Taxi Driver: Travis’ Letter

CUT TO: A HOT JUNE DAY.

TRAVIS' taxi, the "Off Duty" sign on, is parked against the curb somewhere in HARLEM. WHITE COPS, SECRET SERVICE MEN and REPORTERS, punctuate the otherwise BLACK CROWDS which walk to and fro in the b.g.

CHARLES PALANTINE's voice can be heard coming from a distant loudspeaker system. It is a political rally.

TRAVIS sits behind the wheel, coldly staring at something in the distance. His hair, of course, is still clipped short and he wears mirror-reflecting sunglasses. Even though a drop of sweat is working its way down his cheek, TRAVIS wears his Army jacket with the bulge on the left side -- the .38 Smith and Wesson bulge

A BLOCK AWAY, PALANTINE stands on a platform outside his uptown campaign headquarters. On the platform sit an array of BLACK DIGNITARIES. Nearby we recognize the SECRET SERVICE MAN TRAVIS spoke to at the earlier rally: he scans the CROWD anxiously.

PALANTINE is speaking animatedly. He is an excellent speaker and captures our attention. He drives hard toward his arguments, crashes down on his points. His strained voice rings with sincerity and anger.

C.U. of PALANTINE as he speaks. He is dressed in rolled-up shirtsleeves and sweat pours down his face.

PALANTINE: The time has come to put an end to the things that divide us: racism, poverty, way -- and to those persons who seek to divide us. Never have I seen such a group of high officials from the President to Senate leaders to Cabinet members...

CUT TO TRAVIS: no expression. PALANTINE's words are barely distinguishable from a block away:

PALANTINE (in distance): ... pit black against white, young against old, sow anger, disunity and suspicion -- and all in the name of the "good of the country." Well, their game is over. (applause) All their games are over. Now is the time to stand up against such foolishness, propaganda and demagoguery. Now is the time for one man to stand up and accept his neighbor, for one man to give in order that all might receive. Is unity and love of common good such a lost thing?

ALL LIVE SOUND CEASES as TRAVIS' narration begins. He is reading from a letter or card he has just written.

As he speaks we see SHOTS of PALANTINE speaking, a seated row of YOUNG BLACK PALANTINE red, white and blue bedecked CHEERLEADERS, SECRET SERVICE AGENTS examining the CROWD and so forth. These SHOTS have no direct relationship to the narration.

TRAVIS (V.O.) (reading): Dear Father and Mother, June is the month, I remember, which brings not only your wedding anniversary, but also Father's Day and Mother's birthday. I'm sorry I can't remember the exact dates, but I hope this card will take care of all of them.

I'm sorry I again can not send you my address like I promised to last year, but the sensitive nature of my work for the Army demands utmost secrecy. I know you will understand.

I am healthy and well and making lots of money. I have been going with a girl for several months and I know you would be proud if you could see her.

(MORE)

TRAVIS (V.O.; CONT'D): Her name is Betsy, but I can tell you no more than that. (interrupted)

As TRAVIS reads third paragraph, a POLICEMAN is seen walking from behind TRAVIS' taxi to his window.

The POLICEMAN's voice come during a pause in the narration. LIVE SOUND RESUMES.

POLICEMAN (standing near window): Hey, cabbie, you can't park here.

TRAVIS (penitent): Sorry, officer.

POLICEMAN: You waiting for a fare?

POLICEMAN leans his head in window, inspecting the cab. As he does, TRAVIS slides his right hand into the left side of his jacket, ready to draw his revolver.

TRAVIS: No, officer.

POLICEMAN: All right, move it.

TRAVIS starts up his taxi and drives off.

LIVE SOUND again CEASES as TRAVIS resumes reading letter as taxi drives away.

As TRAVIS reads final paragraph, scene CUTS TO INT. APARTMENT
where TRAVIS sits at his table.

TRAVIS (V.O.) (resuming reading): I hope this card finds you all well, as it does me. I hope no one has died. Don't worry about me. One day there will be a knock on the door and it will be me.

Love, Travis.

TRAVIS, at his desk, examines the card upon which he has just written this letter.

C.U. cover of card. It is a 25¢ Wedding Anniversary card with a four-color embossed cover. The design could only be described as ur-kitsch. A cartoon Mr. and Mrs. All-America stand before an outdoor barbecuing grill, clicking salt and pepper shakers in a toast. Sentiment reads:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
To a Couple
Who Have Found
the Perfect Combination
For Marriage...

The card opens to read:

LOVE!

Underneath the word "Love!" begins TRAVIS' short message to his parents, a message which extends to the back cover of the card.