[Quick Summary: The story of Muhammad Ali's life to become the Greatest boxer.]
This script was based on a book co-written by Ali, about Ali, for a film starring Ali.
Thus, I'm assuming the script is fairly faithful to the book and reality...which is fine, except I did not get swept up into the story.
However, I did like this funny scene below where Ali gets payback for ogling.
ex. EXT. MIAMI PARK - DAY
The fountain is low enough for small children, which means an adult has to bend way over to reach it. In Ruby's case this bares an area of skin previously covered by the back of her shorts. Cassius, without moving the bike, bends and stretches into a quite unnatural position in order to get a better view of this newly exposed nether region. Somehow sensing this, Ruby turns her head from the fountain so suddenly as to catch him at it. Cassius is flustered, the more so when she actually calls attention to it.
RUBY: Looking at something?
CASSIUS: No, of course not! I mean nothing really. I mean just your...
He can't think of an acceptable word and completes the phrase instead by outlining a human rear end with both of his hands.
RUBY: Anything special about my...?
She finishes the question with the same pantomime.
CASSIUS: No, no, of course not! Nothing special about it at all! (frantically correcting himself) That's not what I mean. What I mean is, yes, there is. Very special.
RUBY: You don't sound at all sure what you mean. (taking bike) Thanks. (indicating fountain) Your turn.
Relieved to be through with that conversation, Cassius bends over to drink. He is so much taller that he has to bend a lot further, causing his own rear contours to stand out, even in his loose running pants. Ruby deliberately assumes the same position he took to inspect her backside and stares at his ostentatiously until, finished drinking, he turns and sees what she's doing.
RUBY: You know what? Yours is pretty special, too.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I liked that the script took the time to include a very human, embarrassing moment. It made the myth much more approachable and human
The Greatest (1977)(12/24/76 draft)
by Ring Lardner, Jr.
Based on "The Greatest: My Own Story" by Muhammad Ali, Herbert Muhummad, and Richard Durham
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