Post by Trent? on Jun 29, 2020 20:01:20 GMT -5
Trent is rushing around backstage, spinning his head back and forth
Trent
Chuck?
Trent peeks down a corridor
Trent
Chucky T?
Frustrated Trent throws his hands in the air in frustration
Trent
(To himself)
Where the hell is he?
Trent turns around another corner, he sees Orange Cassidy, in his usual all denim garb and aviator sunglasses, leaning up against a wall next to an open door locker room as he fiddles with his can of hand rolled cigarettes. Trent walks up inches away from OC who’s still looking at the can.
Trent
Is Chuck in there?
OC is still fixated looking down away from Trent. Trent smacks the tin can downwards dropping it to the floor. OC finally looks up at him.
Trent
Have you seen Chuck?
OC slowly rolls his head towards the open locker room.
Trent
Thanks
Trent walks away, but stop himself. He bends over to pick up OC’s cannister. He places it inside his denim jacket pocket, and pats it shut before entering the locker room.
In the room there is a worn down brown fabric couch in front of a tv, with lockers on both sides as various wrestlers line them. Trent walks up behind the couch, as Chuck Taylor is laying down on his side, on the tv plays Once Upon a Time in Hollywood on full blast.
Trent
Chuck
Chuck doesn’t hear him over the sexy dancing going on in the movie. Trent reaches around the couch, grabbing the remote and shutting it off as Chuck jumps up startled
Trent
Hey dickhead!
Chuck
Hey dickhead yourself! I was watching that.
Trent
(walking to the front of the couch facing Chuck)
What are you doing? We’re supposed to be getting ready for our match. That’s why I asked you to come early today
Chuck
I was getting ready!
Trent
By watching a movie?
Chuck
Not just any movie! One Mr. Jerome Tarantino’s magnum opus on the life of a washed up 1960’s television star.
Trent
So how exactly does that help us prepare for our match against The Family?
Chuck
Look, the family are creepy cult dudes right? Well...how better to prepare than watching Brad Pitt take on the greatest cult of all time? The Manson Family!
Chuck pauses waiting for Trent to catch up to him
Chuck
And Margot Robbie isn’t hard to look at either, if you know what I mean
Trent
You’re an idiot. For once I wish you would take this stuff seriously.
before he can continue he’s cut off by Horatio Sanz who bursts into the locker room out of breath, carrying two large pizzas and a two liter of fanta shoved between his arms.
Horatio
(catching his breath)
Hey...Chuck...I got your call! I got the emergency pizzas like you asked. What’s wrong?
Chuck jumps up and runs over to Horatio. He opens the box on top and grabs a slize, while Horatio stands there with his arms full, trembling from the weight. He turns back to Trent who’s visibly fuming.
Chuck
(mouth full)
What
Trent
(getting in Chuck’s face)
You don’t get it do you? Every time I try to make us better as a team, you fight me every step of the way. I plan a yoga retreat, you complain the whole time. I try to train you guys, you complain. I even bring in Horatio to help us, and what do you do? You turn him into your personal gopher!
Chuck
(Chewing)
Hey! I pay him still...in exposure.
Chuck grabs another slice from Horatio. Trent slaps it out of his hands and onto the floor.
Chuck
Heeey...that’s good pizza.
Trent
I don’t know if I can do this anymore.
Chuck
What do you mean?
Trent
Maybe I’m better off putting my energy elsewhere. Maybe Rocky and the guys were right when I first started teaming with you.
Chuck
Hey! What did I say about mentioning your ex in front of me. Are you trying to hurt me?
Trent
That’s not trying to hurt you...this is trying to hurt you.
Trent gives Chuck a loud crack on the chest with his palm, causing him to stagger back. Chuck walks up and returns one to Chuck. The other wrestlers in the locker room to stir and look up at them. Trent gives Chuck a big shove into Horatio knocking him over, sending pizza and soda flying. Chuck jumps back up and tackles Trent as the two trip over the couch and begin brawling on the floor. The other wrestlers and a now covered in sauce Horatio scurry out of the room. OC who’s still leaning against the wall outside, peaks in to see the Best Friends brawling.
Orange Cassidy's Inner Monologue
I know Trent has high pizza standards, but jeez.
Trent and Chuck are back to their feet but continue to fight, knocking over furniture and bumping into lockers. OC gets off the wall and turns to walk into the locker room to break them up. Before he walks in he grabs his cigarette case out of his pocket, noticing the dirt it’s been covered in from being smacked onto the floor. He slides it back into his pocket, and returns to the wall as the two continue to brawl inside.
Trent and Chuck are tangled up in a double headlock.
Chuck
You know what Greg! If this is how you want it….then fine.
Chuck lets go of Trent and gives him one final push. Trent flies backwards and goes head first into the television. He rolls onto the floor clenching the back of his head feeling for blood. He starts to feel faint and his eyes fade to black.
Moments later Trent comes to. He’s the only one in the room. As he struggles to his feet he walks towards the exit of the room, his head still foggy from earlier. Leaning against the wall is a man holding a newspaper covering his face. He has on skin tight denim jeans, a denim jacket with a faint flower print on them.
Trent
(rubbing the back of his head)
Hey OC…
The man puts the newspaper down, folding it between his armpit, revealing Orange Cassidy with his aviators still on and a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth. Around his neck is an orange and white striped neckerchief. OC reaches into his jacket pocket pulling out a tiny comb and begins to brush his finely trimmed yet bushy blonde moustache.
Trent
Nice ascott
(to himself: more like ass scott ha)
Did you see where Chuck we-
Trent notices OC brushing his moustache
Trent
What did you get that at a costume shop? Whatever tell me later, I need to find Chuck our match is soon. Have you seen him?
OC stays silent, he puts the comb away and hands Trent the folded newspaper, then walks away still smoking
Trent
(yelling at OC as he walks away)
Hey Orange Draper, you should probably put that out before somebody sees! It’s 2020 you can’t smoke inside anymore
Trent starts walking down the hallway. A faint musk smell is in the air, almost like a skunk but cooler. It gets stronger as he keeps walking. Out of nowhere a backstage crew member grabs Trent by the arm.
Crew Member
There you are! Where have you been? You’re up next and you’re just wandering around backstage? You aren’t even supposed to be here, this isn’t the green room.
Trent
The green what? What are you talking about my match isn’t until later? Hey, let go of me!
Trent tries to squirm out of the surprisingly strong man’s grasp. He finally gives in and let’s the man take him where he’s supposed to go
Crew Member
Just shut up! You’re up next, wait in here with the others until you’re called!
The crew member shoves him into a room and closes the door behind him. Trent tries to open it but it’s locked. He takes a big sniff, the smell from earlier has gotten a lot stronger. The heavy base line of “The Pusher” is slowly creeping in from across the room, luring Trent towards it. Trent spins around to a very cloudy room. Cloudy to a point he can’t see to the other side. Through the haze he sees people sitting in a circle, one of them is hacking, as another is hysterically laughing, a third just sits there in silence leaned over the table in the middle folding things. He slowly makes his way towards them.
Coughing Man
Listen man, it’s going to be fine! You’ll get the part you just gotta calm down. What’s there to worry about?
Laughing Man
I just don’t know if I can do it! It’s so insane. I’m trying to be a serious thespian, and they want me to put on a top hat and walk around in a cane singing songs. Not to mention the midgets! Orange and green midgets dancing! How am I to be taken seriously after this?
Coughing Man
You’ll be fine! Hey..hey...do me a favor and say the line again! C’mon it’s so funny man I need to hear it again.
Laughing Man
Fine fine...this is the last time though.
Trent slowly walks over as the laughing man slowly gets up. He stretches, twisting his back as it pops in a few places. He pulls an umbrella out of seemingly nowhere.
Laughing Man
(Yelling at the top of his lungs)
CHARLIE! YOU’VE WON MY BOY!
The laughing man jumps onto the coffee table, pretending to tip a hat that isn’t there, and spinning a cane around.
Laughing Man
Now come inside my chocolate factory!
The laughing man continues to dance as the coughing man laughs and hacks between breaths. As the man keeps dancing he begins kicking the quiet mans papers and other tools around.
The Quiet Man
Hey man….like...stop.
The Laughing Man stops and returns to his seat. All three quit what they’re doing noticing Trent who’s appeared through the haze and is standing right behind them. They look up at him.
Coughing Man
What’s up creepy dude
Laughing Man
He must be the next poor soul to get thrown out to the wolves. Here why don’t you take a seat?
The Laughing Man points to an empty bean bag on the floor in their circle. Trent makes his way over and sloops down, just widely glaring at the three of them.
Laughing Man
So like I was saying, I’m not sure if I want this gig. Like, acting with kids, I don’t even want to think about that headache.
The Laughing Man continues but cuts himself off noticing Trent who is wide eyed just staring at him in awe. The Quiet Man looks up from the table locking eyes with Trent, causing Trent to sit back. He shoots a finger out towards the Quiet Man trying and failing to form words.
Coughing Man
Wow
(Noticing Trent’s wide open eyes)
I want some of whatever you took man.
The Coughing Man stands up from his chair, he gets within inches of Trent as his frayed brown leather jacket drapes down, arm tassels hanging and rocking back and forth from his movement. He slowly gets closer almost touching noses as his blood shot eyes look into Trent's.
Laughing Man
Hey, Dennis, leave the kid alone. He obviously took some serious shit before he came here.
The Coughing Man, known as Dennis leaves Trent alone and returns to his seat.
The Quiet Man
(still fiddling with papers in front of him)
He probably saw our movie, and notices us.
Coughing Man
You mean MY movie, man.
The Quiet Man
(dropping what he’s doing and looking up at The Laughing Man)
Oh yeah, because everybody was running to go see Dennis Hopper ride a motorcycle cross country. No, they came to see one
(pointing to his chest)
Peter..Fonda. Gene over there is more famous than you and he hasn’t done shit.
The Laughing Man giggles at the comment
Dennis Hopper
Oh shut up Wally Wanker
Gene Wilder
That’s Willy Wonka to you!
Peter Fonda
Hey enough already. You're freaking out our guest. What's going on kid, why you look so blue?
Trent
(quietly mumbling)
don't really want to talk about it
Dennis Hopper
Hey man, it's cool. You're around friends here.
Trent
I, I just had this huge blow out fight with my best friend, and I think things may be over between us.
Gene Wilder
Oh well you came to the right place. See these two? They almost killed each other while filming a movie. They couldn't even last 3 months together being in the same room.
Dennis Hopper
Yeah, Peter was really killing my vibe during the process. The movie was about freedom, and he was trying to put all these...rules on me.
Peter Fonda
You literally blew all our money away! We had to cut Jack's scenes in half so you can have more money for your "sugar" problem.
Dennis Hopper
Well it worked out in the end okay? So stop freaking out for a minute.
Gene Wilder
And that's exactly the point.
(Turning back to Trent)
You see where I'm going with this kid? They were at each others throats but realized not only did they need each other, they were working towards something bigger than them. Something bigger than just their individual desires.
Trent
Yeah I guess, but I mean you don't really know me and my partner. I think it's different with us.
Peter Fonda
I suppose so, but we may not be so different after all. You seem like me, a bit too serious. Every once in a while you need a goof like Dennis to make you enjoy life as it comes to you.
Trent slowly looks down at his stomach in deep thought, while his eyes are there he notices he’s now wearing a bright blue button up shirt, with a large collar, and slick checkered high waisted pants.Trent jumps at the sight of his own clothing, almost falling out of the bean bag.
Peter Fonda
(Jumping up to go aide Trent’s episode)
Woah woah little man. Calm down. It’s just a bad trip, we’ve all been there. You’re with friends now. Here here (picking up the newspaper Trent dropped on the floor)
Read your paper, it’ll distract you.
Trent slowly returns to his seat as his heart still races, but begins to calm down. He unfolds the newspaper and begins to read the front page. On it graces a large photo of a beautiful blonde woman, in big bold leaders the headline reads
SUSPECTS CHARGED IN KILLING OF TATE
Trent throws the paper away from him and starts breathing heavy again. Before he can collect his thoughts the Crew Member from earlier bursts through the door.
Crew Member
Trent! You’re up let’s go bud.
Trent reluctantly gets up and leaves as the three men wave goodbye to him. Trent is dragged around an almost pitch black backstage, he thrown into a seat as a woman quickly applies light makeup to him.
Assistant
Here, these are your cards you prepared earlier. Just stick to them and you’ll be fine. Remember, we’re doing this for you... so don’t make us look bad.
They leave Trent alone in the dark for a moment. Suddenly the lights blast on blinding Trent. He’s sitting in a raised folded chair like the kind a director sits in. In front of him is a large wall on wheels. A loud booming voice is heard from the other side of the wall.
Booming Voice
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen! Before the break you met our lovely contestants, but now..are you ready to meet the lucky man of the hour on todays episode? Let’s meet him!
The wall in front of Trent gets rolled away, revealing a studio audience on bleachers in the dark cheering and clapping directly at Trent. In walks a pudgy hispanic man with a neatly parted haircut, the owner of the booming voice.
Host
Now son, why don’t you tell the folks at home your name and a little bit about yourself?
Trent squints at the host, he rubs his eyes trying to clear his vision
Trent
Horatio? Is that you?
Host
(Laughing towards the audience)
A comedian we got here folks.
(Turning back to Trent)
Yes, Jim Horatio Lang, that’s my name. I’ve been gracing your television for over a decade now. But I want to know about you. What’s your name kid?
Trent
Tr-Trent. Trent, I’m Trent.
Jim Lang
Okay Trent, that’s a good start. Now what do you do?
Trent
I’m-I’m a wrestler.
Jim Lang
(Turning to the audience again)
A wrestler folks! We got ourselves an athlete. Funny and in shape, these women are lucky to have a chance with you. Without further ado, let’s get started with the show!
The host begins to walk away, but Trent grabs him by the arm and pulls him back
Trent
Horatio-I mean Jim. What’s going on here? Where am I?
Jim Lang
Jesus Christ, I told those clowns in the back to keep the reefer to themselves!
(Forcing a smile to the audience)
Why my boy, you’re on the 1969 finale of THE DATING GAME!
The crowd cheers at the name of the show, as Trent laughs at the number 69 but quickly drops it realizing what he’s about to do. He begins to look around and behind him seeing large metal flowers and other psychedelic decor. In large orange letters above him spells “The Dating Game”
Jim Lang
(Out of view from Trent)
Okay Ladies, why don’t you tell Trent over here good evening for us, so he can hear your lovely voices.
Contestant #1
(Ecstatic)
Hi Trent!
Contestant #2
(Softly)
Hello Trent
Contestant #3
(Quickly)
Hey there hot stuff
Everybody sits in silence.
Jim Lang
Umm, Trent, do you have anything to say?
Trent
Oh yeah, hi girls.
Jim Lang
(banging on the wall separating Trent from the rest of the group)
The cards!
Trent
Oh right.
(clears his throat)
I’m from Long Island, so I was raised around great food. What would you make me for dinner after a long day at work?
Contestant #1
I’d make you some pasta followed by some...dessert
the audience oooohs in heat
Contestant #2
A fresh lobster with a glass of wine...maybe a whole bottle.
the audience oohs again as some let out a whistle
Contestant #3
Fried Chicken!
Jim Lang
Uh sure. Trent, what do you have for them next?
Trent
We’re going down to the drive through to watch the new Steve McQueen picture. What car do you pick me up in?
(to himself: what kind of questions are these)
Contestant #1
A nice american made car with the top down!
Contestant #2
A limo with a driver of course! You deserve the best.
The crowd claps at the answers
Contestant #3
My 1965 Chevy Corvair!
Jim Lang
Really Contestant #3?
Contestant #3
Oh yeah totally, I just had a rug put in the back.
Jim Lang
Alright. Trent?
Trent
If you were president, what would you make America’s new favorite past time?
Contestant #1
I wouldn’t change a thing, Baseball is America’s sport!
Contestant #2
Beach Volleyball, in bikinis!
Trent nods his head in agreement
Jim Lang
Alright #3 what do you have for us?
Contestant #3
Drinking, I guess. I mean it’s what I do to pass the time.
Trent gives a look of surprised agreement as the audience and host laugh.
Trent
How do you girls stay in shape?
Contestant #1
I mean, I don’t really do much. The pounds just can’t seem to stay on me!
Contestant #2
Through a proper diet, and daily mediation
Contestant #3
Beer league softball!
Jim Lang
Not even going to ask about that one. Okay ladies, this is it. Your final chance to tell our bachelor why you deserve to be picked as his date!
Contestant #1
Well, all I can say is I give my all when in a relationship. I will work hard to make you happy and give you everything you’ve dreamed of.
Contestant #2
I believe the key to a good partner is love, and I have a lot to give...and more.
Contestant #3
I’m just as cool as a cucumber, like to keep it real, lean with it rock with it. You know.
The host comes back toward Trent’s isolation side.
Jim Lang
Alright Trent. It’s come down to this. Who will you pick? Will it be the dedicated first contestant
(he pauses as the crowd cheers)
The lovely second contestant
(the crowd cheers louder)
..or the third one
(a single hesitant clap is heard from the audience)
Trent
I’ve thought about it Horatio...and I realized I now know what I want. I believe an ideal partner is somebody who you work with, not that works for you. Somebody who is equal, and just doesn’t adhere to what you want to do. Somebody who loves you but also loves themselves. So with that being said...I pick Contestant #3
The audience gasps
Jim Lang
Are you serious? You are serious. Well, alright. Before you meet this lovely...lady. Let’s see who you didn’t pick.
The host walks over to the front of the stage as Trent follows him.
Jim Lang
Remember, no take backs! Contestant #1 please come forward. Trent, you missed out on….star of The Graduate and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid..
A beautiful dark haired woman with pale skin walks out, with big brown eyes, Trent notices her and his jaw drops
Jim Lang
Katharine Ross!
Trent
Wait what! No wait hold on.
(Katharine walks away waving at Trent)
I loved you in your movie!
Jim Lang
Alright Trent, Contestant #2 you passed on. She’s 1968’s Playboy Playmate of the year…
a woman with tan skin and long black hair walks out
Jim Lang
Victoria Vetri!
Trent starts panicking, and throws his hands on his head. He grabs Jim by the shoulders
Trent
(Begging the host)
I change my mind, I CHANGE MY MIND
Jim Lang
No takebacks! Let’s see who you actually picked. Trent...meet Scarlett Tatum.
Trent buries his face in Jim’s shirt sobbing. Out walks a tall being with broad shoulders. In a suddenly deeper voice they call out to Trent.
Contestant #3
Trent?
At the sound of his name Trent stops. He leaves the now wet shirt of Jim. He turns towards his prize, to see a familiar face, with a poorly stapled on wig.
Trent
Oh my god. I can’t believe it’s you… I didn’t believe in fate before this moment, but I can’t fight it any longer.
Trent walks over to Contestant #3 who’s holding out his hand ready to be received. Trent looks down at it, before slowly raising his head and locking eyes with Chuck Taylor.
Trent
Chuck!
Trent grabs hands with Chucks, they raise their arms in the air facing the crowd. They turn and look at each other and give a big hug. They release the hug and lock eyes.
Chuck
(face changing to concerned)
Trent? TRENT! Oh my god what have I done?
Trent
What are you talking about?
Chuck
(shaking Trent by the shoulders)
Oh my god I killed him! I killed my Best Friend!
Suddenly Trent whites out. Gasping for hair he comes to. He’s on the floor in the locker room as a crying Chuck Taylor leans over him
Chuck
I’m so sorry! I’ll never do it again! I’ll never argue with you another day!
Trent slaps Chuck off of him. Laying on the floor as Chuck, Orange Cassidy, and a pizza stained Horatio stand over him. He gets to his feet.
Chuck
Oh my god you’re okay! Thank god. You hit your head and didn’t answer me, I thought you were dead!
Trent
It’s okay dude I’m fine.
Chuck
No, it’s not fine! I’ll never argue with you again. From now on, we’ll do things your way.
Trent
Look, Chuck, it’s okay. It’s not always about what I want. Maybe sometimes we can do it your way. We’re in this thing together.
Chuck slaps Trent on the chest.
Chuck
I’m glad we’re good. Now let’s go beat up some cultists!
The two run off but Horatio jumps in front of them.
Horatio
Uh guys, hate to break it to you, but you aren't facing the weird cult family this week. You're facing the two french girls
Trent and Chuck stand in silence.
Trent
(slapping Chuck on the chest)
Dude! You told me we were facing the family this week! I didn't know we had the french girls.
Chuck
Well sorry! I knew you wouldn't just let me watch a Trantino Movie for no reason. I needed an excuse.
Trent
You could have just watched Inglorious Bastards, that one has french people.
Trent slowly walks up to Horatio and puts his hands on his shoulders.
Trent
Okay Horatio. It's gut check time. All those minutes of training, and I need you now more than ever.
(Horatio aggressively shakes his head yes excited at a real opportunity)
I need you to run to the nearest blockbuster and get Chuck a copy of one of those fancy french films.
Chuck
(Shouting from the couch he's already jumped onto, stuffing his face full of floor pizza ready for more preparation)
Preferably one with lesbians
Horatio runs off on his mission. Trent stands in front of a locker and bends over with his head against it.
Trent
OC, Chuck! Ram my head into this locker. Gotta make sure to get it right this time. I'm coming Gene!
Chuck and OC cock Trent's head back and push it forward as the scene fades to black.