## Eastside High

All Rights Reserved
1997
Jason C. Johansen
Del Mar Entertainment

This may be downloaded but not reproduced in any other form.

# EASTSIDE HIGH

    INT.  BLACK SCREEN                                          1

                        VOICE OVER
              I always knew I would tell this story,
              even if I didnÕt know how.  You see the
              beginning was like an end, and the end
              was like a beginning.  We were almost
              halfway through our senior year...

    FADE IN:

                        SUPER:  DECEMBER, 1968

    EXT. A HILL OVERLOOKING EAST L.A.  - DAY                    2

    The CAMERA PANS, taking in a view of LA's Eastside: busy,
    bustling, full of smog and La Mexicanada.  WE HEAR their
    conversation as the CAMERA REVEALS five teenage boys.  PEDRO
    PARRILLA, DAVID LOPEZ, SAL RAZO, RUDY MARIN & AUGGIE CAZARES
    lie sprawled over, in and around a clean-looking '53 Chevy.

                        DAVID
              Next semester, its going to be me and
              Gloria, man.  I swear.

                        AUGGIE
                   (reading Want Ads)
              That's what you said this semester.

                        SAL
                   (chews gum)
              That's what David says every semester.

                        DAVID
              Forget you, guys!  This time I mean it!

                        AUGGIE
                   (to Pedro)
              There're no jobs, Pedro.

    Auggie passes the newspaper to Pedro.

                        SAL
              I can't believe you mothers!  Except for
              Rudy, here we are, Senior A's next
              semester, and all you can talk about is
              some vieja that just shines you on.

                        DAVID
              Hey, man.  Gloria is not just SOME vieja.
              She's fine.

                        SAL
              She's stacked.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          2.

    CONTINUED:                                                  2

                        DAVID
              Your ass hurts!  She grew those chichotas
              over the summer.  I was watching!

                        SAL
              So what's her secret?  Does she water
              them?

                        AUGGIE
                   (bites nails)
              Maybe she just massages them a lot.

                        DAVID
              Auggie thinks that things grow when you
              massage them, Ôcause we know what Auggie
              massages.

                        AUGGIE
              Que?  ....(dawns) ..La tuya guey!  You
              know you're sick, Mr. V-I-PEE-PEE.  How'd
              you ever get elected Student Body
              President?!

                        PEDRO
              Muscles and sweet talk.

                        DAVID
                   (feigning)
              Afterall, I ain't got no ehgee-kay-shun,
              man!

                        SAL
              Who does?

                        RUDY
                   (bites toothpick)
              Who does what, Sal?

                        SAL
              Who does have an education?

                        RUDY
              Shit.

                        SAL
              I'm going to school and I don't even know
              what I'm learning, you know?  When I was
              in the fifth grade, mi 'apa showed me how
              to tune-up the car.  In the seventh
              grade, mi Tio Enrique showed me how to
              make a table and a sofa...All this pinche
              time in high school, y que?  Vale madre!

                        AUGGIE
              School sucks!  It really sucks.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          3.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                             2

                        PEDRO
              Just six more months.

                        DAVID
                   (overwhelmed)
              Graduation, heh-VEEEEE.  That's only six
              more months of sucking for Auggie!

                        AUGGIE
              Your old lady's chi-chitas, ese!

                        DAVID
              She doesn't have any.  She had them cut
              off.  Cancer.

                        AUGGIE
                   (astounded)
              No bullshit?!

                        DAVID
              No, bullshit.  But maybe we can get some
              for you from a dog.

                        AUGGIE
              You're sicker than puke, David.  You
              belong in an institution.

                        SAL
              He is.  He's in school.

                        AUGGIE
              Well I'm breaking out in June, vatos, and
              then a little "vida loca." Right, Rudy?

                        RUDY
              Hey, loco.  Sometimes I think about going
              back.

                        AUGGIE
              Why?  You got a job, a carrucha and
              cruising money!

                        RUDY
              Puro pedo.  Like I really get kicks
              working for minimum wage at the gas
              station, ese...waiting on cars and
              waiting for my draft notice.  Que suave,
              you know.

                        DAVID
              Hey, I hear if you stay in school or go
              to college or something, they won't draft
              you.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          4.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                             2

                        SAL
              Simon, but how do you do that?  Have you
              ever known anybody that went to college?

                        DAVID
              Ni madre.  Maybe some of the teachers.

                        SAL
              So the question is: Which sucks more?
              School or the draft?

                        AUGGIE
              The draft don't scare me, eh.  A lot of
              dudes get drafted.  They---

                        PEDRO
              Hijo de su madre!
                   (reads from newspaper)
              "Richard Madrid, Eastside High graduate,
              was reported killed in action while on
              maneuvers along the Ho Chi Minh Trail."
              Here's his picture.

                        DAVID
                   (taking paper)
              Let me see that.

                        SAL
              Chingale!

                        RUDY
              The vato was in my class.

                        SAL
              I can't believe this.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    EXT.  CEMETERY  - DAY                                       3

    PEDRO, SAL, DAVID, AUGGIE and a FEW OTHERS pay their respects
    at the burial of their classmate.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. RUDY'S BACKYARD SHACK - NIGHT                          4

    Strewn with an old sofa, a mattress, a guitar, a collection of
    liquor bottles, car parts and junk, the smokey shed is lit
    dimly by an old lamp.  A full liquor bottle adds to the
    humanitarian aid THE BOYS (PEDRO, SAL, DAVID & AUGGIE)  bring
    to RUDY in his time of need.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          5.

    CONTINUED:                                                  4

                        DAVID
              Hey, Rudy.  Maybe they'll send you to
              Germany, like Elvis.

                        SAL
              That was before Vietnam.

    Auggie takes a swig from the bottle, passing it on to Pedro.

                        RUDY
              I hear there's a lot of smoke in 'Nam.

                        DAVID
              Most of it's napalm.

                        SAL
              Just stay away from the smack.

                        DAVID
              If the VC don't get you, the smack will.

                        AUGGIE
              Or the clap.

                        SAL
              Why don't you go to Mexico, carnal?  The
              paddies are splitting to Canada.

                        PEDRO
              I think I'd go to Mexico.

                        AUGGIE
              What a bunch of maricas!  Man, if they
              drafted me, I'd go.  This is our country,
              dudes.

                        PEDRO
              My grandfather says that war is a game
              played by politicos with the blood of
              poor people.

                        DAVID
              You know, we wouldn't have to worry about
              going to 'Nam if the paddies hadn't taken
              half of Mexico.

                        AUGGIE
              They took it?!  Where are they hiding it?

                        SAL
              Get serious, ese.

    TIGHT ON AUGGIE - Befuddled.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          6.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                             4

    TIGHT ON RUDY - Crashed out.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

                        SUPER: JANUARY

    EXT. BUS STATION - MORNING                                  5

    THE BOYS (PEDRO, DAVID, SAL & AUGGIE) see RUDY off to boot
    camp.

                        AUGGIE
              Rubbers, ese.  The secret word is
              rubbers.

                        RUDY
              I hate going to the pharmacy for those
              chingaderas.  It's embarrassing.

                        DAVID
              They give them to you in the army for
              free, Rudy.

                        RUDY
              For free?

                        DAVID
              The rubbers are free, but the clap you
              pay for.

                        SAL
              That's because after they make you a
              lean, mean fighting machine, they would
              rather you died shooting bullets than
              shooting your wad.

                        PEDRO
              Maybe he won't even go to 'Nam.

                        SAL
              Everybody's going to 'Nam, except the
              rich paddies --- they go to college.

                        PEDRO
              What's in 'Nam?

                        AUGGIE
              Los Commies, ese.

                        RUDY
              Shit.

                        AUGGIE
              They look like martians, but they're
              yellow.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          7.

    CONTINUED:                                                  5

                        DAVID
              I heard they multiply by cell division.
              That's why there're so many now.

                        SAL
              Pura madre.  Lately, I quit believing
              everything I hear about them.  I want to
              see them for myself.

                        AUGGIE
              You can't do that, ese.  They hypnotize
              you and make you torture yourself!

                        RUDY
              How could they make me torture myself?

                        AUGGIE
              When you're hypnotized, you don't feel
              any pain.  You could cut off the big one,
              and you wouldn't even know it for days!

                        PEDRO
              C'mon you guys.  We're scaring Rudy.

                        SAL
              Pedro's right, guys.  And Rudy's got to
              catch his bus.

                        AUGGIE
              So what are you going to do with your
              wheels, loco?

                        RUDY
              I've been thinking.  Of all you guys, I
              know Pedro isn't going to screw around
              with it.

                        AUGGIE
              Pedro!

                        RUDY
                   (hands him keys)
              But you gotta take my jefita to the store
              twice a week.  All right?

                        PEDRO
                   (surprised)
              OK, Rudy.  Gracias.

                        RUDY
              Now why don't you guys get going, so I
              can go, too.  I don't want my carnales
              watching me so much.  It don't make it
              easy, you know.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                          8.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                             5

                        SAL
              Don't give us no shit.  We're with you,
              carnal.

    He gives Rudy a back-slapping bear-hug and stands off for an
    elaborate 3-4 part handshake.

                        RUDY
              Pinche Sal.

    Then PEDRO, DAVID AND AUGGIE affectionately maul him.  CAMERA
    favors Pedro.

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              So we sent Rudy off to boot camp and
              wondered how soon it would be our turn.
              But at least I started the final semester
              with a car.

    ANGLE ON CAR

                                            CUT TO:

                        SUPER:    FEBRUARY

    EXT. EASTSIDE HIGH  -  DAY                                  6

    ROLL CREDITS

    The MUSIC of SAM THE SHAM AND THE PHARAOHS' "WOOLY BOOLY" runs
    over ESTABLISHING SHOTS of Eastside High as students arrive by
    car and on foot to school.

    SHOT OF P.A.  SPEAKER

                        PRINCIPAL MORTON (V/O)
              Welcome,  Eastside High students, to
              Spring Semester, 1969.  New students will
              meet in the auditorium for orientation.

    INT.  PRINCIPALÕS OFFICE                                    7

    PRINCIPAL MORTON speaks into a mike on his desk.

                        MORTON (CONT'D)
              Continuing students will proceed to their
              homerooms.  And, to all Senior A's, best
              of luck as you take on your final course
              load, and prepare to enter the job
              market.  I'm confident your educational
              careers here at Eastside High will be a
              source of pride, honor and satisfaction
              to all of you in the years to come.

                                            CUT TO:

                                                          9.

    EXT. A SERIES OF SHOTS:  ARRIVING STUDENTS - DAY            8

    MUSIC RISES as the cars and variety of dress clearly reflect
    East LA youth in the Late Sixties: tuck-n-roll; hydraulics;
    longhairs in jeans; teased-hairs in mini-skirts; cholillos in
    Pendeltons, T-shirts, khakis and hushpuppies; Jetters in Sir
    Guys, sweater-vests & A-1s; footballers in t-shirts; girls in
    lettermen's sweaters; bouncing pom-poms and swinging lunch
    sacks.

    END CREDITS; MUSIC OVERLAPS AND ENDS THUNDEROUSLY.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  COUNSELING OFFICE  - DAY                              9

    On a bulletin board, TWO FLYERS are tacked side by side; one
    announcing college entrance exams is obscured by the other,
    Tio SamÕs invitation to join the army.

    Underneath, PEDRO PARRILLA waits first in a line of SEVERAL
    STUDENTS to see the counselor, MRS. REDDICK, visible through
    an open door at her desk with a STUDENT.

    PRINCIPAL MORTON enters, tacks a small flyer over the exam
    announcement.  Morton's flyer reads: Principal Morton says
    "Avoid the 3-D's...POOR ATTENDANCE =  Delinquency, Drugs,
    Death.  You canÕt come to school when you're dead."

                        PRINCIPAL MORTON
              My dear students, I can not over-
              emphasize the importance of good
              attendance, because you know who benefits
              most from your good attendance?  You.
              Never, ever forget that.  Have a good
              semester.

    Morton leaves.

    NEW ANGLE

    The counselor juggles some papers and her student leaves;.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              OK.  Who's next?

    Pedro enters, sits and hands the counselor the paperwork.

                        MRS. REDDICK (CONT'D)
                   (reads)
              Par--rilah,  Pay-dro.  One, two, three,
              four solids!  What are you trying to do,
              go to college or something?

                        PEDRO
              I never thought about it before.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         10.

    CONTINUED:                                                  9

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Well, you're probably a little masochist,
              and I probably shouldn't, but here you
              are.  As for college, well, if your name
              were Jones, I'd probably encourage it.
              But, I wouldn't want you to have to bear
              the pain of failing to meet unrealistic
              goals.  Now, if your name were San
              Pedro...ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

    The counselor signs Pedro's program of courses.

    TIGHT ON PEDRO - HeÕs not laughing.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  TEACHERSÕ CAFETERIA  -  DAY                          10

    ANGLE ON CESAR TORRES

    CESAR stands in line, serving himself a cup of coffee.

    NEW ANGLE

    MANNY HERRERA, 47, and VP LUPE MOLINA sit at a table with
    their coffees.

                        MANNY
              We looked at houses in Montebello, too,
              but we found one we really liked in
              Monterey Park.

                        MOLINA
              The lots are so much bigger in San
              Gabriel and we're getting San Marino
              schools.

    Cesar comes into the shot.

                        MANNY
              Join us,  Cesar.

                        CESAR
              Thank you.  Con gusto.
                   (to Molina)
              They still let you fraternize with labor?

                        MOLINA
              We're looking for a way to use student
              body funds to build an admnistrators'
              lounge.  Then I won't have to.

                        MANNY
              So when are you going to teach a Spanish
              class?  I know it's on your credential.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         11.

    CONTINUED:                                                 10

                        CESAR
              I wouldn't mind teaching Spanish, but
              it's been three years since I've had a
              class that really turns me on like C.A.P.

                        MOLINA
              'Turns me on.' Our students need basic
              skills, but Contemporary American
              Problems turns him on.

    Cesar looks uncomfortable.

                        CESAR
              They also need to learn about themselves,
              their history, their present.  We need to
              show them how to think critically and
              develop their sense of self-worth.

    Manny groans from stiffness.

                        MANNY
              They think fine.  But only about parties
              and dances on Friday and Saturday nights.
              And I think I need to stretch the old war
              horse.

                        MOLINA
              The old war wounds acting up?

                        MANNY
              Thank God the weather's warming up.  IÕm
              hoping for a good hot semester; it helps
              the walking.

    NEW ANGLE

    As Manny and Molina leave,  JIM TAYLOR, an Anglo teacher, sits
    with Cesar.

                        TAYLOR
              Still trying to convert the old guard?
              Could be a job for Superman.

    Cesar can only smile and shrug his shoulders.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. COUNSELING OFFICE  -  DAY                             11

    GLORIA RIVERA, good-looking, books-against-chest type, has her
    turn with MRS. REDDICK, the counselor.

                        GLORIA
              But I already know how to cook.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         12.

    CONTINUED:                                                 11

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Oh?

                        GLORIA
              IÕve learned a few things from my mother.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Here take this to the clerk.

                        GLORIA
              But I don't need a class in cooking!

                        MRS.  REDDICK
              Oh, no?  And sweetheart,  I suppose that
              some day you'll be so rich, you'll just
              have your own personal cook!

                        GLORIA
              I can cook lots of things already.

    The genuineness of her response prompts a pause, then Mrs.
    Reddick's hearty laugh.  She guides Gloria out.  Bewildered,
    BLANCA waits next in line.  Gloria moves on to the clerk.

                        GLORIA
              You donÕt care what I want, do you?

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Would you rather go somewhere else?
              Next!

                                            CUT TO:

    MUSIC TRACK: CANNIBAL & THE HEADHUNTERS' LAND OF 1000 DANCES.

    INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY                                  12

    ANGLE ON CHOLILLO  - A cool swagger with an even cooler spin.

    EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY                                  13

    The school swarms with young CHICANO STUDENTS in a high school
    of 1000 faces, fronts, backs and twice as many legs.

    INT. COUNSELING OFFICE - DAY   (MUSIC UNDER)               14

    SAL's next;  AUGGIE sits inside with MRS. REDDICK.  Reading,
    Sal seems fairly involved with a novel:  J.A.  Villarreal's
    |POCHO|.  With inflated cheeks, Auggie exits, his mocking
    undetected.  Sal enters, handing over paperwork.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              So, it looks like you could graduate this
              June, Sal-vah-dor.  You don't need much.
              Let's see.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         13.

    CONTINUED:                                                 14

                        SAL
              I don't want any more shop classes, Mrs.
              Reddick.  I think I've taken them all.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Well, there's C.A.P.  with Mr. Torres,
              and sewing...

                        SAL
                   (incredulous)
              Sewing?  Sewing!  Cooking's closed, huh?
              Look, do you have any classes where I
              could just read a few books, maybe like
              this one?

                        MRS. REDDICK
              What is that?

                        SAL
              It's about this man that crosses the
              border after fighting in the Revolution,
              moves to San Jose, and has pocho
              children.  It was like reading about my
              uncle and my cousins, and the police
              hassles...

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Given your reading level,  I can
              recommend more remedial reading.  But
              your folktales, like comic books and
              nudie magazines, have no place in an
              institution of learning.

                        SAL
              If this is supposed to be a place of
              learning, how come I feel like I'm not
              learning anything?

                        MRS. REDDICK
              It's very simple.  You kids are too damn
              lazy.  We shouldn't have to be your
              mothers.

                        SAL
              Something is really wrong here, Mrs.
              Reddick.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Most certainly.  Look unto thyself,
              Salvador.

    CLOSE ON SAL - He knows the problem is elsewhere.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         14.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            14

    ŌLAND OF 1000 DANCES" FADES.
                                            CUT TO:

    EXT.  SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY                                 15

    STUDENTS circulate between classes.

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              Mrs. Reddick probably believed all she
              said about us.  But at some point I know
              we stopped believing it ourselves.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. CLASS - DAY                                           16

    The BELL RINGS and CESAR TORRES, 35, teacher,  addresses a
    class that includes PEDRO, DAVID, SAL, AUGGIE, GLORIA and
    BLANCA.

    TIGHT ON DAVID  -  He can't keep his eyes off Gloria.

    TIGHT ON GLORIA  -  She notices, but remains indifferent.

    NEW ANGLE

                        CESAR
              It's nice to see some familiar faces
              among the new ones.  My name is Mr.
              Torres.  I teach History, I'm the faculty
              advisor to the student newspaper, and I'm
              very excited about teaching this
              particular class --- Contemporary
              American Problems.  Our Student Body
              President has a question.  David?

                        DAVID
              What kinds of problems are we going to
              study?

                        CESAR
              What kinds of problems would be important
              for a class like this to study?

    Auggie meekly motions.

                        AUGGIE
              You know my math isn't so good, Cesar.
              You're not going to give us math
              problems, are you?

                        CESAR
              No favors, Auggie.  Here's a one just for
              you.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         15.

    CONTINUED:                                                 16

                        AUGGIE
              Chale!

    TIGHT ON BLANCA -  She can't keep her eyes off Pedro.

    TIGHT ON PEDRO  -  When he notices, he gets very self-
    conscious.

                        CESAR
              Fifty percent of East Los Angeles
              students drop out of high school.  Why?
              What happens to them?  What happens to
              their lives?

    The students are left thinking.  Perhaps Pedro & Sal think
    about it the most seriously.  Auggie calculates figures.

                        AUGGIE
              Cesar, is this a trick question?

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. STREET/ROCKY'S   -  DAY                               17

    ANGLE ON RUDY'S '53 CHEVY (OVERLAP DIALOG)

    With PEDRO at the wheel, DAVID, SAL & AUGGIE pack the weighed-
    down Chevy, as it pulls into ROCKY'S, a drive-in hang-out on the
    boulevard.  SPARKS fly from scraping bottom.

    INT.  ROCKY'S  - DAY                                       18

    PEDRO, DAVID, SAL & AUGGIE sit squeezed in a booth passing
    around some papers.

                        DAVID
              The dude said the school could even give
              me money.  Financial aid, I think he
              called it.  Some of it I don't have to
              pay back.

                        AUGGIE
              They pay you to go to college?

                        SAL
              I gotta check this out, man.

                        PEDRO
              How did you find out about it?

                        DAVID
              Cesar gave me this number to call at the
              university.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         16.

    CONTINUED:                                                 18

                        AUGGIE
                   (mimicking)
              THEEEE university!  Que chingoneria!

                        SAL
              Shit, getting paid to go to school beats
              pumping gas, ese.

                        DAVID
              I'm not in yet.  I'm just applying.

                        SAL
              We need more applications, carnal.

                        DAVID
              Let's apply to more than one college!

    SILVIA SEVILLA, a cheerful, chummy & shapely waitress arrives
    with a loaded tray.

                        SILVIA
              Who gets the lemon-limes, you guys?

                        PEDRO
                   (speechlessly)
              Aaaaaaaah, me!

                        AUGGIE
              I get one.

                        DAVID
              The hamburger is mine.

                        SILVIA
                   (serving)
              ...And now 2-cokes and 4 fries.  I hope
              your mothers feed you at home better than
              this.
                   (walks off)

                        AUGGIE
              I think I'm going to ask for cola,
              instead of lemon-lime, eh.

                        SAL
              C'mon you guys.  She's at least 21 and
              she's got a kid.  Show some respect.

                        DAVID
              How do you know?

                        SAL
              My cousin's friend used to go around with
              her.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         17.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            18

    Pedro's eyes haven't left Silvia; he's absolutely taken.
    Auggie motions to the others to take notice.

                        AUGGIE
              Pedro!  Wake up!

    The guys laugh at an embarrassed Pedro.

                        DAVID
              Don't wolf on him, Auggie Doggie.

                        SAL
              Simon.  The little dude is falling in
              love.

                        DAVID
              Hey, Pedro.  Are you falling in love?
              What's it like, carnal?

                        AUGGIE
              Do you feel holy?

                        PEDRO
              Que gachos.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TORRES LIVING ROOM  -  DAY                        18  19

    CESAR arrives to find his pregnant wife, AURORA, painting;
    furniture covered with a plastic tarp sits in the center.

                        CESAR
              I thought you weren't going to do any
              more strenuous work.

                        AURORA
              For one thing, it's not very strenuous.
              For another, I thought you were going to
              paint this room before the new semester
              started.

                        CESAR
              I ran out of time.  But what's your
              hurry?  We've got four months before the
              baby's due.

                        AURORA
              And if they go by as quickly as the first
              four, May will be here tomorrow.

                        CESAR
              You're probably right.

                        AURORA
              How is the new semester shaping up?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         18.

    CONTINUED:                                                 19

                        CESAR
              It's a little early to tell.  The C.A.P.
              class has some bright kids.  But I've got
              so many sports writers in Journalism, I
              don't have enough assignments for all of
              them.  If I can redirect some and recruit
              a few more from the C.A.P.  class,  I
              might be able to cultivate a little more
              thoughtful expression.

                        AURORA
              What do you mean "thoughtful expression?"

                        CESAR
              You know..a..

                        AURORA
              Yes, I know.  Auxilio, Padre Santo.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. JOURNALISM CLASS - DAY                                20

    PEDRO has his nose in Pocho; DAVID & SAL read student
    newspapers; AUGGIE goes through a photo file & CESAR attends
    to OTHER STUDENTS in the b.g.

                        SAL
              You don't have to ask anyone.

                        PEDRO
              I'm behind on my homework, anyway.

                        AUGGIE
              Don't be a bofo, Pedro!  The Red Satins
              are playing.  It's going to be BAD!

                        DAVID
              How about Blanca?

                        PEDRO
              Not Blanca.  She's been bugging me since
              before Christmas.

                        AUGGIE
              Hey, check out our leading scorer.  He's
              so good, he plays with his eyes closed.

    Auggie hands a still to Sal.

              INSERT STILL:  Eyes closed, David poses
              in his basketball uniform and a silly
              grin.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         19.

    CONTINUED:                                                 20

    NEW ANGLE

    Cesar approaches.

                        CESAR
              So guys.  Who's going to join the class?

                        DAVID
              I've got baseball.

                        PEDRO
              You should help cover student government.

                        AUGGIE
              Can I take pictures?

                        CESAR
              We can show you what to do.

                        SAL
                   (raises newspaper)
              You say Chicano high school students in
              Texas do this?

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. KITCHEN - EVE                                         21

    PEDRO enters the kitchen to find his mother (SRA.  PARRILLA)
    filling plates for his father (SR.  PARRILLA) and 13 yr-old
    sister (YOLANDA) seated at the table.  Pedro sits.

                        SRA PARRILLA
              Y esto?  Tan arreglado?  You look so
              nice.

                        YOLANDA
              There's a dance at the high school
              tonight, 'ama.

                        PEDRO
              I'll need a couple of bucks, 'apa.

                        SRA.  PARRILLA
              Don't ask your father for money, Pedro.
              Your father lost his job yesterday.

                        PEDRO
              Como!?

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              It's OK.  I'll give you a dollar, hijo.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         20.

    CONTINUED:                                                 21

                        SRA PARRILLA
              Fifteen years at the factory, and now?
              30 days notice!  Increible!

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              And it's just the Mexican workers being
              laid off, a lot of veteranos who were
              hoping to cash in on their pensions.

                        YOLANDA
              How chicken!

                        PEDRO
              So what will you do, 'apa?

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              I'll have to look for another job, hijo.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. SCHOOL GYM  -  NIGHT                                  22

    A Valentine's Dance swings to the sounds of CHRIS MONTES'
    "LET'S DANCE."  PEDRO, DAVID and SAL weave through the crowd
    of students to check out the action: Sal, cooly acknowledges
    acquaintances and slaps a few hands; David, oozing charm and
    smiles, shakes a few hands and slaps a few backs; and Pedro,
    uncomfortable, awkward, but gracious.

    ANGLE ON MRS. REDDICK

    SAL approaches her.

                        SAL
              Mrs. Reddick!  I need to change a class!

                        MRS. REDDICK
              What do you want to drop?

                        SAL
              Cooking.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              What do you want to add?

                        SAL
              Journalism

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Get serious.

                        SAL
              But the lady's not teaching me anything!
              I'd rather learn a little journalism and
              get my cookies from a girl scout.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         21.

    CONTINUED:                                                 22

                        MRS. REDDICK
              With your reading level, you should stay
              in Cooking.  IÕm sure Journalism doesnÕt
              want you.  Oh, but can you imagine if
              they ship you overseas next year and they
              assign you to the kitchens?  God save our
              soldiers.

    ANGLE ON - A dancing BLANCA who spots PEDRO.

                        BLANCA (yells)
              Pedrito!

    Pedro notices and timidly waves.

                        BLANCA
              Don't forget!  We're going to dance!

    Pedro nods and gestures "in a little while" with his hand.
    Sal and David are amused.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. RESTROOM  - NIGHT                                     23

    PEDRO, DAVID and SAL take leaks and "touch up."

                        PEDRO
              Maybe if Blanca wasnÕt such a loca.

                        DAVID
              OK, camaradas, a la conquista like Aztec
              warriors, eh.

                        SAL
              But they lost, loco.

                        DAVID
              Lost what?

                        SAL
              Everything!

                        DAVID
              Oh... I knew that.  Pedro didn't.

    As the boys exit, Pedro still combs his hair.  Less than
    satisfied with his looks, he sighs with resignation and goes
    out.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. GYM/DANCE - NIGHT                                     24

    The MUSIC of SONNY AND THE SUNLINERS' "TALK TO ME" brings
    embracing couples to the dance floor.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         22.

    CONTINUED:                                                 24

    ANGLE ON ENTRANCE - as GLORIA arrives with an WELL-
    PROPORTIONED DATE.

    ANGLE ON DAVID

    Surprised at seeing Gloria with a date, he stops momentarily.
    PEDRO bumps into him from behind; seeing Gloria and her date,
    Pedro can't help laugh --- until BLANCA taps his shoulder.

                        BLANCA
              Ay, Pedrito.  Where have you been?  I've
              been looking all over for you!

    ANGLE ON SAL

    Visably affected by the counselor, he roams the gym.

    ANGLE ON GLORIA & DATE

    GLORIA'S DATE leaves to hang up her coat and get some punch.
    DAVID wastes no time moving in.

                        DAVID
              You know, this could be the last chance
              we'll ever have to dance!

                        GLORIA
                   (unfazed)
              Could be.  When my date gets back it'll
              be your culito.

                        DAVID
              Well, that's better than being killed by
              a Vietnamese.

                        GLORIA
              What are you talking about?

                        DAVID
              I'm being drafted.

                        GLORIA
                   (w/genuine concern)
              Oh, no!

    ANGLE ON PEDRO AND BLANCA  -  In a bear-hug grip, she moves
    his breathless body around the floor.

    ANGLE ON GLORIA'S DATE  - as he checks in her coat.

    ANGLE ON GLORIA & DAVID - They're dancing.

                        GLORIA
              You're taking this very well.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         23.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            24

                        DAVID
              Well, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta
              do!

                        GLORIA
              You're so brave.

    David beams.

    ANGLE ON GLORIA'S DATE  - He waits in the punch line.

    ANGLE ON BLANCA AND PEDRO  -  Dancing.

                        BLANCA
              Ay, Pedrito.  You're just not like the
              other guys.

                        PEDRO
              I'm not?

                        BLANCA
              Ay, no!  Most guys are either mendigos,
              babosos or animales.  You?  You're nice.
              You're polite.

                        PEDRO
              I am?

                        BLANCA
              You're cute.  A real chulo.

                        PEDRO
              Oh?

                        BLANCA
              Ay, Pedrito.  You know what I'm going to
              do?

                        PEDRO
              What?

                        BLANCA
              After this dance I'm going to pin you and
              make you my Valentine!

                        PEDRO
              You are?

    ANGLE ON ENTRANCE - SAL

    He evaluates his in-coming prospects when he spots AUGGIE
    outside approaching the door.

    He leans out and around a GOLIATH RENT-A-COP with lumberjack-
    arms.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         24.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                            24

                        SAL
              Hey, Auggie!  Were you sleeping?  Nobody
              answered your door.

                        AUGGIE
              Hey, vato!  I'm awake now!  Where are the
              women?

    ANGLE ON GLORIA AND DAVID  -  Still dancing.

                        GLORIA
              OK, OK, but not tonight.

                        DAVID
              Why not?  Tonight's a good night.

                        GLORIA
              I came with him and I think I should
              leave with him.  Besides, the "being
              drafted" was a good act, but nobody gets
              that lucky.

    "TALK TO ME" ends and David politely leaves, seen by GLORIA'S
    DATE returning with cups of punch in each hand.  David picks
    up some bad vibes as THE BLENDELLS' HUGGIE'S BUNNIES increases
    the tempo.

    ANGLE ON BLANCA AND PEDRO

    At the punch line Pedro pays his dimes, hands one cup to
    Blanca and keeps one for himself.

                        BLANCA
                   (displays Valentine)
    Isn't it cute! IÕm thinking of
    taking the journalism class!

                        PEDRO
              It's a little heart.  You are?

                        BLANCA
              I have to find a pin.  Don't go away!

                        PEDRO
                   (quesy)
    Blanca, I donÕt think---I think I
    have to go---to the restroom.

                        BLANCA
              OK, but don't be long.  I'll meet you
              right here.  Are you OK?

                                            CUT TO:

                                                         25.

    INT. BOY'S RESTROOM                                        25

    PEDRO finishes heaving over a toilet in a stall, takes some
    toilet paper and wipes his mouth.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. GYM DANCE FLOOR/ANGLE ON PEDRO                        26

    He bumps into David

                        PEDRO
              You gotta help me ditch Blanca, man.  If
              I let her pin me, I'm gonna be stuck with
              her all night!

                        DAVID
              Pinche Pedro!

                        PEDRO
              You gotta help me, David!

                        DAVID
              All right!  All right!  It's time to
              split anyway.

    They make for the door as the PULSATING BASS of "HUGGIE'S
    BUNNIES" intensifies.

    ANGLE ON GLORIA'S DATE - He surveys the crowd for David.

    ANGLE BLANCA - with pin in hand, a love-smitten and determined
    stalker.

    ANGLE ON ENTRANCE

    SAL & AUGGIE argue with MRS. REDDICK, The Counselor and the
    goliath RENT-A-COP.

                        AUGGIE
              Hey, man.  It's cool.  I really don't
              want to go in anyway.

                        SAL
              This is bullshit, man!  You know he's not
              going to start any hassles!  He's my
              neighbor.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              He can come in if he has his student I.D.
              I don't make the rules.

    DAVID & PEDRO emerge from inside.

                        DAVID
              Come on, you guys.  Let's split.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         26.

    CONTINUED:                                                 26

                        SAL
              Wait a minute man!

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Are they friends of yours, David?

                        DAVID
              Yes, Mrs. Reddick.  They are.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Get'em out of here before I have them
              arrested.

                        SAL
              You know he's a student.  You're chicken
              shit, lady!

                        MRS. REDDICK
              What?

                        DAVID
              Hey, shut up!  We're going!  We're going!

                        AUGGIE
              Later, two-ton.  We're gonna go see your
              mama in the zoo.  Hey, who's got the
              peanuts?

    David muffles Auggie, as the Mrs. Reddick moves quickly to
    grab Auggie by the hair and lay a slap across his head that
    sends him sprawling.

    ANGLE ON GLORIA'S DATE

    He peers out the door, spots David and comes out.

    NEW ANGLE

                        SAL
              You didn't have to do that!

                        MRS. REDDICK
              You kids could learn a little respect.

                        SAL
              Respect goes two ways, lady.

    At the counselor's side,  the Rent-a-Cop steps aside to
    menacingly flex his massive arms.  He lands an elbow to the
    nose of GLORIA'S DATE coming from behind to confront David.
    Gloria's Date struggles up and staggers off.  Sal, Pedro &
    David back off.  A stunned Auggie rejoins the group.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         27.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            26

                        DAVID
              Hey, we're going alright?  We don't want
              hassles.  Right guys?

    The guys back away cautiously.

    NEW ANGLE

                        AUGGIE
              The ruca belongs on Roller Derby.

                        SAL
              Happy Valentines Day,  Mrs.Reddick.  We
              love you and we just love the way you
              treat us.

                        AUGGIE
                   (rubs ear/shakes head)
              What did you say, Sal?

    Mrs. Reddick ignores Sal's last remark and goes inside.

                        PEDRO(V/O)
              Somehow things never seemed the same
              again.  Because the next day, Sal took us
              to a rally at the Union Hall...

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. UNION HALL - NIGHT                                    27

    The hall is packed with MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN, GRANDPARENTS &
    STUDENTS in a highly-charged atmosphere.  On stage, a skit
    progresses.  In the style of guerrilla theater, a sign
    establishes the group of exaggerating performers as TEATRO
    ESTUDIANTIL and the set as "High School."  A placard and a
    white mask identifies an abnoxious TEACHER, who stands before
    SEVERAL STUDENTS taking roll.  PEDRO, AUGGIE, DAVID, and SAL
    together.  In the audience we recognise GLORIA and BLANCA, who
    wonÕt look PedroÕs way.

    INTERCUT AMONG AUDIENCE

                        TEACHER
              Ramirez.

                        RAMIREZ
              Here.

                        TEACHER
              Your first name, Ramirez?

                        RAMIREZ
              Francisco.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         28.

    CONTINUED:                                                 27

                        TEACHER
              We'll go with Frankie.

                        RAMIREZ
              It's Francisco, teacher.

                        TEACHER
              You'll get used to it, Frankie.  Unless
              you prefer "Cisco." Or "Sissy." Ha-ha-ha-
              ha!

    NEW STUDENT enters.

                        TEACHER (CONT'D)
              You're late.  What's your name?

                        STUDENT
              De la Cruz.  Jesus de la Cruz.

                        TEACHER
              Gee-zus?  Gee-zus of the cross?  And I
              suppose your mother is the Virgin Mary?
                   (laughs hysterically)
              And your father's a carpenter!

                        JESUS
              My mother's name is Maria Virginia de la
              Cruz, and my father's name is Jose, and
              he works in construction, teacher burlon
              tapado.

                        TEACHER
                   (indignant)
              Are you serious?  I swear to God, nothing
              is sacred!  You Mexicans have no respect
              for religion.  I should name my kid, God.
                   (beat)
              Take a seat, boy, there's one in back.

                        JESUS
              You can call me Chuy.

                        TEACHER
              Chewy?  Sounds like something one would
              say about a candy bar.  Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
              Just take your seat.  This is Home Room
              Orientation.  I'm your your home room
              teacher, Mr. White, and on occasion I'll
              be your counselor, your mother and your
              babysitter.  Comprendy?  For most of you
              boys, we'll get to know each other real
              well, since I teach auto shop, too.
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         29.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            27

                        TEACHER (Cont'd)
              That is, of course, unless you can't cut
              it, and you drop out, which about half
              of you will anyway.  In high school we
              don't have MR programs like you've been
              used to.

                        MALE STUDENT
                   (raising hand)
              Mr. Gabacho---I mean, Mr. White?

                        TEACHER
              Yes?

                        MALE STUDENT
              I really don't want to take auto shop.

                        TEACHER
              Oh, really?  A choosy beggar here!
              That's why this country has welfare
              programs.  You'll have more time to make
              your babies and the government will pick
              up the tab.  What a wonderful country.

                        DIFFERENT STUDENT
                   (stands & salutes)
              El USA!  Red, blue and WHITE!

                        MR. WHITE
              Good, you've learned something already.

                        FEMALE STUDENT
              Mr. White, I'd like to take auto shop.

                        TEACHER
                   (laughs)
              Sweetheart, prepare yourself for the
              future.  This isn't kindergarten; you're
              almost an adult.  If you girls think
              you'll have time to work AND make babies,
              take advantage of the excellent
              homemaking classes this school has to
              offer, and you'll have a better chance of
              getting jobs as maids and cooks.

                        DIFFERENT FEMALE STUDENT
              Gee, Teacher, I've always dreamed of
              making gabacho cochinadas.

                        TEACHER
                   (reassuringly)
              Sounds a little exotic, but that's the
              spirit.

    The BELL RINGS.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         30.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                            27

                        TEACHER (CONT'D)
              Before you leave, let me welcome you once
              again to Eastside High.  I know many of
              you won't last the year, so remember
              this: I still get paid whether or not you
              learn anything.  It's not my problem;
              it's YOURS.  Dismissed!

    The hammy performers stand, take their bows and exit to an
    applause that accelerates into a Chicano clap.  ONE sporting a
    beret, comes to the podium clapping.

                        ACTOR
              Que viva el Teatro Estudiantil!

                        CROWD
              Que viva!

                        ACTOR
              Chicano!

                        CROWD
              Power!

                        ACTOR
              Chicano!

                        CROWD
              Power!

                        ACTOR
              Que viva la raza!

                        CROWD
              Que viva!

    SAl participates.  PEDRO, DAVID and AUGGIE look a little
    overwhelmed.

                                            CUT TO:
    EXT. ROCKY'S - DAY                                         28

    DON & JUAN'S "WHAT'S YOUR NAME" runs under an establishing
    shot of Rocky's.  The CAMERA MOVES IN revealing an
    inconspicuous 'HELP WANTED' sign in the corner of a window.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. ROCKY'S - DAY                                         29

    PEDRO, DAVID, SAL and AUGGIE sit at a table.

                        AUGGIE
              You know, I think that play had a
              message, man.  It was funny.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         31.

    CONTINUED:                                                 29

                        SAL
              Like high school is real funny, eh.

                        DAVID
              SomethingÕs funny.

                        PEDRO
              Like the way they treat us.

                        SAL
              ThatÕs it!  ThatÕs the message!

                        DAVID
              How to keep a Mexican down without really
              trying?

                        SAL
              TheyÕre not going to change!

                        DAVID
              Of course theyÕre not going to change!

                        PEDRO
              We have to change.

                        SAL
              Simon!  TheyÕll do it to us until we stop
              letting them.  I could feel it!  It just
              hadnÕt reached my brain yet.IÕm going to
              write a letter for the student paper.
              And I want you to help me.

                        PEDRO
              Me?  You're the one with all the
              complaints.

                        DAVID
              You're the one that gets good grades in
              Composition, ese.

                        PEDRO
              But I've never written anything like
              that.

                        DAVID
              Nobody'll read it anyway.  The teachers
              don't care.

                        SAL
              Maybe.  Maybe not.  But how many students
              will read it?

    Ideas and glances flash around the table.  SILVIA arrives with
    coffee.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         32.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            29

                        SILVIA
              Here you are guys.Four lemon-limes.

                        PEDRO
                   (uncomfortably)
              Gracias.

                        AUGGIE
                   (indicates tag)
              Another Silvia!

                        SILVIA
              Another Silvia.  It saves on name tags.

                        AUGGIE
                   (turns on charm)
              Silvia, these are my camaradas, Pedro,
              David, Sal and my name is Auggie.

    The guys nod.
                        PEDRO
                   (weakly)
              Hi.

                        SILVIA
              Silvia Sevilla.  A sus ordenes.

                        AUGGIE
              Silvia, Pedro's too shy to ask, but he
              wants to know if you can give him a job.

                        SILVIA
              He can talk to the boss tomorrow.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. ROCKY'S - DAY                                         30

    Next day PEDRO stands before the "Help Wanted" sign in the
    window.  He gathers his courage and goes in.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT.  VARIOUS - DAY                                        31

    A SERIES OF STILLS of modern school facilities.

                        SAL (V/O)
              Everything's so new!  Even  a covered
              lunch area.  Nice.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         33.

    CONTINUED:                                                 31

                        CESAR (V/O)
              Most of the schools outside black and
              Chicano areas get more money, not just
              for construction, but equipment,
              supplies, you name it.

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              Do they have as many students?

                        CESAR (V/O)
              They don't have the overcrowding problems
              that we do.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. TORRES LIVING ROOM - DAY                              32

    PEDRO, DAVID, AUGGIE, CESAR sit around the living room.  SAL
    sits on the floor at the coffee table with pen and paper.
    They share the snapshots.

                        SAL
              It's the pinche counselors, too.  If I
              want to take a class that's not sone
              Mickey Mouse chingaderas like shop, the
              vieja tells me, 'I don't think you'lldo
              very well in that class, afterall, you
              people work better with your hands.'

                        AUGGIE
              You should've showed her what you can do
              with your hands, eh!  I would've!

                        SAL
              No jodas!  You're the dude that thinks
              chi-chis grow bigger if you massage them.

                        AUGGIE
              I've seen books, ese.  I've seen books!
              They use three fingers, like pinche
              boyscouts.

                        DAVID
              I told Old Lady Reddick I was going to
              take what I wanted and if I screwed up,
              it was my ass.

                        AUGGIE
              She's the one who told Rudy he couldn't
              learn anything if he tried, so why come
              back.

                        PEDRO
              Is that when he dropped out?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         34.

    CONTINUED:                                                 32

                        AUGGIE
              He didn't drop out!  It was fifteen
              months of Christmas Vacation, ese.

                        DAVID
              Hey, I gotta split.  I told my jefito I'd
              wash the car.

                        SAL
              Man, I'm never gonna finish this thing.

                        DAVID
              You can do it!  Cesar will help you;
              Pedro is staying.

                        AUGGIE
              I'll stay and help you, ese.  I know all
              about how school don't teach us nothing.

    TIGHT ON SAL - Unimpressed,  but smiles.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. ROCKY'S  -  DAY  (OVERLAP DIALOG FROM NEXT SCENE)     33

    Working as a busboy, PEDRO gracelessly hustles picking up
    dishes, wiping tables and narrowly missing a customer.

    ANGLE ON SILVIA  -  She watches with amusement.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. ROCKY'S/KITCHEN - NIGHT                               34

    School paper in hand, SILVIA finishes reading Sal's piece as
    PEDRO skoots in with a tray of dirty dishes.

                        SILVIA
              'Ultimately, the faculty and administra-
              tion of Eastside High would rather see us
              drop out at the rate of 50% and go die in
              Vietnam, than teach us to read, write and
              improve the quality of life for
              ourselves.  Afterall, we're Mexican and
              expendable, and they're glad they're
              not.'
                   (pauses)
              He tells it like it is.  I wish I had
              realized that before I dropped out.  I
              wouldn't be playing 'catch-up' now.

                        PEDRO
              What do you mean?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         35.

    CONTINUED:                                                 34

                        SILVIA
              It took me two years to get my diploma in
              night school!  I would have had more
              college credits by now.

                        PEDRO
              You're going to college?

                        SILVIA
              Just East L.A.J.C.  right now.  But in a
              couple of years I'll be able to transfer
              to State.

                        PEDRO
              Really?

    ROCKY, the pot-bellied owner, passes through.

                        ROCKY
              We got customers.  That means money and
              that means I can pay you.  Get the
              picture everybody?

                        PEDRO
              Yes, sir.

                        SILVIA
                   (aside to Pedro)
              You think I want to work here all my
              life?

    The two exchange smiles and get back to work.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE  -  DAY                           35

    The school principal, TOM MORTON, cooly drops a copy of the
    student newspaper on his desk.  With the VP, LUPE MOLINA, as
    witness, Morton has CESAR on the grill.

                        MORTON
              Freedom of Speech, my ass!  This is an
              offensive malignment of myself and this
              institution's faculty by some bean-brain
              student who's never had better than a "C"
              in any class he's ever taken!

                        CESAR
              I'm a little unclear, Mr. Morton.  Are
              you concerned about the academic
              credentials of the student or the
              legitimacy of the points he makes?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         36.

    CONTINUED:                                                 35

                        MORTON
              Legitimacy!?  What legitimacy!?  Let's
              call a spade a spade, Mr. Torres.  This
              student has a serious case of sour
              grapes.  He can't cut it, so he blames
              the school.  Does the student really
              believe we'd rather have him die in some
              rice paddie?  Hell, these kids are
              killing themselves in their own streets
              every night!

                        CESAR
              Mr. Morton, the community has some
              serious problems.  One is gang violence.
              Another is a school capable of graduating
              only half of each freshman class coming
              through its doors.  But I don't suppose
              you see any relation.

                        MORTON
              We have had high dropout rates among the
              schools with Mexicans and Negroes for
              more than the 20 years I've been with the
              district.  You draw your own conclusions,
              Mr. Torres, you're Mexican.

                        CESAR
              What are you trying to say, Mr. Morton?

                        MOLINA
              What he's trying to say Cesar, is
              something we both know.  Our students are
              not ah--- academically inclined.  They're--

                        CESAR
              Lazy?  Retarded?!  Why not?  They've been
              hearing it all their lives.  Thank God,
              they're not stupid, or they'd believe all
              of it.

                        MORTON
              Look, enough said.  I don't want to see
              a repeat of this kind of thing.  It leads
              to bad feelings all the way around.  Your
              colleagues are outraged.

                        CESAR
              But Mr. Morton---

                        MORTON
                   (calm but firm)
              MISTER Torres.  I don't think I need to
              remind you that I know you had some
              problems at the last school you were at.
              I don't want any problems here.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         37.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            35

                        CESAR
              May I just say one thing?

                        MORTON
              There is nothing left to say, Mr. Torres.
              Except maybe answering this question.
              Are you a troublemaker?

                        CESAR
              No, sir.

                        MORTON
              Fine, let's keep it that way.  Now don't
              you have a class to attend to?

                        CESAR
              Yes, sir.

                        MORTON
              Then attend to it and let's put this
              unfortunate incident behind us.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY                                 36

    SAL walks through the hallway, receiving back slaps, hand
    shakes and head nods from congratulatory STUDENTS.  The
    attention is new to him, but he manages a few smiles.  PEDRO,
    DAVID & AUGGIE stand outside a class looking on.  As VP MOLINA
    comes by,

    ANGLE ON MOLINA   -  An icy stare for Sal.

    CLOSE ON SAL - Uncomfortable, but tries to ignore it.

    ANGLES ON PEDRO, DAVID & AUGGIE  - exchanging glances.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TEACHERS' CAFETERIA  -  DAY                           37

    With a cup of coffee CESAR sits down with teacher JIM TAYLOR.
    ANOTHER TEACHER approaches, throwing a copy of the student
    paper on the table in front of Cesar.

                        TEACHER #2
              Your rag reached new lows this week,
              Torres.  I'm placing a stack in all the
              toilets.  Such diatribe has to be good
              for something.

    The teacher walks out with a couple of OTHER TEACHERS, all
    generous with their icy stares.  Taylor looks embarrassed.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         38.

    CONTINUED:                                                 37

                        TAYLOR
              So much for freedom of speech.

    On his way in, MANNY HERERRA meets them at the door and
    immediately senses a problem.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TORRES LIVING ROOM - DAY                              38

    With a tray of punch in paper cups and CESAR'S help, the
    pregnant AURORA circulates through a room packed with
    STUDENTS, including PEDRO, AUGGIE, SAL, DAVID and GLORIA in
    the middle of a meeting on a Saturday afternoon.

                        STUDENT #1
              Sometimes I think the counselors and the
              teachers LIKE to make me feel stupid.

                        PEDRO
              And then they ask you why you don't come
              to class when they really don't want you
              there anyway.

                        GLORIA
              Cesar's is the only class I ever really
              want to go to.  How come we don't have
              more teachers like Cesar?

                        STUDENT #2
              Simon!  We need more teachers like Cesar.

                        SEVERAL
              Yeah!  Simon!  Good question!

                        CESAR
              Well, the answer is simple, but the
              solution isn't.  There aren't enough of
              us going to college to become teachers.

                        AUGGIE
              How come, eh?

                        SAL
              Because there aren't enough of us
              graduating from high school prepared to
              do anything besides work at a gas
              station.

                        AUGGIE
              And pumping ethel really sucks, man!

    There's laughter from a few students.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         39.

    CONTINUED:                                                 38

                        CESAR
              Now that doesn't mean we have to wait
              until all of you graduate from college
              before we get more Mexicano teachers.
              There are a few out there, but principals
              have to do some recruiting.

                        DAVID
              How do we get them to do that?

                        SAL
              I think we need a petition.  We can offer
              some solutions and present them to the
              administration.

                        DAVID
              How about the School Board?

                        AUGGIE
              Hit them both!
                   (thinks further)
              Shit, send it to the governor!  The
              pinche President!

                        SEVERAL
                   (a few laughs)
              Simon!  Yeah, the President!

                        DAVID
              So who's going to write it?

                        SEVERAL
              Cesar!  Cesar should do it!

                        CESAR
              No, no, no.  This is YOUR petition.
              These are YOUR demands.  Sal did a good
              job with the letter; may be he can handle
              it.  Sal?

                        PEDRO
              It was Sal's idea.

                        SAL
              Well, I ---

                        SEVERAL
              Do it, Sal!  Do it!

                        SAL
              I'm going to need some help.

                        CESAR
              You'll get help.  Right David?  Pedro?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         40.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            38

                        DAVID
              No problem.

                        PEDRO
              I guess so.  But what if they don't read
              it?  Or they ignore it?  Then what?

                        CESAR
              You cross that bridge when you come to
              it.  Right now, I only agreed to help two
              or three of you with your college and
              financial aid applications.  The next
              thing I know, I've got a house full of
              students and there's nothing but this
              fuchi Fruity-Rooty-Tooty to drink!

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. ROCKY'S  -  NIGHT                                     39

    The light on the sign goes off; it's closing time.  MUSIC
    TRACK: CHRIS MONTES' "CALL ME."

    EXT. BACK ENTRANCE  - NIGHT                                40

    Bundling up, SILVIA and PEDRO exit.  ROCKY follows, locking
    the door and setting the alarm.

                        SILVIA
              G'night.

                        PEDRO
              G'night.

                        ROCKY
              G'night everybody.

                        SILVIA
              G'night, Pedro.

                        PEDRO
              G'night, Silvia.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. DOWN THE STREET  - NIGHT                              41

    PEDRO walks with his hands stuffed in his pockets as a VW
    pulls up beside him.  It's SILVIA.

                        SILVIA
              How far do you have to walk?

                        PEDRO
              Over by Lorena and the freeway.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         41.

    CONTINUED:                                                 41

                        SILVIA
              Come on.  Get in.

                        PEDRO
              It's OK.  I don't mind walking.  It's not
              that far.

                        SILVIA
              But it IS late.  So get in!

    Pedro gets in the car.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. SILVIA'S CAR  -  NIGHT                                42

    Chris Montes plays on the radio.

                        SILVIA
              I thought you had a car!?

                        PEDRO
              It's my friend Rudy's and tonight I
              loaned it to my other friend, David.  But
              I'm used to walking anyway.

                        SILVIA
              As long as you don't get jumped.

                        PEDRO
              Sometimes I run.

                        SILVIA
              That helps.

                        PEDRO
              I mean for the practice.  I've never been
              chased.

                        SILVIA
              Oh, I have.

                        PEDRO
              Y?  What happened?

                        SILVIA
              They sent him to Vietnam as a specialist.
                   (laughs)

                        PEDRO
              Why are you laughing?  Pura madre?

                        SILVIA
              No.  It's true.  I guess I just can't
              believe it myself sometimes.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         42.

    CONTINUED:                                                 42

    ŌCALL MEĶ FADES.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. PARRILLA LIVING ROOM - NIGHT                          43

    The TV buzzes with a TEST PATTERN and WE HEAR a VW drive off.
    PEDRO walks through, his FATHER asleep in the arms of his
    snoozing WIFE on the couch.

                                            CUT TO:

                        SUPER:  MARCH

    INT. TORRES LIVING ROOM  -  DAY                            44

    CESAR and AURORA stretch and do light exercise with some
    effort.

                        AURORA
              Cesar, I think you should stop having
              your mass tutoring sessions here at the
              house.

                        CESAR
              I've been thinking of moving them to a
              park or a restaurant or something.

                        AURORA
              But you haven't been thinking of not
              having them for a while or maybe a LONG
              while.

                        CESAR
              Actually, I already have.  The last few
              weeks we've done less and less book
              learning.

                        AURORA
              You're the one that lets them turn into
              these strategizing bull sessions.  You
              can change them back.

                        CESAR
              I don't know if I can.  These students
              are different.

                        AURORA
              A ver?  Explain.

                        CESAR
              I don't know.  But when have you ever
              known Mexican kids to circulate petitions
              and speak out for themselves like this?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         43.

    CONTINUED:                                                 44

                        AURORA
              Cesar, theyÕll transfer you again.

                        CESAR
              I won't let them meet here any more.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. WHITTIER BLVD/SIDEWALK  -  DAY                        45

    ANGLE ON SAL & AUGGIE W/YOUNG MAN ON THE STREET

                        MAN
              Why should they care if we get a good
              education or not?

                        AUGGIE
              That's just it, ese.  They don't.

                        MAN
              So what do you want me to do about it?
              I'm not a student anymore.

                        SAL
              You sign the petition as a community
              member.  If enough people sign, we can
              show them we have some power.

                        AUGGIE
              Student power.

                        MAN
              How about Chicano Power, eh?

                        SAL
                   (agreeable)
              You got it.  Chicano Power.  That's all
              right, eh.

    Enthusiastic and elaborate fraternal handshakes ensue.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. EASTSIDE HIGH/LUNCH AREA  -  DAY                      46

    ANGLE ON SAL, DAVID, AUGGIE & OTHERS

    A STUDENT PETITION circulates.

                        STUDENT #4
              Simon, ese.  I signed one of these
              before.

                        AUGGIE
              This one?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         44.

    CONTINUED:                                                 46

                        DAVID
              You can't sign more than once.

                        STUDENT #4
              The other one was in front of the store
              the other day.  Something about grapes.

                        SAL
              I heard some mexicano farmworkers are
              boycotting lettuce growers.

                        STUDENT #4
              So this isn't about a boycott?

                        DAVID
              You can't boycott a school!

                        STUDENT #5
              Simon!  I've been boycotting school since
              the seventh grade, loco!

                        DAVID
              How do you boycott a school?

                        STUDENT #5
              You go to the beach, menso!

    REACTION SHOTS - David, Sal & Auggie.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES - DAY          47

    An ESTABLISHING SHOT of "The Hill."

    EXT. PARKING LOT/ ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES - DAY             48

    PEDRO sits at the wheel of Rudy's Chevy, with AUGGIE & DAVID
    in the back seats.  SAL comes along and gets into the front
    seat of the car.

                        PEDRO
              Ya?

                        SAL
              That's it.

                        DAVID
              What did they say, Sal?

                        SAL
              Not too much.  The lady said it would go
              on the agenda at the next meeting.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         45.

    CONTINUED:                                                 48

                        PEDRO
              Did she read it?

                        AUGGIE
              Was she surprised at all the signatures?

                        SAL
              She could barely lift the pinche thing.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. ROCKY'S/KITCHEN  -  NIGHT                             49

    SILVIA handles orders, while PEDRO handles dishes.

                        SILVIA
              Two thousand signatures!  That's almost
              everybody in the school!

                        PEDRO
              Some regular people signed it, too.

                        SILVIA
              Regular people?

                        PEDRO
              You know, community members.

                        SILVIA
              Oh, I would've signed!  Why didn't you
              ask me?

                        PEDRO
              I don't know.  I guess I don't think of
              you as regular people.

                        SILVIA
              Just because I work here, go to college,
              study and I don't party a lot, doesn't
              mean I'm not a regular person!

                        PEDRO
              You know what I mean.

                        SILVIA
              I go to movies, I exercise, I cook ---
              and pretty well, too!

                        PEDRO
              So how was I supposed to know?  Perdon.

                        SILVIA
              One of these days I'll show you.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         46.

    CONTINUED:                                                 49

                        PEDRO
              Show me what?

                        SILVIA
              That I can cook.  I'll invite you over to
              have dinner with me and Vicky.

                        PEDRO
              You will?

                        SILVIA
              Sure.  Then you'll see.

                        PEDRO
              See what?

                        SILVIA
              That I'm a regular person, with a regular
              apartment and an exceptional child.  You
              will come over if I invite you, won't
              you?

                        PEDRO
              I-I guess.

                        SILVIA
              OK.  It's settled.

                        PEDRO
              When?

                        SILVIA
              I don't know!  Soon.  Ah...How's
              Saturday?

                        PEDRO
              In the afternoon?

                        SILVIA
              When do regular people usually have
              dinner?

                        PEDRO
              In the evening.

                        SILVIA
                   (exasperated)
              Good.  We'll have dinner at my apartment
              Saturday evening....Que batalla!..Why am
              I doing this?  I hope you like lasagna.

                        PEDRO
              Simon.  What is it?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         47.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            49

                        SILVIA
              Tenia que ser.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE  - DAY                             50

    MORTON and MOLINA are having grilled TORRES.

                        MORTON
              What do you know about this, Torres?

    Morton pushes the students' petition on his desk in front of
    Torres, who leafs through it.

                        TORRES
              It looks like a petition with several
              hundred signatures.

                        MORTON
              Well, I am encouraged, Mr. Torres.  You
              obviously got something out of this
              educational system.  You can read.

                        TORRES
              Miracles do happen, sir.

                        MORTON
              Don't get smart with me, Torres!  I want
              to know why this came to me from the
              Hill!  Why the first name on the petition
              is one I was hoping to forget, Salvador
              Razo.  I want a explanation!

                        TORRES
              Apparently, the students have some
              complaints and would like a greater voice
              in decisions that affect their education.

                        MORTON
              The only decisions any student has to
              make is to come to class and when to do
              homework.  The rest falls into place.
              Why didn't the students bring this to me
              before taking it to the Board?

                        TORRES
              I don't know; I'm sure they intended to.

                        MORTON
              You're sure!  You know Torres, I know
              you're not the innocent mouse you pretend
              to be.  Do you know how this makes me
              look on the Hill?
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         48.

    CONTINUED:                                                 50

                        MORTON (Cont'd)
              If I find you're behind any of this I'll
              bounce you out of here so fast you'll
              look like a jumping bean.  In fact, I'll
              see to it you don't get another teaching
              assignment in this district again!  Is
              that clear, Mr. Torres?

                        TORRES
              Yes, sir.

                        MORTON
              Stick the 'sir' crap where the sun
              doesn't shine!

                        TORRES
              Yes, s---.  As you wish, Mr. Morton.

                        MORTON
              That's two strikes now, Torres.  Three
              and you're out.

                        TORRES
              Does this mean there'll be no response to
              the petition from the Board or yourself?

                        MORTON
              Response!  You want a response!  Here's
              your response.

    Morton casually starts to shred the document and Cesar lunges
    forward reaching over the desk.  Ripping more, Morton finally
    drops it in the wastebasket.  Cesar straightens up.

                        MORTON (CONT'D)
              Do you really think the Board can be
              bothered with petty student grievances
              that question the ability and integrity
              of a faculty with 200 years of
              cummulative experience?  (softly) Get out
              of here!

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. SILVIA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT                            51

    The RADIO PLAYS THE PREMIERS' "FARMER JOHN."

    ANGLE ON MANTEL

    A pair of FUZZY pictures come into FOCUS: one of VICKY,
    Silvia's daughter, the other of a G.I.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         49.

    CONTINUED:                                                 51

    NEW ANGLE

    PEDRO blinks and rubs his eyes trying to maintain his vision
    despite the wine.  In the background SILVIA picks up the after-
    dinner mess.

                        SILVIA
              That's Vicky's father.  I haven't heard
              from him for almost 2 years.

                        PEDRO
              Where is he?

                        SILVIA
              Vietnam

                        PEDRO
                   (spirited)
              This is the best wine I've ever had.

                        SILVIA
              I wish I had some more.

                        PEDRO
              The best lasagna, too!

                        SILVIA
              Chistoso.  I thought youÕd never had
              lasagna before.

    Pedro is thinking slowly, but he hasn't gone under yet.

                        PEDRO
                   (cautiously)
              Doesn't that make it incomparable?

                        SILVIA
              What kind of underpriveledged chicanillo
              are you?  Where do you learn words like
              "incomparable?"

                        PEDRO
              I watch Password.

    VICKY enters from her bedroom with a book.

                        VICKY
              Pedro, read me another story.

                        PEDRO
              Another one?
                   (musters energy)
              OK.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         50.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            51

                        VICKY
              How else can I know if you're going to be
              a good papi?

                        SILVIA
              Victoria Sevilla!  Por favor!

                        VICKY
              Si, mami.
                        (low)
              No hay nadie de quien escoger.

    Pedro sits on the couch with Vicky on his lap.

    CLOSE ON BOOK ILLUSTRATION - A red-hooded girl and a wolf in
    sheep's clothing.

                        PEDRO
              Little Red Riding Hood.  Is this the one
              where the wolf puts the viejita in the
              closet or eats her?

                        VICKY
              He eats her.  Fuchila.

                        PEDRO (OS)
              Orale.

    ANGLE ON SILVIA  -  Washing dishes.

                        SILVIA
                   (loudly)
              She's learning both languages easier than
              I did.  Maybe she'll do better when she
              starts school next year.  I figure the
              more bilingual she is, the better.
              (beat) When I started school here, they
              wouldn't let me speak Spanish.  I hated
              the teachers for making me feel so ah---
              de menos --- inferior.  (painfully) It
              was years before I ever said anything in
              a class.  The Anglos have no memory of
              how hard it is to change countries.  De
              repente, Ingles, everywhere.  La radio.
              La television.  (beat) Why do all the
              teachers have to be gabachos?

    She finishes the last of the dishes, wipes up, and grabs a
    towel to dry her hands.

    NEW ANGLE

    Entering the living room she finds Pedro with Vicky in his
    arms, both asleep.  She carefully takes her daughter in her
    arms, not waking her, but waking Pedro.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         51.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                            51

                        SILVIA
              Go back to sleep.

                        PEDRO
                   (half-asleep)
              I gotta go.

                        SILVIA
              Sleep off the wine and go home later.

                        PEDRO
                   (still dreaming)
              I gotta go.  I gotta get there before the
              wolf.

    With one hand Silvia helps him up and he stumbles to the door.

                        SILVIA
              Pedro?  Are you sure you should go?

                        PEDRO
                   (babbling)
              The old lady is by herself.

                        SILVIA
              Thank you for coming, Pedro.

                        PEDRO
              You're welcome...Lobo condenado, I'm
              gonna kick your butt.  Cabron puto.

    Pedro stumbles out; Silvia closes the door behind him, shakes
    her head and can't contain her chuckles.

                        SILVIA
              Ay, Parrilla.

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              Thinking back, I wasnÕt the only one
              looking for a fight at the time...

                                            CUT TO:

    MONTAGE SEQUENCE:(MOS)

    As THE SHAM & THE PHARAOHS' "LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD" comes up.

    EXT. BOARD OF EDUCATION PARKING LOT - DAY (MOS)            52

    SAL slams his fist on the car hood, having learned the
    petition is not on the agenda.  DAVID in the driverÕs seat
    looks surprised.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         52.

    CONTINUED:                                                 52

                        PEDRO(V/O)
              Sal could have fought the whole school
              board when we found out they wouldnÕt
              schedule time to discuss the petition and
              our grievances.

    INT. ROCKY'S - DAY                                         53

    SAL and DAVID bring the news to AUGGIE, PEDRO, SILVIA, GLORIA,
    and a FEW OTHER STUDENTS.

    EXT. PEDRO'S HOUSE/PORCH - DAY (MOS)                       54

    PEDRO licks, seals an envelope, and sticks the letter in the
    mailbox.  It's his college application.

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              But I did win one fight.  I deciphered
              the form and made the deadline for
              submitting by college application.  It
              was worse than saying a whole rosary for
              having bad thoughts about Monica Reyes in
              the third grade.

    SAM THE SHAM FADES WITH THE END OF THE MONTAGE SEQUENCE.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. CESAR'S CLASS  - DAY                                  55

    As CESAR lectures to students, PEDRO now fights to stay awake
    from working long hours.  We see DAVID, SAL, AUGGIE, GLORIA,
    BLANCA and OTHERS.  On the board, a timeline from 1830 to 1850
    presents the major events in the U.S. annexation of its
    present Southwest: From the first Anglo Texas settlers, to
    California statehood.

    INTERCUT AMONG STUDENTS AND BOARD AS NEEDED

                        CESAR
              ...Manifest Destiny, the idea that the
              U.S. had some God-given right to expand
              from the Atlantic to the Pacific, became
              the justification, the rationalization,
              if you will, for this period of hostile,
              aggressive, even racist expansion.  "Free
              the territory from the tyranny of
              Mexico," was John Fremont's cry when it
              became clear he wasn't in California just
              to explore and draw maps.  The Gold Rush
              brought an invasion of more greedy and
              unscrupulous anglos, or yankees, as they
              were called then, than the Californios
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         53.

    CONTINUED:                                                 55

                        CESAR (Cont'd)
              had ever seen!

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. LAGUNA PARK - DAY                                     56

    STUDENTS meet, including the boys (PEDRO, DAVID, SAL, &
    AUGGIE) and CESAR.

                        PEDRO
              We write letters and they get ignored.
              We sign petitions and they get ignored.

                        SAL
              And lost!

                        PEDRO
              What else are we supposed to do?

                        CESAR
                   (baitingly)
              How about giving up?

                        SEVERAL
              No!  Forget it, man!

    Cesar smiles at the reaction.

                        SAL
              I don't know about you guys, man, but
              I've just begun to fight.

                        A FEW
              All right!  We'll kick some butt.
              Chingasos.  En la madre!

                        DAVID
              But how do we fight them?  This isn't a
              street fight where we throw chingasos and
              bust heads.  They call the placa and then
              WE get busted.

                        SAL
              The dude's right, man.  They're the
              establishment.  They've got the power.

                        AUGGIE
              We got power, too.  We're chingones, no?

                        SAL
              As long as we organize ourselves, we'll
              have power in numbers, you know?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         54.

    CONTINUED:                                                 56

                        PEDRO
              You mean like a union?

                        DAVID
              Maybe like an association.

                        SAL
              An association of students.

                        VARIOUS STUDENTS
              All right a club!  Do we get membership
              cards?  How about secret decoder rings?
              Maybe we can sponsor dances like the
              Cruzzzers.

                        DAVID
              This won't be a club, locos.  There's
              going to be too much work to do.

                        GLORIA
              What are we going to call it?

                        AUGGIE
              How about "C/S"?

                        SAL
              Con safos?

                        AUGGIE
              No, guey.  Chicano Students.

                        PEDRO
              I thought it meant catholic schools.

                        DAVID
              I know!  Mexican American Student
              Association.

                        SAL
              M-A-S-A.  MASA.

                        DIFFERENT STUDENT
                   (laughs)
              MASA!?  How about tamal?!

                        AUGGIE
                   (indignant)
              How about mi tamalon, cabron!

                        ANOTHER STUDENT
              Tamalito!

                        AUGGIE
              La tuya, guey!  Pues orale!  Ponte!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         55.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            56

                        SAL
              Will you guys sit down and SHUT UP!
              We're trying to be serious here.

                        AUGGIE
              I'm serious.

                        SAL
              A serious CASE!

                                            CUT TO:

                        SUPER:  APRIL

    EXT. DRIVE-IN THEATER - NIGHT                              57

    MUSIC TRACK comes up: RENE & RENE'S "ANGELITO."

    INT. SILVIA'S CAR                                          58

    With SILVIA behind the wheel, VICKY on PEDRO's lap, they munch
    popcorn and wash it down with soda pop.

    INT. (ELSEWHERE AT THE DRIVE-IN) RUDY'S CHEVY              59

    DAVID and GLORIA on a date, also watch the movie.

    EXT. DRIVE-IN KID'S PLAY AREA - NIGHT                      60

    SILVIA stands by as PEDRO pushes a delighted VICKY in a swing.
    The lights blink indicating the start of the next feature. Pedro
    stops the swing, Vicky hops off, loses her balance,falls and
    scrapes a knee.  Crying, she opts for Pedro's comforting arms
    instead of her mother's.

    The threesome walk back to the car.

    EXT. RUDY'S CAR                                            61

    The windows are fogged.

    INT. SILVIA'S CAR                                          62

    VICKY sleeps on the back seat, as SILVIA cuddles and rests her
    head on PEDRO's shoulder.  He's wide-eyed and stiff as a
    board.

    INT. SILVIA'S CAR                                          63

    No one has moved, but SILVIA sleeps; PEDRO'S eyes are shutting
    and his head is tilting.

    MUSIC TRACK: RENE & RENE'S "ANGELITO" ENDS.

                                            CUT TO:

                                                         56.

    INT.  CLASS - DAY                                          64

    Cesar shows a film in class:  Teatro Campesino's I AM JOAQUIN.
    The images on the screen and Luis Valdez' delivery of the Corky
    Gonzalez poem captivate the STUDENTS.

    INTERCUT AS NEEDED
                        NARRATOR VALDEZ
              ... I have made the Anglo rich, yet
              Equality is but a word, the Treaty of
              Hidalgo has been broken, and is but
              another treacherous promise....My land is
              lost and stolen, my culture has been
              raped, I lengthen the line at the welfare
              door, and fill the jails with
              crime...These then are the rewards this
              society has for sons of Chiefs and Kings
              and bloody Revolutionists....

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TEACHERSÕ CAFETERIA - DAY                             65

    CESAR stands in the chow line with OTHER TEACHERS.  JIM TAYLOR
    stands behind Cesar.

                        TEACHER #3
              I don't think there's been a summer I've
              looked forward to more than this one.

                        TEACHER #4
              Three months away from this cess pool of
              an institution.

                        TEACHER #3
              You can't teach them if they don't want to
              learn.

                        TEACHER #4
              Yeah, I know.  I went to college for
              this?

    Both teachers pipe down under Cesar's glare.

                        TAYLOR
              I went to college because I thought
              teachers were supposed to be committed to
              teaching all colors and all races.  So
              why do I feel like a minority?

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. LAGUNA PARK - DAY                                     66

    With a number of students, GLORIA, PEDRO, DAVID, SAL & AUGGIE
    attend a student meeting.  Brown Beret, RAFAEL GUEVARA
    addresses the group.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         57.

    CONTINUED:                                                 66

    INTERCUT AS NEEDED

                        GUEVARA
              ...As I've told students from Lincoln,
              Wilson, Garfield, Roosevelt and Belmont,
              the Brown Berets are here to help you.
              We are coming together because we all
              want the same things: The right to
              bilingual-bicultural education and
              teachers; an end to police brutality;
              that our people be given the right to
              vote regardless of how much or how little
              they speak or write any language!

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. TORRES LIVING ROOM -  NIGHT (LATE)                    67

    A sleepy CESAR enters to find MRS. TORRES on the sofa nursing
    a cup of Mexican chocolate.  He sits next to her, puts his
    arms around her, kissing the back of her head and neck,
    rubbing her bulging belly.

                        CESAR
              Couldn't sleep?

                        AURORA
              No sabes.  It's getting so uncomfortable.
              And then with a kick in the ribs that
              almost made me yell.  The truth is, I'm
              worried.

                        CESAR
              About?

                        AURORA
              Cesar, we can't afford to have you risk
              your job.  I'll need to spend time with
              the baby after she's born.

                        CESAR
              He.  And I'm not taking any risks.

                        AURORA
              I don't want to have to go back to work
              right away.  A baby needs HER mother.

                        CESAR
              His.

                        AURORA
              Her.  Now these are a bunch of kids,
              frustrated, angry and disillusioned with
              an educational system that's failed them.
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         58.

    CONTINUED:                                                 67

                        AURORA (Cont'd)
              If it spills over and flows out of
              control, YOU get burned.

                        CESAR
              I'm keeping my distance so I won't get
              burned.  What more do you want me to do?
              Tell them their complaints aren't
              legitimate?  That they have no right to
              demand a better education?  That they
              should just sit back and take it?  You're
              talking to the son of a union man, mi
              amor.  And---

                        AURORA
              I know, I know.  And you were practically
              BORN on the picket line during the El
              Monte Berry Strike.

                        CESAR
              OK, OK.  I wasn't even going to mention
              it.

                        AURORA
              Like hell you weren't.

                        CESAR
              You think you know me, don't you?

                        AURORA
              Te conozco mosco.

                        CESAR
              So what do you want me to say?

                        AURORA
              I don't know, Cesar.  Tell me my baby's
              father will have a job when she's born.
              Tell me anything.

                        CESAR
              My SON will have a father he can be proud
              of.  One who's dedicated to his students
              in class and out.

                        AURORA
              You're a great help.

                        CESAR
                   (takes her hand)
              How about 'I love you.'

                        AURORA
              Wonderful.  That'll pay the bills.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         59.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            67

                        CESAR
              With you, I just can't win.

                        AURORA
              You've already won me.  That's the
              problem.

    She exits, flicking the light switch off, leaving Cesar
    sitting in the dark.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. PARRILLA LIVING ROOM - NIGHT                          68

    Arriving home, PEDRO finds his FATHER laid out on the couch,
    an empty bottle at his side; he's smashed.  The TV blares with
    "EMILIO ZARAGOZA and the News." Pedro picks up the bottle as his
    sleepy MOTHER enters and moves to pick up her husband.

                        PEDRO
              I'll take him, 'ama.

    Pedro carries his father off to bed.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  CLASS - DAY                                          69

    CESAR shows his students SALT OF THE EARTH.  The STUDENTS'
    eyes are fixed on the screen as they watch the story of
    striking Chicano mine-workers unfold.

    INTERCUT AMONG STUDENTS

    ON THE SCREEN we see the sequence of the moment the men
    respond to discriminatory practices in general, and a work-
    related accident in particular, with an on-the-job decision to
    stop work, walk-out and strike the company.  As the wheels of
    production halt, the scene ends with a shot of women picketing
    on a nearby hill.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. LAGUNA PARK  -  DAY                                   70

    On a grassy knoll, PEDRO, AUGGIE, DAVID, GLORIA, AND A FEW
    OTHERS huddle around SAL, like a team around its quarterback.

                        SAL
              Orale.  Aqui esta la onda.  I've been
              talking to brothers and sisters from
              other schools: Belmont, Lincoln,
              Roosevelt, Garfield, Wilson; all the
              Chicano high schools.  Everyone's talking
              about walking out and boycotting classes.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         60.

    CONTINUED:                                                 70

                        AUGGIE
              Madre!

                        SAL
              You see when students don't show up, a
              school doesn't get as much money from the
              government.  They get money when we're
              here, but not when we're absent.  They
              can ignore letters and petitions, but
              they can't ignore students walking out of
              all the Chicano high schools.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. SILVIA'S APARTMENT/DOOR - LATE AFTERNOON              71

    A red-eyed SILVIA opens the door to receive PEDRO.  She's been
    crying.

                        PEDRO
                   (awkwardly)
              Aaaa---You didn't come to work, so I--

    VICKY exits and jumps into his arms.

                        VICKY
              Pedro!  Pedro llevame al parque, no?

                        SILVIA
              Pedro, take her for a while, please.

                        VICKY
              Si, al parque.  Al parque.

                        PEDRO
              OK.  OK.  To the park.
                   (To Silvia)
              Is something wrong?

                        SILVIA
              Later.  I just need to be alone right
              now.  Thank you, Pedro.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. PARK  - DUSK                                          72

    MUSIC TRACK, THEE MIDNITERS' SAD GIRL comes over BRIEF SHOTS
    of PEDRO and VICKY: on the swings; down the slide; on the
    merry-go-round & eating cotton candy against the setting sun.

    INT. SILVIA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT                            73

    ANGLE ON SILVIA - Lying in bed, crying.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         61.

    CONTINUED:                                                 73

    ANGLE ON DOOR - Still red-eyed, SILVIA opens her door to an
    awaiting PEDRO, with VICKY asleep in his arms.  They enter.

    TIGHT ON PEDRO as he carries VICKY off to her bedroom.  He
    glances at the mantle to notice:

    CLOSE ON MANTLE - VICKY's picture stands alone; the one of her
    G.I. father is missing.

    ANGLE ON VICKY - As PEDRO tucks her into bed and kisses her
    forehead.

    CLOSE ON SILVIA'S NIGHTSTAND - The missing picture frame lies
    face-up under the lamp.

    ANGLE ON PEDRO & SILVIA  -  He gently hugs her and the pain of
    losing a former loved one tightens in her throat, quivers on her
    lip and shuts her eyes.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. TORRES BEDROOM - NIGHT                                74

    CESAR lies awake, pensive.  He turns over, puts his arm around
    his WIFE's bulging belly and snuggles up.

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. SILVIA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT                              75

    In bed, PEDRO & SILVIA sleep embraced.

    "SAD GIRL" Fades.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. PARRILLA KITCHEN - MORNING                            76

    The FAMILY is having breakfast: SR.  PARRILLA, ragged, hung-
    over, nursing a cup of coffee; YOLANDA, eating and reading the
    funnies; SRA.  PARRILLA, spoons eggs on to a plate.  Yolanda
    bursts into hysteric laughter, startling her father, who spills
    his coffee and burns himself.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Ay, muchacha!

                        YOLANDA
              Sorry, papi.

    Freshly showered, PEDRO enters, kisses his mother and sits.

                        PEDRO
              Buenos dias!  What a nice morning!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         62.

    CONTINUED:                                                 76

                        YOLANDA
              Sure.  And you don't want to miss it by
              having to sleep.

                        PEDRO
              I slept.

    YOLANDA feigns a coughing spell.

                        SRA.  PARRILLA
              Pedro, I brought your father to bed at 5,
              and your room was empty.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Maybe you think I don't notice.  Why do
              you come home so late almost every night?
              And don't tell me you go to the library
              to study with David, or Sal or Auggie!
              Those are good kids; their parents always
              know where they are.

                        YOLANDA (choking)
              Madre mia, I'm going to die.
                        (drinks)

                        PEDRO
                   (spitefully)
              OK.  I stayed home last night 'til we
              finished your bottle.  Or don't you
              remember?

                        SRA.  PARRILLA
              Pedro!

                        YOLANDA
              Low blow.  Looking good.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              I don't want to get angry and I don't
              want to say it twice.  Escuchame bien.
              You won't be 18 until the summer and if
              you decide to still live here, I will
              still tell you what to do...I don't know
              who this putita de Silvia is, and I don't
              care.  On school nights I want you home
              by 9, and you don't see this, this
              Silvia, again.  Entendido?

                        PEDRO
                   (stands)
              You don't even know her.  You don't have
              the right!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         63.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            76

                        SR.  PARRILLA (stands)
              I have the right.  And I do it for your
              own good.

                        PEDRO
              MY own good!?  Why don't you do something
              for the good of this family?

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              I always do.  What do you mean?

                        PEDRO
              Like get a job!

                        SRA.  PARRILLA
              Pedro!

    Reaching slightly, the father sends the back of his hand
    across Pedro's face with a reverberating whack.  Pedro falls,
    gets up and his father leaves the room.  Pedro rubs an aching
    jaw as his mother rests her head in her hands.

                        SRA.  PARRILLA
              Ay, madre purisima!

                        YOLANDA
                   (wipes mouth)
              There are times IÕm glad IÕm a girl.
                   (exits)

                        PEDRO
              'Ama, when are you going to tell him I'm
              working?

                        SRA.  PARRILLA
              Pronto, mijo.  Muy pronto.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TORRES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT                           77

    CESAR is up late correcting papers at the dining room table,
    when AURORA walks in sleepy-eyed, with bathrobe and belly.

                        AURORA
              That's three nights this week you've
              spent correcting papers.

                        CESAR
              What can I do?  With the way things are
              going, I won't get an aide this year.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         64.

    CONTINUED:                                                 77

                        AURORA
                   (finds chair)
              Then you can either not assign so much
              work, or not make so many waves.

                        CESAR
              I haven't really done anything except
              informally advise the students.

                        AURORA
              And you think the administration believes
              that?

                        CESAR
              They can't prove anything.

                        AURORA
              Not yet.

                        CESAR
              I haven't taken a leadership role,
              really.  I've allowed the students to act
              on their own ideas, to let their own
              leadership emerge.

                        AURORA
              Sal has certainly seized the opportunity.

                        CESAR
              He's developing quickly, isn't he?

                        AURORA
              May be too quickly.  Can you keep him in
              line?  'Cos whether you like it or not,
              you're being drawn into this thing way
              past your nalgotas.  You stand more to
              lose than anyone.

                        CESAR
              The students stand to lose.

                        AURORA
              They'll get into another school more
              easily than we can find you another job.

                        CESAR
              Tell me something I don't know.

                        AURORA
              You can't sacrifice your family to change
              the world.

                        CESAR
              IÕm not trying to change the world.  Just
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         65.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            77

                        CESAR (Cont'd)
              a few Chicano lives.

                                            CUT TO:

                        SUPER:  MAY

    MONTAGE SEQUENCE

    EXT. EASTSIDE HIGH STREET - DAY                            78

    The BELL RINGS, school is out.  Horn honks, 'Arriba-Arriba'
    and a wild devil-may-care cackle bring on the sounds of THEE
    MIDNITERS' "WHITTIER BLVD," bursting over shots of cruising
    cars full of girls; cars full of guys; guys extending
    invitations; girls accepting & cars exchanging passengers;
    couples; singles; street strollers; bouncing hydraulics, a
    little rubber peeling and a BA pressed against a back window.

    ANGLE ON a theater markee announcing "The Trip" & "Riot On The
    Strip."

    As Thee Midniters continue...
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. ROCKY'S (VARIOUS) - DAY (MOS)                         79

    ANGLE ON AUGGIE  - He tries on a brown beret in a mirror.
    Satisfied that he looks good, he flashes a smile at SAL, who
    already wears one.

    ANGLE ON PEDRO - He reads a copy of La Raza, an independent
    community newspaper, that features a front-page headline:
    "Tijerina Fights for Return of New Mexico Land Grants."

    ANGLE ON GLORIA - She puts finishing touches on a flyer
    announcing a community forum at the Union Hall, May 1.  She
    shows it to SAL & CESAR, who with OTHERS, nod their approval.

    ANGLE ON DAVID - He reads a copy of Inside Eastside, another
    independent community newspaper.  It carries a headline
    announcing: "Chavez & UFW Look to ELA Barrios for Grape
    Boycott Support."

    ANGLE ON SILVIA -  She brings a tray of drinks to the group.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. EAST LA/VARIOUS SHOTS - DAY (MOS)                     80

    STUDENTS LEAFLET stores, parked cars, street corners, rec
    centers and schools.

    PEOPLE read the flyers: SOME with interest and approval;
    OTHERS with neither.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         66.

    CONTINUED:                                                 80

    ANGLE ON PEDRO & SILVIA - He hands a flyer to a SHERIFF'S
    DEPUTY, who reads it, crumbles it up, throws it in Pedro's
    face, takes the rest of the flyers and dumps them in a nearby
    trash can.  Silvia objects and receives a hard push that
    quickly sits her on her butt.  Grabbing Pedro as if he were a
    doll, the deputy throws him into the trash head first, legs
    kicking.  Silvia helps Pedro tip out of the trash can.

    "WHITTIER BLVD" FADES.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. UNION HALL - NIGHT                                    81

    A COMMUNITY MEETING ensues,  A CHICANO CLAP segues to the next
    speaker.  The hall is packed with MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN,
    GRANDPARENTS & STUDENTS in a highly-charged atmosphere.  In
    the audience, PEDRO, AUGGIE, DAVID, and GLORIA together, SAL
    along the side.

    ANGLE ON SAL

    Sporting his beret, he comes to the podium clapping.

                        SAL
              Chicano!

                        CROWD
              Power!

                        SAL
              Chicano!

                        CROWD
              Power!

                        SAL
              Que viva la raza!

                        CROWD
              Que viva!

    The crowd quiets down.

                        SAL
              Raza querida, hijos, hijas, nietos y
              nietas de revolucionarios, perhaps too
              few teachers really care about Chicano
              students and their educational problems
              because there are too few Chicano
              teachers.  And the few that we do have,
              are tokens afraid to speak out for better
              education for all of us.
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         67.

    CONTINUED:                                                 81

                        SAL (Cont'd)
              But fortunately, Eastside High has one
              man who has helped us understand the
              problems and has given us hope to find
              solutions.  Ladies and gentlemen, damas
              y caballeros, companeros y companeras,
              Cesar Torres!

    An applause emerges as Cesar assumes the podium, subsiding at
    his gestures to quiet down.  INTERCUT FOR AUDIENCE REACTION as
    Cesar builds momentum.

                        CESAR
              Sometimes, I wish I could just go to
              work, collect my pay, go home to my wife
              and wait for our new baby.  Certainly,
              with the threats by the administration to
              fire me for sympathizing with the
              students, that remains an attractive
              option.  But then I think about my baby,
              not only of the kind of world he or she
              will grow up in, but of the educational
              opportunities he or she will have.  Or
              not have.  Then I think about what
              Eastside High was like when I was a
              student,one thing has changed.  We have
              opened our eyes.  They say we drop out at
              a rate of 50%; we say they push us out at
              a rate of 50%!  For the sake of our
              children, our brothers and sisters, I
              suggest with a clear conscience that at
              the Cinco de mayo assembly, Eastside High
              School students consider a massive walk
              out to protest the failure of our schools
              to serve and educate the Chicano,
              Mexicano community!  Gracias.

    Furious applause and ecstatic shouts erupt as the crowd comes
    to its feet.  Cesar and Sal exchange looks of surprise at the
    overwhelmingly positive reception to Cesar's speech.  A chant
    emerges.  Sal joins in.

                        CROWD
              Walk out!  Walk out!  Walk out!  Walk
              out!  Walk out!  Walk out!

    ANGLE ON VP MOLINA - Almost unrecognizable in a shawl; a
    recorder operates in her bag.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         68.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            81

    TIGHT SHOTS ON DAVID & GLORIA, SILVIA, AUGGIE & PEDRO.
    Overwhelmed, but applauding.

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              We didnÕt know it then,  but we had
              reached a point of no return.  What had
              started as a simple letter, now seemed to
              have a life and fire of its own.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. PRINCIPAL MORTON'S OFFICE - DAY                       82

    DAVID LOPEZ, ASB PRES, stands before MORTON and his VP,
    MOLINA, listening to a recording.  The taped-up petition sits
    atop his desk.

                        CROWD (V/O)
              Walk Out!  Walk Out!  Walk--

    Morton stops the player, remaining silent for a moment.

                        MORTON
                   (intense)
              What's your role in this?

                        DAVID
                   (struggles)
              I'm---an observer, mostly.

                        MORTON
              I found your name on this petition.
                   (looking)
              You're number 369.  I would guess that
              the drafters would be among the first,
              like Sal Razo, wouldn't you agree?

                        DAVID
              I-I hadn't thought too much about it
              before.

                        MORTON
              Could this walk out come to pass on the
              mere SUGGESTION by Mr. Torres?

                        DAVID
              I-I don't know, sir.

                        MORTON
              Well, know this, mister!  This is no
              semester for you to be jacking around!
              Not if you have any thoughts about
              graduating.
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         69.

    CONTINUED:                                                 82

                        MORTON (Cont'd)
              Now, just because you jocks get elected
              on beauty votes, doesn't mean you can't
              be good for something.  At the assembly
              I want you to condemn the walk outs.
              You've got time to prepare a few words.
              I'll even help you if you like.
              Additionally, find out what this MECHA
              is.  This Movimiento estudiantil ---
              whatever.  It's gotta be a front.  I
              can't imagine what else.  Get involved
              if you have to.  Infiltrate.

    David stands wide-eyed, with his jaw ready to drop.

                        MORTON (CONT'D)
              Well, don't just stand there!  Go!

    Shell-shocked, David heads for the door.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. OUTSIDE DOOR                                          83

    Shutting the door behind him, DAVID regains his breath.

                                            CUT BACK TO:

    INT. MORTON'S OFFICE                                       84

    MORTON and MOLINA.

                        MORTON
              There's no reason not to suspend Salvador
              Razo.  But I need more on Torres.

                                            CUT TO:

    MONTAGE SEQUENCE

    INT. MORTON'S OUTER OFFICE - DAY (MOS)                     85

    A version of VIOLETA PARRA'S "ME GUSTAN LOS ESTUDIANTES" runs
    over.

    ANGLE ON SAL - The SECRETARY instructs him to enter.  He cocks
    his beret and does.

    NEW ANGLE - LATER

    Suspended, SAL exits Morton's Office minus a beret and very
    shaken.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         70.

    CONTINUED:                                                 85

    Parra's "Me gustan los estudiantes" ends.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  RUDYÕS SHACK - DAY                                   86

    PEDRO peeps through the open door to find AUGGIE, SAL & DAVID
    sprawled around.

                        PEDRO
              Y Rudy?

                        AUGGIE
              His mom said he was getting ready.

                        PEDRO
              When did he get back?  He wasn't even
              gone that long.

                        SAL
              Two days ago.  She says he's been
              sleeping.  Something about the time
              difference.

                        PEDRO
              Give me the keys, David.

                        DAVID
              Auggie has them.

                        PEDRO
              Give me Rudy's keys, Auggie Doggie.

                        SAL
              Este Auggie has been a bad doggie.

                        DAVID
              The sucker's been a real dog, eh.

                        AUGGIE
              Ya, chivos.  I feel bad enough already
              with all the zurrada coming down.

                        DAVID
              Rudy lucked out.  He missed all this
              shit.

                        AUGGIE
              Besides, Pedro's the one that's been
              playing Mr. Lover, but heÕs not talking!

                        SAL
              Maniaco Auggie can only think of one
              thing.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         71.

    CONTINUED:                                                 86

                        DAVID
              She invites him to her apartment for
              dinner.

                        SAL
              De aquellas!

                        DAVID
              And they go to the drive-in.

                        PEDRO
              With her 4-year-old!

                        SAL
              So the little vato likes to play papi!

                        AUGGIE
              That's worse than PW, ese!  That's like
              marriage!

                        PEDRO
              Estos gueyes!  We're not even going
              around or anything.  Besides why would
              she want to marry me?

                        SAL
              Why not?  You got some kind of disease?

                        RUDY
                   (at door)
              If you got VD, don't sweat it, bro.
              Penicillin didn't save my ass, but it
              saved my pee-pee.

    His duty in Vietnam prematurely over, RUDY has returned from
    the service, a battle-victim, paralyzed below the waist and
    confined to a wheelchair.  Shocked shitless, the boys are
    hardly prepared for this.

                        RUDY (CONTÕD)
              They just kept sending us out, and
              sending us out.  They called us the Dog
              Squad.  The browns and the blacks trying
              to snuf the yellows 'cos the whites say
              they're red.
                   (beat)
              The dudes that weren't smoking their
              brains out, were shooting up.  How can
              you tell the red-yellows from the yellow-
              yellows when everybody's hallucinating,
              man?
                   (beat)
              When I heard the whistling, I just hit
              the ground.  I woke up on the chopper,
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         72.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            86

                        RUDY (Cont'd)
              and I couldn't get up.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. OFFICES/L.A.  METROPOLITAN DAILY - DAY                87

    CESAR TORRES receives instructions from a SECRETARY who
    directs him beyond a maze of desks occupied by NEWSWRITERS.
    Cesar makes his way across the room to a newswriter, BEN
    FLORES, 37, pecking away at his typewriter.

                        CESAR
              Ben?

                        FLORES
                   (shakes hand)
              Cesar!  How've you been?  How long has it
              been?

                        CESAR
              I've been hanging in there, and it's been
              about six years.

                        FLORES
              The Viva Kennedy Club, huh?

                        CESAR
              That was it.

                        FLORES
              Did you get your credential?

                        CESAR
              Yeah, I've been teaching about 4 years,
              now.

                        FLORES
              You don't sound too excited about it.

                        CESAR
              Well...Sometimes it's like trench
              warfare.

                        FLORES
              The kids aren't really that bad, are
              they?

                        CESAR
              Hell, the students are great.  They're
              willing to learn.  The problem is they
              know they're being cheated.  They're
              getting restless.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         73.

    CONTINUED:                                                 87

                        FLORES
              Aren't they all?  Look at the students in
              Paris.  I've got cousins in Mexico City
              marching in the streets!  I've never seen
              anything like it!

                        CESAR
              I donÕt know if thereÕs a connection with
              the Mexican primos, but something is
              really happening to these students.
              There's a spirit in the air.  A new
              attitude.  A new pride!

                        FLORES
              Would you call it Chicanismo?

                        CESAR
              So you know what I'm talking about.

                        FLORES
              My sister's kid is a senior at Garfield.
              He doesn't want to be called "Mexican-
              American." He says it's a sissy name for
              agabachados.  He wants to be called a
              "Chicano."

                        CESAR
              Probably drives his mother up the wall.

                        FLORES
              His grandmother!

                        CESAR
              Look, Ben.  The reason I'm here.  The
              students at Eastside High may walk out
              Friday, demanding a range of things: up-
              graded facilities, upgraded curriculum,
              bilingual-bicultural education and
              faculty, and, recognition of their
              organization, Movimiento Estudiantil
              Chicano de Aztlan, MECHA.

                        FLORES
              These are radical times for Eastside
              High.

                        CESAR
              The administration has tried to ignore
              them, hoping they'd go away.  I know
              they'll react, but I don't know how far
              they'll go.  They've suspended one of the
              key leaders already.

                        FLORES
              Would they call in the police?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         74.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            87

                        CESAR
              I hope not.

                        FLORES
              Then the media would descend like
              buzzards.

                        CESAR
              Quoting only 'official sources' and
              making the students look bad, which is
              why we need you to provide some balanced
              reporting.

                        FLORES
              If you only knew what token Latino
              reporters have to go through here.

                        CESAR
              What do you mean?

                        FLORES
              You know the editor makes the decisions
              on what gets covered.

                        CESAR
              Right.

                        FLORES
              If an anglo writer pitches a story on a
              Latino subject, the response is, 'Well
              OK, but don't take too much time on it,
              'cos nobody's going to read it.' If I
              pitch a story, it's like 'How can you be
              objective if you're Latino?  Let's have
              Joe Smith do it, or at least have him
              work with you.  Then they expect me to
              live on peanuts and prestige.  My
              salary's for the birds.

                        CESAR
              But your by-line's for the people.

                        FLORES
                   (reflective)
              Look, I'll do what I can.

                        CESAR
              Just be there at least.

                        FLORES
              I'll be there.

    CESAR rises to leave.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         75.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                            87

                        FLORES (CONT'D)
              Hey wait a minute!  What will they do to
              you?

                        CESAR
              Transfer me.  Make it tough to get
              tenure.  The usual.  I don't think
              they'll bar me from the district, but I'm
              not giving'em too much rope to hang me.

                        FLORES
              Play it cool.

    Cesar smiles.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. RESTAURANT - EVE                                      88

    With a cup of coffee, SILVIA takes her break at one of the
    tables.  She puts a coin in the juke box slot and makes a
    selection.  THE BLENDELL'S "LA,LA,LA,LA,LA." plays under as
    PEDRO clears a nearby table.

                        SILVIA
              You haven't said five words to me in two
              hours.

                        PEDRO (sits)
              It's been busy.

                        SILVIA
              Not that busy.

                        PEDRO
              I've been busy thinking.

                        SILVIA
              Your brain must be tired by now.

                        PEDRO
              I'm tired of worrying.

                        SILVIA
              You've been worrying, too, ah?

                        PEDRO
              The students will probably walk out
              Friday.

                        SILVIA
              That's good!

                        PEDRO
              Principal Morton thinks I'm one of the
              leaders---so I could get suspended.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         76.

    CONTINUED:                                                 88

                        SILVIA
              That's bad.

                        PEDRO
              My friend, Rudy, came back from 'Nam in
              a wheelchair, paralyzed.

                        SILVIA
              Madre santisima!

                        PEDRO
              And my dad doesn't want me to see you
              anymore.

                        SILVIA
              Oh.
                        (beat)
              Does he think you can work with your eyes
              closed?

                        PEDRO
              He doesn't know I'm working.

                        SILVIA
              Ay, Parrilla.

                        PEDRO
              What should I do?

                        SILVIA
              Do like Oedipus and pluck your eyes out.

                        PEDRO
              Eddie Pus?  Sounds like an infection.

                        SILVIA
              Some Greek mother.  You'll probably run
              into him in college.

                        PEDRO
              He'll run into me.  If I pluck out my
              eyes, then I really wouldn't be able to
              see him OR you.

                        SILVIA
              So, you keep your eyes.  It makes driving
              easier.  Now there's not much you can do
              about Rudy, but you still have to decide
              whether or not to walk out and get
              suspended.

                        PEDRO
              What about you?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         77.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            88

                        SILVIA
              If I can get off work, I'll walk out; it
              sounds like fun.

                        PEDRO
              I mean what about my seeing you?

                        SILVIA
              That's a tough one.  Pretend I'm a
              figment of your imagination.

                        PEDRO
              And pretend I'm not in love with you?

                        SILVIA
              Just don't tell me and don't put any-
              thing in writing.

                        PEDRO
              But I've already told you.

                        SILVIA
              I know.  But I've already forgotten.  So
              don't tell anybody else and you've got
              nothing to worry about.

                        PEDRO
              I should tell Vicky?

                        SILVIA
              Oh, you play dirty, canijo.

                        PEDRO
              What do you mean dirty?

                        SILVIA
              Ay, Parrilla!

    THE BLENDELL'S "LA,LA,LA,LA,LA." FADES.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. PARRILLA HOUSE/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT                    89

    Newsreporter, EMILIO ZARAGOZA, and his SPANISH LANGUAGE TV
    NEWS blare on the set, illuminating a sleeping SR.  PARRILLA,
    as PEDRO unexpectedly peeps through the window.

                        ZARAGOZA (in Spanish)
              "...in another day of confrontation
              between students and Paris police, that
              ultimately threatens to close the
              university....

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         78.

    CONTINUED:                                                 89

    Pedro enters carefully, kills off his dad's near-empty bottle
    of tequila & creeps off to bed.

                        ZARAGOZA (CONT'D)
              Meanwhile, returning to the U.S., James
              Earl Ray, the accused assassin of civil
              rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.,
              continues to deny...

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TV CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT                               90

    Standing behind a couple of TV TECHS, CESAR TORRES watches the
    broadcast on a monitor and through a window to the set where
    ZARAGOZA wraps up the broadcast.

                        ZARAGOZA (CONT'D)
              ...any involvement in the assassination
              and no evidence has surfaced yet to
              support his allegations of being framed.
              That concludes this evening's edition,
              please join us next time.  For Noticiero
              en Espanol, this is Emilio Zaragoza, muy
              buenas noches.

    Credits roll on a monitor to the newscast's CLOSING TUNE.  Off-
    camera, Zaragoza unmikes himself, leaves the set and enters the
    Control Room.

                        ZARAGOZA
              Sr.  Torres, thank you for waiting.  Are
              you bored or intrigued by the
              broadcasting process?

                        CESAR
              I teach 30-40 students at a time.  From
              here, you can reach thousands!

                        ZARAGOZA
              Sr.  Torres,  the media is very powerful.
              Unfortunately, in this country its main
              function is to sell products to
              consumers, not to educate or inform.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. HILLTOP - NIGHT                                       91

    ANGLE ON CAR RADIO

    OFF-SCREEN DAVID and GLORIA share the back seat of the Chevy
    and some heaving breathing, but not much of the view.  A
    version of "LA BAMBA CHICANA" blasts from the radio.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         79.

    CONTINUED:                                                 91

                        SINGER (V/O)
              ...Para ganar la huelga, se necesita un
              poquito de boicot...Yo no sere vendido...

                        GLORIA (OS)
              Turn it down a little, David.  I've had
              enough.

    WE SEE a hand reach over the front seat to the radio and lower
    the volume.

    NEW ANGLE - Gloria combs her hair.

                        GLORIA
              I want to talk.

                        DAVID
              You want to talk?  Now?  About what?

                        GLORIA
              Things.

                        DAVID
              Like?

                        GLORIA
              Like what would you do if I were
              pregnant?

                        DAVID
              I would help you find the father.

                        GLORIA
              Who's do you think it would be?!

                        DAVID
              I don't know.  Could be anybody's.

                        GLORIA
              ANYBODY'S!?  What kind of person do you
              think I am?!

                        DAVID
                   (seductively)
              Fine, esa.  Pero muy fine.

                        GLORIA
              Is that all you can say?

                        DAVID
              You're nice.  Pero MUY nice.

                        GLORIA
              How about insulted and bored?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         80.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            91

                        DAVID
              Bored?  We make out for 30 minutes
              straight and you're bored?

                        GLORIA
              David, you have to learn to kiss and
              breathe at the same time.  You're brain
              dead.

                        DAVID
              Don't worry about me, Gloria.  I can hold
              my breath for a pretty long time.  Watch.
                   (holds breath)

                        GLORIA
              Do you know anybody that's better at
              conversation than sucking lips off?  Come
              on, David, we've got a walk-out coming
              down and you and I donÕt talk about it.
              We never talk about anything really.  We
              donÕt communicate!  Thank God IÕm not
              pregnant.

    David exhales.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. EASTSIDE HIGH  - DAY                                  92

    CESAR TORRES and another teacher, MANUEL (MANNY) HERRERA, walk
    from the office to the campus.

                        MANNY
              I'm not saying that there shouldn't be
              more of us teaching or that there
              shouldn't be bilingual education or
              bicultural studies.

                        CESAR
              It could mean more support for your
              Spanish classes.

                        MANNY
              That's true, but it's your tactics I
              can't support, Cesar.  The students will
              learn more by staying in class than by
              walking out tomorrow.

                        CESAR
              My tactics, nothing.  The students make
              their own decisions.

                        MANNY
              And I suppose you've had no influence?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         81.

    CONTINUED:                                                 92

                        CESAR
              You underestimate the students, Manny.

                        MANNY
              There are some real radicals emerging,
              Cesar.  I'm even hearing talk of some
              international conspiracy.

                        CESAR
              Pura mierda.  Don't believe it.

                        MANNY
              One can never be too sure.

                        CESAR
              Now you're sounding like Molina.

                        MANNY
              I think Molina does the best job she
              knows how and I don't expect you to
              understand that.  If I don't give you my
              whole-hearted support on this matter,
              it's because you don't know the system
              yet; you're still too wet behind the ears
              to be rocking the boat like you are.
              Things take time.  You want change now!

                        CESAR
              ItÕs only been about a hundred and twenty
              years.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TEACHERSÕ LOUNGE - DAY                                93

    CAMERA TRACKS around picking up bits and pieces of on-going
    FACULTY conversation between bites.

                        TEACHER #1
              Now how many of us have never passed a
              student along just because we didnÕt want
              him back again?

    CAMERA TRACKS ON.

                        TEACHER #2
              I donÕt understand this business of
              A.D.A.

                        TEACHER #3
              Student attendance generates money from
              the feds.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         82.

    CONTINUED:                                                 93

                        TEACHER #4
              Average Daily Attendance pays your
              salary.

                        TEACHER #5
              No students, no class, no ADA, no job.

    CAMERA TRACKS ON.

                        PRINCIPAL MORTON
              ThatÕs all we know.  We donÕt know how
              many will walk out, if any.

                        TEACHER #6
              You canÕt tell me Torres isnÕt behind all
              this.  Students donÕt do this on their
              own.

                        TEACHER #7
              God knows how hard I try.  This is
              terrible.  Such ingratitude.

                        MRS. REDDICK
              Anyone who thinks we donÕt try our best,
              has never been there to see the dedicated
              job our counseling staff does.  I donÕt
              understand how the students can write
              these things.

    CAMERA TRACKS ON.

                        TEACHER #8
              Chicano Studies?  Why do they want to
              learn about that?  ThatÕs not not going
              to help them.  What is it anyway?

                        TEACHER #9
              All this boils down to having the
              students decide whatÕs important for them
              to learn.

                        TEACHER #10
              Are they going to do the teaching, too?

                        TEACHER #11
              Forget teaching.  The moneyÕs in
              aerospace.

    CAMERA TRACKS ON.

                        TAYLOR
              ...and when the cops stepped on campus,
              the tension was so thick you could cut...

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         83.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            93

    ANGLE ON DO0R

    The ROOM GOES SILENT, as CESAR TORRES and MANNY HERRERA walk
    in. Cesar looks around, turns and walks out.  Manny stands
    alone feeling like heÕs conspired with the enemy.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. ROCKY'S - EVE                                         94

    MUSIC TRACK: RENE & RENE "LO MUCHO QUE TE QUIERO" plays softly
    on the juke box as PEDRO and his father share coffee at a table.
    Dressed neatly for a job interview, SR.  PARRILLA enjoys the hot
    drink now that heÕs off the booze.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Three months.  Que baboso.  Was I
              drinking so much I couldn't see that you
              were working?  Here I thought your mami
              was really stretching the unemployment
              checks.

                        PEDRO
              I guess we thought you'd find a job soon.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              I found where the jobs are at, but they
              won't give me one.

                        PEDRO
              Why, Papa?

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Ay, mijo.  I'll be fifty next year and I
              didn't finish secundaria.  They want
              young men with high school diplomas.
              Someday, they'll probably want college
              graduates, only.

                        PEDRO
              I want to go to college, 'Apa.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              How mijo?  College costs money.

                        PEDRO
              I'm finding out about financial aid for
              minorities.  David and Sal are applying,
              too.
                        SR.  PARRILLA
              What do you want to study?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         84.

    CONTINUED:                                                 94

                        PEDRO
              I don't know.  I just know that I have to
              go.  I guess I  want to feel educated,
              and if the Anglos can do it, I can do it.

    SILVIA comes by with a pot of coffee.

                        SILVIA
              Mas cafe, senores?

                        PEDRO
              'Apa, this is Silvia.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Mucho gusto, Silvia.

                        SILVIA
              Encantada y un placer.  Will you be
              coming to the rally tomorrow, Sr.
              Parrilla?

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Rally?

                        SILVIA
              Tomorrow at Laguna Park after the
              students walk out.

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              The students are walking out?

                        SILVIA
              Ay, Dios!

                        SR.  PARRILLA
              Pedro, are you walking out!?

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TORRES LIVING ROOM - NIGHT                            95

    On the sofa,  AURRORA knits her first baby bootie as CESAR
    leaves his paper correcting and approaches with a kiss.

                        CESAR
              I'm not walking out with the students.

    AURORA, incredulous, canÕt help roll her eyes.

                        CESAR (CONTÕD)
              They don't need me to show them the way
              to the park and I have to be there for
              the students that don't walk out.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         85.

    CONTINUED:                                                 95

                        AURORA
              Why are you changing your mind?

                        CESAR
              Walking off the job is a lot different
              than boycotting a class.  The students
              have to make the statement, not me.
              Besides, I need a job to support a wife
              and a-a, child.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. RUDY'S BACKYARD SHACK - NIGHT                         96

    PEDRO enters, finding the guys sprawled around (DAVID, SAL,
    AUGGIE); RUDY in his chair.

                        PEDRO
              I hope I'm not too late, you guys.

                        AUGGIE
              Pedro would be late even if he only had
              to go to the bathroom.

                        SAL
              It's just us now.  We had representatives
              from Roosevelt, Garfield, Wilson,
              Lincoln, and Belmont.

                        DAVID
              It looks like there'll be students
              walking from almost all the Chicano high
              schools around.

                        PEDRO
              Chingale.  This is getting so big!

                        AUGGIE
              Could be over a thousand, huh?

                        SAL
              Maybe more.

                        AUGGIE
              We're going to have a party de aquellas,
              vatos!

                        DAVID
              Everything's a party for Auggie Doggie.

                        AUGGIE
              Simon!  Getting out of school means party
              time.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         86.

    CONTINUED:                                                 96

                        DAVID
              ThatÕs because the only decision you ever
              have to make is which finger to put up
              which nostril.

                        PEDRO
              It takes more than just fingers, eh.

                        AUGGIE
              Orale, Pedro, el chingon!

                        PEDRO
              And... I'm not walking out.

                        SAL
              You're what?

                        AUGGIE
              From chingon to coyon.

                        SAL
              You little chicken shit.

                        DAVID
              Hey, lighten up on the little dude.  I
              know how he feels.

                        SAL
              What are you turning chicken on me, too?

                        AUGGIE
              Que party poopers, estos!

                        DAVID
              I've got the principal coming down on my
              ass if I don't condemn the walk out and
              you guys if I do.

                        PEDRO
              I decided I want to go to college, so I
              can't risk not graduating.

                        AUGGIE
              You?  College?

                        DAVID
              Simon!  Isn't this what it's all about?
              Our getting educated?

                        SAL
              It's about educating ALL Chicanos.  You
              think I'm in this just for myself!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         87.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                            96

                        DAVID
              And I suppose YOU'RE going to get me into
              college!

                        SAL
              Now tell it like it is.  Are you guys
              with us or against us?

                        DAVID
              Come on, Sal.  It's not that simple, man.

                        SAL
              It IS that simple, David!  United we can
              make some changes!  Divided we can't do
              jack!  Don't you believe in the cause?

                        AUGGIE
              Simon!  La causa!

                        DAVID
              You know I do!

                        SAL
              What about you, Pedro?

                        PEDRO
              Right now I don't know what to believe
              in, you guys.  There's too much
              happening.  The last few months,
              everybody's changed!  Sometimes I think
              Sal's right.  And othertimes I think it's
              just some power or glory trip!

                        SAL
              This is what I get for putting my ass on
              the line and getting suspended, huh?!

                        PEDRO
              All I know is that before this semester
              I never even thought about going to
              college!  Now I don't want to screw up.
              What if they won't graduate us?  Then
              what!

                        AUGGIE
              The little dude is scared!

                        PEDRO
              All right!  So I'm scared!

                        AUGGIE
                   (clucks)
              Puck-puck-puck-puck-PUCK!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         88.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                            96

                        DAVID
              So what if he's scared!  I'm scared, too!

                        SAL
              Me lleva!  All I see now is my carnales
              wimping out!

                        DAVID
              We're not wimping out!  This is not a
              street fight or a game, ese!

                        PEDRO
              I just don't know if walking out is the
              right thing to do.

                        AUGGIE
              It's too late now!

                        DAVID
              It's NOT too late!

                        SAL
              It IS too late.  This thing is bigger
              than all of us!  It's a student movement!

                        AUGGIE
              A Chicano Student Movement!

                        SAL
              That's right!  And you maricas can't stop
              it.  Now I don't care if Pedro walks or
              not.  What I want to know is:
                   (to David)
              Are you going to turn vendido and condemn
              the walk out at the assembly tomorrow?

                        DAVID
              I don't know.

                        SAL
              Carajo!  I can't even count on my
              friends!

    Sal storms out.  Pedro and David have never felt more
    pressure.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT.  HOMES OF CESAR & SAL (ON THE PHONE) - NIGHT      95  97

    INTERCUT

                        CESAR
              Morton isn't letting me address the
              students tomorrow.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         89.

    CONTINUED:                                                 97

                        SAL
              Chingale!  What if pinche David condemns
              the walk-out?  Who's going to lead them
              out?  If I set foot on campus, Morton'll
              probably have me arrested.  What am I
              going to do, Cesar?

                        CESAR
              You've done all you can do, Sal.

                        SAL
              What if nobody walks out?

                        CESAR
              You know that's not going to happen.

                        SAL
              You gotta lead them out, Cesar.

                        CESAR
              We've been through this already, Sal.

                        SAL
              You know a lot of students aren't walking
              'cos you're not going out with us.

                        CESAR
              That's enough, Sal.  Look, our work is
              done.  For the time being, anyway.  Now
              we just wait and see how big a statement
              the Chicano students of East LA can make.

                                            CUT TO:

    MUSICAL MONTAGE SEQUENCE (MOS):

    VARIOUS - NIGHT

    The music of EL CHICANO'S "VIVA TIRADO" underscores the
    tension building in our characters, most of them having
    trouble sleeping the eve before the storm.

    INT. PARRILLA HOUSE / LIVING ROOM                          98

    PEDRO watches TV with his FAMILY: his SISTER on the floor, he
    and his PARENTS on the couch.

    Preoccupied, Pedro pays little attention to the tube; his mind
    is on something else, Silvia.

    INT. SILVIA'S APT / BEDROOM                                99

    SILVIA & VICKY - sleeping together.

                                                         90.

    INT. PARRILLA LIVING ROOM                                 100

    PEDRO goes off to bed.

    INT. AUGGIE'S BEDROOM                                     101

    AUGGIE sleeps like a baby.

    INT. SAL'S BEDROOM                                        102

    In bed, SAL reads John Womack Jr.'s ZAPATA AND THE MEXICAN
    REVOLUTION.  He puts it down to reflect momentarily.

    INT. DAVID'S BEDROOM                                      103

    Wide awake, DAVID stares at the ceiling, lost in thought.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. TORRES BEDROOM                                       104

    Restless, CESAR rises from his bed and sleeping wife, crossing
    to the baby crib, all prepared for the new arrival.  He runs his
    hand across the mattress and a toy strung from rail to rail.
    He's feeling the anticipation of fatherhood and the uncertainty
    of the next day.

    INT. RUDY'S SHACK                                         105

    RUDY sits in his wheelchair, teary-eyed, staring out the door,
    holding his guitar.  He's been crying, but he's showing
    strength.

    INT. PEDRO'S ROOM                                         106

    PEDRO picks up the phone to call Silvia; he hesitates, then
    hangs up.

    END OF MONTAGE SEQUENCE & EL CHICANO'S "VIVA TIRADO."

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. EASTSIDE HIGH AUDITORIUM - DAY                       107

    In a packed auditorium, bored STUDENTS sit through the
    highlight of the school's Cinco de mayo celebration: VP
    MOLINA's ethnographic slide presentation and patronizing
    commentary of her vacation in Mexican provinces.  Molina
    "lectures" from the podium on stage.  PEDRO, GLORIA & AUGGIE
    sit among the students.

    EXT. IN FRONT OF SCHOOL - DAY                             108

    SAL checks his watch and RUDY runs some licks on his guitar.

                                                         91.

    INT. AUDITORIUM                                           109

    ON THE SCREEN we see shots of small town plaza: a CHURCH,
    GOVERNMENT PALACE, MARKET PLACE, STORES AND SHOPS, and a
    BANDSTAND.

                        MOLINA (V/O)
              ... a church at one end, the government
              offices in a palace at the other, a
              mercado, stores and shops along the
              sides, were typical of all the little
              pueblos we saw.  And of course, a band-
              stand in the middle, where on Sunday
              afternoons the boys meet the girls.

    The LIGHTS go on, waking up the sleepy heads.

                        MOLINA (CONT'D)
              I know if I were a young girl growing up
              in a small pueblo like the one my
              grandparents did, I would want to be
                   (MORE)

                        MOLINA (CONT'D)
              courted in the plaza with all the music
              and romance of ol' Mexico.  It's no
              wonder that they live just like they have
              for 1 or 2 hundred years.  Village life
              is so stable and just so romantic.  Thank
              you.  That concludes my presentation.

    A RASBERRY is heard over the WEAK APPLAUSE.  PRINCIPAL MORTON
    approaches the podium with a proud grin, clapping with
    conviction.

                        MORTON
              Thank you, Vice Principal Molina for a
              lovely presentation.  It was simply heart-
              warming and inspirational.

                        VOICES IN AUDIENCE
              It sucked!  Que mamada!  Puro pedo!
              Pinche pochada!

    Molina looks a little shaken.

                        MORTON
                   (to Molina)
              Don't let it bother you, dear.  There are
              always the smart-ass malcontents.

    On the verge of tears, Molina leaves the stage.

                        MORTON (CONT'D)
              Now I know you're all expecting to hear
              from Mr. Torres, but we're running over
              time and---

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         92.

    CONTINUED:                                                109

                        AUDIENCE
                   (resoundingly)
              Booooooooo!!!

                        MORTON (louder)
              ---But Mr. Torres is not....

                        AUDIENCE (louder)
              Booooooooooooooo!!!!  We want Cesar!!!
              We want Cesar!!!  We want Cesar!!!

    A little flustered, but not intimated, Morton steps to the
    wings where David Lopez, ASB President, watches, as the
    student body continues calling for Cesar.

                        MORTON
                   (to David)
              I want you to get out there and quiet
              them down!  Maybe they'll listen to you.

                        DAVID
              What am I supposed to say?

                        MORTON
              I don't know.  Anything.  Tell 'em this
              assembly is over and they can go to their
              next class!

    With his arms raised, David walks across stage to the podium.
    The crowd immediately quiets down.

                        DAVID
                   (in mike)
              I have an announcement to make.

                        STUDENT #1
              Where's Cesar?!

                        DAVID
              I don't know.

                        STUDENT #2
              No seas vendido, David!

                        DAVID
              Principal Morton says the assembly is now
              over.  You can now go to your next class.

                        AUDIENCE
              Booooo!  We want Cesar!

                        STUDENT #3
              We get Cesar or we walk out now!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         93.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           109

                        DAVID
              Wait!  Wait a minute!

                        SEVERAL
              Vendido!  Traitor!  Traidor!

    David looks helplessly at Morton, who comes back on stage and
    takes the mike.

                        MORTON
              This assembly is now over.  You may go on
              to your next class.

                        AUDIENCE
              Boooooo!  Where's Cesar?

                        MORTON
              Mr. Torres is unavailable at this time
              and the assembly is over.  Will someone
              ring the bell?

                        GLORIA
              Why won't you discuss our demands?!

                        MORTON
              This is not the time or place for the
              discussion of anything.

                        SEVERAL
              Walk out!  Walk out!  Walk out!

                        MORTON
              Let's have some order!  There'll be no
              walk out!  That'll only get you into
              trouble.  The best thing you can do is
              just go on to your next class.  Right,
              David?

    David hesitates.

                        MORTON (CONT'D)
                   (aside)
              David!  Tell them the most destructive
              thing they can do to their educational
              careers is to walk out!

    David quiets the few walk-out chanters with the raise of an
    arm.

                        DAVID
              My fellow students, you know the issues,
              you know the demands, you know what the
              response has been so far.  All I can
              say,...is to exercise your consciences.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         94.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                           109

                        SEVERAL
              All right, David!  Bravo.  Que huevotes!
              Walk out!  Walk out!  Walk out!

    AUGGIE & FEW STUDENTS rise, clapping hands and chanting.
    Morton shoves David aside, knocking him down.

                        MORTON
                   (shouts)
              Anybody that walks out will be suspended!

                        STUDENT #3
              You can't suspend all of us, bofo
              principal!

    With that MORE STUDENTS rise, clapping hands, and starting to
    walk.  Then more.  And more.  PEDRO watches, scared.

                        MORTON
              I hereby order all of you to your classes
              imme---

    A STUDENT pulls the plug from the podium to the floor,
    disconnecting the PA, and cutting Morton off.

    Morton scrambles off stage as David watches the developments
    in amazement.  As MOST OF THE STUDENTS are walking out the
    door, clapping and chanting, PEDRO, then DAVID, finally
    follow.  The BELL RINGS.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS/GATE - DAY                            110

    MORTON tries blocking the gate to the street.

                        MORTON
              Go back!  Go to your classes!

    The mob pushes him aside; he spots SAL wheeling guitar-toting
    RUDY along the sidewalk clapping and encouraging students.

                        MORTON
              Outside agitators!

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. CESAR'S CLASSROOM - DAY                              111

    MORTON rushes in to find CESAR flinging darts at a target with a
    picture of Gov. Reagan and his top aide, Bonzo.

                        MORTON
              Torres!  Torres!  You've got to stop'em!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         95.

    CONTINUED:                                                111

                        CESAR
              Stop who?  Stop how?

                        MORTON
              The students!  They're walking out!

                        CESAR
              Oh, yeah?

    Cesar goes to the window.

                        CESAR (CONT'D)
              Well, what do you know about that?

                        MORTON
              You're the only one that can stop'em!

                        CESAR
              Me?  I'm afraid they're walking out
              'cause of you, not me.

                        MORTON
              Now's not the time for it, Torres.

                        CESAR
              No, it never is.

    A chant, "We want Cesar" precedes AUGGIE and a GROUP OF
    STUDENTS, who storm into the room.

                        AUGGIE
              Let's go Cesar!

                        MORTON
              Torres, if you walk, don't come back.
              It's not a threat; it's a promise!

                        CESAR
              Sorry, guys.  I can't walk out.

                        AUGGIE
              A la chingada!

    The students pick up Cesar, load him on their shoulders and
    make for the door.

                        MORTON
              Torres!!

                        CESAR
                   (helplessly)
              I'm not walking out!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         96.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           111

                        MORTON
              You're on your way out of this
              institution, mister!

                        CESAR
              I guess that makes two of us, Mr. Morton!

                        STUDENTS
              All right!!!  Vamonos!

    Morton is left standing in an empty classroom.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. EASTSIDE HIGH STREET - DAY                           112

    STUDENTS SWARM out of Eastside High, clapping, shouting.  From
    the sidelines, PEDRO and DAVID watch, still uninvolved.

                        STUDENTS
              Education!  Not discrimination!  Educa-
              tion!  Not discrimination!  Education!...

    Suddenly David erupts clapping and shouting.

                        DAVID
              BILINGUAL Education!  Not discrimination!
              BILINGUAL Education!  Not discrimination!

    Clearly, more students are walking than anyone ever
    anticipated.  David gives Pedro a big smile and a nod.  No
    longer afraid, Pedro enthusiastically joins in. The two make
    for the head of the line, where SAL, RUDY, AUGGIE and CESAR
    are coming together.  With Cesar still riding atop shoulders,
    the group marches off.

    ANGLE ON RUDY W/GUITAR - He breaks into a rendition of "YO SOY
    CHICANO."

                        RUDY
              Yo soy Chicano, y tengo color.  Mexicano
              de puro honor.

    ANGLE ON SCHOOL BLDG - Teachers look out their windows.

                        RUDY (CONT'D) (V/O)
              Cuando me dicen que hay revolucion
              defiendo a mi raza con mucho valor...

    FULL SHOT - THE SCENE

                                            CUT TO:

                                                         97.

    INT. PRINCIPAL MORTON'S OFFICE - DAY                      113

    A disheveled MORTON talks to police on the phone.

                        MORTON
              What do you mean you can't do anything!?
              We've got truancy laws!
                        (beat)
              I don't care what's happening at Lincoln!

    MOLINA rushes in; Morton gestures her to wait.

                        MORTON (CONT'D)
              ...Garfield?  Roosevelt?  Wilson?
              Belmont?
                   (pause)
              Ten thousand!?  Get-get bigger jails!!!
                   (pause)
              What do you mean don't call you, you'll
              call me?!  Now listen here!  I --- I --
                   (pause)
              He hung up!

                        MOLINA
              Some of the teachers want to know if they
              can go home.  All but 15 students have
              walked out.

                        MORTON
                   (in schock)
              Ten thousand East LA high school students
              are walking out.

                        MOLINA
              Oh, my God.

    She blesses herself.  Morton sighs deeply.

                        MORTON
              There goes our ADA.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. RESTAURANT/KITCHEN - DAY                             114

    PEDRO bursts through the back door and into the kitchen, where a
    BUSBOY handles dirty dishes and SILVIA picks up an order.

                        PEDRO
                   (breathless)
              Silvia!

                        SILVIA
              Pedro!

                        PEDRO
              I walked out!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         98.

    CONTINUED:                                                114

                        SILVIA
              Looks more like you ran.

                        PEDRO
              I did, but I walked out first!

                        SILVIA
              Good!  How many walked?

                        PEDRO
              Everybody I think!

                        SILVIA
              Everybody?!

                        PEDRO
              Almost.  You should've seen it!
              Everybody's marching down the boulevard
              to the park.  Do you want to come?

                        SILVIA
              I can't right now, Pedro.  But I'll try
              to get over there a little later.

                        PEDRO
              Si,  no?

                        SILVIA
              Si.  Right now we're a little busy and
              Rocky won't be back for an hour.

                        PEDRO
              Will you marry me, too?

                        SILVIA
              What?!

                        PEDRO
              Will you marry me?  I love you, you know.

                        SILVIA
              I know.

                        PEDRO
              And I know you love me.

                        SILVIA
                   (amused)
              You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't
              you?

                        PEDRO
              No.  But will you marry me anyway?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                         99.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           114

                        SILVIA
              Well, not now!  I've got to work and
              you've got to go to the rally.  Maybe
              later.

                        PEDRO
              Maybe later?

                        SILVIA
              Maybe later.

                        PEDRO
              Are you sure?

                        SILVIA
              No.  I'm not sure.  How am I supposed to
              be sure?!

                        PEDRO
              I don't know.

                        SILVIA
              Well, neither do I.  So get out of here
              a go to the pinche rally!

                        PEDRO
              Are you angry?

                        SILVIA
              No!!!  I'm not angry!!!

                        PEDRO
              OK, so I'll see you later?

                        SILVIA
              OK!  I'll see you later!!!

                        PEDRO
              Bye.

                        SILVIA
              BYE!!!!!!

    Pedro runs out.

    TIGHT ON BUSBOY - Rinses dishes; shakes his head.

                        BUSBOY
              Tocadiscos, hombre!

                                            CUT TO:

    MUSIC TRACK: YO SOY CHICANO, resumes.

                                                        100.

    EXT. WHITTIER BLVD - DAY                                  115

    INTERCUT "SEAMLESSLY" FROM REQUIEM 29 (and other stock
    footage): THOUSANDS of young Chicanos, including Brown Berets,
    march down the Blvd, many with raised fists, giving power
    salutes and yells.  Picket signs read: "Brown is Beautiful,"
    "Unidos estamos."

                        RUDY V/O (CONT'D)
              Tengo todita mi gente, para la
              revolucion.  Voy a luchar con los pobres,
              Pa' que se acabe el borlon.

    An array of various picket signs and banners read: "Bilingual
    Education, Not Discrimination," "Stop Killing Chicanos in
    Vietnam," "End Police Brutality and Gestapo Tactics,"
    "Organizense Raza," "Chicano Power," "Bajo con la guerra
    vietnamita," "End Cultural Genocide in Our Schools," "La Raza
    Unida Jamas Sera Vencida," "El Pueblo Vencera"...

                        RUDY V/O (CONT'D)
              Tengo mi par de caballos, para la
              revolucion.  Uno se llama canario, Otro
              se llama gorrion.

    INTERCUT FROM REQUEIM 29: WIDE SHOT OF LAGUNA PARK - Packed.

                        RUDY V/O (CONT'D)
              Tengo mi orgullo, tengo mi fe.  Soy
              diferente, soy color cafe.  Tengo
              cultura, tengo corazon, Y no me lo quita
              ningun cabron.

    FROM R-29: ANGLE ON FOLCLORICAS - Dancing.

    FROM R-29: CLOSE UPS - Young Chicano faces.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. STREET - DAY                                         116

    AN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSREPORTER interviews CESAR.

                        CESAR
              This is hardly a simple class-ditching
              exercise.  These are students that gen-
              uinely feel their schools can do a better
              job of educating them.

                        REPORTER
              And what has been the response of the
              school board and administration thusfar?

                        CESAR
              Instead of opening a dialog, they've
              chosen to ignore the students.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        101.

    CONTINUED:                                                116

                        REPORTER
              How will they respond now?

                        CESAR
              Hopefully, this peaceful demonstration
              will encourage them to listen and move
              toward resolving the problems.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. PARK/STAGE - DAY                                     117

    A placard indentifies a group on stage: EL TEATRO CHINGONCITO
    performing "EL PICKET SIGN."

                        SINGERS
              El picket sign, el picket sign, Lo llevo
              por todo el dia.  El picket sign, el
              picket sign, conmigo toda la vida.

    ANGLE ON OUR GROUP

    AURORA TORRES sits on a blanket in front of the stage,
    surrounded by PEDRO, DAVID, GLORIA, SAL & AUGGIE.  Gloria
    curiously rubs Aurora's belly, as the guys engage in some
    elaborate "Chicano" handshakes.

                        SINGERS (V/O)
              Que vivan los estudiantes todos los que
              son Chicanos, ellos son la sal hermanos.

              El picket sign, el picket sign, lo llevo
              por todo el dia...

    ANGLE ON BLANCA - She spots Pedro and turns her nose up,
    prefering to concentrate on the music.

    ANGLE ON PEDRO - Spots Blanca; he looks a little embarrased.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. STREET - DAY                                         118

                        REPORTER
              One last question, Mr. Torres.  There are
              unconfirmed reports that this is an
              international conspiracy directed by
              Moscow via Mexico.

                        CESAR
              Bullcaca.

                        REPORTER
              Pardon me?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        102.

    CONTINUED:                                                118

                        CESAR
              Do you see any Russians around?

                        REPORTER
              No, but I do see a lot of Mexicans.

                        CESAR
                   (amused)
              There have been Mexicans around here long
              before any of your ancesters started
              showing up.  And you have no idea of the
              trouble we've been having ever since.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. STAGE - DAY                                          119

    As MC, SAL introduces RUDY on stage.

                        SAL
              I don't have to remind anybody that a
              disproportionate number of Chicanos are
              dying in Southeast Asia.  Our next
              speaker is a carnal who's lived on my
              block since we were little escuincles.
              He's lucky to be back, and we're lucky to
              have him say a few words to us.  Un
              aplauso muy grande para nuestro
              companero, Rudy Marin!

    Rudy rolls himself forward, as Sal lowers the mike.

    ANGLE ON OUR GROUP - Applauding.

    ANGLE ON BLANCA - Suddenly interested.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. SILVER DOLLAR BAR                                    120

    CESAR greets Chicano reporters, FLORES & ZARAGOZA at the bar.

                        CESAR
              I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting too
              long.

                        FLORES
              No, we were just talking shop.

                        CESAR
              I was being interviewed by this tapado
              gringo reporter.

                        FLORES
              Aren't all reporters?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        103.

    CONTINUED:                                                120

                        ZARAGOZA
              Que?  Tapado o gringo?

                        CESAR
              Present company excluded, both.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. STAGE/PARK - DAY                                     121

                        RUDY
              ...but I don't hate nobody no more.
              Eventhough my Chicano brothers are dying
              over there, I know things are going to be
              different.  Mi raza is coming together;
              we're looking out for each other now.

    TIGHT ON BLANCA -  Moved to tears.
                                            CUT TO:

    INT. SILVER DOLLAR BAR                                    122

    CESAR shares a beer with his reporter friends, FLORES &
    ZARAGOZA.

                        CESAR
              It's in the questions they ask, and the
              conclusions they draw.  Frankly, they
              could care less.

                        FLORES
              They see the readership or audience only
              as White anglo saxon protestant, and they
              reinforce all the pre-existing
              assumptions and misperceptions they have
              about us.

                        ZARAGOZA
              Efectivamente.  The English language
              media cannot objectively cover issues and
              events relating to Latinos, at least not
              without more Latino reporters.

                        FLORES
              Tell that to my editor.

                        ZARAGOZA
              Cuando quieras.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. EASTSIDE HIGH STREET - DAY                           123

    The ENGLISH LANGUAGE REPORTER interviews Eastside High
    Principal, MORTON.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        104.

    CONTINUED:                                                123

                        MORTON
              Dialog?!  You can't expect them to
              understand the complexities of the
              educational process.  They're being
              manipulated.

                        REPORTER
              So what's to be done?

                        MORTON
              If our law enforcement officials had any
              guts, they'd come in a put a stop to this
              outrageous insurrection.

                        REPORTER
              But it's a peaceful demonstration.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. SILVER DOLLAR BAR                                    124

    CESAR guzzles his drink and gets up to leave.

                        CESAR
              It's time for me to get over to the
              rally.  I don't want to miss Corky
              Gonzalez, and I want to check on my wife.
              With a baby in her panza she doesn't get
              around too easily.

                        ZARAGOZA
              We'll be over there en un tantito.

                        FLORES
              I don't want to miss Corky either, but I
              can't put away beer like that.

                        CESAR
              Well, we'll see you guys in a few
              minutes, then.

    Cesar pats their shoulders and walks off.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. STAGE - DAY                                          125

    A banner identifies the group on stage: EL TEATRO CHINGONSOTE
    performing a corrido: "DESDE MEXICO HE VENIDO"

                        PERFORMERS
              ...En tiempo que hay eleccion es puro
              'alo' y 'hay mai fren,' ay, navaja, no te
                        (more)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        105.

    CONTINUED:                                                125

                        PERFORMERS (Cont'd)
              amelles!  Ya viene llegando el tren...

                                            CUT TO:

    INTERCUT FROM R-29: SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES cross the street in
    front of a market.  Others in the park move into position.

                        PERFORMERS (V/O)
              ...Ya pasada la eleccion, ya no hay mas
              'alo' y 'hay mai fren.' Pongan cuidado,
              senores, que ese tiempo se acabo.

    DEPUTIES RUSH FLEEING CHICANOS.

    ANGLE ON OUR GROUP NEAR THE STAGE

    CESAR returns to find his WIFE, PEDRO, AUGGIE, DAVID & GLORIA
    enjoying the entertainment.

                        AURORA
              So you decided to come back to me.  What
              was her name?

                        CESAR
              Chamba.  Jale.

                        GLORIA
              She almost sounds African.

                        DAVID
              Well, black is beautiful, too, no?

                        AURORA
                   (to Cesar)
              But not black and blue, like when I get
              through with you.

    Shouts and screams come from behind them.  Cesar cranes to
    see.

                        CESAR
              What the hell?

    >From on stage, SAL yells.

                        SAL
              Ooo-que-la--!  There just had to be a
              fight.

                        AUGGIE
              Orale pues!  Chingasos!!

                        PEDRO
              Who?!  Who's fighting!!

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        106.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           125

                        AUGGIE
                   (pats fist)
              Who cares!  Les damos en la madre!

                                            CUT TO:

    MUSIC TRACK: The pounding percussion and whailing guitar in
    SANTANA'S JINGO underscore the pain and punishment of the
    ensuing sequence, a stylized blend of stock and directed
    footage.

    INTERCUT REQUIEM 29 -  A sheriff's deputy blindsides a man
    with a club to the head .

    ANGLE ON DAVID & GLORIA -  David tries to protect his head
    with one arm and Gloria with another.  A DEPUTY'S CLUB bashes
    his arm and sends him to the ground.

    INTERCUT REQUIEM 29 -  FOUR DEPUTIES carry off a MAN.

    ANGLES ON CESAR & SAL -  They are carried off by a team of
    EIGHT DEPUTIES.

    ANGLE ON PEDRO & AURORA TORRES - Pedro restrains Cesar's
    frantic wife.

    INTERCUT REQUIEM 29 -  A tear gas cannister lands in the
    middle of a group; a youth throws it back.

    ANGLE ON STAGE - RUDY rolls off stage, falling out of his
    chair.

    INTERCUT REQUIEM 29: A DEPUTY beats a YOUTH, on the ground
    kicking in self-defense.

    ANGLE ON AUGGIE - A whack from a DEPUTY'S billy club leaves
    him on the ground.

    ANGLE ON PEDRO & AURORA TORRES -  She's gone into labor; Pedro
    helps find refuge under the stage, behind the skirts.

    INTERCUT REQUIEM 29 - After she throws a bottle, a DEPUTY
    blindsides A WOMAN, brutally hitting her in the back of the
    head and in the ribs; then facing a barrage of rocks and
    bottles, he charges forward.

    ANGLE ON BLANCA & RUDY -  Tenderly helping Rudy off the
    ground, she gets whacked by a PASSING DEPUTY.

    UNDER THE STAGE - AURORA TORRES starts an anguishing delivery;
    we can read her husband's

    ANGLE ON PADDY WAGON - DEPUTIES take some pleasure in roughing
    up CESAR and SAL.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        107.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                           125

    ANGLE ON RUDY & BLANCA -  Recovering and showing mutual
    concern.

    UNDER THE STAGE -  PEDRO delivers the TORRES' BABY; he places
    the baby wrapped in his shirt in AURORA's arms.

    ANOTHER ANGLE ON PEDRO - He sticks his head out, from behind
    the stage skirts.  Ducking a swipe by the first passing DEPUTY
    with a club, Pedro turns, looks the other way not seeing a
    SECOND DEPUTY, who passes, leaving Pedro knocked out cold from a
    brutal macanazo.

    INTERCUT REQUIEM 29 -  Swarming and clearing out the park the
    DEPUTIES continue to beat and drag away resentful and
    resisting CHICANOS.

                                            CUT TO:

    EXT. SILVER DOLLAR BAR - DAY  (FREEZE FRAME/STOCK STILL)  126

    A DEPUTY stands in front of the Silver Dollar pointing a tear-
    gas rifle into the saloon.

    INT. SILVER DOLLAR BAR                                    127

    Ready to leave, ZARAGOZA and FLORES stand up and down their
    beers.

    SFX: The deafening blast from the deputy's rifle reverberates,
    ending JINGO.

                                            CUT TO BLACK.

    FADE IN:

    INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY                                  128

    SILVIA stands by PEDRO'S bed, as the TV SOFTLY BROADCASTS news
    in English.  An unconscious PEDRO breathes deeply, his head
    bandaged.

                        NEWSCASTER
              ...Several community organizations have
              demanded an investigation into the
              actions of the County Sheriff's
              Department that left two Mexican-American
              journalists dead and a mile of
              destruction along East Los Angeles'
              Whittier Blvd, two days ago.
                   (beat)
              While community spokespersons decry the
              Department's actions as unprovoked,
              excessive and racially motivated,
              official sources maintain that the
                   (MORE)

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        108.

    CONTINUED:                                                128

                        NEWSCASTER (CONTÕD)
              Department acted appropriately and
              justifiably to disperse rock and bottle
              throwing demonstrators before they could
              do damage to public property or loot
              local businesses...

    Pedro comes to.
                        PEDRO
                   (groggy)
              The baby!...What happened?  Is the baby
              OK?  Where am I?  How did I get here?

                        SILVIA
              You're in the hospital.  You were hit in
              the head.  And you didn't have a baby.

                        PEDRO
              No baby?

                        SILVIA
              I found you sleeping under the stage at
              Laguna Park like a wino.

    She takes a letter from the dresser.

                        SILVIA
              Here.  Your mother left this for you a
              little while ago.

                        PEDRO
              My mother?

                        SILVIA
              Yes, your mother!  You must have been hit
              pretty hard!  No baby, but you do have a
              mother.

                        PEDRO
                   (opens letter)
              It's all blurry.

                        SILVIA
              Here, let me.  (reads)  A caray!

                        PEDRO
              Que?

                        SILVIA
              Contingent upon your graduation, you've
              been accepted to LA State!

                        PEDRO
              Chingao!  I never thought I'd!  --- I
              gotta graduate, huh?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        109.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           128

                        SILVIA
              You still might.  I don't think Eastside
              High wants you for another year.

                        PEDRO
              Did we get married yet?

                        SILVIA
              No.  You decided to have the baby first.

                        PEDRO
              Oh.  Well, shouldn't we get married,
              then?

                        SILVIA
              After.

                        PEDRO
              After?  After the next baby?

                        SILVIA
              After your graduation.

                        PEDRO
              After graduation!

                        SILVIA
              From college.

                        PEDRO
              Oh.

                                            CUT TO:

    INT. ANOTHER HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY                          129

    In bed with the baby at her side, AURORA reads EL GRITO DEL
    PUEBLO, a local independent newspaper, with the headline: ELA
    COMMUNITY DENOUNCES RACIST ATTACK AND MURDER OF FLORES &
    ZARAGOZA;" and a subheadline: "TORRES AND 13 STUDENTS FACE
    CONSPIRACY CHARGES IN ELA WALK-OUTS." A still of the Deputy
    shooting into the Silver Dollar Bar is displayed front and
    center.  With flowers in hand, CESAR pokes his head through
    the door, enters and approaches his wife's bed.

                        AURORA
              Mira, mijita.  Tu papi, the jailbird.

                        CESAR
                   (taking baby)
              Que linda!

                        AURORA
              They're charging you with conspiracy.  Do
              they have a case?

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        110.

    CONTINUED:                                                129

                        CESAR
              It depends on how much they have to make
              up.  I don't know why the hell the cops
              had to be there.  We weren't hurting
              anyone.

                        AURORA
              They said in the paper that someone threw
              a rock or a bottle at them.

                        CESAR
              And that started the whole thing?

                        AURORA
              You know how they treat us.

                        CESAR
              Something has to be done about the deputy
              that shot Ben and Emilio.

                        AURORA
              It won't happen, Cesar.

                        CESAR
              But these are journalists!  Educated
              professionals!

                        AURORA
              Pero son Mexicanos.

                        CESAR
              I know....I'm suspended till June.  Then
              they'll decide what to do with me.

                        AURORA
              Ay, Cesar.  It's a good thing I have the
              savings.

                        CESAR
                   (kisses her)
              Can you believe some teachers say they're
              hurt 'cause they've tried so hard to do
              a good job.

                        AURORA
              Poor babies.  Did the cops bust their
              heads, too?

                        CESAR
              They'd be screaming bloody murder.

                        AURORA
              Over 10 thousand students, and their
              families.  I still can't believe it
              happened.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        111.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           129

                        CESAR
              We've got pictures and film.  They won't
              be able to write this one out of the
              history books....We have to name this
              hermosura.

                        AURORA
              She has a name.  Adelita.  Because she
              was born into the revolution.

                        CESAR
              Not bad.  I have a middle name for her.

                        AURORA
              Oh, no.  Well, at least she's not a boy.
              That saves her from Cuauhtemoc or
              Moctezuma.

                        CESAR
              Tonantzin.

                        AURORA
              Ay, Dios.  Sounds like a pain reliever.

                                            CUT TO:

                        SUPER: JUNE

    EXT. MAN ON THE STREET - DAY                              130

    He reads the DAILY METROPOLITAN with the headline: "District
    to Consider Proposals for Bilingual-Bicultural Education;
    Teacher Reassigned For Fall; Authorities Prepare for ELA
    Graduation Disturbances."

    EXT. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM STEPS - DAY                   131

    ANGLE ON DOORS - Bursting open with a flow of CAPPED & GOWNED
    GRADUATES.

    ANGLE ON PEDRO - His hand is taken and pulled by VICKY toward
    SILVIA.

                        VICKY
              Andale, Pedro

                        PEDRO
              David!

    ANGLE ON DAVID & GLORIA - He pulls her along with his casted
    arm.

                        DAVID
              Come on.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        112.

    CONTINUED:                                                131

    ANGLE ON PEDRO'S FAMILY

    Pedro's MOTHER, SISTER, FATHER w/camera, waiting.  SAL &
    AUGGIE stand off to the side.

    ANGLE ON SAL & AUGGIE

                        SAL
              That's just the beginning!  The Plan de
              Aztlan will lay out a program of action
              to deal with all those issues!
              Especially when cops get away with
              beating up women and children and blowing
              away journalists.

                        AUGGIE
              How can you talk about going to this
              chingon Southwest Chicano student
              conference, when you won't even be a
              student?

                        SAL
              If I make up my fifteen credits and get
              into the university next year, what does
              that make me?

                        AUGGIE
              A year behind David.

                        SAL
              Chale, a year to do some organizing and
              heavy-duty reading, brother!  Then we'll
              see who's behind!

                        AUGGIE
              And what if we get convicted of
              conspiracy charges and we go to jail?

                        SAL
              O.K., so I don't go to the conference.

    ANGLE ON RUDY & BLANCA - She holds the door open and awkwardly
    helps him out.

    ANGLE ON GROUP - PEDRO arrives with SILVIA, VICKY, DAVID &
    GLORIA right behind.

                        DAVID
              Hey, you guys!  Guess what!  Gloria's
              going with me in September!

                        GLORIA
              He's not the only one who got admitted to
              the University of Aztlan, but he thinks
              I'm going with him.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        113.

    CONTINUED:  (2)                                           131

                        YOLANDA
              Aztlan?

                        DAVID
              You know!  The home of the Aztecs before
              they went chasing the eagle and the
              snake.

                        PEDRO
              It's now the Southwest U.S.

                        YOLANDA
              Are the guys any good there?

                        DAVID
              Well, I'm going.  What does that tell
              you, chulita?

                        YOLANDA
              Maybe Gloria can do better.

                        DAVID
              What do you know, mocosa?  Besides boys
              can mess up your studies, right Gloria?

                        GLORIA
              Then your head, your body and your life!

                        AUGGIE
              Cold blooded!  That was from the North
              Pole, sister!

    ANGLE ON BLANCA -  Looking disheveled and ragged as she
    hustles bringing RUDY over to the GROUP.

                        RUDY
              OK, raza!  I'm here.  I even brushed my
              teeth because I'm going to smile, eh.

    NEW ANGLE - THE GROUP

                        SAL
              Wait a minute!  There's Cesar!

    ANGLE ON CESAR AND MANNY

    They embrace; theyÕve reconciled.  Sal grabs CESAR and pulls
    him over to the group.

                        DAVID
              Hey, man.  What's the news?

                        CESAR
              The talk is Chicano teachers, Chicano
              studies, and the district is listening.

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        114.

    CONTINUED:  (3)                                           131

                        PEDRO
              Where are they sending you, Cesar?

                        CESAR
              The Valley.  Monroe High.

                        PEDRO
              IsnÕt Monroe the one...?

                        CESAR
              HeÕs the one.  You win some, you lose
              some.

                        PEDRO
              We haven't lost!  These are new
              beginnings.  La lucha continua.

    Cesar smiles and extends his hand to a developing and now
    former pupil.

    NEW ANGLE
                        PEDRO (V/O)
              I couldnÕt believe IÕd said that to him.
              But after all that had happened,  we were
              all somehow different, stronger,
              unafraid.

                        PEDRO (CONT'D)
              OK, you guys.  Let's get together.  'Apa,
              are you ready?

                        PEDRO (V/O)
              Like I said when we started,  this is a
              story with an ending like a beginning.
              Maybe itÕs like some continuing saga that
              wonÕt end because there are so many ways
              to wage our struggles.

    Pedro & the GROUP, SR.  PARRILLA & OTHER PARENTS approach the
    street to position themselves to take a group shot as
    SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES in riot gear assemble across the street.

    A tense SILENCE comes over STUDENTS AND FAMILIES on one side
    of the street facing menacing deputies on the other.

    Suddenly, a hand removes Auggie's GRADUATION CAP and launches
    it across the street, striking a deputy squarely in the chest.
    The sides face each other momentarily until the crowd backs
    away, expecting an attack.

    AUGGIE breaks from the crowd, crosses the street, cautiously
    picks up the cap, places it on his head and backs away.
    Slowly rejoining the group, he ceremoniously moves the tassle
    from one side to the other.  SR.  PARRILLA steps in front of
    the group to set up his shot and

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        115.

    CONTINUED:  (4)                                           131

    WE SEE THE GROUP framed through the lens of a HANDHELD CAMERA.

                        AUGGIE
                   (un grito)
              Ayyyyyyyyyy!  Ay!  Ay!  Ay!  Ayyy!

    Auggie raises both arms, Sal gives a power salute, David
    raises his cast, while Pedro and Cesar give peace signs.  Rudy
    bears his teeth and Blanca straightens up.  The  SHUTTER
    CLICKS and we

                                            DISSOLVE TO:

    The resulting IMAGE of the GROUP supered over a stylized
    MONTAGE of STUDENTS & FAMILIES in orderly dispersement with
    the DEPUTIES never moving.  A rousing version of "EL CORRIDO
    DE AZTLAN" erupts:

                        SINGER (V/O)
              De los files a los campos, De los barrios
              a los pueblos, Donde quiera que haya
              raza, Declaramos nuestro plan.  Nuestra
              gente es la raza, Y nuestro pueblo es
              Aztlan Ay, ay, ay, ay.  Al grito de
              guerra.  A liberar a nuestra gente Y
              hasta morir por nuestras tierras....

      SUPER:  After one year, conspiracy charges were
              dropped against Cesar and the students
              for lack of evidence.

              An investigation led to no action taken
              against the deputy that fired the deadly
              teargas projectile into the Silver Dollar
              Bar.

    As the images of the dispersing STUDENTS & FAMILIES fade,
    leaving the GROUP SHOT, the CAMERA PANS the following
    principals and their SUPERIMPOSED biographical info:

              PEDRO PARRILLA           Newspaper
              Reporter DAVID LOPEZ Legal Aid Attorney
              SAL RAZO Ph.D., Professor of Political
              Science

              RUDY MARIN         Handicapped Therapist/
                                       Special Ed Teacher

              AUGGIE CAZARES     High School Spanish
                                  /Adult ESL Teacher
                                  / Girls Softball Coach
              GLORIA RIVERA      Broadcast Journalist

                                            (CONTINUED)

                                                        116.

    CONTINUED:  (5)                                           131

              SILVIA SEVILLA     After her graduation
                                  she started a pre-
                                  school, became a children's
                                  rights activists and married Pedro
                                  after his college graduation.

              CESAR TORRES        Ph.D.,
              Historiographer

              The energy and heighten consciousness of
              Chicanos in the late 60's and early 70's
              led to unprecedented achievements in
              bilingual-bicultural education and
              faculty development through the late
              70's.

              Unfortunately in the 1990's, due to a
              decade of budget cutting and program
              dismantling, drop-out rates as high as 40-
              50%, overcrowding, deteriorating
              buildings and few bilingual-bicultural
              teachers prevail at Los Angeles Latino
              high schools.

              Equally unfortunate, many sectors of the
              Latino Community continue to suffer
              brutal and racially-motivated treatment
              at the hands of law enforcement.

    CREDITS ROLL

                        THE END

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