EXT. CHUCK'S DRIVE-IN, ST. LOUIS - NIGHT (1959)

Neon over a lot full of tail fins. EDDIE BRANDT (17), ducktail and rolled cuffs, leans on a '49 Ford with flames painted down the fenders. His sister JUDY (16), ponytail and saddle shoes, walks up with two malts. Her nails are a shade of pink their mother has never seen.

JUDY
Some bomb. Does Dad know you bugged out with it?

EDDIE
No sweat. He's at the lodge till midnight. Nice digit dazzle.

JUDY
Ricky Moore's here. He's the most.

EDDIE
Ricky's a drip. A real square.

JUDY
You're just bugged because Carol thinks he's a cool cat.

EDDIE
Carol's a real chick. She doesn't dig me. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Headlights sweep the lot. A black-and-white noses in by the order board.

EDDIE
Here comes a roach. Get in.

JUDY
Don't get shook. We're drinking malts, not robbing a bank.

EDDIE
Tell that to Dad. He's a model-T. Let's peel out of here.

Judy climbs in and waves out the window at a boy in a letter sweater.

JUDY
See you around like a doughnut, Ricky! Buzz me!

EDDIE
You'll miss the blast at Carol's.

JUDY
Riding home with you? That's a large charge.