Post by California gal on Nov 15, 2009 9:27:51 GMT -8
CBS-TV
GARRISON PRODUCTIONS
THE WILD WILD WEST
THE NIGHT OF THE BIG BLACKMAIL
[formerly called The Night of the Deadly Blades]
by
David Moessinger
Second Draft
April 23, 1968
THE WILD WILD WEST
THE NIGHT OF THE BIG BLACKMAIL
PRODUCER
BRUCE LANSBURY
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
LEONARD KATZMAN
STORY CONSULTANT
HENRY SHARP
WRITTEN BY
DAVID MOESSINGER
SETS
EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C.
EXT. EMBASSY
INT. BALLROOM
INT. ALCOVE
INT. EMBASSY LAB
INT. STUDY
EXT. WINDOW
INT. EMBASSY LIBRARY
INT. HALLWAY
INT. GRANT’S OFFICE
EXT. SKY
INT. VARNISH
INT. STUDY – QUINCY HOME
INT. QUINCY OFFICE
EXT. WATERFRONT AREA
EXT. WATERFRONT STREET
INT. WATERFRONT APARTMENT
EXT. VARNISH
INT. GAZEBO
EXT. REAR OF EMBASSY
INT. EMBASSY KITCHEN
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CHAMBER
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CORRIDOR
INT. CONTROL ROOM
INT. PASSAGEWAY
EXT. WHITE HOUSE
INT. BOILER ROOM
INT. END OF CORRIDOR
INT. PRESIDENT’S CARRIAGE
EXT. EMBASSY GATE
EXT. WATERFRONT APARTMENT
INT. JANUARY’S ROOM
EXT. REAR KITCHEN
CAST
JAMES WEST – ROBERT CONRAD
ARTEMUS GORDON – ROSS MARTIN
PRESIDENT GRANT
GRUBER
BARON HINTERSTOISSER
HESS
ZIEGLER
MRS. QUINCY
HILDA MYERS
DICK JANUARY
COUNT HACKMAR
DIPLOMAT
GIRL
AIDE
TEASER
FADE IN:
1. EXT. STOCK OF WASHINGTON, D.C. – NIGHT
Moonlight bathes the Capitol dome.
2. ESTABLISHING – EMBASSY BLDG.
A three-story structure with lights blazing from its windows.
3. EXT. EMBASSY – NIGHT
HOLDING the polished escutcheon of a small Teutonic nation. CAMERA PULLS BACK slowly, reveals a decorative iron gate… two guards at rigid attention… and a circular drive that sweeps to the porch of the embassy. SOUND of dueling… the CLACK and CLATTER of foils… drifts out into the darkness through a half-open window.
4. ANGLE THROUGH WINDOW
CAMERA SHOOTING DOWN into a lavish ballroom. Tables and hairs have been drawn back to make room for two fencers who leap and prance in grateful combat. A small audience… diplomats, lovely ladies, distinguished-looking dignitaries… follows each move the contestants with rapt attention. [The script actually says “with rape attention!!]
5. REVERSE ANGLE
JAMES WEST, in formal attire, is dangling precariously on a thin metal wire beside the top of the window. His hands grip the bar of an “automatic lifting device.” We now realize that the PREVIOUS SHOT was HIS P.OV.
6. THROUGH THE WINDOW AGAIN
West has singled out ARTEMUS GORDON and PRESIDENT GRANT. They’re sipping champagne and smiling wooden smiles… apparently enjoying the contest. But, now, Grant … less skillful at the game of intrigue than Artemus… displays anxiety by glancing at his watch.
7. BACK TO SCENE
West, too, becomes aware of time. He presses a button on the bar. A drum between his hands begins reeling in wire, causing him to rise toward the floor above… CAMERA FOLLOWS his ascent, HOLDS when he stops at a second story window.
8. WEST’S POV – INSIDE
An embassy TECHNICIAN … mustache, spectacles, white laboratory jacket… is advancing along a corridor, hands delicately cradling a sturdy metal box. CAMERA ZOOMS toward the box, signifying a sudden and important focus of West’s attention.
9. BACK TO SCENE
West’s eyes traversing with the box.
10. HIS P.O.V. – INSIDE
GRUBER, an embassy aide, approaches the technician from the opposite end of the corridor. A short whispered conversation. Gruber seems to be asking questions about the box. The technician keeps nodding, answering affirmatively. Finally Gruber smiles as if satisfied and retreats from the corridor. The technician wheels, begins mounting a flight of stairs.
11. BACK TO SCENE
West rises to the third floor, forces a window, ENTERS the embassy.
12. INT. BALLROOM
Gruber ENTERS hurriedly, weaves his way through the spectators, approaches a chunky, gruff-looking man, the presiding officer of the embassy, BARON HINTERSTOISSER.
13. GRANT AND ARTEMUS
Looking across the room.
14. THEIR P.O.V. – HINTERSTOISSER AND GRUBER
Gruber leans toward Hinterstoisser, whispers in his ear. Hinterstoisser nods and smiles excitedly.
15. BACK TO SCENE
Grant and Artemus exchange a secret look of concern.
ARTEMUS
Correct me if I’m wrong, sir… but I’d say the Baron just received some very good news.
GRANT
Good for him… bad for the United States.
(glancing quickly at his watch)
What the devil’s holding up West?
A sudden SHOUT arises from the spectators.
16. DANCE FLOOR
One of the contestants is attacking furiously… the other, backing away in desperation. Foils flash and fly. The attacker parries, lunges, plants the tip of his blade directly in the center of his opponent’s heart.
17. SPECTATORS
APPLAUDING enthusiastically.
DIPLOMA
Well placed, sir!
ANOTHER
Magnificent!
STILL ANOTHER
Bravo!
18. WIDER ANGLE
Hinterstoisser steps onto the dance floor.
HINTERSTOISSER
Ladies and gentlemen… we have a winner!
APPLAUSE increases. The victor raises his mask, revealing a face cruelly deformed by scars of combat.
HINTERSTOISSER (CONT'D)
And now, to make the presentation… the President of the United States… Ulysses S. Grant.
Grant moves forward. Gruber hands him a large trophy.
GRANT
Thank you, Baron Hinterstoisser.
(facing the audience)
Ladies and Gentlemen, the President’s cup was initiated by the Honorable James Buchanan in 1857. It gives me great pleasure to carry on that tradition by presenting it to this year’s winner… Captain Bruno Richter of Austria!
He extends the trophy and shakes hands with Richter. The spectators resume their APPLAUSE.
19. INT. THIRD FLOOR CORRIDOR
West inching along cautiously. Suddenly, from behind, VOICES and FOOTSTEPS. He ducks into an alcove which leads to a heavy wooden door.
20. THE ALCOVE
as West leans out, peering back into the corridor.
21. HIS P.O.V. – CORRIDOR
a pair of ferocious Great Danes – round INTO VIEW, pulling TWO huge embassy security guards – a beat, they start sniffing, then, as one they lunch against their leashes, setting up a CLAMOROUS DIN, obviously scenting an intruder—
– and also as one, both guards whip out business-like revolvers, cock them, then prepared for the kill, they allow their dogs to lead them to the quarry the dogs are scenting, as we
FADE OUT
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
22. THIRD FLOOR CORRIDOR – NIGHT
we seen the same SHOT of the guards, pistols very much at the ready, being pulled along by their eager Great Danes, frantic with the nearness of their quarry…
23. CLOSE SHOT – WEST
tight-lipped as he listens to the SOUNDS of his APPROACHING PERIL –
24. ANOTHER ANGLE
-- then West reaches into his pocket, produces an object that he hurriedly proceeds to wind with an attached key, pushes a lever on the mechanical object, aims it at the corridor, and lets it go.
25 AND 26 . OMITTED
27. THE GREAT DANES
Their ears go up like a shot.
28. THEIR POV – MECHANICAL OBJECT
We see that it is a rat, skittering along the corridor. Hess and Ziegler, practically dragged, come INTO VIEW, holding tight to the leashes.
HESS
Stop! Thor… Odin!
The dogs tear their leashes out of their masters’ hands and rocket after the rat.
29. THE MECHANICAL RAT
rounds a corner, grinds to the end of the corridor, hits a wall, bursts into flame, disintegrates without a trace. A second later, the dogs APPEAR and sniff about vainly—followed, shortly after, but a pair of equally baffled guards.
30. INT. EMBASSY STUDY – NIGHT
President Grant ENTERS, the door being held open for him by a solicitous Hinterstoisser, followed by Artemus and Gruber, who watch from a respectful distance as Hinterstoisser holds up a decanter:
HINTERSTOISSER
A brandy, Mr. President?
GRANT
Now there’s an idea good enough to rank with the fine show you just presented in there.
HINTERSTOISSER
(as he pours)
We are all honored that you lent luster to it with your presence.
(handing Grant snifter)
If I may propose a toast – to your health, sir! And to the perpetual friendship of our two great nations!
31. INT. ALCOVE
West steps out into the corridor. More FOOTSTEPS. He ducks back in.
32. HIS POV – CORRIDOR
The technician is approaching with the metal box… heading directly for the alcove.
33. BACK TO SCENE
West has only one way to go. Wheeling, he tries the heavy wooden door. It’s open. He slips through and eases it shut behind. An instant later, the technician appears, swings into the alcove, reaches for the door.
34. INT. EMBASSY LABORATORY
as the technician ENTERS and glances about.
35. HIS POV – LABORATORY
Beakers, test tubes, jars of chemicals, a work bench and two cameras mounted on tripods. The room is empty.. as if West has vanished into thin air.
36. BACK TO SCENE
The technician bolts the door, crosses; as he passes a window, CAMERA HOLDS. West’s face is visible in the shadows outside.
37. INT. STUDY
Hinterstoisser lighting a cigar for Grant.
HINTERSTOISSER
By the way, Mr. President… I’m holding a reception tomorrow at noon—and it is my fondest hope you and the members of your cabinet will honor my Country once more by your attendance.
GRANT
(exhaling smoke)
A reception?
HINTERSTOISSER
A kind of “entertainment.”
(smiling)
But I beg you not to ask for details, sir—I want it to be, ah—a complete surprise.
He selects a cigar for himself, bites the tip sensuously.
38. ARTEMUS
reacting to the news… attempting to hide his deep concern.
39. BACK TO SCENE
Hinterstoisser lifts a candle from his desk and lights his cigar.
HINTERSTOISSER
(continuing)
I’ve sent couriers to all the other embassies. But I wanted to invite you personally. I wanted to be absolutely certain that you’d attend.
GRANT
(turning to Artemus)
I don't know what there is scheduled for noon, but as of now, it’s canceled.
HINTERSTOISSER
Wonderful! I think I can promise that you will find it – memorable.
Smiling, he crosses and pushes a button beside a tiny door in the wall.
40. INT. LABORATORY – CLOSE ON BELL
RINGING urgently… positioned just above a tiny door, similar to the one just seen in the study.
41. WIDER ANGLE
The technician, who is examining the lens of a camera, turns in response to the bell. He lifts the metal box from the bench and moves toward the tiny door.
42. EXT. EMBASSY
West standing on a narrow ledge, beside the third floor window.
43. HIS POV – INSIDE
The technician opens the tiny door, inserts the metal box into a miniature elevator.
44. BACK TO SCENE
West moves… as if his very life depended upon speed. Leaps down to a roof projecting just below a second story window. Rolls to his feet. Struggles desperately with the window which seems to be jammed.
45. INT. LABORATORY
The technician closes the tiny door, begins cranking a wheel which lowers the elevator.
46. EXT. WINDOW
Finally, the window gives. West leaps through.
47. INT. EMBASSY LIBRARY
West races to a tiny door in the wall, opens it, watches the miniature elevator descend INTO SIGHT. When it draws abreast, he reaches in, grabs the lowering ropes, pins them together with a spring-loaded clamp.
48. INT. LABORATORY
The wheel freezes. The technician reacts in puzzlement
49. INT. LIBRARY
West slides the metal box from the elevator, opens the lid, removes a velvet bag containing a bulky round object.
50. INT. STUDY
Hinterstoisser opens the elevator door and stares into the shaft.
51. ANOTHER ANGLE
Artemus has edged to Grant’s side.
ARTEMUS
(low)
Sir, I have a feeling this is going to be worse than we thought…
52. INT. LIBRARY
West grabs a book from one of the library shelves and places it in the meal box as a weight compensation for the velvet bag. Closing the box quickly, he shoves it aboard the elevator and releases the clamp from the ropes.
53. INT. LABORATORY
The technician feels the lowering wheel go free. Relieved, he resumes his cranking.
54. INT. STUDY
Everyone staring toward the shaft.
GRANT
(attempting to sound casual)
Baron, I received a significant piece of information tonight.
The elevator descends INTO SHAFT.
HINTERSTOISSER
Did you?
GRANT
Something undoubtedly concerns your… “entertainment.”
HINTERSTOISSER
(removing the metal box)
What would that be, sir?
GRANT
Count Hackmar arrived in the country. Late this afternoon. He’s on his way to Washington.
HINERSTOISSER
(crossing with the box)
You’re well informed, Mr. President. And, quite right. Count Hackmar will be our guest of honor.
He places the box on his desk.
GRANT
Then I can assume that it’s something of extreme importance.
HINTERSTOISSER
(exuberant)
You can, sir. So important that I want everyone here. Including you, Mr. Gordon. I want you to come… and bring your associate –
(pretending to be suddenly puzzled)
-- But where is Mr. West?
Artemus shifts uneasily… remains silent.
GRANT
Well, Gordon?
ARTEMUS
(haltingly)
Well, sir—he said something about showing the Big Dipper to the daughter of the Lithuanian ambassador…
GRANT
(mock angrily)
I see.
HINTERSTOISSER
No great tragedy, Mr. President. It’s spring, after all.
(turning)
Gruber, see if you can rescue Mr. West from the young lady’s clutches.
Gruber bows and EXITS.
55. INT. HALLWAY
Hess and Ziegler have stationed themselves outside the study. Gruber approaches them urgently.
GRUBER
West! He’s missing!
HESS
(to Ziegler)
Upstairs! I’ll search down here!
Ziegler sprints off in one direction… CAMERA FOLLOWS Hess in the other. He rounds a corner and stops dead in his tracks.
56. HIS POV – WEST
On a loveseat… locked in embrace with a beautiful GIRL.
57. BACK TO SCENE
Hess advances to the loveseat, taps West gruffly.
HESS
You’re wanted.
Wheeling, he strides back toward the study.
58. CLOSER ANGLE – LOVESEAT
West rises, dabbing lipstick from his mouth with a handkerchief. The girl opens a fan and thrusts it in front of her face. Her almond eyes stare out with coquettish annoyance.
GIRL
(a thick accent)
You kiss a lady… and then you run away…
West bends toward her, holding his finger to his lip.
GIRL
But who are you, sir?
WEST
(whispering)
I know you… that’s the important thing.
He turns and follows Hess.
59. INT. STUDY
Hess holding the door. West ENTERS, regards Grant with feigned embarrassment.
WEST
I’m sorry, sir… I —
HINTERSTOISSER
(grinning)
— Where was he, Major?
HESS
With the daughter of the Armenian ambassador.
ARTEMUS
I could’ve sworn she was Lithuanian…
HINTERSTOISSER
(chuckling)
Armenian… Lithuanian… it doesn’t matter as long as she was attractive.
(crossing to his desk)
You’re invited to a reception tomorrow, Mr. West. I was about to show your honorable president something quite special.
(lifting the metal lid dramatically)
It’s in here, gentlemen… the essence of tomorrow’s little entertainment.
He raises the lid gently… as if to open the box.
60. WEST – CLOSE
Holding his breath.
61 WIDER AGAIN
Hinterstoisser slams the lid with a teasing smile.
HINTERSTOISSER
No… you’ll all have to wait.
He lowers the box, tips a burning candle next to the lid. Wax begins to pool in the seam.
HINTERSTOISSER (CONT'D)
You’ll enjoy it much more if it’s a complete surprise.
62. HINTERSTOISSER – CLOSE
He presses his ring into the hot was on the lid, imprinting the official seal of the embassy.
63. WIDER ANGLE
Hinterstoisser crosses, carrying the box to the elevator.
HINTERSTOISSER
So, until the reception, gentlemen… until then, you’ll just have to wait.
He places the box on the elevator and presses a second button.
64. ELEVATOR – CLOSE
as the box descends slowly out of sight.
DISSOLVE TO:
65. INT. HALLWAY – NIGHT
Grant, West, and Artemus leaving the embassy. As they approach the loveseat, West edges to Grant.
WEST
(low)
Sir, I think you just dropped your hat.
GRANT
What?
(catching on)
Oh, I see…
He makes an awkward move, collides with West, allows his hat to fall beside the loveseat.
WEST
Excuse me, sir.
He bends, and while retrieving the hat, slides the velvet bag from beneath the loveseat.
66. CLOSER ANGLE
as West slips the bag inside his coat.
67. INT. STUDY
Hinterstoisser, Gruber, Hess and Ziegler.
HINTERSTOISSER
(to Hess)
I will repeat your orders! Do not let West and Artemus out of your sight; if they start sniffing about—and they will, I promise you—stop them—any way, and by any means!
Hess and Ziegler turn, hurry out the door.
DISSOLVE TO:
68. INT. PRESIDENTIAL CARRIAGE – NIGHT
The carriage is in motion as West carefully removes the article from it’s velvet bag, then carefully riffles through the series of attached “flip type” postcard size photographs, all attached to a metal core, with President Grant and Artemus looking on.
GRANT
What the devil is that?
WEST
A series of sequence photographs, sir—
(to Artemus)
Right, Artie?
ARTEMUS
(examining them)
Right, Jim; like the kinetoscope shows they have in Penny Arcades, on a considerably more refined scale.
GRANT
But—what for?
ARTEMUS
Sir, I have a sneaking idea we’ll see what for as soon as we can run this off…
FLIP TO:
69. GRANT’S OFFICE – NIGHT
in the semi-darkened room, we see a flickering series of projected images issuing from the projector of the period, with Artemus supplying the manual labor as he turns a crank on the side of the projector, President Grant and West looking on.
70. THEIR POV – WALL
a choppy primitive movie is unfolding… WE SEE A PERFECT REPRODUCTION OF GRANT’S OFFICE.
GRANT’S VOICE
So now we know; that’s my office!
WEST’S VOICE
Almost, sir; they made one mistake. Look at the portrait of Washington… it’s facing the wrong way.
The move continues… “PRESIDENT GRANT” ENTERS THE ROOM.
71. GRANT – CLOSE
Reacting to see “himself” in the movie.
GRANT
By George, even I would think that’s me.
WEST
I don't know where they found him, sir. But he could easily pass an your twin brother.
72. THE MOVIE
AN ASIAN DIPLOMAT IS ENTERING THE OFFICE.
ARTEMUS’ VOICE
(narrating)
Enter Mr. Sumi Igo, foreign minister of a nation very much in the news, today.
“GRANT” AND IGO SHAKE HANDS.
GRANT’S VOICE
Look at that! And actually I’ve never even met the little devil!
WEST’S VOICE
No, sir—but on the basis of this little charade, you’d have a great deal of trouble convincing other nations about that.
IGO REMOVES A DOCUMENT FROM HIS COAT.
GRANT’S VOICE
(grimly)
Obvious enough what that little document’s suppose to be—a defense pact!
ARTEMUS’ VOICE
It all seems to be very clear, sir…
“GRANT” LOOKS OVER THE DOCUMENT AND NODS HIS HEAD.
ARTEMUS’ VOICE (CONT'D)
The United States, and the highly unsavory nation of Mr. Sumi Igo, are entering into a secret defense agreement…
“GRANT” SITS AT “HIS DESK” AND SIGNS THE DOCUMENT WITH A FLOURISH,
WEST’S VOICE
… all of which will incur the indignation and distrust of the entire civilized world, much to the glee of Baron Hinterstoisser….
ARTEMUS’ VOICE
… whose nation will then proceed to make its own brand of diplomatic hay while the sun shines.
The kinetoscope photos “flaps” runs out… harsh light flickers on the plaster wall.
ARTEMUS’ VOICE (CONT'D)
(glumly)
The end…
73. REVERSE ANGLE
West turns up the room lights. Artemus removes the drum of photos from the projector. Grant paces solemnly. No one speaks. All are too depressed by Hinterstoisser’s diabolic scheme.
WEST
Mr. President, it may not be exactly the same show the Baron was counting on.
73A. REACTION – GRANT
we see a dawning realization of what West is referring to.
ARTEMUS
(removing the film cartridge from the stroboscope)
The main problem is getting this back into Baron Hinterstoisser’s little security chamber, and we don’t have too much time, so if you’ll excuse us sir…
GRANT
Wait!
West and Artemus are almost at the door at this point—they turn:
GRANT (CONT'D)
Gentlemen, I think there’s something you should know—
(pulling a paper out of desk drawer)
In the last three months, seven of our personnel have gone into the Embassy on one security errand or another—
(a long beat)
None of them has returned—and we must presume that they are—dead.
There is a long beat, during which West and Artemus exchange glances, then:
WEST
That ought to lend a certain interest to the proceedings, sir.
They both let themselves out of the office. CAMERA MOVES IN to a…
74. CLOSE SHOT – GRANT
… smiling a tight-lipped, wry smile; HOLD, as we
FREEZE FRAME:
END OF ACT ONE
GARRISON PRODUCTIONS
THE WILD WILD WEST
THE NIGHT OF THE BIG BLACKMAIL
[formerly called The Night of the Deadly Blades]
by
David Moessinger
Second Draft
April 23, 1968
THE WILD WILD WEST
THE NIGHT OF THE BIG BLACKMAIL
PRODUCER
BRUCE LANSBURY
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
LEONARD KATZMAN
STORY CONSULTANT
HENRY SHARP
WRITTEN BY
DAVID MOESSINGER
SETS
EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C.
EXT. EMBASSY
INT. BALLROOM
INT. ALCOVE
INT. EMBASSY LAB
INT. STUDY
EXT. WINDOW
INT. EMBASSY LIBRARY
INT. HALLWAY
INT. GRANT’S OFFICE
EXT. SKY
INT. VARNISH
INT. STUDY – QUINCY HOME
INT. QUINCY OFFICE
EXT. WATERFRONT AREA
EXT. WATERFRONT STREET
INT. WATERFRONT APARTMENT
EXT. VARNISH
INT. GAZEBO
EXT. REAR OF EMBASSY
INT. EMBASSY KITCHEN
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CHAMBER
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CORRIDOR
INT. CONTROL ROOM
INT. PASSAGEWAY
EXT. WHITE HOUSE
INT. BOILER ROOM
INT. END OF CORRIDOR
INT. PRESIDENT’S CARRIAGE
EXT. EMBASSY GATE
EXT. WATERFRONT APARTMENT
INT. JANUARY’S ROOM
EXT. REAR KITCHEN
CAST
JAMES WEST – ROBERT CONRAD
ARTEMUS GORDON – ROSS MARTIN
PRESIDENT GRANT
GRUBER
BARON HINTERSTOISSER
HESS
ZIEGLER
MRS. QUINCY
HILDA MYERS
DICK JANUARY
COUNT HACKMAR
DIPLOMAT
GIRL
AIDE
TEASER
FADE IN:
1. EXT. STOCK OF WASHINGTON, D.C. – NIGHT
Moonlight bathes the Capitol dome.
2. ESTABLISHING – EMBASSY BLDG.
A three-story structure with lights blazing from its windows.
3. EXT. EMBASSY – NIGHT
HOLDING the polished escutcheon of a small Teutonic nation. CAMERA PULLS BACK slowly, reveals a decorative iron gate… two guards at rigid attention… and a circular drive that sweeps to the porch of the embassy. SOUND of dueling… the CLACK and CLATTER of foils… drifts out into the darkness through a half-open window.
4. ANGLE THROUGH WINDOW
CAMERA SHOOTING DOWN into a lavish ballroom. Tables and hairs have been drawn back to make room for two fencers who leap and prance in grateful combat. A small audience… diplomats, lovely ladies, distinguished-looking dignitaries… follows each move the contestants with rapt attention. [The script actually says “with rape attention!!]
5. REVERSE ANGLE
JAMES WEST, in formal attire, is dangling precariously on a thin metal wire beside the top of the window. His hands grip the bar of an “automatic lifting device.” We now realize that the PREVIOUS SHOT was HIS P.OV.
6. THROUGH THE WINDOW AGAIN
West has singled out ARTEMUS GORDON and PRESIDENT GRANT. They’re sipping champagne and smiling wooden smiles… apparently enjoying the contest. But, now, Grant … less skillful at the game of intrigue than Artemus… displays anxiety by glancing at his watch.
7. BACK TO SCENE
West, too, becomes aware of time. He presses a button on the bar. A drum between his hands begins reeling in wire, causing him to rise toward the floor above… CAMERA FOLLOWS his ascent, HOLDS when he stops at a second story window.
8. WEST’S POV – INSIDE
An embassy TECHNICIAN … mustache, spectacles, white laboratory jacket… is advancing along a corridor, hands delicately cradling a sturdy metal box. CAMERA ZOOMS toward the box, signifying a sudden and important focus of West’s attention.
9. BACK TO SCENE
West’s eyes traversing with the box.
10. HIS P.O.V. – INSIDE
GRUBER, an embassy aide, approaches the technician from the opposite end of the corridor. A short whispered conversation. Gruber seems to be asking questions about the box. The technician keeps nodding, answering affirmatively. Finally Gruber smiles as if satisfied and retreats from the corridor. The technician wheels, begins mounting a flight of stairs.
11. BACK TO SCENE
West rises to the third floor, forces a window, ENTERS the embassy.
12. INT. BALLROOM
Gruber ENTERS hurriedly, weaves his way through the spectators, approaches a chunky, gruff-looking man, the presiding officer of the embassy, BARON HINTERSTOISSER.
13. GRANT AND ARTEMUS
Looking across the room.
14. THEIR P.O.V. – HINTERSTOISSER AND GRUBER
Gruber leans toward Hinterstoisser, whispers in his ear. Hinterstoisser nods and smiles excitedly.
15. BACK TO SCENE
Grant and Artemus exchange a secret look of concern.
ARTEMUS
Correct me if I’m wrong, sir… but I’d say the Baron just received some very good news.
GRANT
Good for him… bad for the United States.
(glancing quickly at his watch)
What the devil’s holding up West?
A sudden SHOUT arises from the spectators.
16. DANCE FLOOR
One of the contestants is attacking furiously… the other, backing away in desperation. Foils flash and fly. The attacker parries, lunges, plants the tip of his blade directly in the center of his opponent’s heart.
17. SPECTATORS
APPLAUDING enthusiastically.
DIPLOMA
Well placed, sir!
ANOTHER
Magnificent!
STILL ANOTHER
Bravo!
18. WIDER ANGLE
Hinterstoisser steps onto the dance floor.
HINTERSTOISSER
Ladies and gentlemen… we have a winner!
APPLAUSE increases. The victor raises his mask, revealing a face cruelly deformed by scars of combat.
HINTERSTOISSER (CONT'D)
And now, to make the presentation… the President of the United States… Ulysses S. Grant.
Grant moves forward. Gruber hands him a large trophy.
GRANT
Thank you, Baron Hinterstoisser.
(facing the audience)
Ladies and Gentlemen, the President’s cup was initiated by the Honorable James Buchanan in 1857. It gives me great pleasure to carry on that tradition by presenting it to this year’s winner… Captain Bruno Richter of Austria!
He extends the trophy and shakes hands with Richter. The spectators resume their APPLAUSE.
19. INT. THIRD FLOOR CORRIDOR
West inching along cautiously. Suddenly, from behind, VOICES and FOOTSTEPS. He ducks into an alcove which leads to a heavy wooden door.
20. THE ALCOVE
as West leans out, peering back into the corridor.
21. HIS P.O.V. – CORRIDOR
a pair of ferocious Great Danes – round INTO VIEW, pulling TWO huge embassy security guards – a beat, they start sniffing, then, as one they lunch against their leashes, setting up a CLAMOROUS DIN, obviously scenting an intruder—
– and also as one, both guards whip out business-like revolvers, cock them, then prepared for the kill, they allow their dogs to lead them to the quarry the dogs are scenting, as we
FADE OUT
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
22. THIRD FLOOR CORRIDOR – NIGHT
we seen the same SHOT of the guards, pistols very much at the ready, being pulled along by their eager Great Danes, frantic with the nearness of their quarry…
23. CLOSE SHOT – WEST
tight-lipped as he listens to the SOUNDS of his APPROACHING PERIL –
24. ANOTHER ANGLE
-- then West reaches into his pocket, produces an object that he hurriedly proceeds to wind with an attached key, pushes a lever on the mechanical object, aims it at the corridor, and lets it go.
25 AND 26 . OMITTED
27. THE GREAT DANES
Their ears go up like a shot.
28. THEIR POV – MECHANICAL OBJECT
We see that it is a rat, skittering along the corridor. Hess and Ziegler, practically dragged, come INTO VIEW, holding tight to the leashes.
HESS
Stop! Thor… Odin!
The dogs tear their leashes out of their masters’ hands and rocket after the rat.
29. THE MECHANICAL RAT
rounds a corner, grinds to the end of the corridor, hits a wall, bursts into flame, disintegrates without a trace. A second later, the dogs APPEAR and sniff about vainly—followed, shortly after, but a pair of equally baffled guards.
30. INT. EMBASSY STUDY – NIGHT
President Grant ENTERS, the door being held open for him by a solicitous Hinterstoisser, followed by Artemus and Gruber, who watch from a respectful distance as Hinterstoisser holds up a decanter:
HINTERSTOISSER
A brandy, Mr. President?
GRANT
Now there’s an idea good enough to rank with the fine show you just presented in there.
HINTERSTOISSER
(as he pours)
We are all honored that you lent luster to it with your presence.
(handing Grant snifter)
If I may propose a toast – to your health, sir! And to the perpetual friendship of our two great nations!
31. INT. ALCOVE
West steps out into the corridor. More FOOTSTEPS. He ducks back in.
32. HIS POV – CORRIDOR
The technician is approaching with the metal box… heading directly for the alcove.
33. BACK TO SCENE
West has only one way to go. Wheeling, he tries the heavy wooden door. It’s open. He slips through and eases it shut behind. An instant later, the technician appears, swings into the alcove, reaches for the door.
34. INT. EMBASSY LABORATORY
as the technician ENTERS and glances about.
35. HIS POV – LABORATORY
Beakers, test tubes, jars of chemicals, a work bench and two cameras mounted on tripods. The room is empty.. as if West has vanished into thin air.
36. BACK TO SCENE
The technician bolts the door, crosses; as he passes a window, CAMERA HOLDS. West’s face is visible in the shadows outside.
37. INT. STUDY
Hinterstoisser lighting a cigar for Grant.
HINTERSTOISSER
By the way, Mr. President… I’m holding a reception tomorrow at noon—and it is my fondest hope you and the members of your cabinet will honor my Country once more by your attendance.
GRANT
(exhaling smoke)
A reception?
HINTERSTOISSER
A kind of “entertainment.”
(smiling)
But I beg you not to ask for details, sir—I want it to be, ah—a complete surprise.
He selects a cigar for himself, bites the tip sensuously.
38. ARTEMUS
reacting to the news… attempting to hide his deep concern.
39. BACK TO SCENE
Hinterstoisser lifts a candle from his desk and lights his cigar.
HINTERSTOISSER
(continuing)
I’ve sent couriers to all the other embassies. But I wanted to invite you personally. I wanted to be absolutely certain that you’d attend.
GRANT
(turning to Artemus)
I don't know what there is scheduled for noon, but as of now, it’s canceled.
HINTERSTOISSER
Wonderful! I think I can promise that you will find it – memorable.
Smiling, he crosses and pushes a button beside a tiny door in the wall.
40. INT. LABORATORY – CLOSE ON BELL
RINGING urgently… positioned just above a tiny door, similar to the one just seen in the study.
41. WIDER ANGLE
The technician, who is examining the lens of a camera, turns in response to the bell. He lifts the metal box from the bench and moves toward the tiny door.
42. EXT. EMBASSY
West standing on a narrow ledge, beside the third floor window.
43. HIS POV – INSIDE
The technician opens the tiny door, inserts the metal box into a miniature elevator.
44. BACK TO SCENE
West moves… as if his very life depended upon speed. Leaps down to a roof projecting just below a second story window. Rolls to his feet. Struggles desperately with the window which seems to be jammed.
45. INT. LABORATORY
The technician closes the tiny door, begins cranking a wheel which lowers the elevator.
46. EXT. WINDOW
Finally, the window gives. West leaps through.
47. INT. EMBASSY LIBRARY
West races to a tiny door in the wall, opens it, watches the miniature elevator descend INTO SIGHT. When it draws abreast, he reaches in, grabs the lowering ropes, pins them together with a spring-loaded clamp.
48. INT. LABORATORY
The wheel freezes. The technician reacts in puzzlement
49. INT. LIBRARY
West slides the metal box from the elevator, opens the lid, removes a velvet bag containing a bulky round object.
50. INT. STUDY
Hinterstoisser opens the elevator door and stares into the shaft.
51. ANOTHER ANGLE
Artemus has edged to Grant’s side.
ARTEMUS
(low)
Sir, I have a feeling this is going to be worse than we thought…
52. INT. LIBRARY
West grabs a book from one of the library shelves and places it in the meal box as a weight compensation for the velvet bag. Closing the box quickly, he shoves it aboard the elevator and releases the clamp from the ropes.
53. INT. LABORATORY
The technician feels the lowering wheel go free. Relieved, he resumes his cranking.
54. INT. STUDY
Everyone staring toward the shaft.
GRANT
(attempting to sound casual)
Baron, I received a significant piece of information tonight.
The elevator descends INTO SHAFT.
HINTERSTOISSER
Did you?
GRANT
Something undoubtedly concerns your… “entertainment.”
HINTERSTOISSER
(removing the metal box)
What would that be, sir?
GRANT
Count Hackmar arrived in the country. Late this afternoon. He’s on his way to Washington.
HINERSTOISSER
(crossing with the box)
You’re well informed, Mr. President. And, quite right. Count Hackmar will be our guest of honor.
He places the box on his desk.
GRANT
Then I can assume that it’s something of extreme importance.
HINTERSTOISSER
(exuberant)
You can, sir. So important that I want everyone here. Including you, Mr. Gordon. I want you to come… and bring your associate –
(pretending to be suddenly puzzled)
-- But where is Mr. West?
Artemus shifts uneasily… remains silent.
GRANT
Well, Gordon?
ARTEMUS
(haltingly)
Well, sir—he said something about showing the Big Dipper to the daughter of the Lithuanian ambassador…
GRANT
(mock angrily)
I see.
HINTERSTOISSER
No great tragedy, Mr. President. It’s spring, after all.
(turning)
Gruber, see if you can rescue Mr. West from the young lady’s clutches.
Gruber bows and EXITS.
55. INT. HALLWAY
Hess and Ziegler have stationed themselves outside the study. Gruber approaches them urgently.
GRUBER
West! He’s missing!
HESS
(to Ziegler)
Upstairs! I’ll search down here!
Ziegler sprints off in one direction… CAMERA FOLLOWS Hess in the other. He rounds a corner and stops dead in his tracks.
56. HIS POV – WEST
On a loveseat… locked in embrace with a beautiful GIRL.
57. BACK TO SCENE
Hess advances to the loveseat, taps West gruffly.
HESS
You’re wanted.
Wheeling, he strides back toward the study.
58. CLOSER ANGLE – LOVESEAT
West rises, dabbing lipstick from his mouth with a handkerchief. The girl opens a fan and thrusts it in front of her face. Her almond eyes stare out with coquettish annoyance.
GIRL
(a thick accent)
You kiss a lady… and then you run away…
West bends toward her, holding his finger to his lip.
GIRL
But who are you, sir?
WEST
(whispering)
I know you… that’s the important thing.
He turns and follows Hess.
59. INT. STUDY
Hess holding the door. West ENTERS, regards Grant with feigned embarrassment.
WEST
I’m sorry, sir… I —
HINTERSTOISSER
(grinning)
— Where was he, Major?
HESS
With the daughter of the Armenian ambassador.
ARTEMUS
I could’ve sworn she was Lithuanian…
HINTERSTOISSER
(chuckling)
Armenian… Lithuanian… it doesn’t matter as long as she was attractive.
(crossing to his desk)
You’re invited to a reception tomorrow, Mr. West. I was about to show your honorable president something quite special.
(lifting the metal lid dramatically)
It’s in here, gentlemen… the essence of tomorrow’s little entertainment.
He raises the lid gently… as if to open the box.
60. WEST – CLOSE
Holding his breath.
61 WIDER AGAIN
Hinterstoisser slams the lid with a teasing smile.
HINTERSTOISSER
No… you’ll all have to wait.
He lowers the box, tips a burning candle next to the lid. Wax begins to pool in the seam.
HINTERSTOISSER (CONT'D)
You’ll enjoy it much more if it’s a complete surprise.
62. HINTERSTOISSER – CLOSE
He presses his ring into the hot was on the lid, imprinting the official seal of the embassy.
63. WIDER ANGLE
Hinterstoisser crosses, carrying the box to the elevator.
HINTERSTOISSER
So, until the reception, gentlemen… until then, you’ll just have to wait.
He places the box on the elevator and presses a second button.
64. ELEVATOR – CLOSE
as the box descends slowly out of sight.
DISSOLVE TO:
65. INT. HALLWAY – NIGHT
Grant, West, and Artemus leaving the embassy. As they approach the loveseat, West edges to Grant.
WEST
(low)
Sir, I think you just dropped your hat.
GRANT
What?
(catching on)
Oh, I see…
He makes an awkward move, collides with West, allows his hat to fall beside the loveseat.
WEST
Excuse me, sir.
He bends, and while retrieving the hat, slides the velvet bag from beneath the loveseat.
66. CLOSER ANGLE
as West slips the bag inside his coat.
67. INT. STUDY
Hinterstoisser, Gruber, Hess and Ziegler.
HINTERSTOISSER
(to Hess)
I will repeat your orders! Do not let West and Artemus out of your sight; if they start sniffing about—and they will, I promise you—stop them—any way, and by any means!
Hess and Ziegler turn, hurry out the door.
DISSOLVE TO:
68. INT. PRESIDENTIAL CARRIAGE – NIGHT
The carriage is in motion as West carefully removes the article from it’s velvet bag, then carefully riffles through the series of attached “flip type” postcard size photographs, all attached to a metal core, with President Grant and Artemus looking on.
GRANT
What the devil is that?
WEST
A series of sequence photographs, sir—
(to Artemus)
Right, Artie?
ARTEMUS
(examining them)
Right, Jim; like the kinetoscope shows they have in Penny Arcades, on a considerably more refined scale.
GRANT
But—what for?
ARTEMUS
Sir, I have a sneaking idea we’ll see what for as soon as we can run this off…
FLIP TO:
69. GRANT’S OFFICE – NIGHT
in the semi-darkened room, we see a flickering series of projected images issuing from the projector of the period, with Artemus supplying the manual labor as he turns a crank on the side of the projector, President Grant and West looking on.
70. THEIR POV – WALL
a choppy primitive movie is unfolding… WE SEE A PERFECT REPRODUCTION OF GRANT’S OFFICE.
GRANT’S VOICE
So now we know; that’s my office!
WEST’S VOICE
Almost, sir; they made one mistake. Look at the portrait of Washington… it’s facing the wrong way.
The move continues… “PRESIDENT GRANT” ENTERS THE ROOM.
71. GRANT – CLOSE
Reacting to see “himself” in the movie.
GRANT
By George, even I would think that’s me.
WEST
I don't know where they found him, sir. But he could easily pass an your twin brother.
72. THE MOVIE
AN ASIAN DIPLOMAT IS ENTERING THE OFFICE.
ARTEMUS’ VOICE
(narrating)
Enter Mr. Sumi Igo, foreign minister of a nation very much in the news, today.
“GRANT” AND IGO SHAKE HANDS.
GRANT’S VOICE
Look at that! And actually I’ve never even met the little devil!
WEST’S VOICE
No, sir—but on the basis of this little charade, you’d have a great deal of trouble convincing other nations about that.
IGO REMOVES A DOCUMENT FROM HIS COAT.
GRANT’S VOICE
(grimly)
Obvious enough what that little document’s suppose to be—a defense pact!
ARTEMUS’ VOICE
It all seems to be very clear, sir…
“GRANT” LOOKS OVER THE DOCUMENT AND NODS HIS HEAD.
ARTEMUS’ VOICE (CONT'D)
The United States, and the highly unsavory nation of Mr. Sumi Igo, are entering into a secret defense agreement…
“GRANT” SITS AT “HIS DESK” AND SIGNS THE DOCUMENT WITH A FLOURISH,
WEST’S VOICE
… all of which will incur the indignation and distrust of the entire civilized world, much to the glee of Baron Hinterstoisser….
ARTEMUS’ VOICE
… whose nation will then proceed to make its own brand of diplomatic hay while the sun shines.
The kinetoscope photos “flaps” runs out… harsh light flickers on the plaster wall.
ARTEMUS’ VOICE (CONT'D)
(glumly)
The end…
73. REVERSE ANGLE
West turns up the room lights. Artemus removes the drum of photos from the projector. Grant paces solemnly. No one speaks. All are too depressed by Hinterstoisser’s diabolic scheme.
WEST
Mr. President, it may not be exactly the same show the Baron was counting on.
73A. REACTION – GRANT
we see a dawning realization of what West is referring to.
ARTEMUS
(removing the film cartridge from the stroboscope)
The main problem is getting this back into Baron Hinterstoisser’s little security chamber, and we don’t have too much time, so if you’ll excuse us sir…
GRANT
Wait!
West and Artemus are almost at the door at this point—they turn:
GRANT (CONT'D)
Gentlemen, I think there’s something you should know—
(pulling a paper out of desk drawer)
In the last three months, seven of our personnel have gone into the Embassy on one security errand or another—
(a long beat)
None of them has returned—and we must presume that they are—dead.
There is a long beat, during which West and Artemus exchange glances, then:
WEST
That ought to lend a certain interest to the proceedings, sir.
They both let themselves out of the office. CAMERA MOVES IN to a…
74. CLOSE SHOT – GRANT
… smiling a tight-lipped, wry smile; HOLD, as we
FREEZE FRAME:
END OF ACT ONE