| Barry
Lyndon (1975) by Stanley Kubrick. Based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. February 18, 1973.
FADE IN:
EXT. PARK - DAY
Brief shot of duel.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My father, who was well-known to the
best circles in this kingdom under
the name of roaring Harry James, was
killed in a duel, when I was fifteen
years old.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Mrs. James, talking with a suitor; Roderick, at a
distance.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My mother, after her husband's
death, and her retirement, lived in
such a way as to defy slander. She
refused all offers of marriage,
declaring that she lived now for her
son only, and for the memory of her
departed saint.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Mother and son walking together.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My mother was the most beautiful
women of her day. But if she was
proud of her beauty, to do her
justice, she was still more proud of
her son, and has said a thousand
times to me that I was the
handsomest fellow in the world.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
Mother and son entering church.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The good soul's pleasure was to
dress me; and on Sundays and
Holidays, I turned out in a velvet
coat with a silver-hilted sword by
my side, and a gold garter at my
knee as fine as any lord in the
land. As we walked to church on
Sundays, even the most envious souls
would allow that there was not a
prettier pair in the kingdom.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
A picnic. The Dugan family. Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My uncle's family consisted of ten
children, and one of them was the
cause of all my early troubles; this
was the belle of the family, my
cousin, Miss Dorothy Dugan, by name.
EXT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DAY
A sprawling run-down Irish manor house with large garden,
stables, barn and farm.
Idealized images of Dorothy.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Ah! That first affair, how well one
remembers it! What a noble
discovery it is that the boy makes
when he finds himself actually and
truly in love with some one! A lady
who is skilled in dancing or singing
never can perfect herself without a
deal of study in private. So it is
with the dear creatures who are
skilled in coquetting. Dorothy, for
instance, was always practicing, and
she would take poor me to rehearse
her accomplishments upon...
Dorothy talking with the exciseman.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the exciseman, when he came
his rounds.
Dorothy talking to the steward.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the steward.
Dorothy sitting under a tree with the curate, reading a
book.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the poor curate.
Dorothy talking to the apothecary's lad.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the young apothecary's lad
from Dugan's Town whom I recollect
beating once for that very reason.
Roderick, fighting with apothecary's lad.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The torments of jealousy she made me
endure were horrible.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Dorothy, like a greyhound released from days of
confinement, and given the freedom of the fields at last,
runs at top-speed, left and right, back and forth,
returning every moment to Roderick.
She runs and runs until she is out of breath, and then
laughs at the astonishment which keeps Roderick motionless
and staring at her.
After catching her breath, and wiping her forehead, she
challenges Roderick to a race.
RODERICK
I accept, but I insist on a wager.
The loser must do whatever the
winner pleases.
DOROTHY
Agreed.
RODERICK
Do you see the gate at the end of
the field? The first to touch it
will be the winner.
They line up together and start on a count of three.
Dorothy uses all her strength, but Roderick holds back,
and Dorothy touches the gate five or six paces ahead of
him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was certain to win, but I meant to
lose to see what she would order me
to do.
Dorothy catches her breath, thinking of the penalty. Then
she goes behind the trees and, a few second later, comes
out and says:
DOROTHY
Your penalty is to find a cherry-
colored ribbon which I have hidden
somewhere on my person. You are
free to look for it anywhere you
will, and I will think very little
of you if you do not find it.
They sit down on the grass. Roderick searches her
pockets, the fold of her short bodice and her skirt, then
her shoes; then he turns up her skirt, slowly and
circumspectly, as high as her garters, which she wears
upon the knee. He unfastens them and finds nothing; he
draws down her skirt and gropes under her armpits. The
tickling makes her laugh.
RODERICK
I feel the ribbon.
DOROTHY
Then you must get it.
Roderick has to unlace her bodice and touch her pretty
breasts, over which his hand must pass to reach it.
DOROTHY
Why are you shaking?
RODERICK
With pleasure at finding the ribbon.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Military review. One hundred English troops, a few
mounted officers, a small military band, fifty local
people.
The Dugan family, Roderick and his mother, Captains Best
and Grogan.
Roderick admires the troops in their splendid uniforms.
RODERICK (V.O.)
About this time, the United Kingdom
was in a state of great excitement
from the threat generally credited
of a French invasion. The noblemen
and people of condition in that and
all other parts of the kingdom
showed their loyalty by raising
regiments of horse and foot to
resist the invaders. How I envied
them. The whole country was alive
with war's alarums; the three
kingdoms ringing with military
music, while poor I was obliged to
stay at home in my fustian jacket
and sigh for fame in secret.
INT. BALLROOM AT FENCIBLES - NIGHT
Dorothy and Roderick entering.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Once, the officers of the Kilwangen
regiment gave a grand ball to which
Dorothy persuaded my to take her.
Several cuts depicting the evening.
Dorothy ignores Roderick; dances, chats, laughs, drinks
punch, and finally, strolls outside with Captain Best.
Roderick makes a half-hearted try at dancing with Miss
Clancy.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I have endured torments in my life,
but none like that. Some of the
prettiest girls there offered to
console me, for I was the best
dancer in the room, but I was too
wretched, and so remained alone all
night in a state of agony. I did
not care for drink, or know the
dreadful comfort of it in those
days; but I thought of killing
myself and Dorothy, and most
certainly of making away with
Captain Best.
EXT. FENCIBLES BALLROOM - DAWN
The guests leaving and saying their goodbyes.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At last, and at morning, the ball
was over.
EXT. ROAD - DAWN
Dorothy and Roderick on horseback together.
DOROTHY
Sure it's a bitter night, Roderick
dear, and you'll catch cold without
a handkerchief to your neck.
To this sympathetic remark, from the pillion, the saddle
made no reply.
DOROTHY
Did you and Miss Clancy have a
pleasant evening, Roderick? You
were together, I saw, all night.
To this, the saddle only replies by grinding his teeth,
and giving a lash to Daisy.
DOROTHY
Oh! Mercy, you make Daisy rear and
throw me, you careless creature,
you.
The pillion had by this got her arm around the saddle's
waist, and gave it the gentlest squeeze in the world.
RODERICK
I hate Miss Clancy, you know I do!
And I only danced with her because
-- because -- the person with whom I
intended to dance chose to be
engaged the whole night.
DOROTHY
I had not been in the room five
minutes before I was engaged for
every single set.
RODERICK
Were you obliged to dance five times
with Captain Best, and then stroll
out with him into the garden?
DOROTHY
I don't care a fig for Captain Best;
he dances prettily to be sure, and
is a pleasant rattle of a man. He
looks well in his regimentals, too;
and if he chose to ask me to dance,
how could I refuse him?
RODERICK
But you refused me, Dorothy.
DOROTHY
Oh! I can dance with you any day,
and to dance with your own cousin at
a ball as if you could find no other
partner. Besides, Roderick, Captain
Best's a man, and you are only a
boy, and you haven't a guinea in the
world.
RODERICK
If ever I meet him again, you shall
see which is the best man of the
two. I'll fight him with sword or
with pistol, captain as he is.
DOROTHY
But Captain Best is already known as
a valiant soldier, and is famous as
a man of fashion in London. It is
mighty well of you to fight farmers'
boys, but to fight an Englishman is
a very different matter.
Roderick falls silent.
EXT. SMALL BRIDGE OVER A STREAM - DAWN
They come to an old, high bridge, over a stream,
sufficiently deep and rocky.
DOROTHY
Suppose, now, Roderick, you, who are
such a hero, was passing over the
bridge and the enemy on the other
side.
RODERICK
I'd draw my sword, and cut my way
through them.
DOROTHY
What, with me on the pillion? Would
you kill poor me?
RODERICK
Well, then, I'll tell you what I'd
do. I'd jump Daisy into the river,
and swim you both across, where no
enemy could follow us.
DOROTHY
Jump twenty feet! You wouldn't dare
to do any such thing on Daisy.
There's the captain's horse, Black
George, I've heard say that Captain
Bes --
She never finished the word for, maddened by the continual
recurrence of that odious monosyllable, Roderick shouts:
RODERICK
Hold tight to my waist!
And, giving Daisy the spur, springs with Dorothy over the
parapet, into the deeper water below.
The horse's head sinks under, the girl screams as she
sinks, and screams as she rises.
Roderick lands her, half-fainting, on the shore.
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Various cuts showing illness and convalescence.
Roderick feverish: the doctor taking his pulse.
Mother brings a tray of food.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I went home, and was ill speedily of
a fever, which kept me to my bed for
a week.
Dorothy visiting him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Dorothy visited me only once, but I
quitted my couch still more
violently in love than I had been
ever before.
EXT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DAY
The air is fresh and bright, and the birds sing loud
amidst the green trees. Roderick is elated, and springs
down the road, as brisk as a young fawn.
He encounters an orderly whistling "Roast Beef of Old
England," as he cleans down a cavalry horse.
RODERICK
Whose horse, fellow, is that?
ORDERLY
Feller, indeed! The horse belongs
to my captain, and he's a better
fellow nor you any day.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I did not stop to break his bones,
as I would on another occasion, for
a horrible suspicion had come across
me, and I made for the garden as
quickly as I could.
Roderick see Captain Best and Dorothy pacing the path
together. Her arm is under his, and he is fondling and
squeezing her little hand which lies closely nestling
against his arm.
Some distance beyond them is Captain Grogan, who is paying
court to Dorothy's sister, Mysie.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The fact is that, during the week of
my illness, no other than Captain
Best was staying at Castle Dugan,
and making love to Miss Dorothy in
form.
CAPTAIN BEST
No, Dorothy, except for you and four
others, I vow before all the gods,
my heart had never felt the soft
flame.
DOROTHY
Ah, you men, you men, John, your
passion is not equal to ours. We
are like -- like some plant I've
read of -- we bear but one flower,
and then we die!
CAPTAIN BEST
Do you mean you never felt an
inclination for another?
DOROTHY
Never, my John, but for thee! How
can you ask me such a question?
Raising her hand to his lips.
CAPTAIN BEST
Darling Dorothea!
Roderick rushes into view, drawing his little sword.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I pulled out a knot of cherry-
colored ribbons, which she had given
me out of her breast, and which
somehow I always wore upon me, and
flung them in Captain Best's face,
and rushed out with my little sword
drawn.
RODERICK
She's a liar -- she's a liar,
Captain Best! Draw, sir, and defend
yourself, if you are a man!
Roderick leaps at Captain Best, and collars him, while
Dorothy makes the air echo with her screams.
Captain Grogan and Mysie hasten up.
Though Roderick is a full growth of six feet, he is small
by the side of the enormous English captain.
Best turns very red at the attack upon him, and slips back
clutching at his sword.
Dorothy, in an agony of terror, flings herself round him,
screaming:
DOROTHY
Captain Best, for Heaven's sake,
spare the child -- he is but an
infant.
CAPTAIN BEST
And ought to be whipped for his
impudence, but never fear, Miss
Dugan, I shall not touch him, your
favorite is safe from me.
So saying, he stoops down and picks up the bunch of
ribbons, which Roderick had flung at Dorothy's feet, and
handing it to her, says in a sarcastic tone:
CAPTAIN BEST
When ladies make presents to
gentlemen, it is time for other
gentlemen to retire...
DOROTHY
Good heavens, Best! He is but a boy
and don't signify any more than my
parrot or lap-dog. Mayn't I give a
bit of ribbon to my own cousin?
RODERICK
(roaring)
I'm a man, and will prove it.
CAPTAIN BEST
You are perfectly welcome, miss, as
many yards as you like.
DOROTHY
Monster! Your father was a tailor,
and you are always thinking of the
shop. But I'll have my revenge, I
will! Roddy, will you see me
insulted?
RODERICK
Indeed, Miss Dorothy, I intend to
have his blood as sure as my name's
Roderick.
CAPTAIN BEST
I'll send for the usher to cane you,
little boy, but as for you, miss, I
have the honor to wish you a good
day.
Best takes off his hat with much ceremony, and makes a low
bow, and is just walking off, when Michael, Roderick's
cousin, comes up, whose ear has likewise been caught by
the scream.
MICHAEL
Hoity-toity! John Best, what's the
matter here?
CAPTAIN BEST
I'll tell you what it is, Mr. Dugan.
I have had enough of Miss Dugan here
and your Irish ways. I ain't used
to 'em, sir.
MICHAEL
(good-humoredly)
Well, well! What is it? We'll make
you used to our ways, or adopt
English ones.
CAPTAIN BEST
It's not the English way, for ladies
to have two lovers, and, so, Mr.
Dugan, I'll thank you to pay me the
sum you owe me, and I resign all
claims to this young lady. If she
has a fancy for school-boys, let her
take 'em, sir.
MICHAEL
Pooh! Pooh! Best, you are joking.
CAPTAIN BEST
I never was more in earnest.
Best exits.
MICHAEL
(in a towering rage)
You -- you! Hang you for a meddling
brat, your hand is in everybody's
pie. What business had you to come
brawling and quarreling here, with
a gentleman who has fifteen hundred
a-year?
Michael runs after Best.
DOROTHY
(gasps)
Oh, I shall die; I know I shall. I
shall never leave this spot.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
(whisper to Dorothy)
The Captain is gone.
Dorothy, giving him an indignant look, jumps up and walks
towards the house.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
(in a soothing tone
to Roderick)
This is a pretty way to recommend
yourself to the family.
RODERICK
(shouts after
Michael)
The man that marries Dorothy Dugan
must first kill me -- do you mind
that?
MICHAEL
(shouting back from
a distance)
Pooh, sir. Kill you -- flog you,
you mean! I'll send for Nick the
huntsman to do it.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
You are a gallant lad, and I like
your spirit. But what Dugan says is
true. It's a hard thing to give a
lad counsel who is in such a far-
gone state as you; but, believe me,
I know the world, and if you will
but follow my advice, you won't
regret having taken it. Dorothy
Dugan has not a penny; you are not a
whit richer. And, my poor boy,
don't you see -- though it's a hard
matter to see -- that she's a flirt,
and does not care a pin for you or
Best either?
RODERICK
Dorothy might love me or not, as she
likes, but Best will have to fight
me before he marries her!
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Faith, I think you are a lad that's
likely to keep your word.
He looks hard at Roderick for a second to two, then he
walks away, humming a tune, looking back at Roderick as he
goes through the old gate out of the garden.
When Grogan is gone, Roderick is quite alone, and he
flings himself down on the bench where Dorothy had made
believe to faint, and had left her handkerchief and the
ribbons and, taking them up, hides his face in them, and
bursts into a passion of tears.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I must have sat for some hours
bemoaning myself on the garden-bench,
for the dinner-bell clanged as usual
at three o'clock, which wakened me
from my reverie.
EXT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DAY
As Roderick passes the courtyard, he sees the Captain's
saddle still hanging up at the stable-door, and his odious
red-coated brute of a servant, swaggering with the
scullion-girls and kitchen people.
MAID
The Englishman's still there, Master
Roderick. He's there in the parlor.
Go in, and don't let 'im browbeat
you, Master Roderick.
INT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
Roderick enters and takes his place at the bottom of the
big table; the butler speedily brings him a cover.
UNCLE
Hello, Roddy, my boy! Up and well?
That's right.
AUNT
He'd better be home with his mother.
UNCLE
Don't mind her. It's the cold goose
she ate for breakfast -- didn't
agree with her. Take a glass of
spirits, Mrs. Dugan, to Roderick's
health.
It is evident that his uncle doesn't know of what
happened, but Michael, who is at dinner too, and Harry,
and almost all the girls, look exceedingly black and the
captain foolish; and Miss Dorothy, who is again by his
side, ready to cry. Captain Grogan sits smiling, and
Roderick looks on as cold as stone.
His uncle is in high good-humor.
UNCLE
Dorothy, divide that merry thought
with the captain! See who'll be
married first. Jack Best, my dear
boy, never mind a clean glass for
the claret, we're short of crystal
at Castle Dugan; take Dorothy's and
the wine will taste none the worse.
Mrs. Dugan and ladies, if you
please; this is a sort of toast that
is drunk a great deal too seldom in
my family, and you'll please to
receive it with all the honors.
Here's to Captain and Mrs. John
Best, and long life to them. Kiss
her, Jack, you rogue; for faith,
you've got a treasure.
RODERICK
(spring up)
His already?!
HARRY
Hold your tongue, you fool -- hold
your tongue!
RODERICK
(shouting)
He has already been slapped in the
face this morning, Captain John
Best; he's already been called a
coward, Captain John Best; and this
is the way I'll drink his health.
Here's your health, Captain John
Best.
Roderick flings a glass of claret into his face. The next
moment, he is under the table, tripped up by Harry, who
hits him a violent cuff on the head; as he goes down, he
hardly has time to hear the general screaming and
scurrying that is taking place above him, being so fully
occupied with kicks, and thumps and curses, with which
Harry is belaboring him.
HARRY
You fool! You great blundering
marplot -- you silly beggarly
brat --
(a thump at each)
Hold your tongue!
When Roderick gets up from under the table, the ladies are
all gone; but he has the satisfaction of seeing the
captain's nose is bleeding, as his is -- Best is cut
across the bridge, and his beauty spoiled forever.
UNCLE
In Heaven's name, what does all the
row mean? Is the boy in fever
again?
HARRY
(turning to his
father)
The fact is, sir, that the young
monkey has fallen in love with
Dorothy, and finding her and the
captain mighty sweet in the garden
today, he was for murdering Jack
Best.
CAPTAIN BEST
(bristling up)
And, I'll tell you what, Mr. Dugan,
I've been insulted grossly in this
house. I ain't at all satisfied
with these here ways of going on.
I'm an Englishman, I am, and a man
of property; and I -- I --
HARRY
If you're insulted, and not
satisfied, remember there's two of
us, Best.
On which, the captain falls to washing his nose in water,
and answering never a word.
RODERICK
(in dignified tone)
Mr. Best may also have satisfaction
any time he pleases, by calling on
Roderick James, Esquire, of
Jamesville.
His uncle bursts out laughing, and in this laugh, Captain
Grogan joins.
RODERICK
Captain Grogan, I beg you to
understand that, for my cousin
Harry, who has been my best friend
through life, I could put up with
rough treatment from him; yet, even
that sort of treatment I will bear
from him no longer; and any other
person who ventures on the like will
not like the cost. Mr. Best knows
that fact very well; and, if he's
man, he'll know where to find me.
UNCLE
It is getting late, and your mother
will be anxious about you. One of
you had better go home with him.
(turning to his sons)
Or the lad may be playing more
pranks.
HARRY
Both of us ride home with Best here.
CAPTAIN BEST
I'm not afraid of highwaymen. My
man is armed, and so am I.
HARRY
You know the use of arms very well,
Best, and no one can doubt your
courage; but Michael and I will see
you home for all that.
UNCLE
Why, you'll not be home till
morning, boys. Kilwangan's a good
ten miles from here.
HARRY
We'll sleep in Best's quarters.
We're going to stop a week there.
And, in another week, my boy.
And here, Harry whispers something in the Captain's ear.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I'll go home with the boy.
EXT. ROAD - LATE DAY
Grogan walks with Roderick.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
A pretty day's work of it you have
made, Master Roderick. Knowing your
uncle to be distressed for money,
and try and break off a match which
will bring fifteen hundred a-year
into the family? Best has promised
to pay off the four thousand pounds
which is bothering your uncle so.
He takes a girl without a penny -- a
girl that has been flinging herself
at the head of every man in these
parts these ten years past, and
missing them all, and a boy who
ought to be attached to your uncle
as to your father.
RODERICK
And so I am.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
And this is the return you make for
his kindness! Didn't he harbor you
in his house when your father died,
and hasn't he given you and your
mother, rent-free, your fine house
of Jamesville yonder?
RODERICK
Mark this, come what will of it, I
swear I will fight the man who
pretends to the hand of Dorothy
Dugan. I'll follow him if it's into
the church, and meet him there.
I'll have his blood, or he shall
have mine. Will you take my message
to him, and arrange the meeting?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Well, if it must be, it must. For a
young fellow, you are the most
bloodthirsty I ever saw. No
officer, bearing His Majesty's
commission, can receive a glass of
wine on his nose, without resenting
it -- fight you must, and Best is a
huge, strong fellow.
RODERICK
He'll give the better mark. I am
not afraid of him.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
In faith, I believe you are not; for
a lad I never saw more game in my
life. Give me a kiss, my dear boy.
You're after my own soul. As long
as Jack Grogan lives, you shall
never want a friend or a second.
They embrace.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Poor fellow! He was shot six months
afterwards, at Minden, and I lost
thereby a kind friend. But we don't
know what is in store for us, and
that's a blessing.
EXT. HOUSE - LATE DAY
Mother greeting Roderick and Captain Grogan.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In spite of my precautions to
secrecy, I half-suspected that my
mother knew all from the manner in
which she embraced me on my arrival,
and received our guest, Captain
Grogan.
His mother looks a little anxious and flushed and, every
now and then, gazes very hard into the Captain's face.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But she would not say a word about
the quarrel, for she had a noble
spirit, and would as lief have seen
any one of her kindred hanged as
shirking from the field of honor.
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - RODERICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick waking up.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I never slept sounder in my life,
though I woke a little earlier than
usual, and you may be sure my first
thought was of the event of the day,
for which I was fully prepared.
Roderick at table with paper and ink.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And now I sat down and wrote a
couple of letters; they might be the
last, thought I, that I should ever
write in my life.
See him write: "Dearest Mother."
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
Then I went down to breakfast, where
my mother was waiting for me, you
may be sure. We did not say a
single word about what was taking
place.
Roderick eats his breakfast with a good appetite; but in
helping himself to salt, spills it, on which his mother
starts up with a scream.
MOTHER
Thank God, it's fallen towards me!
And then, her heart being too full, she leaves the room.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Ah! They have their faults, those
mothers; but are there any other
women like them?
There is an elegant, silver-mounted sword that hangs on
the mantelpiece under the picture of Roderick's late
father.
A pair of pistols hang on each side of the picture.
Roderick takes down the sword and pistols, which are
bright and well-oiled, and collects flints, balls and
gunpowder.
EXT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
Captain Grogan and Orderly arrive.
RODERICK
Have you taken my message to him?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
The meeting is arranged. Captain
Best is waiting for you now.
RODERICK
My mare is saddled and ready; who's
the captain's second?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Your cousins go out with him.
Roderick and Grogan, and the Orderly ride off.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I didn't take leave of Mrs. James.
The curtains of her bedroom-windows
were down, and they didn't move as
we mounted and trotted off.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
They ride their horses at a leisurely pace.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
That's a very handsome sword you
have there.
RODERICK
It was with this sword that my late
father, Harry James, God rest his
soul, met Sir Huddelstone
Fuddelstone, the Hampshire baronet,
and was fatally run through the
neck. He was quite in the wrong,
having insulted Lady Fuddelstone,
when in liquor, at the Brentford
Assembly. But, like a gentleman, he
scorned to apologize.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
And now you risk the same fate. If
you are killed, your mother is all
alone in the world.
RODERICK
I am Harry James' son, and will act
as becomes my name and quality.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY
Harry, Michael and the Captain are already there. Best,
flaming in red regimentals, a big a monster as ever led a
grenadier company. The party are laughing together.
RODERICK
(to Captain Grogan)
I hope to spoil this sport, and
trust to see this sword of mine in
that big bully's body.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Oh, it's with pistols we fight. You
are no match for Best with the
sword.
RODERICK
I'll match any man with the sword.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
But swords are today impossible;
Captain Best is -- is lame. He
knocked his knee against the
swinging park gate last night, as he
was riding home, and can scarce move
it now.
RODERICK
Not against Castle Dugan gate, that
has been off the hinges these ten
years.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
It must have been some other gate.
They alight from their horses, and join and salute the
other gentlemen.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I have just explained to Mister
James that Captain Best is lame, and
that swords are impossible.
HARRY
Oh, yes! Dead lame.
Harry comes up to shake Roderick by the hand, while
Captain Best takes off his hat, and turns extremely red.
HARRY
And very lucky for you, Roderick, my
boy. You were a dead man else, for
he is a devil of a fellow -- isn't
he, Grogan?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
A regular Turk. I never yet knew
the man who stood to Captain Best.
HARRY
Hang the business. I hate it. I'm
ashamed of it. Say you're sorry,
Roderick. You can easily say that.
CAPTAIN BEST
If the young feller will go to
Dublin, as proposed...
RODERICK
I'm not sorry -- I'll not apologize
-- and I'll as soon go to Dublin as
to hell!
Grogan takes him aside.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Look here, Roderick, my boy; this is
silly business. The girl will marry
Best, mark my words; and as sure as
she does, you'll forget her. You
are but a boy. Best is willing to
consider you as such. Dublin's a
fine place, and if you have a mind
to take a ride thither and see the
town for a month, here are twenty
guineas at your service. Make Best
an apology, and be off.
RODERICK
A man of honor dies, but never
apologizes. I'll see the captain
hanged before I apologize.
HARRY
(with a laugh to
Grogan)
There's nothing else for it. Take
your ground, Grogan -- twelve paces,
I suppose?
CAPTAIN BEST
(in a big voice)
Ten, sir, and make them short ones,
do you hear, Captain Grogan?
HARRY
Don't bully, Mr. Best. Here are the
pistols.
(with some emotion
to Roderick)
God bless you, my boy; and when I
count three, fire.
RODERICK
This is not one of my pistols.
HARRY
They are all right, never fear.
It's one of mine. Yours will serve,
if they are needed, for the next
round.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Roderick, fire at his neck -- hit
him there under the gorget; see how
the fool shows himself open.
Michael, who has not spoken a word, Harry, and the Captain
retire to one side, and Harry gives the signal.
It is slowly given, and Roderick has the leisure to cover
his man well.
Captain Best changes color and trembles as the numbers are
given.
At "three" both pistols go off. Best gives a most
horrible groan, staggers backwards and falls.
THE SECONDS
(crying out)
He's down! He's down!
Running towards him, Harry lifts him up -- Michael takes
his head.
MICHAEL
He's hit here, in the neck.
Laying open his coat, blood is seen gurgling from under
his gorget.
HARRY
How is it with you?
The unfortunate man does not answer, but when the support
of Harry's arm is withdrawn from his back, groans once
more and falls backwards.
MICHAEL
(with a scowl)
The young fellow has begun well.
You had better ride off, young sir,
before the police are up. They had
wind of the business before we left
Kilwangan.
RODERICK
Is he quite dead?
MICHAEL
Quite dead.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Then the world's rid of a coward.
It's all over with him, Roddy -- he
doesn't stir.
He gives the huge prostrate body a scornful kick with his
foot.
HARRY
We are not cowards, Grogan, whatever
he was! Let's get the boy off as
quick as we may. Your man shall go
for a cart, and take away the body
of this unhappy gentleman. This has
been a sad day's work for our
family, Roderick James, and you have
robbed us of fifteen-hundred a-year.
RODERICK
It was Dorothy did it.
Roderick takes the ribbons she gave him out of his
waistcoat, and the letter, and flings them down on the
body of Captain Best.
RODERICK
There! Take her those ribbons.
She'll know what they mean; that's
all that's left of her of two lovers
she had and ruined.
MICHAEL
And now, in Heaven's name, get the
youngster out of the way.
HARRY
I'll go with you.
They mount up and gallop off.
EXT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
Upon seeing Roderick and Harry ride up, his mother, who
has been waiting outside, rushes to her son with wild
screams of joy. He dismounts, and she kisses and embraces
him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I need not tell you how great was my
mother's pride and exultation when
she heard from Harry's lips the
account of my behavior at the duel.
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - PARLOR - DAY
Still much excitement and hustle and bustle.
HARRY
The boy must go into hiding, for a
short time anyway. Dublin is the
best place for him to go, and there
wait until matters are blown over.
MOTHER
Dublin? But the poor lad has never
been away from home. He will be as
safe here as in Dublin.
HARRY
I wish that were true, Auntie dear,
but I'm afraid the bailiffs may
already be on their way from
Kilwangan.
INT. RODERICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
His mother is rushing about and packing a valise. Harry
sits on the bed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Harry persisted in the necessity of
instant departure, in which
argument, as I was anxious to see
the world, I must confess, I sided
with him; and my mother was brought
to see that, in our small house, in
the midst of a village, escape would
be impossible, and capture would be
impossible to avoid.
INT. MOTHER'S BEDROOM - DAY
His mother takes out a stocking from her escritoire, and
gives Roderick twenty golden guineas.
MOTHER
(gravely)
Roderick, my darling, my wild boy, I
have forebodings that our separation
is to be a long one. I spent most
of all night consulting the cards
regarding your fate in the duel, and
all signs betoke a separation. Here
is twenty guineas -- all that I have
in the world -- and I want you to
keep your father's sword and
pistols, which you have known to use
so like a man.
EXT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
Roderick's departure.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She hurried my departure now, though
her heart, I know, was full, and
almost in half-an-hour from my
arrival at home, I was once more on
the road again, with the wide world,
as it were, before me.
Roderick waves. His mother cries.
EXT. HIGH ROAD TO DUBLIN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
No lad of seventeen is very sad who
has liberty for the first time, and
twenty guineas in his pocket; and I
rode away, thinking, I confess, not
so much of the kind of mother left
alone, and of the home behind me, as
of tomorrow, and all the wonders it
would bring.
Roderick happily riding down the road.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had no doubts of the future;
thinking that a man of my person,
parts, and courage, could make his
way anywhere. So I rode on, singing
to myself, or chatting with the
passersby; and all the girls along
the road said, "God save me, for a
clever gentleman."
Farm girls in the fields flirting with him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
As for thoughts of Dorothy Dugan,
there seemed to be a gap of a half-
a-score of years.
EXT. ROAD TO DUBLIN - DAY
A well-armed gentleman dressed in green, and a gold cord,
with a patch on his eye, and riding a powerful mare, puts
his horse alongside.
ARMED GENTLEMAN
Good day to you, young sir.
RODERICK
Good morning.
ARMED GENTLEMAN
Where are you bound for?
RODERICK
(after a long look at
his companion)
That is none of your business.
ARMED GENTLEMAN
Is your mother not afraid on account
of the highwayman to let one so
young as you travel?
RODERICK
(pulling out a
pistol)
Not at all, sir. I have a pair of
good pistols that have already done
execution, and are ready to do it
again.
At this, a pock-marked man coming up, the well-armed
gentleman spurs into his bay mare, and leaves Roderick.
EXT. ROAD TO DUBLIN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
A little later on, as I rode towards
Kilcullen, I saw a crowd of peasant
people assembled round a one-horse
chair, and my friend in green, as I
thought, making off half-a-mile up
the hill.
A footman howls, at the top of his voice.
FOOTMAN
Stop thief!
But the country fellows only laugh at his distress, and
make all sorts of jokes at the adventure which had just
befallen.
COUNTRY FELLOW #1
Sure, you might have kept him off
with your blunderbush!
COUNTRY FELLOW #2
O the coward! To let the Captain
bate you, and he only one eye!
COUNTRY FELLOW #3
The next time my lady travels, she'd
better leave you at home!
RODERICK
What is this noise, fellows?
Roderick rides up amongst them, and seeing the lady in the
carriage, very pale and frightened, gives a slash of his
whip, and bids the red-shanked ruffians keep off.
Pulling off his hat, and bringing his mare up in a prance
to the chair-window.
RODERICK
What has happened, madam, to annoy
your ladyship?
MRS. O'REILLY
Oh, I am grateful to you, sir. I am
the wife of Captain O'Reilly
hastening to join him at Dublin. My
chair was stopped by a highwayman;
this great oaf of a servant-man fell
down on his knees, armed as he was,
and though there were thirty people
in the next field, working, when the
ruffian attacked, not one of them
would help but, on the contrary,
wished him "good luck."
COUNTRY FELLOW #1
Sure, he's the friend of the poor,
and good luck to him.
COUNTRY FELLOW #2
Was it any business of ours?
RODERICK
(shouting)
Be off to your work, you pack of
rascals, or you will have a good
taste of my thong.
(to Mrs. O'Reilly)
Have you lost much?
MRS. O'REILLY
Everything -- my purse, containing
upwards of a hundred guineas, my
jewels, my snuff-boxes, watches.
And all because this blundering
coward fell to his knees...
FOOTMAN
Be fair, ma'am, them wasn't so much.
Didn't he return you the thirteen
pence in copper, and the watch,
saying it was only pinchbeck?
MRS. O'REILLY
Don't be insolent, or I'll report
you to the Captain.
FOOTMAN
Sorry, ma'am.
He shuffles a few steps away and frowns in the direction
that the Captain has vanished.
MRS. O'REILLY
That fool didn't know what was the
meaning of a hundred-pound bill,
which was in the pocket-book that
the fellow took from me.
RODERICK
I am riding to Dublin myself, and if
your ladyship will allow me the
honor of riding with you, I shall do
my best to protect you from further
mishap.
MRS. O'REILLY
But I shouldn't like to put you to
such trouble, Mister...?
RODERICK
O'Higgins... Mohawk O'Higgins.
EXT. ROADSIDE INN - DAY
They stop at the inn.
RODERICK
(very gallantly)
As you have been robbed of your
purse, may I have permission to lend
your ladyship a couple of pieces to
pay any expenses which you might
incur before reaching your home?
MRS. O'REILLY
(smiling)
That's very kind of you, Mr.
O'Higgins.
He gives her two gold pieces.
INT. INN - DAY
Roderick and Mrs. O'Reilly finishing their meal.
We will hear dialogue underneath Roderick's voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
How different was her lively rattle
to the vulgar wenches at Kilwangan
assemblies. In every sentence, she
mentioned a lord or a person of
quality. To the lady's question
about my birth and parentage, I
replied that I was a young gentleman
of large fortune, that I was going
to Dublin for my studies, and that
my mother allowed me five hundred
per annum.
MRS. O'REILLY
You must be very cautious with
regard to the company you should
meet in Dublin, where rogues and
adventurers of all countries abound.
I hope you will do me the honor of
accepting lodgings in my own house,
where Captain O'Reilly will welcome
with delight, my gallant young
preserver.
Paying the bill.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Perhaps had I been a little older in
the world's experience, I should
have begun to see that Madame
O'Reilly was not the person of
fashion she pretended to be; but, as
it was, I took all her stories for
truth, and, when the landlord
brought the bill for dinner, paid it
with the air of a lord. Indeed, she
made no motion to produce the two
pieces I had lent her.
EXT. DUBLIN - STREET - NIGHT
They ride by.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And so we rode on slowly towards
Dublin, into which city we made our
entrance at nightfall. The rattle
and splendor of the coaches, the
flare of the linkboys, the number
and magnificence of the houses,
struck me with the greatest wonder;
though I was careful to disguise
this feeling.
EXT. O'REILLY HOUSE - DUBLIN - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
We stopped at length at a house of
rather mean appearance, and were let
into a passage which had a great
smell of supper and punch.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Captain O'Reilly, a stout red-faced man, without a
periwig, and in a rather tattered nightgown and cap.
Roderick and Mrs. O'Reilly.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Mr. O'Higgins, I cannot say how
grateful I am for your timely
assistance to my wife.
RODERICK
I am only sorry that I was unable to
prevent the villain from carrying
off all her ladyship's money and
pearls.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Mr. O'Higgins, we are in your debt,
and rest assured, sir, you have
friends in this house whenever you
are in Dublin.
(pours a glass)
Mister O'Higgins, I wonder if I know
your good father?
RODERICK
Which O'Higgins do you know? For I
have never heard your name mentioned
in my family.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Oh, I am thinking of the O'Higgins
of Redmondstown. General O'Higgins
was a close friend of my wife's dear
father, Colonel Granby Somerset.
RODERICK
Ah -- I see. No, I'm afraid mine
are the O'Higgins of Watertown.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
I have heard of them.
There are relics of some mutton-chops and onions on a
cracked dish before them.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
My love, I wish I had known of your
coming, for Bob Moriaty and I just
finished the most delicious venison
pasty, which His Grace the Lord
Lieutenant, sent us, with a flash of
sillery from his own cellar. You
know the wine, my dear? But as
bygones are bygones, and no help for
them, what say ye to a fine lobster
and a bottle of as good claret as
any in Ireland? Betty, clear these
things from the table, and make the
mistress and our young friend
welcome to our home.
Captain O'Reilly searches his pockets for some money to
give to Betty.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
I'm sorry, Mr. O'Higgins, but I
don't seem to have any small change.
May I borrow a ten-penny piece to
give to the girl?
MRS. O'REILLY
I have some money, my dear. Here,
Betty, go to the fishmonger and
bring back our supper, and mind you
get the right change.
She takes out one of the golden guineas Roderick gave to
her.
INT. DINNING ROOM - LATER
They are eating.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our supper was seasoned, if not by
any great elegance, at least by a
plentiful store of anecdotes,
concerning the highest personages of
the city, with whom, according to
himself, the captain lived on terms
of the utmost intimacy. Not to be
behind hand with him, I spoke of my
own estates and property as if I was
as rich as a duke.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
The couple wishing Roderick goodnight.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Had I been an English lad, the
appearance of the chamber I occupied
might, indeed, have aroused
instantly my suspicion and distrust.
But we are not particular in Ireland
on the score of neatness, hence the
disorder of my bed-chamber did not
strike me so much.
Broken door.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Was there a lock to the door, or a
hasp to fasten it to?
Dress lying over bed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Though my counterpane was evidently
a greased brocade dress of Mrs.
O'Reilly.
Cracked mirror.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And my cracked toilet-glass not much
bigger than a half-crown, yet I was
used to these sort of ways in Irish
houses, and still thought myself to
be in that of a man of fashion.
Drawers, full of junk.
RODERICK (V.O.)
There was no lock to the drawers,
which, when they did open, were full
of my hostess' rouge-pots, shoes,
stays, and rags.
INT. BEDROOM - O'REILLY HOUSE - NIGHT
In the middle of the night, Mrs. O'Reilly comes to
Roderick's room on a flimsy pretext, and in the course of
events, he has his first woman.
INT. COACH - DAY
Roderick, Captain and Mrs. O'Reilly.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
I needn't ask whether you had a
comfortable bed. Young Fred
Pimpleton slept in it for seven
months, during which he did me the
honor to stay with me, and if he was
satisfied, I don't know who else
wouldn't be.
EXT. PROMENADE - PHOENIX PARK - DAY
Roderick, Captain and Mrs. O'Reilly, their friends.
Various cuts.
RODERICK (V.O.)
After breakfast, we drove out to
Phoenix Park, where numbers of the
young gentry were known to Mrs.
O'Reilly, to all of whom she
presented me in such a complimentary
way that, before half an hour, I had
got to be considered as a gentleman
of great expectations and large
property.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had little notion then that I had
got amongst a set of impostors --
that Captain O'Reilly was only an
adventurer, and his lady a person of
no credit. The fact was, a young
man could hardly have fallen into
worse hands than those in which I
now found myself.
An evening of gambling.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Their friends were always welcome on
payment of a certain moderate sum
for their dinner after which, you
may be sure, that cards were not
wanting, and that the company who
played did not play for love merely.
Various cuts of the characters present.
RODERICK (V.O.)
What could happen to a man but
misfortune from associating with
such company? And in a very, very
short time I became their prey.
Roderick loses two hundred guineas to Captain O'Reilly in
a single hand.
We see Captain O'Reilly cheat, but Roderick does not.
He pays him the 18 gold guineas, remaining from the sum
his mother gave him.
RODERICK
I shall have to write out a note for
the rest of it, Captain O'Reilly.
EXT. STREET - OUTSIDE O'REILLY HOUSE - DAWN
Roderick exits to the street. The sound of the gambling
can still be heard in the street. He is soon joined by
Councillor Mulligan.
COUNCILLOR MULLIGAN
Master Roderick, you appear a young
fellow of birth and fortune; let me
whisper in your ear that you have
fallen into very bad hands -- it's a
regular gang of swindlers; and a
gentleman of your rank and quality
should never be seen in such
company. The captain has been a
gentleman's gentleman, and his lady
of no higher rank. Go home, pack
your valise, pay the little trifle
you owe me, mount your mare, and
ride back again to your parents --
it's the very best thing you can do.
Roderick does not reply, and walks slowly away from him
down the street.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - RODERICK'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Roderick enters.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Into a pretty nest of villains,
indeed, was I plunged! When I
returned to my bed-chamber, a few
hours later, it seemed as if all my
misfortunes were to break on me at
once.
Valise open, wardrobe lying on the ground, and Roderick's
keys in the possession of O'Reilly and his wife.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Whom have I been harboring in my
house? Who are you, sirrah?
RODERICK
Sirrah! Sirrah, I am as good a
gentleman as any in Ireland!
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
You're an impostor, young man, a
schemer, a deceiver!
RODERICK
Repeat the words again, and I run
you through the body.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Tut, tut! I can play at fencing as
well as you, Mr. Roderick James.
Ah! You change color, do you? Your
secret is known, is it? You come
like a viper into the bosom of
innocent families; you represent
yourself as the heir to my friends
the O'Higgins of Castle O'Higgins; I
introduce you to the nobility and
gentry of this methropolis; I take
you to my tradesmen, who give you
credit. I accept your note for near
two hundred pounds, and what do I
find? A fraud.
He holds up the name, Roderick James, printed on the
linen.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Not Master O'Higgins of Watertown,
but Roderick James of the devil only
knows where...
Captain O'Reilly gathers up the linen clothes, silver
toilet articles, and the rest of Roderick's gear.
RODERICK
Hark ye, Mr. O'Reilly, I will tell
you why I was obliged to alter my
name, which is James and the best
name in Ireland. I changed it, sir,
because, on the day before I came to
Dublin, I killed a man in deadly
combat -- an Englishman, sir, and a
Captain in His Majesty's service;
and if you offer to let or hinder me
in the slightest way, the same arm
which destroyed him is ready to
punish you.
So saying, Roderick draws his sword like lightning, and
giving a "ha, ha!" and a stamp with his foot, lunges it
within an inch of O'Reilly's heart, who starts back and
turns deadly pale, while his wife, with a scream, flings
herself between them.
MRS. O'REILLY
Dearest Roderick -- be pacified.
O'Reilly, you don't want the poor
child's blood. Let him escape -- in
Heaven's name, let him go.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
(sulkily)
He may go hang for me, and he's
better be off quickly, for I shall
go to the magistrate if I see him
again.
O'Reilly exits. His wife sits down on the bed and begins
to cry.
EXT. DUBLIN STREET - DAY
Roderick riding down the street, with his valise.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Where was now a home for the
descendant of the James? I was
expelled from Dublin by a
persecution occasioned, I must
confess, by my own imprudence. I
had no time to wait and choose. No
place of refuge to fly to.
INT. ALE HOUSE - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
There was a score of recruiting
parties in the town beating up for
men to join our gallant armies in
America and Germany.
Roderick approaches a Captain and a Sergeant, who quickly
make him welcome.
RODERICK
I will tell you frankly, sir. I am
a young gentleman in difficulties; I
have killed an officer in a duel,
and I am anxious to get out of the
country.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But I needn't have troubled myself
with any explanations; King George
was in too much want of men to heed
from whence they came -- and a
fellow of my inches was always
welcome. Indeed, I could not have
chosen my time better. A transport
was lying at Dunleary, waiting for a
wind.
EXT. BRITISH WARSHIP AT SEA - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
I never had a taste for any thing
but genteel company, and hate all
descriptions of low life. Hence my
account of the society in which I at
present found myself must of
necessity be short. The
reminiscences of the horrid black-
hole of a place in which we soldiers
were confined, of the wretched
creatures with whom I was now forced
to keep company, of the plowmen,
poachers, pickpockets, who had taken
refuge from poverty, or the law, as,
in truth, I had done myself, is
enough to make me ashamed even now.
Roderick sits very disconsolately over a platter of rancid
bacon and moldy biscuit, which is served to him at mess.
When it comes to his turn to be helped to drink, he is
served, like the rest, with dirty tin noggin, containing
somewhat more than half a pint of rum and water. The
beaker is so greasy and filthy that he cannot help turning
round to the messman and saying:
RODERICK
Fellow, get me a glass!
At which, all the wretches round him burst into a roar of
laughter, the very loudest among them being Mr. Toole, a
red-haired monster of a man.
MR. TOOLE
Get the gentleman a towel for his
hands, and serve him a basin of
turtle-soup.
Roars the monster, who is sitting, or rather squatting, on
the deck opposite him, and as he speaks, he suddenly
seizes Roderick's beaker of grog and empties it in midst
of another burst of applause.
LINK-BOY
(whispers)
If you want to vex him, ask him
about his wife, the washerwoman, who
bates him.
RODERICK
Is it a towel of your wife's
washing, Mr. Toole? I'm told she
wiped your face often with one.
LINK-BOY
(whispers)
Ask him why he wouldn't see her
yesterday, when she came to the
ship.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And so I put to him some other
foolish jokes about soapsuds, hen-
pecking, and flat-irons, which set
the man into a fury, and succeeded
in raising a quarrel between us.
Roderick and Toole fight with cudgels. Roderick gives him
a thump across his head which lays him lifeless on the
floor.
RODERICK (V.O.)
This victory over the cock of the
vile dunghill obtained me respect
among the wretches among whom I
formed part.
EXT. MILITARY DRILL FIELD - CUXHAVEN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our passage was very favorable, and
in two days we landed at Cuxhaven,
and before I had been a month in the
Electorate, I was transported into a
tall and proper young soldier, and,
having a natural aptitude for
military exercise, was soon as
accomplished at the drill as the
oldest sergeant in the regiment.
Various cuts.
Roderick learning the soldierly arts, musket drill, manual
of arms, bayonet, marching.
EXT. MILITARY COURTYARD - CUXHAVEN - DAY
The Cuxhaven troops are drawn up to receive a new
regiment, arrived from England.
Roderick sees, marching at the head of his company, his
old friend, Captain Grogan, who gives him a wink.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Six weeks after we arrived in
Cuxhaven, we were reinforced by
Gales regiment of foot from England,
and I promise you the sight of
Grogan's face was most welcome to
me, for it assured me that a friend
was near me.
INT. GROGAN'S QUARTERS - DAY
Roderick and Grogan.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Grogan gave me a wink of
recognition, but offered no public
token of acquaintance and it was not
until two days afterwards that he
called me into his quarters, and
then, shaking hands with me
cordially, gave me news which I
wanted, of my family.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I had news of you in Dublin. Faith,
you've begun early, like your
father's son, but I think you could
not do better than as you have done.
But why did you not write home to
your poor mother? She has sent
half-a-dozen letters to you in
Dublin.
RODERICK
I suppose she addressed them to me
in my real name, by which I never
thought to ask for them at the post
office.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
We must write to her today, and you
can tell her that you are safe and
married to "Brown Bess."
Roderick sighs when Grogan says the word "married," on
which Grogan says with a laugh:
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I see you are thinking of a certain
young lady at Duganstown.
RODERICK
Is Miss Dugan well?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
There's only six Miss Dugans now...
poor Dorothy.
RODERICK
Good heavens! Whatever? Has she
died of grief?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
She took on so at your going away
that she was obliged to console
herself with a husband. She is now
Mrs. John Best.
RODERICK
Mrs. John Best! Was there another
Mr. John Best?!
CAPTAIN GROGAN
No, the very same one, my boy. He
recovered from his wound. The ball
you hit him with was not likely to
hurt him. It was only made of tow.
Do you think the Dugans would let
you kill fifteen hundred a-year out
of the family? The plan of the duel
was all arranged in order to get you
out of the way, for the cowardly
Englishman could never be brought to
marry from fear of you. But hit him
you certainly did, Roderick, and
with a fine thick plugget of tow,
and the fellow was so frightened
that he was an hour in coming to.
We told your mother the story
afterwards, and a pretty scene she
made.
RODERICK
The coward!
CAPTAIN GROGAN
He has paid off your uncle's
mortgage. He gave Dorothy a coach-
and-six. That coward of a fellow
has been making of your uncle's
family. Faith, the business was
well done. Your cousins, Michael
and Harry, never let him out of
their sight, though he was for
deserting to England, until the
marriage was completed, and the
happy couple off on their road to
Dublin. Are you in want of cash, my
boy? You may draw upon me, for I got
a couple of hundred out of Master
Best for my share and, while they
last, you shall never want.
EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - BRITISH ON THE MARCH - DAY
Roderick on the march.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our regiment, which was quartered
about Stade and Luneberg, speedily
had got orders to march southwards
towards the Rhine, where we would
fight the famous battle of Minden.
It would require a greater
philosopher and historian than I am
to explain the causes of the famous
Seven Years' War in which Europe was
engaged, and, indeed, its origin has
always appeared to me to be so
complicated, and the books written
about it so amazingly hard to
understand, that I have seldom been
much wiser at the end of a chapter
than at the beginning, and so shall
not trouble you with any personal
disquisitions concerning the matter.
Various cuts featuring Roderick; marching, cooking at open
fires, gambling, resting in a farm yard, officers riding
by; shivering in his blanket.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD OF MINDEN - BATTLE FRAGMENT - DAY
Roderick and his company.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Were these memoirs not characterized
by truth, I might easily make myself
the hero of some strange and popular
adventures.
EXT. MINDEN - BATTLE FRAGMENTS - DAY
Officers ride by in smoke. Troops marching to the attack.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But I saw no one of the higher ranks
that day than my colonel and a
couple of orderly officers riding by
in the smoke -- no one on our side,
that is. A poor corporal is not
generally invited into the company
of commanders and the great.
Roderick advancing.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But, in revenge, I saw, I promise
you, some very good company on the
French part, for their regiments of
Lorraine and Royal Cravate were
charging us all day; and in the sort
of melee high and low are pretty
equally received. I hate bragging,
but I cannot help saying that I made
a very close acquaintance with the
colonel of the Cravates.
Roderick firing his musket. He bayonets a French colonel,
amidst shouts and curses.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And finished off a poor little
ensign, so young, slender, and
small, that a blow from my pigtail
would have dispatched him.
Roderick kills a French ensign with a blows from the butt
of his musket.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And in the poor ensign's pocket
found a purse of fourteen louis
d'or, and a silver box of sugar-
plums, of which the former present
was very agreeable to me.
Roderick taking money and the box of sugar-plums from the
ensign.
RODERICK (V.O.)
If people would tell their stories
of battles in this simple way, I
think the cause of truth would not
suffer by it. All I know of this
famous fight of Minden, except from
books, is told here above.
Captain Grogan is shot, cries out, and falls.
A brother captain turns to Lieutenant Lakenham.
CAPTAIN
Grogan's down; Lakenham, there's
your company.
RODERICK (V.O.)
That was all the epitaph my brave
patron got.
Roderick kneels above Grogan.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I should have left you a hundred
guineas, Roderick, but for a cursed
run of ill-luck last night at faro.
He gives Roderick a faint squeeze of the hand; and, as the
word is given to advance, Roderick leaves him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
When we came back to our ground,
which we presently did, he was lying
still, but he was dead. Some of our
people had already torn off his
epaulets, and, no doubt, had rifled
his purse.
EXT. VARIOUS ROUGH RURAL LOCATIONS - DAY
Short cuts to voice over.
Roderick and British troops rape, pillage and burn.
RODERICK (V.O.)
After the death of my protector,
Captain Grogan, I am forced to
confess that I fell into the very
worst of courses and company. In a
foreign country, with the enemy
before us, and the people
continually under contribution from
one side or the other, numberless
irregularities were permitted to the
troops. It is well for gentlemen to
talk of the age of chivalry; but
remember the starving brutes whom
they lead -- men nursed in poverty,
entirely ignorant, made to take
pride in deeds of blood -- men who
can have no amusement but in
drunkenness, debauch, and plunder.
It is with these shocking
instruments that your great warriors
and kings have been doing their
murderous work in the world.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - WARBURG - BATTLE FRAGMENTS - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
The year in which George II died,
our regiment had the honor to be
present at the Battle of Warburg,
where Prince Ferdinand once more
completely defeated the Frenchmen.
Lieutenant Lakenham is shot, falls, and cries for help.
RODERICK (V.O.)
During the action, my lieutenant,
Mr. Lakenham, of Lakenham, was
struck by a musket-ball in the side.
He had shown no want of courage in
this or any other occasion where he
had been called upon to act against
the French; but this was his first
wound, and the young gentleman was
exceedingly frightened by it.
LAKENHAM
Here, you, Roderick James. I will
pay you five guineas if you will
carry me into the town which is hard
by those woods.
Roderick and another man take him up in a cloak, and carry
him towards the nearby town of Warburg.
EXT. A FARMHOUSE - GERMAN STREET - WARBURG - DAY
In order to get into the house, Roderick and the other man
are obliged to fire into the locks with their pieces,
which summons brings the inhabitants of the house to the
door; a very pretty and black-eyed, young woman, and her
old, half-blinded father.
They are at first unwilling to accommodate the guest, but
Mr. Lakenham, speaking to them in German, and taking a
couple of guineas out of a very full purse, speedily
convinces the people that they have only to deal with a
person of honor.
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
They carry Lieutenant Lakenham to bed and receive their
five guineas.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We put the patient to bed, and he
paid me the stipulated reward. A
young surgeon, who desired nothing
better than to take himself out of
the fire of the musketry, came
presently to dress the wound.
In his German jargon, Roderick pays some deserved
compliments to the black-eyed beauty of Warburg, thinking,
with no small envy, how comfortable it would be to be
billeted there.
EXT. STREET - WARBURG - OUTSIDE THE FARMHOUSE - DAY
He starts back to the regiment, with his comrade, when the
man interrupts his reverie by suggesting they divide the
five guineas.
PRIVATE
I should get half.
RODERICK
Your share is one guinea.
Roderick gives him one guinea.
PRIVATE
He gave you five guineas, and I
bloody well expect half.
RODERICK
Go to the devil.
The private lifting his musket, hits Roderick a blow with
the butt-end of it, which sends him stunned to the ground,
allowing his comrade to take the other four guineas from
his pocket.
Recovering his senses, Roderick bleeding, with a large
wound in the head, has barely time to stagger back to the
house where he had just left the lieutenant, when he
falls fainting at the door, just as the surgeon exits.
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick is carried by the surgeon and the black-eyed
girl, into another bed in the room where the Lieutenant
has been laid.
LAKENHAM
(languidly, in pain)
Who are you putting into that bed?
LISCHEN
We have the Corporal, wounded, to
you bringing.
LAKENHAM
A corporal? Turn him out. Schicken
sie Herrn Koporal weg!
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT AND DAY
Lischen brings Roderick a refreshing drink; and, as he
takes it, he presses the kind hand that gave it to him;
nor does this token of his gratitude seem unwelcome.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I found Lischen the tenderest of
nurses. Whenever any delicacy was
to be provided for the wounded
lieutenant, a share was always sent
to the bed opposite his, and to the
avaricious man's no small annoyance.
Lischen serving food.
Various cuts, representing different days.
Lakenham behaving as rottenly as Roderick describes:
RODERICK (V.O.)
Nor was I the only person in the
house to whom the worthy gentleman
was uncivil. He ordered the fair
Lischen hither and thither, made
impertinent love to her, abused her
soups, quarreled with her
omelettes, and grudged the money
which was laid out for his
maintenance, so that our hostess
detested him as much as, I think,
without vanity, as she regarded me.
Roderick making lover to Lischen while Lieutenant Lakenham
sulks in the next bed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
For if truth must be told, I had
made very deep love to her during my
stay under her roof, as is always my
way with women, of whatever age or
degree of beauty. Do not think me
very cruel and heartless, ladies;
this heart of Lischen's was like
many a town, which had been stormed
and occupied several times before I
came to invest it,
Roderick sitting up in bed. Lischen has just served him
his supper.
Enter a British officer, an aide who carries a notebook,
and a surgeon. In a brief scene to be written, we learn
that a sudden movement on the part of the French requires
the British army to follow them. The town is to be
evacuated, except for some Prussian line-of-communication
troops, whose surgeons are to visit the wounded in the
place; and, when they are well, they are to be drafted to
their regiments.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I began to reflect how pleasant my
quarters were to me, and that I was
much better here than crawling under
an odious tent with a parcel of
tipsy soldiers, or going the night-
rounds, or rising long before
daybreak for drill. I determined
that I never would join mine again.
EXT. VIEW OUT OF WARBURG FARMHOUSE WINDOW - DAY
Roderick stands by the window, watching English troops and
wagons leaving the town.
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick walks into Lakenham's room attired in his full
regimentals, and with his hat cocked over his left eye.
RODERICK
I'm promoted Lieutenant. I've come
to take my leave of you. I intend
to have your papers and purse.
LAKENHAM
You great scoundrel! You mutinous
dog! What do you mean by dressing
yourself in my regimentals? As sure
as my name's Lakenham, when we get
back to the regiment, I'll have your
soul cut out of your body.
With this, Roderick puts his hand under his pillow, at
which Lakenham gives a scream that might have called the
whole garrison about his ears.
Roderick threatens him with a knife at his throat.
RODERICK
Hark ye, sir! No more noise, or you
are a dead man!
Roderick, taking his handkerchief, binds it tight round
his mouth, and, pulling forward the sleeves of his shirt,
ties them in a knot together, and so leaves him, removing
the papers and the purse, and wishing him politely a good
day.
EXT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - STREET - DAY
Lischen, waiting outside the house, with a saddled horse,
throws her arms around him, and makes the tenderest adieu.
Roderick mounts his newly-purchased animal, waves his hat
gallantly, and, prances away down the street.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Roderick happily riding along a wooded country road,
rounds a blind bend and sees suddenly before him, about
two hundred yards away, a company of Prussian infantry
resting along the sides of the road, together with a dozen
mounted dragoons.
A quick calculation tells him that is is better to proceed
than to turn back, and he rides into their midst,
approaching a group of officers.
He presents himself as Lieutenant Lakenham and asks for
directions to join his regiment. He is told that he is
riding in the wrong direction, and is shown a map.
During the explanation, Captain Galgenstein approaches
with an open, smiling countenance, introduces himself, and
says he, too, is bound for the same place, and asks if
Roderick will honor him with his company.
To avoid suspicion, Roderick readily accepts the offer,
and the two men mount up, and ride off together.
EXT. ROAD - GERMANY - DAY
Roderick and Galgenstein riding together.
Dialogue under voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My companion treated me with great
civility, and asked me a thousand
questions about England, which I
answered as best I might. But this
best, I am bound to say, was bad
enough. I knew nothing about
England, and I invented a thousand
stories which I told him; described
the king and the ministers to him,
said the British ambassador in
Berlin was my uncle, and promised my
acquaintance a letter of
recommendation to him.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
What is your uncle's name?
RODERICK
(slowly)
O'Grady.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(with a laugh)
Oh, yes, of course, Ambassador
O'Grady...
EXT. DESOLATE GERMAN ROAD - DAY
Roderick and Captain Galgenstein. Their horses' heads
together, jogging on.
They pass a party of recruits under the armed guard of a
red-coated Hanoverian sergeant.
He exchanges signs of recognition with Captain
Galgenstein.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
It hurts my feelings to be obliged
to commune with such wretches, but
the stern necessities of war demand
men continually, and hence these
recruiters whom you see market in
human flesh. They get five-and-
twenty thaler a man from our
government for every man they bring
in. For fine men -- for men like
you.
(he adds laughing)
They would go as high as hundred.
EXT. DESOLATE GERMAN INN - LATE AFTERNOON
Roderick and Captain Galgenstein approach a very lonely-
looking place.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
This is a very good inn. Shall we
stop for dinner?
RODERICK
This may be a very good inn for
Germany, but it would not pass in
old Ireland. Corbach is only a
league off, let us push on for
Corbach.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Do you want to see the loveliest
woman in Europe?
Roderick smiles.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Ah! You sly rogue, I see that will
influence you.
RODERICK
The place seems more a farm than an
inn-yard.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
The people are great farmers, as
well as inn-keepers.
They enter by a great gate into a court, walled round, and
at on end of which is the building, a dingy ruinous place.
A couple of covered wagons are in the courtyard; their
horses are littered under a shed hard by.
Lounging about the place are some men, and a pair of
sergeants in the Prussian uniform, who both touch their
hats to the captain.
The inn has something foreboding about it, and the men
shut the great yard-gates as soon as they enter.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(explaining the gate)
Parties of French horsemen are about
the country, and one cannot take too
many precautions against such
villains.
The two sergeant take charge of the horses; the captain
orders one of them to take Roderick's valise to his
bedroom.
Roderick promises the sergeant a glass of schnapps for his
pains.
They enter into supper.
INT. GERMAN INN - LATE AFTERNOON
A dish of fried eggs and bacon is ordered from a hideous
old wench that comes to serve them, in place of the lovely
creature which had been expected; and the captain,
laughing, says:
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Well, our meal is a frugal one, but
a soldier has many a time a worse.
Taking off his hat, sword-belt, and gloves, with great
ceremony, Galgenstein sits down to eat. Roderick puts his
weapons securely on the old chest of drawers where the
captain's is laid.
The hideous old woman brings in a pot of very sour wine,
at which, and at her ugliness, Roderick feels a
considerable ill-humor.
RODERICK
(when she leaves)
Where's the beauty you promised me?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(laughing and looking
hard at Roderick)
It was my joke. I was tired, and
did not care to go farther. There's
not prettier woman here than that.
If she won't suit your fancy, my
friend, then you must wait awhile.
This increases Roderick's ill-humor.
RODERICK
(sternly)
Upon my word, sir, I think you have
acted very coolly.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
I have acted as I think fit.
RODERICK
Sir, I'm a British officer.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
It's a lie! You're a deserter!
You're an impostor, sir; Your lies
and folly have confirmed this to me.
You pretend to carry dispatches to a
general who has been dead these ten
months; you have an uncle who is an
ambassador and whose name you don't
know. Will you join and take the
bounty, sir, or will you be given
up?
RODERICK
Neither!
Springing at him like a tiger.
But, agile as he is, Galgenstein is equally on his guard.
He takes two pistols out of his pockets, fires one off,
and says, from the other end of the table where he stands
dodging Roderick, as it were.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Advance a step, and I send this
bullet into your brains!
The door is flung open, and the two sergeants enter, armed
with musket and bayonet to aid their captain.
The game is up. Roderick flings down a knife with which
he had armed himself, for the old hag, on bringing in the
wine, had removed his sword.
RODERICK
I volunteer.
EXT. A ROAD - DAY
Prussian troops on the march. Roderick is now one of
them.
Captain Galgenstein rides by.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At the close of the Seven Years' War,
the Prussian army, so renowned for
its disciplined valor, was
officered and under-officered by
native Prussians, it is true, but
was composed for the most part of
men hired or stolen, like myself,
from almost every nation in Europe.
The deserting to and fro was
prodigious.
EXT. A FIELD - DAY
Prussian punishment gauntlet.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The life the private soldier led was
a frightful one to any but the men
of iron courage and endurance. The
punishment was incessant.
EXT. VARIOUS RURAL LOCATIONS - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was not near so unhappy, in spite
of all, as I had been on my first
enlisting in Ireland. At least,
there will be no one of my
acquaintance who will witness my
shame, and that is the point which I
have always cared for most.
Rape, pillage and burn.
Brief thematic repeat of British army version.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I reasoned with myself thus: "Now
you are caught, there is no use in
repining -- make the best of your
situation, and get all the pleasure
you can out of it. There are a
thousand opportunities of plunder,
offered to the soldier in war time,
out of which he can get both
pleasure and profit; make use of
these, and be happy."
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - FRAGMENT
Prussians against Austrians, or French, or Saxons.
Roderick fighting.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I do not intend to make a history of
battles in the Prussian any more
than in the English service. I did
my duty in them as well as another,
and there was not a braver,
cleverer, handsomer, and, I must
own, wickeder soldier in the
Prussian army.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - ACTION - DAY
RODERICK
I had formed myself to the condition
of the proper fighting beast; on a
day of action, I was savage and
happy.
Roderick saves Captain Galgenstein's life.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Roderick is decorated by Colonel Bulow for his heroism in
saving Captain Galgenstein.
Colonel Bulow gives Roderick two Frederic d'or in front of
the regiment.
COLONEL BULOW
You are a gallant soldier, and have
evidently come of good stock; but
you are idle, dissolute, and
unprincipled; you have done a deal
of harm to the men; and, for all
your talents and bravery, I am sure
you will come to no good.
RODERICK
I hope Colonel Bulow is mistaken
regarding my character. I have
fallen into bad company, it is true;
but I have only done as other
soldiers have done; and, above all,
I have never had a kind friend and
protector before, to whom I might
show that I was worthy of better
things. The Colonel may say I am a
ruined lad, and send me to the
devil; but be sure of this, I would
go to the devil to serve the
regiment.
Captain Galgenstein looks pleased with Roderick's
performance.
BERLIN - 1763
RODERICK (V.O.)
Soon after the war ended, our
regiment was garrisoned in the
capital, the least dull, perhaps, of
all the towns of Prussia; but that
does not say much for its gaiety.
INT. ANTE-ROOM - CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN'S OFFICE - DAY
Roderick enters and approaches the Captain's sergeant.
RODERICK
Private Roderick James. First
Hanoverian Guards. Captain
Galgenstein sent for me.
PRUSSIAN SERGEANT
You may wait.
RODERICK
Thank you, sir.
Roderick stands stiffly. We can make out the sound of
loud talking behind the closed door.
Enter a private huffing and puffing.
PRIVATE
Sergeant, the wagon has arrived with
the Captain's furniture, but the
driver says he is not supposed to
unload it. Is it possible for you
to talk to him?
Exit the sergeant, muttering. Roderick, now alone in the
office, walks closer to the door so that he can hear what
is being said.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN (O.S.)
Give him his discharge! Bon Dieu!
You are a model of probity! You'll
never succeed to my place, my dear
nephew, if you are no wiser than you
are just now. Make the fellow as
useful to you as you please. You
say he has a good manner and a frank
countenance, that he can lie with
assurance, and fight, you say, on a
pinch. The scoundrel does not want
for good qualities. As long as you
have the regiment in terrorem over
him, you can do as you like with
him. Once let him loose, and the lad
is likely to give you the slip.
Keep on promising him; promise to
make him a general, if you like.
What the deuce do I care? There are
spies enough to be had in this town
without him.
Roderick hears the sergeant returning and walks back to
the door.
Then the office door opens, Captain Galgenstein looks out,
sees Roderick, smiles and say:
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Good morning, Private James. Please
come in. I should like you to meet
my uncle, Herr Minister of Police
Galgenstein.
RODERICK
How do you do, sir?
The Minister nods.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The captain was the nephew and heir
of the Minister of Police, Herr
Galgenstein, a relationship which,
no doubt, aided in the younger
gentlemen's promotion.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Your loyalty to me and your service
to the regiment has pleased me very
well -- and now there is another
occasion on which you may make
yourself useful to us; if you
succeed, depend on it, your reward
will be your discharge from the
army, and a bounty of 100 guineas.
RODERICK
What is the service, sir?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
There is lately come to Berlin a
gentleman in the service of the
Empress Queen, who calls himself the
Chevalier de Belle Fast, and wears
the red riband and star of the
pope's order of the Spur. He is
made for good society, polished,
obliging, a libertine, without
prejudices, fond of women, of good
food, of high play, prudent and
discreet.
The Captain smiles at Roderick.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
He speaks Italian and French
indifferently; but we have some
reason to fancy this Monsieur de
Belle Fast is a native of your
country of Ireland, and that he has
come here as a spy.
The Captain rises and begins to pace back and forth.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Naturally, your knowledge of English
makes you an ideal choice to go into
his service. Of course, you will
not know a word of English; and if
the Chevalier asks as to the
particularity of your accent, say
you are Hungarian. The servant who
came with him will be turned away
today, and the person to whom he has
applied for a faithful fellow will
recommend you.
Roderick nods.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
You are a Hungarian; you served in
the army, and left on account of
weakness in the loins. He gambles a
great deal, and wins. Do you know
the cards well?
RODERICK
Only a very little, as soldiers do.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
I had thought you more expert. You
must find out if the Chevalier
cheats. He sees the English and
Austrian envoys continually, and the
young men of either ministry sup
repeatedly at his house. Find out
what they talk of, for how much each
plays, especially if any of them
play on parole. If you are able to,
read his private letters, though
about those which go to the post,
you need not trouble yourself -- we
look at them there. But never see
him write a note without finding out
to whom it goes, and by what channel
or messenger. He sleeps with the
keys of his dispatch-box with a
string around his neck -- twenty
frederics, if you get an impression
of the keys.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Does this assignment interest you?
RODERICK
Yes, Minister, I am interested in
any work in which I can be of
service to Captain Galgenstein.
The Minister studies Roderick, coldly.
EXT. CHEVALIER DE BELLE FAST'S HOUSE - BERLIN - DAY
Roderick, now dressed in civilian clothes, admires a
beautiful carriage, waiting at the door. Then he enters.
INT. CHEVALIER DE BELLE FAST'S APARTMENT - DAY
CHEVALIER
You are the young man who M. de
Seebach recommended?
RODERICK
Yes, sir. Here is my letter.
Roderick bows, and hands him a letter from that gentleman,
with which the Captain had taken care to provide him.
As the Chevalier reads the letter, Roderick has the
leisure to examine him.
He is a man of sixty years of age, dressed superbly,
wearing rings, diamonds and laces.
One of his eyes is closed with a black patch, and he wears
a little white and red paint, and a pair of moustachios,
which fall over his lip.
The Chevalier is seated at a table near the window to read
the letter.
CHEVALIER
Your name is Lazlo Zilagyi?
RODERICK
Yes, sir.
CHEVALIER
You come highly recommended by Herr
Seebach.
RODERICK
Herr Seebach was a very kind
employer.
CHEVALIER
For whom else have you worked?
RODERICK
No one, sir. Before that I served
in the army but had to leave due to
weakness of the loins.
CHEVALIER
Who else can give me information
about you?
RODERICK
Only the agency of servants.
The Chevalier puts the letter down, looks at Roderick for
a few seconds, and then smiles.
CHEVALIER
You will do. I will give you 30...
a day. I do not provide your
clothing; you will sleep at home,
and you will be at my orders every
morning at seven o'clock.
He notices Roderick begin to tremble and look peculiar.
CHEVALIER
Is there something wrong?
He goes up to Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was very imprudent of me; but
when I saw the splendor of his
appearance, the nobleness of his
manner, I felt it impossible to keep
disguise with him. You, who have
never been out of your country know
little what it is to hear a friendly
voice in captivity; and there's a
many a man that will understand the
cause of the burst of feeling which
was about to take place.
The Chevalier takes Roderick by the shoulder.
RODERICK
(as he speaks,
bursting into tears)
Sir, I have a confession to make. I
am an Irishman, and my name is
Roderick James. I was abducted into
the Prussian army two years ago, and
now I have been put into your
service by my Captain and his uncle,
the Minister of Police, to serve as
a watch upon your actions, of which
I am to give information to the same
quarter. For this odious service, I
have been promised my discharge, and
a hundred guineas.
Sobbing, Roderick falls into his arms.
CHEVALIER
The rascals! They think to catch
me, do they? Why, young man, my
chief conspiracy is a faro-bank.
But the king is so jealous, that he
will see a spy in every person who
comes to his miserable capital, in
the great sandy desert here.
EXT. BERLIN - PARK - DAY
Roderick and the Chevalier walking.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And I think he was as much affected
as I was at thus finding one of his
kindred; for he, too, was an exile
from home, and a friendly voice, a
look, brought the old country back
to his memory again, and the old
days of his boyhood.
CHEVALIER
I'd give five years of my life to
see the old country again, the
greenfields, and the river, and the
old round tower, and the burying
place.
EXT. BERLIN - STREET - DAY
Roderick and the Chevalier walking.
CHEVALIER
My lad, I have been in every
service; and, between ourselves, owe
money in every capital in Europe. I
have been a rolling stone. Play --
play has been my ruin! That and
beauty. The women have made a fool
of me, my dear boy. I am a soft-
hearted creature, and this minute,
at sixty-two, have no more command
of myself than when Peggy O'Dwyer
made a fool of me at sixteen.
EXT. BERLIN - LAKE WANNSEE - DAY
Roderick and the Chevalier walking along the bank.
CHEVALIER
The cards are now my only
livelihood. Sometimes I am in luck,
and then I lay out my money in these
trinkets you see. It's property,
look you, and the only way I have
found of keeping a little about me.
When the luck goes against me, why,
my dear, my diamonds go to the
pawnbrokers and I wear paste. Do
you understand the cards?
RODERICK
I can play as soldiers do, but have
no great skill.
CHEVALIER
We will practice in the mornings, my
boy, and I'll put you up to a thing
or two worth knowing.
INT. CHEVALIER'S ROOMS - BERLIN - DAY
Quick cuts -- Roderick being taught the profession of
cards and the dice-box.
EXT. GARDEN HOUSE - BERLIN - DAY
Roderick, Minister Galgenstein, and Captain Galgenstein.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I carried my little reports to
Captain Galgenstein at the Garden
house outside the town where he gave
me rendezvous. These reports, of
course, were arranged between me and
the Chevalier beforehand. I was
instructed, and it is always the
best way, to tell as much truth as
my story would possible bear.
Dialogue comes up from under voice over.
RODERICK
He goes to church regularly -- he is
very religious, and after hearing
mass comes home to breakfast. Then
he takes an airing in his chariot
till dinner, which is served at
noon. After dinner, he writes his
letters, if he has any letters to
write; but he has very little to do
in this way. His letters are to the
Austrian envoy, with whom he
corresponds, but who does not
acknowledge him; and being written
in English, or course, I look over
his shoulder. He generally writes
for money. He makes his party with
Calsabigi, the lottery contractor,
the Russian attaches, two from the
English embassy, my lords Deuceace
and Punter, who play a jeu d'enfer,
and a few more. He wins often, but
not always. Lord Deuceace is a very
fine player. The Chevalier Elliott,
the English Minister, sometimes
comes, on which occasion the
secretaries do not play.
INT. CHEVALIER'S APARTMENTS - NIGHT
The Chevalier is at play against several gentlemen,
including the Prince of Turbingen, while Roderick signals
the cards.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was agreed that I should keep my
character of valet, that in the
presence of strangers I should not
know a word of English, that I
should keep good lookout on the
trumps when I was serving the
champagne and punch about; and,
having a remarkably fine eyesight,
and a great natural aptitude, I was
speedily able to give my dear
benefactor much assistance against
his opponents at the green table.
Several cuts of playing and cheating to illustrate voice
over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Simplicity was our secret.
Everything successful is simple.
If, for instance, I wiped the dust
off a chair with my napkin, it was
to show that the enemy was strong in
diamonds; if I pushed it, he had an
ace, king; if I said, "Punch or
wine, my lord?" hearts was meant.
If "Wine or punch?" clubs. If I
blew my nose, it was to indicate
that there was another confederate
employed by the adversary; and then,
I warrant you, some pretty trials of
skill would take place. The Prince
of Turbingen, although so young, had
a very great skill and cleverness
with the cards in every way; and it
was only from hearing Ritter von
Brandenburg, who came with him, yawn
three times when the Chevalier had
the ace of trumps, that I knew we
were Greek to Greek, as it were.
The Prince loses a big hand, and, in a fury, throws down
his cards. He stares at the table, then at the Chevalier.
PRINCE
Chevalier, though I cannot say how,
I believe you have cheated me.
CHEVALIER
I deny your Grace's accusations, and
beg you to say how you have been
cheated?
PRINCE
(glaring at Roderick)
I don't know.
CHEVALIER
Your Grace owes me seventy thousand
frederics, which I have honorably
won.
PRINCE
Chevalier, if you will have your
money now, you must fight for it.
If you will be patient, maybe I will
pay you something another time.
CHEVALIER
Your Grace, if I am so tame as to
take this, then I must give up an
honorable and lucrative occupation.
PRINCE
I have said all there is to be said.
I am at your disposal for whatever
purposes you wish. Good night.
He exits.
EXT. GARDEN HOUSE - DAY
Roderick, Captain Galgenstein and Minister Galgenstein.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Was he cheated?
RODERICK
In so far as I can tell these things
-- no. I believe the Chevalier won
the money fairly.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Hmm-mmmm.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
What are the Chevalier's intentions?
RODERICK
I am not sure. The Prince told him
quite clearly that if he wished to
have the money, he would have to
fight for it.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
A meeting with the Prince of
Turbingen is impossible.
RODERICK
The Prince left him only that
choice.
The Captain and the Minister walk a few steps away and
speak in whispers.
Then they return to Roderick.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Will you be able to return here
tomorrow without arousing suspicion?
INT. CHEVALIER'S APARTMENTS - DAY
CHEVALIER
Tell them I intend to demand
satisfaction from the Prince.
RODERICK
But they will prevent a meeting at
whatever the cost.
CHEVALIER
Have no fear. It will come out well
for me.
RODERICK
I believe they will deport you.
CHEVALIER
I have faced that problem before.
RODERICK
But, if they send you away, then
what is to become of me?
CHEVALIER
(with a smile)
Make your mind easy, you shall not
be left behind, I warrant you. Do
take a last look at your barracks,
make your mind easy, say a farewell
to your friends in Berlin. The dear
souls, how they will weep when they
hear you are out of the country,
and, out of it, you shall go.
RODERICK
But how, sir?
EXT. GARDEN HOUSE - BERLIN - DAY
Roderick, Captain Galgenstein and Minister Galgenstein.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
The King has determined to send the
Chevalier out of the country.
RODERICK
When is he to go?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Has he sent the challenge yet?
RODERICK
Not yet, but I believe he intends
to.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Then this must be done tomorrow.
RODERICK
What is to be done?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
You say he drives after breakfast
and before dinner. When he comes
out to his carriage a couple of
gendarmes will mount the box, and
the coachman will get his orders to
move on.
RODERICK
And his baggage?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Oh! That will be sent after him. I
have a fancy to look into that red
box which contains his papers, you
say; and at noon, after parade,
shall be at the inn. You will not
say a word to any one there
regarding the affair, and will wait
for me at the Chevalier's rooms
until my arrival. We must force
that box. You are a clumsy hound,
or you would have got the key long
ago.
EXT. CHEVALIER'S APARTMENTS - DAY
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At ten o'clock the next morning, the
carriage of the Chevalier de Belle
Fast drew up as usual at the door of
his hotel, and the Chevalier came
down the stairs in his usual stately
manner.
Looking around and not finding his servant to open the
door.
CHEVALIER
Where is my rascal, Lazlo?
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(standing by the
carriage)
I will let down the steps for your
honor.
No sooner does the Chevalier enter than the officer jumps
in after him, another mounts the box by the coachman, and
the latter begins to drive.
CHEVALIER
Good gracious! What is this?
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(touching his hat)
You are going to drive to the
frontier.
CHEVALIER
It is shameful -- infamous! I
insist upon being put down at the
Austrian ambassador's house.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
I have orders to gag your honor if
you cry out, and to give you this
purse containing ten thousand
frederics if you do not.
CHEVALIER
Ten thousand? But the scoundrel
owes me seventy thousand.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
Your honor must lower his voice.
CHEVALIER
(whispering)
All Europe shall hear of this!
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
As you please.
Both lapse into silence.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The coach drives by. Suddenly -- "boom," the alarm cannon
begins to roar.
INT. COACH - DAY
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
Do not be alarmed. The alarm cannon
only signals a deserter.
Chevalier nods.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The coach drives by and action as described.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Hearing the sound of the alarm
cannon, the common people came out
along the road, with fowling-pieces
and pitch-forks, in hopes to catch
the truant. The gendarmes looked
very anxious to be on the lookout
for him too. The price of a
deserter was fifty crowns to those
who brought him in.
EXT. SAXON CUSTOM-HOUSE - DAY
The black and white barriers came in view at last hard by
Bruck, and opposite them the green and yellow of Saxony.
The Saxon custom-house officers came out.
CHEVALIER
I have no luggage.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
The gentleman has nothing
contraband.
The Prussian officers, grinning, hand the Chevalier the
purse and take their leave of their prisoner with much
respect.
The Chevalier de Belle Fast gives them three frederic a-
piece.
CHEVALIER
Gentlemen, I wish you a good day.
Will you please go to the house from
whence we set out this morning, and
tell my man there to send my baggage
on to Three Kings at Dresden?
RODERICK (V.O.)
Then ordering fresh horses, the
Chevalier set off on his journey for
that capital. I need not tell you
that I was the Chevalier.
INT. ROOM - HOTEL DES TROIS COURONNES - DAY
Roderick reading a letter over his breakfast in bed.
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
From the Chevalier de Belle Fast to
Roderick James, Esquire, Gentilhomme
Anglais. At the Hotel des trois
Couronnes, Dresden, Saxe. My dear
Roderick -- This comes to you by a
sure hand, no other than Mr. Lumpit,
of the English mission, who is
acquainted, as all Berlin will be
directly, with our wonderful story.
They only know half as yet; they
only know that a deserter went off
in my clothes, and all are in
admiration of your cleverness and
valor.
INT. CHEVALIER'S ROOM - DAY
Action as per description in letter.
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
As I lay in my bed two and a half
hours after your departure, in comes
your ex-captain, Galgenstein.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(in his imperious
Dutch manner)
Roderick! Are you there?
No answer.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
The rogue is gone out.
Action as per voice over.
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
Straightaway he makes for the red
box where I keep my love letters, my
glass eye which I used to wear, my
two sets of Paris teeth, and my
other private matters that you know
of. He first tries a bunch of keys,
but none of them fit the English
lock. Then he takes out of his
pocket a chisel and hammer, and
falls to work like a professional
burglar, actually bursting open the
little box! Now was my time to act!
I advance towards him armed with an
immense water-jug. I come
noiselessly up to him just as he has
broken the box, and, with all my
might, I deal him such a blow over
the head as smashes the water-jug to
bits, and sends the captain with a
snort lifeless to the ground. Then
I ring all the bells in the house;
and shout, and swear, and scream,
"Thieves! -- Thieves! -- Landlord!
-- Murder! -- Fire!" until the whole
household comes tumbling up the
stairs.
CHEVALIER
Where is my servant? Who dares to
rob me in open day? Look at the
villain whom I find in the act of
breaking my chest open! Send for
the police, send for his Excellency
the Austrian Minister! All Europe
shall know of this insult!
LANDLORD
Dear heaven! We saw you go away
three hours ago.
CHEVALIER
Me! Why, man, I have been in bed
all morning. I am ill -- I have
taken physic -- I have not left the
house this morning! Where is that
scoundrel, Lazlo? But, stop! Where
are my clothes and wig?
CHAMBERMAID
I have it -- I have it! Lazlo is
off in your honor's dress.
CHEVALIER
And my money -- my money! Where is
my purse with forty-eight frederics
in it? But we have one of the
villains left, Officers, seize him.
LANDLORD
(more and more
astonished)
It's the young Herr Galgenstein.
CHEVALIER
What! A gentleman breaking open my
trunk with hammer and chisel --
impossible!
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
Herr Galgenstein was returning to
life by this time, with a swelling
on his skull as big as a saucepan;
and the officers carried him off,
and, to make a long story short,
poor Galgenstein is now on his way
to Spandau; and his uncle, the
Minister of Police Galgenstein, has
brought me five hundred louis, with
a humble request that I would leave
Berlin forthwith, and hush up this
painful matter.
INT. GERMAN PALACE - BALLROOM - NIGHT
Roderick, the Chevalier and the Duke of Wurttemberg.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The Chevalier de Belle Fast was in
particularly good order with the
Duke of Wurttemberg, whose court
was, at this period, the most
brilliant in all Europe.
The Duke of Wurttemberg chatting with ballet dancers, who
will perform at the party.
RODERICK (V.O.)
He spent fabulous sums on the
ballets and operas. All the
ballerinas were pretty, and they all
boasted that they had all at least
once made their amorous sovereign
happy.
Roderick and the Chevalier kissing hands, hobnobbing with
the nobility, and dancing minuets.
RODERICK (V.O.)
There was not a party of the
nobility to which the two Irish
gentlemen were not invited, and
admired, nor where we did not make
the brave, the high-born and the
beautiful talk to us. There was no
man in Europe more gay in spirits,
more splendid in personal
accomplishment, than young Roderick
James.
EXT. GERMAN STREET - DAWN
Roderick and the Chevalier in a comfortable coach, on
their way home to bed, pass troops marching out on early
parade.
INT. COACH - DAWN
Roderick sinks back into the comfortable cushion and
yawns.
RODERICK (V.O.)
What a delightful life did we now
lead! I knew I was born a
gentleman, from the kindly way in
which I took to the business, as
business certainly it is.
INT. BEDROOM - GERMANY - DAY
Roderick in a tub, being washed by a servant.
RODERICK (V.O.)
For though it seems all pleasure,
yet I assure any low-bred persons
who may chance to read this, that
we, their betters, have to work as
well as they; though I did not rise
until noon, yet had I not been up at
play until long past midnight?
INT. ANOTHER BEDROOM - GERMANY - DAY
His hair being done.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I came into it at once, and as if I
had never done anything else all my
life. I had a gentleman to wait
upon me, a French friseur to dress
my hair of a morning.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
A candle-lit supper.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I knew the taste of chocolate as by
intuition almost, and could
distinguish between the right
Spanish and the French before I had
been a week in my new position.
INSERTS - JEWELRY
Action and cuts as voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had rings on my fingers, watches
in both my fobs, trinkets, and
snuff-boxes, of all sorts, and each
outvying the other in elegance.
INT. RECEPTION ROOM - GERMANY - DAY
As described.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had the finest natural taste for
lace and china of any man I ever
knew.
EXT. STABLES - GERMANY - DAY
Buying horses.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I could judge a horse as well as any
dealer in Germany. I could not
spell, but I could speak German and
French cleverly.
INT. DRESSING ROOM - GERMANY - DAY
Roderick being fitted for clothes.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had at least twelve suits of
clothes; three richly embroidered
with gold, two laced with silver;
one of French grey, silver-laced and
lined with chinchilla. I had damask
morning robes, to which a peacock's
tail is as sober as a Quaker's drab
skirt.
INT. ORANGERY - DAY
Action as voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I took lessons on the guitar, and
sang French catches exquisitely.
Where, in fact, was there a more
accomplished gentleman than Roderick
James?
INT. GAMING ROOM - GERMANY - NIGHT
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
How have we had the best blood, and
the brightest eyes, too, of Europe
throbbing round the table as I and
the Chevalier have held the cards
and the bank against some terrible
player, who was matching some
thousands out of his millions
against our all which was there on
the baize!
INT. GAMING ROOM - GERMANY - NIGHT
Roderick dealing a faro bank.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our principles were: play grandly,
honorably. Be not, of course, cast
down at losing; but, above all, be
not eager at winning, as mean souls
are.
INT. GAMING ROOM - GERMANY - NIGHT
Action as voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
When the Duke of Courland brought
fourteen lackeys each with bags of
florins, and challenged our bank to
play against the sealed bags, what
did we ask?
CHEVALIER
Sir, we have but eighty thousand
florins in bank, or two hundred
thousand at three months; if your
highness' bags do not contain more
than eight thousand, we will meet
you.
Playing.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And we did, and after eleven hours
play, in which our bank was at one
time reduced to two hundred and
three ducats, we won seventeen
thousand florins off him.
Four crowned heads look on at the game, and an imperial
princess, when Roderick turns up the ace of hearts, bursts
into tears.
INT. MASQUERADE BALL - NIGHT
Roderick and a girl.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Nor need I mention my successes
among the fairer portion of the
creation. One of the most
accomplished, the tallest, the most
athletic, and the handsomest
gentleman in Europe, as I was then,
a young fellow of my figure could
not fail of having advantages, which
a person of my spirit knew very well
how to us.
INT. BOUDOIR - NIGHT
Making love to a masked lady.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Charming Schuvaloff.
INT. COACH - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
Black-eyed Sczortarska.
INT. BOUDOIR - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
Dark Valdez.
RODERICK
Do you expect me to believe that
your lover brought you here tonight?
VALDEZ
Yes. He brought me in his carriage,
and he will call for me at midnight.
RODERICK
And he doesn't care about me?
VALDEZ
He is only curious to know who you
are.
RODERICK
If his love were like mine, he would
not permit you to come here.
VALDEZ
He loves me, as I love you.
RODERICK
Will he wish to know the details of
this night?
VALDEZ
He will believe that it will please
me if he asks about it, and I shall
tell him everything except some
circumstances which might humiliate
him.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
Tender Hegenheim.
INT. BOUDOIR - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
Brilliant Langeac.
Roderick takes from his portfolio a little jacket of very
fine transparent skin, eight inches long and closed at one
end, and which by way of a pouch string at its open end,
has a narrow pink ribbon.
He displays it to her, she looks at it, and laughs.
LANGEAC
I will put in on you myself.
She puts it on, out of shot.
LANGEAC
There you are, dressed by my hand.
It is nearly the same thing; but
despite the fineness and
transparency of the skin, the little
fellow pleases me less well in
costume. It seems that this
covering degrades him, or degrades
me -- one of the other.
RODERICK
Both, my angel. It was Love who
invented these little jackets: for
he had to ally himself with
Precaution.
INT. ROOM OFF A BALLROOM - NIGHT
Roderick making love to the Countess von Trotha. Enter
the Count, in the uniform of a Colonel.
COUNT
I entered here, monsieur, at a bad
moment for you; it seems that you
love this lady.
RODERICK
Certainly, monseigneur, does not
Your Excellency consider her worthy
of love?
COUNT
Perfectly so; and what is more, I
will tell you that I love her, and
that I am not of a humor to put up
with rivals.
RODERICK
Very well! Now that I know it, I
will no longer love her.
COUNT
Then you yield to me.
RODERICK
On the instant. Everyone must yield
to such a nobleman as you.
COUNT
Very well; but a man who yields
takes to his legs.
RODERICK
That is a trifle strong.
COUNT
Take to your legs, low Irish dog.
Roderick smiles at him.
RODERICK
Your Excellency has wantonly
insulted me. That being so, I
conclude that you hate me,
Monseigneur, and that hence you
would be glad to remove me from the
number of the living. In this wish,
I can and will satisfy Your
Excellency.
EXT. BEAUTIFUL GARDEN - EARLY MORNING
Roderick's sword duel with the Count.
Details to be worked out.
INT. BILLIARD ROOM - NIGHT
Roderick watches the Chevalier play with a Prussian
officer, Lieutenant Dascher.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was my unrivaled skill with
sword and pistol, and readiness to
use them, that maintained the
reputation of the firm.
Towards the end of the game, Dascher, seeing that he is
losing, makes an unfair stroke, so obvious that the marker
tells him so to his face.
Lieutenant Dascher, for whom the stroke wins the game,
takes the money which is in the stake bag, and puts it in
his pocket, paying no attention to the marker's
adjurations, or to Roderick's.
Roderick, who is without his sword, reaches for a billiard
cue and swings it at Dascher's face.
He wards off the blow with his arm, drawing his sword and
runs at Roderick, who is unarmed.
The marker, a sturdy young man, catches Dascher around the
waist and prevents murder.
DASCHER
I see that you are without your
sword, but I believe you are a man
of mettle. Will you give me
satisfaction?
RODERICK
I shall be delighted; but you have
lost and you must pay me the money
before we meet, for, after all, you
cannot pay me when you are dead.
ANOTHER OFFICER
I will undertake to pay you the 20
louis, but only tomorrow morning at
the meeting.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
On the field, there are six people waiting with Dascher,
and his seconds. Dascher takes 20 louis from his pocket
and hands them to Roderick, saying:
DASCHER
I may have been mistaken, but I mean
to make you pay deadly for your
brutality.
Roderick takes the money and puts it in his purse with the
utmost calm, making no reply to the other's boasting.
RODERICK
(privately)
It is distasteful to kill a
scoundrel -- that should be work for
a hangman.
CHEVALIER
To risk one's life against such
people is an imposition.
RODERICK
(laughs)
I risk nothing, for I am certain to
kill him.
CHEVALIER
Certain?
RODERICK
Perfectly certain, because I shall
make him tremble.
He takes his station between two trees, about four paces
apart, and draws a pair of dueling pistols.
RODERICK
You have only to pace yourself at
ten paces difference, and fire
first. The space between these two
trees is the place where I choose to
walk back and forth. You may walk
too, if you wish, when it is my turn
to fire.
No one could have explained his intentions more clearly or
spoken more calmly.
DASCHER
But we must decide who is to have
the first shot.
RODERICK
There is no need of that. I never
fire first; and, in any case, you
have that right.
Dascher places himself at the specified distance.
Roderick walks slowly back and forth between the two trees
without looking at him.
Dascher takes aim and fires, missing.
RODERICK
(with the greatest
composure)
You missed me, sir. I was sure you
would. Try again.
The others think he is mad, and had expected some kind of
discussion between the parties, but not a bit of it.
Dascher takes careful aim and fires a second shot, again
missing Roderick.
Without a word, but in a firm and confident manner,
Roderick fires his first shot into the air.
Dascher looks amazed. Then, aiming at Dascher with his
second pistol, he hits him in the center of the forehead
and stretches him out dead on the ground.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Roderick and Chevalier traveling in their coach.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Thus is will be seen that our life,
for all its splendor was one of
extreme difficulty and danger,
requiring high talents and courage
for success, and sudden and
unexpected departures.
They meet a four-wheel carriage, drawn by two horses,
carrying a master and a servant.
The driver of the four-wheel carriage wants Roderick's
driver to make way for him.
Roderick's driver protests that if he does, he will upset
his master in the ditch, but the other insists.
Roderick addresses the master, a handsome young man, and
asks him to order his driver to make way for him.
RODERICK
I am posting, monsieur, and
furthermore I am a foreigner.
STRANGER
Monsieur, here in Saxony, the post
has no special right, and if you are
a foreigner, you must admit that you
have no greater claim than mine,
since I am in my own country.
At that, Roderick gets out and holding his drawn-sword
tells the stranger to get out, or to make way for him.
The stranger replies, with a smile, that he has no sword
and that, in any case, he will not fight for such a silly
reason.
He tells Roderick to get back in his chaise, and he makes
way for him.
INT. GAMING ROOM - NIGHT
Roderick and the Chevalier running a faro bank when an
important lady suffers a huge loss.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The ladies were passionately fond of
play, and hence would often arise no
small trouble to us; for the truth
most be told, that the ladies loved
to play, but not to pay. The point
of honor is not understood by the
charming sex; and it was with the
greatest difficulty that we could
keep them from the table, could get
their money if they lost or, if they
paid, prevent them from using the
most furious and extraordinary means
of revenge.
EXT. ROAD - DAWN
RODERICK (V.O.)
On this evening, the lady of high
rank, after I had won a considerable
sum in diamonds and pearls from her,
sent her lover with a band of cut-
throats to waylay me.
Roderick and the Chevalier are sound asleep in their
carriage when they are awakened by a violent jolt, upon
which the carriage overturns in the middle of the road.
The Chevalier is underneath, and screams from the pain in
his right arm, which he thinks is broken.
Their servant forces the door open to help them out,
telling them that the two postilions have fled.
Roderick easily gets out of the carriage through the door,
which is above him, but the Chevalier, unable to move
because of his disabled arm, has to be pulled out.
His piercing shrieks make Roderick laugh, because of the
strange oaths with which he interlards his prayers.
From the carriage, Roderick takes his dueling pistols,
and sword.
Roderick tells his servant to mount and to looking for
armed peasants in the vicinity; money in hand, he leaves.
The Chevalier has lain down on the hard ground, groaning
and in no condition to resist robbers.
Roderick makes his own preparations to sell his fortune
and his life at the highest price.
His carriage is close to the ditch, and he unhitches the
horses, tieing them to the wheels and the pole in a
circle, and stations himself behind them with weapons.
In this predicament, Roderick cannot help laughing at the
poor Chevalier, who is writhing like a dying dolphin on a
seashore, and uttering the most pitiful execrations, when
a mare, whose back was turned to him, take it into her
empty head to empty her bladder on him. There is nothing
to be done; he has to put up with the whole stinking rain,
and to forgive Roderick's laughter, which he has not the
strength to hold in.
The chill wind and the silence are suddenly broken by an
attack, which is half-hearted and uncertain, by the lady's
lover, and his hesitant band of six cut-throats.
Some falter and run away as soon as Roderick fires his
pistol.
The leader and two heartier followers engage Roderick.
During the fight, they mortally wound the helpless
Chevalier and two of them are killed.
After they flee, Roderick kneels by the Chevalier, who
utters some appropriate last words, then dies.
His servant finally arrives at full gallop, shouting at
the top of his voice, and followed by a band of peasants,
each with his lantern, come to his rescue. There are ten
or twelve of them, all armed with muskets, and all ready
to obey his orders.
EXT. SPA - HOTEL - DAY
Roderick's carriage arrives.
RODERICK (V.O.)
After making suitable arrangements
for the Chevalier's burial, in
proper accord with his church, I
traveled to Spa, which was now in
season, alone, to continue my
profession which formerly had the
support of my friend and mentor.
INT. GAMING ROOM - NIGHT
Crowds surround Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was by this time one of the best-
known characters in Europe; and the
fame of my exploits, my duels, my
courage at play, would bring crowds
round me in any public society where
I appeared.
INT. CASINO - NIGHT
Attractive women alone, while men are at the gaming table.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The passion for play is stronger
than the passion for gallantry; the
gamester at Spa has neither time to
stop to consider the merits of a
woman, nor the courage to make
sacrifices for her.
EXT. GARDEN IN SPA - DAY
The Countess of Cosgrove walks beside her husband, Sir
William Cosgrove, who is in a wheelchair. They are
accompanied by their young son, Lord Brookside, and two
servants.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In evoking the recollections of
these days, I have nothing but
pleasure. I would if I could say as
much of a lady who will henceforth
play a considerable part in the
drama of my life -- I mean the
Countess of Cosgrove, whose fatal
acquaintance I made at Spa, very
soon after the tragic events which
caused me to quit Germany.
Closer shot of the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Victoria, Countess of Cosgrove. A
Countess and a Viscountess in her
own right.
Closer shot of Sir William Cosgrove.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She was the wife of her cousin, the
Right Honorable Sir William Reginald
Cosgrove, Knight of the Bath, and
Minister to George II and George III
of several of the smaller courts of
Europe.
Closer shot of young Lord Brookside, walking behind them
in the care of his governor.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She was the mother to Viscount
Brookside -- a melancholy, deserted,
little boy, about whom his father
was more than indifferent, and whom
his mother never saw.
INT. GAMING ROOM - NIGHT
Shots of Sir William Cosgrove being wheeled in, and at
play with Roderick, and some other gentlemen.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I made Sir William Cosgrove's
acquaintance as usual at the play-
table. One could not but admire the
spirit and gallantry with which he
pursued his favorite pastime; for,
though worn out with gout and a
myriad of diseases, a cripple
wheeled about in a chair, and
suffering pangs of agony, yet you
would see him every morning, and
every evening at his post behind the
delightful green cloth.
SIR WILLIAM
Hang it, Mr. Roderick James, you
have no more manners than a barber,
and I think my black footman has
been better educated than you; but
you are a young fellow of
originality and pluck, and I like
you, sir. because you seem
determined to go to the devil by a
way of your own.
Laughter at the table.
RODERICK
I am obliged to observe, Sir William
Cosgrove, that since you are bound
for the next world much sooner than
I am, I will depend on you to get
comfortable quarters arranged for
me.
Laughter.
SIR WILLIAM
Indeed, you are right, sir. Look at
me. Marriage has added forty years
to my life. I am dying, a worn-out
cripple, at the age of fifty. When
I took off Lady Cosgrove, there was
no man of my years who looked so
young as myself. Fool that I was!
I had enough with my pensions,
perfect freedom, the best society in
Europe -- and I gave up all these,
and married and was miserable. Take
a warning from me, Mr. Roderick, and
stick to the trumps. Do anything,
but marry.
RODERICK
Would you have me spend my life all
alone?
SIR WILLIAM
In truth, sir, yes, but, if you must
marry, then marry a virtuous drudge.
RODERICK
(laughing)
The milkmaid's daughter?
SIR WILLIAM
Well, why not a milkmaid's daughter?
No man of sense need restrict
himself or deny himself a single
amusement for his wife's sake; on
the contrary, if he selects the
animal properly, he will choose such
a one as shall be no bar to his
pleasure, but a comfort in his hours
of annoyance. For instance, I have
got the gout; who tends me? A hired
valet who robs me whenever he has
the power. My wife never comes near
me. What friend have I? None in
the wide world. Men of the world,
as you and I are, don't make
friends, and we are fools for our
pains.
Polite laughter at the table.
SIR WILLIAM
My lady is a weak woman, but she is
my mistress. She is a fool, but she
has got the better of one of the
best heads in Christendom. She is
enormously rich, but somehow I have
never been so poor, as since I
married her. I thought to better
myself, and she has made me
miserable and killed me, and she
will do as much for my successor
when I'm gone.
There is a reflective silence at the table.
RODERICK
Has her ladyship a very large
income?
This question causes Sir William to burst out into a
yelling laugh, joined by the rest of the table, and makes
Roderick blush not a little at his gaucherie.
EXT. ORNAMENTAL GARDEN - SPA - NIGHT
A beautiful scene, lit by the flambeaux, held by a dozen
footmen. A small orchestra, playing in a Temple of Love,
some dancers, people gambling and lounging along a line of
trees.
Roderick approaches the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Despite my friend's strong warning.
I resolves to become acquainted with
his lady. Sir William Cosgrove was
dying. His widow would be a rich
prize. Why should I not win her,
and, with her, the means of making
in the world that figure which my
genius and inclination desired?
When I determine, I look upon the
thing as done.
RODERICK
Charming lady, tell me the truth and
earn my gratitude. Have you a
lover?
The countess laughs.
COUNTESS
No.
RODERICK
Have you had one?
COUNTESS
Never.
RODERICK
But, for a time... a passing fancy?
COUNTESS
Not even that.
RODERICK
How can I believe that there is not
a man who has inspired desires in
you?
COUNTESS
Not one.
RODERICK
Have you not a man whom you value?
COUNTESS
That man has, perhaps, not yet been
born.
RODERICK
What! You have not met a man worthy
of your attention?
COUNTESS
Many worthy of attention; but
valuing is something more. I could
value only someone whom I loved.
RODERICK
Then you have never loved? Your
heart is empty.
COUNTESS
Your word "empty" makes me laugh.
Is it fortunate, or unfortunate? If
it is fortunate, I congratulate
myself. If it is unfortunate, I do
not care, for I am not aware of it.
RODERICK
It is nonetheless a misfortune, and
you will know it when you love.
COUNTESS
But if, when I love, I am unhappy, I
will know that my empty heart was my
good fortune.
RODERICK
That is true, but it seems to me
impossible that you should be
unhappy in love.
COUNTESS
It is only too possible. Love
requires a mutual harmony which is
difficult, and it is even more
difficult to make it last.
RODERICK
I agree; but God put us on earth to
take that risk.
COUNTESS
A man may need to do that, and find
it amusing; but a girl is bound by
other laws.
RODERICK
I believe you, and I see I must
hasten to leave, for otherwise I
shall become the unhappiest of men.
COUNTESS
How so?
RODERICK
By loving you, with no hope of
possessing you.
She laughs.
COUNTESS
You want my heart?
RODERICK
It is my only object.
COUNTESS
To make me wretched in two weeks.
RODERICK
To love you until death. To
subscribe to all your commands.
COUNTESS
The amusing thing is that you
deceive me without knowing, if it is
true that you love me.
RODERICK
Deceiving someone without knowing it
is something new for me. If I do
not know it, I am innocent.
COUNTESS
But you deceive me nonetheless if I
believe you, for it will not be in
your power to love me when you love
me no longer.
Roderick laughs and kisses her.
COUNTESS
Be so good as to tell me with whom
you think you are?
RODERICK
With a woman who is completely
charming, be she a princess or a
woman of the lowest condition, and
who, regardless of her rank, will
show me some kindness, tonight.
She laughs.
COUNTESS
And if she does not choose to show
you some kindness?
RODERICK
Then I will respectfully take leave
of her.
COUNTESS
You will do as you please. It seems
to me that such a matter can hardly
be discussed until after people know
each other. Do you not agree?
RODERICK
Yes -- but I am afraid of being
deceived.
COUNTESS
Poor man. And, for that reason, you
want to begin where people end?
RODERICK
I ask only a payment on account
today -- after that, you will find
me undemanding, obedient and
discreet.
She laughs. He kisses her again. They exit.
EXT. ROAD - SPA - NIGHT
Coach and four moves slowly along.
INT. COACH - NIGHT
They kiss. She gently struggles as he tries to undo her
dress. He stops.
RODERICK
Will we always leave it at this?
COUNTESS
Always, my dear one, never any
further. Love is a child to be
pacified with trifles. A full diet
can only kill it.
RODERICK
I know better than you do. Love
wants a more substantial fare, and
if it is stubbornly withheld, it
withers away.
COUNTESS
Our abstinence makes our love
immortal. If I loved you a quarter
of an hour ago, now I should love
you even more. But I should love
you less if you exhausted my joy by
satisfying all my desires.
RODERICK
Let us give each other complete
happiness, and let us be sure that
as many times as we satisfy our
desires, they will each time be born
anew.
COUNTESS
My husband has convinced me of the
contrary.
RODERICK
Sir William Cosgrove is a man who is
dying, and yet I envy him more than
any man in Christendom. He enjoys a
privilege of which I am deprived.
He may take you in his arms whenever
he pleases, and no veil keeps his
senses, his eyes, his soul from
enjoying your beauty.
She silences him with her fingertips.
COUNTESS
Shall I tell you something -- I
believed what was called love came
after the union -- and I was
surprised when my husband, making me
a woman, made me know it only by
pain, unaccompanied by any pleasure.
I saw that my imaginings had stood
me in better stead. And so we
became only friends, seldom sleeping
together and arousing no curiosity
in each other, yet on good terms for
a while, as whenever he wanted me, I
was at his service, but since the
offering was not seasoned with love,
he found it tasteless, and seldom
demanded it.
RODERICK
O, my dearest love. Enough! I beg
you. Stop believing in your
experience. You have never known
love. My very soul is leaving me!
Catch it on your lips, and give me
yours!
They kiss ardently.
RODERICK (V.O.)
To make a long story short, her
ladyship and I were in love six
hours after we met; and after I once
got into her ladyship's good graces,
I found innumerable occasions to
improve my intimacy, and was
scarcely ever out of her company.
EXT. COUNTESS' HOUSE - SPA - DUSK
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I shall never forget the
astonishment of Sir William Cosgrove
when, on one summer evening, as he
was issuing out to the play-table,
in his sedan-chair, her ladyship's
barouche and four came driving into
the courtyard of the house which
they inhabited and, in that
carriage, by her ladyship's side,
sat no other than "the vulgar Irish
adventurer," as she was pleased to
call me.
Sir William makes the most courtly of bows and grins, and
waves his hat in as graceful a manner as his multiplicity
of illness permits, and her ladyship and Roderick reply to
the salutation with the utmost politeness and elegance on
their part.
INT. RODERICK'S APARTMENT - SPA - NIGHT
Making ardent love.
COUNTESS
Without you, my dearest, I might
have died without ever knowing love.
Inexpressible love! God of nature!
Bitterness than which nothing is
sweeter, sweetness than which
nothing is more bitter. Divine
monster which can only be defined by
paradoxes.
RODERICK
Let me give a thousand kisses to
that heavenly mouth which has told
me that I am happy.
COUNTESS
As soon as I saw you loved me, I was
pleased, and I gave you every
opportunity to fall more in love
with me, being certain that, for my
part, I would never love you. But
after our first kiss, I found that I
had no power over myself. I did not
know that one kiss could matter so
much.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We then spent an hour in the most
eloquent silence except that, from
time to time, her ladyship cried
out: "Oh, my God. Is it true -- I
am not dreaming?"
INT. GAMING ROOM - NIGHT
Roderick enters and approaches a table at which Sir
William Cosgrove, who is drunk, is at play with several
other jovial fellows.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Sir William Cosgrove, with his
complication of ills, was dying
before us by inches. He was
continually tinkered up by doctors,
and, what with my usual luck, he
might be restored to health and live
I don't know how many years. If
Cosgrove would not die, where was
the use of my pursing his lady? But
my fears were to prove groundless,
for on that very night, patient
nature would claim her account.
SIR WILLIAM
Good evening, Mr. James, have you
done with my lady?
RODERICK
I beg your pardon?
SIR WILLIAM
Come, come, sir. I am a man who
would rather be known as a cuckold
than a fool.
RODERICK
I think, Sir William Cosgrove, you
have had too much drink. Your
chaplin, Mr. Hunt, has introduced me
into the company of your lady to
advise me on a religious matter, of
which she is a considerable expert.
Sir William Cosgrove greets this line with a yell of
laughter. His laugh is not jovial or agreeable, but
rather painful and sardonic, and ends in a violent fit of
coughing.
SIR WILLIAM
Gentlemen, see this amiable youth!
He has been troubled by religious
scruples, and has flown for refuge
to my chaplin, Mr. Hunt, who has
asked for advise from my wife, Lady
Cosgrove, and between them both,
they are confirming my ingenious
young friend in his faith. Did you
ever hear of such doctors and such a
disciple?
RODERICK
Faith, sir, if I want to learn good
principles, it's surely better I
should apply for them to your lady,
and your chaplin than to you?
SIR WILLIAM
(laughing, but pretty
red)
He wants to step into my shoes! He
wants to step into my shoes!
Roderick stares at him coldly.
RODERICK
Well, if my intentions are what you
think they are -- if I do wish to
step into your shoes, what then? I
have no other intentions than you
had yourself. Lady Cosgrove's
wealth may be great, but am I not of
a generous nature enough to use it
worthily? Her rank is lofty, but
not so lofty as my ambition. I will
be sworn to muster just as much
regard for my Lady Cosgrove as you
ever showed her; and if I win her,
and wear her when you are dead and
gone, corbleu, knight, do you think
that it will be the fear of your
ghost will deter me?
SIR WILLIAM
Is it not a pleasure, gentlemen, for
me, as I am drawing near the goal,
to find my home such a happy one; my
wife so fond of me, that she is even
now thinking of appointing a
successor? Isn't it a comfort to
see her; like a prudent housewife,
getting everything ready for her
husband's departure?
RODERICK
I hope that you are not thinking of
leaving us soon, knight?
SIR WILLIAM
Not so soon, my dear, as you may
fancy perhaps. Why, man, I have
been given over many times these
four years, and there was always a
candidate or two waiting to apply
for the situation. Who knows how
long I may keep you waiting.
RODERICK
Sir, let those laugh that win.
SIR WILLIAM
I am sorry for you Mr. James. I'm
grieved to keep you or any gentleman
waiting. Had you not better to
arrange with my doctor or get the
cook to flavor my omelette with
arsenic? What are the odds,
gentlemen, that I don't live to see
Mr. James hang yet?
There is laughter around the table, and Sir William starts
dealing the cards.
VOICE
Dies at Spa, in the Kingdom of
Belgium, the Right Honorable Sir
William Cosgrove, Knight of the
Bath, Member of Parliament for
Cosgrove and Devonshire and many
years His Majesty's representative
at various European courts. He hath
left behind him a name which is
endeared to all his friends for his
manifold virtues and talents, a
reputation justly acquired in the
service of His Majesty, and an
inconsolable widow to deplore his
loss.
Sir Williams keels over dead.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
The wedding of Roderick and the Countess. The service is
preformed by Reverend Hunt, her ladyship's chaplain.
RODERICK (V.O.)
A year from that day, on the
fifteenth of May, in the year 1773,
I had the honor and happiness to
lead to the altar Victoria, Countess
of Cosgrove, widow of the late Right
Honorable Sir William Cosgrove, K.B.
I had procured His Majesty's
gracious permission to add the name
of my lovely lady to my own, and,
henceforward, assumed the title of
James Cosgrove.
EXT. A GARDEN - LONDON - DAY
The Wedding reception.
Roderick and the Countess are approached by young Lord
Brookside, aged 12.
COUNTESS
My Lord Brookside, come and embrace
your papa!
Brookside walks slowly towards them, and shakes his fist
in Roderick's face.
BROOKSIDE
He, my father! I would as soon call
one of your ladyship's footmen,
papa!
Roderick laughs, as the Countess unsuccessfully tries to
get the boy to shake hands.
COUNTESS
Lord Brookside, you have offended
your father.
BROOKSIDE
Mother, you have offended my father.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was a declaration of war to me,
as I saw at once; though I declare I
was willing enough to have lived
with him on terms of friendliness.
But as men serve me, I serve them.
Who can blame me for my after-
quarrels with this young reprobate,
or lay upon my shoulders the evils
which afterwards befell?
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Three carriages, each with four horses, proceed along the
picturesque track.
RODERICK (V.O.)
After we had received the
congratulations of our friends in
London -- I and Victoria set off to
visit our country estate, Castle
Hackton, where I had never as yet
set foot.
INT. CARRIAGE - DAY
Roderick and his Lady.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The first days of a marriage are
commonly very trying; and I have
known couples, who lived together
like turtle-doves for the rest of
their lives, peck each other's eyes
out almost during the honeymoon. I
did not escape the common lot. In
our journey westwards, my Lady
Cosgrove chose to quarrel with me
because I had pulled out a pipe of
tobacco. Lady Cosgrove was a
haughty woman, and I hate pride, and
I promise you that, in this instant,
I overcame this vice in her.
Roderick blows smoke into the Countess' face. She is
shocked into an apprehensive silence.
INT. COACH - DAY
Young Lord Brookside with his governor, glowering and
petulant. A parrot, in a cage, on his lap.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
As the carriages drive past, there is a band, floral
arches, flags, church bells ringing. The parson and the
farmers assemble in their best by the roadside, and the
school-children and the laboring people are loud in their
"hurrahs" for her ladyship.
Roderick flings pennies among the cheering tenants, from
two bags of coppers, stored in the carriage for the
occasion.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Fifty, or so, servants have turned out to greet their
mistress, and their new master. The land steward, who is
the senior servant, introduces the others -- the clerk of
the kitchen, clerk of the stables, head gardener, ladies
in waiting, butler, valet, chef, cook.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had not arrived at the pitch of
prosperity, and having, at thirty
years of age, by my own merits and
energy, raised myself to one of the
highest social positions that any
man in England could occupy, I
determined to enjoy myself as
becomes a man of quality for the
remainder of my life.
INT. STABLES - DAY
Roderick and his beautiful horses.
EXT. A STREAM - DAY
Roderick and some companions fishing.
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
Roderick and his friends riding.
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
Roderick and friends shooting.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Roderick having his portrait painted by a miniaturist.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But it was not meant for me to
finish my life as a man of quality
and position. Indeed, I am one of
those born clever enough at gaining
a fortune, but incapable of keeping
one; for the qualities and energy,
which lead a man to accept the
first, are often the very causes of
his ruin in the latter case; indeed,
I know of no other reason for the
misfortunes which finally befell me.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - COUNTESS' BEDROOM - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
At the end of the year, Lady
Cosgrove presented me with a son;
Patrick Cosgrove, I called him, in
compliment to my royal ancestry, but
what more had I to leave him than a
noble name?
EXT. COSGROVE HOUSE - LONDON - DAY
Two coaches pull up, and the Countess and Roderick exit.
Servants remove their luggage and baby Patrick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We spent the season in London at our
house in Berkeley Square.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
The Countess alone and depressed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Her ladyship and I lived, for a
while, pretty separate when in
London. She preferred quiet, or, to
say the truth, I preferred it, being
a great friend to a modest, tranquil
behavior in woman and a taste for
the domestic pleasures.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - LONDON - DAY
Several cuts of the Countess, caring for the infant,
Patrick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Besides, she was a mother, and had
great comfort in the dressing,
educating, and dandling of our
little Patrick for whose sake it was
fit that she should give up the
pleasures and frivolities of the
world; so she left that part of the
duty of every family of distinction
to be performed by me.
INT. THEATER LOBBY - NIGHT
Roderick arriving with a party of friends, escorting a
beautiful woman.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - LONDON - DAY
Countess crying and having an argument with Roderick.
Live dialogue under voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Her ladyship's conversations with me
were characterized by a stupid
despair, or a silly blundering
attempt at forced cheerfulness,
still more disagreeable; hence, our
intercourse was but trifling, and my
temptations to carry her into the
world or to remain in her society of
necessity exceedingly small.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - DRAWING ROOM - LONDON - NIGHT
A drunken Roderick rudely demands his lady to entertain
their guests. She rushes from the room in tears.
Dialogue starts scene, goes under for voice over, then
ends scene.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She would try my temper, at home,
too, in a thousand ways. When
requested by me to entertain the
company with conversation, wit, and
learning, of which she was a
mistress; or music, of which she was
an accomplished performer, she
would, as often as not, begin to
cry, and leave the room. My company
from this, of course, fancied I was
a tyrant over her; whereas, I was
only a severe and careful guardian
of a silly, bad-tempered and weak-
minded lady.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Roderick strolling arm-in-arm with his Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Despite the utter distaste with
which I now regarded Lady Cosgrove,
and, although I took no particular
pains to disguise my feelings in
general, yet she was of such a mean
spirit that she pursued me with her
regard, and would kindle up at the
smallest kind word I spoke to her.
INT. COSGROVE STUDY - DAY
Roderick and accountant. Her ladyship is signing various
documents, and orders for payment.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And, in these fits of love, she was
the most easy creature in the world
to be persuaded, and would have
signed away her whole property, had
it been possible. And, I must
confess, it was with very little
attention on my part that I could
bring her into good humor, and, up
to the very last day of our being
together, would be reconciled to me,
and fondle me, if I addressed her a
single kind word. Such is female
inconsistency.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - DAY
Roderick and the Countess fighting about her refusal to
sign some papers. Live dialogue under voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She was luckily very fond of her
youngest son, and through him I had
a wholesome and effectual hold on
her; for if in any of her tantrums
or fits of haughtiness, she
pretended to have the upper-hand, to
assert her authority against mine,
to refuse to sign such papers as I
might think necessary for the
distribution of our large and
complicated property.
Roderick picks up baby Patrick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I would have Master Patrick carried
off to Chiswick for a couple of
days; and I warrant me his lady-
mother could hold out no longer and
would agree to anything I proposed.
The Countess rushes to the window to see the child being
put into a carriage.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - DAY
Another quarrel.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Lady Cosgrove and I did not quarrel
more than fashionable people do, and,
for the first three years, I never
struck my wife but when I was in
liquor.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - DAY
Roderick throws a knife at young Brookside. The knife
digs into an expensive antique chest, just missing the
young Brookside's head.
RODERICK (V.O.)
When I flung the carving-knife at
Brookside, I was drunk, as
everybody present can testify, but
as for having any systematic scheme
against the poor lad, I can declare
solemnly that, beyond merely hating
him, I am guilty of no evil towards
him.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - DAY
The Countess discovers Roderick making love to the child's
nurse.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Do what one would to please her, my
lady would never be happy or in good
humor. And soon she added a mean,
detestable jealousy to all her other
faults, and would weep and wring her
hands, and threaten to commit
suicide, and I know not what.
She screams and shouts something about suicide.
Her son, Brookside, comes running in and consoles her.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Her death would have been no comfort
to me, as I leave any person of
common prudence to imagine; for that
scoundrel of a young Brookside who
was about to become my greatest
plague and annoyance, would have
inherited every penny of the
property.
INT. COSGROVE HOUSE - LONDON - RODERICK'S STUDY - DAY
Roderick, bored and distracted, sits before a stack of
bills and papers, with his accountant.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Humble people envy us great men, and
fancy that our lives are all
pleasure. But the troubles of
poverty, the rascality of agents,
the quibbles of lawyers are endless.
My life at this period seemed to
consist of nothing but drafts of
letters and money-brokers relative
to the raising of money, and the
insuring of Lady Cosgrove's life,
and innumerable correspondence with
upholsterers, decorators, cooks,
horsekeepers, bailiffs, and
stewards.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDENS - DAY
Various cuts.
Birthday fete for Patrick who is now five years old.
Gaily colored tents, ponies, a puppet show, expensive
presents.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My own dear boy, Patrick, was now
five years old, and was the most
polite and engaging child ever seen;
it was a pleasure to treat him with
kindness and distinction; the little
fellow was the pink of fashion,
beauty, and good breeding. In fact,
he could not have been otherwise,
with the care both his parents
bestowed upon him, and the
attentions which were lavished upon
him in every way.
Brookside and Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Whereas, young Brookside had grown
to be a very nasty and disrespectful
fellow indeed. In my company, he
preserved the most rigid silence,
and a haughty, scornful demeanor,
which was so much the more
disagreeable because there was
nothing in his behavior I could
actually take hold of to find fault
with, although his whole conduct was
insolent and supercilious to the
highest degree.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - LIBRARY - DAY
Brookside sitting alone reading a book.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In addition to this, the lad was
fond of spending the chief part of
his time occupied with the musty old
books, which he took out of the
library, and which I hate to see a
young man of spirit pouring over.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Brookside and the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The insubordination of that boy was
dreadful. He used to quote passages
of "Hamlet" to his mother, which
made her very angry.
Brookside quoting "Hamlet."
The Countess begins to cry and leaves the room.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - RODERICK'S STUDY
Roderick caning young Brookside.
RODERICK (V.O.)
As it is best to nip vice in the
bud, and for a master of a family to
exercise his authority in such a
manner as that there may be no
question about it, I took every
opportunity of coming to close
quarters with Master Brookside.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Many guests around the table.
RODERICK (V.O.)
He always chose the days when
company, or the clergy, or gentry of
the neighborhood were present, to
make violent, sarcastic, and
insolent speeches.
Brookside begins to fondle and caress Patrick.
BROOKSIDE
Dear child, what a pity it is I am
not dead for your sake! The
Cosgroves would then have a worthy
representative, and enjoy all the
benefits of the illustrious blood of
the James' of Duganstown, would they
not, Mr. James Cosgrove?
INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - NIGHT
Roderick caning Brookside again. The boy bears the
punishment without crying.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Roderick's reunion with his mother.
Present are the Countess, Patrick, Lord Brookside and
others.
Mrs. James flings herself into her son's arms with a
scream, and with transports of joy, which can only be
comprehended by women who have held, in their arms, an
only child, after a twelve-year absence from him.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Roderick and mother feeding Patrick.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDEN - DAY
Roderick and mother playing with Patrick in the garden.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Mother at dinner with the family, in a strained
atmosphere.
INT. PATRICK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Roderick and his mother talk in whispers near the bed of
the sleeping Patrick.
MOTHER
Ah, Roderick, it's a blessing to see
that my darling boy has attained a
position I always knew was his due,
and for which I pinched myself to
educate him. Little Patrick is a
darling boy, and you live in great
splendor, but how long will it last?
Your lady-wife knows she has a
treasure she couldn't have had, had
she taken a duke to marry her, but
if, one day, she should tire of my
wild Roderick and his old-fashioned
Irish ways, or if she should die,
what future would there be for my
son and grandson?
INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - CASTLE HACKTON - NIGHT
Roderick and his mother.
MOTHER
You have not a penny of your own,
and cannot transact any business
without the Countess' signature.
Upon her death, the entire estate
would go to young Brookside, who
bears you little affection. You
could be penniless tomorrow, and
darling Patrick at the mercy of his
stepbrother.
INT. MOTHER'S ROOM - CASTLE HACKTON - NIGHT
Roderick and his mother.
MOTHER
I shall tell you a secret -- I shall
not rest until I see you Earl of
Duganstown, and my grandson, a Lord
Viscount.
She smooths down Roderick's hair.
MOTHER
This head would become a coronet.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDEN - DAY
Roderick and Mother slowly walking and talking. Young
Patrick, ahead of them sitting in a small cart, pulled by
a lamb.
MOTHER
These things entail considerable
expense, and you will need your
lady's blessing, but the young boy
forms the great bond of union
between you and her ladyship, and
there is no plan of ambition you
could propose in which she would not
join for the poor lad's benefit, and
no expense she will not eagerly
incur, if it might be any means be
shown to tend to his advancement.
You have important friends, and they
can tell you how these things are
done.
INT. LONDON GAMING ROOM - NIGHT
Standing away from the play tables, Roderick chats with
Lord West, a fat giant of a man.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And, to be sure, I did know someone
who knew precisely how these things
were done, and this was the
distinguished solicitor and former
Government Minister, Lord West,
whose acquaintance I made, as I had
so many others, at the gaming table.
LORD WEST
Do you happen to know Gustavus
Adolphus, the thirteenth Earl of
Crabs?
RODERICK
By name only.
LORD WEST
Well, sir, this nobleman is one of
the gentlemen of His Majesty's
closet, and one with whom our
revered monarch is on terms of
considerable intimacy. I should say
you would be wise to fix upon this
nobleman your chief reliance for the
advancement of your claim to the
Viscounty which you propose to get.
INT. LONDON CLUB - DAY
Roderick having lunch with Lord West and the Earl of
Crabs.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And for a five-hundred guinea fee,
paid to his City law-firm, Lord West
kindly arranged a meeting with that
old scamp and swindler, Gustavus
Adolphus, the thirteenth Earl of
Crabs.
EARL OF CRABS
Mr. Cosgrove, when I take up a
person, he or she is safe. There is
no question about them any more. My
friends are the best people. I
don't mean the most virtuous, or,
indeed, the least virtuous, or the
cleverest, or the stupidest, or the
richest, or the best born, but the
"best" -- in a word, people about
whom there is no question. I cannot
promise you how long it will take.
You can appreciate it is not an easy
matter. But any gentlemen with an
estate, and ten-thousand a-year
should have a peerage.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - EARL OF CRABS - DAY
Roderick being introduced to three noblemen, including the
Duke of Rutland.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The striving after this peerage, I
consider to have been one of the
most unlucky dealings at this
period. I made unheard of
sacrifices to bring it about. I can
tell you bribes were administered,
and in high places too -- so near
the royal person of His Majesty that
you would be astonished were I to
mention what great personages
condescended to receive our loans.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
Roderick gives a beautiful diamond to a fat princess on
her birthday. He is applauded by the other guests.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I lavished money here, and diamonds
there.
EXT. FARMLAND - DAY
Roderick and the seller, riding over a prospective
property. A broker shows them a survey map of the
property.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I bought lands at ten times there
value.
INT. SALON - LONDON - NIGHT
A musical evening.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I gave repeated entertainments to
those friends to my claims who,
being about the royal person, were
likely to advance it.
INT. STATELY HOME - DAY
Roderick buying pictures.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I purchased pictures and articles of
vertu at ruinous prices.
EXT. RACES - DAY
Roderick laughing and paying a bet.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I lost many a bet to the royal
dukes, His Majesty's brothers.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Reviewing the company of troops.
Roderick, the Earl of Crabs, the Countess, Patrick and
Brookside, several princes and noblemen and the Duke of
Rutland.
RODERICK (V.O.)
One of the main causes of expense
which this ambition of mine entailed
upon me was the fitting out and
arming of a company of infantry from
the Hackton estates, which I offered
to my gracious sovereign for the
campaign against the American
rebels. These troops, superbly
equipped and clothed, were embarked
at Portsmouth in the year 1778.
INT. ST. JAMES - RECEPTION ROOM - DAY
George III meeting people and stopping to talk to
Roderick. Present also is the Duke of Rutland.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And the patriotism of the gentlemen
who raised them was so acceptable at
court that, on being presented by my
Lord Crabs, His Majesty condescended
to notice me particularly and said:
GEORGE III
That's right, Mr. Cosgrove, raise
another company, and go with them,
too!
INT. COFFEE HOUSE - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
Crabs was really one of the most
entertaining fellows in the world,
and I took a sincere pleasure in his
company, besides the interest and
desire I had in cultivating the
society of the most important
personages of the realm.
Roderick clumsily tries to engage in conversation with the
famed Dr. Johnson, on the subject of a book or play, of
the day, and is rebuffed for his trouble.
JOHNSON
If I were you, Mr. Cosgrove, I
should mind my horses and tailors
and not trouble myself about
letters.
Laughter, Roderick bristles.
RODERICK
Dr. Johnson, I think you misbehave
most grossly, treating my opinions
with no more respect than those of a
schoolboy. You fancy, sir, you know
a great deal more than me, because
you quote your "Aristotle" and
"Plato," but can you tell me which
horse will win at Epsom Downs next
week? Can you shoot the ace of
spades ten times without missing?
If so, talk about Aristotle and
Plato with me.
BOSWELL
(roars)
Do you know who you're speaking to?!
JOHNSON
Hold your tongue, Mr. Boswell, I had
no right to brag of my Greek,
gentlemen, and he has answered me
very well.
RODERICK
(pleased)
Do you know ever a rhyme for
Aristotle?
GOLDSMITH
(laughing)
Port, if you please.
JOHNSON
Waiter, bring on of Captain James'
rhymes for Aristotle.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And we had six rhymes for Aristotle
before we left the coffee house that
evening.
INT. LONDON CLUB - NIGHT
EARL OF CRABS
Henri, this is Mr. James Cosgrove,
who wishes to arrange a dinner party
next week for sixty guests.
HENRI
I am at your service, Mr. Cosgrove.
How much do you wish to spend?
RODERICK
As much as possible.
HENRI
As much as possible?
RODERICK
Yes, for I wish to entertain
splendidly.
HENRI
All the same, you must name an
amount.
RODERICK
It is entirely up to you. I want
the best.
EARL OF CRABS
May I suggest five hundred guineas?
RODERICK
Will that be enough?
HENRI
Last month, the Duke of Suffolk
spent no more.
RODERICK
All right, five hundred guineas.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - RODERICK'S STUDY - DAY
Roderick is seated at a large table, stacked high with
bills and letters; his accountant is seated next to him,
aided by a bookkeeper. Roderick looks at each bill and
his accountant explains the charge.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The life I was leading was that of a
happy man, but I was not happy.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - LONG GALLERY - DAY
Roderick, walking with big strides, leads Brookside by his
ear. Little Patrick runs alongside, pleading for his
brother.
PATRICK
Papa, please don't flog Brookside
today. It wasn't his fault --
really is wasn't.
Roderick ignores him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
By now, young Brookside was of so
wild, savage, and insubordinate a
nature that I never had the least
regard for him. As he grew up to be
a man, his hatred for me assumed an
intensity quite wicked to think of
and which, I promise you, I returned
with interest.
He drags Brookside into his study, slamming the door
behind him.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Roderick alone. Brookside enters with a pistol.
BROOKSIDE
(grinding his teeth)
Look you now, Mister Roderick James,
from this moment on, I will submit
to no further chastisement from you!
Do you understand that?
RODERICK
Give me that pistol.
BROOKSIDE
Take heed, Mister James. I will
shoot you if you lay hands on me
now, or ever again. Is that
entirely clear to you, sir?
Roderick stares hard at him, then he laughs and sits down.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I decided, at once, to give up that
necessary part of his education.
In truth, he then became the most
violent, daring, disobedient,
scapegrace, that ever caused an
affectionate parent pain; he was
certainly the most incorrigible.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - BROOKSIDE'S ROOM - DAY
Brookside smashing a chair over the head of his governor,
Reverend Hunt.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Twice or thrice, Reverend Hunt
attempted to punish my Lord
Brookside; but I promise you the
rogue was too strong for him, and
leveled the Oxford man to the
ground with a chair, greatly to the
delight of little Patrick, who cried
out: "Bravo, Brooksy! Thump him,
thump him!"
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDEN - DAY
Brookside and Patrick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
With the child, Brookside was,
strange to say, pretty tractable.
He took a liking to the little
fellow -- I like him the more, he
said, because he was "half a
Cosgrove."
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - BALLROOM - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
Another day, it was Patrick's
birthday, we were giving a grand
ball and gala at Hackton, and it was
time for my Patrick to make his
appearance among us.
There is a great crowding and tittering as the child comes
in, led by his half-brother, who walks into the dancing-
room in his stockinged feet, leading little Patrick by the
hand, paddling about in the great shoes of the older.
BROOKSIDE
(very loudly)
Don't you think he fits my shoes
very well, Sir Richard Wargrave?
Upon which, the company begins to look at each other and
to titter, and his mother comes up to Lord Brookside with
great dignity, seizes the child to her breast, and says:
COUNTESS
From the manner in which I love this
child, my lord, you ought to know
how I would have loved his elder
brother, had he proved worthy of any
mother's affection.
Brookside is stunned by his mother's words.
BROOKSIDE
Madam, I have borne as long as
mortal could endure the ill-
treatment of the insolent Irish
upstart, whom you have taken into
your bed. It is not only the
lowness of his birth, and the
general brutality of his manners
which disgusts me, but the shameful
nature of his conduct towards your
ladyship, his brutal and
ungentlemanlike behavior, his open
infidelity, his habits of
extravagance, intoxication, his
shameless robberies and swindling of
my property and yours. It is these
insults to you which shock and annoy
me more than the ruffian's infamous
conduct to myself. I would have
stood by your ladyship, as I
promised, but you seem to have taken
latterly your husband's part; and,
as I cannot personally chastise this
low-bred ruffian, who, to our shame
be it spoken, is the husband of my
mother, and as I cannot bear to
witness his treatment of you, and
loathe his horrible society as if it
were the plague, I am determined to
quit my native country, at least
during his detested life, or during
my own.
Bursting into tears, Lady Cosgrove leaves the room.
Roderick loses control, and rushes at Brookside, knocking
down Lords, Dukes and Generals, left and right, who try to
interfere.
The company is scandalizes by the entire incident.
INT. LONDON CLUB - NIGHT
Action as per voice over. Roderick is shunned.
RODERICK (V.O.)
If I had murdered my lord, I could
scarcely have been received with
more shameful obloquy and slander
than now followed me in town and
country. My friends fell away from
me, and a legend arose of my cruelty
to my stepson.
INT. ST. JAMES - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
My reception at court was scarcely
more cordial. On paying my respects
to my sovereign at St. James, His
Majesty pointedly asked me when I
had news of Lord Brookside. On
which I replied, with no ordinary
presence of mind:
RODERICK
Sire, my Lord Brookside has set sail
to fight the rebels against Your
Majesty's crown in America. Does
Your Majesty desire that I should
send another company to aid him?
The King stares at Roderick, turns on his heel and quickly
leaves the presence-chamber.
Roderick is approached by the Duke of Rutland, who takes
him aside into an alcove.
DUKE OF RUTLAND
(speaking very
quietly)
Let me tell you, sir, that your
conduct has been very odiously
represented to the King, and has
formed the subject of royal comment.
The King has said, influenced by
these representations, that you are
the most disreputable man in the
three kingdoms, and a dishonor to
your name and country.
Roderick begins to sputter.
DUKE OF RUTLAND
Hear me out, please. It has been
intimated to His Majesty that you
had raised the American Company for
the sole purpose of getting the
young Viscount to command it, and so
get rid of him. And, further, that
you had paid the very man in the
company, who was ordered to dispatch
him in the first general action.
RODERICK
Thus it is that my loyalty is
rewarded, and my sacrifices in favor
of my country viewed!
DUKE OF RUTLAND
As for your ambitious hopes
regarding the Irish peerages, His
Majesty has also let it be known
that you have been led astray by
that Lord Crabs, who likes to take
money, but who has no more influence
to get a coronet than to procure a
Pope's tiara. And, if you have it
in mind to call upon Lord Crabs, you
will be disappointed. He left for
the continent on Tuesday, and may be
away for several months.
INT. LORD WEST'S OFFICE - DAY
Roderick and Lord West.
RODERICK
I insist upon being allowed to
appear before His Majesty and clear
myself of the imputations against
me, to point out my services to the
government, and to ask when the
reward, that had been promised me,
the title held by my ancestors, is
again to be revived in my person.
There is a sleepy coolness in the fat Lord West. He hears
Roderick with half-shut eyes. When he finishes his
violent speech, which he has made striding about the room,
Lord West opens one eye, smiles, and says:
LORD WEST
(gently)
Have you done, Mr. Cosgrove?
RODERICK
Yes!
LORD WEST
Well, Mr. Cosgrove, I'll answer you
point by point. The King is
exceedingly averse to make peers, as
you know. Your claim, as you call
them, have been laid before him, and
His Majesty's gracious reply was,
that you were the most impudent man
in his dominions, and merited a
halter, rather than a coronet. As
for withdrawing your support from
us, you are perfectly welcome to
carry yourself whithersoever you
please. And, now, as I have a great
deal of occupation, perhaps you will
do me the favor to retire, or tell
me if there is anything else in the
world in which I can oblige you.
So saying, Lord West raises his hand lazily to the bell,
and bows Roderick out.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - RODERICK'S STUDY - DAY
Roderick and his accountant going over the bills which he
has heaped on the table.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The news of His Majesty's disregard
were not long in getting around,
and, in a very short time, all the
bills came down upon me together --
all the bills I had been contracting
for the years of my marriage. I
won't cite their amount; it was
frightful. I was bound up in an
inextricable toil of bills and
debts, or mortgages and insurances,
and all the horrible evils attendant
upon them.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GROUNDS - DAY
Roderick walking alone.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Was it my own want of style, or my
want of a fortune? I know not. Now
I was arrived at the height of my
ambition, but both my skill and my
luck seemed to be deserting me.
Everything I touched, crumbled in my
hands; every speculation I had,
failed; every agent I trusted,
deceived me. My income was saddled
with hundreds of annuities, and
thousands of lawyers' charges, and I
felt the net drawing closer and
closer around me, and no means to
extricate myself from its toils.
All my schemes had turned out
failures.
INT. LONDON GAMING CLUB - NIGHT
Roderick at the gaming table.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My wife's moody despondency made my
house and home not over-pleasant;
hence, I was driven a good deal
abroad, where as play was the
fashion in every club, tavern, and
assembly, I, of course, was obliged
to resume my old habit, and to
commence as an amateur those games
at which I was once unrivaled in
Europe.
Roderick loses a large amount of money.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had a run of ill-luck at play, and
was forced to meet my losses by the
most shameful sacrifices to the
money-lenders, and was compelled to
borrow largely upon my wife's
annuities, ensuring her ladyship's
life, which was the condition for
every loan against her property.
INT. LONDON OFFICE - INSURANCE BROKER - DAY
Roderick and the broker.
BROKER
Your wife's life is as well known
among the insurance societies in
London, as any woman in Christendom,
and, I'm sorry to say there is not
one of them willing to place another
policy against her ladyship's life.
One of them even had the impudence
to suggest that your treatment of
the Countess did not render her life
worth a year's purchase.
EXT. STUD FARM - DAY
Roderick buying a horse.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In the midst of my difficulties, I
promised to buy a little horse for
my dear little Patrick, which was to
be a present for his eighth
birthday, that was now coming on. I
may have had my faults, but no man
shall dare to say of me that I was
not a good and tender father.
Roderick admires the horse.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was a beautiful little animal,
and stood me in a good sum. I never
regarded money for that dear child.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The horse kicks off one of the horse-boys who tries to
ride him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But the horse was a bit wild, and he
kicked off one of the horse-boys who
rode him at first, and broke the
lad's leg.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Roderick riding the horse. The horse-boy lies in the back
of a wagon.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But he was a beautiful animal and
would make a fine horse for Patrick
after he had a bit of breaking-in.
EXT. ROAD - NEAR CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Roderick dismounts and gives the horse to one of the
horse-boys.
RODERICK
Timmy, take the injured lad to see
the doctor, and then bring the horse
to Doolan's farm, and tell him to
break him in thoroughly. Tell him
it's for little Patrick, and that
I'll be over to see him next week.
HORSE-BOY
Yes, sir.
RODERICK
One more thing, and listen well, I
don't want little Patrick to know
where the horse is being kept. It's
going to be surprise for his
birthday.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Patrick rushes out to greet his father.
PATRICK
Hello, papa!
Roderick picks him up in his arms, and kisses him.
PATRICK
Did you buy the horse, papa?
RODERICK
Now, just have a little patience, my
boy. Your birthday isn't until next
week.
PATRICK
But I will have it on my birthday,
won't I?
RODERICK
Well, we'll just have to wait and
see, won't we?
He walks up the steps holding Patrick, who hugs and kisses
him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My son, little Patrick Cosgrove, was
a prince; his breeding and manners,
even at his early age, showed him to
be worthy of the two noble families
from whom he was descended, and I
don't know what high hopes I had for
the boy, and indulged in a thousand
fond anticipations as to his future
success and figure in the world, but
stern Fate had determined that I
should leave none of my race behind
me.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Roderick is drunk. Patrick is brought in by his governor,
Hunt, to say good night. His kisses his mother first,
then approaches Roderick.
PATRICK
(kissing him)
Good night, papa.
RODERICK
Good night, my little darling.
PATRICK
Papa?
RODERICK
Yes?
PATRICK
One of the boys in the stable told
Nelly that you've already bought my
horse, and that it's at Doolan's
farm, where Mick the groom is
breaking it in. Is that true, papa?
RODERICK
(angered)
What the devil? What kind of fools
do we have here? Pottle, who told
the lad this story?
HUNT
I don't know, sir.
PATRICK
Then it's true! It's true! Oh,
thank you, papa! Thank you!
He hugs his father.
COUNTESS
Promise me, Patrick, that you will
not ride the horse except in the
company of your father.
PATRICK
(unconvincingly)
I promise, mama.
RODERICK
I promise your lordship a good
flogging if you even so much as go
to Doolan's farm to see him.
PATRICK
Yes, papa.
INT. RODERICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick is awakened by his valet and Hunt, the governor.
RODERICK
Yes...?
VALET
I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but
Mr. Hunt has something important to
tell you.
RODERICK
Yes?
HUNT
I think Master Patrick has disobeyed
your orders and stolen off to
Doolan's farm. When I went to the
lad's room this morning, his bed was
empty. One of the cooks said she
saw him go away before daybreak. He
must have slipped through my room
while I was asleep.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - STABLES - DAY
Roderick, in a rage, taking a great horse-whip, gallops
off after the child.
EXT. ROAD - CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Roderick comes upon a sad procession of farmers, moaning
and howling, the black horse led by the hand, and, on a
door that some of them carry, little Patrick. He lies in
his little boots and spurs, and his little coat of scarlet
and gold. His face is quite white, and he smiles as he
holds a hand out to Roderick and says painfully:
PATRICK
You won't whip me, will you, papa?
Roderick bursts out into tears in reply.
INT. PATRICK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Some doctors around the bed, Roderick and the Countess
anxiously waiting upon them.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The doctors were called, but what
does a doctor avail in a contest
with the grim, invincible enemy?
Such as came could only confirm our
despair by their account of the poor
child's case. His spine was
injured, the lower half of him was
dead when they laid him in bed at
home. The rest did not last long,
God help me! He remained yet for
two days with us, and a sad comfort
it was to think he was in no pain.
INT. PATRICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick, Countess and Patrick.
PATRICK
(weakly)
Papa, I beg you and mama to pardon
me for any acts of disobedience I
have been guilty of towards you.
COUNTESS
(weeping)
Oh, my little angel, you have done
nothing for which you need pardon.
PATRICK
Where is Brooksy? I would like to
see him.
RODERICK
Your bother is in America fighting
the rebels.
PATRICK
Is he all right, papa?
RODERICK
Yes, he's fine.
PATRICK
Brooksy was better than you, papa,
he used not to swear so, and he
taught me many good things while you
were away.
Patrick takes a hand of his mother and of Roderick, in
each of his little clammy ones.
PATRICK
I beg you not to quarrel so, but to
love each other, so that we might
meet again in heaven where Brooksy
told me quarrelsome people never go.
His mother is much affected by these admonitions, and
Roderick is too.
Patrick gives Roderick a ring from his finger, and a
locket to his mother.
He says that these gifts are so that they will not forget
him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At last, after two days, he died.
There he lay, the hope of my family,
the pride of my manhood, the link
which kept me and my Lady Cosgrove
together.
EXT. CHURCH - GRAVEYARD - DAY
Funeral.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I won't tell you with what splendor
we buried him, but what avail are
undertakers' feathers and heralds'
trumpery.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - STABLE - DAY
Roderick enters the stable and, after a few seconds, we
hear a pistol shot. He exits rapidly, the smoking pistol
still in his hand.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - VARIOUS - DAY AND NIGHT
The Countess: Praying. Waking up screaming. Fits of
crying. Severely depressed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Lady Cosgrove, always vaporish and
nervous, after our blessed boy's
catastrophe, became more agitated
than ever, and plunged into devotion
with so much fervor that you would
have fancied her almost distracted
at times.
Countess sees visions.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She imagined she saw visions. She
said an angel from heaven told her
that Patrick's death was a
punishment to her for her neglect of
her firstborn. Then she would
declare that Brookside was dead.
INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - DAY
Roderick and his accountant. Bills, bills, bills.
RODERICK (V.O.)
By now, my financial affairs were
near to ruin. I could not get a
guinea from any money-dealer in
London. Our rents were in the hands
of receivers by this time, and it
was as much as I could do to get
enough money from the rascals to pay
my wine-merchants their bills. Our
property was hampered, and often as
I applied to my lawyers and agents
for money, would come a reply
demanding money of me for debts and
pretended claims which the rapacious
rascals said they had on me.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Mother arrives. Roderick greets her. Servants unload her
bags.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My mother was the only person who,
in my misfortune, remained faithful
to me -- indeed, she has always
spoken of me in my true light, as a
martyr to the rascality of others,
and a victim of my own generous and
confiding temper.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Mother supervising kitchen staff.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She was an invaluable person to me
in my house, which would have been
at rack and ruin before, but for her
spirit of order and management and
her excellent economy in the
government of my rapidly dwindling
household staff.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDEN - DAY
Roderick and his mother.
RODERICK (V.O.)
If anything could have saved me from
the consequences of villainy in
others, it would have been the
admirable prudence of that worthy
creature.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She never went to bed until all the
house was quiet and all the candles
out; you may fancy that this was a
matter of some difficulty with a man
of my habits who had commonly a
dozen of jovial fellows to drink
with me every night, and who
seldom, for my part, went to bed
sober.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - RODERICK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Actions as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Many and many a night, when I was
unconscious of her attention, has
that good soul pulled my boots off,
and seen me laid by my servants snug
in bed, and carried off the candle
herself...
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - RODERICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... and been the first in the
morning, too, to bring me my drink
of small beer. It was my mother's
pride that I could drink more than
any man in the country.
INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - NIGHT
Roderick and his mother holding a letter before a fire,
which slowly brings out the writing in lemon juice between
the widely-spaced lines of directions to her milliner.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My mother discovered that always,
before my lady-wife chose to write
letters to her milliner, she had
need of lemons to make her drink, as
she said, and this fact, being
mentioned to me, kind of set me
a-thinking.
RODERICK
(reading letter
aloud)
"This day, three years ago, my last
hope and pleasure in life was taken
from me, and my dear child was
called to Heaven. Where is his
neglected brother, whom I suffered
to grow up unheeded by my side, and
whom the tyranny of the monster to
whom I am united drove to exile,
and, perhaps to death? I pray the
child is still alive and safe.
Charles Brookside! Come to the aide
of a wretched mother, who
acknowledges her crime, her coldness
towards you, and now bitterly pays
for her error! What sufferings,
what humiliations have I had to
endure! I am a prisoner in my own
halls. I should fear poison, but
then I know the wretch has a sordid
interest in keeping me alive, and
that my death would be the signal
for his ruin. But I dare not stir
without my odious, hideous, vulgar
gaoler, the horrid Irish woman, who
purses my every step. I am locked
into my chamber at night, like a
felon, and only suffered to leave it
when ordered into the presence of my
lord, to be present at his orgies
with his boon-companions, and to
hear his odious converse as he
lapses into the disgusting madness
of intoxication."
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Roderick, and the Countess and mother, at a silent dinner.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was not possible to recover the
name for whom the note was intended,
but it was clear that, to add to all
my perplexities, three years after
my poor child's death, my wife,
whose vagaries of temper and wayward
follies I had borne with for twelve
years, wanted to leave me. I
decided it best not to reveal to her
ladyship our discovery, that we
might still intercept and uncover
further schemes with might be afoot.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - VARIOUS - DAY AND NIGHT
A few cuts showing Mother keeping an eye on the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Yet I was bound to be on my guard
that she should not give me the
slip. Had she left me, I was ruined
the next day. I set my mother to
keep sharp watch over the moods of
her ladyship, and you may be sure
that her assistance and surveillance
were invaluable to me. If I had
paid twenty spies to watch her lady,
I should not have been half so well
served as by the disinterested care
and watchfulness of my excellent
mother.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDENS - DAY
Roderick walking with the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My Lady Cosgrove's relationship with
me was a singular one. Her life was
passed in a series of crack-brained
sort of alternation between love and
hatred for me. We would quarrel for
a fortnight, then we should be
friends for a month together
sometimes. One day, I was joking
her, and asking her whether she
would take the water again, whether
she had found another lover, and so
forth. She suddenly burst out into
tears, and, after a while, said to
me:
COUNTESS
Roderick, you know well enough that
I have never loved but you! Was I
ever so wretched that a kind word
from you did not make me happy?
Ever so angry, but the least offer
of good-will on your part did not
bring me to your side? Did I not
give a sufficient proof of my
affection for you in bestowing one
of the finest fortunes of England
upon you? Have I repined or rebuked
you for the way you have wasted it?
No, I loved you too much and too
fondly; I have always loved you.
From the first moment I saw you, I
saw your bad qualities, and trembled
at your violence; but I could not
help loving you. I married you,
though I knew I was sealing my own
fate in doing so, and in spite of
reason and duty. What sacrifice do
you want from me? I am ready to
make any, so you will but love me,
or, if not, that at least, you will
gently us me.
Roderick kisses her.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was in a particularly good humor
that day, and we had a sort of
reconciliation.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - NIGHT
Roderick and his mother.
MOTHER
Depend on it, artful hussy has some
other scheme in her head now.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The old lady was right, and I
swallowed the bait which her
ladyship had prepared to entrap me
as simply as any gudgeon takes a
hook.
EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Arrival of Mr. Newcombe, the money-broker.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had hired a money-broker
especially to find some means of my
making a loan. After several months
without success, it was with some
considerable interest that I
received his visit.
INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - DAY
Roderick and the money-broker, Mr. Newcombe.
NEWCOMBE
I have good news for you, Mr.
Cosgrove. The firm of Bracegirdle
and Chatwick, in the city of London,
are prepared to lend you 20,000
pounds, pledged against your
interest in the Edric mines. They
will redeem the encumbrances against
the property, which amount to some
10,000 pounds, and take a twenty-
year working lease on the mines.
They will lend you the 20,000 pounds
against the lease income,
which they will apply to the loan as
it comes in, and they will make a
charge of 18% per annum interest on
the outstanding loan balance.
RODERICK
Mr. Newcombe, I have made some
difficult loans during the past few
years, at very onerous terms, but
18% a year interest seems very stiff
indeed.
NEWCOMBE
Considering your financial
circumstances, Mr. Cosgrove, it has
been impossible to find anyone at
all prepared to do any business with
you. I think you may count yourself
lucky to have this opportunity.
But, obviously, if you would reject
this offer, I shall keep trying to
find a better one.
RODERICK
(after a pause)
I am prepared to accept the terms,
Mr. Newcombe.
NEWCOMBE
There are a few other points we
should discuss. The loan agreement
can only be executed by her
ladyship's signature, and provided
that Bracegirdle and Chatwick can be
assured of her ladyship's freewill
in giving her signature.
RODERICK
Provided that they can be assured of
her ladyship's freewill? Are you
serious?
NEWCOMBE
May I be quite frank with you?
RODERICK
Yes, of course.
NEWCOMBE
Mister Bracegirdle said to me that
he had heard her ladyship lives in
some fear of her life, and meditated
a separation, in which case, she
might later repudiate any documents
signed by herself while in durance,
and subject them, at any rate, to a
doubtful and expensive litigation.
They were quite insistent on this
point, and said they must have
absolute assurance of her ladyship's
perfect freewill in the transaction
before they would advance a shilling
of their capital.
RODERICK
I see.
NEWCOMBE
When I asked them in what form they
would accept her ladyship's
assurances, they said that they were
only prepared to accept them if her
ladyship confirms her written
consent by word of mouth, in their
presence, at their counting-house in
Birchin Lane, London. I requested
they come here, and save her
ladyship and yourself the
inconvenience of the trip to London,
but they declined, saying that they
did not wish to incur the risk of a
visit to Castle Hackton to
negotiate, as they were aware of how
other respectable parties, such as
Messrs. Sharp and Salomon had been
treated here.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Roderick and his mother.
MOTHER
Depend on it, there is some
artifice. When once you get into
that wicked town, you are not safe.
There are scores of writs out
against you for debt. If you are
taken in London, and thrown into
prison, your case is hopeless.
RODERICK
Mother dear, we are now living off
our own beef and mutton. We have to
watch Lady Cosgrove within and the
bailiffs without. There are certain
situations in which people cannot
dictate their own terms; and faith,
we are so pressed now for money,
that I would sign a bond with old
Nick himself, if he would provide a
good round sum. With this money, we
can settle our principal debts and
make a fresh start.
MOTHER
Roderick, you must listen to me. As
soon as they have you in London,
they will get the better of my poor
innocent lad; and the first thing
that I shall hear of you will be
that you are in trouble. You will
be a victim of your own generous and
confiding nature.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - COUNTESS' BEDROOM
Roderick and the Countess.
COUNTESS
Why go, Roderick? I am happy here,
as long as you are kind to me, as
you now are. We can't appear in
London as we ought; the little money
you will get will be spent, like all
the rest has been. Let us stay here
and be content.
She takes his hand and kisses it.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY
Mother and Roderick.
MOTHER
Humph! I believe she is at the
bottom of it -- the wicked schemer.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
Roderick's carriage moving along.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We did not start in state, you may
be sure. We did not let the country
know we were going, or leave notice
of adieu with our neighbors. The
famous Mr. James Cosgrove and his
noble wife traveled in a hack-
chaise and pair.
INT. COACH - DAY
The Countess lays her head on Roderick's shoulder and
smiles.
RODERICK (V.O.)
When a man is going to the devil,
how easy and pleasant a journey it
is! The thought of the money quite
put me in a good humor, and my wife,
as she lay on my shoulder in the
post-chaise, going to London, said
it was the happiest ride she had
taken since our marriage.
EXT. INN - DUSK
The carriage stops and they disembark.
RODERICK (V.O.)
One night we stayed at Reading.
INT. INN - NIGHT
Roderick and his wife at dinner.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My lady and I agreed that, with the
money, we would go to France, and
wait there for better times, and
that night, over our supper, formed
a score of plans both for pleasure
and retrenchment. You would have
thought it was Darby and Joan
together over their supper.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Roderick and his wife making love.
RODERICK (V.O.)
O woman! Woman! When I recollect
Lady Cosgrove's smiles and
blandishments, how happy she seemed
to be on that night! What an air of
innocent confidence appeared in her
behavior, and what affectionate
names she called me! I am lost in
wonder at the depth of her
hypocrisy. Who can be surprised
that an unsuspecting person like
myself should have been a victim to
such a consummate deceiver?
EXT. GRAY'S INN OFFICE - DAY
The coach drives up.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We were in London at three o'clock,
an half-an-hour before the time
appointed.
INT. STAIRCASE - DAY
Roderick and the Countess looking for the office.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I easily found out Mr. Tapewell's
apartment: a gloomy den it was, and
in an unlucky hour, I entered it.
They climb up dirty backstairs, lit by a feeble lamp, and
the dim sky of a dismal London afternoon.
The Countess seems agitated and faint.
When they get to the door, she stops in front of it.
COUNTESS
Roderick -- don't go in. I am sure
there is danger. There's time yet,
let us go back -- anywhere!
The Countess has put herself before the door in a
theatrical attitude and takes Roderick's hand.
He pushes her away to one side.
RODERICK
Lady Cosgrove, you are an old fool.
COUNTESS
Old fool!
She jumps at the bell, which is quickly answered by a
moldy-looking gentleman in an unpowered wig.
COUNTESS
Say Lady Cosgrove is here!
She stalks down the passage, muttering: "Old Fool."
INT. MR. TAPEWELL'S OFFICE - DAY
Tapewell is in his musty room, surrounded by his
parchments and tin boxes.
He advances and bows, begs her ladyship to be seated, and
points towards a chair for Roderick, which he takes,
rather wondering at the lawyer's insolence.
The lawyer retreats to a side-door, saying he will be back
in a moment.
In the next moment, he reenters, bringing with him another
layer, six constables in red waist-coats, with bludgeons
and pistols, and Lord Brookside.
Lady Cosgrove flings herself into the arms of her son,
crying and whimpering and calling him her savior, her
preserver, her gallant knight.
Then, turning to Roderick, she pours out a flood of
invective which quite astonishes him.
COUNTESS
Oh fool as I am, I have outwitted
the most crafty and treacherous
monster under the sun. Yes, I was a
fool when I married you, and gave up
other and nobler hearts for your
sake -- yes, I was a fool when I
forgot my name and lineage to unite
myself with a base-born adventurer
-- a fool to bear, without repining,
the most monstrous tyranny that ever
woman suffered; to allow my property
to be squandered; to see women as
base and low-born as yourself...
TAPEWELL
For heaven's sake, be calm.
Tapewell bounds back behind the constables, seeing a
threatening look in Roderick's eye.
The Countess continues in a strain of incoherent fury,
screaming against Roderick, and against his mother, and
always beginning and ending the sentence with the word
"fool."
RODERICK
You didn't tell all, my lady -- I
said "old" fool.
BROOKSIDE
I have no doubt that you said and
did, sir, everything that a
blackguard could say or do. This
lady is now safe under the
protection of her relations and the
law, and need fear your infamous
persecutions no longer.
RODERICK
But you are not safe, and as sure as
I am a man of honor, I will have
your heart's blood.
TAPEWELL
Take down his words, constables;
swear the peace against him.
BROOKSIDE
I would not sully my sword with the
blood of such a ruffian. If the
scoundrel remains in London another
day, he will be seized as a common
swindler.
RODERICK
Where's the man who will seize me?
He draws his sword, placing his back to the door.
RODERICK
Let the scoundrel come! You -- you
cowardly braggart, come first, if
you have the soul of a man!
The Countess and the bailiffs move away.
TAPEWELL
We are not going to seize you! My
dear sir, we don't wish to seize
you; we will give you a handsome sum
to leave the country, only leave her
ladyship in peace.
BROOKSIDE
And the country will be rid of such
a villain.
As Brookside says this, he backs into the next room.
The lawyer follows him, leaving Roderick alone in the
company of the constables who are all armed to the teeth.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was no longer the man I was at
twenty, when I should have charged
the ruffians, sword in hand, and
sent at least one of them to his
account. I was broken in spirit,
regularly caught in the toils,
utterly baffled and beaten by that
woman. Was she relenting at the
door, when she paused and begged me
to turn back? Had she not a
lingering love for me still? Her
conduct showed it, as I came to
reflect on it. It was my only
chance now left in the world, so I
put down my sword upon the lawyers
desk.
Roderick puts his sword down on the lawyer's desk.
RODERICK
Gentlemen, I shall have no violence;
you may tell Mr. Tapewell I am quite
ready to speak with him when he is
at leisure.
Roderick sits down and folds his arms quite peaceably.
EXT. COFFEE HOUSE - NEAR GRAY'S INN - DAY
INT. RODERICK'S ROOM IN COFFEE HOUSE - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was instructed to take a lodging
for the night in a coffee house near
Gray's Inn, and anxiously expected a
visit from Mr. Tapewell.
Tapewell talking to Roderick.
TAPEWELL
I have been authorized by Lady
Cosgrove and her advisors to pay you
an annuity of 300 pounds a year,
specifically on the condition of you
remaining abroad out of the three
kingdoms, and to be stopped on the
instant of your return. I advise
you to accept it without delay for
you know, as well as I do, that your
stay in London will infallibly
plunge you in gaol, as there are
innumerable writs taken out against
you here and in the west of England,
and that your credit is so blown
upon that you could not hope to
raise a shilling. I will leave you
the night to consider this proposal,
but if you refuse, the family will
proceed against you in London, and
have you arrested. If you accede, a
quarter salary will be paid to you
at any foreign port you should
prefer.
RODERICK
Mr. Tapewell, I do not require a
night to consider this proposal.
What other choice has a poor, lonely
and broken-hearted man? I shall
take the annuity, and leave the
country.
MR. TAPEWELL
I am very glad to hear that you have
come to this decision, Mr. Cosgrove.
I think you are very wise.
There is a knock at the door and Roderick opens it.
Brookside enters with four constables armed with pistols.
The dialogue for this scene has to be written.
Brookside has gone against the bargain, and has decided to
have Roderick arrested upon one of the many writs out
against him for debt.
Mr. Tapewell is surprised and complains weakly that
Brookside is acting in bad faith.
Brookside brushes aside his objections.
Roderick is defeated, and meekly sits down in a chair.
The following lines are read over Roderick being shackled
and led out of the room.
NARRATOR
Mr. James Cosgrove's personal
narrative finishes here, for the
hand of death interrupted the
ingenious author soon after the
period which this memoir was
compiled, after he had lived
nineteen years an inmate of the
Fleet Prison, where the prison
records state he died of delirium
tremens.
EXT. FLEET PRISON - DAY
His mother, now very old and hobbled with arthritis,
enters the prison, carrying a basket on her arm.
NARRATOR
His faithful old mother joined him
in his lonely exile, and had a
bedroom in Fleet Market over the
way. She would come and stay the
whole day with him in prison
working.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - COUNTESS' STUDY
Signing a payment draft, the Countess sighs and gazes out
of the large window.
NARRATOR
The Countess was never out of love
with her husband, and, as long as
she lived, James enjoyed his income
of 300 pounds per year and was,
perhaps, as happy in prison, as at
any period of his existence.
INT. CASTLE HACKTON - STUDY - DAY
Brookside tearing up the payment draft presented to him by
his accountant.
NARRATOR
When her ladyship died, her son
sternly cut off the annuity,
devoting the sum to charities,
which, he said, would make a nobler
use of it than the scoundrel who had
enjoyed it hitherto.
INT. FLEET PRISON - DAY
Roderick, now grey-haired, blacking boots.
NARRATOR
When the famous character lost his
income, his spirit entirely failed.
He was removed into the pauper's
ward, where he was known to black
boots for wealthier prisoners, and
where he was detected in stealing a
tobacco box.
INT. FLEET PRISON - DAY
Roderick and his mother. Action as per voice over.
NARRATOR
His mother attained a prodigious old
age, and the inhabitants of the
place in her time can record, with
accuracy, the daily disputes which
used to take place between mother
and son, until the latter, from
habits of intoxication, falling into
a state of almost imbecility, was
tended by his tough old parent as a
baby almost, and would cry if
deprived of his necessary glass of
brandy.
TITLE CARD
It was in the reign of George III
that the above-named personages
lived and quarreled; good or bad,
handsome or ugly, rich or poor, they
are all equal now.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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