Here’s this week’s installment. When we left Rocky last week, he was sitting at the ice rink, reminiscing about Adrian…
EXT.-WIDE SHOT-SOUTH PHILADELPHIA-DAWN
The streets are very quiet. As we zero in on the exterior of Balboa’s modest home, we hear pounding emanating from a street level window.
CUT TO: INT.-BASEMENT-DAWN
…Rocky aggressively pounds away on a worn canvas heavy bag. Against the walls are several sweat stained mirrors. Pausing to rub his sore shoulder joints he continues to slug away.
EXT.-ROCKY’S HOUSE-PRE-DAWN
Garbed in an old running suit, Rocky exits the house alone and jogs away.
EX.-MUSEUM STEPS-DAWN
The sun rises over the building and outlines the statue of Rocky. At the street level, looking like a lone speck, Rocky is seen running past. He pauses to catch his breath and eyes the towering statue. Memories sweep over him. After a moment he lumbers away.
CUT TO: EXT.-PRODUCE MARKET-EARLY MORNING
The same market that was once part of Rocky’s glory days. Now the market has changed. Drastically. The Italians have been replaced with nearly all Asians. Rocky stands with his reading glasses on, placing an order with a Vietnamese vendor.
CUT TO: INT.-TOMISON TECHNOLOGIES
(RECEPTION DESK)
Rocky exits the elevator followed by several other passengers. Everyone’s in suits and ties except Rocky. He is an artifact by comparison.
RECEPTIONIST (Black, 30’s): Good morning Mr. Balboa – Good to see you again – been a while – I’ll him – Like some coffee?
ROCKY: …That’s okay
RECEPTIONIST: All right – Okay – Why don’t you have a seat?
CUT TO: AN IMPECCABLY DRESSED ROBERT JR ENTERS. HE AND HIS FATHER ARE STARK CONTRASTS.
ROCKY: Mornin’. Look, I din’t wanna disturb ya—
ROBERT JR.: No, anytime you want to come by – do it – (sincerely)
ROBERT JR.: And about yesterday-I’m sorry-We had an I.P.O. come up that –
ROCKY: - It was the anniversary-you only had one mother.
ROBERT JR.: I know but, we’ve been trying to take over this mid-cap company months – yesterday was the day, the merger passed. All done.
ROCKY: - Sure – you look like ya doin’ very good.
ROBERT JR.: I am.
ROCKY: Y’know, she helped push you –
ROBERT JR.: I’ll pay my respects today. Wan we have dinner tonight – 7:30 good?
ROCKY: Yeah, got in these attractive tenderloins from Chicago.
ROBERT JR.: Perfect – Again I’m sorry about not showing up.
Mr. Tomison (60s) The head C.E.O. and founder appears, heading towards Rocky and his son. Robert gets red-faced.
TOMISON: Robert –
ROBERT JR.: Morning – This is William Tomison – al lthis is his show –
TOMISON: -I’ve told your son Ive wanted to meet you 20 times but I guess you’ve been too busy – So finally – Great. Memories – Oh, and I hope you taught him to box.
ROCKY: Yeah, gotta nice left hook.
TOMISON: Good, because he’s going out with my daughter – So he better know how to protect himself - Just kidding. (laughs)
Anyway, good seeing you face to face. (Moves off)
ROCKY: Gotta girl friend? – That’s nice.
ROBERT JR. (embarrassed): Yeah, so I’ll see you tonight.
ROCKY: Lookin’ very forward to it.
Robert waves goodbye to his father while engaged in a conversation with his boss. Rocky exits.
CUT TO: ROCKY’S RESTAURANT-NIGHT
Located on a fairly commercial street in South Philadelphia – A signature red neon sign hangs over a simple entrance. Painted over the room’s largest wall is a huge LeRoy Neiman mural of Rocky’s memorable battle with Apollo Creed. A pregnant Latina waitress seats the new arrivals. The camera follows her as she enters the kitchen. Four Hispanic men service the orders. Rocky is cooking a pair of tenderloins.
ROCKY (to Cook): Manny, what time is it?
COOK: 7:20-
ROCKY: Good-I got ten minutes-My kid likes it ready the minute he walks in-(points to hostess’ stomach) - So how the child doin?
HOSTESS (checking her order): Kickin’ me to piece – Oh, table six is askin for you. They want a ‘story’
Phone rings. A worker answers. Rocky puts spices on the meat.
ROCKY: They heard the same stories ten times.
HOSTESS: Yeah, but it keeps ‘em comin’ back.
ROCKY: Listen, keep usin’ the olive oil I give ya – your kid’ll be born with hair strong enough to lift an elephant, maybe two. (she smiles)
WORKER: Yo, Rock, Phone –
Hands the chef the grilling fork and takes the call.
ROCKY: Hello-
CUT TO: ROBERT JR. IN HIS OFFICE. HE’S ON THE SPEAKER BOX
ROBERT JR: Bad news – Another acquisition group we’ve been wanting to absorb wants to meet.
ROCKY: Yeah? This dinner looks very delicious.
ROBERT JR: Can’t – but I’ll owe you a ‘rain check.’
ROCKY: Sure, a ‘rain check’ good – so you go knock ‘em stiff, kid.
Crushed, Rocky faces the cook – Gestures toward the tenderloins.
ROCKY: You guys take this home. (exits)
CUT TO: DINING ROOM
Rocky sits at a table of six well-intentioned guidos from New Jersey. He tries to be animated, which thinly disguises his disappointment.
ROCKY (sighs): I went in like an animal, an’ pushed Apollo into the corner an’ unloaded everything I had – Hook, hook, hook. An’ Creed kept bustin’ me back pretty good – Then I heard the best sound I had head in my life – the bell…
- The diners laugh.
EXT. – RADIO STATION (CALIFORNIA) – NIGHT
A wide shot of a modern radio complex situated in Los Angeles. The evening is clear.
CUT TO: INT.-RADIO STATION-NIGHT
Unpopular heavyweight Champ Mason Dixon is situated in the guest’s chair. The Black radio talk show host is bespectacled and urbane. Five homeboys hang out.
HOST: You’re at the top of your game – Have you achieved all your goals?
MASON: I’m not at the top of anything’.
HOST: When you’ve been criticized about not living up to your potential, you’ve been accused of antagonizing the press – Why?
MASON (smoothly): Antagonizin’? – Y’all the one’s who lie, y’all the ones who don’t give a damn ‘bout nobody’s feelings – Y’all the one who say I’m a “bum,” an all mixed up with gangsters, ain’t none of it true. Y’all put a label on an’ when that label’s on, it don’t come off – No matter what the hell I do – Antagonize? No, man, y’all getting’ back what y’all give.
CUT TO: INT.-ROCKY’S RESTAURANT-NIGHT
The restaurant is completely dark except for a faint light coming from the mural. Rocky steps forward and studies the work of art. He is momentarily transported back to his glory days. He exits.
End of part III.
Next week, Rocky hooks up with a woman from his past!
