Friday the 13th

EXT. GIRL'S CABIN – NIGHT

Through her window we can see Brenda changing into her soft yellow pajamas.

CUT TO:

INT. GIRL'S CABIN – NIGHT

The tapping returns.

BRENDA

That could drive a person bug-city.

The SOUND is apparently coming from the front of the cabin; perhaps she can fix it without getting too wet.

Brenda grabs her slicker and heads out.

The CAMERA FOLLOWS Brenda through the darkened cabin to the front door.

CUT TO:

EXT. GIRL'S CABIN – NIGHT

There is a small roof overhang like a porch, affording some protection from the wind and wet.

ANOTHER ANGLE, CLOSER
 

As Brenda hears the tapping sound closer by. She looks and sees.

WE SEE WHAT SHE SEES
 

Somebody has ties a kitchen knife to a string and left it dangling from the eaves. The wind blows, making the knife tap against the building.

BRENDA

Neddy? Cut the screwing around, Neddy!

She grabs the knife, breaking the string.

BRENDA

(continuing)

This isn't even half funny.

Angry, Brenda turns and goes back inside the cabin.

CUT TO:

INT. GIRL'S CABIN – NIGHT

Brenda comes in shaking off her slicker, carrying the knife.

BRENDA

Christ, what a jerk.

The single bulb goes out.

BRENDA

(continuing)

Great. Now what?

Brenda crosses to the table, puts down her knife and strikes a match. She fires up the propane lantern.

BRENDA

(continuing)

Looks like I turn in early.

She moves the lamp and gets ready to climb into her bed. She reaches down and takes the coverlet and tugs it clear, revealing something that has been left there.

REACTION SHOT: Fear spreads across her face.

REVERSE POV: WE SEE WHAT SHE SEES
 

A camp hatchet lies across her pillow. The shiny blade is marked with blood.

Brenda turns and runs from her room.

CUT TO:

EXT. PATHWAY / CAMP – NIGHT

Brenda runs through the rain, her flimsy pajamas drenched. Her bare feet slip in the mud. She heads for a small rise that leads to the softball field.

CUT TO:

EXT. SOFTBALL FIELD – NIGHT

WIDE SHOT of Brenda running across the softball diamond.

CUT TO:

EXT. ELECTRICAL JUNCTION BOX – NIGHT

CLOSEUP: a hand reaches in and slams on a circuit breaker.

CUT TO:

EXT. SOFTBALL FIELD – NIGHT

CLOSEUP: Two large spot lights on a telephone pole light up.

CUT TO:

EXT. SOFTBALL FIELD – NIGHT

The softball field is now lit. Brenda is confused. She looks off behind the backstop. Then to center field. Confused, she runs out of the light into the darkness and underbrush behind third base. The CAMERA slowly zooms in on the darkness where Brenda exited. We hold on that spot for several seconds. Finally the silence is broken by a terrified scream. Then another.

CUT TO:

INT. BIG MEETING ROOM – NIGHT

Alice is at one of the windows.

ALICE

I don't here it anymore.

BILL

Can't hear anything through that wind and rain.

ALICE

It sounded like Brenda.

BILL

I'll go take a look.

ALICE

Did somebody leave the lights on at the softball field?

We are looking over at her shoulder. The distant glimmer suddenly goes dark. Bill joins her and looks.

BILL

Where?

ALICE

They're off now.

Bill heads for the door.

BILL

I'll go check on Brenda.

ALICE

Okay.

Alice turns. Bill is halfway out the door.

ALICE

(continuing)

I'll go with you.

Bill shrugs.

BILL

If it'll make you feel better.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE CAR – NIGHT

The rain continues as they drive along.

TIERNEY

Bad enough we got a full moon; it's Friday the 13th. They keep statistics. We get more accidents, more robberies, more rapes, more homicides, more of everything when there's a full moon. It affects people. Makes 'em nuts.

STEVE

You've made a science out of coincidence.

The police radio, which has been on "squelch," comes on.

DISPATCHER #1 (V.O.)

(filtered)

Sgt. Tierney, Report.

DISPATCHER #2 (V.O.)

(filtered)

Need a clear frequency...

DISPATCHER #1 (V.O.)

(filtered)

Sgt. Tierney, car niner.

Tierney takes the mike.

TIERNEY

This is Tierney.

DISPATCHER #2 (V.O.)

(filtered)

Rescue squad with jaws of life... near mile marker 17... possible fatals... three, maybe more... head on... at least one trapped...

DISPATCHER #1 (V.O.)

(filtered)

Sgt. Tierney, there's a bad accident. One fatality known, several possibles near mile marker 17 on the Interstate. Bus, tractor trailer. Over.