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KNIGHT RIDER: KNIGHT BY A NOSE

EXEC. PRODUCERS: Glen Larson, Robert Foster
PRODUCERS: Gino Grimaldi, Gerald Sanford

Production #58604
1st Draft - October 1, 1984

Teleplay: .................. William Elliott
Director: .................. Bernard McEveety

                              
                                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