NOTE:  All plots, story-lines, characters, events, etc., are copyright-protected and registered with the WGA West.

SYNOPSIS: (Teen comedy, based on my newest book, "The Art of Being Cool").

It’s summertime in 1959 Massachusetts and the wonderful era of doo-wop music, Elvis, and James Dean are the epitome of "cool". Unfortunately, 15-year-old JOEY MORRELLI is not only uncool but has an avid fear of girls. Since childhood, just being close to a girl of any age causes him total distress. His father CHARLIE, and three older bumbling teen friends have tried for years to help Joey, to no avail.

Joey’s pals talk him into going to his first dance, however, while there he is humiliated in front of all the girls by his old childhood nemesis. Embarrassed, Joey runs from the dance, but not before seeing a lovely young redhead named SANDRA. Surprisingly, while at the beach one day with his wacky pals an incident involving Sandra actually brings them together.

But it doesn’t take long for Sandra to notice how distant Joey appears to her at times, even to the point of being afraid to hold her hand. And when she speaks with him, Joey has difficulty looking directly at her. Sandra feels it is she that is actually the problem and confronts Joey, who is unable to properly explain his personal dilemma to her. Saddened and deeply hurt, Sandra walks away from Joey.

Joey withdraws from everyone, feeling the loss of his dream girl, and fears his small world is crumbling around him. While Joey attempts time after time to contact Sandra and explain the injustice of the rumor, his old nemesis strikes another terrible blow by igniting a vicious rumor that directly attacks Sandra’s personal honor, and credits Joey as the rumor’s culprit. Angered and humiliated by the vile rumor she confronts Joey once again, but Joey’s unknown phobia prevents him from properly defending himself.

All the while, Charlie witnesses his son's persistent suffering and decides he must do something to help him. He conducts research in an attempt to uncover information about Joey's massive fear. What he discovers shocks him, especially when he realizes there is no cure for his son’s problem. With reluctance Charlie tells his son of the revelation and its lack of a cure which only adds to Joey’s depression. But the day arrives when his oddball buddies come to him with information that they have uncovered the identity of the rumor’s perpetrator.

It’s going to be a final showdown as Joey, along with his loyal pals, head to the big dance where he will not only confront his old nemesis... but Sandra, as well.