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ON

CANNERY ROW

Intellectual Properties of John Steinbeck are owned solely by the

Estate of Elaine A. Steinbeck. 

Episodes

EPISODE SUMMARIES

1 - 13

EPISODE 1

EXT. LAB (1945)

EXT. LAB (1945)

Ed Ricketts arrives at the Lab (HISTORIC REFERENCE PHOTO)

INT. STEINBECK COTTAGE (1931)

INT. STEINBECK COTTAGE (1931)

John and Carol dance. His mood lightens. Photo by Elliot Erwitt, for reference only.

INT. SASHA'S ART STUDIO (1930)

INT. SASHA'S ART STUDIO (1930)

XENIA KASHEVAROFF (18), strikingly beautiful - straightens up. She poses nude on a small raised platform. She is a fearless young woman, with an air of defiance. (HISTORIC REFERENCE PHOTO)

INT. SASHA'S ART STUDIO (1930)

INT. SASHA'S ART STUDIO (1930)

MACRO CLOSE ON: The camera glides over the SUNLIT, BARE CURVES of a WOMAN'S BODY resembling a landscape of smooth rolling hills. REVEAL: XENIA KASHEVAROFF (18), strikingly beautiful - straightens up. She poses nude on a small raised platform. She is a fearless young woman, with an air of defiance. (reference image - Edward Weston, Nude, 1925 - Xenia Kashevaroff posed nude for Weston and other artists in the 1930s.)

EXT. UNDER THE PACIFIC (1930)

EXT. UNDER THE PACIFIC (1930)

Clouds of silvery SARDINE swarm toward the faint, solitary YELLOW LIGHT of a SARDINE BOAT - a tiny sun against the blue-black sea that seems as boundless as the universe.

EXT. DEEP SPACE - TIMELESS

EXT. DEEP SPACE - TIMELESS

Brilliant, frothy swirls of STARS and bright PLANETS. Surreal. Silent. Still. The core of existence. Then, each star begins to FLOAT loosely -- like particles -- (reference photo: NASA Hubble Telescope)

EXT. MONTEREY BAY (1930)

EXT. MONTEREY BAY (1930)

We float with thousands of paper lanterns high above the bay, and into the stars above.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

The Gregorian Chant builds as a BRIGHT LIGHT from the left catches Ed’s attention - TRAIN WHISTLES BLAST and BRAKES SCREECH -- **IMPACT** - A TRAIN VIOLENTLY SLAMS ED'S CAR. GLASS SHATTERS. Ed is thrust across the cab. TWISTING METAL MOANS as the car is dragged by the TOWERING LOCOMOTIVE - Ed braces himself as his car crushes in on him, finally halting under the BLASTS OF STEAM BRAKES. DARKNESS. Silence.

INT. STEINBECK COTTAGE (1930)

INT. STEINBECK COTTAGE (1930)

John then slumps into a chair and rolls a cigarette. He opens a letter, reads aloud: JOHN (CONT'D) "Thank you for your submission. The editors of this magazine cannot take time to encourage unknown writers". Christ. (HISTORIC REFERENCE PHOTO)

INT. PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL LAB (1930)

INT. PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL LAB (1930)

Ed switches on the light bulb revealing a scientific underworld: toxic chemicals, strange equipment. There is an EMBALMED CAT and a PRESERVED SHARK. John stares at a FETUS IN A JAR.

EXT. TIDE POOL (1930)

EXT. TIDE POOL (1930)

Ed - in waders and a fedora - pries loose a giant green sea anemone and lifts it out of the water. FRANKIE "F-f-fl -- flower." ED "Actually, this beauty's an animal. Although, it's named after a flower. The anemone. A sea anemone."

EXT. CANNERY ROW - SUNSET (1948)EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

EXT. CANNERY ROW - SUNSET (1948)EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

We glide behind a TAXI CAB that slowly motors through a deserted canyon of SARDINE CANNERIES packed along the shore. Dilapidated STREET CROSSOVERS display their once-proud names in billboard-sized letters: "MONTEREY CANNING", "PACIFIC FISH CO.", "WESTERN SARDINE"... JOHN (V.O.) (slowly, a whisper) Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise a quality of light, a tone, a nostalgia, a dream.

INT. PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL LAB (1948)

INT. PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL LAB (1948)

John lets the door fall open. After a moment, he walks through the quiet lab. JOHN (V.O.) It is going to be difficult to write down the things about Ed Ricketts that must be written. But there's a reason to tell his story. He will not die. He haunts the people who knew him. (reference photo: inside the Lab today)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

John passes the Vacant Lot where Gabe yells at the other VAGABONDS guarding the entrance of a makeshift tent: GABE I built it - - which means it's MY HOUSE - I don't owe you for nothin' - Fuckin' scum! Gabe throws a punch at a FELLOW VAGABOND, and it lands with violent force. The OTHERS pile on. (reference photo of Gabe Bicknell on Cannery Row, circa 1940)

INT. STEINBECK COTTAGE (1930)

INT. STEINBECK COTTAGE (1930)

CAROL STEINBECK (25) sits as a table furiously typing a manuscript from hand written ledgers. She's an attractive brunette in trousers and a man's shirt.

EXT. CARMEL COAST (1930)

EXT. CARMEL COAST (1930)

Deep waves crash with thunder against rocks that stand like high, black watch towers in the surf. Violent displays of white ocean-spray rise up in front of a warped orange-disk sun as it dips into the sea. A dilapidated 1922 Chevy drives along the one-lane dirt road that snakes at the edge of the continent. Its headlights illuminate the area immediately in front as it follows the road into the mouth of a dark cypress forest.

INT. THE LAB (1930)

INT. THE LAB (1930)

A soft RUSTLING catches Ed's attention. He glances towards a crate of wood shavings where FRANKIE (6), with crooked teeth, torn clothes and a chopped haircut, peeks his sun-blackened face out to watch Ed work. (reference photo: boy in Hooverville Camp, Great Depression

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1930)

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1930)

-- A BUBBLING TIDE POOL where we are surrounded by bright SEA ANEMONES and colorful SEASTARS, scuttling CRABS and sleek EELS all alive and dead and reproducing and killing in this tiny world.

XENIA KASEVEROFF

XENIA KASEVEROFF

(Reference photo)

INT. LAB BASEMENT (1930)

INT. LAB BASEMENT (1930)

Ed switches on the light bulb revealing a scientific underworld: toxic chemicals, strange equipment. There is an EMBALMED CAT and a PRESERVED SHARK. John stares at a FETUS IN A JAR. JOHN Dr. Frankenstein, I presume? ED None of these creatures make it out alive. So far. (reference photo of Ed Ricketts working in his lab circa 1945)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1930)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1930)

Ed and John enter this Texas-themed brothel and speakeasy with overstuffed chairs and small side tables. Several GIRLS (20's - 30's) casually linger with a few MEN who sit and drink beer from coffee mugs. LEE MORSE "Tain't No Sin To Dance Around In Your Bones" plays on a 1920's-era jukebox.

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN (1930)

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN (1930)

REVEAL: We are actually deep under -- THE PACIFIC OCEAN - where PHOSPHORESCENT PLANKTON and GLOWING JELLYFISH ride currents up towards the surface. Distant WHALES CALL.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

The Row's alive with FISHERMEN, VAGABONDS and WORKING GIRLS. Ed pulls up with Nan, Ed Jr., Nancy and Cornelia among boxes of books, records and paintings piled high in back. ED Here we are. The new home of Pacific Biological Laboratories. (reference photo, Cannery Row 1940s)

EXT. VACANT LOT (1930)

EXT. VACANT LOT (1930)

The sound of BACH filters into the street where the sunset casts a beautiful and peaceful glow down the row. Mr. Won comes to the door of his grocery to sweep, and pauses to listen to the music. In the Vacant Lot, Gabe and the Vagabonds soak in the sound. (reference photo: Gabe and the boys on Cannery Row, 1935)

EXT. TIDE POOL (1930)

EXT. TIDE POOL (1930)

Ed - in waders and a fedora - pries loose a giant green sea anemone and lifts it out of the water. FRANKIE "F-f-fl -- flower." ED "Actually, this beauty's an animal. Although, it's named after a flower. The anemone. A sea anemone."

EXT. WING CHONG MARKET (1930)

EXT. WING CHONG MARKET (1930)

MR. WON YEE (50's), round faced and stern, sets garbage cans at the curb in front of WING CHONG MARKET. Mr. Won watches Gabe - shakes his head in disapproval. MR. WON (heavy accent) Nev'r dull moment here. ED You are a man of your word, Mr. Won. (reference: Wing Chong Market Photo by George Robinson)

INT. WING CHONG MARKET (1930)

INT. WING CHONG MARKET (1930)

LUCKY THE CAT sleeps in the sunny window display of CANNED FOODS, BOAT PARTS, HEADS OF LETTUCE and PAINT SUPPLIES - MRS. WON (50s) sets up a sale of JAPANESE PAPER LANTERNS. John enters with his bucket. JOHN Hello, Mrs. Won. She nods her hello. John approaches the cigar counter where Mr. Won stands in command of his kingdom between CASH REGISTER and ABACUS. He nods at John. JOHN Mr. Won. How many smokes can I get? (Reference: Wing Chong Market 1930s)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

JOHN (V.O.) (slowly, a whisper) Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise a quality of light, a tone, a nostalgia, a dream.

EXT. PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL LAB (1930)

EXT. PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL LAB (1930)

Ed's roadster rolls past enormous new CANNERIES and pulls up to a small two-story building, partially renovated. Ed hops out, opens the garage door - backs the roadster half-inside - it BACKFIRES to a stop. (reference photo: Pacific Biological Laboratories, Cannery Row, Monterey, 1930s)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

The noise stirs HAROLD OTIS "GABE" BICKNELL (40's), passed-out next to the building. GABE (drunk and half asleep) -- thirteen dollars, my ass! DRIED BLOOD is caked on Gabe's face from a GASH on his head. He is lying in a puddle of his own urine. Ed approaches. ED Gabe? GABE -- MINE -- it's MY HOUSE! (reference photo: homeless man, Great Depression)

EXT. UNDER THE PACIFIC (1930)

EXT. UNDER THE PACIFIC (1930)

We slip the netting and fall back into the Pacific where a LIGHTHOUSE BEAM cuts through a WAVE that buries us into a KELP FOREST that is teeming with life. (reference photo: Jack-Mackerel,-Kelp-Forest,-San-Clemente-Island)

EXT. CARMEL RIVER BEACH (1930)

EXT. CARMEL RIVER BEACH (1930)

The Chevy bumps along the edge of a vast, open beach at the mouth of a calm river that feeds into the wild surf. A BONFIRE burns brightly.

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN (1930)

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN (1930)

We break the surface - sound rushes in: MEN yell, WINCHES howl. We slip the netting and fall back into the Pacific (reference photo: Sardine catch Albert Campbell circa 1940)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

FLORA WOOD (50's), a very large woman with a bright red wig and a Nile-green evening dress, stands in the doorway of the Lone Star Cafe to smoke, and listen. CANNERY ROW, for a brief moment, has STOPPED. As Steinbeck would later write, "it is the hour of the pearl - when time stops and examines itself." (reference photo: Flora Wood)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930)

BLACK SMOKE CHURNS into the bright blue skies. John climbs up to the wharf level, past industrial hoses that feed silvery rivers of sardines into frantic PROCESSING ASSEMBLY LINES -- Hundreds of MEN and WOMEN gut - pack - seal - steam - label - crate - ship thousands of cans at dizzying speeds. The activity and noise is stunning. John is oblivious.

EXT. RICKETTS HOME (1930)

EXT. RICKETTS HOME (1930)

Through the window, Ed notices the KIDS playing in a mud puddle. They are FILTHY. There's also a GOAT - the Ricketts-family goat, BUCKEY. Ed laughs to himself at this scene. Nan joins him. NAN God-forbid I take my eye off them. ED I can clean them up. And you, too. Ed gives a smile and tries to wipe sawdust off her brow. NAN I'm fine. She wipes her own brow. (reference photo: Ricketts Family, circa 1935)

INT. SASHA'S ART STUDIO (1930)

INT. SASHA'S ART STUDIO (1930)

This quiet space is filled with expressionistic NUDES, home-made MOBILES and little, confusing ceramic SCULPTURES. (reference photo: Sasha Calvin art studio 1930s Tom and Margie Morjig photo)

EXT. MONTEREY BAY (1930)

EXT. MONTEREY BAY (1930)

Thousands of paper lanterns float across the bay as Ed drives collects at low tide.

"ECLIPSE"

SUMMARY:

1948

John Steinbeck (46) returns to the Lab on Cannery Row to mourn the loss of his best friend, Ed Ricketts (51) , who is involved in a tragic train accident.  John's voice over takes us into his memories:

1930

At 28, John is an unsuccessful, aspiring writer.  In an attempt to better himself, he isolates himself from his social circle but is now in need of a good, inspiring friend - someone beyond his wife, Carol who is also 28, has dedicated her time to working odd jobs for income so that John can write. 

 

Ed, at 33, is a self-taught marine biologist and philosopher.  He is being pursued by Xenia, an 18 year looking to have him take her virginity. He could use a good confidante and camarade while he navigates his love life.

 

The two men strike up a great friendship while the locations, tone, story arcs and characters are all set up and introduced.

 

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS: 

GABE (40's) the violently drunk vagabond who schemes Ed.

FRANKIE (7) the poverty stricken mute seeks Ed's protection from the street.

HORACE (32) pays off his debts with Mr. Won and then shoots himself to keep his kids (FRANKIE) from debt. 

NAN (30) Stuck in an unhappy marriage with Ed, she raises the kids and maintains the house. 

JACK CALVIN (30's) Ed's friend and editor, John's childhood nemesis.

SASHA CALVIN (20's) A bohemian artist, Ed's former lover, Jack's wife, and sister to Xenia and Tal.

BETH INGALLS (20's) Politically active, and pursuing an affair with Carol. 

PEG (20's) Beth's lover who gets jealous when Beth pays Carol too much attention.

RITCHIE (20's) Looks up to Jack and John, wants to be a writer just like them. He is married to Tal.

TAL (20's) Sister to Xenia and Sasha, a friend to Carol and John. Married to Ritchie. 

MR. WON (50's) Owner of local market, prolific bootlegger, loans money to everyone.

MRS. WON (50's) Suffers no fools, runs a tight ship, and has a heart for the children of the Row.

MORE:

   Detailed Outline

NEXT UP:

  Episode 2 Summary

Episode 1

EPISODE 2 

EXT. 21 CLUB (1948)

EXT. 21 CLUB (1948)

Gwyn finds John outside on the rainy streets of Midtown smoking anxiously. Lost in thought, he says "I have to go." He tries to hail a cab. Gwyn angrily accuses him of running back to Carol. John tells her "I need to see him." A cab arrives and John holds the door for Gwyn, but she turns away and storms back into the club. John jumps in and tells the cabbie "Airport. Stop on the Upper East side first."

EXT. MANHATTAN (1948)

EXT. MANHATTAN (1948)

John listens on the phone as Carol tells him there has been a terrible accident. John says he will catch the next flight. He hangs up and leaves angry Gwen behind as he heads out into the streets of New York.

INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL (1948)

INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL (1948)

A large crowd, including Mr. Won (70's) and Gabe (60's) has gathered to donate blood as doctors frantically work on keeping Ed alive. A WOMAN (this is Jean Ariss, 40) enters and makes her way to Ed's side. She whispers in his ear - he opens his eyes and looks at her - she gently kisses his brow while a YOUNGER WOMAN (this is Ed's current wife, Toni Jackson-Ricketts, 24) looks on unhappily. A phone rings ~

INT. FISHMEAL SHED (1931)

INT. FISHMEAL SHED (1931)

Frankie watches Horace exit Wing Chong Market, with the SIGNED PAPER and a CIGAR - walking stiff, but with purpose. Horace passes the Vagabonds who ignore him and then enters the FISH MEAL SHED. Through the open doorway, Frankie watches Horace pick up a REVOLVER, put the barrel in his mouth and PULL THE TRIGGER. BOOM: BLOOD STAINS THE WALL.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1948)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1948)

~ a phone rings ~ Xenia (36), working in her dress shop, answers - she goes silent with the news of Ed's accident.

EXT. NORTH PACIFIC COAST (1948)

EXT. NORTH PACIFIC COAST (1948)

Nan (50's) comes in from the cold to answer the ringing phone. After a moment of listening she drops the phone in shock.

EXT. LOVERS POINT (1931)

EXT. LOVERS POINT (1931)

ED "Algae lives in its tissue giving the animal nutrients and its bright, green color. Algae and anemone, plant and animal, live happily together. They help each other like best friends. Symbiosis, it's called." XENIA (O.S.) "It's beautiful." Ed looks up to see Xenia sitting on the rocks above in a long shawl, with a revealing TWO-PIECE SWIMSUIT underneath.

EXT. SEASIDE MOTOR LODGE (1948)

EXT. SEASIDE MOTOR LODGE (1948)

Flora (70's) answers the ringing phone at her lodge / brothel in Seaside. Her face falls as she hears the news about Ed's accident. She barks out at one of the Girls: "Fetch the car. Now."

INT. DINNER CLUB - NYC (1948)

INT. DINNER CLUB - NYC (1948)

A concierge brings a phone to a booth where John and GWEN CONGER-STEINBECK (40's) chat with friends. Alarmed, John takes the phone and listens: "John. It's Carol..."

EXT. CARMEL (1948)

EXT. CARMEL (1948)

Carol (45), on the phone, paces past the windows of her cottage overlooking the wild Pacific coastline. She tells John there has been a terrible accident. John says he will catch the next flight.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1931)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1931)

JEAN ARISS (22), a newlywed, has moved to Monterey and attends a Thanksgiving party at the lab. Xenia notices that Ed is very interested in Jean. Ed cuts off his affair with Xenia to save his marriage but she knows it is because he has found someone new to fall in love with.

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

Empire State Building, dedicated as world's tallest

EXT. 21 CLUB (1948)

EXT. 21 CLUB (1948)

Gwyn finds John outside on the rainy streets of Midtown smoking anxiously. Lost in thought, he says "I have to go." He tries to hail a cab. Gwyn angrily accuses him of running back to Carol. John tells her "I need to see him." A cab arrives and John holds the door for Gwyn, but she turns away and storms back into the club. John jumps in and tells the cabbie "Airport. Stop on the Upper East side first." (historic reference image)

INT. THE LAB (1931)

INT. THE LAB (1931)

A well-dressed WOMAN (30's) arrives at the Lab and wants pays Ed to allow her to feed one of the rattlesnakes. She mimics the rattlesnake as it dislodges its jaw to eat its prey. She then leaves without saying a word. Carol and Ed are both alarmed by the incident. Carol jots it down to share with John - she knows he can make a good story of it. REFERENCE PHOTO: National Geographic

INT. LAB (1931)

INT. LAB (1931)

Ed and John enter this Texas-themed brothel and speakeasy with overstuffed chairs and small side tables. Several GIRLS (20's - 30's) casually linger with a few MEN who sit and drink from coffee mugs. LEE MORSE "Tain't No Sin To Dance Around In Your Bones" plays on a 1920's-era jukebox.

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1931)

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1931)

ED "Algae lives in its tissue giving the animal nutrients and its bright, green color. Algae and anemone, plant and animal, live happily together. They help each other like best friends. Symbiosis, it's called." XENIA (O.S.) "It's beautiful." Ed looks up to see Xenia sitting on the rocks above in a long shawl, with a revealing TWO-PIECE SWIMSUIT underneath.

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

Universal Studios releases "DRACULA"

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1931)

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1931)

ED "Algae lives in its tissue giving the animal nutrients and its bright, green color. Algae and anemone, plant and animal, live happily together. They help each other like best friends. Symbiosis, it's called." XENIA (O.S.) "It's beautiful." Ed looks up to see Xenia sitting on the rocks above in a long shawl, with a revealing TWO-PIECE SWIMSUIT underneath.

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

Warner Bros releases their first Merrie Melodies

EXT. PACIFIC GROVE (1931)

EXT. PACIFIC GROVE (1931)

ED RICKETTS (32), stands in the dark intertidal collecting creatures by STARLIGHT. The LIGHTHOUSE BEAM SWEEPS as Ed carries CASES of jars to a 1920's MITCHELL RAG-TOP ROADSTER.

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1931)

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1931)

As unemployment reaches 8 million, over 2500 banks fail and "Hoovervilles" pop-up across the country - Carol is increasingly consumed with political and social injustices - and urges John to attend socialist and communist meetings held in Carmel.

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1931)

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1931)

A BUBBLING TIDE POOL where we are surrounded by bright SEA ANEMONES and colorful SEASTARS, scuttling CRABS and sleek EELS all alive and dead and reproducing and killing in this tiny world.

INT. THE LAB (1931)

INT. THE LAB (1931)

A close group of friends has formed over the weeks with John and Ed, Carol, Jack, Sasha, Xenia, Beth, Tal, Ritchie and even Gabe, Flora and Mr. Won - who all meet on a regular basis at the Lab for makeshift pot-lucks of shoplifted foods, cheap wine, music and mayhem.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1931)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1931)

A flu outbreak has hit the Row. Ed takes care of Flora's girls, fishermen, sailors, Gabe and Frankie, who calls him "Doc", and the nickname sticks.

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

"Frankenstein" is released in movie theaters

"THE LAB"

SUMMARY:

1948

Phones ring across the country as various characters receive the news that Ed has been involved in a terrible train accident.  All are in shock as they crowd the hospital to donate blood in an attempt to save Ed's life.  John, who is in New York now with his 2nd wife, Gwyn, is especially shocked -  he sets out immediately to get to California to see Ed in the hospital before he dies.  John's VO takes us back into... 

1930

Life on Cannery Row during the Depression is extremely hard. The suicide on the Row rattles everyone. John uses Ed's lab as a source of refuge and inspiration. Ed finds that John accepts his unconventional ways. Their friendship grows as a circle of friends develops at the Lab: The Lab Group, striving on cheap wine, music, open relationships, artistic exploration and mayhem.

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Ed and Xenia's affair falters when the beautiful JEAN ARISS (20s) arrives on the scene.

  • Jack and Sasha are moving to Alaska (distance from the Lab Group will be better for their marriage) 

  • Carol wants John to come out of his shell more. 

  • Carol is happily pregnant. She wants to prepare for having the baby come. John is distant. 

  • Carol wants to be more involved in political movements. John is not interested. 

  • Carol encourages John to make a goal of writing more novels than Hemingway (his idol).

  • Carol takes a job at the Lab, trying to help prepare for the coming baby. 

  • Carol wants it all: Family, career, political life. But it is all on her to provide for this. 

  • John develops Beth's short stories into a collection for publication. 

  • Mr. Won deals with guilt over Horace's suicide. 

  • Gabe and the Boys take over Horace's now vacant shed as their home: "The Palace Flophouse"

  • Ed and John watch as Gabe and the Boys treat George with disdain.

  • Nan wants Ed to recognize how he is hurting her and the family. Ed wants Nan to accept him. 

  • John confesses to Carol that he knows he will not succeed as both a father and a writer. 

  • Carol wants to support John, decides to terminate the pregnancy. 

  • Ed helps Carol find a safe place to terminate the pregnancy.

  • John is in awe of Carol's love and sacrifice, but is unable to really show her.

  • JOSEPH CAMPBELL (20's) arrives at end - he had been an teenage crush of Carol's 10 years ago

 

 

MORE:

   Detailed Outline

 

NEXT UP:

  Episode 3 Summary

Episode 2

EPISODE 3

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1932)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1932)

George overhears Gabe and the boys talking about how they are disgusted by him because he works at a whorehouse. George is heartbroken - and kills himself by jamming an icepick through his heart.

EXT. CARMEL VALLEY (1932)

EXT. CARMEL VALLEY (1932)

INT. GUEST HOUSE (1933)

INT. GUEST HOUSE (1933)

Carol can't help but look when she see's Joe dry off from a shower in Ricketts' guest house. Ed makes a comment about natural impulses - Nan retorts that what makes us human is our ability to keep promises over impulses.

EXT. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS (1925)

EXT. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS (1925)

Ed (18) hikes along a remote trail observing the wildlife as the sun sets. Thunder rolls in the distance and raindrops fall from the darkened sky. Women sing to their children in nearby shacks. Ed wanders into an old gothic cemetery next to the shacks, pitches his small tent on a grave and crawls in - and happily listens to the thunderstorm with the women's angelic voices singing southern gospels, while lying among the tombstones.

INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL (1948)

INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL (1948)

Carol tells John that CHARLIE (69) is walking in now. However, she refrains from mentioning that Joseph Campbell (44) has also entered - looking stricken. Carol tells John he must hurry and that she must go and hangs up.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930's)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930's)

Gabe and the boys work up schemes on Flora, Mr. Won and Ed to gather items to make the shed a real home - including having the kids of the neighborhood sell cats to Ed for embalming, only to have other kids return later to claim the cats back as pets without refunding Ed. Alfred tries to be included in the scheming but is rejected.

INT. ST. LOUIS AIRPORT (1948)

INT. ST. LOUIS AIRPORT (1948)

John, stuck in the airport, listens to Carol over the phone: CAROL (on phone) "Ed's lung is collapsed, his nine broken bones are now set and another skull surgery to relieve pressure may be necessary, but he is doing better." John: "How is that better?" A tornado siren wails outside. John tells Carol that his next flight will take off when the tornado warnings subside. He should be in California tomorrow.

EXT. ASHVILLE CEMETERY (1925)

EXT. ASHVILLE CEMETERY (1925)

Ed (18) hikes along a remote trail observing the wildlife as the sun sets. Thunder rolls in the distance and raindrops fall from the darkened sky. Women sing to their children in nearby shacks. Ed wanders into an old gothic cemetery next to the shacks, pitches his small tent on a grave and crawls in - and happily listens to the thunderstorm with the women's angelic voices singing southern gospels, while lying among the tombstones.

EXT. SLAVE QUARTERS (1925)

EXT. SLAVE QUARTERS (1925)

Ed (18) hikes along a remote trail observing the wildlife as the sun sets. Thunder rolls in the distance and raindrops fall from the darkened sky. Women sing to their children in nearby shacks. Ed wanders into an old gothic cemetery next to the shacks, pitches his small tent on a grave and crawls in - and happily listens to the thunderstorm with the women's angelic voices singing southern gospels, while lying among the tombstones.

EXT. ST. LOUIS (1948)

EXT. ST. LOUIS (1948)

John, stuck in the airport, listens to Carol over the phone: CAROL (on phone) "Ed's lung is collapsed, his nine broken bones are now set and another skull surgery to relieve pressure may be necessary, but he is doing better." John: "How is that better?" A tornado siren wails outside. John tells Carol that his next flight will take off when the tornado warnings subside. He should be in California tomorrow.

INT. LAB (1932)

INT. LAB (1932)

Joseph Campbell (26) wakes up at dawn - his arms wrapped around a sleeping Carol - after an epic all-night party in the Lab - most of the others are still passed out. Ed is still up listening to John read to him a passage from one of his manuscripts - while drinking coffee spiked with whiskey - Joe has discovered a bohemian paradise with the Lab group.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930's)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930's)

Gabe and the boys work up schemes on Flora, Mr. Won and Ed to gather items to make the shed a real home - including having the kids of the neighborhood sell cats to Ed for embalming, only to have other kids return later to claim the cats back as pets without refunding Ed. Alfred tries to be included in the scheming but is rejected.

PASTURES OF HEAVEN by John Steinbeck

PASTURES OF HEAVEN by John Steinbeck

A celebration for John: his collection short stories, "Pastures of Heaven" (based on stories he got from Beth) has been purchased. Jack accuses John of stealing his published short stories from Beth, who becomes upset that John has found a success with her stories. Carol comes to John's defense.

EXT. ST. LOUIS AIRPORT (1948)

EXT. ST. LOUIS AIRPORT (1948)

John, stuck in the airport, listens to Carol over the phone: CAROL (on phone) "Ed's lung is collapsed, his nine broken bones are now set and another skull surgery to relieve pressure may be necessary, but he is doing better." John: "How is that better?" A tornado siren wails outside. John tells Carol that his next flight will take off when the tornado warnings subside. He should be in California tomorrow.

EXT. BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS (1925)

EXT. BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS (1925)

Ed (18) hikes along a remote trail observing the wildlife as the sun sets. Thunder rolls in the distance and raindrops fall from the darkened sky. Women sing to their children in nearby shacks. Ed wanders into an old gothic cemetery next to the shacks, pitches his small tent on a grave and crawls in - and happily listens to the thunderstorm with the women's angelic voices singing southern gospels, while lying among the tombstones.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930's)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1930's)

Gabe and the boys work up schemes on Flora, Mr. Won and Ed to gather items to make the shed a real home - including having the kids of the neighborhood sell cats to Ed for embalming, only to have other kids return later to claim the cats back as pets without refunding Ed. Alfred tries to be included in the scheming but is rejected.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge Mountains

John Steinbeck 1930s

John Steinbeck 1930s

John realizes that Carol has really fallen for Joe - and he is crushed. He makes a valiant stand for his wife, which Joe respects and lets Carol go - even though Carol would rather keep her affair going with Joe.

"BREAKING THROUGH​"

SUMMARY:

1925

In this Flashback, an 18 year old Ed walks the Appalachian Trail alone - on a trek for self-discovery. Using advice from John Muir books, he sleeps in a cemetery at night to protect himself from anyone bothering him. As he falls asleep on top of a gravesite, we fade to: 

1948

Ed, at 51, lays unconscious in the post surgical room after his train accident. Ed's friends surround him and listen to the prognosis, which is grim. Carol repeats what the doctor is describing into a phone - John listens on the other end of the line, stuck in the midwest with delayed flights due to tornadoes - he asks if Ed had been happy lately. Carol doesn't know. She had lost touch with him over time. Joseph Campbell, at 44, arrives at the hospital - Carol tells John she must hang up. 

1932

A large, week-long party is held at the Lab and all sorts of chaos insues. Joseph Campbell (26) integrates himself into the Lab Group quickly - he has found himself in a bohemian paradise and is in the center of it. Carol and Jospeh have feelings for each other and their relationship grows. Gabe and the Boys continue to shun George, who goes to horrific lengths to end his pain. Ed won't let Gabe and the boys off the hook for causing George so much pain. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Joseph idolizes John: dresses like him, writes like him and falls in love with his wife.

  • Carol wants more affection and appreciation from John. 

  • Carol feels that John give more attention and appreciation to others. She needs to be seen. 

  • Carol gets affection and attention from Joseph. The two start an emotional affair. 

  • Ed falls in love with Jean, tries to get closer to her although she is married. 

  • Xenia finds herself left out as Ed pursues Jean. 

  • Xenia is also feeling abandoned by her sister and Jack leaving for Alaska. 

  • Nan wants Ed to be at home more, to be a responsible husband. 

  • Ed wants Nan to understand him. 

  • Nan tries to accept and understand Ed, even as his attention is on Jean. 

  • Joseph is hopelessly in love with Carol, and resents John for the way he has treated her. 

  • Jospeh is especially mad at John for the termination of her pregnancy. 

  • Jack puts John on the spot, and has him read his newest works to the entire Lab Group. 

  • John is nervous, but wants to prove that he is better than Jack and Joseph. 

  • Jack accuses John of stealing Beth's stories. Beth feels betrayed by John. 

  • Gabe and the boys are especially cruel in their dislike of George: they refuse to befriend a pimp.

  • George, feeling extremely depressed, threatens to kill himself, but know thinks he will do it.

  • George jams an ice pick into his heart and ends his life. 

  • Mr. Won digs up his grandfather's grave to donate it for Horace and George.

  • Ed tells Gabe and the boys that George's death is on their heads. 

  • John makes a stand for his wife - confronts Joseph. 

  • John wants Carol to stay with him. Carol wants to stay with Joseph,

  • Joseph decides Carol should stay with John. Carol's life is decided by these two men. 

MORE:

   Detailed Outline

 

NEXT UP:

  Episode 4 Summary

Episode 3
Episode 4

EPISODE 4

EXT. MISSOURI (1948)

EXT. MISSOURI (1948)

John drives on Route 66 towards Oklahoma City Airport in an attempt to get around the tornados and get to California sooner. His voice-over sets up more of the story in...

EXT. OKLAHOMA (1948)

EXT. OKLAHOMA (1948)

John drives on Route 66 towards Oklahoma City Airport in an attempt to get around his flight delays and get to California sooner. His voice-over sets up more of the story in...

EXT. VANCOUVER ISLAND (1933)

EXT. VANCOUVER ISLAND (1933)

Knowing that John and Carol need space from Joe, Ed takes him on a collecting expedition, riding a train north and then boarding the Grampus with Jack and Sasha to head to Alaska through the Inside Passage. This is a good break for Ed as well. Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to

EXT. GRUMPUS - DAY (1933)

EXT. GRUMPUS - DAY (1933)

Joe climbs back up onto the boat. His naked body glistens in the sun. He catches Xenia staring, smiles. JOE "Jump in. Water's fine."

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. TEXAS (1930's)

EXT. TEXAS (1930's)

John and Carol do research on the Okies and Dust Bowl for a new political project Carol has in mind for John.

INT. PHOTO BOOTH (1932)

INT. PHOTO BOOTH (1932)

Carol and John rekindle their relationship while staying in Laguna Beach -

EXT. SALINAS VALLEY (1933)

EXT. SALINAS VALLEY (1933)

Constant strange dreams bring back emotional memories and cause Ed to worry about his mental own health. He writes to Jean about his concern and about how he wishes she had come on the trip. He confides in Joe about his nightmares - and they try to understand the symbolism to get at their deeper and possibly holistic truths.

1930's dress

1930's dress

Nan designs dresses as a side business while she tries to run the lab in Ed's absence - and must deal with an overbearing Pop, scheming Gabe, damaged Frankie and the antics of the girls of the brothels - while Ed Jr blames his mother for his father's absence. All of it tests her patience.

1930s dress sketches

1930s dress sketches

Nan designs dresses as a side business while she tries to run the lab in Ed's absence - and must deal with an overbearing Pop, scheming Gabe, damaged Frankie and the antics of the girls of the brothels - while Ed Jr blames his mother for his father's absence. All of it tests her patience.

EXT. SEATTLE TRAIN STATION (1933)

EXT. SEATTLE TRAIN STATION (1933)

Ed and Joe arrive in Seattle by train to meet up with Jack and Sasha on their boat, the Grumpas.

EXT. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLAND (1948)

EXT. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLAND (1948)

Ed (51) and Toni watch the arrival of a seaplane from the deck of a ferry - which delivers a package from John for Ed's 50th birthday: a leather briefcase embossed with his name. Inside the briefcase is a letter from John that tells Ed he loves him, and that he looks forward to their expedition to the island together next year and to collaborate again on another book.

EXT. PUGET SOUND (1933)

EXT. PUGET SOUND (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. VANCOUVER ISLAND (1933)

EXT. VANCOUVER ISLAND (1933)

Xenia telegrams that she is coming to meet the boat in Alaska - and she surprises them all by sunbathing nude where they are suppose to meet up with her.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Ed Ricketts, Joseph Campbell, Jack Calvin, Sasha Calvin, Xenia Kasheveroff - on board the Grumpas. Alaska, 1933

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Ed Ricketts works on specimens in Alaska, 1933

EXT. PUGET SOUND (1933)

EXT. PUGET SOUND (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. TEXAS - 1930s

EXT. TEXAS - 1930s

John and Carol do research on the Okies and Dust Bowl for a new political project Carol has in mind for John.

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1933)

EXT. TIDE POOLS (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. TIDE POOL

EXT. TIDE POOL

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. TEXAS (1930's)

EXT. TEXAS (1930's)

John and Carol do research on the Okies and Dust Bowl for a new political project Carol has in mind for John.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. ROUTE 66 (1948)

EXT. ROUTE 66 (1948)

John drives towards Oklahoma

INT. TEXAS HOUSE (1930's)

INT. TEXAS HOUSE (1930's)

Carol and John rekindle their relationship while staying in a haunted cottage in Texas

EXT. TIDE POOL (1933)

EXT. TIDE POOL (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN (1933)

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN (1933)

Knowing that John and Carol need space from Joe, Ed takes him on a collecting expedition, riding a train north and then boarding the Grampus with Jack and Sasha to head to Alaska through the Inside Passage. This is a good break for Ed as well. Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

Ed and Joe meet First Nations people and listen to their stories and traditions. This has a deep impact on Joe. (Archival photo, Inupiat Family from Noatak, AK 1929 by Edward S Curtis)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

Ed and Joe meet First Nations people and listen to their stories and traditions. This has a deep impact on Joe. (Archival photo, Inupiat Family from Noatak, AK 1929 by Edward S Curtis)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

Ed and Joe meet First Nations people and listen to their stories and traditions. This has a deep impact on Joe.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

Ed and Joe meet First Nations people and listen to their stories and traditions. This has a deep impact on Joe.

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

EXT. ALASKA (1933)

Ed and Joe meet First Nations people and listen to their stories and traditions. This has a deep impact on Joe.

EXT. VANCOUVER ISLAND (1933)

EXT. VANCOUVER ISLAND (1933)

Ed and Joe meet First Nations people and listen to their stories and traditions. This has a deep impact on Joe.

EXT. TIDE POOL (1933)

EXT. TIDE POOL (1933)

​ Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed becomes a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and the meanings of story - as they collect specimens while surrounded with wildlife in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth.

"VAGABONDING THROUGH ALASKA​"

SUMMARY:

1948

John barrels through Oklahoma, west on Route 66 in a desperate attempt to get past the tornadoes that are delaying his flights and keeping him from getting to California where Ed lays dying. John knows these is little time left and he is fighting hard to get to Ed before it's too late. We cross fade to: 

1932 

John and Carol drive east on Route 66 through the devastation of the Dust Bowl. Carol takes pictures and John takes notes. There is a tension between them, but they are together, peacefully for the time being. 

Ed and Joseph are on a collecting expedition to Alaska - meeting up with Jack and Sasha. They explore the rich landscape and tribal cultures while determining their own future paths forward. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Ed has taken Joseph on a trip to Alaska trying to give John and Carol space to heal.

  • Ed needs distance from Nan. He is looking for the path he needs to be on. 

  • John and Carol both want to try and repair their relationship. 

  • Carol and John take a drive into the Dust Bowl for research, and to get distance from the Lab Group. 

  • Xenia can't stay in Monterey alone, she surprises Ed and Joe by showing up in Alaska to join them. 

  • Joe finds that he does not want to be a writer like John, but rather wants to study mythologies. 

  • Ed encourages Xenia to enjoy time with Joseph. 

  • Xenia seduces Joseph during the Alaska trip.

  • Sasha has new feelings for Ed. Jack is unhappy

  • Ed writes to Jean, and then writes letters back to himself from Jean. 

  • Xenia wants Ed's book succeed, helps him by drawing sea-creature illustrations. 

  • Carol and John rent a house in Texas, and rekindle their marriage. 

  • John needs Carol's reassurance for his work.

  • Carol doubles down on her efforts to build John's career and talent. 

  • Carol is drinking more often, to drown her pain. 

  • Carol and John decide they will move to LA to be far from Lab Group. 

  • John gets word that his mother has passed. He and Carol rush back to Monterey. 

  • Ed ends his trip early, to help save Jack and Sasha's relationship. 

  • Joseph heads home for NYC from Alaska, wanting to avoid Carol and John in California.

  • Xenia travels with Ed back to Monterey. 

  • Nan is unhappy to see Ed arrive at the train station with Xenia. Nan tells Ed to move out permanently. 

 

MORE:

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NEXT UP:

  Episode 5 Summary

Epsidoe 5

EPISODE 5

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

John and Ed ride a ferry past the partially constructed Golden Gate Bridge on their way to Pointe Reyes on a short collecting road-trip - they also have invited Bruce and Jean - and John's dog, Tillie, as well. John keeps Bruce company while Ed gets to know Jean better. Ed and Jean are very attracted to one another.

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

The eelgrass tightens and pulls Ed under a whirlpool - he fights to reach the surface where his family calls his name in a panic - but the eelgrass becomes long yellow hair - and it pulls him deeper into the dark waters.

EXT. POINT REYES (1933)

EXT. POINT REYES (1933)

In the tidepools, Ed comes across a beautiful dead girl with flowing yellow hair. Ed is shocked. Ed tries to keep accept things as they are - but it is increasingly difficult.

EXT. UNDER THE SEA (1930)

EXT. UNDER THE SEA (1930)

The eelgrass tightens and pulls Ed under a whirlpool - he fights to reach the surface where his family calls his name in a panic - but the eelgrass becomes long yellow hair - and it pulls him deeper into the dark waters.

EXT. ABOVE MONTEREY (1930)

EXT. ABOVE MONTEREY (1930)

Ed swims across the sky lit by floating jellyfish. Whales breach the clouds like the surface of the ocean, and splash into the open sky. Beautiful and surreal. The sun rises from under the ocean, its bright light blinding Ed - his vision blurs ~

EXT. ABOVE MONTEREY (1930)

EXT. ABOVE MONTEREY (1930)

Ed swims across the sky lit by floating jellyfish. Whales breach the clouds like the surface of the ocean, and splash into the open sky. Beautiful and surreal. The sun rises from under the ocean, its bright light blinding Ed - his vision blurs ~

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

Elegant stingrays drift in over eelgrass past Ed, Nan and the children standing in knee-deep water collecting floating jellyfish in the shallows of a remote and idyllic cove.

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

Elegant stingrays drift in over eelgrass past Ed, Nan and the children standing in knee-deep water collecting floating jellyfish in the shallows of a remote and idyllic cove. The eelgrass tangles around Ed's leg - he reaches down to free himself but the eelgrass tightens and pulls him under a whirlpool

EXT. POINT REYES (1933)

EXT. POINT REYES (1933)

In the tidepools, Ed comes across a beautiful dead girl with flowing yellow hair. Ed is shocked. Ed tries to keep accept things as they are - but it is increasingly difficult.

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

Elegant stingrays drift in over eelgrass past Ed, Nan and the children standing in knee-deep water collecting floating jellyfish in the shallows of a remote and idyllic cove.

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

Elegant stingrays drift in over eelgrass past Ed, Nan and the children standing in knee-deep water collecting floating jellyfish in the shallows of a remote and idyllic cove.

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. WASHINGTON COAST (1930)

EXT. TWA FLIGHT (1948)

EXT. TWA FLIGHT (1948)

John tries to hold his drink as the plane hits intense turbulence. The stewardess tells the passengers that they are re-routing to Denver for the night and will complete the trip to Los Angeles in the morning.

EXT. TWA FLIGHT (1948)

EXT. TWA FLIGHT (1948)

John tries to hold his drink as the plane hits intense turbulence. The stewardess tells the passengers that they are re-routing to Denver for the night and will complete the trip to Los Angeles in the morning.

EXT. TWA FLIGHT (1948)

EXT. TWA FLIGHT (1948)

John tries to hold his drink as the plane hits intense turbulence. The stewardess tells the passengers that they are re-routing to Denver for the night and will complete the trip to Los Angeles in the morning.

TO A GOD UNKNOWN by John Steinbeck

TO A GOD UNKNOWN by John Steinbeck

​John has hit a string of success, selling "The Red Pony" and "To a God Unknown" - and his first big success with the publication of his new novel, "Tortilla Flat", changing his and Carol's life - they now have some money. And their position in the 'Lab Group' changes because of this.

THE RED PONY by John Steinbeck

THE RED PONY by John Steinbeck

​ John has hit a string of success, selling "The Red Pony" and "To a God Unknown" - and his first big success with the publication of his new novel, "Tortilla Flat", changing his and Carol's life - they now have some money. And their position in the 'Lab Group' changes because of this.

TORTILLA FLAT by John Steinbeck

TORTILLA FLAT by John Steinbeck

​ John has hit a string of success, selling "The Red Pony" and "To a God Unknown" - and his first big success with the publication of his new novel, "Tortilla Flat", changing his and Carol's life - they now have some money. And their position in the 'Lab Group' changes because of this.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

John takes Bruce to meet up with Carol and Francis at the Embarcadero during a bloody union strike - where Carol joins in on the march and leads the workers in a strike song she wrote. Violent riots breakout.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

John takes Bruce to meet up with Carol and Francis at the Embarcadero during a bloody union strike - where Carol joins in on the march and leads the workers in a strike song she wrote. Violent riots breakout.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

John takes Bruce to meet up with Carol and Francis at the Embarcadero during a bloody union strike - where Carol joins in on the march and leads the workers in a strike song she wrote. Violent riots breakout.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

John takes Bruce to meet up with Carol and Francis at the Embarcadero during a bloody union strike - where Carol joins in on the march and leads the workers in a strike song she wrote. Violent riots breakout.

EXT. POINTE REYES (1933)

EXT. POINTE REYES (1933)

Pointe Reyes John reads his newest work titled "Something That Happened" (AKA: "Of Mice and Men"), out loud at campfire with Ed, Jean and Bruce. They weep at the end. Ed is deeply inspired by John's great talent. Only then do they all realize that Tillie has eaten most of the manuscript while they talked.

EXT. CARMEL RIVER (1934)

EXT. CARMEL RIVER (1934)

Gabe's frog collecting trip becomes chaos - including Gay being arrested while Gabe and the guys get wasted on whiskey - but they manage to collect a record number of frogs -

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1933)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1933)

News arrives that prohibition is officially over - a huge party engulfs Cannery Row - Flora, Won and Gabe and everyone else party in the street. Sheriff tries to break it up - so Gabe moves the party to the Lab.

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1933)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1933)

News arrives that prohibition is officially over - a huge party engulfs Cannery Row - Flora, Won and Gabe and everyone else party in the street. Sheriff tries to break it up - so Gabe moves the party to the Lab.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1933)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1933)

Ed makes his way to the Lab - and finds it a complete mess: lab glass broken, animals set free, booze bottles everywhere. Gabe enters looking very hung-over and still drunk. He begins to explain what happened but Ed snaps: and beats Gabe, who takes the punches without fighting back. Frankie appears and makes loud, painful sounds as he witnesses Ed's violence. This stops Ed who realizes what he is doing - he breaks down and holds Frankie as he apologizes to him, Gabe, and the universe.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO (1933)

John meets up with Carol and Francis at the Embarcadero during a bloody union strike - where Carol joins in on the march and leads the workers in a strike song she wrote. ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Ritchie Lovejoy (R), John Steinbeck (L) and Carol Steinbeck 1930's

"SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED​"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY

1930

Ed, Nan and the children collect jellyfish in a remote, idyllic cove on the Washington coast. But Ed is pulled underwater in a whirlpool and experiences a surreal moment of swimming with whales across the sky towards bright lights... he wakes from this dream in... 

1948

... the hospital where he is examined by doctors who shine lights in his eyes. The doctors are encouraged to see that he has woken. Ed wants to know his prognosis, it is grim. 

John is on a new flight over the West that fights heavy turbulence. The plane must divert to Denver for the night, further delaying his arrival to California and getting to Ed in time. John's memories take us to... 

1933

Ed has finished his book - but is only receiving rejection letters. Gabe sees that Ed is feeling down, and plans a surprise party for him -  Gabe takes the boys on a frog collecting trip in Carmel to help raise enough money to throw a party. Gabe's scheme enares everyone on the Row. 

John and Ed take Jean and her husband BRUCE (30s) on a collection trip at Pointe Reyes. Ed and Jean begin their affair, even with her husband nearby. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • John has had several successes, he and Carol are nearly wealthy. 

  • John is well on his way of catching up to Hemingway. 

  • John and Carol move to the countryside, away from the Lab Group.

  • Carol's political life grows, she writes marching songs for a huge Union protest in San Francisco.

  • John seeks validation from Ed, that he is not a fraud. Carol feels replaced. 

  • Carol wants to limit John's time spent with Ed, keep him focused on writing. 

  • Carol wants to push John to the next level in his writing. 

  • Carol wants to be seen for her sacrifices and her management. 

  • Carol drinks more often, as a way to handle stress. 

  • Ed wants carol to be more stable, so John can write.

  • Hazel gets arrested during Gabe's frog collecting trip.

  • Gabe and the boys collect more frogs than Ed would ever need - and sell them to Mr. Won for whiskey. 

  • Gabe and the boys begin their party for Ed at the Lab before Ed returns.

  • Prohibition is announced to be over for good - the party spills out of the Lab onto the Row. 

  • Sheriff Larson breaks up the parties on the Row, Gabe moves it all inside the Lab. 

  • In Point Reyes, John wants to share his latest story, OF MICE AND MEN, but is nervous.

  • John reads the manuscript for OF MICE AND MEN to Ed, Jean and Bruce. They are moved. 

  • Ed and Jean carry on an affair, even with her husband close by. 

  • Ed wants John to be his wingman so he and Jean can carry on their affair. 

  • John helps keep Bruce occupied.

  • John's dog eats the manuscript for OF MICE AND MEN when nobody's watching. 

  • Ed expresses to John how talented he thinks he is, and valued as a friend. 

  • On their way back through San Francisco, John joins Carol at the Union March - it is violent and bloody. 

  • Ed returns to the Lab to find it is destroyed by the huge party that Gabe threw.

  • Ed beats Gabe in anger and rage. Frankie is horrified at witnessing the violence. 

  • Ed stops the beating and tries to apologize. He is disturbed by his own actions. 

  • Nan has moved away with the children. Ed is alone. 

 

MORE:

   Detailed Outline

NEXT UP:

  Episode 6 Summary

 

Episode 6
EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1937)

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1937)

San Joaquin Valley  John works in a migrant camp, doing research on his next novel. Women are devising plans to save toilet tissue because it is so scarce.. People are starving to death. It is horrific. John has published "The Harvest Gypsies" and "Their Blood is Strong" about the displaced workers of the Great Depression, but now vows to write his next, massive novel about the subject - in 100 days. (reference photo- Dorethea Lane)

EXT. PACIFIC GROVE (1937)

EXT. PACIFIC GROVE (1937)

Millions of bright orange Monarchs swarm amongst the tall pines of Pacific Grove. Ed, Nan, Ed Jr, Nancy, Frankie and Gabe capture the butterflies with nets as Ed explains that they swarm for defense, like sardine and seabirds and Gabe and the boys do. Gabe agrees with this assessment.

EXT. THE LAB (1937)

EXT. THE LAB (1937)

Ed awakes from a nightmare to find that the Lab is on fire. He narrowly escapes and loses everything he has ever had as part of Cannery Row burns. The loss of his library and business is devastating. John comes to see him as he picks through the rubble of the destroyed Lab. Ed is having a hard time holding it all together. But he does. And starts to rebuild right away.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN

CHARLIE CHAPLIN

on Thanksgiving day, Charlie Chaplin arrives unannounced - he is a great fan of John's work - and has been driving the countryside trying to pinpoint the locations depicted in John's novels. Carol makes a huge dinner but is overwhelmed - so John takes Charlie to Ed's.

ARCHIVAL PHOTO (1936)

ARCHIVAL PHOTO (1936)

Pacific Biological Laboratories burns to the ground.

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Cannery Row Burns

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Cannery Row burns

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1937)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1937)

Ed awakes from a nightmare to find that the Lab is on fire. He narrowly escapes and loses everything he has ever had as part of Cannery Row burns. The loss of his library and business is devastating. John comes to see him as he picks through the rubble of the destroyed Lab. Ed is having a hard time holding it all together. But he does. And starts to rebuild right away.

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Cannery Row burns

THE LONG VALLEY by Jon Steinbeck

THE LONG VALLEY by Jon Steinbeck

John and Carol now live in a small, custom-built home in Los Gatos that they had built over the past couple years - he has sold "In Dubious Battle" - a strike novel and "Of Mice and Men" which is going to Broadway. They are nearly wealthy at this point, and he is famous. They no longer spend their days as bohemians with the rest of the group in Monterey.

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1937)

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1937)

San Joaquin Valley  John works in a migrant camp, doing research on his next novel. Women are devising plans to save toilet tissue because it is so scarce.. People are starving to death. It is horrific. John has published "The Harvest Gypsies" and "Their Blood is Strong" about the displaced workers of the Great Depression, but now vows to write his next, massive novel about the subject - in 100 days. (reference photo- Dorethea Lane)

OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck

OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck

John and Carol now live in a small, custom-built home in Los Gatos that they had built over the past couple years - he has sold "In Dubious Battle" - a strike novel and "Of Mice and Men" which is going to Broadway. They are nearly wealthy at this point, and he is famous. They no longer spend their days as bohemians with the rest of the group in Monterey.

IN DUBIOUS BATTLE by John Steinbeck

IN DUBIOUS BATTLE by John Steinbeck

John and Carol now live in a small, custom-built home in Los Gatos that they had built over the past couple years - he has sold "In Dubious Battle" - a strike novel and "Of Mice and Men" which is going to Broadway. They are nearly wealthy at this point, and he is famous. They no longer spend their days as bohemians with the rest of the group in Monterey.

EXT. HOOVERVILLE CAMP (1937)

EXT. HOOVERVILLE CAMP (1937)

John works in a migrant camp, doing research on his next novel. Women are devising plans to save toilet tissue because it is so scarce. People are starving to death. It is horrific. John has published "The Harvest Gypsies" and "Their Blood is Strong" about the displaced workers of the Great Depression, but now vows to write his next, massive novel about the subject - in 100 days. ARCHIVAL PHOTO by Doretha Lang

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1937)

EXT. HOOVERVILLE (1937)

San Joaquin Valley  John works in a migrant camp, doing research on his next novel. Women are devising plans to save toilet tissue because it is so scarce.. People are starving to death. It is horrific. John has published "The Harvest Gypsies" and "Their Blood is Strong" about the displaced workers of the Great Depression, but now vows to write his next, massive novel about the subject - in 100 days.

INT. THE LAB (1937)

INT. THE LAB (1937)

John, Carol, Won, Flora, Gabe, Nan, and the kids, surprise Ed with a small Christmas tree -  and everyone, including his children, give him books wrapped in Christmas paper to help replenish his lost library. Ed is deeply touched.

INT. COUNTY JAIL (1937)

INT. COUNTY JAIL (1937)

The Sheriff arrives - and says that he has arrested Frankie. Ed goes down to the jailhouse to see Frankie and learns that he had stolen a clock from a jewelry store as a gift for Ed's surprise christmas party. Ed asks him why he did it, Frankie replies simply: "I love you." Ed is speechless. Sheriff tells Ed that now that Frankie is in puberty, they have to send him away, he will become a danger to society. Ed leaves in shame for not being able to help Frankie.

EXT. PACIFIC GROVE (1937)

EXT. PACIFIC GROVE (1937)

Millions of bright orange Monarchs swarm amongst the tall pines of Pacific Grove. Ed, Nan, Ed Jr, Nancy, Frankie and Gabe capture the butterflies with nets as Ed explains that they swarm for defense, like sardine and seabirds and Gabe and the boys do. Gabe agrees with this assessment.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN

CHARLIE CHAPLIN

on Thanksgiving day, Charlie Chaplin arrives unannounced - he is a great fan of John's work - and has been driving the countryside trying to pinpoint the locations depicted in John's novels. Carol makes a huge dinner but is overwhelmed - so John takes Charlie to Ed's.

SUMMARY:

1948

At the Hospital, Joseph Campbell (44) and Carol (46) sit near Ed's room catching up with each other since their affair 18 years prior. They know Ed is holding on to see John one last time. 

John, exhausted from the hard travel across the country, waits for his last flight to take off. He is so close, but is beat down from the anxiety and stress of the past few days. His thoughts take us to: 

1937

John works in a migrant camp, researching the incredibly dire lives of Okies. People are starving to death, famers are cruel, conditions are horrific. John vows to write his next book (THE GRAPES OF WRATH) in 100 days. 

A flu outbreak takes over the Monterey area. Poor families call on Ed as a doctor. Ed and Flora and her girls team up to take care of everyone on the Row. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Nan and the kids help Ed collect specimens so he can afford alimony and child support. 

  • Ed works hard to help take care of sick families during a flu-epidemic. 

  • Gabe starts to call Ed "Doc". The name sticks.

  • John continues to work hard on his novel in the new house, but is distracted. 

  • Carol wants to take their life up a few notches now that they have money. 

  • John and Carol's more affluent life means more interruptions to his work.

  • John wants Carol to relax a little, drink less. He yearns for the simple days. 

  • Carol wants John to step up into their new status. 

  • Carol drives John hard to research and write GRAPES OF WRATH. 

  • Carol wants to change the world, and she feels GRAPES OF WRATH will do just that 

  • Ed's father, POP, is found dead at the Lab. Heart attack. Ed is devastated. 

  • Gabe, laying drunk in a gutter, wakes from otherwordly music coming from the sewer pipe. 

  • Gabe considers swearing off drinking, believing that God must be in the pipes talking to him.

  • Ed has nightmares about his dead father contacting him. 

  • CHARLIE CHAPLIN (40's) arrives unannounced at John and Carol's ranch. 

  • Charlie is a great fan of John's work. 

  • Carol gets overwhelmed trying to make an impressive dinner for Charlie. 

  • John takes Charlie to the Lab to give relief to Carol. He wants Ed to entertain Charlie. 

  • John tries to pawn Charlie off on Ed - but a classic Lab party ensues and John is snagged into it. 

  • Xenia has returned, with a husband, who is openly gay, which she is proud of.

  • Jean and Bruce arrive at the party - Jean pulls Ed aside to say she is pregnant. It is his. 

  • John finds Ed Jr. behind the Lab practising his horn while sitting in a drainage pipe.

  • Ed Jr. is Gabe's "God in the Pipes" but John keeps it a secret. 

  • Ed wants to confide in John about Jean's pregnancy, but John leaves to get back to writing. 

  • Carol wants Ed to absorb the chaos so John can write in peace. 

  • Ed wakes one night to find the Lab is on fire. He barely escapes. Everything is lost. 

  • John wants to protect and help Ed, but he also has to hit Carol's deadline for GRAPES OF WRATH

  • Everyone throws Ed a Christmas party, giving him new books as gifts to replace his lost library. 

 

 

MORE:

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  Episode 7 Summary

"GOD IN THE PIPES​"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

EPISODE 6

Episode 7

EPISODE 7

INT. CANNERY

INT. CANNERY

reference photo

INT. GRAND CENTRAL NYC (1939)

INT. GRAND CENTRAL NYC (1939)

Carol arrives by train to Grand Central to see "Of Mice and Men" on Broadway - John had declined to go, so she went by herself - she meets up with Joe, and finds that she still loves him. But he is now married. It is a painful reunion for her.

EXT. STUDIO BACKLOT (1939)

EXT. STUDIO BACKLOT (1939)

John walks with BURGESS MEREDITH across a Hollywood studio backlot, visiting the sets for "Of Mice and Men" and the "The Grapes of Wrath". ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Henry Fonda in THE GRAPES OF WRATH

EXT. MONTEREY (1939)

EXT. MONTEREY (1939)

"The Grapes of Wrath" has become controversial. John returns to Monterey feeling overwhelmed with the pressure of death threats, book burnings and his worry for Carol - who has returned from New York in a deeper depression. He stays with Ed at the lab for a few days. Ed nurses John's emotional state back to health with carefully chosen doses of music as medicine.

EXT. HOLLYWOOD (1939)

EXT. HOLLYWOOD (1939)

John must stay in Hollywood for a publicity blitz for "The Grapes of Wrath" which is a huge success and best seller. ARCHIVAL PHOTO The "Land' portion was removed in 1939 - NOTE: this should be seen in this episode

EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD. (1939)

EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD. (1939)

John must stay in Hollywood for a publicity blitz for "The Grapes of Wrath" which is a huge success and best seller.

INT. HOLLYWOOD BUNGALOW (1939)

INT. HOLLYWOOD BUNGALOW (1939)

SPENCER TRACY brings a starlet over to cheer John up: GWEN CONDOR. John introduces himself as "Mr. Brooks" - and they have their first date over a bowl of chicken soup in John's dimly lit kitchen.

INT. MGM STUDIOS (1939)

INT. MGM STUDIOS (1939)

John walks with BURGESS MEREDITH across a Hollywood studio backlot, visiting the sets for "Of Mice and Men" and making a deal for "The Grapes of Wrath".

OF MICE AND MEN John Steinbeck

OF MICE AND MEN John Steinbeck

Movie Poster

EXT. MGM STUDIOS (1939)

EXT. MGM STUDIOS (1939)

John walks with BURGESS MEREDITH across a Hollywood studio backlot, visiting the sets for "Of Mice and Men" and making a deal for "The Grapes of Wrath".

EXT. STUDIO BACKLOT (1939)

EXT. STUDIO BACKLOT (1939)

John walks with BURGESS MEREDITH across a Hollywood studio backlot, visiting the sets for "Of Mice and Men" and the "The Grapes of Wrath". ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Burgess Meredith in OF MICE AND MEN

THE GRAPES OF WRATH John Steinbeck

THE GRAPES OF WRATH John Steinbeck

As the controversy gets worse over "The Grapes of Wrath", He hides out at Lab and tells his agents that he has given up on writing. "The vilification of me out here from the large landowners and bankers is pretty bad. The latest is a rumor started by them that the Okies hate me and have threatened to kill me for lying about them. I'm frightened at the rolling might of this damned thing. It is completely out of hand; I mean a kind of hysteria about the book is growing that is not healthy"

THE GRAPES OF WRATH  John Steinbeck

THE GRAPES OF WRATH John Steinbeck

As the controversy gets worse over "The Grapes of Wrath", He hides out at Lab and tells his agents that he has given up on writing. "The vilification of me out here from the large landowners and bankers is pretty bad. The latest is a rumor started by them that the Okies hate me and have threatened to kill me for lying about them. I'm frightened at the rolling might of this damned thing. It is completely out of hand; I mean a kind of hysteria about the book is growing that is not healthy"

THE GRAPES OF WRATH John Steinbeck

THE GRAPES OF WRATH John Steinbeck

As the controversy gets worse over "The Grapes of Wrath", He hides out at Lab and tells his agents that he has given up on writing. "The vilification of me out here from the large landowners and bankers is pretty bad. The latest is a rumor started by them that the Okies hate me and have threatened to kill me for lying about them. I'm frightened at the rolling might of this damned thing. It is completely out of hand; I mean a kind of hysteria about the book is growing that is not healthy"

EXT. BROWN DERBY (1939)

EXT. BROWN DERBY (1939)

John has to stay in town for a publicity blitz for "The Grapes of Wrath" which is a huge success and best seller.

EXT. SALINAS (1939)

EXT. SALINAS (1939)

"The Grapes of Wrath" has become controversial. John returns to Monterey feeling overwhelmed with the pressure of death threats, book burnings and his worry for Carol - who has returned from New York in a deeper depression. He stays with Ed at the lab for a few days. Ed nurses John's emotional state back to health with carefully chosen doses of music as medicine. ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Men burn THE GRAPES OF WRATH in John Steinbeck's hometown of Salinas, CA

EXT. TIMES SQUARE NYC (1939)

EXT. TIMES SQUARE NYC (1939)

Carol arrives by train to Grand Central to see "Of Mice and Men" on Broadway - John had declined to go, so she went by herself - she meets up with Joe, and finds that she still loves him. But he is now married. It is a painful reunion for her.

EXT. GRAND CENTRAL NYC (1939)

EXT. GRAND CENTRAL NYC (1939)

Carol arrives by train to Grand Central to see "Of Mice and Men" on Broadway - John had declined to go, so she went by herself - she meets up with Joe, and finds that she still loves him. But he is now married. It is a painful reunion for her.

EXT. PARAMOUNT STUDIOS (1939)

EXT. PARAMOUNT STUDIOS (1939)

John walks with BURGESS MEREDITH across a Hollywood studio backlot, visiting the sets for "Of Mice and Men" and making a deal for "The Grapes of Wrath".

EXT. STUDIO BACKLOT (1939)

EXT. STUDIO BACKLOT (1939)

John walks with BURGESS MEREDITH across a Hollywood studio backlot, visiting the sets for "Of Mice and Men" and the "The Grapes of Wrath". ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Henry Fonda on set of THE GRAPES OF WRATH

EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD (1939)

EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD (1939)

John has to stay in town for a publicity blitz for "The Grapes of Wrath" which is a huge success and best seller.

INT. HOLLYWOOD BUNGALOW (1939)

INT. HOLLYWOOD BUNGALOW (1939)

SPENCER TRACY brings a starlet over to cheer John up: GWEN CONDOR. John introduces himself as "Mr. Brooks" - and they have their first date over a bowl of chicken soup in John's dimly lit kitchen.

EXT. LAB (1939)

EXT. LAB (1939)

Ed has built a new lab but is struggling greatly from the lost business due to the fire and great depression. John can now see how bad-off Ed is financially and offers to pay the debts of the Lab, becoming a silent investor - and saving Ed from total ruin.

NEW YORK TIMES

NEW YORK TIMES

John wins the Pulitzer. But he gives prize money to Ritchie to help fund his writing.

SUMMARY:

1948

Ed lays in his hospital bed, barely awake, and looking worse. He whispers to Jean who writes for him. She takes this letter to the Lab and leaves it on Ed's desk.  

1939

John socializes with movies stars like BURGESS MEREDITH, Charlie Chaplin and SPENCER TRACY in Hollywood as he visits the sets of his films OF MICE AND MEN and GRAPES OF WRATH. He is introduced to beautiful starlet and lounge singer, GWYN CONDOR (20) and is set up on a date with her. 

Carol arrives by train in New York City to see the Broadway production of OF MICE AND MEN, and she invites Joseph Campbell to go with her. 

Ed has built a new Lab, but struggles financially from the loss. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • John is staying in Hollywood - he is the hottest thing and everyone wants to be associated with him. 

  • Carol needs time away from John. And he needs time away from Carol and her drinking. 

  • Carol is in New York, and looks up Joseph, who is now married - to her great disappointment. 

  • Ed is struggling as he finishes the touches on his new Lab. He is in terrible financial shape. 

  • Ed Jr. has come to live with his father in the Lab. 

  • Ed wants Jean to leave Bruce. 

  • Jean wants Ed as her lover and Bruce as her provider. 

  • Bruce accepts Jean and Ed's relationship as a way to save his marriage to her.

  • Ed wants Jean fully, but compromises with Bruce. 

  • Jean, Bruce and Ed leave baby DENNIS with Ed Jr  to babysit (Ed Jr. is unaware that this is his half brother)

  • WAR OF THE WORLDS comes on the radio, terrifying Ed Jr alone with the baby.  

  • Gabe and the Boys are obsessed with the Pole Skater at Holman's Department Store. 

  • Everyone wonders where the Pole Skater goes to the bathroom.

  • John returns to Monterey and sees how bad off Ed is.

  • John wants to find a way to help Ed out financially. 

  • Ed lets John and Gwyn use the lab for their affair. 

  • People are burning copies of THE GRAPES OF WRATH and it is banned in schools.

  • John is getting death threats. He wants to hide at the Lab. 

  • John tells his agents he wants to quit writing and become a biologist with Ed. 

  • Ed and John decide to prepare an expedition to collaborate on a book about it. 

  • The book will generate much needed money for Ed. 

  • Carol returns from her trip to NYC. She is very sad and drinks even heavier than before.

  • Ed feels Carol is toxic, wants her out of John's life. 

  • Carol wants Ed to be more of a refuge for JOhn, than a distraction. 

  • Jean asks Ed to have an affair with other women she knows. She will set it up. 

  • Ed knows this is a way for Jean to put distance between them. 

 

 

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  Episode 8 Summary

"IN DUBIOUS BATTLES​"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

Episode 8

EPISODE 8

EXT. WESTERN FLYER (1940)

EXT. WESTERN FLYER (1940)

Ed makes a habit of taking long baths on the deck of the Flyer. Carol - and the others - admire that he has no qualms about being naked in front of them. John watches Ed and Carol flirt with each other. Carol has night terrors and Ed goes to her cabin to soothe her. Sex between them is simply to enjoy. John tries his best to drown out his feelings with whiskey.

EXT. MONTEREY (1940)

EXT. MONTEREY (1940)

The whole town buzzes with excitement for the Sardine Fiesta and Feast of Santa Rosalia - where boats are covered in flowers and flags and blessed by priest - the patron saint of Sicily is paraded around Monterey, fisherman compete in the greased-log-walking contest and a huge dance party goes late into the night - all as Ed, John and Carol prepare a large fishing boat, The Western Flyer, for an expedition with Captain TONY BERRY (30's).

EXT. WESTERN FLYER (1940)

EXT. WESTERN FLYER (1940)

Ed, John and Carol prepare a large fishing boat, The Western Flyer, for an expedition with Captain TONY BERRY (30's) ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Tony Berry and Tiny Colleto on board the Western Flyer (1940)

EXT. BAJA MEXICO (1940)

EXT. BAJA MEXICO (1940)

The sun rises over "deep ultramarine blue" water. Sea-turtles ride the current and huge Rays leap out of the water. Tiny and Sparky excitedly harpoon large tuna while the Western Flyer goes off course. The waters are filled with sea life. Tony steers the boat back on track and past the two Friars at the tip of the Cape at San Lucas.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The sun rises over "deep ultramarine blue" water. Sea-turtles ride the current and huge Rays leap out of the water. Tiny and Sparky excitedly harpoon large tuna while the Western Flyer goes off course. The waters are filled with sea life.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The sun rises over "deep ultramarine blue" water. Sea-turtles ride the current and huge Rays leap out of the water. Tiny and Sparky excitedly harpoon large tuna while the Western Flyer goes off course. The waters are filled with sea life.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The sun rises over "deep ultramarine blue" water. Sea-turtles ride the current and huge Rays leap out of the water. Tiny and Sparky excitedly harpoon large tuna while the Western Flyer goes off course. The waters are filled with sea life.

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

The Western Flyer on Monterey Bay (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Tiny and Sparky excitedly harpoon large tuna while the Western Flyer goes off course. The waters are filled with sea life.

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

The Western Flyer docked in Monterey

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Captain Tony with John Steinbeck on board the Western Flyer (1940)

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

The crew with passengers and friends aboard the Western Flyer, except Ed. Note John Steinbeck hides his face behind Carol, avoiding any press in the drastic aftermath of the Grapes of Wrath

EXT. MONTEREY BAY (1940)

EXT. MONTEREY BAY (1940)

ARCHIVAL PHOTO: The Western Flyer sails towards the open sea at the beginning of a six-week expedition to The Sea of Cortez with Ed Ricketts, John Steinbeck and Carol Steinbeck on board.

EXT. MONTEREY (1940)

EXT. MONTEREY (1940)

The whole town buzzes with excitement for the Sardine Fiesta and Feast of Santa Rosalia - where boats are covered in flowers and flags and blessed by priest - the patron saint of Sicily is paraded around Monterey, fisherman compete in the greased-log-walking contest and a huge dance party goes late into the night - all as Ed, John and Carol prepare a large fishing boat, The Western Flyer, for an expedition with Captain TONY BERRY (30's).

EXT. MONTEREY (1940)

EXT. MONTEREY (1940)

The whole town buzzes with excitement for the Sardine Fiesta and Feast of Santa Rosalia - where boats are covered in flowers and flags and blessed by priest - the patron saint of Sicily is paraded around Monterey, fisherman compete in the greased-log-walking contest and a huge dance party goes late into the night - all as Ed, John and Carol prepare a large fishing boat, The Western Flyer, for an expedition with Captain TONY BERRY (30's).

"SEA OF CORTEZ"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY:

1948

He has a surreal dream that includes his deceased father, Mr. Won and his son, Ed Jr. - Ed wakes from the dram, still in the hospital. Ed Jr. is there holding his hand. 

John sits in San Francisco airport, waiting for the last leg of his journey to Ed. The flight is terribly delayed. He is demoralized and starts to drink in the bar, when finally the Attendants announce the flight to Monterey is boarding - John rushes onto the plane, he will be at Ed's bedside in just a couple hours now. He memories take us to: 

1940

After a huge party in the marina, Ed and John set sail on the Western Flyer with Carol and a crew of fishermen to the Sea of Cortez. The 6 week expedition is filled with days collecting in the beautiful waters and nights of drinking, laughing and even a few fights. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • John, Ed and Carol prepare the Western Flyer as a huge festival is underway in Monterey. 

  • Carol is going on the trip to try and restore her relationship with Ed and John. 

  • John and Carol want to reconcile like they did in Texas.

  • John wants Carol to relax and lay off the drinking.

  • John expects Ed to perform on this trip - he has invested a lot into it. 

  • Ed wants Carol to respect the purpose of the trip - this is not a vacation. He would prefer she didn't come.

  • Ed wants John to collaborate to use his name to help publish his ideas and research.  

  • John throws his money around freely, paying for the parties and supplies for the boat. 

  • Flora pulls John aside and tells him to stop being an asshole with his wealth. 

  • She tells him to let others have their dignity and contribute what they can. 

  • John realizes giving can be selfish. 

  • CAPTAIN TONY (30's), SPARKY (20's) and TINY (20's) are not happy to have Carol on their boat. 

  • They also are cold to John, because of his propaganda writing for the AFL-CIO

  • When they learn it is actually Carol writing the propaganda, they bond to John. 

  • Carol, upset that John told them about her writing, locks herself inside the stateroom for 3 days. 

  • Tiny and Sparky hold a grudge against Carol because she was suppose to be the cook. 

  • In the Sea of Cortez, Tiny and Sparky harpoon large rays and sea-turtle. 

  • Carol refuses to sleep with John. She keeps the stateroom, John sleeps in the engine room. 

  • Ed, John and Carol collect during the day - like old times. 

  • Ed makes a habit of bathing for hours on the deck. Naked in front of everyone. 

  • Ed writes endless love letters to Jean. He will send them when he returns.

  • Carol and Ed flirt with each other. 

  • Carol has night terrors - Ed comes in to soothe her. Sex between them is simply to enjoy. 

  • John drinks to drown his feelings about Carol being with Ed. 

MORE:

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  Episode 9 Summary

Episode 9

EPISODE 9

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Carol drinks with Tiny and Sparky - she falls into the water fully clothed. She pulls herself up on deck and removes her top. Tiny and Sparky are both excited and nervous but appalled that she ruined her expensive watch, which had been a gift from John. Tiny and Carol end up having an affair on the boat while John and Ed are out collecting - only adding more tension to the situation.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Tiny signs up for a boxing match in the village. He drinks all day at the brothels and arrives to the match drunk. He lasts several rounds. Historic photo as reference.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Ed buys Tiny a set of silver boxing gloves as his reward for bravery in the boxing match he lost while drunk in the village.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The Western Flyer rolls gently under a vast starfield. Below the boat, phosphorescent sea-life glows in the black waters. It seems the boat is drifting through space.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Ed, John, Carol, Tiny, Sparky and Tony swim in the bright waters of a shallow cove lined with Mangrove trees. In the distance, the sounds of children singing in a church drift across the calm waters. The group wades into a shallow mangrove forest along the water and collect - it is peaceful.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The waters are filled with sealife.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The waters are filled with sea life.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The Western Flyer glides over the calm waters.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ

Ed, John, Carol, Tiny, Sparky and Tony swim in the bright waters of a shallow cove lined with Mangrove trees. In the distance, the sounds of children singing in a church drift across the calm waters. The group wades into a shallow mangrove forest along the water and collect - it is peaceful.

Carol Steinbeck

Carol Steinbeck

historic reference photo

Map of Sea of Cortez

Map of Sea of Cortez

reference

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Archival Historic Photo: John Steinbeck, Carol Steinbeck, Tiny, Sparky on the Baby Flyer in Sea Of Cortez, mexico 1940

EXT. SAN DIEGO (1940)

EXT. SAN DIEGO (1940)

The Western Flyer returns to the US to find a country at war. Large navy vessels crowd the harbor at San Diego

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ - DAY

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ - DAY

The tranquil waters are overfilled with sealife.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The Western Flyer comes up on a large Japanese fishing boat that is dragging the bottom of the ocean for shrimp. This method of fishing is devastating to the environment.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The Western Flyer comes up on a large Japanese fishing boat that is dragging the bottom of the ocean for shrimp. This method of fishing is devastating to the environment.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

Ed, John, Carol, Tiny, Sparky and Tony swim in the bright waters of a shallow cove lined with Mangrove trees. In the distance, the sounds of children singing in a church drift across the calm waters. The group wades into a shallow mangrove forest along the water and collect - it is peaceful.

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

EXT. SEA OF CORTEZ (1940)

The waters are overfilled with sea life.

"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY:

1948

Xenia (36) and John Cage arrive at the hospital to visit Ed, who slips in and out of consciousness. Xenia places a hand drawn picture of a sea-anemone on Ed's chest. It is inscribed "Flowered - Xenia".  It is a replica of the drawing she had made for him 18 years prior (Episode 1). She tells Ed goodbye, and wishes him well on his journey to the otherside. We fade to: 

1940

The Western Flyer rolls gently under a vast starfield. Ed, John, Carol and the crew have been in the Sea of Cortez for a month now. A huge bounty of specimens has been collected. Although bonds have formed, tensions have also built up. Carol is drinking heavily. She and John hardly speak. Everyone hopes they can make it back to Monterey before there is a break in the relative peace. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Ed realizes they have collected tens of thousands of dollars more inventory than he expected. 

  • Tony bitterly says he should be paid more for the expedition because the haul is so rich. 

  • Carol wants John to apologize to her for how he has been in the relationship. 

  • John wants Carol to get better and stabilize. 

  • John wants Carol to accept that the relationship is over. 

  • Carol wants Ed to soothe her heartache. 

  • They all go to shore for a day of relaxing in a small Mexican town. 

  • Tiny and Sparky spend the day at brothels, drinking. 

  • Tiny signs up for a boxing match at the cantina. He enters drunk, lasts a couple rings but loses. 

  • Ed gives Tiny a silver boxing glove pendant as a reward.

  • Ed wants to bond with John further,

  • John wants Ed to mentor him on his philosophies. 

  • Carol drinks with Tiny and Sparky on board the Western Flyer while Ed and John are out collecting.

  • Carol falls into the water, fully clothed. She removes her top on the boat, Tiny and Sparky react. 

  • Carol and Tiny have an affair. Sparky wants nothing to do with their antics. 

  • Sparky and Tiny bring a few girls on board - everyone is drinking. 

  • Carol makes a pass at Sparky. Tony tells her that she is loose. 

  • John stands up for Carol, and almost comes to blows with Tony. 

  • Tiny tells a story of how when he was little, he acted out his racism in a cruel way on Cannery Row. 

  • The Western Flyer makes it way back to the States. The US is preparing for WWII. 

  • They hear on the radio that Germany has invaded Poland. John takes many notes. 

  • At San Diego, Ed gets off the boat and gets a ride to Monterey, avoiding the stress on the boat. 

  • Tiny is upset because Ed went with his girlfriend. 

 

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  Episode 10 Summary

Episode 10

EPISODE 10

EXT. LOS GATOS  (1941)

EXT. LOS GATOS (1941)

John throws a lavish birthday party for Carol - hosted with Salvador Dali.

EXT. LOS GATOS RANCH (1941)

EXT. LOS GATOS RANCH (1941)

Ritchie tells the crowd that back-in-the-day, John had famously told Carol: "Marry me and you will be swathed in furs, have your own swimming pool, and your name up in lights. - And sure enough, she has her pool, and her fur. And now..."    on that cue, Tal flips a switch with a birthday bow on it - and the backyard lights up with a large sign made of lights over the swimming pool that reads: "CAROL". Everyone gasps - stunned to see Carol and Sparky having sex on the diving board.

INT. LOS GATOS RANCH (1941)

INT. LOS GATOS RANCH (1941)

John throws a lavish party with Salvador Dali to celebrate Carol's birthday. (archival photo for reference)

EXT. MEXICO CITY (1941)

EXT. MEXICO CITY (1941)

Mexico City National Library ~ Ed works hard on the SEA OF CORTEZ notebooks as fighters take to the streets in violent protests.  Nazi pamphlets and propaganda litter the city. Ed argues with John to finish what they started - to work on the SEA OF CORTEZ book. But John can not be bothered - he is busy working on the movie while also devising a plan to help the U.S. Government flood Germany with counterfeit money and ruin its economy.

Gwyn Conger

Gwyn Conger

historic reference photo

EXT. MEXICO CITY (1941)

EXT. MEXICO CITY (1941)

Carol in Mexico City historic reference photo

Henry Miller

Henry Miller

historic reference photo

Ed's lab 1940's

Ed's lab 1940's

historic reference photo

Ed with Toni Jackson

Ed with Toni Jackson

Also Ritchie Lovejoy. historic reference photo

Ed working in Lab

Ed working in Lab

historic reference photo

Lab specimens

Lab specimens

reference photo

Carol Steinbeck

Carol Steinbeck

historic reference photo

Ed working in his Lab

Ed working in his Lab

historic reference photo

Ed with Ritchie at the Lab

Ed with Ritchie at the Lab

historic reference photo

Ed's working lab

Ed's working lab

historic reference photo by Fred Strong

Specimin Jar Vintage

Specimin Jar Vintage

reference photo: Pacific Biological Laboratories Jar

The Forgotten Village

The Forgotten Village

INT. LOS GATOS RANCH (1941)

INT. LOS GATOS RANCH (1941)

John throws a lavish party with Salvador Dali to celebrate Carol's birthday. (archival photo for reference)

"THE WRATH OF CAROL"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY: 

1948

Ed has trouble breathing as he struggles to hold on. Sparky (29) is at Ed's bedside with several of the Girls from Flora's. He holds a rosary, and takes off his silver boxing glove necklace that Ed had given him. He places both in Ed's hand. Then makes a comment to one of the Girls that "John is too fancy now to be bothered to come say goodbye to the one man who loved him."

1941

John has gone back to Mexico to work on a new film - leaving Ed in Monterey to wait for the writing of THE SEA OF CORTEZ. Ed decides to drive to Mexico City to try to get John to write their book. Their relationship is more strained now than it's ever been - and Ed is saddened by the turn of events. John and Carol's relationship finally explodes. Nothing is what is once was... 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Ed's lab is overfilled with specimens from the Sea of Cortez trip. 

  • Ed's new girlfriend, TONI JACKSON (28), wants to show she is a useful helper in the lab. 

  • Jean stops in to tell Ed that she is pregnant again with Bruce's baby. 

  • Jean wants Ed to be happy with Toni. 

  • Toni sees how upset Ed is over this and realizes his feelings for Jean. 

  • Ed believes that Bruce is keeping Jean pregnant to keep her from him.

  • Ed wants Jean to finally leave Bruce. She will never do it. 

  • Toni wats Ed's full attention, without Jean as a distraction. 

  • John and Carol are in Mexico City, and their marriage is at its worst. 

  • Ed takes Toni to Mexico to confront John, and convince him to work on their SEA OF CORTEZ book. 

  • Ed feels that John's movie goes directly against everything they experienced on their expedition. 

  • On set, Ed is vocal about his problems with the film, angering John and the director. 

  • Ed writes an anti-script as a response to the film. John asks Ed to leave. 

  • Ed, heartbroken and angry takes Toni back to Monterey. He fears that their book will never be written. 

  • John and Carol return to California and throw a huge party to celebrate John's Pulitzer win. 

  • Salvador Dali hosts the party at John and Carol's ranch. Everyone is invited. The party is huge. 

  • John wants to force Carol to accept that is is really over between them. 

  • John invites Gwyn to the party as his date. 

  • Carol wants revenge on John. 

  • Ritchie, Tal and Xenia want to surprise Carol with a gift. But no one can find Carol. 

  • John asks them to present the gift in her absence. 

  • Ritchie tells the crowd that John had promised Carol furs, a swimming pool and her name in lights. 

  • He explains that Carol has the furs and swimming pool, and now... 

  • Tal flips a switch, and a huge sign made of lights reads CAROL over the pool. 

  • Everyone can now see that Carol and Sparky are having sex on the diving board.

  • Shocked, John and Carol have a huge fight in front of all their guests. 

  • Carol wants to use Ed as a weapon against John. 

  • Carol tells John that Ed fucked her on the Western Flyer.

  • John tells her that Ed did it as a favor to him. 

  • John asks Carol and Gwyn to decide who will keep him. He wants them to decide. 

  • Gwyn says she is pregnant. Carol also says she is pregnant. 

  • John goes to stay with Ed at the Lab, his nerves are shattered. 

  • Ed wants to make up with John, show him he is still a good friend. 

  • Carol and Gwyn have a terrible argument, Gwyn gives up. 

  • Carol tells John that although Gwyn gave up, she wants a divorce. She knows Gwyn has his heart. 

  • John sits in the cottage, writing the SEA OF CORTEZ, with Gwyn. Carol has been replaced. 

 

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  Episode 11 Summary

EPISODE 11

EPISODE 11

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1941)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1941)

Sheriff Larson throws a party to celebrate his re-election. Everyone on the row joins. Ed is a favorite with the Girls. Toni realizes she can never change him

SEA OF CORTEZ

SEA OF CORTEZ

Jacket cover

SEA OF CORTEZ

SEA OF CORTEZ

1941 cover

EXT. LAB (1941)

EXT. LAB (1941)

Ed opens the front door of the lab to find a pack of cold beer and a copy of the morning New York Times. A note from Flora says: Congratulations. A few of the Girls outside Flora's look at Ed with awe. The Sea of Cortez has been reviewed by the Times and it is a great review, comparing John and Ed to Hemingway. Gabe asks for an autograph (he'll just sell it anyway). Everyone on the Row is ecstatic for Ed, and he feels great.

NEW YORK TIMES

NEW YORK TIMES

Ed opens the front door of the lab to find a pack of cold beer and a copy of the morning New York Times. A note from Flora says: Congratulations. A few of the Girls outside Flora's look at Ed with awe. The Sea of Cortez has been reviewed by the Times and it is a great review, comparing John and Ed to Hemingway. Gabe asks for an autograph (he'll just sell it anyway). Everyone on the Row is ecstatic for Ed, and he feels great. (copy of NYT actual review of Sea of Cortez, 1941)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1941)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1941)

Sheriff Larson throws a party to celebrate his re-election.

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1941)

INT. LONE STAR CAFE (1941)

Sheriff Larson throws a party to celebrate his re-election.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

LOS ANGELES TIMES

Reference Photo

EXT. ITALY (1941)

EXT. ITALY (1941)

John is under heavy fire - explosions going off next to him cause him to lose hearing. He sees a little girl get shot multiple times, her guts are pouring from her body. John is deeply affected by this - "is" thinking can't help him. He desperately longs for the better days on Cannery Row. He tells the other soldiers, one dying, that he will write them a comedy when he returns.

EXT. ITALY (1941)

EXT. ITALY (1941)

John is under heavy fire - explosions going off next to him cause him to lose hearing. He sees a little girl get shot multiple times, her guts are pouring from her body. John is deeply affected by this - "is" thinking can't help him. He desperately longs for the better days on Cannery Row. He tells the other soldiers, one dying, that he will write them a comedy when he returns.

EXT. ITALY (1941)

EXT. ITALY (1941)

John is under heavy fire - explosions going off next to him cause him to lose hearing. He sees a little girl get shot multiple times, her guts are pouring from her body. John is deeply affected by this - "is" thinking can't help him. He desperately longs for the better days on Cannery Row. He tells the other soldiers, one dying, that he will write them a comedy when he returns. (historic reference photo of John Steinbeck in WWII)

EXT. ITALY (1942)

EXT. ITALY (1942)

John is under heavy fire - explosions going off next to him cause him to lose hearing. He sees a little girl get shot multiple times, her guts are pouring from her body. John is deeply affected by this - "is" thinking can't help him. He desperately longs for the better days on Cannery Row. He tells the other soldiers, one dying, that he will write them a comedy when he returns. (historic reference photo of WWII)

"A HERO'S JOURNEY"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY:

1948

Frankie, now 23, is with Ed who is barely conscious. Tears fall from Frankie's stoic face has he gives Ed a watch - the same watch he tried to steal as a gift for Ed years ago. Frankie leans in and apologizes. Ed squeezes his hand and whispers in his ear. Frankie's shoulders heave with silent weeping as he stays in close with Ed, listening. 

1941

Ed celebrates the rave reviews in the New York Times for SEA OF CORTEZ. John, in New York, is floored that the NYTimes compared him to Hemingway. But the celebratory mood is dampened that morning as news spreads that Pearl Harbor has been attacked. WWII takes over the Row. And John is sent into battle in Europe. 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • Ed's so happy with the review of SEA OF CORTEZ, he asks Toni to marry him on the spot. 

  • Toni laughs him off, and asks what would Jean think of him getting married. 

  • Toni wants Ed to stop sleeping with other women. Ed wants Toni to accept him. 

  • John, in New York, argues with his agents to keep Ed's name on SEA OF CORTEZ. 

  • John wants to make Ed feel special about the success of SEA OF CORTEZ, prepares an elaborate gift. 

  • Pearl Harbor is bombed, everyone lives are changed. 

  • Everyone on the Row is enlisted into WWII. Ed is drafted only a day before his 45th birthday. 

  • Ed goes to work at the Presido. The Lab is closed for now. 

  • John is sent by the President to be a correspondent embedded with an elite Marine team.

  • John wants to stay connected to Ed via letters. 

  • John arrives in Tripoli, and joins the team, led by Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 

  • The team raids Nazi controlled Italy - pretending to be a large armada, but only a handful of men. 

  • They fool Nazi commanders into surrendering. Skirmishes break out. 

  • John witnesses the horrors of war. He loses his hearing from heavy fire. 

  • John desperately longs for the better days on Cannery Row. 

  • John promises the soldiers that he will write a comedy when he returns to the States. 

  • Gwyn sends distressing letters to John while he is at war. She is unhappy and wants to leave him. 

  • On Cannery Row, Sheriff Larson throws a victory party at Flora's for his election. 

  • Flora is just about out of business these days. She opens a new brothel in a motor lodge in Sand City. 

  • Toni finds that Ed is impossible to change. He has multiple affairs with married women. 

  • Toni knew this about Ed when she moved in with him. But she is unhappy and unsure of her next move.

 

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Episode 12

EPISODE 12

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

Vintage Dust Jacket

EXT. CANNERY ROW

EXT. CANNERY ROW

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1948)

Ed's car is struck by a train.

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

John walks out of the crowded chapel - and wonders towards the nearby Great Tidepool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Monarch butterflies fill the air. - The rest of the Lab Group follows John's lead and wonders to the pools. The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. In the distance, waves crash and whales breach. A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets.

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

Dedicated: For Ed Ricketts who knows why or should

EXT. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS (1948)

EXT. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS (1948)

Ed and Toni watch the arrival of a seaplane from the deck of a ferry - which delivers a package from John for Ed's birthday: a leather briefcase embossed with his name. Inside the briefcase is a letter from John that tells Ed he misses him and that he has looked forward to their expedition to the islands and to collaborating on another book, but he has fallen and hurt his leg and cannot travel - he must postpone yet again.

EXT. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS (1948)

EXT. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS (1948)

Ed and Toni watch the arrival of a seaplane from the deck of a ferry - which delivers a package from John for Ed's birthday: a leather briefcase embossed with his name. Inside the briefcase is a letter from John that tells Ed he misses him and that he has looked forward to their expedition to the islands and to collaborating on another book, but he has fallen and hurt his leg and cannot travel - he must postpone yet again.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1945)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1945)

John walks through Cannery Row with Ed. Everyone is reading CANNERY ROW and make comments to "Doc". John learns of Ed's deep research in the decline of the sardine and the devastating loss to Cannery Row - canneries are closing - fishing boats are bringing in small catches. People are out of work. Cannery Row is dying off. A cannery worker calls out to Ed: "Hey Doc, where did all the fish go?" "They're in the cans." he replies.

INT. PENTHOUSE - NEW YORK (1946)

INT. PENTHOUSE - NEW YORK (1946)

John arrives with Gwyn at a dinner party at the home of his agent. The small gathering is impressively attended with several well-established New York socialites, writers and artists. The guests of honor: John Steinbeck and... Ernest Hemingway. (historical reference photo)

EXT. MONTEREY PENINSULA (1948)

EXT. MONTEREY PENINSULA (1948)

John's plane fights through foggy turbulence and lands hard. He gathers himself and hurries off the plane. Xenia, Carol and Ritchie wait for him at the tarmac - their expressions grim. As John approaches, tears fall from Carol's face. John repeats himself: "It's too late. It's too late. I missed him. I missed my Ed." Ritchie explains "He passed a couple hours ago." A devastating moment.

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1945)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1945)

John walks through Cannery Row with Ed. Everyone is reading CANNERY ROW and make comments to "Doc". John learns of Ed's deep research in the decline of the sardine and the devastating loss to Cannery Row - canneries are closing - fishing boats are bringing in small catches. People are out of work. Cannery Row is dying off. A cannery worker calls out to Ed: "Hey Doc, where did all the fish go?" "They're in the cans." he replies.

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck

Chapter 1

EXT. WING CHONG MARKET (1945)

EXT. WING CHONG MARKET (1945)

Mr. Won has a brisk business selling and autographing copies of CANNERY ROW. Tourists have begun to find the Row. Gabe and the vagabonds enjoy the attention at first. But the slum-tourism does in fact disrupt his lifestyle. Some of the Vagabonds are jealous of Gabe and angry at John for not mentioning them. Tiny and Sparky also try to cash in on the fact that they are in a Steinbeck novel, but no girls have read that one.

EXT. LAB (1945)

EXT. LAB (1945)

The Lab is in disrepair - the war years were bad on business. Ed is nearing bankruptcy. John adds money to the Lab - and works with Ed on plans for a larger, modern lab near Hopkins on the tide pools. They make plans for a follow-up book to SEA OF CORTEZ - a new adventure to the Queen Charlotte Islands. John makes a deposit on the costs. This makes Ed's life much more manageable.

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1945)

EXT. CANNERY ROW (1945)

John walks through Cannery Row with Ed. Everyone is reading CANNERY ROW and make comments to "Doc". John learns of Ed's deep research in the decline of the sardine and the devastating loss to Cannery Row - canneries are closing - fishing boats are bringing in small catches. People are out of work. Cannery Row is dying off. A cannery worker calls out to Ed: "Hey Doc, where did all the fish go?" "They're in the cans." he replies.

INT. CANNERY (1945)

INT. CANNERY (1945)

John walks through Cannery Row with Ed. Everyone is reading CANNERY ROW and make comments to "Doc". John learns of Ed's deep research in the decline of the sardine and the devastating loss to Cannery Row - canneries are closing - fishing boats are bringing in small catches. People are out of work. Cannery Row is dying off. A cannery worker calls out to Ed: "Hey Doc, where did all the fish go?" "They're in the cans." he replies.

"CANNERY ROW"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY:

1948

John's plane glides over Monterey, he has finally made it. Carol is on the tarmac to greet him. They embrace, forgiving each other for the damage they inflicted on each other in the past. She rushes John over to the hospital to see Ed. But when they arrive, they find that Ed has already passed. John has missed him. 

John stands at the door of the Lab, as he did in episode 1. He pushes the door open and wanders through the Lab, and finds Ed sitting at his desk. We are actually in.... 

1945

... Ed is surprised to see John, who has come from New York unannounced. John has brought with him Gwyn and his two young boys. John also has a copy of his novel, CANNERY ROW. Ed opens the book and reads the dedication: "For Ed Ricketts, who knows why or should." 

CANNERY ROW is a best seller - and Ed has become famous, as has the entire Row. Some jealousies are exposed with old friends. And John finds that he is no longer accepted in Monterey. Things have changed... 

ADDITIONAL BEATS: 

  • John has returned to Cannery Row to find that it is dying off. 

  • Sardines are nearly all gone and canneries are closing. 

  • Flora has left the Row. 

  • John's novel, CANNERY ROW is a huge hit. And Mr. Won is doing brisk business selling copies. 

  • John has moved back to Monterey to work on his next large book, EAST OF EDEN. 

  • Gwyn is not finding Monterey to be very hospitable to her and John. 

  • Many people resent John for writing the novel about them. 

  • Ritchie tells John that he has always agreed with Jack: That John is a hack. And he will sell-out anyone.

  • John's feelings are very hurt by his old friends turning on him. 

  • LIFE magazine offers John a huge fee to write a piece about the real Cannery Row.

  • John declines the LIFE offer, as he feels he may have done enough damage already. 

  • Ironically, Ritchie takes up the LIFE offer. 

  • Ed encourages John to embrace his fame and fortune and move on from the people of Cannery Row. 

  • Jean visits Ed for a lovemaking session.

  • Ed wants to rekindle the relationship with Jean. 

  • A tourist lets themselves into the Lab. 

  • Ed, naked, argues with the tourist to leave. Toni arrives to find Ed with Jean. 

  • Toni is over it and leaves Ed. Ed wants Toni to be happy.

  • Ed has a lock installed on the door of the Lab for the first time.

  • John moves Gwyn and his boys back to New York. 

  • Before leaving, John invests more money into the Lab and asks Ed to draw up plans for a larger building. 

  • John also asks Ed to do the research for a follow up book to their SEA OF CORTEZ. 

  • John finances Ed's research on the Queen Charlottes islands in Canada for the follow up book. 

  • John will join Ed in the Queen Charlottes. 

  • In New York, John gets to meet Hemingway at a dinner thrown for the two of them. 

  • Hemingway respects John as an artist. John has arrived in life. 

  • Gwyn, unhappy in the marriage, has a fight with John. John falls over a balcony and damages his leg. 

  • Ed receives a letter from John in the Queen Charlottes saying he can't come because of his leg. 

  • Ed returns to Monterey and continues his work. 

  • Several friends are at the Lab. Ed drives off to buy steaks for a small party. 

  • Ed is suddenly hit by a train. His son, Ed Jr. comes running towards the accident, calling his name. 

 

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Episode 13

EPISODE 13

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

John walks out of the crowded chapel - and wonders towards the nearby Great Tidepool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Monarch butterflies fill the air. - The rest of the Lab Group follows John's lead and wonders to the pools. The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. In the distance, waves crash and whales breach. A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets.

EXT. MONTEREY PENINSULA (1948)

EXT. MONTEREY PENINSULA (1948)

John walks out of the crowded chapel - and wonders towards the nearby Great Tidepool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Monarch butterflies fill the air. - The rest of the Lab Group follows John's lead and wonders to the pools. The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. In the distance, waves crash and whales breach. A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets.

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

John walks out of the crowded chapel - and wonders towards the nearby Great Tidepool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Monarch butterflies fill the air. - The rest of the Lab Group follows John's lead and wonders to the pools. The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. In the distance, waves crash and whales breach. A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets.

JACK CALVIN

JACK CALVIN

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

Jospeh Campbell

Jospeh Campbell

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

Carol Stienbeck

Carol Stienbeck

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

Jean Ariss

Jean Ariss

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

Burgess Meredith

Burgess Meredith

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

EXT. GREAT TIDE POOL (1948)

John walks out of the crowded chapel - and wonders towards the nearby Great Tidepool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Monarch butterflies fill the air. - The rest of the Lab Group follows John's lead and wonders to the pools. The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. In the distance, waves crash and whales breach. A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets.

Henry Miller

Henry Miller

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

EXT. THE LAB (1948)

EXT. THE LAB (1948)

The Lab is in disrepair - the war years were bad on business. Ed is nearing bankruptcy. John adds money to the Lab - and works with Ed on plans for a larger, modern lab near Hopkins on the tide pools. They make plans for a follow-up book to SEA OF CORTEZ - a new adventure to the Queen Charlotte Islands. John makes a deposit on the costs. This makes Ed's life much more manageable.

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

EXT. LIGHT HOUSE (1948)

EXT. LIGHT HOUSE (1948)

Ed's funeral is held at the lighthouse chapel next to the Great Tide Pool

Xenia Kashaveroff-Cage

Xenia Kashaveroff-Cage

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

EXT. MONTEREY PENINSULA (1948)

EXT. MONTEREY PENINSULA (1948)

John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck

Attends Ed's funeral in Monterey 1948

EXT. LAB (1945)

EXT. LAB (1945)

The Lab is in disrepair - the war years were bad on business. Ed is nearing bankruptcy. John adds money to the Lab - and works with Ed on plans for a larger, modern lab near Hopkins on the tide pools. They make plans for a follow-up book to SEA OF CORTEZ - a new adventure to the Queen Charlotte Islands. John makes a deposit on the costs. This makes Ed's life much more manageable.

"LAYING THE GHOST"

written by

P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm

SUMMARY:

1948

We glide behind a taxi as it motors through a deserted Cannery Row. The cab stops in front of a dilapidated building.  JOHN STEINBECK (46) exits the cab with a leather briefcase embossed with his name. He climbs the steps of the old building. He retrieves a hidden key and lets himself in. He wanders through this well-lived in space and comes to a desk covered with items: photos of a younger version of himself and Ed in Mexico, a framed New York Times review of SEA OF CORTEZ, the boxing glove pendant from Sparky, the new watch from Frankie, floor plans for the new large laboratory, notebooks titled "Queen Charlottes", a signed copy of A HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES from Joe, a stack of CANNERY ROW novels autographed by Ed.

 

There are stacks of opened letters from John. He then finds an unopened letter from Ed to him (this is the letter Ed dictated to Jean earlier.) John reads the very personal letter from Ed - we hear the letter in Ed's VO, telling John how much he thanks him, how much he admires him, how he is moving forward in his journey, ready to swim across the sky and break through.  He is not afraid - he has learned from John and every single person he has met, ever loved, ever listened to. Everything is connected. We all found each other because we needed each other, we formed each other. Ed writes that John's work has changed the world, and will continue to for generations - that this is the most important thing anyone could aspire to, and that he is deeply grateful to be a part of John's life. Ed writes that he has never loved anyone as profoundly as his friend, John. And that they will always be connected. Forever. 

Alone in the lab, John burns letters and notebooks in the furnace. Some items he keeps and places in Ed's briefcase. Ritchie comes in. The two men embrace; everything is water under the bridge. Soon Jean arrives. And Xenia. Ed Jr. Someone plays BACH. Soon Gabe and the vagabonds filter in too. Jean takes several notebooks from the burn pile and keeps them for herself. They crack open the Lab safe, to find only a note that reads: "What did you expect to find here?" They all laugh at Ed's lasting humor. Ritchie's laugh turns to tears. He calls out Ed's name. It is silent for a moment. Jean finally says -

JEAN

We’ll have to let him go. We’ll have to release him and let him go.

Everyone who knew Ed arrives solemnly at the Lighthouse Chapel for a funeral - including: Sheriff Larson (70's), Gabe (60's) and the vagabonds, Mr. and Mrs. Won (70's), Frankie (24), Jack and Sasha (40's), Xenia (36) and John Cage, Toni, Alice (27), Ed Jr (26), Nan (48), Nancy (23) and Cornelia (19), Carol (45), Tal and Ritchie (40's), Beth and Peg (40's), Francis (50's), Flora (70's) and quite a few Girls (20's - 40's), Tiny and Sparky (30's), Tony (60's), Bruce and Jean (40's), Joe (44), Henry Miller (70's), Charlie Chaplin (70's), Burgess Meredith (40's), Salvador Dali (70's) and about a dozen unknown Women without their husbands. 

During the meditative service, John notices a monarch butterfly outside the chapel window. He walks out of the crowded chapel and follows the monarch butterflies as they drift towards the nearby Great Tide Pool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Carol sees this and follows. Then Xenia, Joe and Gabe follow. Soon, the rest of the funeral wanders to the tide pools.

 

The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. Carol walks into the water fully clothed, like a baptism. Xenia explains an anemone to John Cage. John watches waves crash in the distance. A school of dolphin passes nearby and way out there, a whale breaches.

 

A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets. 

John's VO discusses Ed's great influence on everyone. And how difficult it will be to lay the ghost. Under this VO we see the following: 

- Gabe gets on a bus out of town.

- Frankie works as Holman's as a bag boy. 

- Jean gives birth to another baby. 

- Ed Jr. returns to University.

- Flora works at her Seaside Motor Lodge brothel.

- Mr. Won sells the store to a younger man.

- Carol sits in her Carmel beach home watching the sea.

- Sparky and Tiny fight in a Monterey bar. 

 

John locks up the Lab, never to return. A "For Sale" sign in its window. 

 

John enters the old cottage in Pacific Grove. A new dog, 'Charlie' is with him. He uncovers the furniture, lights a fire. And settles in to write with a pad of legal paper and a green pen. 

We pull back and up away from the cottage - an aerial view of Monterey at dusk - from up here, it looks similar to a tide pool. The Chinese Festival sends up glowing lanterns into the sky like an ocean filled with phosphorescent jellyfish. Soon we have pulled back into the Universe - everything looks similar to the world of the tidepool... everything is connected. 

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End title cards and archival footage and photos: 

- John has critical successes with EAST OF EDEN, which becomes a film starring James Dean.

- John wins the Nobel Peace Prize and Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

- John finally meeting his true love, Elaine.

- Ed's BETWEEN PACIFIC TIDES, in its 5th edition, is still Stanford's bestselling book 80 years later.

- The Monterey Bay Aquarium was built in Ed's honor at the end of Cannery Row.

- Ed Ricketts Memorial Award is awarded each year by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

- Western Flyer II, a oceanographic research vessel used by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is equipped with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named "Doc Ricketts "

- The Western Flyer Foundation has renovated the original Western Flyer vessel as a US Historical Monument and state-of-the-art teach lab for underprivileged children from the Sea of Cortez to Alaska.

- Ed's statue sits at that site of the train accident - people put fresh flowers into the hand of the statue every day. 

- Ed's Lab still sits on Cannery Row, mostly unnoticed by the thousands of tourists each day. (Although some do know what the old building is, as evidenced by the lipstick kiss stains still placed on the exterior walls) 

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