“I Hope”: For an old friend who stands at a crossroads…

by Vanderleun on May 6, 2021

293 INT — RED’S ROOM — DAY (1967) 293

Red is dressed in his suit. He finishes knotting his tie, puts
his hat on. His bag is by the door. He takes one last look
around. Only one thing left to do. He pulls a wooden chair to
the center of the room and gazes up at the ceiling beam.

RED (V.O.)
Get busy living or get busy dying.
That is goddamn right.

He steps up on the chair. It wobbles under his weight.

294 INT — BREWSTER — RED’S DOOR — DAY (1967) 294

The door opens. Red exits with his bag and heads down the
stairs, leaving the door open. CAMERA PUSHES through, BOOMING
UP to the ceiling beam which reads: “Brooks Hatlen was here.”

A new message has been carved alongside the old: “So was Red.”

295 INT — GREYHOUND BUS STATION — DAY (1967) 295

TRACKING SHOT reveals a long line of people at the counter.

RED (V.O.)
For the second time in my life, I
am guilty of committing a crime.

CAMERA brings us to Red, next in line, bag by his feet.

RED (V.O.)
Parole violation. I doubt they’ll
toss up any roadblocks for that.
Not for an old crook like me.

RED
(steps up)
McNary, Texas?

296 EXT — TRAVELING SHOT — DAY (1967) 296

A gorgeous New England landscape whizzes by, fields and trees
a blur of motion. ANGLE SHIFTS to reveal a Greyhound Sceni-
Cruiser barreling up the road, pulling abreast of us. CAMERA
TRAVELS from window to window, passing faces. We finally come
to Red gazing out at the passing landscape.

RED (V.O.)
I find I am so excited I can barely
sit still or hold a thought in my
head. I think it is the excitement
only a free man can feel, a free
man at the start of a long journey
whose conclusion is uncertain…
297 THE BUS 297

ROARS past camera, dwindling to a mere speck on the horizon.

RED (V.O.)
I hope I can make it across the
border. I hope to see my friend
and shake his hand. I hope the
Pacific is as blue as it has been
in my dreams.
(beat)
I hope.

Comments on this entry are closed.

Skorpion May 6, 2021, 12:12 PM

One of my favorite movies of all time. It has a lot to say about friendship, strength, integrity, community, hope, and many other subjects. And that last scene never fails to move me.

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ghostsniper May 6, 2021, 1:32 PM

A very good flik, highly recommend.

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Dirk May 7, 2021, 7:07 AM

The message is crystal clear! Carpi Diem! “Seize the day”, in fact Seize EVERY day!

Quoted from one of my all time favorite movies, “ Dead Poets Society! So much to learn about what’s important in life. I know that Life IS the Lesson.

Village Idiot

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Rob De Witt May 7, 2021, 9:49 AM

That’s always the choice, isn’t it?

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