A BUNCH OF BANKERS – Screenplay. Anna Tomkins
it for you. Remember?
FLASHBACK. INT. SAME INTERVIEW ROOM – THREE MONTHS EARLIER
Terry sat in chair wearing trademark raincoat and deerstalker hat. The hat is fastened tightly to his head by a thick bandage under his chin.
Sean trying not to giggle.
SEAN
Morning Terry. What's wrong with your head?
TREVOR
I went to the loo, pulled the chain and whole toilet fell on my head.
Sean struggling not to laugh. Sad but funny.
SEAN
Just a minute, mate. I'll go get Sam.
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM (BACK TO PRESENT)
Sean can smell something bad in the room.
SEAN
Sam's very busy this morning. What can I help you with my friend?
Terry puts the shopping bag down on the desk between them.
TERRY
It’s my dog Blackie.
SEAN
So what's wrong with Blackie then?
TERRY
He's got the shits. I don't have any money to take him to the vet.
SEAN
So where is Blackie now?
TERRY
Blackie is in my shopping bag so he don't make a mess in the bank.
Terry opens the bag and a little black head pops out. Sean leans forward, gets a smell from the bag and leans back as far as possible.
SEAN
Think it’s a bit late to worry about that now. Just a minute. I'll go get Sam.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BANK – BANKING HALL – CUSTOMERS SIDE OF COUNTER – SOME TIME LATER
TWO POLICEMEN enter the banking hall.
Policemen approach cashiers.
POLICEMAN N1
We need to speak with your manager for a few moments please. Tell him it’s urgent.
CUT TO:
INT. MANAGER'S MR. MCFIER OFFICE – WIDE SHOT – FEW MINUTES LATER
Manager Mr. McFier, two policemen, Sean and Sam.
Mr. McFier sat at his desk, stares at his guests.
Two policemen standing in front of the manager.
Sean and Sam standing either side of the manager, looking at the policemen.
POLICEMAN N1, short, fat man dressed in uniform. Wearing baton and handcuffs on his waist.
POLICEMAN N1
Our informant overheard the conversation in a bar on Brandlesbury Estate.
SEAN (V.O.)
Brandlesbury Estate was known locally as the roughest part of town. Even the police Alsations had to wear body armour on patrol.
POLICEMAN N1
The man told his friend that he was desperate for cash. He had got hold of a firearm and was going to rob a bank on Friday.
Please, be extra vigilant Gentlemen. Keep as little cash as possible on the counter. Our informant is considered reliable but he couldn't tell us which bank is the intended target.
POLICEMAN N2, tall big man. Also dressed in uniform. Joining the conversation.
POLICEMAN N2
If the man points a gun at you do as he says and give him everything he wants. Remember the bank is insured and we do not want any dead heroes.
The staff and the manager look concerned at each other.
ANGLE ON SEAN'S FACE
SEAN (V.O.)
If he points a gun at you do as he says? Are you fucking joking? If he points a gun at me I will make sure he does not leave without the managers wallet and car keys as well. Be A hero? On these wages? I don't think so.
MANAGER MR. MCFIER
Thanks for letting us know so promptly gentlemen. I will advise the staff to be extra cautious.
Turns to Sam.
MANAGER MR. MCFIER
Make sure the staff are aware of the potential threat, although to be honest we are about the smallest bank in town. Anybody that desperate for money would probably go for one of the bigger fish. Who have we got working at the sub branch on Friday?
SEAN (V.O.)
The sub branch was only open on Friday mornings for the market traders. There was only ever a supervisor and one cashier. I loved doing this job. It was never busy. An absolute dawdle.
SAM
Sean is going as supervisor and I was thinking of sending Margaret.
SEAN (V.O.)
Oh shit, not Margaret. Since her husband went off on his round the world expedition for a packet of cigarettes she has been completely spaced out. Most of the time she doesn't know what planet she is on. Please, please, oh please, send gorgeous Rachael. The love of my life.
MANAGER MR. MCFIER
Capital idea Sam. Should be nice and quiet for the old girl. OK back to work gentlemen.
Sam and Sean leave the manager’s office.
INT. MAIN OFFICE – SEAN AND SAM – NEXT
SAM
How are you fixed for money Sean?
SEAN
If I get any more skint Bob Geldof will be arranging a Live Aid concert for me. Why?
SAM
Fancy some overtime and travel expenses?
Sean nods.
SAM
You know Mr. James?
SEAN
The wrestler? Yes seen him on TV once or twice. I don't care if it’s all choreographed, I wouldn't want him to chuck me around a ring.
SAM
That's the man. He also owns a restaurant up on the moors. I need you to do a visit to it. Its miles from anywhere so you will make a few quid in car mileage allowance.
SEAN
Cheers mate. What do you need me to do?
Sam takes a large brown envelope from his desk and hands it to Sean.
SAM
Village needs these mortgage documents signing and sending back to Head Office as soon as possible. Mr. James will be there any time after seven.
SEAN
No problemo. I'll do it tonight.
CUT TO:
INT. BANKING HALL – NEXT
Sam makes an announcement to the staff.
SAM
Listen up everybody. The police have just informed us that there is a danger of an armed robbery in this area, probably on Friday, so let’s be extra careful please.
SARAH AND RACHAEL
On counter, serving a queue of customers, talking quietly to each other.
Sarah counting money. Smiles politely to very Tall customer in gray coat.
SARAH
Did you know the glass screen between us and Joe Public is not actually bulletproof?
RACHAEL
(looks surprised; shakes her head)
You're kidding me, right?
SARAH
(lowers her voice)
Bloody