The Blues Brothers

 

 

Screenplay by       John Landis

          Dan Aykroyd

 

Produced by       Robert K. Weiss

 

Directed by       John Landis

 

 

 

Cast List:

 

John Belushi      Joliet Jake

Dan Aykroyd      Elwood Blues

James Brown      Reverend James

Cab Calloway     Curtis

Ray Charles      Ray

Carrie Fisher     Mystery Woman

Aretha Franklin      Soul Food Café Owner

Henry Gibson      Nazi Leader

John Candy     Burton Mercer

 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

WALKING THROUGH THE PRISON

 

Jake is escorted by two Guards down a jail hall.

 

PRISONER

Hey!!

 

 

IN THE PAROLE OFFICE

 

GUARD ONE

Well, this is it.

 

He opens the door and all three of them enter the room.

 

GUARD TWO

What wing?

 

GUARD ONE

Maximum wing, block 9.

 

GUARD TWO

Standard release?

 

GUARD ONE

Parole, 3 out of 5, good behavior.

 

GUARD TWO

Gimme a minute...

 

He gets Jake's belongings.

 

GUARD TWO

One Timex digital watch, broken. One unused prophylactic. One soiled.

 

Outside view of Elwood pulling up to the jail entrance.

 

GUARD TWO

One black suit jacket. One pair of black suit pants. One hat, black. One pair of sunglasses. Twenty three dollars and seven cents. Sign here.

 

Jake signs an "X" on the form.

 

Opening Credits start rolling.

 

SONG: "She Caught the Katy" (background music)

 

 

JAKE AND ELWOOD IN THE CAR

 

JAKE

What's this?

 

ELWOOD

What?

 

JAKE

This car. This stupid car. Where's the Cadillac? The Caddy? Where's the Caddy?

 

ELWOOD

The what?

 

JAKE

The Cadillac we used to have. The Blues Mobile!

 

ELWOOD

I traded it.

 

JAKE

You traded the Blues Mobile for this?

 

ELWOOD

No. For a microphone.

 

JAKE

A microphone? Okay I can see that. Well, what the hell is this?

 

ELWOOD

This was a bargain. I picked it up at the Mount Prospect City Police auction last spring. It's an old Mount Prospect Police Car. They were practically giving them away.

 

JAKE

Well, thank you pal, the day I get out of prison, my own brother picks me up in a police car.

 

Fog horn and warning bell sounds.

 

ELWOOD

You don't like it?

 

JAKE

No, I don't like it.

 

Elwood drives over a raising draw bridge.

 

JAKE

Cars got a lot of pick up.

 

ELWOOD

It's got a cop motor, a four hundred and forty cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks, it was a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. Whaddya say? Is it the new Blues Mobile or what?

 

JAKE

Fix the cigarette lighter.

 

 

OUTSIDE THE ORPHANAGE

 

JAKE

What are we doing here?

 

ELWOOD

You promised you'd visit the penguin the day you got out.

 

JAKE

Yeah? So, I lied to her.

 

ELWOOD

You can't lie to a nun. We gotta go in and visit the penguin.

 

JAKE

No fucking way!

 

 

INSIDE THE ORPHANAGE

 

Jake and Elwood go in and climb the stairs until they reach a door. Just before Elwood knocks on the door, a voice is heard from inside.

 

NUN

Who is it?

 

ELWOOD

Jake and Elwood.

 

NUN

Come in.

 

They go in. The door shuts behind them.

 

NUN

Hello boys, nice to see you. Please, have a seat.

 

Jack and Elwood sit on seats at back of room.

 

NUN

No no boys. Come over here in front of me. I want to see your faces.

 

They shuffle up a bit closer.

 

NUN

The county took a tax assessment of this property last month. They want five thousand dollars.

 

ELWOOD

Doesn't the church have to pay that?

 

NUN

They would if they were interested in keeping the place, but they aren't. The Arch Bishop wants to sell this building outright to the board of Education.

 

ELWOOD

What's gonna happen to you?

 

NUN

I'll be sent to the missions.

 

JAKE

Forget it, five grand; no problem, we'll have it for you in the morning. Let's go Elwood.

 

NUN

NO NO! I will not take your filthy stolen money.

 

JAKE

Well then, I guess you're really up shit creek.

 

The nun hits Jake on the hand with a ruler.

 

NUN

I beg your pardon what did you say?

 

JAKE

I offered to help you. You refused to take our money, then I said "I guess you're really up shit creek"

 

She hit's him again.

 

ELWOOD

Christ Jake take it easy, man

 

NUN

Elwood!

 

She starts hitting them both as the language deteriorates.

 

ELWOOD

Ah you fat penguin!

 

The ruler breaks and the Nun reaches for a sword. Jake and Elwood go tumbling down the stairs.

 

NUN

You are such a disappointing pair. I prayed so hard for you. It saddens and hurts me that the two young men whom I raised to believe in the ten commandments have returned to me as two thieves, with filthy mouths and bad attitudes. Get out! And don't come back until you've redeemed yourselves.

 

She disappears back into her office and the door mysteriously closes.

 

CURTIS

Boys, you gotta learn not to talk to nuns that way. Jake! Elwood!

 

JAKE & ELWOOD

Curtis!

 

CURTIS

Hey, buy you boys a drink?

 

 

CURTIS'S KITCHEN

 

CURTIS

Boys, things are bad. They're gonna sell this place to the board of education and I'll be out on the street. That money's gotta be in the Cook County Assessors office within 11 days.

 

JAKE

They wouldn't turn you out would they?

 

CURTIS

Shit. What's one more old nigger to the board of education?

 

ELWOOD

Curtis, you and the penguin are the the only family we got. And you're the only one that was ever good to us. Singing Elmore James tunes and blowing the harp for us down here.

 

CURTIS

Well, the sister was right. You boys could use a little churching up. Slide on down to the Triple Rock and catch Reverend Cleophis. You boys listen to what he's got to say.

 

JAKE

Curtis, I don't wanna listen to no jive ass preacher talking to me about heaven and hell.

 

CURTIS

Jake, you get wise! You get to church!

 

 

AT THE TRIPLE ROCK CHURCH

 

MC

And now, this weeks sermon is from our beloved the Reverend Cleophis James.

 

REVEREND JAMES

And now people. And now people. When I woke up this morning, I heard a disturbing sound. I said, when I woke up this morning I heard a disturbing sound. What I heard was the jingle-jangle of a thousand lost souls. And I'm talking about the souls of all the men and women, departed from this life. Wait a minute, the Lord says the souls of us here on earth is, secret of divine life, they'll not find. Because it's too late... Too late yeah, too late for them to ever see again, the light they once chose not to follow, don't be lost when the time comes. For the day of the Lord cometh, out of deep in the night. Amen. Amen.

 

SONG: "The Old Landmark" (congregation singing and dancing).

 

ELWOOD

Jake, you alright?

 

Ray of sunlight shines through the church onto Jake.

 

JAKE

The band...

(louder)

The band...

 

REVEREND JAMES

Do you see the light?

 

JAKE

(louder)

The band!

 

REVEREND JAMES

Do you see the light?

 

ELWOOD

What light?

 

REVEREND JAMES

Have you seen the light?

 

JAKE

Yes, Yes! Jesus H. god damned bastard Christ, I have seen the light!

 

Jake starts dancing with the others.

 

JAKE

The band Elwood. The band!

 

ELWOOD

The band?... The band. The band? The band!

 

REVEREND JAMES

Praise God.

 

ELWOOD

And God bless the United States of America.

 

 

JAKE AND ELWOOD, IN THEIR CAR

 

SONG: "Soothe me" (In the background.)

 

JAKE

We'll put the band back together, do a few gigs, we get some bread. Bang! Five thousand bucks.

 

ELWOOD

Yeah, well, getting the band back together might not be that easy.

 

JAKE

What're you talking about?

 

ELWOOD

They split, they all took straight jobs.

 

JAKE

Yeah so you know where they are. You said you were gonna keep in touch with them

 

ELWOOD

I got a coupla leads, a few phone numbers, but I mean, how many of them visited or even wrote you huh?

 

JAKE

They're not the kinda guys who write letters. You were outside, I was inside, you were s'posed to keep in touch with the band. I kept asking you if we were gonna play again.

 

ELWOOD

Well, what was I gonna do? Take away you're only hope? Take away the very thing that kept you going in there? I took the liberty of bullshitting you, okay?

 

JAKE

You lied to me.

 

ELWOOD

It wasn't lies, it was just bullshit.

 

Jake and Elwood are in the car, and go through a yellow traffic light. Police lights flash in the rear view mirror.

 

ELWOOD

Shit!

 

JAKE

What?

 

ELWOOD

Rollers.

 

JAKE

No?

 

ELWOOD

Yeah.

 

JAKE

Shit.

 

Elwood pulls over as directed and an officer approaches the car.

 

ELWOOD

What? What did I do?

 

OFFICER DANIEL

You failed to stop at a red signal.

 

ELWOOD

The light was yellow sir.

 

OFFICER DANIEL

May I see your license please?

 

He takes the license back to the squad car.

 

JAKE

Goddamnit!

 

ELWOOD

Man I haven't been pulled over in six months. I bet those cops have got SCMODS.

 

JAKE

SCMODS?

 

ELWOOD

State, County, Municipal, Offender, Data, System.

 

The two officers return to Jake and Elwood's car.

 

OFFICER DANIEL

Elwood, we show your license currently under suspension. Step out of the car please.

 

Elwood starts the car and drives off. The officers run back to their car and follow.

 

JAKE

First you trade the Caddilac for a microphone, then you lie to me about the band, now you're gonna put me right back in the joint.

 

ELWOOD

They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God.

 

JAKE

Elwood!

 

OFFICER MOUNT

(into CB)

We are in high speed pursuit northbound on Cortlen Avenue. Black and white 1974 Dodge sedan with Illinios plates. Request assistance.

 

Elwood turns into a parking lot. Officers pursue.

 

ELWOOD

It would be alright if we could just get back on the expressway.

 

JAKE

This don't look like no expressway to me!

 

ELWOOD

Don't yell at me.

 

JAKE

What the hell do you want me to do motorhead?

 

ELWOOD

Well, try not to be so negative all the time. Why don't you offer some constructive criticism?

 

JAKE

You got us into this parking lot pal, so you get us out.

 

ELWOOD

You want outta this parking lot? Okay.

 

 

INSIDE SHOPPING MALL, "TOYS R US''

 

SHOP LADY

Will there be anything else?

 

CUSTOMER

Yes, do you have a Miss Piggy?

 

Car speeds through toystore and continues on through the rest of the mall. Two Squad cars follows, the original and a backup.

 

JAKE

Hanson Burgers.

 

ELWOOD

Yeah. Lots of space in this mall.

 

JAKE

Disco dancing hair cuts.

 

ELWOOD

Yeah. Baby clothes.

 

JAKE

This place has got everything.

 

ELWOOD

New Oldsmobiles are in early this year.

 

ELWOOD

Pier One Imports.

 

BACKUP OFFICERS

Oh Shit!

 

Backup squad car lands on it's roof and stops.

 

BACKUP OFFICER

They broke my watch!

 

First squad car crashes too.

 

Jake and Elwood escape through a shop window to outside.

 

OFFICER MOUNT

I'm gonna catch that sucker, if it's the last thing I ever do!

 

SONG: "Peter Gunn Theme"

 

 

OUTSIDE ELWOODS PLACE

 

ELWOOD

Nice place, huh?

 

Mystery Women blows up the front doors with a rocket launcher.

 

Jake and Elwood recover and go inside.

 

ELWOOD

Hey Sam... Hey Lloyd, anybody call for me on the phone?

 

LLOYD

No, no calls. Some guy left this card. Cop. Said he'd be back.

 

ELWOOD

This here's my brother Jake. He just got outta the joint. He's gonna be staying with me for a few weeks.

 

LLOYD

Oh OK...

 

OLD MAN

Did you get me my cheese whiz, Boy?

 

Elwood tosses a can of Cheeze Whiz to the old man.

 

 

ELWOODS ROOM

 

ELWOOD

Well, it ain't much, but it's home.

 

JAKE

How often does the train go by?

 

ELWOOD

So often you won't even notice it.

 

JAKE

How you gonna get the band back together, Mr. Hot-Roder? The cops got your name, you address.

 

ELWOOD

No, they don't got my address. I falsified my renewal. Put down 1060 West Addison.

 

JAKE

1060 West Addison? That's Wrigley Field.

 

ELWOOD

I gotta hit the sack.

 

Notices Jake asleep in his bed.

 

ELWOOD

Hey you sleaze, my bed!

 

Elwood sleeps in a chair.

 

 

THE NEXT MORNING

 

MERCER

This, gentlemen, is the elegant abode of one Elwood Blues.

 

OFFICER MOUNT

Thanks for your help Mr. Mercer.

 

MERCER

You know, I kinda liked the Wrigley Field bit.

 

OFFICER MOUNT

Yeah, real cute.

 

They enter the building and go to Elwoods door.

 

MERCER

Stand back.

 

As Mr. Mercer kicks the door in, the Mystery Woman flicks the switch on her remote control, and the whole building blows up. Jake and Elwood get up and brush themselves off.

 

ELWOOD

It's almost nine o'clock. We gotta go to work.

 

 

MRS. TORANTINO'S HOUSE

 

JAKE

Mrs. Toronto?

 

MRS. TORANTINO

Torantino.

 

JAKE

Ma'am, do you have a Thomas Malone or Louis Marini living here?

 

MRS. TORANTINO

Not any more they moved out a long time ago. I don't take in borders, not for a long time.

 

ELWOOD

May we come in ma'am?

 

MRS. TORANTINO

Please.

 

They enter.

 

JAKE

Did they leave a forwarding address? A phone number?

 

MRS. TORANTINO

No.

 

ELWOOD

Did they live quietly? What were there personal habits?

 

MRS. TORANTINO

They were good boys, but they made a lot of racket at night. Are you the police?

 

ELWOOD

No ma'am. We're musicians.

 

They return to the car and prepare to leave. Mrs. Torantino chases them.

 

MRS. TORANTINO

Mr. Man! Mr. Man! Mr. Man!

 

JAKE

Yes, ma'am?

 

MRS. TORANTINO

They left this card, maybe it help you?

 

 

THE HOLIDAY INN – THE ARMADA ROOM

 

Murph and the Magic Tones are playing to an almost empty room.

 

MURPH

Thank you. Your marvelous. Your marvelous. Thank you. I'm Murph and these are the Magic Tones. Steve "The colonel" Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn, Willie "Too Big" Hall and Tom "Bones" Malone. We'll be back with the Magic Tones for the Armada Room's two hour disco swing party after this short break. Til then, don't you go changing.

 

They all meet Jake and Elwood at one of the tables.

 

WILLIE

So Jake, you're out, you're free, you're rehabilitated, what's next what's happening, whatcha gonna do? You got the money you owe us motherfucker?

 

ELWOOD

Look let's just get something straight here. The reason he got locked in the slammer in the first place was for sticking up a gas station to cover you guys.

 

DONALD

You're kidding!

 

ELWOOD

He pulled that job to pay for the bands room service tab from that Chiwanous gig in Pols city.

 

STEVE

He did?

 

JAKE

That's right, so I don't wanna hear anymore of this small change shit.

 

ELWOOD

We're putting the band back together.

 

JAKE

You were the backbone. The nerve centre of a great rhythm and blues band. You can, make that live, breath and jump again. Murph and the Magic tones? Look at you in those candy ass monkey suits. And I thought I had it bad in Joliet.

 

WILLIE

At least we got a change in clothes sucker, you're wearing the same shit you had on three years ago.

 

DONALD

Jake ain't lying though. We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline.

 

TOM

But we'll never get that fab sound again, not without some more horns. We'll never get Mr. Fabulous.

 

JAKE

Where is he?

 

MURPH

Forget it. Mr. Fabulous is the top Maitre'd at the Chez Paul. He's pulling down six bills a week.

 

STEVE

Yeah and Matt Murphy up and got himself married.

 

ELWOOD

Where is Matt guitar Murphy?

 

TOM

He opened a soul food restaurant with his old lady on Maxwell Street, and he took Blue Lou with him.

 

WILLIE

You'll never get Matt and Mr. Fabulous outta them high paying gigs.

 

JAKE

Oh yeah? Well me and the Lord. We got an understanding.

 

ELWOOD

We're on a mission from God.

 

 

CHEZ PAUL RESTAURANT

 

MR. FABULOUS

(into phone)

Mainly French cuisine. No sir, Mayor Daly no longer dines here. He's dead sir. Private dining rooms are available.

 

He sees Jake walk in with Elwood.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Oh no! I thought it was supposed to be five years. Didn't you get five years?

 

Back into the phone.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Ah no sir, not you. And your name sir? Ritsolo for eight at 11:30. Thank you.

 

JAKE

Mr. Fabulous, how marvelous it is to see you. You're looking younger than ever.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Wait, you guys can't come in here.

 

JAKE

Nonsense my dear fellow, my brother and I have come to dine to celebrate my early release from the service of the state.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Wait, let's talk outside. Let's have a cup of coffee outside.

 

JAKE

Why heavens no! We seek a full meal and all the compliments of the house. Come Elwood let us adjourn ourselves to the nearest table and overlook this establishments board of fare.

 

They enter the dining room as the phone rings.

 

MR. FABULOUS

(into phone)

Good evening, Chez Paul.

 

Now talking to Jake and Elwood.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Wait! Hey!

(into phone)

Ah, sir, would you mind calling back in about five minutes please?

 

Jake and Elwood seat themselves at a table. At reception two customers have missed out on their table.

 

MR. FABULOUS

(to the couple who missed out on the table)

I'm sure we'll have a table for you in just a few minutes.

 

Jake and Elwood are ignored until Jake whistles very loudly.

 

MR. FABULOUS

(to customers)

Excuse me, won't you?

 

JAKE

Give us a bottle of your finest champagne, five shrimp cocktails, and some bread for my brother.

 

WAITER

We have a Don Perignon '71 at $120.

 

JAKE

That'll be fine pal.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Come on, seriously you guys, the food here is really expensive. The soup is fucking ten dollars. Come on let's go outside. I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

 

JAKE

We're putting the band back together.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Forget it. No way.

 

ELWOOD

We're on a mission from god.

 

Jake and Elwood's food arrives.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Hold it, Hold it. What's this?

 

CUSTOMER

Waiter! Sir! Please, waiter!

 

MR. FABULOUS

Yes sir. How are your salads?

 

CUSTOMER

The salads are fine. It's just that, we'd.. we'd like to move to another table, away from those two gentlemen.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Why? Have they been disturbing you?

 

CUSTOMER

No. It's just that.. well frankly, they're offensive. Smelling. I mean they smell bad.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Excuse me sir, I'll see if I can locate another table for you.

 

CUSTOMER

Thank you.

 

Jake and Elwoods wine arrives. The wine waiter attempts to serve it.

 

WAITER

Wrong glass, sir.

 

Jake moves over to the Customers table.

 

JAKE

How much for the little girl? The women? How much for the women?

 

CUSTOMER

What?

 

JAKE

Your women. I want to buy your women. The little girl, your daughters. Sell them to me. Sell me your children!

 

CUSTOMER

Maitre'd'! Maitre'd!

 

MR. FABULOUS

(to Jake)

Cut it out. Cut it out. The owners are gonna ask me to call the cops.

 

JAKE

You wouldn't do that to me would ya man?

 

ELWOOD

He just got outta Jolliet, he's on parole. You can't call the cops on him man.

 

JAKE

We're putting the band back together.

 

MR. FABULOUS

I said no. Absolutely not.

 

JAKE

(to customer)

Yo! How much for your wife?

(to Mr. Fabulous)

We're putting the band back together. We need ya man, we need your horn.

 

MR. FABULOUS

I can't, I really can't.

 

ELWOOD

We got everybody but Matt guitar Murphy and Blue Lou and we're getting them next.

 

MR. FABULOUS

No way.

 

JAKE

If you say no, Elwood and I will come here for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Okay, okay, I'll play. You got me.

 

Jake and Elwood leaves. Mr. Fabulous sits down at their table.

 

CUSTOMER

Sir? Sir. Sir. Sir! Sir?

 

 

NAZI DEMONSTRATION

 

NAZI LEADER

White Men! White women! The swastika is calling you. The Jew is using the black as muscle against you. And you are left there helpless. Well, what are you going to do about it, whitey? Just sit there? Of course not. You, are going to join with us. The members of the American, Socialist, White peoples party. An organization of decent, law abiding white folk. Just like you. I pledge allegiance to Adolf Hitler.

 

NAZIS

I pledge allegiance to Adolf Hitler.

 

NAZI LEADER

The immortal leader of our race.

 

NAZIS

The immortal leader of our race.

 

NAZI LEADER

And to the order for which he stands.

 

NAZIS

And to the order for which he stands.

 

NAZI LEADER

One great cause.

 

NAZIS

One great cause.

 

NAZI LEADER

Sacred and invincible.

 

NAZIS

Sacred and invincible.

 

Jake and Elwood are caught in a traffic jam caused by the Nazis.

 

JAKE

(to a patrolling Officer)

Hey, what's going on?

 

OFFICER

Ah, those bums won there court case so their marching today.

 

JAKE

What bums?

 

OFFICER

The fucking Nazi party.

 

ELWOOD

Illinios Nazis!

 

JAKE

I hate Illinios Nazis.

 

NAZI LEADER

Heil Hitler!

 

NAZIS

Heil Hitler!

 

Elwood drives the car up to the bridge and towards the Nazis.

 

NAZI LEADER

Tenhuit!

 

Elwood speeds up. The Nazis are forced to jump into the water below.

 

NAZI LEADER

Perpen Fuhrer?

 

PERPEN FUHRER

Yes Sir!

 

NAZI LEADER

Perpen Fuhrer get that cars license plate number. We're gonna kill that son of a bitch.

 

 

SOUL FOOD CAFE

 

Jake and Elwood enter and sit at the counter.

 

ARETHA

Help you boys?

 

ELWOOD

You got any white bread?

 

ARETHA

Yes.

 

ELWOOD

I'll have some toasted white bread please.

 

ARETHA

You want butter or jam on that toast honey?

 

ELWOOD

No ma'am, dry.

 

JAKE

You got any fried chicken?

 

ARETHA

Best damn chicken in the state.

 

JAKE

Bring me four fried chickens and a Coke.

 

ARETHA

You want chicken wings or chicken legs?

 

JAKE

Four fried chickens and a Coke.

 

ELWOOD

And some dry white toast please.

 

ARETHA

You all want anything to drink with that?

 

ELWOOD

No ma'am.

 

JAKE

A Coke.

 

ARETHA

Be up in a minute.

 

She goes back to the kitchen.

 

ARETHA

We got two honkies out there dressed like Hacedic Diamond merchants.

 

MATT

Say what?

 

ARETHA

They look like they're from the CIA or something.

 

MATT

What they want to eat?

 

ARETHA

The tall one wants white bread, toast, dry with nothing on it.

 

MATT

Elwood!

 

ARETHA

And the other one wants four whole fried chickens and a Coke.

 

MATT

And Jake! Shit, the Blues Brothers!

 

Matt goes out into the cafe.

 

MATT

Hi Jake.

 

JAKE

Matt. How you doing?

 

MATT

Hi Elwood. How ya doing? How was Joliet.

 

JAKE

Oh it was bad. Thursday night they'd serve a wicked pepper steak.

 

MATT

Can't be as bad as the cabbage role at the Terra-Phelevo Penn.

 

ELWOOD

Or that oatmeal at the Cook County slammer.

 

MATT

Well they're all pretty bad.

 

JAKE

Matt, me and Elwood, we're putting the band back together. We need you and Blue Lou.

 

MATT

Oh man. Don't talk that way round here. My old lady, she'll kill me.

 

ELWOOD

Ma'am you gotta understand that this is a lot bigger than any domestic problems you might be experiencing.

 

ARETHA

Matt, what the hell is he talking about?

 

MATT

Don't get roused sugar.

 

ARETHA

Don't you "Don't get roused sugar" me! Now you not going back on the road no more, and you ain't playing no more two bit sleazy dives. You're living with me now, and you're not gonna go sliding around with you old white hoodlum friends.

 

MATT

But babe, this is Jake and Elwood. The Blues Brothers.

 

ARETHA

The Blues Brothers! Shit, they still owe you money, fool!

 

JAKE

Ma'am, would it make you feel any better if you knew that what we asking Matt here to do was a holy thing?

 

ELWOOD

You see, we're on a mission from God.

 

ARETHA

Don't you blaspheme in here! Don't you blaspheme in here! Now this is my man and my restaurant and you two are gonna just walk right out that door, without ya dry white toast, without ya four fried chickens and without Matt guitar Murphy.

 

MATT

Now listen to me. I love you, but I'm the man and your the woman. And I'll make the decisions concerning my life.

 

ARETHA

You better think about what you're saying. You better think about the consequences of your actions.

 

MATT

Oh shut up woman!

 

SONG: "Think", sung by Aretha with customers backing and dancing

 

Matt undoes his apron and drops it on the floor as he leaves.

 

MATT

Let's boogie.

 

Blue Lou looks at them leaving.

 

ARETHA

(to Blue Lou)

Well, go ahead dammit.

 

He leaves.

 

ARETHA

Shit!

 

 

CURL UP AND DYE BEAUTY SALON

 

"Mystery Woman" is reading the instruction booklet for the flame thrower she uses later in the movie.

 

 

RAY'S MUSIC EXCHANGE

 

The band looks around the shop. Elwood finds an electric toaster and pulls a slice of white bread out of his jacket.

 

RAY

Pardon me, but we do have a strict policy concerning the handling of the instruments. An employee of Ray's Music Exchange must be present. Now, may I help you?

 

JAKE

Ray, it's me. Joliet Jake. I once rented some column speakers from you for my band, The Blues Brothers.

 

MURPH

Hey Ray it's me Murph of Murph and the Magic tones. Remember me? I bought three Fender amps.

 

RAY

Oh we sell a lot of amplifiers.

 

MURPH

Not like these they were beautiful. Upholstered with thick red shag.

 

RAY

Oh right, right. I remember now. As a matter of fact I buy 'em all back for $350 a piece.

 

MURPH

350? I paid $800 each not six months ago.

 

RAY

Oh well you know depreciation man.

 

JAKE

Ray we're here to buy stuff. We need pianos, amps, mikes the works.

 

A boy attempts to steal a guitar in the background - Ray pulls out a pistol and fires into the wall above the boys head.

 

RAY

Now go on! Git! It breaks my heart, a boy that young goin' bad.

 

Murph notices an electric piano.

 

MURPH

Tell me a little about this electric piano, Ray.

 

RAY

Ah you have a good eye my man. That's the best in the city of Chicago.

 

JAKE

How much?

 

RAY

Two thousand bucks and it's yours. You can take it home with you. As a matter of fact I'll through the black keys in for free.

 

JAKE

Two thousand for this chunk o'shit? Come on Ray.

 

MURPH

I mean really Ray, it's used, there's no action left in this keyboard.

 

Ray comes out from behind the counter and sits at the piano.

 

RAY

Excuse me, I don't think there's anything wrong with the action on this piano.

 

SONG: "Tailfeather", Ray Charles, Blues Brothers dancing.

 

JAKE

OK man, we'll take these axes.

 

RAY

Naturally, and as usual, I gotta take an I-owe-you. But I Like Smoking Propane

 

 

THEY PULL INTO A ROADSIDE RESTURAUNT

 

Everyone gets out of the cars

 

JAKE

You guys go on inside get yourselves a bite. I've gotta make a phone call.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Now Jake, does this phone call concern our first gig?

 

JAKE

Have I ever lied to you?

 

Jake and Elwood walk away, towards a pay phone.

 

ELWOOD

What are we gonna do man? We got no gig.

 

JAKE

How much money you got?

 

ELWOOD

I got a quarter.

 

JAKE

It's enough for a phone call, come on.

 

Jake and Elwood enter the phone booth, together.

 

JAKE

What are you doing Elwood?

 

ELWOOD

You said we were gonna make a call.

 

JAKE

I said I was gonna make a call.

 

ELWOOD

Who you gonna call Jake?

 

JAKE

Remember Maurie Sline?

 

ELWOOD

Sline? The booking agent? What about him?

 

JAKE

Well, he got us some good showcases in the old days. He got us the Morgan Park, he got us the Tic Tock, I got him laid, he owes me.

 

ELWOOD

Give it a shot.

 

"Mystery Woman" drives up and attacks phone booth with flame thrower. There's a gas tank next to the booth labeled "No Smoking Propane". The explosion launches the phone booth into the air, with Jake and Elwood in it, and then smashes to the ground. Car drives off. Coins are scattered all over the ground from the phone.

 

ELWOOD

Hey Jake, there's gotta be at least seven dollars worth of change here.

 

 

NAZI HEAD QUARTERS

 

Head Nazi is at desk. 2nd Nazi knocks on door.

 

NAZI LEADER

Yeah?

 

2ND NAZI

Sir.

 

NAZI LEADER

What'd you find out?

 

2ND NAZI

Okay. I called a friend at the Motor Vehicle department. That licence plate is like a rash all over the computer. The car belongs to a known traffic menace.

 

NAZI LEADER

What's his name?

 

2ND NAZI

His name is Elwood Blues. He's got a record a mile long. And, he's a catholic.

 

NAZI LEADER

Did you get his address?

 

2ND NAZI

Of course. 1060 West Addison.

 

NAZI LEADER

Let's go.

 

They drive out to the address, 1060 West Addison. It turns out to be Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs Baseball Team.

 

NAZI LEADER

(to group)

Anybody with that kind of record is gonna make a mistake. I want all party members in the tri state district to monitor the city, county and state police on there CB. Mr. Blues is gonna fuck up. And when he does, he'd better pray the police get to him before we do.

 

 

BOB'S COUNTRY BUNKER

 

The band is driving along a dark, quiet road.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Alright man, we've been in this car for three hours now. Where the hell is this place?

 

JAKE

I told you it would take a little while to get there.

 

MURPH

What's the name of the place?

 

JAKE

Ah... the name of the place...

 

Jake sees a neon sign ahead with the name of a bar on it.

 

JAKE

Is ah... Bob's Country Bunker. Here we are.

 

ELWOOD

Bob's Country Bunker?

 

They arrive.

 

MR. FABULOUS

Jake, the sign says "Tonight Only The Good Ole' Boys".

 

JAKE

Blues Brothers. It should read "Tonight only the Blues Brothers triumphant return". Must be some kind of mistake. You guys unload the stuff. Elwood, come with me.

 

Jake and Elwood head for the bar.

 

CLAIRE

Well now what can I get you boys? Are ya thirsty, ya hungry, or you just driving through? Maybe you'd like a beer or something a little harder? Hey, you know we happen to make the states best pepper steak.

 

JAKE

No thank you ma'am. We may be sucking back a few beers a little later on. We'll be here all night. You see, we're the band.

 

CLAIRE

You are? Oh, gee, that's nice.

(to Bob)

Hey Bob!! This is the band!

 

BOB

Alright!

 

ELWOOD

Er... what kind of music do you usually have here?

 

CLAIRE

Oh, we got both kinds. We got Country, and Western.

 

ELWOOD

Jake, are you sure this is the place?

 

JAKE

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure. This is the place.

 

Bob walks up to them.

 

BOB

Hi. You the Good Ole' Boys?

 

JAKE

That's us. The rest of the bands out in the parking lot getting our stuff together.

 

BOB

Well I'm sure glad to have you boys here. I'm Bob and this here is my place.

 

JAKE

Well its a beautiful place Bob.

 

The rest of the band walks in with the gear.

 

BOB

I guess you boys wanna get your steel guitars and everything set up on the stage don't ya. Claire get over there and turn those stage lights on and get these boys going up there.

 

The lights go on and Lou notices the stage is screened off with chicken wire.

 

LOU

Chicken wire?

 

Later on, a good size crowd has gathered and rednecks are talking and drinking. Elwood has a song list with requests on it.

 

ELWOOD

Man, I don't think we know any of the songs on this list.

 

JAKE

Oh this list doesn't mean anything, they're just requests. We're a regular set.

 

MURPH

Gimme some lovin. 1, 2...

 

JAKE

1, 2, 3, 4.

 

ELWOOD

Good evening ladies and gentlemen we're sure glad to be here in Cocomo tonight. We're the Good Ole' Blues Brothers, boys, band from Chicago. I sure hope you like our show. I'm Elwood, this here's my brother Jake.

 

SONG: "Gimme some Lovin"

 

The crowd start yelling at the band and hurling bottles at the stage like crazy. There's a shower of glass smashing against the chicken wire.

 

 

IN A BACK ROOM

 

BOB

That ain't no Hank Williams song.

 

He comes out and switches the stage lights off.

 

MURPH

I think you hit the lights!

 

WILLIE

Maybe they blew a fuse?

 

LOU

I don't think so man. Those lights are off on purpose.

 

ELWOOD

Okay. We gotta figure out something these people like and fast.

 

MURPH

Hey I got it. Remember the theme from Rawhide?

 

ELWOOD

The old favourite. Rowdy Yates.

 

MURPH

What key?

 

DONALD

A. Blues country key.

 

ELWOOD

Rawhide in A.

 

SONG: "Theme from Rawhide"

 

The crowd is passified, the lights come back on. They finish the song.

 

ELWOOD

Theme from the TV show Rawhide. Thankyou.

 

JAKE

Now we'd like to do a favourite of the horn section. We hope it's one of yours.

 

SONG: "Stand by your man"

 

JAKE

Well folks it's time to call it a night. Do what you feel and keep both feet on the wheel. You don't have to go home but you can't stay here. So till next time...

 

SONG: "Theme from Rawhide"

 

JAKE

(to the band)

Let's get the hell outta here.

 

They start packing up, Bob approaches Jake and Elwood.

 

BOB

Shit I'm gonna tell you boys that's some of the best goddamn music we've had in the Country Bunker in a long time.

 

ELWOOD

Well uh... sorry we couldn't remember the Wreck of the Old 97.

 

BOB

Oh, well, hell you guys can learn it next time well ya come back.

 

JAKE

Bob, about our money for tonight.

 

BOB

That's right. Uh $200, and you boys drank $300 worth of beer.

 

ELWOOD

Uh, well, like, when we first come in the bar lady never charged us for the first round so like we figured you know beer was like complimentary for the band, you know.

 

BOB

Uh, hu hu, Uh-Uh.

 

Bob shakes his head.

 

JAKE

Well, I'll just go and take up a collection from the boys.

 

BOB

Well, I tell ya, I sure would appreciate it.

 

Jake and Elwood head out to the cars. The band are talking about the gig.

 

WILLIE

I say this trip is no where man. I say we gotta quit.

 

MURPH

What? Quit? Well I wish you guys would make up your mind. Otherwise I've gotta call Mr. Ronzinni at the Holiday in and get our old gig back.

 

STEVE

Back at the Armada room?

 

JAKE

(approaches the band)

Listen. They want us to pay for the beer we drank, so you guys better split. The next gig is gonna be dynamite, huge, you'll see.

 

WILLIE

I say we give the Blues Brothers just one more chance.

 

DONALD

Why not? If the shit fits, wear it.

 

Getting into he car.

 

DONALD

Scoot over goddammit.

 

The band leaves.

 

ELWOOD

The boys look a little upset. Hey man, don't worry, we got a coupla days. We'll get the penguins tax money. I mean look, we got an appointment to see Mr. Sline tomorrow. Everything's gonna be alright. Let's skate.

 

An RV pulls into the parking lot.

 

JAKE

Goddammit.

 

Jake and Elwood walk towards the RV as the Good Ole Boys are getting out.

 

JAKE

Excuse me gentlemen are you the Good Ole Boys?

 

LEADER

Yeah, that's right, I'm Tucker McElroy, lead singer, driver of the Winnebago. Listen I'd like to talk to you son but were running very late.

 

Jake holds up a crunched cigarette packet very quickly as though it were an ID badge of some kind.

 

JAKE

My name is Jacob Stein, the American Federation of Musicians Union local 200. I've been sent here to see if you gentlemen are carrying your permits.

 

LEADER

Our what?

 

JAKE

Your Union cards. May I see your cards please?

 

LEADER

S'pose we ain't got no union cards and we go in there and start playing anyway. Now what you gonna do about that? You gonna stop us? Stein? You're gonna look pretty funny trying to eat corn on the cob with no fucking teeth.

 

JAKE

Listen, let me talk to Bob, the owner, see if we can put your band on contract waivers for tonight. I don't want you to move from this spot. Just let me handle this.

 

ELWOOD

We'll uh... we'll talk to Bob.

 

Jake and Elwood slowly retreat as Bob comes out to the parking lot.

 

JAKE

Get in the car and start her up.

 

Elwood goes to the car, Jake goes over to Bob.

 

BOB

You know you boys owe me a lot over money for that beer you drank tonight goddammit.

 

JAKE

Bob, we loved playing here tonight. My brother's writing out an American Express travelers check to cover the extensive bar tab.

 

BOB

Well, I sure would appreciate it.

 

JAKE

I'd better check up, see how he's doing, see I have to sign it too. I usually sit in the car and write it out on the glove compartment lid. Okay?

 

Jake walks towards the car and feels his jacket pockets.

 

JAKE

Need a Pencil!

 

Jake gets in the car, Elwood starts it and they drive off. The Good Ole boys rush over to Bob.

 

LEADER

Were them guys from the union?

 

BOB

Union? What the hell union. Those boys skipped outta here owing me a lot of money for beer.

 

Notices their costumes.

 

BOB

What the hell are you guys all dressed up for?

 

LEADER

We're the Good Ole Boys!

 

BOB

You're the Good Ole Boys!

 

Jake and Elwood are in the blues mobile - Bob and Good Ole Boys in the Winnebago following in the Distance.

 

LEADER

Shit.

 

Bob fires a shot through there back windshield.

 

ELWOOD

Our lady of blessed acceleration don't fail me now.

 

Behind a billboard two troopers, Daniel and Mount, have set up a road watch. Jake and Elwood drive by.

 

TROOPER DANIEL

I don't believe it. It's that shit-box dodge again.

 

TROOPER MOUNT

Bastards are ours now.

 

 

Squad car pulls out with sirens blaring and lights flashing, but crashes into the pursuant Winnebago. The RV does a roll and knocks over a fire hydrant. They all climb out of wreckage. The troopers pull gun on the Good Ole Boys.

 

TROOPER DANIEL

Boys, you're in big trouble.

 

 

SAUNA SCENE

 

Jake, Elwood and Mr. Sline in a sauna.

 

 

JAKE

Maurie, you owe me. We'll play anywhere, anytime for anybody.

 

ELWOOD

Put us in the Double Up Lounge or the Morgan Park Theatre, or the Crystal. We always knock them dead in those joints.

 

MAURIE

I don't know boys. I just don't know. Times have changed you know what I mean. What are you guys gonna do? The same act? Wearing the same fracuctus suits. You'll scare people away. Don't you guys ever wear blue jeans or jumpsuits like Wayne Cochran or CC riders?

 

JAKE

Maurie, you gotta come through for us. We need 5000 bucks fast.

 

MAURIE

5000 bucks? Who do you think you are? The Beatles? Hey, you know the size of hall you gotta work to take in that kinda money, huh?

 

JAKE

We'll fill any hall in the country.

 

MAURIE

You guys familiar with the Palace Hotel Ballroom?

 

JAKE

Never heard of it.

 

MAURIE

Nice place up north. Built in the 40's on Lake Wazzapamani. That seats 5000. You guys fill that place, you can make 5000 bucks easy.

 

JAKE

Book us for tomorrow night.

 

MAURIE

Hold it, hold it. Tomorrow night? What are ya talking about? A gig like that, you gotta prepare the proper exploitation.

 

ELWOOD

I know about that stuff, I've been exploited all my life.

 

MAURIE

Uh Forget it, there's no way with you guys forget about it.

 

JAKE

Say uh, hows Mrs. Sline? I might have some information she'd like to know.

 

MAURIE

You blackmailing me Jake?

 

JAKE

If you want to put it that way. Maurie we need this gig!

 

ELWOOD

We're on a mission from God!

 

JAKE

You get us the hall Maurie and I guarantee we'll pack 'em in from miles around. Whaddya say?

 

MAURIE

Okay. I'll get ya the Palace Hotel. I'll print up showbills, I'll make the place look real pretty okay? I don't think you guys are gonna gross dollar one, but if you do, I want a taste of the gig, okay?

 

JAKE

Okay. Let's go boys.

 

Camera angle goes wide to show the whole band were also in the sauna. They get up and leave.

 

Curtis talks to the kids at the orphanage.

 

CURTIS

Listen, you boys heard me talk about Jake and Elwood. Well now they used to live here just like you. And I used to sing to them just like with you. Tonight, Jake and Elwood are going out to sing and play to raise the money to help you children. Your lazy butts are in this too. So get up on that wagon. We're goin' up north to put the word to the streets.

 

Jake and Elwood have attached a giant megaphone to the roof of their car and are driving around town to advertise the gig.

 

ELWOOD

Tonight only, the fabulous Blues Brothers. Rhythm and Blues review. The Palace Hotel Ballroom. Route 16. Lake Wazzapamani. The fabulous Blues Brothers show band and review.

 

KIDS

Check it out, check it out. Tonight only from Chicago the Blues Brothers rhythm and Blues review. One night only, the fabulous...

 

ELWOOD

... Blues Brothers show band, and review. You, on the motorcycle!...You two girls, tell your friends.

 

JAKE

(to Elwood)

Free parking.

 

ELWOOD

Free parking. Two dollar cover charge only folks. That's a lot of entertainment.

 

JAKE

(to Elwood)

For two dollars.

 

ELWOOD

For two dollars.

 

LITTLE KID

(speaking to Aretha at the Soul Food Café)

Will you please put this in the window lady cos it's real important?

 

ELWOOD

Tonight only. From Chicago. the fabulous Blues Brothers rhythm and blues review for your dancing pleasure...

 

Lots of pretty women walking along the lake front.

 

ELWOOD

... and it's ladies night tonight at the Palace Hotel Ballroom.

 

In a men's room, written on the wall...

 

TUCKER MCELROY

Tonight only the Blues Brothers genuine rhythm and Blues review. Place Hotel Ballroom tonight only.

 

ELWOOD

How we doing?

 

JAKE

Well so far we've covered Lake, McHenry and part of Page County.

 

ELWOOD

Good, let's get to the gig.

 

The car chokes and splutters.

 

JAKE

What is it?

 

ELWOOD

We're outta gas.

 

JAKE

Oh shit.

 

 

PALACE HOTEL BALLROOM

 

MURPH

Oh a classic. What a room. This place is gonna swing tonight.

 

MR. FABULOUS

It's a fucking barn. We'll never fill it.

 

CURTIS

We've gotta fill this hall tonight. A lot of young children are depending on it.

 

STEVE

Young children? Why, whaddya mean?

 

 

GAS STATION

 

OWNER

We're outta gas.

 

ELWOOD

Yep, mind if we fill er up?

 

OWNER

Nope. I said we're outta gas. Tanker trucks late. Shoulda been here two hours ago. It's always late on Thursdays.

 

ELWOOD

Well uh... I'll guess we'll have to wait.

 

OWNER

Yeah.

 

A sports car with a blond female driver pulls up to the station.

 

BLONDE

(to Elwood)

Excuse me sir, yes you, could you fill it up with premium please and check under the hood.

 

Elwood, stuffing his jacket full of five-finger discount fan belts, looks at the blonde and points to himself as if to say "Who me?".

 

BLONDE

Yes, you!

 

ELWOOD

Sure... you uh want I should uh... wash the dead bugs of the windshield?

 

BLONDE

Oh no don't worry. I'm in kind of a hurry.

 

 

BACK AT THE PALACE HOTEL

 

CURTIS

Where in the hell are they?

 

 

BACK TO THE GAS STATION

 

ELWOOD

So uh... maybe you'd like to uh come by and see the show?

 

BLONDE

Oh, I'm awfully sorry, but I do have a prior dinner engagement.

 

The tanker pulls in.

 

CUT TO:

 

 

POLICE STATION

 

Someone hands in a flyer with for the gig.

 

MR. MERCER

Thanks Marvin.

 

He reads the poster, talks into the phone.

 

MR. MERCER

Debbie, get me troopers Daniel and Mount.

 

CUT TO:

 

 

PALACE HOTEL BALLROOM

 

Bob and The Good Ole Boys are in the audience carrying baseball bats.

 

BOB

I don't see those Blues Brothers.

 

TUCKER

We'll wait.

 

Meanwhile, back at the gas station.

 

ELWOOD

Okay, you're all set. That'll be... 94 dollars.

 

BLONDE

Here's $95. Thank you Elwood.

 

ELWOOD

Okay and uh.. that's a dollar change.

 

BLONDE

Oh, keep the change.

 

ELWOOD

Oh thanks. Uh... so look uh, if you're date don't work out tonight for any reason uh, there's a motel up on the interstate, uh maybe we could say uh meet... around uh midnight?

 

BLONDE

I'll think about it Elwood, okay?

 

ELWOOD

Yeah. Bye.

 

She drives off. Jake looks at his watch and realizes the time.

 

JAKE

Son-of-a-bitch.

 

He hits Elwood.

 

JAKE

Come on!

 

ELWOOD

Owww!

 

 

BACK IN THE PALACE HOTEL BALLROOM

 

The audience is becoming impatient.

 

WILLIE

I always liked to perform for angry mobs.

 

CURTIS

Can't quit now.

 

MURPH

What can they be doing?

 

Jake and Elwood park the car in a storm drain tunnel near the ballroom.

 

JAKE

Oh. My head hurts. That nitrates a mean wine.

 

ELWOOD

You'd better get right pal, we've got a show to do. Then we gotta figure out some way to collect the gate money and get it to the Cook county Assessors office, as soon as they open in the morning.

 

 

BACK AT THE PALACE HOTEL BALLROOM

 

The audience is chanting:

 

AUDIENCE

We want the show... We want the show... We want the show..

 

MR. FABULOUS

Gentlemen, I'm leaving.

 

WILLIE

Damm. We were so close.

 

CURTIS

Hey, you guys know Minnie the Moocher?

 

MURPH

I knew a hooker once named Minnie Mizola?

 

CURTIS

No, the song Minnie the Moocher.

 

STEVE

Yeah. So what?

 

CURTIS

Hit it.

 

SONG: "Minnie the Moocher"

 

Throughout the song, Jake and Elwood sneak up to the hotel. They come across the Winnebago. Elwood enters and glues down the accelerator.

 

ELWOOD

This is glue. Strong stuff!

 

The song ends. Police officers arrive in the audience.

 

TROOPER DANIEL

Okay. Let's take them.

 

MR. MERCER

Now wait a minute. We haven't even heard these boys sing. Alright?

 

TROOPER DANIEL

Alright. They're not going no place.

 

MR. MERCER

Alright. Cover all exits. Let's go. Come on hurry up. Move it.

 

Meanwhile, Jake and Elwood get into the Ballroom through the ladies room amongst lot's of screaming.

 

ELWOOD

Excuse us.

 

JAKE

Good evening ladies.

 

 

IN THE AUDIENCE

 

MR. MERCER

(to Troopers)

Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip?

(to a nearby Officer)

Three orange whips.

 

Jake and Elwood make an Entrance.

 

 

ON STAGE

 

Curtis spots Jake and Elwood and gets the all clear to start the intro.

 

CURTIS

And now ladies and gentlemen, it is the distinct pleasure of the management to present to you, the evening's star attraction. Here they are back after their exclusive three year tour of Europe, Scandinavia and the sub continent. Won't you welcome from Calumet City Illinois, the show band of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues... The Blues Brothers.

 

Jake and Elwood enter the stage during the brass section of the intro music, and and Jake does a

cartwheel and lands besides Elwood right on cue with the last beat of the song... the audience is deathly quiet.

 

JAKE

1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4.

 

Bands starts playing "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love".

 

ELWOOD

We're so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight. We would especially like to welcome all the representatives of Illinois' law enforcement community who have chosen to join us here at the Place Hotel Ballroom at this time. We certainly hope you all enjoy the show and remember people that no matter who you are and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there's still some things that make us all the same. You, me, them everybody, everybody.

 

SONG: "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love"

 

JAKE

Thank you. That was for Wilson Picket. This is dedicated to the late great magic sound.

 

SONG: "Sweet Home Chicago"

 

 

THE GREAT ESCAPE

 

Half way through the "Sweet Home Chicago", Jake and Elwood go off back stage. They are met there by a record agent.

 

JAKE

It looks like the Mafia is out there.

 

AGENT

You guys are great. I've gotta record you.

 

JAKE

Bullshit!

 

AGENT

Bullshit? I don't bullshit. I'm president of Clarion records the largest recording company on the eastern sea board.

 

JAKE

So what?

 

AGENT

Here's 10,000 dollars. An advance on your first recording session.

 

He hands over the cash.

 

AGENT

Is it a deal?

 

JAKE

Yeah, sure it's a deal.

 

ELWOOD

Yeah, yeah, sure.. . sure it's a deal. Ah listen all these cops out here, they're sorta waiting for us. We gotta get outta here without nobody seeing us. Do you know a back door outta this place?

 

AGENT

Sure. I used to be head bouncer here back in the 70's. There's an electrical service duct right behind your drummers riser.

 

JAKE

Listen, do us a favor. Take 1400 dollars and give it to Rays Music Exchange in Calumed city. Give the rest to the band.

 

AGENT

You got it.

 

JAKE

Thanks. Bye.

 

ELWOOD

Bye.

 

AGENT

Bye.

 

Jake and Elwood crawl on to the stage and get into the service duct. Jake gets Willies attention.

 

JAKE

Me and Elwood are gonna make a break for it. You and the band keep playing.

 

 

IN THE AUDIENCE

 

TROOPER DANIEL

Something's wrong.

 

MR. MERCER

Where's Jake?

 

TUCKER

(to Good Ole Boys)

Where'd those Blues Brothers go?

 

 

IN THE SEWER

 

ELWOOD

I sure hope this thing leads some place.

 

JAKE

Elwood. We're gone man.

 

The "Mystery Woman" loosens off a round of machine gun fire. They hit the ground.

 

ELWOOD

Who is that girl?

 

WOMAN

Well Jake. You like just fine down there, slithering in the mud like vermin.

 

JAKE

(to Elwood)

No problem.

 

WOMAN

You're not gonna get away from me this time.

 

She fires again... still missing them.

 

 

IN THE BALLROOM

 

Mr. Mercer hears the gunshots.

 

MR. MERCER

(to officers)

Check that out. Let's go. Come on.

 

 

BACK IN THE SEWER

 

JAKE

(to Woman)

It's good to see you sweetheart.

 

WOMAN

You contemptible pig. I remained celibate for you. I stood at the back of a cathedral, waiting in celibacy for you, with 300 friends and relatives in attendance. My uncle hired the best Romanian caterer in the state. To obtain the seven limousines for the wedding party my father used up his last favors with Mad Pete Trollo. So for me, for my mother, my grandmother, my father, my uncle and for the common good, I must now kill you and your brother.

 

Jake gets up and slowly walks towards her.

 

JAKE

(falling to his knees before her)

Oh please don't kill us. Please, please don't kill us. You know I love ya baby, I wouldn't leave ya. It wasn't my fault.

 

WOMEN

You miserable slug. You think you can talk you're way out of this? You betrayed me.

 

JAKE

No, I didn't. Honest. I ran outta gas. I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from outta town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locust's. It wasn't my fault!! I swear to God!!

 

WOMAN

Oh Jake, Jake, honey.

 

Jake embraces her in a passionate kiss, then drops her in the mud.

 

JAKE

(to Elwood)

Let's go.

 

ELWOOD

(to the Woman)

Take it easy.

 

They run down the passage to the car. She follows in the distance.

 

ELWOOD

It's a 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.

 

JAKE

Hit it!

 

The Woman runs out of the duct and fires at the moving car. The policemen above hear the shots and also start shooting at the car.

 

 

THE GREAT CAR CHASE

 

Jake and Elwood are in front in their car. About 50 or so squad cars and the Good Ole Boys Winnebago is following.

 

 

IN THE WINNEBAGO

 

BOB

Shit man! Can't this damm thing go any faster than this?

 

TUCKER

Ah, Bob, I think I got a little problem.

 

BOB

Goddamn boy!

 

They accelerate past all cars including Jake and Elwoods.

 

TUCKER

Shit!

 

ALL

Argh!!!

 

The van drives off the highway, through a shed and into the water.

 

TUCKER

(to Bob)

Don't you say a fucking word.

 

 

VIEW OF BLONDE WAITING AT MOTEL

 

The sun starts to rise.

 

CUT TO:

 

 

POLICE STATION – CHICAGO

 

RADIOER

All units we have a signal ten seven niner, officers are in pursuit a black and white, 1974 dodge sedan southbound on four-seven. Responds to signal ten seven niner. Occupants of vehicle on Joliet Jake Blues, one Elwood Blues. Consider them extremely dangerous.

 

In Nazi Head Quarters, the head Nazi hears police radio broadcast.

 

NAZI LEADER

Perpen-Fuhrer!

 

 

JAKE AND ELWOOD'S CAR

 

ELWOOD

Hey, Jake, Jake, I gotta pull over.

 

 

HEAD SQUAD CAR

 

TROOPER MOUNT

South bound on state highway 47.

 

Elwood drives down an embankment, squad cars follow and all crash. Head Squad car recovers and steers out of control, goes flying up the embankment which acts as a ramp...the police car flies through the air and lands in the side of a truck.

 

MR. MERCER

Hi. Wanna hand me the mike? Thanks a lot.

(into the mike)

Hi, this is car, ah...what number are we?

 

OFFICER MOUNT

Five, Five.

 

MR. MERCER

(into the mike)

Car fifty five. Ah, we're in a truck!

 

 

BACK AT THE CHICAGO POLICE STATION

 

RADIOER

Signal ten seven niner still engaged. Vehicle travelling south bound. Approaching Chicago city limits. Commander advisers will contact Chicago precincts for a local intercept. Maintain pursuit.

 

Hundreds of officers merge on the city.

 

RADIOER

Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers has been approved.

 

 

JAKE AND ELWOOD MAKE IT TO CHICAGO

 

ELWOOD

Well this is definitely Lower Wacker drive. If my estimations are correct, we should be very close to the honourable Richard J. Daly plaza.

 

JAKE

That's were they got that Picasso.

 

ELWOOD

Yep.

 

They drive on, being chased by Chicago squad cars. Elwood swerves to miss a car, the squad cars don't and all crash into one another.

 

OFFICER

Son-of-a-bitch.

 

Starts firing, other officers follow suit.

 

Jake and Elwood escape.

 

Two Nazi cars hide in an alley way. Jake and Elwood drive past.

 

NAZI LEADER

There they are.

 

The Nazi cars pursues Jake and Elwood.

 

A loud clunk is heard in Jake and Elwood's car.

 

ELWOOD

Oh no!

 

JAKE

What the fuck was that?

 

ELWOOD

The motor. Thrown a rod.

 

JAKE

Is that serious?

 

ELWOOD

Yep.

 

They drive up a bridge through the smoke coming from their motor. One of the Nazi cars stop at the head of the bridge.

 

NAZI LEADER

Faster!

 

At the last minute they see the end of an unfinished bridge. Elwood stops the car and then it backflips over the chasing Nazi car.

 

NAZI

Holy shit!

 

The Nazi car continues to accelerate and launches off the bridge.

 

NAZI

I've always loved you.

 

They crash into the street making a big hole. Jake and Elwood's car jumps the hole, the pursuing Nazi car falls into it.

 

JAKE

(points to a building)

There it is.

 

Elwood parks the car just outside the door. They get out and the car falls to bits. Elwood stares at in disbelief.

 

JAKE

(hitting Elwood)

Come on!

 

 

RICHARD J. DALEY PLAZA

 

They enter the building, close the doors and pile furniture in front of them. They then run up to an information counter.

 

ELWOOD

(to an officer at the information desk)

Sir. Where's the Office of the Assessor of Cook County?

 

OFFICER

Down the hall, turn right, take the elevator to 1102.

 

ELWOOD

Thank you sir.

 

Jake and Elwood race off. Outside thousands of people are trying to get in. Jake and Elwood enter the elevator. A squad of people eventually get into the building and race up to the information desk.

 

SQUAD LEADER

Excuse me, did you see two guys come in here, black suits black hats one carrying a briefcase?

 

OFFICER

Yeah, I just sent them down there.

 

SQUAD LEADER

Thank you.

 

The squad races towards the elevator and then up the stairs.

 

Jake and Elwood make it to the right floor.

 

ELWOOD

Hold the door.

 

Jake steps in front of the door. Elwood destroys the elevators controls.

 

ELWOOD

Let's go.

 

They make their way towards the officer. Stacking furniture in front of each door. They arrive at the office to a sign "Back in five minutes". They wait until someone in the office approaches them.

 

ASSESSOR

May I help you?

 

JAKE

This is where they pay the taxes, right?

 

ASSESSOR

Right.

 

ELWOOD

This money is for the years assessment on the St. Helen of the Blessed Shroud orphanage in Calumed city, Illinois.

 

JAKE

5000 bucks, it's all there pal.

 

The squad approaches the right floor but the door is blocked.

 

OFFICER

Stand back... fire!

 

They open fire on the door.

 

ASSESSOR

And here is your receipt.

 

The squad catches up with Jake and Elwood and cuff them.

 

 

JAIL – MESS HALL

 

The whole band is on a stage in the jail.

 

SONG: "Jailhouse Rock"

 

FADE OUT

 

 

 

THE END