Uncle Sylvio

Uncle Sylvio An Original Screenplay by: Cara Fano FADE IN: INT. CAR - DAY A bus stopped at the corner of a street in an upper middle-class neighborhood. All houses look the same. Large green lawns. Trees and flowers in bloom. Birds CHIRP. SYLVIO (79) walks off of the bus. He has white hair, wearing a beret, khaki pants too short, a sweater vest too baggy. He is holding two boxes of pastries. Cars pass drive along the street frequently. ESTHER (42), is wearing an orange vest, holding a crossing sign. She waits by the cross walk. Sylvio approaches her. He tips his beret. SYLVIO Good afternoon, miss. ESTHER Hello, sir. Any special Easter plans for today? SYLVIO Goin’ to see my son, Angelo, at his girlfriend’s house. ESTHER Handsome name. That’s lovely. Esther looks both ways down the street. Cars bustle by. SYLVIO I neva met her, though. Judy, the girlfriend. She’s got a kid. Joey, I think. I see. ESTHER SYLVIO He’s forty-years-old and he spends every holiday with her family. I’m neva invited. Esther hesitates. ESTHER Well, they invited you this time, so that’s nice. Esther looks both ways down the street. She gestures for Sylvio to cross with her. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 2. SYLVIO Nah, they don’t know I’m comin’. I haven’t talked to him for five years. I brought his favorite pastries as a, uh, ticket or somethin’ to get inside. Sylvio CHUCKLES. Esther smiles. Esther and Sylvio cross the street. ESTHER If you don’t mind me asking, how do you know where Julie lives? SYLVIO Judy. I, uh, got connections. Esther LAUGHS. ESTHER Okay, Don Corleone. You have a wonderful Easter, then. Good luck with your son. Esther walks back across the street. Sylvio salutes goodbye. He takes a piece of paper out of his pocket. He squints at it. SYLVIO Could be twenty-six... Sylvio holds it farther away from him. He squints. SYLVIO (CONT’D) Or twenty-eight...nah. Sylvio walks up the street. He walks up to house number twenty-six. INT. FOYER - DAY The front doorbell RINGS. NICKY (6) scurries to the door. His face and hands are covered in chocolate. He opens the door. Sylvio stands hunched with two boxes of pastries. SYLVIO Hey kid. You must be Joey. I’m Nicky. NICKY (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 3. SYLVIO You’re name’s supposed to be Joey. Nicky puts out his hand to shake, Sylvio stares at it, looks disgusted. SYLVIO (CONT’D) Sorry kid. I hate chocolate. NICKY I love chocolate. SYLVIO I see that. Sylvio peeks his head into the house. He steps in. SYLVIO (CONT’D) Do ya know where Angelo is? NICKY He was sleeping when he got here. But I gotta go. I don’t want to miss the hunt! Nicky scurries off. Sylvio closes the door behind him. He scratches his head. SYLVIO Sleepin’ when he got here? INT. LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY SOPHIA (35) is loading the washing machine. Nicky walks in. NICKY Is it time for the hunt yet? SOPHIA Not yet, sweetie. Sophia looks at Nicky. SOPHIA (CONT’D) You’re a wreck! No more chocolate until after the Easter egg hunt. Who was at the door? NICKY Some old man. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 4. SOPHIA Are you sure it wasn’t Aunt Lotti? You thought she was a man at Christmas when she forgot her wig. Nicky LAUGHS. NICKY It’s not her, mommy. She’s sleeping on the sofa. Sophia CHUCKLES. SOPHIA Drink in hand, I’m sure. NICKY What are you doing in here? When are we gonna do the Easter egg hunt? SOPHIA Soon enough. Baby Angelo spit up on my blouse. Sophia holds up the dirty blouse. She puts it in the washing machine. INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY Cozy living room. ITALIAN MUSIC playing softly. LOTTI (87) sleeping on the couch. Wig crooked. Mouth open. Legs sprawled. Wine glass half full in one hand. Biscotti cookie in the other. ANETTE (70), attractive older woman, sitting next to GINA (45), wearing clothes too tight and too young, red lipstick. Sylvio walks in holding pastry boxes. He waves. ANETTE and GINA wave. ANETTE poofs her hair, looks to GINA, whispers: ANETTE Who’s that? He’s handsome. GINA I was gonna say the same thing! Sylvio gestures to LOTTI. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 5. SYLVIO Musta had a rough day. GINA If you think this is rough, you shoulda seen her at Christmas! Sylvio smiles. SYLVIO You ladies seen Angelo by any chance? ANETTE Sophia is feeding him on the lawn, I think. SYLVIO No wonder he loves it here. You guys pamper him at this joint. Anette and Gina smile. Sylvio exits. Gina nudges Anette. GINA He’s cute for you Anette! ANETTE Shh! He might hear you. Anette looks at the door Sylvio exited. She poofs her hair. GINA And you know he ain’t cheap! Two boxes of pastries! Anette flattens out her shirt, sits up straight. Gina nudges Anette. GINA (CONT’D) You know who I think he is? Sophia’s uncle. From Jersey. ANETTE Didn’t he pass away in the ’90’s? EXT. LAWN - DAY Gina and Chiarra stand by the punch bowl. Sylvio enters the lawn, still holding the pastries. Gina nudges Chiarra. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 6. GINA Sophia’s uncle. From Jersey. Chiarra nods. Sylvio approaches. He smiles. SYLVIO Hello ladies. Chiarra waves. Gina smiles. SYLVIO Do either of you know where I can find Angelo? CHIARRA Last I saw, he was drinkin’ a bottle on the deck. Sylvio scratches his head. SYLVIO Drinkin’? Why the hell is he drinkin’ so early in the day? GINA That’s pretty much all he does. Gina and Chiarra CHUCKLE. SYLVIO Gee...that ain’t good. GINA What can ya do, huh? Sylvio scratches his head. SYLVIO Can I ask you ladies a question? Chiarra and Gina nod. SYLVIO (CONT’D) Has Angelo, uh, ever mentioned that he’s got a father? CHIARRA He doesn’t really talk much... I see. SYLVIO (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 7. GINA He’s just a baby. Sylvio nods. He begins walking away. SYLVIO (to himself) Rude is what he is. Acts like a damn baby. Sylvio exits. Sophia approaches. Sophia looks to Chiarra. SOPHIA Who was that? CHIARRA Your uncle, ya know, from Jersey. SOPHIA What? No. He died in ’93. Anette walks over. She pours punch into a cup. She takes a sip. ANETTE Jesus! This punch could wake the dead! How much alcohol’s in here? CHIARRA Lotti brought it. Anette makes a face and puts her cup on the table. Chiarra nudges Gina. CHIARRA (CONT’D) That’s it! He must be Lotti’s boyfriend! Ya know, the biker. Sophia CHUCKLES. GINA Yea, yea! Must be. Looks like he could have a wild side! Don’t be fooled by that beret! EXT. LAWN - DAY Flavia is standing. Nicky and CHILDREN play. Sophia approaches. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 8. SOPHIA Flav, where’s baby Angelo? Flavia holds up a baby monitor. FLAVIA Greg’s been up there for twenty minutes trying to put him down for a nap. He should be good for two hours or so once he’s asleep. Sophia smiles. SOPHIA Who? Greg or the baby? Flavia LAUGHS. FLAVIA Both of them, at this rate. Sophia smiles. SOPHIA We can start the Easter egg hunt in a few. Nicky’s eyes widen, he smiles. SOPHIA (CONT’D) I see Nicky’s all ready! Who’s your partner this year, sweetie? Nicky points to Sylvio from afar. SOPHIA (CONT’D) Lotti’s boyfriend? Why him? NICKY He hates chocolate! I wont even have to share! Sophia CHUCKLES. Nicky scurries off. EXT. DECK - DAY Sylvio sits on a chair, holding the pastries on his lap. Anette enters. She pulls up a chair, puts out her hand. ANETTE Hi. Anette. Sylvio smiles. He takes Anette’s hand and kisses it. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 9. SYLVIO You have beautiful eyes, miss. Anette blushes. ANETTE I figured I’d introduce myself seeing as your, uh, escort is sleeping. Sylvio smiles. SYLVIO Sleeping, drinking...that’s all my escort’s been doing at this party. Anette LAUGHS. SYLVIO (CONT’D) Lovely family you got here, though. I understand why Angelo loves you guys. Anette smiles. ANETTE The feeling’s mutual, of course. He’s the newest member of our family. Sylvio smiles. SYLVIO Speak of the devil, I haven’t seen him all day. ANETTE Me either, come to think of it. He gets a lot of attention, that one. Just too cute! SYLVIO (sarcastically) Yea...cute. Nicky runs over and tugs on Sylvio’s shirt. SYLVIO (CONT’D) Oh hey, kid. You seen Angelo? NICKY He was playing in the living room a few minutes ago. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 10. Sylvio scratches his head. Playin’? SYLVIO NICKY Will you be my partner? Sylvio looks confused. ANETTE He means for the Easter egg hunt. NICKY Pleeeeeease? SYLVIO Uh...okay...sure, kid. Nicky pulls Sylvio out of his chair. SYLVIO What about the pastries? Anette takes the pastries from Sylvio. ANETTE I didn’t catch your name. Nicky drags Sylvio towards the lawn. Sylvio. SYLVIO NICKY Come on, Uncle Sylvio! Anette smiles. INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY LOTTI is sleeping on the couch, legs sprawled out. Anette enters, holding the pastries. She pats LOTTI’S shoulder. ANETTE Your boyfriend’s here. LOTTI GRUNTS. ANETTE (CONT’D) You are being awfully rude to your guest. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 11. LOTTI sits up startled. She opens one eye. She grabs for the pastries. Anette gently slaps her hand. ANETTE (CONT’D) No! I’m leaving these in the kitchen. Your boyfriend’s here! Lotti lays back down. Anette shrugs. She leaves. Lotti sits up and opens her eyes. She takes a swig of her drink. INT. KITCHEN - DAY Lotti is eating Sylvio’s pastries, beer in hand. ROBERT (70) chubby, gray pony tail, wearing leather jacket, holding a few, ugly flowers and a helmet, enters. ROBERT Lotti, darling! Robert hands Lotti flowers. Lotti takes them without looking at Robert. ROBERT (CONT’D) Is it dinna time yet? LOTTI Robby, don’t take this the wrong way... Lotti takes a swig of beer. LOTTI (CONT’D) I think we should be friends. EXT. LAWN - AFTERNOON Gina and Anette sit in folding chairs. Lotti walks over, pours a drink and sits next to Gina. GINA So how’s the boyfriend? LOTTI Eh, I dumped ’im. Lotti takes a swig. Anette poofs her hair, her eyes widen. Gina nudges Anette. Anette smiles. Gina looks to Sylvio from afar. Sylvio is hobbling behind Nicky with a bucket. Gina whispers. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 12. GINA He’s better off, anyway. What? LOTTI GINA (louder) I said, he brought a generous housewarming gift and everythin’. LOTTI Generous? He’s a cheap bastard! Didn’t even bring my favorite spread. Lotti takes a swig. Gina whispers to Anette. GINA Since when is she a picky eater? What? LOTTI GINA (louder) I said, is he still gonna eat dinner here? Lotti takes a swig. LOTTI Oh, yea. I can’t get rid of ’im. Gina shakes her head. She whispers to Anette. Poor guy. GINA LOTTI What? GINA (louder) Pour anotha drink. INT. KITCHEN - EVENING A flood of PEOPLE come into the kitchen. Chiarra approaches Anette. Robert walks in behind her. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 13. CHIARRA I saw you talking to Lotti’s boyfriend. Anette smiles. Robert looks over at Chiarra and Anette. CHIARRA (CONT’D) Was he nice? ANETTE Very sweet. Lotti broke up with him, too! Robert scratches his head. Sylvio and Nicky walk into the kitchen. CHIARRA What?! ANETTE Shh. He just walked in. Anette gestures towards Sylvio. Robert looks at Sylvio, confused. Lotti enters. Sylvio approaches Anette. ANETTE (CONT’D) Hello, Sylvio. Sylvio smiles. SYLVIO Is there assigned seating tonight? Anette LAUGHS softly. ANETTE Of course not. Lotti walks over to Sylvio. Robert watches. SYLVIO In that case, would you like to join me? Anette blushes. Lotti looks at Sylvio. LOTTI Hey there handsome. Robert frowns. He approaches Lotti and Sylvio. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 14. Hey! ROBERT Robert pokes Sylvio. ROBERT (CONT’D) Who the heck are you? Sylvio puts his hands up. Anette looks at Robert. ANETTE What are you doing? Sylvio looks at Anette. SYLVIO I don’t understand. ROBERT Lotti, you’ve been cheating on me with this punk? Lotti takes a swig of her drink. Anette looks at Robert. ANETTE Who are you? ROBERT Lotti’s boyfriend! LOTTI Was! You was my boyfriend. No more. Lotti takes a swig of her drink. SYLVIO I don’t understand. I’m Angelo’s father. Anette GASPS. What? ANETTE Sophia approaches Sylvio. Flavia walks over, holding BABY ANGELO. SOPHIA What’s going on here? ANETTE Sylvio says he’s Angelo’s father! (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 15. FLAVIA Who the hell is Sylvio? Anette points to Sylvio. ROBERT Who’s Angelo? Lotti points to BABY ANGELO. She takes a swig of her drink. SYLVIO What? No, no, my Angelo’s forty years old! Sophia looks at Anette and then back to Sylvio. SOPHIA I’m sorry, sir, but is there a home I could call for you? SYLVIO No, no. My son, Angelo. He’s Judy’s boyfriend. Judy? ANETTE SOPHIA I have a neighbor named Judy. Sylvio scratches his head. FLAVIA I think you’re at the wrong house, uh...Sylvio. Anette looks at Sylvio. Sylvio pulls the piece of paper out of his pocket. He squints at it. SYLVIO I can’t read a damn thing. Sophia takes the paper. She reads it. SOPHIA Aha! You’re looking for the house next door. Sylvio looks down. His face is red. Anette gently touches Sylvio’s shoulder. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 16. ROBERT So you weren’t cheatin’ on me, Lotti? Lotti rolls her eyes and takes a swig of her drink. LOTTI Robby, shut up and go eat some lasagna. Robert’s eyes perk up and he goes towards the food table. Nicky walks over to Sylvio and pulls on his shirt. NICKY Will you sit next to me for dinner? Sylvio looks at Sophia. SYLVIO Uh...I think I have to gSOPHIA Nicky, go get our friend Sylvio a place mat. Nicky scurries off. SOPHIA (CONT’D) We have plenty of food. You are more than welcome to stay. SYLVIO I don’t know... Sylvio looks down at his watch. It reads 5:00 p.m. SOPHIA Do you want me to call Judy and let her know you’re safe? SYLVIO No, no. My Angelo didn’t even know I was comin’... Sylvio looks down. Sophia looks at Anette, then back to Sylvio. SOPHIA Then you don’t have to worry. Sylvio hesitates. (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 17. SYLVIO I was gonna surprise my son... Nicky comes back with a place mat. NICKY Ready, Uncle Sylvio? Sylvio hesitates. He looks down. Anette puts her hand on his shoulder. ANETTE Why don’t you surprise them for dessert? We can go together if you want... Sylvio looks up. He smiles slowly. Anette takes Sylvio’s hand. SYLVIO I’d like that. Sylvio kisses Anette’s hand. Sophia smiles. Sylvio nods at Nicky. NICKY Are you still gonna sit next to me, Uncle Sylvio? Sylvio smiles. Anette nudges Sylvio. ANETTE I’ll sit on your other side. Let’s eat. FADE OUT.