Berkebile’s Mysteries Movie Script

                                                                               By Myron Grace

                                                              Based on a book by Jonathan Harper

                                                                  Website Publication Date 05-03-25 

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Disclaimer: This movie script is the property of Screenworks Entertainment and Jonathan Harper. It  is being sent to the parties intended only, and for their general use only. If you are not the intended party(s), then please do not share or communicate or discuss the content without express permission or a request from Myron Grace and Screenworks Entertainment. For additional information contact E: Tvpilots@yahoo.com, +1(440)902-1668.

 

 

                                    Header: Berkebile’s Big Case (Storyline One)

Opening Scene: Camera/Action/Movement: Pan then midrange Camera shots. John Berkebile riding into Central Point, Oregon passing familiar landmarks.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Midrange shots inside car. John Berkebile smoking his pipe as he drives.  

Scene Notes: John Berkebile’s voice in the background of the scene as he drives into the small town of Central Point, Orgon. Camera. Midrange shots inside car. John Berkebile smoking his pipe as he drives.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: My name is John Berkebile. I am a private eye in the small town of Central Point, Oregon. I mainly do small cases, like lost items or burglaries. Once, I had a job catching a guy who was stealing milk from Smith’s farm. Things are beginning to change, though. I’m starting to build a reputation around the valley, and I can’t wait for even bigger crimes to come my way.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots of Highway 99, showing scenes of the office, as John Berkebile walks in his office.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: I have an office located on Highway 99. It is not a huge office, but it suits me. I have a big desk right in front of our window, so I can peer out at the city.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, outside of the office of John Berkebile.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, inside of the office of John Berkebile.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: There is also an antique clock hanging from the back wall. I have one restroom, which is very small. The bathroom door is right under the old clock.

Scene Notes: Introduction to Jonathan, the assistant to John Berkebile. Focus one minute of Johnathan. First from the distance as John Berkebile walks into his office, as he approaches his entry doorway closer.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Jonathan assistant to John Berkebile.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: A few weeks ago, I hired an assistant named Jonathan. Jonathan is really a funny character, and that’s the only reason I keep him employed.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Jonathan assistant to John Berkebile.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: Jonathan is medium in height and weight, and he is really something with the ladies. Jonathan’s main job is taking care of office work. I have him answer the phone and log my cases. He usually does a satisfying job, and I don’t usually have to correct him.

Scene Notes: There is a copy of the Mail Tribune Newspaper, sitting on a table near Jonathan’s desk.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of John Berkebile picking up the Mail Tribune Newspaper.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: This morning, I sent Jonathan to fetch me a copy of the Mail Tribune, a local newspaper. I told him to go to 7-Eleven, which is right down the highway a little way, so he wouldn’t get lost.

John Berkebile: Good morning. Jonathan. How are you?

Jonathan: Smiling. I’m good John. I have no parts missing this morning, as Jonathan feels himself, laughing.

Scene Notes: John Berkebile sits at his large desk, full of paperwork and trinkets.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of John Berkebile sitting down at his desk.

Scene Notes: John Berkebile can see a slurpy drink sitting on his desk from 7-Eleven, its bright red and can’t be missed.

Jonathan: John I also purchased you a slurpy, I thought you might be thirsty this morning.

John Berkebile: Looking curious. Thank you Johnathan for the thought, but it’s a bit early for a slurpy.

Scene Notes: Johnathan laughs at John’s reaction to the slurpy and gets back to some paperwork.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: I thought to myself as I looked at Jonathan. Jonathan often acts kind of foolish, but I’m sure that with the right training, someday he could be just as great a detective as I am.

Jonathan: I got the paper for you, John. Here you go.

John Berkebile: Jonathan thank you very much. I want to read any interesting local news. Maybe we can get a new case.

Jonathan: Jonathan asked, “Don’t I deserve a tip for bringing you your paper? Jonathan had a big grin on his face as he said this.

John Berkebile: Jonathan, here is a tip. Beware of strangers.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: I could hear Jonathan snicker as he walked away, but I don’t give tips to people. I looked through the newspaper, and to my amazement, there had been a murder in Central Point, Oregon.

Scene Notes: Jonathan walks back into the office and sits down. John Berkebile looks excited.

Jonathan: John, you seem excited. Is there something interesting in the paper.

John Berkebile: Sounding excited. Last night, a man was murdered on the corner of Pine and 4th Street. The murderer had stabbed poor Tom Tomas to death. The police say there were no eyewitnesses or suspects. I mentioned this to Jonathan, who was scouring the sports section of the newspaper.

Jonathan: Why would someone kill Tom Tomas, he is  the man who bags groceries at Ray’s Supermarket. That sounds suspicious. Why would anybody want to kill a nice guy like that? Jonathan shrugged his shoulders, as he got up and walked to the restroom.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Jonathan walking to the restroom, down the hallway.

Scene Notes: Right then, the phone began to ring. The telephone sits near Jonatha’s desk.

 

John Berkebile: Speaking to himself out loud. Oh, there goes the telephone ringing.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: Just my luck, the telephone is ringing. I said to myself and Jonathan’s in the restroom, so I guess I’ll answer it.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of John Berkebile jumping up to answer the telephone.

John Berkebile: Hello, John Berkebile’s Detective Agency; this is John. How may I help you?

Scene Notes: The voice on the other end of the telephone responds. John Berkebile recognizes the voice of Chief Hamilton of the Central Point, Oregon Police.

Chief Hamilton of the Central Point, Oregon Police: Hey John, this is Chief Hamilton of the Central Point, Oregon Police. I need your help solving the murder of Tom Tomas, she said.

Scene Notes: John Berkebile pauses for 2 seconds and then responds to Chief Hamilton.

John Berkebile: Clearing his voice. Yes, Chief Hamilton. Good to hear from you. I just finished reading about the murder of Tom Tomas in the Mail Tribune. It sure sounds fishy to me.

Chief Hamilton of the Central Point, Oregon Police: Sure, John, could you come down to the station in a few minutes, and I’ll give you the scoop on all the details?

John Berkebile: Sounding exciting. Sure thing, Chief Hamilton. John Berkebile said in a very professional-sounding voice.

John Berkebile: Shouting, as he hung up the telephone. Yes! Finally, a murder for me to solve.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Jonathan running from the bathroom, still zipping his pants looking worried.

 Jonathan: Looking serious. What was that, John?

John Berkebile: Talking cheerfully.  Jonathan. The best thing in the world  just happened to me. I have just been asked to investigate the murder of Tom Tomas, so I am on my way down to the Central-Point Police Station to talk with Chief Hamilton.

Scene Notes: Jonathan looked at John Berkebile with a peculiar look on his face, then responded.

 Jonathan: John. They really asked you instead of one of the big city detectives, to investigate the murder of Tom Tomas? That seems quite peculiar.

John Berkible: No surprise to me. Jonathan, the police have just realized what a valuable detective I am, and this could mean more responsibilities for you.

Scene Notes: Jonathan gave John Berkebile a  big smile.

John Berkebile: Smiling. I’m on my way. When I reached the police station.

Scene Notes: John Berkebile was really excited with the talk of the murder. \

New Scene: Central- Point Oregon Police Department.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Central-Point Oregon Police Department, first outside, then inside. As John Berkebile walks into the Police Station.

Scene Notes: John Berkebile walks into the Central-Point Oregon Police Department to the duty desk. A female officer looks at him strange.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Central-Point Oregon Police Department,

Female Officer One: Sir, may I help you please.

John Berkebile: Yes, I am here to see Chief Hamilton.

Female Officer One: Please sign here. Then have a seat.

Script Notes: John Berkebile sign a clip board for visitors. Then has a seat in front of the duty desk. John could hear that the Police Officers were talking about the murder of Tom Tomas. There were rumors flying around in the air saying that a gang from outside the valley had done the murder.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: I did not pay any attention to these accusations, though, as they riffled through the air at the Central-Point Oregon Police Department, because most of them didn’t make much sense. I was finally allowed to speak with Chief Hamilton.

Script Notes: Chief Hamilton greets John Berkebile and leads him into her office,

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Chief Hamilton shaking John Berkebile’s hand as they walk into her office.

Chief Hamilton: Greetings, John. Have a seat, as Chief Hamilton points to a chair in front of her desk.

John Berkebile: How is your day Chief Hamilton.

Chief Hamilton: I’m sure you can see it is a mess here at Central point Police Department. There has not been a murder in years.

John Berkebile: I figured it would be chaos here Chief Hamilton, but I am glad to be of help.

Chief Hamilton: Sounding serious. John. The murderer of Tom Tomas left no sign of him or herself, but Tom Tomas had some flesh under his fingernails that could obviously be from clawing his attacker. The forensic laboratory is testing the flesh right now so we can compare it to any suspects we might find. I think it’s a good idea to show you the scene of the crime, while it’s still fresh.

John Berkebile: I think having me review the murder scene would be great Chief Hamilton.

Chief Hamilton: That’s good. I have my car waiting.

Script Notes: Chief Hamilton leads John Berkebile outside, and they get in her car heading to the murder scene of Tom Tomas.  Chief Hamilton then drives slowly to the scene of the crime.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Chief Hamilton and John Berkebile getting into the police car and heading to the murder scene of Tom Tomas.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Chief Hamilton and John Berkebile inside the police car.

Scene Notes: John Berkebile takes out his cell phone and calls Jonathan at the office.

Jonathan: Answering the office telephone. Berkebile Detective Agency. May I help you?

Scene Notes: Camera goes back and forth from the police car to the office.

John Berkebile: Jonathan. This is John Berkebile. I need your assistance. Please hurry to Pine and 4th Street, the murder scene of Tom Tomas. Chief Hamilton is driving me there now, be prepared to take some notes.

Jonathan: No problem, John. I’m on the way there now.

Scene Notes: Jonathan abruptly packs a small bag with paper, a recorder, and other Detective tools, and heads out the office door.

New Scene: Central- Point Oregon Crime Scene of Tom Tomas Death

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Chief Hamilton and John Berkebile inside the police car, and then pulling up to the crime scene.

John Berkebile (Narrator One, Voice) One: This would be the first time I’d get to work with Chief Hamilton. She seemed like a nice lady, though I’ve heard stories that she is the toughest lady in town. She reminded me of a teacher I had while attending Rogue Community College.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of John Berkebile looking around the crime scene.

John Berkebile: Chief Hamilton. Do you mind if I look around at the crime scene?

Chief Hamilton: Berkebile. Go ahead and look around. If you find anything let me know. I will be over here with the patrolman.

Camera/Action/Movement: Camera. Open shots, then midrange shots, then closeups of Chief Hamilton, speaking in the distance to a patrolman processing the crime scene, placing items  on the hood of the squad car.