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+"The Princess Bride" by William Goldman 1987-Shooting Draft---------------------------------------------------------------------------FADE IN ON:A VIDEO GAME ON A COMPUTER SCREENThe game is in progress. As a sick coughing sound is heard. CUT TO:THIS KIDlying in bed, coughing. Pale, one sick cookie. Maybe he'sseven or eight or nine. He holds a remote in one hand,presses it, and the video game moves a little bit. Then he'shit by another spasm of coughing, puts the remote down.His room is monochromatic, greys and blues, mildly high-tech.We're in the present day and this is a middle class house,somewhere in the suburbs. CUT TO:The Kid's MOTHER as she enters, goes to him, fluffs hispillows, kisses him, and briefly feels his forehead. She'sworried, it doesn't show. During this MOTHER You feeling any better? THE KID A little bit. MOTHER Guess what. THE KID What? MOTHER Your grandfather's here. THE KID (not overjoyed) Mom, can't you tell him that I'm sick? MOTHER You are sick, that's why he's here. THE KID He'll pinch my cheek. I hate that. MOTHER Maybe he won't.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.The Kid shoots her an "I'm sure" look, as we CUT TO:THE KID'S GRANDFATHER bursting into the room. Kind ofrumpled. But the eyes are bright. He has a wrapped packagetucked under one arm as be immediately goes to The Kid,pinches his cheek. GRANDFATHER Hey! How's the sickie? Heh?The Kid gives his Mother an "I told you so" look. The Motherignores it, beats a retreat. MOTHER I think I'll leave you two pals.And she is gone. There's an uncomfortable silence, then... GRANDFATHER I brought you a special present. THE KID What is it? GRANDFATHER Open it up.The Kid does. He does his best to smile. THE KID A book? GRANDFATHER That's right. When I was your age, television was called books. And this is a special book. It was the book my father used to read to me when I was sick, and I used to read it to your father. And today, I'm gonna read it to you. THE KID Has it got any sports in it? CUT TO:THE GRANDFATHERSuddenly passionate.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. GRANDFATHER Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles. CUT TO:THE TWO OF THEM as the Grandfather sits in a chair by the bed. THE KID (manages a shrug) It doesn't sound too bad. I'll try and stay awake. GRANDFATHER Oh. Well, thank you very much. It's very nice of you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming. All right. (Book open now, be begins to read.) The Princess Bride, by S. Morgenstern. Chapter One. Buttercup was raised on a small farm in the country of Florin. DISSOLVE TO:The story he's reading about, as the monochromatic look ofthe bedroom is replaced by the dazzling color of the Englishcountryside. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) Her favorite pastimes were riding her horse and tormenting the farm boy that worked there. His name was Westley, but she never called him that. (to the kid) Isn't that a wonderful beginning? THE KID (off-screen doing his best) Yeah. It's really good. GRANDFATHER (off-screen reading) Nothing gave Buttercup as much pleasure as ordering Westley around. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.BUTTERCUPS FARM - DAYBUTTERCUP is standing, holding the reins of her horse, whilein the background, WESTLEY, in the stable doorway, looks ather. Buttercup is in her late teens; doesn't care much aboutclothes and she hates brushing her long hair, so she isn'tas attractive as she might be, but she's still probably themost beautiful woman in the world. BUTTERCUP Farm boy. Polish my horse's saddle. I want to see my face shining in it by morning. WESTLEY (quietly, watching her) As you wish.Westley is perhaps half a dozen years older than Buttercup.And maybe as handsome as she is beautiful. He gazes at heras she walks away. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) "As you wish" was all he ever said to her. DISSOLVE TO:WESTLEY, outside, chopping wood. Buttercup drops two largebuckets near him. BUTTERCUP Farm Boy. Fill these with water -- (a beat) --please. WESTLEY As you wish.She leaves; his eyes stay on her. She stops, turns -- hemanages to look away as now her eyes stay on him. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying, "As you wish," what he meant was, "I love you." DISSOLVE TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.BUTTERCUP IN THE KITCHEN - DUSKWestley enters with an armload of firewood. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) And even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back. BUTTERCUP (pointing to a pitcher that she could reach herself) Farm Boy, fetch me that pitcher.He gets it, hands it to her; they are standing very close toeach other gazing into each other's eyes. WESTLEY As you wish.Now he turns, moves outside. DISSOLVE TO:WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP, outside his tiny hovel in the redglow of sunset. They are locked in a passionate kiss. THE KID (off-screen) -hold it, hold it- CUT TO:THE KID'S ROOM THE KID What is this? Are you trying to trick me? -- Where's the sports? -- Is this a kissing book? GRANDFATHER -- wait, just wait -- THE KID -- well, when does it get good? GRANDFATHER Keep your shirt on. Let me read. (reading again) Westley had no money for marriage. So he packed his few belongings and left the farm to seek his fortune across the sea. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6.WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUPThey stand near the gate to the farm, locked in an embrace. GRANDFATHER (off-screen reading) It was a very emotional time for Buttercup -- THE KID (off-screen groaning) I don't be-leeve this. BUTTERCUP I fear I'll never see you again. WESTLEY Of course you will. BUTTERCUP But what if something happens to you? WESTLEY Hear this now: I will come for you. BUTTERCUP But how can you be sure? WESTLEY This is true love. You think this happens every day?He smiles at her, she smiles too, throws her arms so tightlyaround him. They kiss. Then as Westley walks away, Buttercupwatches him go. GRANDFATHER (off-screen reading) Westley didn't reach his destination. His ship was attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who never left captives alive. When Buttercup got the news that Westley was murdered -- THE KID (off-screen, perking up a little) -- murdered by pirates is good -- CUT TO:CLOSE UP: Buttercup, staring out the window of her room.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) She went into her room and shut the door. And for days, she neither slept nor ate. BUTTERCUP (no emotion at all in her voice) I will never love again.HOLD ON HER FACE, perfect and perfectly sad. DISSOLVE TO:FLORIN CASTLE - DAYThe main courtyard of Florin replete with townspeople,livestock, and a bustling marketplace. GRANDFATHER (off-screen reading) Five years later, the main square of Florin City was filled as never before to hear the announcement of the great Prince Humperdinck's bride-to be. CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCK, a man of incredible power and bearing,standing in his royal robes on a castle balcony. Threeothers standing behind him: an OLD COUPLE with crowns, theaging KING AND QUEEN, and a dark bearded man who seems thePrince's match in strength: this is COUNT RUGEN. HUMPERDINCK (raises his hands, starts to speak) My people ... a month from now, our country will have its 500th anniversary. On that sundown, I shall marry a lady who was once a commoner like yourselves -- (pause) -- but perhaps you will not find her common now. Would you like to meet her?And the answering YESSSS booms like summer thunder. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8.A giant staircase leading to the CROWD and as a FIGURE justbegins to become visible, CUT TO:THE CROWD, as they see the figure. (We haven't yet.) And ifthere is such a thing as collective action, then this crowd,collectively, holds its breath. CUT TO:THE STAIRCASE, as the figure appears in the archway. It isButtercup. And she resplendent. HUMPERDINCK My people ... the Princess Buttercup!!She descends the stairs and starts to move amongst the people. CUT TO:THE CROWD, and they do a very strange thing: with noinstruction at all, they suddenly go to their knees. Greatwaves of people kneeling and -- CUT TO:BUTTERCUP, terribly moved. She stands immobile among hersubjects, blinking back tears. HOLD on her beauty for amoment. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) Buttercup's emptiness consumed her. Although the law of the land gave Humperdinck the right to choose his bride, she did not love him. CUT TO:WOODLANDS-- and Buttercup, barreling along, controlling her horseeasily. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) Despite Humperdinck's reassurance that she would grow to love him, the only joy she found was in her daily ride. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9.A WOODED GLEN - CLOSE TO SUNDOWNLovely, quiet, deserted. Buttercup suddenly reins in. VOICE A word, my lady? CUT TO:THREE MEN, standing close together in the path. Beyond themcan be seen the waters of Florin Channel. The three men arenot your everyday commuter types. Standing in front is atiny man with the most angelic face. He is Sicilian and hisname is VIZZINI. Beside him is a Spaniard, erect and taut asa blade of steel. His name is INIGO MONTOYA. Beside him is agiant. His name is FEZZIK. VIZZINI We are but poor, lost circus performers. Is there a village nearby? BUTTERCUP There is nothing nearby; not for miles. VIZZINI Then there will be no one to hear you scream-He nods to the giant, Fezzik, who merely reaches over,touches a nerve on Buttercup's neck, and the start of ascream is all she manages --unconsciousness comes that fast.As she starts to fall -- CUT TO:A TINY ISOLATED SPOT AT THE EDGE OF FLORIN CHANNELA sailboat is moored. It's dusk now, shadows are long.Inigo, the Spaniard, busies himself getting the boat ready. CUT TO:The giant Fezzik carries Buttercup, unconscious, on board.Vizzini rips some tiny pieces of fabric from an army jacketand tucks them along the saddle of Buttercup's horse. Thereis about the entire operation a sense of tremendous skilland precision. INIGO What is that you're ripping?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. VIZZINI (not stopping or turning) It's fabric from the uniform of an Army officer of Guilder. FEZZIK Who's Guilder? VIZZINI (pointing straight out) The country across the sea. The sworn enemy of Florin. (slaps the horse's rump) Go!The horse takes off. They start for the boat. VIZZINI Once the horse reaches the castle, the fabric will make the Prince suspect the Guilderians have abducted his love. When he finds her body dead on the Guilder frontier, his suspicions will be totally confirmed. FEZZIK You never said anything about killing anyone.Vizzini hops onto the boat. VIZZINI I've hired you to help me start a war. That's a prestigious line of work with a long and glorious tradition. FEZZIK I just don't think it's right, killing an innocent girl. VIZZINI (whirling on Fezzik) Am I going mad or did the word "think" escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you hippopotamic land mass. INIGO I agree with Fezzik. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11.CLOSE UP: Vizzini, in a fury. VIZZINI (We only thought he was in a fury --now he's really getting mad) Oh. The sot has spoken. What happens to her is not truly your concern -- I will kill her -- (louder) And remember this -- never forget this -- CUT TO:INIGO AND FEZZIK, as Vizzini advances on them. Nothing showson Inigo's face, but FEZZIK is panicked by Vizzini. VIZZINI (to Inigo) -- when I found you, you were so slobbering drunk you couldn't buy brandy -- (now to Fezzik, who retreats as much as he can while Vizzini advances) -- and you -- friendless, brainless, helpless, hopeless -- Do you want me to send you back to where you were, unemployed in Greenland?Vizzini glares at him, then turns, leaves them.During this, Inigo has gone close to FEZZIK, who is verydistressed at the insults he's just received. As Inigo castsoff. INIGO (softly) That Vizzini, he can fuss. (a slight emphasis on the last word) FEZZIK (looking at Inigo) ... fuss ... fuss ... (Suddenly, he's got it again, emphasis on the last word.) I think he likes to scream at us.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. INIGO Probably he means no harm. FEZZIK He's really very short on charm. INIGO (proudly) Oh, you've a great gift for rhyme. FEZZIK Yes, some of the time. (he starts to smile) VIZZINI (whirling on them) Enough of that.As they sail off, we hear their voices as the boat recedes. INIGO FEZZIK, are there rocks ahead? FEZZIK If there are, we'll all be dead. VIZZINI No more rhymes now, I mean it. FEZZIK Anybody want a peanut?As Vizzini screams we: DISSOLVE TO:THE SAILBOAT RACING ACROSS THE DARK WATERSInigo is at the helm, FEZZIK stands near the body of theprincess, whose eyelids flutter slightly -- or do they?Vizzini sits motionless. The waves are higher, there areonly occasional flashes of moon slanting down between clouds. VIZZINI (to Inigo) We'll reach the Cliffs by dawn.Inigo nods, glances back. VIZZINI Why are you doing that?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. INIGO Making sure nobody's following us. VIZZINI That would be inconceivable. BUTTERCUP Despite what you think, you will be caught. And when you are, the Prince will see you all hanged.Vizzini turns a cold eye on the Princess. VIZZINI Of all the necks on this boat, Highness, the one you should be worrying about is your own.Inigo keeps staring behind them. VIZZINI Stop doing that. We can all relax, it's almost over- INIGO You're sure nobody's following us? VIZZINI As I told you, it would be absolutely, totally, and in all other ways, inconceivable. No one in Guilder knows what we've done. And no one in Florin could have gotten here so fast. Out of curiosity, why do you ask? INIGO No reason. It's only, I just happened to look behind us, and something is there. VIZZINI What?And suddenly the three whirl, stare back and as they do -- CUT TO:THE DARKNESS BEHIND THEMIt's hard to see; the moon is behind clouds now. But thewind whistles. And the waves pound.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14.And suddenly it's all gone ominous. CUT TO:INIGO, FEZZIK, AND VIZZINI squinting back, trying desperatelyto see. At this moment, they are all holding their breaths. CUT TO:THE DARKNESS BEHIND THEMAnd there's still nothing to be seen. It's still ominous.Only now it's eerie too.Then --The moon slips through and --Inigo was right -- something is very much there. A sailboat.Black. With a great billowing sail. Black. It's a gooddistance behind them, but it's coming like hell, closing thegap. CUT TO:INIGO, FEZZIK, AND VIZZINIstaring at the other boat. VIZZINI (explaining with as much logic as he can muster) Probably some local fisherman out for a pleasure cruise at night through eel-infested waters.And now as a sound comes from their boat they turn as we CUT TO:BUTTERCUP, diving into the water, starting to swim away. CUT TO:THE BOATand Vizzini screaming. VIZZINI Go in, get after her! INIGO I don't swim.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15. FEZZIK (to the unasked question) I only dog paddle. VIZZINI Veer left. Left. Left! CUT TO:BUTTERCUPstill close to the boat, switching from a crawl to a silentbreast stroke. The wind dies and as it does, something newis heard. A not-too-distant high-pitched shrieking sound.Buttercup stops suddenly, treads water. CUT TO:THE BOAT VIZZINI Do you know what that sound is, Highness? Those are the Shrieking Eels -- if you doubt me, just wait. They always grow louder when they're about to feed on human flesh. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP, treading water, still not far from the boat. Theshrieking sounds are getting louder and more terrifying.Buttercup stays silent. CUT TO:THE BOAT VIZZINI If you swim back now, I promise, no harm will come to you. I doubt you will get such an offer from the Eels. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP, and she's a gutsy girl. The shrieking sound islouder still, but she doesn't make a sound. Behind her now,something dark and gigantic slithers past.She's scared, sure, petrified, who wouldn't be, but shemakes no reply ---- and now a SHRIEKING EEL has zeroed in on her ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16.-- and now she sees it, a short distance away, circling,starting to close ---- and Buttercup is frozen, trying not to make a movement ofany kind ---- and the Eel slithers closer, closer ---- and Buttercup knows it now, there's nothing she can do,it's over, all over ---- and now the Eel opens its mouth wide, and it's never madesuch a noise, and as its great jaws are about to clampdown -- GRANDFATHER (off-screen) She doesn't get eaten by the Eels at this time.And the second we hear him: CUT TO:THE SICK KID'S ROOMThe Kid looks the same, pale and weak, but maybe he'sgripping the sheets a little too tightly with his hands. THE KID What? GRANDFATHER The Eel doesn't get her. I'm explaining to you because you looked nervous. THE KID Well, I wasn't nervous.His Grandfather says nothing, just waits. THE KID Well, maybe I was a little bit concerned. But that's not the same thing. GRANDFATHER Because I can stop now if you want. THE KID No. You could read a little bit more ... if you want.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17.He grips the sheets again, as the Grandfather picks up thebook. GRANDFATHER (reading) "Do you know what that sound is, Highness?" CUT TO:VIZZINIWe're back in the boat. VIZZINI Those are the Shrieking Eels. THE KID (off-screen) We're past that, Grandpa. CUT TO:THE SICK KID'S ROOM THE KID You read it already. GRANDFATHER Oh. Oh my goodness, I did. I'm sorry. Beg your pardon. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPtreading water. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) All right, all right, let's see. Uh, she was in the water, the Eel was coming after her. She was frightened. The Eel started to charge her. And then -And we're back where we were at the last moment we saw her,Buttercup frozen, the Shrieking Eel, jaws wide, about toclamp down as we CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18.A GIANT ARMpounding the Eel unconscious in one move, then easilylifting Buttercup.PULL BACK TO REVEALThe boat and FEZZIK, Buttercup being deposited on the deck. VIZZINI Put her down. Just put her down. CUT TO:INIGOpointing behind them. INIGO I think he's getting closer.Vizzini, tying Buttercup's hands. VIZZINI He's no concern of ours. Sail on! (to Buttercup) I suppose you think you're brave, don't you? BUTTERCUP (staring deep at him) Only compared to some. DISSOLVE TO:The boat at dawn, being followed closely by the blacksailboat, which we can see for the first time is beingsailed by a MAN IN BLACK, and his boat almost seems to beflying. INIGO Look! He's right on top of us. I wonder if he is using the same wind we are using. VIZZINI Whoever he is, he's too late -- (pointing ahead of them) -- see? (big) The Cliffs of Insanity.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19.And once he's said the name-- CUT TO:THE CLIFFS OF INSANITY - DAWNThey rise straight up, sheer from the water, impossibly high. CUT TO:THE TWO SAILBOATSin a wild race for the Cliffs and the Man In Black isclosing faster than ever, but not fast enough, the lead wastoo great to overcome, and as Inigo sails with greatprecision straight at the Cliffs CUT TO:THE BOATbeing pursued. VIZZINI Hurry up. Move the thing! Um ... that other thing. Move it! (staring back now) We're safe -- only FEZZIK is strong enough to go up our way -- he'll have to sail around for hours 'til he finds a harbor.There is much activity going on, all of it swift, expert,economical. FEZZIK reaches up along the Cliff face, grabs ajutting rock, reaches behind it. Suddenly there is a thickrope in his hands. He drops back to the boat, gives the ropea freeing swing and CUT TO:THE CLIFFSThe rope goes all the way to the top. CUT TO:INIGOhurrying to FEZZIK. He straps a harness to him, then liftsButtercup and Vizzini in the harness. Finally, he himselfgets in the harness. All three are strapped to FEZZIK likepapooses.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20.And he starts to ascend the rope, carrying them all alongwith him as he goes. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACK, sailing in toward the Cliffs of Insanity,watching as FEZZIK rises swiftly through the first momentsof dawn. CUT TO:THE TOP OF THE CLIFFS - LOOKING DOWNFEZZIK'S GROUP is only faintly visible far below. This isthe first time we've gotten the real vertigo feeling andit's a gasper. CUT TO:FEZZIK CLIMBING ON. Buttercup is almost out of her mind withfear. CUT TO:THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CLIFFSFEZZIK is moving right along; however high they are, he'salready over a third of the way done. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKleaping from his ship to the rope, starting to climb. He'simpossibly far behind, but the way he goes you'd think hedidn't know that because he is flying up the rope, hand overhand like lightning. CUT TO:VIZZINI AND THE OTHERS INIGO (looking down) He's climbing the rope. And he's gaining on us. VIZZINI Inconceivable!He prods FEZZIK, who nods, increases his pace. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21.THE MAN IN BLACKroaring up the rope, and CUT TO:LONG SHOT - THE CLIFFS-- and the Man In Black is cutting deeply into FEZZIK's lead. CUT TO:VIZZINI AND THE OTHERS VIZZINI (shrieking) Faster! FEZZIK I thought I was going faster. VIZZINI You were supposed to be this colossus. You were this great, legendary thing. And yet he gains. FEZZIK Well, I'm carrying three people. And he's got only himself. VIZZINI (cutting through) -- I do not accept excuses. (shaking his head) I'm just going to have to find myself a new giant, that's all. FEZZIK (hurt) Don't say that, Vizzini. Please.And his arms begin moving much more slowly. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKHis arms still work as before. If anything, he has speededup. FEZZIK's lead is smaller and smaller CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22.THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE CLIFFSMaybe a hundred feet for FEZZIK to go. Maybe more. CUT TO:VIZZINI AND THE OTHERS, and it's getting too close now. VIZZINI Did I make it clear that your job is at stake? CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKless than a hundred feet behind them. And gaining. CUT TO:THE CLIFF TOP AS FEZZIK MAKES IT!Vizzini leaps off and takes out a knife, begins to cut therope which is tied around a great rock while Inigo helps thePrincess to her feet and FEZZIK just stands around, waitingfor someone to tell him to do something. Nearby are somestone ruins. Once they might have been a fort, now the kindof resemble Stonehenge. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKfeet from the top now, maybe less -- maybe only 50 -- andhis pace is as dazzling as before, and CUT TO:VIZZINIcutting through the last of the rope and CUT TO:THE ROPEslithering across the ground and out of sight toward theChannel, like some great serpent at last going home. CUT TO:FEZZIKstanding with Inigo and Buttercup by the cliff edge.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23. FEZZIK (to Inigo -- impressed) He has very good arms. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKhanging suspended hundreds of feet in the air, holding tothe jagged rocks, desperately trying to cling to life. CUT TO:VIZZINIstunned, turning to the others, looking down. VIZZINI He didn't fall? Inconceivable!! INIGO (whirling on Vizzini) You keep using that word -- I do not think it means what you think it means. (looks down again) My God! He's climbing. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKand so he is. Very slowly, he is picking his way upwards,sometimes a foot at a time, sometimes an inch. CUT TO:The group at the top, staring down. VIZZINI Whoever he is, he's obviously seen us with the Princess, and must therefore die. (to Fezzik) You, carry her. (to Inigo) We'll head straight for the Guilder frontier. Catch up when he's dead. If he falls, fine. If not, the sword.Inigo nods.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24. INIGO I want to duel him left-handed. VIZZINI You know what a hurry we're in. INIGO Well, it's the only way I can be satisfied. If I use my right -- tch -- over too quickly. VIZZINI (turns abruptly, starts off-screen) Oh, have it your way. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKstill creeping his way upward. CUT TO:FEZZIKwho goes to Inigo. FEZZIK You be careful. (gravely) -- people in masks cannot be trusted. VIZZINI (calling out) I'm waiting!FEZZIK nods, hurries after Vizzini. CUT TO:INIGOHe watches them depart, then turns, peers down over theCliffs. He watches a moment, then paces, shaking his handsloose. He practices a few of his honed fencing skills. He isa taut and nervous fellow, and has never been one forwaiting around. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25.THE MAN IN BLACKclimbing on. He must be six inches closer to the top thanwhen last we saw him. Inigo is watching. CUT TO:INIGOwalking away. Finally he goes back to cliff edge, starts totalk. It's instant death if the Man In Black falls, butneither gives that possibility much credence. This is ourtwo heroes meeting. They don't know it yet; but that's whatit is. INIGO (hollering down) Hello there.The Man In Black glances up, kind of grunts. INIGO Slow going? MAN IN BLACK Look, I don't mean to be rude, but this is not as easy as it looks. So I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't distract me. INIGO Sorry. MAN IN BLACK Thank you.Inigo steps away, draws his sword, loosens up with a fewperfect thrusts. Then resheathes and looks eagerly over theedge again. INIGO I do not suppose you could speed things up? MAN IN BLACK (with some beat) If you're in such a hurry, you could lower a rope, or a tree branch, or find something useful to do.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26. INIGO I could do that. In fact, I've got some rope up here. But I do not think that you will accept my help, since I am only waiting around to kill you. MAN IN BLACK That does put a damper on our relationship.He finds another bold a few inches higher. INIGO But I promise I will not kill you until you reach the top. MAN IN BLACK That's very comforting. But I'm afraid you'll just have to wait. INIGO I hate waiting. I could give you my word as a Spaniard. MAN IN BLACK No good. I've known too many Spaniards.And he just hangs there in space, resting, gathering hisstrength. INIGO You don't know any way you'll trust me? MAN IN BLACK Nothing comes to mind.And on these words, CAMERA ZOOMS into a CLOSE UP on Inigo.He raises his right hand high, his eyes blaze, and his voicetakes on a tone we have not heard before. INIGO I swear on the soul of my father, Domingo Montoya, you will reach the top alive. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACK.There is a pause. Then, quietly:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27. MAN IN BLACK Throw me the rope. CUT TO:INIGOHe dashes to the giant rock the rope was originally tied to. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKas his grip loosens a moment, trying to cling to the side ofthe cliff. CUT TO:INIGOnow with a small coil of rope, hurries back to the edge andhurls it over -- CUT TO:THE ROPEIt hangs close to the Man In Black. He releases the rocks,grabs the rope, hangs helplessly in space a moment, thenlooks up at Inigo and -- CUT TO:INIGOstraining, forcing his body away from the cliff edge and -- CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKrising through the early morning light, slowly, steadily,and as the cliff top at last comes within reach -- CUT TO:INIGOwatching as the Man In Black crawls to safety, then looks toInigo. MAN IN BLACK (pulling his sword) Thank you.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28. INIGO We'll wait until you're ready. MAN IN BLACK Again. Thank you.The Man In Black sits to rest on the boulder that once heldthe rope. He tugs off his leather boots and is amazed to seeseveral large rocks tumble out. The Man In Black wearsgloves. Inigo stares at them. INIGO I do not mean to pry, but you don't by any chance happen to have six fingers on your right hand?He glances up -- the question clearly baffles him. MAN IN BLACK Do you always begin conversations this way? INIGO My father was slaughtered by a sixfingered man. He was a great swordmaker, my father. And when the six-fingered man appeared and requested a special sword, my father took the job. He slaved a year before he was done.He hands his sword to the Man In Black. MAN IN BLACK (fondling it-impressed) I have never seen its equal. CUT TO:CLOSE UP - INIGOEven now, this still brings pain. INIGO The six-fingered man returned and demanded it, but at one-tenth his promised price. My father refused. Without a word, the six-fingered man slashed him through the heart. I loved my father, so, naturally, challenged his murderer to a duel ... I failed ... (MORE)--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29. INIGO (CONT'D) the six-fingered man did leave me alive with the six-fingered sword, but he gave me these.He touches his scars. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKlooking up at Inigo. MAN IN BLACK How old were you? INIGO I was eleven years old. When I was strong enough, I dedicated my life to the study of fencing. So the next time we meet, I will not fail. I will go up to the sixfingered man and say, "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." MAN IN BLACK You've done nothing but study swordplay? INIGO More pursuit than study lately. You see, I cannot find him. It's been twenty years now. I am starting to lose confidence. I just work for Vizzini to pay the bills. There's not a lot of money in revenge. MAN IN BLACK (handing back the great sword, starting to rise) Well, I certainly hope you find him, someday. INIGO You are ready, then? MAN IN BLACK Whether I am or not, you've been more than fair.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30. INIGO You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you. MAN IN BLACK (walking away a few paces, unsheathing his sword) You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die. INIGO Begin!And on that word -- CUT TO:THE TWO OF THEMAnd what we are starting now is one of the two greatestsword fights in modern movies (the other one happens lateron), and right from the beginning it looks different.Because they aren't close to each other -- none of theswordscrossing "en garde" garbage.No, what we have here is two men, two athletes, and theylook to be too faraway to damage each other, but each timeone makes even the tiniest feint, the other counters, andthere is silence, and as they start to circle -- CUT TO:THE SIX-FINGERED SWORDfeinting here, feinting there and -- CUT TO:THE TWO MENfinished teasing, begin to duel in earnest.Their swords cross, then again, again, and the sound comesso fast it's almost continual. Inigo presses on, the Man InBlack retreating up a rocky incline. INIGO (thrilled) You're using Bonetti's defense against me, ah?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31. MAN IN BLACK I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain -- INIGO Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.And he shifts his style now. MAN IN BLACK (coping as best he can) -- naturally -- (suddenly shifting again) --but I find Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro, don't you?The Man In Black is now perched at the edge of the elevatedcastle ruin. No where to go, he jumps to the sand.Inigo stares down at him. INIGO Unless the enemy has studied his Agrippa-And now, with the grace of an Olympian, Inigo flies off theperch, somersaults clean over the Man In Black's head, andlands facing his opponent. INIGO -- which I have.The two men are almost flying across the rocky terrain,never losing balance, never coming close to stumbling; thebattle rages with incredible finesse, first one and then theother gaining the advantage, and by now, it's clear thatthis isn't just two athletes going at it, it's a lot morethat that. This is two legendary swashbucklers and they'rein their prime, it's Burt Lancaster in "The Crimson Pirate"battling Errol Flynn in "Robin Hood" and then, incredibly,the action begins going even faster than before as we CUT TO:INIGOAnd behind him now, drawing closer all the time, is thedeadly edge of the Cliffs of Insanity. Inigo fights andducks and feints and slashes and it all works, but not forlong, as gradually the Man In Black keeps the advantage,keeps forcing Inigo back, closer and closer to death.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32. INIGO (happy as a clam) You are wonderful! MAN IN BLACK Thank you -- I've worked hard to become so.The Cliff edge is very close now. Inigo is continually beingforced toward it. INIGO I admit it -- you are better than I am. MAN IN BLACK Then why are you smiling?Inches from defeat, Inigo is, in fact, all smiles. INIGO Because I know something you don't know. MAN IN BLACK And what is that? INIGO I am not left-handed.And he throws the six-fingered sword into his right hand andimmediately, the tide of battle turns. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKstunned, doing everything be can to keep Inigo by the Cliffedge. But no use. Slowly at first, he begins to retreat. Nowfaster, Inigo is in control and the Man In Black is desperate. CUT TO:INIGOand the six-fingered sword is all but invisible now, as heincreases his attack, then suddenly switches styles again. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33.A ROCKY STAIRCASE leading to a turret-shaped plateau, andthe Man In Black is retreating like mad up the steps and hecan't stop Inigo -- nothing can stop Inigo -- and in afrenzy, the Man In Black makes every feint, tries everythrust, lets go with all he has left. But he fails.Everything fails. He tries one or two final desperate movesbut they are nothing. MAN IN BLACK You're amazing! INIGO I ought to be after twenty years.And now the Man In Black is smashed into a stone pillar,pinned there under the six fingered sword. MAN IN BLACK (hollering it out) There's something I ought to tell you. INIGO Tell me. MAN IN BLACK I am not left-handed either.And now he changes hands, and at last, the battle is fullyjoined. CUT TO:INIGOAnd to his amazement, he is being forced back down the steps.He tries one style, another, but it all comes down to thesame thing -- the Man In Black seems to be in control. Andbefore Inigo knows it, the six-fingered sword is knockedclear out of his hand.Inigo retreats, dives from the stairs to a moss-covered barsuspended over the archway. He swings out, lands, andscrambles to his sword and we CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKwho watches Inigo, then casually tosses his sword to thelanding where it sticks in perfectly. Then the Man In Blackcopies INIGO. Not copies exactly, improves.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34.He dives to the bar, swings completely over it like a circusperformer and dismounts with a backflip. CUT TO:INIGOstaring in awe. INIGO Who are you?! MAN IN BLACK No one of consequence. INIGO I must know. MAN IN BLACK Get used to disappointment. INIGO Okay. CUT TO:INIGOmoving like lightning, and he thrusts forward, slashes,darts back, all in almost a single movement and -- CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKDodging, blocking, and again he thrusts forward, faster eventhan before, and again he slashes but -- CUT TO:INIGOAnd there is never a move anyone makes he doesn't remember,and this time he blocks the slash, slashes out himself withthe sixfingered sword.On it goes, back and forth across the rocky terrain, Inigo'sfeet moving with the grace and speed of a greatimprovisational dancer. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35.THE SIX-FINGERED SWORDas it is knocked free, arching up into the air, and -- CUT TO:INIGOcatching it again. And something terrible is written behindhis eyes: he has given his all, done everything man can do,tried every style, made every maneuver, but it wasn'tenough, and on his face for all to see is the realizationthat he, Inigo Montoya of Spain, is going to lose. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKmoving in for the end now, blocking everything, muzzlingeverything and CUT TO:THE SIX-FINGERED SWORDsent flying from Inigo's grip. He stands helpless only amoment. Then be drops to his knees, bows his head, shuts hiseyes. INIGO Kill me quickly. MAN IN BLACK I would as soon destroy a stained glass window as an artist like yourself. However, since I can't have you following me either --And he dunks Inigo's head with his heavy sword handle. Inigopitches forward unconscious. MAN IN BLACK Please understand, I hold you in the highest respect.He grabs his scabbard and takes off after the Princess and we CUT TO:CLOSE UP: VIZZINI VIZZINI Inconceivable!--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36.PULL BACK TO REVEALVizzini, staring down from a narrow mountain path, as farbelow the Man In Black can be seen running. FEZZIK, carryingthe Princess, stands alongside. It's a little later in themorning. VIZZINI Give her to me. (grabs Buttercup starts off) Catch up with us quickly. FEZZIK (starting to panic) What do I do? VIZZINI Finish him, finish him. Your way. FEZZIK Oh, good, my way. Thank you, Vizzini. (little pause) Which way is my way? CUT TO:A COUPLE OF ROCKSNothing gigantic. Vizzini points to them. There is a largeboulder nearby. VIZZINI Pick up one of those rocks, get behind the boulder, and in a few minutes, the Man in Black will come running around the bend. The minute his head is in view, hit it with the rock!As Vizzini and Buttercup hurry away. FEZZIK (little frown; softly) My way's not very sportsmanlike.He grabs one of the rocks and plods behind the boulder andwe -- DISSOLVE TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37.THE MAN IN BLACKracing up the mountain trail. Ahead is a bend in the trail.He sees it, slows. Then he stops, listening.Satisfied by the silence, he starts forward again and as herounds the bend -- a rock flies INTO FRAME, shattering on aboulder inches in front of him. CUT TO:FEZZIKHe moves into the mountain path. He has picked up anotherrock and holds it lightly. FEZZIK I did that on purpose. I don't have to miss. MAN IN BLACK I believe you -- So what happens now? FEZZIK We face each other as God intended. Sportsmanlike. No tricks, no weapons, skill against skill alone. MAN IN BLACK You mean, you'll put down your rock and I'll put down my sword, and we'll try to kill each other like civilized people? FEZZIK (gently) I could kill you now.He gets set to throw, but the Man In Black shakes his head,takes off his sword and scabbard, begins the approach towardthe Giant. MAN IN BLACK Frankly, I think the odds are slightly in your favor at hand fighting. FEZZIK It's not my fault being the biggest and the strongest. I don't even exercise.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38.He flips the rock away. CUT TO:THE MOUNTAIN PATH AND THE TWO MENThe Man In Black is not now and has never been a shrimp. Butit's like he wasn't even there, FEZZIK towers over him somuch.There is a moment's pause, and then the Man In Black divesat FEZZIK's chest, slams him several tremendous blows in thestomach, twists his arm severely, slips skillfully into abeautifully applied bear hug, and in general makes anynumber of terrific wrestling moves.FEZZIK just stands there, kind of taking in the scenery.Finally the Man In Black pushes himself away, stares up atthe Giant. MAN IN BLACK Look are you just fiddling around with me or what? FEZZIK I just want you to feel you're doing well. I hate for people to die embarrassed.They get set to begin again. Then suddenly -- CUT TO:FEZZIKas he jumps forward with stunning speed for anyone his sizeand reaches for the Man In Black who drops to his knees,spins loose, and slips between the Giant's legs. FEZZIK You're quick. MAN IN BLACK And a good thing too. FEZZIK (getting set for another onslaught) Why do you wear a mask? Were you burned by acid, or something like that?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39. MAN IN BLACK Oh no. It's just that they're terribly comfortable. I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.FEZZIK considers this a moment, then attacks, and if hemoved quickly last time, this time he is blinding and as theMan In Black slips down to avoid the charge, FEZZIK movesright with him, only instead of twisting free and jumping tohis feet, this time the Man In Black jumps for FEZZIK's backand in a moment he is riding him, and his arms have FEZZIK'sthroat, locked across FEZZIK's windpipe, one in front, onebehind. The Man In Black begins to squeeze. Tighter. FEZZIK (standing, talking as he does so) I just figured out why you give me so much trouble. CUT TO:FEZZIKas he charges toward a huge rock that lines the path, andjust as he reaches it he spins his giant body so that theentire weight of the charge is taken by the Man In Black. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKAnd the power of the charge is terrible, the pain enormous,but he clings to his grip at FEZZIK's windpipe. MAN IN BLACK (his arms never leave Fezzik's throat) Why is that, do you think? FEZZIK (his voice just beginning to get a little strained) Well, I haven't fought just one person for so long. I've been specializing in groups. Battling gangs for local charities, that kind of thing. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40.ANOTHER HUGE ROCK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PATHAgain FEZZIK charges, slower this time, but still a charge,and again he spins and creams the Man In Black against therough boulder. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKAnd the punishment is terrible, and for a moment it seems asif he is going to let go of Fezzik's windpipe and crumble,but he doesn't, he holds on. MAN IN BLACK Why should that make such a difference? FEZZIK Well ... (And now his voice is definitely growing weaker) ... you see, you use different moves when you're fighting half a dozen people than when you only have to be worried about one.Again FEZZIK slams the Man In Black against a boulder, onlythis time his power has diminished and Fezzik starts toslowly collapse. CUT TO:FEZZIKand there isn't much breath coming. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKholding his grip as FEZZIK tries to stand, halfway makes it,but there is no air. Back to his knees he falls, holds therefor a moment, and pitches down to all fours. The Man InBlack increases the pressure. FEZZIK tries to crawl. Butthere is just no air. No air. FEZZIK goes to earth and liesstill. CUT TO:FEZZIKas the Man In Black turns him over, puts his ear to FEZZIK'sheart. It beats. The Man In Black stands.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41. MAN IN BLACK I don't envy you the headache you will have when you awake. But, in the meantime, rest well ... and dream of large women.And he nimbly scoops up his sword with his foot, catches itand as he dashes off up along the mountain path -- CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCKas he slips his boot into a foot print in the sand.Count Rugen mounted, watches. Behind him, half a dozen armedWARRIORS, also mounted. A GREAT WHITE HORSE waits riderlessin front. Humperdinck is all over the rocky ground, andmaybe he isn't the best hunter in the world. Then again,maybe he is. Because, as he begins to put his feet intostrange positions, we realize that what he is doing ismiming the fencers. HUMPERDINCK There was a mighty duel -- it ranged all over. They were both masters. RUGEN Who won? How did it end? HUMPERDINCK (looking down in the position where Inigo fell unconscious) The loser ran off alone. (points in the direction Vizzini and FEZZIK took) The winner followed those footprints toward Guilder! RUGEN Shall we track them both? HUMPERDINCK The loser is nothing. -- Only the Princess matters -- (to the armed warriors) -- clearly this was all planned by warriors of Guilder. We must be ready for whatever lies ahead.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42. RUGEN Could this be a trap? HUMPERDINCK (vaulting onto his horse) I always think everything could be a trap -- Which is why I'm still alive.And he gallops off -- CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKcresting the peak of the mountain. CUT TO:CLOSE-UP ONa knife pointed at a throat -- PULL BACK TO REVEAL Vizzinimunching on an apple, holding the knife to Buttercup'sthroat. She is blindfolded.A PICNIC SPREAD is laid out. A tablecloth, two goblets andbetween them, a small leather wine container. And somecheese and a couple of apples. The picnic is set on a lovelyspot, high on the edge of a mountain path with a view allthe way back to the sea.The Man In Black comes running around the path, sees Vizzini,slows. The two men study each other. Then -- VIZZINI So, it is down to you. And it is down to me.The Man In Black nods and comes nearer -- VIZZINI If you wish her dead, by all means keep moving forward.And he pushes his long knife harder against Buttercup'sunprotected throat. MAN IN BLACK Let me explain- VIZZINI -- there's nothing to explain. You're trying to kidnap what I've rightfully stolen.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43. MAN IN BLACK Perhaps an arrangement can be reached. VIZZINI There will be no arrangement -- (deliberate) -- and you're killing her! CUT TO:BUTTERCUP'S THROATas Vizzini jabs with his long knife. Buttercup gasps againstthe pain. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKstopping fast. MAN IN BLACK But if there can be no arrangement, then we are at an impasse. VIZZINI I'm afraid so -- I can't compete with you physically. And you're no match for my brains. MAN IN BLACK You're that smart? VIZZINI Let me put it this way: have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? MAN IN BLACK Yes. VIZZINI Morons. MAN IN BLACK Really? In that case, I challenge you to a battle of wits. VIZZINI For the Princess?The Man In Black nods.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44. VIZZINI To the death?Another nod. VIZZINI I accept. MAN IN BLACK Good. Then pour the wine.As Vizzini fills the goblets with the dark red liquid, theMan In Black pulls a small packet from his clothing, handingit to Vizzini. MAN IN BLACK Inhale this, but do not touch. VIZZINI (doing it) I smell nothing. MAN IN BLACK (taking the packet back) What you do not smell is called iocane powder. It is odorless, tasteless, dissolves instantly in liquid, and is among the more deadlier poisons known to man. VIZZINI Hmm. CUT TO:VIZZINIwatching excitedly as the Man In Black takes the goblets,turns his back. A moment later, he turns again, facesVizzini, drops the iocane packet. It is now empty.The Man In Black rotates the goblets in a little shell gamemaneuver then puts one glass in front of Vizzini, the otherin front of himself. MAN IN BLACK All right: where is the poison? The battle of wits has begun. It ends when you decide and we both drink, and find out who is right and who is dead.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45. VIZZINI But it's so simple. All I have to do is divine from what I know of you. Are you the sort of man who would put the poison into his own goblet, or his enemy's?He studies the Man In Black now. VIZZINI Now, a clever man would put the poison into his own goblet, because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he was given. I'm not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But you must have known I was not a great fool; you would have counted on it, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me. MAN IN BLACK (And now there's a trace of nervousness beginning) You've made your decision then7 VIZZINI Not remotely. Because iocane comes from Australia, as everyone knows. And Australia is entirely peopled with criminals. And criminals are used to having people not trust them, as you are not trusted by me. So I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. MAN IN BLACK Truly, you have a dizzying intellect. VIZZINI Wait till I get going! Where was I? MAN IN BLACK Australia. VIZZINI Yes -- Australia, and you must have suspected I would have known the powder's origin, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46. MAN IN BLACK (very nervous) You're just stalling now. VIZZINI (cackling) You'd like to think that, wouldn't you? (stares at the Man in Black) You've beaten my giant, which means you're exceptionally strong. So, you could have put the poison in your own goblet, trusting on your strength to save you. So I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But, you've also bested my Spaniard which means you must have studied. And in studying, you must have learned that man is mortal so you would have put the poison as far from yourself as possible, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me.As Vizzini's pleasure has been growing throughout, the ManIn Black's has been fast disappearing. MAN IN BLACK You're trying to trick me into giving away something -- it won't work -- VIZZINI (triumphant) It has worked -- you've given everything away -- I know where the poison is. MAN IN BLACK (fool's courage) Then make your choice. VIZZINI I will. And I choose --And suddenly he stops, points at something behind the Man InBlack. VIZZINI -- what in the world can that be? CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47.THE MAN IN BLACKturning around, looking. MAN IN BLACK What? Where? I don't see anything. CUT TO:VIZZINIbusily switching the goblets while the Man In Black has hishead turned. VIZZINI Oh, well, I-I could have sworn I saw something. No matter.The Man In Black turns to face him again. Vizzini starts tolaugh. MAN IN BLACK What's so funny? VIZZINI I'll tell you in a minute. First, let's drink -- me from my glass, and you from yours.And he picks up his goblet. The Man In Black picks up theone in front of him. As they both start to drink, Vizzinihesitates a moment.Then, allowing the Man In Black to drink first, he swallowshis wine. MAN IN BLACK You guessed wrong. VIZZINI (roaring with laughter) You only think I guessed wrong -- (louder now) -- that's what's so funny! I switched glasses when your back was turned. You fool. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKThere's nothing he can say. He just sits there. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48.VIZZINIwatching him. VIZZINI You fell victim to one of the classic blunders. The most famous is "Never get involved in a land war in Asia." But only slightly less well known is this: "Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line."He laughs and roars and cackles and whoops and is in allways quite cheery until he falls over dead. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKstepping past the corpse, taking the blindfold and bindingsoff Buttercup, who notices Vizzini lying dead.The Man In Black pulls her to her feet. BUTTERCUP Who are you? MAN IN BLACK I am no one to be trifled with, that is all you ever need know.He starts to lead her off the mountain path into untraveledterrain. BUTTERCUP (a final glance back toward Vizzini) To think -- all that time it was your cup that was poisoned. MAN IN BLACK They were both poisoned. I spent the last few years building up an immunity to iocane powder.And with that, he takes off, dragging her behind him. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49.A MOUNTAIN PATHIt's where FEZZIK fought the Man in Black. CAMERA PULLS BACKTO REVEAL the Prince, kneeling, inspecting every grain ofmisplaced sand. The others wait behind him. HUMPERDINCK Someone has beaten a giant! (roaring) There will be great suffering in Guilder if she dies.He leaps onto his horse and they charge off. CUT TO:A WILD STRETCH OF TERRAINThe Man In Black comes running into view, still draggingButtercup, who sometimes stumbles, but he keeps forcing heralong. Finally, when she is close to exhaustion, he lets goof her. MAN IN BLACK (his voice harsh now, carrying the promise of violence) Catch your breath. BUTTERCUP If you'll release me ... whatever you ask for ransom ... you'll get it, I promise you... MAN IN BLACK And what is that worth, the promise of a woman? You're very funny, Highness. BUTTERCUP I was giving you a chance. No matter where you take me ... there's no greater hunter than Prince Humperdinck. He could track a falcon on a cloudy day. He can find you MAN IN BLACK You think your dearest love will save you?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50. BUTTERCUP I never said he was my dearest love. And yes, he will save me. That I know. MAN IN BLACK You admit to me you do not love your fiance? BUTTERCUP He knows I do not love him. MAN IN BLACK "Are not capable of love" is what you mean. BUTTERCUP I have loved more deeply than a killer like yourself could ever dream.And the Man In Black cocks back a fist. Buttercup flinches,but does not retreat. MAN IN BLACK That was a warning, Highness. The next time, my hand flies on its own. For where I come from, there are penalties when a woman lies. CUT TO:VIZZINI'S BODYThe picnic is spread as before.CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL the Prince kneeling by the bodyas the others ride up. The Prince grabs the empty poisonpacket, hands it to Rugen, after first sniffing it himself. HUMPERDINCK Iocane. I'd bet my life on it. (gestures to the trail ahead) And there are the Princess's footprints. She is alive ... or was, an hour ago. If she is otherwise when I find her, I shall be very put out.And as he vaults onto his horse and the all charge off -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51.BUTTERCUPbeing spun INTO CAMERA view, falling heavily as the Man InBlack releases her. We are at the edge of an almost sheerravine. The drop is sharp and severe. Below, the ravinefloor is flat, but getting there would not be half the fun. MAN IN BLACK Rest, Highness. BUTTERCUP (stares at him) I know who you are -- your cruelty reveals everything.The Man In Black says nothing. BUTTERCUP You're the Dread Pirate Roberts; admit it. MAN IN BLACK (bowing) With pride. What can I do for you? BUTTERCUP You can die slowly cut into a thousand pieces. MAN IN BLACK Hardly complimentary, Your Highness. Why loose your venom on me?CLOSE UP - BUTTERCUP, quietly now. BUTTERCUP You killed my love. CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKwatching her closely. MAN IN BLACK It's possible; I kill a lot of people. Who was this love of yours? Another Prince, like this one, ugly, rich, and scabby?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52. BUTTERCUP No. A farm boy. Poor. Poor and perfect, with eyes like the sea after a storm. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPAnd probably, if she did not hate Roberts so, there would betears. BUTTERCUP On the high seas, your ship attacked, and the Dread Pirate Roberts never takes prisoners. MAN IN BLACK (explaining as a teacher might) I can't afford to make exceptions. Once word leaks out that a pirate has gone soft, people begin to disobey you, and then it's nothing but work, work, work, all the time. BUTTERCUP You mock my pain! MAN IN BLACK Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something. I remember this farm boy of yours, I think. This would be, what, five years ago?Buttercup nods. MAN IN BLACK Does it bother you to hear? BUTTERCUP Nothing you can say will upset me. MAN IN BLACK He died well, that should please you. No bribe attempts or blubbering. He simply said, "Please. Please, I need to live." It was the "please" that caught my memory. (MORE)--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53. MAN IN BLACK (CONT'D) I asked him what was so important for him. "True love," he replied. And then he spoke of a girl of surpassing beauty and faithfulness. I can only assume he meant you. You should bless me for destroying him before he found out what you really are. BUTTERCUP And what am I? MAN IN BLACK Faithfulness he talked of, madam. Your enduring faithfulness. Now, tell me truly. When you found out he was gone, did you get engaged to your prince that same hour, or did you wait a whole week out of respect for the dead? BUTTERCUP You mocked me once, never do it again -- I died that day!The Man In Black is about to reply as they stand there onthe edge of the sheer ravine. But then something catches hisattention and as he stares at it briefly, CUT TO:HIS P.O.V.:The dust cloud caused by Humperdinck's HORSES is rising upinto the sky. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPand while his attention is on the dust cloud, rising high,she pushes him with all the strength she has. BUTTERCUP You can die too, for all I care!! CUT TO:THE MAN IN BLACKteetering on the ravine edge, for a moment, then he beginsto fall. Down goes the Man In Black.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54.Down, down, rolling, spinning, crashing always down towardthe flat rock floor of the ravine. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPstaring transfixed at what she has wrought.There is a long pause. She stands there, alone, as from farbelow the words come to her, drifting on the wind -- MAN IN BLACK ... as ... you ... wish... BUTTERCUP Oh, my sweet Westley; what have I done?And without a second thought or consideration of the dangers,she starts into the ravine. A moment later, she too isfalling, spinning and twisting, crashing and torn,cartwheeling down toward what is left of her beloved. CUT TO:THE DUST CLOUDrising.PULL BACK TO REVEALPrince Humperdinck and the others reining in at the spotwhere Buttercup promised ransom in exchange for her freedom.The Prince shakes his head. HUMPERDINCK Disappeared. He must have seen us closing in, which might account for his panicking in error. Unless I'm wrong, and I am never wrong, they are headed dead into the fire swamp. CUT TO:COUNT RUGENThe mere mention of the Fire Swamp makes him pale. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55.THE RAVINE FLOORTWO BODIES lie a few feet apart, not moving. It is, ofcourse, Buttercup and Westley. They might be corpses. Aftera time, Westley slowly forces his body into motion and as hedoes, CUT TO:BUTTERCUPbruised and torn, as Westley crawls slowly toward her. WESTLEY Can you move at all? BUTTERCUP (weakly stretching out an arm toward him) Move? You're alive. If you want, I can fly. WESTLEY I told you, "I would always come for you." Why didn't you wait for me? BUTTERCUP Well ... you were dead. WESTLEY Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while. BUTTERCUP I will never doubt again. WESTLEY There will never be a need.And now, they begin to kiss; it's a tender kiss, tender andloving and gentle and -- THE KID (off-screen) Oh no. No, please. CUT TO:THE KID'S BEDROOM GRANDFATHER What is it? What's the matter?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56. THE KID They're kissing again, do we have to hear the kissing part? GRANDFATHER Someday, you may not mind so much. THE KID Skip on to the Fire Swamp -- that sounded good. GRANDFATHER Oh. You're sick, I'll humor you. (he picks up the book again) So now, where were we here? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ah. Oh. Okay. Westley and Buttercup raced along the ravine floor. CUT TO:WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUPracing along the ravine floor. Westley glances up. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCK AND HIS MENperched on top of the cliff, looking down at Westley andButtercup. CUT TO:WESTLEY WESTLEY Ha. Your pig fiance is too late. A few more steps and we'll be safe in the Fire Swamp. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPand Westley has tried to say it with Chevalier-likenonchalance, but she ain't buying. BUTTERCUP We'll never survive. WESTLEY Nonsense -- you're only saying that because no one ever has.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57.As they race off, leaving Humperdinck and his men stranded,defeated. CUT TO:THE FIRE SWAMPAnd it really doesn't look any worse than any other moist,sulphurous, infernal horror you might run across. Greattrees block the sun. CUT TO:WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUPButtercup is clearly panicked and maybe Westley is too, buthe moves jauntily along, sword in hand. WESTLEY It's not that bad. I'm not saying I'd like to build a summer home here, but the trees are actually quite lovely.THE GIANT TREES, thick and black-green, look ominous as helland they shield all but intermittent stripes of sun.A GIANT SPURT OF FLAME leaps up, preceded by a slightpopping sound, and this particular spurt of flame missesWestley, but Buttercup is suddenly onfire; at least thelower half of her is and -- CUT TO:WESTLEYinstantly forcing Buttercup to sit, gathering her flaminghem in his hands, doing his best to suffocate the fire. Thisisn't all that easy and it causes him a bit of grief, but hedoes his best to sound as jaunty as before. WESTLEY Well now, that was an adventure.He examines where the flames burst over her. WESTLEY Singed a bit, were you? BUTTERCUP (She wasn't and she shakes her head "no") You?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58.He was, and he shakes his head "no." As he pulls her to herfeet -- CUT TO:THE SWAMP FLOOR-- and as there's another popping sound, CUT TO:WESTLEY GRABBING BUTTERCUPpulling her aside to safety as another great spun of flamesuddenly shoots up. WESTLEY Well, one thing I will say. The Fire Swamp certainly does keep you on your toes.Buttercup is frozen with fear. He takes her hand, gentlyleads her forward as we- CUT TO:THE TWO OF THEMmoving slowly along through a particularly dangerous part ofthe Fire Swamp.It's later now, the sun slants down at a slightly differentangle. WESTLEY (happily) This will all soon be but a happy memory because Roberts' ship "Revenge" is anchored at the far end. And I, as you know, am Roberts. BUTTERCUP But how is that possible, since he's been marauding twenty years and you only left me five years ago? WESTLEY I myself am often surprised at life's little quirks.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59.There is again a popping sound, then a huge spurt of flame.Westley simply picks up Buttercup as they walk along, movesher out of danger, puts her back down, goes right on talkingwithout missing a beat. WESTLEY You see, what I told you before about saying "please" was true. It intrigued Roberts, as did my descriptions of your beauty. CUT TO:SOME HIDEOUS VINES --they look like they could be flesh eating. Westley takes hissword, slices a path for them to follow. The vines groan asthey fall. He's been chatting away the entire time. WESTLEY Finally, Roberts decided something. He said, "All right, Westley, I've never had a valet. You can try it for tonight. I'll most likely kill you in the morning." Three years he said that. "Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning." It was a fine time for me. I was learning to fence, to fight, anything anyone would teach me. And Roberts and I eventually became friends. And then it happened. BUTTERCUP What? -- go on --Westley picks her up, carrying her across some swamp waterthat is bridged by a narrow, rickety tree branch. WESTLEY Well, Roberts had grown so rich, he wanted to retire. So he took me to his cabin and told me his secret. "I am not the Dread Pirate Roberts," he said. "My name is Ryan. I inherited this ship from the previous Dread Pirate Roberts, just as you will inherit it from me. The man I inherited it from was not the real Dread Pirate Roberts, either. (MORE)--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60. WESTLEY (CONT'D) His name was Cummerbund. The real Roberts has been retired fifteen years and living like a king in Patagonia." Then he explained the name was the important thing for inspiring the necessary fear. You see, no one would surrender to the Dread Pirate Westley.The two of them have by now crossed the pond. WESTLEY So we sailed ashore, took on an entirely new crew and he stayed aboard for awhile as first mate, all the time calling me Roberts. Once the crew believed, he left the ship and I have been Roberts ever since. Except, now that we're together, I shall retire and hand the name over to someone else. Is everything clear to you?Buttercup, perplexed, is about to reply but the ground shesteps on gives way -- it's Lightning Sand -- a great patchof it, and it has her -- a cloud of powder rises and shesinks into the stuff crying Westley's name but then she isgone as we -- CUT TO:WESTLEY WHIRLINGslashing at a U-shaped vine, hacks it in half -- it's stillconnected to the tree. Then be grabs it, drops his sword,and, clutching the other end of the vine, he dives into thelightning sand and there is another cloud of white powder,but it settles quickly.Now nothing can be seen. Nothing at all. Just the lightningsand, lovely and lethal.HOLD ON THE LIGHTNING SAND -- THEN --An odd panting sound is heard now. The panting sound issuddenly very loud. And then a giant R.0.U.S. darts intoview. The R.0.U.S. -- a Rodent of Unusual Size -- is probablyno more than eighty pounds of bone and power. It sniffsaround a bit then, as quickly as it has come, it goes. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61.THE LIGHTNING SANDas Westley, lungs long past the bursting point, explodesout; he has Buttercup across his shoulders and as he pullsto the edge of the lightning sand pit, using the vine -- CUT TO:CLOSE-UP - BUTTERCUPHer face is caked with the white powder. It is in her eyes,her ears, hair, mouth. She's still probably beautiful, butyou have to look awfully hard to see it. As Westley continuesto pull them to safety -- CUT TO:THE R.0.U.S.high above them; it watches -- CUT TO:BUTTERCUPplaced against a tree. Westley is cleaning the lightningsand from her face. He hesitates, glances around and CUT TO:THE R.0.U.S.on a much lower branch now. It stares down at Westley.Westley stares back up at the beast. Buttercup is oblivious.Her eyes flutter. He continues to work on her as -- BUTTERCUP We'll never succeed -- we may as well die here. WESTLEY No. No. We have already succeeded.He glances back again. Now THERE ARE TWO R.0.U.S.'s. Thehave climbed into a nearby tree, stare hungrily down. CUT TO:WESTLEY, picking her up.He puts an arm around her, starts to walk with her as heencouragingly goes on talking.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62. WESTLEY I mean, what are the three terrors of the Fire Swamp? One, the flame spurts. No problem. There's a popping sound preceding each, we can avoid that. Two, the Lightning Sand. But you were clever enough to discover what that looks like, so in the future we can avoid that too. BUTTERCUP Westley, what about the R.O.U.S.'s? WESTLEY Rodents of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist...And as he says that, a R.0.U.S. comes flying at him fromoffscreen. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPscreaming and --Westley, pinned under the attacking R.0.U.S., trying to fendit off. Can't. The thing's teeth sink deep into his arm. Hehowls.Westley drives a fist into the beast's face, rolling it off.He reaches for his sword just a few feet away, but theR.0.U.S. is back atop him. It's a fierce battle, and justwhen we think Westley can't possibly win, he flips the uglyrodent clear.Westley scrambles for his sword. The R.0.U.S. stampedes on,changing its target, heading right for --Buttercup, and she's scared to death and -- BUTTERCUP Westley!Westley abandons his sword, reaching for the rodent, grabbingonly a tail, wrestling with it. Buttercup grabs a smallbranch, and using it as a club, beats the skull of thething, doing pretty well, but the beast manages to snag herhem with its razor teeth, and she's pulled to the ground, and CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63.WESTLEYjumping onto its back, and the R.0.U.S. is all over him now,sinking needle teeth into Westley's shoulder. CUT TO:WESTLEYwith death close at hand, as a popping sound starts. Hetries one desperate move, rolls into the sound -- CUT TO:A FLAME SPURTshooting skyward and -- CUT TO:WESTLEYwith the R.0.U.S. pinned under him, and as the beast burstsinto flame, it lets go and Westley rolls safely free, grabshis sword and exhaustedly stabs the R.0.U.S., which istrying to put itself out.The R.0.U.S. collapses dead. Westley stands motionless,exhausted. The danger has passed. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPrelieved. DISSOLVE TO:THE FAR EDGE OF THE FIRE SWAMPBeyond, a beach. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY BUTTERCUP (almost in disbelief) We did it. WESTLEY Now, was that so terrible?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64.And from somewhere they summon strength, pick up their pace,and as they reach the edge of the Fire Swamp -- CUT TO:SOMETHING WE HADN'T EXPECTED:Humperdinck on his horse, Rugen beside him. THREE WARRIORS,armed and ready, are mounted in formation behind. Buttercupand Westley are at the edge of the Fire Swamp, about toleave it. They stop. Buttercup looks beyond exhaustion.Westley looks worse. HUMPERDINCK Surrender!It's dusk. Behind Humperdinck are the waters of the bay. CUT TO:WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUPstaring out at the others. WESTLEY You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept. HUMPERDINCK I give you full marks for bravery --don't make yourself a fool. WESTLEY Ah, but how will you capture us? We know the secrets of the Fire Swamp. We can live there quite happily for some time. So, whenever you feel like dying, feel free to visit. HUMPERDINCK I tell you once again -- surrender! WESTLEY It will not happen! CUT TO:BUTTERCUPlooking from one to the other; then something else catchesher eye and we -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65.AN ARMED WARRIORin shadow, with a loaded crossbow aimed at Westley's heart. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPlooking the other way -- CUT TO:ANOTHER WARRIORcrossbow aimed at Westley. HUMPERDINCK (roaring) For the last time -- SURRENDER! WESTLEY (roaring right back, bigger) DEATH FIRST!! CUT TO:BUTTERCUPfrantically staring around, and now CUT TO:A THIRD WARRIORcrossbow stretched, ready to shoot; this one is hidden in atree blocking any escape Westley might try. BUTTERCUP Will you promise not to hurt him? CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKwhirling to face her. HUMPERDINCK What was that? CUT TO:WESTLEYwhirling to face her.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66. WESTLEY What was that? CUT TO:BUTTERCUPtalking to them both. BUTTERCUP If we surrender, and I return with you, will you promise not to hurt this man? HUMPERDINCK May I live a thousand years and never hunt again. BUTTERCUP (looks at Westley) He is a sailor on the pirate ship "Revenge." Promise to return him to his ship. HUMPERDINCK I swear it will be done. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEYstaring deep into each other's eyes. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCK AND RUGEN HUMPERDINCK (whispering) Once we're out of sight, take him back to Florin and throw him in the Pit of Despair. RUGEN (almost a smile) I swear it will be done. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY BUTTERCUP I thought you were dead once, and it almost destroyed me. I could not bear it if you died again, not when I could save you.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67.Westley is dazed. Silent.Buttercup tries to speak again, can't, and is swooped offher feet onto Humperdinck's horse, and off they go. CUT TO:WESTLEYstaring after her. Rugen watches as his warriors bringWestley to him. The Count has a heavy sword and he holds itin his hand. RUGEN Come, sir. We must get you to your ship. WESTLEY We are men of action. Lies do not become us. RUGEN Well spoken, sir --Westley is looking at him. RUGEN -- what is it? WESTLEY You have six fingers on your right hand -- someone was looking for you --Count Rugen clubs Westley hard across the skull. Westleystarts to fall --the screen goes black.FADE IN ON:THE PIT OF DESPAIRDank and chill, underground and windowless, lit by flickeringtorches. Frightening. Westley lies in the center of thecage, chained and helpless. CUT TO:SOMETHING REALLY FRIGHTENING: A BLOODLESS-LOOKING ALBINODead pale, he silently enters the pit, carrying a tray offood and medication. He puts it down. WESTLEY Where am I?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68. ALBINO (he only whispers) The Pit of Despair.He begins tending Westley's wounds. Westley winces. ALBINO (garbled) Don't even think -- (A hack, sputter, cough - now his voice seems normal again) -- don't even think about trying to escape. The chains are far too thick. And don't dream of being rescued either. The only way in is secret. And only the Prince, the Count, and I know how to get in and out. WESTLEY Then I'm here till I die? ALBINO (working away) Till they kill you. Yeah. WESTLEY Then why bother curing me? ALBINO The Prince and the Count always insist on everyone being healthy before they're broken. WESTLEY So it's to be torture.The albino nods. WESTLEY I can cope with torture.The albino shakes his head. WESTLEY You don't believe me? ALBINO You survived the Fire Swamp. You must be very brave... (little pause) ... but nobody withstands The Machine.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69.He studies Westley, whose face is almost sad. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPand her face is sad. Pallid, perhaps ill. She wanders down acorridor in Florin Castle. As she moves unseeing past anintersecting corridor: CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCK AND COUNT RUGENwatching her. HUMPERDINCK She's been like that ever since the Fire Swamp. (looks at Rugen) It's my father's failing health that's upsetting her. RUGEN (unbelieving) Of course.As they move on-- CUT TO:FLORIN CASTLE - NIGHTCAMERA HOLDS ON IT while we hear the Grandfather's voicereading. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) The King died that very night, and before the following dawn, Buttercup and Humperdinck were married. CUT TO:MAIN SQUARE OF FLORIN CASTLEAnd if we thought it was packed before, we didn't know howmany more could fit in this courtyard. Humperdinck, Rugenand the Queen stand high on the balcony.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) And at noon, she met her subjects again. This time as their Queen. HUMPERDINCK My father's final words were... THE KID (off-screen) -- hold it. Hold it, Grandpa.And the scene FREEZES, Humperdinck caught in mid-sentence. CUT TO:THE KID'S ROOMThe Kid is half sitting now, not strong yet, but clearlystronger than when we first saw him. THE KID You read that wrong. She doesn't marry Humperdinck, she marries Westley. I'm just sure of it. After all that Westley did for her, if she does not marry him, it wouldn't be fair. GRANDFATHER Well, who says life is fair? Where is that written? Life isn't always fair. THE KID I'm telling you you're messing up the story, now get it right! GRANDFATHER Do you want me to go on with this? THE KID Yes. GRANDFATHER All right, then. No more interruptions. (starts to read again) ... at noon, she met her subjects again. This time as their Queen.And on these words-- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71.PRINCE HUMPERDINCK HUMPERDINCK My father's final words were "love her as I loved her, and there will be joy." I present to you your Queen. Queen Buttercup.And on his words-- CUT TO:THE CROWDand it's gigantic. CUT TO:THE ARCHWAYwe saw before, as Buttercup emerges. CUT TO:THE CROWDsuddenly going to its knees, wave after wave of silentKNEELING PEOPLE. All of them down. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPtouched as before, but then she seems stunned as we CUT TO:THE CROWDSOMEONE IS BOOING! The BOOING gets louder as an ANCIENTWOMAN approaches Buttercup through the crowd, BOOING everystep of the way. BUTTERCUP Why do you do this? ANCIENT BOOER Because you had love in your hands, and you gave it up. BUTTERCUP (distraught) But they would have killed Westley if I hadn't done it.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72. ANCIENT BOOER Your true love lives and you marry another -- (to the crowd) -- True love saved her in the Fire Swamp, and she treated it like garbage. And that's what she is, the Queen of Refuse! So, bow down to her if you want. Bow to her. Bow to the Queen of Slime, the Queen of Filth, the Queen of Putrescence. Boo! Boo! Rubbish! Filth! Slime! Muck! Boo! Boo!She advances on Buttercup now, who is more and more panicked.CLOSE-UP - THE ANCIENT BOOERLouder and louder and LOUDER she shrieks vituperation atButtercup, reaching out her old hands toward Buttercup'sthroat, and Buttercup is as frightened now as Dorothy waswhen the Witch went after her in "The Wizard of Oz", andsuddenly, CUT TO:BUTTERCUPcoming out of her nightmare, alone in her castle bedroom. Asshe frantically grabs a robe and starts to run. GRANDFATHER (off-screen, still reading) It was ten days till the wedding. The King still lived, but Buttercup's nightmares were growing steadily worse. THE KID (off-screen) See? Didn't I tell you she'd never marry that rotten Humperdinck? GRANDFATHER (off-screen) -- yes, you're very smart. Shut-Up. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPbursting into the Prince's chambers. Count Rugen standsnearby.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73. BUTTERCUP It comes to this: I love Westley. I always have. I know now I always will. If you tell me I must marry you in ten days, please believe I will be dead by morning. CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCKJust stunned. Finally, softly, he begins to talk. HUMPERDINCK I could never cause you grief; consider our wedding off. (to Rugen) You returned this Westley to his ship? RUGEN Yes. HUMPERDINCK Then we will simply alert him. (to Buttercup now) Beloved, are you certain he still wants you? After all, it was you who did the leaving in the Fire Swamp. Not to mention that pirates are not known to be men of their words. BUTTERCUP My Westley will always come for me. HUMPERDINCK I suggest a deal. You write four copies of a letter. I'll send my four fastest ships. One in each direction. The Dread Pirate Roberts is always close to Florin this time of year. We'll run up the white flag and deliver your message. If Westley wants you, bless you both. If not ... please consider me as an alternative to suicide. Are we agreed?And she nods -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74.A VERY THICK GROVE OF TREESThe trees are unusual in one respect: all of them areextraordinarily heavily knotted.PULL BACK TO REVEALHumperdinck and Rugen, walking into the grove of trees. RUGEN Your Princess is really a winning creature. A trifle simple, perhaps, but her appeal is undeniable. HUMPERDINCK Oh, I know. The people are quite taken with her. It's odd, but when I hired Vizzini to have her murdered on our engagement day, I thought that was clever. But it's going to be so much more moving when I strangle her on our wedding night. Once Guilder is blamed, the nation will be truly outraged. They'll demand we go to war.They are deeper into the grove now. Rugen is searching around. RUGEN Now, where is that secret knot? It's impossible to find. (Finding the knot on the tree he hits it, and it opens, revealing a staircase leading underground.) Are you coming down into the Pit? Westley's got his strength back. I am starting him on The Machine tonight. HUMPERDINCK Tyrone, you know how much I love watching you work. But, I've got my country's five hundredth anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, My wife to murder, and Guilder to frame for it. I'm swamped.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75. RUGEN Get some rest -- if you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything.Rugen smiles and hurries down the stairs as the tree slidesback perfectly into place. CUT TO:AN ENORMOUS THINGWe can't tell quite what it is or what it does, but somehowit is unsettling.PULL BACK TO REVEALCount Rugen, dragging Westley up alongside the thing --Levers and wheels and wires, you name it, it's there. RUGEN Beautiful, isn't it?The Albino starts attaching suction cups to Westley. RUGEN It took me half a lifetime to invent it. I'm sure you've discovered my deep and abiding interest in pain. At present I'm writing the definitive work on the subject. So I want you to be totally honest with me on how The Machine makes you feel. CUT TO:A DIALwith numbers ranging from a low of "1" to a high of "50."Rugen goes to it. RUGEN This being our first try, I'll use the lowest setting.And he turns the dial to "1". CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76.WESTLEYHe has suction cups on his head now, on his temple, on hisheart, his hands and feet. He says nothing, keeps control ofhimself CUT TO:COUNT RUGENfiddling with his Machine a moment more. And then he opensthe flood gate, water pours down the chute, turning thewheel, which in turn really gets The Machine going. CUT TO:WESTLEYand he's lying on the table, and he's only flesh and thechains are metal and thick, but such is his desperation italmost seems he might break them. A terrible sound comesfrom his throat, an incessant gasping. It keeps on coming aswe finally CUT TO:COUNT RUGENHe switches off The Machine, picks up a large notebook andpen, sits in a chair. The NOISE of The Machine subsides.Rugen opens the book to a blank page. RUGEN As you know, the concept of the suction pump is centuries old. Well, really, that's all this is. Except that instead of sucking water, I'm sucking life. I've just sucked one year of your life away. I might one day go as high as five, but I really don't know what that would do to you. So, let's just start with what we have. What did this do to you? Tell me. And remember, this is for posterity, so be honest -- how do you feel?AND NOW, AT LAST: CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 77.WESTLEYin anguish so deep it is dizzying. Helpless, he cries.Count Rugen watches the tears, then starts to write. RUGEN Interesting. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKin his quarters, swamped. Piles of papers are strewn allover. Now YELLIN, a pale, shifty, quick-eyed man appears inthe doorway. HUMPERDINCK Yellin. YELLIN (bows, then kneels) Sire. HUMPERDINCK As Chief Enforcer of all Florin, I trust you with this secret: killers from Guilder are infiltrating the Thieves' Forest and plan to murder my bride on our wedding night. YELLIN My spy network has heard no such news. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPentering. BUTTERCUP Any word from Westley? CUT TO:THE PRINCE AND YELLINturning to her in the doorway. HUMPERDINCK Too soon, my angel. Patience.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 78. BUTTERCUP He will come for me. HUMPERDINCK Of course.As she glides out-- HUMPERDINCK She will not be murdered. On the day of the wedding, I want the Thieves' Forest emptied and every inhabitant arrested. YELLIN Many of the thieves will resist. My regular enforcers will be inadequate. HUMPERDINCK Form a Brute Squad then. I want the Thieves' Forest emptied before I wed. YELLIN It won't be easy, Sire. HUMPERDINCK (alone, exhausted) Try ruling the world sometime. CUT TO:THE THIEVES' FOREST - DAYA lot of hollering is going on. The THIEVES are beingrounded up by the BRUTE SQUAD, a large group of large men.Yellin stands on a wagon in the midst of all the scuffling. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) The day of the wedding arrived. The Brute Squad had their hands full carrying out Humperdinck's orders. YELLIN (to an unpleasantlooking assistant) Is everybody out? ASSISTANT BRUTE Almost. There's a Spaniard giving us some trouble.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 79. YELLIN Well, you give him some trouble. Move!And his wagon starts, and as it does, CUT TO:INIGOdrunk as a skunk, sprawled in front of a hovel, a bottle ofbrandy in one hand, the six-fingered sword in the other. Helooks dreadful. Unshaven, puffy-eyed, gaunt. But the way hebrandishes the great sword in front of him would give anyonecause for worry. INIGO I am waiting for you, Vizzini. You told me to go back to the beginning. So I have. This is where I am, and this is where I'll stay. I will not be moved.He takes a long pull from his brandy bottle. He stops as theAssistant Brute comes into view. ASSISTANT BRUTE Ho there. INIGO I do not budge. Keep your "Ho there."He waves his sword dangerously. ASSISTANT BRUTE But the Prince gave orders -- INIGO -- So did Vizzini -- when a job went wrong, you went back to the beginning. And this is where we got the job. So it's the beginning, and I'm staying till Vizzini comes. ASSISTANT BRUTE (gesturing off-screen) You! Brute! Come here. INIGO -- I -- am -- waiting -- for -- Vizzini ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 80. VOICE (off-screen) You surely are a meanie.INIGO feels a hand on his back. A huge hand. He compares itto his own smaller hand. FEZZIK Hello. INIGO It's you. FEZZIK True!And as the Assistant Brute is just about to club Inigo'sbrains out, FEZZIK lets fly with a stupendous punch.The Assistant Brute takes the full force of the blow rightin the chops. It's like he was shot from a cannon as hecareens backwards out of sight across the street.There is a pause. Then a crunching sound, as he clearly hascome in contact with something hard and immobile.FEZZIK puts Inigo down. FEZZIK You don't look so good. (after Inigo blasts air in protest) You don't smell so good either. INIGO Perhaps not. I feel fine. FEZZIK Yeah?And so FEZZIK puts Inigo down. That's when Inigo faints, andas he does, CUT TO:AN EMPTY ALEHOUSE IN THE THIEVES' QUARTERInigo sits slumped in a chair, while FEZZIK spoons him somestew.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 81. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) FEZZIK and Inigo were reunited. And as FEZZIK nursed his inebriated friend back to health, he told Inigo of Vizzini's death and the existence of Count Rugen, the sixfingered man. Considering Inigo's lifelong search, he handled the news surprisingly well.And he faints again into his stew. CUT TO:TWO LARGE TUBSone filled with steaming water, the other with water clearlyof an icy nature. Without a word FEZZIK stuffs Inigo's headinto the icy water, then, after a reasonable amount of time,pulls him out, ducks him into the steaming stuff, and, ashort time after that, puts him back in the cold again, thenback in the hot -- GRANDFATHER (off-screen) Fezzik took great care in reviving Inigo. INIGO (up and going) That's enough. That's enough! Where is this Rugen so I may kill him? FEZZIK He's with the Prince in the Castle. But the castle gate is guarded by thirty men. INIGO How many could you handle? FEZZIK I don't think more than ten. INIGO (doing the math on his fingers) That leaves twenty for me. At my best, I could never defeat that many. (he sinks sadly down) I need Vizzini to plan. I have no gift for strategy.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 82. FEZZIK But Vizzini's dead. CUT TO:THE TWO OF THEMSilent and bereft. Then a wild look hits Inigo. INIGO No -- not Vizzini -- I need the Man in Black -- FEZZIK -- what? -- INIGO -- look, he bested you with strength, your greatness. He bested me with steel. He must have outthought Vizzini, and a man who can do that can plan my castle's onslaught any day. Let's go -- FEZZIK -- where? INIGO To find the Man in Black, obviously. FEZZIK But you don't know where he is. INIGO (he is possessed by demons now) Don't bother me with trifles; after twenty years, at last, my father's soul will be at peace. CUT TO:CLOSE UP - INIGO INIGO (big) There will be blood tonight!! CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 83.PRINCE HUMPERDINCK'S CHAMBERS-- strewn with maps, etc. Yellin enters, and kneels. HUMPERDINCK (sharpening his dagger) Rise and report. YELLIN The Thieves' Forest is emptied. Thirty men guard the castle gate. HUMPERDINCK Double it. My Princess must be safe. YELLIN The gate has but one key, and I carry that.He shows the key, dangling from a chain around his neck.Just at that moment, Buttercup enters. HUMPERDINCK Ah! My dulcet darling. Tonight we marry. Tomorrow morning, your men will escort us to Florin Channel where every ship in my armada waits to accompany us on our honeymoon. BUTTERCUP Every ship but your four fastest, you mean.The Prince looks at her blankly for a moment. BUTTERCUP Every ship but the four you sent. HUMPERDINCK Yes. Yes, of course. Naturally, not those four. YELLIN (bows, exits) Your Majesties. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPstaring at Humperdinck.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 84. BUTTERCUP You never sent the ships. Don't bother lying. It doesn't matter. Westley will come for me anyway. HUMPERDINCK (sharply) You're a silly girl. BUTTERCUP Yes, I am a silly girl, for not having seen sooner that you were nothing but a coward with a heart full of fear. HUMPERDINCK (close to erupting; speaks very distinctly) I-would-not-say-such things-if- Iwere-you- BUTTERCUP Why not? You can't hurt me. Westley and I are joined by the bonds of love. And you cannot track that. Not with a thousand bloodhounds. And you cannot break it. Not with a thousand swords. And when I say you are a coward, that is only because you are the slimiest weakling ever to crawl the earth. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKjumping at her, yanking her by the hair, starting to pullher along, out of control, his words indistinct. HUMPERDINCK IWOULDNOTSAYSUCHTHINGSIFIWEREYOU! CUT TO:A CORRIDOR OF THE CASTLEas the Prince throws open the door to Buttercup's room,slams it shut, locks it, breaks into a wild run and -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 85.WESTLEY IN THE MACHINEbut it's not on. Count Rugen is adding more notes to hisbook. He looks up as the Prince suddenly comes down thesteps, raging. HUMPERDINCK (at Westley) You truly love each other, and so you might have been truly happy. Not one couple in a century has that chance, no matter what the storybooks say. And so I think no man in a century will suffer as greatly as you will.And with that he whirls, turns on The Machine, grabs thelever and -- CUT TO:COUNT RUGENcalling out -- RUGEN Not to fifty!!!But it's too late as we -- CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCKshoving the lever all the way up and CUT TO:WESTLEY'S FACEAnd there has never been such pain. The pain grows and growsand with it now, something else has startedTHE DEATH SCREAM. As The Death Scream starts to rise -- CUT TO:OUTSIDE THE PIT OF DESPAIRas the SOUND moves along, LOUDER AND LOUDER, and -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 86.YELLIN AND HIS SIXTY BRUTESand they bear it, and a few of the Brutes turn to each otherin fear, and as the scream builds -- CUT TO:BUTTERCUP IN HER ROOMand she hears the SOUND, doesn't know what it is, but herarms involuntarily go around her body to try to control thetrembling, and the scream, still builds and -- CUT TO:ESTABLISHING SHOT ACROSS THE RIVERThere are many PEOPLE --it is the day of the country's 500thAnniversary -- but all the People stop as the sound hitsthem. A few CHILDREN pale, bolt toward their PARENTS and -- CUT TO:INIGO AND FEZZIKtrying to make their way through the jammed marketplace,which suddenly quiets as the fading sound comes through. INIGO (instantly)FEZZIK, FEZZIK, listen, do you hear? -- That is the sound ofultimate suffering. My heart made that sound when Rugenslaughtered my father. The Man in Black makes it now. FEZZIK The Man in Black? INIGO His true love is marrying another tonight, so who else has cause for Ultimate Suffering? (trying to push through) Excuse me --It's too crowded. INIGO -- pardon me, it's important --No one budges and the sound is fading faster.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 87. INIGO -- Fezzik, please -- FEZZIK (gigantic and roaring) Everybody ... MOVE!!And the Crowd begins to fall away, and he and Inigo start totrack the FADING SOUND. INIGO Thank you. CUT TO:A GROVE OF TREES NEAR THE PIT OF DESPAIRThe Albino appears wheeling a barrow. Inigo's sword pushesat his chest. INIGO Where is the Man in Black?The Albino shakes his head, says nothing. INIGO You get there from this grove, yes?Silence. INIGO Fezzik, jog his memory.And Fezzik crunches the Albino on the top of the head as ifhe had a hammer and was driving in a nail. The Albino dropswithout a sound. FEZZIK (upset) I'm sorry, Inigo. I didn't mean to jog him so hard. Inigo? CUT TO:INIGOHe kneels, the sword held tight between his hands. Eyesclosed, he faces the grove of trees, starts to talk, hisvoice low and strange.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 88. INIGO Father, I have failed you for twenty years. Now our misery can end. Somewhere ... somewhere close by is a man who can help us. I cannot find him alone. I need you. I need you to guide my sword. Please.And now he rises, eyes still closed. INIGO Guide my sword. CUT TO:THE GROVE OF TREESas Inigo, eyes shut tight, walks forward, the great swordheld in his hands.Fezzik, frightened, follows close behind. CUT TO:THE SECRET KNOTthat reveals the staircase. CUT TO:INIGOwalking blind through the grove of trees. He moves to theSecret Knot, hesitates, then moves past it.Then Inigo stops. For a long moment he stands frozen.Suddenly he whirls, eyes still closed, and the sword strikeshome dead center into a knot and --Nothing. He has failed.In utter despair he collapses against the tree. Against aknot in the tree. Against THE KNOT in the tree. It slidesaway, revealing the staircase. FEZZIK and Inigo look at eachother, then start down. CUT TO:WESTLEYdead by The Machine. FEZZIK leans over him, listening for aheartbeat. Then he looks at Inigo, shakes his head.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 89. FEZZIK He's dead.Inigo is in despair. For a moment, he just sags. INIGO (barely able to speak) It just is not fair. THE KID (off-screen) -- Grandpa, Grandpa -- wait -- CUT TO:THE KID'S ROOMHe is terribly excited and looks stronger than we've yetseen him. THE KID -- wait -- what did FEZZIK mean, "He's dead?" I mean he didn't mean dead.The Grandfather says nothing, just sits there. THE KID Westley's only faking, right? GRANDFATHER You want me to read this or not? CUT TO:THE KID: CLOSE UP THE KID Who gets Humperdinck? GRANDFATHER I don't understand. THE KID Who kills Prince Humperdinck? At the end, somebody's got to do it. Is it Inigo? Who? GRANDFATHER Nobody. Nobody kills him. He lives.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 90. THE KID You mean he wins? Jesus, Grandpa! What did you read me this thing for?And he desperately fights for control. GRANDFATHER You know, you've been very sick and you're taking this story very seriously. I think we better stop now.He closes the book and starts to get up. THE KID (shaking his head) No! I'm okay. I'm okay. (gestures toward the chair) -- sit down. All right? GRANDFATHER Okay. (sitting and opening the book again) All right, now, let's see. Where were we? Oh yes. In the Pit of Despair. CUT TO:INIGO, IN DESPAIRWe're back in the Pit, the same shot as before. For amoment, he just sags. INIGO Well, we Montoyas have never taken defeat easily. Come along, Fezzik. Bring the body. FEZZIK The body? INIGO (not stopping) Have you any money? FEZZIK I have a little. INIGO I just hope it's enough to buy a miracle, that's all.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 91.As Fezzik takes the corpse, follows Inigo up the stairs -- CUT TO:A HOVEL - DUSKInigo, FEZZIK, Westley approach the door. They knock. Frominside the hovel a little man's voice is heard. If MelBrooks' Year Old Man was really old, he'd resemble this guy. LITTLE OLD GUY (off-screen) Go away!Inigo pounds again. MIRACLE MAX (opening a small window in the door) What? What? INIGO Are you the Miracle Max who worked for the King all those years? MIRACLE MAX The King's stinking son fired me. And thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. While you're at it, why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it? We're closed!He shuts the window. They rap on the door. MIRACLE MAX (opening the window) Beat it or I'll call the Brute Squad. FEZZIK I'm on the Brute Squad. MIRACLE MAX (looking at the Giant) You are the Brute Squad. INIGO We need a miracle. It's very important.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 92. MIRACLE MAX Look, I'm retired. And besides, why would you want someone the King's stinking son fired? I might kill whoever you wanted me to miracle. INIGO He's already dead. MIRACLE MAX (for the first time, interested) He is, eh? I'll take a look. Bring him in.He unlocks the door and lets them in. CUT TO:INIGO AND FEZZIKhurrying inside. FEZZIK carries Westley who is just startingto stiffen up a little. He lays Westley down across a benchby the fireplace, picks Westley's arm up and lets it droplimp. MIRACLE MAX I've seen worse.He studies Westley a moment, checking here, checking there. INIGO Sir. Sir. MIRACLE MAX Hah? INIGO We're really in a terrible rush. MIRACLE MAX (He takes nothing from nobody) Don't rush me, sonny. You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles. You got money? INIGO Sixty-five. MIRACLE MAX Sheesh! I never worked for so little, except once, and that was a very noble cause.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 93. INIGO This is noble, sir. (pointing to Westley, remorseful) His wife is crippled. His children are on the brink of starvation. MIRACLE MAX Are you a rotten liar. INIGO I need him to help avenge my father, murdered these twenty years. MIRACLE MAX Your first story was better. (looking around) Where's that bellows? (spots it) He probably owes you money, huh? Well, I'll ask him.He goes to get a huge bellows. INIGO (stupefied) He's dead. He can't talk. MIRACLE MAX Look who knows so much. Well, it just so happens that your friend here is only mostly dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Please open his mouth.Inigo does. Max inserts the bellows in Westley's mouth andstarts to pump. MIRACLE MAX Now, mostly dead is slightly alive. Now, all dead...well, with all dead, there's usually only one thing that you can do. INIGO What's that?He stops pumping. MIRACLE MAX Go through his clothes and look for loose change.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 94.He starts pumping again. MIRACLE MAX (to Westley) Hey! Hello in there. Hey! What's so important? What you got here that's worth living for?And he presses lightly on Westley's chest. WESTLEY ... tr ... oooo .... luv...Everybody stares at Westley lying there on the bench. INIGO True love. You heard him. You could not ask for a more noble cause than that. MIRACLE MAX Sonny, true love is the greatest thing in the world. Except for a nice MLT, a mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomato is ripe. They're so perky, I love that. But that's not what he said. He distinctly said "to blave." And, as we all know, "to blave" means "to bluff." So you're probably playing cards, and he cheated A WOMAN'S VOICE -- Liar -- LIAR-LI-A-A-AR --VALERIE, an ancient fury, storms out of a back room andtoward MIRACLE MAX -- get back, witch -- VALERIE I'm not a witch, I'm your wife. But after what you just said, I'm not even sure I want to be that anymore. MIRACLE MAX You never had it so good.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 95. VALERIE "True love." He said, "true love," Max. My God -- MIRACLE MAX (retreating) Don't say another word, Valerie. VALERIE (turning to Inigo and Fezzik) He's afraid. Ever since Prince Humperdinck fired him, his confidence is shattered. MIRACLE MAX Why'd you say that name -- you promised me that you would never say that name -- VALERIE (pursuing him now) What, Humperdinck? Humperdinck. Humperdinck. Ooo-ooo, Humperdinck MIRACLE MAX (holding his hands over his ears) I'm not listening. VALERIE A life expiring and you don't have the decency to say why you won't help -- MIRACLE MAX Nobody's hearing nothing! VALERIE Humperdinck. Humperdinck! Humperdinck! INIGO -- But this is Buttercup's true love -- If you heal him, he will stop Humperdinck's wedding. VALERIE Humperdinck. Humperdinck -- MIRACLE MAX (to Valerie) Shut up -- (now to Inigo) Wait. Wait. I make him better, Humperdinck suffers?--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 96. INIGO Humiliations galore! MIRACLE MAX That is a noble cause. Give me the sixty-five, I'm on the job.And as Valerie shrieks excitedly we CUT TO:THIS LUMPIt is somewhat smaller than a tennis ball.PULL BACK TO REVEAL MAX AND VALERIE, exhausted, looking atthe lump with beautific pleasure, as Valerie, cookingutensil in hand, covers the thing with what looks likechocolate. Inigo and FEZZIK stare at the thing too, but moredubiously. INIGO (a little appalled) That's a miracle pill?Max nods. VALERIE (finishing) The chocolate coating makes it go down easier. But you have to wait fifteen minutes for full potency. And you shouldn't go swimming after, for at least, what? MIRACLE MAX An hour. VALERIE Yeah, an hour. MIRACLE MAX A good hour. Yeah.Inigo accepts the pill as FEZZIK takes Westley, who is stiffas a board now. INIGO (heading out the door, Fezzik close behind) Thank you for everything. MIRACLE MAX Okay.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 97. VALERIE (waving after them) Bye-bye, boys. MIRACLE MAX Have fun storming the castle. VALERIE (to Max) Think it'll work? MIRACLE MAX It would take a miracle. Bye! VALERIE Bye.And as they wave, trying to look happy we -- CUT TO:FEZZIK, INIGO, AND WESTLEYon the top of the outer wall of the castle. They look downto the front gate of the castle. The sixty Brutes are visible.FEZZIK is thunderstruck by how many Brutes there are. Upset,he turns to Inigo, who is concentrating unsuccessfully,trying to prop Westley against the wall. FEZZIK Inigo -- there's more than thirty -- INIGO (absolutely unfazed) What's the difference? (indicating the half- dead Westley) We've got him. Help me here. We'll have to force feed him. FEZZIK Has it been fifteen minutes? INIGO We can't wait -- the wedding's in half an hour and we must strike in the hustle and the bustle beforehand.During this, FEZZIK, using all his strength, has managed toget Westley into a right angled sitting position, whileInigo brings out the miracle pill.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 98. INIGO Tilt his head back. Open his mouth. FEZZIK (following orders) How long do we have to wait before we know if the miracle works? CUT TO:INIGOPill in hand, he drops it into Westley's mouth. INIGO Your guess is as good as mine -- WESTLEY (frantic) I'll beat you both apart. I'll take you both together. FEZZIK Guess not very long.Inigo and FEZZIK react. Westley is the only one not amazed. WESTLEY Why won't my arms move?He sits there, immobile, like a ventriloquist's dummy. FEZZIK You've been mostly dead all day. INIGO We had Miracle Max make a pill to bring you back. WESTLEY Who are you? -- Are we enemies? Why am I on this wall? -- Where's Buttercup? -- INIGO Let me explain -- (pauses very briefly) -- No, there is too much. Let me sum up. (MORE)--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 99. INIGO (CONT'D) Buttercup is marrying Humperdinck in a little less than half an hour, so all we have to do is get in, break up the wedding, steal the Princess, make our escape after I kill Count Rugen. WESTLEY That doesn't leave much time for dilly dallying.He is watching his fingers, one of which twitches now. FEZZIK You've just wiggled your finger. That's wonderful. WESTLEY I've always been a quick healer. (to Inigo) What are our liabilities? INIGO There is but one working castle gate.Fezzik helps Inigo raise Westley just high enough so he cansee for himself. INIGO And it is guarded by sixty men. WESTLEY And our assets? INIGO Your brains, Fezzik's strength, my steel. CUT TO:WESTLEYabsolutely stunned. WESTLEY That's it? Impossible. If I had a month to plan, maybe I could come up with something. But this...He shakes his head from side to side. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100.INIGO AND FEZZIK FEZZIK (trying to be cheery) You just shook your head -- that doesn't make you happy? WESTLEY My brains, his steel, and your strength against sixty men, and you think a little head jiggle is supposed to make me happy? I mean, if we only had a wheelbarrow, that would be something. INIGO Where did we put that wheelbarrow the Albino had? FEZZIK Over the Albino, I think. WESTLEY Well, why didn't you list that among our assets in the first place? What I wouldn't give for a holocaust cloak. INIGO There we cannot help you. FEZZIK (pulling one out) Will this do? INIGO (to Fezzik-- surprised) Where did you get that? FEZZIK At Miracle Max's. It fit so nice, he said I could keep it. WESTLEY All right, all right. Come on, help me up.Inigo and Fezzik do. WESTLEY Now, I'll need a sword eventually.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 101. INIGO Why? You can't even lift one. WESTLEY True, but that's hardly common knowledge, is it? (And his bead tilts limply back. Fezzik sets it up right for him) Thank you. Now, there may be problems once we're inside. INIGO I'll say -- how do I find the Count? -- Once I do, how do I find you again? -- Once I find you again, how do we escape? -- FEZZIK (sharply) Don't pester him, he's had a hard day. INIGO (nods) Right, right, sorry. CUT TO:A SHOT OF THE THREE OF THEM IN PROFILEThey move along the wall in silence for a time. Then thesewords come to us on the wind -- FEZZIK Inigo. INIGO What? FEZZIK I hope we win... CUT TO:BUTTERCUPin her bridal gown, and she's incredible. It's not just herbeauty; there's a tranquillity about her now.PULL BACK TO REVEALThe Prince, fastening a pearl necklace around her.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 102. HUMPERDINCK You don't seem excited, my little muffin. BUTTERCUP Should I be? HUMPERDINCK Brides often are, I'm told. BUTTERCUP (gently, confidently) I do not marry tonight. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPand she couldn't seem more serene. BUTTERCUP My Westley will save me. CUT TO:HER WESTLEYlooking down on the gate with Inigo and Fezzik. CUT TO:THE MAIN GATE OF THE CASTLE-- and Yellin, standing there, flanked by his sixty Brutes. CUT TO:WESTLEY AND INIGO AND FEZZIKlooking out at the enemy. This is it. Inigo and FEZZIK shakehands.Westley can't even do that, but after a bit of rocking backand forth, he manages to get enough momentum to catapult hisarm over and onto his friend's. CUT TO:AN ABSOLUTELY GEM-LIKE LITTLE CHAPELPULL BACK TO REVEALThe most intelligent looking, the most impressive appearingCLERGYMAN imaginable.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 103.Buttercup and Humperdinck kneel before the Clergyman. Behindthem sit the mumbling old KING AND QUEEN. Standing in theback is Count Rugen.FOUR GUARDS are in position flanking the chapel door. IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN (clears his throat, begins to speak) Mawidge...mawidge is what bwings us togewer today...He has an impediment that would stop a clock. IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN Mawidge, the bwessed awwangement, that dweam wiffim a dweam...And now, from outside the castle, there begins to come acommotion. And then-- YELLIN (off-screen) Stand your ground, men. Stand your ground. CUT TO:THE BRUTES AND YELLINby the gate, for it is indeed they who are making thecommotion, frightened, pointing. YELLIN Stand your ground. CUT TO:THEIR P.O.V.:And it is a bit unnerving -- a GIANT seems to be floatingtoward them out of the darkness, a Giant in a strange cloak,and with a voice that would crumble walls. FEZZIK (deep and booming) I AM THE DREAD PIRATE ROBERTS. THERE WILL BE NO SURVIVORS. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 104.FEZZIKand he seems to be floating because he's standing in thewheelbarrow, as Inigo, hidden behind him, busts a gut bypushing it and supporting Westley. INIGO Now? WESTLEY Not yet. CUT TO:THE GIANT FLOATING CLOSER FEZZIK MY MEN ARE HERE, AND I AM HERE, BUT SOON YOU WILL NOT BE HERE CUT TO:YELLINkeeping the Brutes in position, or trying to, shoutingorders, instructions and as yet the Brutes hold. Now -- CUT TO:INIGO AND WESTLEYInigo struggles bravely under their combined weight -- INIGO Now? WESTLEY Light him. CUT TO:THE BRUTESas the Giant bursts suddenly, happily into flames. FEZZIK (roaring) THE DREAD PIRATE ROBERTS TAKES NO SURVIVORS. ALL YOUR WORST NIGHTMARES ARE ABOUT TO COME TRUE. CUT TO:THE CHAPEL, where The Impressive Clergyman plows on.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 105. IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN ... Ven wuv, twoo wuv, wiw fowwow you fowever.. CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCK, turning quickly, giving a sharp nod toCount Rugen, who immediately takes off out of the chapelwith the Four Guards as we CUT TO:FEZZIK, flaming and scary as hell. FEZZIK THE DREAD PIRATE ROBERTS IS HERE FOR YOUR SOULS! CUT TO:YELLINas suddenly the Brutes just scream and take off in wildpanic -- YELLIN Stay where you are. I said stay where you are! CUT TO:INSIDE THE CHAPEL IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN ... so tweasuwe your vruv.. HUMPERDINCK Skip to the end. IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN Have you the wing?As Humperdinck whips out the ring, the screams are very loudoutside. BUTTERCUP Here comes my Westley now. CUT TO:Fezzik, as he pulls off the holocaust cloak. WESTLEY FEZZIK, the portcullis.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 106.And FEZZIK rushes forward, grabbing the portcullis, which isindeed closing quickly.FEZZIK grabs the gate: and swings the tonnage back upward.Yellin just watches in fear. CUT TO:THE CHAPELas Humperdinck shoves the ring on Buttercup's finger HUMPERDINCK Your Westley is dead.Buttercup only smiles, shakes her head. HUMPERDINCK I killed him myself. BUTTERCUP (never more serene) Then why is there fear behind your eyes? CUT TO:PRINCE HUMPERDINCKAnd she's right. It's there. CUT TO:YELLINpressed against the main gate. Westley, Inigo, and FEZZIKclose in. WESTLEY Give us the gate key. YELLIN (every ounce of honesty he's got) I have no gate key. INIGO Fezzik, tear his arms off.FEZZIKsteps toward him.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 107. YELLIN Oh, you mean this gate key.And he whips it out, hands it to Fezzik. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCK AND BUTTERCUPAND THE IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN And do you, Pwincess Buwwercwup... HUMPERDINCK Man and wife -- say man and wife... IMPRESSIVE CLERGYMAN Man and wife. HUMPERDINCK (whirling to the King and Queen) Escort the bride to the Honeymoon Suite -- I'll be there shortly.And as he dashes off -- CUT TO:BUTTERCUPstanding there. Dazed. BUTTERCUP He didn't come. CUT TO:COUNT RUGEN AND HIS FOUR WARRIORSracing through the castle, and as they reach a complexintersection of several corridors, Rugen stops, incredulous,as we CUT TO:WESTLEY, INIGO, AND FEZZIKmoving toward them. Actually Fezzik is dragging Westley, whois, in turn, dragging Yellin's sword like a stiff dogleash --Westley simply hasn't the strength to raise it. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 108.COUNT RUGENas the confrontation is about to start. RUGEN Kill the dark one and the giant, but leave the third for questioning.And as his Warriors attack --Inigo goes wild, and maybe the Warrior's are good, maybethey're even better than that -- but they never get a chanceto show it because this is something now, this is Inigo gonemad and the six-fingered sword has never flashed faster andthe FOURTH WARRIOR is dead before the FIRST ONE has even hitthe floor. There is a pause. Then -- INIGO (to Rugen, evenly and soft) Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. CUT TO:COUNT RUGENFor a moment he just stands there, sword in hand. Then hedoes a most unexpected thing. He turns and runs the hell away. CUT TO:INIGOmomentarily surprised, then taking off after him, leavingWestley and Fezzik to exchange curious looks and Rugen,running through a half-open heavy wooden door, shutting itand locking it just as Inigo throws himself against it. Hetries again. No kind of chance. INIGO (calling out) Fezzik, I need you -- CUT TO:FEZZIK WITH WESTLEYwho is still unable to walk under his own power. He callsback ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 109. FEZZIK (indicating Westley) I can't leave him alone. CUT TO:INIGOdesperately pounding at the heavy door. INIGO He's getting away from me, Fezzik. Please. FEZZIK! CUT TO:FEZZIK AND WESTLEY FEZZIK (to Westley) I'll be right back.And he props Westley up against a large suit of armor andtakes off toward the intersection where Inigo's voice camefrom -- CUT TO:INIGOstill hammering the door. Fezzik approaches, gestures forhim to stop, and with one mighty swipe of his mighty handsthe door crumbles INIGO Thank you --And Inigo flies through as Fezzik heads back to Westley. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP WALKING WITH THE KING AND QUEENThe Queen, more sprightly, is several paces ahead. KING (can hardly be understood) Strange wedding. QUEEN Yes. A very strange wedding. Come along.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 110.Buttercup gently stops the King and places a kiss on hisforehead. He's very surprised and pleased. KING What was that for? BUTTERCUP Because you've always been so kind to me. And I won't be seeing you again since I'm killing myself once we reach the Honeymoon Suite. KING (smiling away --his hearing isn't what it once was) Won't that be nice? (calling out to the Queen) She kissed me...And on those words -- CUT TO:COUNT RUGENAnd he's running, dashing through corridors and as heglances back -- CUT TO:INIGObehind him, coming like a streak and -- CUT TO:THE INTERSECTIONwith the large suit of armor, and Fezzik gaping, staring atall those choices, trying to piece together the puzzle ofthe missing Westley. CUT TO:COUNT RUGENflashing out of one room, down a staircase, picking up hispace. He pulls out a deadly looking dagger, with a sharppoint and a triangular shaped blade, and sprints on and -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 111.INIGOclosing the gap, closer, closer and he's down the stairs andheading into a dining hall and -- CUT TO:COUNT RUGENthrowing the dagger -- CUT TO:INIGOtrying like hell to get out of the way, but no, and itsticks deep into his stomach, and he hurtles back helplesslyagainst the wall of the room, his eyes glazed, blood comingfrom his wound.The room is going white on him. INIGO ... Sorry, Father ... I tried ... I tried... CUT TO:COUNT RUGENlooking across the room at Inigo. He stares at Inigo's face,and then touches his own cheeks, as memory comes. RUGEN You must be that little Spanish brat I taught a lesson to all those years ago. It's simply incredible. Have you been chasing me your whole life only to fail now? I think that's the worst thing I ever heard. How marvelous.Inigo sinks. CUT TO:BUTTERCUPshutting the door of the Honeymoon Suite, crossing quietlyto the far wall where she sits at a table, opens a jeweledbox, and takes out a very deadly looking dagger. She seemsvery much at peace as she touches the knife to her bosom.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 112. WESTLEY There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours.And Buttercup whirls as we -- CUT TO:WESTLEYlying on the bed. Yellin's sword is beside him. His voicesounds just fine, but he does not move.Buttercup leaps to the bed, covering him with kisses.Westley is helpless. BUTTERCUP Oh, Westley, darling. (more kisses) Westley, why won't you hold me? WESTLEY (gently) Gently. BUTTERCUP At a time like this that's all you can think to say? "Gently?" WESTLEY (not so gently) Gently!!And she lets go, thumping his head against the headboard and CUT TO:COUNT RUGENlooking very much surprised. RUGEN Good heavens. Are you still trying to win?PULL BACK TO REVEALInigo, struggling feebly, pulling the dagger from hisstomach. Holding the wound with his left hand.Rugen is pushing off from the table, sword in hand, movingin to kill Inigo.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 113. RUGEN You've got an overdeveloped sense of vengeance. It's going to get you into trouble some day.Inigo watches the Count approach, and the Count flicks hissword at Inigo's heart, and there's not much Inigo can do,just kind of vaguely parry the thrust with the six-fingeredsword and Count Rugen's blade sinks deeply into Inigo's leftshoulder.Inigo doesn't seem to feel it, his other agonies are so muchworse. CUT TO:THE COUNTstepping back, going for the heart again. CUT TO:INIGOAnd as this blow comes he's trying to use the wall forsupport in forcing himself to his feet, and it's not aroaring success of an attempt, but he does at least makesome progress, and again he manages to parry the thrust, asthis time Rugen's sword runs through his right arm. Again,Inigo doesn't seem to mind, doesn't even feel it. CUT TO:COUNT RUGENstepping back forj ust a moment, watching as Inigo continuesto inch his way to his feet and then, just before the Countis about to strike again, Inigo manages a little flick ofhis own and Rugen hadn't expected it, and he jumps back,makes a little involuntary cry of surprise and CUT TO:INIGOslowly pushing away from the wall. INIGO (all but audible) Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father; prepare to die. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 114.COUNT RUGENsuddenly going into a fierce attack, striking with greatpower and precision for he is a master swordsman, and heforces Inigo easily back, drives him easily into the wall.But he does not penetrate Inigo's defense. None of theCount's blows get home. As the Count steps back a moment -- CUT TO:INIGOpushing slowly off from the wall again. INIGO (a little louder) Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die. CUT TO:THE COUNTAnd again he attacks, slashing with wondrous skill. But noneof his blows get through and, slowly, Inigo, again movesforward. INIGO (a little louder still) Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. RUGEN Stop saying that! CUT TO:COUNT RUGENretreating more quickly around the table.Inigo drives for the Count's left shoulder now, thrusts homewhere the Count had gotten him. Then another move and hisblade enters the Count's right shoulder, the same spot Inigowas wounded. INIGO (all he's got) HELLO! MY NAME IS INIGO MONTOYA. YOU KILLED MY FATHER. PREPARE TO DIE.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 115. RUGEN No -- INIGO -- offer me money --And now the six-fingered sword strikes and there is a slashbleeding along one of Rugen's cheeks. RUGEN -- yes -- INIGO -- power too -- promise me that --The great sword flashes again, and now there is a parallelslash bleeding on Rugen's other cheek. RUGEN -- all that I have and more please -- INIGO -- offer me everything I ask for -- RUGEN -- anything you want -- INIGO (roaring) I WANT MY FATHER BACK, YOU SON- OFA-BITCH!And on that -- CUT TO:INIGOand almost too fast for the eye to follow, the sword strikesone final time and -- CUT TO:COUNT RUGENcrying out in fear and panic as the sword hits home deadcenter and -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 116.INIGO AND RUGENthe sword clear through the Count. They are almost frozenlike that for a moment. Then Inigo withdraws his sword andas the Count pitches down -- CUT TO:RUGENlying dead. His skin is ashen and the blood still pours fromthe parallel cuts on his cheeks and his eyes are bulgingwide, full of fear. CUT TO:INIGOstaring at Rugen. And now Inigo does something we have neverseen him do before: he smiles. HOLD FOR JUST A MOMENT onInigo smiling, then -- CUT TO:INSIDE THE HONEYMOON SUITEWESTLEY lies as before, not a muscle has moved, his head isstill on the headboard, Yellin's sword at his side.Buttercup is alongside the bed; her eyes never leave his face. BUTTERCUP Oh, Westley, will you ever forgive me? WESTLEY What hideous sin have you committed lately? BUTTERCUP I got married. I didn't want to. It all happened so fast. WESTLEY It never happened. BUTTERCUP What? WESTLEY It never happened.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 117. BUTTERCUP But it did. I was there. This old man said, "Man and wife." WESTLEY Did you say, "I do"? BUTTERCUP Well, no, we sort of skipped that part. WESTLEY Then you're not married -- if you didn't say it, you didn't do it (a pause) -- wouldn't you agree, Your Highness? CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKentering the room, staring at them. He pulls out his sword. HUMPERDINCK A technicality that will shortly be remedied. But first things first. To the death. WESTLEY No. (a little pause) To the pain. HUMPERDINCK (about to charge, stops short) I don't think I'm quite familiar with that phrase. WESTLEY I'll explain. And I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you wart-hog-faced buffoon. HUMPERDINCK That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 118.WESTLEYlying there comfortably, his words quiet at first. WESTLEY It won't be the last. To the pain means the first thing you lose will be your feet, below the ankles, then your hands at the wrists, next your nose. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKgripping his sword, watching. HUMPERDINCK -- and then my tongue, I suppose. I killed you too quickly the last time, a mistake I don't mean to duplicate tonight. WESTLEY I wasn't finished -- the next thing you lose will be your left eye, followed by your right -- HUMPERDINCK (takes step forward) -- and then my ears, I understand. Let's get on with it CUT TO:CLOSE UP: WESTLEY HUGE WESTLEY Wrong! Your ears you keep, and I'll tell you why -- CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKAnd now he stops, and the look that was in his eyes at thewedding, that look of fear, is starting to return. WESTLEY -- so that every shriek of every child at seeing your hideousness will be yours to cherish -- every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out, "Dear God, what is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. (MORE)--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 119. WESTLEY (CONT'D) That is what "to the pain" means. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever. CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKdoing his best to hide the fear that keeps building insidehim. HUMPERDINCK I think you're bluffing -- CUT TO:WESTLEYlying there, staring at him. WESTLEY It's possible, pig -- I might be bluffing -- it's conceivable, you miserable vomitous mass, that I'm only lying here because I lack the strength to stand -- then again, perhaps I have the strength after all.And now, slowly, Westley begins to move. His body turns, hisfeet go to the floor, he starts to stand -- CUT TO:HUMPERDINCKstaring, eyes wide. CUT TO:WESTLEYAnd now he is standing, sword in fighting position. WESTLEY (slow and determined) DROP-YOUR-SWORD. CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 120.PRINCE HUMPERDINCKand he's so panicked he doesn't know whether to pee or windhis watch. He throws his sword to the floor. WESTLEY (to Humperdinck) Have a seat. CUT TO:WESTLEYspeaking to Buttercup as Humperdinck sits. WESTLEY Tie him up. Make it as tight as you like.And as she sets to work -- CUT TO:INIGOentering, looking around. INIGO Where's Fezzik? WESTLEY I thought he was with you. INIGO No. WESTLEY In that case --his balance betrays him. INIGO (to Buttercup) Help him. BUTTERCUP Why does Westley need helping? INIGO Because he has no strength -- CUT TO:--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 121.HUMPERDINCKand now be starts wrestling mightily with his bonds. HUMPERDINCK I knew it! I knew you were bluffing! I knew he was bluffing. INIGO (staring at the Prince) Shall I dispatch him for you? WESTLEY (considers this, then) Thank you, but no -- whatever happens to us, I want him to live a long life alone with his cowardice. FEZZIK (off-screen) Inigo! Inigo, where are you?They look at each other, then move to the balcony, and CUT TO:FEZZIKleading FOUR GREAT WHITE HORSES. He glances up, sees them onthe balcony. FEZZIK Ah, there you are. Inigo, I saw the Prince's stables, and there they were, four white horses. And I thought, there are four of us, if we ever find the lad -- hello, lad -- so I took them with me, in case we ever bumped into each other. (considers things a moment) I guess we just did. CUT TO:INIGO AND WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUPlooking down at FEZZIK. INIGO FEZZIK, you did something right.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 122. FEZZIK Don't worry -- I won't let it go to my head.And as he holds out his great arms-- CUT TO:SOMETHING UNEXPECTED AND VERY LOVELY:Buttercup floating through the air. What's happening, ofcourse, is that she's jumping from the balcony so Fezzik cancatch her. But her fall is in slow motion so you might thinkshe was flying.Westley and Inigo, watching as FEZZIK catches Buttercup. INIGO You know, it's very strange -- I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it's over, I don't know what to do with the rest of my life. WESTLEY (as Inigo gets him ready for his jump) Have you ever considered piracy? You'd make a wonderful Dread Pirate Roberts.Now from that -- CUT TO:THE FOUR GLORIOUS WHITE HORSES WITH THEIR FOUR RIDERStriumphantly racing through the night -- CUT TO:BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEYand at last their trials are done. They stop. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) They rode to freedom. And as dawn arose, Westley and Buttercup knew they were safe. A wave of love swept over them. And as they reached for each other...--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 123.As Buttercup and Westley begin their ultimate kiss -- CUT TO:THE KID'S BEDROOMThe Grandfather stops reading. THE KID What? What? GRANDFATHER No, it's kissing again. You don't want to hear it. THE KID I don't mind so much.He gestures for his Grandfather to read. GRANDFATHER Okay. CUT TO:BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEYlocked in a deep, pure and passionate kiss. GRANDFATHER (off-screen) Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind. The end. CUT TO:THE KID'S ROOMThe Grandfather snaps the book closed. GRANDFATHER Now I think you ought to go to sleep. THE KID Okay. GRANDFATHER (standing, readying to leave) Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. So long.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 124. THE KID Grandpa?The Old Man stops, turns. THE KID Maybe you could come over and read it again to me tomorrow. GRANDFATHER (a beat) As you wish...And his smile is enough. As The Grandfather steps out thedoor, tipping his hat--FINAL FADE OUT.THE END.
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