1. ENTR’ACTE
2. BUI-DOI
(In September 1978 JOHN is addressing a conference in Atlanta that CHRIS and his wife ELLEN are attending at JOHN’S request.)
CHOIR
They’re called bui-doi
The dust of life
Conceived in hell and born in strife
They are the living reminders
Of all the good we failed to do
We can’t forget
Must not forget
That they are all our children too
JOHN
Like all survivors, I once thought
When I’m home I won’t give a damn
But now I know I’m caught
I’ll never leave Vietnam
War isn’t over when it ends
Some pictures never leave your mind
They are the faces of the children
The ones we left behind
They’re called bui-doi
The dust of life
Conceived in hell and born in strife
They are the living reminders
Of all the good we failed to do
We can’t forget
Must not forget
That they are all our children too
These kids hit walls on every side
They don’t belong in any place
Their secret they can’t hide
It’s printed on their face
I never thought one day I’d plead
For half-breeds from a land that’s torn
But then I saw a camp for children
Whose crime was being born
They’re called bui-doi
The dust of life
Conceived in hell
And born in strife
We owe them fathers, and a family
And loving homes they never knew
Because we know
Deep in our hearts
That they are all our children too
These are souls in need
They need us to give
Someone has to pay
For their chance to live
Help me try
CHORUS
They’re called bui-doi
The dust of life
Conceived in hell
JOHN AND CHORUS
And born in strife
They are the living reminders
Of all the good we failed to do
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CHORUS |
JOHN |
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|
That’s why we know Deep in our hearts |
That’s why we know Deep in our hearts |
CHORUS
That’s why we know
JOHN
That they are all our children…
JOHN AND CHORUS
…too
3. THE REVELATION
(After the conference, JOHN introduces CHRIS and ELLEN to his co-workers. CHRIS draws JOHN aside.)
CHRIS
John, you were great. Can I see you alone?
I gotta know what you meant on the phone
What is this news you received you can only tell me?
JOHN
A lot of groups use my Bangkok staff
To process problems on their behalf
We got this in from the embassy
It’s not easy to tell you, it’s best that you see
CHRIS
Kim. It’s about Kim, isn’t it?
Only you now how hard I had tried to get word
Tell me first, nothing else, tell me: did she survive?
JOHN
You must read the report, Chris, but yes, she’s alive
CHRIS
You don’t know, John, these nightmares, the things that I’ve seen
I have seen her face burned, seen her shot with my gun
I have chased her through streets and heard nothing but screams
What’s wrong? Come on. There is still something more
JOHN
She has a child
You have a son
(Shows CHRIS the report)
CHRIS
You won’t believe me but I dreamed this, John
It’s in the nightmare when I see Saigon
Jesus, John, I am married
Is this story for real?
JOHN
I’m only telling you what I received
But our reports can usually be believed
Kim’s a bar-girl in Bangkok
Pal, I know how you feel
CHRIS
It’s too late! I have a whole new life
I have a wife I love, she just can’t disappear
JOHN
Listen, guy, I know the shock you’ve had
It isn’t always bad, there are solutions here
CHRIS
Oh John, I never told her
My wife, how can I tell her?
A child, what do I do?
I shattered Kim
Now Ellen too
|
JOHN |
CHRIS |
|
|
I have learned the best thing for a couple to do you should both come to Bangkok, I mean Ellen too |
I have to tell her |
CHRIS
Us both?
JOHN
You both should go!
ELLEN
Hey guys, come on
CHRIS
But first . . . Ellen has to know
4. WHAT A WASTE
(A street filled with vendors in Patpong in Bangkok, outside a sleazy night-club called “Le Moulin Rouge” where the ENGINEER is doorman and barker. Other DOORMEN compete with him for the attention of crowds of TOURISTS.)
ENGINEER
Check it out!
DOORMEN
Girls! I got girls!
DOORMEN
Gorgeous girls!
DOORMEN
Very nice!
TOURISTS
Hey, wow! Oh look! We gotta see!
DOORMEN
Girls! I got girls!
DOORMEN
Gorgeous girls!
DOORMEN
Very nice!
TOURISTS
I’m glad my wife’s not here with me!
ENGINEER
What a waste!
To pay for my keep
I’m rounding up sheep
To fleece here in Bangkok
I’m disgraced
I can’t get ahead
There’s nothing as dead
As peace here in Bangkok
Ten cents an hour, that’s all they pay
I’ll have to swim to the USA
(to some TOURISTS)
If you’re looking for fun
Original sin
If you want to put out
Then you gotta come in
(TOURISTS pass. He tries to make them take his leaflets.)
DOORMEN
Girls! I got girls!
DOORMEN
Gorgeous girls!
DOORMEN
Very nice!
|
DOORMEN |
ENGINEER (to TOURISTS) |
|
|
Girls! |
Gee, isn’t Bangkok really neat? The things they’re selling on the street Fresh dog, if that’s what you’d enjoy A girl, or if you want a boy |
DOORMEN and the ENGINEER
Come, come to me
First drink is free
ENGINEER
(to two Japanese TOURISTS)
Don’t be a lump, you can hump
For a small extra fee
Hump – “humpy, humpy”
ENGINEER
I’m depressed
For hustling amours
To Japanese tours
Is no treat in Bangkok
I’m the best
But selling these runts
For sexual stunts
Leaves me beat in Bangkok
Ten cents an hour…
(The CLUB OWNER, the ENGINEER’S boss, passes.)
CLUB OWNER
You said you’d fill my place up – where are they?
ENGINEER
They’re coming, Boss
CLUB OWNER
Just get to work, half-breed!
ENGINEER
…screw the Siamese
Look how they’re ripping off… refugees
(to another PASSER-BY)
ENGINEER
If you’re looking for fun
Original sin
If you want to put out
Then you gotta come in
|
DOORMEN |
ENGINEER |
|
|
Girls |
Hey boys, don’t stand around like wimps Watch out, those guys, they’re really pimps You want some thrills, come-on and grab it! Three girls, two gerbils, and a rabbit |
DOORMEN
Hey, come to me!
(unfolding folders of photos)
DOORMEN
Look what you’ll see!
ENGINEER
Hey, that’s a joke, mine blow smoke
For a small extra fee
VENDORS
Come try the streets in every venue
With tricks, you’ll pick from off the menu
|
ENGINEER |
TOURISTS |
|
|
Hey, Joe, try taking a little excursion You’ll all feel good from a little perversion Massage requiring total immersion Some strange positions they say are Persian |
Oh yeah! |
ENGINEER
Drinks are on me
First girl is free
What can I say? You get me
For a small extra fee!
(JOHN enters looking for KIM. The VENDORS surround him.)
ENGINEER
(Handing a leaflet to John)
You want a girl sir? You’ll like one of these
JOHN
You have a Kim here, can I see her please?
ENGINEER
You pick ’em well. . .
Monsieur John, is that you?
JOHN
The Engineer!
Jesus Christ! you’re here too
ENGINEER
Of all my friends, you’re the one that I miss
JOHN
I’m looking for Kim
ENGINEER
I love you so, you and your buddy Chris
JOHN
I’m here about him
Kim has a child born in…
BOTH
Seventy-five
ENGINEER
I filled that out and it’s you who arrive
You’ll find the end of your quest here in our little dive
I’m impressed
American clerks, a system that works
There’s really no other
JOHN
Listen, spare me the gas
Is there really a child?
ENGINEER
Yes, we’re blessed
And Kim’s on a trip
For citizenship, and I am her brother
JOHN
You’re her brother, my ass
Come on, take me inside
ENGINEER
Look Kim, who got our application
I said I’d bring us all salvation
KIM
Oh my god! monsieur John!
Yes, of course he sent you
JOHN
Not in here, is there someplace near we could talk?
KIM
(to one of the customers)
Take your hands off! We’re finished! Go find someone else!
JOHN
Come with me, there’s a lot I’ve got to say first
KIM
Chris is here! Say he’s here! Oh my god, it’s all true
ENGINEER
I suggest, whatever may be
You leave it to me
Just play little mother
JOHN
What I need to find out
She can tell me alone
KIM
Can you take me to Chris?
I can leave here right now
We’ve been here for so long
Took this job to survive
One month at sea
I was sure we’d drown
But I thought about Chris
And we didn’t go down
I’ve done terrible things
But we’re safe and you’re here
So perhaps all the gods
Have begun to forgive
CLUB OWNER
Did the gentleman order champagne?
ENGINEER
She was about to get it
CLUB OWNER
You better get back on the chain
Or get out
|
KIM |
ENGINEER |
|
|
Monsieur John Look at this |
I’m so sick of that prick Quick before he gets wise Let John look at your kid See the lids of his eyes Let John have his surprise |
ENGINEER
Look Uncle Sam
How nice I am
I doing all this just for Tam
An American boy
(KIM brings JOHN to her room and shows him TAM)
KIM
Look John, this is his son
Don’t they have the same the smile
He’s been waiting for his father
For a long, long while
5. PLEASE
JOHN
I’m not here as a friend
I have a job to do
It’s strange to find my work
Should lead me here to you
Chris knows all about you
I have shown him all this
But I think that it’s time
You know all about Chris
KIM
Please, don’t you see that’s all I live for?
I have him and nothing more
At night, everything that’s not him
Disappears behind my door
JOHN
Please, he went crazy when he lost you
Spoke to no one for a year
Then he finally said “I’m home now,
My life has to go on here”
Kim, let me finish talking, please
That was three whole years ago
KIM
Yes, yes I know
I know how pain can grow
When the rock you hold onto
Is a love miles away, listen:
Please, I already know the story
Take us to the USA
JOHN
When we finish here, you’ll see him
Chris arrived with me today!
KIM
Oh Tam! He’s here!
He is here, he’s so near
We might breathe the same air tonight!
Your father’s here
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KIM |
JOHN |
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I dreamed so hard Please |
I can’t tell her like this I should not be the one Chris must come see his son They don’t say |
JOHN
There’s only one thing I can do
I must bring Chris here to see you
6. CHRIS IS HERE
(CLUB OWNER enters, seeing TAM)
CLUB OWNER
I thought I said, “no kids around”
So what’s that brat doing here
You better take care, I’m watching both of you
You, and your Engineer
(as JOHN leaves)
Sir, would you like a massage?
JOHN
No thanks, it’s not my scene
CLUB OWNER
You can find boys at La Cage
(CLUB OWNER leaves and the ENGINEER enters)
ENGINEER
Where is he?
What is that look?
He was right on the hook
Don’t tell me he slipped free
KIM
Engineer, Chris is here
John is going to get him
And bring him to me
My heart’s ready to burst
I don’t know what I’ll tell him first
ENGINEER
That guy is no one to trust
Or a soldier who’s just learned he’s fathered a son
You got to get to Chris first
I will find his address now
Before he can run
KIM
You can trust what he’ll do
Don’t you worry
I’ll mention you
ENGINEER
Don’t screw with me little bitch
I don’t want any hitch
You just do as you’re told
You’ll go to his hotel
I’ll be working as well
Guarding our bag of gold
KIM
Tell me where, and I’ll go
He is longing for me I know
(KIM picks up the picture of her parents)
You have brought me through the lightning
You have watched me from afar
You know all and you forgive me
Loving parents that you are
|
KIM |
ENGINEER |
|
|
Please, let your daughter have your blessing And I must be on my way |
Go on, talk to your ghosts, Little girl ’til you’re blue You have one chance, just one He’s here talking to you I’m on my way |
(The ENGINEER leaves)
7. KIM’S NIGHTMARE
(As the room darkens, the ghost of THUY appears)
THUY
Did you think I’d gone away
This is the face you saw that day
Staring at you with open eyes
You’re safe in the daylight
But in the dark I rise
I’m the crime that you hid
For you want to forget that you killed, but you did!
You will never be free
Not as long as there’s me
Did you think you would escape the judgement that was planned?
Did you think you would escape the truth’s avenging hand
Just because you have escaped the bound’ries of your land
I’m here! I’m here! I’m never dead
I’m here! I am the guilt inside your head
(KIM finds herself back in Saigon, April 1975)
You think your marine’s not like other men
(CHRIS appears)
He betrayed you once
And he will again
Think about that night
Where was he back then?
CHRIS
I’m getting you out!
CAPTAIN SCHULTZ
Sorry, sergeant, as things degenerate
All I’m giving her is her emigration papers
Without the wait, sign here
CHRIS
That’s not good enough …
CAPTAIN SCHULTZ
This will get her on board the carrier
You’re declaring that you will marry her
When you get back to the states, sign here
(A solider brings in KIM)
SOLDIERS
By order of the old man
The embassy will close according to plan
CAPTAIN SCHULTZ
I’ll stretch a couple rules to issue her pass
That’s it, you’re ready. Nice ass. Who’s next?
SOLDIERS
By order of the old man
We’re processing the gooks as fast as we can
CAPTAIN SCHULTZ
I mean Vietnamese, hey don’t get me wrong
Can’t leave these looks for the Cong – right?
(The scene changes to the room of CHRIS and KIM)
CHRIS
Christ, I am due at the embassy
No time to lose
KIM
I don’t want you to leave me today
CHRIS
Well at least Uncle Sam bought our honeymoon cruise
KIM
If you’re going I don’t want to stay
CHRIS
Look I’m leaving my gun
We got time
Stay and pack
KIM
Well I will do whatever you say
CHRIS
We’ll get plenty of word when the VC attack
I want you in that bed waiting when I get back
(CHRIS returns to the embassy)
DOC
Sorry, sergeant, we must accelerate
State department says we evacuate
The word is, we must be out by dawn
CHRIS
But my girl is out there!
REEVES
Sorry, sergeant, it’s straight from Washington
No one leaves the grounds now, not anyone
As fast as we load the planes, we’re gone
(a huge crowd of VIETNAMESE is pushing at the Embassy gates)
GIBBONS
(to the crowd)
Okay! Keep quiet! Don’t shout!
The Ambassador won’t leave till everyone’s out
The choppers’re on their way, there’s room for you all
TROY
They’re climbing over the wall!
Get back!
MORE MARINES
Get back! I tell you, don’t shout
The Ambassador won’t leave till everyone’s out
NOLAN
(entering)
The Ambassador just sent an order to freeze
HUSTON
That’s it! No more Vietnamese! Get in!
(In the streets outside the Embassy, KIM can’t get through the guards.)
KIM
I’m the wife of a soldier
Please, let me through!
Help me, who must I pay?
Tell me what I must do
CHRIS
(to an OFFICER)
Let me out, I have got to go back to my bride!
KIM
Listen, someone! My husband is waiting inside!
CHRIS
(telephoning, inside the Embassy yard)
Please Kim
Hear the phone
I can’t get there
Please be home
KIM
(in the street)
Please Chris
No one sees
I am lost here
Find me please
BOTH
Please, get me through, I don’t care how
Don’t take my love away, not now
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KIM |
CHRIS |
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|
Oh, Chris |
Oh Kim |
FRYE
(to CHRIS)
Sorry sergeant, inside the Embassy!
We are pulling out now and there will be
No more reprieves
CHRIS
I got till the old man leaves!
JOHN
Chris, don’t be an ass
the Ambassador is leaving now
(CHRIS is forced inside the Embassy, whose doors are then barricaded. The VIETNAMESE are now yelling through the Embassy gates.)
ONE VIETNAMESE
Take me with you!
Take my children!
ANOTHER
I have a letter, look!
ANOTHER
I helped the CIA!
CROWD
They’ll kill who they find here!
Don’t leave us behind here!
A VIETNAMESE
I’ve a wife who left already!
ANOTHER
I have an aunt in New York!
ANOTHER
I have gold, I can pay!
CROWD
There is no one to find here!
They have left us behind here!
(KIM has pushed her way through the gate.)
KIM
I must get in there, listen, anyone!
Please tell my husband… Look! I have his gun!
A VIETNAMESE
Out of my way, if that’s all that you’ve got!
CROWD
If I am here when they come, I’ll be shot!
(Inside the compound: MARINES guard the roof helipad.)
CHRIS
Let me go, John, I can’t leave her
Why in the world should I be saved instead of her?
CROWD
They’ll kill who they find here!
Don’t leave us behind here!
JOHN
It’s not you, it’s the war that’s cruel
And if some dreams get smashed, perhaps it’s best they were
CROWD and KIM
There is no one to find here!
They have left us behind here!
JOHN
Wake up, my friend, your mercy trip has failed
There’s nothing you can do, that ship has sailed
She’s not the only one we’ll have betrayed
CROWD
Get to the roof, or else we are betrayed!
(The CROWD tries to batter down the fences.)
KIM
(in the yard)
Oh, Chris
I still believe
The heart of you
Is here with me
My heart, against all odds
Holds still
(On the Embassy roof, the last helicopter lands. CHRIS runs up and down the wall, shouting for KIM. Finally he is forced to board the helicopter, which takes off. The nightmare passes. KIM is in her little room with TAM.)
(KIM takes out her wedding dress and puts it on)
KIM
You are sunlight and I moon
Joined by the gods of fortune
Midnight and high noon
That’s what we are
How in one night have we come so far
Outside, day starts to dawn
One long night time is gone
I feel you near
I cry no more
I know you’re here
I reach your door
And our love is reborn!
Bright’ning the sky
With the flame of love
Made of sunlight
Moonlight
ENGINEER
Kim! Kim! Chris is at this hotel! Go quickly!
KIM
Take care of Tam!
(KIM runs through the city of Bangkok to CHRIS’S hotel, as CHRIS and JOHN travel throughout the city to find her.)