Text / (US)
Translated by J. Michael Strasinski / Cao Yixin
Fade in: The
black screen
emerges: Everything you are about to see has happened.
The text slowly fades out, bringing us in --
EXT. Collins' House, Before Dawn
In 1928, a small, cozy house sits on a tree-lined road in Los Angeles. It's not far from Dodgers Stadium.
Subtitle: Los Angeles, March 9, 1928
Interior, Collins home, Christina's bedroom before dawn
bakelite clock hands pointing to the 6:30, the alarm sounded. Christina Collins, in her mid-thirties, charming, with tousled sideburns, reaches into the painting and turns off the alarm. She sat up, rubbed her cheeks wearily, drew and turned on the radio. Music resounded in the air.
BATHROOM - Moments later
she splashes water on her face while the music continues. She looked at her face in the mirror, at this moment the electric light above her head flickered, she knocked on the wall without thinking, which was her daily routine. The light stops flashing. Staring long into the mirror, smoothing her hair back, stepping out of the bathroom, turning off the light.
WALTER'S BEDROOM,
THEN, THEN, NOW, she is fully dressed, flicking on the overhead light. Walter Collins, nine years old, with light brown hair, we can't make out either his hair or his looks at this time, huddled under the sheets. In the next picture, we did not observe his appearance very carefully, which is very important, and we did not pay too much attention to his appearance.
Christina: Walter...it's time for school, baby.
She sat on the edge of the bed, stroking his hair with one hand.
Walter: Ten more minutes of sleep...
Christina: Sorry, baby. Tomorrow you can sleep as long as you want, Saturday is for that. Get up now, or your breakfast will be cold.
Walter: Oatmeal, of course it will be cold.
She smiled, kissed his forehead, and walked out of the room. He sat on the edge of the bed, wobbled, and then fell back on the bed.
EXTERNAL, Pasadena Avenue, early morning
A streetcar (also known as "The Big Red Car") rumbles down the street in the dim light of dawn, from Ford Model A sedans, Hudson sedans and Nash IVs Pass by the door car.
INT - TRAM - BEFORE
Christina is sitting on a bench with Walter still drowsy with his face in her lap. She nudged Walter with her elbow as the streetcar pulled up to an intersection in front of an elementary school. It was still too early, and few students arrived at school.
Christina: Here we are, sweetheart. come on.
She handed him a bag of lunch and he walked listlessly towards the door.
She watched from the side of the road as he walked towards the school. Some of the teachers were walking outside, and they nodded to her as Walter walked by, so she knew the teachers had noticed Walter's arrival.
She waved, and trotted back to the carriage as the tram rumbled away.
INT, PACIFIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, EXCHANGE ROOM, DAY The
Pacific Telephone Company is located on Grand Avenue in the city center, the huge switchboard room is like a maze of switchboards, tangled wires, heavy wooden headsets ... Buzzers, bells, lines on and off, hundreds of female operators talking at the same time, and the place was full of noise.
Supervisors on roller skates slid up and down the narrow aisle, sliding from operator to operator when they needed to. Christina is one of them. The phone rang twice, and she turned and slid down the aisle toward an operator who was hurriedly shaking a sheet of pink cardstock.
Christina: Okay, Sandy, what's the problem?
The frowning operator handed her the receiver, leaned up quietly and said--
Operator: You're dealing with this, I'm not familiar with it.
Christina picked up the receiver.
Christina: Hello? Yes, ma'am, I'm the supervisor, I can do it for you- (checks the patch panel) Yes, I see you are on the shared phone line, ma'am, I can-- (pauses) I know, sorry, Someone does eavesdrop on the shared line. We also want to be able to install a private line -- (pauses) OK, what did he do when you were on the phone? (Pauses) Are you sure? Maybe the phone line is faulty. He might be a little asthmatic, or— (pauses) Oh. No, I... never heard of such a thing before. Everything happens first, right? No, there's nothing we can do about those who abuse the line. I'm sorry, I—
as you can see from her reaction, the other party hangs up hard. At this point, the floor manager, Ben Harris, thirty years old, came over.
Harris: Is everything okay?
Christina: It's ok, Mr. Harris... ok... just a little problem with a client... connection issue.
Mr. Harris: Let them pull the plug and push back and forth, usually.
Christina: Too bad that's not the main problem. Oh sorry...
she slid on roller skates towards another operator who was shaking pink cards.
PACIFIC PHONE COMPANY LUNCH AREA - DAY
Christina sits alone, eating her lunch in a bag while looking at a thick telephone company manual. Try to improve yourself.
The bell rang: time to go back to work. The other employees packed up their belongings and got up and walked inside. When Christina closed the book, a bookmark fell out. She picks up the bookmark, and we see that it's a children's drawing: it's her and Walter (marking who's who with an arrow) on a green hill with an orange sun overhead.
She stroked the picture, smiled, and the bell rang again.
She picked up her belongings and walked inside.
EXT - SCHOOL - PM
Christina is waiting outside the school gate when another bell rings announcing the end of class. The children ran out, and Walter was among them. The children walked along the sidewalk, with Walter beside him.
Christina: Hi, lad.
Walter: Hi, Mom.
Christina: How was your schooling?
Walter: All right. We learned about dinosaurs and I had a fight with Billy Mankowski.
Christina: What's going on?
Walter: He hit me.
Christina: Did you fight back? (He nods) Good. Rule 1: Never stir up trouble, but be sure to stay with you to the end. Why did he hit you?
Walter: Because I hit him.
She stopped and looked at him.
Christina: Wait...you beat him first? (Walter nods) Why?
Walter: He said my dad didn't like me so he ran away.
Christina: Your dad never got a chance to see you...how could he not like you?
Walter: Then why did he leave?
Christina took his hand and they continued down the pavement.
Christina: Well, on the day you were born, some items were sent with you in a box that was a little bigger than yours. Do you know what's in there? (Walter shakes his head) It's a thing called responsibility. For some people, responsibility is an interesting thing that you have to deal with all your life. But for others, responsibility is the scariest thing in the world.
Walter: He ran away because he was afraid of what was in the box?
Christina: Exactly.
Walter: Stupid.
Christina: I think so too.
She turned around and bent down in front of him.
Christina: Walter, I decided a long time ago that I should tell you the truth so that you can mature. If I don't respect you, I can't expect you to respect me. (Pauses) Your father did nothing for you when he left, he did nothing in that responsibility box.
Walter: Retractor?
Christina: Pull the hook.
Her little finger hooked up with his, pulling hard. He smiled.
Christina: Go to the corner store for ice cream first!
He laughed happily and quickly took off his fingers. She followed behind him and kept him running in front of her.
Collins' House, Living Room - NIGHT
Walter falls asleep on the floor with a radio in front of him, and Amos and Andy is coming to an end. He woke up suddenly and looked up to see her.
Walter: Did I miss Amos and Andy?
Christina: I'm afraid, lad. Come on, it's time to sleep.
She picked him up and walked up the stairs.
Walter: Are we going to the movies tomorrow?
Christina: Hmm. I heard there is a new Chaplin movie in theaters. There's also a new booklet called "The Pilot's Secret."
Walter: Who played it?
Christina: I don't know either. This made him seem even more mysterious.
Walter: Oh. Am I so heavy that you can barely hold it?
Christina: It's a few years away, Walter. It will take many years.
Then, she disappeared upstairs.
OUT, Collins' house,
just enough light in the morning for us to see -
INT, Collins' house, Christina's bedroom, early in the morning as
she's getting ready for the day when the phone rings. She hesitated and picked up the phone.
Subtitle: March 10, 1928
Christina: Hello? (Pauses) Oh, hello, Margaret. I'm fine, thanks. No, I was just about to... (Pauses) You're kidding. When did she say she was sick? (looks at the clock) Where's Mona? I know she can work overtime. Oh no. Just...I promised Walter to take him to the movies today. There should be someone else... (pauses) Well, I think... we can go tomorrow too. I'll be there asap. But it's only 4 o'clock, okay? See you later.
She hangs up. Christina didn't want that, but there was no way. She cheered up and walked out of the room.
After the interior, Collins home, living room, a moment
Christina deftly pack items. A disappointed Walter sat on the bench.
Christina: There's sandwiches and milk in the fridge, and I've called Mrs. Riley to ask her daughter to look after her in two or three hours, but...
Walter: I can take care of myself.
Christina: Of course you can. She came to look after the house, not to see you.
She stood in front of him, crouched down, and looked at him.
Christina: Tomorrow, we'll go to the movies. We took the "big red car" to Santa Monica and then took a walk on the pier. How about it? good or not? (He nods) Good. I will be back before dark.
Walter: I'm not afraid of the dark. I am not afraid of anything.
Christina: I know you're not afraid, darling. That's what I taught you. (kissing his forehead) Be good. See you later.
She went out, and the screen door creaked shut behind her.
EXT - Collins' House -
She crosses the lawn before pick up . When Walter looked out of the window at her, she turned from the sidewalk and looked back at him. She waved. He also waved. After one last look, she turned to leave.
PACIFIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, EXCHANGE ROOM - DAY
If it was busy before, it is chaos now: the lines hum, the voices come and go, and the operators next to Christina use pink cards and a pile of questions. She is surrounded.
Operators: Our line is stuck from here all the way to Ohio...He insists on talking to a supervisor...I've tried everything and the console just doesn't work...I need you to sign this application...
Christie Na glanced at the clock, 4:39. She is too late. But she still does what she has to do.
Christina: Okay, get me through the Omaha line station and see if we can get these calls through their switchboard...to get the console up and running...
she made a quick decision and the others followed suit stand up.
PICTURED PHONE COMPANY, CORROSION, CLOSE-UP OF
CLOCK LATE, 5:20, PAN, CHRISTINA TURNING ON A SWEATER, OUT OF THE EXCHANGE, READY TO LEAVE... THE FLOOR MANAGER OUT OF HIS OFFICE.
Harris: Christina...that's great, I guess catch up to you. I have read your work report and I want you to know that you have made a great impression on me.
She glanced down the block. The tram was coming in, but she didn't want to run away and anger her boss.
Harris: When I first proposed hiring a female executive, no one took my advice. But you've proven yourself that you're just as good as the male executives, and...
Christina: Thank you, Mr. Harris, but I...
Harris: I could have just called me. The point is, we're looking for a manager for our new office in Beverly Hills. If you're interested, I can...
Christina: That's great, Mr. Harris, and I appreciate your vote of confidence.
Harris: Well, well...then we...
she looked up and saw that the tram had pulled in.
Christina: I'm sorry, but I do have to go. Let's talk about it on Monday. Good night.
She ran forward quickly.
EXT - PACIFIC PHONE COMPANY -
She runs behind the car the moment the front door closes.
Christina: Wait...wait...please stop, just...
the tram rumbled away before she caught up. She glanced at her watch in frustration, then sighed helplessly.
INTERNATIONAL TRAM - EVENING
Christina sits in the front seat and looks at the elongated shadow of the sun. She rang the bell. The streetcar rumbled to a stop, and she got out and stepped onto the sidewalk.
EXT -
STREET - EVENING She passes a grocery store where the clock reads 6:15, and then passes other people's houses on this warm and green street. We can hear parents calling their children home for dinner, music or radio plays on the radio. A peaceful and charming atmosphere. Christina smiled, turned the corner, and saw her own house—the
room was dark, the door closed. There are no lights, no music or radio plays. Deathly silence.
Christina stopped, then picked up her pace again. Don't panic, Walter may be sleeping upstairs or in the back room, where the light doesn't shine through.
She went to the front door. The door is not locked. She goes in--
INT, Collins' house, living room,
dark and silent in the evening . She put down her handbag. look around.
Christina: Walter?
no respond. She went in.
KITCHEN
She turns on the light as she walks. nobody. She checks the refrigerator. The sandwich made for Walter was untouched. She went to the stairs.
Christina: Walter...?
WALTER'S BEDROOM
She opens the door to Walter's room. nobody.
Collins's
She crosses the sidewalk. Look to both sides of the street.
Christina: Walter? baby? Time to go home.
A little girl passed by on a tricycle.
Christina: Suzy baby, did you see Walter?
Girl: No.
The girl rides away. Christina was slightly anxious, but she didn't turn on the panic button, it was too early. She Crosses the Street -
EXT, RILEY'S HOUSE
Following, she rings the doorbell. The door opened, and Mrs. Riley, in her forties, appeared.
Christina: Mrs Riley, sorry to disturb you at dinner, but I wanted to ask if Walter was with you.
Mrs. Riley: No, he's not here.
Christina: Do you know if Jimmy went to see him?
Mrs. Riley: Oh, I told her, but she's going to dance with her friends...you know teens...all right?
Christina: I think everything is fine, just... (pauses) Thank you, Mrs Riley.
Christina leaves.
EXT -
STREET Kristina stops on the sidewalk in front of her house, looking left and right across the street, arms folded over her chest against the crescendo wind.
Christina: Walter...? Walter...
she moved again. speed up. Look towards the surrounding trees and other people's porches—all those places where the nine-year-old boy might be hiding. She heard the children playing and laughing. Immediately, he quickened his pace and followed the sound.
She turned the corner and saw three children playing, no Walter. She looked at the empty, ominous streets.
Worry flooded, and she turned to go home. in a hurry. The heels hit the hard ground.
Collins' House - Living Room
She bursts into the house, leaving the door open, looking around, hoping that he will be back by the time she goes out. No one around. She walked over to the phone, hesitated, and picked up the receiver.
Christina: Hello, operator, please transfer me to the police station.
After a long wait, she looked out the window, and then—
Police Department Dispatcher (on the phone): Lincoln Heights Police Department.
Christina: Hello, my name is Christina Collins, and I live at 210 North 23rd Avenue...I called the police: a child is missing...he's my son, he...
PD Dispatcher (on the phone): How long has he been missing? already?
Christina: I'm not sure...I just got home from work...it could have been this morning, it could have been an hour ago...
PD Dispatcher (on the phone): Did you go to the neighbor's house?
Christina: Yes, of course, I...
Police Dispatcher (on the phone): Maybe he's lost his time.
Christina: No, he's always around the house when it gets dark. Can you send someone here?
Police station dispatcher (on the phone): Sorry, our system stipulates that the police will not be dispatched to handle cases of missing children within 24 hours.
Christina: What? But...
Police Dispatcher (on the phone): Nine times out of ten, the child will show up tomorrow morning. We don't have that much police force to bring back the kids who ran away with their friends one by one...
Christina: Walter won't, he won't do that.
Police Dispatcher (on the phone): Excuse me, ma'am, that's what every parent who called us said.
Christina: Please, I...
Police Dispatcher (on phone): Sorry, but there's nothing I can do. I'll take your name and information down, but we won't take care of it until tomorrow morning at the earliest.
EXT - STREET - A moment later
Christina walks down the street with her arms around her.
Police Dispatcher (Voiceover): I'm sure he'll show up then. They always do that.
She moved on, shouting Walter's name, and disappeared into the darkness.
Interior, Collins House, Living Room, Early Morning
Christina looked out the curtained living room window, eyes flushed with fatigue, but no tears. A police car eventually pulled up. Neighbors watched as the officer got out of the car and walked towards the house.
CLOSE UP : Christina's face, pale and anxious, then -- Rev. Brigley (Voiceover): Our sympathies again to Mrs. Christina Collins of Lincoln Hills...
EXT, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church,
Located at 5100 Stadium Ave during the day .
Pastor's Comments (Voiceover): ...Her young son, Walter Collins, has been missing for nearly two weeks.
INT. St. Paul's Church - Daytime
A huge microphone with the identifying call sign "KGF" is placed on the podium, behind it stands the priest Gustave Brigleb, a man in his fifties with a broad chest , the words are sonorous, the landing is loud, and it is full of flaming passion.
Brigeb: Although she is not one of our parishioners, we still pray for her today. As we do every day since we first learned of her situation on the radio and in the newspapers. (Pauses) We were told that the LAPD is doing its best to reunite mother and son, and I am convinced of that. (Pauses) But given the current state of affairs, as the most brutal, corrupt, and incompetent police department on this side of the Rocky Mountains, this is probably not a credible statement.
There were applause and cheers from the seats. He waited for the applause to subside.
Pastor: Every day, there are new corpses lying across Mulholland Drive or in the gutter, the work of Chief of Police James Davis and what he calls the "Machine Gun Squad." Every day, the needs of loyal citizens are ignored, relegated to greed and self-interest. Every day, the city sinks deeper into a quagmire of fear, threat, and depravity. What was once the city of angels, Los Angeles, is becoming a place where our protectors have become our abusers... where justice should be enforced... but is above the law... no one dares Tell the truth to those in power. (Pause) But we will not be silent. We will continue to make their mistakes and incompetence public. We will not be intimidated.
Applause and cheers erupted from the venue.
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY JAMES
DAVID'S OFFICE - DAY Chief of Police James E. Davis, in his forties, with a strong profile and a tall build, is standing by a window looking out, with a humming radio behind him humming.
Pastor (on the radio): When the Machine Gun Squad speaks in a language only Chief Davis can understand, we do so in a voice of compassion, justice, and power. We speak for our citizens, for those hit and killed by corrupt police departments. We speak for an innocent child who was snatched from his mother's arms and is now being forgotten by the police. Such voices, my friends, will never be silent.
For more cheers and applause, Davis turned off the radio.
(DISSOLIDATED)
INT - Collins' House, Christina's bedroom -
Christina is already awake when the alarm goes off in the morning . She stared at the ceiling, then slowly got up and drew out.
WALTER'S BEDROOM -
EARNING Christina passes by Walter's bedroom door. She looked in, then walked over to the bed, her fingers lingering on the sheets. And then—
Harris (voiceover): Are you sure you're ready, Christina?
PACIFIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, CORROSION, DAY
Christina and floor manager Mr. Harris, standing at the door leading to the switchboard room.
Harris: I mean, if you need time...
Christina: The police department is doing its best, and, frankly, I do need money too. It's been a month...if he doesn't have a home when he comes back, that wouldn't be a good thing for Walter, would it?
Harris: Of course.
He was smiling as he spoke, but implied that he didn't think Walter would come back. Time has passed too long. She felt it too, but didn't mind it. She opened the door of the switchboard room and walked in.
INTERIOR, EXCHANGE ROOM, FRONT
It was as loud as ever...until the operators saw Christina and the noise died down. She tried to smile and tell everyone, "I'm fine," but she really couldn't.
Several women came over and hugged her, and the noisy voice slowly sounded again, but it was far less lively than before.
Harris: So...I leave this to you.
She nodded, Harris left, and Christina diverted her attention.
After the interior, switchboard room, a moment
Christina came from other wiring sets of a wiring station, the noise still seemed so low. Whenever she got close to an operator, they lowered their voices, as if they didn't want to disturb her.
One of the operators held up a pink application card in his hand. Christina slid toward her, and the operator caught a glimpse of another supervisor and handed the card over. Christina knew she had to do something about it, and she turned around, facing the people in the room, and said in a firm, clear voice—
Christina: Excuse me, can you hear me a few words?
The room was quiet. Everyone looked at her.
Christina: Listen, folks, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I'm not a china doll. If every line doesn't get through to Kankakee, I won't break down and cry. (smiling lightly) In fact, I... promised myself not to cry... I wouldn't let myself cry... I know, anyway... (pauses) The point is... I love the noise here. So you don't have to worry about talking...don't worry about pressing buttons or dropping things. How do I know I'm in the right place without these voices?
When the room returned to normal, she smiled lightly again.
EXT, PHONE COMPANY, LUNCH AREA, PM
Mr. Harris steps into the lunch area where some operators and supervisors are resting.
Harris: Excuse me, has anyone seen Christina?
Operator: I saw her in the back office.
He nodded his thanks and left.
TELEPHONE COMPANY, BACK OFFICE - Moments later
he walks slowly towards the door, where Christina can be heard talking.
Christina (voice-over): —Okay, can you let me know if you have any news? Thank you very much. goodbye.
Hang up and call again. He looked into the open door.
Christina is sitting at a desk with a phone in her hand, and in front of her is a phone book that reads "Las Vegas Missing Persons Bureau, Sacramento Missing Persons Bureau, San Francisco Missing Persons Bureau" etc. Wait, there's a lot of ticks next to each name to show that she's typed it multiple times. Lunch was placed next to her, untouched.
She made another sign next to "Las Vegas Missing Persons Bureau" and looked up when someone answered on the other end of the phone.
Christina: Please refer to the Missing Persons Bureau. (Pauses) Hey, yes, I'm Christina Collins and I'm… fine, thanks. I'm calling to see if you've found some missing or runaway kid who might be able to match up with Walter- (pauses) I know. No thanks a lot, just...it never hurts to make sure every line of the call is working. I mean, that's my job, right? (Pauses) Well, I'll call back next week. Can you let me know if you hear anything? thanks. goodbye.
She hung up, checked another missing persons bureau in the phone book, and called again. Harris walked away, knowing that no matter what he was trying to tell her...he had to wait.
Christina: Please refer to the Missing Persons Bureau.
(SUPERIZED)
EXT, RESTAURANT, PM
A lone car is parked in a muddy clearing next to a roadside diner.
Subtitle: Illinois DeKalb County, July 10, 1928
interior, restaurant, before then
The chef is the owner of the diner, cleaning the frying pans while staring at the only two guests here: a man and a little boy, both wearing hats, as is the local custom. The two looked sloppy and dirty, as if they had been on the road for a long time. As they finished their last bite, the cook came over, tore off the bill, and put it on the table.
Chef: Two dollars.
The man fumbled for his wallet. Tap the empty clothes pocket. Flip through another pocket. Nothing at all.
Man: Oh...I seem to have left my wallet at home. Can I owe it first?
Chef: No credit. Pay or I'll call the police. I've been annoyed by homeless people like you around here.
Man: I didn't lie to you, boss. I just left my wallet at home, that's all. I'll go back and get it. Five minutes, maybe ten minutes at the most.
The chef was hesitant; he didn't want to get the police into trouble, or suffer a loss.
Chef: Do you have any collateral?
The man glanced at the little boy sitting beside him. The child's face was dirty, partly covered by the hat.
Man: What better collateral than a man's own flesh and blood, right? (to boy) You stay here, son, I'll be right back.
Boy: But...
man: Don't get me in trouble. He is a good man who trusts us. You just sit here and wait for me to get your wallet. okay?
The boy nodded reluctantly, watching the man leave.
Chef: Just ten minutes, or I'll call the police.
The man nodded and went out and drove away. The cook looked again at the clock on the wall. It is 2:00.
EXT, RESTAURANT, LATER WITHOUT CAR
. Only empty parking lot.
RESTAURANT - The clock
is now 3:15. The chef was already starting to get annoyed. He glanced at the child, and the boy avoided his gaze. Finally—
chef: Damn...
he picks up the phone. Press the handset a few times.
Chef: Hello, Mai Duo? It was Xia Wei who was cheated of the meal money. Can you transfer me to the Larson County Sheriff? Yes, I am waiting here.
He looked angrily in the boy's direction.
Chef: What's your name, kid? what is it call……?
The boy paused and looked out to the road. And then—
boy: I don't remember.
Chef: Excellent!
PACIFIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, EXCHANGE ROOM - DAY
As usual, Christina is bustling from operator station to operator station, drowned in an uncontrollable cacophony. She stood at an operator's desk, glanced at the application card, and saw --
Harris's office window, where he was conversing with a police officer, Sheriff JJ Jones, in his thirties, with a serious expression. arrogant.
Her movements slowed down and she couldn't take her eyes away, and panic gradually developed in her heart. Harris pointed out the window. Point to—she. The police officer nodded and walked into the switchboard room.
Christina's legs went limp as Jones walked towards her. She held onto the table and he stopped in front of her.
Jones: Mrs Collins?
She nodded hard, but there was horror in her eyes: he came to tell me that my son was dead. The room became eerily quiet.
Jones: I'm JJ Jones, Sheriff of the Lincoln Heights Youth Department. Our department handles all runaway and missing children cases, including your child, um... (pauses, smiles) He's alive, Mrs Collins. Two days ago, he was found by local police in DeKalb County, Illinois. He was fine and unharmed. He used to be with a homeless man and we've made a statewide announcement...
"He's all right and unharmed" and she didn't hear a word after that. Christina was about to collapse on the floor when another woman rushed over, crying, and hugged her.
For the first time, Christina burst into tears, sobbing terribly, and the emotions she had held back for so long finally exploded... He was alright, he was alright.
(dissolve)
EXT - UNION STATION - DAY
Jones and Christina are in a police car driving towards the station. The police car passed a protective line of officers who stopped a group of reporters shouting questions at the passing police car.
Christina: So many reporters...you didn't tell me...
Jones: Your story has a happy ending, Mrs Collins. Everyone likes a big party. (looks at watch) The train is coming in soon. We'd better get out of the car quickly.
Christina and Jones got out of the car, and they were surrounded by reporters. Jones smiles radiantly at the cameras, putting a light arm around Christina, who looks a little embarrassed.
Jones: Thank you...in a moment, I'll make a statement for everyone. Now, the important thing is to reunite the young lady with her son. So sorry...
Jones escorted Christina into Union Station with a big smile on her face.
TRAIN - DAY
A female police officer sits in her seat, and next to her is the boy from the DeKalb County diner...we'll refer to him as "Walter" for this reason. The boy looked out the car window at the passing scenery.
"Walter": Did you know that Los Angeles was where they made the Tom Meeks movie?
Female police officer: I don't know.
"Walter": His horse was named Blue. (Pauses) You said they'd let me watch them make a movie?
Female police officer: I don't know, you can ask them. Since you're so compelling, who knows, maybe.
The boy continued to focus on the view outside the window, and we heard the train whistle coming in.
UNION STATION, PLATFORM, DAY
We hear the same whistle when Christina and Jones come to the platform, where Police Chief Davis is waiting. Journalists were blocked outside the entrance to the platform.
Jones: Mrs. Collins, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the Chief of Police, Mr. James E. Davis.
Christina: Oh, I...I didn't expect...
Davis: The guys in the media aren't giving us anything positive these days, so it's a good thing to wait here when things turn around, don't you think?
But her attention was distracted, and she looked to the end of the platform, where the train was coming in.
Davis: Are your colleagues in the police department okay with you?
Christina: Oh... yes, of course, they're fine. It's just that you have to wait 24 hours before accepting the report, which...
Davis: Technical reasons... the
train stopped. The door is open.
Christina: Yes...other than that, nothing to complain about. They have always been good.
Davis: Well, then you can easily tell the media that the LAPD is first and foremost concerned with the safety of the kids...
but by the time people started getting off the train, she was already running to the platform. Jones and Davis exchanged glances.
Jones: Madam. Please wait...
He hurried to chase after Christina, who walked all the way along the train, looking from one window to the other, anxious and expectant.
Then——the female police officer got off the train, and her figure temporarily blocked the boy beside her...but Christina still saw them. Christina started running. Jones was not far behind her.
Christina: Walter... Walter!
She ran towards them. The female officer turned around, looked at her, smiled and moved away to reveal the boy.
Christina stopped abruptly, staggering and nearly falling. She slowed her pace and covered her mouth with one hand. For a moment, we didn't know exactly what she was thinking. She looked at the female police officer, who smiled. She looked at the boy again, and he smiled too.
Then, she took a step back. Jones came and stood triumphantly beside her. Fear had overwhelmed her by now.
Jones: What's wrong? Aren't you going to...
Christina: He's not my son.
Jones was stunned when he heard this.
Jones: What... how are you...
Christina: He's not my son. (Pauses) He's not my son.
Jones: I...I'm sure you got it wrong.
Christina: Got it wrong?
Jones: He's been through a long, scary four months...he's changed, he's gotten thinner...
Christina: I know my son.
Jones turned his head and glanced at the police chief who was waiting there, ignorant of everything at the time. Behind the chief... were the reporters from the media.
Jones: I mean... I mean, you're still in shock, plus he's changed a little bit, and...
he turned his back and bent down to look at the boy.
Jones: What's your name, boy? Can you tell me your name?
"Walter": Walter Collins.
Jones: Walter, do you know where you live? Know your home address?
The boy thought for a moment...and then-
"Walter": My family lives at 210 North 23rd Avenue, Los Angeles, California. (Pauses) That's my mom.
He ran towards her and put his arms around her waist, while she was still in shock. Jones didn't know what to do with her, what to do with the boy. All he knew was that the police chief was standing there, smiling, thinking he had brought mother and son back together. The reporters were not far away, eager to interview them.
Jones: Mrs Collins...listen to me. I know you still have doubts, but it is understandable...Children at this age always change very quickly...We have explained this doubt in our investigation, we are experts in child identification. There is no doubt that he is your son.
Christina: He's not Walter.
Jones: He's not the Walter you remember. That's how important you're going to bring him home, um...try to accept him.
Christina: Trying to accept?
Jones: Once you put him in familiar surroundings, over time, you also recover from the shock and get used to his changes...you see that he is Walter. I assure you, Mrs Collins. I swear. Trust me...this is your son.
Her gaze shifted from Jones to the boy...and it didn't seem that the difference from Walter was that great...so even the audience wasn't entirely sure if it was him...somehow she herself desperately wanted him Yes... so much pressure.
Jones: If you have any questions, any questions, you can come to me and I will help you solve it. (Pause) Mrs Collins...he's got nowhere to go.
It was a really painful moment...finally—
Christina: Well...well, I'll take him home, but only because I...maybe not thinking about it right now, and...
Jones: Thank you.
Not giving her a chance to think too much at all, he waved, the police chief walked towards him, and reporters swarmed over immediately.
Reporters: How do you feel that your son is back, Mrs Collins? What did you think when you first saw him?
Christina: This is...hard...hard to explain.
Jones (interjecting): It's surprising. She didn't recognize it at first. It's normal, this kid has gone through all kinds of hardships.
Reporter: What do you think, child? Isn't it great to be home?
"Walter": Yes, great.
Davis: The LAPD is grateful for the hard work of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department in making this touching reunion possible. The LAPD will serve the public at all times and with all of its heart, and...
ANOTHER REPORTER: Can we take pictures of mothers and children, Chief?
Christina: I...
Jones: Of course.
He helped Christina and "Walter" pose for her to put her arms around the boy. Dazed and bewildered, she tries to smile for the camera. The flash comes on---
Time slowed down, voices blurred, Christina looked around like she was in a dream... The reporters were shouting questions at her, and she couldn't hear... The lights were flashing... The boy was beside her, smiling. He looked at her and made a "mama" mouth.
THEN -- INT, POLICE CAR, moments later the
door slams shut and she sits side by side with the boy. The silence was in stark contrast to the noise that had preceded it. An officer got into the car, and they drove away, past Jones and Chief Davis, who were talking rambunctiously.
Christina looked at the boy. He smiled at her.
Collins' House, Kitchen -
Only the wall clock is ticking at night . Christina sat at one end of the table and "Walter" at the other. She looked at him. He was eating a sandwich, trying to avoid her sight.
Christina: Is the sandwich delicious? (He nods) More milk?
"Walter": No more.
Christina: No, thank you.
"Walter": No, thank you.
Christina: Now you have to go take a shower. Take the train all the way, a whole body of dust.
He turned around and walked upstairs. She followed.
INTERNAL VIEW CORROSION OUTSIDE THE BATHROOM -
LATER Christina arrives in the hallway with a set of pajamas and stands outside the bathroom door. knock on the door.
Christina: I got you a set of pajamas. I bought it for Walter, but he didn't like the texture, so...
"Walter" (voiceover): Oh!
She heard the sound of him falling and immediately pushed the door in.
BATHROOM
She lifts "Walter" up to face the camera.
Christina: Are you alright?
"Walter": I slipped. Damn bathtub.
Christina: Did you fall? let me see……
She stopped suddenly, touching something we couldn't see. Check slowly, then look up at his face.
Christina: ...you were circumcised...
she took his hand and dragged him out of the bathroom.
LIVING ROOM
She has him stand with his back against the wall where she has recorded her height for Walter over the years. Those records indicated that he was four inches shorter than one of the marks.
Christina: The last time I measured Walter...the last time my son was measured...he's four inches taller than you are now. (Pause) Who are you? (Pauses) What are you doing here? (Pauses) Who are you?
He was silent. Close-up: Her increasingly hopeless expression.
POLICE DEPARTMENT, LOBBY - DAY
Jones trots down the hall, pretending to look at the stack of newspapers in his hand, Christina following.
Christina: He's not my son.
Jones: Mrs Collins...
Christina: I don't know who he is or why he says he's Walter, but it must be a mistake.
Jones: We hope you'll give him a little time to adjust.
Christina: He's four inches shorter than Walter. Boys at this age don't get shorter. No matter what happened, he should grow taller.
Jones: Maybe you didn't measure it right. Listen, I'm sure there's a reason to explain this...
CHRISTINA: He was circumcised. Walter didn't cut it.
Jones glanced back at her, embarrassed to talk to a woman about circumcision in public. He whispered--
Jones: Mrs. Collins... Your son has been missing for four months. And it was with a still unidentified homeless man. Who knows what that bastard did to your son? Maybe he... circumcised him... he could...
Christina: Make him shorter? Sheriff, please...
He went on and entered—
JONES'S OFFICE, IN
- THEN, he's standing behind his desk and Christina follows him in.
Christina: Why don't you listen to me?
Jones: I'm listening, damn it, I... (Pauses, breaths a little softer) I'm listening. I understand how you feel. He has changed, but he is not mistaken. You have all experienced pain. So he will recover with your support and love.
Christina: Sheriff, that kid is so different from my son.
He sat down and shook his head.
Jones: Why are you doing this, Mrs Collins? You are perfectly capable of taking care of this child, you are paid enough to cover his needs...I don't understand why you are avoiding your responsibilities...
Christina: I don't want to avoid anything, at least not mine. I am taking care of him until now because I am his only support. My concern is that you are not looking for Walter anymore.
Jones: Why should we go looking for someone we've already found?
Christina: But you didn't find him. He's still out there, homeless, maybe hurt...
Jones: His identity has been confirmed by the most authoritative experts in the field of child identification, and those people know what they're supposed to do.
Christina: Don't I know? Sheriff, listen to me, I don't want to cause trouble for you or the police department. Really don't want to. I know you've tried your best...but, there's a real misunderstanding and I need your help, we have to correct it...before it's too late. Please.
She quits. Jones paced angrily, then picked up the phone.
Jones: Sarah, let Dr. Tarr answer the phone.
Collins' House - Daytime
Christina is making breakfast when the doorbell rings. She opened the door and saw a policeman standing there with Dr. Ertal, who looked odd in his sixties.
Dr. Tarr: Mrs Collins? I'm Dr. Ertal. Sheriff Jones asked me to come visit you. I often discuss with him the issue of missing children. May I come in?
Christina: Oh...of course, please come in.
She stepped aside, and Dr. Tarr entered the room and looked around.
Christina: Thank you for coming. I was amazed by the swiftness of Sheriff Jones. At first I suspected that he didn't believe me.
Dr. Tal: Well, now I'm here to get things straight. where is that boy
He looked up to see "Walter" coming downstairs. He said "that boy" not "your son". Christina looked relieved.
Dr. Tal: Hi! he came. A handsome little guy. His eyes are very similar to yours, right? The nose is also a bit similar. Although he suffered a lot, he was still healthy. You have an adaptable child, Mrs Collins.
Christina's body froze when he bent down to look closely at "Walter"... She couldn't accept such words.
Christina: Doctor Tal, I thought you were here to help me.
Dr. Tal: I'm here to help you. Sheriff Jones said that the child has undergone some major physical changes and asked me to come and see him...so that you can feel at ease during this time of motherly love.
Christina: My "mother's love" is not for him because he is not my son.
Dr. Tal: Such rhetoric is not good for his self-esteem, is it? Jones says his height has changed...?
Christina: He's four inches shorter...
Dr. Tal: Wow... what a mystery. Mrs Collins. We know that setbacks can sometimes affect a child's growth and development. His spine may have shrunk a bit, considering the four months of ordeal he's been through. This is unusual, but it is possible.
Christina: So how do you explain circumcision?
Dr. Tal: It's more like the abductor thinks it's good to do it. After all, circumcision is more hygienic. Must have been hurt at that time. No wonder he sealed that memory away.
Christina: Listen, Doctor... Dr.
Tal: As you can see, there is a sound medical explanation for this. Of course you should ask these questions. You need to know everything the little guy has gone through during the time he's been missing.
Christina: Don't I know if he's my son? I am his mom!
Dr. Tal: That means your position is not objective. You view this child with extreme emotions, and he is only different from your memory. He is no longer the boy he was when he left, just like a man who joined the army to fight a war, he was no longer the same man when he came back. A mother's heart is always driven by intuition and emotion, not logic, so when you see those changes and rebellions, insist that the child is not your son. But none of this can change the facts. (Pause) I'd be happy to use my theory to judge objective facts, Mrs Collins...is that right?
Christina: You...before
she could answer, he took "Walter" by the hand and walked out. Christina followed them out.
CLASS HOUSE, BEFORE
Dr. Tarr strides forward, with the sergeant and "Walter" following, Christina at the back. After passing a few houses, they came to a group of children playing.
Dr. Tal: Hello, children, this is Dr. Earl W. Tal. I want to ask you a few questions.
Child A: My mother said we can't talk to strangers.
Dr. Tal: Good boy. Very true. But you saw me with the police, so it doesn't matter. Now, I'm sure you all know Mrs Collins and her son, Walter. How many of you can confirm that this boy is Walter Collins?
He looked from one child to another. No one answered. Either they didn't know him, or they were freaked out.
Dr. Tal: Oh, oh, don't be afraid. You all know Walter and have played with him, right? Now who of you can identify Walter for me, for his mother, for this officer? This officer wants you to do what you are supposed to do like good young citizens.
The children exchanged glances. Obviously, they didn't know the boy, but they were horrified by the majesty of Dr. Tal and the officer. Several children raised their hands reluctantly. One of them walked towards "Walter," who was a little shorter than him.
Child B: Walter used to be as tall as I was...
Dr. Tal: Yes, very true. He used to be as tall as you. But not anymore. You see, he's a little shorter now. This is shrinkage. It is very fortunate that none of you will experience such a thing firsthand. Other than that, do you think he's your friend Walter Collins?
Child B: I think...
Christina: Dr.
Tarr ... Dr. Tarr: I thought about it too, Mrs. Collins. The kids may be terrified. But adults don't. Let's try other neighbors again?
He walked on, like a very tall, odd-looking bird down the street. Christina exchanged glances with the children, then followed.
Location, Riley home, front porch, after a moment
Tal, Christina, Mrs. Riley, police officers and "Walter" standing in the hallway.
Dr. Tal: Thank you very much for being able to judge us objectively.
Mrs. Riley: Very glad. I used to see this kid a lot. Come closer, child.
She bent over and examined Walter's face carefully, turning from side to side. He narrowed his eyes and looked at him. He also squinted at her. Note: She is not wearing glasses. Finally—
Dr. Tarr: Don't worry... look carefully.
Mrs. Riley: Oh, yes... yes... this is Walter. Used to come here often to hang out with my nephew Roger.
Dr. Tal: Thank you, Mrs. Riley. You have been very helpful, I...
Christina: Before we leave... Mrs. Riley, do you know what time it is?
Mrs. Riley: Probably...
she looked at her watch. Take it a little further. Still can't see clearly. She pulled her glasses out of her blouse.
Mrs. Riley: This is my last bit of vanity. You know, men don't like to court women with glasses. (looks at her watch) Five o'clock.
Christina: Thank you.
Mrs Riley nodded and walked back into the room. Christina looked at Dr. Tarr. He shrugged at the scene just now.
Dr. Tal: A boy is bigger than a watch, Mrs Collins. (to "Walter") Come on, boy.
Dr. Tal takes "Walter" by the hand and leaves, Christina follows them, the anger in her eyes grows, and we hear—
Christina (Voiceover): This is really unbearable!
Collins' House, Kitchen - Daytime
She's on the Phone, Background, "Walter" enjoying his dinner.
Christina: Sheriff, I… no, listen to me, this so-called doctor made me walk around the neighborhood like a goddamn mother who didn’t even know her own child… (Pauses) He found out he wanted Found, obviously that's what you asked him to find, but that's not... (pauses) No, I'm not more at ease. I thought we had an agreement, I... (pauses) I'm not embarrassed about this, I'm disturbed that you're wasting the time you should have been looking for my son... (pauses) Sending the report to someone else Before I get my hands on it, I want to see this report so I can refute it, okay? Ok!
She hangs up. exhausted. The events of the day brought her to the brink of collapse, but she survived. She braced herself and walked to the sink, washing the dishes angrily in silence until "Walter" looked up at her from the empty plate in front of him.
"Walter": I'm done. Can I go back to my room now?
Christina: Yes. Go up.
"Walter" got up and Christina continued to wash the dishes without looking back at him. Energy, physical strength, and emotions have been drained. He walked to the door, stopped, and turned around.
"Walter": Good night, Mom.
Christina threw the plate out, and it shattered on the floor. She looked at "Walter" angrily.
Christina: Don't call it that! I am not your mother! You are not my son either!
She walked towards him, anger finally breaking out.
Christina: Who are you? Why are you doing this to me? asshole! I want my son back!
He walked away crying. Christina crouched down suddenly and covered her eyes.
Christina: I want my son to come back... God, please, let this stop...please let it stop.
WALTER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
"Walter" in bed with his back to the door and Christina in the hallway. She went into the house and sat on the edge of the bed.
He didn't move. She said softly, but firmly--
Christina: I shouldn't have yelled at you. You're still a kid, and I don't think you really understand what you've done, the damage you've done. Maybe, it's just a big pretend game for you, but I hope you understand. Walter...he's everything to me, he's everything to me, and every day we waste is pushing him further. (Pauses) No matter what the police think, no matter what the world thinks, only you and I know the truth, right? We all know you're not Walter. It may be my only chance, to be able to make you admit, that I must make amends before things become irreparable. Maybe you're worried that it's going to cause trouble, and that's why you're in deep trouble. But you are not. You don't have to tell me who you are, you just have to tell them you're not Walter. Just tell them the truth.
He didn't answer. She paused for a moment, hoping he would tell the truth, then got up and walked down the hallway. She turned off the light and walked down the stairs.
(Superimposed)
INT. St. Paul's Church,
Rector's Residence, The priest is typing his sermon today on a typewriter before dawn . He was exhausted. Looking at the clock, it is 6:30. Rubbing his cheeks wearily, he heard the "pop" of newspaper deliveries outside. He stood up, stretched, and walked out.
EXT. St. Paul's Church -
Newspapers are left prominently on the lawn before reception . He picked up the newspaper and opened it as he walked towards the residence.
Then, he slowed down, something in the newspaper astonished him. He looked again and hurriedly returned to his residence.
CHRISTINA'S BEDROOM - Collins' House - Before dawn
she is still in bed, fast asleep, and the phone rings downstairs. She glanced at the alarm clock: 6:45. Apparently she didn't want to go downstairs to answer the phone at this point...but reluctantly got up from the bed.
Collins' House, Living Room - After a moment the
phone is still ringing and she picks up the phone.
Christina: Hello?
Pastor (on phone): Is that Mrs Collins?
Christina: Yes. who are you?
Pastor (on phone): I'm Gustav Briglebe, pastor of St. Paul's Church.
Christina: Oh yes, I've heard you speak on the radio since my son...you've been so supportive, thank you so much...
Pastor (on the phone): Mrs Collins...you see today's Times Yet?
Christina: Not yet...
Pastor (on the phone): You'd better take a look. In an hour, please come to the parish for breakfast. I think we'd better meet up.
She was about to answer when the other party hung up. She took the phone, tightened her nightgown, wrapped herself, and walked out.
Collins' House - Morning
A copy of the Los Angeles Times is on the lawn in front of a neighbor's house. She looked around and picked it up hastily. As she walked back and unfolded the newspaper, she stopped suddenly, unable to believe what she saw.
Newspaper Feature: Top Stories—The Collins Boys' Changing Secret. EXT
. St. Paul's Church, Lawn - Early morning
Brigeb is enjoying a hearty breakfast. Christina, newspaper in hand, paced angrily. She read the newspaper aloud.
Christina: "Commissioned by the Los Angeles Police Department, Dr. Earl W. Tarr, a children's specialist, examined Walter Collins to find out why he was thin, pale, confused, frail, these changes It's been detected since the moment he returned to his mother's arms last Saturday."
Pastor: Interesting words, right? "It has been detected since the moment he returned to his mother's arms", not only clearly states that you are the mother of this child, we can also read from it that you are to some extent responsible for these changes... Police Department Concerned about the security of life for that child under your care. (Pause) You should try these eggs, they are delicious.
Kristina (continues reading): "I did a very careful examination of the child, Dr. Tal says..."
INT - POLICE STATION - NIGHT
Dr. Tal is sitting at a table speaking to a group of reporters, enjoying being The feeling of people paying attention.
Dr. Tal:—very well, he has something on his mind. I'm sure that in time he'll tell the whole story, but that's when he has confidence in the listener. And that's what's missing now: the lady's lack of trust in him. During my inspection, I have no doubts about any of the actions of the LAPD.
Reporter: Why didn't he tell anyone what happened during his disappearance?
Dr. Tal: What I'm trying to say is that the kid was kidnapped and suspected, which caused him a lot of confusion as to what was going on in those months. His memory loss was most likely related to a blow to the head or a sudden bump, which could trigger head damage. I believe this situation will soon pass. Until then, I suggest that the police department should continue to care for him and help him recover his memory by exposing him to the elements of his previous life.
Back in the current scene
she put down the newspaper, in disbelief. (Yes, those words you just read were all from the doctor.)
Christina: Sheriff Jones promised me that he would show me the report wherever it went.
Pastor: Are LAPD pundits lying? God, I had to lie down.
He laughed. She turned around, as if hurt. He became serious immediately.
Pastor: I am not laughing at your current situation, Mrs Collins. It's just... I've heard enough of this talk, and some sort of hysteria is about to strike again. Please take a seat.
She sat down reluctantly. Shaking his head in disbelief.
Christina: Why would they do this?
Pastor: Lest we admit the mistake... admit they brought back another boy. (avoiding her gaze) Anyone with a brain can see it right away. Sadly, half of the LA Times readers have no brains, but...
Christina: Thank you. I've been trying so hard to just expect someone to say these things, gosh, I suspected I was losing my mind. (Pauses) Thank you. At least some people believe me.
Pastor: You don't know how many people are sitting in that chair saying the exact same thing to me about the police department about our friends, (pauses) Mrs. Collins, I've decided to make it my mission to put the LAPD out of nowhere. The things that want to be known... come to light... a department of violence, abuse of power, murder, corruption and threats of persecution.
INTERNATIONAL montage sequence
, police station, office, daytime
Fake newsreel footage: Police Chief Davis is speaking into a set of microphones.
CHAPTER (Voiceover): Two years ago, when Chief Davis took over the LAPD, he said-
Davis (overlapping): We use machine gunners to run the streets of Los Angeles. They can kill the thugs on the spot instead of capturing them alive, and I will punish any police officer who shows the slightest mercy to criminals.
EXT - STREET - NIGHT
A group of police officers, armed with machine guns, shoots violently at a row of men standing against the wall.
PRESIDENT (Voiceover): He selected fifty of the most brutal police officers as a cadre, gave them machine guns, and allowed them to shoot those who got in their way. He called it the "Machine Gun Squad." No lawyers, no trials, no inquiries, no probation, no investigations. Just piles of corpses.
EXTERNAL ALLEY, NIGHT
Another man, beaten to a bloody gravy, is thrown from a moving car and thrown into the rain.
Priest (Voiceover): Bodies piled up in morgues, in hospitals, and on the side of the road, not a single survivor. The police don't want to eliminate crime, they just want to eliminate competitors.
EXT - ROAD - NIGHT
A pair of cops and two hooligans inspect a truck from Canada that is loaded with liquor, and after receiving a favor, they watch the truck drive away.
CHAPTER (Voiceover): Mayor Claire and half of the police department accept bribes. Engage in prostitution, robbery, smuggling, whatever you can name. (Pause) Once the incident happens, other people will also participate in the atrocity, and the benefits will not be exclusive to the "machine gun squad".
RENTAL HOUSE - NIGHT
Two police officers erotically tease a woman standing on the stairs.
Pastor (Voiceover): The more they do, the deeper they sink, and once you give people the freedom to do whatever they want, like God saw in Eden, they'll do whatever they want.
Go back to the current scene
Christina and the priest and come to the garden of the rectory's residence.
Chaplain: The Police Department will not tolerate disagreements, rebuttals...or embarrassing situations, Mrs Collins. You put them in an embarrassing situation...they don't like it. The day they rescued a lost child from the wilderness and stood there like a hero at your mercy, they didn't want anyone to spoil it. They will do anything to damage your reputation. I've seen so many things like this that I'm numb now. That's why I want to meet with you so you can understand your situation...know how to fight them.
Christina: Pastor...I appreciate everything you say and do...but it's not my mission. I just want to get my son back and that's it, I'm just...
Pastor: Here, many mothers' children have lost their lives at the expense of their own good. Mrs Collins, your child will not be the first, but if the right choices are made, he may be the last.
She got up from the table and stepped into the garden.
Christina: If they really think I'm wrong, that's another story...but if they're indifferent, if they're just trying to cover up the truth...
he grabs the paper and shakes it.
Pastor: They use their own rules to organize debates to win. "Why, of course it's her son...yes, there were some changes...we're doing an investigation. Isn't it surprising that the change has only happened since this kid came home?" (pause) They put you on the line A situation where they have to refute their words...it's very tough. Many people believe what the police department or the government says. If you leave them alone, you...and your son...will never be reunited.
She closed her eyes, and after a moment, opened her eyes to look at him, her voice became firm, she had made up her mind.
Christina: What should I do?
Priest: A game changer. Elaborate collection of arguments. They send their experts, so you have to have yours too. You have advantages that they don't have. You always know your kids better than they do, and that's what you need to do. (Pauses) Gather the evidence, then show the evidence. Force them to answer your questions instead of looking around him.
He stood up and walked towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders. Give her strength...and his care.
Pastor: Once people stand with the police, it will be a problem...but even in such a noisy city, the voice of justice can still be heard...if you are willing to take it no matter how hard it is...Mrs Collins, Understand, it's really hard. Once you get the truth out to the public, maybe for the rest of your life, you'll see someone supporting you every day. (Pause) Would you like to, Mrs Collins?
He looked into her eyes... She met his gaze calmly. The answer is obvious.
INTERIOR, ANCIENT ROOM - DAY
Now, we're in the dentist's office. Christina had been waiting for a moment when the door opened and Dr. John Montgomery came out.
Christina: How's it going?
Dr. Montgomery: He had two cavities that needed to be filled before he disappeared. He also had a fight, but I dealt with it all.
Christina: So...?
He glanced at the closed door and shook his head.
Dr. Montgomery: Your son's upper front teeth were separated by a small piece of muscle tissue. There is a little backlash. The kid in the house doesn't have this gap.
Christina: Can that backlash change with age? Maybe they would say so.
Dr. Montgomery: In some cases, it is possible. But Walter's interdental musculature wouldn't allow that to happen. The teeth would never have come together without surgery to remove that piece of muscle tissue, and I can tell you right now that he never had such surgery.
Christina: Would you like to put everything you said in writing?
Dr. Montgomery: Excuse my vulgar language...I'm so fucking willing.
He heard moans from inside the house.
Dr. Montgomery: It looks like the narcotics have worn off. (Goes into the house, stops again) But I can do the writing first. Let this little guy think again.
He smiled.
INTERIOR, classroom,
kids in the morning , wooden tables and chairs, blackboard, all the necessary stuff. "Walter" stood in front of Mrs. Fox, who was in her fifties and wore glasses and had a modest appearance. Christina stood by.
Christina: Huh? What do you think? Is that the Walter Collins you remember?
Mrs. Fox: If he were Walter, the change would be amazing. (to "Walter") You know who I am?
"Walter": You are the teacher.
Mrs. Fox: Of course, but teachers have names too. What is my name?
"Walter": I don't remember. I know you, but I don't remember your name.
Mrs Fox: I am Mrs Fox. Now, take your seat.
"Walter" hesitated, then found a seat and sat down. The other children laughed.
Mrs. Fox: I didn't say take any seat. I mean take your seat. The seat originally assigned to you. You definitely know where it is, you've been sitting there for over a year.
"Walter" tried to take another vacant seat. There are only three empty seats in the classroom. The children laughed even harder.
Mrs. Fox: Try again. Obviously, there is only one vacant seat left.
He sits down. Mrs Fox looked at Christina.
Mrs Fox: Mrs Collins, if this is your child, I'll eat my yardstick. Not only will I make written statements, I will testify in court if required, and even swear in front of President Calvin Coolidge.
Christina smiled hopeful for the first time.
Collins' House - Dim
headlights. Christina sits on the floor and organizes a box of handcrafts: Walter's classwork, trees, a house, and a clay puppy; a heart-shaped Mother's Day card, also handcrafted, with the front of the card earnestly written "Mom, I love you". She touched the card with her fingers, stroking his pencil marks.
She cried, tears falling on the pencil drawings. She wiped it hard to keep it from getting dirty... Then she put down the card, covered her face, and cried.
(Dissolved)
EXTERIOR, City Hall, Early in the morning,
a group of shivering and wet text reporters and photojournalists stood on the steps in front of the City Hall in the rain. Christina sat in the car with the pastor, watching everything in front of her.
Caption: September 6, 1928
Pastor: See you tonight on the 8pm broadcast. I would keep the back door and turn on a light. good luck!
She nodded, got out of the car, and walked towards the steps in front of the city hall. He drove away. She stood in front of the media reporters, watched th
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