ACT ONE
FADE IN
EXT. HORSE FARM - TRAINING TRACK - DAY
Liquid morning light illumines an inspiring sight. A good-
looking, spunky young woman galloping a magnificent black
stallion with a reddish blaze on its forehead.
MAXINE (MAX) FLEMING AND KNIGHTRIDER
with a fluid grace, they move as one. Her hair spills from
under her exercise helmet and mingles with Knightrider's
wind-whipped mane. Knightrider is a three-year-old colt
with the conformation of a champion.
VARIOUS ANGLES - SLOW MOTION
as they gallop around the track. Both live for this moment.
ANGLE ON TOMMY LEE BURGESS
by the rail, stop watch in hand. He is co-owner of
Knightrider with Max, a racetrack character in his
thirties, showing signs of good old boy living. The sound
of a vehicle approaching is heard. His head turns to:
INCLUDE A PICKUP
pulling up to the track. Driving it is Dr. Harley Thorpe,
a veterinarian, florid and overweight. He looks like he'd
rather not be up this early. He steps out of the Jeep and
moves over to Tommy Lee. Tommy Lee gives him a little nod.
TOMMY LEE
'Mornin', Harley.
Dr. Thorpe nods back, as he joins Tommy Lee.
MAX AND KNIGHTRIDER
finish their workout and Knightrider slows to a jog. Max
slides easily off his back and leads him in a walk. She
nestles his head over her shoulder, allowing his breath the
mingle with her own in a gesture horses use with one
another to show trust. Knightrider tosses his head
playfully.
MAX
You big speed demon. You loved
that, didn't you? You'd race the
wind if I let you.
The horse nickers in response and Max laughs. She scratches
him in a favorite place under his chin.
MAX
What? You say you want to take me
away from all this? How soon?
Their intimacy is interrupted by Tommy Lee and Dr. Thorpe.
TOMMY LEE
Hey, Max, what were you holding him
back for?
MAX
(laughs)
Holding him back? That had to be a
twenty-three point two quarter mile.
TOMMY LEE
Try twenty-four.
As Max reacts, Tommy Lee puts an arm around her shoulder,
turning her away. Dr. Thorpe starts to look Knightrider
over.
FAVORING DR. THORPE
with Max's back turned, Thorpe moves in to pat Knightrider's
flank. We see that he is palming a small syringe, which he
surreptitiously sticks in the horse. Knightrider whinnies.
TOMMY LEE
Little lady, you've got to remember
the Futurity tomorrow is a mile and
a quarter. We don't want our baby
fading in the stretch.
Max shakes her head, turning to Dr. Thorpe.
MAX
Do you believe this railbird? He's
got half interest in the surprise
sensation of the racing season and
he's still treating Knightrider like
a 'also ran.'
DR. THORPE
From what I saw, Max, his stride
looks a little off.
TOMMY LEE
(smiles)
You see? Always listen to your
partner.
Tommy Lee gives her a leg up on to Knightrider. Max takes
the reins.
MAX
Okay, but watch out. This time he's
gonna blow your blinkers off.
She starts the horse back to the track. Thorpe gives Tommy
Lee a knowing nod.
MAX AND KNIGHTRIDER
galloping around the track as before. They reach the
stretch, Max urging him on.
CLOSE ON MAX
frowning. Something is a little off.
MAX
What's wrong, baby?...
Her face registers shock as she feels the horse collapse
from under her.
WIDER ANGLE
Knightrider's legs crumble as he slides into the ground.
Max is pitched forward.
MOVING WITH THE MEN
as they turn toward the fallen horse and rider. Tommy Lee
goes for Max while Thorpe goes to Knightrider.
ON MAX AND TOMMY LEE
as Max stirs into consciousness, Tommy Lee comforts her,
lifting her head off the ground in his arms.
MAX
What happened?
TOMMY LEE
He took a fall, honey. Lie still.
You might be hurt.
Max ignores his warning, trying to crane her head up to see
Knightrider.
MAX
(dazed;
fearing
the worst)
I'm fine. Knightrider...where is
he? He's all right, isn't he?
INCLUDE DR. THORPE
moving over to his pickup truck.
DR. THORPE
I wish he was, Max. His foreleg's
badly shattered.
Dr. Thorpe reaches into his pickup. Grabs a thirty-thirty
rifle off the gun rack, starts back to the horse.
MAX
No!
TOMMY LEE
(equally upset;
to Thorpe)
Harley, you can't! Isn't there
anything you can do?
Dr. Thorpe cocks the gun.
DR. THORPE
I'm...sorry. He's...in tremendous
pain.
MAX
Don't do it! Please! I can nurse
him, I'll take care of him! Please
don't!
She struggles to get up but Tommy Lee restrains her.
TOMMY LEE
Max....
He pulls her away as the sound of the thirty-thirty blast
shatters the air.
MAX
(screams)
Nooooo!
CUT TO
EXT. RURAL HIGHWAY - DAY - K.I.T.T.
slices comfortably through the curves in a rolling country
area.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Sleek, spirited and moves like a
hurricane.
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
Michael, you're too kind.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - MICHAEL
reading a Green Sheet racetrack paper. He smiles and puts
it on the seat next to him.
MICHAEL
Not you, pal. The Futurity Preview
of Max's horse.
K.I.T.T.
(ego bruised)
What? A horse? Try stubborn,
skittish, and expensive to maintain.
MICHAEL
Not at all like you.
K.I.T.T.
Never! And capable of only forty
miles per hour in short bursts.
Useless creatures. What do people
see in them?
MICHAEL
Dreams, buddy. This is Max's big
day.
K.I.T.T.
Max? You mean Maxine Fleming?
MICHAEL
Right. Remember? Wolf Creek Pass
continental divide? Six feet of
snow, mid January?
K.I.T.T.
How could I forget? You had me
hitched up to her horse trailer. I
recall thinking, 'What next, a plow?'
MICHAEL
Well, that little pony you were
pulling is now the hottest comer on
the thoroughbred circuit. Speaking
of which, how 'bout dipping into
Bonnie's magic money machine for me,
partner.
K.I.T.T.
Michael, it's called an Auto-Currency
Dispenser, and there's nothing magic
about it. We have to account for
every penny.
MICHAEL
No prob, I'm just a little lean on
cash this week....
K.I.T.T.
You wouldn't be thinking of squandering
Foundation funds on something as chancy
as a wager...?
MICHAEL
Who...me?
As they pull to a stop, we hear an electronic beep and two
crisp $20s pop out of a slot on the dash. Michael takes
them and smiles.
K.I.T.T.
All right, but forty dollars and not
a penny more.
MICHAEL
Besides, how can a horse named
Knightrider lose?
K.I.T.T.
Michael!
Too late. Michael's gone, with a wink.
INT. RACETRACK BARN - TACK ROOM - DAY - MAX
packs her belongings and racing souvenirs with a heavy
heart. She pauses over pictures, trophies, and plaques as
she puts them in boxes. A lot of memories. Michael
appears in the doorway.
MICHAEL
Let me guess. Moving to a better
barn?
Max is startled by his voice, then relaxes, glad to see a
friendly face.
MAX
Michael....
MICHAEL
Knightrider's biggest fan.
MAX
(fighting
emotion)
You didn't hear?
(off Michael's
look)
He's dead.
MICHAEL
Oh no...
(off her look)
Max, what happened?
MAX
(breaking
into tears)
Yesterday...he just collapsed mid-
stride...I tried to cushion his
fall...his leg was...was....
MICHAEL
Broken?
MAX
Yes, I can still hear that shotgun
blast....
He comforts her in his arms.
MICHAEL
There'll be other horses.
MAX
Not for me.
MICHAEL
Sure there will. Come on, horse-
racing's in your blood.
MAX
(remembering)
I pushed him too hard. I must've
missed all the signs.
MICHAEL
Hey, I saw you on Knightrider once,
remember? It was like you and that
horse had one heart, one mind. If
he had a hangnail, you'd feel it.
MAX
Don't sugar-coat it, Michael, it was
my fault. I'm through with horses.
MICHAEL
I don't believe that.
She pulls away.
MAX
Michael, I know you mean well, but
I've got a bus ticket to Atlanta
tomorrow....
MICHAEL
(slight beat)
Take me out and show me the spot.
MAX
Michael!
MICHAEL
I'll make sure you catch your bus.
(gentle smile)
I won't let you run away like this.
Like they say, when you fall off a
horse, best thing....
MAX
...is to get right back on. But in
this case I can't 'cause the horse
is dead, and I've got nothing but
bad memories out there.
MICHAEL
I know. Let's go bury them.
She looks at him, takes a breath, and together they move
out.
EXT. DR. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY - TOMMY LEE BURGESS
drives up in a Seventies Cadillac. He pulls up next to
Dr. Thorpe's pickup. Gets out and enters the small vet's
complex and stable. He walks past a shingle that reads:
DR. HARLEY THORPE, D.V.M.
INT. STABLE - QUARANTINE STALL - DAY - KNIGHTRIDER
whinnies ferociously, trying to kick up, but tied down
tightly by many heavy ropes and tethers. The horse
struggles against them as Dr. Thorpe is seen nearby filling
a feed bin. Tommy Lee enters and reacts at the sight.
TOMMY LEE
That's my million-dollar baby, Harley.
What are you doing? He'll hurt him-
self on those ropes.
DR. THORPE
Try feeding him without them and
he'll kick your skull in. I want
this horse out of here.
TOMMY LEE
Harley, relax...we did it. We made
him disappear into thin air.
THORPE
I got my practice. How long do you
want me to keep him here?
TOMMY LEE
A day, tops. By tomorrow you'll
be hauling in enough long green to
choke a horse.
Tommy Lee slaps Harley on the back, laughing at his own
joke, and then turns to stroke Knightrider. The horse rears
back ferociously, baring his teeth.
EXT. TRAINING TRACK - DAY
Michael and Max walking the track near the sight of the
accident. Max stops, pointing down. K.I.T.T. follows
their steps.
MAX
That's the spot.
MICHAEL
You positive?
MAX
I was riding him!
MICHAEL
Who else was out here?
MAX
Just my partner, Tommy Lee Burgess.
And Doctor Thorpe.
MICHAEL
Track vet?
MAX
Right. Just what are you trying to
prove out here, Michael.
MICHAEL
Right now, that you're a better
rider than you think.
(scuffs his boot
in the track's
soft dirt)
Kitt, scan the track here for me.
K.I.T.T.'s red scanner takes in the area.
K.I.T.T.
Normal carbon/silicon composite
soil, soft to a depth of...wait.
Move over closer to the outside
rail. Just to your left....
Michael moves toward the outside rail, sifting the soft
dirt. As he shakes the dust off his hand carefully, we see:
INSERT - MICHAEL'S HAND
holding a small jagged shard of colored glass.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Whoa! This doesn't look like it
belongs here.
BACK TO SHOT
MAX
Knowing the grounds keeper, that's
from last night's beer bottle.
MICHAEL
No, the glass is too thin. Kitt,
let's run an analysis.
He crosses to the car. Max follows.
ANGLE INTO K.I.T.T.
Michael drops the glass into K.I.T.T.'s analyzer.
MICHAEL
Reconstruct what this came from, pal.
MAX
Taught him some new tricks, huh,
Michael?
K.I.T.T.
Taught me?! Really Max...that's
like the tail wagging the horse.
INTERCUT - K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR
An outline of the shard appears. Then, like a police
artist, K.I.T.T. graphically projects various outlines onto
the screen, much to the amazement of Max. Finally, one
shape stays: the shape of a small hypodermic needle, like
the one we saw in Thorpe's hand.
MICHAEL
A micro syringe....
K.I.T.T.
Yes. Residue shows that it recently
held 'Promazine'. A veterinary
tranquilizer.
MAX
Promazine?!
MICHAEL
Strong stuff?
MAX
Like heroin for horses. They use it
for surgery. I don't know what it'd
be doing out here.
MICHAEL
(to K.I.T.T.)
How fresh is that residue, Kitt?
K.I.T.T.
My calculated guess would be...
thirty-six hours.
MICHAEL
How many other horses train out here?
MAX
None this week. Just Knightrider.
(off Michael's
look)
Michael, just what are you thinking?
MICHAEL
About insurance, Max...and partners.
MAX
Well, put a rein on it. Let me tell
you about Tommy Lee. There's been
times he had to choose between burgers
for himself and oats for the horse.
MICHAEL
And he chose oats.
MAX
You're darn right he did! He's been
a good partner, Michael, and a better
friend.
MICHAEL
Okay.
(holding up
the shard)
Then he shouldn't mind me asking him a
few questions.
MAX
You'd do anything to avoid helping me
pack.
MICHAEL
(smiles)
You got that right.
She smiles back. They start off.
CUT TO
EXT. RACETRACK ENTRANCE - DAY - K.I.T.T.
glides through a gate into a parking lot. Michael parks
near a row of men aggressively hawking tip cards: "Benny's
Best Bets," "Gary's Green Card," etc. in the b.g.
MICHAEL
Have fun, pal. I'll be back.
K.I.T.T.
Michael, you're leaving me alone in
this lot of iniquity?
MICHAEL
Maybe you can show 'em the error of
their ways.
With that, Michael starts off through the crowd.
WIDER ANGLE FAVORING OSCAR
the track regular, about sixty, wearing a bright green
leisure suit, smoking a big cigar, doing some figuring in
his Racing Form as he walks along. The pockets in his
jacket are stuffed with tip sheets, clippings of past
performances, and odd scraps of paper. Oscar pauses in
front of K.I.T.T. and talks aloud as he studies a complex
problem of handicapping.
OSCAR
December Bride's got the form...Yoo
Hoo Mabel's run with class...but then
Foster's Folly owes me one, the old
nag....
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR
showing a page of the Racing Form, which K.I.T.T. digests
with a few electronic flashes and beeps.
BACK TO SCENE
K.I.T.T.
There's no room for emotion in betting.
Taylor's Goose in the fourth.
OSCAR
Huh -- what say?
He looks around for the voice, spots K.I.T.T. He tries to
get a look in the windows but they quickly go black.
OSCAR
Who's in there?
K.I.T.T.
Never mind who's in here. I've given
you a scientific projection. Kindly
remove yourself to the betting window
and spare me your superstitious prattle.
OSCAR
Hey, watch your language!
(interested
though)
You got inside information...?
K.I.T.T.
Let's just say I have a hot system.
Oscar raises his eyebrows. What the hell? He starts off.
EXT. RACETRACK - BARN AREA - MICHAEL
walking past trailers/offices of horse owners, near the
stable area of the main facility. He spots:
TOMMY LEE BURGESS
getting out of his car. Michael hails him.
MICHAEL
Tommy Lee Burgess? I'm Michael Knight.
(offers
his hand)
I saw your picture on Max Fleming's
wall. I'm a friend of hers.
TOMMY LEE
(warms; they shake)
Hey, any friend of Max...
(beat)
How she doin'? Takin' this any
better?
MICHAEL
I wish. I've never seen her so low.
TOMMY LEE
Me neither.
MICHAEL
Seems she blames herself.
TOMMY LEE
Yeah, well, I haven't told her yet, but
apparently our insurance company feels
the same way. They're holding back pay-
ment on suspicion of trainer negligence.
Boy, when it goes, it goes.
MICHAEL
Maybe not. I know Max, and I don't
think she's to blame.
TOMMY LEE
I'd like to believe that.
MICHAEL
Well believe this.
(produces
the shard)
It's Promazine. I found it on the
track near where Knightrider went down.
TOMMY LEE
(beat; shakes head)
Must be at least two dozen horses
train on that track.
MICHAEL
Is that a fact....
TOMMY LEE
Sure. Ev'ry day. But listen,
Mr. Knight, if you think you're
onto something, you hang with it.
Max and I could really use that
insurance.
MICHAEL
I'm sure you could.
TOMMY LEE
(snaps his
fingers)
Fact, if you want, I'll call Doc
Thorpe. He might know something
'bout this.
MICHAEL
Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather
talk to him myself. Catch you later.
TOMMY LEE
Sure...I'll be around.
He starts off. Tommy Lee watches him go, thoughtfully.
INT. TOMMY LEE'S BARN - DAY - TOMMY LEE
stepping in. As he does, he is abruptly punched hard in
the stomach by Lewis, a hefty goon. Tommy Lee doubles
over. Lewis gives him a quick chop to the back of the neck
and Tommy Lee sinks to the floor with a groan. Catching
his breath, he looks up in pain, to see:
RANDY CAVANAUGH
an immaculate forty-year-old man in a white suit, with the
look of a seasoned gambler. He leans against something,
calmly sipping a drink, working a crossword puzzle.
CAVANAUGH
Tommy, just in time. I need a nine
letter word for 'hopelessly in debt.'
(a beat)
'Desperate' seems to fit.
TOMMY LEE
You'll get your money. I still have
forty-eight hours.
CAVANAUGH
If you value your life, I'd better
get the full ninety-two grand. I
just thought Lewis should give you
the coming attractions if your horse
scam bottoms out.
TOMMY LEE
Mr. Cavanaugh, you don't understand.
The money's as good as in your hand.
I pulled it off.
CAVANAUGH
'You pulled it off' only comes when
I cross your name out of my little
book. You got that? Cause by the
sound of that conversation outside,
you might already have some blood-
hounds on your heels.
As Tommy Lee reacts, Cavanaugh gives him a little pat on
the cheek.
CAVANAUGH
But smile. I pride myself on protecting
my investments. If this Knight gives
you any trouble...Lewis here is the
next best thing to a dog catcher. He
puts bloodhounds to sleep.
Lewis smiles, and we:
FADE OUT
FREEZE FRAME
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY - THE SEMI
moving.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Okay, let's try it out. Give me
Knightrider's bloodlines.
INT. SEMI - DAY - INTERCUT - K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR
Bonnie stands proudly next to K.I.T.T. as Michael looks on
expectantly. The monitor displays an elaborate family tree.
K.I.T.T.
By Prince Jim out of Whirlaway Dee.
Tracing back further, I find two
Derby champions and a horse of the
year in his background. Further
still...in 1915....
MICHAEL
Whoa there big fella! I get the
picture. Genuine racing royalty.
BONNIE
You asked me to program him with
everything about horse racing, so I
did. You may never hear the end of
this.
DEVON'S VOICE
Horse racing? What's all this about?
ANGLE TO INCLUDE DEVON
entering from the front of the Semi. Bonnie slides into
K.I.T.T.'s seat.
BONNIE
I have some, uh, maintenance to
finish.
DEVON
Well, whatever it is, I'm glad
you're back, Michael. We have a
pressing matter in Seattle.
MICHAEL
Devon, I need another day.
DEVON
But you just took...
(his eyes
light up)
Ahhh. Your friend Maxine. I gather
you enjoyed your day at the races?
MICHAEL
I never made it. Yesterday Max's
horse took a fall under her and she
lost him.
DEVON
(truly sorry)
She has my sympathies. But, accidents
do happen and we have work to do. Now
then....
MICHAEL
(interrupting)
Devon, I don't think it was an
accident. I really need some time
to investigate.
DEVON
Investigate what? There are people
who specialize in confirming such
things.
MICHAEL
Sometimes it takes a fresh eye.
DEVON
I'm afraid it's your eye that's
dictating your decision here. She
is quite attractive, as I recall.
MICHAEL
That has nothing to do with it.
DEVON
Oh really? Then what do you have to
go on?
(off Michael's
silence)
Just as I thought.
MICHAEL
(heated)
I admit I don't have much. What I do
have is a dear friend who's saying
she'll never ride again because of
this. Twenty-four hours, Devon. If
I don't have something concrete by
then, it's off to Seattle. Agreed?
DEVON
(sighs)
Agreed.
Michael starts for K.I.T.T., but Bonnie catches him.
BONNIE
Not so fast. Kitt's Auto Currency
Dispenser is forty dollars short.
But I don't see any receipts.
MICHAEL
Hey...I'm on the road. I don't have
time to jot down every nickel.
K.I.T.T.
Is it possible the malfunction is in
me, Bonnie?
BONNIE
No! And lying puts a strain on your
systems, Kitt. Don't cover for him.
K.I.T.T.
Who...me?
Michael smiles at his "partner's" reaction. As Bonnie
rolls her eyes, they pull out.
EXT. SEMI - DAY
K.I.T.T. exits down the ramp and veers off.
K.I.T.T.
Where to, Michael?
MICHAEL'S VOICE
First we pick up Max.
EXT. THORPE'S COMPLEX - DAY
as we've seen it before. Thorpe's pickup is the only
vehicle in sight.
INT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY
Tommy Lee assembles riding tack off the back wall. Thorpe
watches nervously.
THORPE
It's bad enough you're using my
stable. Now you want to use my
horse trailer.
TOMMY LEE
Now you just ease off and think
'bout that retirement condo in
Florida.
They react to the sound of a vehicle approaching.
THORPE
What's that?
Tommy Lee checks through the curtains, tenses.
HIS POINT OF VIEW THROUGH THE WINDOW
K.I.T.T. pulls up out front with Michael and Max.
BACK TO SHOT
TOMMY LEE
It's Max with that guy Knight. Damn!
(beat)
I'll hide out back. You get rid of
'em.
THORPE
(shaken)
Me? How?
TOMMY LEE
Just do it!
Tommy Lee exits quickly through the door. Thorpe steps out
through the front.
ANGLE ON PORCH - THORPE, MICHAEL AND MAX
The vet greets them before they can knock.
THORPE
'Lo Max.
MAX
Doctor Thorpe, this is my friend,
Michael. He's like to talk to you
about Knightrider.
THORPE
(cautious)
What about him?
MICHAEL
I'd like to see the report.
THORPE
I don't know, son, that's not how we
do things 'round here.
MAX
He has my permission, Doc.
(to Michael)
If you don't mind, I'll just wait
out here.
Michael understands how this hurts her. Thorpe has no
other choice.
THORPE
All right, but I don't know what you
expect to find.
Max watches them go, into the office, then her attention
is drawn by the sound of a horse's whinny from the stable.
She wanders over to check out the animals.
INT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY
Thorpe slams a file drawer shut and hands a folder to
Michael. Michael looks through it as they talk.
THORPE
You working with the insurance
company?
MICHAEL
No, just a friendly interest. I'm
trying to find out what caused that
accident, and give Max some peace of
mind.
THORPE
I'm afraid it's pretty standard
stuff, Mr. Knight. It's always sad,
but in this business, we lose
thoroughbreds everyday.
MICHAEL
Yeah, but Max doesn't.
(pulls an
X-ray, looks
at it)
This is Knightrider's broken leg?
THORPE
That's right. You can see it was
badly fractured.
MICHAEL
I guess it would take a strong drug
to dull that kind of pain.
(beat; studies
Thorpe)
Something like Promazine.
THORPE
Yeah, guess it would. Only why would
anyone dope a horse he was going to
put down?
MICHAEL
(slight beat)
Good question.
He continues perusing the files. Thorpe looks very nervous.
INT. THORPE'S STABLE - DAY
Tommy Lee hides in the shadows just inside a stall marked
"Quarantine - Keep Out". Tied down beside him, wearing a
headcover and blinders, is Knightrider. When the horse
neighs nervously, Tommy Lee looks out and sees:
MAX
wandering into the stable, daydreaming, petting another
horse. Tommy Lee notes her approach fearfully. Pushed and
frightened he picks up a pitchfork leaning against the stall
door as she wanders closer and closer to Knightrider's stall.
INT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY
Michael looks through Knightrider's file. Thorpe watches
him anxiously.
THORPE
Hate to hurry you, but I've got
rounds to make.
MICHAEL
(nods)
I can understand you must be pretty
busy.
(returns file)
One more thing...How is it you just
happened to have your rifle with
you that morning?
THORPE
I always carry my thirty-thirty in my
pickup. This can be wild country.
MICHAEL
(studies)
Thanks for your help.
He returns the file and starts outside.
INT. STABLE - DAY
Tommy Lee now holds the pitchfork menacingly. Max wanders
nearby, unaware. Suddenly, Knightrider gets a strong scent
of his owner/trainer and cries out, kicking the stall
walls. Max reacts to the familiar sound and starts for
the stall.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Tommy Lee stands on the other side of the wall, desperate
to avoid discovery. Max is inches from the stall when:
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Max....
She turns. Michael ambles into the doorway.
MICHAEL
Ready?
She gives one more long look at the quarantine stall, nods,
then exits. Tommy Lee, sweating bullets, heaves a sigh of
relief.
EXT. THORPE'S OFFICE/STABLE - DAY
Michael and Max walk toward K.I.T.T. She's troubled.
MAX
Well, was it worth the trip?
MICHAEL
Yes and no. I didn't get much, but....
Michael stops, taking note of Thorpe's pickup parked nearby,
and of the thirty-thirty mounted behind the driver's seat.
MICHAEL
Kitt, I need a diversion. Keep
Doctor Thorpe busy inside for a few
secs, okay?
K.I.T.T.
I have just the thing.
INT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY
Thorpe is watching Michael through the curtains when his
phone rings. He turns away to answer it and we hear the
shrill Woman's Voice:
WOMAN'S VOICE
(phone filter)
Hello, Doctor Thorpe, it's about my
cow....
THORPE
Cow? What about your cow? Who is
this?
WOMAN'S VOICE
(phone filter)
What difference does it make, I'm
calling about my cow, not myself.
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S VOICE BOX
flashing, speaking in the Woman's Voice.
WOMAN'S VOICE (K.I.T.T.)
All she does is mooo all day long.
Mooo, mooo.
EXT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY - ON PICKUP
Michael reaches into the truck and quickly cracks the
shotgun open. He runs the comlink over it, then:
MICHAEL
(comlink)
Scan inside the barrel, Kitt. I want
to know when...and what...this gun
last fired.
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
(comlink)
I can't hold him any longer, Michael.
Michael quickly replaces the gun and starts back for the car.
INT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY
Thorpe holds the phone away from his ear as we hear
K.I.T.T.'s "Woman" prattling on.
WOMAN'S VOICE (K.I.T.T.)
I think she's trying to tell me
something...what do you think it is,
Doctor?
THORPE
I'm sorry, ma'am, but I specialize in
horses. Good-bye.
He slams down the phone, crosses back to the window where
he sees:
THORPE'S POINT OF VIEW - K.I.T.T.
pulling off. Thorpe breaths a sigh of relief as Tommy Lee
enters from the stable.
BACK TO SCENE
THORPE
(urgent)
I told you it was a mistake to keep the
horse here!
TOMMY LEE
The sooner you shut up and give me a
hand, the sooner my buyer's gonna see
the goods. Now come on!
They exit into the stable.
CUT TO
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
K.I.T.T. cruises by with Michael and Max on the way to the
racetrack.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - MAX AND MICHAEL
K.I.T.T.
I've completed the analysis on that
shotgun, Michael.
MICHAEL
Fire away.
INTERCUT MONITOR AS NEEDED
Max reacts to the amazing graphic display the gun.
K.I.T.T.
It was discharged yesterday, and I
scan traces of paper wadding in the
barrel.
MICHAEL
Which means he might've fired a
blank.
MAX
Oh, great. Now you're dragging Doc
Thorpe into your little conspiracy,
too.
MICHAEL
Max, Tommy Lee lied to me. When I
brought up the Promazine, he told
me dozens of horses were training
on that track where Knightrider died.
MAX
He must've misunderstood you. He's
got a lot on his mind.
MICHAEL
And you know something else that sticks
in my craw? When Kitt scanned that
track yesterday, he didn't find any
traces of blood. Add that to Doctor
Thorpe's rifle blank, and something
tells me Knightrider's still alive
and kicking.
Max is stunned by this suggestion.
MAX
Now you're being cruel, Michael.
MICHAEL
No, just calling it like I see it.
(beat)
Look, if you want me to shut the
door gently and walk away, I'll do
it. But if my hunch is right on
this, then that so-called friend
and partner of yours isn't worth
having.
(beat)
It's your call.
WIDER ANGLE INTO K.I.T.T. AT MAX
She's quiet as they pull to a stop outside her tack room
at the racetrack.
MAX
Can you give me a little time for this
to soak in?
MICHAEL
Sure. Think you could whip me up
some of your famous backstretch java?
MAX
Come on.
They climb out and she starts for the barn. Michael
hangs back. Quietly, to K.I.T.T.:
MICHAEL
Kitt, start digging up all you can
on Burgess, Tommy Lee.
He slams K.I.T.T.'s door and heads into the barn. When
he's gone, a screech is heard from the road. A smoking older
model convertible pulls up next to K.I.T.T. Out jumps:
OSCAR
looking a lot better than the first time we saw him. He
now wears a pinky ring, an expensive new suit, and he's
smoking a Churchill. He greets the car like a long-lost
brother.
OSCAR
Heyyy, sport! Where ya been keeping
yourself?
K.I.T.T.'s windows go black. Oscar knocks at one.
OSCAR
Heyy...come on. I know you're in there.
If you're funny looking or something,
don't be shy. I got no prejudices.
K.I.T.T.
Please go away. I'm busy.
OSCAR
Oh, you got company in there -- haw haw
...C'mon. Who do you like in the
seventh today?
K.I.T.T.
If you must know, I'm on the line.
OSCAR
Whaddya got, a wire to Hialeah? C'mon,
sport. Lemme in on the action. We
could go places.
K.I.T.T.
What will it take to make you go
away?
INTERCUT - K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR
running through the racing form.
K.I.T.T.
Very well: Baltimore Ned and Flying
Fenwick in the daily double.
OSCAR
You kidding? Flying Fenwick, at
those odds?
K.I.T.T.
You asked for my opinion, sir. Now
run along to the betting window or
you'll get shut out.
OSCAR
Right! Thanks, sport. Any time I can
lay one down for you, say the word.
He races off.
EXT. HIGHWAYS - DAY - MONTAGE OF K.I.T.T.
crossing the concrete from rural to urban surroundings with
sound-alike music under.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
What did you dig up on Tommy Lee
Burgess?
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
His bank balance fluctuates like a
roller coaster.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - INTERCUT MONITOR
displaying a register of several large amount bank items.
K.I.T.T.
...and he makes an inordinate amount
of long distance calls to a number
in La Playa registered to one Randy
Cavanaugh, a known racketeer.
MICHAEL
(reacts)
So much for Tommy Lee's playmates.
Let's check it out.
He cranks a right turn.
EXT. CAVANAUGH'S HOUSE - DAY - ESTABLISHING
as K.I.T.T. glides up to a circular drive in front of a
formidable mansion, a number of cars parked in front.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - INTERCUT MONITOR AS NEEDED
Michael punches buttons. The monitor displays a floor plan
with flashing lights.
MICHAEL
Some party.
K.I.T.T.
Only for the winners. I'm scanning
an illegal gambling casino inside.
MICHAEL
I've got a feeling I know where
Tommy Lee's money goes. Slip me a
couple hundred, partner.
K.I.T.T.
Partner? Whenever it's money, it's
'partner.'
MICHAEL
I always call you partner. Kitt,
come on, it's Foundation business.
K.I.T.T.
Whatever you say, but don't forget.
You still owe me forty dollars, and I
can't cover with Bonnie forever.
The cash machine in the dash beeps and a stack of bills
pops out.
ANGLE IN DRIVEWAY
Michael drives toward the house. Michael climbs out as
a supercilious valet parking attendant approaches the car.
Michael gestures him off.
MICHAEL
That's okay, I'll park it myself.
And the shocked attendant reacts as K.I.T.T. drives itself
off to find a spot and Michael casually walks up to the
door.
INT. ENTRY HALL - DAY - GINA
a sexy female hostess stands watch as Michael enters.
GINA
May I see your invitation, sir?
MICHAEL
(feels his
pockets)
Shoot. I must have forgotten it.
GINA
Shoot, I can't let you in.
Michael surreptitiously palms a bill, then bends over as if
to pick it up off the floor.
MICHAEL
Say, did you by any chance lose this
picture of President Grant?
GINA
(taking it
from him)
No. I lost two pictures of
President Grant.
Michael eyes her a beat, then hands over a second bill.
Gina smiles, reaches under the podium and hits a button. A
large heavy door off the hall pops open. Michael winks at
her.
MICHAEL
You've got a future in banking.
INT. GAMING ROOM - DAY
Michael passes into a small but busy gambling room, nicely
appointed. There are card and crap tables and a large,
bright roulette wheel. Michael scopes things out for a
moment, then leans up against the roulette table, buying
chips. After a beat, he drops a chip on double-zero.
INTERCUT - ROULETTE WHEEL AS NEEDED
The ball bounces into a double-zero for a second, then
flies onto a red number.
MICHAEL
(smiles at
Croupier)
That was close....
LADY CROUPIER
(sweeping
Michael's
chip)
Only in horseshoes and hand grenades,
handsome. Place your bets.
Michael steps back from the table. Discreetly, to comlink:
MICHAEL
Kitt....
K.I.T.T.
(comlink)
Not another penny! The odds on that
silly game are thirty-five to one.
MICHAEL
Not in here. Something tells me
that wheel's got a mind of its own.
(beat)
Okay, buddy, let's make a little
spectacle of ourselves. Give me a
winner.
K.I.T.T.
(comlink)
If you insist, Michael. Four.
MICHAEL
Four it is.
He places his bet.
ROULETTE WHEEL
The Lady spins the wheel, the ball dropping into number
four.
LADY CROUPIER'S VOICE
Four, red, even, the winner.
MICHAEL
Well...what...do...you...know.
Michael sweeps in his winnings.
VARIOUS SHOTS - BRIEF MONTAGE
of Michael cleaning up at roulette. Intercut K.I.T.T.'s
scanner rigging the wheel. Michael's pile of chips grows
enormous, a crowd begins to form, among them Randy
Cavanaugh.
ANGLE ON ROULETTE TABLE
Michael standing in place.
MICHAEL
This is great! I haven't had this
much fun since I was...
(punches comlink
discreetly)
...Fourteen.
He moves the chips over onto number fourteen. The Croupier
spins the wheel.
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S SCANNER FLASHING
K.I.T.T.
Fourteen, the winner.
BACK TO ROULETTE TABLE
as the ball drops into fourteen. The Croupier's eyes bug
out.
LADY CROUPIER
Fourteen! The gentleman wins again.
Michael's pile grows enormous. The crowd around him
murmurs approval. Michael smiles with satisfaction as
Randy Cavanaugh sidles up to him.
CAVANAUGH
Quite a run, mister....
MICHAEL
Knight. You the pit boss?
CAVANAUGH
You might say that. I own this
place. I'd like to buy you a drink.
MICHAEL
(shakes his
head)
Not when I'm on a roll. I've been
superstitious since I was...
(punching
comlink)
...thirteen.
Michael moves his chips again. The ball spins, bounces,
and lands on thirteen. The crowd oohs and ahhs as the
Croupier eyes Cavanaugh nervously.
CAVANAUGH
Amazing. How'd you happen to find
us?
MICHAEL
Friend of mine, Tommy Lee Burgess.
CAVANAUGH
You a horseman, Mr. Knight?
MICHAEL
No, I just have a weakness for
winners, and Knightrider was a
winner. I'd pay anything for that
horse.
CAVANAUGH
But didn't you hear -- Knightrider's
dead.
MICHAEL
I heard...but hearing and believing
are two different things.
Michael smiles, plays with chips and returns to his
roulette game as Cavanaugh studies him.
CUT TO
EXT. RURAL FIELD - DAY
Open tight on Knightrider, trying to break free of his
reins being held by a handsome, well-dressed Arab,
Sheik Haroun Al Rashid. Widen to include Tommy Lee
and Dr. Thorpe, watching. The Sheik's red sports car
is parked nearby with a beautiful girl in the front seat.
Also the pickup and horse trailer.
TOMMY LEE
High tempered, isn't he.
RASHID
No. He's vicious.
(smiles)
But that's something I relish in
stallions and women. I want him.
TOMMY LEE
Knew you would. You got a winner
there.
RASHID
For his sake, I hope so. Losers
don't last in my stable. Bring him
to Lincoln Hills Airport tomorrow,
and you'll have your million-five.
Tommy Lee takes the reins. He and Thorpe watch as Rashid
climbs onto his car and drives off. When he's gone, Tommy
Lee whacks Thorpe with his hat, ecstatic.
TOMMY LEE
Whooooo-ee!
CUT TO
INT. GAMBLING ROOM - DAY
Michael now stands before an enormous pile of chips. The
Croupier eyes Cavanaugh. Lewis has joined him. Michael
pushes a pile of chips onto a number. The whole room is
watching by now. A pretty lady leans on Michael's shoulder.
MICHAEL
I'll never forget this streak if I
live to be a hundred and...
(punches
comlink)
...twenty.
Cavanaugh nods discreetly to the Croupier who spins the
ball around the wheel.
CLOSE ANGLE - UNDER THE TABLE
The Croupier's knee presses a lever underneath the table.
ON THE WHEEL
as the ball bounces, bounces, then drops into red 31.
The gathered spectators groan with disappointment and the
Croupier heaves a sigh of relief, but:
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S SCANNER FLASHING
K.I.T.T.
The good ones know when to quit,
Michael.
BACK TO SHOT - THE BALL
pops out of its resting place and bounces into the twenty
spot. Michael brightens and whoops with delight. The
spectators applaud. Cavanaugh grinds his teeth as the
Croupier pushes almost all the chips at the table to
Michael, who takes a rack from the Croupier and piles them
in.
MICHAEL
Thanks guys, it's been a blast.
Where do I cash out?
CAVANAUGH
(forces a smile)
The cashier's just through that door.
He points Michael to a door. Michael heads through it.
ANGLE IN HALLWAY
as Michael crosses to a pretty cashier at a window and
drops his load of chips on the counter.
MICHAEL
Fifties and hundreds will be fine....
But he never finishes as he's struck from behind by:
LEWIS
who places a sap back into his pocket. The chips scatter
and tinkle all over the floor. Cavanaugh enters and looks
down at Michael.
CAVANAUGH
Take the limo and get rid of him.
(to their looks)
He's onto Tommy Lee.
EXT. CAVANAUGH'S - REAR ENTRANCE - DAY
Lewis exits carrying Michael with the help of an ND
person. Cavanaugh follows and opens the trunk of a
large limousine and Lewis drops Michael's body inside.
CLOSER ANGLE
We see Michael sprawled unconscious just before the trunk
lid slams shut.
LEWIS
He was too lucky for his own good.
He climbs into the limo and starts off. Cavanaugh watches
him go.
ANGLE IN TRUNK
Very dark. We can just make out Michael's face and his
slow, irregular breathing.
FREEZE FRAME
AND
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN
EXT. STREETS - DAY
The limo bearing Michael turns up an urban canyon road.
ANGLE IN TRUNK
Michael struggles but can't get the comlink close to his
mouth. He hits the button anyway.
MICHAEL
Kitt, can you read me?
INTERCUT - K.I.T.T.
K.I.T.T.
Faintly, Michael. Where are you?
MICHAEL
Feels like the trunk of a car.
K.I.T.T.
I guess this means your plan isn't
working out.
MICHAEL
Not necessarily. Follow my signal
and get in behind us. Silent Mode.
I'll tell you what to do.
K.I.T.T. goes through his start-up routine.
EXT. MANSION - DAY
K.I.T.T. pulls out of his space and past the parking Valet.
VALET
Hey...how 'bout a tip?
K.I.T.T.
Okay. Classy Cassie in the fourth
at Pimlico.
K.I.T.T. screeches away, leaving the hapless Valet
wondering.
EXT. CANYON ROAD - DAY
The limo motors safely past, well within the speed limit.
Lewis is blissfully unaware of K.I.T.T., who, after a long
beat, comes tearing up the canyon at twice the limo's speed.
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S DASH
"Silent Mode" lights up and the whine of the turbines stops.
INT. TRUNK - MICHAEL
squirms uncomfortably. Into comlink:
MICHAEL
How close are you, Kitt? It's
getting stuffy in here.
EXT. STREET - DAY - POINT OF VIEW FROM SIDE MIRROR
as K.I.T.T. slides silently up into tailgating position.
K.I.T.T.
Any closer and I'll have to marry
this limo.
ON MICHAEL IN TRUNK
MICHAEL
I'll be your best man. Now pop this
trunk.
EXT. STREET - POINT OF VIEW FROM K.I.T.T.
The trunk pops open and Michael unfolds himself from
inside. When he has his balance he steps out of the trunk
and onto K.I.T.T.'s hood. The auto-roof opens and Michael
walks across the hood and climbs into the driver's seat.
ANGLE INTO LIMO - ON LEWIS
His eyes go to the side mirror and widen in surprise. He
nails the limo's pedal, speeding up.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T.
Michael rubs the circulation back into his limbs, seeing
the limo pull away.
MICHAEL
The cat's out of the bag, Kitt.
He's made us.
K.I.T.T.
How shall we deal with him?
MICHAEL
Let's teach him not to speed. Brace
yourself.
Michael grips the wheel and hits "Turbo Boost."
VARIOUS ANGLES - THE JUMP
K.I.T.T. turbos up, up, and over the limousine, crashing
back to Earth just in front of it.
ANGLE IN LIMO - LEWIS
flabbergasted, jerks his wheel to the right to avoid
hitting K.I.T.T. and slides into a harmless stop.
FULL ANGLE - K.I.T.T. AND LIMO
Michael is out of the Trans Am like a flash.
MICHAEL
Call the police, Kitt. And while
you're at it, steer them over to
Cavanaugh's club.
He opens the limo door and pulls the larger driver up to
his feet, slamming him against the side of the car.
MICHAEL
Okay, friend. Time for a man-to-man
talk. About Tommy Lee Burgess. How
much is he into you guys for?
LEWIS
All you get from me is four words.
I...want...my...lawyer.
If glares could set fire, Michael's would.
CUT TO
EXT. DR. THORPE'S COMPLEX - DAY - KNIGHTRIDER
frightened, resisting Dr. Thorpe, who tries to lead the
horse out of the stall toward Tommy Lee, by the open door
of an enclosed horse trailer.
TOMMY LEE
(scans the area)
C'mon. Move it. It's clear.
Dr. Thorpe tries, but the horse stubbornly refuses.
THORPE
Tell him that.
Tommy Lee moves over to Knightrider, grabbing his head
tether powerfully.
TOMMY LEE
Easy, Knightrider. You're going to
your new home, boy.
Tommy Lee takes the reins and tries to move the horse off.
Knightrider rears up, kicking with nervous energy. Tommy
Lee yanks his head down to show him who's boss.
TOMMY LEE
And I swear if I have to drag you
there, you're going!
The horse bucks and kicks, resisting every step.
TOMMY LEE
Let's sedate him, Doc.
THORPE
(shakes head
wearily)
Whatever you say.
Dr. Thorpe moves over to his pickup to grab his vet's bag,
while Tommy Lee controls Knightrider. Tommy Lee looks
right up to the horse's eyes.
TOMMY LEE
Behave, big boy, everything's goin'
to be all right.
THORPE
Hold him steady.
Tommy Lee tries. Knightrider's head turns and sees the
needle and he goes crazy. Rears up on two legs, knocking
Tommy Lee back. Tommy Lee loses the ropes and Knightrider
dashes free, as the two men react:
WHAT THEY SEE - KNIGHTRIDER
sprinting down the road, then through an open fence and
down into a canyon valley, and out of sight.
BACK TO SHOT - TOMMY LEE
flushing with panic, racing for Dr. Thorpe's pickup.
TOMMY LEE
C'mon, we got to catch him!
Dr. Thorpe just stands there.
THORPE
Forget it. He's headed for the canyon.
Tommy Lee gets in the truck.
TOMMY LEE
I don't care if he's headed for hell.
I'm a dead man without him. And if
anyone recognizes him...you're not
much better.
Wincing at the thought, Dr. Thorpe hops into the pickup
with him. They burn out toward the road, in Knightrider's
direction as we:
CUT TO
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
K.I.T.T. flashes past.
DEVON'S VOICE
I'm sorry, Michael, but Cavanaugh's
was clean by the time the police got
there.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - INTERCUT MICHAEL AND DEVON ON MONITOR
Max is seated next to Michael, deep in thought.
DEVON
Not a gaming table or chip in sight.
MICHAEL
It figures. What about Lewis?
DEVON
True to his word. He let his lawyer
do his talking for him. Bail was
set at -- five thousand -- dollars.
Needless to say, he managed to raise it.
MICHAEL
I'm sorry to hear that. Okay, Devon,
I'm on my way to Doctor Thorpe's.
DEVON
Still feel he's the weak link, do
you?
MICHAEL
The weakest in sight. I'll keep in
touch.
He punches out. Looks toward Max, whose thoughts are far
away.
MICHAEL
Thinking about Knightrider?
MAX
Yeah...You know, the first time I
met him was after he'd kicked three
trainers out of the corral. Well, I
moved up to the rail, looked him in
the eye and said, 'Hey, big Black,
you're not so tough.' Then I scratched
him under the chin...and it was love
at first sight.
(looking back
at Michael)
I guess you wouldn't understand that
kind of love.
MICHAEL
(smiles)
Oh, I don't know...first time I met
Kitt....
K.I.T.T.
(protesting)
Michael!
MICHAEL
C'mon, pal. I remember it well...I
looked you right in the scanner,
gave you a scratch under the
bumper....
K.I.T.T.
(indignant)
And then drove me right through a
garage wall!
Michael laughs. Max, too. Suddenly, Max's attention is
drawn outside.
MAX
(excited)
Michael, stop the car. There he is!
Michael brakes and looks off.
OMITTED
WHAT HE SEES - A BLACK HORSE
a long distance off, atop the crest of the canyon's moun-
tainous ridge, running free.
BACK TO SHOT
Michael reacting.
MICHAEL
Pretty far off to tell for sure.
MAX
It's him. I know it!
Michael punches buttons.
MICHAEL
Now you're the one with instinct,
huh? Kitt, give me visuals.
INTERCUT - K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR - MICHAEL AND MAX
The monitor shows a picture of the horse racing along the
ridge. First, a wide shot, then a zoom-in profile of the
horse's head. We see the distinctive red markings.
MICHAEL
That's Knightrider, all right.
MAX
(kisses
Michael)
I told you! I told you it was him!
K.I.T.T.
Yes, and by the look in his eyes,
I'd say he's terrified right now.
MICHAEL
Nothing that a little TLC from Max
won't cure. Let's round him up, pal.
Michael accelerates onto a dirt road that leads toward the
mountain.
EXT. MOUNTAIN CREST - DAY - KNIGHTRIDER
gallops along the edge. Sensing K.I.T.T.'s pursuit, he veers
off and disappears down the blind side of the mountain and
out of view.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T.
moving swiftly up the road toward the mountain top.
MAX
We spooked him, Michael. He's gonna
be tough to follow down there.
MICHAEL
We'll track him. Kitt, give me an
infrared overlay of the other side.
K.I.T.T.
I can't. The rock outcropping is
too dense for sensor penetration.
MICHAEL
Then we'll just have to get above those
rocks. Hang on, Max, we're off and
running.
MAX
(as they
accelerate)
Go to the whip!
EXT. OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN - KNIGHTRIDER
coming down the steep and treacherous incline. He
reaches the valley bottom, a dense brush-covered area.
Then sensing something, he moves to:
A STREAM
running along the bottom. Knightrider, out of breath and
tired, thirstily drinks. Abruptly, his head raises with
fear upon noticing:
INCLUDE BOBBI GABRIEL
fifteen, a local girl, with rolled up jeans, standing on
the stream rocks, picking wild flowers. Her school knap-
sack nearby. She looks as shocked as the horse.
BOBBI
Easy....
She approaches him slowly, stepping across the stream rocks.
BOBBI
Don't be scared. You lost?
Knightrider snorts and backs away. Bobbi pulls out a
cookie from her pocket, offering it as she moves closer.
BOBBI
Hungry? It's oatmeal. Made it this
morning.
Knightrider sniffs it, then moves in and takes it. Bobbi
gives him a little scratch under the chin. Knightrider
whinnies with pleasure. Bobbi smiles.
BOBBI
You like that, don't you. Can I
ride you?
Knightrider whinnies again in a positive response. Bobbi
smiles, grabbing around his neck and getting on.
BOBBI
Giddyap.
Knightrider, with Bobbi aboard, takes off through the brush.
EXT. MOUNTAIN CREST - DAY - K.I.T.T.
reaching the crest of the mountain.
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Okay, Kitt, give me a scan.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - INTERCUT MONITOR
Shot after shot of empty wooded terrain appears on
K.I.T.T.'s screen.
MAX
Where'd he go? We can't lose him
now.
MICHAEL
I don't know. There's a lot of
territory down there, Max.
MAX
At least we know he's alive.
MICHAEL
But you can bet we're not the only
ones looking for him.
On their tense reactions, we:
FREEZE FRAME
AND
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY
K.I.T.T. powers down a rutty two-line through the mountains.
DEVON'S VOICE
The Foundation helicopter is nearing
the area to help the search.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T. - INTERCUT MONITOR
as Michael coordinates the search with Devon.
MICHAEL
Tell 'em to step on it. We've got
to find Knightrider before anyone
else does.
DEVON
I know. But I am a little loath to
ask local law to help us look for a
dead horse.
MICHAEL
He's not dead and we're not waiting.
Stay in touch.
Michael hits buttons and Devon fades.
MAX
He'd probably go to water and
there's a stream down to the left.
MICHAEL
Atta girl! Let's give it a try.
Michael turns K.I.T.T. onto a dirt road that's little more
than two ruts.
K.I.T.T.
This path is better suited to hooves
than wheels, Michael.
MICHAEL
Talk to Bonnie about it when we get
back. Maybe she can install some.
K.I.T.T.
I can hardly wait.
They disappear down the path.
EXT. FOREST NEAR STREAM - DAY
K.I.T.T. pulls to a stop near where we saw Bobbi.
K.I.T.T.
This is as far as I go, Michael.
But I do scan some hoofprints in the
mud by the stream.
Michael and Max brighten and are out of the car in a flash.
They search the stream bed. Max bends over the hoofprints.
MAX
Here they are. They could be his.
Michael has spotted something else: Bobbi's knapsack. He
wheels it out of the brush.
MICHAEL
Max! Look!
She joins him as they scrutinize the bike.
CLOSE ON KNAPSACK
We see a name tag with the name "B. Gabriel". Her shoes
are next to it.
BACK TO SHOT
MICHAEL
B. Gabriel. The kid who owns this
might have seen Knightrider.
(calls)
Kitt! Give me a check on the name
Gabriel within a fifty mile radius.
INTERCUT K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR
doing its thing.
K.I.T.T.
Gabriel Mortuary, Gabriel Plumbing,
and the residence of a J. Gabriel on
Highway 14.
MAX
That's be Jim Gabriel from the Feed
and Seed. He's got a daughter named
Bobbi.
MICHAEL
Won't be the first longshot that's
come in this week. Let's go.
They race for the car and peel back up the way they came.
CUT TO
EXT. THORPE'S OFFICE/STABLE - DAY - ESTABLISHING
Cavanaugh's limo has joined the horse trailer and pickup.
The sound of a blow being struck and a groan come from
inside.
INT. THORPE'S OFFICE - DAY
Thorpe cowers behind his desk as Tommy Lee tries to rise
from the floor. Lewis stands over him with his sap.
Cavanaugh paces with calculated casualness nearby.
CAVANAUGH
One more time. Where is my money?
TOMMY LEE
(desperate)
Please, Mr. C., just a little more
time. We'll find the horse. He'll
come out of that canyon, I know it.
CAVANAUGH
No more time. You're already a month
late. And considering the compound
interest, I'd say it's not your horse
anymore. It's my horse. And if my
horse doesn't turn up....
Suddenly they're all frozen by a knock at the door. Thorpe
stands up, whispers.
THORPE
Let me get it.
Cavanaugh grabs Tommy Lee and roughly pulls him out of
sight of the door. He signals to Lewis who produces a gun
and moves behind the door, training it on Thorpe. The
knock comes again.
CAVANAUGH
Okay. No fast moves. Just tell 'em
you're closed.
Thorpe, sweating, nods and opens the door.
ANGLE ON DOOR AND PORCH
as Thorpe opens it to reveal Bobbi, leading Knightrider on
a lead-line, barefooted.
BOBBI
Isn't he beautiful, Doc?
THORPE
Bobbi...where'd you find him?
BOBBI
Down in the canyon. I figured if
anyone lost a horse out here you'd
know.
(brightening)
But if no one did, I'd love to keep
him.
THORPE
(covering his
nerves)
I'm sorry to disappoint you, Bobbi,
but that horse belongs to a man I
know. He's been worried sick.
BOBBI
Yeah, I don't blame him. Can I at
least brush him down for you?
THORPE
No honey, I'm sorry, but I've got to
close up. I'm on my way to the
airport.
Thorpe takes the lead-line and Knightrider snorts and paws
the ground. Bobbi turns and leaves. Cavanaugh appears in
the doorway behind Thorpe.
CAVANAUGH
She doesn't know it...But she just
saved a man's life. C'mon. We got
a buyer to see.
The three men move into action toward the vehicles, leaving
Doc behind.
EXT. GABRIEL HOUSE - DAY
The Trans Am pulls up to a small country house. Bobbi's
just returning home. She looks up as Michael and Max climb
out. Michael has her knapsack.
BOBBI
Hey, that's mine!
MICHAEL
We found it way down in the canyon.
We were looking for this lady's
black horse. Hoped you might've
seen him.
BOBBI
I sure did. Boy could he run.
MAX
What happened to him, Bobbi? Is he
all right?
BOBBI
Oh he's fine. I left him with Doc
Thorpe. He said a man owned him.
MICHAEL
(to Max)
C'mon, let's hurry.
They start for K.I.T.T.
BOBBI
You won't catch Doc there. He said
he was going to the airport.
MICHAEL
How long ago was that?
BOBBI
Half hour. Did I do something wrong?
MICHAEL
You did perfect. Thanks.
They peel out in a cloud of dust.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T.
Michael's wailing on the buttons. Max is on the edge of
her seat.
MICHAEL
Kitt, tap the tower of the local
airport. Check out the traffic.
Anything big enough to carry a horse.
INSERT K.I.T.T.'S MONITOR
displaying a flight-control pattern.
K.I.T.T.
There's only one plane big enough,
Michael. It's a private jet belonging
to a Shiek Haroun Al Rashid.
MAX
Rashid!
MICHAEL
Know him?
MAX
He used to race on the European circuit
but was banned for mistreating his stock.
He's turned champions into dog food.
MICHAEL
You can bet he's our buyer. Kitt,
let's beat 'em there.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
K.I.T.T. hits pursuit and speeds off.
EXT. DIFFERENT HIGHWAY - DAY
Doc's truck and trailer pass, followed by Cavanaugh's
limo.
ANGLE IN TOMMY LEE'S TRUCK
Tommy Lee drives nervously, and with good reason. Lewis
sits next to him.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
K.I.T.T. flashes by.
K.I.T.T.'S VOICE
I'm scanning a horse trailer and a
limousine less than a mile ahead,
Michael.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T.
Max and Michael tense with excitement.
MICHAEL
Limousine...as in Cavanaugh?
K.I.T.T.
Affirmative.
MICHAEL
We got 'em now.
They accelerate.
ANGLE THROUGH WINDSHIELD - MICHAEL'S POINT OF VIEW
coming up on the rear of the limo like it was standing
still. Michael pulls out to pass.
ANGLE ACROSS THE TWO CARS
Cavanaugh looks to see who's passing, reacts at the sight
of Michael.
MICHAEL
Hi! I thought you left the driving
to others.
Cavanaugh doesn't think it's funny. He bears down on the
gas, but K.I.T.T. slips in front of him, in between the
trailer and the limo.
FULL SHOT - THE VEHICLES
Cavanaugh thinks he can put Michael out of commission, so
he pulls the heavier limo right up on K.I.T.T.'s tail and
rams the Trans Am.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T.
Max and Michael rock with the impact.
K.I.T.T.
How rude! He's trying to make a
sandwich out of us.
MICHAEL
I think I have just the thing to
loosen him up. Arm your oil jets,
Kitt.
INSERT - OIL JETS
Two nozzles protrude from the car's rear bumper.
BACK TO SHOT
K.I.T.T.
Ready and waiting, Michael.
MICHAEL
Just the thing for a 'slick' guy.
He hits the button marked "Oil Slick."
INSERT - OIL JETS
Squirting dark thirty-weight out onto the pavement.
FULL SHOT - THE LIMOUSINE
Cavanaugh loses control and starts skidding the limo. It
does two full 360's through K.I.T.T.'s oil slick before
coming to an ungraceful stop up against the embankment.
Cavanaugh gets out and looks after the Trans Am. Slams his
fist down on the hood of the limo in frustration.
ANGLE IN K.I.T.T.
MICHAEL
One down, one to go.
K.I.T.T.
Correction, Michael. Two to go.
Tommy Lee's got company: our friend
from Cavanaugh's.
MICHAEL
Time to make our move, Kitt. Let's
get in front of 'em.
MAX
Way to go, pony boy. Box 'em into
the rail!
FULL SHOT - THE VEHICLES
K.I.T.T. whips out and around the truck/trailer rig.
Michael gets in position in front of the pickup and slows
down.
ANGLE IN PICKUP CAB
LEWIS
Damn! Him again.
ANGLE DOWN - K.I.T.T.'S AND TRUCK'S BUMPERS
as K.I.T.T. slows down the pickup bumps it once, then again.
Michael's bringing the pickup to a controlled stop.
MAX'S VOICE
Easy, I'd hate to hurt the horse.
MICHAEL
He's safe as a baby in his mother's
arms.
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S TIRES
smoking and grabbing the pavement, braking.
ANGLE IN PICKUP CAB
Lewis frowns at Tommy Lee.
LEWIS
Step on it! Push 'em!
TOMMY LEE
I can't believe it! It's floored
and they're stopping us!
The truck's engine and suspension groan as the vehicles
slow to a stop. Lewis and Tommy Lee start out, as do Max
and Michael.
FULL SHOT - THE VEHICLES
stopping on the road. Lewis takes the thirty-thirty off
the rack, starts firing at K.I.T.T. The bullets spark
harmlessly off the car's shell. Lewis then climbs down
from the cab with the rifle, but Michael is all over him
in a flurry of punches. In the b.g. we see Max exit
K.I.T.T. and head for the rear of the trailer. Michael
decks Lewis and tosses the thirty-thirty off into the
bushes. He looks up and spots:
TOMMY LEE
climbing from the truck and racing toward the trailer
where Max is frantically opening the latches. He goes
for her but:
MICHAEL
hits him with a flying tackle. They wrestle for a moment
before Michael ends Tommy Lee's resistance with a solid
right.
MICHAEL
You made a good run, but you had
nothing left for the stretch.
(calls out)
Kitt, have Devon call the local
authorities. And have 'em round up
Doctor Thorpe.
K.I.T.T.
Michael...look.
OMITTED
MAX AND KNIGHTRIDER
She stands with her arms around his neck. The horse
nickers softly. Home again.
CLOSE ON MICHAEL
His face filled with satisfaction.
FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT
END OF ACT FOUR
TAG
FADE IN
EXT. TRAINING TRACK - DAY
Once again we see Max galloping Knightrider through a clear
morning, but now there's an important difference.
MICHAEL, DEVON, AND BONNIE
stand watching near K.I.T.T.
MICHAEL
How's she doing, Kitt?
INSERT - K.I.T.T.'S DASH AND WINDSHIELD
Where a digital timer clicks off hundredths of a second and
stops as Max and Knightrider whizz past.
K.I.T.T.
Twenty-three point one four. Fast
enough to win the Jackson Stakes
tomorrow.
BACK TO SHOT
as the group applauds horse and rider, moving away from
K.I.T.T. to where Max is riding back. She hops down to
greet them.
MICHAEL
I think I smell a triple crown.
DEVON
Yes, Man O' War never looked better.
BONNIE
You've got yourself a real champion,
Max.
MAX
Thanks to Michael.
(turning
to him)
Where would I be without you?
MICHAEL
(smiles)
Saddle-shy in Atlanta.
ANGLE TO INCLUDE OSCAR
Looking broke again, he slides up to Michael. As the
others look on:
OSCAR
So finally I see you. Whadya do to
me, sport?
MICHAEL
Do I know you?
OSCAR
Know me? You told me Foster's Folly
was a sure thing. He ran dead last.
MICHAEL
I told you?
(looks suspiciously
to K.I.T.T.)
Kitt, is there something I should
know here?
K.I.T.T.
Don't look at me....
OSCAR
Twenty bucks I bet for you. Big
deal. Me, I parlayed my whole
week's winnings.
(throws his
losing tickets
in the air)
I'm gonna have to start working for
a living.
He moves off. Michael looks scoldingly at K.I.T.T.
MICHAEL
You bet a horse?
(enjoying this)
With Foundation money?
K.I.T.T.
Michael, I was just trying to bail
out your Auto-Currency statement.
Statistically, I couldn't lose.
MICHAEL
That's what they all say.
K.I.T.T.
Michael, can I ask a favor?
(whispers)
Lend me $20?
Off our group's pleasure and K.I.T.T.'s chagrin....
FREEZE FRAME
FADE OUT
THE END
