Post by California gal on Nov 8, 2009 8:30:43 GMT -8
CBS-TV
GARRISON PRODUCTIONS
THE WILD WILD WEST
“The Night of the Ominous Oculist” – Part II
by
Ken Pettus
FIRST DRAFT
October 29, 1968
#06120
THE WILD WILD WEST
“The Night of the Ominous Oculist” – Part II
PRODUCER
Bruce Lansbury
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
LEONARD KATZMAN
STORY CONSULTANT
HENRY SHARP
WRITTEN BY
KEN PETTUS
SETS: (CONT'D)
INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP
INT. PASSAGEWAY
INT. AIR DUCT
INT. HOTEL LOBBY
INT. SITTING-ROOM
INT. CUBICLE
EXT. LAKESIDE
INT. BOOTH
INT. LABORATORY
EXT. GREEN SET
CAST:
[Again, a couple of handwritten names are alongside the names; I’m putting them in Italics.]
TYCHO Chris Cary
DOLLY DOLAN
JUAREZ
MEXICAN AGENT
BELLHOP
RAVENETTE
PEON
1ST AGENT Bob Golden(?)
2ND AGENT
3RD AGENT
4TH AGENT
1ST GIRL
2ND GIRL
TOWNS Juli Medina
THE WILD WILD WEST
“The Night of the Ominous Oculist” – Part I
TEASER
FADE IN:
187. A SERIES OF SHOTS
recapitulating PART I, concluding with:
188. EXT. PLAZA – TIGHT SHOT – NIGHT
on one of the artillery pieces across the plaza from the City Hall as it turns, aiming at –
189. WEST, FRANK
– lying helpless in the street, stunned by the previous volleys from the guns in front of City Hall.
190. 3RD GUN
as it FIRES.
191. WEST, FRANK
still lying in the street. The shot from the 3rd gun is high. It goes over Jim and Frank, blasting the front of a store right behind them.
192. TIGHT SHOT
on the 4th (and last) Gun as it draws a bead on the two men.
193. WEST, FRANK
as they look up groggily.
194. P.O.V. SHOT
on the 4th Gun as it FIRES.
195. WEST, FRANK
as they roll out of the line of fire as the shot from the 4th gun blasts a crater where they had been lying.
196. WEST, FRANK
as they scramble to their feet, looking around at the four guns in the plaza, waiting to see if they will fire again. When it becomes apparent that they won’t, the two start toward the nearest guns – the one in front of City Hall.
197, ANOTHER ANGLE
shooting pat one of the guns in the f.g. to Jim and Frank approaching it. Now we HEAR a hissing, sputtering noise – the unmistakable SOUND of a FUSE burning.
198. REVERSE ANGLE
as West and Frank HEAR the noise. They stop in their tracks, realizing what is happening.
WEST
Hit the dirt!
He and Frank dive to the ground as the 1st Gun in front of City Hall is destroyed by an EXPLOSION, then the other, and finally the two guns across the plaza. Jim and Frank keep their faces buried in the dirt during the series of explosions. Now they look up and around the plaza.
199. PAN SHOT
revealing each of the four artillery pieces in ruins.
200. WEST, FRANK
as they look at one another, then around at the guns again, their faces reflecting their dismay.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
201. EXT PLAZA – WEST, FRANK – NIGHT
poking around the ruins of one of the artillery pieces in front of City Hall. Frank finally gives up, looking discouraged.
FRANK
This thing probably worked on some sort of pre-set clock mechanism, Jim, but we’ll never know for sure. It’s just too badly smashed.
WEST
(nods grimly)
But it settles one thing, Frank.
(beat)
I’m going to stay in San Pablo while you keep our date with Juarez in Nogales.
(looks around the Plaza thoughtfully)
Raven’s headquarters is either right here in San Pablo or very close by. And I’m going to try to find it.
FRANK
I guess it makes sense for one of us to stay, but –
He breaks off, eyeing West with obvious concern. West knows what he’s thinking.
WEST
You’re worried about me.
FRANK
Aren’t you worried about yourself?
WEST
I was.
FRANK
Was?
WEST
There’s one thing we both forgot, Frank… If Raven’s “conditioned” me to do something for them, why didn’t I get a pair of their glasses?
FRANK
Say, that’s right! You didn’t!
(beat)
Jim, do you suppose it was just a dream after all?
WEST
(shakes his head)
No, the whole thing was too real to be just a dream. But without a pair of Raven glasses, I’m no walking “time-bomb.”
FRANK
(sighs)
Well, that’s a relief.
WEST
Yeah.
(beat)
Now you’d better get going. You’ve got a long ride ahead of you and you can’t keep President Juarez waiting.
FRANK
Okay, Jim.
(extends hand)
Good luck.
West takes Frank’s hand.
WEST
Thanks.
Frank starts off.
WEST (CONT'D)
Frank –
Frank turns back.
WEST (CONT'D)
Ask President Juarez to stay in Nogales until I get there.
FRANK
(puzzled)
But why?
WEST
(a bit testily)
Don’t ask questions! Just make sure Juarez doesn’t leave before I arrive, understand?
Frank studies West a moment then nods thoughtfully.
FRANK
Sure, Jim. I understand.
Frank goes. West watches him, then turns toward the saloon.
202. ANOTHER ANGLE
on West as he approaches the saloon. He’s about to enter when a man comes pushing out through the bat-wings. The two momentarily block one another, then the man – one of the gray-clad Raven Guards with whom Jim tangled in his “dreams”—goes on, moving across the Plaza. West watches him, frowning, obviously trying to remember where he saw the man before.
203. P.O.V. SHOT
on the man as he disappears down a street leading from the Plaza.
204. WEST
as he looks down at his skinned knuckles, remembering the man. He moves off after him.
205. EXT. STREET – TRAVEL SHOT – NIGHT
on the Tough, unaware of being followed by –
206. WEST
– who remains in the shadows a discreet distance behind the Tough.
207. TOUGH
as he stops in front of the “San Pablo Blacksmith Shop,” looking up and down the street.
208. WEST
as he flattens himself against a building to avoid being seen by the Tough.
209. TOUGH
as he uses a key on the lock on the double doors to the blacksmith shop and enters.
210. WEST
as he hurries to the blacksmith shop. He surreptitiously tries the double doors. They have been locked from the inside. West moves to a window, which glows faintly from a light within the shop.
211. P.O.V. SHOT – THRU WINDOW
into the blacksmith shop. The only light is from the glow of the coals in the large forge against the rear wall. There’s nothing unusual about the shop – on the surface anyway. However, the Tough who Jim follows is not in sight.
212. WEST
frowning deeply, puzzled by the fact that the Tough has disappeared. He goes back to the double-doors. After making sure that the street is empty, West examines the lock, then extracts a lock-picking device from a pocket. He works on the lock for only a moment before we HEAR the bolt CLICK.
213. INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – WEST – NIGHT
as he enters cautiously, making certain the Tough is really not there, concealed behind a door or another part of the room which he couldn’t see from the window. The CAMERA FOLLOWS Jim as he makes a turn of the shop, obviously looking for some secret exit the Tough must’ve used since the double-doors are the only ones in the shop. After examining the floor and a couple of walls, West comes to the –
214. FORGE
– with its bed of white-hot coals. There’s a wheel for raising the lowering the firebox, levers for the damper and for the grate, etc., plus a chain on a pulley, used for lifting heavy objects on and off the fire. After trying the wheel and the levers, Jim pulls this chain and the entire forge, including the chimney, starts to swing away from the wall, revealing a passageway behind it.
215. INT. PASSAGEWAY – WEST – NIGHT
as he enters it, the forge swings back into place. The passage is dimly lighted from some indeterminate source. There’s a heavy steel door at the far end. Jim goes to it. He tries it. It’s locked. From the heel of his boot he takes an explosive device, but before he can insert it in the lock of the door, he’s stopped by the SQUEAKING sound of the forge starting to open.
216. ANOTHER ANGLE
as West whirls, trapped, looking for some possible way to avoid detection. He looks up above the door and his eyes fall on an –
217. AIR DUCT
– opening large enough for a man to crawl into..
218. WEST
as he jumps up, catching the lower edge of the air duct, hoisting himself up. He disappears into the air duct just as –
219. OCCULARIS II
– enters the passageway and moves down it to the steel door.
220. TIGHT SHOT
on West, peeking down at Occularis II as the latter uses a key on the door and enters it.
221. INT. AIR DUCT – WEST – NIGHT
as he wriggles around inside it. The shaft slants steeply, obviously leading underground. West, using suction cups, starts to crawl down it.
222, ANOTHER ANGLE
Jim continues to make his way down the duct. As he does, we begin to HEAR voices. A few feet more and a faint glow of light appears. It comes through the end of the air duct, which is covered by an iron grille. West snakes his way up to the grille and looks through it.
223. P.O.V. SHOT
through the vent into the Conference Room. The picture West gets is this:
Thaddeus Toombs is standing in front of a large map of the United States and Mexico, a pointer in hand, while around the huge conference table is a group of distinguished-looking men, obviously the “scientists and philosophers” Toombs mentioned to West. Like Toombs, they wear orange surgical robes and caps, setting them apart from the grey-clad rank-and-file members of Raven. In the group of men seated around the table, there is one woman. It is Rosa. She, too, wears orange. Occularis II stand in the b.g.
Now the ANGLE TIGHTENS on the ornate chair at the far end of the table. The back of the chair is TOWARD CAMERA, but it is occupied. We SEE a normal, masculine hand with a cigarette in a long holder between its fingers.
TOOMBS
And now let me report on Philadelphia.
(he points to it on the map)
As you know, we have encountered some difficulty in that city, but I’m happy to report that –
TYCHO’S VOICE
(from the big chair; it is a little testy)
I’m not interested in Philadelphia, Professor! I want to know about Nogales!
There’s nothing out-of-the-ordinary about Tycho’s voice.
224. WEST
as he reacts to the mention of Nogales.
TOOMBS’ VOICE
Ah, yes – Nogales.
225. P.O.V. SHOT
into the Conference Room. Toombs wears a big, smug, confident smile.
TOOMBS
I am pleased to announce that I have heard from our colleague in Nogales within the hour.
TYCHO’S VOICE
(impatiently)
Well, what does he say?
TOOMBS
(to the chair)
That Juarez has arrived in that city and all is proceeding according to plan.
(literally beaming now)
I can say with complete confidence that by this time tomorrow night, the Republic of Mexico will be in our hands.
CUT TO:
226. EXT. NOGALES STREET – TO ESTABLISH – DAY
the “Hotel Palacio.”
227. INT. HOTEL LOBBY – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
featuring SEÑOR CHAVEROS as he comes from the stairs to a lobby full of newspaper reporters, photographers, presidential aides, and just plain citizens. Chaveros, pausing near the foot of the stairs, raises his hands for quiet.
CHAVEROS
Senores! … Your attention, please. Senores! … The Presidente will join us here in the lobby in a few moments!
With that, Chaveros comes on down the stairs, circulating in the crowd.
228. INT. SITTING-ROOM – JUAREZ – DAY
seated at a table, working on state papers. The ANGLE WIDENS to include Frank. He’s standing at a window, looking down into the street anxiously. In addition to Frank and Juarez, there are four Mexican Secret Service agents in the room. Now one of the latter looks at a clock standing on the mantel of a fireplace.
MEXICAN AGENT
(approaching Juarez)
Presidente, I am afraid we cannot delay your appearance any longer.
Juarez puts aside his work and looks around to Frank.
JUAREZ
What about Señor West?
FRANK
It looks as if I was wrong, Mr. Presidente. Apparently he isn’t coming to Nogales after all.
Frank turns from the window.
DISSOLVE THRU:
229. EXT. NOGALES STREET – LONG SHOT – DAY
from in front of the Hotel Palacio as West comes racing toward it. He reins-in, jumps from his horse and moves quickly to the hotel entrance. He’s stopped by:
CHAVEROS’ VOICE
Señor West!
230. ANOTHER ANGLE
to include Chaveros on the hotel porch. He hurries to West, shaking hands with him.
CHAVEROS
Buenas dias.
WEST
Buenas dias.
West turns back to the hotel entrance. Chaveros goes with him.
WEST
I must see President Juarez immediately!
231. INT. HOTEL LOBBY – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
featuring West and Chaveros as they enter and shoulder their way through the crowd toward the staircase. It’s slow going.
CHAVEROS
He will be down momentarily.
(beat)
Señor Harper has told us of your experience in San Pablo. Do you have any more information about – Raven?
WEST
I’ve located its headquarters.
CHAVEROS
Really?
WEST
They’re in an old Spanish grotto underneath the town. The entrance is through a blacksmith shop on a street near –
Jim breaks off as there is an increased HUBBUB from the crowd. He and Chaveros look toward the stairs.
232. P.O.V. SHOT
on “Juarez” at the top of the staircase. Only it really isn’t “Juarez.” It is Frank, made-up to look exactly like the Mexican president. Even West doesn’t know the difference for the present.
CHAVEROS’ VOICE
Here’s El Presidente now!
233. WEST
as he starts for the staircase, but suddenly stops, staring o.s. at something. The ANGLE SLOWLY WIDENS to reveal the “something.” It is a stooped, work-worn Mexican –
234. PEON
– who is extending a shaking, supplicating hand. He looks harmless enough – except that he has a huge raven perched on one shoulder.
PEON
(quaveringly)
Would you have a few centavos for a poor old man, Señor?
There’s something benignly evil about the beggar’s smile. The ANGLE WIDENS to include West as he stares at the raven, his expression becoming one with which we have grown familiar – that glassy-eyed, hypnotic look of those who have run afoul of Raven. He hands the old Peon some coins and the latter, in turn, takes something from a pocket.
PEON (CONT'D)
You forgot these in San Pablo, Señor.
235. GLASSES
– with their thick and tinted lenses.
236. WEST
as he dutifully puts the glasses on, then turns toward the staircase and –
237. ‘JUAREZ
– moving down into the lobby, gesturing greetings to the crowd below as photographers’ flash-guns EXPLODE filling the lobby with smoke.
238. WEST
as he pulls his revolver.
239. “JUAREZ” – WEST’S P.O.V.
As seen through the glasses in Jim’s “conditioned” state, the man is the embodiment of evil, his gestures making it seem as though he’s reaching out to grab West with hands which have talon-like hands. The scene is made even more malevolent by the billowing smoke from the photographers’ flash-guns.
240. WEST
as he FIRES once at “Juarez,” who is o.s. The lobby is immediately thrown into pandemonium. The CAMERA PANS with Jim as he races out of the lobby and into the street.
241. CHAVEROS
seeing West flee.
CHAVEROS
Stop him! … Stop that man!
But the attention of the crowd is on the fallen “Juarez,” who lies at the foot of the stairs, his “body” hidden from our view by the people surrounding it. So Chaveros himself fights his way to the street door in pursuit of West.
242. EXT. NOGALES STREET – WEST – DAY
as he mounts his horse in front of the hotel, puts the spurs to it and rides off like the wind. The CAMERA LOSES to –
243. CHAVEROS
– as he comes bolting out after West. Seeing Jim ride off, Chaveros rushes to a horse tethered at the hitch rail. He mounts it and takes off after West.
244. INT HOTEL LOBBY – “JUAREZ” – DAY
lying on his back at the foot of the staircase. The ANGLE WIDENS to include the stunned, hushed crowd gathered around the “body.” A Presidential Aide, kneeling next to the “body” gets to his fee slowly, solemnly shaking his head, indicating that “Juarez” is dead. A Photographer moves in for a close-up picture of the “body.” His flash powder EXPLODES and then several men pick “Juarez” up and start to carry him up the stairs, the Presidential Aide leading the way.
245. EXT. OPEN COUNTRY – WEST – DAY
riding like his life depended on it, but still hypnotized.
246. CHAVEROS
way behind but in hot pursuit of Jim.
247. INT. SITTING ROOM – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
as the Presidential Aide enters, followed by the men carrying “Juarez.” The Aide motions for them to put the “body” on the couch. They do. He then gestures for them to leave.
They go, the Aide following, pausing in the open doorway to glance back sadly at the “dead” man before closing the door.
The ANGLE TIGHTENS on “Juarez” on the couch. He lies as still as death as we HEAR a door open and close o.s. and FOOTSTEPS come to the couch and stop. “Juarez” – Frank – opens his eyes, looks up and smiles at the real –
248. JUAREZ
- as he solemnly looks down at his double. The ANGLE WIDENS to include Frank. He gets to his feet, stripping off his coat and vest to remove the bullet-proof jacket he is wearing beneath them.
JUAREZ
So you were right, Señor Harper. I was to be Raven’s next victim.
FRANK
(nods)
When Jim insisted I keep you in Nogales until he got here, I was sure you were the target for the “time-bomb” Raven had made of him.
JUAREZ
What a coup it would have been for Raven if the foremost Secret Service Agent of the United States had murdered the President of Mexico.
FRANK
It could have meant war between our countries.
JUAREZ
(nods grimly)
And in the confusion, turmoil and panic, Raven would have seized power.
FRANK
Mr. President, you understand that we must let Raven believe that its plot succeeded. Otherwise, Jim’s life may be in danger.
JUAREZ
I understand, Señor Harper, but I cannot let you issue any false communiqués.
FRANK
That won’t be necessary, Mr. President. All I ask is that you remain out of sight for 48 hours to give me time to find Jim – and Raven.
JUAREZ
Forty-eight hours?
(beat)
Very well, Señor, but I cannot give you any longer than that.
CUT TO:
249. EXT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – WEST – NIGHT
as he rides up to it and the doors seem to open automatically.
250. INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – WEST – NIGHT
as he rides in and dismounts. He is, of course, still in the somnambulistic state and is also still wearing the Raven spectacles. The doors close behind him and the ANGLE TIGHTENS as Jim takes a match from a pocket and strikes it, holding it out.
A moment passes, then the face of Professor Toombs appears in the glow from the light of the match. He lights a cigar, inhaling with deep satisfaction.
TOOMBS
Congratulations, Mr. West.
With that, Toombs removes the glasses from West’s face and blows out a plume of cigar smoke, extinguishing the match. As the flame goes out, so does Jim – sinking unconscious to the floor.
CUT TO:
251. INT. CUBICLE – WEST – DAY
as he comes to, lying on a cot. The room is slightly larger than implied by the word “cubicle,” and although it is of stone block construction there is nothing monastic about it. Indeed, it appears to be a comfortable and unusually up-to-date hospital room plus doctor’s office. On the walls are eye charts of a somewhat “advanced” design as well as a chart of the human anatomy and a cross-section drawing of the human head and brain. West looks around to see –
258. ROSA
– seated on a chair beside the cot. There’s no mistaking the look in her eyes. She’s smitten with Jim. Behind her we see two gray-clad Ravenites on guard duty in the corridor outside the bat-wing doors to the cubicle. West props himself up on an elbow, looking around.
WEST
Raven headquarters.
ROSA
Si, querido mio.
WEST
How did I get here?
ROSA
You do not remember?
West tries to, but can’t. He shakes his head.
ROSA (CONT’D)
It was part of our instructions to you that you return to us after completing your assignment in Nogales.
WEST
(sharply sitting up)
Nogales? … What assignment?
253. ANOTHER ANGLE
as Rosa goes to the desk and picks up a photograph and returns to Jim, handing it to him.
254. INSERT – PHOTO
of frank, disguised as Juarez, lying at the foot of the stairs in the Hotel Palacio.
ROSA’S VOICE
It went beautifully, querido mio. Just exactly as we planned.
255. BACK TO SCENE
as West gets to his feet, staring at the photograph with a sickening realization of what he did.
WEST
So that’s what I was “conditioned” for – to murder Benito Juarez.
ROSA
(smiles proudly)
And it was my idea, novio.
WEST
(bitterly)
Congratulations.
ROSA
(pouting)
But you do not mean it.
WEST
How did you guess?
West crosses to the desk, putting the photograph down on it, staring down at it grimly. Rosa comes up behind him and starts to slip her arms around his waist. At her touch, West’s anger and frustration erupt. He whirls, pushing her aside, and strides toward the bat-wings.
ROSA
Querido!
256. INT. CORRIDOR – WEST, RAVEN GUARDS – DAY
as Jim barrels out of the cubicle unexpectedly, the bat-wings hitting the Guards and knocking them off balance. However, they recover in time to grab Jim and a fight is joined. An ALARM BELL starts ringing. Other Gray-clad Raven Guards come pounding down the corridor from both directions and West is finally over-powered by their numbers and hustled back into the cubicle.
257. INT. CUBICLE – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
West is being restrained by two guards holding his arms. He continues to struggle.
ROSA
You are being very foolish, amante mio.
WEST
You’ll have to forgive me if I have an aversion to assassinating Presidents.
ROSA
Raven will cure you of that in time.
WEST
You don’t have that much time.
Rosa studies Jim with a knowing smile.
ROSA
I know what you are thinking, querido.
WEST
Do you?
Si… you are thinking of Señor Chaveros.
West just stares at her.
ROSA (CONT'D)
You are remembering that you told him where our headquarters are and you are certain he reported it to your compadre, Señor Harper, and that the authorities will be swooping down on us at any moment.
(smiling)
Eh, novio mio?
West doesn’t reply.
ROSA (CONT'D)
I am sorry to disappoint you but that isn’t going to happen.
WEST
You’re sure?
CHAVEROS’ VOICE
We are positive, Señor.
West whirls to see –
258. CHAVEROS
– standing in the doorway, all smiles. He wears an orange cap and gown, the symbol of rank in Raven.
ROSA’S VOICE
Señor Chaveros is one of our most trusted and efficient secret agents.
259. WEST
as he gapes bleakly at Chaveros, seeing his hope for smashing Raven go up in smoke.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT I
GARRISON PRODUCTIONS
THE WILD WILD WEST
“The Night of the Ominous Oculist” – Part II
by
Ken Pettus
FIRST DRAFT
October 29, 1968
#06120
THE WILD WILD WEST
“The Night of the Ominous Oculist” – Part II
PRODUCER
Bruce Lansbury
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
LEONARD KATZMAN
STORY CONSULTANT
HENRY SHARP
WRITTEN BY
KEN PETTUS
SETS: (CONT'D)
INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP
INT. PASSAGEWAY
INT. AIR DUCT
INT. HOTEL LOBBY
INT. SITTING-ROOM
INT. CUBICLE
EXT. LAKESIDE
INT. BOOTH
INT. LABORATORY
EXT. GREEN SET
CAST:
[Again, a couple of handwritten names are alongside the names; I’m putting them in Italics.]
TYCHO Chris Cary
DOLLY DOLAN
JUAREZ
MEXICAN AGENT
BELLHOP
RAVENETTE
PEON
1ST AGENT Bob Golden(?)
2ND AGENT
3RD AGENT
4TH AGENT
1ST GIRL
2ND GIRL
TOWNS Juli Medina
THE WILD WILD WEST
“The Night of the Ominous Oculist” – Part I
TEASER
FADE IN:
187. A SERIES OF SHOTS
recapitulating PART I, concluding with:
188. EXT. PLAZA – TIGHT SHOT – NIGHT
on one of the artillery pieces across the plaza from the City Hall as it turns, aiming at –
189. WEST, FRANK
– lying helpless in the street, stunned by the previous volleys from the guns in front of City Hall.
190. 3RD GUN
as it FIRES.
191. WEST, FRANK
still lying in the street. The shot from the 3rd gun is high. It goes over Jim and Frank, blasting the front of a store right behind them.
192. TIGHT SHOT
on the 4th (and last) Gun as it draws a bead on the two men.
193. WEST, FRANK
as they look up groggily.
194. P.O.V. SHOT
on the 4th Gun as it FIRES.
195. WEST, FRANK
as they roll out of the line of fire as the shot from the 4th gun blasts a crater where they had been lying.
196. WEST, FRANK
as they scramble to their feet, looking around at the four guns in the plaza, waiting to see if they will fire again. When it becomes apparent that they won’t, the two start toward the nearest guns – the one in front of City Hall.
197, ANOTHER ANGLE
shooting pat one of the guns in the f.g. to Jim and Frank approaching it. Now we HEAR a hissing, sputtering noise – the unmistakable SOUND of a FUSE burning.
198. REVERSE ANGLE
as West and Frank HEAR the noise. They stop in their tracks, realizing what is happening.
WEST
Hit the dirt!
He and Frank dive to the ground as the 1st Gun in front of City Hall is destroyed by an EXPLOSION, then the other, and finally the two guns across the plaza. Jim and Frank keep their faces buried in the dirt during the series of explosions. Now they look up and around the plaza.
199. PAN SHOT
revealing each of the four artillery pieces in ruins.
200. WEST, FRANK
as they look at one another, then around at the guns again, their faces reflecting their dismay.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
201. EXT PLAZA – WEST, FRANK – NIGHT
poking around the ruins of one of the artillery pieces in front of City Hall. Frank finally gives up, looking discouraged.
FRANK
This thing probably worked on some sort of pre-set clock mechanism, Jim, but we’ll never know for sure. It’s just too badly smashed.
WEST
(nods grimly)
But it settles one thing, Frank.
(beat)
I’m going to stay in San Pablo while you keep our date with Juarez in Nogales.
(looks around the Plaza thoughtfully)
Raven’s headquarters is either right here in San Pablo or very close by. And I’m going to try to find it.
FRANK
I guess it makes sense for one of us to stay, but –
He breaks off, eyeing West with obvious concern. West knows what he’s thinking.
WEST
You’re worried about me.
FRANK
Aren’t you worried about yourself?
WEST
I was.
FRANK
Was?
WEST
There’s one thing we both forgot, Frank… If Raven’s “conditioned” me to do something for them, why didn’t I get a pair of their glasses?
FRANK
Say, that’s right! You didn’t!
(beat)
Jim, do you suppose it was just a dream after all?
WEST
(shakes his head)
No, the whole thing was too real to be just a dream. But without a pair of Raven glasses, I’m no walking “time-bomb.”
FRANK
(sighs)
Well, that’s a relief.
WEST
Yeah.
(beat)
Now you’d better get going. You’ve got a long ride ahead of you and you can’t keep President Juarez waiting.
FRANK
Okay, Jim.
(extends hand)
Good luck.
West takes Frank’s hand.
WEST
Thanks.
Frank starts off.
WEST (CONT'D)
Frank –
Frank turns back.
WEST (CONT'D)
Ask President Juarez to stay in Nogales until I get there.
FRANK
(puzzled)
But why?
WEST
(a bit testily)
Don’t ask questions! Just make sure Juarez doesn’t leave before I arrive, understand?
Frank studies West a moment then nods thoughtfully.
FRANK
Sure, Jim. I understand.
Frank goes. West watches him, then turns toward the saloon.
202. ANOTHER ANGLE
on West as he approaches the saloon. He’s about to enter when a man comes pushing out through the bat-wings. The two momentarily block one another, then the man – one of the gray-clad Raven Guards with whom Jim tangled in his “dreams”—goes on, moving across the Plaza. West watches him, frowning, obviously trying to remember where he saw the man before.
203. P.O.V. SHOT
on the man as he disappears down a street leading from the Plaza.
204. WEST
as he looks down at his skinned knuckles, remembering the man. He moves off after him.
205. EXT. STREET – TRAVEL SHOT – NIGHT
on the Tough, unaware of being followed by –
206. WEST
– who remains in the shadows a discreet distance behind the Tough.
207. TOUGH
as he stops in front of the “San Pablo Blacksmith Shop,” looking up and down the street.
208. WEST
as he flattens himself against a building to avoid being seen by the Tough.
209. TOUGH
as he uses a key on the lock on the double doors to the blacksmith shop and enters.
210. WEST
as he hurries to the blacksmith shop. He surreptitiously tries the double doors. They have been locked from the inside. West moves to a window, which glows faintly from a light within the shop.
211. P.O.V. SHOT – THRU WINDOW
into the blacksmith shop. The only light is from the glow of the coals in the large forge against the rear wall. There’s nothing unusual about the shop – on the surface anyway. However, the Tough who Jim follows is not in sight.
212. WEST
frowning deeply, puzzled by the fact that the Tough has disappeared. He goes back to the double-doors. After making sure that the street is empty, West examines the lock, then extracts a lock-picking device from a pocket. He works on the lock for only a moment before we HEAR the bolt CLICK.
213. INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – WEST – NIGHT
as he enters cautiously, making certain the Tough is really not there, concealed behind a door or another part of the room which he couldn’t see from the window. The CAMERA FOLLOWS Jim as he makes a turn of the shop, obviously looking for some secret exit the Tough must’ve used since the double-doors are the only ones in the shop. After examining the floor and a couple of walls, West comes to the –
214. FORGE
– with its bed of white-hot coals. There’s a wheel for raising the lowering the firebox, levers for the damper and for the grate, etc., plus a chain on a pulley, used for lifting heavy objects on and off the fire. After trying the wheel and the levers, Jim pulls this chain and the entire forge, including the chimney, starts to swing away from the wall, revealing a passageway behind it.
215. INT. PASSAGEWAY – WEST – NIGHT
as he enters it, the forge swings back into place. The passage is dimly lighted from some indeterminate source. There’s a heavy steel door at the far end. Jim goes to it. He tries it. It’s locked. From the heel of his boot he takes an explosive device, but before he can insert it in the lock of the door, he’s stopped by the SQUEAKING sound of the forge starting to open.
216. ANOTHER ANGLE
as West whirls, trapped, looking for some possible way to avoid detection. He looks up above the door and his eyes fall on an –
217. AIR DUCT
– opening large enough for a man to crawl into..
218. WEST
as he jumps up, catching the lower edge of the air duct, hoisting himself up. He disappears into the air duct just as –
219. OCCULARIS II
– enters the passageway and moves down it to the steel door.
220. TIGHT SHOT
on West, peeking down at Occularis II as the latter uses a key on the door and enters it.
221. INT. AIR DUCT – WEST – NIGHT
as he wriggles around inside it. The shaft slants steeply, obviously leading underground. West, using suction cups, starts to crawl down it.
222, ANOTHER ANGLE
Jim continues to make his way down the duct. As he does, we begin to HEAR voices. A few feet more and a faint glow of light appears. It comes through the end of the air duct, which is covered by an iron grille. West snakes his way up to the grille and looks through it.
223. P.O.V. SHOT
through the vent into the Conference Room. The picture West gets is this:
Thaddeus Toombs is standing in front of a large map of the United States and Mexico, a pointer in hand, while around the huge conference table is a group of distinguished-looking men, obviously the “scientists and philosophers” Toombs mentioned to West. Like Toombs, they wear orange surgical robes and caps, setting them apart from the grey-clad rank-and-file members of Raven. In the group of men seated around the table, there is one woman. It is Rosa. She, too, wears orange. Occularis II stand in the b.g.
Now the ANGLE TIGHTENS on the ornate chair at the far end of the table. The back of the chair is TOWARD CAMERA, but it is occupied. We SEE a normal, masculine hand with a cigarette in a long holder between its fingers.
TOOMBS
And now let me report on Philadelphia.
(he points to it on the map)
As you know, we have encountered some difficulty in that city, but I’m happy to report that –
TYCHO’S VOICE
(from the big chair; it is a little testy)
I’m not interested in Philadelphia, Professor! I want to know about Nogales!
There’s nothing out-of-the-ordinary about Tycho’s voice.
224. WEST
as he reacts to the mention of Nogales.
TOOMBS’ VOICE
Ah, yes – Nogales.
225. P.O.V. SHOT
into the Conference Room. Toombs wears a big, smug, confident smile.
TOOMBS
I am pleased to announce that I have heard from our colleague in Nogales within the hour.
TYCHO’S VOICE
(impatiently)
Well, what does he say?
TOOMBS
(to the chair)
That Juarez has arrived in that city and all is proceeding according to plan.
(literally beaming now)
I can say with complete confidence that by this time tomorrow night, the Republic of Mexico will be in our hands.
CUT TO:
226. EXT. NOGALES STREET – TO ESTABLISH – DAY
the “Hotel Palacio.”
227. INT. HOTEL LOBBY – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
featuring SEÑOR CHAVEROS as he comes from the stairs to a lobby full of newspaper reporters, photographers, presidential aides, and just plain citizens. Chaveros, pausing near the foot of the stairs, raises his hands for quiet.
CHAVEROS
Senores! … Your attention, please. Senores! … The Presidente will join us here in the lobby in a few moments!
With that, Chaveros comes on down the stairs, circulating in the crowd.
228. INT. SITTING-ROOM – JUAREZ – DAY
seated at a table, working on state papers. The ANGLE WIDENS to include Frank. He’s standing at a window, looking down into the street anxiously. In addition to Frank and Juarez, there are four Mexican Secret Service agents in the room. Now one of the latter looks at a clock standing on the mantel of a fireplace.
MEXICAN AGENT
(approaching Juarez)
Presidente, I am afraid we cannot delay your appearance any longer.
Juarez puts aside his work and looks around to Frank.
JUAREZ
What about Señor West?
FRANK
It looks as if I was wrong, Mr. Presidente. Apparently he isn’t coming to Nogales after all.
Frank turns from the window.
DISSOLVE THRU:
229. EXT. NOGALES STREET – LONG SHOT – DAY
from in front of the Hotel Palacio as West comes racing toward it. He reins-in, jumps from his horse and moves quickly to the hotel entrance. He’s stopped by:
CHAVEROS’ VOICE
Señor West!
230. ANOTHER ANGLE
to include Chaveros on the hotel porch. He hurries to West, shaking hands with him.
CHAVEROS
Buenas dias.
WEST
Buenas dias.
West turns back to the hotel entrance. Chaveros goes with him.
WEST
I must see President Juarez immediately!
231. INT. HOTEL LOBBY – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
featuring West and Chaveros as they enter and shoulder their way through the crowd toward the staircase. It’s slow going.
CHAVEROS
He will be down momentarily.
(beat)
Señor Harper has told us of your experience in San Pablo. Do you have any more information about – Raven?
WEST
I’ve located its headquarters.
CHAVEROS
Really?
WEST
They’re in an old Spanish grotto underneath the town. The entrance is through a blacksmith shop on a street near –
Jim breaks off as there is an increased HUBBUB from the crowd. He and Chaveros look toward the stairs.
232. P.O.V. SHOT
on “Juarez” at the top of the staircase. Only it really isn’t “Juarez.” It is Frank, made-up to look exactly like the Mexican president. Even West doesn’t know the difference for the present.
CHAVEROS’ VOICE
Here’s El Presidente now!
233. WEST
as he starts for the staircase, but suddenly stops, staring o.s. at something. The ANGLE SLOWLY WIDENS to reveal the “something.” It is a stooped, work-worn Mexican –
234. PEON
– who is extending a shaking, supplicating hand. He looks harmless enough – except that he has a huge raven perched on one shoulder.
PEON
(quaveringly)
Would you have a few centavos for a poor old man, Señor?
There’s something benignly evil about the beggar’s smile. The ANGLE WIDENS to include West as he stares at the raven, his expression becoming one with which we have grown familiar – that glassy-eyed, hypnotic look of those who have run afoul of Raven. He hands the old Peon some coins and the latter, in turn, takes something from a pocket.
PEON (CONT'D)
You forgot these in San Pablo, Señor.
235. GLASSES
– with their thick and tinted lenses.
236. WEST
as he dutifully puts the glasses on, then turns toward the staircase and –
237. ‘JUAREZ
– moving down into the lobby, gesturing greetings to the crowd below as photographers’ flash-guns EXPLODE filling the lobby with smoke.
238. WEST
as he pulls his revolver.
239. “JUAREZ” – WEST’S P.O.V.
As seen through the glasses in Jim’s “conditioned” state, the man is the embodiment of evil, his gestures making it seem as though he’s reaching out to grab West with hands which have talon-like hands. The scene is made even more malevolent by the billowing smoke from the photographers’ flash-guns.
240. WEST
as he FIRES once at “Juarez,” who is o.s. The lobby is immediately thrown into pandemonium. The CAMERA PANS with Jim as he races out of the lobby and into the street.
241. CHAVEROS
seeing West flee.
CHAVEROS
Stop him! … Stop that man!
But the attention of the crowd is on the fallen “Juarez,” who lies at the foot of the stairs, his “body” hidden from our view by the people surrounding it. So Chaveros himself fights his way to the street door in pursuit of West.
242. EXT. NOGALES STREET – WEST – DAY
as he mounts his horse in front of the hotel, puts the spurs to it and rides off like the wind. The CAMERA LOSES to –
243. CHAVEROS
– as he comes bolting out after West. Seeing Jim ride off, Chaveros rushes to a horse tethered at the hitch rail. He mounts it and takes off after West.
244. INT HOTEL LOBBY – “JUAREZ” – DAY
lying on his back at the foot of the staircase. The ANGLE WIDENS to include the stunned, hushed crowd gathered around the “body.” A Presidential Aide, kneeling next to the “body” gets to his fee slowly, solemnly shaking his head, indicating that “Juarez” is dead. A Photographer moves in for a close-up picture of the “body.” His flash powder EXPLODES and then several men pick “Juarez” up and start to carry him up the stairs, the Presidential Aide leading the way.
245. EXT. OPEN COUNTRY – WEST – DAY
riding like his life depended on it, but still hypnotized.
246. CHAVEROS
way behind but in hot pursuit of Jim.
247. INT. SITTING ROOM – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
as the Presidential Aide enters, followed by the men carrying “Juarez.” The Aide motions for them to put the “body” on the couch. They do. He then gestures for them to leave.
They go, the Aide following, pausing in the open doorway to glance back sadly at the “dead” man before closing the door.
The ANGLE TIGHTENS on “Juarez” on the couch. He lies as still as death as we HEAR a door open and close o.s. and FOOTSTEPS come to the couch and stop. “Juarez” – Frank – opens his eyes, looks up and smiles at the real –
248. JUAREZ
- as he solemnly looks down at his double. The ANGLE WIDENS to include Frank. He gets to his feet, stripping off his coat and vest to remove the bullet-proof jacket he is wearing beneath them.
JUAREZ
So you were right, Señor Harper. I was to be Raven’s next victim.
FRANK
(nods)
When Jim insisted I keep you in Nogales until he got here, I was sure you were the target for the “time-bomb” Raven had made of him.
JUAREZ
What a coup it would have been for Raven if the foremost Secret Service Agent of the United States had murdered the President of Mexico.
FRANK
It could have meant war between our countries.
JUAREZ
(nods grimly)
And in the confusion, turmoil and panic, Raven would have seized power.
FRANK
Mr. President, you understand that we must let Raven believe that its plot succeeded. Otherwise, Jim’s life may be in danger.
JUAREZ
I understand, Señor Harper, but I cannot let you issue any false communiqués.
FRANK
That won’t be necessary, Mr. President. All I ask is that you remain out of sight for 48 hours to give me time to find Jim – and Raven.
JUAREZ
Forty-eight hours?
(beat)
Very well, Señor, but I cannot give you any longer than that.
CUT TO:
249. EXT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – WEST – NIGHT
as he rides up to it and the doors seem to open automatically.
250. INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – WEST – NIGHT
as he rides in and dismounts. He is, of course, still in the somnambulistic state and is also still wearing the Raven spectacles. The doors close behind him and the ANGLE TIGHTENS as Jim takes a match from a pocket and strikes it, holding it out.
A moment passes, then the face of Professor Toombs appears in the glow from the light of the match. He lights a cigar, inhaling with deep satisfaction.
TOOMBS
Congratulations, Mr. West.
With that, Toombs removes the glasses from West’s face and blows out a plume of cigar smoke, extinguishing the match. As the flame goes out, so does Jim – sinking unconscious to the floor.
CUT TO:
251. INT. CUBICLE – WEST – DAY
as he comes to, lying on a cot. The room is slightly larger than implied by the word “cubicle,” and although it is of stone block construction there is nothing monastic about it. Indeed, it appears to be a comfortable and unusually up-to-date hospital room plus doctor’s office. On the walls are eye charts of a somewhat “advanced” design as well as a chart of the human anatomy and a cross-section drawing of the human head and brain. West looks around to see –
258. ROSA
– seated on a chair beside the cot. There’s no mistaking the look in her eyes. She’s smitten with Jim. Behind her we see two gray-clad Ravenites on guard duty in the corridor outside the bat-wing doors to the cubicle. West props himself up on an elbow, looking around.
WEST
Raven headquarters.
ROSA
Si, querido mio.
WEST
How did I get here?
ROSA
You do not remember?
West tries to, but can’t. He shakes his head.
ROSA (CONT’D)
It was part of our instructions to you that you return to us after completing your assignment in Nogales.
WEST
(sharply sitting up)
Nogales? … What assignment?
253. ANOTHER ANGLE
as Rosa goes to the desk and picks up a photograph and returns to Jim, handing it to him.
254. INSERT – PHOTO
of frank, disguised as Juarez, lying at the foot of the stairs in the Hotel Palacio.
ROSA’S VOICE
It went beautifully, querido mio. Just exactly as we planned.
255. BACK TO SCENE
as West gets to his feet, staring at the photograph with a sickening realization of what he did.
WEST
So that’s what I was “conditioned” for – to murder Benito Juarez.
ROSA
(smiles proudly)
And it was my idea, novio.
WEST
(bitterly)
Congratulations.
ROSA
(pouting)
But you do not mean it.
WEST
How did you guess?
West crosses to the desk, putting the photograph down on it, staring down at it grimly. Rosa comes up behind him and starts to slip her arms around his waist. At her touch, West’s anger and frustration erupt. He whirls, pushing her aside, and strides toward the bat-wings.
ROSA
Querido!
256. INT. CORRIDOR – WEST, RAVEN GUARDS – DAY
as Jim barrels out of the cubicle unexpectedly, the bat-wings hitting the Guards and knocking them off balance. However, they recover in time to grab Jim and a fight is joined. An ALARM BELL starts ringing. Other Gray-clad Raven Guards come pounding down the corridor from both directions and West is finally over-powered by their numbers and hustled back into the cubicle.
257. INT. CUBICLE – WIDE ANGLE – DAY
West is being restrained by two guards holding his arms. He continues to struggle.
ROSA
You are being very foolish, amante mio.
WEST
You’ll have to forgive me if I have an aversion to assassinating Presidents.
ROSA
Raven will cure you of that in time.
WEST
You don’t have that much time.
Rosa studies Jim with a knowing smile.
ROSA
I know what you are thinking, querido.
WEST
Do you?
Si… you are thinking of Señor Chaveros.
West just stares at her.
ROSA (CONT'D)
You are remembering that you told him where our headquarters are and you are certain he reported it to your compadre, Señor Harper, and that the authorities will be swooping down on us at any moment.
(smiling)
Eh, novio mio?
West doesn’t reply.
ROSA (CONT'D)
I am sorry to disappoint you but that isn’t going to happen.
WEST
You’re sure?
CHAVEROS’ VOICE
We are positive, Señor.
West whirls to see –
258. CHAVEROS
– standing in the doorway, all smiles. He wears an orange cap and gown, the symbol of rank in Raven.
ROSA’S VOICE
Señor Chaveros is one of our most trusted and efficient secret agents.
259. WEST
as he gapes bleakly at Chaveros, seeing his hope for smashing Raven go up in smoke.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT I