddles and sends the dead wet leaves flying into the air from the pavement -
ANOTHER ANGLE:
Travelling at break-neck speed, the truck veers off onto a dirt road leading to a new low-income housing development. The truck fishtails and skids wildly as it hits a mudslick. The brakes lock and the truck plunges head-on into a mudhole stretching across the road, and comes to a violent stop. Steam hisses. With the truck barely still, mud begins oozing up into the fender wells and towards the cab as it sinks faster and faster -
GOD-LIKE VOICE (O.S.)
Jump! JUMP!
ANOTHER ANGLE:
High on a telephone pole, a receiver in his hand, a telephone REPAIRMAN watches as the uniformed DRIVER splashes hip-deep into the mudhole. The truck continues sinking -
REPAIRMAN
(laughing)
Hey, fella! Every cowboy gets thrown
once in a while, huh?!
The DRIVER, wading to high ground looks up -
DRIVER
Don't just hold the phone! Call my boss
and tell him to send out a wrecker for
Lillian Briggs!!
The REPAIRMAN looks at the feisty dark-haired young woman and dials -
CREDITS END:
EXT. Hudsco Cleaners Parking Lot - Day
LILLIAN climbs down from the wrecker as the mechanic unhooks her truck. Her face is dirty and her white uniform is caked with mud. She walks toward the garage, where three drivers, HANK, JOHN and PHIL, stand smoking -
PHIL
(looking her over)
Hey, Lil! Run into a little trouble?
HANK
Looks like she ran into more than that!
PHIL
Did you chip any finger nails?
JOHN
I thought you were supposed to bring in dirty
laundry, not wear it back to the shop!
The three men dissolve into laughter -
LILLIAN
(standing straight)
I bring in more than you three guys combined.
HANK
Today you broke the record, that's for sure!
LILLIAN walks past them and into the garage -
JOHN
(calling after her)
Send a postcard from the unemployment line!
INT. Hudsco's Office - Day
HUDSCO, his face beet red, strains from behind his desk as LILLIAN stands in front of him -
HUDSCO
That's the third one of my trucks you've destroyed
so far!
LILLIAN
I told you the last time, when the roof caved in,
that it wasn't my fault!
HUDSCO
Not your fault!? The truck drove itself under a
tree whose branches were heavy with snow?
LILLIAN
Okay, I didn't account for the snow.... But when
the tire blew out the time before that, I did
everything by the book. Just like you taught me.
HUDSCO
No Shit?!!
LILLIAN
I stopped the truck, didn't I?
HUDSCO
Yeah. On it's side. In a ditch. And right on top
of Mr. Pickson's compost heap!
LILLIAN
He still gave me his laundry order though!
HUDSCO
I must have been crazy to hire a girl for this job!
LILLIAN
I'm doing as well as any MAN!
HUDSCO
I ought to fire you.....
LILLIAN
(softly)
I didn't mean to shout, Mr. Hudsco.
HUDSCO
.....But even with the towing, repairs and
re-laundering all the clothes, you're still the best
driver I've got.
LILLIAN
Huh?
HUDSCO
You've got guts, kid.
LILLIAN
Yeah! Don't forget the part about me getting
bit on the ass by four separate dogs, Mr. Hudsco...
HUDSCO
(heating up again)
The last GUY to make your run, got bitten SIX
times and never put a scratch on one of my
TRUCKS!! Now, shake what's left of that ass
of yours out there tomorrow, and drum up
more business!
LILLIAN
Yes, sir, Mr. Hudsco!
HUDSCO
(motioning to the door)
Out.
LILLIAN
You weren't gonna fire me. Were you?
HUDSCO
Out! OUT!! OUT!!!
INT. Diner - Morning
LILLIAN walks into the Diner, spotless in a new white uniform. She strides up to a group of drivers at the counter, all eating hot dogs. Among them are HANK, JOHN and PHIL -
JOHN
Didn't see your truck in the garage this
morning, Lil.
LILLIAN
That's right. I had it out.
PHIL
I guess Hudsco let you have it pretty good
yesterday, huh?!
HANK
Put you on suspension without pay?
A WAITRESS walks up to the counter, and rolling her eyes at the men, takes out her pad -
WAITRESS
Morning, Lil. What'll you have?
LILLIAN
Coffee and a sweet roll.
JOHN
Whatsa matter? Got a weak stomach from
yesterday?
LILLIAN
....Make that a hot dog, extra spicy chile, with
onions and mustard....and a cuppa coffee.
WAITRESS
(smiling)
Comin' up.
(to the cook)
Tube steak on a bun, heavy blood and guts,
ground-ball and a squirt!
(Winking at LILLIAN)
Enjoy your breakfast.
The WAITRESS goes for the coffee -
JOHN
So where'd you sneak off to this morning?
LILLIAN
Back to the new development.
The WAITRESS serves LILLIAN'S order -
HANK
(stifling a laugh)
You forget something in the mud?
LILLIAN
(wolfing down the hot dog)
Yeah. To open the territory. I got the whole
development. Exclusive.
The men are silent. They look from one to another -
PHIL
Nice going, Lil.
JOHN
Yeah. Good work.
PHIL
Tiger Lil strikes again.....You don't ever give up.
LILLIAN
Nope.
HANK
Lemme buy you another hot dog!
PHIL
Hey! Another chile dog for Lil!
LILLIAN
No, thanks guys.
JOHN
It's on us!
LILLIAN
(getting up)
Nah. I'm full. Maybe tomorrow morning, huh?
I gotta go. Don't want to be late for my regulars.
LILLIAN slips her money onto the counter and leaves -
EXT. Diner Parking Lot - Morning
LILLIAN stands at the back of her truck, out of sight of the Diner, vomiting her breakfast into the bushes. She takes out a breath spray and gives her mouth a shot, then climbs behind the wheel -
LILLIAN
(to herself)
Ugh! What a gross way to start the morning!
Those guys are nuts. Whatever happened to
Wheaties?
INT. Allentown Pool Hall - Night
The room is blue with cigarette smoke. Several trampy girls hang on the arms of small-time lotharios at the bar, bumming drinks. In the center of the floor, a crowd of men have gathered at the pool table -
ANOTHER ANGLE:
LILLIAN, dressed in black leather, chalks up her cue as the others look on -
LILLIAN
(taking a drag from her cigarette)
Six ball in the corner pocket.
MAN
She'll never make it.
ANOTHER MAN
You haven't seen her shoot.
STILL ANOTHER MAN
I got five dollars says she won't come close!
ANOTHER MAN
In a pig's eye! I got ten that says she will!
LILLIAN
Put your money on the table, fellas, I'm feeling
hot tonight!
MAN
You're always 'hot', Lil!
LILLIAN
Is that what you tell your wife?
The men laugh as they shell out their bets and the pile of cash grows on the table -
MAN
My wife ain't got what you have!
LILLIAN
Try turning on the lights next time! We all
got the same, Valentino!
STILL ANOTHER MAN
You gonna talk your way through it, or
shoot? My money's gettin' cold!
LILLIAN
That's what happens to nickles and dimes.
ANOTHER MAN
Hit the ball!
LILLIAN
Don't rush me! I gotta plan this out.
LILLIAN flicks her cigarette onto the floor and climbs onto the pool table, her tight black leather pants straining at the seams, and cues up for her shot -
MAN
Christ! Lil, hit the ball! Here comes your
brother, Joe!
The crowd parts as LILLIAN'S big brother, JOE, shoves people aside -
LILLIAN
What're you doin'?! I'm gonna clean up on
this shot!
JOE
Put down the stick, Lil. You're finished.
LILLIAN
Like hell I am!
JOE grabs her by the belt loops and hauls LILLIAN off the table as the men watch open mouthed -
LILLIAN
Let go-a me! Where do you come off....
You big baboon! Put me down! Put me
DOWN! I got a great shot over here!
JOE shoves her roughly towards the door -
JOE
Shut up! I'm double-parked, now get going!
LILLIAN tries to twist from his grip and get back to the table, but JOE is too strong for her -
LILLIAN
You stupid Ass! Who're you pushing around?!
Let go, or I'll punch out your lights!
JOE
I told you to shut up and move!
LILLIAN
Look at me, I'm shaking!
JOE
You act like a slut!
LILLIAN
It's a six ball in the corner pocket!!
JOE grabs the back of her leather jacket and carries LILLIAN out the door, kicking and screaming -
LILLIAN
I had that shot! I had that shot bagged! Let go!
You're gonna rip my jacket! You're gonna be
sorry! No...No...NO! Watch the jacket! That shot
was.....mine!
EXT. Lillian's House - Night
Gray clapboard, and on the wrong side of Allentown, Lillian's house stands back from the sidewalk on a small lawn. JOE'S car pulls up to the curb. LILLIAN jumps out in a rage, before the car rolls to a stop, and slams the door -
LILLIAN
(screaming)
You had no right! You made a fool of me
back there!
JOE
You made a fool of yourself, as usual!
LILLIAN
I was having a good time! What the hell is
wrong with that?!
JOE
(shoving her towards the house)
Keep your voice down! You'll wake up Mom and the
whole neighborhood!
LILLIAN
I don't give a damn, and get your slimy
hands off-a me!
LILLIAN kicks JOE in the knee, and storms into the house -
- Scene -
- Scene -
- Scene -
EXT. Wilson Farm - Day
Heavy slush covers the ground as LILLIAN, doubled over in pain, gets out of her truck. She carries two presents, wrapped in comics from the Sunday paper, and one dark suit on a hanger. MR. WILSON lets the screen door slam -
MR. WILSON
(smiling toothlessly)
Hey, Lillian! Glad to see ya!
LILLIAN
Hi, Mr. Wilson. You gotta stop staying
home from work!
MR. WILSON
Got no choice. The Mill laid me off.
LILLIAN
Oh, I'm sorry.
MR. WILSON
No need. They say it's only temp'rary.
Had a good meatloaf for Christmas
dinner. We have savings in the bank!
LILLIAN
First Federal will give you a free ball-point
pen if you transfer your account.
MR. WILSON
Thanks. Hey, what's wrong with you?
LILLIAN
I had an accident at home.
MR. WILSON
Nothin' serious, I hope.
LILLIAN
Nah, I just have to be careful of the stairs.
MR. WILSON
What you got in there?
LILLIAN holds out the presents to him -
LILLIAN
I wanted to get you and Mrs. Wilson something
for Christmas. You've been awfully good to me.
MRS. WILSON, wrapped in a tattered shawl, pokes her head out the door -
MRS. WILSON
Aw, Lil! You shouldn'ta done it!
MRS. WILSON, thrilled, takes her gift -
LILLIAN
Yours is a set of guest towels.
MRS. WILSON
From the Five and Dime?! In TOWN?! The
ones in their window display...with the
strawberries???!!
LILLIAN
I thought you'd like 'em. Mr. Wilson, yours
is that wood saw you wanted, to fix the fence.
MR. WILSON
(choked up)
I don't know whatta say....
MRS. WILSON
Well, I do! Come in here where it's warm, Lil.
I'm gonna make you a meatloaf sandwich to
take along for lunch!
LILLIAN hobbles into the farmhouse -
- Scene -
- Scene -
- Etc. -
**********************************************************************************
.... By the close of 1955, Lillian Briggs would be crowned "The Queen Of Rock & Roll" by Billboard Magazine and throughout the media... At the same time Elvis Presley was "King".... For a girl from Allentown, who didn't have indoor running water until the age of 10.... Dreams would come true beyond her wildest imagination.... She would tour the world, make millions, change history.... and pay a price for it all.... How? Here's a clue from "Tiger Lil"....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laH9_pXAji4
Lillian Briggs Photo Gallery Link:
Lillian Briggs Facebook Page Link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lillian-Briggs/112526965428581
Reader Comments (54)
Good work.
I came back and found all the new links. How wonderful!
Brilliant!! Simply brilliant!!!! This is such a wonderful story that needs to be told. In a day in which "instant gratification" is the norm, it is wonderful to be reminded of years gone by...and the awe-inspiring people who climbed the rope, rung by rung, and never gave up. What I love about Lillian is how unconventional she was. How she dared to blaze her own trail. Lee, I sincerely hope this project comes to fruition...in whatever manner...be it on the stage or on the big screen! Bravo!
LM-C: I am deeply touched that you came back for another visit and that you SO "Get It", when it comes to my passion for this project ... And the need for telling the tale of this valiant, ahead-of-her-time woman. Lisa, I wish you could have known Lillian as I did. Although, we would have been vying for the chance to laugh at her salty jokes, participate in her hi-jinks and roar around Biscayne Bay in her Silver Shadow ... Lillian would have adored you! As a gifted writer yourself ... Thank you for the sage advice on this screenplay presentation! As a talented singer ... I am blown-away by your previously e-mailed insight into Lillian's Discography! As the IDEAL Partner-In-Crime that any Producer could wish for ... Can't wait to get started working with you on "Always Another Way with Lisa Mason" ... And, as you consistently say to me, "Onward!" YF, Lee 1/31/12
So far, so good. Now, let's see more!
Lee:
I love this screenplay sample!
Dear Lee,
I read your sample script and it has me wanting to read more of it. Lillian's music was exhilarating, and based on your knowledge of her, and your excellent dialogue I think you are the perfect person to do this movie. Any actress would kill for this part! I hope you get your movie done. Good Luck!! Rita Lakin
Rita:
What an honor that you stopped by for a visit. Thank you for the kind words. Finding merit in the "Baby" presentation here, means so much. I treasure each moment of your encouragement, sage advice, string-pulling, feedback, strategizing and most of all ... Friendship. With your extensive credits, nobody knows better that it takes a while to get things going. But "Baby" is inching forward!! The Lillian Briggs story of guts, glory and grace needs to be told. More ups and downs to come, for sure ... But I will keep you posted.
Best Always,
Lee
Lee, I read the sample screenplay on Lillian Briggs. Wow, I liked it. It moved. I could see it and feel it. I could see her. I would like to see Cate Blanchette in this role. Please keep me posted! Wow! Will Elvis be part of the story, too?
Lee,
Thanks for sending me the screenplay. As you already know, I loved it, but also wanted to leave a comment here in writing to tell you as much. In the hour it took to read through your wonderful script, so many memories of Lillian came flooding back. Tiger Lil was fabulous, and I miss her friendship to this very day. Our Turnberry adventures were so much fun! Good on you, for paying tribute to "The Queen of Rock & Roll" in this spectacular way. And does she ever deserve it! Believe me, this movie WILL get made!! Look forward to speaking with you again very soon.
All the best,
x/o Lizzy
DMJ:
It was truly my pleasure to send the "Baby" screenplay, and I am thrilled that you liked it. The expression of support means more than you know. Thank you so much!! Call me anytime ... "You know where I am ..."
Best Regards,
Lee 6/3/12
i would like to read more! i hope you will add to this post soon or give a link so i can see the whole screenplay. thanks a lot.
Mr. Schiller,
I got to this web site from a link on your public facebook page. I never leave comments on web sites. But I thought this script sample was worth a note to tell you that I liked your writing and wish you good luck.
C.P.
Mr. Schiller,
My visit to this web site originated with a Google search on Lillian Briggs. I am a fan of her Rock & Roll music, and now a fan of your screenplay too. Thanks for including the links to the awesome videos of Lillian!! Good luck with this script. From the comments I've read here, some really famous people have read and liked this sample. Hope that celebrity support gets this movie made!!
Came from Facebook for the Cold Love script and liked it real well. Then I read I Want You To Be My Baby and it is very good too, but please add longer entries. They are both too short. Just when the stories get going and I was all involved with the characters, the blog posts end.
After reading the sample script I was quite impressed as to how with how well expressed the story has been portrayed and the creative and often quite vivid scenes played out.in my mind while reading them, It is not and easy task to show passion in words without actually seeing the actors portray the characters and this writing is very impressive. I am very impressed with the scene description and the efferent use of words to build interest. I am an actor and a musician and this short piece touched both avenues of my art. I look forward to reading more. To do this it to bring life to the maker of the music that never dies. As an actor who spends many intense hours developing the characters that I select to portray i feel that with the right cast that this is destined to be a feature masterpiece. I love the diverse attitude and intrigue coupled with anticipation in this short read. Bring on more of the passion,love and mystery I look forward to reading it.
Absolutely wonderful !! what a fabulous story !!!!!!!!! and so well written ........ fantastic Lee !!