Script

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) O 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”. to his law office. 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 walks in, and sees FDR sitting at his desk, reading some papers.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Are you Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

(Amazed)

I’m a big fan of you! You are amazing!

FDR

Yes?!(Surprised)

How can I help you, Sir? Did Anna let you in? I don’t remember having an appointment at this time. (Look at watch)

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Oh, no! I guess I did not know I need an appointment. I mean, I’m not here for business.(pause)You look great, Sir! You have no idea how much you influenced me! You are my favorite president! It’s such an honor to meet you! 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…

(Walk towards FDR)

FDR

(Interrupts William Wright)

Hey! Hold on!(Stand up)

What are you talking about? Sir, it’s nice to meet you, but I’m afraid you have to leave now. I don’t have time for your nonsense.

(Turn around and sit down again)

Now! Please!

William looks shocked. He walks to the door and stops.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

What date is it today?

(Look at calendar on the wall)

That’s right!

(Turn around, face FDR)

You don’t know what’s gonna happen! Now, please! Hear me out! This is very important!

FDR

What now? What is up with you? I’m trying to work now, can’t you see?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I need two minute, Sir. Just two minute! (Talk fast)I don’t know how should I start this, and I’m not allowed to say what I’m about to say. But it is very important and I promise, you would want to know!

FDR

I will give you 60 seconds. You better make your point!

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I’m from 2100, the future. The new technology allows us to travel to another time space. Within the next few year, you will have polio, and suffers great pain in your rest of life. I’m a

medical scientist, and I’m willing to help you to get the vaccine. You might have no idea now how important you are to America, and how many accomplishments you achieved for people in this country. I am deeply grateful to you and I want to help you.

Silence in the room. After a while…

FDR

How can I trust you?

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Look. I’m already in big trouble now. I can’t let anyone know that I’m from the future. You have to believe me. I will have to go back to 2100 in 24 hours. I will come back tomorrow.

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 into a shop. The shop owner shakes his head, and the agents keep walking.

AGENT 1

(Shows badge)

Have you seen this man?

(Takes out William’s photo and put it on the table)

SHOP OWNER

No, Sir. I know people who come to our store everyday. Definitely never have met that guy.

AGENT 1

Thanks! Keep an eye on people that come to the store. If you know anything, call me.

Agent 1 leaves a note on the table and turns to Agent 2.

AGENT 1

Let’s go. I’m sure he is around here.

Agents leaves the store.

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

William walks in to the office to find that FDR has been waiting for him.

FDR

Here you are!

(Walks towards William and shake hand)

I did a little research on you last night. There’s no file about you. What you have been telling me seems convincing.

William starts to prepare the medical equipment while talking to FDR.

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 looks for a vein in FDR’s arm and gets the needle ready.

To be honest, I don’t even know if I can go back home anymore…

William pushes the syringe.

The special agents are already out on their way to take me down…

FDR looks like he is going to be sick.

Done!

William takes out the needle and packs everything back to the medical box.

FDR

I haven’t had any shots in years! This surely …

(Interrupted)

Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. FDR goes to open it and finds the agents at his door. They show identification.

Agent 2

Have you seen this man, Sir?

(Shows William’s photo to FDR)

FDR

No, Sir.

Agent 1

Are you sure? We have people reported; they saw this man with you last night.

Agent 2

Camera shows he is in this building. Now, excuse us, we’d like to look around in your office.

FRD

Take your time, Sir.

Agents enter and search the office, but William is nowhere to be found. The agents leave.

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)What a nice place!

He goes to the kitchen and pours himself a glass of wine.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I am really tired. I think I need some rest.

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.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

(also looking outside)Who are they?

WILLIAM WRIGHT They are the agents from the future. I think they’re here to get me.

William quickly turns around and starts packing all the medical equipments.


Here, take this. (giving his house key)

WILLIAM WRIGHT

What is this?


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

WILLIAM WRIGHT

Thank you so much. (grabbing his bags and walking to the door) Wait. How can I get out of here? The agents will come from that door.


Don’t worry. There is a special secret tunnel that leads you to go outside. (opening a small door behind his desk)You will be safe. Good Luck!

WILLIAM WRIGHT

See you later!

William starts walking through the tunnel with his bags and disappears.

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

BROADCASTER

Good Morning! Today is November 15th, 1921.

Then FDR turns off the radio and drinks his coffee. Suddenly, someone knocks on the door.


Please. Come in.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(coming inside) Good Morning, Sir.


Ah, My friend. (getting up from his seat) Come here and sit.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

(sitting down) You seem very happy today.


How can’t I be happier than this? (laughing) Let’s start talking about the future plans and my running position.

WILLIAM WRIGHT

I am dedicated to help you to be the future president for United States.

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