Hider In The House

HIDER IN THE HOUSE an original screenplay by Lem Dobbs September 9, 1987 EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - DAY On a very lovely street in a very nice neighborhood, Tom Sykes, THE HIDER, is out for a walk.The Hider is a man who blends in well with his surroundings.A good-looking man in his thirties.To look at him, you wouldn't know there was anything wrong... The Hider walks with such strange grace that he could be on a conveyor belt, a variety of neighborhood houses passing him by, one style after another. Sunlight and shadow play over the Hider's face as he walks, filtered through the lush trees and greenery all around. Then the hedge he's walking past ends and the next house makes him stop.Because it isn't a house yet.It's a half-house.A house under reconstruction.Part built, part torn down, part finished, part matchstick frame.An evolving house, with a swarm of workmen all over it, hammering, sawing, drilling. The Hider stands and watches awhile. CUT TO: EXT. THE HOUSE - EVENING The workmen have gone.The Hider enters the house from the back where it's all completely open without doors or windows. INT. THE HOUSE The Hider explores in the waning light.There are building materials about.He runs his hand over a pile of bricks. He looks at some wooden boards and planks leaning against a wall.WIND HOWLS through the dark house. He tries the tap on a newly installed sink.Water gushes out. Where the main stairway will be is now only a ladder.The Hider climbs it to the next floor.