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  1. Tracks
  2. Movie Scripts
  3. Purple Rain (Script)

TRACK

Movie Scripts

Purple Rain (Script)

Release date: 7th July 1984

Spotify More on Movie Scripts

About This Track

"Purple Rain (Script)" is a track by Movie Scripts, released 7th July 1984. Full lyrics are available below.

About the Artist

Movie Scripts

Movie Scripts

Lyrics

Purple Rain (Script)

P U R P L E  R A I N

Screenplay

by

Albert Magnoli

Formerly Dreams by William Blinn

Scanned & Edited by lovesexy

(lovesexy@umich.edu)

Cyberpublished by P.L.T.T.

(pltt@umich.edu)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Black Screen

SOUND under: MUSIC building in INTENSITY

as--

PRINCE

(over)

Dearly belov`ed,

We are gathered here today

To get through this thing

called life.

Electric word life,

It means forever and that's a

mighty long time.

But I'm here to tell you that

there's something else -- The

afterworld.

Then huge CU of EYES opening, gazing

into mirror, HAND applying makeup,

sudden BLACKNESS, then--

PRINCE

(con't)

That's right...a world of

never-ending happiness,

You can always see the sun --

Day or night.

BURN IN MAIN TITLE:    PURPLE RAIN

PRINCE

(con't)

So when you call up that

shrink in Beverly Hills,

You know the one -- Doctor

Everything'll Be Alright--

Instead of asking him how much

of your mind is left,

Ask him how much of your time,

`Cause in this life,

Things are much harder than in

the afterworld,

In this life, You're on your

own.

Now,  pulsating COLOR -- FLASHES of hot,

white LIGHT...

PRINCE

(con't)

And if de-elevator tries to

bring you down,

Go crazy, punch a higher

floor.

and the BEAT provocative now,

relentless, BUILDING with fierce intent

to--

(2)  INT. CLUB (1ST AVE.  ST.  BAR) -- NIGHT

The MECCA!  The last stop for a band

before national fame.

The HUGE cavernous HALL is PACKED!

PEOPLE are DANCING like MAD! VIDEO

SCREENS with WILD GRAPHICS hang

suspended from the ceilings. Beautiful

WAITRESSES criss-cross the floor in a

frenzy.

PRINCE is CENTER-STAGE -- LIPS caressing

the mike, black, lustrous hair shining,

eyes dancing -- SINGING "Let's Get

Crazy" as the CROWD pulsates beneath the

LASER  LIGHTS.

The MUSIC  continues as we ...

CUT TO:

(3) EXT.  STREETS #1 -- NIGHT

A TAXI pulls UP with a SCREECH.  VANITY

slouches in the backseat.  Black  boots,

black skin-tight pants, and a mane of

thick, black hair presents a beautiful

and imposing  figure. Her eyes are

large and dark -- her look open and

ripe.  She knows what she's got, and

doesn't make any excuses for it -- but

the fact is she's scared as hell,

possessing a  vulnerability that

surprises her by its suddenness.  An

expensive gold chain is fastened on one

boot.

She scrounges through her bag -- pulls

out her remaining cash. It's drastically

short of what she owes and she knows it.

She tosses it onto the front seat,

JUMPS from the cab, streaks across the

street.  The CABBIE lets out a YELL and

JUMPS out after her.

"Let's Get  Crazy" continues as we ...

CUT TO:

(4) INT.  SHOWER, MORRIS' APT. -- NIGHT

MORRIS DAY stands in the shower, steam

whirling about his face.  He's 22 years

old, matinee-idol sexy with large, dark,

bedroom eyes.  He headlines a slick

techno-funk group called THE TIME which

sports gangster suits and wide-brimmed

hats. He's gifted with a wealth of self-

laudatory humor which he uses like a

knife, moving through life with a calm,

but ruthless grace.

Make no mistake, Morris is nobody's

fool.   His seeming out-raceousness, his

charm -- every move he makes is for a

calculated effect.  He knows exactly

what the ladies need, and doesn't mind

reminding them should they forget ...

He breaks into a wide grin.  Hair

standing up like Don King, he wipes off

a hand mirror, regards himself

unabashedly as he brushes his teeth.

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(5) INT.  BASEMENT,  PRINCE'S HOME -- NIGHT

Prince sits in front of the mirror,

finishes applying his makeup.  Black

hair flowing, eyes wide and fantastic,

he regards himself a moment before

jumging up.  He puts on a high-collared

overcoat, grabs his guitar  moves

quickly to the basement window.  He

hoists himself through it, disappears

into the night.

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we ...

CUT TO:

(6) EXT.  CORNER,  STREETS  #1 -- NIGHT

A POLICE CAR, lights FLASHING, sits at

the curb.  A small CROWD has rathered

about.  The Cabbie stands on the

sidewalk gesticulating angrily to a COP.

Vanity stands by the police car,

obviously board, another COP by her

side.  Her eyes are fastened on a good-

looking BUSINESSMAN standing nearby...

A silent negotiation seems to be going

on.  Understanding wafts between them

like a passing breeze.

Without taking his eyes off her, the

Businessman approaches the Cabbie,

starts talking ...

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(7) INT. MORRIS' BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Morris moves lasciviously into the

BEDROOM wearing a red muscle T-shirt,

orange baggy shorts, and green knee-hi

socks fastened to garters.  A yellow

bandanna holds up his hair.

The bedroom is a MESS.  A VACUUM CLEANER

stands like a sentry in the middle of

the floor.  He turns it on, blazes a

path to his closet.  He yanks out a well-

pressed suit, holds it against him,

strikes a sexy, half-lidded pose only a

mother could love--

MORRIS

(awed)

Oh, Lord ...

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we ...

CUT TO:

(8) EXT.  CLUB (1ST AVE.  ST.  BAR) -- NIGHT

The STREETS are swollen with TRAFFIC.

KIDS are packed onto the sidewalk,

waiting to get into the club. Prince,

riding his MOTORCYCLE, weaves between

jammed cars, then blasts down a narrow

alley leading to the rear entrance.  His

guitar is slung across his back.  He

chains up his bike, moves past a CROWD

of KIDS, cuts inside.

'Let's Get Crazy" continues as we ...

CUT TO:

(9) EXT.  STREETS #2 -- NIGHT

A SEVILLE sweeps to a stop.  The

Businessman is at the wheel. Vanity

steps from the car languidly and offers

a curt wave goodbye.  The car pulls

away.

She stands serenely a moment as the CAR

twists around the corner.   She grabs

her bag, rushes into a dark alley.  She

pulls a handful of CASH from her pocket,

counts through it quickly.

'Let's Get Crazy" -continues as we ...

CUT TO:

(10) EXT.  MORRIS' APARTMENT -- NIGHT

The DOOR opens -- Morris steps

confidently into the night. The change

in his appearance is breathtaking. A

cashmere coat is draped over his

shoulders, a white scarf hangs loosely

about his neck.  Wearing a sharp,

gangster-style suit, his hair is a

pompadour, and Stacy Adams on his feet -

- Morris is the very picture of

elegance.   He doesn't just walk to the

curb, he slides -- his promenade

punctuated with a dip at the knees you

could snap your fingers to.

JEROME is at the curb, buffing down the

bumper of a yellow, 1970 Fleetwood

Cadillac.  Jerome is solidly built,

smooth-faced handsome with a boyish

charm all his own.  He's a member of The

Time, and acts as Morris' chauffeur,

valet, and all-purpose shadow.

He moves quickly to the door, holds it

open as Morris settles himself into the

backseat. He closes it with a flair,

hops behind the wheel, pulls out.

'Let's Get Crazy" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(11) INT.  DRESSING ROOM, CLUB -- NIGHT

Prince is BACKSTAGE, practicing spins in

front of the mirror. The other MEMBERS

of his CROUP are scattered throughout

the room.  BOBBY sits off to the side,

his drumsticks tapping against his knee.

MATT puts on his doctor's smock.  LISA

and WENDY finish applying their makeup.

MARK runs his fingers up and down the

neck of his bass guitar.

Suddenly a STAGEHAND pokes his head into

the room, holds the door open as Prince

and his band cut quickly to the stage.

'Let's Get Crazy' continues as we...

CUT TO:

(12) INT.  MOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

The DOOR opens -- A LIGHT goes on.

Vanity stands in the hallway,  peers

cautiously into a squalid, rundown room.

She hesitates briefly, seems to sigh,

then indicates she will take it.  The

MANAGER closes the door as he leaves.

She stands a moment, surveys the room.

A bed and bureau, sink, a chair,

hotplate -- simply the essentials. She

pulls a dress from her bag, a pair of hi-

heels, some gloves, underwear.  She

hangs the dress on a rod, places the

shoes beneath it, arranges the rest in a

bureau drawer.  She looks around once

more -- flowered wallpaper peels from

the walls.

She rushes to the window, tears open the

shutters -- iron bars obstruct her

view...

(13) EXT.  CLUB -- NIGHT (VANITY'S POV)

... KIDS are crowded in front of the

CLUB.  A YELLOW CADDY SCREECHES up in

front.   TRAFFIC is jammed all around.

The night is electric -- the scene

beckons ...

(14) INT.  VANITY'S HALLWAY -- NIGHT

She runs from the room, cuts down the

hallway, slanming the door behind her

...

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(15) EXT.  CLUB (1st AVE.  ST.  BAR) -- NIGHT

Jerome opens the door of the CADDY,

helps Morris out.  The CROWD recognizes

them immediately, rushes in for a closer

look.   Morris loves the attention,

plays to their enthusiasm with a relish.

Jerome snaps a comb into his hand, holds

up a pocket mirror ...

Morris combs his hair dramatically, the

Crowd encouraging him on.  Jerome gives

him the OK sign, ushers him into the

club.

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(16) INT.  CLUB (1st  AVE.  ST.  BAR) -- NIGHT

Prince onstage performing "Let's Get

Crazy."   He's locked into a guitar

solo, moving provocatively with Wendy.

The CROWD is packed onto the DANCE

FLOOR, thick against the stage.

Jerome makes his way through the crowd,

blazing a path for Morris who is

surrounded by a dozen BABES.

Occasionally Morris glances at Prince --

discloses by his look that he doesn't

care much for his act -- or his music...

He breaks off from the Girls, follows

Jerome to the backstage entrance where

they're joined by other MEMBERS of The

Time -- JESSE and JELLYBEAN among them.

Morris casts another glance toward

Prince, breaks into a self-satisfied

grin--

MORRIS

We're going to slay him...

(screams)

Whawhak!

"Let's Get Crazy" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(17) EXT.  CLUB -- NIGHT

COMMOTION! The CROWD has become

unwieldly -- TRAFFIC is snarled all

around.  HORNS are BLARING.   COPS try

desperately to ward off the inevitable

grid lock.

Vanity runs against the light, moves to

the head of the queue to the

accompaniment of JEERS and CATCALLS.

She doesn't budge an inch, KNOCKS

rapidly on the glass door, catching the

attention of CHICK, a burly, 6'5", 285

pound bouncer with a white beard and

long flowing hair.  An ex-Marine,

Chick's function is obvious.  He cracks

the door--

CHICK

What?

VANITY

I have an appointment with the

manager.

CHICK

No you don't -- he doesn't see

anybody.

Suddenly a FIGHT breaks out at the

INSIDE MONEY WINDOW.  Chick spins

instantly, SLAMS the door -- but Vanity

jams her boot into the narrow space.

The door crashes against her instep, she

winces in pain --but Chick doesn't

notice.  He's already upon the

OFFENDERS,  heaving them against the

wall.

Vanity streaks inside, blazes up the

stairway, ducks behind a GROUP of

GIRLS...

CHICK turns instantly -- the door is

closed -- VANITY, gone.  His eyes dart

up the stairway -- nothing.  He shrugs,

drags the Two Guys off.

(18) INT.  CLUB -- UPPER BAR AREA -- NIGHT

VANITY watches as he moves away.   She

jumps up, lunges onto the dance floor,

CRASHES into a waitress, JILL, whose

tray SMASHES to the floor--

JILL

What are you retarded or

something?! Why don't you look

where you're going?

She's 18 years old, blonde and pretty in

a cute, innocent way.   A Daisy Mae-type

whose emotions form so quickly, she has

trouble sorting them out.  Right now

she's mad as hell -- she thinks--

VANITY

Sorry ... where's the office?

Jill squats, picks up the broken glasses-

-

JILL

Do you think you can just come

in here and take over?

VANITY

I said I'm sorry -- what do

you want me to do?  Where's

the office?

Jill points -- Vanity hurries away  --

JILL

(triumphantly)

No one's in!

Vanity stops dead in her tracks, does a

slow burn.  She walks back to Jill--

VANITY

Okay, so you got  me back,

fine. Listen, I'm from out of

town. I have to see the

manager, it's important.  I'm

a real good singer and dancer.

I know he could use me.

JILL

Do you have any experience?

Vanity simmers, enunciates every word--

VANITY

Yeah...definitely.

JILL

Follow me.

And she turns on her heels, makes her

way through the club, moving into the

vicinity of the stage.  Vanity follows

her reluctantly, casts a look to the

band.   She spots Prince for the first

time -- stops instantly...

His effect on her is instantaneous.

Passion surges through her like a tidal

wave.  His hair, face, eyes -- it all

conspires to make her weak.  It's like

meeting someone for the first time, but

seeing so much of yourself in them, that

their lips, eyes, mouth -- you're

certain you have touched, and the desire

to be with them becomes so strong that

the very act of touching will release

you in a way you never thought

possible...

Prince brines "Let's Get Crazy" to a

rousing, blistering end.  Suddenly the

stage is plunged into darkness. The

CROWD goes WILD!

...Vanity snaps out of it.  Jill is

tugging at her arm, a puzzled look on

her face--

JILL

Here, fill this out -- I'll

have him call you.

VANITY

I don't have a phone.  When

will he be back?

JILL

Well...you can try tomorrow.

VANITY

You can count on  it.

Vanity hands the card back  to her --

Jill reads the name, address -- looks up

puzzled--

JILL

Vanity??

BACKSTAGE

as Morris and The Time pass Prince on

their way to the stage--

MORRIS

Why don't you stay awhile, see

how it's done.

The Band Members bust up -- but Prince

ignores them, then--

MC

Ladies and gentlemen -- please

welcome The Time.

CLUB

Sudden APPLAUSE and CRIES.  Vanity and

Jill turn directly into the path of

Prince, descending the Steps of the

stage.  Vanity gasps, LOCKS eyes with

him.  Jill seems to jump out of her skin

-- it's obvious she has a crush on him

something  awful--

JILL

Hi ya,  Prince -- God I liked

that song, it's real fun.

She fidgets uncontrollably, Vanity's

card buring a hole into her hand.

Prince glances at the card, then stares

at Vanity,  the ripeness of her look

paralyzing.   He tears his eyes away,

puts on his sunglesses, looks toward the

stage.

(18A) INT.  CLUB -- NEAR STAGE -- NIGHT

MORRIS and The Time rip into a funk tune

called "Jungle Love." Their stranglehold

on the audience is instantaneous.

Morris struts across the stage like a

panther, playing to the audience with a

relish.  His eyes fastened on Prince --

his pride umistakable.

PRINCE watches Morris a moment, then

eyes Vanity again.  The heat between

them is apparent.  Vanity's heart is

pounding, she's not sure what to do.

She keeps her eyes on Morris, hoping

that a Solution will present itself.

PRINCE watches as Jill tacks the card to

a board behind the bar.  Sizing up the

situation quickly, he again glances at

Vanity -- but her eyes are fastened on

Morris.  Feeling terribly shy and

thinking there's nothing he can do to

divert her attention away from him, he

reluctantly heads for the front door.

Vanity finally hits upon something to

say, turns--

VANITY

I really liked your song

too...

But he's gone.  Her eyes scan the room

frantically -- catches a glimpse of him

leaving.  She takes a sudden step, then

stops, paralyzed with indecision.  Jill

regards ger coldly.

MORRIS meanwhile is beside himself.

Some gorgeous, dark-haired babe, eyes

wide as saucers was starlng at him from

the bar.  Prince has left, and this girl

is his.  He motions to Jerome,  and they

direct their act in her direction.

JILL gazes at Vanity, fidgets intensely,

suspicious and resentful of her.   She

glances up and notices Morris, look.

She seizes upon an idea,  forces a

friendly smile, taps Vanity on the

shoulder--

JILL

Hey ...

She points to the stage.  Vanity looks

at Morris, and he goes crazy,

entertaining her with his own special

blend of showmanship.  The CROWD loves

it!  Vanity is held a moment, but her

thouchts are elsewhere. She finally

comes to a decision, pulls away, cuts

through the club.

(18B) INT.  FOYER AND STAIRWAY -- NIGHT

as she runs down the stairs, cuts behind

Chick, BURSTS out the door.

(19) EXT.  CLUB -- NIGHT

FRANTIC!  The STREETS are thick with

TRAFFIC.  She scans them wildly --

nothing.  Suddenly Prince, astride his

motorcycle, BLAZES past her from the

opposite direction.  She starts running,

shouts--

VANITY

Hey  wait!

But Prince is too far away, the traffic

too coneested for him to hear.  He whips

down the street, disappears around the

corner.

Vanity continues running, then slows,

dejection overcoming her in waves.  She

looks around -- KIDS are staring at her,

passing  jokes.  Embarrassed, She moves

to the front door but Chick is there,

his eyes upon her cold, impassionate.

Exhausted and slighlty tearlul, she cuts

across the street, heads back to her

apartment.

(20) EXT. PRINCE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

Prince WHIPS down the street, cuts his

motor, coasts up the drive. He comes to

a stop against a wooden gate.  His house

is a nondescript, one-family structure

with a wide front porch.  He lives in a

neat and tidy, homogeneous, lower middle-

class neighborhood whose occupants are

hard-working type fiercely protective of

their privacy.

He climbs the steps to the porch, opens

the front door...

...his mothers SCREAM is like ice in his

veins.  Fear trickles into the hollows

of his body like cold water,  His pain

commands him to move, but the impulse

short circuits somewhere at the waist,

leaving his legs twitching

uncontrollably.  Then another SCREAM

from his mother, and his father's voice

now, LOUD and FURIOUS--

FATHER (O.S.)

Listen to me!  You come home

when I say come home!  You've

got no business in the

streets!

WHACK!  His mother SCREAMS -- Prince

BURSTS into the room.

(21) INT. Prince's LIVING ROOM --  NIGHT

Prince's MOTHER is at the far side of

the living room CRYING uncontrollable.

She's in her early 40's, a dark-haired,

faded beauty, with large, wild, anxious

eyes.  There's a detectable scent of

liquor in the air, and her slurred

speech pins her as the source.

His FATHER is in his late 40's, a squat,

but solidly built black man, with a

cherubic face, and graceful expressive

hands.

He's upon her now, WHACKING! at her

horribly, trying to get to her face--

FATHER

You do what I say, do you hear

me?!  You've got to keep this

place clean!  You here, no

place else!

MOTHER

You're crazy!

WHACK!

MOTHER

Asshole!

WHACK!

MOTHER

Motherfucker!!!

The Father lunges, WHACKS! her across

the face.  She topples to the floor, a

lamp CRASHES to the ground.  Prince cuts

through the room, lunges desperately in

front of him--

PRINCE

(pleading)

Please, Dad...she's heard you.

She's had enough!

His Mother drags herself up along the

wall--

MOTHER

(hysterical)

He's  trying to kill me!  He's

crazy!  Look what he's doing

to me!

PRINCE

(tearfully)

Dad,  please ... she's--

WHACK!   Prince's head snaps back, his

feet lift from the floor, his body

CRASHES in a heap by the door...

Stunned SILENCE.  Prince, flat on his

back, fights vertigo with everything

he's got.  His Mother lets out a YELP,

rushes into the bedroom, SLAMS the door.

His Father stands motionless, sullen--

FATHER

Get up...you ain't hurt.

Prince opens his Mouth, BLOOD gushes

from a gash in his tongue.  He hoists

himself up slowly, using the wall for

support.  He moves into the kitchen,

disappears down the basement steps.

(22) BASEMENT -- HALLWAYS AND BEDROOM -- NIGHT

A naked LIGHT BULB snaps ON.  It dangles

like a pendulum, casting strange

shadows.  The basement is partitioned

off into a series of rooms,

interconnected by a labyrinthine

coimbination of passages.  An old washer

and dryer stand in the corner.

Prince descends the steps slowly.  He

comes through a door, closes it behind

him.  He moves down a narrow passageway,

enters a small cramped BEDROOM.

He closes the door and locks it behind

him.  MOONLIGHT filters in throuch the

cacement windows.  The total effect is

like entering a womb, a deep dark

chamber of security and safety.

Lying heavily onto his bed, he sighs

long and deep, his eyes piercing the

darkness...

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

(23) INT.  CLUB  EARLY MORNING

MUSIC wafts through the sun-drenched

CLUB.   Jill is seated at the PIANO, 'a

la Marlene Dietrich, SINGING to her

heart's content.  A cigarette dangles

from her lip, a police cap is perched

jauntily on her head.  It's a simple bar

tune, delivered slightly off-key, but

with an openness that is endearing.

Chick is working in the corner,

chuckling to himself, stacking chairs,

sweeping up.

Suddenly she stops -- listens intently.

She jumps up, deliberately spills her

orange juice on the piano. Prince comes

around the corner, stops short--

PRINCE

(surprised)

What are you doing here?

She's a bundle of loose, embarrassing

ends -- the cigarette, hat,  juice--

JILL

What...what are you doing

here?

He feels caught out -- SCANS the BOARD

earnestly for Vanity's info   -- tries

to think of something to say--

PRINCE

Huh ... it's kind of dead in

here.  Where is  everybody?

JILL

In bed I guess...

(to herself)

Oh, God ...

(changes subject)

Guess what, I bought a dog.

PRINCE

That's nice...

(he spots vanity's card)

Ah, I guess I'll come back at

a better time.  You think

tonight the the place'll be

jumping?

JILL

Well, I'll be here -- I always

like what you do.

He smiles, moves to the door -- Jill

connects with a thought--

JILL

Wait! I've got something for

you.

PRINCE

What? A subpoena?

JILL

(embarrassed)

No...

She rumages through her bag, pulls out a

cassette--

JILL

It's a song Lisa and Wendy

wrote.

He stiffens, doesn't reach for it--

PRINCE

(suspicious)

Why didn't they give it to me

themselves?

JILL

Well, I liked it and wanted to

listen to it. They told me to

give it to you when I was

done.

He puts his sunglasses on, hesitates,

then takes it from her gingerly.  He

regards it for a long time--

PRINCE

You really liked it, huh?

(24) INT.  REHEARSAL HALL -- DAY

MUSIC throbs throuch the crammed,

rundown REHEARSAL HALL.  Hardwood

floors, a wall of mirrors, and a bank of

windows provides the setting.  SUNLIGHT

streams through tattered yellow shades.

The Time is set up on one side providing

the music for "Sex Shooter" a saucy

number with an irresistible beat.

Morris, with Jerome by his side, stands

in the middle of the floor, SHOUTS

instructions to...

...BRENDA and SUSAN, gamely trying some

intricate dance steps.  Brenda is 21

years old, blond, sexy, with an alluring

new-wave look.  Susan is 16 years old,

with dark, lustrous hair and a sexy baby-

doll quality. Right now they're tired as

hell, and a little angry--

MORRIS

One, two, three, kick!  One,

two, three, kick! Four,

five...Oh, Lord.  Cut! Cut!

The MUSIC stops, the girls come to a

halt -- Morris regards them evenly--

MORRIS

You ladies don't seem to

realize how valuable my time

is.  You're going to make my

boys look bad.

BRENDA

Why don't you let us come up

with our own steps?

Morris glares at her--

MORRIS

We tried that...

(sweetly)

... remember?

The Girls  fidget--

MORRIS

Now you're in the best

possible position you can be

in, so what' s the matter --

your shoes on too tight or

something?

(claps his hands)

Let's have some action, let's

have some asses wiggling, I

want some perfection. Whawhak!

The MUSIC starts up -- the Girls start

dancing.  Morris looks woefully to

Jerome---

MORRIS

I think I'm going to need a

drink, a strong drink.

(a beat)

Let's get the hell out of

here.

(25) EXT.  STREETS AND ALLEY -- DOWNTOWN -- DAY

Morris and Jerome move briskIy down the

sidewalk--

MORRIS

This just ain't happening. The

bitches are okay, but we need

something more exciting-

JEROME

You're right.  We could be

doing much better.  Any ideas?

MORRIS

That powder fine babe we saw

last night.

JEROME

Oooh, yeee! -- Why don't we

find out who she is?

Morris snaps an address in front of his

face--

MORRIS

I already know that.  Jill

gave me everything last night.

Whawhak!

JEROME

Then what are we waiting for?

Let's go!

MORRIS

No, no -- that ain't classy

enough.  I want the bitch to

come to me -- I'm the only

star in this town.

Suddenly  a BEAUTIFUL BABE lunges into

the sidewalk from the alley--

BABE

(yelling)

Morris Day, who do you think

you are?!  I waited up all

night for you.  I'm so tired

of you doing that  to me. You

think you're so hot?  You're

nothing special.  This is the

third time you pulled that

shit.  Who the fuck do you

think I am?!

MORRIS

Jerome!

Jerome puts the girl in a headlock,

DRAGS her into the alley--

BABE

(screaming)

Leave me alone you ape! --

What are you doing to me?!

Morris!!

He flings her into the dumpster, SLAMS

the lid with a CRASH.  Morris pats his

brow--

MORRIS

Lo-rd..!  Such nastiness.

(a beat)

Hee, hee -- Let's break.

They streak across the street, double-

time it to the CADDY.  A COP sweeps by,

gives them a curious look.  Morris puts

on a dignified air, then stops,

stupified--

MORRIS

Jerome, this car --

it's...it's lacking something.

What do you think?

JEROME

Hmm... I don't know...

MORRIS

I got it!  The hubcaps.  We

need something sweeter.

JEROME

I think I know what it needs.

Morris is pondering his Stacy Adams--

MORRIS

Yeah ... I know what these

need.

(26) INT.  SHOESHINE STAND -- DOWNTOWN -- DAY

Morris sits in the chair, his Stacy

Adams worked on by an old, grizzled

SHOESHINE BOY in his mid-sixties, with

large jowls and silver close-cropped

hair.  Jerome stands nearby, watches

intently--

MORRIS

(musing)

The girl has expensive tastes.

I wonder if she can sing.

JEROME

As fine as she is...she

doesn't have to know how to

sing.

MORRIS

(grace)

I know that's right.

(to Shoeshine)

Hey -- watch it now.

The Shoeshine Boy looks up balefully --

Morris smiles, then grits his teeth--

MORRIS

I want you to stay out of the

set tonight.  I want you to

work the floor.

JEROME

What for?

MORRIS

I want to know when that sweet

thing shows up.  You stay by

the door, you see her, you

come get me, cool?

JEROME

Cool.  I come get you -- let

you know the girl's there.

MORRIS

Well, not if I'm with my other

babes.  That wouldn't be cool.

I don't want to break their

hearts, and you know how I

feel abouy that.  So we ought

to have like, a signal.

JEROME

A password.

MORRIS

Okay.  What's the password?

JEROME

You got it.

MORRIS

Got what?

JEROME

The password.

MORRIS

The password is what?

JEROME

Exactly.

MORRIS

The password is exactly?

JEROME

No, it's--

MORRIS

-- Hold it now.  Slow down.

The babe walks in and you see

her.

JEROME

I see her.

MORRIS

You come get me.

JEROME

I come get you.

MORRIS

And I'll probably have a

couple little sexies on the

stand-by, and we don't want to

upset them, do we?  So you

just glide by me and

say...what?

JEROME

Okay.

MORRIS

The password is okay?

JEROME

Far as I'm concerned.

MORRIS

Dammit!  Say the password.

JEROME

What.

MORRIS

Say the password, sperm

breath!

JEROME

The password is what.

MORRIS

(frustrated)

That's what I'm asking you!

JEROME

(more frustrated)

It's the password!

MORRIS

The password is it?

JEROME

(exasperated)

Ahhhhh! The password is what!

MORRIS

It!  You just said so!

JEROME

The password isn't it!  The

password is--

MORRIS

-- What?

JEROME

Got it!

MORRIS

1 got it?

JEROME

Right.

MORRIS

It or right?

JEROME

(perplexed)

What??

The Shoeshine Boy looks  up slowly --

regards them with a soulfull look--

SHOESHINE BOY

Either of you do heavy drugs?

(27) EXT. STORE WINDOW AND MALL SHOPS -- DOWNTOWN --

AFTERNOON

The SIDEWALKS are alive with bustling

SHOPPERS.  Vanity walks aimlessly past

store windows, staring longingly at the

expensive items.

BRIDAL SHOP

as she stops suddenly and stares

transfixed.  A YOUNG WOMAN, startingly

similiar to her in looks and coloring,

tries on a beautiful bridal gown as a

SEAMSTRESS adjusts the hem.  The entire

scene is warm and endearing.  Vanity is

struck by lt's beauty and seems to sigh.

The Young Woman looks up suddenly,

catches Vanity's gaze, and gives her an

affectionate smile.  Vanity smiles back

avidly, then--

PRINCE (0.  S .)

Give me that.

She looks up startled--

PRINCE

There ... on your boot.

She looks  down -- it's the expensive

gold chain.  She hesitates, then hands

it to him.  He drops it into his pocket,

walks away--

VANITY

Hey, wait!

She runs after him--

VANITY

Give it back to mel

He continues to walk briskly -- she

starts pulling on his coat--

PRINCE

You can have it back later.

VANITY

I want it back now, okay?

PRINCE

Who gave it to you?

VANITY

A person

PRINCE

Female or male?

VANITY

Huh ...

PRINCE

You're lying.  I can tell just

by your reaction that you're

lying.

He moves away briskly -- Vanity stands

her ground, amused--

PRINCE

So you gave it to me -- it's

not yours anymore.

He stops short -- something has caught

his eye.  She's curious, comes up behind

him, then--

VANITY

You see something you like?

He puts on his sunglasses.  A GUITAR

stands prominently in the window.

PRINCE

Let's go for a ride.

He flips her the gold chain' -- turns

hastily.  She weighs it in her hand,

studies the guitar--

VANITY

It's pretty.

(28) EXT.  HIGHWAY -- DUSK

Prince and Vanity on his MOTORCYCLE

blazing down the HIGHWAY, twisting

through TRAFFIC.  The CITY is behind

them, receding into the distance.

(29) Ext. COUNTRYSIDE -- DUSK

They pull off an access road, drop down

a small embankment, ride down a narrow,

dirt road.

LAKESIDE

The pull to a stop.  A LAKE stretches

before them.  Vanity gets off the bike,

walks around exploring, casting curious

glances at Prince.  He stands by the

water, idly tossing stones--

VANITY

My psychic told rne I was

going to be famous.

PRINCE

How much did that cost you?

VANITY

Fifty bucks.  It was a good

investment.

He doesn't respond -- she suddenly feels

shy--

VANITY

No seriously -- My psychic did

tell me.  I was in a play

once.

PRINCE

Oh, yeah -- what did you play?

VANITY

Isadora Duncan...

She stretches her arms like a butterfly,

does a little step--

VANITY

That means I can sing and

dance.

(a beat)

Want to help me?

PRINCE

(swiftly)

Nope.

VANITY

(surprised)

Pardon me?

PRINCE

Nope.

She's Perplexed--

PRINCE

Want to know why?

VANITY

(defensively)

Nope.

PRINCE

(a beat)

Because you wouldn't pass the

initiation.

VANITY

What initiation?

PRINCE

Well, for starters ycu have to

purify yourself in the waters

of Lake Minnetonka.

VANITY

What?

PRINCE

You have to purify yourself in

Lake Minnetonka.

Her brow furrows, she looks out across

the lake.  He's calmly throwing stones.

Recognizing a challenge when she sees

one, she formulates a plan, faces him

seductively, shoots him an open look.

He stops suddenly, locks eyes with her,

feels his knees go weak.  Her hold on

him is unmistakable.  She pulls off her

blouse in one fluid motion, tugs off her

boots, drops her pants to the ground.

She's exquisite, takes a step toward

him.  Passion rings in his veins ...

Suddenly she turns on her   heels, moves

purposefully toward the water.  He's

shocked,  realizes that she's about to

go in--

PRINCE

Hey, wait a minute! Thats--

But she silences him savagely--

VANITY

We made a deal!

And before he can react she scampers

along a log, DIVES beneath the surface.

He can't believe it -- her spirit really

impresses him.  She breaks the surface

coughing and sputtering, hops and jumps

to the shore--

PRINCE

Hold it.

VANITY

What?

PRINCE

That ain't Lake Minnetonka.

He tries to keep a straight face, jumps

on his motorcvcle, STARTS it up.  His

words take a moment to sink in, then--

VANITY

(enraged)

You bastard.  I don't believe

it.  How could you do that to

me?!

She gathers up her clothes, tries

desperately to put them on.  She slips

and falls -- Prince can't help laughing-

-

VANITY

Damn you -- I'll kill you.

She starts throwing stones.  He laughs,

blasts up the path--

VANITY

(screaming)

You prick! Are you sick?! Is

this some kind of ritual   --

getting your kicks! How many

girls have you done this to?

ACCESS ROAD

He blazes up the embankment, SAILS

through the air, drops expertly onto the

road.  He fishtails to a slick stop.

Vanity is by the lake, flailing about,

throwing things, trying to get into her

boots--

VANITY

Bastard!

He laughs heartily, wants to kid her,

rides down the road as if he's leaving.

Having his fun, he slows, turns to go

back ...

...his smile dissolves instantly.

Vanity is in the middleof the road,

flagging down a small PICKUP TRUCK.  She

hops in, slams the door.  The truck

peels out, bears down upon him.   He

gesticulates his arms wildly --  wants

to explain--

PRINCE

Hey ...

But the truck streaks past -- Vanity's

look is cold, triumphant.

(30) INT. CLUB (1ST AVE.  ST.  BAR) -- NIGHT

MUSIC.  The CLUB is PACKED!  THE MODERN

AIRES is onstage, a hi-techno funk

group, performing their trademark, a

frenzied song entitled "Modern Aire"

The floor is dense with KIDS, all

performing the same syncopated dance.

PRINCE moves through the club slowly,

seems to be searching someone out.  His

face is drawn and haggard, his spirits

strained.  He cuts past the BAR, barely

acknowledges Jill, or the other

WAITRESSES by her side, KIM and KATY.

Jill looks concerned--

KIM

Honey, you still chasing after

that fool?

Kim is 21 years and gorgeous, with dark

eyes, a smooth sculpted face, and taut

shapely legs.  She is street-educated

and doesn't need encouraging to speak

her mind.  Katy is also in her-early

20's, a tall, alluring Oriental, with an

attractive, intelligent face--

JILL

I'm doing what I'm doing.

It's my business.

KATY

He doesn't even look at you.

That's the last thing you want

from a man.

JILL

You just don't know him like I

do.

KIM

Honey... Look, Listen, and

then Feel.  If you do them in

any other order, you're headed

for trouble.

Matt and Bobby (members of Prince's

group) stroll up--

BOBBY

Hey, Jill -- where's our

drinks?

JILL

They're coming -- just wait.

Matt stares hungrily at her breasts--

JILL

What you want isn't on the

menu.

BOBBY

Jill, in ten years they'll be

on the table.

She swats him with her order pad --

Bobby ducks, taunts her--

BOBBY

C'mon, c'mon ...

She goes to swing, Matt moves in,

squeezes her breasts--

MATT

(horn sound)

BooPoo!!

KIM

Get out of here, you jerks!

MATT

Sweetheart ... do you have a

real hot place where I could

stick my nose?

KIM

Sure -- try a microwave.

The Guys bust up, head for their tables-

-

KATY

Those guys are deep.

KIM

Yeah -- deeply retarded.

(31) INT./EXT. CLUB -- MONEY WINDOW -- NIGHT

Vanity stands in line waiting to get in.

She wears a short, black dress and red

heels, carries a black and red

clutchbag.  Her hair is swept back and

wind-blown, her eyes dark and dancing.

She looks wickedly wonderful and knows

it.

CHICK stands by the window, arms folded,

as massive as a Sequoia.  He regards her

suspiciously--

VANITY

(sweetly)

I'm paying ... see?

(to cashier, gruff)

Keep the change.

Chick advances on her -- her eyes widen

with fear--

CHICK

The manager wants to see you.

VANITY

Really..?  Oh, great...like to

see him too.

She breaths a sigh of relief.

JEROME watches as Chick escorts Vanity

to the upper level.  He stays short

distance behind.

(32) INT. CLUB UPPER LEVEL -- NIGHT

as Vanity and Chick come to a  halt in

the middle of the f Ioor--

CHICK

He'll be right with you.

Chick walks away.  Jerome makes a move

toward her, but pulls himself up short -

- BILLY SPARKS has approached her--

BILLY SPARKS

Hi, I'm Billy Sparks, I manage

this place.

Vanity turns around -- her eyes widen

with surprise--

He's 38 years old, 5'3" tall and weighs

about 180 pounds.  He's dressed in a

baby-blue running suit.and white tennis

shoes that come to a point.  A dark-

skinned, smooth-faced black man, he's

wearing small, white sunglasses and a

base-ball cap perched on his head.  Fred

Flintstone in Harlem.  A hip, fast-

talking jive motherfucker who uses

profanity like a light saber.  Chubby,

cuddly, cherubic Billy Sparks.  He'd

sell his mother if he thought he could

make a buck.

They size one another up in. about three

seconds--

VANITY

Hi -- I really like your club.

BILLY

Really...

VANITY

What time is it?

BILLY

Nine, sweets.

VANITY

Oh, that's a really nice

watch. Very pretty.

Billy lights a cigarette, offers her

one, she accepts--

VANITY

You  look like a guy I used to

go out with -- he was a lot

older, but I like older men.

BILLY

Really, what a coincidence.

VANITY

I just came off a Broadway

play.  My grandmother got

sick.

BILLY

Does she live here?

VANITY

No, in New York ...

(catches herself)

But, huh,  I have a sister

here, lives in Saint ... huh

...

BILLY

...Paul.

VANITY

Amazing.

BILLY

Ye-es.

(smiles)

What do you want to do?  You

don't want to be a waitress do

you?

VANITY

No ... no...Actually I was

thinking more in the way of

the stage.

BILLY

Of course... how about dinner?

VANITY

Theatre?

BILLY

Dinner, then the theatre, my

sweets.

VANITY

Oh, huh...

Jerome appears--

JEROME

Hi ya, Billy.

BILLY

Good evening, Jerome.

Vanity sees her escape--

VANITY

Jerome -- I was looking all

over for you!

They BOTH look at her surprised--

BILLY

You know each other?

VANITY

Of course.

Jerome goes along with it--

JEROME

Yes, we've met.  I have

something to show you.

VANITY

Great.  See you later, Billy.

She walks away with Jerome, arm in arm--

VANITY

You rescued me.

JEROME

(smiles)

Ye-es.

(33) INT.  DRESSING ROOM -- NIGHT

Prince and his band (Mark, Bobby, Matt,

Lisa) sit backstage, waiting to go on.

An air of tension permeates the room.

Lisa sits in the corner and fidgets,

casts sidelong looks to Prince.  He sits

apart from the group, deathly silent,

locked in thouqht.

Wendy walks in and shares a look with

Lisa.  She goes up to Prince, her voice

filled with nervousness--

WENDY

Hi  ya, Prince.  I heard

through the grapevine you had

a new tune written by two

great girls.  By chance did

you hear it?

He stares at her -- if looks could kill

Wendy would be dead--

LISA

I knew it -- he didn't listen

to it.  He probably dropped it

under his bike and rolled over

it.

Prince grunts, turns away -- Wendy is

amazed--

WENDY

Wow! Okay...you think about

this.  I'm going to be real

honest with you.  You're

really being full of shit.

LISA

Forget about it, Wendy.  Let's

get out of here--

But Wendy, agitated, silences her with a

fierce gesture--

WENDY

(to Prince)

Every time we give you a song,

you say you're going to use

it, but you never do.  You

always think that we're doing

something behind your back.

You're just being paranoid as

usual.

LISA

Wendy...

WENDY

(upset)

Shut up, Lisa, please!

(to Prince)

You should know by now that we

wouldn't hurt vou.  We're not

out to put a dark cloud over

your head.  It's just to make

you feel good, Prince --

that's what it's all about.

You've been this way with us

before, remember?

PRINCE

(maliciously)

The nominees for the best

actress are--

LISA

-- Fuck it, Wendy -- let's

break!

Wendy is shaking, tears spring to her

eyes--

WENDY

Do you know you can really,

really hurt people?  Doesn't

that mean anything to you?

Doesn't that make you feel

like shit?

LISA

C'mon ...

WENDY

I'm tired of this ... I'm

really tired...

They leave the room, Wendy SLAMS the

door behind her.  Prince casts a look to

Bobby, Mark, Matt--

PRINCE

You tired, too?

MATT

God got Wendy's periods

reversed.  About every 28

days, she starts acting nice.

Lasts about a weekend.

Thud.  The joke hangs suspended like a

ball and chain.  Bobby gets up, the

others follow him to the door--

BOBBY

What difference does it make,

Prince.  We're still a group,

right?

They cut out the door.

(34) INT.  HALLWAY -- NIGHT

Bobby, Matt and Mark move briskly to the

stage--

MARK

Headcase.  Telling

you...'effed up headcase.

BOBBY

People with talent usually

are.

Matt dons his surgeon's mask -- Mark

rolls his eyes--

MARK

Of course, there are a number

of headcases without great

talent too.

(35) INT/BACKSTAGE ENTRANCE/CLUB -- NIGHT

Morris stands by the door surrounded by

several delicious BABES.  One of them,

wearing a tight, red dress, looks

especially enticing.  Morris leans in

closer -- her tasty breasts strain

against the spandex material--

MORRIS

Honey -- don't you ever try

and breastfeed no baby now.

GIRL

Why not?

MORRIS

Never mind ...

Jerome appears--

JEROME

What.

MORRIS

What?

JEROME

Right.  What.

MORRIS

What??

JEROME

You got it.

Be snaps his head to the side -- Morris

looks, sees Vanity sitting at a table.

His eyes dance mischievously--

MORRIS

Ye-es

(to Girl)

What time is it?

GIRL

(coyly)

Tea time.

MORRIS

So, right.

(36) INT. DRESSING ROOM -- NIGHT

as Prince sits by himself in front of

the mirror, staring at a cassette on the

counter.  We recognize it immediately as

the tape Jill gave him earlier,

containing Lisa's and Wendy's music.  He

picks it up, snaps it into a ghetto

blaster.  MUSIC, without lyrics, fills

the room.  He adjusts the dials, sits

back and listens a moment.  Suddenly the

door opens--

STAGEHAND

Prince, five minutes.

Be snaps off the music, drops the

cassette into his pocket, cuts out the

room.

(37) INT.  BACKSTAGE -- NIGHT

He comes to the stage-area.  His

Band.Members are standing about

anxiously, watching the final moments of

The Modern Aires' performance.  He cuts

behind the curtain, peers at the

crowd...

...his eyes fall on Vanity -- his face

brightens instantly.  Just then Jerome

and Morris approach her.  Prince shakes

his head knowingly, offers a wry smile,

then joins his band.

(38) INT.  VAN1TY'S TABLE AND CLUB -- NIGHT

She sits demurely.  Morris' eyes are

wide and shining -- her beauty up close

astonishes him--

JEROME

Vanity, I'd like you to meet

Morris E. Day.

MORRIS

Hold it now -- just leave the

'E' alone.

JEROME

(clears throat)

Vanity...this is Morris Day

MORRIS

The pleasure's all mine.

she offers her hand -- he takes it

decorously--

JEROME

If you'd excuse me.

Morris signals him -- whispers into his

ear--

MORRIS

Too sexy ...

(a beat)

Have  a waitress bring.a

bottle of their best

champacne.

He seats himself, fastens her with a

sexy, half-lidded look--

MORRIS

Your lips would make a

lollipop too happy.

VANITY

You think so, huh?

MORRIS

Ye-es.

Kim appears with a bottle of champacne

in ice--

KIM

Who's paying for this Morris?

MORRIS

I think you know that.

(a beat)

Jerome!

Jerome appears, opens the bottle with a

flair, performs a classy taste test.

Morris pulls out some cash, pays him,

who snatches the money, leaves--

MORRIS

Huh, keep the change--

He whispers to Jerome--

MORRIS

Get my change, will ya?

Jerome leaves, Morris purses his lips--

MORRIS

Oh, Lord...either somebody put

something in my drink, or you

are the finest (motherfucker)

I've seen in ages.

VANITY

Excuse me, what did you say?

MORRIS

Huh...you look nice tonight.

He leans in, speaks with a sexy voice--

MORRIS

It's rare that I out my cards

on the table when it comes to

meeting younq ladies, but ...

I'm going to make you love me.

VANITY

Is that a  fact?

He folds his legs dramatically, his

Stacy Adams reflecting the light--

MORRIS

Just as sure as my Stacy Adams

are shiny.

Just then--

M.C. (O.S.)

Ladies and Gentlemen -- please

welcome Prince!

The CLUB erupts in CRIES!  Prince hits

the stage, launches into "G-spot," a

fast, high-spirited funk tune that gets

the crowd hopping.  Vanity watches as

Prince whips the crowd into a frenzy.

Morris listens with a complacent grin on

his face, his eyes searching out various

members of The Time who are scattered

through-out the club.  When he connects

with one of them he makes a series of

absurd faces which sends them into

hysterics.  For Prince is playing music

that The Time is noted for, and, as far

as Morris is concerned, performs better.

Not everyone in the club is dancing, or

paying attention, and this does not

escape his notice.

Suddenly "G-Spot" comes to a rousing

end.  The CROWD cheers wildly.  Prince

moves quickly to the piano and launches

into "Electric Intercourse," a love

ballad which, as it progresses, becomes

a personal statement for Vanity and

Prince himself.

She listens intently, her eyes fastened

on him.  The words have a profound

effect on her -- and the audience.

Without being consciously aware of it,

they're moving closer to the stage,

searching for their personal fix. Prince

surrenders himself to the music totally,

releasing from himself all that is

hurtful -- releasing the sincerity and

truthfulness that escapes him in his

daily life.  We are entering  realm

where life and music are inextricably

bound, and the impact on the performer

and listener is profound.

He's directing his music toward her, and

she receives it gratefully, almost

anxiously.  It fills a void in her, hewn

by a life of meaningless promises.  He

searches her face with his magnificent

eyes, and ends the song with a

heartrending cry which connects with the

souls of all present.  Everyone is

paying attention now.

The stage is plunged into darkness.  The

CROWD goes CRAZY!  Vanity applauds

vigorously, wipes the tears from her

eyes.  Morris, who was more affected by

the performance than he'd care to admit,

doesn't like what he sees and searches

for a winning line--

MORRIS

He doesn't like girls.

She's equal to the challenge--

VANITY

I know -- he likes women.

But Morris can barely suppress a smile,

and settles himself comfortably into his

chair -- for he knows what Vanity has

lost...at least this round--

MORRIS

Well ... he don't do too good

with them either.

She flashes him a quizzical look -- he

simply smiles.

(39) INT.  BACKSTAGE HALLIIAY -- NIGHT

Jubilation time!  Prince and his Band

move through the hallway briskly, past

the outstretched arms of admiring fans.

There's a lot of back-slapping going on

as the Musicians bask in the glow of

well-wishers.  Prince moves past Billy

Sparks, who has an angry look on his

face--

BILLY

What's this intercourse, shit?

PRINCE

Hey; man -- don't worry about

it.

BILLY

I'm warning you...

But Prince ignores him, cuts into the

dressing room--

(40) INT.  DRESSING ROOM -- NIGHT

--then stops suddenly, surprised.  He's

muzzle to muzzle with a cuddly DOG, held

up lovingly by Jill--

JILL

Surprise!

OOHS! and AAHS!  by  the entire group.

Jill hesitates, then kisses Prince's

cheek compulsively.  He's surprised,

touched--

PRINCE

Hey -- wait till we're

married, now.

She fidgets, her face blushes red.

Wendy is studying the dog--

WENDY

Oh, my God -- look at this!

Everyone looks -- Jill grins like the

Cheshire Cat--

JILL

Notice anything?

PRINCE

What?

WENDY

It looks like you!

She thrusts the dog into his arms -- the

Band laughs uproariously.  Jill is

beaming--

JILL

His hair ...

Prince gazes into the mirror -- and sure

enough the dog's hair has been groomed

to match his.  He can't help smiling--

PRINCE

Shit ...

JILL

(softly)

I wanted to cheer you up.

PRINCE

Thanks.

MATT

I'm hungry -- where's the

food?!

He grabs the dog, 'a la The Werewolf,

starts chomping on it's neck.  The Group

busts up, starts fooling around.

Prince glances into the mirror -- Vanity

is there.  He whirls around to the door

-- nothing.  A huge smile sweeps his

face instead.  The Band continues

fooling around, and Prince joins in with

a relish.

(41) EXT.  ALLEYWAY #2, REAR CLUB -- NIGHT

Vanity leans against a brick wall,

hiding in the shadows.  Suddenly

FOOTSTEPS approach.  Prince appears,

gets on his Motorcycle--

VANITY

Hey...

He doesn't look up--

PRINCE

We have to go to your place.

VANITY

What for?

PRINCE

I want to show you something.

She's embarrassed by her apartment--

VANITY

No...no, we can't.

PRINCE

Why -- is there someone there?

VANITY

Why do you always think

there's somebody else?

He averts his eyes -- kick STARTS his

bike--

PRINCE

Let's go.

VANITY

(Getting on)

Yeah -- but we're not going to

my place.

He remains silent, snaps the bike into

gear, blasts down the ally into the

street.

(42) PRINCE'S HOUSE AND STREET -- NIGHT

Prince and Vanity whip down a

residential street.  As he approaches

his house he slows, moves past it

quietly.

He makes a deft U-turn, crosses his

house again -- seems to be listening

intently...

After a moment, he cuts down a narrow

path, turns up a back alley.  He rides

to a wooden gate, detaches a hidden

lever.  The wood slats rotate like a

garage door -- Prince coaxes his bike

through.

BACKYARD

Vanity's mesmerized.  They ride down a

narrow sidewalk, cut through a garden,

and emerge from the back of a garage.

He leans his bike against it--

VANITY

That was a grand entrance.

Where am I?

He silences her with a look, moves

quickly across the grass, comes to a

window.  He stands on a pipe, looks in--

(43) PRINCE'S POV -- INT.  LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

His Mother and Father in the living

room.  His Mother is sprawled out on the

sofa, obviously drunk, her dress hiked

along her thighs.  Her head rests in his

Father's lap.

(44) EXT.  BACKYARD -- NIGHT

Prince hops from the pipe, leans coolly

against the house. Intrigued. Vanity

looks in--

(45) VANITY'S POV -- INT.  LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

The mother and father kissing

tentatively, then violently, finally

pulling away.  The Mother seems to be

taunting the Father, coaxing him into a

trap.  He kisses her mouth lustily --

she pulls back snarling--.

(46) EXT.  BACKYARD -- NIGHT

Vanity's scared -- tries to be cool--

VANITY

So -- friends of yours?

PRINCE

Yeah -- the freak show.

He walks off.  She jumps off the pipe,

follows.

SIDE OF HOUSE

as they emerge around the corner.

Prince squats by a basement window,

adjusts an old coal chute, then slides

down it--

VANITY

Hey...

PRINCE (O.S.)

C'mon.

She hesitates a moment, then slides down

too.

(47) INT.  BASEMENT, PRINCE'S HOME -- NIGHT

He turns on a LIGHT, disappears into an

ADJOINING ROOM.  Vanity looks around

amazed.  She stands in a small ANTE-

CHAMBER whose walls are covered with

thicks pads and foam.

Colorful MOBILES hang suspended from the

ceilings -- various INSTRUMENTS lie

about: a drumset, an electric guitar,

and a small upright piano.  A stereo and

cassette player. are perched on a shelf,

and  two speakers are recessed into the

walls.  The entire room looks hand-

built, the wood carefully painted, or

stained.

She peers through the doorway into the

adjoining room.  BLUE MOONLIGHT filters

in through the casement windows.

Various MURALS are painted on the walls,

MOBILES are suspended from the ceiling.

A bed sits in the middle of the floor, a

vanity table and mirror nearby.

She stands idly a mement, then moves

around the antechamber.  Various

KNICKNACKS catch her attention. Small

wind-up TOYS lie about:  a soldier, a

bear banging on a drum, a tractor and

car.  A small MUSIC BOX sits on a shelf.

She turns the handle, a little TUNE

fills the room...

A cassette sits in the player.  She

snaps it shut, hits the play button.  A

DRUM BEAT fills the room, followed by a

WOMAN'S VOICE, seemingly speaking in a

foreign tongue.  The combination is

hypnotic and sensual -- she finds

herself drawn in ...

Suddenly Prince grabs her by the waist,

lets out a SHRIEK.  She draws a out

breath, jumps--

VANITY

If you think you scared me,

you didn't.

PRINCE

Oh, yeah ...

He puts his index finger directly in

front of her nose, moves it back and

forth hypnotically.  She follows it

earnestly with her eyes.  Suddenly, he

pulls his hand away, stretches it to the

ceiling like an escaping bird.  They

both smile, lock eyes.  Passion rings in

their veins...

The Woman's VOICE begins to moan deeply,

pleasurably--

VANITY

Who's the lucky girl?  Sounds

like she was having a good

time.

PRINCE

She's crying -- it's

backwards.  It makes me sad

when I hear it.  It sorta

sounds like she's laughing,

doesn't it?

VANITY

So what did you do to her? Do

you always treat your women

like that?

PRINCE

I don't have anybody right

now.

Heat floods into her womb like soft fire-

-

VANITY

You look pretty...

She touches his chest delicately, fluffs

up his hair--

VANITY

King Kong?

PRINCE

Stop.

She hesitates -- but he reaches out

tentatively, touches her breast--

VANITY

No.

But their mutual desire is too strong.

Their lips seek one another out timidly,

almost deferentially...then fervently.

DISSOLVE TO:

(48) INT.  BEDROOM -- LATER -- NIGHT

Vanity sits at the foot of the bed,

Prince stands before her.  Her dress is

hiked along her thighs, her stockings

attached to garters.  Their hands search

delicately across the contours of their

bodies, drawing quick breaths from their

lips.  They kiss one another ardently,

then quickly, like sparrows pecking

seed.  She goes to remove her dress, but

Prince stays her with a gesture, moving

his hands along her thighs, touching

delicately that spot between her legs.

A low, whispery moan escapes from her

lips.

Vanity lies back, drawing Prince toward

her.  His lips move across her mouth,

her neck, her breasts.  She moans

softly, pulls her dress above her

thighs, goes to remove it.  Once again

he stops her, slowly turns her onto her

stomach.

She stands.on her knees, her head

resting on a pillow.  His hands move up

along the back of her thighs, past the

garters to her panties.  He tugs at them

gently, then rubs his hand firmly

between her legs.  She moans suddenly,

the shudder moving through her like a

whirlwind ...

DISSOLVE TO:

(49) INT.  BEDROOM -- LATER -- NIGHT

MOONLIGHT glows throuch the casement

windows.  MOBILES stir gently in the

night breeze.

Prince and Vanity are asleep.  He rests

on his side, his hands gently surporting

his face.  She lies behind him, one leg

dangling off the bed, one shoe discarded

on the floor

Suddenly a distant MOAN...QUICK

FOOTSTEPS -- A DOOR SLAMS.  Vanity SNAPS

awake! Fear sweeps her like a shadow

from a passing cloud.  She listens

intently, then--

-- Another DOOR SLAM, QUICK FOOTSTEPS,

and Prince's Mother

CRYING in the dark--

MOTHER

(o.s.)

(upstairs)

Please!

A bottle CRASHES to the floor.  Then

silence...

...deep silence like snow in the room...

Vanity's racked with fear.  She sits up

slowly, her eyes searching out Prince --

he's sleeping...

Suddenly more FOOTSTEPS, a DOOR SLAMS and the

Father's CRY--

FATHER

(o.s.)

No!!

WHACK!  Something heavy CRASHES to the

floor...

Vanity rises from the bed in a panic!

She smoothes down her dress, searches

for her other shoe.  She shoots another

look to Prince, but he sleeps

peacefully.  Casting a glance upstairs,

she climbs throuch the casement window,

disappears into the night.

PRINCE is resting on his side, his eyes

opened.

(50)  EXT. PRINCE'S HOUSE AND STREET -- NIGHT

Vanity moves quickly along the side of

the house, trying desperately to find

her wav.  Suddenly a HAND reaches out of

the darkness, GRABS her by the throat.

She SCREAMS, swings her bag desperately

-- something CRASHES, into the bushes--

VOICE

Damn, baby, hold it!  Hold

it!!

(wails)

Oh, God -- God!  You broke my

nose!

She sees it's Morris -- she's beside

herself  with fear and rage--

VANITY

You shit! What the hell are

you doing here?

He struggles in the bushes -- DOGS start

BARKING--

MORRIS

Shh! Shh! Shh! oh, Lord help

me outta here.

(a beat)

Hee, hee -- I know you

wouldn't want to spend the

whole night with ol' pencil

dick.

VANITY

Your nose alright?

MORRIS

My nose is fine, I'm just

wondering if I fucked my shoes

up...

(a beat)

C'mon ...

They cut across the yard, head to the

street.  The CADDY is parked at the

curb.  Jerome leans against it, reading

a newspaper--

VANITY

Hi, Jerome.  Wow!  Nice

hubcaps.

He grins proudly from ear to ear -- the

Caddy sports new chrome wire wheels--

JEROME

You like them, huh?

VANITY

Beautiful.

Morris MOANS dismally--

MORRIS

Jerome...you think these can

be fixed?

His shoes are badly scuffed, the leather

torn across the top--

JEROME

I think they're dead, man.

VANITY

God, I'm sorry.

MORRIS

Shit -- it's so rough out

here.

Just then a PATROL CAR cruises by.  The

COP regards them suspiciously.  Morris

and Jerome snap to attention--

MORRIS

You lock the door, baby?

Let's go!

They pile into the Caddy, pull out.

(51)  EXT. HIGHWAY -- NIGHT

The CADDY blazes by in the night.  The

CITY LIGHTS glimmer spectacularly in the

distance.

(52)  INT./EXT. CADDY -- NIGHT

Jerome drives.  Morris and Vanity sit in

the backseat. He gazes at her ardently--

MORRIS

Jerome!

Jerome snaps a look in the rear-view --

Morris gives him a deft nod. Jerome

opens the glove compartment, searches

through the cassette tapes. He finds the

one he wants, snaps it into the player.

RESTAURANT AMBIANCE fills the car...

Note:  The restaurant ambiance will grow

in volume, and will be followed by

exaggerated dinner music, punctuated

with strings and delicate cymbals.  The

MUSIC plays throughout this scene -- and

Morris times his words to the ebb and

flow of the piece to insure the proper

dramatic effect.

...dinner MUSIC begins--

JEROME

Cocktails before dinner?

MORRIS

Yes -- two piña coladas.

VANITY

Uh...make mine a virgin.

JEROME

Okay...

Jerome braces his knees against the

wheel, pours two premixed coladas into

plastic glasses--

JEROME

(to Morris)

Will you be having a virgin as

well?

MORRIS

Ye-es!  For dessert!!

Whawhak!

Jerome stifles a laugh, pours a rum

miniature into Morris' glass.  He hands

them back--

MORRIS

Thank you.  Here you are,

dear.

They savor their drinks -- Morris'

fervor grows by leaps and bounds--

MORRIS

Jerome, uh, get your pad and

pencil, I think it's gonna be

kinda right.  If my judge of

character is correct, it's

going to be about loving

tonight.

(a beat)

Stop me when I get to

seventeen.

Jerome places a pad by his side, pencil

at the ready. He settles the Caddy to a

cruising 55 -- Morris looks deeply into

Vanity's eyes--

MORRIS

Excuse me, baby...I bet you

didn't know I had a piece of

this restaurant, did you?

(a beat)

May I taste that?

He takes Vanity's drink, slurps a

little, burps--

MORRIS

Huh, excuse me, that's kind of

weak...here, try mine.

She does, and begins coughing violently-

-

VANITY

Good God!

MORRIS

Y'know...they say that saliva

is an aphrodisiac.

(a beat)

You look so lovely tonight.

VANITY

(couching)

Why...thank you.

MORRIS

Probably you'd look better

under exotic...red...liqhts.

(another though)

I wish you could see my home.

It's...it's so exciting.

He leans close to her, speaks in a soft,

sexy voice--

MORRIS

In my bedroom, I have a brass

waterbed ...

VANITY

Oooh!

MORRIS

I have an Italian cook, Gino

Izogochograchi, or something

like that.

She giggles, looks at him deeply--

MORRIS

It's funny...your eyes -- when

you stare at me like that, it

causes my stomach to qui-

quiver.  Oh, Lord...

An idea flashes across his mind--

MORRIS

Do you like diamonds?

VANITY

Uh, huh.

MORRIS

Yeah ...?

VANITY

Yeah.

MORRIS

I know it's rather masculine,

but -- try this one on.

He slides a large glass diamond on her

finger--

VANITY

Ohhh!

MORRIS

My God, darling it fits.

He studies her hands closely--

MORRIS

You must have strong hands,

but -- they're so soft...like

oils in my bubble bath.

(a beat)

Damn ...

He leans close to her--

MORRIS

Darling...?

VANITY

Yeah...?

MORRIS

I'm not usually so forward,

but -- would you like to make

love to me?  I can make it so

nice ...

She giggles freely, looks at him with

big eyes--

MORRIS

Do you know what is meant by

the words, huh, I hate to use

them, they're so harsh, so

American...I mean, and yet on

the other hand, they're

exciting words.  The words...

(pause)

...chili sauce.  Oh, Lord.

(a beat)

MORRIS

You know, I haven't made love

in so long, but with you I

know it would be just like

riding a bike.  I'd remember

everything I've ever learned.

(a beat)

Baby, if the kid can't make

you come, nobody can.

Jerome checks off his pad--

JEROME

(whispers)

Morris..!

MORRIS

Yeah...?

JEROME

Seventeen.

Morris fixes Vanity with his half-

lidded, pouty-lip look--

MORRIS

Huh, what's it gonna to be

baby?

She's on the spot, thinks fast--

VANITY

PULL OVER THERE!

MORRIS

What?!

JEROME

What?!

VANITY

Over there -- that's where I

live.

Jerome SKIDS the car to a stop.  They're

directly in front of a slick, hi-rise

apartment building--

MORRIS

Here...?

VANITY

Yes.

MORRIS

Uh, what one is it?

VANITY

That one, right there, see?

On the 14th floor.

MORRIS

It's nice, huh?

VANITY

Oh, it's great.  Real pretty.

Big open rooms, balconies,

fireplace -- the works.

He smiles lovingly--

MORRIS

Jerome!

Jerome puts the Caddy into

gear, pulls off into the night-

-

VANITY

Hey, wait!  C'mon!

(a beat)

Okay -- where are you taking

me?

MORRIS

Home.

(smiling)

You and me are a lot alike.- I

like that.  So, I'd like to

help you out.  I think I have

something you may be

interested,  in.

VANITY

Oh yeah -- what?

Jerome hands Morris a cassette -- Morris

waves it in front of her nose--

MORRIS

A little song and dance.  That

is, if you can sing and dance.

VANITY

(defensively)

Prince is goinq to help me.

Jerome and Moris suppress their laughter-

-

JEROME

Motherfucker needs a haircut.

MORRIS

Hee, hee, uh, excuse me.  No

he won't.  He's never done

anything in his whole life for

anybody but himself.

VANITY

Guys better than you have

promised me things before.

MORRIS

I know that's right, but--

Jerome hands him a card with an address

on it.  Morris hands the card to her--

MORRIS

(con't)

-- not Morris Day.

(he smiles)

Jerome pulls up in front of her motel.

Vanity reads the card--

MORRIS

Come by any time.

(53)  EXT. MOTEL/INT. CADDY -- TWILIGHT

She gets out of the car, stands on the

sidewalk.  Morris pushes the window

button -- nothing happens--

MORRIS

Jerome!

Jerome leans over, taps the glass -- the

window glides down--

MORRIS

(to Vanity)

One more thing ...

Jerome snaps the glove compartment,

hands Morris a neatly folded camisole.

Morris presents it to her--

MORRIS

Here's a little something for

you.  If you get cold when you

wear it, call me.

He snaps his fingers -- Jerome pulls the

Caddy away with a screech.

(54) EXT. VANITY'S MOTEL -- TWILIGHT

Vanity stands on the sidewalk a moment,

slightly bewildered and very amused.

She watches the Cadillac screech around

the bend.  She turns, goes into the

motel.

PRINCE stands in the alleyway across the

street, his motorcycle parked nearby.

He watches as Vanity cuts inside.

(55)  INT. HALLWAY/VANITY'S MOTEL -- DAWN

She comes down the HALLWAY, opens her

door with a key.

(55A)  INT. VANITY'S ROOM -- DAWN

She goes inside, drops the tape and card

in her bureau. unfolding the camisole,

she holds it against her, gazes into the

mirror.  It looks beautiful.  Suddenly a

KNOCK at the door--

VANITY

Morris...?

Another two KNOCKS, something like a

confirmation.  She smiles, cuts to the

door, flings it open -- but Prince is

there. She's shocked, but recovers

instantly--

VANITY

I had a feeling it was you --

I knew it!  It's amazing -- I

could tell it was you.

His face remains placid as he puts on

his sunglasses--

PRINCE

How'd you get home?

VANITY

Took a cab.

PRINCE

Oh yeah?  Where'd you get

that?

She stares at the camisole in her hands-

-

VANITY

I adore camisoles.

He nods dispassionately, walks into the

room, gives the place the once over,

then--

PRINCE

Let's ride.

(56)  EXT. HIGHWAY -- DAWN

AERIAL SHOT

Prince and Vanity on his motorcycle

whipping down the highway.  The DAWN

LIGHT breaks over the horizon.

(57) EXT. ANOTHER HIGHWAY -- DAWN

A SERIES OF SHOTS

Streaking down a two-lane blacktop

obviously exhilarated by the velocity of

their ride.  The landscape becomes lush,

the trees a riot of autumn splendor.

(58) EXT. COUNTRY ROAD -- DAWN

ANOTHER ANGLE

as Prince and Vanity whip up to the top

of a small hill, skid to a stop.  He

scans the area quickly, gets his

bearings.  He pops the clutch, skids off

to the valley below.

(59) EXT. WOODS AND STREAM -- DAWN

PRINCE AND VANITY ride cautiously

through a series of hiking paths, then

twist down a small embankment.  A STREAM

flows before them.  They climb off the

bike, look around quietly--

VANITY

God, this is beautiful.  It

reminds me of where I grew up.

My father used to ...

He waits for an answer, it's not

forthcoming--

PRINCE

Your father used to what...?

VANITY

Nothing...it's just...

(changes subject)

You must like places like

this.

He goes to the stream, balances on

several rocks, moves to the other side.

The stream flows between them--

VANITY

So, have you reconsidered my

proposal?

PRINCE

What...?

VANITY

What we talked about last

time.

PRINCE

You can't be serious.

She starts a little dance step, climaxes

it with spins and twirls--

VANITY

Oh, come on -- you know you

really want to.  You've been

waiting for this opportunity

...all...your...life...

He can't help laughing -- she freezes,

looks at him coldly--

PRINCE

I'm sorry -- excuse me.

VANITY

God -- so why do you come

around?  You don't want to

help me, not that you have to.

You don't want to sleep with

me, not that you have to do

that either.  So why am I

here?

He smiles, walks off--

VANITY

There's a lot of things you

don't know about me.  You'd be

surprised how many things I

could do.

He disappears around some trees--

VANITY

Take me home immediately!  I

want to go home.  I can't

stand this!  I can't take this

anymore!  Prince!

PRINCE moves through the trees smiling,

studying nature--

VANITY(O.S.)

I don't need this!  I was

doing alright before I met

you.  Motherfucker, you need a

haircut!

He comes to a tree, leans against it

contentedly, studies the foliage.

VANITY paces back and forth frantically

along the stream--

VANITY

(to herself)

I don't get this.

(yells)

Prince! Who do you think you

are?!  You don't care.  You

don't care about anything!  I

never wanted you to help me

anyway!

PRINCE rests by the tree, observes TWO

HIKERS walking down the path toward him-

-

VANITY (0.S.)

You think you're a good

musician?!  You're nothing!

Morris is better.  I never

wanted to make it with you

anyway.

The Hikers pass him startled--

PRINCE

Good morning.

VANITY

PRINCE, I HATE YOU!

HIKERS

Good morning, sir.

And they walk down the path, disappear around the bend.

Just then--

VANITY is standing by his side, a

wildflower in her hands--

VANITY

(softly)

I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have

said those things.  Will you

forgive me?

PRINCE

(softly)

Yes.

He takes the flower, slips it into his

jacket, kisses her forehead.

(60) EXT. GLADE AND BARN -- DAWN

as they ride down a leaf-strewn path and

pull to a stop near an old, weathered,

dilapidated BARN.  It stands laarge and

silent like a painting.  A low THUNDER

rolls across the land...

(61) INT. BARN -- DAWN

DAWN LIGHT burns through the wooden

slats.. STEAM rises from the wet hay

scattered throughout.  The air is thick

and damp.  It begins to RAIN.

Vanity stands in the middle of the barn,

gazing at the storm.  Beads of

perspiration glisten on her forehead.

She turns slowly, watches as Prince

retrieves old blankets from a nearby

stall.  Their eyes search one another

out, their breathing becomes short,

expectant.  She hesitates a moment, then

pulls off her blouse, discards it to the

moist, dusty floor.

(62)  INT. BARN -- DAY

ANOTHER ANGLE

RAIN patters srtongly against the barn.

A deep THUNDER rolls.  She's on top of

him, moving deliciously, her body

glowing in the purple, dawn light.

Moist, purple water shadows streak and

course her skin as she moves slowly,

then deliberately against him.  He

watches her avidly,  his hands firmly on

her thighs, and thrusts into her again

and again...and again.

(62A)  EXT. BARN -- DAY

Leaves scatter as the bike whips thru

the wet path.

(63) EXT. STREETS, VANITY'S MOTEL -- MORNING

The STREETS glisten with the rain.

Prince and Vanity pull up in front of

her motel.  She hugs him fiercely, steps

off the bike, her face alive and fresh

as a flower.  His eyes sparkle--

PRINCE

See you later?

VANITY

When?

PRINCE

Why?

VANITY

'Cause I have to do something

first.

PRINCE

What?

VANITY

(coyly)

A secret...

PRINCE

Tell me.

VANITY

No.

PRINCE

Okay, come by -- eight

o'clock.

He kicks the bike into gear -- she

touches his jacket longingly--

VANITY

Bye...

He blasts off.  She watches him a

moment, her eyes glowing.  She heads to

her motel, then stops short -- a single

CARNATION lies oon the sidewalk.  She

looks around quickly, almost expecting

someone to claim it.  But no one's

around, so she picks it up, goes inside.

(64) INT. STAIRWELL, VANITY'S MOTEL -- MORNING

She enters the LOBBY, closes the door

behind her.  She turns -- another

CARNATION is on the stairwell.  She's

intrigued, glances up the stairs --

there's another one, and yet another

further up.  She's confused, but grabs

them, disappears up the stairs.

HALLWAY

as she comes to a halt outside her room,

picking up carnations along the way.

She opens her door, cuts inside.

(65) INT. VANIITY'S ROOM -- MORNING

She goes into the bathroom, fills the

sink with water, arranges the flowers

within.  She smiles radiantly -- they

look beautiful.  Suddenly something

seizes her thoughts.  She opens her

bureau drawer quickly, pulls out the

yellow pages, leafs through it

hurriedly, We READ: Parking, Passport,

Paving...then Pawnbrokers.  She stops,

runs her finger down the page, then

hunts quickly through her drawer.  Her

eyes dance mischievously when she pulls

out her gold chain.  She places it on

her bureau, hurries to her clothes rack.

Suddenly, a quick KNOCK at the door--

MAN(O.S.)

Miss V.?

She looks around the corner -- a flower

delivery MAN stands in the hallway,

holding a bouquet of roses--

VANITY

Yes...?

MAN

Delivery.

VANITY

(surprised)

Come in ...

He cuts inside, and is followed by

another MAN, holding a bouquet of

daisies--

VANITY

Hey -- wait a minute.  What's

going on?

The Men leave the room--

MAN

Downstairs.

She hurries to the window, looks out--

(66) EXT. STREET -- DAY -- VANITY'S POV--

Morris and Jerome standing by the curb,

their eyes fastened excitedly on her

window, leaning against a flower truck.

We catch a glimpse of a Man bringing her

a dozen chrysanthemums--

MORRIS

Good morning, dahling.

(67) EXT. VANITY'S WINDOW AND STREET -- DAY

(INTERCUT)

VANITY

You're crazy! -- What are you

doing?

MORRIS

(excited)

Come down -- come down.

VANITY

I can't -- I've got things to

do.

MORRIS

C'mon, ten minutes.  I want to

show you something-

She shakes her head--

VANITY

I'm sorry, but thanks for the

flowers.  You're really crazy.

She disappears from the window.  They

stand expectantly a long time.  Finally

Jerome looks at Morris--

JEROME

Well...what do you think?

Morris is staring intently at the window

-- he purses his lips sensualy--

MORRIS

Chili sauce.

Just then Vanity steps outside, looks

stunning in her tight, black pants and

boots.  Her eyes dance vivaciously, a

red sash is tied around her waste.

Morris gives Jerome his sexy, half-

lidded, pouty-lip look--

MORRIS

Oh, Lord...

(68) INT. CLUB (1ST AVE. ST. BAR.) -- DAY

CU--Clock.  We SEE 11:25

Prince cuts through the back entrance,

walks onto the floor.  Lisa and Wendy

are onstage PLAYING a SONG we

immediately recognize as the one they

had given Prince to listen to.  The DRUM

RIFF is provided by the Linn Machine (a

synthesized drum unit).  Wendy plays

guitar, her back to Prince.  Lisa, at

the keyboards, spots him and stops--

WENDY

What's wrong?

Lisa points to Prince.  Wendy

immediately rips into the guitar solo of

"G-Spot."  She stops suddenly--

WENDY

Is that better? Do you like

that?

He ignores her--

PRINCE

Where is everybody?

LISA

You're late -- they left.

PRINCE

So what are you doing here?

Lisa immediately launches into the

opening bars of "Let's Get Crazy"--

LISA

(imitating Prince)

But I'm here to tell you that

there's something else -- our

music--.

The Girls bust up -- he glares at them--

PRINCE

Can't you guys get off it?

Can't you just leave it alone?

Wendy meets his glare with one of her

own...

WENDY

Yeah -- we'll get off it.

She turns, snaps off the Linn Machine

angrily, plunging the club into silence.

(69) INT. REHEARSAL HALL --DAY

The Time is JAMMING like MAD, deep in

the heart of "Sex Shooter."  Brenda and

Susan move furiously to the beat, trying

their best to get it right.  They are

watched by ...

...Morris, Vanity  and Jerome standing

off to the side.  Morris has a contented

look on his face, even though his girls

are screwing up.  Vanity's eyes are wide

with excitement

MORRIS

As you can see, we need

someone with your special

qualities.

(70) INT. PRINCE'S ANTECHAMBER AND BEDROOM -- NIGHT

CU--Clock.  We See: 8:15.

Prince sits, on his bed, staring at the

clock, seemingly lost in thoucht.  He

gets up, rummages through his coat

pockets, pulls out Lisa's and Wendy's

tape.  He snaps it into the player,

settles back.

MUSIC fills the room.  He listens

intently a moment, his face placid.  He

closes his eyes, tries to relax ...

Suddenly a DOOR SLAMS in the far reaches

of the house.  Harsh FOOTSTEPS echo

through the upstairs hallway.  Prince

remains still, his eyes closed...

Then another deathly DOOR SLAM!  GLASS

dissolves in its frame and trickles to

the floor like icicles.  Resentment

surges in him like a tornado.  He rises

purposefully, turns the MUSIC up...

...And then his door SMASHES open and

his Mother LUNGES into the room in a

PANIC.  She flings herself onto his bed

as his Father streaks in and WHACKS!

WHACKS!  WHACKS!  at her with a strap,

SCREAMING at her with an ominous growl

of rage--

FATHER

You ain't got no business

leaving here!  All your

sneaking around -- you're just

a sinner!  You're nothing but

a low life sinner!

The Mother throws herself at him

drunkenly, starts slapping, scratching

at his face--

MOTHER

Shut up!  You don't care about

me!  Leave me alone!

Prince claws desperately at his Father's

back--

FATHER

Don't I keep the heat on?

Isn't there food in the

refrigerator?

MOTHER

(crying)

I don't like it here.  You

never talk to me! I'm always

alone!

Prince drags his Father away--

PRINCE

Dad, please!

FATHER

(shouting)

What's the matter with this

house?  Isn't it nice and warm

here?!

The Mother stands on the bed SHRIEKING--

MOTHER

You're crazy!

FATHER

Shut up!

MOTHER.

Asshole!

FATHER

Shut up!

MOTHER

(triumphantly)

Motherfucker!!

The Father lunges, drags Prince along

the floor, WHACKS! the Mother in the

face.  She topples in a heap to the bed.

He's over her now, breathing fire,

flailing about savagely--

FATHER

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

PRINCE

(desperately)

Dad!

He lunges, drop KICKS his Father with

everything he's got!  His Father SMASHES

backwards against the wall, slides to

his buttocks on the floor.  He sits

there dully, exhausted...spent.

Prince crawls up along the side of the

bed.  His Mother buries her head in the

pillow, choking back sobs--

MOTHER

I'm just trapped here...

His Father's eyes well with tears.  He

leans close to her, speaks softly--

FATHER

You always got a roof

overhead...

MOTHER

You don't let me have any

fun...

His Father sighs wearily, pulls himself

to his feet.  He moves to the door--

FATHER

I could make you happy.  Just

believe in me...

MOTHER

You never...

FATHER

I would die for you.

He leaves the room, closes the door

behind him.

PRINCE stares at  the door a moment,

tears welling in his eyes.  His Mother

is motionless, whimpering softly.  A

scent of liquor permeates the air.

He moves toward her, reaches out

tentatively...

Suddenly she jumps up, starts pacing

franticaily--

MOTHER

It's nice here.  It's a nice

house.  Nothing wrong.

(a beat)

It's a good family.  Believe

me, I know.  Nothing wrong

here.

(a beat)

Your father is okay.  He's a

good man.  You could learn

somthing.

She catches a glimpse of herself in the

mirror, stops--

MOTHER

My, my!  Don't you think I

have a good figure?  Your

Father did.

She sits in front of the mirror, studies

her face, her eyes...her breasts--

MOTHER

I was beautiful when your Dad

met me.  I was out-a-sight!

She giggles, starts applying makeup--

MOTHER

I looked just like a movie

star.  The minute he saw me

singing, I knew just what he

wanted.

She fixes him with a conspiratorial

look, whispers--

MOTHER

He wanted to get into my

panties.

She makes funny, "jazzy" eyes at him,

then stops suddenly, staring.  His face,

mouth, eyes...a sudden stirring in her

loins.  Her lips part, she moistens them

unconsciously...

She turns from the mirror and stares at

him -- his look connects with her groin.

She rises suddenly, walks slowly toward

the bed, sits facing him--

MOTHER

You look so pretty.  Just like

me, honey.  You coulda been a

girl.

She outlines the mole on his cheek with

a makeup pencil, then draws one on

herself.  She takes her earring off, and

puts it on his ear.  They are face to

face -- identical--

MOTHER

So pretty...

She looks at him drunkenly.  He tries to

hold it in, but can't.  A tear, hot and

hard as a bullet flows down his cheek.

She puts her index finger in front of

his face, moves it back and forth

hypnotically.   Suddenly she pulls her

hand away, stretches it to the ceiling

like an escaping bird.  He swallows,

tries to smile -- she leans close --

MOTHER

(secretly)

I have to go now, see some

friends.  Don't tell your

father, okay?

She gets up, leaves the room--

MOTHER

Bye, skipper...bye.

(71) EXT. PRINCE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT (LATER)

Vanity climbs over a fence, moves

through some bushes, emerges along side

Prince's house.  She has an excited,

ravenous look on her face.  She hurries

to the casement window, climbs into the

basement.

(72) INT. PRINCE'S BEDROObt -- NIGHT

She drops down into the basement, turns

excitedly, leaps into Prince's arms--

VANITY

I missed you!  Missed you!

Missed you!

She hugs him tight, showers him with

kisses, topples them both to the bed.

Laughing, hugging, kissing -- fast and

furious.  Suddenly she jumps up like a

panther, fluffs her hair wildly in the

mirror, fixes him with a wanton look.

His eyes devour her--

PRINCE

Come here.  Where were you?

She moistens her lips, walks

lasciviously toward the bed, sits facing

him.  She laughs suddenly, pushes him

back...and they're at each other again -

- faces two inches apart;  touching,

whispering, kissing, hands searching --

shutting out the rocm, shutting out the

world...

She jumps up suddenly.  She can't be

contained!  She practically levitates--

VANITY

I have a big surprise for you.

She rushes to the coal chute, climbs

halfway through.  Prince, puzzled,

cracks up watching her ass and legs

dangling.  She drops back into the room,

holding a large PACKAGE.  His eyes

widen.  She struts to the bed, lays it

down majestically before him--

VANITY

(sings)

Da...da..!

PRINCE

What is it?

VANITY

Open it.

He starts peeling the tape off, careful

not to rip the paper.  Vanity's bursting

with excitement though, and demolishes

it in a flash!  He laughs, opens the lid

-- stares in shock--

PRINCE

Oh, no...

(happy)

Oh, no!

He pulls out a gleaming new GUITAR, and

we immediately recognize it as the one

they saw in the window. He's deliriously

happy, and speechless--

PRINCE

How'd you do it?

She shouts with delight, attacks him

again, pushing the guitar aside.  Fast,

furious kisses and he responds in kind.

They're twisted in a heap on the bed.

After a moment they come up for air,

stare at each other playfully. Something

flashes across his mind--

PRINCE

Here...

Her eyes widen.  He takes off his

Mother's earring, fastens it to her ear.

Eyes dancing, she jumps up, studies it

closely, in the mirror--

VANITY

I love it!

She twists around, kneels beside him,

showers him with bites and kisses.

Suddenly she stops--

VANITY

I'm going to join Morris'

group.

His face  drops, shocked--

PRINCE

What?

She backs away from  him, stands,

strikes a defensive stance--

VANITY

I'm going to join Morris'

group.

He LUNGES savagely before he knows it!

His hand lashes out, SMASHES her in the

face.  She falls back, CRASHES into the

mirror.  She slips dully to the floor,

tries desperately to brace herself on a

chair--

He's horrified--

PRINCE

I'm sorry!  Oh, baby, I'm

sorry! Are you alright?

He helps her up, she turns away from him-

-

VANITY

Just...leave me alone.

His heart staggers in his chest--

PRINCE

Please...it's just...

(a beat)

I don't want you around this

at all.  I just don't want you

in my life this way.  You

don't have to prove anything

to me or anybody else.

(a beat)

Vanity...?  Don't I make you

happy?  Don.t you like the way

we are?

(another thought)

Do you know Morris?  Do you

know what he's about? He

doesn't care about you.

She  twists viciously--

VANITY

Jealous..?!

She rushes into the antechamber, climbs

through the coal chute, disappears into

the night.

DISSOLVE TO:

(73) INT. CLUB -- MORNING

Matt, Bobby and Mark are JAMMING

onstage.  Prince emerges from behind the

curtains.  He looks drawn.and haggard,

his face unshaven.  The Guys spot him,

and the MUSIC trickles to a stop.

Tension fills the room in an instant.

Mark glances at his watch, fixes Prince

with a disgusted look.

Prince climbs the steps to the stage,

cuts across it--

PRINCE

Where's Lisa and Wendy?

BOBBY

They haven't shown up yet.

PRINCE

They call?

The Guys shrug, look away.  Prince

simmers a moment, straps on his guitar -

- immediately gets ear-splitting

FEEDBACK.  He stomps on the floor pedals

angrily.  Just then Chick comes up to

the stage--

CHICK

Prince.  Billy Sparks wants to

see you.

PRINCE

Tell him I'm rehearsing.

CHICK

Uh, uh -- now.

(74) INT. STAIRWAY AND CLUB -- DAY

as Billy cuts down the stairs quickly.

Prince, walking to meet him, pulls

himself up short--

BILLY

What do you want?

PRINCE

You wanted to see me?

Billy still moves -- Prince keeps up--

BILLY

You having trouble?

PRINCE

(shrugs)

No.

BILLY

No?

PRINCE

No ...

BILLY

Where's Lisa and Wendy?

He stops abruptly at the front door,

studies Prince for a long time.  Then he

cuts outside.  Prince follows.

(75) EXT. STREETS, CLUB -- DAY

Rush hour TRAFFIC.  Billy sets the pace

down the sidewalk -- Prince keeps up--

BILLY

Morris called me this morning.

Seems he's got himself a new

group called Vanity Six.  You

know anything about them?

PRINCE

(a beat)

No.

BILLY

He tells me they're great.

Thinks I'll be interested.

That's cool, but now I've got

a problem.

PRINCE

What's that?

BILLY

I book three acts -- I can't

afford four.  If they're as

good as Morris says they are,

one of you will have to go...

Suddenly a HORN BLARES off screen.

Billy looks up -- a BEAUTIFUL BABE in a

black BMW waves--

BILLY

Go around the block!

The Babe pulls into the flow of traffic-

-

BILLY

It won't be The Time --

they're playing backup to

Vanity.  So it's either you or

the Modern Aires.

(a beat)

What would You do in my

position?

Prince has a sinking feeling in his gut-

-

BILLY

(musing)

I like the Modern Aires.  They

have a good following -- they

show up for practice -- and

the kids like all their music.

The BMW sweeps up to the curb.  Billy

opens the door, slides in--

BILLY

'Nough said.  Get smart.

Straighten up your shit.

(76) INT. REHEARSAL HALL -- DAY

The PLACE is JUMPING!  Once again The

Time is deep in the guts of "Sex

Shooter," but now there's a difference.

The MUSIC is fiercer and crisper -- the

BEAT tailored, more defined.

Morris and Jerome stand off to the side

sporting huge grins.  They're avidly

watching...

...Vanity, Susan, and Brenda dancing up

a fierce storm.  Vanity fronts the two

Girls and moves panther-like in front of

the mirrors...

She's a dynamo, her face drawn tightly,

her movements crisp and precise.  She

urges the Girls on, suggests and

cajoles, strengthening their resolve.

Sweat lathers their bodies and forms

rings on their Danskins.  The act is

still very rough, but the potential for

success can be felt.

PRINCE suddenly enters the hall.  Morris

spots him immediately and halts the

MUSIC.  The Girls dance on a moment,

then stop perplexed.  Vanity catches

Prince's look, shakes her head in

disbelief--

PRINCE

I want to talk to you.

She's out of breath, waves him off--

VANITY

Not now,  I'm busy.

PRINCE

Now.

A TITTER goes through the Band Members -

- Vanity wipes her face, fixes him with

a glare--

VANITY

I said I'm busy -- we'll talk

later.

PRINCE

Uh, uh...

He grabs her suddenly, pulls her to the

door--

VANITY

Leave me alone!  I've got a

show to do!

She pulls away savagely--

VANITY

YOU can't just come in here

and take me away!  We'll talk

later!

Morris is enraged--

MORRIS

Man -- why don't you just do

the walk?

Prince glares at him, cups his genitals-

-

PRINCE

Why don't you kiss the one-

eyed snake?

The Band lets out a condescending GROAN

-- the tension rises

MORRIS

Jellybean!

Jellybean, 6'4", 210 pounds, steps from

behind the drums, moves up behind Prince-

-

JELLYBEAN

Let's go, Jack.

PRINCE

Fuck you!

He lunges, grabs Vanity again -- she

SHRIEKS--

VANITY

Leave me alone, dammit!  Get

out of here!

Jellybean lurches, grabs Prince in a

HEAIDLOCK, lifts him off his his feet.

Prince kicks at him wildly--

JELLYBEAN

(enraged)

Fucker!!

He twists Prince's head backwards,

SMASHES his body to the ground--

JELLYBEAN

Stay still, motherfucker!!

But Prince continues fighting him with

everything he's got!  Jellybean is

astonished--

JELLYBEAN

Shit!!

He twists Prince's neck savagely,

SMASHES! his legs to the floor again and

again--

JELLYBEAN

Stop!!

Vanity is crying--

VANITY

Jellybean, please...

Prince drops to his hands and knees exhausted.  Everybody is

frozen now -- scared.  The Girls are crying, the incedent

has already gone too far...

Jellybean settles his weight on Prince,

twists his head down painfully, trying

to break the resistance he alone can

feel.  Prince remains silent, the anger

coursing through his body in tremors--

The Guys surround them, grabbing

Prince's arms, legs, and feet.  He's

like a trapped animal now--

JELLYBEAN

Lift him.

VANITY

(crying)

Don't hurt him ...

They pick him up, move him toward the

door.  He resists them slightly, his

body lurching in fit and starts.

Suddenly he breaks free, faces them with

his back to he door.  But the Band

Members surround him, their wills

united, the obviousness of the situation

apparent to all.

He searches for Vanity's eyes, but she

can't face him and walks away.  Anger

again surges in his veins.  He cuts out

the door, SLAMS it behind him.

(77) EXT. ACCESS ROAD, TRAIN TRACKS -- DUSK

Prince WHIPS down a dirt access road

locked in thought, the pain and anger in

his eyes apparent.  Suddenly a TRAIN

WHISTLE BLASTS just behind him, sending

a shot of fear through his guts.

He twists backwards in amazement.  A

FREIGHT TRAIN ROARS around the bend

BLASTING its HORN violently.  Prince

shudders with fright, loses control of

his cycle for an instant.  He hits a

series of ruts that almost topple him to

the ground.

He looks back at the train confused,

when another BLAST seems to SOCK him in

the teeth.  He twists wildly to the side

of the road, kicking up dirt and debris,

lurching him into the handlebars

violently.

The TRAIN ROARS abreast of him!  Prince

snaps an angry look at the engineer.

The Guy coolly gives him the finger and

BLASTS the HORN violently.

Prince becomes enraged!  He snaps a look

to the speedometer: 65 mph.  He snaps a

look to the Engineer -- the Guy sends

him another obscene gesture and BLASTS

his HORN.

Prince grits his teeth, twists the

throttle full.  He lurches forward in an

instant, blazing in front of the train,

The Engineer BLASTS the HORN

mercilessly, and throws on the coals.

They blast down the stretch neck to

neck, twist round a wide bend.

Prince edges in front!  The Engineer

BLASTS the HORN and moves up.  Prince

snaps a look to him -- the Guy mouths

the words:  Fuck You!

Prince wants to scream!  He twists the

throttle, snaps a look to the

speedometer:  75 mph.  He RIPS past ruts

and gullies like a madman.  The TRAIN

moves up.  They blast around another

bend neck to neck

Suddenly Prince's eyes widen with

horror.  A CAR is parked across the

access road, waiting to cross the track.

He shoots a look to the Engineer -- the

Guy is laughing hysterically now,

BLASTING his HORN wildly, mouthing the

words:  Bye Bye!

Prince screams like  a MADMAN!  He

twists his  throttle FULL!  He blazes

ahead of the train, BLASTS! up the

embankment, SAILS through the air...

...a BRICK WALL cuts the access road in

two!

He SCREAMS in bloody terror!  He hits

the road and fishtails wildly, locking

his brakes.  The WALL comes at him like

a locomotive.  He's going to hit it,

knows it and...

He twists his throttle violently BLASTS!

directly into the path of the train!

The Engineer looks on in horror!  Prince

throws his weight forward and...

...the train ROARS past him as he

fishtails wildly to a stop.

The Engineer sails off into the dusk,

his mouth agape.  Prince sits there

breathing fiercely, the adrenaline

shrieking though his veins, watching

the train disappear into the distance.

(78) EXT. STREETS AND ALLEY -- DOWNTOWN -- TWILIGHT

SHOPPERS flood the sidewalks, rushing for the buses that

take them home.  TRAFFIC clogs  at the 77 intersections

while PEDESTRIANS walk against the lights.  Prince rides

down the streets, hugging the right shoulder, impatient with

the delays.  He blasts down a side street, sees FLASHING

LIGHTS up ahead.  GAWKERS are already crowding around.

He moves through the TRAFFIC slowly,

glides past a POLICE CAR, and a small

CROWD.  A CAR has run onto the sidewalk,

knocking down the marquee to a rundown,

neighborhood bar.

Something catches his eye -- he stops

suddenly.  His Mother stands against the

wall, idly watching the goings on.  He

jumps off his bike hurriedly, walks up

behind her, taps her on the shoulder--

PRINCE

Ma...?

She turns, he gasps out loud.  Her left

eye is swollen shut--

MOTHER

(drunkenly)

Hi, ya, baby...

Her drunken breath washes over him --

his head spins--

PRINCE

Ma...what happened?

She rubs up against him--

MOTHER

Can you give me some money?

C'mon, just some money...

She gropes for him drunkenly -- he

suddenly realizes she doesn't know who

he is--

MOTHER

Here...here...

She tugs at her wedding ring--

MOTHER

Give me something for

this...just a little.  It'll

be okay...

PRINCE

C'mon...I'll take you home.

Just then a COP moves through the Crowd-

-

COP

Okay, c'mon now -- break it

up.  Let's go..

The Crowd moves out.  Police RADIOS

cackle.  Three WOMEN stagger over, one

of them grabbing his Mother--

WOMAN

C'mon, honey -- we're goin'

in...

She fixes Prince with a glare--

WOMAN

You're a little young aren't

you?  Get out of here.  Leave

her alone.

(79) EXT. PRINCES HOME -- NIGHT

Prince BLASTS down the STREET, sweeps

into his drive, and jumps off his bike,

practically smashing it into the gate.

His eyes are burning with anger.  He

flies up the steps three at a time, cuts

across the porch, bursts throuch the

front door and--

(80) INT. PRINCE'S POME -- NIGHT

-- stalks through the living room, eyes

blazing--

PRINCE

Where the fuck are you?

He spins like a top, streaks down the

hallway, throws open several doors

violently--

PRINCE

Where are you?

He cuts into the kitchen raging--

PRINCE

Answer me you fucker!!

He twists around frustrated; exhaustion,

anger, and pain competing for the same

space.  Suddenly he stops, listens

intently a moment.  We HEAR it now -- a

PIANO.  Someone's PLAYING A PIANO.

Prince throws a look at the basement

door -- it's ajar.

(81) INT. BASEMENT, PRINCE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

A naked LIGHT BULB snaps ON.  Prince

hesitates a moment, descends the steps,

pauses at the door.  The MUSIC wafts

delicately in the night breeze.  He

moves down the halllway uncertainly, but

steadily, the MUSIC growing, drawing him

in.

He stops, peers into the antechamber.

His Father is at the piano, his back to

him.  He's perched on the broken stool,

playing with all he's got.

Prince moves slowly into the room, his

knees weakening, his anger flowing from

him with every step he takes.  Seeing

his Father this way, he doesn't know if

he should laugh or cry.  He sits down

silently behind him, listens as his

Father plays.

The SONG ends.  His Father sits a

moment, stretching his hands idly along

the keys.  Feeling a presence in the

room, he spins around and jumps slightly

at seeing his son.  He fixes him with a

threatening look, then shrugs, hunches

over the keys--

PRINCE

Is that yours?

FATHER

'Course it's mine.  Who else's

is it goin' to be?  Got all

kinds of them.  They're

different too.

PRINCE

I'd like to see them.  You got

them written down somewhere?

FATHER

No, man -- I don't write them

down -- don't need to.  That's

the big difference between you

and me.

PRINCE

Thought you weren't going to

play no more.

His Father looks at him sullenly, then

looks down, stares at the keys.

Prince's eyes well with tears--

PRINCE

I saw Mom up the street.  She

looked pretty bad.  Any idea

how she got that way?

His Father bites his his lip, rubs a

hand over his face, stares at the keys.

His voice comes with difficulty--

PRINCE

Yeah...

(a beat)

I got a girlfriend.

FATHER

You gonna get married?

PRINCE

(long pause)

I don't know.

His Father shares a hurtful look with

him, then stares darkly at the floor

below--

FATHER

Never get married.

(82) INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

The CLUB is THROBBING.  Prince is

onstage, stripped to the waist, SWEAT

seeping from his pores in torrents.

He's deep into the pit of "Computer

Blue, " locked into a provocative,

obscene graphic with Wendy. She's on her

knees in front of him, his crotch moving

directly in front of her lips.  She's

made up fiercely, looks like Prince

himself.  The total effect is unnerving

-- Prince is going down on himself.

Billy Sparks stands by the bar pretty

upset.  Jill stands slack-jawed.  The

KIDS have stopped dancing, drinking --

they staring at the display,.shaking

their heads confused...

The BEAT is SAVAGE.  Prince is in his

own world, living his own private hell.

Suddenly the MUSIC crescendos, then

winds down like a roller coaster

sweeping everyone along.  The BEAT

changes radically.  He turns his back to

the audience and plays ...

...and we suddenly recognize the MUSIC

as his Father's -- the song he played on

the piano the night before. But it's

Prince's now, stamped with his own

signature.  He's bent at the waist, his

back to the audience, alone with his

father's, and his, pain.

The CROWD fidgets...Billy Sparks fastens

his eyes on Prince angrily.

(83) EXT. CLUB/INT. MORRIS' CAR (1ST AVE. ST. BAR) -- NIGHT

KIDS are hanging out in front of the

club.  The usual queue, however, is

noticeably absent.

The yellow Caddy sweeps up.  Jerome is

at the wheel, Morris and Vanity sit in

the back.  Morris is dressed elegantly,

resplendent in a 5O's-style suit.  She's

beautiful in a sleek black dress, with

long black gloves, and heels--

VANITY

What are we doing here,

Morris?

MORRIS

What do you mean?

VANITY

I don't want to be here.  I

don't want to hurt anybody.

MORRIS

It's not about hurting

anybody.  This is business.

We can use the exposure.

Just then Brenda and Susan come up to

the car excitedly.  Brenda is dressed in

a 40's-style dress, Susan wears a form-

fitting leopard one.  They both look

gorgeous--

BRENDA

Hi -- you coming in?

Their excitement and nervousness is

endearing.  Vanity's heart goes out to

them.  She forces a smile, climbs out

unaided--

VANITY

Your horns are showing,

Morris.

MORRIS

Yeah...but they're holding up

my halo.

(84) INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

Prince is on-stage, deep into the

closing moments of "Computer Blue."  He

paces back and forth frantically, still

locked in his own private hell.  The

Crowd's attention has wandered, however,

and very few remain on the dance floor,

finding it too much trouble to keep up

with the changing shifts in the music.

Even his band members are edgy, casting

quick looks to each other, wishing to

get on with more compelling audience-

pleasing sounds.

BAR AREA

as Billy Sparks shakes hands with Morris

and Jerome and is introduced to Vanity

Six for the first time.  We can tell by

his reaction that he likes what he sees.

He kisses Brenda and Susan, saves a

special squeeze for Vanity herself.  He

escorts the whole group to a table

across the floor.  Vanity brings up the

rear, casts a quick look to Prince

onstage.

PRINCE

fastens on her and brings "Computer

Blue" to a rousing end.  The Crowd

applauds, but it's more out of respect

than eagerness.  He doesn't seem to

notice though, or care.  He confers

quickly with his group., then moves

center-stage.  The Band Members trade

frustrated looks with each other -- it's

obvious that they have some trouble with

the next song...

Prince presses his lips to the mike, and

the MUSIC starts.  He begins SINGING

"Darling Nicky"--

PRINCE

I knew a girl named Nicky,

I guess you can say she was a

sex fiend.

I met her in a hotel lobby

masturbating in magazines.

She said, How'd you like to

waste some time,

And I could not resist

When I saw little Nicky grind.

BILLY SPARKS

shoots a fierce look to Prince, helps

Morris, Jerome and the Girls to their

table.  Vanity is watching Prince, a

puzzled look on her face--

MORRIS

Hee, hee...little empty

tonight, huh, Billy.  But I

guess money isn't everything.

Jerome busts up--

JEROME

Oh no... that's cold...

But Billy agrees--

BILLY

The Duke of Dick is in rare

form tonight.

They all look toward the stage--

PRINCE

is fastened on Vanity and it's apparent

to all.  He launches into the next verse-

-

PRINCE

She took me to her castle

And I could not believe my

eyes.

She had so many devices

Everything that money could

buy.

She said,

Sign your name on the dotted

line,

The lights went out,

And Nicky started to grind.

VANITY

flushes with embarrassment.  Billy and

Morris notice this and glare at Prince.

PRINCE

looks dead-center at them, and then to

Vanily--

PRINCE

I woke up the next morning.

Nicky wasn't there.

I looked all ov'r all I found

Was a phone number on the

stairs.

It said thank you for a funky

time,

Call me up when ev'r you want

to grind.

VANITY

stands suddenly, fighting back tears.

She backs from the table quickly, knocks

the chair over.  Morris tries to help

her, but she sweeps past him, hurrying

for the exit.

(85) INT. STAIRWAY/EXT. STREET -- NIGHT

as she comes down the stairs stumbling

slightly, tears streaming down her face.

Chick sees her, reached out to help--

CHICK

Hey ...

But she pulls away, runs out the door,

cuts across the street.

(86) INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

PRINCE

brings the SONG to a blistering end.

The stage is plunged into darkness.  He

strips off his guitar, cuts from the

stage, ignoring the grave looks from his

Band Members.

(87) INT. HALLWAY -- NIGHT

as Prince twists aggressively past a

handful of FANS, rudely disregarding

their attention.  He Cuts into the

dressing room.

(88) INT. DRESSING ROON -- NIGHT

He's agitated, paces back and forth in a

frenzy.  Suddenly the DOOR flies open.

Billy Sparks enters angrily--

BILLY

What the fuck's wrong with

you, Prince?!

PRINCE

I don't have time for your

bullshit, Billy.  What do you

want?

BILLY

My stage is no place for your

personal shit!

PRINCE

That's life, man.

BILLY

Life my ass, motherfucker!

This is a business, and you're

not too far gone to see that.

(a beat)

I've told you this before.

You're not pulling them in

like you used to.  The only

person who gives a fuck about

your music is yourself.

PRINCE

Fuck off!

But Billy can't help laughing--

BILLY

Just like your old man...

Prince shoots him a threatening look--

BILLY

Yeah -- you got it.  Tell me

I'm wrong.

(a beat)

You're not blind.  Look around

you.  No one's digging you.

Prince turns away--

BILLY

Look at your band.  Are they

in here right now?  They're

out there 'cause they can't

stand being in the same room

with you.

(a beat)

What a fucking waste...like

father, like son--

PRINCE

Lay off that!

Billy turns to go--

BILLY

Take your head out of your

ass, Prince, check it out --

unless you like the view up

there.  Your music doesn't

make sense to anyone but

yourself.

He closes the door behind him.  Prince

stands dully a moment, then sits heavily

in a chair.  Exhaustion suddenly

overwhelms him.  He rests his head in

his hands, moments tick by...

He shakes himself awake -- Morris and

Jerome stand by the door--

JEROME

That was fucked up what you

did man.  Morris doesn't like

it. And being a part of this -

- I don't like it either.

PRINCE

I don't care.

MORRIS

Hee, hee...huh, it's obvious

you don't have what it takes

to be on top.

He pulls an envelope from his pocket--

MORRIS

But to show you that I'm

sympathetic to your problems -

- here's a pass to our show

tomorrow night.  Enjoy it.

They leave.  Then Morris sticks his head

into the doorway--

MORRIS

Don't forget to bring a

girlfriend.  Whawhak!

(89) EXT. THE TASTE -- NIGHT

COMMOTION.  CARS are THICK in front of

THE TASTE, a small NIGHTCLUB located in

the poorer part of the city.  Because of

its location, The Taste books different

dance bands four nights a week and then

hosts a Variety Night the remaining two.

Aspiring comedians, dancers and jugglers

flock to Variety Night, desirous of

trying their material in front of a live

audience -- and hoping to catch the

discering eye of a talent scout on the

prowl.

Billy Sparks pulls up to the curb, gets

out with a beautiful WOMAN and cuts

inside.

(90) INT. BACKSTAGE, THE TASTE -- NIGHT

Jerome stands BACKSTAGE fidgeting

nervously, staring appreciatively at the

closed dressing room door.  Various

PEOPLE in COSTUMES pass by sporadically.

Suddenly a burst of APPLAUSE and

LAUGHTER wafts into the hallway.  Jerome

walks to the curtain and peers out--

(91) INT. THE TASTE -- NIGHT

JEROME'S POV--

Billy Sparks and his Girlfriend being

seated at a front table.  A COMEDIAN is

on stage juggling KNIVES and HATCHETS.

The CROWD is ROARING their approval.

(92) INT. BACKSTAGE -- THE TASTE -- NIGHT

Just then a CLOWN passes Jerome, stops,

and hands him a flower.  Jerome tries to

smile, but his nervousness is simply too

strong.  The Clown hands him another

flower, trying to elicit a favorable

response.  Jerome is patient, but

attempts to ignore the Clown in a polite

way, indicating he'd rather be alone.

The Clown persists, however, going

through a little routine, handing him

flower after flower...

Suddenly Jerome throws them into the

air, grabs the Clown by the throat and

flings him headlong down the hallway.

The Clown gives Jerome the finger and

walks off in a huff.

MORRIS

cuts from the dressing room, closes the

door behind him.  He joins Jerome at the

curtain, and they move down the back

stairway to the CLUB--

MORRIS

(nervously)

I guess this is it.

JEROME

I guess so, M.D.

MORRIS

I think I'm going to be sick.

Why does this have to be

happening to me?  Has it

crossed your mind that we're

about to make the biggest

mistake we've ever made?

JEROME

I don't think it's all that

bad.

MORRIS

That's why I do all the

thinking.

(93) INT. THE TASTE -- NIGHT

as Billy Sparks spots Morris, waves.  Morris manages a weak

smile, offers a half-hearted wave back.  Just then we HEAR a

firce DRUM BEAT, and--

TASTE M.C.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please

welcome Vanity Six.

Respectful APPLAUSE--

MORRIS

Oh, God--

He sits quickly, followed by Jerome --

they both put on sunglasses.

A HUSH descends over the CROWD.  The

CURTAIN rises slowly...and Brenda, Susan

and Vanity are frozen in a provocative,

vampy stance.  Their effect on the

audience is galvanizing --   the Crowd

bursts into APPLAUSE and WHISTLES--

MORRIS

(surprised)

What??

Wearing sexy lingerie and moving

seductively to the beat, the Girls

launch into "Sex Shooter" with complete

abandon.  The MUSIC is slick and fierce,

the Girls sexy and sure.  Wearing black

bikini panties, black tails and boots,

Vanity dances center-stage and begins

SINGING.  She's mesmerizing, her look so

alluring, so profound that the audience

sits slack-jawed in amazement.  The

SPOTLIGHT is hers and she soaks it in,

radiating a sexiness that has the

audience at her feet.  The entire

concept -- dress, dance, music and

staging -- is overwhelming, with just

the right degree of playfulness to allow

the Crowd easy passage into the fantasy

world the Girls create.  Brenda and

Susan play off her wonderfully, sharing

secret looks with the Crowd, balancing

the wickedness of the act with an

innocence that is enticing.  They're

working strongly as a unit now, the

AUDIENCE roaring their approval...

MORRIS

and Jerome are beside themselves with

happiness.  The pull off their shades

immediately, sit back and glow in the

audience's response.

PRINCE

stands in the back, his eyes glued to

Vanity.  Her strength and sureness in

front of the Crowd is breathtaking.  The

audience loves her and he suddenly feels

very alone -- as if another wall has

gone up between them.  He looks away a

moment and spots...

...Morris looking at him with a self-

satisfied, triumphant grin on his face.

Prince looks away, moves out of his

eyesight.

"Sex Shooter" comes to an end.  The

stage is plunged into darkness.  The

CROWD goes WILD, leaps to their feet,

begging for more.  The Girls, slighly

over-whelmed by the response and

flushing deep red, hold one

another.tightly and take repeated bows.

PRINCE

watches the Girls bowing to thunderous

APPLAUSE.  Suddenly Vanity looks at him

and touches the earring she's wearing --

it's his Mother's.  His knees weaken

instantly, and he locks eyes with her.

The heat between them is unmistakable.

She smiles vividly, gives him an

endearing wave and steps back as the

curtain closes.

He's MOVING through the Crowd before he

knows it, trying to get to the backstage

door.  The Crowd is thick, his path

momentarily blocked.  He spots Billy

Sparks cutting across the floor and

congratulating Morris and Jerome.

Prince turns from them, tries once again

to make his way through the Crowd.

(94) INT. DRESSING ROOM, AND HALLWAY -- THE TASTE -- NIGHT

VANITY

and the Girls rush into the dressing

room and jump up and down with

excitement.  They are beside themselves

with happiness, kissing and hugging one

another avidly.  Suddenly Vanity pulls

away, indicates she will be back and

cuts out the room.

HALLWAY

as she runs down the hallway to the

backstage area, peers from behind the

curtain, scanning the club earnestly.

(95) IN'T. -- THE TASTE -- NEAR CURTAIN -- NIGHT

as Prince waits impatiently in the long

line.  Billy Sparks comes by, spots him

and stops--

BILLY

Morris is squeezing you,

kiddo.  You better kick ass

tomorrow night or else.

He cuts outside, disappears into the

Crowd.  Prince stands there steaming,

the wind knocked out of him, his joy a

memory.  He turns back to the line, but

it has grown, the Crowd now jammed up

against the door.  Frustrated, he cuts

outside.

BACKSTAGE

as Vanity watches Prince leave.  A

profound sadness sweeps her face.

Suddenly Susan is by her Side, hugging

and kissing her happily.  Brenda runs

up, pouring champagne.  Morris, Jerome

and The Time are at the end of the

hallway and beckon her excitedly into

the room.  Vanity forces a smile, goes

down the hallway, casting another look

at the exit door.

(96) EXT. BACK ALLEY, THE TASTE -- NIGHT

Morris and Vanity stagger down the ALLEY

obviously very drunk.  Morris pulls from

a FLASK.  Vanity is still in her

lingerie, wears an open coat over it.

Her speech is slurred--

VANITY

Did you hear these people

applauding?  They loved us --

they wanted to rip us apart,

and this is just our first

night.  I can see it now,

we're all going to be big

stars.  I can feel it.

MORRIS

(singing)

Ain't nobody bad like me.

She kisses him spontaneously on the

cheek--

VANITY

Morris, you're a genius.

MORRIS

Ye-es...

He fixes her with a sexy look, takes a

healthy look from his flask, then gives

it too her.  Vanity throws her head

back, drinks fully, the liquor coursing

over her cheeks.  He devours her with

his eyes, opens the door to the Caddy--

MORRIS

Let's go, Bebe.

She stops as if remembering something--

VANITY

Huh, where's Jerome?

MORRIS

In his skin...hee, hee...

He's trying to nudge her into the Caddy-

-

VANITY

Is he coming?

MORRIS

I gave him the night off.

VANITY

Why?

He staggers back from the car, undulates

his hips wantonly--

MORRIS

Whawhak!

She busts up.  Just then a MOTORCYCLE

can be heard off screen.  They look

around drunkenly, trying to discern its

direction.  Suddenly Prince BLASTS

around the corner FULL OUT!  He streaks

by Morris and KICKS him flat on his ass

into the garbage--

MORRIS

(wails)

Oh, no -- Oh, God...No!

Prince skids to a slick stop.  Vanity is

transfixed.  The entire episode  took

less than five seconds.  He twists the

throttle, BLASTS down upon her...

She breaks in a panic!  She runs

clumsily down another alley, her coat

flying.  He WHIPS after her like a

madman.  She flies around the corner --

a dead end!  He fishtails to a slick

stop--

PRINCE

Get on!

There's no way out!  Suddenly she lets

out an excited YELP, jumps on.  He guns

the bike, BURSTS up the alley.  Morris

jumps into his path drunkenly, his arms

extended--

MORRIS

Stop! Stop!

But Prince BLAZES down upon him, sending

him slipping and sliding to safety.  He

BLASTS around the bend--

MORRIS

Motherfucker!  You long-haired

faggot!

(97) EXT. HIGHWAY  TO EMBANKMENT -- NIGHT

Prince and Vanity WHIPPING down the

highway.

(98) EXT. EMBANKMENT -- NIGHT

They streak down the road, slow, then

move down a small embankment.  He stops

the bike and gets off.  She's in a foul

mood, staggers around dully, her head

pounding, her speech slurred--

VANITY

So here we are again.  So this

is it, huh?  What do you want

this time?

He looks at her painfully, upset about

her drunken state--

VANITY

What's your problem now?

What's your main problem?

PRINCE

No problem.  I just wanted to

talk, alright? I just want us

to be okay, to really get

along.  No big deal.

She cackles, falls flat on her ass,

hoists herself up--

VANITY

No big deal, huh...

She pulls Morris' FLASK from her jacket

-- his eyes blacken--

PRINCE

Give me that.

VANITY

No, definitely not.  Who are

you?  You can't tell me what

to do.

She puts it to her lips--

PRINCE

Please don't drink that.  Give

it to me.

She holds the flask to her lips

defiantly, then goes to drink.

He lashes out suddenly, SMASHES it from

her grip.  She SCREAMS wildly, SLAPS him

hard across the face.  He stands shocked

a moment, his rage surging within him,

smashing through every safety valve he's

acquired in his life.  He BACKHANDS her

savagely across the jaw.

She hits the ground like a rag doll.  He

looks at her curiously, bends over her -

- she sucker-punches him with everything

she's got!  He SCREAMS in rage and grabs

her hands as they flail about his face.

He squeezes her fingers back while the

tears stream down her cheeks and her

mouth forms a silent "ow"!  She bares

her teeth angrily and he sucks at her

mouth, biting and kissing her in a fever

pitch.

She kicks at him violently, hot tears

streaming down her cheeks.  He jams his

leg between hers, rubs it firmly against

her bottom.  She struggles helplessly

against him as he covers her breasts,

her stomach, her thighs with his lips.

Quick breaths escape from her -- her

breathing begins to race...

He snaps her panties in two, pulls them

from between her legs.  She spreads

herself as he releases his pants.  She

squeezes his buttocks, pulls him toward

her -- but Prince resists her coldly,

regards her with contempt.  Suddenly he

flips her onto her stomach, forces her

to stand painfully on her knees.  He

rubs his hand between her buttocks, then

thrusts into her painfully, driving

himself to the very depths of her...

...but she stifles a cry, arches her

back, and meets his thrusts fiercely,

moving quicker and quicker, banging her

buttocks against his thighs again and

again.  She's drawing from him now,

turning the humiliation around,

obtaining all that she needs and

desires.  He's powerless -- her thrusts

set the pace.  She rises, Prince still

inside her and tugs on him rapidly,

causing him to ejaculate suddenly,

drawing from him a sharp and sudden

cry...

She moves away, draws her coat tightly

about her, fixes him with a contemptuous

look--

VANITY

You're nothing, Prince,

absolutely nothing.  You think

you're so special --  but deep

down you're just like all the

rest.

(a beat)

Your whole life you've been

hiding, hiding behind your

music.  But now you don't even

have that, because last

night...last night you used it

to hurt someone, someone who

really cares.

She runs up the embankment, wipes away

her tears, faces him--

VANITY

If you put your hands on me

like that ever again, I'll be

the last person you touch.

She pulls off his Mother's earring,

throws it at him.  Tears flowing, she

streaks into the HIGHWAY blindly,

directly into the path of a SPEEDING CAR-

-

THE DRIVER

spots her in his HEADLIGHTS, SLAMS on

his brakes!  He SKIDS wildly across the

road, comes to a SCREECHING, BURNING

stop inches from her thigh!

VANITY

shoots a look at Prince, her lips

trembling, her love for him, written

plainly on her face.  But his eyes flash

defiantly.  She bites her lip sadly,

then snaps a hot look at the Driver--

VANITY

I  need a  ride.

She cuts around the car, hops in.  The

Driver skids off into the night.  Prince

stands there trembling, watches as it

disappears into the distance.

DISSOLVE   TO:

(99) EXT. PRINCE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

Prince pulls up to the wooden gate, cuts

the motor, gets off.  He walk wearily

across the porch, moves to the front

door -- it's wide open.  He thinks

nothing of it, cuts into the house,

closes it behind him.

(100) INT. PRINCE'S HOUSE -- GROUND  FLOOR -- NIGHT

He stands by the door motionless, a

curious look on his face.  The STEREO is

on, the NEEDLE skipping monotonously

along the record.  His mouth opens into

a spasm--

PRINCE

Dad...?

Silence.  A sudden dread courses through

him, leaving a hollow in his stomach.

His feet are like lead.  He moves

heavily into the room--

PRINCE

Mom...?

Nothing.  Panic sets in.  He STREAKS

down the hallway, twists open the

bedroom door -- it's empty.  Blue NIGHT

LIGHT glows through the windows.

CURTAINS play delicately in the breeze.

He's thoughtful, walks back into the

living room...

...the COFFEE TABLE is SMASHED.  He

looks at it curiously, wondering

stupidly if it had always been like

that.  Then sudden bolt of fear makes

his head swim.  A lamp, a porcelain

dish, some knickknacks on the mantle --

all smashed.  He rushes into the

kitchen, looks around crazily--

PRINCE

Daddd...!

Nothing but the decay of his scream.

The BASEMENT door is ajar.  He cuts to

it quickly, pulls it open, peers

frantically into the darkness below.  He

snaps ON the light...

(101) OMIT

(102) EXT. PRINCE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

SIRENS!  The SCENE is a riot of COLOR

and FRENZY.  A POLICE CAR, LIGHTS

FLASHING, skids into the drive.

NEIGHBORS jam the STREETS.  POLICE CARS

are parked all around.

(103) INT. BASEMENT, PRINCE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

CHAOS!  The BASEMENT is PACKED with

COPS.  Prince's father is strapped into

a gurney, staring dully at the ceiling.

PHOTOGRAPHERS snap pictures as

PARAMEDICS work feverishly over him.

I.V. UNITS are pushed into his veins.

An OXYGEN MASK is placed over his nose

and mouth.  Huge white bandages are

bunched up along the back of his head.

His Mother is kneeling by the gurney,

crying hysterically, grasping his hands

in a white panic.  TWO COPS support her.

Someone is SHOUTING instructions.

RADIOS crackle incessantly.  A MEDIC

cries--

MEDIC

Lift!

And the gurney is hoisted up the stairs

quickly, the bulk of the crowd

following, his Mother supported as she

ascends the stairs.

Prince sits on a tattered sofa in the

corner, his head bowed.  Cops standing

and kneeling beside him.  Somebody

finished taking notes, closes his pad.

One Cop rests a hand on his shoulder,

talks to him in soft tones.  Prince

shakes his head slightly.  The Cop gives

the group a signal and everyone

disperses, moves up the stairs.  The Cop

looks at him sympathetically, then

closes the door behind him.

(104) INT. BASEMENT -- NIGHT

PRINCE

sits motionless a long time.  Moonlight

floods the basement with a foreboding

light.  A dog BARKS somewhere in the

distance.  He looks up suddenly, his

face agitated, his eyes red from tears.

PRINCE'S POV--

CHALK MARKS on the floor outlining the

body of his Father.  There's a GUN in

his Father's hand clearly marked.

A train WHISTLE in the distance.  He's

staring at the gun.  He shakes his head,

rubs a hand over his face vigorously and

looks up again...

...the GUN in his Father's hand.  He

can't get it out of his mind!  The

WHISTLE is CLOSER.

He lurches to his feet, paces back and

forth crazily.  His Father's head, the

gun...the gun...the...

The WHISTLE is LOUDER.

He throws himself into the chair, buries

his face deeply into his hands and

cries.  Huge racking sobs spasm through

his body.  His Father, his Mother, his

entire life, his music, his guitar...

He looks up suddenly -- the gun in his

Father's hand.

..and he stares at it.

The WHISTLE is LOUDER!

His heart is pounding in his ears.  He

squeezes them shut, looks up...

The gun.

He bolts to his feet, paces back and

forth in a panic!  The train is HOWLING!

A rope in the corner of the room, his

face, the gun...

He sits dully, gazes at the rope as if

in a trance.  The TRAIN is ROARING past

the house, it's HORN BLASTING.  The

rope, the gun, and his body dangling

from the rafters in the night breeze--

PRINCE

(screaming)

Noooooo!!

He lurches to his feet, cuts through the

basement like a madman.  He grabs a

stick and starts SLASHING things

crazily, moving through the room

swinging his stick wildly again and

again.

He's lost to himself now, deep in the

pit of an unknown terror, expurgating a

horror that has been festering in him

for years.  He flings his stick at the

wall, unends shelves and bureaus,

trampling old memories that have lain

dormant for years.

Drawer after drawer is flung against the

wall, their contents smashing and

scattering about.  He opens a large,

oaken chest and flips over.  Thick three

inch piles of yellowed paper fall out.

He snaps through the rubber bands

holding them together and flings the

paper at the wall again and again...

...he stops suddenly, shocked.  He SEES

musical notes written down on the paper.

his heart pounding in his chest, he

searches frantically through the rubble

scattered about him.  More and more

musical notes, sketched ideas, simple

melodies, entire songs and scores -- all

meticulously recorded on lined yellowed

paper, dated for the last 20 years, and

signed...by his Father.  He's shocked to

a standstill.  Then the full

significance of what's before him hits

him like a sledgehammer.  He collapses

in agony against the chest, tears

flowing down his cheeks.

(105) INT. BASEMENT -- A SERIES OF SHOTS (NIGHT INTO DAY)

Prince lying outstretched on the

basement floor, sleeping fitfully,

feverishly.  His body is lathered in

sweat, the droplets glisten in the pale

light.

ANOTHER ANGLE

Cool, gray dawn.  He's in a dead sleep

on the floor, his arms outstretched, his

legs twisted beneath him.  His Father's

outline seemingly rests by his side...

Just then the basement window begins to

glow with SUNLIGHT.  It inches slowly

across the floor, then sweeps him

majestically, bathing him in its warmth.

He wakes slowly, stretches his limbs

like an opening flower.  After a moment

he sits up, shades his eyes...

The basement is littered with debris.

The destruction is complete, but in the

midst of it lies his Father's music.

The yellow parchment is scattered about

glowing in the sunlight...

Something seems to flash across his

mind.  he stands, moves quickly down the

hallway to the antechamber...

Suddenly we HEAR a TAPE REWINDING.

After a moment...MUSIC and we

immediately recognize it as Lisa's and

Wendy's SONG.  It plays a moment, then

snaps off abruptly.  He stands locked in

thought, then sits behind the piano,

hunts for the first few notes of Lisa's

and Wendy's song...

DISSOLVE TO:

(105A) INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- NIGHT

Prince's Father is lying on the bed,

sleeping peacefully.  A large bandage is

wrapped along the back of his head.  His

Mother sits by his side, her forehead

resting on the covers, her hands holding

his.  She's in deep sleep, and it's

obvious at once that she's been by his

side the entire time...

Prince steps from the shadows of the

room and gazes at them fighting back the

emotion that wells within him.  He leans

close and kisses them both gentlythen--

MC

(over)

(excited)

Let's bring them back!  Ladies

and gentlemen, The Time!

(106)  INT. CLUB  (1ST AVE. ST. BAR) -- NIGHT

The CROWD goes WILD!  Morris, Jerome and

the Time return to the stage to a

frenzied throng.  The PLACE is PACKED,

the CROWD applauding like MAD!  LASER

LIGHTS strobe the house in a frenzy.

It's a glorious night, and Morris struts

back and forth imperialistically criss-

crossing the stage like a lion, urging

the audience on.  He grabs a mike--

MORRIS

You love us right?!  You want

us right?!  I can't hear you!

The CROWD is SCREAMING -- Morris flashes

a wide, exaggerated grin--

MORRIS

What time is it?!

(a beat)

Whawhak!!

And MUSIC.  The Time launches into "The

Bird" and Morris, laughing heartily,

does 'The Bird" (dance) with Jerome as

the audience ROARS their approval.

(107)  INT. DRESSING ROOM/BACKSTAGE -- NIGHT

as Prince and his Band sit in grave

silence, the exuberant SOUNDS of the

CLUB filtering through the open door.

Jill is also in the room, sitting on a

table, holding the dog silently in her

lap.  She casts sidelong looks to

Prince, tears welling in her eyes.

The Band Members fidget nervously,

knowing full well that their jobs are on

the line, and feeling awful about the

personal tragedy that has befallen

Prince.  The entire situation is very

tense, and it's made worse every time

the crowd lets out a delighted ROAR of

approval.  But Prince sits placidly, his

face an enigma, his feelings a mystery.

(108) INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

And it couldn't be more of a contrast!

The place is a riot of color and raucous

carryings on.  "The Bird" is a smashing

success with everyone on the dance floor

trying gamely to get the steps right.

Morris and Jerome are flushed with

pride, surprising even themselves with

their impromptu adjustments to the act.

The MUSIC crescendos, then comes to a

rousing blistering end!

The stage is plunge into darkness.  the

CROWD goes BERSERK.  Billy Sparks shakes

his head happily--

BILLY

Jesus!

(109)  INT. BACKSTAGE -- NIGHT

Morris, Jerome and The Time cut briskly

past admiring FANS, laughing and

shouting crazily--

BAND MEMBERS

(ad lib)

It's all over now.  He better

watch out.  He doesn't even

need to go on.  He might as

well go home.

(110) INT. DRESSING ROOM -- NIGHT

As Prince, Jill and the Band sit in dead

silence listening to The Time's bluster

off screen.  Suddenly The Time crosses

the doorway -- Morris does a double-

take, sticks his head into the room--

MORRIS

How's the family!  Whawhak!

The Time busts up, drags Morris from the

room.  Prince's group is shocked, casts

furtive glances to him -- but he remains

serene, then--

MC

(over)

Ladies and gentlemen,

please welcome Prince!

Applause offscreen.  Prince stands

abruptly, straps on his guitar.  His

Band Members look at him closely, trying

to discern his feelings.  He gives them

a cursory glance, cuts out the door.

(111) INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

Prince hits the stage and the APPLAUSE

grows, but it' s nothing like the

exuberance that greeted Morris.  He

moves center-stage and plants himself

there, his eyes staring into the

audience.

BILLY SPARKS

leans against the bar, a smug look on

his face.

VANITY

walks slowly up the stairs, gazes at

Prince.

PRINCE

does not move.  The APPLAUSE trickles

away.  He continues to stare in the

audience making no attempt to direct his

Band, or start a tune.  A nervous

TWITTER ripples though the crowd.  Those

who know about the tragedy feel a

profound embarrassment for him -- but no

one turns away.  Then his voice comes

clear and mellifluous--

PRINCE

I would like to do a song that

two of my friends wrote.

A MURMUR, cuts through the Crowd like a

riptide.  Prince snaps a look to Lisa

and Wendy and confirms that it is indeed

their song.  They can't believe it!

Tears spring to Wendy's eyes before she

knows it ...

Prince smiles at her, then gazes at his

entire Band.  Their eyes fasten on him

in an instant.  He counts softly and...

MUSIC.  The opening bars of "Purple

Rain."  He turns to to the audience and

SINGS....

It's a ballad, a poem really, a plea for

understanding, love, and survival.  It's

a testament, a pact if you will, between

himself and others...

The AUDIENCE is mesmerized, all EYES are

upon him -- but Prince doesn't notice.

Lips pressed against the mike, dark eyes

streaming, he's lost to himself now,

loosening all that's within him,

cleansing himself of his rage, hatred

and pain...

VANITY

is crying.  Every moment she has shared

with him is expressed in this song, and

the effect on her is unnerving.  Her

heart leaps to him in a way she never

thought possible.  But she lets it go

willingly, as the words draw her in,

seducing her somehow, making her

free...as if the music, his words, all

that he has experienced and  understood,

is purging what is confused and ugly

within herself, leaving her with an

understanding and joy that burns in her

womb like soft fire.  A smile springs to

her lips as tears continue to flow, and

she finds herself moving closer...

...as the Audience moves closer, drawn

somehow to the stage, to the person who

SINGS so truly, to the person who gives

of himself unselfishly to all that he

feels...

Prince begins a long sustained CRY that

cuts though the hearts of all present.

The MUSIC builds awsomely, and he

continues to sing out, emptying himself

of all the remaining pain lying within.

The MUSIC crescendos and comes to a

quiet end...

Stunned SILENCE.  A silence so profound

you could hear a pin drop.  Prince

sighs, assumes the worse, then cuts

across the stage purposefully.  Now some

CLAPPING.  And a WHISTLE from the back

and the SHOUTING.  And more WHISTLES and

some even SCREAMING.  And the WHISTLES

and the SHOUTS and the CLAPPING growing

and growing as....

(112)  INT. HALLWAY -- NIGHT

Prince cuts from the stage in a frenzy,

rushes toward the rear exit.  The

APPLAUSE is building and building until

it's a THUNDER, an onrushing ROAR, an

avalanche of HYSTERIA that rocks the

club mightily...

PRINCE

is still running though, his face

streaming with tears, past the surprised

look of Jill, past the FANS, past

everyone -- stripping of his clothes

fiercely, flinging off his jacket, his

shirt, his scarf--

(113) EXT. BACK ENTRANCE, INT. HALLWAY -- CLUB -- NIGHT

He SMASHES open the door, BURSTS

outside.  He sucks in the night air as

if he was drowning.  He wipes away his

tears, rushes to his bike, starts to

undo the chain...

...they're SHOUTING his NAME...

Not randomly, not haphazardly, but...in

unison.  And relentless, very demanding,

downright urgent, and...it's beautiful.

A wry smile crosses his lips.  He heads

back to the door.  Jill is there,

scared, her face a map of tears.  He

flashes her a smile--

PRINCE

Hi.

She's thunderstruck, can barely squeak

it out--

JILL

Hi.

And he whips into the hallway.  Her face

dissolves into a smile of pure joy.

(114) INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

MOVING now, FAST and FURIOUS.  The

HALLWAY is LINED with PEOPLE.  They

reach for him as he passes, touching

him, showering him with their love.

Someone hands him his shirt, another his

scarf -- it's so intense!

He's moving quickly now, his jacket up

ahead, closer...he stops suddenly,

stunned...

...Vanity is holding his jacket.  He's

struck speechless -- she hands it to him

smiling, tears streaming down her face--

VANITY

I love you.

His knees go weak, she kisses him

spontaneously, pushes him lovingly to

the stage.

THE CROWD IS ROARING!

(115)  INT. HALLWAY AND STAGE REAR -- NIGHT

He's half-running now like crazy -- his

Band is on-stage, peering anxiously into

the hallway.  They spot him and relief

sweeps their faces like a tidal wave.

He whips his jacket on, rushes up the

stairs...

(116)  INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

STAGE

THUNDER!  Prince walks center-

stage...and bows.  The AUDIENCE goes

BERSERK!  He acknowledges Wendy and

Lisa, and then the entire Band.  The

CROWD is jumping out of their skin!  He

straps on his guitar, gives a deft

signal and--

MUSIC.  The Band launches into "I Would

Die For You."  Vanity squeezes her way

through the crowd and stands watching

Prince from the wings.  He presses his

lips to the mike and SINGS.

The MUSIC continues as we...

CUT TO:

(117)  INT. LIVING ROOM, PRINCE'S HOME -- NIGHT

Prince walks through the LIVING ROOM

slowly, gazes at the smashed table, the

broken lamp and dishes. Every item in

the room suddenly takes on a profound

significance.  His father's slippers

under the sofa, his mother's knickknacks

on the table, her pen and ink drawings

on the wall.  After a moment, he picks

up his father's slippers, studies them a

long time.

(118)  INT. BEDROOM -- NIGHT

The DOOR opens -- a LIGHT snaps ON.  He

walks into the room, places his father's

slippers in the CLOSET.  His Mother's

dress is lying in a heap on the floor.

He picks it up, and puts it away.

(119) INT. BASEMENT -- NIGHT

as he descends the steps hesitantly.

The FLOOR is covered with rubble.  He

sits on the steps, stares at his

father's MUSIC on the floor.

"I Would Die For You" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(120)  INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

Prince on-stage SINGING "I Would Die For

You."  The AUDIENCE is captivated,

locked into his grip again.  His eyes

seem to be focused on something far

away.  He closes them tightly, presses

his lips against the mike.

The MUSIC continues as we...

CUT TO:

(121)  INT. BASEMENT, PRINCE'S HOME -- TWILIGHT

He's in the final stages of cleaning the

basement floor.  The debris has been

swept up, shelves righted, smashed items

thrown away...

He stacks his Father's music neatly,

tears welling in his eyes.  He places it

in new boxes, stands wearily, a

fulfilled look on his face.  Suddenly he

stops -- stares at the awful chalk marks

on the floor:  his Father lying down,

the gun gripped in his hand...

"I Would Die For You" continues as we...

CUT TO:

(122)  INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

Prince on-stage SINGING  "I Would Die

For You."  He's lost to himself now,

locked into a personal horror he alone

can see.  The CROWD is pressed against

the stage, mesmerized by his

performance.  Billy Sparks is also drawn

in, amazed at the power being generated

from the stage.  Prince sweeps the

audience with his eyes, then fastens on

Vanity earnestly, SINGS directly to her.

The MUSIC continues as we...

CUT TO:

(123)  INT. BASEMENT, PRINCE'S HOME -- DAWN

He pulls a HOSE from behind the washer,

draws it on to the floor.  He hesitates

a moment, gazes one last time at his

Father's outline, tears welling in his

eyes.  He turns the water on, watches as

the dusty yellow chalk gives way

reluctantly, mixing with the water,

swirling down the drain.  Calmness

sweeps his face like a passing cloud.

Just then SUNLIGHT blazes in through the

casement windows.  Water droplets

glisten brilliantly in the morning

light.  He turns the water off, goes to

put the hose back -- stops suddenly,

surprised...

...his Mother's earring lies on the

floor.

He's entranced, picks it up, stares at

it a moment.  Everything he's been

through comes rushing at him like a loco

motive.  The confusion, the shouting and

violence, the darkness that eclipsed his

parents' life -- it's all there, lying

just below the surface, settled into his

heart.  But now there's a difference --

he knows it's there and has discovered

what could happen when it takes control

of your life.

So as he stands in the basement, on the

clean cellar floor, he realizes

that...he'll just take one thing at a

time, and do it right.  Better than

anybody else.  He smiles, realizes that

in the last few weeks, he's never felt

better than he feels right now.  He

turns quickly, flips the earring to the

stairwell...

...Vanity plucks it from the air.  Their

eyes lock and they share smiles of pure

joy.  He picks up his father's music,

and they both head up the stairs.

"I Would Die For You" continues as we--

CUT TO:

(124)  INT. CLUB -- NIGHT

CELEBRATION!  Everyone is JUMPING up and

down.  Prince is radiant, strutting

across the stage, his hands upraised.

The CROWD goes WILD!  He flashes a wide

grin to Vanity, then twists, eyeballs

the CROWD wickedly, wonderfully.  It's

too much!

Everyone is joining in now.  Even Morris

and Jerome, standing in the wings, start

DANCING like crazy.  Then suddenly they

catch themselves, stop, act dignified.

But Vanity sees them and busts up.  They

catch her look, laugh heartily and join

in again.

The MUSIC segues into a fierce BEAT.

The CROWD lets out a ROAR!  Prince

strips off his guitar, streaks center-

stage.  The Band launches into "Baby,

I'm A Star."

...And the CROWD laughing, dancing,

shouting and loving.  The CLUB is ALIVE!

And the MUSIC continues...forever...

Track details

Purple Rain (Script)

1984
Listen
Release year
1984

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  • Credits

    Production & Engineering

    Writer
    Albert Magnoli, William Blinn
    Composer
    Michel Colombier, Prince
    Speaking Voice
    Apollonia Kotero, Clarence Williams III, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, Prince
    Video Director
    Albert Magnoli
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