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Phishing for Phoebe
Once homeless, a successful author at the end of his life searches for the woman who gave him his start; a woman consumed with guilt, hiding away and fiercely protected by a menagerie of colorful small-town characters who block all efforts to find her.
Meanwhile…
The protagonist, novelist Robert James Gregory, who just finished his third highly publicized divorce, very much wants to locate the woman who changed his life, one Elizabeth Lee. Battling a terminal illness, time is of the essence. Everyone in his employ is engaged in the task.
His ex-wife, drama queen-TV star, Melissa Marquand, discovered their ranch was in a trust for a woman with whom she claims Robert had an affair while they were married, one Elizabeth Lee. Out to get damages, she shows up at the Tumbleweed with a process server and reporter and the goal of denying Elizabeth Lee even one dime.
Robert’s Attorney Kevin Garcia also believes he has found the woman, sends an email, then shows up at the Tumbleweed with the outrageous claim that Elizabeth Lee has a sizable trust in her name. When he is run out of the Tumbleweed at gunpoint, he manages to find a friendly local who will talk who him. He is attracted to Phoebe and her little farm. A mutual attraction holds him back from ruining the moment by asking for details about where to find Elizabeth Lee.
The cast of colorful locals is astounded at the claim that their dishwasher, known to locals by her middle name, Phoebe, was having an affair. They believe all parties must have the wrong Elizabeth Lee because their Elizabeth is too boring. However, since their Phoebe is much loved, the community collectively runs defense as they slowly realize, that even though Elizabeth Phoebe Lee has been part of their community for years, no one really knows anything about her.
When Melissa shows up at Phoebe’s single wide, demands entry, and refuses to leave, a neighbor, shoots out Melissa’s tires one by one. The gunshots attract Robert and his Attorney Kevin who happen to be at The Tumbleweed. Kevin is confused to find Melissa at Phoebe’s trailer and surprised to discover that Phoebe is Elizabeth Lee.
Robert recognizes Elizabeth Lee, but she doesn’t recognize him. She never heard of the famous writer Robert James Gregory.
The crew of the Tumbleweed gather round and the story unfolds.
When her two children and husband were killed in a terrible traffic accident, Elizabeth, feeling guilt, could never bring herself to use the insurance “Blood Money” for herself. Over the years she secretly gave it away to members of her community.
When Robert could not find Elizabeth after his first book was published, he set up a trust - 15% of all proceeds for her. After three divorces, it was all he had left. Everything in his life that was good came from Elizabeth Lee. And everything good he did in his life was because of Elizabeth Lee.
When Kevin brings in an old and well-used Osborne 1 (first portable computer).
Elizabeth finally remembers “Bobby,” the homeless aspiring writer with whom she had shared many lunches and to whom she has given the Osborne.
At long last, Robert presents Elizabeth with the well-worn manuscript, inscribed with heartfelt thanks, he had been carrying around for thirty years.
Esai Morales
Cecily Strong
The Big Fish
Table Read (Semifinalist) [2021]
Script Lab Free (Quarterfinalist) [2021]
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