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unformated_scripts/Script_Miracle Worker, The.txt

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+                              THE MIRACLE WORKER                                  Written by                                William Gibson                                                              July 8th, 1961                              1 • NIGHT. INI . NURSERY.          0          We see three faces in lamplight, looking down. They have          been through a long vigil and it shows in their tired eyes          and disarranged clothing. One is a young gentlewoman with          a sweet girlish face, KATE KELLER; the second is an elderly          DOCTOR, stethoscope at neck, thermometer in fingers; the          third is a gruff gentleman in his forties with chin whis-          kers, CAPTAIN ARTHUR KELLER.          DOCTOR          Shet11 live.          KATE closes her eyes.          I can tell you now, I thought she          wouldn't,          KELLER          (INDULGENT)          I've brought up two of them, but          this is my wife's first, she          isn't battle-scarred yet.          KATE          Doctor. Will my girl be all right?          0 DOCTOR          Oh, by morning she'll be knocking          down Captain Kellerfs fences again.          KATE          Is there nothing we should do?          KELLER          (JOVIAL)          Put up stronger fencing, ha?          DOCTOR          Just let her get well, she knows          how to do it better than we do.          These things come and go in infants,          never know why. Call it acute          congestion of the stomach and brain.          KELL ? moves after the DOCTOR, we hear them off-camera;          we see only KATE'S face hovering over us, her hand adjust-          ing the blanket.          KELLER          I'll see you to your buggy, Doctor.          (CONTINUED)                                                  2          1. CONTINUED          DOCTOR (OFF CAMERA)          0 Main thing is the fever's gone.          I've never seen a baby, more          vitality, that's the truth --          Their voices and footsteps fade. KATE is bent lovingly          over the crib, which emits a bleat; her finger is play-          ful with the baby's face.          KATE          Hush. Don't you cry now, you've          been trouble enough. Call it          acute congestion, indeed, I don't          see what's so cute about a con-          gestion, just because it's yours?          We'll have your father run an          editorial in his paper, the wonders          of modern medicine, they don't know          what they're curing even when they          cure it. Men, men and their battle          scars, we women will have to --          Helen, Helen Captain, Captain,          will you come.          (She screams)          2. NIGHT. EXT. SIDE OF KELLER HOUSE.          KELLER standing lamp in hand watching the doctor's buggy          recede in the night. Suddenly from the house behind him          comes a knifing scream. KELLER wheels, the scream comes          again and the CAMERA follows KELLER's run with the lamp          across the yard.          3. NIGHT. INT. KELLER HOUSE.          KELLER runs into the house and up the dark stairs.          4. NIGHT. INT. HELEN'S NURSERY.          KELLER bursts into the bedroom where KATE is screaming          at the crib, her look intent on the baby and terrible.          KELLER          Katie, what's wrong?          KATE          Look.          (CONTINUED)                                                  3          c o.w- u UED          She makes a pass with her hand in the crib, at the baby's          eyes.          I          KATE (Cont'd)          She can't see. Look at her eyes.          She takes the lamp from him, moves it before the child's          face.          She can't seel          KELLER           (HOARSELY)          Helen.           A K TE          Or hear. When I screamed she          didn't blink. Not an eyelash --          KELLER          Helen. Heleni          KATE          She can't hear youl          YELLER          HELENL          His face has something like fury in it, crying the child's          name; KATE almost fainting presses her knuckles to her          mouth, to stop her own cry.          FADE OUT          5. DAY. INT. KELLEL HOUSE - TITLE SHOT.          The stairs in the Keller House. In the foreground we see          the bannisters, in the background the wall. A shadow.of          the erratic, staggering figure of 5 year old HELEN appears          on the wall, moving slowly. The two Negro children          scamper past -- their excited laughter coming to us, in          contrast to the mute HELEN. In CU, in the FG, HELEN'S          little hands come into the frame, grasping the bannister          rail.          6. DAY. EXT. YARD - TITLE SHOT.          HIGH LONG SHOT lookin`, down on lines of bed sheets hung          up in the Keller yard to dry. It appears to be a kind of          (CONTINUED)                                                  6. CONTINUED          maze, the sheets blowing in the wind; and staggering among          them is the figure of the child, HELEN 5 years old, reach-          ing out, struggling, buffeted by the damp, blowing sheets,          CRANE DOWN towards the figure. HELEN lashes out, her          face frightened, unknowing --- she pulls down a sheet, be-          comes tangled in its folds, almost hysterical. In the BG          KATE comes rushing from the house -- to help her.          7. NIGHT. INT. LIVING ROOM KELLER HOUSE - TITLE SHOT.          There is a Christmas tree with decorations and in a WIDE          SHOT we see HELEN, 7 years old, reaching up into tree.          At a window we see the faces of Percy 8 years, and Martha,          7 years, looking in. HELENrS hand gets a Christmas ball          and rips it down, shattering at her feet. CRAB IN AND          AROUND coming to the side of the tree, seeing HELENtS          hands, another ball, she pulls it down. We see her face,          blurred out, through the pine branches and needles, and          beyond her the other children watching.          $. DAY. EXT. AFIELD - TITLE SHOT.          A WIDE HIGH SHOT. We see the lonely expanse of field with          0 a low grass sprouting up, in the BG is the Keller house          perhaps. Going slowly across the field is the figure of          the child HELEN, Patty Duke. From in under CAMERA comes          KATE, following her.          (CONTINUE SCRIPT)          9. OMIT.          10. DAY. EXT. BACKYARD KELLER HOUSE AND PUMP - TITLE SHOT.          Scene will be out MOS up until RINGING OF BELL:          Now we are in leaf-dappled sunlight in the Keller yard, on          three kneeling children and an old dog around the pump.          V INEY with jug on way to barn to get milk.          The dog is a setter named BELLE, and she is sleeping. Two          of the children are Negroes, MARTHA and PERCY. The third          child is HELEN, quite unkempt, in body a vivacious little          person with a fine head, attractive, but noticeably blind,          one eye larger and protruding; her gestures are abrupt,          insistent, lacking in human restraint, and her face never          0          (CONTINUED)                                                  5          10. CONTINUED          smiles. She is flanked by the other two, in a litter of          0 paper-doll cutouts, and while they speak, HELEN'S hands          thrust at their faces in turn, feeling baffledly at the          movements of their lips. The CAMERA is on this; the          dialogue is only background.          MARTHA          (SNIPPING)          First Itm gonna cut off this doe-          torts leg, one, two, now then --          PERCY          Why you cuttin' off that doctor's          legs?          MARTHA          I'm gonna give him a operation.          Now I'm gonna cut off his arms,          one, two. Now I'm gonna fix up          She pushes HELEN'S hand away from her mouth.          You stop that.          PERCY          Cut off his stomach, that's a          good operation.          0          MARTHA          No, I'm gonna cut off his head          first, he got a bad cold.          PERCY          Ain't gonna be much of that doc-          tor left to fix up, time you          finish all them opera--          But HELEN is poking her fingers inside his mouth, to feel          his tongue; he bites at them, annoyed, and she jerks them          away. HELEN now fingers her own lips, moving them in          imitation, but soundlessly. Again the CAMERA on this.          MARTHA          What you do, bite hand?          PERCY          That's how I do, she keep pokint.          her fingers in my mouth, I just          bite 'em off.          (CONTINUED)                                                  6.          10. CONTI          :1ARTEA          -.That she tryin' do now?          0          PEERCY          She tryint talk. She gonna get          read. Looka her try in' talk..          ILLEN is scowling, the lips under her fingertips          moving in silence, growing more and more frantic,          until in a bizarre rage she bites at her own fingers.          This sends PERCY off into laughter, but alarms :MARTHA.          MARTI          Hey, you stop now.          She pulls EELEI' S hand down,          You just sit quiet and          But at once HELEIT topples LTARTHA on her back, knees          pinning her shoulders down, and ;-ravs the sissors.          MARTHA screams, hile her tied b _nchlets of hair          f17 off in snips of the scissors. PERCY darts to          the bell stria on the porch, yanks it W THE DELL          RIPGS.          bOA. DAY. INT. LIVID ROOLI          E          CAPTAIN X LLER is at work at his deal. JA ES is at          his ease in conversation with KATE and AUNT EV.          KATE is serving a cool refreshment. ITAR RINGING          OF BELL. KATE rushes out the door followed more          slowly by A"MITT W, leaving behind JAILS & FELLER.          11. KATE O? ?` NINC DOOR ONTO ARCH SEES THE SCONE.          Five years have done much to her, the girlish play-          fulness is gone, she is a woman settled in grief.          BATE          (for the thousandth time)          Helen.          She is dorm the steps at once to them, seizing          Ii LE'TT S wrists and lifting her off IARTHA. VINE=          runs in and chases MARTHA and PERCY OFF.          0                                                  6A.          ,          11. 4 :'?1 ± 17-T I)           `kAT_J (C O1'~T I D          Let me have those scissors,          E          SATE reaches for the scissors in HELEN' S hand. Put          HEL N pulls the scissors bacI.', they stru g:le 'for          then: a mno_m.ent, then KATE gives up, lets HELE1.1 keep          them.          She tries to drrrr HELEN into the house. HELEN          jerks swwray. KATE next goes do.-,rn on her knees, tskes          ?ELE! 1 S hands gently, and using; the scissors like          a doll, m& es HELi N caress and cradle them; she          points =,Y' S finger houseward.s. III�LEN' S whole          body now beco_nnes ea^er; she surrenders the scissors,          KATE t?'-rns her toward the door and -..hues her a little          pus-1. I LEN scrambles up and toward the h_�u se, and          NA= risin- follows her,          12. DAY. INT. I,ELL.ER LIVINC ROOD.          There is a cradle with a sleeping infant, T1IrDRED:          C".PT_":IN KE!,L:_R in spectacles is working over netrs-          paper pages at a corner desk; a benign AM1T EV,          wearing a hat, with a sew in-,. basket on a sofa is put-          tin the finishing stitches on a big shapeless doll          made out of towels; an ineol ont young man of I"TE' S          are, JA S 1c_ tR turns from the window to look at          H E L_,'N. i LE halts, her hands alert to grope, and          E KATE turns her to the AUNT, who gives her the doll,          the AUNT is meanwhile speaking to TELLER.          AUNT EV          Arthur, something ought to be done for          that child.          T-          A refresh,; ng suggg;estion. '°l .at?          AUNT EV          '-Thy, this ver-T famous Perkins          School in Poston; they're just          supposed to do wonders.          IC'ELLER          The child's been to speci lists          everywhere. The- couldn't help her          in Baltimore or 1,1 -7aslaington, could          they?                                                  7.          12. CO:' 'I]'' T J'          0          t'iin the Cap;':ain will write to          the Perkins School soon.          KELL' R          :ratie, Howe many tines can you          let- then brew.{ your heart?          Any number of tines,          h T e foreroinz and follovrin" dialo,ue is peripheral to          the we are on }EL ' T 1 She sits on the or          to explore the doll t71th h.r fingers, gravely, and her          hand pauses over the face: this is no face, a blan          area, and it troubles her. CLOS'_' UP on her finger--          tips searching for flaatures. She tans ouestioninSly          f'o:' eyes, but no one notices. She then yanks at          her _Jfl''T1S dress, and taps amain viForousRy for          eyes.          0 C O:T'! I ICJ n          0                                                  12. CONTINUED          0          AUNT EV          What, child?          Obviously not hearing, HELEN commences to go around from          person to person, tapping her eyes, but no one attends or          understands.          KATE          (No break)          As long as there's the least          chance. For her to see. Or          hear, or --          KELLER          There isntt. Now I must finish          here.          KATE          I think, with your permission,          Captain, I'd like to write to          the Perkins School.          KELLER          I said no, Katie.          0 AUNT EV          Why, writing does no harm, Arthur,          only a little bitty letter. To          see if they can help her.          FELLER          They can't.          KATE          We won't know that; to be a fact,          Captain, until afLLer you write.          13. HELEN NOW IS GROPING AMONG THING.' ON FELL ER t S DESK, AND          PAWS HIS PAPERS TO THE FLOOR. KJ MLIM IS EXASPERATED.          K I J,ER          Katie.          KATE quickly turns HELEN away, and retrives the papers.          I might as well t°y to work in a          henyard as in th.s house --           (CONTINUED)                                                  9          13. C ONTINU.D          JAMES          (PLACATING)          You really ought to put her away,          Father.          KATE          (Staring up)          What?          JAMES          Some asylum. It's the kindest          thing.          AUNT EV          Why, she's your sister, James,          not a nobody --          JAMES          Half sister, and half-mentally          defective, she can't even keep          herself clean. It's not pleasant          to see her about all the time.          KATE          Do you dare? Complain of what          0 you can see?          KELLER          (Very annoyed)          This discussion is at an end]          HELEN gropes her way with the doll back to AUNT EV.          The house is at sixes and sevens          from morning 'til night over the          childl I want some peace here, I          don't care how, but one way we          won't have it is by rushing up and          down the country every time someone          hears of a new quack. I'm as          sensible to this affliction as --          14. HELEN WITH AUNT EV          fingering her dress, yanks two buttons from it.          AUNT EV          Helena My buttons.          (CONTINUED)          0                                                  10          14. CONTINUED          HELEN pushes the buttons into the doll's face. KATE          0 now sees, comes swiftly to kneel, lifts HELEN'S hand to          her own eyes in question.          KATE          Eyes?          HELEN nods energetically.          She wants the doll to have eyes.          Another kind of silence now, while KATE takes pins and          buttons from the sewing basket and attaches them to the          doll as eyes. KELLER stands, caught, and watches          morosely, AUNT EV blinks and conceals her emotion by          inspecting her dress.          AUNT EV          My goodness me, I'm not decent.          KATE          She doesn't know better, Aunt Ev.          I'll sew them on again.          AUNT EV          (INDULGENTLY)          40 It's worth a couple of buttons,          Kate, look.          HELEN now has the doll with eyes, and cannot contain          herself for joy; she rocks the doll, pats it vigorously,          kisses it.          This child has more sense than          all these men Kellers, if there's          ever any way to reach that mind          of hers.          15. HELEN SUDDENLY SCRAMBLES TOWARD THE CRADLE, AND UN-          HESITATINGLY OVERTURNS IT.          The swaddled baby tumbles out and CAPTAIN KELLER barely          manages to dive and catch it in time.          KELLER          Helen!          All are in commotion, the baby screams, but HELEN un-          perturbed is lying her doll in its place, KATE on her          (CONTINUED)          I                                                   11          15. CONTINUED          knees, pulls her hands off the cradle, wringing them;          0 HELEN is bewildered.          KATE          Helen, Helen, you're not to do          such things, how can I make you          UNDERSTAND--          KELLER          (Hoarsely, handing the          baby to AUNT EV)          Katie.          KATE          How can I get it into your head,          my darling, my poor --          KELLER          Katie, some way of teaching her          an iota of discipline has to be          KATE          (FLARING)          How can you discipline an afflicted          child? Is it her fault?          0 HELEN'S fingers have fluttered to her Mother's lips,          vainly trying to comprehend their movements; we are          close on these two.          KELLER          I didn't say it was her fault.          KATE          Then whose? I don't know what to          dot How can I teach her, beat her          -- until she's black and blue?          KELLER          It's not safe to let her run around          loose. Now there must be a way of          confining her, somehow, so she can't---          KATE          Where, in a cage? She's a growing          child, she has to use her limbs!          KELLER          Answer me one thing, is it fair to          Mildred here?          (CONTINUIM)                                                  12          15. CONTINUED          S          KATE          (INEXORABLY)          Are you willing to put her away?          Now HELEN'S face darkens in the same rage as at herself          earlier, and her hand strikes at KATE'S lips. KATE          catches her again, and HELEN begins to kick, struggle,          twist.          KELLER          Now what?          KATE          She wants to talk, like -- be like          you and me.          She holds HELEN struggling until we HEAR from the child          her first sound so far, an inarticulate weird noise in          her throat such as an animal in a trap might make; and          KATE releases her. The second she is free, HELEN          blunders away collides violently with a chair, falls,          and sits weeping. KATE comes to her, embraces, caresses,          soothes her, and buries her own face in her hair, until          she can control her voice.          0 KATE          Every day she slips further away.          I don't know how to call her back.          AUNT EV          Oh, I've a mind to write to Boston          myself. If that School can't help          her, maybe they'll know somebody          who can.          KELLER          (Presently, heavily)          I'll write to Perkins, Katie.          He stands with the baby in his clasp, staring at HELEN'S          head, hanging down on KATE'S arm.          16. DAY. EXT. BOSTON STATION - SHOOTING UP INTO VESTIBULE          OF TRAIN.          M.R. ANAGNOS on platform with ANNIE'S suitcase, is reach-          ing up to help ANNIE mount steps. CAMERA is behind          ANNIE.          0 (CONTINUED)                                                  13          16. C 013TINUM          ANAGNOS          0 -- only that a suitable governess          has been found here and will come.          It will no doubt be difficult for          you there, Annie, but it has been          difficult for you at our school too,          hmmm?          17. CAMERA IN VESTIBULE - SEE ANNIE AND ANAGNOS FROM REAR.          ANAGNOS          ...-This is my last time to counsel          you, Annie, and you do lack some --          by some I mean all -- what, tact,          or talent to bencT. To others. And          what has saved you on one or more          occasions at Perkins is that there          was nowhere to expel you to.          Above ANNIEIS seat ANAGNOS puts her suitcase, looking          .down at her.          Your eyes hurt?          0 18. CU ANNIE - WEARING SMOKED GLASSES.          ANNIE          My ears, Mr. Anagnos.          ANAGNOS          (SEVERELY)          Nowhere but back to that dreadful          place where children learn to be          saucy. Annie, I know how unhappy          it was there, but that battle is          dead and done with. Why not let it          stay buried?          ANNIE          (CHEERILY)          I think God must owe me a resur-          rection.          ANAGNOS           (A bit shocked)          What?                                                  14          19. ANNIE TAPS HER BROW.           ANNIE          0 Well, he keeps digging up that          battle.          ANAGNOS          That is not a proper thing to say.          Annie, be humble.          He extends a gift to her..          You'll need their affection, work-          ing with this child.          ANNIE, not quite comprehending, looks at gift.          A gift with our affection.          ANNIE opens a small box and sees a garnet ring. She          looks up, blinking, then down.          ANNIE          Dear Mr. Anagnos,          (Her voice is trembling)          I --          But she swallows over getting the ring on her finger          and cannot continue until she finds a woebegone joke.          0          Well, what should I say -- I'm an          ignorant, opinionated girl and          everything I am I owe to you?          ANAGNOS          (SMILES)          That is only half true, Annie.          ANNIE          Which half?          The train lurches. ANAGNOS bends and kisses her on the          cheek and says,          ANAGNOS          Goodbye. Goodbye.          ANNIE          (She calls after him          LOUDLY)          I won't give them any trouble.          I'll be so ladylike they won't          notice I've come.          (CONTINUED)                                                  15          19. CONTINUED          0 Passengers behind ANNIE turn reacting to her shout. She          is conscious of this and sinks down'in seat. Past ANNIE,          through window of train, we see ANAGNOS join 5 or 6 blind          girls on the platform, and the train departs.          BEGIN MONTAGE SEQUENCES OF TRAIN SHOTS.          20. ANNIE, TRAVELING, SITTING IN SEAT OF MOVING TRAIN.          21. SCENE IN FILTHY TRAIN, ANNIE READING PERKINS REPORT.          SEAT DIFFERENT INDICATING ANOTHER TRAIN.          22. ANNIE DESCENDING FROM TRAIN VESTIBULE INTO DARKNESS OF          STATION PLATFORM. IN BG PORTION OF SIGN "WASHINGTON".          23. ANNIE ATTEMPTING TO SLEEP ON A NIGHT TRAIN WITH PERKINS          REPORT OVER FACE.          24. ANNIE SITTING ON SEAT OF MOVING TRAIN.          Suddenly train rushes into a tunnel, and darkness comes          over the scene.          YOUNG JIMMIE (VO)          Where are we going, Annie?          YOUNG ANNIE (VO )          Jimmie.          YOUNG JIMMIE (VO)          Where are we going?          YOUNG ANNIE (VO)          I said I'm taking care of you.          YOUNG JIMMIE (VO)          Where we go...          DISSOLVE TO:          25. STYLIZED TEWKESBURY ADMISSIONS OFFICE.          YOUNG JIMMIE and YOUNG ANNIE are standing in front of          desk. We do not see man sitting behind desk, but we hear          his voice.                                                  25. CONTINUED          11Al3' S VOICE          Annie Sullivan, aged nine, virtually          0 blind; Jaynes Sullivan, aged seven,          -- what's the matter with your legs sonny?          GIRL          It's his hip, N ster, he was born          that way.          is AN' S VOICE          Can't he walk without that crutch?          The GIRL shakes her head.                                        THE END

unformated_scripts/Script_Mrs. Brown.txt

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+MRS BROWN BY JEREMY BROCK EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT Begin on black. The sound of rain driving into trees. Something wipes frame and we are suddenly hurtling through a forest on the shoulders of a wild-eyed, kilted JOHN BROWN. Drenched hair streaming, head swivelling left and right, as he searches the lightening-dark. A crack to his left. He spins round, raises his pistol, smacks past saplings and plunges on. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT Close-up on BROWN as he bangs against a tree and heaves for air. A face in its fifties, mad-fierce eyes, handsome, bruised lips, liverish. He goes on searching the dark. Stops. Listens through the rain. A beat. Thinking he hears a faint thump in the distance, he swings round and races on. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT BROWN tears through the trees, pistol raised at full arm's length, breath coming harder and harder. But even now there's a ghost grace, a born hunter's grace. He leaps fallen branches, swerves through turns in the path, eyes forward, never stumbling once. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT BROWN bursts into a clearing, breaks to the centre and stops. With his pistol raised, he turns one full slow circle. His eyes take in every swerve and kick of the wildly swaying trees. There's a crack and a branch snaps behind him. He spins round, bellows deep from his heart: BROWN God save the Queen!! And fires. Nothing happens. The trees go on swaying, the storm goes on screaming and BROWN just stands there, staring into empty space. A pause. Slowly, he starts to frown as the fact begins to dawn on him that he is alone. He stares at the thrashing trees, waving their mocking arms at him. His hand lets the pistol drop to his side. He feels the rain drench down his face. And now, for the first time, we see that his socks have fallen to his ankles and his knees are cut to shreds. He shifts a foot. His dress-shoes are covered in mud. He goes on staring into the dark. Nothing. Just the wind and rain. Gradually, we pull back, higher and higher. As we do, we hear the quiet cultivated voice: FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: "1864" FADE IN: PONSONBY (V.O.) I have sent for a Mr. John BROWN from Balmoral. Her majesty has mentioned him, on one or two occasions, as being a most devoted outdoor servant to Prince Albert during his last days there... John BROWN is now just a tiny figure dwarfed by the storm. CUT TO: INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY The screen is black. As the camera pulls back, we discover that we are looking at a black night-gown. Queen VICTORIA is sitting at her dressing table, while an elderly HAIRDRESSER, also in black, works at her hair. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... The depths of the Queen's sorrow remain impenetrable. She has now restricted herself to a regime of such ferocious introspection that we are all at our wits' end... INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, PRINCE ALBERT'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY A bust of the Prince Consort is draped in black. His desk is laid out as if for work. A VALET is brushing one of his suits before laying it carefully on the bed. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... The Household continues, at her instruction, to observe the rituals now so familiar to her, in a vain attempt to render vivid that which can never be revived... Close-up on a small table as a shaving brush is placed carefully beside a dish of freshly poured water. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY The hairdresser is pulling VICTORIA's hair back into the widow's cape. For the first time, we see her face. It is set in a mask of severity. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... It will not surprise you to hear that she continues steadfast in her refusal to accept any public engagements, however trivial... INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S BEDCHAMBER - DAY A bronze cast of Prince Albert's hand hangs above the Royal bed. His sleeping-gown is laid out on one side. A somberly dressed middle-aged man stands by the bed: DOCTOR JENNER, the Queen's physician. He is placing potions and medicaments in a row on the bedside table. Behind him, TWO MAIDSERVANTS are busy stripping and remaking the bed while another raises the window to air the room. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... Family and staff expend all their efforts endeavouring to draw her out of this state of unfettered morbidity, but to no avail. Indeed, Doctor Jenner will not undertake to vouchsafe her sanity, unless some remedy is found... INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY VICTORIA is turning slowly around as a young ASSISTANT DRESSER completes the fastening on her black crepe dress. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... We must hope, therefore, that this Mr Brown will appeal to the Queen's sentimental, though deeply-held, view that all Highlanders are good for the health. If she can at least be persuaded to take the air, the prospect of further recovery may seem less remote... The assistant dresser pulls too tightly on her dress. VICTORIA winces slightly. ASSISTANT DRESSER (terrified) Sorry, ma'am. EXT. THE SEA FRONT, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY We glide slowly past the coastline as a caption reads: "ISLE OF WIGHT. 1864." A DRIVER stands against the sea front with a horse and cart bearing the Royal coat of arms. John BROWN leads his pony along the dockside, towards the waiting driver. He is in his late thirties, fit, handsome and dressed in tartan kilt and short jacket. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... He is arriving by boat this afternoon, by which time it is hoped Her Majesty will be in a fit state to consider riding out... INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, PRIVATE SECRETARY'S ROOM - DAY SIR HENRY PONSONBY, the Queen's Private Secretary, is sitting at his writing desk, completing a letter. PONSONBY (V.O.) ... As to that decision, along with all others, we remain, as ever, prisoners of the Queen's grief. (beat) Ever your devoted husband, Henry. He folds the letter and slips it into an envelope. He is a middle-aged man in a dark mourning suit; tall, Saturnine and with a civil servant's stoop. As he looks up, we see a white-stockinged FOOTMAN standing to attention by the door. PONSONBY hands the letter to him. PONSONBY (CONT'D) Windsor. CUT TO: CAPTION: "OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT" INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, CORRIDOR AND QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY A series of windows are being slammed open by white stockinged FOOTMEN as members of the ROYAL FAMILY and UPPER HOUSEHOLD hurry by in silence, all dressed in mourning and rushing to make the luncheon hour. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY Queen VICTORIA heads down the empty corridor with two ladies-in-waiting, LADY ELY and LADY CHURCHILL, hurrying along a pace behind. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY Members of the Royal family and upper household hurry into the icy dining room and take their designated places at the luncheon table. Everybody is dressed in mourning and nobody speaks. Wind whistles through the open windows. Silence. Among the diners we catch our first glimpse of BERTIE, the Prince of Wales. He is in his mid-twenties, plump, stiff dressed and balding. He stands next to his young wife, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, who fiddles nervously with her shawl, trying to keep warm. As BERTIE smooths down his thinning hair, DOCTOR JENNER bustles into the dining room, stands himself next to PONSONBY and proceeds to conduct a hurried conversation with the Prince of Wales, entirely in whispers. JENNER Congratulations, Your Royal Highness! BERTIE Thank you, Doctor. JENNER A boy, I hear. Excellent, excellent. BERTIE Yes. (beat) Albert Victor. Eddie for short. What do you think? PONSONBY A fine choice, sir. JENNER Excellent! EXT. DOCKSIDE, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY JOHN BROWN leads his pony gently up the ramp and into the carrier bearing the Royal coat of arms. The DRIVER leans in. DRIVER Are you riding up front? BROWN looks straight at this man, quiet and reserved. BROWN I'll stay with the pony, thank you. She's all the way from Deeside and she's not sure she likes you yet. The DRIVER shrugs and slams the doors on them. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, CORRIDOR AND QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY VICTORIA reaches the dining room door and takes a deep breath. LADY ELY and LADY CHURCHILL stop a pace behind. VICTORIA How many? LADY ELY is slightly taken aback. LADY ELY The Royal Family and senior members of the household, ma'am. VICTORIA Just them? LADY ELY Yes, ma'am. VICTORIA closes her eyes, then steels herself and steps through the door. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY Everyone stiffens as VICTORIA walks in. Acknowledging the other diners with a quick nod, the Queen takes her place. She flaps open her napkin and, bang on cue, everyone else sits and does the same. The meal is served immediately by waiting SERVANTS, who plonk the food down without ceremony. It's a very ordinary meal of meat and vegetables. VICTORIA starts eating heartily, straight away. Everyone does the same. Only the clink of cutlery and the same eerie silence. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS - DAY The Royal horse-carrier rattles into the grounds and on down the driveway past the beautiful, manicured lawns stretching away towards the ornate twin towers of Osborne House. A few outdoor servants watch its progress curiously. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY The silence continues as VICTORIA finishes her plain pudding. Immediately, servants appear at every place and whip away the pudding bowls whether their owners have finished or not. Nobody thinks this odd; it is part of the routine. DOCTOR JENNER clears his throat. JENNER We're expecting Brown this afternoon, ma'am. VICTORIA Whom? A beat. VICTORIA takes a sip of water, dabs her mouth with her napkin and rises. Everyone else rises too. Suddenly, the Queen turns to Bertie's nervous wife, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, and proclaims abruptly: VICTORIA (CONT'D) That's a very pretty shawl you are wearing, Alex. Silk suits you well. (beat) But you are not eating enough. One must not let vanity overrule one's appetite. PRINCESS ALEXANDRA Yes, ma'am. VICTORIA nods earnestly. Lost to the effect her words have had, she marches out again. Behind her, she leaves PRINCESS ALEXANDRA feeling humiliated and crestfallen in front of all the others. BERTIE takes her hand and squeezes tight, trying awkwardly to console. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE - DAY The horse-carrier pulls up outside the servant's entrance and the DRIVER opens the doors. JOHN BROWN pulls out a watch from his waistcoat and checks the time. His eyes narrow critically. BROWN I was due at a quarter past one. (beat) You're late. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, CORRIDOR - DAY A few minutes later, JOHN BROWN strides down the long corridor with PONSONBY at his side. Their journey takes them down an endless series of corridors, past servants and householders hurrying about their duties. The presence of the dead Albert is felt all around in the black-wreathed portraits and busts that crop up along the way. BROWN and PONSONBY could not be more contrasted. PONSONBY (in low tones) Her Majesty's routine at Osborne House is not as you will remember it. The Household remains in full mourning and no-one is permitted to raise their voice under any circumstances whatsoever. As for the Queen's routine, she breakfasts at nine thirty, lunches at two,takes tea at five thirty and dinner at eight forty five. No one is allowed to leave the building while the Queen is at home. On the rare occasions when she is out, you may ask permission to leave, but only with my consent. You're to be ready to walk the pony at any time after ten o'clock. You'll clean her outdoor things and do any odd jobs as and when she requires. BROWN How will I know? PONSONBY (surprised to be interrupted) I'm sorry? BROWN How will I know what she requires? PONSONBY You'll be sent a message. BROWN Who'll bring it to me? PONSONBY Her Highness' Equerry. BROWN I need a man who knows where I am. PONSONBY I'm sure it won't be difficult to find you. BROWN That's not good enough. A beat. PONSONBY Then we'll have to see what can be arranged. BROWN Aye, do. PONSONBY stiffens. A beat. PONSONBY There is to be no communication with other members of the household on matters concerning the court except through myself or one of the Equerries. No plans must be altered unless you are given prior authority by myself or a senior member of the household. BROWN I came down at the Queen's request. I'll take my orders from her. PONSONBY In matters concerning the Household, I act on her behalf. BROWN takes the measure of him. BROWN Do you? PONSONBY Yes. (beat) I do. BROWN glances up the corridor. BROWN So, is passing wind out of the question or do I need permission for that? PONSONBY refuses to acknowledge what he has heard. They reach the door of the Royal Chamber and he concludes the interview. PONSONBY As I am sure you remember from Balmoral, you do not talk while in Her Majesty's presence unless Her Majesty addresses you directly. BROWN refuses to answer, so PONSONBY knocks. After a moment, the door is opened by LADY ELY who ushers them in. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY BROWN walks stiffly into the room and stops. PONSONBY waits by the door. PONSONBY (O.S.) Mr Brown, ma'am. VICTORIA is bent over the desk, working at one of her numerous red boxes. She scribbles furiously at a letter, underlining and accenting words as she goes. Finally, LADY ELY steps up to her side and whispers something in her ear. She carries on working. BROWN has time to survey the room. Dominating everything are the same black-wreathed busts and portraits of Prince Albert glimpsed in the corridor. Finally, VICTORIA nods and LADY ELY beckons BROWN forward. He steps up in front of the desk and waits. VICTORIA looks up and BROWN bows deeply. Silence. She stares at him for a long moment without apparently registering who he is. He towers over her, in bright tartan, while she sits hunched in her seat, all in black and knotted with tension. Finally, she finds her voice. She sounds nervous and edgy. VICTORIA Mr Brown. BROWN Ma'am. VICTORIA You are here safely. BROWN Aye, ma'am. VICTORIA You are well? BROWN I am. VICTORIA And the pony? BROWN She's well, too. VICTORIA blinks at the sight of him. His presence is bringing him back. A beat. VICTORIA Your family sent cards. It was much appreciated. BROWN I'm glad of it. In an effort to control her emotions, VICTORIA now sounds the same severe note as at lunch. But BROWN, unlike others, seems unaffected. VICTORIA My husband was always very complimentary in speaking of you. He would have approved, I am sure, of my calling on you in this way. (beat) I trust it does not inconvenience you too much. BROWN I've no family, ma'am, apart from my brothers and sisters. VICTORIA Yes. (beat) You have a brother in service here, do you not? (furrowing her brow) I forget his name. BROWN Archie. VICTORIA Yes. (beat) That will be company for you. BROWN Yes, ma'am. Silence. VICTORIA starts to tire. She takes a sip of water and spills a little on herself. Flustered, she searches for a hanky but cannot find one. LADY ELY hurries up with one of her own and the Queen dabs it off. BROWN watches all of this with genuine concern. When VICTORIA finally looks up, he stares at her in deep sympathy. BROWN (CONT'D) Honest to God, I never thought to see you in such a state. You must miss him dreadfully. VICTORIA stares back in stunned silence. PONSONBY coughs involuntarily. LADY ELY freezes. A beat. VICTORIA You do not - he ... get him out. (beat) Get him out. Get him out! Suddenly, BROWN finds himself tugged backwards out of the room. LADY ELY rushes up to assist as VICTORIA shouts herself into a fit of uncontrolled sobbing. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - DAY Some minutes later, BROWN is angrily unpacking a trunk. His humiliation expresses itself in the extraordinary ferocity with which he slams down every object. His younger brother, ARCHIE, sits on the bed. He's in his early thirties, bright, sharp and dressed in the same distinctive kilt and tweed. ARCHIE (telling it fast) So the day they arrive, she greets the Sultan and his family with barely a word and then retires to her chamber. The Sultan, not used to State Occasions without a head of State, is standing in the lobby waiting for someone to tell him what to do. But the court is under strict instructions not to talk in the corridors so nobody speaks to him, not a living soul, for the whole afternoon. So now it's dinner and everyone's standing round the table -- still not a word -- waiting for Her Majesty to arrive. One hour goes by, two, the Sultan's getting a wee bit peckish to say the least. So finally, his wee laddy breaks for the cold meats and stuffs a slice in his mouth. Well, the uproar when she heard. You'd have thought someone had stolen the crown jewels. BROWN stares back, still pissed off. BROWN So? ARCHIE So, there are rules. Things you do and things you don't do. BROWN I was just telling the woman how I feel, for God's sake. ARCHIE You don't tell Her Majesty how you feel. BROWN I speak as I find, Archie. ARCHIE Not down south you don't. BROWN slams a drawer shut. ARCHIE lets it go and watches his brother. A beat. ARCHIE (CONT'D) So what did Ponsonby do when she started shouting? BROWN I think he nearly ruptured his truss. A beat, then both men burst out laughing. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, SERVANT'S HALL - DAY The clatter of voices and banging doors as under servants hurry about with plates, knives and forks, laying the Upper Servant's huge table for dinner. ARCHIE leads BROWN through this rush of activity. BROWN How much? ARCHIE Seventy a year. BROWN Not bad, not bad. ARCHIE How about yourself? BROWN Sixty. ARCHIE (grinning) That's pretty good for a ghillie. BROWN smiles dryly. They pour themselves a drink from the table. BROWN Prince Leopold? Is he the one who bleeds all day? So what does his valet do? Wash his poultices for him? ARCHIE It's better than shovelling horse shit. BROWN If you were looking for promotion, you should have picked one of the healthier ones. ARCHIE She's hardly a full hamper herself. BROWN (beat) It's only grief makes her like she is. ARCHIE Three years, John. Is that not a bit long to be grieving? BROWN She loved him. ARCHIE Come on, man. There's love and there's ... BROWN What? ARCHIE You know what I mean. BROWN I'm not sure I do, Archie. ARCHIE There's love and there's behaving like you do because there's nobody to tell you not to. Hold on BROWN. He lets it go and moves on. Across the hall, he spots the pretty ASSISTANT DRESSER watching them. BROWN Which one of us is she flirting with? ARCHIE The good-looking one. BROWN Aye? Then she's obviously not got enough to do. ARCHIE You work the system right, you could ask her yourself. Just be thankful you're not working for Household. The Queen never lets them out of her sight. But wee spats like us can slip through the net, easy. A beat. BROWN stares straight at him. BROWN I'm no wee spat, ARCHIE. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR - MORNING The next day, VICTORIA and her ladies are hurrying down a corridor on her way into the dining room. VICTORIA suddenly stops and stares out of the windows. Her entourage are several steps past her before they realize what's happened and scurry back to take up their positions behind. Now we see what has caught her attention. BROWN is standing in the courtyard below, by his pony. She watches him for a moment, then without reacting, walks on. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE - AFTERNOON Some hours later. It is now raining. A gaggle of ROYAL GRANDCHILDREN hurry out of a carriage from their afternoon recreational while their NANNIES frantically try to keep them dry under the umbrellas. John BROWN stands tall and erect on the gravel while they rush around him, laughing and giggling. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR - EVENING Rain on the window. VICTORIA is walking in the opposite direction down the corridor with her entourage. She stops at the same place as before. VICTORIA (as if she had not seem him earlier) Who is that? Lady Ely peers through the rain. LADY ELY It's Mr Brown, ma'am. VICTORIA What is he doing there? LADY ELY He appears to be ... standing by his horse. VICTORIA I made no request to go out riding today. (beat) How long has he been there? LADY ELY I don't know, ma'am. (nervously) He was observed earlier, I believe. At this moment, PONSONBY comes down the corridor. VICTORIA Sir Henry, Mr Brown is standing in the courtyard. I have no wish to go riding. PONSONBY I'm very sorry, ma'am. I can't imagine -- he was certainly given no instructions. VICTORIA Please make sure it does not happen again. PONSONBY Of course, at once. VICTORIA takes one last look and walks away. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, PRIVATE SECRETARY'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT Half an hour later, PONSONBY stands at his desk facing BROWN. PONSONBY What on earth did you think you were doing? BROWN stares straight back. BROWN Awaiting my orders. PONSONBY You do not report for duty unless the Queen requests it. You know that very well. BROWN I didn't come all this way to sit on my arse. PONSONBY You will await your orders like everyone else. Unless you prefer a repeat of yesterday's little excitement. BROWN No. PONSONBY I beg your pardon? INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR - DAY The next day. From a high window, we see PONSONBY scuttling madly across the courtyard towards the figure of JOHN BROWN, who is standing exactly as he was the day before. VICTORIA watches impassively. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, COURTYARD - DAY PONSONBY stands close to BROWN, shouting in his face. PONSONBY I thought I made myself perfectly clear. You do not leave your room until Her Majesty requests it. BROWN (eyes straight ahead, shouting back) Well, you tell Her Majesty from me, if her husband was here now, he'd have had her out of that house and getting some air in her. What the hell's the point in me being here otherwise?! From the window above, VICTORIA takes in his words. A beat. PONSONBY collects himself. PONSONBY Go inside at once. BROWN Is that the Queen's request? PONSONBY Yes, it most certainly is! BROWN turns, grabs the lead rein and leads his horse back to the stables. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, STABLES - DAY A few minutes later, BROWN is in the process of stabling his horse. Suddenly he turns. VICTORIA is standing at the far end of the stable with her entourage. VICTORIA Mr Brown. BROWN Yes, ma'am. VICTORIA You have been told repeatedly not to stand in the courtyard unless requested to do so. BROWN Yes, ma'am. VICTORIA Then why do you persist in doing it? BROWN Because I think Her Majesty is wrong. If ever there was a poor soul who needed fresh air, it is her. A beat. VICTORIA The Queen will ride out if and when she chooses. BROWN And I intend to be there when she's ready. Silence. The two of them stare at each other. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS - DAY The next day, high and wide over the stunningly manicured landscape. Long lawns, wind-cropped copses and in the distance, the glittering sea. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS - DAY VICTORIA sits side-saddle on a horse. BROWN leads her in silence. EXT. CLIFFTOP - DAY VICTORIA looks up. VICTORIA Prince Albert was going to build a bench here. He thought it one of the best views in Osborne. BROWN It's a fine spot, ma'am. VICTORIA He thought so, yes. She stares ahead. VICTORIA (CONT'D) In everything I do and everything I say, I try to think, as much as possible, what he would do, or say, if he were here now. My Private Secretary wishes me to return to public duties-- She stops abruptly, but BROWN cuts in. BROWN If Prince Albert were here today, he'd tell him a thing or two. VICTORIA Sir Henry is not alone. They all wish it. (beat) The same people who refused to grant my husband the title of King because he was deemed of insufficient rank-- She stops again, cutting quickly back to small-talk. VICTORIA (CONT'D) It is a fine spot for a bench, is it not? BROWN Aye, ma'am. VICTORIA Yes. A pause. VICTORIA (CONT'D) I have some letters in the saddle bag. I wish to read them. BROWN walks up to her side, opens the saddle bag and hands her a bundle of letters held together with ribbon. VICTORIA (CONT'D) I cannot read them like that. BROWN undoes the ribbon and tries again. VICTORIA cuts in. VICTORIA (CONT'D) You will hand them to me as I require. BROWN takes off the top letter and hands it to her. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER SERVANT'S TABLE - NIGHT The clatter and crush of the Upper Servant's table as UPPER SERVANTS sit themselves down to dinner while UNDER SERVANTS prepare to serve soup. ARCHIE comes in and sits himself somewhere in the middle next to an empty seat. A moment later, BROWN strides in. But instead of sitting at the place beside his brother, he goes straight to the head of the table and plonks himself down. Slowly, the clatter dies away as the whole room stops and stares at him in silence. BROWN fixes them with a look. An elderly butler steps into the room and stares in amazement at BROWN. A smooth young man, BERTIE'S VALET, hurries up to intercede. BERTIE'S VALET Mr. Carter, the Head Butler, sits there. BROWN Not now he doesn't. This is my place. BERTIE'S VALET By whose authority? BROWN My own. A little frisson of oh-my-gawdness. BERTIE'S VALET stares icily at him. BERTIE'S VALET The order of seating at the Upper Servant's table is arranged personally by the Queen herself. BROWN That's a tautology lad. (unable to stop himself seriously explaining it) If you say the Queen arranges something, you've no need to say she's done it personally. That's understood. But as far as BERTIE'S VALET is concerned, it isn't. He stares down in mute fury, then snaps his fingers at one of the under servants, who rushes over. There is a hurried exchange of whispers before the under servant rushes out. Unperturbed, BROWN brings out his flask and pours himself a substantial draft of whiskey. He turns to the pretty assistant dresser, sitting to his right. BROWN (CONT'D) Are you dresser to Her Majesty? She blinks nervously at him. ASSISTANT DRESSER Assistant, sir, yes. BROWN tucks into his soup. Everyone watches and waits. BROWN What's your name? ASSISTANT DRESSER Mary Taylor, sir. BROWN Have I seen you up in Balmoral, Mary? ASSISTANT DRESSER I hope to go up next year. BROWN You wouldn't happen to know what the Queen's reading for recreation, would you, Mary? The assistant dresser thinks for a moment. ASSISTANT DRESSER Lord Tennyson, sir? BROWN nods. All conversation stops as the under servant bursts back in. She halts at the door, looking blankly from Bertie's valet to the elderly butler. A beat. The old man stiffens and makes his way to the middle of the table. BROWN looks up from his soup. BROWN Am I the only one eating? With a clatter of spoons, everyone obediently eats. INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, DRAWING ROOM - DAY A few days later. A morning "drawing room." Standing round the unlit fireplace are DOCTOR JENNER, LADY ELY, LADY CHURCHILL, the two LADIES IN WAITING and PRINCESS ALEXANDRA. All are dressed against the icy wind that whistles through the open window where VICTORIA sits knitting busily while BERTIE stands beside her, coat buttoned up to the collar. PONSONBY has stationed himself opposite, beside a desk piled high with red dispatch boxes. He runs through the daily itinerary. PONSONBY Lord Clarendon arrives, by invitation, at eleven o'clock, followed at twelve by a picnic in the grounds to celebrate Princess Alice's birthday. Dispatches, as usual, at two. (finishes, then coughs) The Chancellor writes to say that, by happy coincidence, he will be in Cowes for the weekend. He asks if Your Majesty might grant him an audience. VICTORIA Why? PONSONBY He thought, perhaps, Your Majesty might wish to be informed of the latest developments in government. VICTORIA No. I shall be out walking. A beat. BERTIE watches closely now. PONSONBY coughs again, nervous. PONSONBY Then perhaps Your Majesty might consider it opportune if the Prince of Wales were to meet him on your behalf? VICTORIA stiffens. She speaks without turning. VICTORIA On no account. PONSONBY gives up. Politely, but firmly, BERTIE takes up the reins. BERTIE Mama, I really do think it's time we made ourselves a little more ... available. VICTORIA carries on knitting. BERTIE (CONT'D) I think we must accept our position in the country is not entirely unrelated to the continued absence of the Monarchy from public life. (silence) I thought perhaps we might consider a small gesture of some kind? VICTORIA looks up sharply. VICTORIA Gesture? BERTIE I thought, a dinner for our ambassadors perhaps? VICTORIA (cutting in firmly) No dinners, Bertie. (beat) Why are you dressed for outdoors? BERTIE It's so infernally cold in here. VICTORIA Cold is good-- (calling across) Is that not so, Dr. Jenner?! JENNER I'm sorry, ma'am? VICTORIA Cold is good! JENNER Excellent, ma'am, excellent. (trying his hand) But perhaps if her Majesty were to consider accompanying her new-found physical vigor with the benefits of mental activity... VICTORIA (becoming very agitated) Why am I being lectured in this way?! JENNER Forgive me, Your Majesty. In no way did I wish to suggest-- VICTORIA (cutting across him) I will not tolerate anybody lecturing me about the responsibility of the monarchy.... BERTIE Mother.... VICTORIA ... Least of all my son. It was his irresponsibility that drove my husband to his grave. An appalled silence. With great dignity, BERTIE absorbs the shock of the insult and quietly steers the conversation in another direction. BERTIE If it is inconvenient to Her Majesty, then perhaps she might consider allowing the Prince of Wales to host-- VICTORIA I do believe they send so many boxes to taunt me. Doctor Jenner writes to them to say that my nerves are in an extremely fragile state and yet they continue to hound me with box after box after box after box after box! Silence. VICTORIA has crossed to the window and stares out at the view. Having recovered her composure, she turns to address them all. VICTORIA (CONT'D) I wish to take the Princesses for a swim. For a moment, nobody believes what they have heard. She continues. VICTORIA (CONT'D) The turns I have been taking in the grounds have proved most beneficial to me, and Brown thinks that salt water will do me good. Bertie stares at her in silence while PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER exchange a worried look. EXT. PRIVATE BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY The doors of the Royal bathing-machine swing open and Queen VICTORIA, in a voluminous swim-dress, sails out like a duck into the freezing sea. As she does so, the doors of the other machines open and Princess Helena and Princess Louise follow her in. Dignity does not allow them to shout out, but their expressions of constipated agony are a picture. VICTORIA begins swimming around in a vigorous little circle. VICTORIA Don't potter, children. Swim. Hold for a moment on the princesses' miserable faces. EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE - DAY Half an hour later, PONSONBY, DOCTOR JENNER, LADY ELY and two FOOTMEN watch as BROWN helps VICTORIA up some steps and onto her horse. He glances at the stiff line of householders and mutters curtly to himself. BROWN You could buy that lot for garden ornaments and still see change from ten guineas. The household do not hear this, but QUEEN VICTORIA has overheard and tries to suppress a smile. As she settles into the saddle, her foot comes loose. BROWN fastens it into the stirrups. BROWN (CONT'D) Lift your foot, woman. Everyone hears this. VICTORIA obeys. Taking the reins, he then walks the QUEEN out of the courtyard. As they vanish from site, we hear... DISRAELI (O.S.) This nation is fortunate in so much as it is not governed by force... FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: "1866" FADE IN: INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT - DAY The speech continues as we follow the progress of a Tomahawk cartoon doing the rounds of the Tory back benches from knee to knee. It is entitled, "Where is Britannia?" and shows an empty throne draped with the Royal cloak. DISRAELI (O.S.) ... but by a chain of traditions that have been cherished from generation to generation, because in them -- in our traditions -- are embodied all the laws which have enabled us to create the greatest empire of modern times... During the above, the cartoon reaches the front benches and lands on the knees of the young, earnest STANLEY. As he frowns at the picture in front of him, DISRAELI winds up. DISRAELI (CONT'D) ... but, even though we have amassed great capital and even though we have established an industry with no parallel in the world, yet all these mighty creations are as nothing compared to the invisible customs that shape our lives. To those honorable gentlemen of the opposition who seek to destroy the essential elements of this country, I say let them remember: England cannot begin again. During this peroration, we see DISRAELI for the first time. He is handsome, obviously Jewish and wire thin, like Dickens on Slimfast. He dresses almost dandyishly but speaks with startling vigor; a combination of brilliance and cheek that is his key. To cheers from his back benchers, he sits. As he looks up, he catches the eye of his opposite on the Liberal benches. GLADSTONE is different in almost every respect; dour, dogged, heavy-set and tall. They stare levelly for a second, then DISRAELI flashes a brilliant smile. STANLEY plops the cartoon on his lap. STANLEY Have you seen this? INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, LOBBY CORRIDOR - DAY A few minutes later, DISRAELI and STANLEY are strolling down the busy lobby corridor. Throughout their talk, Tory back-benchers bustle up to pat their hero on the back and offer their congratulations. STANLEY Should we take it seriously? DISRAELI The cartoon or Her Majesty's absenteeism? STANLEY Well, both. DISRAELI The question is, do we need her? STANLEY Surely, you're not suggesting we dispense-- DISRAELI My dear Stanley, a Prime Minister with only a handful of friends must respect public opinion. The pass GLADSTONE in a huddle of cohorts. DISRAELI (CONT'D) Gossip counts. Lord Aberdeen was right. This country is not governed by wisdom but by talk. (beat) Granted, it wouldn't take much to winkle the old girl out of mourning, but if public opinion is against her, then it doesn't do to appear too close. STANLEY So? DISRAELI We'll see which way the wind blows. DISRAELI sweeps through a prattle of back-benchers. EXT. PUBLIC BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY BROWN and ARCHIE crash into the water. It is freezing. BROWN braces himself against the icy shallows by bellowing Burns at the sea. BROWN My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here! My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer! Chasing the wild deer and following the roe! My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go! ARCHIE is so creased up with laughing, he almost drowns. EXT. PUBLIC BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY A few minutes later, BROWN and ARCHIE hurry back up the cold beach to rub themselves dry. BROWN is very energized. BROWN One box of biscuits, one box of drop tablets, one box of pralines, sixteen chocolate sponges. It's the same order every week, but does anybody bother to check it? Now she has to travel all the way to Balmoral without the few luxuries she actually enjoys. ARCHIE So? Someone'll send it on ahead. BROWN Aye, but will they? ARCHIE John, it's not your problem what she eats. BROWN The woman's surrounded by fools! (beat) She has to be packed and ready to leave by seven thirty tomorrow morning. Knowing that lot, they'll still be dressing her at eight. BROWN takes a nip of whiskey and offers some to his brother. ARCHIE She's got an army of people to get her up and out. BROWN But I'm the only one she trusts. ARCHIE stares at him. A beat. ARCHIE She'll blow hot and cold on you, John, she always does. You want to be careful. BROWN I'm on ninety pounds a year plus seventy pounds for a pile of tartan I'd be wearing anyway. That's as much as a Page of the Back Stairs gets and that job's only for toffs. (raising his hip flask triumphantly at the sea) I'm Her Majesty's Highland Servant! Indoors and Out. There's no stopping me now. EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - NIGHT A few days later. The clatter of carriage and horse as the ROYAL PARTY thunders through gathering dark toward Balmoral Castle. CAPTION: "BALMORAL" EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - TWILIGHT A mass of torches encircle the ROYAL PARTY as kilted GHILLIES and STAFF swarm round the carriage, opening doors and clambering off boxes while a regiment of PIPERS play them in. Amid this swarm of activity, we glimpse BROWN opening the door to a smiling VICTORIA as she climbs down, followed by PRINCESS HELENA and PRINCESS LOUISE. Emerging from another carriage come BERTIE and PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, staring grim faced at the castle. HENRY PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER alight from their carriage as PONSONBY slips on his gloves and pinches his nose at the pain of remembrance. PONSONBY Oh God, not the pipes! EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY The next day. High over the vast, bleak mountains of Lochnager and Loch Muick. VICTORIA and BROWN are riding fast towards the top. Reaching the summit, VICTORIA points excitedly at the far horizon. VICTORIA What are those? BROWN What? VICTORIA Those, over there, there. BROWN (horse chestnut trees...) Craobhan-geanmchno-fhiadhaich. VICTORIA (beat) Craobhan-geanmchno... (bursts out laughing) How can I possibly say that with a straight face?! BROWN lets it go and they ride on. VICTORIA (CONT'D) I am thinking of publishing my "Highland Journals." BROWN Are they worth reading? VICTORIA (beat) I am told so. BROWN Who by? VICTORIA Sir Henry Ponsonby tells me they are charming. BROWN What does he know about the Highlands? VICTORIA He has been attending at Balmoral for many years. BROWN That doesn't make him an expert. VICTORIA His remarks were directed at the quality of the writing, not its subject. BROWN I don't groom a horse to have it admired by others, I groom it because it needs grooming. VICTORIA (curtly) I do not do it for others. But Ponsonby thinks they are good. BROWN Just say what you have to say, woman. What other people think shouldn't matter to you. VICTORIA (snapping) Of course I shall say what I have to say. I always do. The stare at each other until BROWN kicks his horse on. BROWN Aye, well, if all you want is a good opinion then he'd be sure to oblige you. VICTORIA (riding alongside) What Mr Ponsonby was appreciating was their literary merit, a skill not intimately associated with the knowledge of grooming. (beat) Literary appreciation does not begin and end with Tennyson. BROWN lowers his head. VICTORIA (CONT'D) (in a softer tone) I mention you in them. BROWN says nothing. VICTORIA (CONT'D) In particular, the occasion when Albert was alive; the Royal Carriage overturned during a storm and you demonstrated such loyal service in returning the Queen and the Princesses safely to Balmoral. Taking a sprig of heather from her brooch, VICTORIA holds it out to him. A beat. VICTORIA (CONT'D) For friendship. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY A few days later, PONSONBY, DOCTOR JENNER and BROWN stand at the chamber-desk, talking over the Queen's itinerary. BROWN (briskly) She'll be away on Friday between eight o'clock and six in the evening to visit the Grants in Glasalt. If she's to make the journey there and back in the day she's to have no distractions the night before. She'll take a light supper alone in her private drawing room and retire early. PONSONBY She'll need to sign dispatches before she retires. BROWN That can wait till the weekend. PONSONBY There are important papers from -- BROWN It can wait. Anything else? JENNER Are you sure Her Majesty is up to such a long journey? She has only just recovered from a severe head cold. BROWN If I thought she wasn't up to it, I wouldn't let her go, would I? BROWN snaps together his papers and walks out, leaving PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER standing lamely at the table. EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY The next morning. The ROYAL FAMILY are picnicking in the grounds. VICTORIA walks along a path accompanied on one side by BROWN, on the other by BERTIE. BERTIE is in mid-plea. BERTIE Surely it is for the gentlemen to decide when to stop... VICTORIA It is a disgusting habit, Bertie. It should be discouraged. BERTIE Yes, but isn't midnight a little excessive? VICTORIA It is quite late enough. BERTIE But mama, the room was built expressly for that purpose. It has been a smoking-room by tradition ever since father -- VICTORIA (cutting in angrily) Brown's responsibilities are onerous enough already. He has far too much to do without having to stay up all night waiting for you to go to bed. The smoking-room will be closed and the lights put out at twelve o'clock. BERTIE Mama... VICTORIA And that is my last word on the matter. BERTIE Well, I'm sorry, but I really do think it's too much that the gentlemen of the house should be dictated to by a servant. BROWN It's the Queen's decision. BERTIE I beg your pardon? (to VICTORIA) Mama...? Before Bertie can continue, BROWN steps right into his face. BROWN I think you should go now. (beat) You've tired your mother enough. BERTIE stares back, too stunned to speak. He glances at his mother, but VICTORIA looks off into the distance as if she has not heard. BERTIE turns and storms away. INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY JOHN BROWN is standing in the doorway of a small cottage watching, with amused detachment, as a middle-aged couple, MR and MRS GRANT, race about their tiny living room, trying desperately to make it presentable for the Queen's sudden visit. They fling open the windows, slosh water on the fire, tidy up their two grubby BOYS, plump up the cushions, dump knitting under the sofa and try to smarten themselves up, all in the space of a few seconds. BROWN There's really no need for this. MRS GRANT I'll not have her seeing it like it is! (beat) I know she means well, but I wish she'd warn us she was coming. BROWN She thinks if she warned you, you'd go pouring water on the fire and stuffing the knitting under the sofa. MR GRANT Aye, well, you can't stop a wife being house-proud. MRS GRANT surveys the room critically. MRS GRANT All right. (beat) Show her in. EXT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY VICTORIA sits on a horse and trap. BROWN steps out and helps her down. BROWN They're ready now. VICTORIA I hope they didn't go to any trouble, John. BROWN Ah, well... INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY VICTORIA steps in to be greeted by all four GRANTS in one military row, smoke still steaming off the fire. BROWN stands behind her, barely able to contain himself. But for VICTORIA, it is all she's ever known and so she takes it as perfectly normal. VICTORIA Mr Grant. How good it is to see you. MR GRANT (bowing deeply) Your Majesty. VICTORIA Mrs Grant. How is your knee? Has the pain eased a little? MRS GRANT (bobbing in terror) Oh not so bad, ma'am. VICTORIA Good. Oh and here are Douglas and John. Haven't you grown? MRS GRANT (still bobbing away) Growing all the time, ma'am. MR GRANT remembers himself and gestures VICTORIA towards a chair. MR GRANT Will you sit, ma'am? From his place by the wall, BROWN notices how easily she smiles as she is led to the chair. She points to a picture on the wall and her good humour is infectious. VICTORIA I know that! That's Cairn Lochan. We picnicked there once, did we not, John? INT. A SOCIETY PARTY, LONDON - DAY A few days later, a party of ARISTOCRATS, MINISTERS, DIPLOMATS, ESCORTS, BUSINESSMAN and WHORES. Into this brouhaha come DISRAELI, his elderly wife MARY ANNE and the young STANLEY. It is all eyes and nods here. Everyone knows everyone. DISRAELI Ah, the greasy pole. MARY ANNE Don't be facetious, dear. Remember your position. DISRAELI It's my position I'm thinking of. Across the room, STANLEY spots BERTIE amid a crowd of acolytes. STANLEY I see the Prince of Wales is here. DISRAELI I hope he got his mother's permission. STANLEY smiles faintly. DISRAELI homes in on a punter and raises his hand, already working the room. DISRAELI (CONT'D) Lord Salisbury! INT. A SOCIETY PARTY, LONDON - DAY The society party is hotting up. STANLEY is deep in conversation with three SOCIETY LADIES. SOCIETY LADY 1 (ridiculously pleased with herself) Why is the Queen penny-wise and pound foolish? Because she looks after the Browns and lets the sovereigns take care of themselves! A peal of naughty laughter. Unseen, DISRAELI steps up. DISRAELI And in your opinion? Is she foolish? The SOCIETY LADY stares blankly back. SOCIETY LADY 1 Well I ... well, I mean to say, it's hardly right, is it? DISRAELI What? SOCIETY LADY 1 Well, the Queen and -- (appalled whisper) Mr Brown. DISRAELI stares at her steadily, already thinking ahead. DISRAELI La superstition met le monde entier en flammes. SOCIETY LADY 2 (thick as shit) I beg your pardon? DISRAELI (changing tack) Has anybody seen this ... Mr Brown? STANLEY He is her personal servant, I believe. SOCIETY LADY 1 (knowingly) Follows her wherever she goes. DISRAELI He would hardly make a very good personal assistant if he did not. INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY BROWN stands by a wall, smiling to himself at the sight of QUEEN VICTORIA struggling to help lay the table while MRS GRANT nervously prattles on. MRS GRANT ... it's not my best china. I mean, it is my best china now, but the family set got stolen last summer. VICTORIA Oh, I'm so sorry ... MRS GRANT Of course it was no-one on the Estate. More likely one of the lads from Braemar. Or further even. (beat) I'll fetch the salt. MRS GRANT scurries away. VICTORIA immediately holds up the spoons to BROWN with a questioning look -- above or beside the plate? He nods her to the top and she quickly carries on. INT. A SOCIETY PARTY, LONDON - DAY DISRAELI and MARY ANNE stand with BERTIE and his ACOLYTES. BERTIE Mr Disraeli. Ma'am. DISRAELI Your Royal Highness. What a pleasure to see you here. BERTIE Have you met Mr Lyle? He's in sugar...? DISRAELI I don't think I've had that pleasure. DISRAELI shakes hands with the fat sugar tycoon who wobbles with drink. MARY ANNE engages him in conversation while BERTIE turns DISRAELI aside. BERTIE No doubt you've heard the rumors. DISRAELI I take no account of gossip, Your Highness. BERTIE My concern is for the reputation of the Monarchy. DISRAELI Of course. BERTIE I fear the influence he has on her. The man's word is not to be credited. He is an arriviste of the very lowest water. (beat) She's having a bust cast of him. In Nero Marquino marble. DISRAELI I see. BERTIE I would talk to her myself, but she won't listen to me. She must be persuaded, by someone she respects, to abandon this ridiculous favoritism before a situation develops. DISRAELI A situation? BERTIE I don't imagine you frequent the Republican Clubs. But the fact that neither you nor I are members should not blind us to the significance of their existence. (beat) The Tory Party has always been our party. DISRAELI I'm flattered you think so. BERTIE I tell you, if we don't stick together on this, you could find yourself First President's Opposition. (murdering it) Du Royaum Uni. DISRAELI Quite. A beat. BERTIE I don't think we can overstate the seriousness of this. DISRAELI nods and BERTIE walks swiftly back to his party. The moment he's gone, STANLEY steps up to DISRAELI's side. STANLEY What did he want? DISRAELI To know when he'll be king. INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY VICTORIA, BROWN and the GRANTS are eating around a large table. Like a wife watching her husband, VICTORIA beams proudly at BROWN as he tells a story. BROWN ... so Grant here and myself are riding over Lochnagar and the rain's pouring down in sheets and all we're thinking about is getting home for a drink, when through the gloom Grant spots a couple of poachers. He gives me a shout and we chase them down towards the loch until Grant has your men up against the stacks and he's shouting and cursing at them, "Why are you poaching on Royal land?!" And one of the little fellas looks up at him and says, "coz we've come up in the world." For a split second, both the GRANTS look petrified, then BROWN and VICTORIA explode into laughter and the GRANTS relax. Suddenly the GRANTS are helpless with laughter too. Beginning with VICTORIA's glass, BROWN pours out liberal quantities of whiskey all round. EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DUSK Later that night, the courtyard is packed with a gaggle of worried HOUSEHOLDERS holding lamps. Through the light, BROWN and VICTORIA clatter into the courtyard on the horse and trap. DOCTOR JENNER breaks through the crowd in a state of high excitement. JENNER Your Majesty! Thank goodness you're safe! I'll have a bath prepared immediately. I recommend Macdonald's African Embrocation -- BROWN (cutting in) Ah, pipe down, man. The woman's fine. VICTORIA We stayed a little longer than expected with Mr and Mrs Grant. It was most agreeable. PONSONBY We were expecting you to return by six. VICTORIA And now I am back. BROWN cannot resist one more little dig. BROWN We took a nip of whiskey. VICTORIA To keep out the cold. BROWN Aye. VICTORIA smiles and BROWN lifts her off the trap. Before walking in she turns and, in front of everyone, says... VICTORIA Thank you, John. BROWN bows and the QUEEN walks on. As she straightens up, he finds PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER staring back at him in utter disbelief at what she has just said. He turns and leads the horse back to the stables. JENNER (under his breath) She's drunk. PONSONBY doesn't answer. He is watching BROWN very closely. JENNER (CONT'D) A distinct flushing around the cheeks. She was drunk, I tell you. PONSONBY No, she wasn't. Silence. JENNER turns to look at PONSONBY. JENNER Surely not ... PONSONBY's face is set hard. PONSONBY Don't even think about it. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, BALLROOM - NIGHT A crush of kilted GHILLIES as we slam into the height of the annual Ghillie's Ball. The whole court is reeling through the dance; all of them beholding the extraordinary spectacle of QUEEN VICTORIA and JOHN BROWN dancing together in the middle of the hall. PONSONBY and JENNER stand by the wall, watching. Close-up on PONSONBY'S face as JENNER mutters darkly. JENNER Pandora's Box ... With a slam of feet the reel ends, the GHILLIES roar and BROWN and VICTORIA stand smiling at each other in silence. A King and his Queen. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, BALLROOM - NIGHT Later that night. We find BROWN, slouched on the ground, dead-drunk and snoring loudly. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY A few days later, four JOURNALISTS are scrabbling up a stony path, armed with telescopes. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY A large ROYAL PARTY is making its way smoothly and quietly up the mountain. BROWN is on horseback, leading VICTORIA on a dapple-grey. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY The JOURNALISTS rattle up the hill. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY BROWN and VICTORIA start pulling ahead of the main party. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY The JOURNALISTS scramble up to some gorse bushes, dump themselves down and start setting up the telescopes. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY BROWN and VICTORIA near the summit when BROWN suddenly stops. He stiffens and turns to face the wind, as if catching a scent. VICTORIA frowns. VICTORIA What is it, John? (beat) John? BROWN I heard something. BROWN's eyes fix on some distant gorse bushes. BROWN (CONT'D) I won't be long. He dismounts and races off. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY The JOURNALISTS are peering through their telescopes. JOURNALIST 1 Where did he get to? I've lost him? Below them, BROWN races across the riverbank and undergrowth, unseen. JOURNALIST 2 I don't know if there's much worth writing about. JOURNALIST 1 Hard to tell. BROWN rears up above them and stops. BROWN This close enough for you? Go on! On your way! You filthy scavengers! The JOURNALISTS scramble to their feet and start legging it down the hill, while BROWN roars furiously, hurling their bags after them. BROWN (CONT'D) You leave her alone, do you hear?! The JOURNALISTS vanish below the hillside. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, UPPER SERVANT'S TABLE - NIGHT That night. BROWN is standing at the head of the table, yelling at the UPPER SERVANTS, irrespective of ARCHIE or anyone. BROWN If I catch the miserable by-blow who told those men where she'd be, then I'll hang his balls to dry on Jock Wemyss, so I will!! ARCHIE glances up at BERTIE'S VALET. He is staring down at the table, teeth gritted, fists clenched. BROWN rounds on them all again. BROWN (CONT'D) What happens to John Brown is his business, but the Queen's security will never be compromised! BERTIE'S VALET We -- BROWN You'll talk when I'm finished! BERTIE'S VALET stares at him in astonishment. BROWN turns back to the table. BROWN (CONT'D) That kind of disloyalty will not be tolerated in this house, is that clear? (beat, yelling) I said, is that clear?! There is a general mutter of assent. BROWN turns and storms out as ARCHIE gets up to follow. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, HENRY PONSONBY'S ROOMS - DAY A few days later, PONSONBY is sitting at his desk, hands to his hips, listening quietly as DOCTOR JENNER reads from his copy of Punch. JENNER "Court Circular, Balmoral." (beat) "On Tuesday, Mr John Brown enjoyed a display of sheep-dipping by local farmers. On Wednesday, he attended a seance where he was pleased to listen to a recital of Auld Lang Syne by Mr Robert Burns himself ..." INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, LOWER CORRIDOR - DAY BROWN crashes through a door holding a copy of the same journal. JENNER (O.S.) "... On Thursday, Mr John Brown walked on the slopes, accompanied by family and friend ..." INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, CORRIDOR - DAY BROWN storms up to PONSONBY's door. JENNER (O.S.) Mr Brown retired early. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, HENRY PONSONBY'S ROOMS - DAY BROWN bursts in on PONSONBY and JENNER, slamming down his copy of Punch on the desk. He is furious but controlled. BROWN If I find out that you had anything to do with this, I will have you sacked. PONSONBY I believe that decision rests with Her Majesty. BROWN Don't think I can't persuade her. PONSONBY I don't doubt that the Queen was highly amused. She has always had a very healthy sense of humor. BROWN This is a slur on her good name. PONSONBY In as much as the article is about yourself, I think you must now accept that the public has a right to its interest in you. BROWN Nobody has any rights over me. PONSONBY We are all of us subject to forces beyond our control, Mr Brown, even you. BROWN stares at him in silence. A beat. BROWN You'll regret saying that. FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: "1867" FADE IN: INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT - DAY Chaos. The Tories are losing the vote as both sides of the house stand and shout at each other while the SPEAKER rises in his chair. SPEAKER (O.S.) Order! Order! ORDER! A buzzing silence settles as the house sits for the vote. The COUNTERS approach the chair. SPEAKER (CONT'D) Result of the vote to the first reading of the Bill to Disestablish the Irish Church. A murmur of excitement from the LIBERALS. SPEAKER (CONT'D) Order! A beat. COUNTER Ayes to the right, three hundred and thirty, noes to the left, two hundred and sixty-five... By the time he reaches "sixty-five" his voice is drowned in cheers from the Liberal benches. DISRAELI and the rest of the front bench sit in stony silence. Somewhere on the Liberal back benches, a wild-eyed maverick, DILKE, rises to his feet shouting: DILKE Mr Speaker, I table a motion in furtherance of the Bill to Disestablish the Monarchy! A roar from the irate TORIES and chaos reigns again. SPEAKER Order! Order!! ORDER!!! INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, LOBBY CORRIDOR - NIGHT An hour later the house is empty except for a few straggling MPs hurrying home. An exhausted DISRAELI stands in the corridor with STANLEY. DISRAELI We're going to lose. STANLEY You can't know that for sure. DISRAELI Gladstone's got his party facing the same way for the first time in years. We need help. (long beat) Where is the old girl? STANLEY Who? DISRAELI Mrs Brown. STANLEY It's questionable whether there's any advantage to be had from that direction. She's never been less popular. DISRAELI In the press, perhaps. (holding up Punch) But she's sold more copies of her Highland Journal in three months than Punch will ever sell in a year. Time to wheel her out. STANLEY She's refusing to leave Balmoral. DISRAELI What's her excuse this time? STANLEY The Princess Louisa is too ill to move. Frankly, the Queen's rather upset at the recent spate of bad publicity. (beat) You're smiling. DISRAELI I was trying to imagine "rather upset." The elderly prelate, DEAN WELLSELLY, hurries in through the lobby doors. DISRAELI puts on a welcoming smile. DEAN WELLSELLY Forgive me, gentlemen. I'm late. DISRAELI Not at all, Dean. Good of you to spare the time. DEAN WELLSELLY I came as quickly as I could. DISRAELI You've seen the latest cartoon in Punch, I take it? DEAN WELLSELLY (completely lost) I beg your pardon? DISRAELI opens the copy of Punch and hands it to Dean Wellselly. The Dean clears his throat and starts to read. DISRAELI (as Wellselly reads) One of our madder brethren in the house was calling for disestablishment of the monarchy. Dean Wellselly looks up from the article, horrified. DEAN WELLSELLY Good Lord. STANLEY (playing the soft glove) I'm sure it won't come to that. DISRAELI (the hard glove) No. But it has now become a matter for our consciences. (beat) I was just telling Stanley how vital it is that the nation should feel the visible influence of the Sovereign. As a reminder that Parliament, indeed my own ministry, depends on the will of the Queen. DEAN WELLSELLY nods his head gravely. Over his shoulder, STANLEY is gaping at DISRAELI's silky distortion of the party political maneuver into a moral imperative. DEAN WELLSELLY I couldn't agree with you more, but I am only Dean of Windsor. I don't understand what ... DISRAELI interrupts. DISRAELI We hear from Balmoral that Mr Brown is interesting Her Majesty in some of the forms of worship associated with ... low-church Presbyterian. Silence. DEAN WELLSELLY'S face is a picture of unrestrained horror. Low-church. Presbyterian. DEAN WELLSELLY What can we do? DISRAELI Oh, several things. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY Some days later. Queen VICTORIA sits at her desk while Henry PONSONBY stands in front of her, holding a copy of The Times. VICTORIA Read it. PONSONBY Again? VICTORIA Read it! PONSONBY coughs once and begins again. PONSONBY "The Times wishes to join the rest of Her Majesty's loyal subjects in expressing its deep joy at the news that the Queen is soon to come out of her mourning." VICTORIA glowers at him. VICTORIA Who told them that? PONSONBY I have no idea. VICTORIA Why not? PONSONBY I -- forgive me, ma'am, I am no wiser than yourself. Suddenly, VICTORIA's temper goes and she shouts at him. VICTORIA No-one should think themselves wiser than me! (beat) It is not for any of the Queen's subjects to presume to tell Her Majesty when and where She should come out of mourning. It is the Queen's sorrow that keeps her secluded! It is Her overwhelming amount of work and responsibility, work which She feels will soon wear her out entirely! PONSONBY Your Majesty -- VICTORIA (cutting right through him) Is it not enough that She is uncheered and unguided that she should also have to suffer these malicious rumors?! (a pause, more quietly) I am not a fool. (beat) I know there are those in the establishment too afraid to attack me and so they attack my dearest friends. Sometimes -- I feel that Brown is all I have left of Albert. (beat) And now they attack Brown too. She looks up, eyes blazing. VICTORIA (CONT'D) I will not give him up to them. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, ROOM ADJOINING DRAWING ROOM - DAY BROWN is guarding the door to the drawing room while the balding BERTIE muscles up, eye ball to eye ball. BERTIE I wish to see my mother. BROWN She's busy. BERTIE Convey her a message. BROWN She's away to Windsor tomorrow. Talk to her there. BERTIE Tell her the Prince of Wales wishes to speak with her urgently about matters concerning the press. BROWN Are you deaf as well as stupid? A split-second. BERTIE gapes at him. BERTIE What did you say? BROWN I said, are you deaf as well as stupid? BERTIE Do you know who you address, sir? BROWN Whom you address. BERTIE The future King! A beat. BROWN Well, everyone's entitled to their opinion. BERTIE Out of my way! Foolishly, BERTIE tries to barge his way past. Suddenly BROWN loses it completely. He grabs the Prince of Wales by the shoulders and pins him back, shouting right into his face. BROWN LEAVE US ALONE, WHY DON'T YOU!! For a split-second, BROWN's eyes flicker as he senses he has gone too far. A look of pure venom in BERTIE'S face, then ... EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUADRANGLE - NIGHT Weeks later. In a roar of hooves and wheels, the Royal Carriage sweeps into the huge quadrangle. JOHN BROWN stands rigid on the box, glowering at all the world. CAPTION: "WINDSOR" INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, SERVANT'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT A pair of doors open out onto a torchlit driveway as a mass of SERVANTS rush in and out, ferrying bags an trunks. BROWN marches in, still charged-up from the strain of the journey's watchfulness. He spots an UNDER-PORTER snatching a break. BROWN You! What's your business here?! UNDER-PORTER (jumping to) Under-porter, sir. BROWN Well, don't stand where you shouldn't! The UNDER-PORTER scrambles up the stairs. A few SERVANTS exchange looks. BROWN seems more determined than ever to exert his control. EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, STABLES - NIGHT That night. Carrying an old storm lamp high over his head, BROWN walks towards the stables. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE - DAY The next day. BROWN is on horseback, riding with VICTORIA through the grounds. He is still jumpy, eyes flicking left and right, searching for intruders. They are being followed at a distance by two EQUERRIES on horseback. VICTORIA frowns peevishly. VICTORIA Must they always follow us? BROWN I ordered it. It's for your own safety. VICTORIA Dear me, you'll be telling me to watch what I eat next. BROWN doesn't react. A beat. VICTORIA (CONT'D) Am I not safe enough with you, John? BROWN Aye. (looking away) But there are Fenians reported on the mainland. VICTORIA (tutting irritably) The threat from the Irish is greatly exaggerated, I'm sure. BROWN (snapping back) I'll decide when it's exaggerated. BROWN chucks his horse on, bringing a firm halt to the conversation. A beat. He pulls up suddenly, staring at the shadows in the copse. VICTORIA Is anything the matter, John? (beat) John? He stares for along moment and then lets it go. BROWN Nothing's the matter. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, STABLES - NIGHT BROWN marches down the line of horse boxes. A stable-lad, BARNEY, is feeding the horses. He looks twitchy. BROWN Hey, Barney. BARNEY Mr Brown, sir -- BROWN It's cold out there tonight, Barney. Reaching his pony, BROWN stops and smiles. The animal lifts its face to him and he softly strokes his muzzle. BROWN (CONT'D) Yeah, there's a good girl. (to Barney) Have you had a look at this hoof? She was limping badly. I think there might be a stone in it. BARNEY Yeah, yeah, I did. BROWN Good man. And is she all right? BARNEY Yeah. BROWN Good. She's a good girl. Aren't you? Yeah, she's a lovely girl. And you know the Queen's riding tomorrow? BARNEY Yeah. BROWN (beat) Are you all right, Barney? BARNEY twitches again and BROWN realizes too late. The split-second he turns, he sees THREE MEN. BROWN (CONT'D) Oh, aye... The MEN pile onto him and he collapses under their weight. As he falls, BROWN manages to yank himself round, bang up a fist and fling the others off him. But the FIRST MAN is up again, twisting an arm round his neck and tugging him back. The others grapple his arms down, but BROWN is incredibly strong. Even now, grunting and scrabbling, he makes them fight to force him back. BARNEY stands transfixed in horror. Dumping BROWN against the wall, the men step back and start kicking the shit out of him. BROWN curls into a ball, jaw locked, hands over his head. Not a sound. Finally, they back off, panting hard. The FIRST MAN pulls out a bottle of whiskey, yanks back BROWN's head and forces whiskey down his throat. It spills over his face and dribbles down his neck. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY The next day. VICTORIA is standing at the windows. The door opens and LADY ELY walks in. VICTORIA Well? LADY ELY Mr Brown is unable to attend today. VICTORIA Why? LADY ELY I believe he is unwell, ma'am. VICTORIA Unwell? LADY ELY I understand he was in a fight. VICTORIA Has he been hurt? LADY ELY I believe not, ma'am. I understand -- he'd had rather too much to drink. VICTORIA walks away and steps behind her desk. VICTORIA You may go. LADY ELY bows and walks out. VICTORIA stares at the desk a moment, then picks up her pen and tries to work. She cannot. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - DAY BROWN sits on the edge of the bed in only his undergarments. His face, arms, legs and fingers are livid with bruises, but he sits there, stiff-backed and gritting his teeth, while ARCHIE crouches in front of him, tending to his wounds. BROWN And she sent no word down? ARCHIE They said you were drunk. (beat) Why don't you tell her the truth? BROWN She'll think it's her fault for keeping me. ARCHIE completes one of the dressings when BROWN suddenly reaches back and starts trying to put on his shirt. ARCHIE What are you doing?! BROWN I'm getting dressed. ARCHIE You've got three broken ribs, man! BROWN I've got my duties to attend to. ARCHIE Don't be an idiot! You're in no fit state to go anywhere. BROWN She'll be worried about me. ARCHIE She'll get over it. BROWN I can't let her down now, Archie. ARCHIE And when was the last time she put herself out for you? Look, John, whatever she says to you now, in the end you're still a servant. BROWN Oh, I'm much more than that. ARCHIE Aye, she may say that to you, but the woman can say what she wants. BROWN You watch your tongue. ARCHIE Come on, man, I'm telling you what you already know. BROWN You know nothing about her! ARCHIE When are you gonna see it, John? She doesn't give a damn about you. BROWN lunges for the bedside drawer and pulls out a card showing a coy picture of a pretty woman. He holds it up, eyes blazing. BROWN From the Queen! He reads out the inscription. BROWN (CONT'D) My lips may give a message better of Christmas love than e'en this letter. (beat) To my best friend, J.B. from his best friend, V.R. (he thrusts it in his brother's face) Best friend! ARCHIE Aye. BROWN She means it. ARCHIE stares at him. ARCHIE She'll drop you. When she's done with you, she'll drop you. BROWN Get out. (beat) Out! ARCHIE steps back but BROWN roars at him. BROWN (CONT'D) OUT!! ARCHIE steps outside and BROWN is left alone. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY The next day. VICTORIA sits at her desk. PONSONBY hands her letters to sign. PONSONBY ... to be followed by a visit from Lady Bridport. She is keen to secure a place for her niece as Maid of Honor. VICTORIA signs the last letter and sits back. VICTORIA I am tired. PONSONBY coughs. PONSONBY There is one other matter. VICTORIA What is it? PONSONBY I have a letter, ma'am. VICTORIA From whom? PONSONBY From Princess Helena and other members of your family. VICTORIA (stiffening defensively) My family is quite capable of communicating with the Queen in person. PONSONBY does not reply. Finally, VICTORIA is obliged to ask. VICTORIA (CONT'D) What do they want? PONSONBY They are demanding the dismissal of John Brown on grounds of drunkeness. VICTORIA stares through the window, expressionless. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CHAPEL - DAY VICTORIA walks through the ornate chapel, nervously fingering her handkerchief. Waiting for her, smiling softly, is the Dean of Windsor, DEAN WELLSELLY. DEAN WELLSELLY You wished to see me, ma'am? She holds his eyes for a moment, then nods. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CHAPEL - DAY A few minutes later, VICTORIA and DEAN WELLSELLY are seated in a corner of the chapel, talking softly. She cannot bring herself to look at him and so does not notice how carefully he is watching her throughout the interview. This is incredibly hard for her to say, but she struggles to be as honest as possible. VICTORIA My husband tried always to make me think more subtly. Of course he taught me so much and I can never repay my debt to him, or the love I feel, even now. But, in truth, I think I am someone who can only feel things while they are alive to me. For that reason, I know I do not have a subtle mind. I know that. But I work hard and I try to do my duty. (she hesitates; she is struggling now) However, I have noticed of late that my feelings of grief are not so strong and -- that I find myself leaning more upon the comfort of living friends. (beat) Friends close to me now. She stops herself. She is crying. DEAN WELLSELLY watches her a moment, then speaks close, choosing his words carefully. DEAN WELLSELLY Your Majesty, a settled resignation is more lasting proof of affection than active grief. If the good Lord sees fit to bring one into contact with congenial fellow beings, one should not analyze one's reaction too deeply. To allow oneself to be comforted by someone else need not imply any disloyalty to the memory of the loved one. Silence. VICTORIA stares into the long, dark chapel. Gradually, as she takes in the tone of his remarks, her disappointment turns to anger. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY The next day, VICTORIA stands at the far window and her back to the room. Lined up against the wall are BERTIE and his siblings. VICTORIA Sir Henry. PONSONBY steps forward. PONSONBY Ma'am? VICTORIA Please tell the Princess, and other signatories to this letter, that the Queen will not be dictated to, or made to alter, in any way, what she has found to answer for her comfort. (beat) Do I make myself clear? PONSONBY Ma'am. A beat. VICTORIA You may go. They all file out. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE - DAY A few days later. BROWN and VICTORIA are riding on horseback. Although better than he was, BROWN'S face is still badly bruised. They turn a corner banked by trees. BROWN is watching the QUEEN closely. She stops. VICTORIA I would like to get down. Without a word, BROWN dismounts and helps her off her horse. VICTORIA (CONT'D) John? BROWN Yes, ma'am? VICTORIA I was told you were in a fight. BROWN Yes, ma'am. VICTORIA Has someone seen to those bruises? BROWN Yes, ma'am. A beat. BROWN (CONT'D) Ma'am? VICTORIA Yes? BROWN Having considered my position here at court, I have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of Your Majesty that I should resign. VICTORIA I do not accept. A beat. BROWN I had foreseen that you would not. But Your Majesty should understand -- that my mind will not be changed in this. I leave for Deeside -- VICTORIA (cutting in) The Queen forbids it. (beat) I cannot allow it because I cannot live without you. Without you, I cannot find the strength to be who I must be. Please. She takes his hand to her mouth and kisses it gently, then looks at him, utterly helpless. VICTORIA (CONT'D) Promise me you won't let them send me back. A long silence. BROWN holds her hand tight. BROWN I promise. FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: "1868" FADE IN: EXT. LOWLANDS - DAY A few weeks later. A tiny horse-drawn carriage creeps across a huge Highland landscape. DISRAELI (V.O.) Yesterday, Gladstone talked for three hours on the Irish Church Bill ... I am as guilty as the rest of underestimating his reforming zeal. Tory days may be numbered, but I fancy there yet remains one last hope of deliverance. Wheresoever the blame lies, we must now close ranks and defend Mrs Brown's England. As for my interminable journey to the land of Calvin, oatcakes and sulphur ... EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY DISRAELI hurries through the pouring rain. DISRAELI (O.S.) ... no Prime Minister made greater sacrifice than attempting to run the country six hundred miles north of civilization. Reaching the castle, he hurries inside and the great doors bang behind him. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY The next day. QUEEN VICTORIA is playing the piano like she walks, with great vim and vigor. The tune is some quaint Scottish ballad which she belts out in her clear strong voice, almost drowning out PRINCE ARTHUR, PRINCE LOUISE and PRINCE LEOPOLD who are meant to be accompanying her. They stand in a nervous semi-circle, fumbling their harmonies. Ignoring them completely, VICTORIA bobs up her head with a quizzical smile to make sure she is being appreciated. DISRAELI and the rest of the HOUSEHOLD stand a few yards off, smiling rigidly. DISRAELI, the consummate politician to his inch-high insteps, out-smiles the lot of them. This man is in raptures of delight. And the more liquid his smiles, the happier he makes VICTORIA. He beams, she belts, until her children are drowned out completely. And then, with characteristic suddenness, VICTORIA stops playing and launches into one of her tirades. The HOUSEHOLD wobbles in shock like children on a switch-back, but DISRAELI glides smoothly from delight to sober concern. VICTORIA How dare the Irish break with the Anglicans? If Albert were alive today he would never allow the Crown to give up Church patronage. No, the Irish must be told, very firmly, to stay exactly where they are. It is the thin edge of the wedge, Mr Disraeli. Next, you will be telling me that the Crown no longer governs this nation. A beat. A nervous silence in the Household. DISRAELI Your Majesty remains at the very epicenter of governance. As for your people, look no further than the sales of your Highland Journals to see in what affection the nation holds their Queen. (beat) You sell even more copies than Mr Dickens. VICTORIA But I lack your prose, Mr Disraeli. VICTORIA gives him a tiny smile. DISRAELI acknowledges it, then steers the conversation back. DISRAELI Of course I understand your concern. You miss your people. (a pause) And they miss you. VICTORIA registers a slight flicker of defensiveness at the implied criticism. VICTORIA Then they may read about me. DISRAELI Indeed, and for that they are eternally grateful. VICTORIA Is that not enough? DISRAELI In so many ways ... and yet it is your presence they crave. A figurehead. VICTORIA has the measure of him. VICTORIA I never thought to be bullied by you, Mr Disraeli. You, I thought, understood a widow's grief. DISRAELI Forgive me, ma'am, I cannot speak for the nation, only for myself. As Prime Minister I confess I miss your presence, but that is only an expression of my own selfish desires and I should not burden you with it. The Household waits. Has he clawed himself back? VICTORIA acknowledges his apology. Her voice drops and she talks directly to DISRAELI, straight from the heart. VICTORIA I stay here because I am happy. (beat) Is that such a terrible crime? DISRAELI No, ma'am. At this moment the far door opens and BROWN walks in. BROWN Time for your walk. Without a word, VICTORIA rises from her chair and starts following him out. As they pass DISRAELI, she stops. VICTORIA This is my good John Brown. DISRAELI (taking him in) Yes. VICTORIA I have asked him to show you a little of Highland life while you are with us at Balmoral. BROWN measures DISRAELI suspiciously. BROWN What brings you here? DISRAELI A man can refuse only so many invitations from his Queen. It was remiss of me not to come earlier. VICTORIA smiles. BROWN stares. BROWN What do you know about the Highlands? DISRAELI I am a blank sheet. BROWN Do you hunt? DISRAELI Occasionally. BROWN Dare say you can be taught. DISRAELI To shoot perhaps, but not to kill. BROWN If you hunt, you kill. DISRAELI counters effortlessly. DISRAELI Well then, I'll do my best. EXT. HIGHLANDS, GLEN GELDER - DAY Staying close to the ground we develop through a series of shots showing the other highlands -- sheet rain against heather and gorse, rivulets of water slashing through mud, crude pathways sliding in wind and all ball-breakingly cold. Coming up the hill, we begin to make out a hunting party. The sound first. Like a small army, crashing their way up the winding path. GHILLIES urging on their horses and dogs, guns and equipment jangling off pony-hacks an then the tall figure of JOHN BROWN striding out in front. Making no concession to anyone, he force-marches them up the hill, eyes on the hunt ahead. Behind them trot the men on horseback -- DISRAELI, PONSONBY, BERTIE and other GENTLEMEN, each led by GHILLIES and ATTENDANTS, among them ARCHIE. Suddenly, BROWN stops and raises a hand. The party halts. He listens for a second. Satisfied that he has found his quarry, he brings his hand down and the party of gentlemen dismount as quietly as they can. As he waits, BROWN winces slightly from the pain in his side. He pulls a flask of whiskey from his sporran and drinks. All the time, DISRAELI keeps his eyes on BROWN. EXT. HIGHLANDS, GLEN GELDER - DAY The stalking. Everyone is now fanned out along the hillside, a ghillie to each gentleman, slowly and silently moving up the hill. DISRAELI stalks with BROWN, panting hard to keep up, eyes on his man, trying to make no sound. Suddenly, BROWN stops. Very slowly he rises. DISRAELI rides alongside and sees ... A huge stag staring majestically across the hillside. Keeping his movements smooth and slow, BROWN brings up his rifle, cocks it and offers DISRAELI the kill. With a deferential gesture of the hands, DISRAELI declines. BROWN stares at him a split-second, raises the rifle to his shoulder and fires. EXT. HIGHLANDS, GLEN GELDER - DAY The kill. A rapid montage of guns firing, as we cut to ... INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY BROWN sweeps in from the hunt, DISRAELI dripping at his side. BROWN (demonstrating with his rifle) Always remember, you keep it tight to your shoulder, you absorb the kick. Aim for the head. Then imagine it's Gladstone. DISRAELI (smiling) Quite. BROWN pulls out his flask and offers some to DISRAELI, who declines. He watches BROWN take a long swig. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, UPPER SERVANT'S TABLE - NIGHT That night. BROWN is standing at his place, drinking steadily. He has a sheet of paper and a pen and is ticking off a list. Lined up in front of him, trying desperately not to laugh, are five or six UPPER SERVANTS including the pretty ASSISTANT DRESSER and BERTIE'S VALET. They each step up, one at a time, to make their report. BROWN (ticking as he goes) ... Back doors, West Wing. UPPER SERVANT 1 Checked and locked, sir. BROWN Side doors, East Wing. ASSISTANT DRESSER Checked and locked, sir. BROWN Louder, girl! ASSISTANT DRESSER (creasing up) Checked and locked, sir. BROWN Kitchen and lower house. BERTIE'S VALET Checked and locked, sir. BROWN Back and upper corridors. UPPER SERVANT 2 Checked and locked, sir. BROWN Front door. (beat) Checked and locked. Folding up the paper, BROWN downs his glass of whiskey and sits. On his nod, dinner is served by UNDER SERVANTS amid a clatter of cutlery and chat. ARCHIE looks across at his brother but BROWN is hunched over his plate, pecking at his food. Someone titters and ARCHIE looks up. BERTIE'S VALET coughs. BROWN slowly lifts his head. His eyes have the slightly unfocused look of too much drink. It is clear to ARCHIE that he is about to be sent-up. BERTIE'S VALET (with a smug smile) Did you see any Irish assassins today, Mr Brown? Brown doesn't react. BERTIE'S VALET (CONT'D) We heard the dogs were Fenian sympathizers. Brown drinks. BERTIE'S VALET (CONT'D) Or was it the stag ...? Everyone bursts out laughing. Brown slams down his glass. BROWN There's not a soul here cares about that wee woman's safety except me! She'd die in a ditch if I wasn't there to look out for her -- He stops. ARCHIE has come across to his brother's chair and pulls gently on his arm. BROWN stares at the SERVANTS. Everyone is about to burst out laughing. Keeping his dignity, he pushes back his chair and lets ARCHIE lead him away. As BROWN reaches the double doors, the laughter hits him in the back like a wave. ARCHIE holds him steady. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT BROWN is lying on a grubby bed. ARCHIE is looking around the untidy room. For the first time, he notices a thick manuscript on the table. BROWN follows his eyes. ARCHIE What's this? BROWN It's a diary. ARCHIE Be careful who sees it. BROWN What do you take me for? ARCHIE turns back to BROWN. ARCHIE You should have someone look after you. BROWN I'm all right. I just need to rest up a wee bit. (feeling everything spin) The room ... You don't have to stay. BROWN shuts his eyes and starts to drift. ARCHIE watches over him. ARCHIE The place is a mess. BROWN I can't move to tidy. ARCHIE It's what the maids are for. BROWN I'm not having some prattler going through my things. A beat. ARCHIE Won't you give yourself a rest, John? She's other people to look out for her. BROWN She needs me, Archie. She canna do without me, she said it to my face. (his hands come up to cover his eyes) How can I stop now? INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, SERVANT'S CORRIDOR - DAY Dawn the next morning. BROWN is scrambling into his jacket as he hurries down the stairs. EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY BROWN crashes out of a side-door -- just fully dressed -- to be met by the smiling figure of DISRAELI. He is got up in smart walking boots, plus-fours and a tweed jacket. BROWN You sent for me. DISRAELI I've been called back to London. My last day. I thought I might take a walk on Lochnagar. BROWN stares straight back. EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY An hour later, BROWN leads DISRAELI up the hill. BROWN has his head down, on with the job. DISRAELI slows to a halt. DISRAELI Princes and Lords are but the breath of kings, An honest man's the noblest work of God. (beat) You must miss such magnificent views. BROWN I don't think about it. They reach the top and continue along the high ground. DISRAELI glances at BROWN and notices the limp. DISRAELI Forgive me, I've called you out and you should have been resting. BROWN I'm fine. DISRAELI You're injured. BROWN It's nothing. DISRAELI Still, someone must attend you. Your wife should not have let you out. BROWN I'm not married. DISRAELI (deadpan) Oh. BROWN This is the top. DISRAELI admires the view for a moment, then continues. DISRAELI I confess, I sometimes feel as if I am not married myself, I see my wife so little. But I'm forgetting the rewards. He looks across. BROWN keeps staring ahead. DISRAELI (CONT'D) The look on their faces when one walks into the room. Still gives one a ridiculous thrill. BROWN I wouldn't know. DISRAELI Surely -- BROWN (interrupts) What I do, I do for my Queen. DISRAELI Was there never ambition? BROWN (beat) Maybe, once. DISRAELI Then I envy yo. BROWN Why? DISRAELI To have achieved one's ambition, or to have reconciled oneself to its limits, is a lifetime's work. BROWN I do what I do. DISRAELI For Her Majesty. BROWN Aye. DISRAELI But yourself? (beat) What about John Brown? BROWN I said. (beat) I serve the Queen. DISRAELI No other aspiration? BROWN stares for a long moment. Finally he speaks. BROWN To see her safe. DISRAELI steps a little closer. DISRAELI You will not be unaware of the threat now posed by Republicanism. BROWN Why do you think I keep her here? DISRAELI Ah, but therein lies the paradox. It is her very isolation that encourages the malcontents. The longer she is away, the stronger they become; and who, honestly, can promise security against that? However many doors you lock, someone will always get in. Even here. BROWN watches him, eyes alert. BROWN So...? DISRAELI The truth is, the Queen would be safer doing her duty and returning south to her public. John Bull loves her and John Bull is her best defense. BROWN Her mind is set. She won't change now. DISRAELI She trusts you, John. DISRAELI is right on his shoulder now, like his own voice. BROWN They don't see it. DISRAELI See what? BROWN The threat. (beat) I tell them, but they don't see it. DISRAELI They aren't as watchful as you. BROWN Too busy looking after themselves. DISRAELI The greasy pole. BROWN No loyalty. DISRAELI No love. Silence. For a moment BROWN seems unaware that someone else has said that. BROWN I promised to protect her from people like you. DISRAELI For once in my life, I am not the issue. BROWN She'll never understand it. DISRAELI In time, she will. BROWN She'll think I betrayed her. DISRAELI But others will know that you acted for the greater good. BROWN stares off into the distance. EXT. LOCH MUICK - DAY The next day. BROWN is rowing VICTORIA across the loch. The EQUERRIES wait on the shore. VICTORIA trails her hand in the water, frowning at the surface. BROWN concentrates on the oars, slipping them carefully through the water. VICTORIA I received a letter today from Mr Disraeli. Parliament is calling for my return to public duties. (beat) Why won't they let us be? BROWN does not answer. VICTORIA (CONT'D) He insists that the country expects me to preside over the opening of the new session. I refuse to offer sustenance to enable his weakening grip. Besides, you know how much I should hate it. It frightens me. She notices that BROWN has said nothing. VICTORIA (CONT'D) John? BROWN does not look at her. Finally: BROWN We can't always have what we wish. VICTORIA stares at him. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY Later that day. VICTORIA and BROWN are in the middle of a blazing row in front of the entire Household, including PONSONBY, JENNER and LADY ELY. VICTORIA Duty?! You talk about duty?! BROWN If duty and safety are served by the same end then, aye, I do. VICTORIA I cannot believe you are saying this? You, who I have relied on all this time -- BROWN (cutting in) Have I ever let you down before--? VICTORIA (as if he had not spoken) -- You stand there and tell me it is my duty ... after all you promised me! BROWN I'm breaking no promises! VICTORIA You are forcing me to do the very thing you know I fear most! BROWN For god's sake, woman, I'm just trying to keep you safe! VICTORIA I will not hear any more about my safety!! You made me a promise and now you have broken it! BROWN rounds on her, deeply wounded. BROWN -- When I took you out riding, come rain or shine, because I knew it was right for you, when I kept the bairns off your back so you could have a bit of peace, when I saw you safe from home to home and you didn't even know I was there...! All I've ever thought about is you! VICTORIA Then why send me back to them?! BROWN Because I have to! (pause Will you no listen to me, woman? Face turned from him, VICTORIA replies in a brittle voice. VICTORIA Do not presume to talk to your Queen in that manner. A long silence. BROWN watches her, but she will not look at him again. Finally, she walks very slowly across the room. She turns in the doorway, her voice faltering slightly. VICTORIA (CONT'D) Doctor Jenner, I feel unwell. I shall retire to my chamber. Please attend me presently. As the door slams, we ... FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: "NOVEMBER" FADE IN: INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, DINING ROOM - DAY A few weeks later. Close on a door as it opens. The ROYAL FAMILY are eating lunch with members of the UPPER HOUSEHOLD. VICTORIA walks in with LADY ELY. A great scraping of chairs as everyone drops their forks and stands. Clearly, they were not expecting her. In silence, VICTORIA steps up and takes her place at the head of the table. At last, PONSONBY leans forward deferentially. PONSONBY May I say, how glad I am to see Your Majesty so much recovered. VICTORIA nods, then turns and looks about at the others. PRINCESS ALEXANDRA is seated at the far end of the table. VICTORIA frowns. VICTORIA Where is my son? PRINCESS ALEXANDRA Prince Albert is at Windsor, ma'am. VICTORIA Why is he not here? PRINCESS ALEXANDRA He is sick, ma'am. VICTORIA Then why are you not with him? PRINCESS ALEXANDRA You ordered all members of the Royal Family to attend you at Balmoral. VICTORIA What is the matter with him? PRINCESS ALEXANDRA He has typhoid fever, ma'am. VICTORIA stares blankly at DOCTOR JENNER. VICTORIA No. You are mistaken. Prince Albert, my husband, had typhoid fever. I asked what was wrong with my son. JENNER The same, your Majesty. VICTORIA stops. She stares down the length of the table. A long pause. VICTORIA Why was I not informed? JENNER I did not consider it wise, in the circumstances, to tax your nerves. VICTORIA How ill is he? No answer. VICTORIA (CONT'D) (to Alexandra) Alex? VICTORIA (CONT'D) He is not well, ma'am. A beat. VICTORIA (CONT'D) I must go to him. Suddenly, VICTORIA stands. Chairs bang back as everyone leaps to their feet. VICTORIA (CONT'D) We must leave at once. Abruptly, VICTORIA turns for the door and the room erupts into activity. INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, CORRIDOR - DAY BROWN stands in the corridor, a little nonplussed by the servants and Householders hurrying about in every direction. EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY Half an hour later, BROWN races up to the Queen's carriage amid a swarm of servants, ladies' maids and Householders rushing to be ready in time. Suddenly the huge castle doors open and VICTORIA bustles out with her entourage in tow. BROWN -- only just in time - yanks open the door for VICTORIA to step past him and take her place. She ignores him completely. BROWN slams the doors. As he looks up, he sees his brother ARCHIE staring at him from across the courtyard. For a second the two brothers hold each other's gaze. It's obvious that ARCHIE has noticed the Queen's indifference. BROWN turns away and mounts the box as the carriage races away under him. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, PRINCE'S BEDCHAMBER - DAY Some days later. A tableau. QUEEN VICTORIA sits at the foot of the bed, a matriarch surrounded by her ROYAL FAMILY. They watch DOCTOR JENNER bend to examine the ghostly figure of BERTIE. He listens for a pulse. Finally, he looks up. JENNER Better. VICTORIA lets out a deep breath. She takes hold of PRINCESS ALEXANDRA'S hand. VICTORIA Should the good Lord see fit to spare my son, I will order a mass to be celebrated at St. George's. The people must share with their Queen, her prayers and hopes for their future King. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BEDCHAMBER - DAY A few minutes later, BROWN stands in the corridor when the door bursts open and VICTORIA marches straight past him with PONSONBY at her side. PONSONBY (aside to BROWN) The Queen will be riding to St. George's on the fifth. BROWN (launching straight in) I recommend Her Majesty uses the covered carriage with a full Horse Guard. In the event of any disturbance I will ensure -- VICTORIA (cutting in) I will ride to St. George's in an open carriage. It is time the Queen was seen by her public. VICTORIA turns and disappears down the corridor, followed by PONSONBY. We linger on BROWN'S humiliation, closer and closer until ... EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, ST. GEORGE'S - DAY Some weeks later. A series of angles on BROWN as he walks amid the mass of onlookers pressing against a cordon of guards surrounding the cathedral. All the time, his eyes flick left and right, searching the faces in front of him for potential assassins. Over his intense watchfulness we hear ... DEAN WELLSELLY (O.S.) ... praise and magnify thy glorious name for that thou has raised thy servant Albert Edward, Prince of Wales from the bed of sickness. We pray thee to perfect the recovery of thy servant and to crown him day by day with more abundant blessings both for body and soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord ... The CONGREGATION mutters a vast ... CONGREGATION (O.S.) Amen. EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, ST. GEORGE'S - DAY VICTORIA and other members of the ROYAL FAMILY walk down the steps towards the cheering crowd. As DEAN WELLSELLY and BROWN follow, BROWN sees ARTHUR O'CONNER break from the onlookers, pulling out a gun. BROWN yells out: BROWN NO!! He races toward O'CONNER and hits him flying, bangs him to the ground and twists the gun out of his hand. As they fall we hear laughter and: BERTIE (O.S.) So there he is, Arthur O'Conner... INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, DINING HALL - NIGHT It's a few days later and BERTIE is entertaining a private dinner party. They include QUEEN VICTORIA, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, PRINCESS LOUISE and HENRY PONSONBY. BROWN is in attendance. He stands off to one side, near the door. BERTIE (bristling with confidence) ... all seven stone of the man, paddling madly towards us through a sea of Horse Guards, waving something that looks vaguely like a pen. I thought he must be one of the mother's ardent readership in search of the Royal indenture... More chortling. VICTORIA watches her son, smiling proudly. BROWN looks straight ahead. BERTIE (CONT'D) I believe I saw him first and then alerted Brown. I'm not convinced that he wasn't taking a snooze on top of the box. Anyway, we had our man pinned down and I must say, Brown acquitted himself admirably. Of course the gun was a fake, but all the same, it was well done. No-one registers BROWN. But while VICTORIA does not look at him, she is acutely aware of his presence. VICTORIA I intend Brown to be rewarded with a special medal cast in gold. It will be called The Devoted Service Medal. The guests applaud politely. BERTIE clinks his glass for attention and raises it high. BERTIE A toast. Victoria Regina! The others raise their glasses in unison. EVERYONE Victoria Regina! VICTORIA smiles. BROWN remains alone by the door. DISRAELI (O.S.) The people of England have expressed in a manner which cannot be mistaken, that they will uphold the ancient monarchy of England ... INT. CRYSTAL PALACE - DAY DISRAELI is delivering his come-back speech at a banquet of Tory delegates. DISRAELI ... If the first great object of the Tory Party is to maintain the institutions of the country, the second is, in my opinion, to maintain the Empire of England ... the hereditary, the traditionary policy of the Tory Party. Go to your homes, teach them these truths, which will soon be imprinted on the conscience of the land ... FADE TO BLACK. CAPTION: "1883" FADE IN: INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT The sound of rain driven hard against a window. We creep slowly down the corridor until we are back with the fifty year-old BROWN. With his whiskey for company, he is sitting at his desk, writing in the diary. The diary-manuscript is now falling apart with wear, but there remain a few blank pages. Slowly, he fills them in. BROWN (V.O.) We should not live in expectation of contentment. Fifteen years of vigilance will not guarantee peace of mind. Yesterday, intruders were again reported in the South Wing. I believe my prompt arrival may have averted any crisis, but it was a timely reminder. It is a great comfort to me that my efforts in securing the Queen's safety over the years have not been in vain. Certainly Her Majesty sends me no word that she's dissatisfied. And I feel sure that if she were unhappy she would have found the occasion to speak to me in person, as she has so often done in the past. A knock at the door. BROWN (CONT'D) What is it? We hear a young PAGE, breathless from running. PAGE North woods, sir. BROWN grabs his gun and rushes out. EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUADRANGLE - NIGHT BROWN appears at the door and strides into the storm. He walks quickly across the wide quadrangle, rain soaking his hair and clothes. Two GUARDS watch BROWN as he races out into the storm. A coin flips through the air to be caught by an outstretched hand. The second GUARD grins. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE - NIGHT BROWN races across the open ground towards the forest. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT And now we are back with the opening sequence. Truncated, severe, and shot from a slightly different angle. The driving rain, BROWN hurtling through the trees, the crack to his left, he spins and plunges on. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT Close-up on BROWN as he bangs against a tree, heaving for air. He searches the dark, stops, listens and races on. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT BROWN tears through the trees, pistol raised at full arm's length. EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT He bursts into a clearing, breaks to the centre and stops. Pistol raised, he turns a circle, eyes on the wildly swaying trees. A branch snaps behind him. He spins round, bellows deep from his heart: BROWN God save the Queen!! And fires. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT A few days later. VICTORIA is moving swiftly down a long corridor with LADY ELY. They arrive at a door. VICTORIA stands facing it. VICTORIA (quietly) How long has he been this sick? LADY ELY A few days, ma'am. VICTORIA Why was I not told earlier? LADY ELY doesn't answer. VICTORIA knows anyway. She nods. LADY ELY knocks. The door is opened by a young UNDER SERVANT who gawps at the sight of Her Majesty standing here in the servant's quarters. VICTORIA walks in. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT The room has been cleared of bottles, but the thinness of the life here shocks her deeply. The cheap furniture, the anonymous prints, the bed and, finally, the sight of BROWN. He is lying in bed, barely conscious. After a moment, he opens his eyes and stares at her. She steps forward, smiling nervously. Her voice is the old voice, between friends. VICTORIA You should never have gone out in such foul weather. BROWN Someone has to look after you. (pause) It could've been someone. It was before. VICTORIA Yes. Yes it was. He cannot speak. It's difficult for her too, but she speaks for him. VICTORIA (CONT'D) My Ministers are as impertinent as ever. Dispatches are now so numerous, they come in a trunk. Sometimes I do believe they will never stop. Endless letters... Her voice falters. A pause VICTORIA (CONT'D) I know I have not always been the loyal friend you deserved, John. And yet here I am now, even now, feeling desperate at the thought of losing you. She starts to cry. BROWN Don't be silly, woman. His old, familiar gruffness makes her smile and she pulls herself together. Seeing a bowl of water on the side table, she steps across. Carefully folding a cloth in four, she rinses it in the water and gently wipes his face. Leaning closer, she is about to touch his face when BROWN gestures protectively. BROWN (CONT'D) Not too near. INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CORRIDOR - DAY A week later. PONSONBY and JENNER stand at the window overlooking the grounds. JENNER Erysipelas. PONSONBY Not too protracted, I hope. JENNER (shakes his head) A few days... (beat) When he heard, the Prince of Wales threw the bust from the window of the Royal Gallery. It took four hours to gather the fragments. A beat. PONSONBY The Queen wishes to publish an account of him. JENNER Dear oh dear. PONSONBY We think she can be dissuaded. (beat) Have you had a glance at the diary? JENNER Yes. PONSONBY Quite. (beat) I think I'd best take it back. JENNER Of course. He brings out BROWN'S tatty diary-manuscript and hands it over to PONSONBY. The two men move away from the window, to go their separate ways. Daily business beckons. JENNER (CONT'D) Where did you find it by the way? PONSONBY Some young page was boasting about having seen it. (beat) Lucky. JENNER nods. JENNER Well, no rest for the wicked, Henry. PONSONBY No, indeed. The two men head off in opposite directions down the corridor.

unformated_scripts/Script_Mulan.txt

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+Disney's MulanCompiled by Barry Adams <bjadams@slip.net> during theater showings in 1998Last updated: August 18, 1998Mulan is the property and copyright of the Walt Disney Company, Inc.  Thescript on this page was compiled while watching Mulan in the theater duringthe summer of 1998 when the film originally aired.  Abuse of this page couldresult in its removal from this site.[Chinese guard is seen walking on The Great Wall.  Shan-Yu's falcon swoopsdown and hits the guard on the head knocking his helmet off.  The falcon landson top of a flag pole in front of a full moon and lets out a large cry.  Onegrappling hook comes over The Great Wall.  The guard walks over to the edgeand sees many grappling hooks coming towards him]Guard [yelling]:  We're under attack!  Light the signal![Guard runs to the tower and up the ladder as Hun Bald Man #1 and Hun LongHair Man appear trying to stop him.  Hun Bald Man #1 breaks the ladder withhis sword just as Guard reaches the top.  The guard picks up the torch tolight the fire and sees Shan-Yu jump over the edge of the tower and looks athim across from the caldron.  The guard throws the torch into the caldronlighting a large fire.  Shan-Yu watches as each tower lights their caldronsone by one]Guard [sternly]:  Now all of China knows you're here.Shan-Yu [taking the flag and holding it over the fire]:  Perfect.[Cut to the palace.  The large doors to the central chamber open as General Liwalks in flanked on his left and right by soldiers and approaches the Emperor. He bows, then looks up]General Li:  Your Majesty, the Huns have crossed our Northern border.Chi Fu:  Impossible! No one can get through The Great Wall.  [The Emperormotions for Chi Fu's silence]General Li:  Shun-Yu is leading them.  We'll set up defenses around yourpalace immediately.Emperor [forcefully]:  No!  Send your troops to protect my people.  Chi Fu, Chi Fu:  Yes, your highness.Emperor: Deliver conscription notices throughout all the provinces.  Call upreserves and as many new recruits as possible.General Li:  Forgive me your Majesty, but I believe my troops can stop him.Emperor:  I wont take any chances, General.  A single grain of rice can tipthe scale.  One man may be the difference between victory and defeat.[Cut to Mulan using her chopsticks to single out a grain of rice on top of themound of rice]Mulan: Quiet and demure...graceful...polite...[picking up some rice with herchopsticks and eating a mouthful] delicate...refined...poised... [She setsdown her chopsticks and writes down a final word on her right arm] punctual.[A cock crows]  Aiya.  [Calling out]  Little brother. Little brother.  Lit-ahhh, there you are.  Who's the smartest doggie in the world?  Come on smartboy, can you help me with my chores today?[Mulan ties a sack of grain around Little Brother's waist.  She ties a stickonto Little brother so that end of it is in front of Little Brother's face. She ties the bone on the end of the stick just out of reach.  Little Brotherbegins to run after the bone which he cannot reach.  Mulan opens the door forLittle Brother and he runs into the door frame, then out the open door. Little brother runs by the chickens and Khan - the family horse][Cut to Mulan's Father, Fa Zhou, kneeling and praying before the Fa family'sancestors]Fa Zhou:  Honorable ancestors, please help Mulan impress the matchmaker today. Little Brother [running into the temple and around Fa Zhou scattering grainaround the floor]: Bark, bark, bark, bark, bark.[The chickens follow Little Brother into the temple and begin to feed on thegrain]Fa Zhou:  Please, PLEASE, help her.[Mulan steps up to the temple seeing Little Brother on his hind legs trying toget the bone.  Mulan bends the stick down so that Little brother can reach thebone.  Little brother gnaws on the bone happily.  Mulan continues toward thetemple]Mulan [calling out]: Father I brought your--whoop!  [Fa Zhou bumps into Mulan. The cup falls to the ground and Fa Zhou catches the teapot with the handle ofhis cane]Fa Zhou:  Mulan--Mulan:  I brought a spare. [Mulan pulls out a cup from underneath the back ofher dress and begins to pour the tea]  Fa Zhou:  Mulan--Mulan [hurried]: Remember, the doctor said three cups of tea in the morning--Fa Zhou:  Mulan--Mulan:  And three at night. Fa Zhou:  Mulan, you should already be in town.  We're counting on you to up--Mulan:  --uphold the family honor.  Don't worry father.  I wont let you down. [Mulan covers over the writing on her arm with here sleeve]  Wish me luck. [Mulan hurries down the stairs]Fa Zhou [calling out]:  Hurry!  [to himself] I'm going to...pray some more.[Fa Zhou turns and walks back into the temple][Cut to the town with Fa Li looking worried]Bath Lady [poking out of her building]:  Fa Li, is your daughter here yet? The matchmaker is not a patient woman.  [She goes back into the building]Fa Li:  Of all days to be late.  I should have prayed to the ancestors forluck.Grandma Fa [walking in with a Cri-Kee in a cage]:  How lucky can they be,they're dead.  Besides,  I've got all the luck we'll need.  [Speaking toCri-Kee]  This is your chance to prove yourself.  [Cri-Kee chirps approvingly. Grandma Fa covers her eyes steps into a busy street]Fa Li [excitedly]:  Grandma No![The traffic barely misses Grandma Fa as she crosses the busy street.  But twohorse and carriage collide causing a big accident.  She arrives at the otherside of the street, uncovers here eyes and looks at Cri-Kee]Grandma Fa:  Yep, this cricket's a lucky one. [Cri-Kee falls over out offright]Fa Li [sighing in relief]:  Hai.[Mulan arrives on Khan jumping over the recent accident in the street andjumps off with hay stuck in her hair]Mulan: I'm here.  [Seeing a stern look from her mother] What?  But Mama I hadto--Fa Li:  None of your 'xcuses.  Now let's get you cleaned up. [They walktogether into the preparation area][Song: Honor to us all]Bath Lady:  [all the while Bath Lady undresses Mulan and pushes her into theBath]This is what you give me to work with?Well, honey, I've seen worse.We're gonna turn this sow's earInto a silk purse. [Bath Lady moves the silk partition aside showing Mulan inthe bath] Mulan [spoken]:  It's freezing.Fa Li [spoken]:  It would have been warm if you were here on time.  Bath Lady [washing Mulan's hair]:We'll have youWashed and driedPrimped and polished till you glow with prideTrust my recipe for instant brideYou'll bring honor to us allFa Li [grabbing a sponge and Mulan's right arm to start cleaning her.  Shenotices the writing] [spoken]:  Mulan, what's this?Mulan [Drawing her arm back and batting her eyelashes] [spoken]:  Ahh, notes,in case I forget something?Grandma Fa [spoken]:  Here, hold this [hands the cricket to Fa Li].  We'llneed more luck than I thought.  [Mulan looks on with an air of disappointment][Cut to the hair dressers]Hair Dresser 1 [Brushing and combing Mulan's hair much to Mulan's chagrin]:Wait and seeWhen we're throughHair Dresser 2:Boys will gladly go to war for youHair Dresser 1:With good fortune Hair Dresser 2 [Finalizing the hairdo to look exactly like hers]:And a great hairdoBoth:You'll bring honor to us allFa Li and others:  [Mulan following her Mother passes a xiangqi game andpauses to make an impressive move.  Mulan has a smug look on her face when FaLi comes back and drags Mulan away]A girl can bring her familyGreat honor in one wayBy striking a good matchAnd this could be the dayDresser 1 [Dresser 1, Dresser 2, and Fa Li dress Mulan]:Men want girls with good tasteDresser 2:CalmFa Li:ObedientDresser 1:Who work fast-pacedFa Li:With good breedingDresser 2 [Pulling the dress tight around her waist]:And a tiny waist Mulan [expressing her waist being squeezed tight] [spoken]: huh.All Three:You'll bring honor to us all Chorus:  [Mulan follows Fa Li and sees boy stealing a doll from a girl.  Mulangrabs the doll from the boy and returns it to its owner]We all must serve our EmperorWho guards us from the HunsA man by bearing armsA girl by bearing sons Make-up Lady/Fa Li: [Putting on Mulan's face, powder, lipstick and eye liner][in a 3 person round] When we're through you can't failLike a lotus blossom soft and paleHow could any fellow say "No sale"You'll bring honor to us all[Make-Up Lady holds a mirror so Mulan can see her reflection.  Not lookingpleased, Mulan takes her single, short bang and brings it down in front of herforehead and smiles]Fa Li [spoken. Fa Li places a hair comb in Mulan's hair]:  There, you'reready.Grandma Fa [spoken]:  Not yet! An apple for serenity [putting an apple inMulan's mouth]...A pendant for balance [places a yin-yang pendant under hersash] [sings]Beads of jade for beauty [putting beads around Mulan's neck]You must proudly show it [Grandma Fa raises her chin high with her hand]Now add a cricket just for luck [putting the cage with Cri-Kee under Mulan'ssash in the back.  Cri-Kee doesn't look pleased]And even you can't blow itMulan:  [Walking to catch up with the other maidens]AncestorsHear my pleaHelp me not to make a fool of meAnd to not uproot my fam'ly treeKeep my father standing tallMaidens and Mulan: [Mulan taking the parasol from Fal Li and running to fallin line with the other 4 maidens]Scarier than the undertakerWe are meeting our matchmakerAll Townspeople:DestinyGuard our girlsAnd our future as it fast unfurlsPlease look kindly on these cultured pearlsEach a perfect porcelain dollMaiden #1:  Please bring honor to usMaiden #2:  Please bring honor to usMaiden #3:  Please bring honor to usMaiden #4:  Please bring honor to usMulan and Maidens:  Please bring honor to us all! [All Girls and Mulan arrive before the Matchmaker crouched down behind theirparasols.  End of song]Matchmaker [looking at her clipboard]:  Fa MulanMulan [Jumping up and raising her hand]:  Present.Matchmaker:  Speaking without permission.Mulan:  Oops. Grandma Fa [to Fa Li]:  Who spit in her bean curd?[Mulan walks into the Matchmaker's building with the Matchmaker followingbehind and closing the door]Matchmaker [looking over Mulan]: Huh, Hmm, too skinny.  [Cri-Kee escapes fromhis cage.  Mulan struggles to catch him] Hmph, not good for bearing sons. [Mulan puts Cri-Kee in her mouth when Matchmaker turns around to face her]Recite the final admonition.Mulan [nodding and smiling]:  Mmm-Hmm.  [Takes out fan and covers her mouth asshe spits out Cri-Kee] PtuMatchmaker:  Well...Mulan [with dignity]: Fulfill your duties calmly and re...f--[looking at herarm with smeared writing] spectfully.  Reflect before you snack [surprised,Mulan looks at her arm again] act.  [now rapidly] This shall bring you honorand glory.  [Fanning herself rapidly and sighing in relief] Huh.Matchmaker [snatches the fan and looks at it on both sides looking for notesnot finding any.  Mulan smiles big when Matchmaker looks at her.  Matchmakergrabs Mulan's right arm pulling her along while smearing the writing andleaving some ink on her hand]  Hmmm, this way.  Now, pour the tea  [Pushing ateapot towards Mulan].  To please your future in-laws you must demonstrate asense of dignity [Matchmaker smears ink around her mouth.  Mulan staring atMatchmaker pours some tea onto the table then notices her mistake and poursthe tea into the cup] and refinement.  You must also be poised.  [Mulannotices Cri-kee in the tea-cup as Matchmaker takes the cup]Mulan [quiet and timid]:  Um, pardon me.Matchmaker:  And silent! [Matchmaker sniffs the tea]Mulan [reaching and grabbing the teacup]:  Could I just take that back...onemoment.[They struggle for the teacup and it turns over on Matchmaker and Cri-keejumps down matchmaker's dress]Matchmaker:  Why you clumsy--[Matchmaker feels Cri-Kee in her dress and dancesaround]  Wooo, woooo, wooooooo, [Matchmaker knocks over her pot of coals, andsits down on the coals.  Matchmaker jumps around screaming]  Ahhhhhhhhhhh [Mulan grabs her fan and briskly fans the charred area on Matchmaker's behindcausing it to flame up.  Mulan looks surprised about her mistake][Cut to outside Matchmakers building showing Grandma Fa with much noise comingfrom Matchmaker's building]Grandma Fa [to Fa Li]:  I think it's going well, don't you?Matchmaker [running out of the building screaming]:  Put it out! Put it out! Put it out! [Mulan takes the teapot, throws the tea on Matchmaker and puts outthe fire.  She bows, hands the teapot back to Matchmaker and covers her faceas she walks toward Fa Li and Grandma Fa] [with anger]  You are a disgrace! [Matchmaker throws the teapot down smashing it to pieces]  You may look like abride, but you will never bring your family honor![The townsfolk who have gathered whisper and walk away][Cut to Mulan walking through the gate with her home leading khan.  She lookssorrowful.  Fa Zhou sees his daughter and smiles.  Mulan sees her father'ssmile.  She covers her face with Khan's head and leads him to the watertrough][Song: Reflection]Mulan: Look at me [looking at her reflection in the water trough]I will never pass for a perfect bride [taking off her earrings and beads of jade]Or a perfect daughter [Mulan watches Fa Li relating what happened at theMatchmaker's to Fa Zhou]Can it beI'm not meant to play this part?  [Mulan releases Cri-Kee back to the wild]Now I seeThat if I were to trulyTo be myself [Mulan hops along the bridge railing]I would break my family's heartWho is that girl I see  [Mulan looks into the pond and sees her ownreflection]Staring straightBack at me? [Mulan puts her hand on the Great Stone Dragon and looks towardthe temple]Why is my reflection someone I don't know? [Cri-Kee rowing across the pond on a lily pad]Somehow I cannot hide [Mulan walking into the family temple]Who I am [Cri-Kee watches Mulan in the temple seeing multiple reflections ofherself in the ancestors' stones]Though I've tried  [Mulan bows to the ancestors]When will my reflection showWho I am inside?  [Mulan finishes wiping off her make-up seeing her reflectionin the stones]When will my reflection showWho I am inside? [Mulan gets up and heads out the temple][End of song.  Mulan sits on a bench under the blossom tree.  Fa Zhouapproaches her, clearing his throat.  Mulan sees him approaching and turns herhead away.  Fa Zhou sits down beside Mulan]Fa Zhou:  My, my, what beautiful blossoms we have this year [looking up intothe blossom tree].  But look, this one's late.  But, I'll bet that when itblooms, it will be the most beautiful of all.  [Mulan and Fa Zhou sharesmiles.  Drums start pounding announcing the arrival of Chi Fu and two guardson horseback]Mulan:  What is it?[Fa Zhou gets up and walks to the entrance of their house with Mulanfollowing]Fa Li:  Mulan, stay inside.[Grandma Fa clears her throat catching Mulan's attention and motions inside. Mulan spies the railing near the wall and climbs up to watch over the roof]Chi Fu:  Citizens  I bring you a proclamation from the Imperial City:  theHuns have invaded China! Townspeople [expressing surprise]:  No!Chi Fu:  By order of the Emperor, one man from every family must serve in theImperial Army.  The Xiao family [a family member steps up, bows to the guardand takes the conscription notice from the guard].  The Yi family.Yi's Son [holding his old father back]:  I will serve the Emperor in myfather's place.Chi Fu:  The Fa Family.Mulan:  No.[Fa Zhou gives his cane to Fa Li and walks toward Chi Fu.  Fa Zhou bows beforethe horsemen]Fa Zhou [standing proud]:  I am ready to serve the Emperor.  [Fa Zhou reachesfor the conscription notice]Mulan [running outside to keep her father from taking the conscriptionnotice]:  Father, you can't go.Fa Zhou [turning to see his daughter]:  Mulan!Mulan:  Please sir, my father has already fought bravely--Chi Fu:  Silence!  You would do well to teach your daughter to hold her tonguein a man's presence.Fa Zhou [looking away from Mulan]:  Mulan, you dishonor me.[Grandma Fa guides Mulan back away]Chi Fu [handing Fa Zhou the conscription notice]:  Report tomorrow at the WuShu camp.Fa Zhou:  Yes, sir. [Fa Zhou walks back into the homestead refusing to takehis cane from Fa Li]Chi Fu [fading out as we follow Fa Zhou]:  The Chu family.  The Wen family. The Chang family.  The...[Cut to Fa Zhou in his armory at night.  Fa Zhou takes out his sword andpractices his stances.  Whan he balances on his right leg, his leg injury actsup and he falls.  Unbeknownst to her father, Mulan watches in horror.  Shebreathes heavily][Cut to dinner.  The Fa Zhou, Grandma Fa, Fa Li, and Mulan eat in silence. Thunder can be heard and lightning can be seen through the opaque window. Mulan pours the tea for her family.  She slams her teacup down on the tableand stands up]Mulan:  You shouldn't have to go.Fa Li:  Mulan!Mulan:  There are plenty of young men to fight for China.Fa Zhou:  It is an honor to protect my country and my family.Mulan [angrily]:  So you'll die for honor!Fa Zhou [standing up and angered]:  I will DIE doing what's right.Mulan [starts to speak but is cut off]: But if you--Fa Zhou:  I know my place, it is time you learned yours.[Mulan looking like she's about to cry, turn away from Fa Zhou and runsoutside into the rain storm and cries][Cut to Mulan sitting at the base of the Great Stone Dragon in the rain. Mulan looks down to see her reflection in the puddle caused by the rain. Shewatches her parents in the bedroom.  Fa Li turns away from Fa Zhou and walksout of site.  Fa Zhou blows out the light.  Mulan gets up and walks to the FaFamily Temple.  Mulan's image reflects off the stone tablets as she lightsincense and places it in the hanging encense holder.  She bows and prays toher ancestors. Getting up, Mulan hurries down the steps.  Cri-Kee sees her andhops down from above and follows her.  Mulan goes to her parent's bedroom andtakes the conscription notice replacing it with the hair comb her mother gaveto her.  She pauses to give her parents a loving, sorrowful look and hurriesout.  Cut to Mulan in the armory.  She opens the cabinet with the armor. Using her father's sword, she cuts her hair short and ties it up above herhead.  She finishes putting on the armor and ties it in the front.  She takesthe sword and places it in the scabbard to her left.  Cut to Mulan in thestable doorway.  Khan rears back in fright at the sight of Mulan.  Mulan goesforward and comforts Khan letting him know her identity.  Mulan walks Khan outof the stable, Cri-Kee watches from the ground as she passes by.  Mulan takesone sorrowful glance back at her parents bedroom and rides Khan through thegate and off to camp.][Cut to the face of a statue in the Fa Family Temple.  The eyes glow.  Cut toGrandma Fa.  She wakes up with a start rising in bed.  Cut to Grandma Fawalking into Fa Li and Fa Zhou's bedroom, both are in bed]Grandma Fa:  Mulan is gone.Fa Zhou [waking up]:  What?  It can't be.  [Fa Zhou looks at his night standand notices the hair comb in place of his conscription notice.  He checks thecabinet and sees his armor is gone.  He hurries outside] [calling out]  Mulan! [He stumbles while walking because of his leg injury] No.Fa Li [kneeling down beside the fallen Fa Zhou]:  You must go after her.  Shecould be killed!Fa Zhou [sadly]:  If I reveal her, she will be. [Fa Zhou embraces Fa Li]Grandma Fa:  Ancestors, hear our prayer: Watch over Mulan.[Cut to the Fa Family Temple.  A wind blows out the incense at the base of thecenter stone.  The center stone begins to glow as First Ancestor comes tolife]First Ancestor [motioning to a bronze dragon]:  Mushu, awaken![Mushu comes to life and falls to the ground flat on his back all beingobscured by smoke]Mushu [rising from the smoke arms stretched out]:  I live!  So tell me whatmortal needs my protection Great Ancestor.  You just say the word and I'mthere.First Ancestor [agitated]:  Mushu!Mushu:  Hey, let me say something. Anybody who is foolish enough to threatenour family, vengeance will be MINE.  Hrrrrr.First Ancestor [sternly to silence Mushu]:  Mushu!  These are the familyguardians [motioning towards the stone statues on pedestals near the ceiling]. They...Mushu [dejectedly]:  Protect the family.First Ancestor [pointing to the empty pedestal]:  And you, oh demoted one.Mushu:  I...ring the gong.First Ancestor:  That's right, now, wake up the ancestors.Mushu:  One family reunion coming right up.  [ringing the gong] Okay people,people look alive, lets go! C'mon get up.  Let's move it, rise and shine. You're way past the beauty sleep thing now trust me!Ancestor 1:  I knew it, I knew it. That Mulan was a trouble maker from thestart.Ancestor 3:  Don't look at me, she gets it from your side of the family.Ancestor 2:  She's just trying to help her father.Ancestor 4 [appearing out of thin air]:  But, if she is discovered, Fa Zhouwill be forever shamed.  Dishonor will come to the family.  Traditional valueswill disintegrate.Ancestor 5:  Not to mention they'll lose the farm.Ancestor 1:  My children never caused such trouble.  They all becameacupuncturists.Ancestor 3:  Well, We can't all be acupuncturists.Ancestor 6:  No, your great granddaughter had to be cross-dresser![All ancestors argue at once, except First Ancestor]Ancestor 7:  Let a guardian bring her back.  Ancestor 8 [grabbing Mushu and bringing him next to a guardian]: Yeah, awakenthe most cunning.Ancestor 4 [taking Mushu and holding him next to the stone rabbit guardian]: No, the swiftest.Ancestor 9 [grabbing Mushu and holding him next to the stone monkey guardian]: No, send the wisest.First Ancestor:  Silence!  We must send the most powerful of all [Motioning tothe Great Stone Dragon as it is seen through the window]Mushu [climbs up the empty guardian post laughing]:  Ho, ho, heh, heh. Okay,okay, I get the drift, I'll go. [All Ancestors give a quick look of surpriseand laugh uncontrollably]  You all don't think I can do it.  Watch this here. [Mushu produces a small flame from his mouth]  Ah, ha, Jump back, I'm prettyhot huh.  Don't make me have to singe nobody to prove no point.First Ancestor [grabbing Mushu and pulling away from the post]:  You had yourchance to protect the Fa family.Ancestor 6:  Your mis-guidance led Fa Deng to disaster.Fa Deng [with his decapitated head on his lap]:  Yeah, thanks a lot.Mushu:  And your point is?First Ancestor:  The point is we will be sending a real dragon to retrieveMulan.Mushu:  What?  But I'm a real dragon.First Ancestor [grabbing Mushu and pulling him away from the guardian post asMushu fights to hold on]:  You are not worthy of this spot.  Now, awaken theGreat Stone Dragon.  [First Ancestor throws Mushu out of the temple]Mushu [looking back into the temple]:  So you'll get back to me on the jobthing.[An ancestor throws Mushu's gong and hits Mushu in the face]Mushu [walking with a slouch and banging the gong on the ground]:  Just onechance is that too much to ask?  I mean, it's not like it'll kill ya.Mushu [rings the gong and looks at the Great Stone Dragon]:  Yo rocky, wakeup!  You gotta go fetch Mulan.  [pauses as nothing happens.  Mushu walks overto the side of the statue] C'mon boy, go get her, go on, [throws the gongstick off the screen and whistles] Come on.  [Angrily while climbing up theGreat Stone Dragon] Grrr, Grrrr.  [speaking in his ear and banging the earwith the gong] Hello, helloooooo. [curtly] Hello [bangs the gong extra hardagainst the ear causing it to break off].  Uh oh.  [The Great Stone Dragoncrumbles to the ground, head intact minus the ear].  [knocks on the dragon'shead] Uh, Stoney, Stooooneeey.  Oh man, they're gonna kill me!First Ancestor [calling out through the temple window]:  Great Stone Dragon,have you awaken? Mushu [holding the head of the Great Stone Dragon up to that First Ancestorcan only see it's head and Mushu's body]:  Uhhh, Yes, I just woke up.  And Iam the Great Stone Dragon, good morning [Mushu waves].  I will go forth andfetch Mulan.  Did, did I mention that I was the Great Stone Dragon?First Ancestor:  Go, The fate of the Fa Family rests in your claws.Mushu:  Don't even worry about it, I will not lose face.  [Mushu falls downthe hill under the weight of the Great Stone Dragon's head and lands on thedragon's pedestal with the head falling on top of him]Mushu [muffled]:  Ow, my elbow.  Aw, aw, I know I twisted something. [Throwing the head off him]  That's just great.  Now what?  I'm doomed!   Andall 'cause miss man decides to take her little drag show on the road.[Cri-Kee enters stage right]Cri-Kee:  Chirp, Chirp.Mushu:  Go get her?   What's the matter with you?  After this great stoneHumpty Dumpty mess, I'd have to bring her home with a medal to get back in thetemple.  Wait a minute, that's it!  I make Mulan a war hero, then they'll bebegging me to come back to work.  That's the master plan.  Oh, you've gone anddone it now. [Mushu runs off stage right]Cri-Kee [hopping along side of Mushu]:  Chirp.  Chirp Chirp Chirp.Mushu [pushing Cri-Kee away]:  Hey, what makes you think you're coming?Cri-Kee:  Chirp, Chirp. Mushu:  You're lucky?  Ho, ho, heh.  Do I look like a sucker to you?Cri-Kee:  Chirp. Chirp.Mushu:  Whach' you mean loser?  How 'bout I pop one of your antenna's off andthrow it across the yard.  Then who's a loser, me or you?[Interlude][Cut to Shan-Yu leading his army at a charge on horseback through a forest. He stops and motions stage right.  Hun Archer, Hun Strong Guy, Hun Long-HairGuy dismount and walk into the forest.  They throw down two Imperial scoutsbefore the rest of the army]Hun Long-Hair Guy:  Imperial scouts. [Shan Yu dismounts and walks towards the scouts]Scout #1:  Shan-Yu.[He crouches down in front of them]Shan-Yu [adjusting Scout #1's collar]:  Nice work, gentlemen.  You found theHun army. [motioning to the soldiers on horseback.  The Hun army laughs]Scout #2:  The Emperor will stop you.Shan-Yu [grabs Scout #2 by the shirt collar and lifts him up to his face]: Stop me?  He invited me.  By building his wall, he challenged my strength. Well I'm here to play his game  [Shan-Yu throws Scout #2 to the ground andpoints his sword at Scout #1 as he gets up and runs] [calling out to thescouts] Go!  Tell your emperor to send his strongest armies.  [Quietly]  I'mready. [The Imperial Scouts run off towards the palace]Shan-Yu [scratching his chin]:  How many men does it take to deliver amessage.Archer Guy [drawing back his bow]:  One.[End Interlude][Cut to Mulan on a hill outside of the camp.  Khan is sitting watching]Mulan:  Okay, okay, how 'bout this?  Ahem, [in her manly voice] excuse me,where do I sign in?  Hah, I see you have a sword.  I have one too.  They'revery manly and tough [Mulan bites her lip as she mishandles pulling the swordout of the scabbard and it falls to the ground.  Khan rolls on his back inlaughter.  Mulan throws her shoe and hits Khan in the head with it quietingKhan].  I'm working on it.  Who am I fooling?  It's going to take a miracle toget me into the army.[Mushu appears as a giant shadow being cast on a rock with flames on eitherside.  Mushu's real appearance remains out of sight]Mushu [in a Southern Baptist Preacher's voice]:  Did I hear someone ask for amiracle!?  Let me hear you say aye!Mulan [Running and hiding behind a rock]:  Ahhhhhh.Mushu:  That's close enough.Mulan [from behind a rock]:  Ghost.Mushu:  Get ready Mulan your serpentine salvation is at hand.  For I havebeen sent by your ancestors-- [notices Cri-Kee making a hand shadow of adragon on the rock and stamps him down with his foot] to guide you throughyour masquerade.  [bending down to Cri-Kee]  C'mon, you're gonna stay you'regonna work. [returning to Mulan] Heed my word, 'cause if the army finds outthat you are a girl, the penalty is death. [big flames shoot up from therocks]Mulan:  Who are you?Mushu:  Who am I?  Who am I?  I am the guardian of lost souls. [Mulan smilesbig in anticipation of seeing her guardian] I am the powerful, thepleasurable, the indestructible [coming out from the rocks to show his realsize] Mushu! Oh hah, hah, pretty hot, huh? [Khan stomps on Mushu.  Mulanpushes Khan back]Mulan:  Ah, my ancestors sent a little lizard to help me?Mushu:  Hey, dragon, dragon,  not lizard.  I don't do that tongue thing [flipsout his tongue to show Mulan what he means].Mulan:  You're uh...Mushu:  Intimidating?  Awe inspiring?Mulan [making a hand gesture to denote his smallness of size]: Tiny.Mushu [with a look of disappointment]:  Of course.  I'm travel size for yourconvenience.  If I was my real size, your cow here [patting Khan on the nose]would die of fright.  [Khan tries to bite Mushu]  [pointing to the groundspeaking to Khan] Down Bessy.  My powers are beyond your mortal imagination. For instance, [leaning in and looking at Mulan's chest] my eyes can seestraight through your armor.  [Mulan cover her bust with her left arm andslaps Mushu with the right]  Ow.  [angrily] All right, that's it!  Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family.  [aside to Cri-Kee] Make a note of this[Cri-Kee grabs a leaf and a pen and starts writing].  [Loudly with gusto]Dishonor on you.  Dishonor on your cow.  Dis-Mulan [pleadingly while covering Mushu's mouth]:  Stop!  I'm sorry, I'm sorry[kneeling down in front of Mushu].  I'm just nervous.  I've never done thisbefore.Mushu: Then you're gonna have to trust me.  And don't you slap me no more, weclear on that?  [Mulan nods emphatically].  All right.  Okey dokey, let's getthis show on the road.  Cri-Kee, get the bags [Mushu starts walking to thecamp].  [to Khan] Let's move it heifer.[Cut to Mulan at the camp's entrance]Mushu [hiding in Mulan's armor poking his head out from her back]:  Okay thisis it, time to show 'em your man walk.  Shoulders back,  chest high, feetapart, head up [Mushu pulls Mulan's head back]  ...and strut 2, 3, break itdown, 2, 3 and work it, [Mulan walks into the camp drawing the attention themen who see her.  Mulan walks into a tent and sees a man picking his nose andanother man picking out dirt from between his toes with chopsticks] Beautifulisn't it?Mulan [making a face of disgust and continuing to walk]:  They're disgusting.Mushu:  No, they're men.  And you're going to have to act just like them, sopay attention.[Mulan stops and watches Yao, Ling, Chien-Po and Tattoo Soldier]Tattoo Soldier [showing the dragon tattoo on his chest and belly]:  Look, thistattoo will protect me from harm.[Yao thinks for a moment, then punches Tattoo Soldier in the stomach causingLing to laugh.  Mulan watches in utter amazement.  Yao kisses his hand]Ling [laughing]:  I hope you can get your money back.Mulan:  I don't think I can do this.Mushu:  It's all attitude.  Be tough like this guy here [looking at Yao].[Mulan looks at Yao as he hocks up a loogie and spits]Yao [noticing Mulan watching him]:  What are you looking at?Mushu:  Punch him, it's how men say 'hello.'[Mulan looks at her fist, then punches Yao from behind on the shoulder.  Theforce causes Yao to run into Chien-Po]Chien-Po:  Oh Yao, you made a friend.Mushu:  Good, Now slap him on the behind, they like that.[Mulan slaps Yao on the behind]Yao:  Wu hoo hooooo.  [grabbing Mulan buy the collar]  I'm going to hit you sohard it'll make your ancestors dizzy.Chien-Po [Holding and picking up Yao]:  Yao, relax and chant with me. Yaaaaaaa Moouuuu Ahhhhhh Doooou Fuuuu Daaaaa. Yao:  Ya Mi Ah To Fu Da.Chien-Po:  Feel better? Yao [relaxed]:  Yeah. [Chien-Po places Yao back on the ground]  [to Mulanwhile walking away] Aaaaa, you ain't worth my time chicken boy.Mushu [loudly]:  Chicken boy!?  Say that to my face ya limp noodle![Yao grabs Mulan by the collar cocking back his arm to punch.  Mulan ducks asYao hits Ling standing behind her]Yao:  Oh, sorry Ling.  Hey![Yao grabs Mulan's foot as she starts to crawl away.  Ling kicks Yao on the butt causing him to land on Chien-Po's stomach. Ling Jumpattacks Mulan, but she ducks and he lands on Yao on top of Chien-Po]Ling:  You're dead.  [They fight on top of Chien-Po.  Mulan runs away.  Ling notices Mulan and then points toward her] Oh, there he goes.[Mulan runs into a tent and stops.  Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po (in that order) run through the tent.  Yao stops short as he is about to run into asoldier in a line for food.  He looks behind him with concerned eyes as Ling stops in time.  Chien-Po bumps into Ling causing the entire lineof soldiers to fall forward and knock over the pot of congee and the cook behind it.  The men look to the back of the line and spy Mulan whohas emerged from the tent.  They angrily start walking towards her.  Mulan has a look of horror on her face as if trouble is about to brew]Mulan:  Hey guys.  [Chi Fu watches and then walks into the tent.  General Li and Li Shang are in the tent.]General Li [motioning with his pointer to a map of the region]:  The Huns have struck here, here and here.  I will take the main troops up tothe Tung Shao Pass and stop Shan-Yu before he destroys this village.Chi Fu:  Excellent strategy, Sir.  I do love surprises, Ha ha, ha, ha.General Li:  You will stay here and train the new recruits.  When Chi Fu believes you're ready, you will join us...Captain. [General Li handsa sword to Shang]Shang:  Captain?Chi Fu:  Oh, this is an enormous responsibility, General.  Uh, perhaps a soldier with more experience--General Li:  Number one in his class, extensive knowledge of training techniques, [leaning back smugly stroking his chin] an impressivemilitary lineage.  I believe Li Shang will do an excellent job.Shang [excitedly]:  Oh, I will.  I wont let you down.  This is, I mean, I...[somberly] yes sir.General Li [gets up and starts walking out of the tent]:  Very good then.  We'll toast China's victory at the Imperial City.  [to Chi Fu] I'llexpect a full report in three weeks.Chi Fu [to Shang]:  And I wont leave anything out.  [exits through the tent]Shang [while tying his sword to his uniform]:  Captain Li Shang, Hmmm, leader of China's finest troops.  No, the greatest troops of all time. Heh, heh, heh, heh.  [Shang walks out of the tent to see the recruits fighting.  He stands stage left of Chi Fu and General Li.  Injured Recruitsees the General and salutes him as he falls to the ground.  General Li steps over Injured Recruit and mounts his horse]Chi Fu:  Most impressive.General Li:  Good luck Captain.  [The general and his mounted troops leave the camp]Shang [quietly, to himself]:  Good luck, Father.  [Shang looks at his troops and sighs]Chi Fu [smirking, with board and brush in hand]:  Day one.Shang [shouting]:  Soldiers!All Recruits [backing away revealing Mulan and pointing at her.  Mulan is crouching in the fetal position on the ground]:  He started it![Shang approaches Mulan and looks down over her.  Mulan looks up, sees Shang over top of her and gets up quickly dusting herself off]Shang [to Mulan]:  I don't need anyone causing trouble in my camp!Mulan:  Sorry, [in her man voice] Uhh, I mean, sorry you had to see that.  [with her fist she taps Shang on the shoulder]  You know how it iswhen you get those, uh [pounding her chest] manly urges and you just have to kill something [slapping her hand], fix things, uh, cookoutdoors.Shang:  What's your name?Mulan [stumbling]:  Ahh, I, uhhh, I, uh--Chi Fu [stepping into Mulan's face]:  Your commanding officer just asked you a question.Mulan:  Uhh, I've got a name.  Huh.  And it's a boys name too.Mushu [from the back of Mulan]:  Ling, How 'bout Ling?Mulan [to Mushu motioning with her head to Ling]:  His name's Ling.Shang:  I didn't ask for his name.  I asked for yours.Mushu:  Try, uh, ahh, Chu!Mulan:  Ah Chu.Shang:  Ah Chu?Mushu:  Gesundheit.  He He, I kill myself.Mulan [whispering over her shoulder]:  Mushu.Shang:  Mushu?Mulan:  No.Shang:  Then what is it!Mushu:  Ping! Ping was my best friend growing up!Mulan:  It's Ping.Shang:  Ping.Mushu:  Of course Ping DID steal my gir-[Mulan reaches back and grabs holds Mushu's mouth together]Mulan:  Yes, my name is Ping.Shang:  Let me see your conscription notice.  [Takes the notice from Mulan]  Fa Zhou, *the* Fa Zhou?Chi Fu:  I didn't know Fa Zhou had a son.Mulan:  Um, he...doesn't talk about me much.  [Mulan tries to hawk up a loogie and spit but the saliva just runs from her mouth.  Therecruits laugh]Chi Fu:  I can see why, the boy's an absolute lunatic.Shang [to the recruits]: Okay gentlemen, thanks to your new friend Ping, you'll spend tonight picking up every single grain of rice.  Andtomorrow, the real work begins.[All recruits growl at Mulan]Mushu [Popping out the front of Mulan's armor]:  You know, we have to work on your people skills.[Cut to Mulan sleeping in her tent.  Mushu winds up Cri-Kee's wings.  Cri-Kee rings like an alarm clock]Mushu: All right, rise and shine sleeping beauty.  [Mulan rises and blinks] C'mon [rapping on Mulan's head with each syllable] hup, hup,hup. [Mulan groans, lies back down and pulls the covers over her head.  Mushu pulls the covers off Mulan entirely]  Get your clothes on. Get ready.  Got breakfast for ya.  [Mushu jumps onto Mulan's knee with a bowl of porridge]  Look, you get porridge, and it's happy to seeyou.  [Mushu shows her the bowl with two eggs and bacon looking like a smiley face.  Cri-Kee pops up out from the bowl of porridge] Hey,get outta there, you gonna make people sick!  [Mushu uses chopsticks to push Cri-Kee out of the porridge]Mulan:  Am I late?Mushu [while feeding Mulan]:  No time to talk.  Now remember, it's your first day of training so listen to your teacher and no fighting.  Playnice with the other kids, unless of course one of the other kids wanna fight, then you have to kick the other kid's butt.Mulan [with her mouth full of food]:  But I don't wanna kick the other kid's butt.Mushu:  Don't talk with your mouth full.  Now let's see your war face [Mulan looks at him with wide eyes and chipmunk cheeks full of food]. I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover.  C'mon scare me, girl! Mulan [swallows the food]:  Rrrrrrr!Mushu [rolling back into the half eaten bowl of porridge]:  Oh, that's my tough looking warrior.  That's what I'm talking about.  Now get outthere and make me proud. [Mushu ties up Mulan's hair][Khan whinnies and pokes his head into the tent]Mushu:  What do you mean the troops just left?  Mulan [acting surprised]:  They what!? [Mulan hurriedly puts on her clothes and jumps out of the tent going off to join the other recruits]  Mushu [running out from the tent calling after Mulan]:  Wait, you forgot your sword.  My little baby off to destroy people [sniffle].[Cut to the troops muddling around near Shang's tent]Chi Fu [enters stage left]:  Order people, order!Recruit #2:  I'd like a pan fried noodle.Chien-Po:  Oh, oh, sweet and pungent shrimp [Ling and others begin to laugh]Recruit #3:  Moo goo gai panChi Fu:  That's not funny.[Mulan comes running up to the group]Ling [noticing Mulan's arrival]:  Looks like our new friend slept in this morning.  [Mulan stops between Ling and Yao] [to Ping] Hellooo Ping,Are you hungry?Yao:  Yeah, 'cause I owe you a knuckle sandwich.  [grabs Mulan by the shirt collar drawing back his other arm.  Mulan hides her face withher hands.  Ling looks away, closes his eyes, and puts his fingers in his ears so that he wont hear anything]All Soldiers [in agreement with Yao]:  Yeah.Shang [loudly]:  Soldiers!  [The soldiers line up quicky.  Shang takes off his shirt and grabs a bow and quiver of arrows.  Mulan is dulyimpressed by Shang's physique] You will assemble swiftly and silently every morning. [Shang walks down the line of soldiers] Anyone whoacts otherwise will answer to me.Yao:  Ooooo, tough guy.Shang [turning around with knocked arrow pointing towards Yao]:  Yao.  [All recruits take a step back leaving Yao one step forward.  ShangPoints arrow skyward and shoots it into the top of a high pole]  Thank you for volunteering.  Retrieve the arrow.Yao [bows to Shang]:  I'll get that arrow pretty boy.  And I'll do it with my shirt on.  [Yao prepares to leap onto that pole]Shang:  One moment, you seem to be missing something.  [Chi Fu brings out two large bronze disks.  Shang takes out one disk and holds ithigh speaking to all the troops]  This represents discipline  [Shang hands the weight to Yao and the weight falls to the ground taking Yao'sarm with it]  and this represents strength [Shang hands the other weight to Yao making him fall to the ground.  The troops laugh whileMulan looks concerned].  You need both to reach the arrow.[Yao climbs up the pole then slips down under the weight.  Ling, Chien-Po, and Mulan each take their turn and fall down.  Mulan rubs herbehind as she walks away in front of Shang]Shang:  We've got a long way to go.[Song I'll Make a Man Out of You][Shang throws staffs to the soldiers.  Yao intercepts Mulan's staff and trips her with it]Shang:Let's get down to business--to defeat the Huns.[Shang throws up two clay pots and breaks them apart with his staff.  The troops are highly impressed]Recruits [putting their staffs out at arms length, spoken]:  HuaShang:Did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?  [Ling puts a cricket down Mulan's back causing her to flail erratically]You're the saddest bunch I ever met  [Most soldiers fall as Mulan moves uncontrollably]But you can bet before we're through  [Shang does a somersault in the air landing near Mulan.  He takes a pole in the stomach.  Shang stops Mulan andtakes her staff.  He grabs her by the collar]Mister, I'll make a man out of you [Shang steps on a lever throwing up 3 targets which he hits with 3 arrows from one bow]Tranquil as a forest[The recruits try and fail.  Mulan gets ready to fire when Mushu sticks a target on her arrow before she shoots.  Mulan looks at Mushu's inshock and pauses.  Shang looks disdainfully at Mulan as she cracks a huge smile]But on fire within[Shang balances a bucket of water on his head holding a staff.  The recruits fire stones at him which Shang deflect with the staff]Once you find your centerYou are sure to win[Mulan wobbles with the bucket of water on her head.  As the recruits throw stones at her the bucket tips over onto her head]You're a spineless, pale,pathetic lot And you haven't got a clue [Shang throws his hand down into a river and retrieves a fish.  Mulan throws her hand down into the river and retrieve's Yao's foot.  Mushucomes out of the water with a fish in hand to give to Mulan]Somehow I'll make a manout of you!Chien-Po [running through a field of fire arrows]:I'm never gonna catch my breathYao [following Chien-Po, falls and gets hit in the butt with an arrow]:Say good-bye to those who knew meLing [Banging his head on a stone slab]:Boy I was a fool in school for cutting gym[Shang practices martial arts with Mulan.  With a punch to the face he knocks her back into a tree]Mushu [from the tree acts as a boxing coach]:This guy's got 'em scared to deathMulan [Mushu pushes Mulan back out into the ring]:Hope he doesn't see right through meChien-Po [stops as he's hopping across poles protruding from water causing Shang and the recruits to pile into him]:Now I really wish that I knew how to swim!Shang and Chorus:  [Cannon fire misses the target in the middle of an open field. Ling kicks the support structure out from Mulan's cannon and it begins to fall.Mulan quickly grabs the cannon and it fires high and back towards the camp landing and exploding Chi Fu's tent](Be a man)We must be swift as the coursing river(Be a man)With all the force of a great typhoon(Be a man)With all the strength of a raging fire[Picture of Shang looking over the camp from the hill not looking pleased]Mysterious as the dark side of the moon Shang [his troops laden with poles on their shoulders carrying bags of grain - one on each side.  They march up a mountain]:Time is racing toward us till the Huns arrive  [Chi Fu points Shang's eyes back to a struggling Mulan who falls to the ground.  Cri-Kee and Mushu try to pick her up but hide when Shangcomes up to her.  Shang picks up her pole with grain, puts it on top of his and returns to the troops. Mulan looks rejected]Heed my every order and you might survive[Shang hand the reigns of Khan to Mulan]You're unsuited for the rage of warSo pack up, go home, you're throughHow could I make a manout of you?Shang and Chorus [Mulan takes the weights and tries to climb the pole again]:(Be a man)We must be swift as the coursing river[Mulan ties the weights together behind the pole and uses the cloth to help her shimmy up the pole](Be a man)With all the force of a great typhoon[As the sun begins to rise the recruits come out of their tents to cheer on Mulan](Be a man)With all the strength of a raging fire[As Shang comes out of his tent, the arrow he shot up onto the pole comes down to his feet.  He looks up and sees Mulan sitting on top ofthe pole]Mysterious as the dark side of the moon[order of events during the last repeat of the chorus:Troops hit all targets with arrows correctly.Mulan racing in front of Shang and the recruits with the pole and weights on her shoulders.Mulan kicking Shang in the face with a round house.  Shang looking pleased.Chien-Po doing acrobatics on the poles as the troops follow.Staffs being thrown to troops, Yao hands Mulan hers. Yao running through arrows.Yao grabs Mulan's staff and hands it to her.Troop staff practice #1.  (Hya)Ling breaking the blockTroop staff Practice #2.  (Hya)Mulan holding up fish.Troop staff practice #3.Cannon fire hitting the Hun Target.Troop staff practice #4 - jumping in the air (Hya)](Be a man) We must be swift as the coursing river(Be a man)With all the force of a great typhoon(Be a man)With all the strength of a raging fireMysterious as the dark side of the moon[End Song][Interlude][Cut to Shan Yu sitting on top of a tree.  He cuts off the very top with his sword.  His falcon swoops buy and drops a doll.  Shan-Yu takesthe doll, sniffs it, looks surprised, and drops down to the ground]Shan-Yu [tossing the doll to Hun Strong Man]:  What do you see?Hun Strong Man [feeling the doll]:  Black pine, from the high mountains.  [Long Hair Hun Man takes the doll from Hun Strong Man.  BaldHun Man #1 takes a hair as it passes by him]Bald Hun Man #1:  White horse hair.  Imperial stallions.  Long Hair Hun Man [sniffing the doll]:  Sulfur, from cannons.Shan-Yu:  This doll came from a village in the Tung Shao Pass, where the Imperial Army's waiting for us.Hun Archer:  We can avoid them easily.Shan-Yu [shaking his head]:  No, the quickest way to the Emperor is through that pass.  Besides, the little girl will be missing her doll.  Weshould return it to her.[End Interlude][Cut to Mulan by the lake with Mushu, Khan, and Cri-Kee]Mushu:  Hey, oh, ah, no, this is not a good idea.  What if somebody sees you?Mulan [from behind the reeds]:  Just because I look like a man doesn't mean I have to smell like one.  Mushu [holding a towel covering his eyes with his ears]:  So a couple of guys don't rinse out their socks, picky, picky, picky.  Well myself Ikinda like that corn chip's smell.Mulan [running by Mushu and jumps into the lake splashing water on Mushu]:  Ahhhhhhh.Mushu:   Okay, all right, all right, that's enough.  Now, c'mon, get out before you get all pruny and stuff [holding out a towel towards Mulankeeping his eyes covered].Mulan:   Mushu, if you're so worried, go stand watch.Mushu:  Yeah, yeah, [walking in a womanly fashion speaking in woman's voice] stand watch Mushu while I blow our secret with my stupidgirly habits. [back to normal] Humph, hygiene.Cri-Kee [alarmed, tugging on Mushu's whiskers]:  Chirp, Chirp.Yao:  Me first! Me first! Me First! [Yao, Ling and Chien-Po run by Mushu smacking him in the face with colored boxers]Mushu [gasps]:  Ah.  We're doomed!  There a couple of things I know they're bound to notice![Yao and Ling jump into the water.  Chien-Po dips in his toe to check temperature then jumps in causing a large wave.  Yao and Ling ridethe wave towards Mulan.  Mulan sees them and hides her face behind a lily pad]Yao [calling]:  Hey, Ping.[Mulan peeks over the lily pad and spreads it on the water covering her chest]Mulan [speaking nervously and unnaturally in a manly voice]:  Oh hi guys, I didn't know you were *here*. [Yao, Ling and Chien-Po share"this boy is strange" looks] I was just washing, so now I'm clean and I'm gonna go.  Bye, bye.  [Mulan hides behind a rock keeping her frontfacing the rock]Ling [from behind Mulan]:  Come back here.  I know we were jerks to you before so lets start over.  [extending his hand to shake hands withMulan]  Hi, I'm Ling!Mulan [covering her chest with her left arm, she turns and shakes his hand with an outstretched right arm, smiling]:  Heh, heh.  [Mulan turnsand wades away from Ling and runs into Chien-Po]Chien-Po [taking a lily pad off his head]:  And I'm Chien-Po.Mulan [waving slightly and smiling]:  Hello Chien-Po.[Yao stands on top of a rock looking down at the others.  Mulan looks down into the water and hides her eyes with her free hand]Yao:  And I am Yao, king of the rock.  And there's nothin' you girls can do about it.Ling [taking a fighting stance]:  Oh, yeah?  Well, I think Ping [elbowing Mulan] and I could take you.Mulan [wading away]:  I really don't want to take him anywhere.Ling [following Mulan]:  Ping, we have to fight!Mulan:  No we don't. [unnaturally]  We could just close our eyes and swim around.Ling: C'mon don't be such a g--Ouch!  Something bit me.Mushu [popping out of the water between Mulan and Ling]:  What a nasty flavor.Ling [with fear and gusto]:  Snake!  Chien-Po [while all three of them climb up the rock and on each other]: Snake, snake.[Mulan whistles for Khan and wades back to shore.  Khan comes close enough to shore and Mulan hides behind Khan as she wraps a towelaround her body][Cut to Yao, Ling and Chien-Po calmed down sitting on the rock]Ling:  Some king of the rock!  [Yao pushes him off the rock][Cut to Mulan with towel wrapped around her]Mulan:  Boy, that was close.Mushu [brushing his teeth]:  No, that was vile!  You owe me big!Mulan:  I never want to see a naked man again.  [the rest of the troops run by naked and jump into the lake]Mushu:  Hey, don't look at me.  I ain't biting any more butts.[Cut to Mulan outside Chi Fu's Tent having dressed fully.  Chi Fu and Shang are talking from inside]Chi Fu [fading in]:  You think your troops are ready to fight?  Hah!  They would not last a minute against the Huns.  Shang:  They completed their training.Chi Fu:  Those *boys* are no more fit to be soldiers than you are to be Captain.  Once the general reads my report, your troops will neversee battle.Mushu [from outside the tent]:  Oh no you don't.  I've worked to hard to get Mulan into this war. [to Cri-Kee] This guy's messing with myplan.Shang [grabbing onto the front of Chi Fu's clip board]:  We're not finished.Chi Fu [pulling the board away]:  Be careful, Captain.  The General may be your father, but I am the Emperor's council.  And, oh, by theway, huh, I got that job on my own.  [opens the entrance to the tent for Shang] You're dismissed.[Shang storms out of the tent and starts to walk by Mulan]Mulan [in a manly voice]:  Hey, I'll hold him and you punch, heh, heh...  [Shang walks by without reacting] or not.  [calling out to Shang] For what it's worth, I think you're a great captain.  [Shang pauses to glance back, then continues forward]Mushu [looking at Mulan's fixed gaze on Shang]:  I saw that!Mulan [innocently]:  What?Mushu [teasing]:  You like him don't you?Mulan:  No, I--Mushu:  Yeah right, Yeah sure.  Look,  [pointing to Mulan's tent] go to your tent.  [Mulan walks away with a look of delight. Mushu talks toCri-Kee]  I think it's time we took this war into our own hands [rubbing hands together].[Mushu and Cri-Kee wait outside Chi Fu's Tent.  Chi Fu emerges with carrying a scrub brush and wrapped in a towel and with bigshowering slippers on his feet.  He whistles as he walks off.  Mushu and Cri-Kee enter his tent.  Cri-Kee uses his legs to write up a letter.  Hefinishes and Mushu takes the paper]Mushu:  Okay, okay, let me see what you've got.  From General Li, dear son, we're waiting for the huns at the pass and it would mean a lotif you'd come and back us up.  [sarcastically]  That's great except you forgot, "and since we're all out of potpourri, maybe you wouldn'tmind bringing up some."  Hellooooo, this is the army!  Make it sound more urgent, please!  You know what I'm talkin' about?  [Cri-Kee startswriting the note again]  That's better, much better.  [taking the note] Okay, Let's go.[Cut to Khan drinking water from the trough.  Mushu is on his back]Mushu:  Khan-ie baby, hey, we need a ride.  [Khan squirts Mushu off his back with water from his mouth][Cut to Chi Fu walking out of the lake wrapped in a towel, sounds of laughter can be heart from the troops]Chi Fu [muttering]:  Insubordinate ruffians.  [then calling to the troops]  You men owe me a new pair of slippers.  And I do not squeal like agirl.  [a panda bear chomps down on the slipper Chi Fu is holding] Aaaaaahhhhhh!Mushu [sitting on top of the panda bear behind a dummy of a soldier using sticks to gesticulate with the dummy's arms to push the notetowards Chi Fu.  Cri-Kee works the mouth]:  Urgent news from the general!  [Chi Fu looks over the panda]  What's the matter, you've neverseen a 'black and white' before?Chi Fu:  Who are you?Mushu:  Excuse me!  I think the question is: who are you?  We're in a war man!  There's no time for stupid questions.  I should have yourhat for that, [the panda starts walking forward] snatch it right off of your head [swiping with an arm at Chi Fu's hat.  Mushu turns the upperhalf of the dummy around after the panda passes Chi Fu.  Chi Fu begins reading the message].  But I'm feeling gracious today, so carry onbefore I report you.  [the panda walks up a tree taking Mushu and Cri-Kee with him out of sight]Chi Fu [looking around for Mushu but not finding him, then runs into Shang's tent]:  Captain.  Urgent news from the General.  We're neededat the front.Mushu [from up in the tree]:  Pack your bags Cri-Kee, we're movin' out.  [Cri-Kee high fives Mushu][Song:  A Girl Worth Fighting For]Army Chorus [troops walking up hill]:For a long time we've been marching off to battleYao [close-up of Yao, then a shot of 2 cows]: In a thundering herd we feel a lot like cattleCow [spoken]:  MooArmy Chorus [showing troops marching]:Like the pounding beat our aching feet aren't easy to ignoreLing [catching up to Yao and Chien-Po]:Hey, think of instead,A girl worth fighting for [Yao, Ling and Chien-Po look upwards dreamily]Mulan [spoken from behind]: Huh?Ling [grabbing Mulan and drawing her close while pulling out a centerfold]:That's what I said, a girl worth fighting for [Mulan runs away seeing the centerfold][artistry section where the images are drawn like painted people.  Ling is seen looking at a woman and then kissing her]I want her paler than the moon with eyes that shine like starsYao [lifting and lowering a woman over his head then opening his chest to show a gaping wound that we can see the woman through]:My girl will marvel at my strength, adore my battle scarsChien-Po [Chien-Po and a woman circle around then land on the edge of a large bowl of rice as a cow, pig and chicken fall beside them]:I couldn't care less what she'll wear or what she looks likeIt all depends on what she cooks like:Beef, pork, chicken... [end painted people section, the last image fades into statues that the troops just passed]All Three:Mmm...Yao [looking at Mulan while crossing the river with swords over their heads.  Mulan looks disgusted and hurries forward]:Bet the local girls thought you were quite the charmerLing [with armor full of water to make him look muscular]:And I'll bet the ladies love a man in armor [the water leaks out making Ling look like his normal self]Army Chorus [Mushu whistles to ladies working in the rice field from out of the carriage holding cannons.  Cri-Kee looks shocked.  Theladies look and giggle at Mulan who hides her face]:You can guess what we have missed the most since we went off to warWhat do we want?A girl worth fighting for!Yao [Mulan walks away from Yao and into Chien-Po]:My girl will think I have no faultsChien-Po:That I'm a major findMulan [Caught between Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po who all look up dreamily waiting for her ideal woman.  She is forced to speak (sing)]:[spoken] Uh, [singing] How about a girl who's got a brain,  [Yao starts to look unimpressed]Who always speaks her mind? [Mulan shrugs her shoulders]Ling, Yao and Chien-Po [disdainfully, looking disappointed and disgusted]: Nah!Ling [grabbing Mulan's shoulder and leaning on her, she takes his hand off and shakes her head disapprovingly.  Ling leans against thecarriage of cannons]:My manly ways and turns of phrase are sure to thrill herYao [hitting Khan so that the carriage runs out from under Ling.  Ling looks upset then falls in the mud]:He thinks he's such a lady-killer!Chi Fu:I've a girl back home who's unlike any other.Yao [aside to Mulan]:Yeah, the only girl who'd love him is his mother! [Mulan smiles]Army Men [lining up locking arms across each others shoulders with Mulan in the middle to her discontent]:But when we come home in victory they'll line up at the door!Ling [sitting on top of Chien-Po]:What do we want?Army Chorus:A girl worth fighting for!Ling:Wish that I hadArmy Chorus [Mulan breaks away and walks in the opposite direction of the army]:A girl worth fighting for!(whistle) [Mulan sees Ling, Yao, and Chien-Po with snowballs about to pelt her so she turns around] A girl worth fighting--[All have stunned looks on their faces][End Song][Cut to ruins of a burned out village.  The soldiers walk through the singed gate and look around at the few planks that remain from thebuildings]Shang [from mounted horse]:  Search for survivors.[Cut to Mulan walking around the burned-out village.  She finds a the doll that Shan-Yu was holding and looks up sorrowfully.  Shangcomes to her side]Shang:  I don't understand.  My father should have been here.Chi Fu [calling out from the top of a hill overlooking a valley]:  Captain!  [Chi Fu points down to the valley where the remains of General Li's army can be seen.  Flags poking up out of the snow, armor lying facedown, broken cannon carts.  Ling, Yao, Mulan, and a soldier have the look of horror on their faces as they look into the valley.  Chien-Powalks up from the valley carrying a helmet]Chien-po [handing the helmet to Shang]:  ...the General.[Shang takes the helmet and walks to the edge of the hill.  He draws his sword and stabs it into the snow upright.  He kneels down andplaces the helmet on top of the sword.  Mulan approaches him from behind]Mulan [softly]:  I'm sorry.[Shang gets up, turns around and puts his hand on Mulan's shoulder and he walks by.  Shang walks to the center of the troops. He grabs hishorse by the saddle, takes one quick look of grief then mounts his horse]Shang:  The Huns are moving quickly.  We'll make better time to the Imperial City through the Tung Shao Pass.  We're the only hope for theEmperor now.  Move out![Mulan looks at the sword, takes out the doll she found and places the doll at the base of the sword.  She turns around and joins the rest ofthe troops marching on][Cut to Mulan standing next to Khan saddled to the cart with cannons.  A cannon blast shoots out of the cart and explodes in the air.  Thetroops look surprised.  Mulan glances back with a scowl into the hole in the canopy of the cart to see Mushu with a sorrowful face.  Mushupoints at Cri-Kee.  Shang charges up to Mulan on his horse, Chi Fu right behind]Shang [angrily]:  What happened?!Mulan [stumbling]:  Uhhh--Shang:  You just gave away our position.  Now we're--[an arrow hits Shang in the shoulder as he falls to the ground.  Shang pulls out thearrow]  [calling out] Get out of range!![The troops hurriedly run away as many arrows start falling all around them.  Mulan pulls Khan by the reins to hurry him up.  Fire arrowsstart hitting the cart with cannons attached to Khan.  The cart begins to blaze with fire]Shang:  Save the cannons![The troops form a human chain and start taking the cannons out of the burning cart one by one while Mulan steadies Khan to keep himfrom bolting.  Chien-Po grabs many and hauls them on his own.  The troops grab]as many cannons as they safely can and Mulan cuts Khanfree from the cart.  She mounts Khan and charges away from the fire.  The cart explodes sending Mulan flying off Khan losing her helmetand sword which land near her.  Mushu and Cri-Kee, sent flying by the blast, scream and land near Mulan.Mushu:  Oh sure, save the horse.[Mulan grabs Mushu with her right hand and grabs the sword with her left and runs to the troops position.  Cri-Kee and Khan follow.  Yao,Ling, Chien-Po and other recruits set up cannons against rocks.  They dodge a set of arrows that fall around them]Shang:  Fire![They launch a volley at the mountain where the archers are stationed.  As the cannon fire explodes, Shan-Yu's army hides]Shang:  Fire![Mulan, Ling and Chien-Po launch a second volley at the mountain where the archers are stationed.  No more arrows can be seen comingfrom the mountain position]Shang:  Hold the last cannon.  [Yao poised to light his cannon, pauses.  Shan-Yu and his troops appear at the top of the mountain]  Prepareto fight.  If we die, we die with honor.[Shan-Yu raises his sword high above his head and charges down the mountain at Shang's position.  His falcon flies off his shoulder onShan-Yu's war cry  The Hun army follows]Shang:  Yao, aim the cannon at Shan-Yu.[The line of Shang's troops with Mulan at the end draw their swords.  Mulan looks down at her sword and sees the reflection of a large snowembankment hanging to the side of a cliff.  She rushes forward]Yao [being pushed aside by Mulan as she grabs the cannon]:  Hey. Shang:  Ping, come back.  Ping![Mulan charges forward towards the oncoming horde of the Hun army being led by Shan-Yu and his falcon.  Mushu looks over her at theoncoming horde with worry in his eyes]Shang [starting to run after her waving his arms]:  Stop![Mulan plants the cannon and aims it for the cliff with the snow overhang]Mushu [seeing Shan-Yu riding closer to their position]:  All right, you might want to light that right about now.  Quickly!  Quickly![Mulan takes out the flint and tries to light the fuse.  Shan-Yu's falcon swoops buy knocking Mulan down scattering the flint rock]Yao [speaking to Ling and Chien-Po]:  C'mon, we've gotta help.  [they charge towards Mulan's position][Mulan searches for the flint in the snow in vain.  She sees Mushu, grabs him and stretches him causing him to light the fuse.  Mushu landson the cannon and the cannon fires off just above the charging Shan-Yu]Mushu [tailing off as he rides the cannon toward the snow embankment]:  You missed him!  How could you miss?  He was three feet infront of you![The cannon lodges in the snow and explodes causing the beginning of a large avalanche.  Mulan looks up with an evil grin on her face andShan-Yu watches in horror as many of his troops begin to be swallowed up by the snow]Shan-Yu [recollecting himself and focusing in on Mulan]:  Yrrrrrrraah.  [Shan-Yu swipes at Mulan with his sword hitting her in the right side.  Mulan falls back grabbing her right side.  Shan-Yu's horse stumbles. Mulan uses this break to bolt away from the avalanche.  Shan-Yu gains his composure and starts to gallop away from the avalanche on hishorse.  Shang looks with shock as hee sees the avalanche coming toward him.   Mulan grabs Shang as she passes by him, turning himaround and helping him run away from the avalanche]Yao, Chien-Po and Ling [running towards the oncoming avalanche]:  Yeeahhhhhh!  [they stop.  noticing the oncoming avalanche they  turnaround and run back to where they came from]  Waaaaaaaaaa![Khan jumps away from the troops position and starts to run towards Mulan passing Ling, Yao and Chien-Po. The avalanche swallows upShan-Yu and his horse.  Khan arrives at Mulan's position just ahead of the avalanche.  Mulan jumps onto Khan and reaches for Shang.  Shegrabs his hand, then the avalanche rushes forth breaking their grip, turning Khan around facing the oncoming avalanche of snow][Cut to Ling, Yao and Chien-Po standing behind a rock.  They see the snow approaching close and run to larger shelter where the rest ofShang's army is positioned just as the avalance reaches their posision][Cut to Mushu riding down the snow on a shield]Mushu [calling out]:  Mulan!  Mulan!  [seeing hair sticking up from the snow] Mulan?  [Mushu picks up the Hun by the hair]Hun Soldier:  Arrrrr.Mushu [pushing the hun soldier back under the snow]:  Nope.  Mulan!  [Mushu picks up Cri-Kee out of the snow]  Man, you are one luckybug.[Cut to Mulan riding Khan above the snow into the teeth of the avalanche.  Khan and Mulan are swept under by the snow and reemergequickly.  She looks back and sees Shang passed out riding the wave of snow]Mulan [calling loudly]:  Shang, Shang!  [Mulan turns around and rides to Shang's position.  She picks him up and places him on Khan.  Sheturns Khan around again to be riding upstream][Cut to Chien-Po with Ling standing on him and Yao standing on top of Ling]Chien-Po:  Do you see them?Yao [extatically]:  Yes! [Yao shoots an arrow with a rope attached]  Perfect!  Now I'll pull them to safe--[Yao grasps at air as the ropecompletely passed through his hands]--ty.[Cut to Mulan and Shang on Khan with Mushu and Cri-Kee riding up to her on his shield]Mushu [riding on the shield up to Mulan, Khan and Shang speaking loudly, above the noise of the avalanche]:  Hey Mulan, I found a luckycricket.Mulan [speaking loudly]:  We need help!  [Yao's arrow lands near by Mulan and she picks it up and starts to tie the rope to Khan]Mushu [Getting off the shield and carrying Cri-Kee with him]:  Ooo, nice, very nice, you can sit by me.  [Mushu sees that they're about to fallover the cliff.  He and Cri-Kee look frightened] Ahhhhh!  We're gonna die!  We're gonna die!  I know we're gonna die!  No way we cansurvive this!  Death is coming! [Mulan knocks the arrow and shoots it toward Yao]Yao [crying]:  I let them slip through my fingers. [Mulan's arrow lands in Yao's hands.  He grabs on and is pulled toward the cliff, the soldiersgrab onto Yao and hold him steady near the cliff edge with the rope taught over the cliff]Yao:  Pull[Chien-Po prays as he calmly walks up to the group of soldiers.  He lifts them all up and pulls backward hauling Mulan, Shang, Khan, Mushuand Cri-Kee to safety]Mushu:  I knew we could to it.  You da man. [Mulan looks pleased] Well sorta. [Mulan grimaces][The soldiers help them up to the cliff]Ling:  Step back guys, give 'em some air.Shang [catching his breath]:  Ping, you are the craziest man I've ever met.  And for that I owe you my life.  From now on, you have my trust.[Mulan smiles big]Ling:  Let's hear it for Ping!  The bravest of us all.Yao [lifting his arm high]:  You're king of the mountain!Chien-Po [jumping up and down]:  Yes, yes, yes!Mulan [beginning to stand up]:  Ahhh, [she clutches her right side]Shang:  Ping, what's wrong?  [Mulan removes her hand slightly to show the blood on her hand and seeping through the armour] [loudly] He's wounded, get help!  [Ping starts to pass out.  The images of Shang, Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po begin to fade as she loses consciousness] Ping, hold on.  Hold on.[Cut to outside of the medic tent.  Mulan and Medic are inside.  Shang stands by the entrance.  Yao, Ling and Chien-Po look quiteconcerned.  Ling drums his fingers on his knees.  The medic comes out from the tent and whispers to Shang.  Shang looks astonished andgoes into the tent.  Mulan is lying down.  She opens her eyes, sees Shang and smiles at the sight of him.  She sits up allowing the blanket tofall to her waist revealing her form fitting bandages on her chest.  She sees Shang's surprised look and realizes her feminine form isnoticeable]Mulan [gasping as she covers up]: Huh,  I can explain.Chi Fu [stepping into the tent]:  Huh?  So it's true.Mulan [calling after Shang as he steps out of the tent]:  Shang![Cut to outside the tent.  Chi Fu hauls out Mulan by the arm.  Mulan uses her other hand to hold the blanket]Chi Fu:  I knew there was something wrong with you.  [Chi Fu takes off Mulan's hair tie and throws her to the ground]  A woman.[Ling, Yao and Chien-Po are shocked]Chi Fu [to the troops]:  Trecherous snake.Mulan [on the ground kneeling and hunched over, speaking to Shang]:  My name is Mulan.  I did it to save my father.Chi Fu [to the troops]:  High treason!Mulan:  I didn't mean for it to go this far.Chi Fu [getting in Mulan's face and speaking to her while she whinces]:  Ultimate dishonor.Mulan:  It was the only way.  Please believe me.Chi Fu [to Shang]:  Hmph, Captain?[Shang walks over to Khan and takes the sword out of the scabbard attached to Khan.  Khan rears back]Chi Fu [to the soldier by Khan]:  Restrain him.[Shang walks toward Mulan with sword in hand]Yao, Ling and Chien-Po [rushing toward Mulan]:  Noooooo!Chi Fu [putting his hand to stop Ling, Yao, and Chien-Po from proceeding further]:  You know the law.[Shang stands over Mulan.  Mulan looks at Shang then bows her head in anticipation.  Shang lifts the sword high above his head and throwsit down in front of Mulan]Shang:  A life for a life.  My debt is repaid.  [turns and walks towards the Imperial City]  Move out!Chi Fu [coming up to Shang's face]:  But you can't just...Shang [getting in Chi Fu's face]:  I said, "Move out!"[The troops walk off toward the Imperial City leaving Mulan behind with Khan, Cri-Kee, and Mushu.  Mulan is sitting, shivering. Khan takeshis blanket and wraps it around Mulan with his mouth and sits behind her.  Cri-Kee lights a fire with twigs.  When he doesn't get warm, hemoves under the blanket wrapped around Mulan.  Mushu walks toward Mulan carrying a stick]Mushu:  I was this close, this close to impressing the ancestors, getting the top shelf, an entourage.  Man, all my fine work, ffft.  [Mushu picksup a dumpling with his stick, slumps down in front of the fire Cri-Kee made and begins to cook the dumpling over the fire] [glancing up] Hi.Mulan [look of sadness]:  I should never have left home.Mushu:  Eh, come on, you wanted to save your father's life.  Who knew you'd end up shaming him, disgracing your ancestors, and losing allyour friends.  You know, you just gotta, you gotta learn to let these things go [looking as if he's about to cry].Mulan:  Maybe I didn't go for my father.  Maybe what I really wanted was to prove I could do things right.  So when I looked in the mirror[picking up her helmet and looking at her reflection in her helmet] I'd see someone worthwhile.  But I was wrong.  I see nothing.  [throws thehelmet down and a tear runs down her cheek]Mushu [picking up the helmet and spitting on it]:  Well that's because this just needs a little spit, that's all.  Let me shine this up for ya [wipingthe spit to clean the helmet and holding it up to Mulan].   I can see you, look at you, you look so pretty.  [seeing Mulan is not cheered up byhis actions, he shows sorrow on his face]  The truth is we're both frauds.  Your ancestors never sent me, they don't even like me.  I mean,you risked your life to help people you love.  I risked your life to help myself.  At least you had good intentions  [Mulan smiles].Cri-Kee [jumping on top of the helmet beginning to bawl]:  Chirp, Chirp, Chirp.  Bawl, Bawl.Mushu:  What!?  What do you mean you're not lucky?  You lied to me?  [Cri-Kee nods] [to Khan]  And what are you? A sheep?Mulan [sadly]:  I'll have to face my father sooner or later.  Let's go home.Mushu:  Yeah, this ain't gonna be pretty.  But, don't you worry, 'kay?  Things'll work out.  We started this thing together and that's how we'llfinish. [Mushu hugs Mulan.  Mulan smiles]  I promise.[Cut to Shan-Yu's falcon flying over the avalanche site.  Shan-Yu's hand pops out of the snow.  He gets up and glances around]Shan-Yu [screaming]:  Rrrrrrraaaaaaaaahhh![Hun Archer, Long-Hair Hun Man, Hun Strong Guy, Hun Bald Man #1, and Hun Bald Man #2 each pop out of the snow and joinShan-Yu.  They set off towards the Imperial City]Mulan [seeing them from behind, gasps]:  Huh.  [Mulan runs, grabs her sword, mounts Khan, and heads out following the Huns to theImperial City]Mushu:  Home is that way! [points to the opposite direction Mulan is heading]Mulan:  I have to do something.Mushu:  Did you see those Huns!?  They popped out of the snow, like daisies!Mulan:  Are we in this together or not?Cri-Kee [emphatically]:  Chirp, Chirp.Mushu:  Well, let's go kick some Huny buns!  [Jumps onto Khan and utters fighting words as they ride off to the Imperial City]  Wu Hu HaGa, Wu Hu Ha Ga[Cut to the victory parade in the Imperial City.  Fireworks go off, kites are flying.  The drummers march by, followed by the flutist, followedby the acrobats.  The Parade Leader follows, then Shang and his men, followed by lion dancers]Parade Leader:  Make way for the heros of China.[Shang leads the men on horseback, all have sorrowful looks on their faces.  Mulan rides up through the crowd and stops.  She looks aroundand sees Shang in the parade]Mulan [calling out]:  Shang! [riding next to him]Shang [surprised]:  Mulan?Mulan:  The Huns are alive, they're in the city.Shang:  You don't belong here Mulan, go home.Mulan [with a scowl rides khan to the other side of Shang]:  Shang, I saw them in the mountains.  You have to believe me.Shang:  Why should I?Mulan [riding ahead to block Shang's horse]:  Why else would I come back?  You said you'd trust Ping.  Why is Mulan any different?[Shang turns his horse and rides around Mulan and goes forward]Mulan [to Yao, Chien-Po and Ling]:  Keep your eyes open.  I know they're here.  Hya.[Mulan rides off and stops near the entrance to the palace, she dismounts Khan and runs into the palace yard]Mushu:  Now where are you going?Mulan [calling over her shoulder]:  To find someone who will believe me.  [Mulan runs into the palace yard]  [Cut to the parade procession stopping in front of the Emperor on the steps of the palace.  Chi Fu stands next to Shang and gives himShan-Yu's sword.  The Lion dancers stop behind Shang.  A palace man strikes a large gong and the people fall silent]Emperor:  My children, heaven smiles down upon the Middle Kingdom.  China will sleep safely tonight thanks to our brave warriors.[The crowd cheers][Cut to Mulan at the fringe of the crowd]Mulan [approaching Man #1 laying her hand on his shoulder]:  Sir, the Emperor's in danger! [Man #1 rips his shoulder away from Mulan'stouch and moves away] [agitated]  But the Huns are here!  [Mulan walks up to Man #2]  Please, you have to help me.  [Man #2 walksaway from Mulan] [turning to Mushu who is standing near her in the yard]  No one will listen!Mushu:  Huh?  Oh, I'm sorry, did you say something?Mulan [irritatedly]:  Mushu!Mushu:  Hey, you're a girl again, remember?[Cut to Shang holding the sword before the Emperor]Shang [kneeling down giving the sword to the Emperor]:  Your Majesty, I present to you the sword of Shan-Yu.Emperor:  I know what this means to you, Captain Li.  Your father would have been very proud.[Shan-Yu's falcon swoops down and takes the sword as Shang is giving it to the Emperor.  The falcon rises above the roof and drops thesword to Shan-Yu who was sitting next to the gargoyles in the shadows blending in.  He rises out of the shadows to catch the sword so thatall the people can see his face.  The masses of people gasp at the sight of Shan-Yu.  Shang begins to draw his sword.  All 5 of Shan-Yu'smen jump out from behind the dragon knocking down Shang and grab the Emperor knocking off his hat.  Hun Bald Man #1 and #2 carrythe Emperor into the Palace.  Long-Haired Hun Man and Hun Strong Guy close the palace doors as Hun archer knocks his arrow retreatinginto the Palace to threaten would be rescue attempts]Shang [getting up and running toward the closing doors]:  No.Yao [beckoning to the other soldiers]:  C'mon.[Shang reaches the palace doors just as they close with all the Huns inside]Shan-Yu [laughs evily]:  Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha.[Shang and his soldiers pick up a big stone statue and use it as a battering ram.  They are unsuccessful at opening the door.  Mulan seeswhat's going on and arrives at the steps]Mulan [to herself]:  They'll never reach the Emperor in time.  [She looks at the columns and runs near to the Shang and his soldiers.  Shewhistles loudly catching the soldiers' attention]  Hey guys, I've got an idea.  [Mulan runs around the palace to the right towards the columns][Song:  I'll Make a Man Out of You (reprise) plays in the background during the next action sequence](Be a man) We must be swift as the coursing river(Be a man)With all the force of a great typhoon(Be a man)With all the strength of a raging fireMysterious as the dark side of the moon[Yao, Ping and Chien-Po look at one another then drop the statue and follow Mulan.  Shang looks astonished.  Around the corner Yao, Lingand Chien-Po begin to take off their armor and dress as women.  Once the transformation is complete, they take out their sashes andprepare to shimmy up the columns.  Shang arrives and taps Mulan on the shoulder.  He takes off his cape and wraps it around the columnto signify that he's coming along.  They shimmy up the poles together][End song][Cut to Hun Bald Man #1 and #2 arriving with the Emperor and a high balcony within the palace.  Shan-Yu drops down from the roof]Shan-Yu:  Boo.  [Shan-Yu steps into the balcony next to the Emperor] [to Hun Bald Man #1 and #2] Guard the door [they walk off downthe stairs that lead to the balcony].  [pacing around the Emperor]  Your walls and armies have fallen, and now it's your turn.  Bow to me.[Cut to the entrance to the stairwell that leads to the balcony.  Hun Bald Man #1 and #2 come down the stairs and close the door, joiningHun Archer Man, Hun Strong Man and Hun Long-Hair Man.  Mulan and company are around the corner]Mulan [whispering]:  Okay, any questions?Yao [whispering]:  Does this dress make me look fat? [Mulan slaps him]  Ow.[Mulan, Yao, Ling and Chien-Po walk out smiling, giggling and trying to act lady-like including holding fans and waving fans]Hun Archer:  Who's there?Hun Bald Man #2 [putting down Hun Bald Man #1's sword]:  Concubines.Hun Bald Man #1:  Ugly concubines.Ling [waving daintily, speaking to Yao]:  Oh he's so cute.[Hun Bald Man #2 smiles and waves back.  Hun Bald Man #1 elbows Hun Bald Man #2.  A bitten apple falls out from beneath Ling'sdress.  He pulls the dress out and turns so as not to expose the loss of figure]Shang [from around the corner putting his head down into his hand]:  Aww.[Shan-Yu's Falcon sees Shang and starts to squawk.  Mushu from above singes off all his feathers with his fire breathing]Mushu [to Cri-Kee sitting above him]:  Now that's what I call Mongolian Barbeque.  [Cri-Kee rolls on his back in laughter.  The stunnedfalcon doesn't do anything][Hun Bald Man #2 picks up the apple and offers it back to Ling.  Ling, Yao, and Chien-Po pull out the fruit they were using to simulate awoman's chest.  Chien-Po takes his watermelons and smashes them on the heads of Hun Bald Man #1 and #2.  He then smashes their twoheads together and they fall to the ground.  Ling pushes the apple into Hun Long-Hair man's mouth and kicks him in the stomach causingHun Long-Hair Man to stoop over on the ground.  Ling uses his head to crack Hun Long-Hair Man's back.  Hun Strong Guy lunges his fistat Yao and misses, he misses with the other.  Yao grabs the outstretched arm and flips him over onto his head. Mulan kicks away HunArcher Man's bow and knocked arrow, avoids his strike by turning her back to Hun Archer.  She follows with a left elbow to the stomachfollowed by a left upper cut knocking Hun Archer to the ground.  She sits on his back and uses the bow to pull his head back]Mulan [calling out]:  Shang, GO![Shang runs out from behind the corner, charges through the door and runs up the stairs][Cut to Shan-Yu and the Emperor on the balcony]Shan-Yu:  I tire of your arrogance old man.  [yelling and putting his sword at the emperor'sthroat] Bow to me!Emperor:  No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.Shan-Yu:  Then you will kneel in pieces. [Shan-Yu draws back his sword to strike the Emperor][Shang runs up in time to block the striking blow of Shan-Yu with his sword.  Shang swipes withhis sword.  Shan-Yu grabs Shang's arm and throws him towards the edge.  Shang grabs onto a columnand he flies over the edge and uses the momentum to swing back and kick Shan-Yu.  Shan-Yu fallsto the ground, Shang on top of him. Shang punches Shan-Yu.  Shan-Yu grabs Shang and rolls overforcing Shang to be on his back underneath him.  Shang uses his knee to hit Shan-Yu from behindas he uses his hand to hit him in the head.  Shang forces Shan-Yu onto his back and grabs his armpulling it behind Shan-Yu's back.  Mulan, Chien-Po, Yao and Ling enter the balcony from thestairs]Mulan:  Chien-Po, get the Emperor.Chien-Po [standing in front of the Emperor and bowing]:  Sorry, your Majesty.  [Chien-Po lifts up the Emperor and runs over to Mulan who is by a rope attached to a column inthe balcony.  Chien-Po uses his sash as a pulley and rides down the rope to the ground.  Shan Yuwatches the Emperor leave]Shan-Yu:  No!  [Shan-Yu uses his free arm to elbow Shang in the face.  Shan-Yu gets up and head-butts Shang andthrows him to the ground.  Shang lies limp.  Mulan watches Shang fall then she looks over theedge at Ling and Yao now on the ground.  Chien-Po runs off the screen out of sight]Yao [motioning her to follow]:  Come on![Mulan looks down at Shang with a worried look.  Shan-Yu begins to approach Mulan and the rope. Mulan looks at the approaching Shan-Yu and then down to spy his sword. Thinking quickly, Mulan grabsShan-Yu's sword and cuts the taught rope.  Shan-Yu reaches the edge and grabs for the falling rope unsuccessfully as Mulan leaves thesword embedded in the column and runs to Shang's position.  The crowd cheers]Shan-Yu:  No!  [He looks down at the crowd and realizes he cannot find the Emperor among thethrong of people]  Yrraaaaahhhh![Shan-Yu turns and looks back and sees Mulan looking concerned, holding up Shang.  Shan-Yu pullsout his sword lodged in the column and heads toward them.  As Shang sees Shan-Yu approaching, heputs his arm in front of Mulan to ask her to leave and takes out his knife.  Mulan slides away. Shan-Yu comes up to Shang, knocks away his knife, slaps him in the face, and grabs Shang by theshirt collar]Shan-Yu [in Shang's face]:  You, you took away my victory.[Mulan's shoe hits Shan-Yu in the head and bounces back to her feet.  Shan-Yu turns toward Mulan]Mulan:  No!  I did!  [Mulan pulls her hair back to look like she did when she was a soldier]Shan-Yu [looking at Mulan]:  The soldier from the mountains.[Shan-Yu drops Shang and starts after Mulan as she puts on her shoe and runs down the stairs andthrough the doors to the balcony.  She closes the door with the latch falling in place rightbehind her.  She leans against the doors.  Shan-Yu punches a hole in one door with his fist. Mulan runs away from the doors down the corridor.  Mushu riding Shan-Yu's falcon like a horsecatches up with Mulan]Mushu:  So what's the plan?Mulan:  Ummmm.Mushu:  You don't have a plan?!Mulan:  Hey, I'm making this up as I...[looks out a window and spies the firework tower] go. Mushu--Mushu:  I'm way ahead of you sister.  C'mon Cri-Kee. [Mushu and Cri-Kee jump onto a kite and usethe wings to soar over toward the fireworks tower][Cut to Shan-Yu.  Shan-Yu breaks through the doors and catches up to Mulan swinging his swordwildly knocking down a support column with every swipe.  Mulan runs and ducks his every blow. Mulan climbs up a column to get out of Shan-Yu's reach.  Shan-Yu slices the base of the columncausing it to fall and break through the outer wall.  Mulan screams as the beam falls and comesto a stop.  Mulan gets up on the beam and jumps up to catch onto the awning.  She looks off toher right and spies Mushu arriving at the fireworks tower][Zoom in on the fireworks tower.  Mushu lands near Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft (the fireworklighters) on the edge of the tower] Mushu:  Citizens, I need firepower.Barry Cook:  Who are you?Mushu [Mushu (using the wings from the kite) and Cri-Kee with wings spread like batman]:  You'reworst nightmare.[Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft jump off the tower and plunge toward the ground][Cut to Mulan. She pulls herself onto the roof and climbs up to the crest]Man in Crowd #1:  On the roof.Man in Crowd #2:  Look![Mulan lines up where she is standing with the fireworks tower across the way.  Shan-Yu breaksthrough the roof behind Mulan surprising her.  Mulan backs away and searches for something on herperson to help her against Shan-Yu.  She finds a her fan, takes it out, and opens it]Shan-Yu:  It looks like you're out of ideas.[Shan-Yu lunges with his sword.  Mulan dodges to her right and lets the sword go right throughthe fan.  She closes the fan back up on the sword and twists the fan with both hands so thatShan-Yu loses his grip.  The sword flies toward Mulan and she catches it by the handle slippingoff the fan with her sword movement]Mulan:  Not quite.  [calling out]  Ready, Mushu?Mushu [behind Shan-Yu tied to a large rocket firework]:  I am ready, baby. [He blows fire onto astick and hands the stick to Cri-Kee who's standing on the firework]  Light me!  [Cri-Kee lightsthe fuse][Shan-Yu approaches Mulan.  Using the sword as a lever, Mulan lunges at Shan-Yu kicking him inthe face then sweep kicks him and he falls to the ground.  Mulan picks the sword back up andstabs it into Shan-Yu's cape.  The rocket on Mushu ignites and hurls him toward Shan-Yu.  Mulanlies flat down on the left side of the roof.  Shan-Yu sees the approaching rocket and tries torun, but the sword has him pinned to the spot.  The rocket hits Shan-Yu square in the bellypropelling him toward the firework tower.  Mushu grabbed onto the sword as he went by letting therocket do the work.  Cri-Kee hangs on to Mushu's tail.  Mulan jumps back up to the crest of theroof and runs away from the fireworks tower grabbing Mushu and Cri-Kee off the sword]Mulan [while running]:  Get off the roof, get off the roof, get off the roof.[The rocket rides Shan-Yu into the fireworks tower causing masses of explosions and fireworks tofly everywhere.  Mulan jumps near the edge of the roof.  Propelled by the explosion, she grabsonto a lantern that is hanging on a taught rope and starts to slide down.  She looks down andreleases her grip so that she lands on the back of Shang causing the two of them to fall to theground.  Shan-Yu's sword follows and lands on the ground near by]Mushu [landing and flying backwards on his butt a couple of times pointing at the fireworks]:  Ahha ha ha ha.  [Mushu's catches Cri-Kee with antenna on fire as Cri-Kee falls toward him] [toCri-Kee]  You are a lucky bug. [Mushu pinches out the fire on Cri-Kee's antenna]Chi Fu [walking down the stairs in a tattered outfit and slightly burned]:  That was a deliberateattempt on my life.  Where is she?  Now she's done it.  What a mess.  [Shang and troops pushMulan behind them to protect her] [to Shang] Stand aside, that creature's not worth protecting.Shang [in Chi Fu's face]:  She's a hero.Chi Fu:  'Tis a woman.  She will never be worth anything.Shang [grabbing Chi Fu by the shirt collar]:  Listen, you pompous--Emperor [walking down the steps]:  That is enough!Shang:  Your Majesty, I can explain.[The Emperor motions for Shang to stand aside.  Shang and his men part giving the Emperor a clearpath to Mulan.  Mulan steps forward and bows before the Emperor.  Chi Fu with a sinister lookwaits to write down the words of the Emperor]Emperor:  I've heard a great deal about you, Fa Mulan.  You stole your father's armor, ran awayfrom home, impersonated a soldier, deceived your commanding officer, dishonored the Chinese army,destroyed my palace, AND...you have saved us all.  [the Emperor bows to Mulan][Chi Fu looks at the Emperor actions astonishingly then immediately falls prostrate before Mulan. Shang, Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po follow suit.  Mulan looks up then turns around hardly believingwhat she sees as the entire Chinese population within the palace grounds fall prostrate on theground in a wave like pattern, bowing to her.  Khan bows with Mushu and Cri-Kee on his back]Mushu:  My little baby's all grown up and savin' China.  [to Cri-Kee] You have a tissue?Emperor:  Chi Fu,Chi Fu:  Your Excellency?Emperor:  See to it that this woman is made a member of my council.Chi Fu [muttering to himself]:  A member of your coun...[realizing what the Emperor has said]what? [stutters] But there are no council positions open, your Majesty.Emperor [to Mulan]:  Very well then, you can have his job [pointing out Chi Fu].Chi Fu [wobbling to and fro]:  What?...My...[faints]Mulan [smiles big then turns to the Emperor and bows]:  With all due respect, your Excellency.  Ihave been away from home long enough.Emperor [taking off his pendant]:  Then take this, so your family will know what you have donefor me.  And this [handing her the sword of Shan-Yu]  so the world will know what you have donefor China.[Mulan takes the gifts and hugs the Emperor]Yao:  Is she allowed to do that?  [Shang, Ling, and Chien-Po shrug][Mulan walks away from the Emperor and is embraced by Yao and Ling.  Chien-Po comes up and liftsall three of them off the ground in a big bear hug.  Chien-Po lets them all back to the groundagain.  Mulan walks toward Shang and stops in front of him.  As Shang begins to speak Mulanstarts to smile anticipating something good]Shang:  Um...[Mulan grins]  You... [Mulan smiles] You fight good.Mulan [smile turning into disappointment]:  Oh, thank you.  [Mulan walks toward Khan]Shang: [turning toward Mulan and grunts with disappointment in himself]:  Hmm.[Mulan mounts Khan]Mulan:  Khan, let's go home.[Khan jumps down the steps and gallops on the flat parts of the stair case back down to groundlevel.  The crowd cheers al the while.  The Emperor approaches Shang and clears his throat]Emperor [to Shang]:  The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.Shang [dumbfounded]:  Sir?Emperor:  You don't meet a girl like that ev'ry dynasty.  [The emperor puts on his hat and walksback up the steps to his palace][Cut to Mulan's home, her father is sitting beneath the blossom tree.   A blossom falls and landson his leg.  Mulan appears at the threshold and moves toward her father.  Fa Zhou sees herapproaching and starts to stand]Fa Zhou:  Mulan.  [Mulan quickly moves in front of her father and kneels causing him to sit back down]Mulan:  Father, I brought you the sword of Shan-Yu [hands the sword to Fa Zhou] and the crest ofthe Emperor [hands the crest to Fa Zhou].  [with head bowed] They're gifts to honor the FaFamily.[Fa Zhou takes the gifts and throws them down to the ground beside him to the surprise of Mulan. He bends down and holds her arms outstretched]Fa Zhou:  The greatest gift and honor, is having you for a daughter.  [Fa Zhou wipes away Mulan'stear then hugs Mulan]  I've missed you so.Mulan:  I've missed you too Baba.[Fa li and Grandma Fa watch from the doorway]Fa Li [sighing]:  AhhhhhGrandma Fa:  Great, she brings home a sword.  If you ask me she should have brought home ama--[leaving her mouth open when she sees Shang]Shang [just arriving]:  Excuse me, does Fa Mulan live here?[Grandma Fa's mouth stays open as she and Fa Li point toward Mulan's position.  Shang walkstoward Mulan and Fa Zhou]Grandma Fa:  Woo, sign me up for the next war.[Shang approaches seeing Fa Zhou]Shang [bows before Fa Zhou and speaks confidently]:  Honorable Fa Zhou I--Mulan [Mulan steps up. Shang sees her and speaks insecurely] Uh...Uh...You forgot your helmet.  Ah but well, actuallyit's your helmet, isn't it?...[handing the helmet toward Fa Zhou] I mean...[Fa Zhou motions with his head for Mulan to take over.  Mulan holds the helmet Shang offers]Mulan:  Would you like to stay for dinner?Grandma Fa [speaking from stage right]:  Would you like to stay forever? [Mulan shakes her head with asmile at Grandma Fa's statement]Shang [reassuredly to Mulan]:  Dinner would be great.[Cut to First Ancestor grinning happily looking at the scene through the temple window.  He watches Mulan hand the helmet back to FaZhou.  Mushu climbs up to the window sill by First Ancestor's his head]Mushu [tugging on First Ancestor's ear]:  C'mon, who did a good job?  C'mon, tell me who did agood job.First Ancestor [hesitantly]:  Oh, all right.  You can be a guardian again.Mushu: Yeeeeeahhhhhhh.  [Mushu runs to his post and Cri-Kee bangs the gong awakening all theancestors]Mushu:  Take it Cri-Kee.[Song:  True to Your Heart -- No characters sing in the song][Ancestor 1 does a dance from Pulp Fiction while Ancestor 3 does the Hand Jive]Ancestor 3 [spoken to Ancestor 1]:  She get's it from my side of the family.Mushu [spoken while swinging on a chain]:  Call out for egg rolls!First Ancestor [disgusted]:  Guardians.[Mushu lands on the steps outside the temple.  Mulan walks up to him and rests besides him on thesteps]Mulan:  Thanks, Mushu [kisses Mushu on the forehead].Little Brother:  Bark, bark, bark, bark, bark, bark, bark  [Little brother runs up the steps and into the temple with the bag of grain tied to him.  Thechickens follow him in]First Ancestor [annoyed]:  Mushu![Roll Credits][The End]

unformated_scripts/Script_My Mother Dreams the Satan's Disciples in New York.txt

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+"MY MOTHER DREAMS THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK" FADE IN: EXT. SOUTH DAKOTAN FARM - DAY A lone farmhouse sits isolated against a prairie backdrop, silhouetted by a marbled dawn sky. INT. FARMHOUSE - DAY MARIAN PETERSON, a gray-haired woman in her late sixties, meticulously packs a suitcase. She picks up a small, framed PHOTO from a chest-of-drawers and holds it up to her. INSERT - PHOTO It's a picture of a man about Marian's age. He has a sweet natured smile on his face. Marian looks at it longingly, then packs it carefully in her suitcase between some sweaters and closes it up. EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY A paint-chipped truck rounds the corner on a dirt road leading into the farm. Marian, waiting on the porch, ready to go, rises and waves. A FEW MOMENTS LATER - Marian's son, STEVE, dressed in jeans and flannel shirt, loads his mother's single piece of luggage into the bed of the truck, climbs back into the cab, where his mother is sitting, and drives off. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. THE SKY - DAY A JETLINER descending in the hot, cerulean sky. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL - AFTERNOON Marian, looking a little forlorn and out of sorts, stands out by the taxi area with her suitcase on a tote, looking around for a cab, unsure what to do. CURBSIDE - A FEW MINUTES LATER MISCHA, a somewhat dissolute-looking Russian cabbie in his thirties, roughhouses Marian's single piece of luggage into the dirty, cluttered trunk of his cab. INT. TAXI - DAY Marian is sitting in the back of the cab as Mischa opens the driver's side door and slams it shut, rattling Marian's nerves. MISCHA (brusquely) Where to? MARIAN Are you sure you got my bag in? MISCHA What do you think? I left it on the curb? MARIAN I'm sorry, I'm a little nervous. It's my first time in New York. Just a minute. Marian fumbles with a piece of paper she's rooted out of her purse. Mischa, annoyed, slams the shift lever into Drive and lurches off. Marian leans forward into the rectangular opening of the Plexiglas partition. MARIAN I want to go to 526 East 5TH. That's in the East Village. My daughter said it would cost thirty dollars. In the REAR-VIEW MIRROR we glimpse Mischa giving Marian a sly look. CUT TO: EXT. LOCATION - DAY The TAXI passes on a turnpike, streaming with vehicles, headed toward Manhattan. DRIVE-BY TRANSITION. INT. TAXI - DAY Hurtling along. Marian cranes her head through the partition and attempts to strike up a conversation with the surly cabbie. MARIAN I came to New York to visit my youngest daughter. MISCHA And where is she? MARIAN She would have come to the airport to meet me - she wanted to - but ... but, she just started a new job and, well, I guess no one drives here. MISCHA So, you come here all by yourself? MARIAN Uh, yes. My husband passed away recently ... MISCHA ... Oh ... MARIAN ... And the children thought I should take a trip. MISCHA Yeah. MARIAN I'm from South Dakota. Where are you from? MISCHA Moscow. MARIAN Ohhh. Do you know the East Village? MISCHA Oh, yeah ... yeah ... it's a hellhole. MARIAN (disconcerted) You mean it's dangerous? MISCHA Nah, not dangerous. Not that dangerous. (beat) Not during the day. Mischa chuckles as Marian sits back in the cab. ANGLE ON MARIAN - looking out the window, her face clouded with consternation. EXT. BRIDGE - DAY Cars pouring into Manhattan over one of the many bridges spanning the East River. CUT TO: EXT. EAST 5TH STREET AND 2ND AVENUE - DAY The cab brakes to a halt, bringing Marian INTO THE FRAME, her face strickened with fear. Marian climbs out of the cab as Mischa, in the background, opens the trunk to retrieve her bag. Marian, taking in the foreign surroundings, seems confused about something. MARIAN Pardon me, Mischa. Is this 526 East 5TH Street? Mischa closes the trunk and approaches Marian with her one piece of luggage on a tote. MISCHA No, no. Sorry, I can't drive you to door. There's a roadblock on Avenue B ... (he gestures down the street) right there ... MARIAN'S AND MISCHA'S P.O.V. - At the far end of the block, we SEE a movable, blue NYPD roadblock. BACK - The two of them, Marian looking puzzled. MISCHA This is one-way street. You go down the block to the middle. MARIAN (pointing uncertainly) This way? MISCHA Yeah. Not far. You will be fine. (beat) It's still day. He chuckles to himself, but Marian doesn't get the joke. MARIAN I see. How much? MISCHA Forty-five all total. MARIAN Forty-five? I thought it was only supposed to be thirty? MISCHA Thirty is base price. Tolls, tax, tip ... it all adds up. Marian unsnaps her wallet and grudgingly hands the disreputable cabbie two twenties and a five. Mischa takes the money and starts away. Halfway back to his cab, he turns around and calls out to Marian, who stands frozen on the dilapidated street. MISCHA Hey, lady. (Marian turns) Hold purse like this. Mischa hugs an imaginary purse close to his side. Marian apes his advice in all seriousness. MISCHA (nodding approval) Good luck. Mischa climbs back into his cab and peels off. NEW ANGLE - HIGH DOWN WIDE of Marian standing forlornly at the end of the street, a Dayton's shopping bag in one hand, her luggage strapped to the tote in the other. TITLE IS SUPERIMPOSED: MY MOTHER DREAMS THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK CUT TO: EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - DAY - A FEW MINUTES LATER Marian pulling her luggage apprehensively down the street. She passes THE SQUATTERS, a motley group of homeless teenagers, pierced, tattooed, wild hairdos and even wilder attire. SQUATTER #1 Hey, lady, can you help us out with some change today? Marian, shocked by their circumstances, rolls her luggage past them, smiling faintly. SQUATTER #2 Come on. Every little bit helps. A little food, you know? MARIAN Maybe some other time. SQUATTER #1 Thanks a lot anyway. Marian continues on. She's distracted by ... A WOMAN in her thirties, who looks like she hasn't slept in a week, bent over the railing of a second-story fire escape balcony, in the throes of a veritable rage. WOMAN IN A RAGE You forgot your fucking plant, you fucking asshole! Marian stares up at her, even more disconcerted than ever. The enraged woman continues her tirade at an unseen old boyfriend below. WOMAN IN A RAGE And there's a lot of other shit in there you forgot. Just wait there, I'm going to go fucking get it for you, all right? No, just wait there! Do you want me to go get it for you? Well, why don't I just do that, huh? I'm going to do that right now! Marian looks away and, intrepid Midwesterner that she is, pushes on. A MAN, dressed strangely, stands surreally in the middle of the street, blowing huge clouds of cigarette smoke. A GAY COUPLE parade past, laughing hysterically. NEW ANGLE - AT THE END OF THE STREET - A PACK of unmufflered, chrome-coruscating HARLEYS round the corner in a ear-shattering approach. MARIAN - stops dead in her tracks and stares in heartstopping terror. ACROSS THE STREET - The BIKERS, wearing their club's colors embroidered on blue jeans, and leather, vests, back their motorcycles in a uniform row against the curb, kill their engines, park them at an angle on their kickstands, and dismount. They high-five a biker known as the DISCIPLE PROSPECT, a small, mean-looking man with a red bandana tied taut over his head, and then disappear into the windowless clubhouse, passing through a large, forbidding, black door with the skeleton of Death riding a motorcycle painted on it. The Disciple Prospect tosses the butt of a cigarette into a rusted steel drum and flames erupt. MARIAN - in horror, cannot pry her eyes away from them. NEW ANGLE - An upstairs window on a six-story, red-brick co-op building. PAULA, Marian's daughter, a pretty woman with short dark hair, is leaning out the window, waving. PAULA Mom! Hi! I'll be right down. EXT. THE FRONT SECURITY DOOR - A FEW MOMENTS LATER Paula emerges to greet her mother. Marian glances one last time across the street and exchanges oblique looks with the Disciple Prospect, now parked on a stool next to the burning drum. He seems to home in on her. INT. CO-OP - TWILIGHT - A FEW MOMENTS LATER A nice, one-bedroom co-op, tastefully furnished. Paula is unpacking Marian's things. Marian stands in the middle of the apartment, feeling relaxed, if still a bit shaken, for the first time since she arrived. PAULA So, what do you think? MARIAN Well, once you're inside, it's nice. PAULA You don't like where I live? Marian walks over to the window and peers out. MARIAN Well, when I walked up the block, I ... well, my word! PAULA That's New York. It looks rundown, but it's safe during the day. You'll get used to it. Marian returns her gaze to the view out the window. EXT. STREET - TWILIGHT - MARIAN'S P.O.V. - Out the window. Two BIKERS stand with their arms crisscrossed against their leather-vested chests, framing the burning drum on the sidewalk, guarding the phalanx of Harleys. CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT - LATER Paula and Marian are sitting at the dining table. They're studying one of those plastic laminated maps of New York that you can buy everywhere. Paula is attempting to acquaint her mother with Manhattan's complex public transportation system. PAULA You take the M-15 bus all the way to ... 79TH Street. And then you take the crosstown bus to 5TH Avenue, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art is right there. You can't miss it. Marian removes her glasses and fixes her gaze on her daughter. MARIAN I wanted to ask you something. Those motorcycles across the street ...? PAULA Uh-huh? MARIAN ... What are they all doing there? PAULA That's the Satan's Disciples' New York headquarters. MARIAN (alarmed) The motorcycle gang? Don't they deal drugs and rape young girls? PAULA I've never had any problem with them. People say it's the safest block in the East Village. (lays a reassuring hand on her mother's arm) I just hope their motorcycles don't keep you up at night. CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT CRANE UP to Marian lying wide awake on a convertible sofa next to the street window. We (Marian!) hear VOICES, MOTORCYCLES REVVING, POLICE SIRENS, followed by what sounds like GUNFIRE, tires SCREECHING, a cacophony of sounds typical of summer nights in the East Village. We go UP and OVER Marian toward the window as imaginary voices flood in and become intelligible. RANDOM VOICES (O.S.) Did that shipment of heroin come in? That old lady see them? We can kill her if we have to. RAUCOUS LAUGHTER erupts. EXT. STREET - NIGHT - MONTAGE A Kenneth Anger Scorpio Rising-like MONTAGE: A black-booted foot kick-starts a Harley. A gleaming chrome exhaust pipe vibrates and spits smoke. A black-gloved hand revs a handle-bar accelerator. A helmet is pulled down over a Hun-like face. Flames roar in the steel drum as though a signpost in Hell. One of the DISCIPLES, bare-chested, long-haired, sweating, swings a baseball bat and calls out to Marian in a singsong voice: BIKER Oh, Marian ... Another half-naked BIKER, arms tattooed up and down, has Marian's suitcase open and is scattering her belongings out into the street. He finds the framed photo of her deceased husband and tosses it to the pavement. He raises his head slowly with a sneer and looks up at ... MARIAN - standing in the window in her nightgown, a hand covering her mouth, looking down in utter terror on the fire-lit tableaux of her nightmare. THE BIKER ON THE STREET - starts stomping on the photo with the heel of his boot, shattering the glass. Then he removes the photo from the frame and slowly drops it into the roaring conflagration in the oil drum. The other dawdling Disciples guffaw loudly. SLAM CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT Marian wakes with a start, consciousness giving way to a sigh of relief. FADE TO: EXT. CO-OP BUILDING - DAY ESTABLISHING SHOT of Paula's red-brick co-op, splashed with sunlight and framed by a bright blue sky. INT. CO-OP - DAY It's quiet in the co-op. Marian is dusting the bookshelves and humming to herself. Behind a shelf of books she discovers a PHOTO ENVELOPE with some snapshots in them. Curious, she has a look-see. SNAPSHOTS - flipping through Marian's hands. They chronicle Paula and a BOYFRIEND on a recent vacation to a Caribbean island. Marian is amused by them ... until she comes to one showing Paula with her bathing suit top off, arms raised giddily in the air. MARIAN - gasps, then blushes and quickly replaces the pictures. INT. CO-OP - DAY - LATER Marian is at the window, peering through the furling curtains. EXT. STREET - DAY - MARIAN'S P.O.V. - Looking down on the Satan's Disciples' clubhouse. Two BIKERS and their GIRLFRIENDS swagger out of the clubhouse, don their helmets, mount their bikes, kick-start them to life and roar off down the street. MARIAN - draws away from the window. She picks up her "Streetwise Manhattan" laminated map, puts her glasses on, looks at it, debating whether to tackle the streets of New York or not. A FEW MINUTES LATER - Marian, determined now to get out of the co-op, pulls her purse over her shoulder and grips it like the cabbie instructed. Then she moves to the front door, opens it, and steps warily out into the hallway. She freezes when she HEARS THUNDERING FOOTSTEPS. INT. HALLWAY - DAY Marian cowers against the half-open door as a young MAN, wearing faded jeans, black cowboy boots, and leather vest over a naked torso, comes charging down the stairs pulled by a frothing, pent-up BULLDOG on a leash. As he passes, Marian retreats quickly back into her unit, closes the door, and locks the locks from inside. CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT Paula is hanging up her coat and setting down her briefcase, an incredulous expression on her face, looking at ... Marian, sitting in a chair by the window, leafing through a magazine. PAULA (mildly rebuking) You didn't leave the house all day? Marian shrugs. CUT TO: EXT. NEW YORK - DUSK Manhattan skyscrapers framed against a twilit sky. INT. RESTAURANT/BAR - NIGHT Marian and Paula are sitting at the bar. They each have a glass of white wine in front of them. Paula is looking at some PHOTOS of the farm that Marian has brought along. MARIAN Would you look at those strawberries. They made the best jam. (passes Paula the photos) Here are some more pictures of the farm. Crops were unbelievable this year. Paula continues to browse through the snaps. MARIAN Plenty of rain. Your dad would have been happy with that. Marian removes a pill from a small vial she's rummaged out of her purse and slips it discreetly into her mouth. MARIAN I just can't seem to focus on anything these days. PAULA (turning to her mother) That's why it's good you came to visit me. MARIAN (washing her pill down with some wine) How are you doing sweetheart? PAULA I'm good. MARIAN Dating anyone? PAULA No, I'm working too much, I don't have time. MARIAN What about the fellow in those pictures? PAULA What pictures? MARIAN You know ... (raises both hands in the air) ... whoops! PAULA (blushing) Mother! MARIAN Well, they were right out in plain view. PAULA Behind the books. MARIAN But I was dusting. PAULA (reluctantly explaining) I was seeing Aaron and there were some ... complications. MARIAN He seemed quite taken with you. PAULA I don't want to talk about it. MARIAN (hurt) You know, you never tell me anything. PAULA That's not true. (lays a placating hand on her mother's arm) Besides, I don't want you dusting. I want you to see New York. CUT TO: EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - NIGHT Marian and Paula, arm-in-arm, walk down the block back to her building. A MOTORCYCLE rounds the corner, slows to a crawl, and one of the Satan's Disciples stares over at the two of them as if casing them out. Paula won't look at him, but Marian can't avert her gaze. DISSOLVE TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT Marian lying awake in bed, the ENGINES of the Disciples' Harleys deafening ... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SATAN'S DISCIPLES' CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT DOLLY ACROSS a line of idling Harleys, the bikers, one at a time in succession, switching their single-beam headlights on. PAN ACROSS the FACES of the Disciples, mounted on their cycles, dark helmets, faded blue jeans jackets embroidered with elaborate stitching of their club's insignia, cigarettes dangling from their hirsute mouths, baleful-looking countenances, revving their engines loudly, tauntingly. NEW ANGLE - From across the street, Marian, appearing like an apparition in her nightgown, surreally walks toward them, a beseeching look on her face. MARIAN Excuse me. Could you please turn your motorcycles off? They're so loud, I can't sleep. GO TO SLOW MOTION as the BIKERS, some ten in number, slowly approach the frail-looking Marian. Gently, they pick her up off the ground and raise her aloft. Then, like some moving human bier, they carry her through the forbidding black door into their clubhouse. INT. CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT We follow Marian down a dark corridor leading into the bowels of the clubhouse. DISSOLVE TO: INT. DREAM CORRIDOR - NIGHT At the end of another corridor, a MAN stands, silhouetted against an explosion of blue light. As we near the ghostly figure, we REALIZE it's Marian's deceased husband. There's a GUN SHOT. SLAM CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT Marian wakes with a start, clutching a hand to her breast. INT. KITCHEN - A FEW MOMENTS LATER Marian shakes a Valium out of a vial, puts it into her mouth, swallows it with a drink of orange juice. FADE TO: INT. PAULA'S CO-OP - THE NEXT DAY Marian, not wanting to be a disappointment to her daughter, damn her fears, gathers her purse up and starts out the door. INT. HALLWAY - DAY Marian is again prevented from an easy exit when a young, hip looking COUPLE come bounding down the stairs. As she stands at her open door to let them pass, they completely ignore her as if she didn't exist. EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - DAY - A FEW MOMENTS LATER Seen from Marian's perspective across the street, the front of the Satan's Disciples headquarters is quiet. There are only a couple Harleys parked out front. Marian, relieved that there are no bikers out, hurries off in the direction of First Avenue, determined to see the sights of the city. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY - MONTAGE A giddy, almost dreamlike, MONTAGE of Marian touring New York. She's SUPERIMPOSED over famous landmarks, as if she were standing stationery and the city were in a diorama rotating all around her. The Empire State Building; Circle Cruise Line; eating a hot dog from a street vendor; shopping at Macy's. Marian beams as she is magically whisked along, walking on air. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - DAY Marian comes INTO THE FRAME around the corner. She has a spring in her step and a broad smile emblazoning her face. But her sanguine mood is quickly shattered when she HEARS shouting. She freezes in her tracks. ACROSS THE STREET - THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES HEADQUARTERS - The Disciple Prospect and another Biker are roughing up a teenage KID, wrestling him into submission. DISCIPLE PROSPECT You're just chilling, huh? Not on this block, do you understand? MARIAN - at the security door of Paula's building. She rummages anxiously through her purse, but she can't find her keys! MARIAN Oh, no. Marian glances across the street, her face tensed with fear. ACROSS THE STREET - The Bikers continue to roughhouse the Kid. The Disciple Prospect brandishes a plastic bag under his nose. DISCIPLE PROSPECT What's this, huh? KID I ain't got shit on me. DISCIPLE PROSPECT What is that? You're chilling, man? Well, then maybe we need to warm things up for you, man. How many times do we got to tell you? You don't listen and you don't learn and that's the problem. That is the problem. MARIAN - turns away from the escalating violence across the street and punches one of the buttons on the intercom. A WOMAN'S VOICE crackles over it. WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.) Hello? MARIAN My daughter lives here and I'm her mother and I've lost my keys. There's no answer. MARIAN Hello? Hello? Marian returns her frightened gaze to the altercation across the street. ACROSS THE STREET - MARIAN'S P.O.V. Two more DISCIPLES emerge from the clubhouse. One of them squirts lighter fluid on the fire burning in the steel drum and the flames explode. Then KID is dragged over toward the fire. The Disciple Prospect drags him dangerously close to the flames. DISCIPLE Roast him! KID (screaming) All right all right all right. MARIAN - petrified, as if she'd stepped into a re-enactment of a passage out of Revelations, walks briskly down to the middle of the block toward a pay phone. DISCIPLES CLUBHOUSE - The Disciples kick the drug-dealing Teenager a couple more times, then set him free, laughing as he flees down the block in mortal fear. PAY PHONE - Marian drops the appropriate coins in the coin slot and dials a number from memory. MARIAN (quavery voice) Yes, is Paula there? ... Could you leave her a message, please? Tell her it's urgent. (gathers herself) Her mother has lost her keys and is stranded on the street with the Satan's Disciples ... When she comes back, would you tell her to come home as quickly as she can? ... Thank you. Marian hangs up the phone and turns, quails in terror. NEW ANGLE - The Disciple Prospect is towering over her, staring down at her with a scowl on his face. MARIAN Oh, please, don't hurt me. DISCIPLE PROSPECT I just need to use the phone, lady. MARIAN Oh, let me get out of your way then. DISCIPLE PROSPECT What happened? Did you lose your keys? MARIAN (withdrawing anxiously) Have a nice day. WIDE SHOT - Marian walks quickly ACROSS THE FRAME. As she EXITS RIGHT, the Disciple Prospect ENTERS LEFT and trails after her. EXT. PAULA'S BUILDING - DAY - A FEW MOMENTS LATER Marian is at the front entrance, uncertain what to do. She quailss when the Disciple Prospect approaches. Without a word, he reaches his arm over her and presses a buzzer to one of the units. WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.) Hello. DISCIPLE PROSPECT Washing machine repairman. The DOOR BUZZES almost at once, and the Disciple Prospect pushes it in and holds it open until Marian is safely inside. He looks at her a little annoyed. Marian is absolutely nonplussed. CUT TO: INT. CO-OP HALLWAY - LATER THAT DAY Paula comes running up the stairs. She stops when she SEES: MARIAN - sitting on the floor, propped against the door to their unit. Paula shakes her head reprovingly at her mother who just shrugs, chagrined. INT. CO-OP - BATHROOM - NIGHT - LATER Paula is in the bathroom. She has her mother's vial of Valium in her hand. PAULA Maybe you should lay low tomorrow. I'm going to see if I can get off early and maybe we can take the ferry cruise. Okay? LIVING ROOM - Marian is standing at the window looking down on the street. EXT. STREET - NIGHT - MARIAN'S P.O.V. The Disciples are backing their bikes against the curb, parking them, and filing into the clubhouse. BATHROOM - Paula dispenses the remaining pills into the palm of her hand. PAULA (to herself) Three left. LIVING ROOM - Marian looking apprehensively down at the Disciples' headquarters, stupefied. Paula emerges from the bathroom in the background. Marian doesn't turn to acknowledge her. She continues to stare transfixed at the bikes and the fire-burning oil drum. PAULA (softer) Okay? Does that sound like a plan? Marian doesn't answer. Paula stands some distance from her distracted mother, a worried expression featured on her face. FADE TO: INT. CO-OP - DAY Looking through the security eyepiece, a FISH-EYE LENS SHOT of an attractive, but distraught woman in her twenties, puffing a cigarette, eyes red and swollen from crying. MARIAN Who is it? MARIKA It's Marika. Is Paula there? MARIAN She's at work. I'm her mother. MARIKA Oh. I thought today was Saturday. Marian, seemingly reassured, opens the door for her. She sees Marika, realizes she's upset about something, and feels immediately compassionate toward her. MARIKA I'm sorry. I had a wretched night. MARIAN Oh. You need a cappuccino. And she lets Marika in. INT. CO-OP - DAY - A FEW MINUTES LATER They're sitting at the dining table, having coffee. Marian is listening sympathetically to Marika's tale of woe. MARIKA And there was this number on my phone bill that I didn't recognize. Calls made at three and four in the morning. So, I called the number ... and a woman answered. And I ... I hung up. (leans forward) So, then I followed him. Just like in the movies. And I found out that he has a wife and a little girl living in Brooklyn. We had been going together for almost a year. MARIAN (shaking her head in disgust) Men ... they're all the same. (beat) Our pastor in Sioux Falls was caught with his wife's sister. MARIKA (brightening) Really? MARIAN Oh, it was such a big scandal. MARIKA What happened? MARIAN Poor man had to leave town. (Marika laughs) And I hear that other women came forward. This makes Marika laugh even harder. Marian's story seems to have assuaged her own grief in some parallel way. MARIAN You know, you ought to come out to South Dakota some time and meet my son, Steve. He's single. MARIKA What does he do? MARIAN He's an organic farmer. MARIKA (chuckling) Oh. Well, that would be a ... change. (smiles warmly) Thank you, Mrs. Peterson. You have a very reassuring voice. The Disciple's MOTORCYCLES GROWL OFF SCREEN, interrupting their tête-à-tête. Marian and Marika both rise simultaneously from the table and amble over to the window together. MARIKA I wish they wouldn't come and go in packs, then they wouldn't be so loud. They reach the window. EXT. STREET - DAY - MARIAN'S AND MARIKA'S P.O.V. The Disciples dismounting from their bikes below, shutting down their engines and removing their helmets. INT. CO-OP - DAY At the window, Marian and Marika standing side by side. MARIAN I wonder what they do in there? Don't they frighten you? They all look so ... MARIKA ... Manly? Marian does a double-take and throws a backward glance at Marika. MARIKA You know, probably none of them had a mother like you. Marian and Marika smile at each other. CUT TO: EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - DAY Marian's FOOT STEPS OFF THE CURB. WIDER ANGLE - Marian crosses the street headed in the direction of the Satan's Disciples headquarters. The Disciple Prospect is sitting alone, guarding the line of parked Harleys. He's wearing dark aviator shades and his trademark red bandana tied over his head. Marian steps bravely right up to him. MARIAN Excuse me, sir. (the Disciple Prospect looks up, poker-faced) I just wanted to thank you for helping me get into my building yesterday. DISCIPLE PROSPECT Yeah, sure, no problem, you're welcome. MARIAN My daughter lives across the street from you people and she tells me that you keep this area safe. Is that true? DISCIPLE PROSPECT We like to think so, yeah. MARIAN And you don't deal drugs? The Disciple Prospect removes his sunglasses and looks at her mock reprovingly. DISCIPLE PROSPECT Who told you we deal drugs? MARIAN I'm just concerned about my daughter. DISCIPLE PROSPECT You don't have to worry. She's going to be fine. We're law-abiding citizens just like you. MARIAN What about yesterday? Kicking that poor boy? DISCIPLE PROSPECT (mildly annoyed) That poor boy's a crack dealer from Alphabet City. We do not allow his kind on this block. Marian seems to accept the explanation. She glances up. THE CLUBHOUSE DOOR - The black, forbidding door leading into the clubhouse with its painting of Death on a stylized Harley, gripping lightning bolts for handlebars. DISCIPLE PROSPECT - looking at Marian looking up at the door. DISCIPLE PROSPECT Is there something else I can do for you? MARIAN Well, I'd love to see inside your club. DISCIPLE PROSPECT (taken aback) You want to come inside? MARIAN Well, if you're not holding a meeting or anything. EXT. CLUBHOUSE ENTRANCE - DAY - A FEW MOMENTS LATER The Disciple Prospect emerges from the club with the HEAD DISCIPLE, a gentle giant of a man with a long, flowing wispy beard and an old man's paunch. They're muttering about something. DISCIPLE PROSPECT Her daughter lives across the street and she was wondering ... HEAD DISCIPLE What? DISCIPLE PROSPECT She's curious ... The Head Disciple glances over at Marian standing curbside, expectantly awaiting approval. He sees that she's ingenuous. HEAD DISCIPLE What the hell ... (calling out to Marian) Come on in. Marian, smiling, comes forward. HEAD DISCIPLE (pointing to the steps leading up to the door) You watch your step here. And the three disappear inside. INT. SATAN'S DISCIPLES' CLUBHOUSE - DAY The hallway leading into the clubhouse is dark and gloomy. ROCK MUSIC assails them as they make their passage into the main room. CLUBHOUSE MAIN ROOM - They reach the main room where about ten or so DISCIPLES are lounging about. One has his nose in a book, The Road Less Traveled. Another reads the Wall Street Journal. Two others are seated at a card table, playing a game of poker. Still another is sprawled on a couch, smoking a cigarette. The walls are festooned with biker posters. The place is a bit of a mess, but innocuous. The Head Disciple stands in the center of the room and addresses his clan. HEAD DISCIPLE Hey, guys. This here is, uh ... He turns to Marian, realizing he doesn't know her name. MARIAN (meekly) Marian. HEAD DISCIPLE (booming voice) Marian! A CHORUS OF VOICES Hi, Marian. Hey, Marian. Yo, Marian. Marian blushes at their warm response to her unexpected appearance. HEAD DISCIPLE (explaining her visit) Marian's daughter lives across the street and she was a little worried about her. DISCIPLE #1 Swear to God, lady, she's not here. Laughter erupts. Marian smiles. DISCIPLE #2 Hey, is she cute? DISCIPLE #3 Does she like motorcycles? DISCIPLE #4 Can she cook? Amiable laughter fills the room. Marian laughs with them. She glances all around her, fascinated by this dungeon she had dreamed and fantasized about since she first arrived in New York. MARIAN You know, this isn't so bad. It looks like our kids' rooms when they were growing up. INSERT SHOTS - of overflowing ashtrays, crushed beer cans, fast food wrappers balled up and strewn on tables. BACK - to Marian, her brow knitted thoughtfully in a schoolmarmish expression. MARIAN Could use some cleaning. INSERT SHOTS - of several of the Disciples' FACES, turning to her in SLOW MOTION with mock baleful looks of disapprobation. THERE'S A BEAT, then ... CUT TO: INT. CLUBHOUSE - DAY - MONTAGE A MONTAGE, with abbreviated SCENES DISSOLVING one into another of Marian supervising a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning of the clubhouse: One Disciple sprays Easy-Off in a blackened oven. Another empties ashtrays. Yet Another vacuums. Still others pick up wrappers from under the couch, while Marian wags a reproving finger at them. One Disciple tosses the contents of an ashtray under the couch while Marian isn't looking. DISSOLVE TO: INT. CLUBHOUSE - DAY - MONTAGE CONTINUING - LATER Marian in the kitchen, wearing the cut-off blue jeans insignia jacket of the Satan's Disciples, their colors emblazoned on the back. She pops the top on a can of beer and pours some of it into a huge pot of chili she's stirring over a stove, while the Disciples sit patiently in the background at a bar awaiting the food. Marian tries a sip of the beer and some of the Disciples smile approvingly. A FEW MOMENTS LATER - Marian ladles chili into all of their bowls in a series of JUMP CUTS. DISSOLVE TO: INT. CLUBHOUSE - DAY - STILL LATER All the Disciples are huddled around Marian in the middle of the clubhouse, as if she were the mother hen, arms folded across their chests, smiles creasing their faces, sated. MARIAN Well, I'd better be going. It was nice meeting all of you. DISCIPLE #1 Thanks, Marian. CHORUS OF OTHER DISCIPLES Thanks, Marian. DISCIPLE #2 The food was outstanding. Marian starts off. HEAD DISCIPLE You know, if we can do anything for you, Marian, you just let us know. MARIAN (turns, considers for a moment) Well, there is one thing. (beat, mildly scolding) At night, your motorcycles are so darn loud, I'm not getting much sleep. Now, I'm going home in a few days, so ... could I ask you to keep them quiet? Some of the Disciples exchange petulant looks, rolling their eyes at the request. HEAD DISCIPLE (mollifying) Well, we'll, uh, see what we can do, Marian. All the Disciples break into laughter. MARIAN Thank you. CUT TO: EXT. BUILDING - DAY A narrow, stand-alone ten-story isosceles-shaped office building, on an island of land in downtown Manhattan. ESTABLISHING SHOT. INT. OFFICE - DAY Paula, with her mother in tow, knocks on an open office door. PAULA Hello. NEW ANGLE - DON PALMER, an avuncular-looking man in his mid-forties rises from his desk. MR. PALMER Come in. Paula and Marian enter the office and halt mid-room across from his desk. PAULA Don, this is my mother. (turns to Marian) Mom, this is my boss, Don Palmer. MARIAN (enthusiastically) Oh, it's so nice to meet you. MR. PALMER We're very glad to have your daughter working for us. MARIAN (blurting out) I met the Satan's Disciples today. MR. PALMER (chuckling nervously) Really? PAULA Mother, I ... MARIAN (waving her daughter off) My daughter lives right across the street from the Satan's Disciples' clubhouse, and I was so worried about her ... so, I went over and introduced myself. And they were the nicest people. Paula and Mr. Palmer exchange disquieting glances. MR. PALMER (playing along) Well, that's a very unusual New York experience. MARIAN I had a wonderful time. Paula is in a mild state of shock hearing her mother's fantastical anecdote. CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - NIGHT Paula is sitting at the dining table with a plate piled with roast chicken, potatoes, and broccoli in front of her. She has a worried look etched on her face. Marian is in the kitchen in the background, feeling light and happy, a singsong quality to her voice. She brings a plate of food for herself to the table. MARIAN And they were so friendly those young men. Though I do think they should shave their beards and ... and get some nicer clothes. Marian sits down at the table and takes a sip of her wine, picks up her utensils and gets ready to dig in. She turns to Paula who isn't touching her food, her head in her hands. Marian, seemingly oblivious of her daughter's feelings, prattles on. MARIAN What do you say ... we take a subway uptown and see a play tonight? Marian finally notices that Paula isn't listening. MARIAN What's wrong? PAULA Mom ... I mean, it's amusing to imagine such a thing, but ... how many of those pills have you been taking? MARIAN (stung, taken aback) Oh, that has nothing to do with it. PAULA No, no, it's my fault. I've been pushing you too hard to do things on your own. Marian retreats into herself, sips her wine - as if she, herself, now wonders if she's lost her mind - and her buoyant mood deflates almost at once. PAULA The, um, other night, I got up to get a glass of water and you were standing by the window talking to daddy. I called out to you, but you didn't answer. You remember? Marian doesn't remember, and her daughter's words pierce her. She's afraid to object. PAULA New York is a ... it's a strange place in the summertime. The noise, the warm air, it's ... easy to imagine things. Paula lays a reassuring hand on Marian's arm, talks to her condescendingly, as if she were a child. PAULA Now, you know you didn't go into the clubhouse, did you? Marian doesn't bother to argue, fearing anything she might say would compromise her. PAULA (CONT'D) It's okay. Dad's dying put a lot of stress on you. But you're going to be all right. We're all going to be all right. Where did you get this vivid imagination, huh? Paula grips Marian's arm a little tighter and shakes it gently as if snapping her back to reality. Marian returns her a tight-lipped smile. FADE OUT. INT. CO-OP - NIGHT Marian, lying supine on the convertible sofa bed by the open window, snoring peacefully. EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - NIGHT On the sidewalk, the Disciple Prospect sits next to the fire breathing oil drum, standing sentry over the Harleys. One of the Disciples comes out of the clubhouse and they high five. The Disciple mounts his Harley and is about to kick start it to life, when the Disciple Prospect rises from his stool. DISCIPLE PROSPECT Yo, man! The Disciple about to start his bike, turns. The Disciple Prospect raises two fingers to his lips in a kind of warning, then gestures up to Paula's co-op where Marian is sleeping. The Disciple, remembering the new rule, nods assent with a slightly annoyed expression. Then, he puts his Harley into neutral, dismounts, and starts slowly walking it down the quiet, ill-lit street. INT. CO-OP - NIGHT The room is cast in soft ambient light from the street. Paula comes into the living room and lies down next to her mother on the sofa bed and rouses her awake. Marian swims leadenly back to consciousness. PAULA Mom, I need to talk to you. MARIAN (still drowsy) If it's about the bikers, dear, I don't want to talk about it. PAULA No, I had a dream about daddy. Do you think I'll ever meet anyone like him? MARIAN Oh, I hope so, dear. PAULA You know that guy in the pictures you saw? MARIAN Aaron? PAULA Yeah ... turned out to be a real jerk. MARIAN I'm sorry. Marian pats her daughter on the arm. Paula pricks up her ears for a minute. PAULA It's unusually quiet tonight, isn't it? MARIAN Mm hmm. FADE TO: EXT. CENTRAL PARK - DAY A lovely, sun-drenched day. Shadows dapple a promenade along one of the park's many ponds. Paula and Marian walk arm-in arm. PAULA I think you should consider coming out and staying with me longer. MARIAN Oh, I don't want to be in the way. You've got your career and everything. PAULA You wouldn't be in the way. I like having you around. MARIAN Dear, I was thinking. Why don't we go to Paris next year? I've never been. Your father, God bless him, wasn't much for traveling. PAULA I'd love to. They walk off into the golden light. CUT TO: INT. CO-OP - DAY Marian is finishing up her packing. Paula comes from the kitchen, bearing a gift for her mother to take home with her. PAULA Here you go. (Marian accepts the gift) I think you should talk to Dr. Byrne when you get back about how much Valium he's prescribing. Okay? MARIAN At my age, I'm going to take any pill that makes me feel better. PAULA Mother! MARIAN I can make my own decisions. Paula extends her arms and embraces her mother. PAULA I love you, Mom. (turns to leave) I have to run. You remembered to call the limousine service, right? MARIAN Mm hmm. PAULA (pulling on her backpack) Well, bye. And have a safe trip ... and ... Paris in the spring! MARIAN (pensive) Goodbye, sweetheart. Paula blows her mother a kiss and Marian throws her daughter a little wave. CUT TO: EXT. EAST 5TH STREET - DAY Marian steps down the stairs of her daughter's building. A smile breaks out on her face when she SEES: A MOTORCADE - of idling Harleys in the middle of the street, waiting for her. MARIAN - turns to the Head Disciple, materializing behind her, carrying her luggage. He gestures with his head toward the motorcycles. THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET - The Disciple Prospect takes Marian's luggage from the Head Disciple and hauls it over to one of the waiting Harleys and straps it on to the carrying rack. Then, he helps Marian onto the back of the Harley she's going to be riding to the airport. Gently, he places a helmet - festooned with decals of fire-breathing reptiles - over her head and affixes the chin-strap. DISCIPLE PROSPECT All right? Marian nods and beams at the same time. The other Harleys form a circle around Marian's motorcycle. The Disciple Prospect gives them a signal and they start off, one by one, forming a V-shaped procession. Marian, completely comfortable on her motorcycle, her arms around her Disciple escort, her fever dream now manifest. CRANE UP as the procession heads down East 5TH. WHITE OUT - CREDITS