Luciano Vincenzoni, one of the writers who brought us such spaghetti westerns as The Good, The Bad and the Ugly and For A Few Dollars More is writing a film on the life of Puccini.

The following scene dramatizes a little known meeting between Puccini and Ruggerio Leoncavallo.

FADE IN

EXT. PIAZZA DEL PROSCIUTTO, ITALY - DAY

1895.  A blisteringly hot July day.  VILLAGERS are gathered in groups,
animatedly discussing musical issues.

We HEAR someone whistling the familiar six note melody to Manon Lescaut mi 
chiamo.  Or it’s a piccolo.  Whatever — it sounds eerie.

Then IL STRANIERO (The Stranger) walks into the square.  He’s tall, with a 
mustache and a three day stubble.  He wears a long, black cape and a 
borsalino hat.  Half an unlit cigar is clenched between his teeth.

The Villagers go silent.

              IL STRANIERO
            (grimly)
         Where is he?

They are afraid to answer this man with the steely gaze.

Again, the eerie whistle of Manon Lescaut mi chiamo.

              VILLAGER #1
         Who, Signore?

From a taverna, REGGIE CAVALLO speaks.

              REGGIE (o.s.)
         Il Straniero is looking for me.

He walks towards Il Straniero, an espresso in his hand.  Villagers allow 
him to pass.

              REGGIE (cont’d)
           (to Il Straniero)
         Straniero, ascolta.   I have been told you were coming.

The eerie whistle of Manon Lescaut mi chiamo  again.

              Il Straniero
         Then you know why I’m here.  This country
         is not big enough for two Bohemes.

Several villagers cross themselves and run for cover.

              REGGIE
         Is that a fact?  You think you’re
         better?

              Il Straniero
         Pagliacci.  Bah!  Only half an opera.

              VILLAGERS
         Oooooooo.

              REGGIE
         Better a great half opera than a full
         monstrosity. Manon Lescaut — feh.

              VILLAGERS
         Ooooooo.

              IL STRANIERO
         Monstrosity!  Them’s fighting words.

Il Straniero throws down his cigar.

              REGGIE
         No, Signore. “Writing words.”

Reggie throws down his espresso cup.

              IL STRANIERO
         Then make your move.

The square empties out, the eerie whistle of Manon Lescaut mi
chiamo sounding again.

Il Straniero and Reggie face off, pull manuscript paper and pens from their 
coats and begin writing furiously as the Villagers watch apprehensively.