57 PERCENT UP

Written by

The Mad Clapper

OWC May 2020

(c) copyright - this screenplay may only be used with prior

written consent of the writer
FADE IN:

EXT. CITY SUBURB - ESTATE ROAD - DUSK

Streetlights flicker to life.

As they warm up, their glow spreads across the houses either
side of this ordinary road.

But not that ordinary - there’s no traffic, or people.

It’s like a scene from a movie where we expect a distant

scream to break the silence.

But nothing happens...until...a small CAR enters the road,

disturbing the static view.

It slows down to a crawl.

INT. KAREN’S CAR - DUSK

A mess of a car. Litter covers the dashboard and floor.

KAREN, 40, weathered faced, tired eyes, checks an address on

a clipboard. Cigarette in hand, she scans the passing houses.

KAREN
Sixty five. Bingo.

Despite finding her destination, her gaze lingers on the

House. Something on her mind.

EXT. ROADSIDE - MOMENTS LATER

The car pulls up.

Dressed in a Nurse’s uniform, Karen steps out. Flicks her

cigarette onto the ground.

She leans back into the car, grabs both her hand bag and a
medical rucksack. An identity badge hangs around her neck.

EXT. REG’S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - DUSK

The door creeks opens as far as a security chain permits.

Around the corner peers REG, 95, pale, skinny, frail.

KAREN
Hello Mr Jones, I’m Karen, your
district Nurse. I’ve come to check
your dressings.

She holds up her name badge.

 2.

REG
Oh, where’s Sarah?

KAREN
I’m sorry, she’s been with the
police today. Had something stolen,
I think. She’ll be back tomorrow.
Can I come in?

INT. REG’S HOUSE - LOUNGE - DUSK

With a stick to help him walk, Reg shuffles into his lounge.
He winces with each step.

Karen follows him in, gazes around the room. It’s like a time
capsule from the 1960’s. Everything dated, everything faded.

And pride of place is ‘his’ chair, a worn out recliner.

Alongside sits a handy table for his bits and pieces, an iPad
being the only modern gadget.

Reg sits down and lifts his leg onto a foot-stall.

REG
It’s still painful. I can’t walk
much. Stupid fall.

Karen drops her bags at the foot of his chair.

KAREN
My dear, it happens. And more so
when you live alone. But I see
you’ve got an iPad. To keep in
touch with the family?

REG
Yes. It’s all mumbo jumbo to me,
but I get to see the grandkids.
Actually, it’s amazing what you can
see on this thing.

Karen rolls up Reg’s trouser leg to expose his injury.

KAREN
I’ve seen a few elderly patients
using iPads, helps them feel
connected. Ok, let’s change these
dressings. Have you taken your pain
killers?

REG
This morning, I think.

KAREN
Well, I’ll get you some.

Karen attends to the dressings.

 3.

Reg watches her closely, curious. She’s scruffy, nicotine

stained fingers, scuffed shoes - not what he expected.

REG
You been a nurse long?

KAREN
Sort of, I stopped a while ago. Had
to give it up. But when they asked
for old Nurses to come back, it
seemed like a nice...
(smiles at Reg)
...opportunity. And your work?

REG
Oh, family business. Buying and
selling. We were from the East End
of London, moved out after the war.

KAREN
Were you there during the blitz?

Reg’s eyes light up - a strong memory.

REG
Oh yes. Right in the heart of it.
It wasn’t easy but, in some ways,
it was the best of times. You
learnt a lot about people, what
they could do. What they hid.

Karen sits back, pleased with her work.

KAREN
Feel better?

REG
Suppose. Still hurts, but thanks.

KAREN
Let’s give it a few minutes to
settle and I’ll get you those pain
killers. Where do you keep them?

REG
Oh, umm, in my bathroom, upstairs.
Just give me a minute I’ll--

KAREN
--don’t you worry, I can get them.

REG
Thanks. Any chance of a cuppa? I
persuade all my nurses to make me a
tea. If you don’t mind?

KAREN
That’s fine.
 4.

INT. REG’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MINUTES LATER

Karen cautiously enters, checks behind her.

She opens various draws, finds some cash. She pockets most of
it, puts a little bit back.

Next, a jewellery box. Inside, various old rings, watches,

earrings. She considers those with gems, pockets a few.

Karen shuts the box and heads into Reg’s--

BATHROOM

She rummages through a large box of medicine, grabs two

pills, and then takes a box for herself.

INT. REG'S HOUSE - LOUNGE - NIGHT

Karen strolls in smiling, a mug of tea in hand.

KAREN
There you are, luv. Sorry it took a
while. Here’s your pills.

REG
Oh, you’re a star.

Reg takes the pills with a glass of water.

REG
I think you should leave now.

Karen’s head snaps up.

KAREN
Pardon?

REG
It’s time for the clap.

Karen stares blankly at him.

REG
You know, the eight o’clock clap,
for the health workers, outside.
They like it around here. Only
thing people go outside for.

KAREN
Oh, I see. I’m not sure. I feel
guilty. Just returned.

REG
Now, what could you feel guilty
for? Come on, you don’t want to
miss it.
 5.

Reg gingerly stands up. He gazes down.

REG
Don’t forget your bags.

KAREN
Oh, yes. How could I forget?

Reg places a hand on her shoulder - he smiles.

REG
During the blitz, folk often got
flustered when the light shined on
them... Let’s go.

Karen forces a thin smile.

I/E - REG’S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR

Reg opens the door for Karen.

REG
Best I say goodbye, if Sarah is
coming back.

KAREN
Well, you may see me again.

REG
Oh, I doubt it.

Karen frowns - what did he mean?

REG
You must have many patients. Oh
look, your fans are here.

Karen gazes down the road at the NEIGHBOURS. They start

clapping, cheering and banging pans in support.

They spy Karen in her nurses uniform and cheer. She blushes.

KAREN
Just like the blitz spirit?

REG
A bit. Guess what, I read that
crime went up 57 percent in the
blitz. So many...opportunities.
(under his breath)
Good times.

Flustered, Karen gathers her kit.

KAREN
Surely not now.
 6.

REG
You’d be amazed what I’ve seen.

INT. REG'S HOUSE - LOUNGE - FLASHBACK

From his chair, Reg hears Karen’s footstep upstairs. In his

hand he holds his iPad. He taps on an icon.

INSERT

IPad Screen - Captured by a hidden camera, Karen pockets the

cash.

BACK TO SCENE

Reg chuckles. He’s not fazed.

With his stick he hooks Karen’s handbag. Inside, he finds a

wad of cash and several credit cards with different names.

REG
The years may change, but people
stay the same. What a shame...
(to the credit cards)
...she can’t report you missing.

Reg laughs and pockets the cards.

END FLASHBACK

I/E - REG’S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR

Karen soaks up the applause. Reg gives her a ‘thumbs up’ as

he shuts the door and steps back into the--

HALLWAY

He reaches over to a phone, dials a number.

REG
(to phone)
Stevie my boy, it’s Reg. I’ve got
some new credit cards for you.
(laughing)
Yes, more! It’s like collecting
apples, they fall into my lap...
No, come round tomorrow, I’ve got
to call the Police first... Why?
Well, I’ve just been robbed. It’s
disgusting. This generation is
messed up.

Reg laughs.

FADE OUT.