YOGI BERRA: THE QUOTABLE CAREER
Script by Caucus de Bourbon
PAGE 1
PANEL 1
MEDIUM CLOSE ON ROOKIE BATTER - looking very worried. Eyes
wide. Sweat streaking face. Bat held tight.
BATTER: (thought balloon) Ohmygod, ohmygod,
ohmygod... My first time in Yankee
Stadium and I got two strikes against me
...
PANEL 2
WIDER - INCLUDE CATCHER YOGI BERRA (#8) - signing the
pitcher. The Batter stands rigid.
BATTER: (thought balloon) ...My mother's watching
me on TV...
PANEL 3
LOW SHOT THROUGH BATTER'S LEGS (YOGI'S POV) - Pitcher WHITEY
FORD winds up on the mound.
BATTER: (thought balloon) ...Whitey Ford's
pitching...
PANEL 4
TIGHT ON YOGI BERRA'S FACE - Through his mask WE SEE one
cheek plump with spit.
BATTER: (thought balloon) ...And right behind me,
Yogi Berra's catching.
PANEL 5
CLOSE ON BATTER'S SOCK (the white part exposed) - a big glob
of spit splashes onto it.
SFX: (Yogi's spitting) SSTHUUUP
SFX: (spit hitting) SPLOT!
PANEL 6
CLOSE - BATTER'S REACTION - Looks down.
BATTER: Huh?
PANEL 7
FULL SHOT - The pitched ball rockets past the distracted
Batter -- clearly in the strike zone -- and directly into
Yogi's mitt.
SFX: (the ball) SSSWIIIIIP
SFX: (ball hitting glove) THWACK!
UMPIRE: Strike three -- Yer out!!!
BATTER: What?
PANEL 8
ON YOGI - He pulls his mask off, offers a wry smile:
BATTER: But you spit on me!
YOGI: Welcome to the big leagues, kid!
PAGE 2
SPLASH PAGE
THE DEFINITIVE YOGI BERRA POSE - in Yankee uniform, his
catcher's mask pulled back. He looks at once both huggably
adorable and oafishly pathetic.
CAPTION: A squat keg of a man with a witless grin
and a manner with a malaprop, Lawrence
Peter Berra, "Yogi" to all who know him,
has endeared himself to America like no
other ballplayer in history.
2ND CAPTION: Though his skills as a catcher and
crunch-hitter were formidable, it is
Yogi's irrepressible way with words --
"Yogi-isms" as they're called -- through
which his legacy will endure.
3RD CAPTION: What follows is not so much the story
of Yogi Berra, rather, it is a compendium
of classic Yogi Berra stories...
QUOTE ALONG BOTTOM OF PAGE: "If God had to make
somebody who looked like Yogi, the least
he could do was make him lucky!"
--uncredited ballplayer
PAGE 3
PANEL 1
INT. MOTEL ROOM - WIDE - Two young men stretched across twin
beds. BROWN reads an enormous tome while the other, Yogi
Berra, completes a vintage comic book. He slaps it closed.
SFX: (comic) SLAP!
CAPTION: Yogi, in the Newark Bears club of the
Yankee farm system, rooms with teammate
"Dr." Robert Brown, a medical student
during the off-season...
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - FAVORING BROWN - Just finishing The Medical
Doctor's Practical Guide of Theory and Application. He slaps
it closed. Behind him Yogi hold up his Batman or Mutt and
Jeff comic, immensely satisfied.
SFX: (medical book) Thwump
YOGI: Boy, that was a good comic book! How'd
yours come out?
PANEL 3
GAME - SPUD CHANDLER confers with Yogi behind the plate as
the team DOCTOR wraps medical tape around Yogi's signing hand
fingers.
CAPTION: Yogi's called up to catch for the Yankees
later that year. Spud Chandler pitching.
SPUD: You're signalling too fast!
YOGI: I'm nervous.
SPUD: But you're fingers are like fat little
sausages. I can't tell if you want me to
throw a fast ball, or a curve!
DOCTOR: As soon as we get this tape on them,
you'll see Yogi's fingers.
PANEL 4
PRESS CONFERENCE - THE YANKEE ROSTER - A crush of Reporters
converging on their MANAGER. Yogi smiles innocently in his
uniform. Compared to the other players, he looks short,
dumpy, and ill-tailored.
REPORTER: You're not really thinking about keeping
Berra, are you?
MANAGER: Why not?
REPORTER: He doesn't even look like a Yankee!
CAPTION: In '47, he's signed with the big club for
good.
PANEL 5
BABE RUTH - Old and ill, addresses the packed stands of
Yankee Stadium through tears.
CAPTION: The man who quite conceivably saved
America's favorite pastime in the wake of
the Black Sox scandal of 1919, a
terminally ill Babe Ruth addresses his
adoring fans at Yankee Stadium on a day
thrown in his honor, April, 1947.
BABE: Thank you...
PAGE 4
PANEL 1
YANKEE DUG OUT - Babe helped down the stairs where the
Catholic CARDINAL addresses him. Yogi here
CAPTION: ...Yogi's there to see it.
CARDINAL: If you would like Communion, Mr. Ruth,
I'll come to your house
BABE: Thanks, Cardinal, but I'll come down to
your place.
YOGI: (thought balloon) 'Your place'. Now
that's class!
PANEL 2
YOGI stands nervous before a microphone. He holds a note in
his trembling hand which reads: "...for making this night
possible." A Yankee behind him holds his head in shame.
CAPTION: The Yankees go to St. Louis months later
for a game against the Browns. Being a
hometown boy from the city's own "Dago
Hill," Yogi's thrown a night in his
honor.
2ND CAPTION: ...Christened by America's first
officially documented Yogi-ism:
YOGI: I want to thank everyone for making this
night necessary...
PANEL 3
INT. TEAM BUS - Yogi and other TEAMMATES hunched in their
seats in a fierce game of 20 Questions.
CAPTION: For the Yankees, however, Yogi-isms are
par for the course. As is the game of 20
Questions.
PLAYER 1: Is it an animal?
PLAYER 2: Nope
YOGI: Is it a person?
PLAYER 2: It is a person.
YOGI: Is he living?
PLAYER 2: Yep.
YOGI: Is he living now?
PANEL 4
"YOGI BREAK" A LOW SHOT - GOLF GREEN - Yogi in B.G. has just
putted. The ball rests just short of the cup before us.
CAPTION: Speaking of golf...
YOGI: 90% of putts that are short don't go in!
PANEL 5
RADIO STATION STUDIO - Yogi interviewed by HOST. Microphones
hang before them. A light in studio flashes "On the Air."
CAPTION: Back to St. Louis, 1949...
HOST: So Yogi, what does your mother think
about your marrying a girl who isn't
Italian?
YOGI: She thinks it's all right. She likes
Carmen.
HOST: What do the girls on The Hill think of
it?
PANEL 6
FAVORING YOGI -
YOGI: I don't know. Anyway, it don't matter.
They had their chance.
PAGE 5
PANEL 1
WEDDING RECEPTION - Yogi and the beautiful CARMEN arm-in-arm,
enjoying the festivities with Friends and Family. One FRIEND
leans in close to Yogi's ear, hush-hush like.
CAPTION: January, 1959.
FRIEND: What a lucky guy you are, Yogi --
Carmen's beautiful! How did ya ever get
her to marry you?
YOGI: I just said, yes -- real quick -- after
she asked me!
PANEL 2
INT. LOCKER ROOM - CASEY STENGEL (in uniform) marches in as
Yogi speaks with an older COACH.
CAPTION: Later, at the club...
COACH: What is it, Casey?
CASEY: A letter from some G.I. in Fort Dix. He
thinks I'm staying with Allie Reynolds
too long.
YOGI: You're the manager. What do you think?
CASEY: I say we send this here soldier boy a
letter and ask him if he thinks he's so
damn smart, let's see him think his way
out of the Army!
PANEL 3
EXT. A MINOR MANSION - The diminutive shapes of Yogi and
Carmen can be seen through the open double doors.
CAPTION: The Yankees win their first of 10
pennants over the next 10 years. Along
the way...
CARMEN: What do you think, Yogi, do you like it?
PANEL 4
INT. HOUSE - Yogi and Carmen in a big empty room.
YOGI: This is some house, alright, nothin' but
rooms!
PANEL 5
SPLIT PANEL PHONE CONVERSATION - JOE GARAGIOLA in a phone
booth; Yogi on home phone.
JOE: Joe Garagiola here. Where's your new
house, Yogi? I'm lost.
YOGI: Where you at?
JOE: The Museum of Science.
YOGI: Oh, you ain't too far, just a couple of
blocks. Only don't go that way, come
this way.
PAGE 6
PANEL 1
LOW VIEW FROM THE PITCHER'S MOUND - Yogi barrels full-steam
toward us -- a wild man -- flinging his mask and mitt aside.
What can be seen of the Pitcher is part of his leg and a
hand, recoiling from the oncoming Yogi.
CAPTION: The 1956 World Series...
YOGI: (yelling) W-W-WWWEEEAAAGGGHHHHHH
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - Yogi leaps into Larsen's arms -- legs straddling
his waist -- with a horrendous crash. (NOTE TO ARTIST [Dick
Ayers, the legendary Silver Age Marvel Comics illustrator who
rendered this book]: The perspective of this event, captured
in the reference photo, has been seen to death. Get in there
tight with your illustration and put the Reader right there!)
SFX: (Yogi making contact) KLOOOMP!
LARSEN: UMFF-T!
CAPTION: Don Larsen pitches the first and only no-
hitter in World Series history. Yogi
catches it. Yankees take the
championship in seven...
PANEL 3
MBP AWARD CEREMONY - Yogi on dias, receives award. SOMEBODY
throws him a question.
CAPTION: ...And Yogi finishes the season with 30
homers, 105 rbi's, with a .298 average.
2ND CAPTION: He's also voted MVP -- his third time
in 10 years playing pro.
SOMEONE: You think you've changed a lot over the
years, Yogi?
YOGI: Yeah... I got older.
PANEL 4
INT. BERRA LIVING ROOM - A young SON climbs on Carmen, who is
pregnant. He grabs for the World Series bonus check made out
to Yogi in her hand. Another SON climbs on Yogi, trying to
read the sports page.
CAPTION: With his salary in the $70,000 range,
Yogi and Carmen are expecting their third
child.
SON: (to Carmen) Money-y-y!
YOGI: Don't get me right, Carmen. I'm making
good money, but a nickel ain't worth a
dime anymore!
PANEL 5
A YOGI BREAK -
QUESTION: Yogi, what would you do if you found a
million dollars?
YOGI: If the guy was poor, I would give it
back.
PAGE 7
DOUBLE PANEL
BIG SHOT OF THE VATICAN - Thousands of people outside.
"Insert Panels" over this, linked by balloons.
CAPTION: The Vatican.
SMALL INSERT PANEL #1: Reporter with notepad.
SMALL INSERT PANEL #2: Yogi responds to questions.
REPORTER: Yogi, I understand you had an audience
with the Pope.
YOGI: No, but I saw him.
REPORTER: Did you get to talk to him?
YOGI: We had a nice little chat.
PANEL 2 & PANEL 3
(2) CLOSE ON REPORTER (link balloon to Panel 3); (3) CLOSE ON
YOGI (link balloon to Panel 2).
REPORTER: What did the Pope say to you?
YOGI: Hello, Yogi.
REPORTER: What did you say to the Pope?
PANEL 4
YOGI respectfully acknowledging the POPE.
YOGI: Hello, Pope!
PANEL 5
MONTAGE - Yogi waving his cap to crowd; Yogi idling in left
field.
CAPTION: In 1959, following in the footsteps of
The Babe, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Phil
Rizzuto and Charlie Keller, Yogi is the
sixth such player to be thrown his own
day at Yankee Stadium.
2ND CAPTION: But by the following year he's little
more than a part-time player spending
most of his time in left field.
YOGI: (in left field) It gets late awfully
early out here!
PAGE 8
PANEL 1
SERIES DEFEAT - Yanks returning from field. A REPORTER with.
CAPTION: Playing only 120 games, Yogi still
manages to bat .276, smacks 15 homers and
drives 62 runs in. Yankees take the
pennant, but in the Series...
REPORTER: How could the Yanks lose the Championship
to a team like Pittsburgh?
YOGI: We made too many wrong mistakes.
PANEL 2
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - TEAM MEMBERS in civy clothes, heading out
the door. Yogi beckons to one of the GUYS.
YOGI: Where you guys going?
GUY: Out to dinner. You coming?
YOGI: Where ya gonna eat?
GUY: Charlie's, where else?
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - FAVORING YOGI
YOGI: Charlie's! Nobody goes there anymore --
it's too crowded!
PANEL 4
RALPH HOUK talks to Yogi. Both in uniforms.
CAPTION: Team manager Ralph Houk, who replaced
Casey Stengel a couple years earlier,
makes a proposition in 1963...
HOUK: How'd you like to manage?
YOGI: Manage who?
PANEL 5
FULL ON YOGI - dressed as a doctor, white jacket, medical
bag, head mirror, stethoscope, steps out of elevator.
VOICE: Dr. Berra, I presume?
PANEL 6
PULL BACK TO REVEAL "General Hospital" lobby set.
CAPTION: As much a celebrity for his affable
manner and laughable quotes as his ball
playing, Yogi's asked to appear in the
fledgling new daytime soap General
Hospital to boost ratings.
DOCTOR: (regarding Yogi) He's one of the top
brain surgeons in the world.
PAGE 9
PANEL 1
OFFICE MEETING - Mood, serious. Yogi contemplating before
the team OWNERS and Ralph Houk.
CAPTION: For 1964...
OWNER: Yogi, we'd like you to become team
manager. What do you think?
YOGI: Don't get me right it's easy to get the
players. Gettin' 'em to play together,
that's the hard part.
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE -
OWNER: So will you do it?
YOGI: Sure. I've been with the Yankees for 17
years, watching games and learning. You
can see a lot just be observing.
REMAINDER OF PAGE - MONTAGE
LOSING STREAK (SERIES OF ANGLES) - 1) Yankee Batter hitting
ball to Philly Short Stop who catches it; 2) Yankee Fielder
jumps -- reaches for fly ball, which grazes his glove and
vanishes over fence; 3) Yankee Base Runner slides into base
as ball is thrown in to Pittsburgh Baseman. OVER THIS: Yogi
is seen, looking very pensive.
CAPTION: July of '64, Yankees seize first place
for the pennant. Less a than a month
later...
#1 SFX: (Yankee hitter) CRACK
#1 SFX: (Short Stop catch) WHUMP!
#2 SFX: (bat) CRACK
#2 SFX: (ball over Fielder) SWISSH
#3 SFX: (ball into Baseman's glove) WHUMP
#3 UMP: Out!
YOGI: (to himself) Just when you think you
know baseball, you don't.
PAGE 10
PANEL 1
INT. DUGOUT - Players bitching.
PLAYER 1: I don't believe we lost again!
PLAYER 2: We're 6 1/2 games behind!
PLAYER 3: This has got to be the worst losing
streak ever!
PLAYER 4: Yogi don't have what it takes to be our
manager!
PANEL 2
INT. OFFICE - Owners bitching. An office full of shadows.
OWNER 1: What do you think Yogi's problem is?
OWNER 2: He's been with the team too long. The
players are his friends. He's too nice
to kick 'em in the duff when they need
it.
PANEL 3
LOW SHOT OVER YOGI'S OFFICE DESK - A one dollar bill in the
stand where a nameplate would normally go is in Foreground.
In place of George Washington's mug is a picture of a
grinning Yogi, under which is written What, me worry? Behind
the dollar is Yogi. He isn't smiling.
VOICE: (from Off Panel) Don't you ever get
mad?! Kick something?! Yell?!
YOGI: What do you want me to do, flip?
VOICE: Well, aren't you gonna have a meeting?
PANEL 4
PULL BACK TO REVEAL - MICKEY MANTLE as the voice.
YOGI: What for, Mickey? The team knows they're
lousy. They know they're not hitting.
What good would it do to yell at them?
There's still time. Didn't we go through
the same think in 1949? All we gotta do
is start hittin'. We'll snap out of it
tomorrow.
PANEL 5
EXT. WRIGLEY FIELD - NIGHT - A bus loaded with disgruntled
Yankees pulls out of the vacant parking lot. Various
Players' Dio Balloons emit from bus. Some screwy-looking
music notes stream out of the back of it.
CAPTION: After a brief rally, the Yankees blunder
a 4-game series in Chicago and fall to
third place, 4 1/2 games behind the White
Sox with 43 games left to play.
BALLOON: A shut-out!
BALLOON: We're out of the pennant race, that's for
sure...
BALLOON: Un-%$@*!-believable!
BALLOON: Linz, what're you doing with that
harmonica?
PAGE 11
PANEL 1
INT. BUS - The Team, fuming and morose. PHIL LINZ sits in
back playing a harmonica. Yogi, at front of bus, turns back
to address him -- heated.
LINZ: (to nearby teammate) Playing "Mary Had A
Little Lamb," what's it to you?
YOGI: Hey, Linz, take that harmonica and stuff
it awhile!
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - Linz out of his seat, throws the harmonica at
Yogi. Yogi swipes it out of the air.
LINZ: What're you yellin' at me for, Berra? I
give you 100 percent!
YOGI: Stuff it, I said.
LINZ: You stuff it!
SFX: (Yogi's catch) WHIP
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - WIDE - Linz atop his seat as Yogi hurtles the
harmonica back, striking JOE PEPITONE in the leg as tempers
explode. All around, players throttle each other by the
throat, swinging fists, kicking, screaming. NOTE: Overall,
the scene is exaggerated and fun.
SFX: (leg hit) SMACK
PEPITONE: My leg!
LINZ: Why don't you pick on the guys who aren't
hustling, huh, Berra?!
SFX: (various commotion) WHOMP CRACK THUD
THROTTLETHROTTLETHROTTLE OOMF! AGGH!
PANEL 4
CLOSE ON THE HARMONICA - laying on floorboard. A hand
reaches for it. Big letters, not in balloon, over this:
VOICE: H E Y !!!
PANEL 5
NEW ANGLE - Whole team frozen in mid-violence; all eyes
focused on the source of the "Hey!": Mickey Mantle. He
presses the harmonica to his lips.
MICKEY: From now on I'm the manager. Here's the
signal for a bunt...
SFX: (harmonica) Toot
SFX: (random laughs) Ha Ha
PANEL 6
NEW ANGLE - Mickey continues, and now everybody on the bus,
Linz and Yogi included, are busting with laughter.
MICKEY: ...This is a steal...
SFX: (harmonica) Toot Toot
SFX: HA HA HEE (etc.)
CAPTION: Frustrations vented and bruised egos
healed, the Yankees mount a comeback ride
that not only puts them back in the
pennant race...
PAGE 12
PANEL 1
SPORTS PAGE HEADLINE: "YANKEES WIN THE PENNANT!"
CAPTION: ...But beyond it and into St. Louis
against the Cardinals for the World
Championship.
PANEL 2
BILLY MARTIN - addresses reader.
MARTIN: If Yogi dug a hole next to second base,
he'd strike oil!
PANEL 3
AIRPORT - The team boards a plane. An out of breath Coach
hands a PLAYER an envelope with one "World Series Ticket"
sticking out of it. Yogi doesn't notice the ticket.
COACH: I was beginning to think we'd have to go
to St. Louis without you. You're lucky,
this was the last one.
YOGI: What, you mean they're outta them manilla
envelopes already?
PANEL 4 - REMAINDER OF PAGE
7-GAME WORLD SERIES MONTAGE - Yankees vs. Cardinals.
Vertical Slat Panels indicate the individual games (captioned
beneath).
GAME 1: Cardinals
GAME 2: Yankees
GAME 3: Yankees
GAME 4: Cardinals
GAME 5: Cardinals
GAME 6: Yankees
GAME 7: Cardinals
CAPTION: Although pushed the full seven by the
Yankees, St. Louis nabs its first World
Championship in 18 years by a mere two
runs.
PAGE 13
PANEL 1
INT. PLANE - Yogi seated as Ralph Houk stands in aisle,
talking. Behind them, the Yankees are seen in high spirits.
YOGI: Mr. Topping wants to see me in the
morning?
HOUK: You snatched the Yankees back from the
brink of oblivion and gave the Cards a
run for their money, Yogi. That's no
minor achievement for a rookie manager.
YOGI: I'll be there!
PANEL 2
FOUR DIFFERENT SPORTS REPORTERS at desks representing
different N.Y. papers. All hold a "Yankees Press Release."
All are doing something, i.e. talking on phone, pounding the
typewriter, sipping coffee, torching a smoke. None seem
particularly surprised about the news.
REP 1: Not a day after the Series ends and the
Yankees are holding a press conference...
REP 2: ...Probably announcing Yogi's contract
renewal...
REP 3: Yogi oughta get a helluva pay-raise outta
this one...
REP 4: ...And they thought he was a bozo...
PANEL 3
NEW YORK STREET - Yogi, conspicuous among the throng of
Pedestrians. He looks devastated. A Reporter recognizes
him.
REP: Yogi! I'm on my way to the press
conference. Gimme the scoop. What'd you
get outta Topping -- two years?
PANEL 4
NEW ANGLE - Even the Pedestrians, which crowd around the two
men, are completely astonished to hear the news --
YOGI: I got fired.
REP: What!
PED: Yogi's been canned!
PED: I don't believe it...
PED: They fired Yogi Berra?
PED: Lousy bums!
PED: Impossible!
PED: I say they're bums now, and they always
been bums!
PANEL 5
YOGI BREAK - Yogi stands staring at a fork in the road. Both
paths disappear over the horizon and both have a sign which
sticks up over it. One says "Yankees," the other, "Mets."
YOGI: If you come to a fork in the road, take
it.
PAGES 14 & 15
DOUBLE-PAGE SPREAD
A STAGE - on which an oafish CLOWN (looking not so terribly
un-like Yogi) carts a wheelbarrow overflowing with dollar
bills. The Clown's pockets are also stuffed with cash, and
he is singing and dancing and tossing it all around for the
packed-house AUDIENCE guffawing in Foreground. Most
prominent among them is Yogi Berra -- and he too is bursting
with laughter, though the tears that spill from his eyes
aren't necessarily for the fun of it.
Carmen is here also. A banner over the stage reads "The
Annual New York Baseball Writers' Dinner Show." (The Clown's
song is busted up across pages with musical notes all
around.)
CAPTION: January, 1965...
CLOWN SONG: "Be a clown, Yogi!" That's the role that
they expected!
They wished I could be funny -- and smart
-- like Casey, so attendance would
improve.
Ha!
But I was a man,
And won a pennant...
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
Put on the shin guards, buckle on the
protector.
The Yanks* discharged me, so back I go to
play.
They said I'm not the right kind of
director.
Laugh, good old Yogi, be nice... but go
away.
Be happy with some sort of phony title.
Don't rock the boat, don't complain.
Don't be upset.
Laugh, good old Yogi, through your heart
may be broken.
Laugh through the tears,
As you...
...become...
...a MET!
SFX: (various laughs from spectators)
*Yankees finish 6th in 1965. With dismal and marked finality
the reign of the once fantastic, unbeatable Yankees dynasty
comes to an end.
PAGE 16
PANEL 1
JERRY COLEMAN - addresses the reader:
CAPTION: Former Yankee Jerry Coleman...
COLEMAN: The only mistake Yogi made as a manager
all of the modern managers make. He
thought the players wanted to win as much
as he did.
PANEL 2
EXT. FLORIDA - Yogi looking leisurely, hands clasped behind
back, wearing Panama hat, light polo shirt, cotton pants,
etc. TWO OLD LADIES shuffle past, recognizing him --
CAPTION: St. Petersburg, Florida, spring training
camp for the N.Y. Mets under Casey
Stengel, with whom Yogi has signed aboard
as a catcher-coach.
LADY 1: Why, hello, Mr. Berra!
LADY 2: My, you're looking awfully cool today.
YOGI: Thank you, ladies. You're not looking so
hot yourself!
PANEL 3
CLOSE ON A CAN OF HAIR SPRAY - being sprayed into a thick
wick of dark hair. (NOTE: Possibly put very thin horizontal
lines across image to give impression of being viewed on a TV
screen.)
SFX: (spray) SFFFSSSSSSS
PANEL 4
PULL BACK TO REVEAL - T.V. SCREEN - A HAIR SPRAY COMMERCIAL -
starring Yogi, spraying his hair with the spray.
COMMERCIAL NARRATOR: Yogi Berra is one of those
sissies who uses his wife's hair spray
...
PANEL 5
INT. COCKTAIL PARTY - Yogi & Carmen, looking elegant. A
female SOPHISTICATE talks with Yogi over her martini.
SOPHIST: Mr. Berra, I understand you're also the
vice-president of a cola company.
YOGI: Yes, ma'am, Yoo-Hoo Chocolate Flavored
Cola.
SOPHIST: Yoo-Hoo! Is that hyphenated?
PANEL 6
NEW ANGLE -
YOGI: Ma'am, it ain't even carbonated!
PAGE 17
PANEL 1
INT. LOCKER ROOM (SPRING TRAINING) - The Guys getting dressed
after training. Yogi with them. So is coach JOE PIGNATO.
GUY 1: Want to go see a movie with us, Yog?
YOGI: I'd kinda like to see Airport.
GUY 2: Nah, the guys wanna take in a skin-flick.
YOGI: I don't want to see no porno. I want to
see Airport.
GUY 1: C'mon, Yog, see some flesh. Maybe you'll
learn something.
YOGI: Well, who's in it?
PANEL 2
MOVIE THEATER BOX OFFICE - Joe Pignato gets a ticket from the
CLERK, as Yogi steps up next to buy one. A poster shows the
film playing to be Airplane.
CAPTION: Also, on the subject of movies...
JOE: (to Clerk) Thanks.
YOGI: One adult, please.
CLERK: Oh no, Mr. Berra, there's no charge for
you!
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - Joe's exasperated.
JOE: Next time, you go first. If they don't
charge, tell them I'm with you!
PANEL 4
INT. BERRA HOUSE - ANGLE DOWN FROM STAIRCASE - where Yogi
spies the front door lock being worked.
SFX: (lock) CL-CHINK
PANEL 5
NEW ANGLE - Carmen enters with their young son, TIM, spots
Yogi standing on the staircase.
CARMEN: Hello, honey. You're up late.
YOGI: Where you been?
CARMEN: I took Tim to see Doctor Zhivago.
YOGI: What the hell's wrong with him now?!
PANEL 6
RADIO SHOW - HOST interviewing Yogi.
HOST: Speaking of youngsters, what are you
feeling about Little League, Yogi?
YOGI: I think it's wonderful It keeps the kids
out of the house.
PAGE 18
PANEL 1
WIDE - MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - "Super Fight #1" between
MUHAMMAD ALI and JOE FRAZIER. The two pounding it out in the
ring.
CAPTION: In 1971 former undefeated Heavyweight
Champion of the World Muhammad Ali
returns to the ring after four years
exile to fight reigning champ Joe Frazier
in what's being touted as the biggest
bout ever staged. The New York News
polls 100 celebrities for their
prediction on its outcome.
2ND CAPTION: 46 people choose Joe Frazier to win,
45 choose Ali, and 9 remain undecided.
3RD CAPTION: Only one person believes Frazier
will win by decision...
PANEL 2
YOGI - making his prediction
YOGI: Frazier will take it by decision. Clay
laid off too long.
PANEL 3
THE FIGHT - MCU ON FRAZIER - his arms held high by Ref,
victorious.
CAPTION: Yogi's right.
PANEL 4
JOE GARAGIOLA - addresses reader.
CAPTION: Joe Garagiola...
JOE: Lucky? Yogi's one of those Christmas Eve
guys. There are people who are December
17th guys or October 19th guys. And
there are people who, every day of their
lives is Christmas Eve. Yogi is such a
guy.
PANEL 5
YOGI BREAK - Yogi grinning.
YOGI: I'd rather be lucky than good.
PAGE 19
PANEL 1
INT. DRY CLEANER - (SHOT 1) - Mets team manager GIL HODGES
receives his change and a bundle of dry cleaning from the
CLERK The cash register total is $10.00. In line behind him
are Joe Pignato, a man called RUBE, and Yogi holding up the
back. (NOTE: Panels 1, 2, 3, 4, are a succession of shots.)
CAPTION: Back in St. Petersburg...
CLERK: Here's your change and your dry cleaning,
Mr. Hodges*.
*Mets team manager.
PANEL 2
SHOT 2 - Joe Pignato receives his clothes. The till: $14.60.
SFX: (the till) KA-CHING!
CLERK: Yours comes to $14.60, Mr. Pignato.
PANEL 3
SHOT 3 - Rube gets his clothes. The till: $16.20.
SFX: (the till) KA-CHING!
CLERK: Thank you, Mr. Walker.
PANEL 4
SHOT 4 - Yogi with a bundle twice the size of anybody else.
The till rings up three stars -- jackpot! Gil, Joe and Rube
fret behind Yogi.
SFX: (the till) KA-KA-KA-CHING!!!
GIL: Hey, what do all them stars mean?
CLERK: Mr. Berra's our thousandth customer.
Every thousandth customer gets his
clothes free!
PANEL 5
INT. "DIRECTOR OF METS MINOR LEAGUE OPERATIONS" OFFICE
(denoted on open door) - The DIRECTOR reads a contract at his
desk. A COACH is here also. The mood is dark, as if serious
business is at hand.
COACH: George Theodore's contract demands?
DIRECTOR: Yeah. He's got five of them: A pair of
athletic glasses, various models of bats
for experimentation, a dozen Mets emblem
stickers, the address of the Players
Association so's he can pay back dues,
and...
COACH: What is it? What the kid's fifth demand?
PANEL 6
NEW ANGLE -
DIRECTOR: He wants and introduction to Yogi Berra.
PAGE 20
PANEL 1
CLOSE ON RINGING WALL TELEPHONE -
SFX: RII-I-I-ING
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
PANEL 2
INT. BERRA HOUSE - Carmen stands at kitchen entry, phone in
hand and looking shocked. Yogi reclines on davenport with
sports page.
CAPTION: April, 1972.
YOGI: Carm, what's wrong?
CARMEN: Gill Hodges had a heart attack. He's
dead.
PANEL 3
INT. OFFICE - Yogi is sated before the desk on which a
placard reads, "BOB SCHEFFING." SCHEFFING sits behind it.
Another "SUIT" is here also.
BOB: (indicating "Suit") Yogi, you've met the
Chairman of the Board for the Mets
organization...
SUIT: Mr. Berra, we're four days away from the
opening of the season. There's no time
to go looking for somebody to replace
Gil. Mrs. Payson, myself and the other
stock holders all agree that you can
manage the team now.
PANEL 4
NEW ANGLE -
BOB: You'll get a two-year contract if you
want it, Yogi.
SUIT: It's a second chance. What do you say?
PANEL 5
INT. BERRA KITCHEN - CARMEN AND YOGI - Carmen not too
pleased. Joe Garagiola is also here, protesting.
YOGI: I'm sick and tired of being a mascot!
I'm going to take it.
CARMEN: Why? What do you want it for? You've
got a good job!
JOE: You've got the best job in baseball, Yog.
Who needs the aggravation? Managers come
and go -- you could be a coach forever!
CARMEN: It's convenient for them right now to
wring you like a dish rag and throw you
away as soon as they're finished. The
Mets are in a fix. Don't forget what
happened with the Yankees!
PAGE 21
PANEL 1
NEW ANGLE -
YOGI: It's because of the Yankees I gotta do
this. To hell with all the crummy
baggage that comes with it. I don't like
the way the job came, but it's a job I
know I can do as good as anybody -- and I
can prove it! I don't see getting
another chance to do that again.
PANEL 2
INT. TUNNEL LEADING FROM FIELD TO LOCKER ROOMS - black with
only the white square of daylight at the far end. In the
middle WE SEE the dumpy carriage of Yogi silhouetted as he
approaches. In F.G., Three Mets Players debate.
MET 1: Here comes our new "manager."
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - CLOSER ON METS - In B.G., Yogi getting closer.
MET 2: C'mon fellas, being Yogi alone might be
good enough. Give 'im a chance.
PANEL 4
NEW ANGLE - CLOSER ON METS - as Yogi greets them, completely
nonchalant.
METS: (all three) Hiya, Yog!
YOGI: Remember, baseball is 90 percent mental.
The other half is physical.
PANEL 5
REVERSE ANGLE - as Yogi walks off. The three Mets exchange a
look.
MET 3: He may think okay, but he don't add so
good.
PANEL 7
EXT. BALL FIELD - The Mets are doing sprints as Yogi looks
over them.
YOGI: Let's go! Pick up the pace!
PAGE 22
PANEL 1
NEW ANGLE - CLOSER - as player TOM SEAVER runs past.
SEAVER: Yogi, what time is it?
YOGI: You mean now?
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - On Seaver and another Player running along beside
him.
SEAVER: The guy's a buffoon!
PANEL 3
GAME MONTAGE - Mets players making good plays, i.e. BATTER
hits; BASEMAN tags an out; PITCHER throws a strike; FIELDER
nabs a deep fly.
SFX: (batter) CR-A-A-CKK!
UMP: (calls tag) OUT!
UMP: (calls pitch) STEE-RIKE THREE!
SFX: (fielder's catch) WHOMP
FIELDER: Gotcha!
CAPTION: Of their first 32 games, the Mets win 25
to lead the league.
PANEL 4
BATTING CAGE - One of the previous "bad attitude" Mets works
out in the batting cage. He asks Yogi for advice.
CAPTION: Even the most cynical of skeptics now
show a change of faith.
MET: Hey Yogi, I can't seem to break this
slump I'm in.
YOGI: What's the matter?
MET: I got this bad habit -- I keep swinging
up on the ball.
YOGI: Well, swing down!
PANEL 5
PAYSON'S OFFICE - JOAN PAYSON, the Met's owner, and Bob
Scheffing.
CAPTION: Meanwhile, at the head office...
PAYSON: I don't care how old he is, Willie Mays
is the greatest ballplayer who ever
lived. He deserves to finish his career
in New York. I want him to finish it
with the Mets.
BOB: It's your team, Mrs. Payson. However, I
can tell you that Yogi's not going to
like it none.
PANEL 6
CLOSE ON MRS. PAYSON -
PAYSON: But it is my team, isn't it, Bob? Mr.
Berra has no say in the matter.
PAGE 23
PANEL 1
INT. ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH - looking down on a packed Shea
Stadium. A couple ANNOUNCERS:
CAPTION: Shea Stadium, May, 1972.
ANNOUNCER 1: Listen to that crowd rock Shea
Stadium -- welcoming home the legendary
Willie Mays!
ANNOUNCER 2: Those fans are demanding Yogi Berra
play their hero, like, right now!
SFX: (the fans) WE WANT WILLIE! WE WANT
WILLIE!
PANEL 2
INT. DUG OUT - Yogi, defiant, answers a Coach while the team
rushes out to the field. WILLIE MAYS stands nearby, waving
his cap to the crowd. Bob Scheffing sits nearest to F.G.,
watching what's going to happen next.
SFX: (the fans) WE WANT WILLIE!
COACH: They're pretty serious, Yogi. You gonna
play him?
YOGI: Not today.
BOB: (thought balloon) Good for Yogi. He's
going to be his own man!
PANEL 3
INT. RADIO SHOW - The Host (same as before) interviews Yogi.
HOST: When you were a boy, how exactly did you
like school?
YOGI: Closed.
PANEL 4
CLOSE ON CHECK FOR $25.00 - made out to "Payable to Bearer."
DIO BALLOON: (from Off Panel) Thanks for being
on the show, Yog. Here's your stipend.
DIO BALLOON: Hey--?
PANEL 5
NEW ANGLE - Yogi and Host out of their seats. Yogi stands
looking at the check in his hands.
HOST: What?
YOGI: How many years you know me?
HOST: I don't know, twelve maybe.
YOGI: Twelve years and you still don't know how
to spell my name?
PAGE 24
PANEL 1
HALL OF FAME CEREMONY DIAS - MAX stands at podium, introduced
by another MAN, stepping back. NOTE: "Hall of Fame" is
featured prominently somewhere.
CAPTION: August, 1972.
MAN: ...The president of the Baseball Writers
Association of America...
MAX: I needed a first edition story one day in
1964. The Yankees had flown in early
that morning and when I called the hotel
at nine o-clock, Yogi sounded like he had
just awakened...
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE -
MAX: I said, "I hope I didn't wake you up,
Yogi." And he said, "Nah, I had to get
up and answer the phone anyway!"
MAX: (2nd balloon) Ladies and gentlemen, Yogi
Berra!
SFX: (laughs)
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - CARMEN SEATED IN FOREGROUND - She's crying as
Yogi takes the podium. He wears glasses and looks awkward,
pulls a piece of paper from a pocket.
YOGI: Since this is the most important day of
my life I want to get it right, so I'm
going to read it...
PANEL 4
ON YOGI - Tears rim his eyes as he reads.
YOGI: Thank God I made it. I have to mention
Bill Dickey and, of course, Casey Stengel
who had the confidence to play me every
day. Also George Weiss, who gave my
first contract with the New York Yankees.
Being with them was a dream come true...
PANEL 5
CLOSER ON YOGI - Very emotional.
YOGI: My only regret is the people who didn't
live to see this day...
PANEL 6
FAVORING YOGI'S BILLFOLD - which he's opened to reveal an old
photograph of his Mother and Father. If Yogi's face is seen
in this shot the tears are freely flowing.
YOGI: My mother and father...
PANEL 7
CLOSE ON YOGI - Tears.
YOGI: ...and my brother, John... and Gil Hodges
... I hope they are proud of me today.
YOGI: (2nd balloon) Last of all, I want to
thank baseball. It has given me more
than I could ever hope for. I hope when
I leave this game I will put something
back.
PAGE 25
PANEL 1
THE HALL OF FAME PLAQUE - In front of which Carmen and the
three sons huddle around Yogi. Their backs are to us. The
plaque reads:
LAWRENCE PETER BERRA
"YOGI"
NEW YORK, A.L. 1946-1963
PLAYED ON MORE PENNANT-WINNERS (14) AND
WORLD CHAMPIONS (10) THAN ANY PLAYER IN
HISTORY. HAD 358 HOME RUNS AND LIFETIME
.285 BATTING AVERAGE. SET MANY RECORDS
FOR CATCHERS, INCLUDING 148 CONSECUTIVE
GAMES WITHOUT AN ERROR. VOTED A.L. MOST
VALUABLE PLAYER 1951-54-55. MANAGED
YANKEES TO PENNANT IN 1964.
CARMEN: It's beautiful...
SONS: We're proud of you, dad!
YOGI: (through tears) sniff sob
PANEL 2
INT. AD AGENCY PITCH ROOM - SUITS around a large polished
table, brainstorming.
SUIT 1: Our client wants a big ad campaign.
Something fresh and zippy that makes men
want to rush out and buy colored
undergarments!
SUIT 2: American men wear their underwear white!
SUIT 3: Yesterday's man, maybe, but today's man
is active. He's young and virile. He
needs underwear that declares once and
for all, "Hey, I'm not like my bland old
man!"
PANEL 3
TV SCREEN - AN AD - Yogi flanked by his three sons. All wear
boxers and a t-shirt. Yogi's t-shirt reads: JOCKEY WHITE
UNDERWEAR. The sons' t-shirts read: JOCKEY COLOR UNDERWEAR.
PANEL 4
METS ORGANIZATION TEAM "PICTURE" - The whole organization,
including coaches, Bob Scheffing, and Mrs. Payson, look
depressed. Out of them all Yogi appears the most down, the
quintessence of grim worry. A PHOTOGRAPHER lines up the shot
in F.G.
CAPTION: Disaster strikes the Mets with a series
of injuries. After an early June N.L
lead of five games, they wind up the '72
season 13 1/2 games out of first place.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Won't anybody smile?
PAGE 26
PANEL 1
BERRA HOUSE - Yogi sits at edge of his hot tub looking glum,
only his feet in the water. Carmen steps outside.
CARMEN: Is the hot tub too hot, dear?
YOGI: How hot is it supposed to be?
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - Carmen puts a loving arm around him.
CAPTION: Finally...
CARMEN: There's absolutely nothing you could have
done to change the outcome of the season.
YOGI: I know that, sure. It's just that I got
only once more year left on my contract
to show 'em different.
PANEL 3
YOGI AND JIM "CATFISH" HUNTER - at camp, heading out.
CAPTION: Spring training, 1973.
YOGI: Say, Catfish, how's about some ice cream?
CATFISH: Sounds good.
PANEL 4
INT. ICE CREAM PARLOR - Yogi and Catfish each with a sizeable
dish of ice cream. The OWNER beams at Yogi.
OWNER: Oh, Yogi Berra, it's an honor to have you
in my store Please -- it's on the house.
Come back anytime, please!
YOGI: Why, thank you.
PANEL 5
NEW ANGLE - FAVORING CATFISH AND OWNER - Owner with his hand
held out Catfish's way. Catfish simmering.
OWNER: That'll be $1.75 for you!
PANEL 6
LOW ON A STEREOTYPICAL UMP - hand raised to his mouth,
calling out --
UMP: PLAY BALL!
CAPTION: The 1973 season...
PAGE 27
PANEL 1
SHEA STADIUM - In the thick of a game Yogi strolls back from
the pitcher's mound. One hand is on his hip, the other
tipping his cap to the fans quaking the stands all around.
FANS: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
YOGI: Booing don't bother me.
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - DUG OUT - Catfish and another Coach regard the
booing of Yogi with disbelief.
CAPTION: August 17th. The Mets plummet to last
place in their division with only 44
games left to play in the season.
COACH: Is there anybody we got who isn't on the
injured list?
CATFISH: It sure don't seem like it. When folks
boo Yogi Berra, things must be bad!
PANEL 3
INT. YOGI'S OFFICE - Yogi and Catfish. Yogi scrutinizes a
blackboard full of standings St. Louis is in 1st place.
CAPTION: After yet another bruising series...
YOGI: We haven't lost any ground. We're still
only 7 1/2 games out
CATFISH: Only 7 1/2 games and five teams! That's
last place to everybody else!
YOGI: But everybody else in our division has
had some kind of streak but us. Just one
small streak and we can make our move.
YOGI: (3rd balloon) We can still do it.
PANEL 4
NEW ANGLE - CLOSE ON YOGI AND CATFISH -
CATFISH: Yogi, I figure you know more about this
game than everybody else all rolled into
one. But, buddy, it's over.
YOGI: It ain't over until it's over...
PANEL 5
A CRUSH OF REPORTERS - surround Donald Grant.
REPORTER: Mr. Grant, as the Mets' chairman of the
board, tell us -- yes or no -- will Yogi
keep his job and manage the club next
year?
GRANT: Boys, this last coupla months have been
as bad as it gets for fans as far as
their team is concerned. I'll have to
leave them to make that decision.
PANEL 6
DIFFERENT SHOTS ACROSS PAGE - of Yogi in each, quietly
talking with a DIFFERENT PLAYER he's pulled aside.
YOGI: (to #1) Listen, most of our team's now
off the injured list...
YOGI: (to #2) ...I bee-leeve we can still win
this thing...
YOGI: (to #3) ...but I need you help...
YOGI: (to #4) ...I need you to hustle every
day and give it the best you've got...
YOGI: (to #5) ...I need you to bee-leeve!
PAGE 28
A THRILLING SUCCESSION OF PANELS
PANEL 1
ANGLE DOWN FROM SKY AT SPINNING BASEBALL - that's been popped
high, falling into deep left. WE SEE the Mets FIELDER
pressed against the fence at the edge of field, futily
groping for the ball, which is definitely headed over the
fence behind him -- an automatic home run.
CAPTION: Suddenly...
SFX: (ball) SZZHHHHH
FIELDER: (thought balloon) %$@&!, it's over the
fence...
PANEL 2
NEW ANGLE - The baseball drops directly onto the thin slat of
wood of the fence's top. It bounces straight up.
SFX: (the bounce) BONK!
FIELDER: -- Waitaminute --
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - The baseball drops right into his glove.
SFX: (the catch) CLOPH
FIELDER: Hot dog!!!
PANEL 4
GROUND LEVEL SHOT OF JUST-HIT BASEBALL - a groundball,
rolling fast and headed directly into an EXPO PLAYER's mitt.
His eyes are hungry, confident.
SFX: (the groundball) FZZZSSSH
PLAYER: (thought balloon) Right into the glove,
baby, that's it...
PANEL 5
REVERSE ANGLE - LOW - The oncoming ball hits a small stone
laying in the grass and blasts skyward. Behind this, in
B.G., a Mets RUNNER is seen hot-footing it for home.
COACH: (in B.G. to runner) Run! Run!
SFX: (the ball) SSKIFF
PANEL 6
NEW ANGLE - The ball strikes the Expo Player's shoulder and
continues past.
SFX: SWACK!
PANEL 7
NEW ANGLE - The Mets Runner slides into home.
RUNNER: We do have a shot!
PANEL 8
FULL - ON DUG OUT - Yogi stands with one hand clasped under
chin, utterly unimpressed, completely focused. Behind him
Coaches and Players are rapturous.
PLAYERS: You gotta bee-leeve! You gotta bee-
leeve!
CAPTION: Things have turned around for the Mets.
PAGE 29
PANEL 1
NEWSPAPER HEADLINE MONTAGE - tells what happens next. "Mets
Take NL East Title"; "Mets vs. Reds in 2nd Game"; "Mets Take
Game 2"; "Reds Tie Series in Game 4"; "METS WIN PENNANT!"
BIG LETTERS ACROSS PAGE: The 1973 World Series: NY Mets vs.
Oakland A's
PANEL 2
BIG - WORLD SERIES GAME - being played.
CAPTION: After a game 1 loss to Oakland, the
second stretches into a 12-inning, four-
hour and 13-minute gut-buster. Mets
rally with four runs to win 10-7.
PANEL 3
NEWSMAN QUESTIONING YOGI -
NEWSMAN: Yogi, were you apprehensive in the 12th
inning?
YOGI: No. But I was scared.
PANEL 4
INT. AIRPLANE - The team in good spirits despite the loss.
Yogi is seated talking with Bob Scheffing
CAPTION: After a 3-2 lead in the series, Mets fail
to take either game six or seven. The
Oakland A's become World Champions.
BOB: Against improbably odds and inconceivable
setbacks, you proved you could do it,
Yogi. Be proud. Mr. Grant wants to see
you when we get back to New York.
YOGI: (thought balloon) 1964 flashback...
PANEL 5
INT. GRANT'S OFFICE - Very ominous, reminiscent of 1964
owner's meeting (page 10). Yogi is seated humbly before Mr.
Grant and his enormous desk. Grant stands.
GRANT: Three more years, say, at $75,000 per
year sound okay to you, Yogi?
PANEL 6
BILLY MARTIN - introduces Yogi to GEORGE STEINBRENNER
CAPTION: In 1976, Yogi returns to Yankee Stadium
as a coach under Billy Martin for what
will be coined "The Bronx Zoo" years
MARTIN: Yogi, meet Yankees owner George
Steinbrenner...
GEORGE: This is my team, Yogi. And you measure
the value of its players by how many
fannies they put in the seats!
CAPTION: Eight years later, for 1984, Steinbrenner
announces Yogi as the latest of his near-
annually changed team managers.
PAGE 30
PANEL 1
INT. BOARDROOM - Many SUITS seated, most prominent among them
is Steinbrenner. Yogi Berra stands in a shouting match with
him, waving a list of "Player Line-up."
CAPTION: After a 3rd place finish in '84 Yogi
moves to strengthen the team the
following year.
YOGI: But these are the players I want on my
team!
GEORGE: The Yankees are my team! I'll say who
plays and who goes -- not you -- me!
PANEL 2
EXT. O'HARE PARKING LOT - NIGHT - A CHARTER BUS - is parked.
Inside, the Yankees club is seen paying absolute respect,
cheering, giving thumbs-up, etc., while Yogi stands at the
open door. He holds his coat and suitcase.
CAPTION: 15 games into the '85 season Yogi
receives words that he's fired.
2ND CAPTION: After the game, outside of Chicago's
O'Hare airport...
YOGI: I will never return to Yankee Stadium as
long as George Steinbrenner owns the
Yankees!
TEAM: (various) Good for you, Yogi! Attaboy,
Yogi! To Hell with Steinbrenner! You're
the best, Yogi! We love ya, Yogi!
PANEL 3
NEW ANGLE - LOOKING OUT BUS WINDOW - at Yogi standing alone
in the dark parking lot as we pull away. He's waving. It's
a sad sight.
CAPTION: From here, Yogi moves on to the Houston
Astros. True to his word, he has never
returned to Yankee Stadium.
TEXT ACROSS PAGE: Just how did Lawrence Peter get the moniker
of "Yogi," anyway?
PANEL 4
A MOVIE SCREEN - "MOVIETONE NEWS" runs across it. Musical
notes drifting off.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL
PANEL 5
INT. MOVIE THEATER - Looking past school-age KIDS munching
popcorn, silhouetted by the newsreel projection which now
shows a Hindu yogi sitting cross-legged, charming a snake.
MOVIETONE: ...Here, a Hindu practitioner,
or "yogi" as they're called, entrances a
deadly cobra with his hypnotic song...
KID 1: Hey look! That guy sits like Larry!
KID 2: They call 'im a "yogi"!
KID 3: Maybe Larry's a yogi!
PANEL 6
REVERSE ANGLE - THE KIDS - The one in the middle with the
popcorn looks dumpy and sits cross-legged in his seat. He
has the unmistakable mug of Yogi himself.
YOGI: That's Yogi Berra to you!
THE END