ACT ONE
INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–DAY
VINCENT KENNEDY MCMAHON looks out the window of his office at The Titan Tower in Stamford, Conneticut with a bottle of scotch in his hand. His son SHANE enters the room.
VINCE
Did I ever show you any old photos or tell you about how we all came this far in the business?
SHANE
No, you didn’t.
He walks over to his desk, and pulls out an old scrapbook, he flips to a picture of RODERICK JAMES ‘’JESS’‘ MCMAHON taken decades earlier when he was very young as Shane looks at the picture with astonishment.
VINCE
Your great grandfather Jess got his start as a manager for a Negro League baseball team, but it wasn’t until he booked for promoter Jack Curley that our legacy was first established.
Shane takes a closer look at the photo of what seems to be Jess on a small boat. As if he had traveled abroad somewhere, almost like a foreign country.
SHANE
Tell me more.
EXT.–HAVANA, CUBA–1915
Jess McMahon is an Irish Catholic from New York which many describe as handsome and debonair with undeterminable age. He looks to his right as his boat pulls up to the shores of Havana, and spots JACK CURLEY, a middle aged fat immigrant to States who awaited his arrival, they shake hands at soon as Jess steps off the boat and into the hot Cuban sun.
JACK
I’m glad you agreed to book the fight, not many wanted to be involved with a prizefight that had some gold toothed nigger as the world champ.
JESS
Since I’ve worked with of bunch em several years ago in baseball, I guess I know to handle any jungle bunny or tar baby that chooses to be an athlete.
Both men burst into laughter. Jack walks Jess over to the ticket office where Jess will take bets on the fighters.
JACK
Here ya go, let me know as soon as all the bets come in.
Jess enters the ticket booth as Jack leaves.
INT.–TICKET BOOTH–SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Cubans line up everywhere as they place bets on their favorite boxer. Jess collects their money while he also looks at the sheet of paper where he records bets and tallies the bets for the fighters.
He looks down at the sheet, which reads:
Jess Willard 9,000 Pesos
Jack Johnson 1,000 Pesos
Jess’ eyes bug out AT what he sees.....
INT.–JACK CURLEY’S OFFICE–DAY
Jack is at his desk while Jess stands next JACK JOHNSON, the world heavyweight champion. A heavy set black man who’s bald with gold teeth.
JACK JOHNSON
Are you tellin’ me that I have to drop the belt to whitey, not just because I’m a nigger, but also because a bunch of wetbacks who can’t speak English bet against me?
Jack and Jess are both very quiet as they can’t seem to come up with a good excuse of why Jack Johnson should go through with this.
Jack takes a deep breath.
JACK
It’s just a good business move, that’s all. All the newspaper wanna see this great white hope triumph over this little monkey who’s ancestors were snatched from Africa. It’s a good story, you have to give the people what they want.
Jack Johnson still looks unsure of whether or not he should go through with it.
JACK JOHNSON
But I’m the first every black champion, it’s my job be a role model for young black kids everywhere.
JACK
No, it’s your job to throw the fight, take the money, and keep your mouth shut. That’s what any other man of your color and size would do. Just take that money, and buy yourself a big watermelon patch after the fight.
Jack Johnson looks disappointed.
JACK JOHNSON
Alright, I’ll do it.
Jack Johnson leaves the office with his head sunk down in shame.
EXT.–OUTDOOR ARENA–NIGHT
Jack Johnson and the number one contender JESS WILLARD a.k.a The Great White Hope are boxing in the ring as Jack Johnson is about ready to throw the fight, and drop the title. Willard throws a hard punch to Johnson’s face, and Johnson is down for the count.
REFEREE
1!
The crowd looks on as Johnson appears to be out cold.
REFEREE
2!
Jack and Jess look on in hopes that Johnson won’t screw them over.
REFEREE
3!
The press snaps some photos of Johnson befallen on the mat.
REFEREE
4!
The challenger Jess Willard looks on as Johnson still isn’t up.
REFEREE
5!
A reporter takes some notes.
REFEREE
6!
A film maker records footage of the knockout for a newsreel.
REFEREE
7!
Jack counts the profits from the ticket sales.
REFEREE
8!
The timekeeper waits to ring the bell.
REFEREE
9!
The whole arena was just silent.
REFEREE
10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bell rings and the crowd goes nuts!
RING ANNOUNCER
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN........YOUR WINNER..........AAAAAAAAND NEW! HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! THE GREAT WHITE HOPE! JESS WILLARD!
The referee raises Willard’s hand, and puts the championship belt around his waist. Willard arms are still raised while the boxing gloves still cover his fists.
All the marks and fans go to collect their bets from Jack and Jess.
INT.–CIRCUS TENT–NIGHT
Jess Willard and wrestling’s world heavyweight champion FRANK GOTCH leave the tent, and they both collect their payday from Jack.
JESS WILLARD
Are you tryin’ to short change me you cheap son of a bitch?
Jack looks in all directions as he tries to come up with a good excuse.
JACK
Just givin’ ya what I owe ya.
Willard becomes furious.
JESS WILLARD
I’ve had enough of your bullshit Curley!
Frank tries to calm him down and act as the voice of reason.
FRANK
Don’t jump to conclusions, he may have a good reason for comin’ on short.
Willard becomes even more fed up.
JESS WILLARD
Blow it out your ass Gotch!
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–NEW YORK CITY
Jess McMahon, Jess Willard, JACK DEMPSEY, and his manager DOC KEARNS are fed up with Jack Curley’s short payoffs so they have gone to Curley’s rival, boxing promoter TEX RICKARD to get even.
TEX
I’ll help you all out, but you gotta help me out first.
They all look confused.
JESS
How?
Tex ponders for a moment.
TEX
Well, boxing’s now legal in New York, right?
JESS
If Doc and his boy can arrange a boxing promoter’s license for me, and a way to keep Curley out of the New York boxing scene, then I’ll be more than happy to put you all on my payroll.
INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–NIGHT
Dempsey knocks out Willard, while Doc Kearns, Tex, and Jess are at ringside.
DOC
Here’s the promoter’s license you wanted.
Doc hands Tex the promoter’s license.
TEX
You’re a good man, Kearns.
The two men shake hands, and Doc turns to Jess.
DOC
Did you book the fight as we all agreed?
JESS
Yes, the finish is about happen as we speak.
They look on the referee counts out Willard.
REFEREE
10!
The bell rings, and the referee raises Dempsey’s hand.
DOC
Your one booker who knows how to get the job done.
The referee hand Dempsey the belt.
JESS
Well, thank you.
Jess grins as he looks as the new champion Jack Dempsey.
TEX
That’s our new star McMahon, our new star!
Jess nods.
JESS
This champ’s gonna be a real draw!
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–DAY
Tex is miffed by what he sees in the newspaper that day, it just makes his blood boil. He just can’t stand it, Jess is also in the office to be the recipient of his next tirade.
TEX
Why the hell did Curley have to promote a wrestling show in my god damn arena?
Jess looks scared to death.
JESS
Well, you prevented him from promotin’ boxing in New York, but there’s no laws in the state athletic commissions that prevent him from promotin’ wrestling in New York.
Tex gets more pissed off by the second.
TEX
He’s also promotin’ wrestling just to get under my skin!
Jess waits for what Tex will say next.
TEX (CONTINUED)
He had to use that a lousy tournament as a buildup for that shitty world title match between those two faggots Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock!
Tex grunts, and drops the newspaper in disgust as he and Jess leave the office. There is a photo of Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock on the newspaper.
INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–DAY
Tex has gathered various investors to embark on a new venture that involves the arena, the most well known investor present is none other than circus promoter JOHN RINGLING of The Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus. They all sip champagne and wine to celebrate.
TEX
We are here to form a tight knit corporation with each of you as shareholders in a brand new endeavor entitled The Madison Square Garden Corporation. It will make the promotion of events here at a Madison Square Garden an exclusive privilege to all of you, and will serve to keep out such low brow and unwanted promoters such as Jack Curley.
Jess observes as his boss discusses his vision of Madison Square Garden with the group.
TEX (CONTINUED)
I’d now like to introduce one of our main investors in the new company, John Ringling!
Everyone claps while John Ringling tries to act modest.
JOHN RINGLING
I’d just like to thank our new chairman Tex Rickard for giving us the opportunity to invest in this new company, and to present the best in sports and entertainment that we can in the 1920's.
They all raise their glasses in a toast.
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–DAY
The phone rings, and he is surprised to hear to Jack Curley’s voice on the phone. He is also surprised at how polite Curley is in the conversation.
CURLEY
Let’s bury the hatchet, I have proposal you might be interested in.
Tex wonders what it could be.
TEX
I’d like to hear it.
Jess walks in, and wonders what all the hoopla is about.
CURLEY
As you know, I’ve been promotin’ this french guy in Jersey City who’s the world light heavyweight champ, and we’ve drawn some big crowds with him. Maybe we should put him up against Dempsey.
A big smile came over Tex’s face.
TEX
I LOVE IT!
CURLEY
Great! Let’s promote this as the fight of the century!
Tex begins to look starry eyed.
NEWSPAPER MONTAGE
HEADLINE:
WORKING CLASS AMERICA VS. FRENCH ROYALTY
Photos of Jack Dempsey and the world light heavyweight champion GEORGE CARPENTIER are featured on the front page.
END OF NEWSPAPER MONTAGE
INT.–JERSEY CITY ARENA–NIGHT
Dempsey and Carpentier fight in the ring with a very wild crowd as they scream for the two competitors, it’s a crowd of 80,000 fans, the first $1 Million sellout for a prizefight. A radio announcer calls the fight while a cameraman films the bout for a newsreel.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Dempsey delivers a hard right hook to Carpentier!
INTERCUT WITH: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF THE FIGHT
Carpentier tries to strike back, but is too dazed to focus. His face is covered in blood, and he stumbles from corner to corner in the ring.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Carpentier is tryin’ to stay alive in this battle of champs
BACK TO: FILMED FOOTAGE
Carpentier struggles to take a breath, he gasps and gasps and gasps for air.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Is Carpentier gonna survive the wrath of Jack Dempsey? Or will he succumb to the power of the American Dream?
BACK TO: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE
Dempsey delivers a right hook to the bridge of Carpentier’s nose!
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Oh dear god! Carpentier is down! Carpentier is down!
BACK TO: FILMED FOOTAGE
The referee counts Carpentier out, and rings the bell.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Dempsey wins! Dempsey wins!
The referee raises Dempsey’s hand.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, Jack Dempsey is a hero tonight in the eyes of many fans all over America!
Dempsey shakes hands with various members of the press as he leaves the ring.
DOC
Come on, get him up, get him up!
A whole group of people hoist Dempsey on their shoulders as the fans go wild one last time.
INT.–JESS MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1929
Jess stacks papers with his son VINCENT JAMES MCMAHON, a dark haired heavy set 15 year old boy as they prepare for the next big show. Vince brings in another stack of papers.
VINCE
Any word on when Tex plans to expand the promotion into Miami and London?
Jess shrugs his shoulders.
JESS
No official word yet, he’s in the hospital gettin’ his appendix removed. Won’t know until after that.
The phone rings, and Jess picks it up.
JESS
Hello?
A saddened look comes over his face.
JESS (CONTINUED)
Oh my god! Well, I appreciate the notification, goodbye.
Jess seems grief stricken as he puts the phone down.
VINCE
What’s wrong, Pop?
Jess sheds a tear.
EXT.–CEMETERY–DAY
People are everywhere, at the funeral someone they admired and worked with for many years. Everyone looks down at this brand new tombstone that was just made, and they look at the inscription that reads:
GEORGE LEWIS ‘’TEX’‘ RICKARD
1870-1929
Jess and Vince stand there as they mourn his death.
VINCE
I wonder who’s gonna take over The Garden.
JESS
I’m almost afraid to even think about that. No one can come close to runnin’ as good an operation as Tex did.
Jess struggles to get through the service.
VINCE
What are we gonna do?
JESS
I just don’t know Vinnie, I just don’t know.
Tex Rickard’s casket descends into the grave.
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–NIGHT
TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY and all the shareholders within The Madison Square Garden Corporation assemble to the reading of Tex’s will, and discover who he left The Garden to.
TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY
I, George Lewis Rickard of sound, mind, and body as the majority share of The Madison Square Garden Corporation do hereby bequeath all my assets in the company to Roderick James McMahon.
A big smile stretches across Jess’ face, but he tries to act humble.
JESS
He left it all to me?
TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY
He felt you were the best for the job, Jess. Congratulations.
Tex’s attorney walks over to Jess, and shakes his hand.
JESS
Thank you!
Jess looks up to the sky, all starry eyed as he still has that big smile on his face. Vince stands next to him with astonishment.
VINCE
Alright Pop! You got The Garden!
Jess puts him arm around Vince and smiles at him.
INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–BOARD ROOM
Jess and all the other shareholders sit at a round table to discuss a very serious issue at the arena.
JESS
All in favor of promotin’ wrestling here at The Garden.
Just a few shareholders raise their hands.
JESS (CONTINUED)
All opposed?
The majority of shareholders raise their hands.
FEMALE SHAREHOLDER
We just don’t care to have wrestling at our arena, the so called ‘’sport’‘ is fake, and mocks all that America stands for. Mr. Rickard would not allow this if he were alive.
Jess looks annoyed at the woman.
JESS
Well, I hate to break this to you, but dear old Tex is dead, and don’t you ever call wrestling ‘’fake’‘, it’s the sport of kings. If you understood the concept of business at all, then you wouldn’t doubt wrestling for a second.
The female shareholder looks pissed.
SKINNY MALE SHAREHOLDER
And most of your connections in wrestling are crooked. You need to re-evaluate your contacts.
Jess ponders his comment.
JESS
Is that how you feel?
SKINNY MALE SHAREHOLDER
Yes.
Jess nods his head.
JESS
I see.
MIDDLE AGED SHAREHOLDER
And besides, what makes you think anyone would even pay tickets to see a wrestling show?
Jess leaned back in his chair.
JESS
I have faith in that business, and someday it’s gonna make everyone rich!
The middle aged shareholder rolls his eyes.
JESS (CONTINUED)
If none of you can see that, then you all need to sell your shares in this company as soon as possible.
INT.–JACK CURLEY’S OFFICE–1937
Jack and Jess are in the midst of a discussion about the idea bringing wrestling back to Madison Square Garden. Neither Jack nor Jess look too pleased.
JESS
I’m sorry, but the shareholders just don’t want wrestling in The Garden.
Jack appears to be frustrated.
JACK
It’s been how many years since Tex left you The Garden, and they STILL won’t budge?
JESS
They believe in holdin’ true to Tex’s wishes.
Jack shakes his head.
JACK
Oh brother!
Jack looks up at Jess as if he has a bad taste in his mouth.
JACK (CONTINUED)
When are they gonna wake up and realize that Tex has been dead for years?
Jess seems confused.
JESS
Your guess is as good as mine on that one.
Jack looks at out of his window.
JACK
I have to promote wrestling in some dinky National Guard Armory because of them!
He turns towards Jess again.
JACK (CONTINUED)
Do they realize how much shit I have to go through to put on those god damn shows? The boys and I have to drive all the way downtown to get to the arena. I’m sick and tired of havin’ to drive that far!
Jess looks sad and humble.
JESS
I wish there was somethin’ I could do.
Jack returns to the window, and points to the arena outside.
JACK
This here is The Hippodrome, it seats 9,000 fans, and I’ve developed this new ring that can be raised and lowered with the push of a button.
Jess walks over to the window, and stands next to Jack to get a good view of The Hippodrome which is a beautiful domed arena.
JACK (CONTINUED)
It’s owned by RKO, so we might be able to get a motion picture deal out of it. Who knows? Maybe have some of RKO’s biggest stars appear at the shows.
JESS
Sounds good to me.
Jack takes a deep breath.
JACK
I think I’ll run 30 shows there this year.
They both share a laugh.
JESS
Good for you.
EXT.–CEMETERY–A FEW MONTHS LATER
Jess and Vince are once again together at a funeral, just as crowded and just as emotional as Tex Rickard’s was. A woman, her son, and her daughter mourn her husband and their father at his grave.
JESS
That day I spoke to him in his office, I just didn’t realize how sick he was.
Jess and Vince look at the tombstone which reads:
JACQUES ARMAND SCHUEL
A.K.A JACK CURLEY
JULY 4, 1876-JULY 12, 1937
JESS
You console Bessie and Jean while the boys and I make our move.
Meanwhile, JACK CURLEY JR., Boston wrestling promoter PAUL BOWSER, and controversial light heavyweight wrestling promoter. JACK PFEFFER discuss the future of Jack Sr.’s wrestling promotion.
JACK JR.
Dad asked that his promotion be split between three of us.
STRANGE MAN
Not today son.
The three of them turn around and look at the strange man.
JACK JR.
What do you mean?
The strange man turned out to be TOOTS MONDT, a very scandalous promoter and former associate of Jack Sr. Toots stands there with his business associates which includes Jess, Jack Pfeffer’s fellow light heavyweight promoters CHARLIE AND WILLIE JOHNSON, Philadelphia promoter RAY FABIANI, St. Louis-Kansas City promoter TOM PACKS, wrestling manager and agent TONY STECHER, and Midwestern promoter RUDY DUSEK. Paul Bowser and Jack Pfeffer then walk over to stand beside them.
TOOTS
Bowser and Pfeffer here sold me their shares of your father’s promotion. They also got power of attorney over yours as well.
Jack Jr. is shocked by what he hears.
JACK JR.
But how?
TOOTS
You just ain’t cut out for the business boy!
Jack Jr. looks even more disoriented as Toots pulls out a legal document.
TOOTS (CONTINUED)
You see, this little piece of paper shows that we each have a 10% share in your daddy’s rasslin’ outfit.
They all begin to laugh.
JACK JR.
Why have you all done this?
Jack Jr. is still bewildered
TOOTS
Don’t worry about that, just go back to your lemonade stand.
They all burst into laughter as they walk away from a saddened Jack Jr. Jess then walks back over to his son Vince.
VINCE
So, what happened Pop?
JESS
We got ourselves a percentage of the promotion!
VINCE
So, we’re now gettin’ what we want?
JESS
It looks that way.
They both smile.
INT.–JESS MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1945
Jess and Vince are in the office as they go over plans for the next show when an idea sparks in Jess’ head.
JESS
Hey, what do you think about takin’ over the wrestling promotion in Washington D.C.?
Vince seems confused by his father’s question.
VINCE
Are you sure I’m ready?
JESS
Yeah, that way we can control the Eastern Seaboard.
Vince still doesn’t look too sure about the idea.
VINCE
What about New York?
JESS
Oh please, the shareholders at The Garden don’t want wrestling, and the wrestling promotion isn’t doin’ so hot
Vince nods in agreement.
JESS
And besides, I need to pass this business down to my son, and if we add D.C. to our list, we’ll have a shot at somethin’ better than New York.
INT.–JOE TURNER’S OFFICE–WASHINGTON D.C.
Jess and Vince are in the office of wrestling promoter JOE TURNER who appears to be in very bad health.
JESS
We’ve got a proposal for you.
JOE
Alright, let’s hear it.
JESS
Your lookin’ for someone to run your territory after your gone. My son Vinnie could do it. He’s booked my shows in New York for years.
Joe looks interested despite his frail condition.
JOE
Alright, you can start at the concession stand, and book my shows. Then if I feel you’ve done a job, I’ll hand my operation over to you.
VINCE
I’ll do the best I can.
JOE
Good, don’t let me down.
Joe shakes Jess and Vince’s hands before they exit his office.
JESS
It’s all fallin’ into place.
INT.–TURNER ARENA–NIGHT
Vince is at the concession stand as he sells hot dogs to fans, and also writes down the plans for the next set of shows at the arena when a young black guy named JAMES DUDLEY walks up to him with a telephone.
JAMES
You got a phone call Vince.
Vince takes the phone.
VINCE
Hello?
A look of shock comes over Vince’s face.
INT.–JOE TURNER’S OFFICE–DAY
Jess and Vince are in the office with Joe Turner’s widow as she prepares to sell Vince her husband’s wrestling promotion.
VINCE
I’m sorry for your loss.
MRS. TURNER
Let’s just get this over and done with.
Turner’s widow signs a legal document.
MRS. TURNER
Here...
She hands him the legal document, and he signs it.
JESS (LEANS OVER TO WHISPER IN VINCE’S EAR)
Now we got the Eastern Seaboard.
INT.–FRANKLIN PARK HOTEL–DAY
Jess and Vince are at the hotel with Toots Mondt, Ray Fabiani, Rudy Dusek, promoter WILLIE GILZENBERG, and a professional wrestler of mixed Italian/Hispanic heritage named ANTONIO ROCCA as they discuss the formation of a brand new wrestling promotion.
JESS
This new company will be called the Capitol Wrestling Corporation. It’ll be made up of our old shares from The Garden and the wrestling promotion in New York combined with the wrestling promotion we just acquired here in D.C.
The others listen to Jess with interest.
JESS (CONTINUED)
Vinnie, you Fabiani, and Rocca will each get 20% of the promotion while Willie and Rudy each get 15%, and Toots gets 10%
Vince turns to the shareholders of the new company to address them.
VINCE
We also have a deal with The DuMont Television Network to broadcast shows from the Capitol Arena every Thursday night.
Toots looks a little weary.
TOOTS
But isn’t television still in the experimental stages?
VINCE
Yes, but I feel it’s gonna give wrestling wide exposure.
Toots still seems lost in the loop.
TOOTS
How can you be sure?
VINCE
We just have faith.
TOOTS
Oh yeah, like faith ever got anyone anywhere. I was a wrestler in the carnie days, and I have booked and promoted. And all those years, wrestling never needed an idiot box to get itself over.
Toots get a dirty look from all the shareholders.
WILLIE GILZENBERG
What about the new Capitol Arena?
VINCE
It’s just the old Turner Arena here in D.C. with a new name to signal the changeover in ownership.
JESS
Come on, I’ll buy everyone a drink.
They go over to the bar for a round of beers.
VINCENT KENNEDY MCMAHON looks out the window of his office at The Titan Tower in Stamford, Conneticut with a bottle of scotch in his hand. His son SHANE enters the room.
VINCE
Did I ever show you any old photos or tell you about how we all came this far in the business?
SHANE
No, you didn’t.
He walks over to his desk, and pulls out an old scrapbook, he flips to a picture of RODERICK JAMES ‘’JESS’‘ MCMAHON taken decades earlier when he was very young as Shane looks at the picture with astonishment.
VINCE
Your great grandfather Jess got his start as a manager for a Negro League baseball team, but it wasn’t until he booked for promoter Jack Curley that our legacy was first established.
Shane takes a closer look at the photo of what seems to be Jess on a small boat. As if he had traveled abroad somewhere, almost like a foreign country.
SHANE
Tell me more.
EXT.–HAVANA, CUBA–1915
Jess McMahon is an Irish Catholic from New York which many describe as handsome and debonair with undeterminable age. He looks to his right as his boat pulls up to the shores of Havana, and spots JACK CURLEY, a middle aged fat immigrant to States who awaited his arrival, they shake hands at soon as Jess steps off the boat and into the hot Cuban sun.
JACK
I’m glad you agreed to book the fight, not many wanted to be involved with a prizefight that had some gold toothed nigger as the world champ.
JESS
Since I’ve worked with of bunch em several years ago in baseball, I guess I know to handle any jungle bunny or tar baby that chooses to be an athlete.
Both men burst into laughter. Jack walks Jess over to the ticket office where Jess will take bets on the fighters.
JACK
Here ya go, let me know as soon as all the bets come in.
Jess enters the ticket booth as Jack leaves.
INT.–TICKET BOOTH–SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Cubans line up everywhere as they place bets on their favorite boxer. Jess collects their money while he also looks at the sheet of paper where he records bets and tallies the bets for the fighters.
He looks down at the sheet, which reads:
Jess Willard 9,000 Pesos
Jack Johnson 1,000 Pesos
Jess’ eyes bug out AT what he sees.....
INT.–JACK CURLEY’S OFFICE–DAY
Jack is at his desk while Jess stands next JACK JOHNSON, the world heavyweight champion. A heavy set black man who’s bald with gold teeth.
JACK JOHNSON
Are you tellin’ me that I have to drop the belt to whitey, not just because I’m a nigger, but also because a bunch of wetbacks who can’t speak English bet against me?
Jack and Jess are both very quiet as they can’t seem to come up with a good excuse of why Jack Johnson should go through with this.
Jack takes a deep breath.
JACK
It’s just a good business move, that’s all. All the newspaper wanna see this great white hope triumph over this little monkey who’s ancestors were snatched from Africa. It’s a good story, you have to give the people what they want.
Jack Johnson still looks unsure of whether or not he should go through with it.
JACK JOHNSON
But I’m the first every black champion, it’s my job be a role model for young black kids everywhere.
JACK
No, it’s your job to throw the fight, take the money, and keep your mouth shut. That’s what any other man of your color and size would do. Just take that money, and buy yourself a big watermelon patch after the fight.
Jack Johnson looks disappointed.
JACK JOHNSON
Alright, I’ll do it.
Jack Johnson leaves the office with his head sunk down in shame.
EXT.–OUTDOOR ARENA–NIGHT
Jack Johnson and the number one contender JESS WILLARD a.k.a The Great White Hope are boxing in the ring as Jack Johnson is about ready to throw the fight, and drop the title. Willard throws a hard punch to Johnson’s face, and Johnson is down for the count.
REFEREE
1!
The crowd looks on as Johnson appears to be out cold.
REFEREE
2!
Jack and Jess look on in hopes that Johnson won’t screw them over.
REFEREE
3!
The press snaps some photos of Johnson befallen on the mat.
REFEREE
4!
The challenger Jess Willard looks on as Johnson still isn’t up.
REFEREE
5!
A reporter takes some notes.
REFEREE
6!
A film maker records footage of the knockout for a newsreel.
REFEREE
7!
Jack counts the profits from the ticket sales.
REFEREE
8!
The timekeeper waits to ring the bell.
REFEREE
9!
The whole arena was just silent.
REFEREE
10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bell rings and the crowd goes nuts!
RING ANNOUNCER
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN........YOUR WINNER..........AAAAAAAAND NEW! HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! THE GREAT WHITE HOPE! JESS WILLARD!
The referee raises Willard’s hand, and puts the championship belt around his waist. Willard arms are still raised while the boxing gloves still cover his fists.
All the marks and fans go to collect their bets from Jack and Jess.
INT.–CIRCUS TENT–NIGHT
Jess Willard and wrestling’s world heavyweight champion FRANK GOTCH leave the tent, and they both collect their payday from Jack.
JESS WILLARD
Are you tryin’ to short change me you cheap son of a bitch?
Jack looks in all directions as he tries to come up with a good excuse.
JACK
Just givin’ ya what I owe ya.
Willard becomes furious.
JESS WILLARD
I’ve had enough of your bullshit Curley!
Frank tries to calm him down and act as the voice of reason.
FRANK
Don’t jump to conclusions, he may have a good reason for comin’ on short.
Willard becomes even more fed up.
JESS WILLARD
Blow it out your ass Gotch!
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–NEW YORK CITY
Jess McMahon, Jess Willard, JACK DEMPSEY, and his manager DOC KEARNS are fed up with Jack Curley’s short payoffs so they have gone to Curley’s rival, boxing promoter TEX RICKARD to get even.
TEX
I’ll help you all out, but you gotta help me out first.
They all look confused.
JESS
How?
Tex ponders for a moment.
TEX
Well, boxing’s now legal in New York, right?
JESS
If Doc and his boy can arrange a boxing promoter’s license for me, and a way to keep Curley out of the New York boxing scene, then I’ll be more than happy to put you all on my payroll.
INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–NIGHT
Dempsey knocks out Willard, while Doc Kearns, Tex, and Jess are at ringside.
DOC
Here’s the promoter’s license you wanted.
Doc hands Tex the promoter’s license.
TEX
You’re a good man, Kearns.
The two men shake hands, and Doc turns to Jess.
DOC
Did you book the fight as we all agreed?
JESS
Yes, the finish is about happen as we speak.
They look on the referee counts out Willard.
REFEREE
10!
The bell rings, and the referee raises Dempsey’s hand.
DOC
Your one booker who knows how to get the job done.
The referee hand Dempsey the belt.
JESS
Well, thank you.
Jess grins as he looks as the new champion Jack Dempsey.
TEX
That’s our new star McMahon, our new star!
Jess nods.
JESS
This champ’s gonna be a real draw!
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–DAY
Tex is miffed by what he sees in the newspaper that day, it just makes his blood boil. He just can’t stand it, Jess is also in the office to be the recipient of his next tirade.
TEX
Why the hell did Curley have to promote a wrestling show in my god damn arena?
Jess looks scared to death.
JESS
Well, you prevented him from promotin’ boxing in New York, but there’s no laws in the state athletic commissions that prevent him from promotin’ wrestling in New York.
Tex gets more pissed off by the second.
TEX
He’s also promotin’ wrestling just to get under my skin!
Jess waits for what Tex will say next.
TEX (CONTINUED)
He had to use that a lousy tournament as a buildup for that shitty world title match between those two faggots Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock!
Tex grunts, and drops the newspaper in disgust as he and Jess leave the office. There is a photo of Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock on the newspaper.
INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–DAY
Tex has gathered various investors to embark on a new venture that involves the arena, the most well known investor present is none other than circus promoter JOHN RINGLING of The Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus. They all sip champagne and wine to celebrate.
TEX
We are here to form a tight knit corporation with each of you as shareholders in a brand new endeavor entitled The Madison Square Garden Corporation. It will make the promotion of events here at a Madison Square Garden an exclusive privilege to all of you, and will serve to keep out such low brow and unwanted promoters such as Jack Curley.
Jess observes as his boss discusses his vision of Madison Square Garden with the group.
TEX (CONTINUED)
I’d now like to introduce one of our main investors in the new company, John Ringling!
Everyone claps while John Ringling tries to act modest.
JOHN RINGLING
I’d just like to thank our new chairman Tex Rickard for giving us the opportunity to invest in this new company, and to present the best in sports and entertainment that we can in the 1920's.
They all raise their glasses in a toast.
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–DAY
The phone rings, and he is surprised to hear to Jack Curley’s voice on the phone. He is also surprised at how polite Curley is in the conversation.
CURLEY
Let’s bury the hatchet, I have proposal you might be interested in.
Tex wonders what it could be.
TEX
I’d like to hear it.
Jess walks in, and wonders what all the hoopla is about.
CURLEY
As you know, I’ve been promotin’ this french guy in Jersey City who’s the world light heavyweight champ, and we’ve drawn some big crowds with him. Maybe we should put him up against Dempsey.
A big smile came over Tex’s face.
TEX
I LOVE IT!
CURLEY
Great! Let’s promote this as the fight of the century!
Tex begins to look starry eyed.
NEWSPAPER MONTAGE
HEADLINE:
WORKING CLASS AMERICA VS. FRENCH ROYALTY
Photos of Jack Dempsey and the world light heavyweight champion GEORGE CARPENTIER are featured on the front page.
END OF NEWSPAPER MONTAGE
INT.–JERSEY CITY ARENA–NIGHT
Dempsey and Carpentier fight in the ring with a very wild crowd as they scream for the two competitors, it’s a crowd of 80,000 fans, the first $1 Million sellout for a prizefight. A radio announcer calls the fight while a cameraman films the bout for a newsreel.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Dempsey delivers a hard right hook to Carpentier!
INTERCUT WITH: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF THE FIGHT
Carpentier tries to strike back, but is too dazed to focus. His face is covered in blood, and he stumbles from corner to corner in the ring.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Carpentier is tryin’ to stay alive in this battle of champs
BACK TO: FILMED FOOTAGE
Carpentier struggles to take a breath, he gasps and gasps and gasps for air.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Is Carpentier gonna survive the wrath of Jack Dempsey? Or will he succumb to the power of the American Dream?
BACK TO: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE
Dempsey delivers a right hook to the bridge of Carpentier’s nose!
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Oh dear god! Carpentier is down! Carpentier is down!
BACK TO: FILMED FOOTAGE
The referee counts Carpentier out, and rings the bell.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Dempsey wins! Dempsey wins!
The referee raises Dempsey’s hand.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, Jack Dempsey is a hero tonight in the eyes of many fans all over America!
Dempsey shakes hands with various members of the press as he leaves the ring.
DOC
Come on, get him up, get him up!
A whole group of people hoist Dempsey on their shoulders as the fans go wild one last time.
INT.–JESS MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1929
Jess stacks papers with his son VINCENT JAMES MCMAHON, a dark haired heavy set 15 year old boy as they prepare for the next big show. Vince brings in another stack of papers.
VINCE
Any word on when Tex plans to expand the promotion into Miami and London?
Jess shrugs his shoulders.
JESS
No official word yet, he’s in the hospital gettin’ his appendix removed. Won’t know until after that.
The phone rings, and Jess picks it up.
JESS
Hello?
A saddened look comes over his face.
JESS (CONTINUED)
Oh my god! Well, I appreciate the notification, goodbye.
Jess seems grief stricken as he puts the phone down.
VINCE
What’s wrong, Pop?
Jess sheds a tear.
EXT.–CEMETERY–DAY
People are everywhere, at the funeral someone they admired and worked with for many years. Everyone looks down at this brand new tombstone that was just made, and they look at the inscription that reads:
GEORGE LEWIS ‘’TEX’‘ RICKARD
1870-1929
Jess and Vince stand there as they mourn his death.
VINCE
I wonder who’s gonna take over The Garden.
JESS
I’m almost afraid to even think about that. No one can come close to runnin’ as good an operation as Tex did.
Jess struggles to get through the service.
VINCE
What are we gonna do?
JESS
I just don’t know Vinnie, I just don’t know.
Tex Rickard’s casket descends into the grave.
INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–NIGHT
TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY and all the shareholders within The Madison Square Garden Corporation assemble to the reading of Tex’s will, and discover who he left The Garden to.
TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY
I, George Lewis Rickard of sound, mind, and body as the majority share of The Madison Square Garden Corporation do hereby bequeath all my assets in the company to Roderick James McMahon.
A big smile stretches across Jess’ face, but he tries to act humble.
JESS
He left it all to me?
TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY
He felt you were the best for the job, Jess. Congratulations.
Tex’s attorney walks over to Jess, and shakes his hand.
JESS
Thank you!
Jess looks up to the sky, all starry eyed as he still has that big smile on his face. Vince stands next to him with astonishment.
VINCE
Alright Pop! You got The Garden!
Jess puts him arm around Vince and smiles at him.
INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–BOARD ROOM
Jess and all the other shareholders sit at a round table to discuss a very serious issue at the arena.
JESS
All in favor of promotin’ wrestling here at The Garden.
Just a few shareholders raise their hands.
JESS (CONTINUED)
All opposed?
The majority of shareholders raise their hands.
FEMALE SHAREHOLDER
We just don’t care to have wrestling at our arena, the so called ‘’sport’‘ is fake, and mocks all that America stands for. Mr. Rickard would not allow this if he were alive.
Jess looks annoyed at the woman.
JESS
Well, I hate to break this to you, but dear old Tex is dead, and don’t you ever call wrestling ‘’fake’‘, it’s the sport of kings. If you understood the concept of business at all, then you wouldn’t doubt wrestling for a second.
The female shareholder looks pissed.
SKINNY MALE SHAREHOLDER
And most of your connections in wrestling are crooked. You need to re-evaluate your contacts.
Jess ponders his comment.
JESS
Is that how you feel?
SKINNY MALE SHAREHOLDER
Yes.
Jess nods his head.
JESS
I see.
MIDDLE AGED SHAREHOLDER
And besides, what makes you think anyone would even pay tickets to see a wrestling show?
Jess leaned back in his chair.
JESS
I have faith in that business, and someday it’s gonna make everyone rich!
The middle aged shareholder rolls his eyes.
JESS (CONTINUED)
If none of you can see that, then you all need to sell your shares in this company as soon as possible.
INT.–JACK CURLEY’S OFFICE–1937
Jack and Jess are in the midst of a discussion about the idea bringing wrestling back to Madison Square Garden. Neither Jack nor Jess look too pleased.
JESS
I’m sorry, but the shareholders just don’t want wrestling in The Garden.
Jack appears to be frustrated.
JACK
It’s been how many years since Tex left you The Garden, and they STILL won’t budge?
JESS
They believe in holdin’ true to Tex’s wishes.
Jack shakes his head.
JACK
Oh brother!
Jack looks up at Jess as if he has a bad taste in his mouth.
JACK (CONTINUED)
When are they gonna wake up and realize that Tex has been dead for years?
Jess seems confused.
JESS
Your guess is as good as mine on that one.
Jack looks at out of his window.
JACK
I have to promote wrestling in some dinky National Guard Armory because of them!
He turns towards Jess again.
JACK (CONTINUED)
Do they realize how much shit I have to go through to put on those god damn shows? The boys and I have to drive all the way downtown to get to the arena. I’m sick and tired of havin’ to drive that far!
Jess looks sad and humble.
JESS
I wish there was somethin’ I could do.
Jack returns to the window, and points to the arena outside.
JACK
This here is The Hippodrome, it seats 9,000 fans, and I’ve developed this new ring that can be raised and lowered with the push of a button.
Jess walks over to the window, and stands next to Jack to get a good view of The Hippodrome which is a beautiful domed arena.
JACK (CONTINUED)
It’s owned by RKO, so we might be able to get a motion picture deal out of it. Who knows? Maybe have some of RKO’s biggest stars appear at the shows.
JESS
Sounds good to me.
Jack takes a deep breath.
JACK
I think I’ll run 30 shows there this year.
They both share a laugh.
JESS
Good for you.
EXT.–CEMETERY–A FEW MONTHS LATER
Jess and Vince are once again together at a funeral, just as crowded and just as emotional as Tex Rickard’s was. A woman, her son, and her daughter mourn her husband and their father at his grave.
JESS
That day I spoke to him in his office, I just didn’t realize how sick he was.
Jess and Vince look at the tombstone which reads:
JACQUES ARMAND SCHUEL
A.K.A JACK CURLEY
JULY 4, 1876-JULY 12, 1937
JESS
You console Bessie and Jean while the boys and I make our move.
Meanwhile, JACK CURLEY JR., Boston wrestling promoter PAUL BOWSER, and controversial light heavyweight wrestling promoter. JACK PFEFFER discuss the future of Jack Sr.’s wrestling promotion.
JACK JR.
Dad asked that his promotion be split between three of us.
STRANGE MAN
Not today son.
The three of them turn around and look at the strange man.
JACK JR.
What do you mean?
The strange man turned out to be TOOTS MONDT, a very scandalous promoter and former associate of Jack Sr. Toots stands there with his business associates which includes Jess, Jack Pfeffer’s fellow light heavyweight promoters CHARLIE AND WILLIE JOHNSON, Philadelphia promoter RAY FABIANI, St. Louis-Kansas City promoter TOM PACKS, wrestling manager and agent TONY STECHER, and Midwestern promoter RUDY DUSEK. Paul Bowser and Jack Pfeffer then walk over to stand beside them.
TOOTS
Bowser and Pfeffer here sold me their shares of your father’s promotion. They also got power of attorney over yours as well.
Jack Jr. is shocked by what he hears.
JACK JR.
But how?
TOOTS
You just ain’t cut out for the business boy!
Jack Jr. looks even more disoriented as Toots pulls out a legal document.
TOOTS (CONTINUED)
You see, this little piece of paper shows that we each have a 10% share in your daddy’s rasslin’ outfit.
They all begin to laugh.
JACK JR.
Why have you all done this?
Jack Jr. is still bewildered
TOOTS
Don’t worry about that, just go back to your lemonade stand.
They all burst into laughter as they walk away from a saddened Jack Jr. Jess then walks back over to his son Vince.
VINCE
So, what happened Pop?
JESS
We got ourselves a percentage of the promotion!
VINCE
So, we’re now gettin’ what we want?
JESS
It looks that way.
They both smile.
INT.–JESS MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1945
Jess and Vince are in the office as they go over plans for the next show when an idea sparks in Jess’ head.
JESS
Hey, what do you think about takin’ over the wrestling promotion in Washington D.C.?
Vince seems confused by his father’s question.
VINCE
Are you sure I’m ready?
JESS
Yeah, that way we can control the Eastern Seaboard.
Vince still doesn’t look too sure about the idea.
VINCE
What about New York?
JESS
Oh please, the shareholders at The Garden don’t want wrestling, and the wrestling promotion isn’t doin’ so hot
Vince nods in agreement.
JESS
And besides, I need to pass this business down to my son, and if we add D.C. to our list, we’ll have a shot at somethin’ better than New York.
INT.–JOE TURNER’S OFFICE–WASHINGTON D.C.
Jess and Vince are in the office of wrestling promoter JOE TURNER who appears to be in very bad health.
JESS
We’ve got a proposal for you.
JOE
Alright, let’s hear it.
JESS
Your lookin’ for someone to run your territory after your gone. My son Vinnie could do it. He’s booked my shows in New York for years.
Joe looks interested despite his frail condition.
JOE
Alright, you can start at the concession stand, and book my shows. Then if I feel you’ve done a job, I’ll hand my operation over to you.
VINCE
I’ll do the best I can.
JOE
Good, don’t let me down.
Joe shakes Jess and Vince’s hands before they exit his office.
JESS
It’s all fallin’ into place.
INT.–TURNER ARENA–NIGHT
Vince is at the concession stand as he sells hot dogs to fans, and also writes down the plans for the next set of shows at the arena when a young black guy named JAMES DUDLEY walks up to him with a telephone.
JAMES
You got a phone call Vince.
Vince takes the phone.
VINCE
Hello?
A look of shock comes over Vince’s face.
INT.–JOE TURNER’S OFFICE–DAY
Jess and Vince are in the office with Joe Turner’s widow as she prepares to sell Vince her husband’s wrestling promotion.
VINCE
I’m sorry for your loss.
MRS. TURNER
Let’s just get this over and done with.
Turner’s widow signs a legal document.
MRS. TURNER
Here...
She hands him the legal document, and he signs it.
JESS (LEANS OVER TO WHISPER IN VINCE’S EAR)
Now we got the Eastern Seaboard.
INT.–FRANKLIN PARK HOTEL–DAY
Jess and Vince are at the hotel with Toots Mondt, Ray Fabiani, Rudy Dusek, promoter WILLIE GILZENBERG, and a professional wrestler of mixed Italian/Hispanic heritage named ANTONIO ROCCA as they discuss the formation of a brand new wrestling promotion.
JESS
This new company will be called the Capitol Wrestling Corporation. It’ll be made up of our old shares from The Garden and the wrestling promotion in New York combined with the wrestling promotion we just acquired here in D.C.
The others listen to Jess with interest.
JESS (CONTINUED)
Vinnie, you Fabiani, and Rocca will each get 20% of the promotion while Willie and Rudy each get 15%, and Toots gets 10%
Vince turns to the shareholders of the new company to address them.
VINCE
We also have a deal with The DuMont Television Network to broadcast shows from the Capitol Arena every Thursday night.
Toots looks a little weary.
TOOTS
But isn’t television still in the experimental stages?
VINCE
Yes, but I feel it’s gonna give wrestling wide exposure.
Toots still seems lost in the loop.
TOOTS
How can you be sure?
VINCE
We just have faith.
TOOTS
Oh yeah, like faith ever got anyone anywhere. I was a wrestler in the carnie days, and I have booked and promoted. And all those years, wrestling never needed an idiot box to get itself over.
Toots get a dirty look from all the shareholders.
WILLIE GILZENBERG
What about the new Capitol Arena?
VINCE
It’s just the old Turner Arena here in D.C. with a new name to signal the changeover in ownership.
JESS
Come on, I’ll buy everyone a drink.
They go over to the bar for a round of beers.
posted by Justin Murphy at 12:31 PM
1 Comments:
cool concept (to blog your screenplay) i may immitate:)
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