Int. Bowling Alley - Night
A man in his 40s is bowling alone in a pretty empty alley. He bowls a strike and quietly congratulates himself. There is a man watching from behind the lane, wearing a fedora, mustache and smoking a cigar. He sounds a lot like Edward G. Robinson.
Scout
You look good kid, real good.
Bowler
Um, thanks.
Scout
How’d ya like to see your name in the papes, kid? I’m looking for the next big thing in the bowling world and you gots what it takes.
Bowler
I just do this for fun.
Scout
Fun? How ‘bout money! Those sweet, sweet greenbacks. A huge wad of dough just burnin’ a hole in your pocket. You’ll never have to worry about scraping together two bits to go to the pictures or to buy a phosphate at the local jerk.
Bowler
What’s a phosphate?
Scout
You’re names will be in lights kiddo! Each letter eight feet tall! What’s your name?
Bowler
Leslie.
Scout
Terrible. Change it. From now on you’re Buck. Buck Hansen. You’ll be the toast of the bowling world!
Bowler
It’s a family name. I don’t want to change it.
Scout
Listen to me, kid! I know things. I’ve traveled the world ten times over. I’ve been to bowling alleys in countries from Prussia to Rhodesia and everywhere in between. You’ve got what it takes!
Bowler
I’m leaving now.
Scout
You’re make me sick! Here I am, an honest Joe trying to help out some useless schlub, and sure I’ll make a couple bucks in the process, but NO, this guy has got to make me look like a fool in front of this entire bowling alley!
The scout gestures to the empty bowling alley. No one is paying attention to him.
Scout (con’t)
Well you can just forget it! You’re a dime a dozen, pal! There’s a million other chumps in this country who are chompin’ at the bit to have this kind of opportunity.
The bowler leaves.
Scout (con’t)
You’re through! You’ll never bowl in this town again! Or another town for that matter! Bowling alleys everywhere will know the name Leslie and know to refuse you service. You’re finished! FINISHED!
The scout calms himself. He walks down to the next lane to where a 12 year old is bowling.
Scout (to 12 year-old)
You look good kid. Real good.
BLACKOUT.
