FADE IN:
INT.MOTOWN-CONFERENCE ROOM-DAY-1968
A large MAHOGANY DESK fills the entire frame,we SEE a pair
of worn and weathered hands crossed across it.Sitting there
REVEAL....JOE JACKSON, late 30s,stocky and ferocious in
simple clothes.
His gaze is fixated across the room to RALPH SELTZER,late
30s, Jewish man wearing a well tailored suit with expensive
eye wear.
RALPH SELTZER
Mr. Gordy was very impressed with
the boys and can't wait to get
started--
JOE JACKSON
Alright, that's excellent.
RALPH SELTZER
Yes, Berry believes the boys are
gonna be huge..
A BEAT.
RALPH SELTZER
Then they will be...Big, "BIG" ,
big stars....and if Gordy believes
this, then Mr. Jackson your whole
life is about to change ...
JOE JACKSON
(eager)
Then let's get to work.
RALPH SELTZER
But first things first, I have here
the contracts the boys need to
sign.
Ralph gets up from the table and begins to hand out five
very weighty contracts.He lines them up in a row in front of
Joe Jackson.Joe scans the nine page documents.
RALPH SELTZER
(thumbing through pages)
Mr.Jackson if you could please turn
to page three of the contract,
under clause number one, I just
wanna make sure your aware that
this contract is binding for a term
of seven years.
JOE JACKSON
(turning through the pages)
Wait a minute, wait a minute now,
we didn't say nuthin' about seven
years that's way too long for the
boys.
RALPH SELTZER
(stern)
This is standard.
JOE JACKSON
That's too long, the boys will only
do a "year" at Motown.
Ralph Seltzer smirks at Joe's statement.Rearranging his tie,
he folds his hands calmly on the desk.Taking a deep breath,
Seltzer sees he has to explain a few things.
RALPH SELTZER
Mr. Jackson the minimum contract we
offer is 5 years, I'm a have to
speak to Gordy.
JOE JACKSON
(leaning back in his seat)
Fine, speak to him.
Ralph Seltzer goes over to the phone and begins to dial
frantically.Turning his back to Joe,he takes a deep breath
as the ringing turns to a dial tone.
RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
I need to speak to Berry,
(a beat)
....its Seltzer.
After a few minutes, Seltzer's mood changes.
RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
Berry ,how are you ..yes, well not
so much...we hit a snag here, I'm
here with the kids' father...yeah,
their wonderful yes but their
father...Mr. Jackson says he won't
sign.
BEAT.There is silence on the phone.
RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
Hello?....Hello,Berry ?
Ralph's body tenses.There is clearly a response on the phone
now,he is nodding frequently.Seltzer turns around to Joe--
RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
(still holding the phone)
Yes, Berry, here he is.
Ralph hands the phone to Joe.
RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
Mr. Jackson, Berry Gordy would like
to speak to you.
Joe Jackson takes the phone.He cups the receiver end, making
sure Seltzer doesn't hear him.SLOWLY he raises the phone to
his ear.
JOE JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
(nervous)
Hello?
Listening intently like a child receiving instructions,
finally Joe speaks after a few minutes.
JOE JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
Well Mr. Gordy if the boys mean
that much to you, we can find a way
to make a compromise...yes, because
7 years is too long for
them.....we'll change it then.
Joe hangs up the phone.Seltzer waits patiently for Joe's
response,he stares at the five contracts across from him.
JOE JACKSON
(matter of fact)
Gordy says he's gonna think about
it.
Seltzer smirks again. In less than 5 minutes the phone rings
again,Joe quickly picks it up.Listening to Gordy's response,
a huge grin spreads across his face.
JOE JACKSON
We got it.
Joe hands the phone over to Seltzer.Ralph nods frequently at
each response Gordy gives him,he presses the line button and
puts Berry on hold.
Walking over to the desk,he hits the intercom.
RALPH SELTZER
Patricia, could you please send an
assistant up?
Ralph takes his place at the head of the table across from
Joe.The ASSISTANT finally enters the room,the two men stand
up in unison.
RALPH SELTZER
(motioning over to the phone)
Its Berry.
The Assistant and Seltzer go over to the phone.Seltzer hits
the line button,he resumes business.Seltzer relays Gordy's
instructions by proxy.The assistant scrawls down some fast
dictation,making sure he gets every word,then leaves.
JOE JACKSON
What's going on now?
The assistant returns--carrying a stack of papers.In his
arms are five NEW CONTRACTS with the new amended clause
added to it.Removing the previous contracts off the table,
the assistant puts the new ones in their place.
RALPH SELTZER
Mr. Jackson have a seat... now that
has been taken care of,clause eight
states that the boy--
JOE JACKSON
That's fine, when can they sign?
BEAT.Seltzer is taken back by Joe's forwardness.He shrugs.
RALPH SELTZER
Now.
Joe Jackson quickly gets up from the table.He almost
stumbles over his feet as if he can't move fast enough to
the door.Opening it,Joe sticks his head out.
JOE JACKSON
(motioning to come inside)
Come in.
In single file,almost like a school yard,the boys enter the
room in age order with the oldest first.Entering the room,
JACKIE JACKSON(17)tall handsome yet quiet boy. He is clearly
the oldest.Followed by TITO JACKSON(15)a boy almost
identical to Joe Jackson.
The two oldest boys stare at Seltzer,their eyes meet.After a
few seconds,they divert their gaze to the floor.
Shuffling in next is JERMAINE JACKSON(14)handsome young boy
with sleepy eyes.Catching up to him is MARLON JACKSON(11)a
small boy with red hair and wide eyes.Its clear they are all
related.
Four kids stand in front of Seltzer, looking at him.Their
clothes are worn,they don't have much.Seltzer remembers
there are five contracts.
RALPH SELTZER
Isn't there one more?
Standing in the doorway looking in is the last brother.Small
and quiet,he PEEKS in from the hall.
JOE JACKSON
(impatient)
Come on now, lets go.
The last of the boys enters the room,small in stature with
long hands and eyes as big as saucers,he stares at Seltzer
behind the desk.
MICHAEL'S POV-CONFERENCE ROOM
The room seems huge in the sense of a child's perspective.
BACK TO SCENE
MICHAEL JACKSON(10),very cute with brown doe eyes,joins his
brother Marlon.They almost look like twins,standing closely
together.
Michael looks at the five stacks of paper on the desk, he
smiles.
MICHAEL JACKSON
(looking to Joseph)
We got it,were on Motown?
JOE JACKSON
Yup.
The boys burst into enthusiasm jumping up and down,
screaming and yelling.Seltzer smiles at their youthful
display,walking over to them he pulls out a slick ballpoint
pen.
JOE JACKSON
Well, sign it.
Excited and jumping for joy,the boys calm themselves just
enough to take turns using the shiny ebony ball point to
apply their signatures to the documents.
Lastly is Michael--
He stares at the glassy pen's shine and gold trim in his
small hands.Looking up at the man towering over him,
Michael's eyes stare back at Seltzer.
MICHAEL JACKSON
(RE:Seltzer)
We'll be on Motown?
Seltzer nods,giving Michael reassurance.He smiles.
In childlike handwriting,he signs his name on the bottom
line with Joseph's signature underneath.
RALPH SELTZER
(extending his hand)
Welcome to Motown.
The boys begin to jump up and down like jellybeans.
INSERT- THE MOTOWN CONTRACT
The childlike signature on the line above the name typed
"MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON" identically across from it "MARLON
WALTER JACKSON" next to "TORIANO ADARYLL JACKSON" followed
by "SIGMUND ESCO JACKSON" and lastly "JERMAINE LAJUAN
JACKSON".
EXT.BERRY GORDY'S MANSION-DAY(CHRISTMAS 1968)
A sprawling decadent mansion in the suburbs of the Motor
City. Behind large iron gates, numerous luxury cars decorate
the property.
INT.BERRY GORDY'S MANSION-CONTINUOUS
A party is about to begin.Works of art and photographs line
the walls of this place.A Greco-Roman palace in the middle
of Detroit.
Joe and the boys wander through the opulent home,entranced
in a world they never known. Light glares as Michael stares
up into a massive glittery chandelier.He's lost in himself.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Black people really live like
"this"...gosh,its so BIG!!
Skipping down the stairs in a ruffled pink party dress,HAZEL
GORDY(15)big wide eyes and a smile on her face appears with
her hair press 'n' curl.
She looks up from her shoes,her eyes immediately lock with
Jermaine.Smiling.Hazel approaches Joseph and the boys,
specifically Jermaine.
HAZEL GORDY
Hi, I'm Hazel.
JERMAINE JACKSON
Hello,I'm Jermaine.
He stutters a little,Hazel giggles.She finds him REALLY
cute.
HAZEL GORDY
I "know".
Hazel and Jermaine.Smiling.Its love at first sight.Joseph
COUGHS to break the mood.
A BEAT.
JOE JACKSON
(annoyed)
Where's your father?
Suddenly walking up behind him,BERRY GORDY(41)in a sharp
black suit and tie,places his hand on Joe's shoulder.
BERRY GORDY
Hey guys, nice to see ya.
Berry smiles.He hugs Michael and Marlon,tightly in his arms.
Gordy gets lost in their big brown eyes.Their cute kids,easy
to love and adore.
BERRY GORDY
Let's sit down, Hazel tell 'em to
get us some drinks.
INT.LIVING ROOM- A FEW MOMENTS LATER
A regal living room with very expensive furniture.Joe and
the boys feel uncomfortable sitting on it.
Joe and Gordy talk business in the b.g as the boys sit
quietly.He listens to Gordy with the utmost respect.Hazel
sits next to her father batting her eyes at Jermaine.
BERRY GORDY
...I want you to understand how
important this is...
He glances away every few seconds trying to avoid eye
contact.
Michael's eyes dart around the room.Looking around,amazed.He
reaches into his pocket and takes out bubblegum.When
suddenly SOMETHING catches his eye--
PAINTING
A beautiful oil painting of Berry Gordy in Napoleon's
uniform sits on the wall.
BERRY GORDY(O.S)
Now let's get to the party.
INT.POOLROOM-DAY-HOURS LATER
The Motown glitterati party it up.Guest dance around the
pool to the music.SMOKEY ROBINSON,THE TEMPTATIONS,FLO
BALLARD,TAMMI TERRELL and STEVIE WONDER dance together.They
all lounge around;talking,laughing and drinking from little
punch glasses.
In the b.g,the Jackson Five SING.The Motown legends and
staff dance and bob their head to the music.
The walls are decorated with holly and ornaments.A foil
Christmas trees sit behind the boys.Its a festive occasion
at one of the most known parties in the city.Michael sings
and dances his James Brown routine when suddenly he stops;
and becomes entranced.
AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
A shadowy lithe frame glitters in the light like diamonds.
STAIRS
Descending down,the figure REVEALS a low back,white silk
gown.A mass of hair pulled tightly in a sleek chignon.She
hits the last step like a regal goddess,as Berry takes her
hand.
BERRY GORDY
Everyone, DIANA ROSS.
DIANA ROSS(24)is the epitome of diva as she strolls on
Berry's arm in front of his children.No one comes close in
comparison to her in this room.Michael stares intently at
Ms. Ross, his lips move as he continues to sing but his eyes
are locked on Diana.
The boys finish their song.Applause.Gordy approaches with
Diana--
BERRY GORDY
..I want you to meet these kids...
DIANA ROSS
Berry, please...
BERRY GORDY
Meet them first then I'll explain
everything....
(RE:the boys)
Guys,come over here I want you to
meet a fine lady, this is Diana
Ross.
Diana composes herself,formally.The boys smile in unison.
Diana Ross smiles back at them.Looking down,she SEES
Michael.
DIANA ROSS
(whispery voice)
You must be Michael.
Michael nods,he can't make words--
DIANA ROSS
You're so cute.
Diana pinches Michael's cheeks,he blushes as Marlon nudges
him.
INT.INDIANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT-DAY(1969)
A busy terminal as people hustle by.Jermaine,Michael,Marlon
and Jackie sit in size order in their seats.Joe takes care
of the flight information at the counter.
JOE JACKSON
This flight leaves soon right?
The STEWARDESS checks the ticket information again.Typing.
She retrieves it.
STEWARDESS
Yes,sir.
Joe motions for the boys to join him,they grab their bags
and hurry over.Michael lingers in his seat,staring at the
entrance to boarding the plane.
Michael is afraid.
Joe gathers the boys over;hands Jackie the ticket
information.They huddle into a circle,very close,standing
side by side.
JOE JACKSON
Now.Someone from Motown will be
waitin' for you when you get there,
now Jackie boy....you the oldest ,
take care of your brothers, you
hear me?
Jackie nods.
JACKIE JACKSON
Yes, Joseph.
STEWARDESS(V.O)
Now boarding for PAN-AM Flight 315
to Los Angeles,California.
JOE JACKSON
Alright,behave.
The boys all nod when Michael begins to cry--
MICHAEL JACKSON
I'm scared.
Joe kneels down to Michael's level.Looks into his son's
eyes,hugs him tightly.Father and son's eyes meet.Joe wants
him to understand how important this is to them,him and
everyone else.
JOE JACKSON
This is our dream Michael...Motown,
remember that.
Michael dries his eyes with the palms of his hands.Joe
rises,waving goodbye.The boys walk towards the door,hand in
hand,heading down the corridor to their plane.
EXT.PAN-AM AIRPLANE-DAY-STOCK(1969)
A SERIES OF SHOTS,the plane soars through the air towards
California.
INT.LOS ANGELES AIRPORT-DAY-HOURS LATER
Flight 315 debarks.
Passengers flood off the plane.In the huge crowd of people;
Jackie,Jermaine, Marlon and Michael emerge from the masses.
Jackie holds Marlon's hand tightly as Jermaine holds
Michael.
Jermaine looks around,confused.
JERMAINE JACKSON
Where do we go?
Everywhere are crowds of well dressed,fit and sun-tanned
people.Jackie's eyes scan the room when he notices a black
tall LIMO DRIVER holding a sign with "JACKSON" on the front
of it.
JACKIE JACKSON
This way.
The brothers follow Jackie towards the man clad in all
black.The kids stop in front of him,the driver looks at the
boys.
LIMO DRIVER
You the Jacksons?
The boys nod in unison like usual.
JACKIE JACKSON
Our father sent us,he's coming in
the van.
LIMO DRIVER
That's fine, follow me so we can
pick up your bags.
Jackie hesitates for a moment,he lowers his eyes to the
floor.
JACKIE JACKSON
We don't have any,this is our
luggage.
The limo driver looks at the worn second hand bags the boys
are carrying.He nods in understanding,leading them through
the busy terminal.
INT.HOLLYWOOD HOTEL-ROOM-EVENING(1969)
A seedy,disreputable,fairly economical hotel.Bags and
luggage cover the worn and bald carpet of the room.The T.V
glares against the greasy windows.The boys lay strewn across
the beds.
This is no place for children.Jackie,the tallest sits on the
floor.Watching cartoons.
Joseph is NOT HERE.
Suddenly a heavy KNOCK on the door,five pairs of eyes darted
to the doorway.
JACKIE JACKSON
I'll get it.
Jackie quickly gets to his feet,putting the security chain
on first. He cracks the door open slightly.
EXT.HOTEL ROOM-CONTINUOUS
JACKIE
....as his face peers through the crack of the door.You can
only really SEE his eyes.
JACKIE JACKSON
(soft spoken)
Yes, can I help you?
JOE JACKSON(O.S)
(stern)
Boy lemme in.
Jackie nods and shuts the door.CLINK CLANK--Jackie removes
the security chain off the door,opening it again.
INT.HOTEL ROOM-CONTINUOUS
Joseph ENTERS.Carrying a bucket of chicken and a carton of
milk.He sets the food out on the table.The boys begin to
eat.Joe takes a seat on the edge of the bed where Tito and
Marlon have been sitting.
TITO
sees Joseph's back as he leans off the bed almost hunching
over.
JOE JACKSON
'Eh now listen up,tomorrow is a big
day for us...
Joe speaks to the five faces of his hungry sons amidst the
chewing and smacking of fried chicken.Jermaine and Marlon
begin to fight over the next drumstick.
JERMAINE JACKSON
I got it!
MARLON JACKSON
Gimme!
JOE JACKSON
Jermaine,give it to him.
JERMAINE JACKSON
But Joseph....
JOE JACKSON
Now.
Jermaine gives it to his brother.Marlon pushes the chicken
into his mouth.
JOE JACKSON
Gordy has invited us over to Diana
Ross' place,he has some big
announcement.
TITO JACKSON
When are we gonna start recording?
JACKIE JACKSON
Yeah Joseph, we've been out here
weeks now.
JOE JACKSON
I dunno,look, he'll explain
everything tomorrow...I'll know
when you'll know.
Tito hands Joseph the bucket of chicken.Joe reaches in the
bucket to salvage a piece of dinner.Joe tries hard,
maintaining five boys.
After a while,Jackie and Tito begin to clean up the mess
when suddenly there's ANOTHER KNOCK at the door.Jackie and
Tito look when Joe gets up quickly--he points.
JOE JACKSON
Um-mh,you boys take care of this,
listen...
BEAT.Joseph looks at his sons.
JOE JACKSON
Jackie,you in charge.
Joseph straightens his clothes,the knocking continues
outside the door.He's not sure what to do.
JOE JACKSON
In bed before 10,you hear me?
The boys nod in unison.
Joe goes to the door,he opens it slightly.A Woman's VOICE
can be HEARD.He laughs and talks through the crack of the
door.
JOE JACKSON(O.S)
I told you nine.
Joe looks for something.He walks to the door;goes to the
coat hook,grabbing his belongings off the wall,putting his
hat on.He waves goodbye to the boys and slams the door shut,
the SOUND of a lock clicks after him.
INT.DIANA ROSS'LIVING ROOM-DAY(1969)
The boys sit quietly in the modern stylish living room of
Diana Ross' luxurious home.Berry enters the room,his swagger
puts the boys at ease in the unfamiliar place.
Sitting down.
BERRY GORDY
'Eh guys,I know you've been anxious
... so have I,God,...I just have so
many ideas for you.. this gonna be
big.I can see it now, you guys will
be a phenomenon.
Michael looks puzzled--
MICHAEL JACKSON
(trying to pronounce a word)
What's a "phenomenon"?
BERRY GORDY
That means Michael,you guys, will
be something the world has never
seen before.
The boys smile gleefully.
BERRY GORDY
First we'll work on the image....
then the songs and after that, who
knows the possibilities....I'm
gonna make you kids the biggest
thing in the world,believe me.
TITO JACKSON
That's wonderful Mr. Gordy
BERRY GORDY
You're gonna have three number one
hits in a row, they'll be writing
your names in the history books,
its coming.
Joe watches from the corner of the room.
JOE JACKSON
That's right,so whatever Mr. Gordy
says I wantcha' to do.
Talking and laughing.Berry smiles--when he notices his
watch.
BERRY GORDY
Sorry guys,gotta cut this a little
short.....got business back at the
office to take care of.
Suddenly the door OPENS.Diana Ross ENTERS--wearing black
satin hot pants and halter.Her huge golden hoop earrings
glisten in the light.She hugs Berry Gordy,who places his arm
around her tiny waist.
BERRY GORDY
Joseph,boys ...you remember Diana?
The boy's mouths are wide open as their huge eyes stare back
at the woman in front of them.Diana giggles at their
expressions.
JACKIE/TITO/JERMAINE/MICHAEL/MARLON
Hello Ms.Ross...
DIANA ROSS
(seductive)
Hello boys.
BERRY GORDY
I was just telling the boys...how
you want to be apart of their
career...mold them...
DIANA ROSS
Yes.Very much so.I wanna help you
make the transition to Motown...
we're family here...and we're very
excited to see what you can do.
Sits.Diana Ross joins the boys and Gordy.The group laughs
and talks among themselves.
CUT TO BLACK:
INT.BERRY GORDY'S OFFICE-DAY
A golden pen holder sits on a beautiful dark wood desk,
plants and other office decor sit around the room.Two large
picture frames sit on the left side next to a phone.
Various pictures and news clippings in frames line the
walls.Berry Gordy sits behind his desk,he is listening
intently.
A YOUNG PRODUCER is speaking.Berry folds his hands across
the desk,looks out the window then back at the producer.
YOUNG PRODUCER
(handing Gordy the music)
Well Mr. Gordy,I have this track
and I think it will work well with
Gladys,you know.
Reaching for it.
BERRY GORDY
Lemme see.
The producer hands Berry the tape.He pops it in and takes a
listen to it.Silence.Berry listens to the instrumental
track.The producer sees the nod of approval.
YOUNG PRODUCER
(talking over the music)
Right now all I have is a rhythm
section,you know, but its a great
tune Mr. Gordy if you give it a
chance.
BERRY GORDY
(talking over the music)
So, what exactly do you need?
YOUNG PRODUCER
Singers really,someone with that
soulful sound...y'know?
Berry turns off the tape.
A BEAT.
He thinks to himself for a moment.The demo sits on the desk
between him and the producer.Looking down at the tape,Berry
snaps it up.
BERRY GORDY
Well FREDDIE,its like this...we got
a ton of great acts right now and
I'm sure this would be good for
Gladys but I'm working on
something--
Freddie raises his eyebrow.
FREDDIE PEREN
What is it,Berry?
Berry leans back in his office chair,hands folded tightly
across his chest. He rocks back and forth in a slow steady
motion--
BERRY GORDY
I got these kids...
Freddie laughs.
FREDDIE PEREN
Kids,you hate kid acts.
Berry leans forward.
BERRY GORDY
Not this one.These kids are
something special Freddie,they
sound like nuthin' you ever heard
before and they so put together...
its just I don't know what to do
with them...I got so many ideas...
FREDDIE PEREN
You said Stevie was the last.
BERRY GORDY
I know, I know but...the kid in the
group, he can really sing man, you
know, from the gut like some old
man...almost like he's James Brown,
Little Richard and Jackie Wilson
rolled into one.
Freddie looks at Berry, a strange look comes across his
face.Thinking to himself,he tries to put it together.
FREDDIE PEREN
Berry, what kind of kids?
Gordy puzzled.
BERRY GORDY
What you mean,what kind?
FREDDIE PEREN
Were they boys or girls?
BERRY GORDY
Brothers actually...and its five of
them.
Freddie laughs.
FREDDIE PEREN
Berry, I know these kids.
BERRY GORDY
Really...
Berry reaches into his drawer,pulls out a yellow legal
pad.Placing it on the desk,he looks around for a pen.
FREDDIE PEREN
The Jameses....no The Jacobs...no,
um-mh,mmmh,um-mh, wait a minute...
The Jacksons,right? The Jackson
Five.
Writing.
BERRY GORDY
Yeah,that's them.
Freddie remembers.
FREDDIE PEREN
I saw them perform on the circuit,
they use to say the front kid was a
midget.
Berry laughs.
BERRY GORDY
He's not.His name is Michael,
Michael Jackson...look Freddie,
here's what I want you to do.
Berry hands the tape back to Freddie,putting his ballpoint
to the side for a moment--
BERRY GORDY
This song..it ain't for Gladys.I
got this beat in my head and I'm
thinking with your tune, we can
work something out.
FREDDIE PEREN
Well,lemme hear it.
Berry sings a beat.
FREDDIE PEREN
Lemme work this out.
Freddie grabs Berry's pad,pulling it towards him.Freddie
takes out a pencil and in quick strokes begins to write a
few chords.
BERRY GORDY
Alright,you got a deal but I wanna
hold on to this okay.
Berry takes the the pad back from Freddie,studying the
chords for a while.
BERRY
deep in thought, searching for the right melody.
INT.MOTOWN HALLWAY-DAY
Berry Gordy strolls down the halls of Motown,its a typical
busy day at a large music company.By his side is a young
intern,SUZANNE DE PASSE(early 20s)wearing a psychedelic
headband. Berry smiles.
BERRY GORDY
I know your gonna do good....
SUZANNE DE PASSE
(reading notes)
...Berry,I'm just surprise...you
know what people will think....
BERRY GORDY
...what?...
SUZANNE DE PASSE
...that were together and that's
why your giving this to me..
BERRY GORDY
...I never denied it...
SUZANNE DE PASSE
Berry...
BERRY GORDY
Suzanne,don't worry...
BEAT.Suzanne looks at Berry.
SUZANNE DE PASSE
(writing in her notes)
Right,Berry.
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