Fruitcake (pdf format) by Steven Clark
Through the years, a boy has trouble accepting the truth about his family…
Remember when you were young and couldn’t wait to grow up? Every explanation for “no” was accompanied by, “Wait until you’re older.” Bet you felt that day would never come…
But – eventually it does. And, for most of us, not a second too soon. Grownup privileges? You bet. But, with the good stuff comes awareness. And that crucial concept: maturity.
In Steven Clark’s drama Fruitcake, young Doug Merill isn’t old enough to truly understand the reasons for his parents’ divorce. Looking back, he remembers tons of arguing and “icy stares.” Sure, his father Peter wasn’t the world’s most hands-on dad. And his mother Judy – a proficient baker – cried a lot. All the time, in fact.
But as time passes, Doug adjusts. Judy becomes the primary parent, and Peter takes Doug on weekends. Driving up to the front of the house, Peter honks the car horn and Doug rushes out to meet him; carrying a box of Judy’s fruitcake. Until one fateful day…
Conflict between a son and his father – it’s a familiar tale, for which growing up’s the only cure. There’s a joke that getting older’s a bitch – until you consider the alternative. Fortunately – for Doug at least – time and age provides clarity…
A sad, poignant tale, Fruitcake has a sweet ending nonetheless. Easy locations. Interesting characters. And universal appeal. Which makes the decision to choose this script a piece of cake. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)
Pages: 14
Budget: Low. A handful of talented actors plus extras will enjoy inhabiting these characters. One tantalizing baked good required. 🙂
About the writer: Based in upstate, NY, Steven Clark is the writer of over 30 short scripts, several of which are under option, in pre-production, or have already been made into films. On A Clear Night, a family Christmas feature aimed at a Hallmark Channel-type audience, is currently in the works. Steven can be reached at Steamroller138 (a) gmail.
About the Reviewer: California über reader/reviewer KP Mackie is working hard on her animated feature.
Read Fruitcake (pdf format)
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This screenplay may not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
4 Comments so far
1.
sammy
May 4th, 2015 at 1:34 pm
LOVE IT!
2.
Debra Johnson
May 4th, 2015 at 4:03 pm
Very, very sweet. 🙂
3.
Steven Clark
May 5th, 2015 at 11:54 pm
Sammy and Debra,
Thank you for the read and the kind words! Very glad you enjoyed it.
Steve
4.
Bhelanna
November 27th, 2016 at 2:07 am
Oh my goodness! SO ready for production. Nicely done. Many very poignant moments. Might give Kate a few more lines to make her a little less 2D. I want to say more but I do not want to post spoilers for others. Honest and beautiful.
Bhe