ALI
ALI is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, ALI is connected to 84 scenes, 309 dialogue lines, 1099 text mentions, first appearing around scene 58.
84 scenes / 309 dialogue lines199Scenes
54Characters
53Pages
8Dialogue samples
Save the Cat beat sheet
Ali Save the Cat analysis
ALI traces Cassius Clay’s rise from a street‐running hooded figure to heavyweight champion and cultural icon, highlighting his battles both inside the ring and against societal injustice.
Open full beat sheetKey characters
Howard Cosell
Howard Cosell is listed as Sportscaster. Outspoken sports journalist who maintains a complex relationship with Ali. In the parsed data, Howard Cosell is connected to 17 scenes, 38 dialogue lines, 106 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.
17 scenes / 38 dialogue linesAngelo Dundee
Angelo Dundee is listed as Trainer. Ali's loyal and experienced boxing trainer. In the parsed data, Angelo Dundee is connected to 17 scenes, 35 dialogue lines, 87 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
17 scenes / 35 dialogue linesDrew 'Bundini' Brown
Drew 'Bundini' Brown is listed as Inspiration / Corner man. Ali's spiritual motivator and corner man. In the parsed data, Drew 'Bundini' Brown is connected to 16 scenes, 45 dialogue lines, 45 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.
16 scenes / 45 dialogue linesCASSIUS
CASSIUS is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, CASSIUS is connected to 13 scenes, 45 dialogue lines, 239 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.
13 scenes / 45 dialogue linesMalcolm X
Malcolm X is listed as Mentor / Spiritual Guide. Influential civil rights leader and mentor to Ali. In the parsed data, Malcolm X is connected to 11 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 105 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
11 scenes / 33 dialogue linesBELINDA
BELINDA is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, BELINDA is connected to 10 scenes, 44 dialogue lines, 89 text mentions, first appearing around scene 107.
10 scenes / 44 dialogue linesBINGHAM
BINGHAM is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, BINGHAM is connected to 10 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 66 text mentions, first appearing around scene 74.
10 scenes / 22 dialogue linesHERBERT
HERBERT is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, HERBERT is connected to 6 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 80 text mentions, first appearing around scene 74.
6 scenes / 22 dialogue linesCHAUNCEY ESKRIDGE
CHAUNCEY ESKRIDGE is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, CHAUNCEY ESKRIDGE is connected to 6 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 27 text mentions, first appearing around scene 91.
6 scenes / 14 dialogue linesSONJI
SONJI is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SONJI is connected to 5 scenes, 30 dialogue lines, 71 text mentions, first appearing around scene 72.
5 scenes / 30 dialogue linesCASSIUS CLAY, SR.
CASSIUS CLAY, SR. is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, CASSIUS CLAY, SR. is connected to 5 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 44 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
5 scenes / 21 dialogue linesPACHECO
PACHECO is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, PACHECO is connected to 5 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 27 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
5 scenes / 7 dialogue linesBRADLEY
BRADLEY is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, BRADLEY is connected to 5 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 66.
5 scenes / 7 dialogue linesDon King
Don King is listed as Promoter. Ambitious boxing promoter. In the parsed data, Don King is connected to 4 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 75 text mentions, first appearing around scene 153.
4 scenes / 21 dialogue linesElijah Muhammad
Elijah Muhammad is listed as Leader of the Nation of Islam. Spiritual leader of the Nation of Islam. In the parsed data, Elijah Muhammad is connected to 4 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 58 text mentions, first appearing around scene 57.
4 scenes / 8 dialogue linesFOREMAN
FOREMAN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, FOREMAN is connected to 4 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 140 text mentions, first appearing around scene 164.
4 scenes / 7 dialogue linesJIMI HENDRIX
JIMI HENDRIX is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, JIMI HENDRIX is connected to 4 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 112.
4 scenes / 6 dialogue linesCROWD
CROWD is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, CROWD is connected to 3 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 42 text mentions, first appearing around scene 136.
3 scenes / 3 dialogue linesRUDY
RUDY is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, RUDY is connected to 3 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
3 scenes / 3 dialogue linesSAM COOKE
SAM COOKE is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SAM COOKE is connected to 3 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
3 scenes / 3 dialogue linesREFEREE
REFEREE is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, REFEREE is connected to 3 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 137.
3 scenes / 3 dialogue linesREPORTERS
REPORTERS is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, REPORTERS is connected to 3 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.
3 scenes / 3 dialogue linesFRAZIER
FRAZIER is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, FRAZIER is connected to 2 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 95 text mentions, first appearing around scene 122.
2 scenes / 12 dialogue linesScene outline
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1. UNKNOWN SCENE
This scene block presents the title page for the screenplay "Ali", listing the writers and story by credits, and concludes with the "FADE IN:" transition.
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2. EXT. MIAMI STREET - MOVEMENT - NIGHT (1964)
The scene opens on a Miami street at night in 1964, where a shadowy figure in a sweatshirt hood moves in and out of the dark, accompanied by an instrumental lead-in.
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3. INT. THE STAGE, HAMPTON HOUSE CLUB - EMPTY FRAME - NIGHT
Sam Cooke takes the stage in a lavender light, grabs a microphone, and begins to perform, immediately eliciting a passionate, shrieking response from the women in the audience.
WOMEN, SAM COOKE -
4. EXT. MIAMI STREET - HOODED MAN'S FACE - NIGHT
A hooded Cassius Clay runs through the dark streets of Overtown, Miami, at night, passing various urban elements like vacant lots, faded buildings, and an abandoned car.
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5. INT. THE STAGE, HAMPTON HOUSE CLUB (MIAMI) - SAM COOKE
Sam Cooke encourages the audience to embrace the music, and the women in the audience respond.
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6. EXT. MIAMI STREET - CASSIUS - NIGHT
The scene describes Cassius running diagonally across NW 7th street, intercut with Cooke shouting.
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7. EXT. MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY - CASSIUS - NIGHT
Cassius runs along MacArthur Causeway at night, seemingly focused on something else, when a Metro-Dade police car slows to hassle him but then drives off, leaving Cassius dismissive and looking for something else.
SAM COOKE'S AUDIENCE -
8. INT. A BOARD ROOM - GORDON DAVIDSON - DAY
In a boardroom, Cassius Clay, Sr. is patronizingly walked through contracts by the Louisville Sponsoring Group, while his son, Cassius Clay, Jr., observes with disdain from the background.
CASSIUS CLAY, SR., LSG BOARD MEMBER -
9. EXT. MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY - CLOSER: CASSIUS' EYES - NIGHT
The scene describes Cassius' journey across the MacArthur Causeway at night, where Sam Cooke's music is playing and is gradually interrupted by a series of popping sounds.
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10. INT. THE FIFTH STREET GYM, (MIAMI) - SPEED BAG - DAWN
The scene depicts Cassius Clay intensely training with a speed bag, his focused eyes drawing attention. The perspective then shifts to the speed bag, which transforms into Sonny Liston's boxing glove, powerfully striking towards the viewer.
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11. INT. RING - A BOXER (N.D. BOXER)
Cassius Clay intently observes a boxer being knocked out by a powerful, linear jab, showcasing the devastating force of Sonny Liston.
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12. INT. RING - CASSIUS - NIGHT
After a victory, Sonny Liston confronts Cassius and threatens him, making Cassius realize the street-level malevolence behind Liston's words.
Sonny Liston -
13. INT. FIFTH STREET GYM - CASSIUS' EYES
The scene opens inside the Fifth Street Gym, focusing on Cassius' eyes, and then directs the viewer to 'SEE...'.
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14. INT. CHURCH - THE BACK OF HIS FATHER'S HEAD
In a church, Cassius Sr. paints a mural of a white Jesus with blue eyes and blonde hair, while his 12-year-old son, Cassius Jr., watches him.
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15. INT. FIFTH STREET GYM - CASSIUS' EYES
The scene is set inside the Fifth Street Gym, focusing on Cassius' eyes as he watches something.
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16. INT. A CITY BUS - WATCHING - DAY
A young Cassius, riding a city bus, is deeply affected by a newspaper image of Emmett Till's mutilated face, which a man on the bus jokingly pushes towards him before Angelo Dundee shouts "TIME!".
CASSIUS, JR., Angelo Dundee -
17. INT. FIFTH STREET GYM - CASSIUS
Angelo Dundee enters the Fifth Street Gym with a newspaper, while Cassius Clay is elsewhere, intensely hitting a speed bag.
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18. INT. THE MASJID AL ANSAR-MOSQUE - CASSIUS - DAY (MIAMI)
Malcolm X delivers a powerful speech at a mosque, advocating for self-reliance and self-defense, while Cassius observes from the back, sharing a knowing glance with Malcolm X.
Malcolm X -
19. INT. FIFTH STREET GYM - LUMINOUS HOOP - MORNING
In the Fifth Street Gym, Cassius Clay jump-ropes while Angelo Dundee reads a newspaper and offers advice, and Drew "Bundini" Brown peels an orange. Angelo Dundee then calls "TIME!" ending Cassius's jump-roping.
Angelo Dundee -
20. INT. THE HAMPTON HOUSE CLUB - SAM COOKE
Sam Cooke performs "Bring It On Home" at the Hampton House Club, captivating the women in the front row with his palpable stage presence.
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21. INT. FIFTH STREET GYM - CASSIUS
Cassius is seen performing intense calisthenics, guided by Luis Sarria, when Angelo Dundee calls out "TIME!!!".
Angelo Dundee -
22. INT. HAMPTON HOUSE CLUB - HIGH + WIDE FRONTAL: SAM COOKE'S
The scene opens inside the Hampton House Club, focusing on Sam Cooke's presence, with the club described as lively and rocking.
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23. INT. THE RING, FIFTH STREET GYM - CASSIUS' EYES - DAY
Cassius Clay spars in the ring, showcasing his unique defensive style while Dr. Ferdie Pacheco, Howard Bingham, and Luis Sarria enter the gym to observe his intense focus.
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24. INT. A LIMOUSINE - NOW CASSIUS IS - DAY
The scene opens inside a limousine in Miami, where Cassius is relaxed and in slow motion, while the city drifts by outside.
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25. INT. HAMPTON HOUSE CLUB - SAM COOKE
Inside the Hampton House Club, Sam Cooke's medley reaches its climax and then ends, creating a stark contrast with the extreme calm of a limo.
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26. INT. A HALLWAY, THE MIAMI CONVENTION CENTER - CASSIUS - DAY
Cassius, in a terry-cloth robe, walks quickly through a hallway, followed by Dundee, Bundini, Bingham, Pacheco, and Rudy, before slamming through a door into a large room.
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27. INT. THE WEIGH-IN ROOM, MIAMI CONVENTION CENTER - CASSIUS - DAY
At the weigh-in, Cassius Clay aggressively taunts Sonny Liston and the press, creating a chaotic scene that worries a doctor about his high blood pressure. Despite the doctor's concerns and the media's skepticism, Cassius remains confident and defiant.
Howard Cosell, CANNON/OTHERS, CASSIUS/BUNDINI, REPORTERS, CASSIUS, THE MAN -
28. EXT./INT. MIAMI RENTAL HOUSE - DR. PACHECO - DAY
Dr. Pacheco enters a Miami rental house where Clay is watching television with Dundee and Bingham, but Clay appears distracted.
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29. EXT. CASSIUS' RENTAL HOUSE, BACKYARD - CORNER OF HOUSE - DAY
Bundini approaches a sleeping Cassius, introduces himself with a colorful backstory, and then questions Cassius about his uncanny ability to predict fight outcomes. Cassius explains his predictions are actually well-researched plans, leading Bundini to offer himself as Cassius's motivator and inspiration.
CASSIUS, Drew 'Bundini' Brown -
30. INT. MIAMI RENTAL HOUSE - PACHECO
Pacheco takes his blood pressure, then discusses the reading with Cassius, implying his weigh-in was an act. He then sits with Cassius and eats potato chips.
PACHECO -
31. INT. MIAMI CONVENTION CENTER, A DRESSING ROOM - HANDS -
In his dressing room before a fight, Cassius Clay has his hands wrapped and gloved while Malcolm X arrives, offers words of encouragement, and shares a moment of prayer with Cassius before heading to his ringside seat.
Malcolm X, RUDY, CASSIUS, Angelo Dundee -
32. INT. A CORRIDOR, CASSIUS - NIGHT
Cassius, surrounded by his entourage and officials, walks down a corridor with a determined expression, seemingly distant from those around him, before reaching the end where he starts dancing as if drawn by an unseen force towards the arena.
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33. INT. THE MIAMI CONVENTION CENTER - NIGHT
Cassius enters the Miami Convention Center to a mixed reception of shouts, applause, and booing, but his attention is solely fixed on the boxing ring.
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34. INT. THE RING - CASSIUS - NIGHT
Cassius prepares for his fight against Liston, displaying a surprising calm and intense focus as he faces his opponent, just before the bell rings for Round One.
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35. INT. RING - ROUND ONE - WIDE
The scene details the first two rounds of a boxing match between Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston, where Cassius cautiously evades Liston's powerful punches before finding his range and dominating the first round. After the round, Cassius, in his corner, expresses his survival and mocks the press, while Round Two begins with media coverage and continues the fight, ending with both fighters in their respective corners.
LISTON, CASSIUS -
36. INT. RING, ROUND THREE
Cassius Clay dominates Round Three against Liston, opening a cut under Liston's eye and showcasing his superior footwork and powerful combinations, leaving Liston angered and panicked as the bell rings.
ANNOUNCER -
37. INT. CLAY'S CORNER - CLAY
Cassius Clay, at 22 and at the peak of his game, takes a moment to absorb his surroundings before sitting down in his corner, feeling like he's about to own the world. He then confidently dismisses his opponent to Dundee, asserting his superiority.
CASSIUS -
38. INT. LISTON'S CORNER - CORNERMAN
A cornerman applies a medicant to Liston's shoulder.
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39. INT. RING - ROUND FOUR
In Round Four, Cassius Clay initially dominates Liston, but then experiences sudden, severe eye pain, signaling a problem as the round concludes.
CASSIUS -
40. INT. RING, CASSIUS' CORNER - CASSIUS
Cassius, unable to see due to an irritant in his eyes, shouts for help as Dundee frantically tries to wash it out.
CASSIUS -
41. INT. ARENA
As Round Five approaches, Cassius, claiming blindness, demands his gloves be cut off, but Angelo Dundee refuses to let him quit and physically pushes him back into the ring.
CASSIUS, Angelo Dundee -
42. INT. RING - ROUND FIVE - LISTON
In Round Five, Liston aggressively attacks a partially blinded Clay, landing powerful blows, but Clay endures the punishment and begins to regain his sight as Liston's energy deflates by the bell.
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43. INT. RING, CASSIUS' CORNER - CASSIUS'
Cassius recovers his energy and is ready for the next round as the bell rings.
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44. INT. RING - ROUND SIX - CASSIUS
In round six, Cassius is eager to finish the fight, while Liston, having lost his confidence and fight plan, is psychologically and athletically defeated, dreading the remaining rounds.
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45. INT. RING, CASSIUS' CORNER - BETWEEN ROUNDS - AS CASSIUS
Cassius Clay wins the heavyweight championship when Sonny Liston fails to come out for the seventh round, leading to Cassius's triumphant celebration and interviews with Howard Cosell and Sam Cooke.
CASSIUS, Howard Cosell -
46. INT. ELIJAH MUHAMMAD'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - WIDE - NIGHT
Elijah Muhammad, the head of the Nation of Islam, sits in his expensive living room with Joseph 13X, contemplating Cassius' unexpected victory.
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47. INT. THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER - PAY PHONE - NIGHT
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, Gordon Davidson is on a pay phone, urgently arranging a victory party for 250-300 people, emphasizing the need for it immediately due to the presence of national press, family, and the champ.
GORDON DAVIDSON -
48. INT. THE SIR JOHN NIGHTCLUB - SAM COOKE - NIGHT
The scene opens inside The Sir John Nightclub, where Sam Cooke is performing "Feel It" to a joyous, packed crowd, while outside, celebrations and car honking fill the streets.
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49. EXT./INT. HAMPTON HOUSE VILLAS - CLOSE ON COOKE AS HE
Cooke moves through a lively club at the Hampton House Villas, past partygoers, to get cigarettes before heading out to the pool area, which is bustling with elegantly dressed people and music playing into the Floridian night.
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50. INT. THE BALLROOM, THE RONEY PLAZA HOTEL - GORDON DAVIDSON -
At a hastily arranged victory party in the Roney Plaza Hotel ballroom, the Louisville Sponsoring Group, sportswriters, and Cassius Sr. wait for Cassius, who is absent. A young New York Times sportswriter, Robert Lipsyte, feels out of place among the crowd.
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51. INT. HAMPTON HOUSE HOTEL ROOM - SAM COOKE - NIGHT
Sam Cooke enters a hotel room to find Malcolm X, Betty Shabazz, and Cassius Clay watching TV with a child, and after a brief discussion about a mummy on screen, Jim Brown arrives and joins the group.
CASSIUS, Malcolm X, GIRL, SAM COOKE -
52. INT. THE HAMPTON HOUSE HOTEL ROOM, 1964 - NIGHT, LATER
In the near-dark Hampton House Hotel room, Malcolm and Betty share an intimate moment while Cassius, the new heavyweight champion, sleeps on the sofa, spending his first night of reign with Malcolm's family.
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53. EXT. 125TH STREET + 7TH AVENUE - CASSIUS, MALCOLM + A CRUSH
Cassius Clay and Malcolm X arrive on 125th Street in Harlem, drawing a large crowd and dominating the scene.
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54. EXT. MICHAUX BOOK SHOP - PEOPLE - DAY
Surrounded by a crowd and reporters, Cassius Clay announces his conversion to the Nation of Islam, rejecting his 'slave name' and declaring himself Cassius X, while asserting his independence as a champion.
A REPORTER, REPORTERS, Malcolm X, ANOTHER REPORTER, CASSIUS -
55. EXT. THE HOTEL THERESA - MALCOLM - NIGHT
Malcolm X exits the Hotel Theresa with his bodyguard and notices a light still on in a top-floor window late at night.
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56. INT. THE HOTEL THERESA, CASSIUS' ROOM - CASSIUS - BEFORE DAWN
Malcolm X visits Cassius before dawn, inviting him to Africa, and then shares his deep anger and frustration over racial injustices, revealing his suspension from the Nation of Islam.
CASSIUS, Malcolm X -
57. INT. ELIJAH MUHAMMAD'S HOUSE, CHICAGO, 1964 - JOSEPH 13X - DAY
Elijah Muhammad renames Cassius Clay as Muhammad Ali and, expressing his disapproval of Malcolm X, appoints his own son, Herbert Muhammad, as Ali's new spiritual and material guide.
CASSIUS, Elijah Muhammad -
58. EXT. THE CLAY HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, 1964 - EVENING
Cassius Clay, Sr. argues with Ali about his decision to change his name to Muhammad Ali and seek new, black management, leading to a tense confrontation about identity and independence, which Odessa Clay attempts to defuse.
ALI, ODESSA CLAY, CASSIUS CLAY, SR., A NEIGHBOR -
59. INT. MALCOLM'S HOUSE, KITCHEN (QUEENS, NEW YORK), 1964 - NIGHT
Malcolm X receives a phone call informing him that Cassius X (now Muhammad Ali) has been reassigned and his own suspension extended indefinitely, prompting his wife Betty to urge him to proceed with his trip to Africa for safety.
BETTY SHABAZZ, JOSEPH 13X, ONE OF HIS CHILDREN, Malcolm X -
60. INT. GHANA AIR DC-8 COCKPIT - ALI - NIGHT
Muhammad Ali, a nervous flyer, encounters two black pilots on a flight to Africa and makes a joking comment about their presence in the cockpit, reflecting on racial barriers he experienced growing up. The scene concludes with the pilot pointing out the coast of Cote d'Ivoire as they arrive in Africa.
ALI, THE PILOT, PILOT -
61. EXT. BUILDING IN CAIRO - CABLE - DAY (EGYPT)
A cable snakes out of a building in Cairo as Betty Shabazz's voice is heard suggesting they think of a name.
BETTY SHABAZZ -
62. INT. CAIRO BUILDING - WIDE: HALLWAY - DAY
Marlin Thomas walks up a hallway carrying take-out food while Malcolm X's voice-over suggests names.
Malcolm X -
63. INT. CAIRO EMPTY APARTMENT - MARLIN THOMAS - DAY
In an empty Cairo apartment, Marlin Thomas asks another American, who is monitoring a phone call, for an update, then inquires about a Chevy parts catalogue.
MARLIN THOMAS, THE MAN -
64. EXT. INDEPENDENCE SQUARE, ACCRA - ALI - DAY (GHANA)
Ali arrives in Accra, Ghana, in a Mercedes convertible, experiencing the vibrant, optimistic atmosphere of the newly independent nation. He observes the diverse crowd cheering him, noting the stark contrast to the racial segregation he experienced in America.
ALI -
65. EXT. THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL, ACCRA - MERCEDES - LATE AFTERNOON
Ali arrives at a hotel in Accra, Ghana, and is surprised to encounter Malcolm X, who is about to depart with an entourage including Maya Angelou. The two men embrace and catch up, discussing their travels and future plans, with Malcolm X sharing his recent pilgrimage to Mecca.
ALI, Malcolm X -
66. INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL ROOM - MARLIN THOMAS - DAY
Marlin Thomas makes a phone call, revealing two men with binoculars outside his window. He then speaks to Malcolm X, hinting at an unexpected encounter.
BRADLEY, Malcolm X -
67. INT. LEOPOLDVILLE SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - BRADLEY - DAY (CONGO)
In a Leopoldville classroom, Bradley, an American, takes a phone call, receives thanks from Mobutu's Military Aide, and then continues his conversation, all while accompanied by armed men.
BRADLEY, MOBUTU'S MILITARY AIDE -
68. INT. LEOPOLDVILLE SCHOOL CORRIDOR - MOBUTU'S MILITARY AIDE
Mobutu's Military Aide leads soldiers to a sports court where six bound prisoners are guarded by Bradley's men; the Aide communicates via walkie-talkie while General Joseph Mobutu, having received information, walks away.
GEN. JOSEPH MOBUTU -
69. INT. LEOPOLDVILLE SCHOOL, SECOND CLASSROOM - MOBUTU
Mobutu enters a classroom to applause from uniformed officers, establishing his role as the beneficiary of a military coup, with a narrative note about his future actions and a transition to Ghana.
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70. INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL ROOM - MARLIN THOMAS - DAY
Marlin Thomas informs Bradley that Malcolm X encountered Cassius Clay, leading Bradley to instruct Marlin to investigate further and plan to meet Malcolm X in Liberia.
MARLIN THOMAS, BRADLEY -
71. EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - ALI + MALCOLM X
Malcolm X attempts to engage Ali in conversation, but Ali, preoccupied with his loyalty to Elijah Muhammad, expresses disapproval of Malcolm's past actions and ultimately walks away, rejecting Malcolm.
ALI, Malcolm X -
72. INT. TIGER LOUNGE, CHICAGO - SHERI - NIGHT
Ali and Sonji Roi flirt and discuss their lives and Ali's encounter with The Beatles while dancing in the Tiger Lounge, eventually leaving together as Herbert watches.
ALI, SONJI -
73. INT. SONJI'S APARTMENT - WINDOW - NIGHT (1964)
Ali and Sonji engage in a post-coital conversation, discussing their budding relationship, Sonji's non-Muslim status, Ali's self-admiration, and his unique affection for her, before they resume making love.
ALI, SONJI -
74. EXT./INT. 50TH ON THE LAKE MOTEL, COFFEE SHOP - ALI, HERBERT,
Ali announces his intention to marry Sonji, much to Herbert's dismay, who tries to dissuade him and get him to sign management papers. Despite Herbert's objections and Bingham's warnings, Ali signs the papers and makes demands for his new lifestyle, while the group continues to debate his impending marriage.
ALI, BINGHAM, HERBERT, Drew 'Bundini' Brown -
75. INT. FIFTH STREET GYM - ALI
In a gym, the camera passes by Ali and others to focus on a B&W TV showing Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking, which then abruptly cuts to multiple surveillance angles revealing extensive FBI operations against King and Malcolm X.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. -
76. INT. A COFFEE SHOP (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - THEIR PICTURE -
Joe Smiley meets with Joseph 13X in a coffee shop to discuss the unintended consequences of their efforts to diminish Malcolm X, revealing a new plan to get Elijah Muhammad to take Malcolm back, and also bringing up the issue of Ali's militant image.
JOSEPH 13X, JOE SMILEY -
77. INT. MIAMI HOTEL ROOM - ALI - NIGHT
Ali enters his hotel room, finds Bundini and his father drinking, and an argument ensues with Sonji, who is frustrated with the "Brother X's" and their judgment, before Ali takes her back into the bedroom.
ALI, ROOM SERVICE, CASSIUS CLAY, SR., SONJI, Drew 'Bundini' Brown -
78. INT. BEDROOM - SONJI + ALI - NIGHT
Sonji refuses to wear a specific dress, asserting her normalcy, which leads to Ali picking her up and them making out on the bed as the camera drifts away to music.
SONJI -
79. INT. A NEW CAR (CHICAGO) - ALI - DAY
The scene opens with a description of someone driving through Chicago, followed by a radio DJ named Daddio introducing his jazz show, which then transitions to a Brubeck song.
DADDIO -
80. INT. THE AUDUBON BALLROOM, HARLEM - REAR OF MALCOLM'S HEAD -
Malcolm X and his bodyguard walk through a terra-cotta hallway to a door, where Malcolm hesitates, shedding his coat and gathering himself before entering.
Dialogue examples
ALI There you go, agitatin'. You ask Smokin' Joe what he been smokin'?! Joe Frazier even dream he can whup me? He better wake up and apologize... But, if I WAS to jump in the ring with Joe, here's what you might see... Ali comes out to meet Frazier, but Frazier starts to retreat; If Frazier goes back an inch farther, he'll wind up in a ringside seat; Ali swings with a left, Ali swings with a right. Frazier keeps backin', but there's not enough room. It a matter of time before Ali lowers the boom; Now Ali lands with a right, what ALI (CONT'D) a beautiful swing, But the punch lifts Frazier clean out of the ring. Frazier's still risin', but the referee wears a frown, 'Cause he can't start countin' 'til Frazier come down. And Frazier's disappeared from view. And the crowd is getting frantic. Then our radar stations pick him up. He's somewhere over the Atlantic. Who would have thought when they came to this fight, That they would witness the launching of a black satellite?
MALCOLM X ...when I heard about the four girls bombed in the 16th Street Church in Birmingham? The prohibitions of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad prevented me from speaking my voice in action. Because Birmingham was part of the civil rights movement, begging for a place at the white man's table... But dead children...are dead children. So the anger I felt, I had to contain. I locked that down! So tight my muscles seized. I lost control over the right side of my body. Leg didn't work...right arm didn't work. "I'm having a stroke," I thought. I had to hold it in 'cause I wanted, all I wanted was to BREAK SOMETHING! Break a part...any part of this system. Because you are so provoked as a human being. In your spirit. In your heart... At the death of children. But I COULD DO...nothing.
DON KING How right you are, my suspicious and short Italian brother. And my fiduciary responsibility to this first all-black promotion is like a garden in the African sun. It must grow! It must bloom! It cannot flower in the gloom and shade of postponement to some dome. Like the Astrodome, the Super-dome, any dome outta Zaire, where it be deprived of light and bled of water. 'Cause what gonna bleed...is money. A hemorrhage of cash. ...blood on the floor. Double hotel costs. Double travel costs. Airplanes. Food and beverage...
JUDGE INGRAHAM My pleasure. The jury has found you guilty of refusing induction into the United States armed forces. I sentence you to the maximum sentence allowable...five years' imprisonment and a fine of ten thousand dollars. Fast enough? Your attorney will lodge an appeal. While you're out on bond, I order your passport surrendered. I'll not have you benefitting yourself by fighting abroad...
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD Mr. Muhammad Ali desires to do that which the Holy Qur'an teaches him against. I am, therefore, suspending Mr. Ali from the practice of Islam. He may no longer appear in temple, pray or teach, or have any conversation with any Muslim whatsoever. Furthermore...he may no longer use the name of Muhammad Ali. Henceforward, he will revert to his old slave name, Cassius Clay.
BUNDINI God don't care about you! Don't care about me! In all of everything, we mean nothin'. He don't know us. We be. And that's the onliest thing he did. And that's good 'cause that's why we free. But free ain't easy. Free is real. And realness is a motherfucker... It eats raw meat. It walk in its own shoes. It does not waver... Yeah...
ALI Ask Chauncey Eskridge in Chicago. He's my lawyer. No. I'm out on bail. Yeah, I fight. I fight clean. I'm an athlete. Army's there to kill, kill, kill. My religion forbids that. No. I never shot anything in my life. Do I know where Vietnam is? Yeah. It's on TV... In southeast Asia? It there, too? That's a joke, man...!
CHAUNCEY ESKRIDGE Draw a crowd or not draw a crowd, Muhammad, is NOT going to make a difference with your boxing licenses. They don't want you to fight. ACLU's handling your case against the New York Boxing Commission. They discovered New York's got actual ex-murderers and ex-rapists currently licensed to fight. But revoked yours...?
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