ACT ONE
FADE IN
EXT. MOTOR SPEEDWAY - DAY - ESTABLISHING
The greatest racing show on earth, thousands of fans in the
grandstands, a 500 mile race at full, screaming tilt.
THE RACE - DAY - SERIES OF SHOTS
A two-car dice for the lead. The second place car's color
scheme will be used for the Thomas Flyer.
IN THE THOMAS FLYER PITS
Bonnie watches the action with her oldest friend from
engineering school, Elena Thomas. Elena wears dirty
coveralls and a Thomas Racing Team baseball cap, but her
beauty shines through. She's tense, excited -- that's the
car she designed racing out there. Next to them, just
plain tense, is Elena's father Mac, a grizzled Texan ex-
racer in his fifties, who has been crippled in a severe
racing accident years ago. It's his team -- and every
cent of his money tied up in his daughter's creation.
They watch and react as:
THE THOMAS FLYER
drafts in the lead cars slip stream, then slingshots out of
a turn, maneuvers past the lead car and pulls away opening
up a lead.
RESUME THE PITS
as Elena who wears the headset and pipe stem mike, talks to
the driver in the car. The group shouts over the engine
noise.
ELENA
Way to go, John! Fuel consumption's
looking real good! Stretch it out!
Stretch it out!
(to Mac)
This is the one, Dad!
MAC
It sure is!
BONNIE
Told you I was going to change your
luck!
ELENA
Yeah, long time coming!
BONNIE
(indicates
track)
He's pulling away!
MAC
There's no stopping him now!!
ANOTHER ANGLE - HILLTOP ALONGSIDE TRACK - DAY
A thin young man with an aluminum camera case climbs unno-
ticed onto the top of hill, opens the case. Inside is a
broken-down sniper's rifle. Lurani puts the pieces together.
RESUME PITS - BONNIE, MAC, ELENA
as we hear and they react to:
P.A. VOICE
Now leading after 184 laps, John
Bender in the Thomas Flyer.
Mac cracks a wary smile, Bonnie whoops and hugs Elena as
the P.A. crackles over the engines' roar.
EXT. HILLTOP - DAY - ON LURANI
Rifle assembled, Lurani, prone, tracks the target through
his scope.
OMITTED
ANGLE ON LURANI
squeezing the trigger. The noise is covered by the wail of
the engines.
BACK TO TRACK ACTION
The Thomas Flyer goes into a spin....
INT. FOUNDATION - ANGLE TO MONITOR - THOMAS FLYER (DAY 2)
spinning into the wall, with a fiery, horrifying explosion.
The image then runs backward, the car reassembling itself
and retreating from the wall. We realize we are watching a
TV replay of the crash.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Bonnie's at the controls of the main frame, Devon watching
gravely. RC also there....
BONNIE
See, there's just no reason for the
crash.
She runs it one more time. After the crash, the network
coverage goes to a hand-held image of the Thomas pit, Bonnie
standing helplessly by, Mac holding Elena comfortingly in
his burly arms. Bonnie freezes the video again, on a
closeup of Mac and Elena.
BONNIE
Elena was my closest friend in
college. She's the best engineer I
know. Nothing she designed would
just lose control like that.
DEVON
Granted, it seems unlikely, Bonnie,
but what do you expect me to do?
BONNIE
Lend me Michael. He can get to the
bottom of this.
RC
I'd be willing to go Devon...I'll
cover for Michael till he can get
there....
Devon glances at RC then ignores him....
DEVON
Michael is needed in Cincinatti, the
Palmerston affair....
BONNIE
Not until Monday. Give him to me
for thirty-six hours, that's all.
(indicates
monitor)
Look at them, Devon. Their driver
is dead, their entire life's work is
at stake. This is the first real
shot they've had since Mac's accident.
Who else was the Foundation created
to serve, if not them?
RC
She's got a point there boss. From
everything Bonnie's told me, sounds
like something weird's been going
down.
DEVON
(to Bonnie)
Is it because they're your friends?
BONNIE
It's because they're victims, and
they deserve our help. They need it.
DEVON
(ponders)
Forty-eight hours?
She knows she's got him.
RC3
Atta boy, boss. You knew all along
you were going to give in. You're
just a righteous dude at heart. You
shouldn't be so into hiding it.
DEVON
Spare me your street-corner psycho-
logy, Reginald and get into some
righteous driving, now.
Devon eyes him, points to the drivers section.
EXT. STREET - DAY - ON K.I.T.T.
cruising along in convertible mode.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael finger-pops along with a high-volume, high-style,
MTV-style video visible on the monitor.
K.I.T.T.
Michael, these videos are a complete
waste of time.
MICHAEL
Hey, they've got everything; rhythm
drama, excitement. Remember Kitt,
music hath charms to soothe the
savage breast. Take a look.
INSERT - MONITOR
Guys in loincloths, girls in loincloths, the works.
K.I.T.T.
I'm not only looking Michael, I'm
showing it. Very soothing....
MICHAEL
C'mon pal, loosen up. Feel the beat.
K.I.T.T.
If I keep feeling that beat, I won't
just loosen up, I'll fall apart.
MICHAEL
You're uni-welded can take it.
K.I.T.T.
But I don't want it.
The volume is suddenly cut to zero.
MICHAEL
Hey!
K.I.T.T.
Devon's calling, Michael. And if
you ask me, not a moment too soon.
MICHAEL
Everybody's a critic these days.
(patching
in)
Hi, Devon, what's up?
DEVON
Bonnie needs your help, Michael.
She is on her way to meet you at
Il Cavallino, restaurant, on
Route 14....
MICHAEL
Then, I guess we're on our way.
(to K.I.T.T.)
ETA to Il Cavallino, pal?
K.I.T.T.
12.368 minutes, Michael.
EXT. STREET - DAY - ON K.I.T.T.
speeding off.
EXT. IL CAVALLINO - DAY - ESTABLISHING
Its parking lot full of exoticars, and K.I.T.T., T-top up.
INT. IL CAVALLINO - DAY
Posh, decorated with Bugatti grilles and racing paintings.
Michael and Bonnie are in a booth.
MICHAEL
Racer's luck -- or driver error.
Goes with the territory.
BONNIE
Michael, it's not just the crash.
It's like Mac and Elena are cursed.
All season things have been fouled up.
A back up engine went AWOL, trans-
missions that are suddenly dry, bolts
unscrew themselves. It's sabotage,
Michael, I'm positive.
MICHAEL
Who?
BONNIE
Another team, someone with a grudge
-- that's what I need you to find out.
They're racing the backup car at
Riverside tomorrow. Join them, find
out what happened. Protect them.
MICHAEL
Okay. Kitt and I'll check it out.
If it is sabotage, we'll get to the
bottom of it. But if your buddy
Elena screwed up and it's faulty
engineering, you know I'm going to
be honest about it -- no matter who
gets hurt.
BONNIE
What Elena doesn't know about race
car design hasn't been invented. She
didn't mess up.
MICHAEL
We'll see.
CUT TO
EXT. RIVERSIDE COURSE - DAY - ESTABLISHING
K.I.T.T. drives in and through....
EXT. THOMAS GARAGE AREA - DAY
Elena, once again in coveralls and Thomas Racing baseball
cap, spots handsome, cocky young Steve Cochran one of the
circuit's top drivers, lounging against a wall outside
Altfield Racing's elaborate shop. She walks over to him.
ELENA
Steve got a second?
STEVE
For you, always. Trouble is, lately
that's all you ever have for me.
He aims a friendly kiss at her -- she takes it on the cheek.
ELENA
It's over, Steve. That's the way it
has to be.
(beat)
Come back and drive for us.
STEVE
You know I got a deal with Altfield.
ELENA
What you've got is a handshake.
(beat)
And Wayne said it was okay to talk
to you.
STEVE
So make me an offer. Altfield is
talking 300 G's a year, but since you
guys gave me my first ride, I'd be
willing to take two and a half.
ELENA
Steve -- if we don't finish near the
top here our sponsor'll bail out,
and ---
STEVE
(interrupting)
Maybe I missed something, there. Did
you offer me the two and a half or
what?
ELENA
You know we can't go that high.
Every cent's tied up in the cars.
I'm asking for your help.
STEVE
Hey, driving's always been a mix of
business and pleasure with me,
Lenie, you know that. Trouble is, I
don't see this paying off either way.
ELENA
Don't put it on that basis, Steve.
Please.
CUT TO
EXT. RIVERSIDE GARAGE AREA - DAY - ON K.I.T.T.
cruising slowly among the gleaming racers being removed from
their transporters; drivers in Nomex suits leaving their
mobile home quarters.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - TRAVELING
as they pass a candy-apple red racer packed with day-glo
decals.
K.I.T.T.
That paint job would stun a blind
man at fifty paces, Michael.
MICHAEL
Come on, pal racing's a colorful
sport. It's all part of the
spectacle.
K.I.T.T.
Well I have no intention of ever
becoming one. It was Henry Ford who
said any color as long as it's black.
And I agree. Elegant, quiet, basic
black.
MICHAEL
Can't imagine why, pal. Say,
speaking of quiet, I think we're
more likely to fall into some useful
information if we don't blow in like
Crockett and Tubbs. Let's keep a
low profile, okay, pal?
K.I.T.T.
You know me, Michael. Compared to
these rolling billboards I'll be the
soul of discretion.
EXT. GARAGE AREA - DAY - STEVE AND ELENA
still talking. They're joined by Mac and Wayne Altfield,
Steve's boss, tall, leathery, Mac's age, head of the
richest, color-coordinated team in racing. Mac's oldest
friend -- drivers together, friendly rivals, and as car
owners they've kept the relationship strong. Wayne slaps
Steve on the back.
WAYNE
She having any luck?
STEVE
She's real persuasive, Mr. Altfield,
but I guess I'm still driving for you.
Elena fumes. K.I.T.T. rolls into view in the b.g. and
pulls to a stop.
MAC
Sorry, hon, you can't expect the boy
to give up a good ride to go with us.
ELENA
But Dad....
WAYNE
Now, you know I joke about this all
the time, but if you two are serious
about staying competitive, you could
do worse than come in with me.
(arm around
Elena)
Altfield and Thomas Racing. It'd be
a real family affair, huh 'Lenie?
MAC
Wayne, we've been through all that.
I'm an independent, always will be.
WAYNE
I know, I know, just a dream.
(beat)
Let you know if I run across anyone
who needs a ride.
Steve and Wayne saunter into his garage as Michael
approaches. He sees his opening and steps in.
MICHAEL
I'm looking for one, Miss Thomas.
Elena, and Mac turn to face the interloper.
MAC
Who are you?
MICHAEL
My name's Michael Knight. You are
looking for a driver, aren't you?
ELENA
I've never heard of you. Where've
you raced?
MICHAEL
Here and there.
ELENA
Famous track, here and there.
MAC
(explaining)
We need an experienced open-wheel
racer, not a rookie, son.
MICHAEL
I see. Tell me, what's the track
record here?
MAC
(Track record mph)
MICHAEL
Okay, if I hit a hundred and fifty-
five, will you give me a shot?
MAC
Mighty bold offer, son. But I kinda
like it.
ELENA
Dad -- put an unknown at the wheel of
a two-hundred-thousand-dollar race
car? And it's the only one we have?..
It's crazy.
(to Michael)
Do you even have your ticket?
MICHAEL
Of course. I'll get it to you after
I run the lap --
(indicates
K.I.T.T.)
-- in that T-top over there.
ELENA
Oh, come on, Mr. Knight.
MAC
Hold on. I'm still running this
team, Elena.
(to Michael)
Her objection makes sense. But I'm
tired of making sense. Maybe, being
an underdog, I got sympathy for a
fellow canine.
(beat)
You do a lap at a hundred fifty,
fifty-five --
(indicates
K.I.T.T.)
-- in that, and maybe you got a deal.
MICHAEL
Every dog has his day, Mac.
Something tells me today is ours.
Michael gets into K.I.T.T. and takes off onto the track.
EXT. RIVERSIDE COURSE - DAY - ON K.I.T.T.
cruising around a curve, just warming up. The track is
empty.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael checks a system readout.
MICHAEL
Tires at optimum temperature --
guess we're about ready for a hot
lap, eh, pal.
K.I.T.T.
A hot lap? Michael, I can run this
course twice as fast as these cars
with one wheel tied behind my axle.
MICHAEL
You know that, and I know that, but
we don't want to look too good.
Remember -- low profile.
Remember -- low profile.
K.I.T.T.
Yes, Michael.
EXT. RIVERSIDE START LINE - DAY - ON K.I.T.T.
running up to the start of the lap.
EXT. RIVERSIDE PIT WALL - DAY
Mac and Elena watch K.I.T.T. pass. With them, a barrel-
shaped mechanic, Lon, clicks a stop watch. They are joined
by Wayne who wanders over from his garage.
WAYNE
Giving that boy a try, huh, Mac?
What's he got?
ELENA
Nothing.
MAC
Nothing but confidence.
K.I.T.T. ON RACE TRACK - DAY
going through a tight hairpin as if on rails.
ANOTHER ANGLE - K.I.T.T. ON RACE TRACK - DAY
accelerating like lightning down a straight, stray papers
swirling in his backwash.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael relaxing at the wheel. These speeds are a doddle.
MICHAEL
How're you coming on my competition
license?
K.I.T.T.
I've already inserted your name in
the CART computer.
INSERT - MONITOR - AS NEEDED
as Michael Knight's name is inserted in the alphabetical
list.
MICHAEL
I'll need some hard copy, pal.
K.I.T.T.
I'm imprinting the official seal
now, Michael.
As K.I.T.T.'s tray slides out, delivering a fresh new
racing license to Michael.
MICHAEL
Thank you very much.
EXT. RIVERSIDE COURSE - DAY - ON K.I.T.T.
shaking through an S-bend, heading past the pits.
EXT. RIVERSIDE PIT AREA - DAY
Steve joins the group as K.I.T.T. flashes past the finish
line, Lon clicks the watch. Mac takes one look at the time,
breaks into a willey grin and swings a look to Elena who
nods grudgingly. Steve's brows raise thoughtfully. This
guy can drive. Lon, who's not too terribly bright,
scratches his head, shaking the obviously broken watch.
Wayne turns to Mac.
WAYNE
Ain't seen a drive like that since
we were kids. Looks like you got
yourself a driver.
MAC
That's no driver, that's a phenom.
(beat)
Qualifying ends in two hours Elena.
The new Flyer ready?
ELENA
Doing my best Dad but I sure could
use another pair of hands.
MAC
Wayne, you once offered me any help
I needed. Can you spare a mechanic?
WAYNE
Sure. I could let you have Alfie
Girdler.
MAC
Really appreciate that, Wayne.
WAYNE
Hey, we're all family here, aren't
we?
Michael pulls up in K.I.T.T., gets out and joins the group.
Mac pumps his hand. The crowd moves in around them, very
impressed.
MAC
Let me tell you son, I'm impressed.
MICHAEL
Thank you.
STEVE
Yeah, pretty good for a solo run.
MAC
Real good. I'd say we just found us
a driver.
MICHAEL
(to Elena)
Care to make it unanimous?
ELENA
(shakes no)
I think we've all forgotten
something.
MICHAEL
My ticket ---
She holds out her hand, challengingly. Michael pulls
the license from his pocket and drops it in her palm.
Smiles ---
MICHAEL
Come on -- this is going to take a
team effort.
They hold a look, a trace of a smile breaks the corners of
her mouth, and we ---
CUT TO
EXT. MARINA - DAY
A ritzy yacht basin. Off the end of the a pier bobs a
thirty-five foot cruiser, the Bullseye, all teak and
mahogany and stainless steel.
INT. THE BULLSEYE - CABIN - DAY
Very plush. A phone rings, is answered by Betty, a buxom,
bikinied blonde with a slight overbite.
BETTY
(into phone)
Hello? Yeah, he is, hold on.
INT. BULLSEYE CABIN - DAY - WIDER
Betty turns to the figure leaning back in a lounge chair
and expertly flipping darts across the room at a board...
Lurani....
BETTY
For you. He said he's a client....
He eyes her as she undulates past, flips the last dart,
then gets the phone.
LURANI
(into phone)
Yeah, I heard from my Swiss friend.
He tells me you deposited an extra
ten thou, what's that, a bonus?
(listens)
Sure, I can use more work, living on
water is expensive...and gets boring
...He got a name?
Behind him, Betty pouts. Lurani grabs a pencil and paper.
INSERT - PAPER ON LURANI'S DESK
As he spells....
LURANI'S VOICE
K-N-I-G-H-T. Michael Knight.
He puts down the pencil and picks up a knife, flicks it
open and toys with it.
LURANI IN BULLSEYE CABIN
speaking into the phone.
LURANI
Racing's a dangerous game, isn't it?
He flips the knife at the dart board....
DART BOARD
The knife hits dead center.
LURANI
LURANI
Sometimes even deadly.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN
RIVERSIDE RACE COURSE - MICHAEL'S POINT OF VIEW FROM THOMAS
FLYER - DAY
Over the steering wheel, as Michael guides the low-slung
racer.
MICHAEL IN THOMAS FLYER - DAY
Knight painted on his helmet, hands steering, shifting the
stiff tranny. A whole other world from driving K.I.T.T.
ELENA AND MAC AT PIT WALL - DAY
with Lon the mechanic holding the stopwatch. Elena checks
Michael's time, on her stopwatch...is dismayed.
ELENA
Dad, he's ten miles an hour off the
pace.
MAC
It's only his first lap, he's got
three to qualify.
LON
(teasing)
Shoulda let him qualify in his own
car, Mac. That one's jackrabbit
fast.
Lon strolls over to K.I.T.T., scanning peacefully.
LON
Sure would like to see the mill he's
got in there.
Lon ducks under the bumper, trying to find the hood release.
K.I.T.T.
Stop that, right this minute.
LON
Huh? How do you open this here hood?
K.I.T.T.
You don't. It would be an invasion
of my privacy. I'm sure you'd rather
be examined by your own mechanic, or
doctor, whichever best applies.
Lon realizes he's been talking to a Trans Am. He's
puzzling over this, moves away to ---
MAC
Lon, get over here with that watch,
Michael's coming around for his
final lap.
Lon shuts up. Michael passes. Elena checks the watch,
shrugs.
ELENA
Five miles an hour faster. Not awful.
MICHAEL IN THOMAS FLYER - DAY
Pushing it to the limit; fighting the steering wheel,
shifting through the gears, squeezing every tick of speed
out of the car.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - INTERCUT MONITOR
K.I.T.T.
Michael, your car picks up a three-
foot sway going into a turn and
needs additional RPMs on the
downsweep.
MICHAEL
Thanks buddy....
INSIDE RACER
K.I.T.T.
That's much better Michael, but I
would suggest you adjust your
steering to this new pattern.
MICHAEL
You're right again pal...I got it
now...It's been a while since I've
gone this fast in another car.
Could have used you sooner.
K.I.T.T.
Sorry Michael, I was protecting
myself from a mechanic....
INTERCUT - FLYER - VARIOUS SHOTS
As it dives into a turn comes out within a millimeter of
brushing the wall, screams down the straightaway past the
pits, etc.
IN THE FLYER PITS
As Michael flashes across the finish line, Lon clicks the
stopwatch.
LON
Hundred and fifty point three....
MAC
Way to go! Puts us right in the
middle of the grid.
ELENA
Yeah, well a pro would've gained
more than that on his third run....
EXT. THOMAS GARAGE AREA - DAY
Michael and the Flyer are met by Mac, Elena, Lon and
Girdler, the Altfield-uniformed mechanic.
MICHAEL
The tires are too slick. We better
go to the softer compound.
ELENA
Don't tell me how to set up the
Flyer, rookie.
MICHAEL
I wouldn't think of it.
(to Lon)
Softer tire compound, and I'm missing
two hundred revs from the top end.
GIRDLER
You got it. Alfie Girdler.
MICHAEL
(they shake
hands)
Hi.
ELENA
Anything else you'd like me to install?
A coffee maker, a Jacuzzi?
MICHAEL
Right now, Elena, the only luxury I
need is to see a smile on your face.
Things are going just fine.
Elena gives him the smile, sheepish and a little flushed.
MAC
Let's get this show on the road.
Elena goes with the men as they push the Flyer into the
garage. All except Lon, who lags behind with Michael.
LON
Tell me, uh, that car of yours, you
ever hear it talk?
MICHAEL
Talk? Yeah. Sometimes driving on a
long, hot summer night, I can hear
Kitt talking to me.
LON
What do you do?
MICHAEL
Get the ball joints lubed and it
clears right up.
(winks)
See you around.
EXT. LOCAL GARAGE - DAY - ESTABLISHING
A garage-type building with corrugated doors.
INT. LOCAL GARAGE - DAY
Godzilla in a T-shirt, Tankel leads Lurani over to a low,
pointy-nosed shape under a tarp.
TANKEL
This oughtta do nicely.
Off comes the tarp, revealing a lowered sedan with the
meanest looking, spiked steel-ramming prow welded to its
snout.
LURANI
The usual fee?
TANKEL
I figure it's worth double, easy.
(points to
metal prongs)
Special equipment.
LURANI
(nods)
Just so it's done this afternoon.
There's a reception for owners and
drivers at Il Cavallino ---
Tankel nods, indicates the pointy spears.
TANKEL
The gas tank -- Knight's not going
to a reception, he's going to a
barbecue.
CUT TO
INT. THOMAS GARAGE - DAY
Elena sits alone, staring at the burned, twisted hulk of
the crashed Flyer, next to the new one. She's wearing her
cocktail dress, and if she wasn't so sad, she'd be stunning.
She doesn't hear K.I.T.T. coast in behind her, or Michael
getting out.
MICHAEL
Hi.
ELENA
(turns; a
beat)
Aren't you going to the reception?
MICHAEL
(nods)
I was hoping to get a lift with
someone.
ELENA
I don't think I'm gonna make it.
MICHAEL
(gestures to
Flyer)
What do you think caused that, driver
error or mechanical failure?
ELENA
(a beat)
I did. Something I fouled up. I
killed John, as sure as if I shot him.
MICHAEL
He was a pro, Elena. He knew what
could happen when he got behind the
wheel.
ELENA
It could be you, next.
MICHAEL
I know that, I wouldn't take the risk
if I didn't believe in the car. And
in you.
ELENA
(indicates
new Flyer)
It is a good car, isn't it?
MICHAEL
You know it.
Elena nods, thanks him with a smile.
MICHAEL
Now, how about that reception? They
tell me there's going to be music,
and I'm ready to dance up a storm.
ELENA
(smiles;
stands)
I'll get my car.
(moves to
door)
Thanks, Michael.
MICHAEL
No problem.
She exits.
MICHAEL
(to K.I.T.T.)
Okay, pal. Like I said before I want
a complete metallurgical stress
analysis on the frame and suspension,
then an engine fail-rate simulation
on the first Flyer. I want to know
what went wrong and why. Then pick
me up at Il Cavallino.
K.I.T.T.
Commencing scan now.
K.I.T.T.'s nose scanner goes into action.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - ON MONITOR
as a schematic of the Flyer's engine develops.
CUT TO
EXT. IL CAVALLINO RESTAURANT - DAY
Again the parking lot is full of high-priced iron. Michael
and Elena climb from her cherished old convertible. Camera
pulls back to reveal Tankel at the wheel of the killer car,
(N.B. with the ramming prow retracted or somehow camouflaged)
checking Michael's appearance against a photo.
INT. CAVALLINO - DAY
Private party time, chock full of handsome racers, older,
more conservative owners and sponsors, groupies of all
shapes and sizes, many letting loose on the dance floor.
Steve Cochran detaches himself from two girls as he spots
Michael and Elena enter. Steve's already a few drinks to
the far side of liver damage.
STEVE
Come on babe, let's dance.
ELENA
Sorry, Steve, I've already promised
this one to Michael.
MICHAEL
(smiles, gently)
Team loyalty, you know.
STEVE
Hey, it's okay. He's probably good
at the slow stuff -- waltzes, fox-
trots, like the way he drives.
As Elena moves onto the dance floor, Michael lays back a
beat for ---
MICHAEL
Oughtta try it sometime, Steve. Go
through life with your foot to the
floor, you blow right past the stuff
that counts.
Michael joins Elena on the dance floor. Steve watches for
a thoughtful beat then turns and heads for the bar.
INT. THOMAS GARAGE - DAY
Lon enters as K.I.T.T. is completing his scan...He reacts,
looks around the garage to be sure it's empty then
approaches K.I.T.T. and pushes on his fender cautiously,
then harder....
K.I.T.T.
Please don't do that....
LON
(reacts)
Ball joints??? I ain't crazy...you
can talk ---
K.I.T.T.
In that order, no, yes, and yes.
LON
Then will you answer a couple of
questions?
K.I.T.T.
Must I?
LON
You want me to push on your fender?
K.I.T.T.
(beat)
I guess I must...But later, I have
to go now....
ANGLE
as K.I.T.T. moves out.
LON
Wait a second, you big rollerskate I
wanna see your engine.
K.I.T.T.
I'm busy old boy.
INT. IL CAVALLINO - DAY - ANOTHER ANGLE
Michael and Elena slow dancing now, working quite well
together. Wayne taps Michael on the shoulder.
WAYNE
May I?
Michael smiles, hands her over and leaves the floor,
joining Mac. They watch the two as they dance.
MAC
She sure likes her Uncle Wayne.
MICHAEL
You two go back a ways, don't you.
MAC
As far as there is. Starting with
quarter midgets at the Doon, Iowa fair.
MICHAEL
Who won?
MAC
Wayne, every time.
Wayne's brought Elena back over by now.
WAYNE
Yeah, I got the tin trophies, but who
got the girl?
MAC
Nipped you at the checkered flag on
that one, didn't I Ace?
WAYNE
I was gonna come along on the honey-
moon -- that's where Beth drew the
line.
Both of the older men are lost in their memories for a moment.
WAYNE
(to Elena)
You're a very lucky young lady,
'Lenie.'
(off her
reaction)
You look like your mother, not old
crankcase face over there.
Laughter, while Michael chews this over. Wayne's right,
she doesn't look like her father a bit. He files the info
away for future reference.
EXT. IL CAVALLINO PARKING LOT - DAY - ELENA'S CAR
Michael and Elena come out of the restaurant and cross to
her car in the parking lot, talking.
CLOSER ANGLE - MICHAEL AND ELENA
Walking toward her car.
ELENA
After Dad hit the wall at Indy, it
was like he died. Driving was his
life.
MICHAEL
So you had to keep his dream alive.
ELENA
Yes, by the time I was seventeen I
could rebuild an Offy blindfolded,
spit like a camel and swear like a
marine.
MICHAEL
(lightening
it up)
Must've gone over big in Sunday
school.
ELENA
Seriously, Michael, I paid my dues
in this business, that's why....
MICHAEL
(interrupts)
...when some mysterious rookie shows
up, talking big, you find it hard to
trust him.
ELENA
Not just you, anyone. If we lose
tomorrow, it's not just the race or
that Dad and I won't have more than
the clothes on our backs. It's
everything that's kept Dad going
will be gone.
MICHAEL
It's not going to come to that, I
promise....
Michael happens to glance off, sees something coming,
bright and fast.
POINT OF VIEW - TANKEL'S KILLER CAR
is driving straight at them, his ramming prow positioned to
smash them against the side of Elena's convertible.
AS BEFORE
Elena has seen Michael's alarm and is aware of the danger,
so she is almost ready when Michael grabs her and half-
tosses her over the convertible, vaulting quickly after
himself.
ANGLE - KILLER CAR
A split second later plows into the side of Elena's
convertible, totalling it. Tankel starts to disengage from
the wreck, as:
MICHAEL AND ELENA
He pulls her behind another car for hiding.
MICHAEL
(into comlink)
Kitt...Pick me up, pal!
K.I.T.T.
I'm almost there, Michael....
OMITTED
ELENA'S CAR - DAY
ELENA
(confused)
...who're you talking to? What's
going on?
MICHAEL
I'll explain later. Stay right
where you are. I'll be back for you.
ELENA
Please don't leave me!
MICHAEL
Do as I say! It's me they're
after...I'll lead him away....
ANGLE - K.I.T.T.
screams to a stop, opens driver's door and Michael jumps
in, peels out.
THE KILLER CAR
has disengaged, does a smoking 180 in pursuit of K.I.T.T.
and Michael, as we:
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN
OMITTED
EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - DAY
K.I.T.T. screams past camera. Seconds later, Tankel's
killer car races by.
ANOTHER ANGLE
as Tankel comes abreast of K.I.T.T. and slams into the
pyroclastic body, bouncing off it.
INT. K.I.T.T. - MOVING
MICHAEL
Kitt, Microlock his brakes! I want
him....
K.I.T.T.
I can't, Michael. We're at a blind
angle for Microlock.
MICHAEL
Then see if you can identify him....
AS BEFORE
Tankel is still abreast of K.I.T.T., once again swerves
into his side. This time the speed, momentum and elastic
effect of the pyroclastic body sends the killer car off the
road....
ANOTHER ANGLE - KILLER CAR
...careening into a tree. The car erupts into flame and
explodes.
OMITTED
ANOTHER ANGLE
as K.I.T.T. pulls to a stop.
MICHAEL
Any vital signs, Kitt?
K.I.T.T.
Too late, Michael. Vital signs are
negative. Zero-zero alcohol level
too.
MICHAEL
I figured as much.
(beat)
Did you get a picture of the driver?
K.I.T.T.
I have one Michael, but ---
INTERCUT K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR AS NEEDED
to see a photo of Tankel behind the wheel of the killer car,
but his face is blurred, not clearly recognizable.
K.I.T.T.
(continuing)
As you can see it will be difficult
to get an identification from it.
MICHAEL
I knew it was a long shot, pal.
Thanks for trying. Come on, there's
nothing else we can do here.
EXT. THOMAS GARAGE - NIGHT - ESTABLISH
INT. THOMAS GARAGE - NIGHT
Elena, Michael and K.I.T.T. are gathered around the
smashed, burned, original Flyer.
ELENA
Thank God you're all right,
Michael. Who would want to kill us?
MICHAEL
I told you it was me they were after.
ELENA
Why? How can you be so sure?
MICHAEL
Give me a minute and I might be able
to answer that.
(beat)
Kitt, what did your analysis of the
wrecked Flyer turn up?
K.I.T.T.
The crash was the result of failure
of the left rear wheel rim, Michael.
MICHAEL
Caused by?
K.I.T.T.
I'm not sure. My scan detected
traces of lead on both sides of the
break. As well as microscopic
grains of cordite.
ELENA
I don't believe this a talking micro-
scope on wheels.
MICHAEL
(ignoring)
Sounds like an explosive bullet to
me, pal.
K.I.T.T.
Good thinking, Michael. That round
would have to be fired from an
Anderson sniper special, a very rare
and highly illegal weapon.
ELENA
(gasps)
You mean, the Flyer was sabotaged
during the race by a gunman?
MICHAEL
(nods grimly)
And whoever was behind it tried to
kill me because he knew we were
close to finding out.
ELENA
(glances
to K.I.T.T.)
We? Michael, if you don't tell me
about this car right now, I'll slug
you.
MICHAEL
I guess our cover is a little blown,
pal. Introduce yourself, Kitt.
K.I.T.T.
Miss Thomas, I am the Knight
Industries Two Thousand....
ELENA
(putting it
together)
Knight Industries -- wait a sec,
you're Bonnie's work, aren't you?
I'd know it anywhere.
MICHAEL
In a way, we're both Bonnie's work.
And I think it's just about time to
bring The Foundation in on this all
the way.
EXT. SEMI - DAY
running through the early morning.
INSIDE SEMI
Bonnie at the main frame keyboard, Michael, Elena and
K.I.T.T. beyond.
MAIN FRAME MONITOR - INTERCUT AS NEEDED
The 500-race footage, the Flyer frozen at the start of the
crash.
BONNIE'S VOICE
(over clicking
keys)
Speed, location of first impact,
secondary bullet path, and we vector
back to the exact firing position.
The enhanced image tracks sideways from the doomed car,
across the track and pits, zeroing in on the hills
alongside the track.
BONNIE
(continuing)
Which is on the hillside alongside
the track.
Michael leans in closer to see Lurani's prone form, the
barrel of the gun. Bonnie zooms in but the face is just a
smeared glob of pink.
MICHAEL
Can you digitize a useful face out
of that mess?
BONNIE
No way. I've been trying for an
hour. That's as good as it gets.
MICHAEL
Kitt's got another one you can take
a whack at --
(off reactions)
-- the driver of the car that almost
killed me and Elena.
BONNIE
That could take quite a while.
ELENA
But Michael has to race in four
hours.
MICHAEL
(indicates
picture on
monitor)
Yeah, with my head in his sights.
Do your best Bonnie. We've got to
get to the track.
Devon has entered and during the following we:
INTERCUT - RC3
in cab of semi driving and listening to their conversation
over the intercom. He "urges" Devon to give in.
DEVON
You'll do no such thing, Michael.
Turn what evidence you have over to
the proper authorities. You're due
in Cincinatti, as you well know.
BONNIE
But Devon....
DEVON
I'm sorry, Bonnie, but the time
restriction was clear.
ELENA
If Michael doesn't race....
MICHAEL
Don't worry, I'll be there. What's
more important, Devon, the livelihood
and personal safety of these people,
or some con man selling counterfeit
Rembrandts to the Palmerston Museum?
I know how I feel about it.
DEVON
But The Foundation has committed
itself to...
(a beat)
You know me entirely too well,
Michael. How much more time do you
need?
MICHAEL
Seven hours. Till the checkered flag
drops.
Smiles.
DEVON
I'll give you eight....
Michael's look and they all react as in the cab RC3 grabs
his hand mike and they hear:
RC3
Way to go boss. Told you, you were
a righteous dude.
CUT TO
EXT. RACE TRACK - VARIOUS SHOTS
The track is opening for business.
EXT. THOMAS GARAGE - DAY
Mac, Lon, Girdler and assorted grease monkeys work over the
Flyer in the b.g., Elena supervising with Michael, Steve
Cochran, who steps by on the way to Wayne's garage.
STEVE
The way you guys are going at it,
you think you actually have a chance
of winning.
ELENA
A good chance, Steve. Now shove off
will you.
STEVE
Sure. And I'll shove that rookie
right off the track while I'm at it.
ELENA
(flares)
Hey, you pull anything like that
and ---
Michael crosses to Elena; interrupts coolly.
MICHAEL
Take it easy, Elena. We've got him
worried. He's just trying to psych
me out.
(to Steve)
I'd be working on my car, if I were
you. Going to need every rev you
can squeeze out of it.
STEVE
Listen hot shot, you waltzed in,
lucked out and got a ride --
(glances
to Elena)
-- won't be as easy to grab Elena.
ELENA
Nobody's grabbing anybody, Steve.
MICHAEL
You heard the lady. You have a
problem with me, we'll settle it
after the race.
STEVE
You got it, Knight. This isn't over.
MICHAEL
Right. But it's not me you have to
beat. It's the Flyer.
Their eyes lock in angry stares. The tension broken by
Wayne, who arrives and grabs hold of Steve's arm.
WAYNE
Cool off, Steve. Your job is racing
my car, not going ten rounds with my
friends.
(to Michael
and Elena)
Sorry, folks.
Wayne exits with Steve. A beat before ---
K.I.T.T.
(comlink)
Michael, Bonnie's calling.
MICHAEL
(comlink)
On my way, pal.
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
as Michael approaches, opens the door and leans in.
MICHAEL
Got something for me, Bon?
K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR - INTERCUTTING BONNIE IN SEMI
BONNIE
Yes, an ID on the driver of the car
that attacked you -- one Jonathan
Tankel, 124 Industrial Way.
MICHAEL
Good work, Bonnie. Get over here
and fill in Mac and Elena while Kitt
and I check it out.
Michael settles behind the wheel, starts the engine and
rockets out of there. He punches buttons, as:
MICHAEL
Plot me the most direct course, pal.
K.I.T.T.
It's close by, Michael. Our ETA is
2.825 minutes.
EXT. THOMAS GARAGE AREA - DAY - VARIOUS ANGLES - K.I.T.T.
Elena, Lon, Girdler, Mac, Wayne and Steve watch from various
positions, puzzled, as K.I.T.T. peels out.
EXT. LOCAL GARAGE - DAY
It is deserted. K.I.T.T. pulls up in front of the closed,
corrugated door.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael hits a console button.
MICHAEL
Give me a personnel scan, pal. I
want to know who I'm up against.
INSERT - MONITOR
K.I.T.T. scans the featureless interior.
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
Michael checks the scan.
K.I.T.T.
No one, it's empty, Michael. The
door's not even locked. This is an
easy one.
MICHAEL
Too easy. Could be a trap...Keep
scanning -- for chemical compounds
this time.
INSERT - MONITOR
A red dot pulses danger from a point opposite the door.
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
K.I.T.T.
I'm picking up a high concentration
of potassium nitrate, charcoal and
sulfur, directly behind the door.
MICHAEL
Gunpowder. Let's open it from here,
pal.
Michael hits a button on his console.
EXT. LOCAL GARAGE - K.I.T.T.
The garage door lifts, revealing the muzzle of a double-
barrelled shotgun. The booby-trapped weapon immediately
blasts away, emptying both barrels on K.I.T.T.'s hood.
INT. LOCAL GARAGE - DAY
as K.I.T.T. drives in and Michael gets out, the gun smoke
clearing. He examines the gun in its wired bracket,
thinking.
MICHAEL
Put together by a pro. We know it
couldn't have been Tankel ---
K.I.T.T.
That's right, Michael, but who?
MICHAEL
Somebody he was working for who knows
I'm still in one piece....
Michael spots something across the area; crosses ---
ANOTHER ANGLE - PAY PHONE
as Michael arrives and pulls a blank pad from the wall next
to the phone.
MICHAEL
Somebody Tankel's been talking to. I
hope.
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
as Michael gets behind the wheel; removes the top sheet
from the pad and puts it into K.I.T.T.'s analyzing tray.
MICHAEL
Infrared scan this for impressions
from the last couple of notes.
INTERCUT K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR - AS NEEDED
to see the square of paper and gradually, the writing F.L.
becoming visible. As K.I.T.T.'s scan continues down the
page from top to bottom ---
K.I.T.T.
I can discern the name of F. Lurani
Michael. Does it mean anything to
you?
MICHAEL
(thoughtful
beat)
It sure does, pal -- Fredo Lurani.
Hit-man supreme...he works off a
boat. Could be anywhere along the
Coast.
K.I.T.T.
Don't despair, Michael. I have what
appears to be an address coming
through.
(slowly as
it develops
on monitor)
Slip 313 Bayshore M.
MICHAEL
That's it. Bayshore Marina. Slip
202. Let's get there!
Michael slams K.I.T.T. in gear. Hits the accelerator.
EXT. LOCAL GARAGE - DAY - K.I.T.T.
roaring back onto the street, heading for the nearby harbor.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael pushes some buttons on his console.
MICHAEL
Get me Bonnie at the garage, buddy.
K.I.T.T.
Right away, Michael.
INTERCUT THOMAS GARAGE - BONNIE
Engines roar. Bonnie takes the phone from Girdler, who
stays nearby, working on the Flyer with Mac and Elena.
Wayne, and a controlled Steve, are now also within earshot,
kibitzing. Bonnie has to talk quite loud.
BONNIE
Michael, the race is going to start
soon. Where are you?
MICHAEL
We'll be cutting it close. Just have
the car ready. We got a fix on the
killer. Kitt and I are on our way to
take him out, first.
BONNIE
Good luck Michael. Be careful.
ELENA
(concerned)
Is he okay, Bonnie? Is he going to
be here for the race?
BONNIE
He'll be here Elena, believe me --
but the killer won't. Michael is on
his way to nail him right now.
Everyone around Bonnie's heard this. One of them is
threatened by it.
EXT. MARINA - K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael pulls up to the end of the dock, off which rides
Lurani's boat.
THROUGH K.I.T.T.'S WINDSHIELD - THE BULLSEYE
Michael can see Betty, in bikini, as she hands a highball
to Lurani, who is briefly visible before ducking back into
the cabin, then she exits the boat and walks up the pier
past K.I.T.T.
ANGLE TO K.I.T.T.
K.I.T.T.
Very seaworthy Michael.
MICHAEL
Good on land too....
K.I.T.T.
The boat Michael.
MICHAEL
Of course, well, he's there, all
right -- and if that girl's anything
to go by, pretty darn relaxed. Watch
out for me, pal.
K.I.T.T.
Right behind you, Michael.
K.I.T.T. scans, as camera moves with Michael over the gate
and up the dock.
INT. BULLSEYE CABIN - DAY
Lurani moves to pick up the phone.
LURANI
(into phone)
Thanks. I'll be ready for him if he
shows.
He pulls out a .45 automatic, cocks it thoughtfully as he
hangs up.
EXT. BULLSEYE - DAY
Michael has crept to the end of the pier. He leaps onto
the fantail and makes his way along the rail to the cabin
door, on the side.
Michael pauses a moment, throws the side door open, leaps
inside, ready to take Lurani by surprise.
INT. BULLSEYE CABIN - TOWARD SIDE DOOR - DAY
Michael is shocked to find it empty.
OMITTED
NEW ANGLE
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
(comlink)
Michael, behind you.
Michael hasn't had time to react. Lurani appears behind
him and knocks him out with the .45 butt.
LURANI
Amazing how many people die in
boating accidents these days....
EXT. BULLSEYE - ANGLE TO WATER
as an unconscious Michael is thrown into the briny.
LURANI
quickly moves off the boat.
INT. K.I.T.T.
We can see no movement on the Bullseye.
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
(comlink)
Michael, Lurani is escaping...come
in, please...Michael, there's been a
disturbance in your vital signs.
Michael?
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
OMITTED
EXT. BULLSEYE - ANGLE TO WATER - DAY
Where Michael was thrown overboard. A diminishing number
of bubbles rise to the surface now.
INT. K.I.T.T.
K.I.T.T.
I'm on my way.
The motor ignites.
EXT. PIER AREA - K.I.T.T.
Roars as close to the water's edge as the location permits.
ANGLE TO WATER
As Michael's half-conscious form suddenly breaks the surface.
MICHAEL
Kitt!
K.I.T.T.
I see you, Michael....
MICHAEL
The grappling hook, pal...Give me a
hand....
K.I.T.T.
My thought exactly, Michael....
EXT. K.I.T.T.
fires the hook.
EXT. WATER - MICHAEL
As the hook splashes nearby and he grabs it.
WIDE SHOT
as K.I.T.T. reels Michael to shore.
TIME CUT TO
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Michael collapses into the seat, speaks in a mumble.
INSERT
The oxygen panel opens from headliner....
MICHAEL
How much time till the race?
K.I.T.T.
Ten minutes, Michael. But you need
a rest. You swallowed a lot of water.
MICHAEL
(hits console
button)
Give me an eighty percent oxygen
flush at 20 psi. It works for
hangovers, it ought to work for this.
That's the price I had to pay to
identify a killer.
The pure oxygen hisses.
BACK TO SCENE
Michael gulps it, starts K.I.T.T.
K.I.T.T.
Nine minutes.
MICHAEL
(hits button)
Notify the authorities about Lurani.
Probably headed for the airport.
Super pursuit mode, pal.
EXT. MARINA - SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY
The super pursuit aero aids deploy and K.I.T.T. rockets away.
EXT. RIVERSIDE TRACK - AERIAL SHOT - DAY - STOCK
The stands are packed, the cars are gathering on the grid.
EXT. GARAGE AREA - DAY
Bonnie, Mac, Elena, Lon, and Girdler wait with the readied
Flyer. No Michael.
P.A. VOICE
Cars and drivers to the track....
EXT. K.I.T.T. - DAY
Moving at space shuttle speed through the afternoon.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY - EXTREME CLOSE UP
MICHAEL
Lurani was warned. He knew I was
coming.
K.I.T.T.
Yes, but by who?
MICHAEL
Anyone could have overheard our call
to Bonnie.
K.I.T.T.
Steve Cochran?
MICHAEL
Too small a man for that big a
hate. Bonnie and Elena sure aren't
suspects...Gimme a rundown on Mac
Thomas' insurance policies.
MONITOR - GRAPHICS
K.I.T.T.
He has five hundred thousand dollars
coverage on the assets of Thomas
Racing.
BACK TO SCENE
MICHAEL
Phew, that's a lot more than he's
got tied up in the team. Fraud puts
Mac on the suspect list. Next, Wayne
Altfield -- if Mac's team replaced
his as top dog, what's he stand to
lose?
K.I.T.T.
(riffles data)
Conservatively, about eight hundred
thousand dollars a year, Michael.
But his total earnings are many
times that. He can afford the loss
easily -- and he is Mac's best
friend.
MICHAEL
Not much to go on, is it? Let's
fold up....
EXT. ROAD - K.I.T.T.
as he slows up and converts to normal mode.
EXT. THOMAS PIT AREA - DAY
K.I.T.T. pulls to a halt. Michael leaps out, is surrounded
by the Thomases and Bonnie.
ELENA
Michael, you had us scared stiff.
MICHAEL
I know the feeling, dry and wet...
But at least I made it on time....
Mac holds up Michael's driving suit. He clambers into it
as he talks.
BONNIE
Did you get the guy?
MICHAEL
No, but he thinks he got me. I
bought us some time. Bonnie...Stay
with Kitt and keep his scanners
peeled....
P.A. VOICE
Two minutes. All racers to the grid.
MAC
Better mount up, son.
MICHAEL
is in the Flyer. Lon and Girdler push it out.
Bonnie climbs into K.I.T.T. as Michael revs the Flyer. Mac
gives him thumbs up, Elena a pat on the helmet. Wayne
Altfield steps away from his buzzing pits, wishes the
Thomases luck.
MICHAEL
raises his visor, looks sharply at the trio standing
together.
MICHAEL'S POINT OF VIEW FROM FLYER - WAYNE, ELENA, MAC
The three faces line up at identical angles.
RESUME MICHAEL IN FLYER
Something about those faces, and something Wayne once
said...Into the comlink.
MICHAEL
Kitt, how about a snapshot of those
guys?
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
The trio appears on the monitor.
BONNIE
Something for the family album,
Michael?
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Maybe Dick Tracy's Crimestopper's
Textbook. I don't know yet.
EXT. RIVERSIDE COURSE
The racers move from the pits, around the track onto the
start grid.
EXT. MICHAEL IN FLYER - DAY
Warming the tires. Intercut with Bonnie in K.I.T.T.
INSIDE THE FLYER
MICHAEL
(comlink)
Kitt, the tachometer is reading way
off....
BONNIE
Could be a loose connection.
MICHAEL
Maybe I'm being paranoid but I'm
betting something's been planted.
BONNIE
I'll run a scan during the pace lap,
Michael.
EXT. RIVERSIDE COURSE - START/FINISH LINE - DAY
The cars roll in a tight pack for the pace lap.
EXT. PIT AREA - ANGLE TO K.I.T.T. AND BONNIE
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
Bonnie punches instructions into the console.
BONNIE
(comlink)
Scanning, Michael.
INSERT - MONITOR
Michael's schematic appears, dissolves into a staticky mess.
K.I.T.T.
I've got a problem, Bonnie.
INSIDE K.I.T.T.
Bonnie changes the program. No dice. She calls Michael.
BONNIE
Michael, there's too much interference
from all these unshielded ignitions.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Get on it, guys. Green flag's coming
up.
BONNIE
We'll keep working on it during the
race....
EXT. RIVERSIDE - START/FINISH LINE - DAY
The field cranks up at the green flag, and we're racing.
EXT. RIVERSIDE - RACE SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY
A) Michael makes a daring pass of a car, right at the start.
B) Action shots, spectacular passes, shunts.
C) Michael, driving with elan.
VARIOUS SHOTS
A) Bonnie trying all her filters to get a read on
Michael's car.
B) Mac and Elena cheering as Michael moves up another
place.
Note: Principals become progressively dirtier during
course of the race.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
Bonnie works diligently, half-hearing the P.A. over the
roar.
P.A. VOICE
With just four laps to go, Knight is
second behind Cochran, who's driven
brilliantly to move up from the back
of the pack, after that long pit
stop.
BONNIE
There he is!
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - MONITOR
A clear view of Michael's car-schematic. Then the
static returns.
EXT. RIVERSIDE RACE COURSE - DAY
Michael's right behind Steve's car.
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
(comlink)
Michael, we can scan you now, but
only as you pass our position.
It'll take several laps.
MICHAEL
(comlink)
Just do it, pal, I've got my hands
full.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - MONITOR
Michael's front suspension. Nothing.
EXT. RIVERSIDE COURSE - DAY
Michael again fails to pass Steve.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - MONITOR
Michael's car -- a small package glowing red behind the
seat.
K.I.T.T.
An explosive device. C-4, activated
in your last pit stop set to blow the
moment you lose motion or over-
heat ---
EXTERIOR - MICHAEL IN FLYER - DAY
Eyes set on Steve's car, setting it up for a pass.
BONNIE'S VOICE
(comlink)
Michael, bail out!
MICHAEL
We could blow up a grand stand if I
do...Where's the bomb planted?!
K.I.T.T.
Directly behind you, Michael.
MICHAEL
Okay, Bonnie's the one who's got to
bail out, pal. Then get moving and
meet me at the runout lane after the
esses on turn seven.
As Michael reaches behind the seat, we go to:
EXT. K.I.T.T. IN PITS - DAY
Bonnie gets out, and K.I.T.T. moves out unobtrusively, but
fast.
EXT. RIVERSIDE - RUNOFF LANE - DAY
The Flyer runs off down the empty lane, K.I.T.T. nosing in
behind him.
MICHAEL
(comlink)
Pop the trunk pal....
K.I.T.T. pops his trunk, Michael yanks the bomb, tosses
it straight up. Momentum carries K.I.T.T. under the bomb.
As Michael motors back onto the course's main route, the
bomb plops into K.I.T.T.'s trunk.
OMITTED
EXT. RUNOFF AREA - K.I.T.T.
As, bomb safely enclosed inside, it skids to a halt.
The bomb explodes inside, harmlessly. K.I.T.T. pumps out
the smoke.
OMITTED
EXT. RIVERSIDE - START/FINISH LINE - DAY
The distant explosion's distracted no one from the drama,
as Michael passes Steve in the Altfield car right at the
checkered flag.
MAC AND ELENA IN PITS
Excited, running for victory lane with Bonnie.
EXT. TRACK - PIT AREA - DAY
Michael rolls the Flyer to a halt, leaps out, ditching his
helmet. He ignores the offers of champagne, the laurel
wreath, the telephone numbers of race princesses. He
pushes through to where K.I.T.T. waits and hops in.
INSIDE K.I.T.T. - DAY
As Michael takes the wheel.
K.I.T.T.
Congratulations, Michael.
MICHAEL
Couldn't have done it without you
pal. Head for the garage. Maybe we
can track down who put the
firecracker under the seat.
K.I.T.T.
Do you have any idea who it was?
MICHAEL
Just a hunch. Run a Linear
Comparative Graphics Routine on that
snapshot I had you take. All three,
faces.
CUT TO
INT. THOMAS GARAGE - DAY - CLOSE ON A TOOL BOX
with Alfie Girdler's name stenciled on the lid. Widen to
include Michael who is rummaging through it and K.I.T.T.
parked in the doorway of the empty garage. Suddenly
Michael freezes at the unmistakable click of a gun cocking
behind him.
K.I.T.T.
Behind you, Michael.
MICHAEL
I hear you, pal.
(doesn't
turn around)
Afternoon, Wayne.
INT. THOMAS GARAGE - DAY - WIDER
Michael turns slowly. It's Wayne, all right. With him is
Lurani, resting the rifle barrel across K.I.T.T.'s roof.
WAYNE
C'mon, Knight, you were just
guessing.
MICHAEL
Nope, it took me a while, but it
snapped into place. It was the
money angle that threw me off.
WAYNE
What would I do with more money?
MICHAEL
Right, if it wasn't that, it had to
be Elena. Plain as the nose on your
face. On both your faces.
(beat)
She's your daughter -- right, Kitt?
K.I.T.T.
Correct Michael. Elena's face
shares sixty-seven points of
similarity with Wayne's but only
five with Mac's. It's pretty clear.
WAYNE
(nods)
Yeah -- her mom, Beth and I, we, we
were lovers. She broke it off, but
Elena's mine...He stole Beth from me,
he stole my daughter, and now he's
going to steal my place in racing...
(beat; groping)
I, I gave her, her genes. I gave
her, her education. I ---
Elena has arrived, unseen, and has been standing at the
door's edge for the last couple of moments, shocked.
ELENA
(steps into
view)
...everything except a father's
love. I got that from Mac, thank
God.
MICHAEL
Elena, get out of here.
ELENA
No. I can't make believe anymore.
WAYNE
You knew ---
She moves defiantly to face Wayne.
ELENA
Mom told me just before she died.
(beat)
Sure, Wayne, you helped us out with
money, but then, when you found out
you couldn't buy me, you tried to
destroy everything.
Wayne stands there, his world in ruins. Lurani's getting
jumpy.
LURANI
What do you want to do?
WAYNE
(beat)
Kill him.
Elena, despite Michael's warning look, goes to his side.
LURANI
(turning away;
chokes)
Both of 'em have to go....
WAYNE
(reacting)
No! Not her...I'll work it out with
Elena....
LURANI
And leave a witness? Not a chance....
ON K.I.T.T.
as Lurani aims, steadying the gun across K.I.T.T.'s T-top.
K.I.T.T. pops the T-top as Lurani fires. The shot hits
the ceiling. K.I.T.T. starts, sideswiping Lurani, knocking
the gun away.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Michael wades in to Lurani, trading punches.
WAYNE
goes after the loose gun. Wayne tries to go around them
for the weapon. Michael notices.
MICHAEL
He's going for that gun, pal!
K.I.T.T.
pops a door that knocks the whole pile of tires down on
Wayne's head.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Michael gets up from a Lurani punch, grabs a tire rolling
by and jams it over the assassin's head, then drops him
with a karate blow. Weary, Michael looks at K.I.T.T., with
Elena, standing over the downed, groggy Wayne.
MICHAEL
Thanks, guys. Kitt, whistle for the
cops, will ya? I'm beat.
He leans against the nearest wall, catching his breath.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
EXT. FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS - DAY - TO ESTABLISH
INT. DEVON'S OFFICE - DAY
As Michael enters joining Bonnie, Devon and RC3.
MICHAEL
What's up guys?
DEVON
Well, Michael, it came to our atten-
tion you were forced to pass up
the traditional accolades given the
winner after the race.
MICHAEL
It wasn't easy ignoring all those
trophy queens with phone numbers.
BONNIE
Well, they've already moved on to
the next race and of course Mac and
Elena have the trophy ---
RC3
But, we still put together a little
victory lane celebration just for
you.
RC3 drops a cap covered with racing logos onto Michael's
head; then another on top of it, and another. As Michael
juggles the hats that tumble into his arms ---
MICHAEL
Not something Kitt would approve of
but -- I think this one is me.
As Michael sets one of the hats at a rakish angle, Bonnie
wraps a laurel wreath over his shoulders.
BONNIE
And the traditional laurel wreath of
course.
DEVON
And lest you think we've forgotten,
the tradition wouldn't be complete
without ---
Devon comes up with a magnum of champagne; hands it to
Michael. Michael studies the bottle for a beat.
RC3
Come on Michael, come on, open it.
BONNIE
Yeah, the winner always shares with
his crew.
A wicked smile breaks across Michael's face as he gets an
idea; nods in agreement ---
MICHAEL
Right, it's the tradition to end all
racing traditions.
Michael starts to vigorously shake up the bottle of
champagne. The others realize what he's up to.
BONNIE
You shouldn't have said that, RC.
RC3
I knew I shouldn't have said that.
DEVON
Really, Michael, don't you think
this would be carrying the ---
Devon's sentence is cut off by the pop of the champagne
cork. Everyone dives for cover, and Michael cracks up as
the bubbly explodes out of the bottle, and we:
FREEZE FRAME
THE END
