The Wright Choice T206 Final Script

Allison Zilbershatz, Michelle Rhee, Ye Yang

1. INT. BASEMENT LABORATORY – DAY 1

WILLIAM WRIGHT is sitting at his computer, dressed in his

white lab jacket, hair resembling Albert Einstein‟s. On his

desk, there is a brochure of 1921 National Medical

Conference. On his computer, we see a website titled “Time

Traveling: Rules and Regulations”. The article is dated June

16th, 2100. Next to his desk, a contraption resembling a

telephone booth is making a low whirring sound. William

has his back to the lab. The laboratory looks like a

tornado has just ripped through. Hundreds of papers are

scattered on every surface in roughly put together stacks.

There is a poster in the back, right corner resembling one

you might find in a 4th grade classroom. In big bold

letters, the poster says SCIENCE. Underneath, it reads “If

you don‟t make mistakes, you‟re doing it wrong. If you

don‟t correct these mistakes, you‟re doing it really wrong.

If you can‟t accept that you‟re mistaken, you‟re not doing

it at all.” A mural on the left hand wall depicting the

periodic table must be at least twenty years old and is

slowly deteriorating.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Persons time traveling must not leave the

present for more than 24 consecutive hours.

Hmm…that might be difficult. Any acts that

affect and or change the future are grounds for

incarceration. Individuals must take care to

dress in the clothing appropriate for the

particular time period.

Glances to his right where a dark brown suit, tie, hat, and

briefcase are hanging.

Check. (Mumbles) Where was I?

Ah yes, finally, travelers are prohibited from

bringing back people and or objects to the

present. These laws are to be enforced by the

Federal Time Traveling Patrol. Law-breakers

will be sentenced to life in prison without

parole.

A knocking sound is heard from the top of the staircase.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Yes? What is it?

MARY-BETH WRIGHT ascends the stairs.

MARY-BETH WRIGHT

Are you leaving soon? I packed you a sandwich!

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Yeah, I‟m leaving as soon as I change.

(Frustrated) I can‟t take a sandwich me Mary-

Beth. Food doesn‟t travel well.

MARY-BETH WRIGHT

Oh…right. Ok well have a safe trip. See you

later tonight!

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Thanks. See you later. Love you. Mary-Beth goes

back upstairs.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(Mumbling) I never should have put my lab in

the basement.

William changes into a dark brown suit and a hat fitting of

the 1920s. He walks into the time machine next to his desk,

punches in some numbers, and disappears.

2. EXT. FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY – DAY 2

We William sitting on a bench, reading a newspaper. The

corner of the newspaper reveals that the date is June 16th,

1921. Behind and to the left of William, we see a

staircase leading up to a large brownstone with huge, dark

brown double doors. Above the door a sign reads “New York

Center for Medicine”. A small poster is hanging on the

right door that reads “1921 National Medical Conference” in

neat handwriting. Smaller print, just under the title says

“All doctors and lawyers welcome”.

Suddenly the doors swing open and several men in light

brown suits and dark brown dress hats exit the building,

briefcases in hand.

UNKNOWN MAN 1

I don‟t know that I agree with Friedman. His

ideas on disease injections seem a bit extreme to

me.

UNKNOWN MAN 2

I agree. Would be amazing if it works though.

Curing incurable illnesses? Incredible.

The two unknown men go and stand just to the right of the

staircase, pulling out their cigarettes and matches. The

other of the men wave goodbye and start walking toward

William‟s bench. One of them is FRANKLIN DELANO

ROOSEVELT. We see William shift his gaze upward at

passersby, then back down to his newspaper as the two men

walk by. Seconds later William looks back up, stunned,

jaw hanging open. We see him mouth the words, “you‟re my

favorite president!” FDR did not hear or see him and

keeps walking. With nothing better to do, William

follows FDR and the other man. We hear indistinct

conversation. William stays a few paces behind, still

looking amazed.

Suddenly, the two men stop, shake hands, and separate. The

unknown man crosses the street and FDR enters the building

to the right. The door‟s window pane reads “Franklin D.

Roosevelt, Attorney at Law”. William stands outside the

office, debating whether or not he should enter. He paces

back and forth a few times. Suddenly, William stops and

starts running down the street.

3. INT. BASEMENT LABORATORY – NIGHT 3

We see William exit his time machine and start running

around his laboratory, packing up a bag of medical supplies

(syringes, test tubes, etc.) William walks to the bookcase

on the back wall of his lab. He pulls out a very thick

book, covered in dust. He clears away a few piles of

papers, and opens the book, frantically searching through

the pages. He stops on one, grabs a pencil and a sheet of

paper, and begins scribbling down information. William

stuffs the paper into his bag, writes a note on another

piece of paper, puts it on the staircase, and runs back

into the time machine. He disappears. The camera shows us

the note he just wrote which reads “Came home and went back

again. See you tomorrow”.

4. INT. FEDERAL TIME TRAVELING PATROL OFFICE – NIGHT 4

The scene opens in a large, rectangular room with

hundreds of monitors coving every inch of wall space.

Each monitor shows a different scene. Some look like they

are present day, others appear to be showing scenes from

a hundred of years ago. About 10 men dressed in

uniforms are watching the screens, typing on keyboards,

and periodically taking notes. The camera focuses in on

one officer, punching keys on his keyboard, and taking a

closer look at his monitor.

TOM MURPHY

Uh, Bill…you might want to come over here

and take a look at this.

A man standing in the corner with a tablet computer walks

over to the officer.

BILL BUCKLEY

What‟s up Tom?

The officer presses some buttons and we see the monitor

rewinding. It appears to be a recording of William‟s

basement, and the scene we just witnessed.

BILL BUCKLEY

(Sternly) What was he reading Tom?

TOM MURPHY

I don‟t know. We can‟t get a good image of it.

It doesn‟t look good.

BILL BUCKLEY

JONES, MADISON, TEAT come here.

Three officers rush over. Tom Murphy replays the scene for

them.

BILL BUCKLEY

I need you three on this. He went back to New

York City, July 16th, 1921. Find him and stop

whatever it is he‟s trying to do. Bring him

back here. (pauses) GO!

The three officers rush out. The camera turns back to

Bill and Tom watching the monitor once again.

5. INT. FDR‟S LAW OFFICE, NEW YORK CITY – DAY 5

We see William knocking at FDR‟s door. He pokes his head

in and sees FDR sitting at a big, brown, oak desk, reading

some papers. A green lamp sits on the corner of the desk

and pieces of today‟s newspaper are scattered about. On

either side of his desk we see the walls lined with books.

A window facing a courtyard with a large tree and many

daisies is right behind FDR‟s desk. To the left of the

door we see a coat rack with FDR‟s brown tweed jacket and

matching brown hat hanging from the hooks. FDR looks up

with questioning eyes.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Are you Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

FDR

Yes?!(Surprised)

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(In disbelief)I‟m your biggest fan! You are

amazing!

FDR

Excuse me? How can I help you, Sir? Did

Anna let you in? I don‟t remember having an

appointment at this time. (Looks at watch)

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Oh...uh no. I didn‟t know I needed an

appointment. I mean, I‟m not here for business.

(Pause) You look great, Sir! You have no idea

how much you‟ve influenced me! You are my

favorite president! I‟m William Wright by the

way. It‟s such an honor to meet you! The way you

cleaned up Wall Street‟s abuses with SEC,

created jobs through the TVA, WPA and other

public world‟s projects, aided in ending the

depression and brought the U.S. through World

War II...it‟s just incredible!

(Walk towards FDR)

FDR

(Interrupts William Wright)

Excuse me? Wait just one minute!(Stand up)

What are you talking about? You must have me

confused with someone else. I am not, nor have

I ever, been president. And what‟s this

nonsense about the (makes air quotes) „Great

Depression‟? I‟m afraid you‟ll have to leave

now. I have no time for these silly games.

(Turns around and sits down again)

Now! Please!

William looks shocked. He walks back toward the door and

stops.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

What is today‟s date?

(Look at calendar on the wall – it says June

16th, 1921)

That‟s right!

(Turn around, face FDR)

You don‟t know what‟s going to happen!

FDR

I beg your pardon?

William pauses, then starts to pace in front of the door.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(mumbling to himself) Should I tell him? What

would happen? (groans)

FDR

Tell me what?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

This is probably breaking all kinds of laws, but

I think you should know. Maybe I can help

you...

FDR

What now? I don‟t even know who you are. Why

should I listen to you, mumbling to yourself

like a crazy person? I‟m trying to work now,

can‟t you see?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I just need two minutes, Sir. Just two minutes!

(Speaking quickly)I don‟t know where I should

start, and I‟m definitely not allowed to say

what I‟m about to say. But it is very important

and I promise, you‟ll want to know!

FDR

I‟ll give you 60 seconds. You better make your

point!

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I‟m from 2100, the future. There is new

technology that allows us to travel to another

point in time. Time traveling if you will.

FDR looks like he is starting to get annoyed

Within the next year, you will contract a

disease called polio, and suffer great pain for

your rest of life. You will eventually lose

your ability to walk altogether. I am a

biological scientist, and I‟m willing to help

you to get the vaccine. You have no idea now how

important you are to America and how many great

things you will achieve for the people of this

country. I thankful for all you have done and I

feel it is my duty to help you.

Silence in the room for a few long seconds

FDR

What‟s a vaccine? Why am I so important to

America? And in all honesty, why should I

believe you?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Look. I‟m already in big trouble now. They‟re

probably already looking for me. I‟m not

supposed to let anyone know that I‟m from the

future. You have to believe me. I‟m going to go

back home and get some things together. I‟ll

be back tomorrow. Please believe me…I really

can help you.

William turns around and runs out the door behind him. FDR

sits in front of his desk, looking at the clock and wraps

in his thought.

6. EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT 6

We see the agents walk off a poorly lit sidewalk into a

run-down looking store. Through the door, we see Teat

flip a badge open to show to the old, grey-haired shop

owner. Agent Madison takes a piece of paper out of his

briefcase. We catch a glimpse of a hand drawn picture

resembling William Wright.

AGENT MADISON

Have you seen this man?

Madison shows the picture to the shop owner. He takes out

his glasses, studies the picture and shakes his head. The

agents leave the shop and continue on their way.

SHOP OWNER

I have been working all day and this man

never came into the store. I‟m sure of it.

AGENT TEAT

Very well. Thank you.

AGENT JONES

Let‟s go. I‟m sure he is around here somewhere.

The three agents leave the store.

7. INT. FDR‟S LAW OFFICE, NEW YORK CITY – DAY 7

William walks knocks on FDR‟s office door.

FDR

Come in.

(William opens the door and walks in)

I did a little research last night. While

what you said yesterday sounded convincing,

you‟ve done nothing to earn my trust. Tell

me William, why should I believe you?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Well…I know that you‟re married to Eleanor

Roosevelt – you were married in 1905 if I‟m

correct. I know that you have 5 children

and that your third child, Franklin

Roosevelt jr. died at 9 months of age,

which by the way, I‟ve very sorry to use as

a justification. I know that you are

having an affair with your secretary Lucy –

and that Eleanor offered you a divorce when

she found out. Starting to believe me yet?

FDR

How on earth do you know about Lucy?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I told you, I‟m from the future. In 2100,

you affair is public knowledge. But don‟t

worry, you are still the most beloved

American president.

FDR

So I really become president one day?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

You do…and you become a great one! Now,

can we please proceed with the vaccine?

FDR

What exactly is a vaccine?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

It‟s an injection of a weaker form of a

virus. Basically, it allows you body to

develop the immunity necessary to fight a

disease should you ever contract one.

FDR

And in the future, this vaccine to combat

polio actually works?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

YES! No one has been diagnosed with polio

in years.

FDR

Okay. Let‟s do it.

William pulls some objects out of his medical bag. We see a

stretchy green band and a syringe as well as a tube of liquid.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Here.

(Pulls a chair)

Sit down. We need to finish this quickly. I

don‟t have much time left to go back to 2100…

William wraps the stretchy band around FDR‟s arm and looks for a

vein. He gets the needle ready.

To be honest, I don‟t even know if I can go

back home anymore…

William inserts the syringe into FDR‟s arm.

Suddenly we see the agents running down the sidewalk

towards FDR‟s office building.

Back in the office, FDR looks like he is going to be

sick.

William Wright

Done!

William takes out the needle and packs everything back to

the medical box. He walks toward the coat rack to gather

his supplies. FDR is rubbing his arm, looking out his

window.

FDR

I‟ve never had an injection before.

We suddenly see the three agents running down the sidewalk

towards FDR‟s office building. We follow them up the

stairs and watch them knock on FDR‟s door.

FDR

Come in.

AGENT JONES

Excuse me sir, have you seen this man?

Shows FDR the same drawing of William that they showed to

the shop owner

FDR

No I don‟t believe I have.

AGENT MADISON

Are you sure? We have reason to believe you

and Mr. Wright have been in contact in the

past 24 hours.

AGENT TEAT

A few people on the street recognized the

picture and said they saw him walk into your

building yesterday and leave about a half

hour later. Do you mind if we search your

office?

FDR

Well I was actually just on my way out.

Maybe you could come back after lunch?

AGENT MADISON

I‟m sorry sir but we need to look around

now.

The three agents walk inside and look around. It‟s a small

office so it doesn‟t take much time. William is nowhere to

be found. FDR looks surprised.

8. INT. FDR‟s HOUSE, NEW YORK CITY – DAY 8

William takes out a key from his pocket to get inside. He

turns the door knob and opens the door. He enters into the

house and turns the light on. After he closes the door, he

sees the living room wall filled with pictures of FDR‟s

family.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(looking around) I can‟t believe I‟m in Franklin

Delano Roosevelt‟s house!

He goes to the kitchen, opens a few cupboards, finally

pulling out a wine glass. He grabs a bottle of red wine

off the counter and pours himself a glass.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(Yawns) I‟m exhausted – maybe I‟ll

take a nap.

He returns to the living room and sits down on the

couch. He closes his eyes and falls asleep.

9. INT. FDR‟S LAW OFFICE, NEW YORK CITY – DAY [FLASHBACK] 9

William peeks through the curtain to see outside.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Oh..No! They are coming to get me!

FDR

(also looking outside)Who are they?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

They are the agents from the future. I think

they‟re here to stop me and bring me back.

William quickly turns around and starts packing all the

medical equipment.

FDR

Here, take this. (giving his house key)

WILLIAM WRIGHT

What is this?

FDR

This is the key to my house. Stay there. No one

is home. My address is 100 E. 5th Street, on

the corner of Washington. I‟ll get there as

soon as I can.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Thank you so much. (grabbing his bags and

walking to the door) Wait! How do I get out

of here? The agents will come from that door.

FDR

Don‟t worry. There is a secret back door at

the end of the hallway on the right. You will

be safe. Good Luck!

WILLIAM WRIGHT

See you soon!

William walks out the door, turns right and heads down

the hallway towards the secret exit.

10. INT. FDR‟S BASEMENT, NEW YORK CITY – DAY 10

We see FDR sitting at his kitchen table, reading the

newspaper. He has a cup of coffee and a plate of crumbs

sitting off to the side. A radio is sitting on the table

as well.

BROADCASTER

Good Morning everyone! Today is November 15th,

and a beautiful November 15th if I do say so

myself!

FDR turns off the radio and drinks his coffee.

Suddenly, someone knocks on the door. FDR gets up

and walks to the front door and opens it. William is

standing outside.

FDR

Hello William! Please come in.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Good Morning, Sir.

FDR

Ah, my friend, there‟s really no need to

call me sir (cheerfully)

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(sitting down) It really is great to see you

walking around, no wheelchair in sight! You seem

very happy today.

FDR

Why shouldn‟t I be happy? (laughing) I have

the world at my feet. Let‟s start talking

about the future plans and my campaign

position. How much do you actually know

about my platform and the politics of this

time period?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I know more than you think! You are my favorite

president after all. The next few years should

be a wild ride. You know I am dedicated to help

you to be the future president of United States!