Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. TED
                              (he has become an 
                              armchair lawyer)
                         So, naturally, you assume that since 
                         Joanna left, that would be a 
                         compelling point against her, right? HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. CROSS-CUTTING BETWEEN THEM:

                                     JOANNA
                              (she takes a deep 
                              breath, then:)
                         Ted, I'm leaving you. JOANNA
                         Ted, you're not listening to me. 
                         It's over, finished. THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE JOANNA
                         Yes. I tried to talk to Ted  my ex-
                         husband  about it, but he wouldn't JOANNA
                              (tears start)
                         Ted, I can't... I tried... I really 
                         tried but... I just can't hack it 
                         anymore... JOANNA
                         Please, Ted. I never would have 
                         brought it up if I thought 

                                     TED
                         I'm not interested, Joanna. Goodbye. THELMA
                              (clearly she knows 
                              more than she's 
                              willing to say)
                         I mean... things. Ted, Joanna's very 
                         unhappy and  Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. Reading Joanna's letter.

                                     THELMA
                         Oh, God... OhmyGod...

               She finishes the letter, looks up at Ted. As they continue to walk. Ted's eyes remain on Joanna. As 
               they reach the door to the school, Ted looks at his son. JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been She is dressed simply and no longer has a tan. Nevertheless, 
               Joanna is still stunningly beautiful. HOLD ON HER FOR A BEAT 
               as she looks up, smiles.

               ON TED JOANNA
                              (a deep breath, then:)
                         Ted, when we got married it was TED
                         Joanna said that?

               Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                         Then how come she never said anything 
                         like that to me?
As Ted, carrying Billy, wrapped in his coat, comes barreling 
               out of the park, nearly knocking over several people with As he grabs his stuff and starts toward the exit of the 
               playground.

                                     TED
                              (louder)
                         Billy?

               HIS POV Billy hangs back, watching Ted.

                                     TED
                         Go on, scoot.

               The boy turns and runs back along the beach toward the house. CUT TO:

               TED'S POV

               As the boy, by now a considerable distance away, turns and 
               waves. The Saturday Father, restless, bored, walking with his 
               daughter who is also bored. It is clear that they have nothing 
               to say to one another. He looks around, spots Ted, waves and 
               starts in his direction. HIS POV

               Another area of the playground. Billy is nowhere in sight.

               WIDER ON TED As Ted begins beating a hasty retreat,

                                                                    CUT TO:

               EXT. STREET  DAY

               ON TED The show is over and the parents and children mill around 
               eating popcorn, drinking lemonade from paper cups. Ted stands 
               off to one side, talking to the teacher as Billy runs around. He turns and starts to walk off down the street, Ted, of 
               course, follows. ON TED

               TRACKING IN FRONT OF HIM as he continues to chase his son.

               HIS POV  TRACKING FORWARD nearby rocking chair, watching his son. HOLD FOR A BEAT, 
               then Ted gets to his feet, walks quietly to the door and 
               steps out into the hall, closing the door behind him. That is all Ted can manage to say. He gets to his feet and 
               rushes for the door.

                                                                    CUT TO: As it pulls to a stop, the doors open and, along with the 
               usual flood of mothers and children we SEE Ted and Billy. to bear what they are saying. HOLD ON THEM and, as they reach 
               the entrance to the park, Billy first, then Ted begin to Taking Billy to school. They stop at the entrance, Ted kisses 
               his son good-bye and stands for a moment watching as the boy 
               runs into the building.

                                                                    CUT TO: As Ted enters. He crosses to Billy's bed where the child is 
               fast asleep, sits down on the edge, and starts to rub the 
               child's back. He holds his son tightly while the doctor stitches up the 
               boy's wound. From THIS CAMERA ANGLE we can SEE Ted's face, Looking in another direction. Nothing.

               WIDE ON TED

               Standing among a crowd of people just outside the entrance 
               to the playground. He is looking around wildly. TRACKING WITH HIM as he lets go of Ted's hand and starts to 
               run flat out toward his mother. She kneels, opens her arms Then, in the last shot, Ted lets go of the bike and runs 
               along just behind. Slowly as Billy gains confidence he speeds 
               up, leaving Ted farther and farther behind. Finally, as Billy 
               glances over his shoulders.
THELMA
                              (clearly she knows 
                              more than she's 
                              willing to say)
                         I mean... things. Ted, Joanna's very 
                         unhappy and  JOANNA
                         Yes. I tried to talk to Ted  my ex-
                         husband  about it, but he wouldn't TED
                         Joanna said that?

               Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                         Then how come she never said anything 
                         like that to me? TED
                              (he has become an 
                              armchair lawyer)
                         So, naturally, you assume that since 
                         Joanna left, that would be a 
                         compelling point against her, right? JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE JOANNA
                         Please, Ted. I never would have 
                         brought it up if I thought 

                                     TED
                         I'm not interested, Joanna. Goodbye. Reading Joanna's letter.

                                     THELMA
                         Oh, God... OhmyGod...

               She finishes the letter, looks up at Ted. Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: JOANNA
                              (a deep breath, then:)
                         Ted, when we got married it was THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. JOANNA
                         You can't tell it from a distance, 
                         Ted.

               For the first time he looks up at her. JOANNA
                              (tears start)
                         Ted, I can't... I tried... I really 
                         tried but... I just can't hack it 
                         anymore... JOANNA
                         Ted, you're not listening to me. 
                         It's over, finished. JOANNA
                         Hello, Ted. You look well.

                                     TED
                         So do you. She is dressed simply and no longer has a tan. Nevertheless, 
               Joanna is still stunningly beautiful. HOLD ON HER FOR A BEAT 
               as she looks up, smiles.

               ON TED TED
                              (speaking quietly)
                         When Joanna 
                              (to the judge,
Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. JOANNA
                              (somewhere between 
                              laughter and tears)
                         Oh, Billy... Oh my Billy... Oh my 
                         son...

               WIDER SHOT Joanna stops in the doorway, silhouetted against the light. 
               She turns, takes a last look at her son, then steps outside.

                                                                    CUT TO: Note: during this we cross-cut to Joanna, who sits, staring 
               at her friend, shaken. About half a block away Joanna paces back and forth. She 
               hasn't seen them and it is clear that she is as nervous as 
               they are. HIS POV

               There, standing in the window, watching, is Joanna.

               ON TED AND BILLY JOANNA
                         No you didn't.
                              (quietly)
                         You didn't even ask about Billy. JOANNA
                              (intense)
                         I love you, Billy...

                                     BILLY
                              (drowsy)
                         I love you too, mommy... Good-night... CLOSEUP BILLY

               As he spots his mother.

                                     BILLY
                         Mommy!

               QUICK CUT: JOANNA Closer now, we can SEE that ahead of Billy is a woman that, 
               from behind, looks remarkably like Joanna.

               CLOSER ON TED she didn't leave a lot sooner was 
                         because she loves you so much. Joanna 
                         stayed until she couldn't stand me will be able to see the picture of Joanna when he wakes up 
               in the morning. He sits for a moment longer on the side of JOANNA
                         Yes... How's Billy?

               ON TED

               The question he has been dreading. This is the first time since Joanna left that this has 
               occurred to him.

                                     TED
                         Mrs. Willewska, could you start on 
                         Monday? CUT TO:

               INT. JOANNA'S APT.  DAY

               ON HER

               As she finishes reading the letter. carrying. He crosses to another table, picks up a framed 
               photograph of Joanna and Billy and piles that on top of 
               everything. We realize that Ted is going through the apartment ON JOANNA

               She gets up from the bed and starts toward the door of the 
               child's room.

                                     JOANNA
                         Sleep tight...
INT. OFFICE, TED'S AGENCY  DAY

               ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS TED
                              (not losing his cool)
                         Technically, the agency lost a big 
                         account and seventy four people were 
                         let go. I was one of them. Ted stands inside, talking on the phone. AS THE CAMERA DOLLIES 
               IN CLOSER, he hangs up the receiver and takes the employment That is all Ted can manage to say. He gets to his feet and 
               rushes for the door.

                                                                    CUT TO: FADE TO BLACK:

               INT. TED'S OFFICE  LATE AFTERNOON

               ON TED Ted nods, walks over to the desk and begins collecting 
               paperwork to do over the weekend. As he does, Billy goes 
               through the office, sitting in every chair, looking in every 
               drawer. ON TED

               He realizes that they have lost.

                                     TED
                         Oh, Christ! Ted is sitting at the dining room table, working. Spread out 
               all across the table are layouts, rate sheets, etc., etc. Ted stands at the ocean's edge, his back to CAMERA, weeping.

                                                             FADE TO BLACK: JUMP CUT TO:

               WIDER SHOT

               Ted stands helpless, watching them leave.

                                                               JUMP CUT TO: The room is empty, the door stands open and Ted is gone.

                                     O'CONNOR'S VOICE
                         Ted?...

                                                                    CUT TO: Note: Ted does not for a moment believe that his wife will 
               really leave him. All he can think of right now is that he 
               will have to spend the rest of the evening coping with one 
               of her moods. The Saturday Father, restless, bored, walking with his 
               daughter who is also bored. It is clear that they have nothing 
               to say to one another. He looks around, spots Ted, waves and 
               starts in his direction. Note: It is this same set of notes that Ted will later 
               unthinkingly throw away.

                                                                    CUT TO: Ted sits across from the interviewer, a polished young man 
               in his middle twenties, very efficient, he sounds a bit like 
               a tape recording. TED
                         Yes, but I'm with J. Walter Thompson 
                         now. I don't think that will happen 
                         again. As Ted begins beating a hasty retreat,

                                                                    CUT TO:

               EXT. STREET  DAY

               ON TED By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. Ted gets to his feet and starts toward the foyer.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. FOYER  DAY TED
                              (embarrassed at being 
                              caught)
                         Oh, yeah...

               Reluctantly, Ted leaves, closing the door behind him.
There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: Kim screams at the sight of the blood.

                                     BILLY
                              (terrified)
                         Daddy!

                                                                    CUT TO: His face reveals all of the pain that Billy's can't.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. CLASSROOM, NURSERY SCHOOL  DAY As they start toward the child's room.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT BILLY
                              (tentatively)
                         Daddy?

                                     TED
                              (all anger gone)
                         Yeah? Agitated. This is not what he wanted to hear.

                                     TED
                         But she signed over custody. Here... SHAUNESSY
                         First, there's no such thing as an 
                         open and shut case. Especially where 
                         custody is involved. Got it?

               Ted nods. Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: TED
                              (shaking his head)
                         No.

               CLOSE ON BILLY

               There is a long pause, then: Then, in the last shot, Ted lets go of the bike and runs 
               along just behind. Slowly as Billy gains confidence he speeds 
               up, leaving Ted farther and farther behind. Finally, as Billy 
               glances over his shoulders. punished for that. Billy's only six. 
                         He needs me. I'm not saying he doesn't 
                         need his father, but he needs me By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. It is late, only a few lights are still on.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT It opens and Billy and Mrs. Willewska enter. Billy sees Ted 
               and rushes across to him. Ted gets to his feet, starts for the door.

                                     TED
                         Now go to sleep. It's very late.

                                     BILLY
                         Good night. involved time. He reads to Billy. 
                         They play together. They talk all 
                         the time...
                              (tears start) That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. CUT TO:

               EXT. BEACH  DAY

               It is a clear, cold beautiful winter's day. Ted and Billy 
               walk
That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. ...he has decided that it would be 
                         best for you to live with your mom 
                         Joanna in her apartment.
                              (fake cheerful) JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down, to matter here is what's best for 
                         Billy... When Joanna said why 
                         shouldn't a woman have the same Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE TED
                              (he has become an 
                              armchair lawyer)
                         So, naturally, you assume that since 
                         Joanna left, that would be a 
                         compelling point against her, right? JOANNA
                         Because he's my child... Because I 
                         love him. I know I left my son, I THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. JOANNA
                         No you didn't.
                              (quietly)
                         You didn't even ask about Billy. He's called a judge. And a judge has 
                         a lot of experience with divorces 
                         and he decides who it would be best punished for that. Billy's only six. 
                         He needs me. I'm not saying he doesn't 
                         need his father, but he needs me JOANNA
                              (somewhere between 
                              laughter and tears)
                         Oh, Billy... Oh my Billy... Oh my 
                         son...

               WIDER SHOT JOANNA
                         Because my son is here. And his father 
                         is here. As a mother, I don't want 
                         my child to be separated from his 
                         father. And with that he hands both the judge and Shaunessy a thick 
               sheaf of papers. Then, turning his attention back to Joanna: CLOSEUP BILLY

               As he spots his mother.

                                     BILLY
                         Mommy!

               QUICK CUT: JOANNA JOANNA
                              (quiet, determined)
                         I've learned that I want my son.

               ON TED

               He reacts as though he has been slapped. SHAUNESSY
                         That's tough. In most cases involving 
                         a child that young, the court tends 
                         to side with the mother.

               ON TED SHAUNESSY
                         First, there's no such thing as an 
                         open and shut case. Especially where 
                         custody is involved. Got it?

               Ted nods.
ON TED

               He realizes that they have lost.

                                     TED
                         Oh, Christ! That is all Ted can manage to say. He gets to his feet and 
               rushes for the door.

                                                                    CUT TO: TED
                              (shaking his head)
                         No.

               CLOSE ON BILLY

               There is a long pause, then: Note: Ted does not for a moment believe that his wife will 
               really leave him. All he can think of right now is that he 
               will have to spend the rest of the evening coping with one 
               of her moods. Silence.

                                     TED
                         I know how you feel.

               Silence.

               Ted crosses, sits on the edge of the bed. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE Shaken, she gets down from the witness stand, crosses to the 
               petitioner's table without looking at Ted. She sits, leans 
               across to her lawyer and whispers something in his ear. As 
               he nods... TED
                              (the defense attorney)
                         Objection. You're leading the witness.

                                     BILLY (O.S.)
                         Sure. CUT TO:

               INT. COURTROOM  DAY

               ON TED KRAMER

               Sitting in the witness stand. He is thoughtful for a moment, like a man trying to decide 
               whether or not to drop the bomb. Then, turning back to Ted: JUMP CUT TO:

               WIDER SHOT

               Ted stands helpless, watching them leave.

                                                               JUMP CUT TO: There is a long pause as she looks at Ted, unable to speak.

               Finally: Silence. She still cannot look at him.

                                     TED
                         Look, if it's too much responsibility 
                         

               Thelma nods, unable to speak. JUDGE
                              (before Ted can say 
                              anything)
                         No, counselor, I'm going to over-
                         rule you on this line of questioning. Clearly he doesn't believe this.

                                     O'CONNOR
                         I hope you're right, Ted... I really 
                         hope you're right. TED
                         You're sure?

               She nods again.

                                     TED
                         Thank you, Thel. Thank you very much. ON TED

               Not very reassured.

                                     O'CONNOR
                         Trust me on this one, Ted...

                                                                    CUT TO: Eyes wide. He starts to get up.

                                     TED
                         Objection.

                                     BILLY (O.S.)
                         Sure. Lots of times. Ted stands at the ocean's edge, his back to CAMERA, weeping.

                                                             FADE TO BLACK: BILLY
                         Why does he decide?

                                     TED
                         Because... Well, that's what he does. 
                         He's a very powerful man.
That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. JOANNA
                         No you didn't.
                              (quietly)
                         You didn't even ask about Billy. THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. JOANNA
                              (somewhere between 
                              laughter and tears)
                         Oh, Billy... Oh my Billy... Oh my 
                         son...

               WIDER SHOT JOANNA
                         Because my son is here. And his father 
                         is here. As a mother, I don't want 
                         my child to be separated from his 
                         father. JOANNA
                         Because he's my child... Because I 
                         love him. I know I left my son, I And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down, to matter here is what's best for 
                         Billy... When Joanna said why 
                         shouldn't a woman have the same TED
                              (stiffening)
                         What about Billy?

                                     JOANNA
                         I'm not taking him with me. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE JOANNA
                              (quiet, determined)
                         I've learned that I want my son.

               ON TED

               He reacts as though he has been slapped. JOANNA
                              (firm)
                         I want my son. I'm through sitting 
                         in coffee shops looking at him from 
                         across the street. I want my son. Joanna stops in the doorway, silhouetted against the light. 
               She turns, takes a last look at her son, then steps outside.

                                                                    CUT TO: HIS POV

               There, standing in the window, watching, is Joanna.

               ON TED AND BILLY Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. Note: during this we cross-cut to Joanna, who sits, staring 
               at her friend, shaken. JOANNA
                              (intense)
                         I love you, Billy...

                                     BILLY
                              (drowsy)
                         I love you too, mommy... Good-night... JOANNA
                              (pleading)
                         NO!... Please... Please don't make
Note: Throughout the following, we continually CROSS-CUT to 
               Ted Kramer, leaning forward, listening intently. It becomes 
               evident that, in spite of himself, there are moments he feels 
               great compassion for Joanna. CUT TO:

               INT. TED KRAMER'S OFFICE  DAY CUT TO:

               INT. TED KRAMER'S OFFICE  DAY CUT TO:

               INT. COURTROOM  DAY

               ON TED KRAMER

               Sitting in the witness stand. INT. TED KRAMER'S BEDROOM  LATE AT NIGHT

               ON THE BED CUT TO:

               INT. KITCHEN  TED KRAMER'S APT.  EARLY MORNING

               ON TED GRESSEN
                         Now then, Mr. O'Connor, how long did 
                         Ted Kramer work for you?

                                     O'CONNOR
                         Eight, almost nine years. EXT. STREET  MORNING

               ON TED KRAMER As it pulls to a stop. The doors open and a stream of mothers 
               and children get off. Among them we spot Ted Kramer with Ted Kramer, the phone cradled against his ear is cleaning up 
               the remains of one of Billy's attempts to make the perfect 
               peanut butter sandwich.

               CLOSE ON TED At the moment, TED KRAMER, nice-looking without being what 
               you would call a matinee idol, paces back and forth. His tie ON TED KRAMER

               He stands for a moment, stunned, unable to move. Then he 
               turns and races back into the apartment. Across the room eighteen to twenty mothers (Ted Kramer is 
               the only man present) are gathered, sitting on tiny chairs 
               and at work tables watching as their children put on a show.

               ON BILLY SEE Ted Kramer, a tiny figure among hundreds, coming out of 
               the subway. He crosses the street and starts up the steps of 
               the large and forbidding courthouse. CUT TO:

               EXT. TED KRAMER'S APT. HOUSE  EVENING

               ESTABLISHING SHOT As the door swings open to reveal Ted Kramer, an enormous 
               grin on his face, a bottle of champagne in his hand. He is 
               so full of himself that he doesn't notice there is anything 
               wrong. WIDE SHOT

               Ted Kramer paces back and forth, eyeing the phone. Then, 
               coming to a decision, he crosses to it, picks up the receiver 
               and starts to dial. "KRAMER VS. KRAMER"

                                            by

                                      Robert Benton

                

               FADE IN: Ted  Mr. Kramer, spends a great 
                         deal of time with his child. I don't 
                         just mean hours, I mean good time, comes welling up. What if he pushed too hard? What will he 
               do if he doesn't get a job? If Ted Kramer could fall to his 
               knees and pray, he would.
Note: Ted does not for a moment believe that his wife will 
               really leave him. All he can think of right now is that he 
               will have to spend the rest of the evening coping with one 
               of her moods. Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                              (conflicting emotions)
                         Hey, that's terrific. There is a long pause as she looks at Ted, unable to speak.

               Finally: Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: A look of total pleasure on his face. From time to time when 
               Billy does something particularly difficult, Ted nudges the 
               woman next to him. Suddenly a younger man rushes up, grabs Ted's hand and starts 
               to pump it vigorously.

                                     YOUNG MAN
                         Terrific news, Ted. Shaken, she gets down from the witness stand, crosses to the 
               petitioner's table without looking at Ted. She sits, leans 
               across to her lawyer and whispers something in his ear. As 
               he nods... He stops what he is doing, turns to her.

                                     TED
                         And? They open and Thelma steps out. She runs to the door, begins 
               to knock.

                                     THELMA
                              (calling out)
                         Ted!... It's me... Ted?... TED
                         You're sure?

               She nods again.

                                     TED
                         Thank you, Thel. Thank you very much. She glances up to ask Ted a question about some point or 
               other, notices the direction of his gaze and, unself-
               consciously buttons up her blouse. They listen for a moment, then:

                                     TED
                         Look at us, Joanna. Just like any 
                         old married couple having dinner. 
                         Who would believe it. TED
                         Like that?!

               Phyllis nods.

                                     TED
                         And? JOANNA
                         You can't tell it from a distance, 
                         Ted.

               For the first time he looks up at her. She breaks off, uncertain whether or not to go on. Then, 
               making up her mind, she reaches across, takes Ted's scotch 
               and soda and drinks half of it down in one gulp. That is all Ted can manage to say. He gets to his feet and 
               rushes for the door.

                                                                    CUT TO: Thelma having washed and dried the dishes is now wiping off 
               the top of the counter top, more to keep busy than anything 
               else. She looks around as Ted enters. TED
                              (stunned)
                         What?!?

               Phyllis nods. TED
                              (weary)
                         I'll call Thelma and remind her, 
                         okay? Don't worry.

               They walk in silence for a few steps, then: Instantly, Ted is on his feet, yelling.

                                     TED
                         Goddamnit, can't you watch what you're 
                         doing!
TED
                              (he has become an 
                              armchair lawyer)
                         So, naturally, you assume that since 
                         Joanna left, that would be a 
                         compelling point against her, right? Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. JOANNA
                         Ted, you're not listening to me. 
                         It's over, finished. JOANNA
                              (tears start)
                         Ted, I can't... I tried... I really 
                         tried but... I just can't hack it 
                         anymore... HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. CROSS-CUTTING BETWEEN THEM:

                                     JOANNA
                              (she takes a deep 
                              breath, then:)
                         Ted, I'm leaving you. Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. JOANNA
                         Yes. I tried to talk to Ted  my ex-
                         husband  about it, but he wouldn't JOANNA
                         Please, Ted. I never would have 
                         brought it up if I thought 

                                     TED
                         I'm not interested, Joanna. Goodbye. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE THELMA
                              (clearly she knows 
                              more than she's 
                              willing to say)
                         I mean... things. Ted, Joanna's very 
                         unhappy and  Reading Joanna's letter.

                                     THELMA
                         Oh, God... OhmyGod...

               She finishes the letter, looks up at Ted. As they continue to walk. Ted's eyes remain on Joanna. As 
               they reach the door to the school, Ted looks at his son. JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: TED
                         Joanna said that?

               Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                         Then how come she never said anything 
                         like that to me? JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been JOANNA
                              (a deep breath, then:)
                         Ted, when we got married it was She is dressed simply and no longer has a tan. Nevertheless, 
               Joanna is still stunningly beautiful. HOLD ON HER FOR A BEAT 
               as she looks up, smiles.

               ON TED
He is covered with Billy's blood, it is on his face, his 
               shirt, his trousers. At the moment 'he stands helpless, 
               watching as, Off-Screen, a surgeon examines Billy's wound. Watching, horrified.

               ON BILLY

               As he hits the concrete.

               ON TED BILLY
                              (starting to help)
                         I'm sorry.

               By now there is nothing the boy can do right. it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: Billy's foot, as he trips.

               ON BILLY

               As he starts to fall, still holding onto the airplane.

               QUICK CUT: TED HOLD ON BILLY

               As he wakes up, struggles to his feet. There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: It is late, only a few lights are still on.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT

               TED'S POV He leaps to his feet, starts toward the boy.

               ON BILLY

               As he looks up. CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  EARLY MORNING

               MEDIUM SHOT ON BILLY It is that same afternoon and Billy (his clothes are much 
               dirtier by now) is running back and forth with a group of 
               other children. He is out of his chair like a shot, crosses to Billy and 
               jerks him to his feet.

                                     TED
                              (yelling)
                         Goddamnit! Go to your room! Kim screams at the sight of the blood.

                                     BILLY
                              (terrified)
                         Daddy!

                                                                    CUT TO: His face reveals all of the pain that Billy's can't.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. CLASSROOM, NURSERY SCHOOL  DAY BILLY
                         No!

               By now both of them are out of control. BILLY
                              (at the top of his 
                              voice)
                         Owwww... You're hurting me... You're 
                         hurting me... I hate you... I hate 
                         you... involved time. He reads to Billy. 
                         They play together. They talk all 
                         the time...
                              (tears start)
He is covered with Billy's blood, it is on his face, his 
               shirt, his trousers. At the moment 'he stands helpless, 
               watching as, Off-Screen, a surgeon examines Billy's wound. it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT

               TED'S POV Watching, horrified.

               ON BILLY

               As he hits the concrete.

               ON TED HOLD ON BILLY

               As he wakes up, struggles to his feet. By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. It is late, only a few lights are still on.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: He leaps to his feet, starts toward the boy.

               ON BILLY

               As he looks up. BILLY
                              (starting to help)
                         I'm sorry.

               By now there is nothing the boy can do right. CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  EARLY MORNING

               MEDIUM SHOT ON BILLY His face reveals all of the pain that Billy's can't.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. CLASSROOM, NURSERY SCHOOL  DAY Billy's foot, as he trips.

               ON BILLY

               As he starts to fall, still holding onto the airplane.

               QUICK CUT: TED Kim screams at the sight of the blood.

                                     BILLY
                              (terrified)
                         Daddy!

                                                                    CUT TO: the needle and surgical thread as it moves into and out of 
               view with a slow, steady rhythm. Billy's hand clutches Ted's 
               so tightly that the knuckles are white. BILLY
                              (at the top of his 
                              voice)
                         Owwww... You're hurting me... You're 
                         hurting me... I hate you... I hate 
                         you... He removes the photograph from the drawer, crosses to the 
               bed and places it on the nightstand nearby so that Billy He is out of his chair like a shot, crosses to Billy and 
               jerks him to his feet.

                                     TED
                              (yelling)
                         Goddamnit! Go to your room! Billy gets to his feet, collects his stuff and walks into 
               his bedroom. HOLD ON TED who sits for a moment, then gets
Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! JOANNA
                              (somewhere between 
                              laughter and tears)
                         Oh, Billy... Oh my Billy... Oh my 
                         son...

               WIDER SHOT THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. Note: during this we cross-cut to Joanna, who sits, staring 
               at her friend, shaken. Closer now, we can SEE that ahead of Billy is a woman that, 
               from behind, looks remarkably like Joanna.

               CLOSER ON TED HIS POV

               There, standing in the window, watching, is Joanna.

               ON TED AND BILLY CLOSEUP BILLY

               As he spots his mother.

                                     BILLY
                         Mommy!

               QUICK CUT: JOANNA JOANNA
                         No you didn't.
                              (quietly)
                         You didn't even ask about Billy. Joanna stops in the doorway, silhouetted against the light. 
               She turns, takes a last look at her son, then steps outside.

                                                                    CUT TO: JOANNA
                              (intense)
                         I love you, Billy...

                                     BILLY
                              (drowsy)
                         I love you too, mommy... Good-night... carrying. He crosses to another table, picks up a framed 
               photograph of Joanna and Billy and piles that on top of 
               everything. We realize that Ted is going through the apartment Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE About half a block away Joanna paces back and forth. She 
               hasn't seen them and it is clear that she is as nervous as 
               they are. will be able to see the picture of Joanna when he wakes up 
               in the morning. He sits for a moment longer on the side of And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down, There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her.
it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: His face reveals all of the pain that Billy's can't.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. CLASSROOM, NURSERY SCHOOL  DAY As they start toward the child's room.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT Agitated. This is not what he wanted to hear.

                                     TED
                         But she signed over custody. Here... By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. They cross to the door of Billy's room. Ted opens it.

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  DAY

               THEIR POV SHAUNESSY
                         First, there's no such thing as an 
                         open and shut case. Especially where 
                         custody is involved. Got it?

               Ted nods. Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. BILLY
                              (tentatively)
                         Daddy?

                                     TED
                              (all anger gone)
                         Yeah? Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: Kim screams at the sight of the blood.

                                     BILLY
                              (terrified)
                         Daddy!

                                                                    CUT TO: punished for that. Billy's only six. 
                         He needs me. I'm not saying he doesn't 
                         need his father, but he needs me TED
                              (shaking his head)
                         No.

               CLOSE ON BILLY

               There is a long pause, then: It opens and Billy and Mrs. Willewska enter. Billy sees Ted 
               and rushes across to him. the petitioner be awarded custody of 
                         the minor child, effective Monday 
                         the 23rd of January. That the 
                         respondent pay for the maintenance That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. He's called a judge. And a judge has 
                         a lot of experience with divorces 
                         and he decides who it would be best As Ted, carrying Billy, wrapped in his coat, comes barreling 
               out of the park, nearly knocking over several people with Eyes wide. He starts to get up.

                                     TED
                         Objection.

                                     BILLY (O.S.)
                         Sure. Lots of times.
They cross to the door of Billy's room. Ted opens it.

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  DAY

               THEIR POV By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. WIDE SHOT

               As Ted, now fully dressed, wearing a dark blue suit, white 
               shirt, conservative tie, leans over Billy and wakes him. EXT. STREET  DAY

               ON TED AND BILLY CUT TO:

               EXT. BEACH  DAY

               It is a clear, cold beautiful winter's day. Ted and Billy 
               walk Ted gets to his feet, starts for the door.

                                     TED
                         Now go to sleep. It's very late.

                                     BILLY
                         Good night. And they start off in the opposite direction.

               ON TED

               Realizing that Billy has not said good-bye, has not looked 
               at him once. As Ted enters. He crosses to Billy's bed where the child is 
               fast asleep, sits down on the edge, and starts to rub the 
               child's back. Billy gets to his feet, collects his stuff and walks into 
               his bedroom. HOLD ON TED who sits for a moment, then gets Ted stops, turns to Billy and gives him a last-minute check. 
               Then, spotting a smudge he takes his handkerchief, spits on Billy hangs back, watching Ted.

                                     TED
                         Go on, scoot.

               The boy turns and runs back along the beach toward the house. As it pulls to a stop, the doors open and, along with the 
               usual flood of mothers and children we SEE Ted and Billy. REACTION  BILLY

               Terrified.

               WIDE SHOT

               As Ted kneels down and begins to clean up the mess. Billy lies sprawled across the bed, all tangled up in the 
               covers.

               ON TED

               As he crosses to the sleeping child and starts to straighten 
               the covers. At the moment, Ted is trying to teach Billy how to bat. He starts to crawl into bed.

                                     BILLY
                              (aloof)
                         'Night.

               ON TED As Ted goes through the room, picking up Billy's clothes 
               which have been strewn every which way.

               THE CAMERA TRACKS WITH HIM as he carries them into Billy's 
               room. This brings Ted all the way to his feet. He starts across 
               the living room headed for the door to Billy's room. Ted nods, walks over to the desk and begins collecting 
               paperwork to do over the weekend. As he does, Billy goes 
               through the office, sitting in every chair, looking in every 
               drawer. As Ted grabs a picture of Billy from his desk, takes his 
               jacket and coat and stalks out the door.

                                                                    CUT TO:
As they continue to walk. Ted's eyes remain on Joanna. As 
               they reach the door to the school, Ted looks at his son. JOANNA
                         You can't tell it from a distance, 
                         Ted.

               For the first time he looks up at her. HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE TED
                         Do you want me to help you get a 
                         cab?

               Joanna shakes her head. The elevator door closes behind her 
               and it starts to descend. She is dressed simply and no longer has a tan. Nevertheless, 
               Joanna is still stunningly beautiful. HOLD ON HER FOR A BEAT 
               as she looks up, smiles.

               ON TED JOANNA
                         Hello, Ted. You look well.

                                     TED
                         So do you. Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: JOANNA'S VOICE
                         Ted, it's Joanna. Can you meet me in 
                         the lobby?... Alone?

               And she hangs up before he can answer. TED
                         Joanna said that?

               Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                         Then how come she never said anything 
                         like that to me? As he comes out of the building, starts down the steps.

                                     JOANNA (O.S.)
                         Ted.

               He stops, turns: INT. LOBBY  DAY

               ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS

               As they open, Ted steps out, looks around.

               HIS POV Reading Joanna's letter.

                                     THELMA
                         Oh, God... OhmyGod...

               She finishes the letter, looks up at Ted. INT. HALLWAY  APARTMENT BLDG.  LATE AFTERNOON

               The elevator doors open and Ted steps out. There is a self-conscious pause. From the bar, the piano 
               player begins playing a new song. From Ted and Joanna's 
               reaction, it is clearly a song that has meant a great deal 
               to them in the past. JOANNA
                         I don't know...

               The elevator door opens, Joanna steps inside. Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. The lobby is dark, the only light coming from the window. 
               Joanna sits off to one side, wearing sunglasses. She looks 
               up as Ted approaches, a small smile on her face. Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. ON THE DOOR

               As Ted enters, looks around. The Maitre d'hotel approaches. 
               From his attitude, it is clear that Ted and Joanna were 
               regular customers.
Note: Throughout the following, we continually CROSS-CUT to 
               Ted Kramer, leaning forward, listening intently. It becomes 
               evident that, in spite of himself, there are moments he feels 
               great compassion for Joanna. CUT TO:

               INT. TED KRAMER'S OFFICE  DAY CUT TO:

               INT. TED KRAMER'S OFFICE  DAY CUT TO:

               INT. COURTROOM  DAY

               ON TED KRAMER

               Sitting in the witness stand. INT. TED KRAMER'S BEDROOM  LATE AT NIGHT

               ON THE BED GRESSEN
                         Now then, Mr. O'Connor, how long did 
                         Ted Kramer work for you?

                                     O'CONNOR
                         Eight, almost nine years. CUT TO:

               INT. KITCHEN  TED KRAMER'S APT.  EARLY MORNING

               ON TED Ted Kramer, the phone cradled against his ear is cleaning up 
               the remains of one of Billy's attempts to make the perfect 
               peanut butter sandwich.

               CLOSE ON TED ON TED KRAMER

               He stands for a moment, stunned, unable to move. Then he 
               turns and races back into the apartment. As it pulls to a stop. The doors open and a stream of mothers 
               and children get off. Among them we spot Ted Kramer with EXT. STREET  MORNING

               ON TED KRAMER SEE Ted Kramer, a tiny figure among hundreds, coming out of 
               the subway. He crosses the street and starts up the steps of 
               the large and forbidding courthouse. ALVAREZ
                         Mr. Kramer?

                                     TED
                         Yes? CUT TO:

               EXT. TED KRAMER'S APT. HOUSE  EVENING

               ESTABLISHING SHOT comes welling up. What if he pushed too hard? What will he 
               do if he doesn't get a job? If Ted Kramer could fall to his 
               knees and pray, he would. Across the room eighteen to twenty mothers (Ted Kramer is 
               the only man present) are gathered, sitting on tiny chairs 
               and at work tables watching as their children put on a show.

               ON BILLY "KRAMER VS. KRAMER"

                                            by

                                      Robert Benton

                

               FADE IN: At the moment, TED KRAMER, nice-looking without being what 
               you would call a matinee idol, paces back and forth. His tie WIDE SHOT

               Ted Kramer paces back and forth, eyeing the phone. Then, 
               coming to a decision, he crosses to it, picks up the receiver 
               and starts to dial. As the door swings open to reveal Ted Kramer, an enormous 
               grin on his face, a bottle of champagne in his hand. He is 
               so full of himself that he doesn't notice there is anything 
               wrong.
Note: during this we cross-cut to Joanna, who sits, staring 
               at her friend, shaken. And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down, CUT TO:

               INT. JOANNA'S BEDROOM  MORNING

               ON JOANNA CUT TO:

               INT. JOANNA'S APT.  DAY

               ON HER

               As she finishes reading the letter. JOANNA
                         Yes. I tried to talk to Ted  my ex-
                         husband  about it, but he wouldn't Stunned. He looks across at Joanna.

               QUICK CUT  HIS POV

               Joanna looks away. Note: During the early part of Shaunessy's cross-examination, 
               Joanna has been very forthright, very sure of herself. Now, 
               as he starts getting tougher, she begins to falter. As Joanna gets to her feet, crosses to the witness stand and 
               is sworn in. JOANNA
                              (pleading)
                         NO!... Please... Please don't make JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been Joanna sits across from her lawyer as he talks to her, 
               intently, giving her last-minute instructions.

                                                                    CUT TO: THELMA
                              (getting mad herself)
                         What d'you know about how Joanna HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE As Joanna looks up...

                                                                    CUT TO:

               HER POV brutally honest, I'm not so sure 
                         what kind of mental shape Joanna's 
                         in right now. Y'know she admitted she didn't leave a lot sooner was 
                         because she loves you so much. Joanna 
                         stayed until she couldn't stand me He is a very... kind man... a very... 
                         devoted father, and... and...
                              (she turns to Joanna) JOANNA
                              (a deep breath, then:)
                         Ted, when we got married it was will be able to see the picture of Joanna when he wakes up 
               in the morning. He sits for a moment longer on the side of
ON BILLY There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: Billy nods. BILLY
                         No. ON BILLY

               Weaving in and around the benches. He turns and starts back 
               towards Ted. As he does:

               QUICK CUT: INSERT: TED
                              (shaking his head)
                         No.

               CLOSE ON BILLY

               There is a long pause, then: BILLY
                              (sobbing)
                         I want my... mm... ommy... I want 
                         mmmy... mommy... Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: It opens and Billy and Mrs. Willewska enter. Billy sees Ted 
               and rushes across to him. BILLY
                         Daddy?

                                     TED
                         Uh huh? BILLY
                              (looking at the sign)
                         It's my name too.

                                     TED
                         Right.

               As he opens the door: It is that same afternoon and Billy (his clothes are much 
               dirtier by now) is running back and forth with a group of 
               other children. He is covered with Billy's blood, it is on his face, his 
               shirt, his trousers. At the moment 'he stands helpless, 
               watching as, Off-Screen, a surgeon examines Billy's wound. He leaps to his feet, starts toward the boy.

               ON BILLY

               As he looks up. BILLY
                              (at the top of his 
                              voice)
                         Owwww... You're hurting me... You're 
                         hurting me... I hate you... I hate 
                         you... CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT

               TED'S POV BILLY
                              (very quiet)
                         Are you... gonna go... away?

               ON TED

               Stunned at the question. They cross to the door of Billy's room. Ted opens it.

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  DAY

               THEIR POV
TED
                              (he has become an 
                              armchair lawyer)
                         So, naturally, you assume that since 
                         Joanna left, that would be a 
                         compelling point against her, right? Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. JOANNA
                         Ted, you're not listening to me. 
                         It's over, finished. JOANNA
                         Yes. I tried to talk to Ted  my ex-
                         husband  about it, but he wouldn't THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. JOANNA
                              (tears start)
                         Ted, I can't... I tried... I really 
                         tried but... I just can't hack it 
                         anymore... THELMA
                              (clearly she knows 
                              more than she's 
                              willing to say)
                         I mean... things. Ted, Joanna's very 
                         unhappy and  CROSS-CUTTING BETWEEN THEM:

                                     JOANNA
                              (she takes a deep 
                              breath, then:)
                         Ted, I'm leaving you. she didn't leave a lot sooner was 
                         because she loves you so much. Joanna 
                         stayed until she couldn't stand me JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been JOANNA
                         Please, Ted. I never would have 
                         brought it up if I thought 

                                     TED
                         I'm not interested, Joanna. Goodbye. TED
                         Joanna said that?

               Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                         Then how come she never said anything 
                         like that to me? Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE JOANNA
                              (a deep breath, then:)
                         Ted, when we got married it was Reading Joanna's letter.

                                     THELMA
                         Oh, God... OhmyGod...

               She finishes the letter, looks up at Ted. JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. TED
                              (softly, but with 
                              real feeling)
                         Good Christ, Joanna, just get the 
                         hell out of my life.
In the midst of all this chaos sits PHYLLIS BERNARD, as we 
               said before, she is about thirty, very pretty in spite of 
               her glasses.

               ON PHYLLIS ON THE FIFTH WOMAN (MRS. WILLEWSKA)

               She is a slightly built attractive woman in her early sixties.

               There is a long pause as she looks around. And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down, somebody's daughter or somebody's 
                         wife, or somebody else's mother. 
                         Then all of a sudden, I was a thirty- JUDGE
                         I'll allow that. The witness will 
                         answer please.

                                     JOANNA
                              (in a whisper)
                         Yes. Note: The following scene, which is written as one, is 
               actually to be played so that each time we cut back to the had it. You can call your good friend 
                         Joanna Kramer and tell her enough is 
                         enough, okay? I mean, I don't know much I loved him... And I did... And 
                         I won. Only... it was just another 
                         "should."
                              (she begins to break She breaks off, uncertain whether or not to go on. Then, 
               making up her mind, she reaches across, takes Ted's scotch 
               and soda and drinks half of it down in one gulp. Ted shrugs.

                                     TED
                         How should I know?

                                     PHYLLIS
                         Murray.

               REACTION, TED This is MRS. KLINE. She has the slightly haggard look of 
               someone who has just survived a birthday party with eight 
               five-year-olds. THELMA
                              (hastily)
                         Maybe. I said maybe.
                              (apologizing for her As Mrs. Willewska comes out. Her eyes are red from crying. 
               THE CAMERA PANS WITH HER as she turns up the street on her Look, this isn't exactly an easy 
                         thing for me to do, y'know? I swear 
                         Murray and I did everything we could, JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been moving up. His housekeeper has been 
                         Etta Willewska and she is the main 
                         reason for the note. She is a loving Shaken, she gets down from the witness stand, crosses to the 
               petitioner's table without looking at Ted. She sits, leans 
               across to her lawyer and whispers something in his ear. As 
               he nods...  very hard. And when she couldn't, 
                         then she tried to tell me about it. 
                         Only I wouldn't listen. I guess I GRESSEN
                         And would you describe those years 
                         as happy?

                                     JOANNA
                         The first couple, yes, but after 
                         that it became increasingly difficult. Several rows in front of her is Thelma. Ted crosses to her, 
               they talk quietly between themselves for a few moments. Then
As Ted, carrying Billy, wrapped in his coat, comes barreling 
               out of the park, nearly knocking over several people with Watching, horrified.

               ON BILLY

               As he hits the concrete.

               ON TED He is covered with Billy's blood, it is on his face, his 
               shirt, his trousers. At the moment 'he stands helpless, 
               watching as, Off-Screen, a surgeon examines Billy's wound. it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: It is that same afternoon and Billy (his clothes are much 
               dirtier by now) is running back and forth with a group of 
               other children. BILLY
                         I love you...

                                                                    CUT TO:

               EXT. CENTRAL PARK  DAY As he grabs his stuff and starts toward the exit of the 
               playground.

                                     TED
                              (louder)
                         Billy?

               HIS POV to bear what they are saying. HOLD ON THEM and, as they reach 
               the entrance to the park, Billy first, then Ted begin to By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. Billy's foot, as he trips.

               ON BILLY

               As he starts to fall, still holding onto the airplane.

               QUICK CUT: TED (glancing around, 
                              making sure Billy is 
                              out of earshot)
                         I mean, with what he's been through Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: involved time. He reads to Billy. 
                         They play together. They talk all 
                         the time...
                              (tears start) BILLY
                              (it comes pouring out)
                         That's why mommy left... isn't it? 
                         'Cause I was bad...

               The boy begins to weep. BILLY
                              (starting to help)
                         I'm sorry.

               By now there is nothing the boy can do right. His face reveals all of the pain that Billy's can't.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. CLASSROOM, NURSERY SCHOOL  DAY Then, in the last shot, Ted lets go of the bike and runs 
               along just behind. Slowly as Billy gains confidence he speeds 
               up, leaving Ted farther and farther behind. Finally, as Billy 
               glances over his shoulders. REACTION  BILLY

               Terrified.

               WIDE SHOT

               As Ted kneels down and begins to clean up the mess. The sprinkler area. Other children are running around, but 
               there is no sign of Billy.

                                     TED
                              (calling out)
                         Billy?
JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! CUT TO:

               INT. JOANNA'S APT.  DAY

               ON HER

               As she finishes reading the letter. JOANNA
                              (firm)
                         I want my son. I'm through sitting 
                         in coffee shops looking at him from 
                         across the street. I want my son. Note: during this we cross-cut to Joanna, who sits, staring 
               at her friend, shaken. JOANNA
                         After I left... when I was in 
                         California, I began to think, what to believe I did everything I could 
                         to get Joanna to stay.
                              (pause)
                         But I'll tell you something. You may JOANNA
                         Yes. I tried to talk to Ted  my ex-
                         husband  about it, but he wouldn't About half a block away Joanna paces back and forth. She 
               hasn't seen them and it is clear that she is as nervous as 
               they are. CUT TO:

               INT. JOANNA'S BEDROOM  MORNING

               ON JOANNA And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down, brutally honest, I'm not so sure 
                         what kind of mental shape Joanna's 
                         in right now. Y'know she admitted Joanna stops in the doorway, silhouetted against the light. 
               She turns, takes a last look at her son, then steps outside.

                                                                    CUT TO: JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been TED
                         Jim, I appreciate what you're saying. 
                         I mean it, but I really think Joanna's 
                         coming back.

               ON O'CONNOR planning to remain in New York, or 
                         even to keep the child for that 
                         matter, since you've never really 
                         done anything in your life that was JOANNA
                              (quiet, determined)
                         I've learned that I want my son.

               ON TED

               He reacts as though he has been slapped. HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. for Joanna's return. As he continues straightening up the 
               room, JOANNA
                              (completing the 
                              sentence)
                         Watching my son... Ted, I've been 
                         living in New York for the past two 
                         months.
Agitated. This is not what he wanted to hear.

                                     TED
                         But she signed over custody. Here... There is a long beat of silence as Billy thinks about this.

               Clearly an enormous burden has been lifted from his shoulders.

               Finally: it and wipes the child's chin. Now satisfied, he takes Billy's 
               hand and they continue. Suddenly: His face reveals all of the pain that Billy's can't.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. CLASSROOM, NURSERY SCHOOL  DAY As they start toward the child's room.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT SHAUNESSY
                         First, there's no such thing as an 
                         open and shut case. Especially where 
                         custody is involved. Got it?

               Ted nods. Kim screams at the sight of the blood.

                                     BILLY
                              (terrified)
                         Daddy!

                                                                    CUT TO: BILLY
                              (tentatively)
                         Daddy?

                                     TED
                              (all anger gone)
                         Yeah? the petitioner be awarded custody of 
                         the minor child, effective Monday 
                         the 23rd of January. That the 
                         respondent pay for the maintenance That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. Billy immediately turns on his heels and heads back into the 
               bathroom.

                                                                    CUT TO: By now they have reached Billy's room. Ted dumps him on the 
               bed unceremoniously and starts out of the room. SHAUNESSY
                         That's tough. In most cases involving 
                         a child that young, the court tends 
                         to side with the mother.

               ON TED punished for that. Billy's only six. 
                         He needs me. I'm not saying he doesn't 
                         need his father, but he needs me They cross to the door of Billy's room. Ted opens it.

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  DAY

               THEIR POV TED
                              (shaking his head)
                         No.

               CLOSE ON BILLY

               There is a long pause, then: As Ted, carrying Billy, wrapped in his coat, comes barreling 
               out of the park, nearly knocking over several people with He's called a judge. And a judge has 
                         a lot of experience with divorces 
                         and he decides who it would be best Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. It is late, only a few lights are still on.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. BILLY'S ROOM  NIGHT
That stops her dead in her tracks. She had always assumed 
               that Joanna took Billy with her when she left. Joanna gets to her feet and takes Billy's hand.

                                     JOANNA
                              (to Ted, but looking 
                              at Billy)
                         I'll have him back at six. HIS POV

               There, standing in the window, watching, is Joanna.

               ON TED AND BILLY JOANNA
                              (somewhere between 
                              laughter and tears)
                         Oh, Billy... Oh my Billy... Oh my 
                         son...

               WIDER SHOT carrying. He crosses to another table, picks up a framed 
               photograph of Joanna and Billy and piles that on top of 
               everything. We realize that Ted is going through the apartment JOANNA
                              (a deep breath)
                         Ted... The reason I wanted to see 
                         you... I want Billy back.

                                     TED
                         You want what?! HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. Closer now, we can SEE that ahead of Billy is a woman that, 
               from behind, looks remarkably like Joanna.

               CLOSER ON TED THELMA
                         Joanna left Billy? She didn't take 
                         him with her?

               Ted shakes his head. There is a long beat of silence. CLOSEUP BILLY

               As he spots his mother.

                                     BILLY
                         Mommy!

               QUICK CUT: JOANNA Note: during this we cross-cut to Joanna, who sits, staring 
               at her friend, shaken. Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. As she turns, spots Billy, starts to run.

               ON BILLY About half a block away Joanna paces back and forth. She 
               hasn't seen them and it is clear that she is as nervous as 
               they are. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE JOANNA
                         No you didn't.
                              (quietly)
                         You didn't even ask about Billy. It opens and Billy and Mrs. Willewska enter. Billy sees Ted 
               and rushes across to him. Joanna stops in the doorway, silhouetted against the light. 
               She turns, takes a last look at her son, then steps outside.

                                                                    CUT TO: CUT TO:

               INT. JOANNA'S APT.  DAY

               ON HER

               As she finishes reading the letter. And Joanna if you ever saw them 
                         together... there wouldn't be a trial 
                         at all...
                              (she breaks down,
JOANNA'S VOICE
                         Ted, it's Joanna. Can you meet me in 
                         the lobby?... Alone?

               And she hangs up before he can answer. The lobby is dark, the only light coming from the window. 
               Joanna sits off to one side, wearing sunglasses. She looks 
               up as Ted approaches, a small smile on her face. Joanna gets to her feet and starts toward the front door. In 
               an instant Ted is after her. HIS POV

               There, standing waiting for him is Joanna.

               CLOSE ON TED

               His face a mask of cold anger. She crosses to him. As he comes out of the building, starts down the steps.

                                     JOANNA (O.S.)
                         Ted.

               He stops, turns: As they continue to walk. Ted's eyes remain on Joanna. As 
               they reach the door to the school, Ted looks at his son. Joanna sits, still not looking at Ted. She holds her face, 
               one hand shielding her eyes.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               ON THE JUDGE JOANNA
                         You can't tell it from a distance, 
                         Ted.

               For the first time he looks up at her. Ted nods in agreement. There is a beat of silence as both 
               men consider Joanna's imminent return. Then: She is dressed simply and no longer has a tan. Nevertheless, 
               Joanna is still stunningly beautiful. HOLD ON HER FOR A BEAT 
               as she looks up, smiles.

               ON TED Reading Joanna's letter.

                                     THELMA
                         Oh, God... OhmyGod...

               She finishes the letter, looks up at Ted. TED'S VOICE
                         Joanna?

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. RESTAURANT, ISLE OF CAPRI  NIGHT TED
                         Joanna said that?

               Thelma nods.

                                     TED
                         Then how come she never said anything 
                         like that to me? ON THE DOOR

               As Ted enters, looks around. The Maitre d'hotel approaches. 
               From his attitude, it is clear that Ted and Joanna were 
               regular customers. THELMA
                              (clearly she knows 
                              more than she's 
                              willing to say)
                         I mean... things. Ted, Joanna's very 
                         unhappy and  Joanna's last ounce of reserve crumbles, she begins to sob. 
               Ted puts his arms around her and holds her. They do not kiss. 
               Then, after a few moments she steps back. JOANNA
                              (she will be heard)
                         Ted, all my life I'd either been TED
                         Do you want me to help you get a 
                         cab?

               Joanna shakes her head. The elevator door closes behind her 
               and it starts to descend. TED'S VOICE
                         Hello?

                                     JOANNA'S VOICE
                         Ted? INT. LOBBY  DAY

               ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS

               As they open, Ted steps out, looks around.

               HIS POV
Why is Joanna leaving Ted?  What happens to Ted's son at the park? Who counseled Joanna to leave Ted if she wasn't happy? How long is Joanna away before she comes back for Billy? What happens to Ted's job at the advertising agency? Who wins the custody battle for Billy? Why did the courts presume that Billy would be better off placed with Joanna?  Why does Ted decide not to appeal the verdict? Why does Joanna not take custody of Billy?  What is Ted Kramer's job? What does Ted's wife do when he tells her his good news? Why does Joanna leave Ted? How does Billy injure himself? Where on his body does Billy injure himself? How long passes before Joanna returns to claim Billy? Who does the court award custody of Billy? What do Ted and Billy do the morning Billy is supposed to move out? Joanna asked Ted how she looked after entering the elvator. What does Ted say? What was Ted Kramer job? Who was Joanna? Who was Billy? Why did Joanna said she was leaving Ted? Who was Margaret? What happen to Billy when he had accident in the park? What did Joanna want when she return to New York? Whom did court award custody of Billy to? What did Joanna did when she show up to pick up Billy? What did Joanna told Ted at the lobby?
Because she needs to find herself She needs to find herself.
He falls off the jungle gym and cuts his face He falls and cuts his face.
Margaret Margaret.
15 months 15 months
Ted is fired He was fired.
Joanna Joanna
Because she is his mother They said that children are best raised by their mothers. 
Because he does not want to put his child on the stand He doesn't want Billy to take the stand.
Because she knows that his true home is with his father Billy belongs with Ted
advertising executive he is an advertising executive
Tells him she is leaving him She tells him that she is leaving him.
To find herself She needs to "find herself". 
Falls off the jungle gym falling at the playground
His face His face.
15 months 15 months.
Joanna Joanna.
Make breakfast make breakfast
Terrific Terrific.
Advertising Executive he is an advertising executive
Ted's wife Ted's wife
Ted and Joanna son Billy is Ted and Joanna's son.
Joanna said she need to find herself. She needed to find herself.
Ted neighbor Ted's neighbor
Billy had a cut on his face. Ted ran him to the hospital.
Joanna wanted custody of Billy custody of Billy
Joanna Joanna.
Joanna called Ted to come down to the lobby. Decided not to take him 
Joanna told Ted, she love  Billy and his  home is with Ted. That Billy's true home is with Ted and she will not take him away. 