© 2002
- 2007 The Singing Butler Screenplay by Allan & Iryna
Ewart -
All Rights Reserved |
"THE SINGING BUTLER"
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. THE BEACH MANSION, ART STUDIO - DAY (1950'S)
ANNA, raven-haired, tall, slim and attractive, late 20's,
having overslept, traipsing through her studio wearing a
morning robe.
Anna's butler GILES 30's, and her maid LORETTA, late
20's, in attendance.
With a cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the
other, Anna stops and stares at a canvass.
ANNA
My art is dying. It's boring
and lifeless. Isn't it Giles?
The paintings are white and completely blank.
GILES
(beat)
I'm no expert mam but...
Perhaps the frame is a little
thin?
ANNA
It doesn't have a frame, you
idiot!
Giles stares at the blank canvass.
ANNA (Contd.)
Loretta?
LORETTA
I think maybe you need a new
subject mam. Or perhaps another
colour?
ANNA
You two really are an
inspiration. Giles get the
car ready, we're going hunting.
(CONTINUED)
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2.
CONTINUED:
INT. MOVING CAR, CITY STREET - DUSK
Giles drives with Loretta beside him in the front and
Anna in the rear.
Anna's window slightly open.
Cruising slowly through the filthy city slum district,
they observe vagrants in the street.
LORETTA
What about that one mam?
An elderly female tramp lies semiconscious, face down in
the gutter, her hand clutching an empty green bottle.
We hear coughing, spitting and then an abrupt burst of
musicless HARMONICA.
ANNA
Good choice, but I think this
one looks much more promising.
A male VAGRANT, 40's, sits propped up against a wall,
trying in vain to make sense of his instrument.
He sucks and blows hard exhaling everything he has, only
to produce a diminishing squeak.
LORETTA
The musician mam?
ANNA
Yes. Giles stop here and check
the maestro.
Giles parks and rolls down his window.
GILES
Hey virtuoso!
The vagrant ignores him.
Giles waves some money at the vagrant and WHISTLES to
beckon him over.
GILES (Contd.)
Maestro!
Two BEGGARS in the immediate vicinity approach the car.
(CONTINUED)
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3.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
Get rid of them.
Giles reveals a gun.
GILES
(to the beggars)
Get lost.
Giles gets out of the car, walks over to the vagrant,
lifts him up by the lapels and slaps him hard with the
back of his hand.
GILES (Contd.)
Are you deaf?
VAGRANT
Yes sir.
Giles removes the harmonica, grasps the vagrant's jaw
squeezing hard. The vagrant is powerless to stop Giles'
superior strength. Giles thumps his fist into his stomach
forcing the vagrant's mouth open and checks his teeth.
The vagrant is winded, unable to speak.
Giles releases his jaw and then checks the vagrant's
hair, hands, nails and eyes.
Giles turns the vagrant round facing the car and thumps
his back jolting him forwards.
The vagrant stumbles head first smashing his face against
the car door, before collapsing in a heap by the side
valance of the car.
GILES
(to Anna)
He stinks of shit mam, but you
won't catch anything serious.
Giles opens the rear car door and hoists the vagrant
into the car seat beside Anna.
INT. CAR - CONTINUOUS
Giles closes the door and returns to the driving seat.
(CONTINUED)
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4.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
(to Giles)
It wasn't necessary to be so
rough on this gentleman was
it?
Giles glances at Anna in his mirror.
ANNA (Contd.)
But never mind. Thank you for
accepting my invitation Mr..?
VAGRANT
(croaking)
Warren. Call me Warren.
Anna reveals a gold cigarette box from her handbag, opens
it and offers it to Warren.
ANNA
Cigarette Warren?
He takes one. She takes one for herself, lights her own
and ignores his.
ANNA (Contd.)
Now. How would you like some
of this?
She holds up a wad of bank notes.
WARREN
Of course, but what do you
want from me?
ANNA
Not too much. Only that you
stay with me for a few days.
Nice food, clean clothes and a
warm bed.
(beat)
But you must do exactly as I
tell you. Agreed?
WARREN
How can I refuse?
ANNA
Giles.
The car drives off.
(CONTINUED)
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5.
CONTINUED:
EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS
The two beggars.
BEGGAR #1
Lucky bastard.
BEGGAR #2
Don't be too envious. He could
be in for some weird experiment.
BEGGAR #1
Well if they didn't take him I
was going to kill him anyway.
BEGGAR #2
Why?
BEGGAR #1
First of all I don't like him.
Second he's a useless arsehole.
And third... He has two gold
teeth.
INT. BEACH MANSION, DRAWING ROOM - EVENING
Warren standing in the middle of the floor. Anna sitting
watching him from an armchair.
Loretta standing by.
ANNA
Take off your clothes.
WARREN
Excuse me?
ANNA
You agreed to do everything I
told you. So take them off.
Warren begins to strip.
He peels off the layers of clothing, dumping them on the
carpet.
ANNA (Contd.)
(to Loretta)
Put all that shit on the fire.
(CONTINUED)
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6.
CONTINUED:
Loretta lifts the heap of soiled garments up off the
floor and carefully places them on the fire, one by one.
Warren is down to his underpants.
He hesitates.
ANNA (Contd.)
(to Warren)
All of them.
Warren climbs out of his underpants, leaving him
completely naked and exposed.
ANNA (Contd.)
Lift up your arms. Loretta go
and prepare the bath please.
LORETTA
Yes mam.
Loretta exits.
Warren lifts up one arm, covering his genitalia with the
other.
ANNA
Both of them.
Anna gets out of her chair and walks over to him. Warren
stands naked with his arms straight up surrendered to
the ceiling.
She encircles him three hundred and sixty degrees,
inspecting him.
ANNA (Contd.)
Right. Follow me.
INT. BEACH MANSION, BATHROOM - LATER
The bathtub sits in the centre of the expansive bathroom,
already half filled.
Loretta pours hot steaming water from a large porcelain
jug into the bath. On a dresser, next to a wash basin,
there are towels, soap, loofah, razor and hairbrush.
(CONTINUED)
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7.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
If you need anything else, let
me know and I'll have Loretta
fetch it for you.
Anna sits in the only chair.
Warren stands naked awaiting his next instruction.
ANNA (Contd.)
So what are you waiting for?
Warren gingerly climbs in the bath.
Loretta pours in another jug of hot water and hands him
the soap and loofah.
Anna watches while Warren scrubs himself.
Warren prepares to emerge up out of the bath.
ANNA (Contd.)
Have you washed your arse? I
don't think you did. Please
make sure you clean it
thoroughly.
(beat)
I can have Loretta help you if
you wish?
WARREN
It's alright. I can manage.
ANNA
Hmmm. I'm not so sure. No I
think you need help. Loretta.
Loretta pushes his head forward, grips the back of his
neck with one hand and takes the loofah with the other.
LORETTA
Bend over please.
Warren hesitates.
ANNA
Do as she says.
Warren gets on his knees in the bath, and bends over.
(CONTINUED)
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8.
CONTINUED:
Using the loofah, Loretta scrubs Warren's arse with vigor
whilst humming a tune.
INT. BEACH MANSION, DINING ROOM - LATER
The dining table is long and narrow with place settings
at opposite ends.
Warren sitting squirming at one end, cold and completely
naked. Anna, fully dressed in her deep red dress, sits
at the other end by the fire.
Loretta and Giles serve the food.
ANNA
What's the matter? Don't you
feel nice and clean?
WARREN
Yes, I'm just not very
comfortable.
ANNA
Something wrong with your chair
perhaps?
WARREN
I mean clothes.
ANNA
Ah! Your right.
Anna gets up, unzips her dress and lets it fall to the
floor.
Completely naked except for her shoes, she steps out of
the dress.
ANNA (Contd.)
There. Feel better now?
Warren nods.
She kicks off her shoes.
ANNA (Contd.)
Oh this floor is so cold.
Under the table, Warren's bare feet are dangling above
the floor.
(CONTINUED)
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9.
CONTINUED:
His napkin delicately covering his erection.
ANNA (Contd.)
I think I'll keep my shoes on.
What do you think?
WARREN
Why not?
Anna returns to her seat.
ANNA
Would you like some caviar?
She gestures to a small saucer of caviar next to her
plate.
WARREN
No thanks, I'm fine.
ANNA
Oh go on it's yummy. Here.
She picks up the saucer and holds it out beckoning him.
ANNA (Contd.)
Take it.
WARREN
No really, I don't...
ANNA
I INSIST!
Warren glances to Loretta and Giles who ignore him by
staring at the caviar, motionless and expressionless.
Trying hard to conceal his erection with his napkin,
Warren gets up and makes his way gingerly to the other
end of the table.
He takes the caviar and quickly returns to his seat.
They eat.
INT. BEACH MANSION, ART STUDIO - LATER
Anna sits naked, admiring her white paintings.
Warren, also naked, is kneeling with his head between
Anna's legs, giving her oral sex.
(CONTINUED)
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10.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
Don't hold anything back. I
want you to be completely honest
with me.
She grips his head in her hands, forcing him to face
her.
His face wet.
WARREN
Well I... I don't know much
about art but it eh...
ANNA
Oh do get to the point.
WARREN
It's nothing. There's no art
there.
ANNA
You're absolutely right.
She thrusts his face back into her.
ANNA (Contd.)
It is indeed nothing. But
then no one ever explained
this to me. Some critic once
told me that it's a perfect...
(panting with ecstasy)
...philosophical conception,
which symbolises infinity.
Another stated it was simply
vile detritus. But it really
is just nothing.
(groaning, moaning)
It's always been a surprise to
me how some people can have
such big emotion about something
so insignificantly unimportant.
About nothing.
INT. BEACH MANSION, ANNA'S BEDROOM, DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Anna getting dressed.
Warren browsing a long wardrobe with racks of suits and
clothes.
(CONTINUED)
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11.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
Don't worry, they'll fit you.
Just pick out something
appropriate for this evening.
Warren examines the garments in sequence.
A long camel coat and mohair casual suit.
Some sports jackets and Trousers.
A rubber sadomasochist outfit.
Anna notices his interest.
ANNA (Contd.)
Interesting choice. But I
think it might cause a bit of
a stir at the ballet, don't
you?
Finally, Warren decides on a black dinner suit.
ANNA (Contd.)
The World outside this house
is so ordinary.
Anna looking into her compact, applies her make-up and
then her lipstick.
ANNA (Contd.)
Only the deepest red.
INT. CONCERT THEATRE - EVENING
The foyer is bustling with theatre-goers, chatting,
drinking, smoking and awaiting the start of the
performance.
Anna is dragging Warren quickly through the crowds.
ANNA
Come on, hurry up. We're
missing the best of it already.
An Usher escorts them into their private box.
As they take their seats, we hear the lazy TUNING of
instruments from the orchestra pit and the DRONE of babble
from the audience as they begin to fill the auditorium.
(CONTINUED)
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12.
CONTINUED:
Anna sits forward and rests the side of her face on the
padded balustrade.
WARREN
We're too early. It hasn't
even started yet.
ANNA
Sshh! This is my favourite
part. Listen to the audience
and the instruments.
(beat)
The best improvisation.
Anna reaches behind her and begins fondling Warren. He
responds slipping his hand between her legs.
Warren kneels down behind her, unzips and unfastens his
trousers.
They have sex in the box.
As the curtain rises to start the performance, Warren
and Anna prepare themselves, fixing their clothes.
ANNA (Contd.)
Shall we go?
WARREN
What about the ballet?
ANNA
The best part of the show's
over, come on.
They exit the theatre as the late stragglers enter the
auditorium.
EXT. PRIVATE BEACH - DAWN
Anna and Warren dance a waltz on the wet sand. Anna in
a long red dress and Warren a dinner suit.
Loretta and Giles hold umbrellas sheltering them from
the rain.
Giles sings to them as they dance.
Anna and Warren dance closer and closer to the tide.
Anna pushes Warren backwards into the water.
(CONTINUED)
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13.
CONTINUED:
She straddles his chest in the shallow water and grips
him by the throat.
She squeezes until his eyes bulge.
Helping Anna, Giles begins to thump Warren in the stomach
with his fists.
As Anna pushes Warren's face under the water, Loretta
kicks him repeatedly in the groin.
Anna and Loretta stand back while Giles punches Warren's
face.
Anna, Giles and Loretta walk back towards the picnic
table on the beach.
The three sit at the picnic table and share a cigarette.
ANNA
I'm so sick and tired of him.
Anna extinguishes the cigarette.
ANNA (Contd.)
(beat)
Okay, let's go.
They get up and make their way across the beach towards
the car.
Warren lying face down, lifeless in the water, gently
riding the tide.
INT. BEACH MANSION, DRAWING ROOM - EVENING
Warren sitting behind a knee-hole desk wearing an evening
robe. His arm in a sling, his face bruised and beaten.
Anna, Giles and Loretta sit facing him.
Warren opens a desk drawer, takes out three thick
envelopes and places them on the desk.
WARREN
Everything is satisfactory and
in accordance with our
agreement.
(more)
(CONTINUED)
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14.
CONTINUED:
WARREN (Contd.)
(beat)
Loretta, you've certainly
improved since our previous
encounter. So I've included a
little bonus. Well done.
He hands her an envelope.
LORETTA
Thank you.
WARREN
Giles. Splendid. You really
have excelled yourself on this
occasion. I'm truly satisfied
and I do hope you decide to
stay for the next one.
GILES
Well it's my pleasure and I
appreciate that sir. But I'm
about to embark on a tour with
the theatre company.
WARREN
Don't worry, I know how to
find you. Now, Anna. What
can I say? Wonderful scenario.
Exquisite. Well done all of
you, I'll contact you when the
time comes.
Warren hands Anna and Giles their envelopes.
WARREN (Contd.)
Now if you'll excuse me, I
think I need some rest.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
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15.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. TRAIN STATION PLATFORM - DAY
Loretta waits.
A train arrives.
Anna, Loretta's twin sister, disembarks dressed in cream
khaki. JACK, a handsome young man helps her with her
luggage.
Loretta sees Anna, waves and greets her.
They hug.
Jack loads the luggage onto a trolley.
LORETTA
Who is he, your latest victim?
ANNA
(whispering)
Poor darling, he's an artist I
met on the train. He's been
so helpful, bless him.
LORETTA
So. How was Africa?
ANNA
Oh it's not all it's cracked
up to be. Elephants, tigers,
flies and mosquito's. Millions
of the little buggers.
(beat)
But what's been going on with
you? Surely you're the one
who's found a victim? You're
so radiant.
LORETTA
Well, actually...
ANNA
I knew it. I had a dream you
were swimming in the sea with
a red dress on. It's definitely
(more)
(CONTINUED)
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16.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (Contd.)
big love. So who is he? I
mean how much is he worth?
Tell me everything.
LORETTA
I think I'm falling in love.
ANNA
Again. You've done it again.
Jack loads the luggage into a taxi.
ANNA (Contd.)
Thank you so much for everything
Jack. You've been an
inspiration.
She kisses him on the cheek.
JACK
(Scottish accent)
You know you've a wonderful
face Anna. So... Dangerous.
ANNA
Oh Jack. You're so sweet.
JACK
Would you consider..? I mean...
I hope you don't think it's
too forward, but I thought
maybe you might consider
modelling for me?
ANNA
Do you mean naked? How
flattering.
JACK
Oh no. I mean not unless you
wanted to. But I was thinking
more of a portrait?
ANNA
You're good Jack. Maybe too
good. And you're right, it
really would be too dangerous.
For you I mean.
(more)
(CONTINUED)
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17.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (Contd.)
(beat)
But who knows? We'll see.
Good-bye my darling and good
luck with your art.
INT. ANNA AND LORETTA'S APARTMENT - LATER
Anna unpacks her luggage.
Loretta relaxing on the balcony, smoking and drinking
champagne.
LORETTA
It's not like usual you know.
It's different. I really do
love him.
ANNA (O.S.)
Why are you so sure about him?
LORETTA
I know everything about Giles
and he knows everything about
me. We have a lot in common,
many similarities.
Anna enters the balcony.
ANNA
Such as?
LORETTA
Well for a start, he's quite
lonely, he doesn't have many
close friends. He lost both
his parents when he was a child,
just like me.
ANNA
Us. Just like us you mean.
LORETTA
Of course. That's what I meant.
ANNA
That's wonderful darling. I'm
so pleased for you.
(beat)
But we're missing the obvious
are we not?
(CONTINUED)
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18.
CONTINUED:
LORETTA
Which obvious? What do you
mean?
ANNA
Money darling. The elusive
elixir that makes the world go
round? Is he rich?
LORETTA
He's not poor, that's for sure.
ANNA
What does that mean? He's
either a man of means or he
isn't?
LORETTA
Okay seeing as you're such a
capitalist. He's a business
man who at least has the
appearance of someone with
money.
ANNA
Now we're getting somewhere.
So he's in business. That's a
big improvement over he's not
poor, wouldn't you agree?
(beat)
Now perhaps you would care to
be a little more specific?
LORETTA
Honestly Anna you are shameful.
But now that you ask. Do you
remember that private beach
where we used to go skinny
dipping at midnight?
ANNA
Of course I do. And?
LORETTA
And do you also remember the
huge mansion house overlooking
the sea?
ANNA
I do... And?
(CONTINUED)
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19.
CONTINUED:
LORETTA
It belongs to Giles. He
inherited it from his parents.
ANNA
You know you're right. It
must be big love between you.
You have everything in common.
You should develop your
relationship as quickly as you
can. If love is real, never
lose it. Carpe Diem. Seize
the day my dear. Seize the
day.
LORETTA
That's good advice because
he's coming to visit me later.
ANNA
Does he know we're twins?
LORETTA
Actually, he doesn't know I
have a sister.
ANNA
Oh that's just brilliant! So
you've invited him here and he
doesn't even know I exist?
LORETTA
Well as you know darling, I'm
not in the habit of dredging
up the past. But after your
last performance...
ANNA
Oh not again. How many times
do I have to apologise about
that ridiculous incident with
your fiancé. For the one
hundredth time. I am sorry.
Now for heaven's sake forgive
me.
(beat)
Try to understand Loretta, you
mean everything to me. I was
jealous, I didn't want to lose
you. It's history, so just
(more)
(CONTINUED)
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20.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (Contd.)
forgive and forget. Hmmm?
Please?
LORETTA
Anna. You're my sister and I
love you. But it was a very
cruel lesson. So you must
understand why I have certain
reservations about you meeting
Giles.
ANNA
Alright. You've made your
point. So what do you suggest
I do when he arrives?
LORETTA
Nothing special. Just try not
to be the same as me.
EXT./INT. ANNA AND LORETTA'S APARTMENT - EVENING
Giles arrives and parks his car.
Loretta waiting in the drawing room, listening to music.
In the bedroom, Anna transforms her appearance with a
wig and heavy make-up. She prepares to wear a maid's
uniform.
Giles arrives. He's about to knock, but realises the
door is unlatched. He hesitates before entering the
dimly lit hallway.
Light emanates from Anna's bedroom door which is ajar.
Giles approaches the doorway, peeps in and watches Anna
slipping into the maids uniform with her back to him.
He enters the bedroom, creeps up on her silently from
behind and puts his hands on her shoulders.
GILES
Loretta darling, why the
masquerade?
ANNA
(screams)
Aah! Who are you? What do
you think you're doing?
(CONTINUED)
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21.
CONTINUED:
GILES
I'm dreadfully sorry, I thought
you were Loretta.
ANNA
Get out of my bedroom at once.
GILES
I'm sorry.
Giles exits.
Loretta meets Giles in the hallway.
LORETTA
Giles? I didn't know you'd
arrived.
GILES
The door was open, I wasn't
sure what to do.
They kiss.
GILES (Contd.)
The strangest thing just
happened.
We hear steps and the door opening.
LORETTA
Ah. Giles darling, let me
introduce you to my...
Anna enters dressed as a maid.
LORETTA (Contd.)
Maid?
ANNA
How do you do sir.
GILES
Very well thank you.
LORETTA
My maid Anna.
GILES
Anna.
(CONTINUED)
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22.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
Would you care for some tea
mam?
LORETTA
Eh yes. Thank you Anna.
Anna exits.
GILES
Why did you introduce me to
your maid?
LORETTA
Because... Well because we're
very close.
GILES
With your maid?
LORETTA
She's not just my maid, she's
part of the family. Like my
older sister. A good friend.
She's been with me ever since
my parents died.
INT. THE BEACH MANSION, STUDY - MORNING
The room is smoke-filled and stuffy. Giles and two male
friends playing poker.
A mound of money is piled up in the middle of the table.
PLAYER #1 reveals his cards. Giles throws his cards
onto the table.
GILES
Damn damn damn!
PLAYER #1
Don't take it too hard old
chap. You know what they say
in the east? Unlucky with
cards, lucky in love.
Player #1 shuffles his winnings into a neat pile.
Giles gets up and pulls the bell cord.
(CONTINUED)
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23.
CONTINUED:
GILES
Where's that bloody butler
with the breakfast?
The other players get up and stretch.
WARREN, the butler enters carrying a tray with coffee
and hot muffins.
GILES (Contd.)
You took your time.
Warren dispenses the coffee.
WARREN
I'm sorry sir, but there's
a...
Giles splurts out the coffee.
GILES
It's cold.
WARREN
Excuse me sir?
GILES
The bloody coffee's stone cold.
Giles throws the coffee into Warren's face then smashes
the cup on the floor.
GILES (Contd.)
Useless buffoon.
Warren get's down on all fours to pick up the pieces of
broken cup.
PLAYER #2
Don't be too hard on the old
boy Giles. He's been waiting
on us hand and foot all night
long.
PLAYER #1
Deserves a ruddy medal I'd
say.
Giles drops a bank note on the floor in front of Warren.
(CONTINUED)
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24.
CONTINUED:
GILES
He's not offended. Are you
Warren?
WARREN
Of course not sir.
GILES
Good. Now what about some hot
coffee this time.
WARREN
Very good sir.
(beat)
There's a woman here to see
you sir.
GILES
Why didn't you say so before?
WARREN
I showed her into the drawing
room sir.
GILES
And did this lady give you her
name?
WARREN
No sir.
GILES
Well did you ask her?
WARREN
Yes sir.
GILES
And?
WARREN
Well she said she wanted it to
be a surprise sir.
GILES
A surprise indeed.
PLAYER #1
There you are old chap, I told
you so. Lucky in love.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
CONTINUED:
Warren exits.
INT. MANSION, DRAWING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Giles enters.
The room appears to be empty.
GILES
Hello? Anyone here?
(beat)
Warren you cretin.
A woman's hand rests on his shoulder. He turns.
GILES (Contd.)
(startled)
Loretta!
LORETTA
Good morning darling.
GILES
How unexpected.
LORETTA
I like to be spontaneous.
Aren't you pleased to see me?
GILES
Yes of course darling. But
you should at least give me
some advance warning. I'm
right in the middle of a
business meeting.
LORETTA
How dull.
GILES
No no you don't understand.
It's just so I can prepare
myself for you.
LORETTA
Oh don't worry, you look
perfectly well prepared to me.
And don't worry about your
business meeting. This won't
take long.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
CONTINUED:
Loretta kisses him on the lips.
She leads him to the chaise longue.
They make love.
INT./EXT. ANNA AND LORETTA'S APARTMENT - EVENING
Loretta sitting reading TAROT cards with a lady client.
LADY CLIENT
I've tried everything, you're
my last hope. So I want to
ask you...
LORETTA
Wait. You lost your husband
and you don't know if he's
alive or dead.
LADY CLIENT
Absolutely right. How
extraordinary.
LORETTA
I have a message for you.
It's too early to play an elegy
for a dead admiral.
LADY CLIENT
He's alive? I can hardly
believe it. Three years since
his ship went down.
LORETTA
You will find him. Soon. But
you need to prepare yourself.
He's changed, like a completely
new person.
LADY CLIENT
I don't understand?
LORETTA
I can only pass onto you what
the cards reveal. His life is
very different to what it was
before.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
CONTINUED:
LADY CLIENT
But how? A new wife, family?
What exactly?
LORETTA
It could be religious, or that
he lost his memory or something.
EXT. ANNA AND LORETTA'S APARTMENT, FRONT DOOR -
CONTINUOUS
Giles arrives at the same time as a middle-aged FRENCHMAN
who is carrying an abundant bouquet of flowers.
Anna, disguised as Loretta's maid, answers the door.
ANNA
Good evening gentlemen.
Giles and the Frenchman both try and squeeze through the
doorway simultaneously and get stuck for a moment.
FRENCHMAN
Please.
GILES
After you sir.
FRENCHMAN
Is this your first time
monsieur?
The Frenchman with the bouquet enters followed by Giles.
Anna leads them in.
GILES
In a manner of speaking.
ANNA
She's with a client at present,
but you can wait in the drawing
room until she's free. Shall
I put these in some water for
you sir?
Anna tries to take the flowers, but the Frenchman resists.
FRENCHMAN
No no no, I'll give her these
myself.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
CONTINUED:
The Frenchman gingerly opens the door to the reading
room. He pokes his head in and lays the flowers on the
floor.
FRENCHMAN (Contd.)
(whispering)
It's only me, please continue.
Just wanted to give you these.
Bon soir.
He gently and quietly closes the door.
FRENCHMAN (Contd.)
(to Giles)
Wonderful woman. She's turned
my life around you know. And
wouldn't accept a penny for
it.
(beat)
I've tried all these witches.
They're all charlatan's in it
for the money. But not Loretta.
I promise you, she's the real
thing monsieur.
GILES
Well I appreciate that, thank
you.
Giles observes the lady client walking through the
hallway.
GILES (Contd.)
She works with women too?
FRENCHMAN
Of course. Why not? The cards
work for everyone. Au revoir
monsieur. Bon chance.
The Frenchman exits.
GILES
Indeed.
INT. ANNA AND LORETTA'S APARTMENT, READING ROOM -
MOMENTS LATER
Loretta sitting at her table with the TAROT cards.
Giles enters.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
CONTINUED:
Anna listening and watching through the keyhole.
GILES
Always full of surprises. Now
a mysterious fortune teller
into the bargain.
LORETTA
Giles. I didn't expect you.
GILES
You impressed me with your
spontaneity, so... I thought
I'd reciprocate.
LORETTA
I didn't tell you about my
hobby because people are usually
very skeptical.
GILES
Not me. I like a bit of mystery
in a woman. And with you,
there's something new every
day. A hussy in the morning
and a virgin in the evening.
LORETTA
Whatever do you mean?
Giles pulls her close, kisses her hard and lifts her
onto the card table. He is determined.
LORETTA (Contd.)
Giles! I don't understand.
What are you doing?
GILES
I know you like to play games
Loretta. But don't worry, I'm
all for it.
Giles lifts her dress, rips her underwear off and massages
his hand between her legs.
LORETTA
Stop it Giles. I'm not in the
mood for this.
He unfastens and unzips his trousers then forces himself
into her.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
CONTINUED:
The sex is rough, verging on violent.
Afterwards, Giles kneels on one knee, produces a ring
box and opens it to reveal a diamond ring.
GILES
Loretta darling, would you do
me the honour of becoming my
wife?
EXT. MANSION, PRIVATE BEACH - NIGHT
Anna and Loretta swimming naked under a bright full moon.
The tide is gentle, the beach illuminated.
They race each other out of the water and huddle under a
blanket to keep warm.
ANNA
Feel better?
LORETTA
Like I've been re-born. That
was a brilliant idea.
ANNA
Maybe now you can tell me what
happened with you and Giles?
LORETTA
He was so nice when we first
met, but now he's changed and
I don't understand why? It
doesn't make any sense.
ANNA
Men. They're so primitive.
It's always roses in the
beginning until they satisfy
their animalistic urges.
LORETTA
I know. But Giles is different,
he has a darker side to him.
It's like he's gone mad.
ANNA
They're all mad. That's what
makes them the self-centered
egocentric species they are.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
CONTINUED:
LORETTA
He forces himself upon me and
then proposes marriage as if
nothing had ever happened.
INT. GILES' OFFICE - MORNING
Giles in his private office on the telephone.
Giles' SECRETARY typing at her desk.
Loretta enters and proceeds directly towards Giles' office
door.
SECRETARY
Eh... Excuse me.
The secretary gets up quickly and inserts herself between
Loretta and Giles' office door.
SECRETARY (Contd.)
You can't go in without an
appointment.
LORETTA
Oh really?
SECRETARY
Mr Beaumont is making a very
important business call and
has given me strict instructions
not to be disturbed. Now
whoever you are, I'm sorry,
but you'll...
Loretta clutches the secretary's face between her hands
and smacks her a long kiss on the lips.
She moves the stunned secretary to one side, opens the
door and enters Giles' office.
GILES
(into the phone)
Yes, I'm aware of the terms of
the contract...
(acknowledging
Loretta)
...that's why my client was
under the impression that there
were options for another two
(more)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
CONTINUED:
GILES (Contd.)
manuscripts. That was the
agreement.
(covers the
mouthpiece and
whispers to Loretta)
Can you come back later?
(into the phone)
...no no no, that's ridiculous
she'll never agree...
Loretta climbs under Giles' desk, opens his fly and gives
him oral sex while he attempts to continue his telephone
conversation.
GILES (Contd.)
(into phone)
I eh... I... Yes of course.
Why not? Whatever you think...
Is appropriate.
(beat)
No no no... No problem...
Loretta re-fastens his fly.
She picks up a pen and writes on his paper pad: YES.
Loretta exits.
She walks past the secretary.
LORETTA
(licking her lips)
Nice lipstick.
EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS
Loretta approaches her car.
Anna, dressed as the maid, opens the door for Loretta.
EXT. MANSION, PRIVATE BEACH - EVENING
A picnic table with deck-chairs and a parasol. The table
is littered with empty champagne bottles and half-filled
glasses.
Loretta and Giles dance a waltz on the wet sand. Loretta
in a long red dress and Giles a dinner suit. Both are
wearing wedding rings.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
CONTINUED:
Anna and Warren hold umbrellas sheltering them from the
rain. Warren sings to them as they dance.
GILES
(mildly drunk)
You know I'd have scarcely
believed it if two months ago
someone told me I would fall
madly in love and get married?
LORETTA
Perhaps if you'd come to me
for a reading I could've told
you sooner.
GILES
But I can't bear knowing what
happens next. Just dance me
to the end of love my darling.
LORETTA
Yes I know you love surprises.
GILES
And you're full of them. I've
a lot to learn in the skillful
art of surprise.
LORETTA
Well don't try too hard darling.
And don't think you're free to
treat me the way you did in my
reading room whenever you feel
like it.
GILES
But I know you like it my dear.
LORETTA
You're wrong Giles. You just
think you know what I like.
Loretta walks over to the picnic table and sits.
GILES
Loretta wait.
LORETTA
Anna get some more champagne
would you?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
Who the hell do you think you're
talking to?
Giles arrives at the table.
GILES
(to Loretta)
Problem?
LORETTA
It's nothing, I'll take care
of it.
(beat)
Anna darling, be a sport and
do what I say. Please.
ANNA
No.
GILES
Now look here. Do as you're
bloody well told and get the
champagne.
ANNA
(to Giles)
First of all I'm not your maid
and second, you've had far too
much champagne already. Tell
him Loretta.
GILES
You little bitch. How dare
you insult me? Nobody asked
you to open your obnoxious
little mouth.
(beat)
In fact you can pack your
things. I want you out of my
house first thing in the
morning.
LORETTA
That's enough! Giles you've
no right to talk to Anna like
that. Now stop it. Both of
you.
Anna storms off back to the house.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
CONTINUED:
GILES
Brazen impertinence!
(beat)
Loretta darling in future you
really must learn to take
control of your servants.
(beat)
Warren.
WARREN
Yes sir.
GILES
Get on your knees, bark like a
dog and present me with this
glass of champagne.
WARREN
Very good sir.
Warren gets down on his knees in the sand and begins to
bark.
GILES
You see. They should do exactly
as you say without question,
and with respect.
Giles throws him a bank note.
GILES (Contd.)
Isn't that right Warren?
WARREN
Yes of course, thank you sir.
Warren picks up the note, crawls to Giles and presents
him with the glass of champagne.
WARREN (Contd.)
And with respect sir.
GILES
Now get up off your knees and
brush yourself off you silly
old fool.
Giles sips from the glass.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
CONTINUED:
GILES (Contd.)
(to Loretta)
There you see? Exactly what
you say and with respect.
LORETTA
I think you've had enough.
Loretta removes the glass from his hand.
LORETTA (Contd.)
Why don't you go for a swim
and cool down?
GILES
What a splendid idea darling.
Giles begins to undress.
GILES (Contd.)
Aren't you coming?
LORETTA
Don't be silly darling, I can't
swim.
Giles strips naked and runs into the sea.
Anna returns with the champagne.
Warren opens the champagne and pours two glasses for
Loretta and Anna.
The three sit, drink and watch Giles swimming.
INT. MANSION, DRAWING ROOM - LATER
Loretta is sobbing and ashen faced. Anna consoling her.
INSPECTOR WEIR, 50's, questioning Warren, taking notes.
WARREN
When I realised he was too far
out, I thought the best thing
to do would be to get the boat.
INSP. WEIR
And did you?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
CONTINUED:
WARREN
Yes. I rowed out as fast as I
could.
(beat)
When I got to him I couldn't
lift him into the boat myself.
So I used my oar to push his
body into the shallow water as
close to the beach as possible.
LORETTA
(sobbing)
That's when we pulled him out
of the water and onto the beach.
INSP. WEIR
So why didn't any of you swim
out to try and save him?
ANNA
Because we're not very good
swimmers. Well Loretta and I
aren't, I don't know about
Warren?
WARREN
No sir. I can't swim.
ANNA
But Giles was a good swimmer.
He must've gone too far out.
There was little more we
could've done inspector. We
even tried to resuscitate him.
INSP. WEIR
How?
ANNA
We pushed on his chest to try
and get the water out of his
lungs. But nothing happened.
Then we tried mouth-to-mouth
but it was hopeless. So I ran
back to the house to call the
police.
INSP. WEIR
Why didn't you call for a
Doctor?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
He was already dead. I thought
if I called you people, you'd
know what to do.
LORETTA
We didn't even notice there
was anything wrong. When we
realised how long he'd been in
the water we began looking for
him. And there he was. Just
floating on the water.
INSP. WEIR
(to Warren)
And that's when you decided to
get the boat?
WARREN
Indeed it was sir.
INT. MANSION, BEDROOM - MORNING
Loretta and Anna in bed together.
Anna wakes, rolls over gently caressing and kissing
Loretta.
ANNA
How is my wealthy black widow
feeling this fine morning?
LORETTA
Hmmm heavenly, just heavenly.
But I'm so grief stricken, how
will I ever get over it?
Anna puts her hand between Loretta's legs.
ANNA
I'm sure we can think of
something to help my darling.
LORETTA
You know I've discovered that
my marriage to Giles has made
us much wealthier than I first
thought.
ANNA
Even more than my last one?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
CONTINUED:
LORETTA
Considerably more.
ANNA
Don't worry darling, you'll
soon get over your grief.
Warren enters carrying a champagne breakfast.
ANNA (Contd.)
Ah, it's the hero of the day.
Anna and Loretta applaud. Warren rests the tray on a
table and takes a bow.
WARREN
Thank you.
LORETTA
No, thank you. Anna, if you
please.
Anna takes a fat envelope out from a drawer, hands it to
Warren and kisses him on the cheek.
LORETTA (Contd.)
And...
Loretta presents him with a ticket.
LORETTA (Contd.)
You always said you wanted to
see more of the world Warren.
So now's your chance.
Warren reads the ticket: "CUNARD... THE MOST FAMOUS
OCEAN LINERS IN THE WORLD... FIRST CLASS"
WARREN
Thank you mam.
(beat)
You do realise I would've
performed my duty free of
charge?
EXT. BOAT ON THE WATER - EVENING - FLASHBACK
Warren rowing towards Giles, who is swimming.
Warren steers the boat in close and uses his oar to gently
push Giles' head under the water.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
CONTINUED:
Giles resists, surfacing and gasping for air.
Warren repeatedly pushes him under until finally Giles
expires.
END FLASHBACK.
BACK TO SCENE
LORETTA
Maybe next time.
ANNA
Oh don't be silly, we wouldn't
hear of such nonsense. I've
always believed excellent
service demands commensurate
reward.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. THE BEACH MANSION, PRIVATE BEACH - DAY (1950'S)
ANNA DREXLER, raven-haired, tall, slim and attractive,
late 20's, lazes on a sun-lounger, reading a novel
entitled: "SOMETHING IN THE AIR" by WARREN DREXLER.
LORETTA, Anna's maid, presents her with a glass of
champagne from a tray.
LORETTA
Inspector Weir to see you mam.
INSPECTOR WEIR, 50's, approaches.
INSP. WEIR
Mrs. Drexler?
ANNA
I explained everything to you
on the telephone yesterday
Inspector, there's really not
much more I can help you with.
INSP. WEIR
Well actually I think there is
mam.
ANNA
Are you accusing me of
attempting to pervert the course
of justice Inspector?
INSP. WEIR
I was merely suggesting that
perhaps you hadn't told me
everything. For instance, it
is a well known fact, is it
not, that Mr. Beaumont was
more than just your riding
instructor? That you and he
were... Intimate?
ANNA
And if we were, that would be
my private business and no one
else's.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
CONTINUED:
INSP. WEIR
Well not any more I'm afraid
mam, because now it's our
business. And naturally I was
expecting you to be a little
more forthcoming with
information that may help us
trace the whereabouts of Mr.
Beaumont. Or...
ANNA
Or you suspect me of having
something to do with his
disappearance?
INSP. WEIR
Well do you mam?
ANNA
Alright, we had an affair.
But he left me, ran off like a
coward. He sent me a ridiculous
letter. Some nonsense about
having urgent business in
France.
INSP. WEIR
Do you still have this letter?
She removes the letter from inside the book she was
reading, and hands it to him.
He reads the letter.
INT. MANSION - MORNING (ONE WEEK EARLIER)
GILES BEAUMONT, attractive, early 30's, waits in the
hallway. He is smartly dressed in jodhpurs and riding
suit.
Loretta is eavesdropping outside the drawing room, from
where we hear Anna and her husband WARREN, 40's,
quarreling aggressively.
WARREN (O.S.)
That's NOT what we decided.
We agreed on this Anna.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (O.S.)
No. YOU decided. WE didn't
agree anything. I'm tired of
your sick fantasies. I won't
do it again. I won't!
WARREN (O.S.)
Well you never complained
before. Harlot.
ANNA (O.S.)
How dare you! What have I
ever done to deserve such
disrespect?
WARREN (O.S.)
I'll show you exactly what you
deserve...
We hear a scuffle and a SLAP.
WARREN (Contd.)
You'll bloody well do as I
say.
On hearing footsteps, Loretta recoils from the drawing
room door.
Anna enters. She too is dressed for riding.
ANNA
I'm dreadfully sorry Giles, I
didn't realise you were waiting.
GILES
Is everything alright?
ANNA
Of course. Why wouldn't it
be?
(beat)
Loretta tell his highness that
Mr. Beaumont and I have gone
riding. And we won't be
returning for lunch.
LORETTA
Yes mam.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
CONTINUED:
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - LATER
Anna and Giles riding.
They dismount and walk their horses.
GILES
You know you've reached such a
level of proficiency you could
quite easily outmatch just
about any accomplished rider.
ANNA
If it wasn't for you I would
still be graceless in the
saddle. The exact words of my
first instructor.
GILES
What nonsense.
ANNA
He also said that under no
circumstances should I ever
offend a horses' dignity by
sitting upon it.
GILES
Well you've certainly proved
him wrong. I can say with no
hesitation that my instruction
really is no longer necessary?
ANNA
Perhaps not. But I do so enjoy
our time together.
GILES
Meaning?
ANNA
We both know we have a certain
affection for each other. So
we don't need to bother with
any preamble nonsense do we?
GILES
Don't play games.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
Who said anything about playing
games?
Anna kisses him.
They make love.
Afterwards, Giles observes bruises on Anna's body.
GILES
Why won't you tell me about
what happened earlier with
your husband?
ANNA
Don't ever ask me about my
relationship with him.
GILES
I don't see why you should
have to put up with him,
treating you the way he does.
It's despicable.
ANNA
I'd much rather we didn't
discuss Warren. Our next
lesson's on Thursday. I'll
see you then.
Anna mounts her horse and gallops off.
SERIES OF SHOTS
A) Giles and Anna riding.
B) Making love in the forest.
C) Giles sneaking in through Anna's bedroom window night
after night.
D) Giles about to sneak in the window when he realises
Anna is in bed with her husband Warren.
INT. MANSION, ANNA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Anna and Giles in bed.
We hear footsteps from the hallway.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
It's him! Quickly.
Giles jumps out of bed, picks up his clothes and hides.
Anna pretends to be asleep.
Warren enters. He climbs into bed beside her.
WARREN
Anna?
ANNA
Go away. I'm tired, I want to
sleep.
WARREN
Oh come on.
ANNA
Leave me alone.
WARREN
Haven't you missed me?
ANNA
No.
WARREN
I don't want much... Just a
you know what, and then I'll
go away. Promise.
Anna gives him oral sex.
INT. MANSION - DAY
Anna and Giles return from their riding session. They
are greeted by the middle-aged Butler SEYMOUR.
ANNA
Did he leave for London?
SEYMOUR
Yes mam, he left at eleven.
ANNA
If anyone calls for me, I'm
not at home.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
CONTINUED:
SEYMOUR
Very good mam.
INT. MANSION, BATHROOM - LATER
Anna and Giles luxuriate in the bath together by
candlelight. Smoking and drinking champagne with
pineapple.
Seymour watches them through a spy-hole from an adjacent
room.
GILES
You know your husband's very
strange.
ANNA
Strange? That's putting it
mildly.
GILES
Elusive even.
ANNA
How observant of you.
GILES
I saw him earlier in the hall
just before we left and he
refused to acknowledge me.
ANNA
You saw him?
GILES
It was only a glimpse in
passing. He ignored me.
(beat)
He's completely mad isn't he?
ANNA
All eccentric geniuses have a
propensity to behave a little
capricious. It's the nature
of the beast. He likes to
hermit himself away with his
books.
(beat)
But when it comes to real
people, I suppose you could
say he's...
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
CONTINUED:
GILES
An enigmatic misanthrope?
ANNA
Exactly.
GILES
But you love him.
ANNA
Why do you insist on tormenting
yourself? And me. I told you
before, nothing can ever change.
He's my husband, and that's
the end of it.
There's a knock at the door.
ANNA (Contd.)
Come in.
GILES
(covering his
genitals)
Anna wait! What are you doing?
Seymour enters carrying a note on a tray.
ANNA
Oh stop fretting. Seymour and
I are old friends, aren't we
Seymour?
SEYMOUR
Of course mam. There was a
telephone call, I think it's
quite urgent.
Seymour presents Anna with the note.
She reads the note.
ANNA
Thank you Seymour, that'll be
all.
SEYMOUR
Very good mam.
Seymour exits.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
CONTINUED:
GILES
Well?
ANNA
He called from the station,
and he's on his way back.
GILES
I thought you said he was
staying in London for two
nights.
ANNA
He changed his mind. You'd
better go.
Anna gets out of the bath.
Giles dejected.
ANNA (Contd.)
NOW Giles!
GILES
Alright, I'm going.
Giles gets out of the bath, dries himself and starts
getting dressed.
GILES (Contd.)
I hate this. And him. Why
can't you just tell him you
love me and it's all over
between you.
ANNA
Because it isn't.
(beat)
Surely you didn't expect me to
just leave him?
GILES
Well maybe you think I'm being
banal, but I thought we loved
each other.
(beat)
I don't understand how you can
be so cruel.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
What is it you don't understand?
I've put up with him every day
for five years. For what? To
lose everything overnight,
just because of some torrid
love affair?
(beat)
I'm sorry if you think I'm
being banal, but he's my famous,
millionaire husband.
GILES
I can't bare this any longer.
Just answer me one thing Anna.
Do you love me?
ANNA
Yes. Now go.
GILES
If you love me, we can get rid
of him.
INT. MANSION, KITCHEN - MORNING
Loretta and Seymour sing while packing a picnic basket.
SEYMOUR
Don't, whatever you do, forget
about the pineapple for the
champagne.
LORETTA
Oh God forbid, it would be a
fate worse than death. How
many place settings do we need?
SEYMOUR
Two of course.
LORETTA
Of course.
(beat)
You know she looks so radiant,
so full of life.
SEYMOUR
It's been so long since I've
seen her this happy.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
CONTINUED:
LORETTA
The complete opposite of him.
SEYMOUR
Opposite of who?
LORETTA
His lordship.
SEYMOUR
Yes I know what you mean.
He's very upset. I don't think
he'll permit that to continue.
LORETTA
I hope it doesn't get as nasty
as it did the last time.
SEYMOUR
Oh goodness me no!
EXT. MANSION, PRIVATE BEACH - EVENING
A picnic table with deck-chairs and a parasol is set.
Anna and Giles dance a waltz on the wet sand. Anna
wearing a long red dress and Giles in a dinner suit.
Loretta and Seymour hold umbrellas sheltering them from
the rain.
Seymour sings to them as they dance.
ANNA
Are you sure you have something
heavy enough?
GILES
Oh yes. Seymour and I found
the perfect weight. A bust
from the graveyard.
ANNA
How romantic. What an excellent
idea.
(beat)
Whose idea was it?
GILES
All mine.
(CONTINUED)
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52.
CONTINUED:
ANNA
You clever little vixen.
(beat)
What about the boat, is it big
enough?
GILES
Yes. Thanks to Seymour.
ANNA
You see how loyal and faithful
my butler is to me?
GILES
I do indeed. And he's going
to help me with the tying up
and gagging, once your little
love potion night cap takes
effect.
ANNA
I don't believe we're actually
going to go through with this.
But I keep thinking we've
forgotten something.
GILES
Stop worrying, it's all been
taken care of.
ANNA
Except for one thing.
GILES
What?
ANNA
Your alibi.
GILES
Of course. How frightfully
silly of me.
ANNA
You'll have to disappear for a
while until things settle down.
Some people already know about
us, so we need to protect
ourselves. The police will
start asking questions. So I
(more)
(CONTINUED)
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53.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (Contd.)
will tell them you had to go
to France on some urgent
business. That will be your
alibi. You were in France all
along.
GILES
Brilliant!
(beat)
But how will we be able to
prove I went to France?
ANNA
Write me a letter.
They sit at the picnic table.
Anna opens her writing box and hands Giles a pen and
sheet of paper.
ANNA (Contd.)
Date it today.
Giles writes.
ANNA (Contd.)
Explain that you had to leave
suddenly. Don't be too
affectionate, but say that
you're sorry. And then sign
it.
Giles signs the letter, seals it in an envelope and
addresses it.
ANNA (Contd.)
Seymour.
SEYMOUR
Yes mam.
ANNA
Take this letter and post it
at the station. But don't
take too long, I'm going to
need your help this evening.
SEYMOUR
Very good mam.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
CONTINUED:
Seymour leaves.
Anna and Giles lift their glasses of champagne.
GILES
A toast. To our future alone
together.
ANNA
Our future.
INT. MANSION - NIGHT
Giles and Seymour wait in the hall outside Warren's
bedroom. Giles holding a rope and bandages.
Anna comes out of Warren's bedroom, carefully and quietly.
ANNA
(whispering)
He's ready.
GILES
I'll see you soon my darling.
I love you.
They kiss.
INT. MANSION, WARREN'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Giles enters with Seymour close behind.
The room is dark.
Giles approaches the bed.
GILES
Damn! He's not here.
SEYMOUR
He's here.
We hear a scuffle.
Seymour and Giles wrestling and struggling.
EXT. BOAT ON THE WATER - NIGHT
The night is dark, the water calm.
A rowing boat with two occupants.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
CONTINUED:
One rows while the other steers the rudder.
A third occupant is lying on the floor of the boat with
his legs and hands tied, his mouth gagged.
He's alive. His voice muffled by the bandages.
A heavy stone bust is tied to his ankles.
ANNA
Stop here, this should be deep
enough.
The rower stops rowing, picks up the stone bust and
balances it on the side of the boat.
He manhandles the victim into position, ready to throw
him overboard.
ANNA (Contd.)
Wait!
She leans over to the victim and kisses him on the
forehead.
ANNA (Contd.)
Good-bye my darling.
The rower pushes the victim overboard while Anna
simultaneously knocks the bust into the water.
The victim is pulled down by the weight of the bust and
disappears into the deep.
EXT. MANSION, PRIVATE BEACH - DAY
Inspector Weir finishes reading the letter.
INSP. WEIR
Do you mind if I hold on to
this?
ANNA
Be my guest.
Seymour arrives, not dressed as a Butler, but as a wealthy
gentleman.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (Contd.)
Ah. Inspector, may I introduce
you to my husband Warren.
Warren, this is Inspector Weir.
INSP. WEIR
How do you do sir.
WARREN
Inspector.
They shake hands.
WARREN (Contd.)
Anna my darling, we really
need to be going, it's getting
late.
ANNA
Yes of course darling. We
have a signing at the book
shop. It's my husband's latest
bestseller.
(beat)
Well unless there's anything
else Inspector?
INSP. WEIR
No mam, that'll be all. Thank
you for your help. Good luck
with the signing.
INT. BOOK SHOP - DAY
The shop is busy with fans queuing up.
Warren sits at a desk signing autographs for his loyal
readers. Anna sits by his side.
ANNA
For goodness sake Warren smile.
You're such a shameless
misanthrope. I know you hate
people generally, but they are
your customers.
WARREN
I'm trying believe me. I don't
know why I let you talk me
into this.
(beat)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
CONTINUED:
Giles is next in the queue.
WARREN (Contd.)
This is the one and only time
I will ever be engaged in this
confounded nonsense. Next.
Giles hands Warren a copy of his book entitled "A VERY
DANGEROUS BEACH". Warren takes the book without looking
at Giles' face.
WARREN (Contd.)
Name?
GILES
For Giles please.
WARREN
Giles.
Warren signs the book.
GILES
Thank you Seymour.
Warren gradually lifts his head.
WARREN
Giles.
(beat)
GILES
What? An unexpected finale?
As a celebrated author, surely
you must appreciate the fine
art of a twisted plot.
Warren hands Giles the signed book.
WARREN
Indeed I do. My compliments.
GILES
Thank you.
Giles presents the book to Anna.
GILES (Contd.)
I thought your co-author could
sign it for me?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
CONTINUED:
WARRE