I.D. CARD.

A SCREENPLAY BY ARTHUR CHAPPELL

SYNOPSIS OF THE STORY.

George Forester is an honest, decent citizen living in Manchester. He sees no reason to oppose the impending introduction of I. D. Cards. He tells his wife that he has no interest in signing a petition against the cards being introduced. Six months later, George has a job interview. He leaves home early, and heads to Manchester. He has to show his ID card to be even allowed on to the Metrolink. He has to show it again when he buys a newspaper. George moves on and witnesses an Asian man being hassled for his card, and treated roughly. George moves on, not wishing to be involved, but he is spotted and asked to see his card anyway. He shows it. George goes to the pub to calm his nerves before the interview. He has to show his card to be able to buy half a pint of beer. He gets chatting to an old friend. George then leaves for his interview, which goes well. George is clearly qualified and experienced for the job. However, the interviewer speaks to a colleague in HR who runs an ID check on George. The newsagent has a reputation for selling pornography. George was involved in a street brawl, and drank alcohol in the daytime in a gay bar. They also learn about Mary Forester being pregnant. The firm decides not to employ George. The final scene is George receiving a letter that tells him that he has not got the job.

TIME – 2016.

SETTING – Manchester, England.

SCENES AND LOCATIONS – Opening credits. 1/. Manchester City Centre stall run by anti-ID card protesters. 2/. Caption - Two years later. 3/. GEORGE AND MARY FORESTER'S House. 4/. The route to the tram stop 5/. Metrolink tram stop. 6/. The street after George gets off the Tram. 7/ street leading to the newsagents 8/. The Newsagents. 8/. Side street in which the Asian Citizen is being interrogated. 9/. Street approaching the pub 10/. The pub. 11/. Street on route from pub to interview. 12/. Interview Waiting room. 13/. Interview Room 14/. George’s House again. Closing Credits

All external scenes take place in daylight.

THE CAST (In order of appearance)

GEORGE FORESTER – Manchester citizen heading for a job interview.

MARY FORESTER – George’s wife.

ANTI ID CARD PROTESTERS – Anti-ID Card Protesters – group of campaigners running a stall/leafleting campaign.

UNSEEN RADIO ANNOUNCER

ID CARD CHECKER at Metrolink Tram station.

NEWSAGENT

ASIAN CITIZEN – hassled for his card – An event witnessed by George.

2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR – Hassles the Asian Citizen.

PUBLICAN

GRAHAM – George’s friend who he chats with at the pub.

MR. REDCALFE – The Interviewer.

SANDRA MAITLAND - H.R. Rep.

I D CARD

OPENING CREDITS – Title, author, leading cast members, director.

SCENE ONE – EXT. Manchester city centre.

GEORGE and MARY FORESTER are walking through the streets, and spot a stall being run by anti-ID card protesters.

MARY

(Making a move towards the protesters)

I think that’s terrible. I don’t want to have to carry proof of who I am all day long, every day. I wonder if they have a petition or something we could sign.

GEORGE

(Pulling his wife back)

Why should we worry about ID Cards? We haven’t done anything wrong? We have nothing to fear. Who’s going to mistake us for criminals or terrorists?” What reason do we have to hide our identities from anyone?

MARY

(Reluctantly)

Perhaps you’re right. Let’s go home.

FADE

SCENE TWO – CAPTION – TWO YEARS LATER.

CUT

SCENE THREE - GEORGE and MARY FORESTER’S House. An ordinary kitchen. George is getting dressed smartly for his interview.

GEORGE.

I this tie suitable?

MARY

The Blue one looks better for a job interview. Black ties are for funerals.

GEORGE

You’re right of course. I’ll change it.

(George goes upstairs to change ties. Mary puts the radio on).

O.S. RADIO ANNOUNCER

The number of students burning their official Government Issue Identity Cards has increased. The Home Office makes it clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone unwilling or unable to produce his or her ID cards on request risks a fine of up to £1,000 or possible imprisonment.

(MARY listens in some concern)

O.S RADIO ANNOUNCER (Continued).

There have been complaints from many people that the information on their ID cards is inaccurate, and the information that the cards contain is very difficult to interpret correctly. A man in Belfast found that he was registered as a paedophile even though he has no criminal convictions whatsoever. One lady from Doncaster found that her card had been deactivated because she was believed to be dead. She was very much alive and well, and trying to book into a hotel in Brighton when the problem came to light. A Government spokesman stated that there were bound to be some teething troubles with the new technology behind the ID cards, but that overall, the scheme was working very well indeed. Many commuters disagree. Transport is often delayed as people board trains at every station to conduct random ID Card inspections. Employers are increasingly angered by the lack of punctuality by staff who cite random ID Card inspections as the main reason for their late arrivals at the work place.

OS – Sound of George coming down the stairs.

GEORGE

(Entering the kitchen)

I’ve found the blue tie. Does it look better?

MARY

Yes, that looks fine…Oh, and George, don’t forget your ID Card.

GEORGE

(Reaching into his pocket and producing the card from a wallet)

It’s right here. I’ll get going now. See you later.

(George hugs and kisses Mary)

MARY

Your interview isn’t until two thirty. You’ll be about two hours early.

GEORGE

I know. I don’t want to go at the last minute. I like to arrive in plenty of time and without unnecessary stress. I’ll probably do a few errands on the way.

MARY

OK. Good luck with the interview.

GEORGE

Thanks. What are you hoping to do today?

MARY

My friend Sally and I are going to the Arndale Centre to buy some baby clothes… What with our little Jason coming in February…. Sally’s got three kids already. She’ll advise me what’s best for us.

GEORGE

Don’t forget your own ID Card then.

MARY

No, I won’t go without it. Don’t worry. I have it in my purse at all times.

(They kiss again. George leaves the kitchen.)

OS – Sound of the front door closing. Mary looks concerned.

FADE

SCENE FOUR - EXT – George walks calmly down the street.

FADE

SCENE FIVE - EXT – GEORGE arrives at a Metrolink Tram station.

(George is about to buy a tram ticket at a ticket machine when an ID CARD INSPECTOR approaches him). .

ID CARD INSPECTOR

May I see your ID Card Sir?

GEORGE

(Startled)

Y. Y…Yes. Here it is.

(George produces the card. The Checker looks at it very thoroughly.)

ID CARD INSPECTOR

What is the purpose of your journey Sir?

GEORGE

What do you mean?

ID CARD INSPECTOR

Where are you going and why? Is this business or pleasure?

GEORGE

Business. I have a job interview.

ID CARD INSPECTOR

I see. I see, and did anyone pack your hand luggage for you before you set off?

GEORGE

(Incredulous)

What? I haven’t got any hand luggage. Surely you can see that for yourself.

ID CARD INSPECTOR

(Putting George’s ID Card into a reading machine)

Quite true Sir. My apologies, but I have to ask everyone these questions. I know it can be irritating, but please don’t make it more difficult than it already is. That way we’ll both have a more pleasant day of it, won’t we?

GEORGE

This is absurd. It’s like an airport customs inspection. I’m only going to town, not abroad. Oh God, look. I’ve missed a tram now. I could have been on that.

(Camera pans round to film a tram heading out for Manchester).

ID CARD INSPECTOR

(Now writing notes on a little pad)

I’m sorry Sir, but these questions are very necessary. You may go now. Have a pleasant day.

(He hands George back his ID Card).

George waits for the next tram and gets on. The doors close. The tram moves off.

FADE

SCENE SIX EXT – George gets off the tram and walks.

FADE

SCENE SEVEN EXT – Street shot. George approaches a newsagents shop. He walks in.

FADE

SCENE EIGHT INT – The Newsagents.

(George browses around, picks up TV magazines, and discards them, settling instead on a Guardian Newspaper. The camera pans around the shop, only briefly noticing he erotica magazines on the top shelf. George goes to pay for his newspaper.

GEORGE

(Showing the newspaper and his money)

Just this, thanks.

NEWSAGENT

(Taking the money)

I’m afraid I need to see your ID card too, Sir. Rules are rules, I’m sure you’ll understand.

(GEORGE hands over his ID card. Three people queue behind him as the Newsagent struggles with a reading machine he clearly isn’t used to using).

NEWSAGENT

Bide with me a moment Sir. I’ll soon get the hang of this. Ah, that’s it. It’s a nuisance I know, but the men who brought the machine in insist I check everyone. Its more than my job’s worth not to.

(The NEWSAGENT hands the card back to GEORGE)

GEORGE

(Mildly exasperated)

Thanks.

George leaves the shop as the next customer hands a chocolate bar and an ID card to the newsagent.

FADE

SCENE EIGHT EXT – George walks down the street, and suddenly witnesses an ASIAN CITIZEN being jostled by a 2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR. All three figures should be in shot at all times.

ASIAN CITIZEN

Oh, come on Man, this is the fifth time I’ve shown my card off today. Give me a break. I bet you don’t hassle white guys half as much as me…

2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR

Please co-operate Sir. You know the rules.

The Asian, clearly angry, has produced his card, but the 2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR has now spotted George. He turns his attention on him.

2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR

Sir, yes you. Stop. Please produce your ID Card immediately.

GEORGE

(Afraid)

This is nothing to do with me. I don’t want to get involved. I’m just passing by.

2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR

(Aggressively)

I didn’t ask you what you saw. I asked to see your ID Card. Produce the card, now!

GEORGE

(Produces his card)

Here it is.

2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR

(Putting the card through a reading machine).

There. That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now get out of here.

(He hands the card back to George who takes it and moves away quickly. The 2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR turns his attention back to the ASIAN CITIZEN.

2cd ID CARD INSPECTOR

Right, you little foreign bastard. Have you got that card out for me yet?

ASIAN CITIZEN.

(Clearly nervous)

It’s here. It’s here…. Somewhere…

GEORGE sees this, but then turns and runs away. He is very frightened.

FADE

SCENE NINE EXT – GEORGE sees a pub. He looks at his watch.

GEORGE

Still three quarters of an hour to go. I’ve got time.

GEORGE enters the pub.

SCENE TEN INT – Inside the pub’s main bar area. GEORGE goes to buy a drink.

PUBLICAN

What would you like, Sir?

GEORGE

Er, just half a pint of biter, please. I’m not drinking much. I have an appointment shortly.

PUBLICAN

As you wish, Sir. That’ll be £1.20 and your ID Card please.

(George produces the money and the card. The PUBLICAN checks the card, and takes s the money. He hands GEORGE the beer. GEORGE takes the beer and sits by himself at a table to drink it. The camera pans to another drinker, also alone. It is GRAHAM. He sees GEORGE and immediately rises to go and join him.

GRAHAM

(Shouting loudly with joy)

Hey, George, what brings you out in the afternoon?”

GEORGE

(Pleased to see his friend who now pulls up a chair and joins him at his table).

I have an interview in about half an hour. I’m just killing time and steadying my nerves before I go in.

GRAHAM

You look like an emotional wreck. Are you that worried about a poxy job interview?

GEORGE

It’s not the interview that’s freaked me out. I just saw some poor Asian kid being hassled by an ID inspector. The bastard saw me looking and clocked my ID too. He was really nasty to the kid. I think he was just picking on him for being a Pakistani.

GRAHAM

Happens a lot. Some of them a re really racist. Your best bet is steering clear. Don’t get involved. Just look out for yourself.

GEORGE

Thank, Graham. Kind of realised that myself now… I’m beginning to really hate these dammed cards now. Did you have to show yours just to get a drink here too?

GRAHAM

I’ve had to show it every fresh visit to the bar, and I’ve been up there four times. If someone checks the log on my bar tab they’ll see how much booze I’m taking in.

GEORGE

Surely once the staffs has checked your ID once, they don’t need to look again until you come back on another day?

GRAHAM

I asked the Landlord about that. He tells me they have to check every time. There could be different barmaids serving me each time, and they can’t always tell who has been in all day from who has just arrived. It’s crap I know. They just want to see how long we spend in here. The card registers the exact time of each purchase on the Government computers. I remember when Big Brother was just a game show.

GEORGE

I’m sure it’s not that bad. It’ll just take some getting used to all these checks, that’s all. Ah, I’d better get going. I have to be at my interview soon.

GRAHAM

(As GEORGE finishes his beer, stands up and gets his coat)

Good luck. Let me know how you get on.

GEORGE waves to GRAHAM and leaves the bar.

FADE

SCENE ELEVEN – EXT - GEORGE approaches the offices of the firm at which he has a job interview, and enters.

FADE

SCENE TWELVE – INT – GEORGE is in a waiting room. A secretary approaches him.

SECRETARY

Mister Metcalfe will see you now, Mister Forester. Go through the door to your left.

GEORGE

(Smiling politely)

Thank you.

GEORGE goes through the door indicated. It closes behind him.

FADE

SCENE THIRTEEN – The interview Room. MR. METCALFE is sitting at a desk, with some paperwork in front of him.

MR. METCALFE

(Pleasantly)

Come in. Come in. Sit yourself down. No need to stand on ceremony.

(GEORGE sits down)

GEORGE.

Thank you, Sir.

MR. METCALFE

I take it you had your ID Card checked as you entered the building?

GEORGE

Yes, twice. Security checked me as I came in downstairs, and your secretary read it too.

MR. METCALFE

Splendid. Splendid. Well, down to business as they say. I’ve read your application form of course. You seem very experienced in this line of marketing work and more than qualified to work here. Perhaps you could tell me in your own words why you feel we would be right for you.

GEORGE

Well, frankly Sir, you pay a great deal more money than your competitors. I also believe that you have a greater range of opportunities for overtime, at high bonus rates, and more scope for promotion than many other firms. I work hard as my references will show you. I’m actually a bit of a workaholic. I don’t think my previous employer could actually give me enough work to do. I have strong reason to believe that you will find much more for me to do.

MR METCALFE

Splendid. Splendid. Well. I won’t beat about the bush, George. I like you. I think you’ll be just right for us. Of course, I do have other candidates applying for the post too, but I’m personally very confident about you. Expect to hear from me by the end of the week. Goodbye.

(MR METCALFE reaches out a hand to shake hands with GEORGE who gets his coat and leaves the office. As soon as GEORGE exits, MR. METCALFE calls in his H.R. Rep, SANDRA MAITLAND on the phone.

MR. METCALFE

Sandra, could you bring the Forester ID Card print outs in for me please. Just bring me the information gathered today. His full file will be longer than War And Peace.

OS SANDRA MAITLAND

Right away Mr. Metcalfe.

(A door opens, and SANDRA MAITLAND enters.)

SANDRA MAITLAND

The Forester print outs, Sir.

MR. METCALFE

Read them to me.

SANDRA MAITLAND

He came in by Metrolink this afternoon. An ID Inspector reports that he found him a little surly and uncooperative. George then went to newsagents. We don’t know what exactly he purchased, but a cross-reference on the newsagent in question shows that the shop has a reputation for selling pornographic literature.

MR. METCALFE

Oh, dear. That doesn’t sound good at all. Do continue.

SANDRA MAITLAND

George then witnessed an altercation between an ID Inspector and a youth who was obstructing his duties. George was inspected to record his presence at the event. He is reported as being somewhat critical of the proceedings.

MR. METCALFE

Mr. Forester’s little halo does seem to be slipping somewhat. Do continue.

SANDRA MAITLAND

Forester then went to the pub, just before he came here.

MR. METCALFE

Drinking in the daytime is not something I encourage among my employees. We lose too many hours of production to staff taking long liquid lunches.

SANDRA MAITLAND

It gets worse, Sir. The pub is a gay bar.

MR. METCALFE

Good grief. Hold on. Isn’t Forester married?

SANDRA MAITLAND

Yes, Sir. He’s been married for three years.

MR. METCALFE

You know, Sandra. We could be doing him an injustice with this data. I’ve been known to take umbrage with constant ID checks myself. As to the newsagents, for all I know, he bought cigarettes or a comic. That the place sells porn as well is almost by the by. As for the pub, well it’s just round the corner from here. Maybe he was just thirsty. He didn’t look drunk to me when I interviewed him. He might not even know it was a gay bar.

SANDRA MAITLAND

I agree, Sir, but with respect, such details are on record. If we give him the job despite them and he proves to be unreliable or unsuitable for us, we might be questioned later as to why we ignored the warning signs. I think we should reject his application to work for us.

MR. METCALFE

Sandra, we have found ID Card fault with virtually everyone who has been in. I’ve turned down twelve candidates, and at least three of them know the job better than I do. We have to draw the line somewhere. We’re losing business waiting for Mr. Right like this. We can’t afford to be too fussy. Do we have anything else on George Forester? If not, the job is his.

SANDRA MAITLAND

You won’t like this, Sir. His wife, Mary. I cross-referenced her card to the National Register. She’s been out shopping in Mothercare all day. I think she must be pregnant.

MR. METCALFE

Ah, that tears it. George never mentioned that. It explains why he’s so keen for more work and more money. No doubt he’ll be requesting paternity leave before long. I can’t afford to let him have time off so soon after he starts working for us. Take a letter, Sandra. I’ve got some bad news for George…..

SANDRA MAITLAND

(Taking up pen and shorthand notepad)

Yes Sir.

MR. METCALFE

Dear Mr. Forester. Thank you for…

FADE

SCENE FOURTEEN INT – The Forester home – Kitchen. GEORGE is sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. MARY enters with a letter in her hand.

MARY

The post has arrived, George. This one’s for you.

GEORGE

(Taking the letter and beginning to open it).

Thanks love… Ah, It’s from Mr. Metcalfe.

MARY

(Excitedly)

Did you get the job?

GEORGE

Dear Mr. Forester, thank you for applying to join us at … but with regret, we have decided to give the position to a more qualified candidate. May I take this opportunity to wish you every success in future employment? Yours Sincerely….

(GEORGE crumples the letter and throws it on the floor. He weeps. MARY comforts him.

MARY

I really thought you’d get that one.

GEORGE

(Getting up and putting his coat on)

So did I. Guess I’ll just have to go out looking for another job now.