I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY: THE LILLIAN BRIGGS STORY (Screenplay Sample)
Lee Schiller The true story of Lillian Briggs, the very first "Queen of Rock & Roll" and how she fought for and achieved The American Dream ... Twice.
- I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY: The Lillian Briggs Story
-Screenplay Presentation Videos -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9xUgktg9q4
And
http://vimeo.com/116459514 -
Registered: WGAw No. 1572559
- Austin Film Festival: Winner's Circle Award - http://www.austinfilmfestival.com
- Feature Film: 129 pp.
- Genre: Musical/Bio/Drama
- Legal: Copyrighted © Authorized by Lillian Briggs, Executed Rights and Releases on File
- Additional: Wm. Morris Agency Story Report, By Daniel B. Sweeney - http://www.wma.com
- Status: AVAILABLE - Inquire via 'Contact' page
- The Miracle Of Love/Lillian's Theme by Federico Vaona - http://www.federicovaona.com
- Graphic/Visual Design: by Samantha Perez at: http://www.artbysamanthaperez.com
- LILLIAN BRIGGS: Info, Lyrics, Photos, Music + More - http://pl.ayli.st/Lillian+Briggs
- Feel free to browse a few of Lillian's scrapbook photos by using the end-of-screenplay links and visit the Lillian Briggs Page on Facebook. - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lillian-Briggs/112526965428581
LILLIAN BRIGGS INTERACTIVE LINK:
http://www.mashpedia.com/Lillian_Briggs
LILLIAN BRIGGS BIO LINK:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Briggs
LILLIAN BRIGGS YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuYc7zghmGrepbn6SIsEtJg/videos
(Additional information: http://www.google.com)
"THE TONIGHT SHOW" (1955) Lillian Briggs Host: Steve Allen - First TV Appearance VIDEO LINK:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=156762581102557&l=251792390719852763 (VIDEO)
"WHAT'S MY LINE?" (3-21-65) Lillian Briggs - First Mystery Guest Star Panel:Carol Channing,Arlene Francis,Alan King VIDEO LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421914688&x-yt-cl=84503534&v=-X6n1SLLo64 (VIDEO)
Lillian Briggs - "I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY" - MUSIC VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWxOMEhkVI0
Lillian Briggs - "COME HERE" - MUSIC VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8VIyAbntAs
(Additional Lillian Briggs Music Videos: http://www.youtube.com and http://www.dailymotion.com)
I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY
FADE IN:
CREDITS ROLL:
EXT. Rural Pennsylvania - Day (1952)
AERIAL SHOT as CAMERA searches the steely gray sky. Rain clouds hang heavy. The trees below are bare, leaving no color on the horizon. Dotting the bleak countryside are small farms, their fields reflecting the overpowering grayness everywhere. The landscape is unrelentingly oppressive and lifeless. Then, CAMERA ZOOMS IN on a small back road -
EXT. Pennsylvania Back Road - Day
A large truck with 'Hudsco Cleaners' lettered across the sides, roars around a corner. It splashes through puddles and sends the dead wet leaves flying into the air from the pavement -
ANOTHER ANGLE:
Travelling at break-neck speed, the truck veers off onto a dirt road leading to a new low-income housing development. The truck fishtails and skids wildly as it hits a mudslick. The brakes lock and the truck plunges head-on into a mudhole stretching across the road, and comes to a violent stop. Steam hisses. With the truck barely still, mud begins oozing up into the fender wells and towards the cab as it sinks faster and faster -
GOD-LIKE VOICE (O.S.)
Jump! JUMP!
ANOTHER ANGLE:
High on a telephone pole, a receiver in his hand, a telephone REPAIRMAN watches as the uniformed DRIVER splashes hip-deep into the mudhole. The truck continues sinking -
REPAIRMAN
(laughing)
Hey, fella! Every cowboy gets thrown
once in a while, huh?!
The DRIVER, wading to high ground looks up -
DRIVER
Don't just hold the phone! Call my boss
and tell him to send out a wrecker for
Lillian Briggs!!
The REPAIRMAN looks at the feisty dark-haired young woman and dials -
CREDITS END:
EXT. Hudsco Cleaners Parking Lot - Day
LILLIAN climbs down from the wrecker as the mechanic unhooks her truck. Her face is dirty and her white uniform is caked with mud. She walks toward the garage, where three drivers, HANK, JOHN and PHIL, stand smoking -
PHIL
(looking her over)
Hey, Lil! Run into a little trouble?
HANK
Looks like she ran into more than that!
PHIL
Did you chip any finger nails?
JOHN
I thought you were supposed to bring in dirty
laundry, not wear it back to the shop!
The three men dissolve into laughter -
LILLIAN
(standing straight)
I bring in more than you three guys combined.
HANK
Today you broke the record, that's for sure!
LILLIAN walks past them and into the garage -
JOHN
(calling after her)
Send a postcard from the unemployment line!
INT. Hudsco's Office - Day
HUDSCO, his face beet red, strains from behind his desk as LILLIAN stands in front of him -
HUDSCO
That's the third one of my trucks you've destroyed
so far!
LILLIAN
I told you the last time, when the roof caved in,
that it wasn't my fault!
HUDSCO
Not your fault!? The truck drove itself under a
tree whose branches were heavy with snow?
LILLIAN
Okay, I didn't account for the snow.... But when
the tire blew out the time before that, I did
everything by the book. Just like you taught me.
HUDSCO
No Shit?!!
LILLIAN
I stopped the truck, didn't I?
HUDSCO
Yeah. On it's side. In a ditch. And right on top
of Mr. Pickson's compost heap!
LILLIAN
He still gave me his laundry order though!
HUDSCO
I must have been crazy to hire a girl for this job!
LILLIAN
I'm doing as well as any MAN!
HUDSCO
I ought to fire you.....
LILLIAN
(softly)
I didn't mean to shout, Mr. Hudsco.
HUDSCO
.....But even with the towing, repairs and
re-laundering all the clothes, you're still the best
driver I've got.
LILLIAN
Huh?
HUDSCO
You've got guts, kid.
LILLIAN
Yeah! Don't forget the part about me getting
bit on the ass by four separate dogs, Mr. Hudsco...
HUDSCO
(heating up again)
The last GUY to make your run, got bitten SIX
times and never put a scratch on one of my
TRUCKS!! Now, shake what's left of that ass
of yours out there tomorrow, and drum up
more business!
LILLIAN
Yes, sir, Mr. Hudsco!
HUDSCO
(motioning to the door)
Out.
LILLIAN
You weren't gonna fire me. Were you?
HUDSCO
Out! OUT!! OUT!!!
INT. Diner - Morning
LILLIAN walks into the Diner, spotless in a new white uniform. She strides up to a group of drivers at the counter, all eating hot dogs. Among them are HANK, JOHN and PHIL -
JOHN
Didn't see your truck in the garage this
morning, Lil.
LILLIAN
That's right. I had it out.
PHIL
I guess Hudsco let you have it pretty good
yesterday, huh?!
HANK
Put you on suspension without pay?
A WAITRESS walks up to the counter, and rolling her eyes at the men, takes out her pad -
WAITRESS
Morning, Lil. What'll you have?
LILLIAN
Coffee and a sweet roll.
JOHN
Whatsa matter? Got a weak stomach from
yesterday?
LILLIAN
....Make that a hot dog, extra spicy chile, with
onions and mustard....and a cuppa coffee.
WAITRESS
(smiling)
Comin' up.
(to the cook)
Tube steak on a bun, heavy blood and guts,
ground-ball and a squirt!
(Winking at LILLIAN)
Enjoy your breakfast.
The WAITRESS goes for the coffee -
JOHN
So where'd you sneak off to this morning?
LILLIAN
Back to the new development.
The WAITRESS serves LILLIAN'S order -
HANK
(stifling a laugh)
You forget something in the mud?
LILLIAN
(wolfing down the hot dog)
Yeah. To open the territory. I got the whole
development. Exclusive.
The men are silent. They look from one to another -
PHIL
Nice going, Lil.
JOHN
Yeah. Good work.
PHIL
Tiger Lil strikes again.....You don't ever give up.
LILLIAN
Nope.
HANK
Lemme buy you another hot dog!
PHIL
Hey! Another chile dog for Lil!
LILLIAN
No, thanks guys.
JOHN
It's on us!
LILLIAN
(getting up)
Nah. I'm full. Maybe tomorrow morning, huh?
I gotta go. Don't want to be late for my regulars.
LILLIAN slips her money onto the counter and leaves -
EXT. Diner Parking Lot - Morning
LILLIAN stands at the back of her truck, out of sight of the Diner, vomiting her breakfast into the bushes. She takes out a breath spray and gives her mouth a shot, then climbs behind the wheel -
LILLIAN
(to herself)
Ugh! What a gross way to start the morning!
Those guys are nuts. Whatever happened to
Wheaties?
INT. Allentown Pool Hall - Night
The room is blue with cigarette smoke. Several trampy girls hang on the arms of small-time lotharios at the bar, bumming drinks. In the center of the floor, a crowd of men have gathered at the pool table -
ANOTHER ANGLE:
LILLIAN, dressed in black leather, chalks up her cue as the others look on -
LILLIAN
(taking a drag from her cigarette)
Six ball in the corner pocket.
MAN
She'll never make it.
ANOTHER MAN
You haven't seen her shoot.
STILL ANOTHER MAN
I got five dollars says she won't come close!
ANOTHER MAN
In a pig's eye! I got ten that says she will!
LILLIAN
Put your money on the table, fellas, I'm feeling
hot tonight!
MAN
You're always 'hot', Lil!
LILLIAN
Is that what you tell your wife?
The men laugh as they shell out their bets and the pile of cash grows on the table -
MAN
My wife ain't got what you have!
LILLIAN
Try turning on the lights next time! We all
got the same, Valentino!
STILL ANOTHER MAN
You gonna talk your way through it, or
shoot? My money's gettin' cold!
LILLIAN
That's what happens to nickles and dimes.
ANOTHER MAN
Hit the ball!
LILLIAN
Don't rush me! I gotta plan this out.
LILLIAN flicks her cigarette onto the floor and climbs onto the pool table, her tight black leather pants straining at the seams, and cues up for her shot -
MAN
Christ! Lil, hit the ball! Here comes your
brother, Joe!
The crowd parts as LILLIAN'S big brother, JOE, shoves people aside -
LILLIAN
What're you doin'?! I'm gonna clean up on
this shot!
JOE
Put down the stick, Lil. You're finished.
LILLIAN
Like hell I am!
JOE grabs her by the belt loops and hauls LILLIAN off the table as the men watch open mouthed -
LILLIAN
Let go-a me! Where do you come off....
You big baboon! Put me down! Put me
DOWN! I got a great shot over here!
JOE shoves her roughly towards the door -
JOE
Shut up! I'm double-parked, now get going!
LILLIAN tries to twist from his grip and get back to the table, but JOE is too strong for her -
LILLIAN
You stupid Ass! Who're you pushing around?!
Let go, or I'll punch out your lights!
JOE
I told you to shut up and move!
LILLIAN
Look at me, I'm shaking!
JOE
You act like a slut!
LILLIAN
It's a six ball in the corner pocket!!
JOE grabs the back of her leather jacket and carries LILLIAN out the door, kicking and screaming -
LILLIAN
I had that shot! I had that shot bagged! Let go!
You're gonna rip my jacket! You're gonna be
sorry! No...No...NO! Watch the jacket! That shot
was.....mine!
EXT. Lillian's House - Night
Gray clapboard, and on the wrong side of Allentown, Lillian's house stands back from the sidewalk on a small lawn. JOE'S car pulls up to the curb. LILLIAN jumps out in a rage, before the car rolls to a stop, and slams the door -
LILLIAN
(screaming)
You had no right! You made a fool of me
back there!
JOE
You made a fool of yourself, as usual!
LILLIAN
I was having a good time! What the hell is
wrong with that?!
JOE
(shoving her towards the house)
Keep your voice down! You'll wake up Mom and the
whole neighborhood!
LILLIAN
I don't give a damn, and get your slimy
hands off-a me!
LILLIAN kicks JOE in the knee, and storms into the house -
- Scene -
- Scene -
- Scene -
EXT. Wilson Farm - Day
Heavy slush covers the ground as LILLIAN, doubled over in pain, gets out of her truck. She carries two presents, wrapped in comics from the Sunday paper, and one dark suit on a hanger. MR. WILSON lets the screen door slam -
MR. WILSON
(smiling toothlessly)
Hey, Lillian! Glad to see ya!
LILLIAN
Hi, Mr. Wilson. You gotta stop staying
home from work!
MR. WILSON
Got no choice. The Mill laid me off.
LILLIAN
Oh, I'm sorry.
MR. WILSON
No need. They say it's only temp'rary.
Had a good meatloaf for Christmas
dinner. We have savings in the bank!
LILLIAN
First Federal will give you a free ball-point
pen if you transfer your account.
MR. WILSON
Thanks. Hey, what's wrong with you?
LILLIAN
I had an accident at home.
MR. WILSON
Nothin' serious, I hope.
LILLIAN
Nah, I just have to be careful of the stairs.
MR. WILSON
What you got in there?
LILLIAN holds out the presents to him -
LILLIAN
I wanted to get you and Mrs. Wilson something
for Christmas. You've been awfully good to me.
MRS. WILSON, wrapped in a tattered shawl, pokes her head out the door -
MRS. WILSON
Aw, Lil! You shouldn'ta done it!
MRS. WILSON, thrilled, takes her gift -
LILLIAN
Yours is a set of guest towels.
MRS. WILSON
From the Five and Dime?! In TOWN?! The
ones in their window display...with the
strawberries???!!
LILLIAN
I thought you'd like 'em. Mr. Wilson, yours
is that wood saw you wanted, to fix the fence.
MR. WILSON
(choked up)
I don't know whatta say....
MRS. WILSON
Well, I do! Come in here where it's warm, Lil.
I'm gonna make you a meatloaf sandwich to
take along for lunch!
LILLIAN hobbles into the farmhouse -
- Scene -
- Scene -
- Etc. -
**********************************************************************************
.... By the close of 1955, Lillian Briggs would be crowned "The Queen Of Rock & Roll" by Billboard Magazine and throughout the media... At the same time Elvis Presley was "King".... For a girl from Allentown, who didn't have indoor running water until the age of 10.... Dreams would come true beyond her wildest imagination.... She would tour the world, make millions, change history.... and pay a price for it all.... How? Here's a clue from "Tiger Lil"....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laH9_pXAji4
Lillian Briggs Photo Gallery Link:
Lillian Briggs Facebook Page Link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lillian-Briggs/112526965428581
Reader Comments (54)
HOORAY FOR THE ROCK!
I've had the privilege of reading the whole script and believe this would be a phenomenal movie, timely and educational. Some of us immediately recognize the get up and dance music but are unfamiliar with Lillian's name. She broke through the sexist barrier in Rock'n Roll giving an avalanche of opportunity for musicians like Chrissie Hynde, Madonna and even Lady Gaga. Someone in the music business should pick up this script and give her her due. (Hear me B. Dylan? Madonna?)
I too have had the privilege of reading the script in its entirety and it...wait for it...ROCKS! Looking at it from an actor's point of view it is extremely well done and actor friendly. Whoever ends up making this into a movie will have an easy time as it is utterly complete in every sense of the word. Well put together and naturally written for the actors. It is very visual on the page which will lend itself to a fantastic film. This is a story we want to see on the big screen.
Hi Lee, I haven't heard about Lillian Briggs before I read your words. You began to paint a picture of someone I'd want to learn more about. Your dialogue and scenes move smoothly and stoke my interest to know more about such an accomplished woman who has been seemingly ignored by history. Good job. Nabil Hanna
Loved the script, it drew me right in, couldn’t read fast enough! I was hooked instantly wanting for more. As far as the rock and roll genre, it lives forever because of people like Lillian and thanks to writers like yourself, timeless.
Haven’t heard of Lillian before, great writing, and great work. Kudos for giving her the recognition she well deserves.
TW
Lee,
Your screenplay is wonderful! It pulled me right in and left me wanting more. I'm amazed by your ability to convey so much in so few words. Great job! I'd never before heard of Lillian Briggs so would love to see her come to life on the big screen. Any chance of that?
Lee Schiller, this is some tease! I want to see this movie and learn all about this strong woman! She is a STRONG lead and I am salivating wanting to know MORE about her and thank you for introducing me to her music. I am playing it now in my dressing room on the West End and everyone who walks by pops their head in and says "WHO"S THAT!" Lillian Briggs that's who! Bravo...someone make this movie!
I heard about this posting on the grapevine. Glad I made the visit to your site. The writing is smooth, strong and rich with the subtleness of humor and pathos. One suggestion: Post MORE. I get a glimpse of where you might go with this story. After reading the bio for Lillian Briggs and listening to her belt out those songs with all her heart, I want to know exactly <where> you go with this script and <how> you get there. Nice work. Give us more. Surely actresses would fight to play this part. Good luck with this one.
Hasn't this premise for a movie been mined to death? Small town girl makes it BIG. Blah, blah, blah. And with individuals more notable to the public, besides!
J.S.I.
Really nice writing. I feel that I know her. And I do remember I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY. She was terrific.
I will be 100% honest in saying that I had no idea who Lillian Briggs was (which speaks volumes when I find out that she is none other than the "Queen of Rock and Roll"), but I will tell you this - I was eager to learn more about her after reading what felt like a too-brief sample of your screen play!! With only a few brief scenes you have managed to capture what appears to be the essence of who she was - I mean, I can already imagine what she was like and I know virtually nothing about her. I can't wait to read more! Or eventually see the finished product. I think it is such a beautiful thing that you want to pay tribute to her life like that... such an honor and I would say, based on my research after previewing your sample, well deserved and long over-due. Nice work!
Lee, I followed you here from your Facebook page. I really liked the Lillian Briggs script sample you posted, as well as all of the links that were provided. The old-school Rock & Roll is just great! Such a happy sound!! I was also impressed with your short story and poem. Please post more soon!
Wow! What a multi-talented guy. Good luck with your work.
Gwen
Hey There!!
Merry Christmas (almost) and may the New Year be a Rock & Rollin' good one for you and Lillian Briggs!
Joey
hi lee,
i came back to your site to read more about lillian briggs. did you know she is all over the internet? i have her music on my ipod now! wish you would post more of this script :(
Why have I never heard of Lillian Briggs? She sounds like a real character. I would love to see a movie of her life and music! I'm sure theres a good story there. Hard to belleve she was a contemporary of Elvis, but her music seems so different. Write on!!!!
Lee,
I came to this web site through our mutual Facebook friends. Of course I knew Lillian Briggs and was crazy about her. Will visit her Wikipedia page another time because of the protest black-out today (of which I approve). Linking up her music on the internet with your script was a really good idea. Lillian could rock out a song, no question about it. And also tell the funniest jokes. I LOVED the sample you have posted here. Excellent writing that moves right along and depicts the woman I knew. I am not surprised Gary Aulette was the first to leave a comment. I hope you get this movie made. I know people are talking about this because they have been talking to me. Good Luck! How many people have visited this site anyway since you posted the Lillian Briggs script? Peace, Ronnie Spector
Ronnie: Thank you so very much for visiting the site and for leaving your comments about Lillian Briggs!! I am truly thrilled that you read the script and found merit in it. I have always been a big fan of your work. However, I never knew that you and Lillian were close!!! In answer to your question: This website was created by Stefan Johansson in mid-September of 2011. Since that time the Host reports well over 6,000 visits. The screenplay sample was posted in early November 2011. Since the posting there have been just under 3,500 visits. If there is a way to track how many hits the Lillian Briggs screenplay sample has gotten; sorry to say that I don't know it. Hope this info helps. Thanks again for your interest in the script and for your good wishes. Best Regards, LJS 1/18/12
Visited the site from the word flying on FB. Never intended to leave a comment, but this work is GOOD. Will report back and have my boss check this out.
Good work.