If your reading through Joe Torre's screenplay, with the working title, "How I learned to stop worrying, and love L.A.", stop and put it down. There's been some revisions. A new central character has been added; a wayward seeker of truth, named Manny. The new opening takes place at a religious monastery, somewhere high up in the Berkshires... A wise Zen Master, played by Terry Francona, consults the forlorn Manny; both have shaved heads and are wearing meager robes. They sit across from each other, eyes closed in the lotus position, on the stone floor of a main hall of the monastery. They remain motionless as their conversation is heard in narration...
Zen Master: What is it you seek, Weed Hopper?
Manny: Only eternal enlightenment for my soul, Zen Master.
Zen Master: And you are sure you will not find what you seek here?
Manny: Yes.
Zen Master: Very well. Stand. (Manny gets to his feet) Click your heels three time and say these words; There's no place like Om, there's no place like Om...
Manny begins clicking his heels and repeating the words, and opens his eyes to find himself standing in the outfield of Dodger Stadium. He sport a flowing mane of dreadlocks, and is wearing pajamas; no, wait, upon closer inspection they aren't pajamas, but an ill fitting manifestation of a Dodger uniform. Manny beams at his transformation, pounds his mitt, and states one last time, "There's no place like Om."
Zowie, boffo, wicked good summer family entertainment, to be sure! This one has all makings of a mega-hit! There's Oscar buzz all around this one, already! Until next time, Godspeed, Pilgrims.
Keywords: Manny goes Hollywood
