Being There - December 16, 1978 Draft
FADE IN:
EXT. TOWNHOUSE GARDEN - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
An afternoon in late November, the leaves have left the
trees, and the early darkness of a winter dusk approaches.
The garden is long and narrow, guarded on either side by a
high brick wall. At one end stands the rear of a three-story
brick townhouse; at the other, a one story brick building.
CLASSICAL MUSIC is heard in the distance. A MAN, handsomely
dressed in a well-tailored suit of the 1920's, works in the
garden. A gardener's apron protects his suit from the earth
as he turns the loam along one of the walkways. He works
slowly,-precisely, obviously engrossed in his surroundings.
This man is called CHANCE.
Chance stops working for a moment, takes a pocket watch from
inside his coat, checks the time. He looks to the darkening
skies, returns the watch to his pocket. As Chance starts
toward the one story brick building, he takes a spotless rag
from his apron pocket and wipes the dirt from the tines of
his pitchfork.
INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
The sound of the music increases as Chance enters the garage
from the garden. A gleaming 1921 TOURING CAR is revealed as
he walks through the garage and leans the pitchfork against a
wall. Chance takes a neatly folded cover from a shelf,
carefully puts it over the car. When he finishes covering the
car for the night, Chance picks up the pitchfork, leaves the
garage through a side entry.
INT. POTTING ROOM - AFTERNOON
The Potting Room is filled with the tools of the gardener,
everything arranged in an orderly fashion. Rows of small pots
are on tables, young plants sprouting from some of them. A
small, 1940's table model black-and-white TV rests on a
shelf. It is playing, tuned to the BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA.
Attached to the front of the screen is a wheel containing
colored gels. The wheels spins, creates an early form of
color TV. As Chance enters, his attention is on the
television set. He watches it as he oils the tines of the
pitchfork and puts it away. Chance turns off the TV and
leaves the room, but the sound of the Boston Pops continues.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
A room adjacent to the Potting Room. A large screen remote
control color television set dominates the room. It is on,
tuned to the Boston Pops. In contrast to the new TV, the rest
of the room is sparsely but tastefully decorated with
expensive furniture of the twenties. There are no books,
magazines, newspapers or reading matter of any kind to be
seen. Chance comes in, watches the TV with a detached gaze as
he removes his apron. He changes the channel with the remote
control as he puts his apron and the pitchfork rag into a
laundry bag. He takes off his suit jacket, hangs it in the
closet where it is accompanied by several others, all of like
quality. Chance changes the channel once again.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
Chance, wearing a different suit and carrying the laundry
bag, crosses from the rear building to the main house.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - NIGHT
The interior of the main house has the mustiness of age, the
warmth of oak. White dropcloths and sheets cover all of the
furniture. Chance enters, walks through the hallway.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
A large dropcloth is over the dining room table and chairs.
It is neatly folded back at one end, leaving one chair and
place setting uncovered. A small portable color TV is next to
the place setting.
Chance enters, puts his laundry bag on a covered table near
the doorway. He sits at the dining room table, turns on the
TV, and carefully unfolds his napkin, puts it on his lap as
he watches the screen. LOUISE, an elderly black maid, enters
with a tray of food and Chance's clean laundry.
LOUISE
(sets dinner before
Chance)
... Evening, Chance.
CHANCE
(slowly, perfect diction,
no accent of any kind)
... Good evening, Louise.
Louise sets Chance's clean clothes on the small table, picks
up his laundry bag.
LOUISE
... The Old Man is getting weaker,
Chance.
CHANCE
(begins to eat)
I see.
LOUISE
I'm afraid he's slippin' a bit with
every hour that goes by...
Chance, his manners impeccable, concentrates on the TV as he
eats. A buzzer SOUNDS, Louise looks upstairs.
LOUISE (CONT'D)
... Back up those stairs - damn...
That Man's needin' me more and more
just before he never needs me
again...
CHANCE
(still watches TV)
Is his back feeling better?
Louise gives Chance a look.
LOUISE
... Gobbledegook... You and your
gobbledegook. You're gonna be the
death of me yet, Chance...
(she turns to leave)
... Unless those stairs are... The
Good Lord's liable to snatch up two
unwillin' souls at the same time if
I keep on trampin' up those
stairs... I don't want none of
that...
Louise disappears through the doorway. Chance continues to
eat and watch TV.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAWN
Chance is asleep, lying on his back. His eyes slowly open,
and, with no change of expression, he sits up and turns on
the TV with the remote control. Chance gets out of bed, goes
to the dresser and takes his pocket watch out of a drawer,
checks the time. He crosses to the closet, his eyes never
straying from an early morning show on television. He puts on
a bathrobe and leaves the room.
INT. POTTING ROOM - DAWN
Chance enters, turns on the TV with the spinning color wheel,
then waters a few of the pots with a sprinkling can. He turns
off the TV and exits.
INT. GARAGE - DAWN
Chance comes into the garage, takes the cover off of the
touring car, folds it and puts it on a shelf. He leaves the
garage.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAWN
Chance returns to his room, changes channels on the
television, takes off his robe and hangs it back up in the
closet, then goes into the bathroom.
EXT. GARDEN - MORNING
A light snow is falling. The door to the small building
opens, Chance peeks out, then goes back inside. A few seconds
pass and Chance reappears, this time with an umbrella.
Smartly dressed in suit and tie, he crosses to the main
house.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - MORNING
Chance opens the door, shakes off and closes the umbrella
before entering. He hangs the umbrella on a doorknob, then
heads for the dining room.
INT. DINING ROOM - MORNING
Repeating his ritual, Chance enters the dining room, sits,
turns on the TV, carefully spreads his napkin on his lap. He
watches the screen for a moment, then turns, expecting
Louise. She doesn't appear, so he turns back, watches TV.
After a few beats, Chance hears Louise's footsteps hurrying
down the stairs. She comes into the dining room, visibly
distraught. Chance looks up, smiles.
CHANCE
Good morning, Louise.
LOUISE
(out of breath)
He's dead, Chance! The Old Man's
dead!
CHANCE
(flatly, turns back to TV)
... I see.
LOUISE
Must of happened durin' the night,
I don't know... Lord, he wasn't
breathin' and as cold as a fish. I
touched him, just to see, and you
believe me, Chance - that's doin'
more than I get paid to do... Then
I just covered him up, pulled the
sheet over his head...
CHANCE
(nodding)
Yes. I've seen that done.
LOUISE
Then I got the hell out of that
room and called the doctor and I
think I woke him probably, he
wasn't any too alert. He just said,
'Yeah, he's been expectin' it and
said he'd send somebody over...'
Lord, what a mornin'!
CHANCE
(watches news, flashes of
season's first snowfall)
... Yes, Louise, it's snowing in
the garden today. Have you looked
outside and seen the snow? It's
very white.
A beat of silence from Louise, then anger.
LOUISE
Dammit, Boy! Is that all you got to
say? More gobbledegook?
(Chance smiles, is silent)
That Old Man's layin' up there dead
as hell and it just don't make any
difference to you!
CHANCE
(with a smile, accepting
death)
Yes, Louise. I have seen it often.
It happens to old people.
LOUISE
Well, ain't that the truth...
CHANCE
Yes. It is.
Louise throws back the cover from a chair next to Chance and
sits, softening a bit toward him.
LOUISE
Oh, Lord, Chance - I don't know
what I was expectin' from you...
I'm sorry for yellin' like I did...
No sir, I just don't know what I
was expectin' ...
(Chance doesn't react,
watches TV)
... I 'spose I'd better gather up
some breakfast for you...
CHANCE
(a turn to her)
Yes, I'm very hungry.
LOUISE
(rises, looks upstairs)
Well, no more stewin' those prunes
every mornin', that's somethin', I
guess...
(she starts out, stops by
the door)
... what are you goin' to do now,
Chance?
CHANCE
(gazing at TV)
I'm going to work in the garden.
Louise gives Chance a long look, then turns to leave.
LOUISE
(as she goes)
... I'll get you some eggs.
Chance nods in approval, then changes the channel on the TV.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - SERVANT'S STAIRWAY - MORNING
An enclosed stairway. Chance enters, proceeds up the stairs.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING
Chance comes out of a doorway adjoining the main staircase.
He moves off down the hall.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - OLD MAN'S ROOM - MORNING
The furniture in this room is not covered with sheets but the
Old Man is. There is a polite knock at the door, then Chance
enters the room. As Chance moves slowly to the Old Man's bed,
we sense a feeling of respect from Chance, as well as a bit
of curiosity. Chance stands by the side of the bed for a
moment, then he reaches down and gently pulls the sheet back
from the Old Man's face. He touches the man's forehead,
lightly, briefly, then replaces the sheet. Chance moves to
the TV (like the one in his own room) and turns it on. He
sits in an easy chair next to the Old man's bed and watches a
movie from the early forties. Chance puts an arm out, rests
it on the Old Man's covered body. With the other, he changes
the channels with the remote control.
He returns to the channel with the forties movie and seems to
become absorbed in a scene in which a gentleman tips his hat
to a lady. The scene seems to have 'sunk into' his mind.
EXT. GARDEN - MORNING
It has stopped snowing. Chance, wearing a hat, the gardening
apron over his suit and boots, putters in the garden. Louise
comes out of the main house. She is dressed warmly, a scarf
over her head, a heavy coat. Chance sees her, tips his hat to
Louise exactly like the man he saw on television.
LOUISE
... Well, ain't you the gentleman
this mornin'...
(a pause)
... gotta go now, Chance...
CHANCE
(resumes working)
Yes.
LOUISE
You're gonna need somebody,
someone's gotta be around for you,
boy...
(he keeps working)
... You oughta find yourself a
lady, Chance...
(she smiles slightly, with
caring)
But I guess it oughta be an old
lady, 'cause you ain't gonna do a
young one any good, not with that
little thing of yours...
(she reaches out, puts a
hand on his shoulder)
... You're always gonna be a little
boy, ain't you?
(he smiles, keeps working)
... Goodbye, Chance...
Louise gives his shoulder a squeeze, turns and moves toward
the house.
CHANCE
(as she goes)
Goodbye, Louise.
Louise waves as she enters the townhouse. Chance tips his hat
once again as she disappears.
INT. MAIN HOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - MORNING
Louise enters the hallway, picks up a couple of suit cases
waiting by the door. She stops as she sees TWO MEN in white
carrying a stretcher down the main staircase. She notices the
ease with which they bring the Old Man's body down the
stairs.
LOUISE
... He used to be a big man...
'Spose he wasted away to about
nothin'...
(a beat - then she talks
to the body of the old
Man)
... I guess I'll be goin' off to
find me some folks, Old Man... I'm
not batty enough to stay around
this neighborhood any longer...
The stretcher bearers move to the front door. Louise steps in
front of them.
LOUISE (CONT'D)
(to stretcher bearers)
Wait up! I'm goin' out that door
first.
Louise takes one more look at the covered body, then opens
the front door, leaves.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAY
The TV plays offstage as Chance washes up in the bathroom. He
finishes, comes into the bedroom, takes a pair of house
slippers from his closet, turns off the television and leaves
the room.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Chance, carrying his slippers, crosses through the layer of
fresh snow to the townhouse.
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
Chance, wearing the slippers, enters and sits at his place.
He turns on the TV, puts the napkin on his lap. He watches TV
for a moment, then turns, looks for Louise. She does not
appear so he resumes watching TV. He changes channels, views
a wildly exciting FOOTBALL game. At a peak in the excitement,
he again switches channels. Chance watches TV News coverage
of the PRESIDENT of the United States greeting foreign
dignitaries at the White House.
CLOSE SHOTS on television reveal that the President uses a
two-handed handshake when meeting his guests. Unconsciously,
Chance grips one hand with the other, the scene on TV seeming
to have 'sunk into' his mind.
INT. TOWNHOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - DAY
A key is heard in the lock. The door opens and THOMAS
FRANKLIN and SALLY HAYES enter. Franklin, an attorney, is in
his late thirties, carries a large briefcase. Hayes is
younger, attractive, also an attorney. She totes a briefcase,
has the look of a modern, liberated woman. Hayes appears to
be surprised at the interior of the house.
HAYES
(looks around)
... This is another world, Tom - I
never would have believed it...
FRANKLIN
Yeah... He and my father used to
ride together back in the
thirties... Fox hunting... Before I
was born...
HAYES
... Would you take me on a tour?
FRANKLIN
Gladly...
(he smiles)
... The safe is in Mr. Jennings'
bedroom, that'll be stop number
one.
Franklin puts a hand on Hayes' shoulder as they,go off down
the hall.
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
Chance still watches TV, waits for Louise to serve him.
Franklin and Hayes appear in the doorway of the dining room.
They are both surprised to see Chance.
FRANKLIN
... Why... Hello, we thought we
heard something...
(moves to Chance, hand
outstretched)
I'm Thomas Franklin.
Chance remains seated, takes Franklin's hand warmly in both
of his like the President did on TV.
CHANCE
Hello, Thomas... I'm Chance, the
gardener.
FRANKLIN
(a beat)
... The gardener?
(thinks it's a joke,
laughs)
... Yes, of course... Mr. Chance,
this is Ms. Hayes.
Hayes moves to shake Chance's hand.
HAYES
Mr. Chance, I'm very pleased to
meet you.
CHANCE
(doesn't rise, again
shakes with both hands)
Yes.
Chance turns back to the TV and Hayes and Franklin exchange
looks.
FRANKLIN
(after an uneasy pause)
... We're with Franklin, Jennings
and Roberts, the law firm handling
the estate.
CHANCE
(a smile, totally at ease)
Yes, Thomas - I understand.
Another period of silence. Franklin and Hayes seem perplexed.
FRANKLIN
... Are you waiting for someone? An
appointment?
CHANCE
Yes. I'm waiting for my lunch.
FRANKLIN
Your lunch? You have a luncheon
appointment here?
CHANCE
Yes. Louise will bring me lunch.
FRANKLIN
Louise?... The maid?...
(a look to Hayes)
But she should have left earlier
today...
CHANCE
(smiles at Hayes)
I see...
FRANKLIN
(a beat)
... You've quite a sense of humor,
Mr. Chance - but all kidding aside,
may I ask just what you are doing
here?
CHANCE
I live here.
FRANKLIN
You live here?
(a look to Hayes)
... We don't have any record of
that.
CHANCE
Yes. It's very cold outside today,
isn't it, Thomas?
FRANKLIN
(a beat)
... How long have you been living
here?
CHANCE
Ever since I can remember, since I
was a child.
FRANKLIN
(doubting)
Since you were a child?
CHANCE
Yes, Thomas. I have always been
here. I have always worked in the
garden.
HAYES
... Then you really are a gardener?
CHANCE
Yes.
HAYES
Your appearance doesn't suggest
that at all, Mr. Chance.
CHANCE
Oh. Thank you.
FRANKLIN
Do you have any proof of your
employment, Mr. Chance - any checks
from the deceased, any contracts or
documents?
CHANCE
No.
FRANKLIN
How were you compensated for these
duties you say you performed?
CHANCE
Compensated...?
FRANKLIN
How were you paid?
CHANCE
I was given meals, and a home...
HAYES
What about money?
CHANCE
I never needed money.
Franklin steps to the TV, turns it off.
FRANKLIN
Mr. Chance, perhaps you could show
us some identification with your
address -- a Driver's License, a
credit card, checkbook?
CHANCE
No, I do not have any of those.
FRANKLIN
Then how about medical records?
Could you give us the name of your
doctor, or your dentist?
CHANCE
I have no need for a doctor or
dentist. I have never been ill. I
have never been allowed outside of
this house, and, except for Joe, I
have never had any visitors.
FRANKLIN
... Joe? Who's Joe?
CHANCE
(turns TV back on)
Joe Saracini. He was a mason that
did some repairs on the brickwork
at the rear of the house. That was
in 1952.
FRANKLIN
1952...?
CHANCE
(changes channels)
Yes. I remember when he came. He
was very fat and had short hair and
showed me some pictures from a
funny little book.
HAYES
Some pictures...?
CHANCE
Yes. Of men and women.
HAYES
... Oh.
FRANKLIN
Mr. Chance, that was twenty-seven
years ago.
CHANCE
Yes and the Old Man used to come to
my garden. He would read and rest
there.
FRANKLIN
Come now, Mr. Jennings had been
bedridden for thirty-five years,
since he fractured his spine.
CHANCE
Yes, Thomas, that is correct. Then
he stopped visiting my garden.
FRANKLIN
(a beat)
... We shall need some proof of
your having resided here, Mr.
Chance.
CHANCE
You have me, I am here. What more
proof do you need?
Franklin and Hayes exchange looks.
INT. TOWNHOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Chance puts on his snow-boots as Franklin and Hayes continue
their questioning.
FRANKLIN
Have you served in the Army?
CHANCE
No, Thomas. But I have seen the
Army on television.
HAYES
How about taxes, Mr. Chance, surely
you must have paid taxes?
CHANCE
No.
Chance picks up his slippers and leads the attorneys outside.
EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON
Chance describes his garden with pride as they walk toward
the rear building.
CHANCE
(points)
Those trees were very young when I
first arrived.
FRANKLIN
Are you related to the deceased,
Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
No, I don't think so. And I have
planted and shaped all the hedges,
and in the springtime you will be
able to see my flowers.
HAYES
Might you have a birth certificate,
Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
No.
(points to wall)
That's where Joe fixed the bricks.
They arrive at the rear building and Chance opens the door to
the garage. Franklin and Hayes follow him inside.
INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
Franklin and Hayes are taken aback by the touring car.
FRANKLIN
(admires car)
... Do you drive this, Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
No, Thomas. I have never been in an
automobile.
HAYES
(amazed)
You never been in a car?
Chance is silent for a moment, he blushes slightly.
CHANCE
... Well... From time to time I did
sit in it... Just in here... It
hasn't been outside since the Old
Man hurt himself.
(he turns)
I live in here.
Chance moves toward his room, Franklin and Hayes follow.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Chance sits on the bed to remove his boots as Hayes and
Franklin inspect the room.
CHANCE
The Old Man gave me nice television
sets, this one has remote control.
(he turns it on with the
remote)
He has one just like it.
FRANKLIN
Mr. Chance, the fact remains that
we have no information of your
having any connection with the
deceased.
CHANCE
Yes, I understand.
Chance puts on his slippers, crosses to the closet, opens the
door. It is filled with men's wear.
CHANCE
I am allowed to go to the attic and
select any of the Old Man's suits.
They all fit me very well. I can
also take his shirts, shoes and
coats.
HAYES
It is quite amazing how those
clothes have come back into style.
CHANCE
Yes. I have seen styles on
television.
FRANKLIN
(getting back to business)
What are your plans now, Mr.
Chance?
CHANCE
I would like to stay and work in my
garden.
Chance turns to watch TV. Franklin takes Hayes to a side of
the room.
FRANKLIN
(quietly)
... What do you make of all this?
HAYES
I really don't know, Tom - he seems
so honest and simple... In a way,
he's quite charming...
FRANKLIN
(looks at Chance)
... Yeah...
HAYES
... It's very bizarre - I don't
know what to think...
FRANKLIN
Well... He's either very, very
bright or very, very dense - he's
hard to figure...
(he unzips briefcase)
... Let's just keep everything
legal.
Franklin takes out some papers, approaches Chance.
FRANKLIN
Mr. Chance, assuming what you say
is the truth, I would like to know
what sort of claim you are planning
to make against the deceased's
estate.
CHANCE
(does not understand)
I'm fine, Thomas. The garden is a
healthy one. There is no need for a
claim.
FRANKLIN
Good. That's good. Then if you
would please sign a paper to that
effect.
Franklin hands the release to Chance but Chance does not take
it.
CHANCE
No, Thomas. I don't know how to
sign.
FRANKLIN
Come now, Mr. Chance.
CHANCE
(smiles)
I have no claim, Thomas.
FRANKLIN
But you won't sign, correct?
CHANCE
Correct.
FRANKLIN
Very well, Mr. Chance - if you
insist on dragging this matter
on... But I must inform you this
house will be closed tomorrow at
noon. If indeed, you do reside
here, you will have to move out.
CHANCE
Move out? I don't understand,
Thomas.
FRANKLIN
I think you do, Mr. Chance.
However, I will reiterate, this
house is closed and you must
leave...
(he gives Chance his
business card)
Call me if you change your mind
about signing.
(turns to Hayes)
C'mon, Sally - let's grab a bite...
HAYES
(a smile to Chance)
Good day, Mr. Chance.
CHANCE
(returns smile)
Good day, Sally.
Chance watches as they leave, then puts Franklin's card on a
desk without ever looking at it and turns to stare at
television.
INT. TOWNHOUSE - ATTIC - AFTERNOON
A large attic filled with the Old Man's possessions of the
past. Chance enters, turns on an old black-and-white TV with
a magnifying lens attached to the front. As it plays, he
selects a fine leather suitcase from several, takes a hand
made suit from a long rack.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
The TV is on as Chance packs his belongings.
EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON
Chance, very nicely dressed, comes out of the rear building
carrying his suitcase. He stops on occasion to inspect his
garden as he walks toward the townhouse.
INT. TOWNHOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Chance is reluctant to open the front door. After some
hesitation, he gathers up his courage, opens it and steps
outside, closing the door behind him.
EXT. FRONT OF TOWNHOUSE - AFTERNOON
Chance stops short on the front steps; the townhouse is
situated in a decaying ghetto.
The snow is a dirty grey, houses adjoining have their windows
shattered, are smeared with grafitti. Chance tries to return
to the safety of the townhouse, but the door is locked. He
stands on the steps for a moment, then moves to the trash
laden sidewalk. He stops, ponders which way to go, finally
makes up his mind and moves off to his left.
EXT. GHETTO STREET - AFTERNOON
The buildings are crumbling, rusted out cars line the street.
A group of Black people huddle together in threadbare stuffed
furniture on the sidewalk, a fire burning between them for
warmth. Chance rounds the corner, walks up to them. He stands
by them, smiles. They stare back, no sign of friendship in
their faces. Chance nods politely to them, then walks away
down the sidewalk.
EXT. GHETTO STREET - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
A group of eight to ten hard-core ghetto youths hang out on a
corner. Other passersby give them a wide berth, they are
unapproachable. Chance nears the group, approaches.
CHANCE
(friendly)
... Excuse me, would you please
tell me where I could find a garden
to work in?
They turn to him as one, silent, amazed that this White
trespasser would intrude on their jiving.
CHANCE (CONT'D)
(after a beat)
... There is much to be done during
the winter, I must start the seeds
for the spring, I must work the
soil...
One of the Black youths, LOLO, interrupts Chance.
LOLO
What you growin', man?
The leader of the gang, ABBAZ, shuts up Lolo with an elbow
and moves menacingly forward.
ABBAZ
(nose to nose with Chance)
... What you doin' here, boy?
CHANCE
I had to leave my garden. I want to
find another.
ABBAZ
Bullshit. Who sent you here, boy?
Did that chickenshit asshole
Raphael send you here, boy?
CHANCE
No. Thomas Franklin told me that I
had to leave the Old Man's house,
he's dead now, you know...
ABBAZ
Dead, my ass! Now get this, honkie -
you go tell Raphael that I ain't
takin' no jive from no Western
Union messenger! You tell that
asshole, if he got somethin' to
tell me to get his ass here
himself!
(edges closer to Chance)
You got that, boy?
Chance smiles at Abbaz and reaches into his pocket.
CHANCE
Yes. I understand.
(he takes out his remote
control TV changer)
If I see Raphael I will tell him.
Chance points the changer at Abbaz and clicks it three times,
tries to change the picture. Abbaz immediately pulls out a
switchblade, whips the blade open.
ABBAZ
(holds knife at Chance)
Now, move, honkie! Before I cut
your white ass!
Chance, disappointed that the changer did not work, returns
it to his pocket.
CHANCE
Yes. Of course.
(as he leaves)
Good day.
Abbaz, Lolo and the gang watch him go, then begin to buzz
with excitement: "Who the fuck died?" "Why'd he pull that
changer on us, man?" "The Old Man died, must be Papa Joe!"
"He's some weird honkie, man."
EXT. CHINATOWN - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
A Bulletin board affixed to a storefront in Chinatown. Chance
gazes at the notes pinned to it, written in Chinese. Smiling,
he turns from it, walks on through the area.
EXT. PORNO AREA - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
A street lined with adult book stores, X-rated movies and
strip joints. An elderly Black woman approaches carrying a
bag of groceries. Chance steps in front of the woman, stops
her.
CHANCE
I'm very hungry now. Would you
please bring me my lunch?
The woman looks up to Chance, becomes very frightened. She
turns and half-runs into a sleazy bar for safety. Chance
watches after her for a moment, then continues along.
EXT. PARK - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
Chance stands looking through a chain-link fence watching
some teenage boys playing basketball. He bangs on the fence,
calls to them.
CHANCE
I have seen your game! I have
watched Elvin Hayes play it many
times! They call him "Big E!"
The boys ignore him, Chance walks away.
EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON
Chance walks down the center meridian of a divided street. He
seems oblivious to the automobiles passing on either side. In
the background can be seen the Washington Monument.
EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON
Chance seems stumped on which way to go. He looks up one
street, then the other, has no idea where they lead. He
turns, looks behind him and sees a large statue of Benito
Juarez pointing. Chance smiles and goes off in the direction
that Benito points.
EXT. REAR OF THE WHITE HOUSE - DUSK
Tourists are gathered around gaping through the fence at the
White House.
Chance is turned the other way, inspecting the branches of a
dying tree. Chance moves to a POLICEMAN standing nearby.
CHANCE
Excuse me...
(points to tree)
... That tree is very sick. It
should be cared for.
The Policeman looks at the tree, then at Chance, figures a
man dressed that well must be important.
POLICEMAN
Yes sir. I'll report it right away.
CHANCE
Yes. That would be a good thing to
do. Good day.
POLICEMAN
Good day.
The Policeman takes out his walkie-talkie as Chance walks
away.
EXT. BUSINESS DISTRICT - EVENING
A fashionable area. Expensive shops, well-kept streets and
sidewalks. A television store has caught Chance's eye. He
stands by the display window, looks in at a dozen or so color
TVs, all turned on, playing various channels. A video camera
points outward from a corner of the window and is focused on
the sidewalk to allow potential customers to see themselves
live on an Advent TV. Chance is intrigued by his own image.
He poses, lifts one arm, then the other to make sure that it
is really him on television. He moves forward, smiles, then
moves slowly backward, notices himself become smaller on the
screen. He steps back off the curb, frowns as his likeness
disappears from frame on the Advent. Standing between two
parked cars, Chance takes out his remote control, clicks it
at the Advent. Four or five other sets in the window change
channels, but he does not reappear on the giant screen. As he
does this, the car to his,left, a large, American-made
limousine, backs up. The car bumps Chance, pins him against
the car to his right. Chance cries out in pain, drops his
suitcase, his changer, and bangs his hand on the trunk of the
limo. The chauffeur, DAVID, and the liveryman, JEFFREY,
immediately jump from the car, run back to Chance.
DAVID
I'm very sorry, sir... I...
David and Jeffrey reach out to help, but Chance is wedged
solidly between the two cars.
CHANCE
(in pain)
... I can't move... My leg...
DAVID
(rushes back to limo)
... My Lord...
JEFFREY
This is terrible, sir - I hope
you're not badly injured...
CHANCE
No. I'm not badly injured. But my
leg is very sore.
David pulls the car forward, freeing Chance. A few bystanders
begin to gather as Jeffrey helps Chance to the sidewalk.
JEFFREY
Can you walk? It's not broken, is
it?
CHANCE
(leans against limo, holds
leg)
It's very sore.
David gets out of the car, comes back.
DAVID
Perhaps I should call an ambulance.
A BYSTANDER interrupts.
BYSTANDER
Somebody ought to call the police!
CHANCE
(looks over, smiles)
There's no need for police, it's
just my leg.
During this, the rear door of the limo opens and EVE RAND
steps out. Eve is in her late thirties, has the look of a
traditional New England lady. She watches as Jeffrey tends to
Chance.
JEFFREY
I don't think we should call anyone
just yet, it may not even be all
that serious.
CHANCE
(obviously hurting)
I agree.
JEFFREY
Let's have a look, do you mind?
CHANCE
Of course. I would like to look.
Chance bends, raises his trouser leg. A red-bluish swollen
bruise, three inches in diameter, is forming on his calf.
JEFFREY
It's starting to swell, is it
painful?
CHANCE
Yes.
Eve moves closer to Chance, looks at the bruise.
EVE
(to Chance)
... Won't you let us do something
for you? Your leg should be
examined, we could take you to a
hospital.
CHANCE
(smiles at Eve)
There's no need for a hospital.
EVE
Why, there certainly is. You must
see a doctor, I insist on it.
Please, let us take you.
Eve turns to get back into the limo. David goes with her to
hold the door.
DAVID
I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Rand, I
never saw the man.
EVE
Oh, I don't think it was anyone's
fault, David.
DAVID
Thank you, ma'am.
Chance is hesitant about getting in the car. Jeffrey offers a
helping hand.
JEFFREY
Please, sir.
CHANCE
I've never ridden in an automobile.
JEFFREY
(a beat)
I assure you, sir, David is a very
careful driver. Please, won't you
let us take you?
CHANCE
(looks at the car, then
decides)
... Yes. You can take me.
JEFFREY
Very good.
Jeffrey assists Chance into the rear seat of the limo.
CHANCE
(as he gets in)
... My suitcase.
JEFFREY
Yes sir. I'll take care of that.
Jeffrey closes the door, goes back to pick up Chance's
suitcase, does not notice the remote control. As Jeffrey puts
Chance's bag into the trunk, we see the personalized license
plate "RAND l."
INT. LIMOUSINE - EVENING
Chance and Eve settle in the back seat. As they talk, David
starts up the limo, Jeffrey joins him in front and the limo
pulls out into traffic.
EVE
I hope you're comfortable.
CHANCE
Yes. I am.
EVE
These can be such trying situations
everyone seems to make such a to-do
over a simple little accident. Of
course, they can be very
frightening, and I must apologize
for David, he's never had an
accident before.
CHANCE
Yes. He's a very careful driver.
EVE
... Why, yes, he is... Is your leg
feeling any better?
CHANCE
It's feeling better, but it's still
very sore.
EVE
I see.
(a thought)
... Say, would you mind seeing our
family doctor?
CHANCE
(doesn't understand)
Your family doctor?
EVE
Yes. My husband has been very ill.
His doctor and nurses are staying
with us. Those hospitals can be so
impersonal - why, it might be hours
before you are treated...
CHANCE
I agree.
EVE
Fine, it will save a lot of
unnecessary fuss and it will be so
much more pleasant for you...
(leans forward)
David, we'll just go on home.
Jeffrey, would you call and let
them know?
JEFFREY
Yes ma'am.
Eve presses a button, the glass partition closes. As the
window rolls up behind him, Jeffrey dials the limo telephone.
There is a moment of silence. Eve, still a bit on edge from
the accident and feeling a bit uncomfortable with a stranger
in the car, presses another button. The limo's bar moves out,
revealing a row of decanters and glasses.
EVE
Would you care for a drink?
CHANCE
Yes. Thank you.
As Eve pours cognac into a monogrammed crystal glass, Chance
notices the limo's TV set.
CHANCE (CONT'D)
I would like to watch television.
EVE
(a bit surprised)
Oh? Certainly...
She hands Chance the cognac, turns on the TV.
EVE (CONT'D)
Oh, by the way - I'm Eve Rand.
CHANCE
Hello, Eve.
Chance takes a sip of the cognac, is not accustomed to
alcohol, coughs. There is another moment of silence.
EVE
May I ask your name?
CHANCE
(with a slight cough)
My name is Chance.
EVE
Pardon me, was that Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
(still indistinct)
No. I'm a gardener.
EVE
Oh... Mr. Gardiner... Mr. Chauncey
Gardiner... You're not related to
Basil and Perdita Gardiner are you?
CHANCE
No, Eve. I'm not related to Basil
and Perdita.
EVE
Oh. Well, they're just a wonderful
couple, we've been friends for
years. We visit their island quite
often.
Chance reaches out to change the channel on the TV, suddenly
realizes he doesn't have his remote control. He starts going
through his pockets, searches for it.
EVE (CONT'D)
Did you lose something?
CHANCE
Yes. I lost my remote control.
EVE
Oh... Well, I'm very sorry...
Another pause, Chance reaches out, changes channels on TV.
EVE (CONT'D)
... I'll feel so relieved after Dr.
Allenby examines your leg. After
that, David can run you on home, or
to your office or wherever you'd
prefer...
(Chance still watches TV)
... Is there anything special you
would like to watch?
CHANCE
I like to watch. This is fine.
Chance watches the news. Eve sips on her cognac as David
eases the limo out of the city of Washington.
EXT. HIGHWAY - WOODED AREA - NIGHT
The limo approaches, then turns into the entrance-way of the
Rand Estate. Two guards stand on either side of the open
gate, salute as the car passes through.
EXT. RAND DRIVE - NIGHT
The drive runs alongside a stream, then turns and crosses a
large meadow. The limousine passes, still no sign of the
house. It is a very, very long driveway.
INT. LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
Chance is glued to the TV, switches channels, again watches
the news. Eve takes his fascination with television as a sign
of intelligence.
EVE
I can see that it must be very
important for you to stay informed
of all the latest events.
CHANCE
Yes.
EVE
I admire that in a person. As for
myself, I find there is so much to
assimilate that it can become quite
muddling at times...
Chance nods, changes the channel, watches a Mighty Mouse
cartoon. Eve looks at him perplexed, then takes it for a joke
and smiles.
EXT. RAND MANSION - NIGHT
Two uniformed valets, WILSON and PERKINS, await the
limousines by the front door of the Rand mansion. Wilson
stands behind a wheelchair. As the limo parks, Perkins and
Jeffrey assist Chance into the chair. Wilson turns to Eve as
she gets out of the limo.
WILSON
Good evening, Mrs. Rand.
EVE
Good evening, Wilson.
WILSON
I shall take the gentleman to the
third floor guest suite, ma'am. Dr.
Allenby is standing by.
EVE
Thank you, Wilson. That will be
fine.
Perkins and Jeffrey carry Chance in the chair up the steps
and into the house. Eve and Wilson follow.
INT. RAND MANSION - FRONT HALLWAY - NIGHT
Once inside the house, Wilson takes over wheeling Chance. A
lady, GRETA, is waiting to take Eve's coat.
EVE
Thank you, Greta.
(to Wilson)
I'll be with Mr. Rand if I'm
needed.
WILSON
Yes, ma'am.
EVE
(to Chance)
I'll see you after the doctor has a
look at your leg, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
(looking around mansion)
Yes, I think he should examine my
leg.
Eve watches as Wilson wheels Chance around a corner.
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
The doors open, Wilson pushes Chance into the elevator. As
Wilson pushes a button and the doors close on them, a strange
look comes over Chance's face.
CHANCE
(looks to Wilson)
... I've never been in one of
these.
Wilson thinks that Chance is talking about the wheelchair.
WILSON
It's one of Mr. Rand's. Since he's
been ill...
Chance looks around the elevator.
CHANCE
Does it have a television?
WILSON
(laughs)
No - but Mr. Rand does have one
with an electric motor, that way he
can get around by himself.
CHANCE
I see.
Chance again checks out the elevator.
CHANCE (CONT'D)
How long do we stay in here?
WILSON
How long? I don't know, see what
the doctor says ...
The elevator stops on the third floor.
INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - NIGHT
A hallway adjoining a large, glass-enclosed room. Eve passes
through the hall, enters the room.
INT. BENJAMIN RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Eve enters into a hermetically sealed area, set up with all
the latest hospital emergency gear; oxygen, EKG machine, X
ray machine, transfusion equipment, sterilizers, etc.
BENJAMIN RAND, wearing a silk bathrobe, lies in a king-sized
bed in the center of the room. A nurse, CONSTANCE, is
attending to her duties in the room, looks up as Eve comes
in.
CONSTANCE
Good evening, Mrs. Rand.
EVE
Good evening, Constance.
Ben Rand perks up as he sees Eve crossing to him. He is in
his sixties, maintains an inner strength and dignity despite
the sapping effects of his illness.
RAND
(with weakness)
... Eve...
Eve kisses him, holds his hand.
EVE
Oh, Ben - I miss you so when I'm
out... How are you feeling?
RAND
Tired... And I'm getting tired of
being so tired. Other than that,
I'm doing very well.
EVE
No headaches?
RAND
No, it's been a good day - better
than yours, from what I've been
told.
EVE
(holds his hand against
her cheek)
You heard?
RAND
I may be a shut-in, but I do not
lack for news. I'm sorry you had to
go through all that.
EVE
Oh, it wasn't all that bad,
darling. We were fortunate that Mr.
Gardiner turned out to be so
reasonable.
RAND
Reasonable? Good, I'd like to meet
a reasonable man. Why don't you ask
this Gardiner to join us for
dinner?
EVE
(sits on the side of the
bed)
Do you feel well enough for that?
RAND
(smiles)
Hah!... Tell me the truth, Eve - if
I wait until I feel better, will I
ever meet the man?
There is silence from Eve. Rand squeezes her hand, turns to
Constance.
RAND (CONT'D)
Constance! I want new blood
tonight, I'm getting up for dinner.
CONSTANCE
But, Mr. Rand...
RAND
Don't argue, tell Robert I want new
blood!
(turns to Eve)
... Ask him to dinner.
Rand pulls Eve's hand close, kisses it.
INT. EAST WING GUEST SUITE - NIGHT
An enormous bedroom, filled with 18th Century antique
furniture. DR. ROBERT ALLENBY dabs Chance's ass with a piece
of cotton soaked in alcohol, prior to an injection. Chance
stands with his pants to the floor, looks to the television
which is not turned on.
ALLENBY
The injection will ease the pain
and swelling, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
I understand. I've seen it done
before.
ALLENBY
Now, you'll barely feel this. It
won't hurt at all.
Allenby administers the injection, Chance reacts from the
pain.
CHANCE
You were wrong, it did hurt.
ALLENBY
(a chuckle)
But not for long...
As Allenby puts a band-aid on Chance's ass, Chance spots a
remote control for the TV on the bedside table. He reaches
out, picks it up.
ALLENBY (CONT'D)
It's good that there was no
apparent damage to the bone.
CHANCE
Yes. I think so, too.
ALLENBY
However, with injuries such as
this, I have run into minor
hemorrhaging, which really isn't
too serious at the time, but can
cause secondary problems if not
looked after.
CHANCE
I see.
Chance turns on the TV.
ALLENBY
(a look to the TV, then to
Chance)
You can pull your trousers up, now.
CHANCE
Oh, fine.
ALLENBY
(as Chance pulls up pants)
Just to take the proper
precautions, Mr. Gardiner, I'd
recommend we take you downstairs
and X-ray your leg.
(no reaction from Chance,
Allenby takes a long look
at him)
... By the way, Mr. Gardiner, I
would like to ask you something
straight out.
CHANCE
(doesn't understand)
... Straight out?
ALLENBY
Yes. Are you planning on making any
sort of claim against the Rand's?
CHANCE
(after a beat)
Claim...? ... Oh, claim, that's
what Thomas asked me.
ALLENBY
Thomas? Who's Thomas?
CHANCE
Thomas Franklin, an attorney.
ALLENBY
An attorney?
CHANCE
(turns back to TV)
Yes.
ALLENBY
(suddenly very cold)
Then you wish to handle this matter
through your attorneys?
CHANCE
There's no need for a claim, the
garden is a healthy one.
ALLENBY
(gives Chance a look)
Oh, I see...
(warms up)
... Well, then... You're a very
funny man, Mr. Gardiner. You caught
me off guard, I must admit...
CHANCE
(changes channels, sits on
bed)
Thank you.
ALLENBY
Good, keep your weight off that
leg, Mr. Gardiner. In fact, it
would be best if you could stay
here for a day or two, if that
would be would be possible. Since
Benjamin became ill we have our own
hospital downstairs. I can promise
you the finest in care, unless, of
course, you would prefer to go
elsewhere.
CHANCE
Yes, I could stay here. Thank you.
ALLENBY
Fine. Would you like me to speak to
your personal physician?
CHANCE
No.
Allenby waits for Chance to say more, he does not. Finally,
Allenby picks up his bag, heads for the door.
ALLENBY
(stops by door)
I'll send Wilson up to take you for
X-rays, Mr. Gardiner. Feel free to
use the telephone, and please let
me know if you have any discomfort.
CHANCE
(clicking changer)
Yes, I will.
Allenby gives him a look, then leaves. Chance watches an old
movie of a man lighting a cigar. The man enjoys the cigar,
blows out smoke. The scene seems to 'sink into' Chance's
mind.
EXT. MANSION - PATIO - NIGHT
Eve sits next to a roaring patio fireplace with a steaming
cup of tea. Allenby comes outside, joins her.
ALLENBY
Good God, Eve - you'll freeze out
here.
EVE
I wanted some fresh air, Robert.
How is Mr. Gardiner?
ALLENBY
A rather large contusion, but I
don't feel there is any serious
damage. I'd like to keep an eye on
him, though - I suggested that he
stay here for a couple of days.
EVE
Stay here? Is that necessary?
ALLENBY
Not necessary, but preferable. I
don't think he'll be a bother, he
seems like a most refreshing sort
of man.
EVE
Yes, he is different... Not the
kind of person one usually meets in
Washington.
ALLENBY
How true. Mr. Gardiner may be a
welcome change of pace.
EVE
He's very intense, and internal,
don't you think?
ALLENBY
At times, yes. But that's not an
uncommon reaction to such an
accident. Actually, I found him to
have quite a sense of humor.
EVE
Good. It might be pleasant for a
couple of days.
(Eve puts down her tea)
... Robert... Is there any
improvement...?
ALLENBY
No, Eve... I'm sorry.
Eve is silent for a moment, looks out to the darkness.
EVE
... Sometimes when I see Ben I
could swear that he's getting
stronger... Something that he might
say, the way he moves, or a look in
his eyes - makes me feel that this
is all a nightmare and that he'll
be better soon... It's just so hard
to believe what's really
happening...
Allenby reaches out, holds Eve's hand.
INT. RAND MANSION - FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
The elevator door opens, Wilson guides Chance in the
wheelchair into the hallway.
CHANCE
(looks back to elevator)
... That is a very small room.
WILSON
(laughs)
Yes sir, I guess that's true
smallest room in the house.
CHANCE
(glancing around)
Yes. It seems to be.
Wilson takes this as another joke, chuckles as he wheels
Chance toward Rand's hospital room.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
CONSTANCE and another nurse, TERESA, stand by as Rand is
being given a transfusion. Rand lifts his head as Wilson
wheels Chance into the room.
RAND
Welcome to Rand Memorial Hospital,
Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
(looks around room)
... I see.
Wilson pushes Chance to the X-Ray machine, where the
technician, BILLINGS, a Black man, waits. As Wilson and
Billings help Chance onto the X-Ray table, Chance's face
brightens up.
CHANCE (CONT'D)
I feel very good in here.
RAND
Sure you do. This ward is air
tight, I have a little extra oxygen
pumped in, keeps my spirits up.
CHANCE
Yes. I like that very much.
BILLINGS
(lining up Chance's leg)
This won't take long, Mr. Gardiner.
Please hold still when I ask.
Chance stares at Billings, reacts to him being Black.
CHANCE
(to Billings)
Do you know Raphael?
BILLINGS
No sir, I don't believe I do.
CHANCE
Oh. I have a message for him.
BILLINGS
Yes, sir.
CHANCE
A Black man gave me the message.
BILLINGS
Well, I still don't believe I know
the man, Mr. Gardiner. Now, hold
still.
Rand looks over as Billings takes the X-Ray.
RAND
Aplastic anemia, Mr. Gardiner -
aplastic anemia.
Chance smiles to Rand.
RAND (CONT'D)
Failure of the bone marrow to
produce red blood cells... Not a
damn thing they can do about it.
Oh, they can make me comfortable,
prolong my life with steroid
therapy and transfusions... And
what makes my blood boil, what
little I have left, that is, Mr.
Gardiner - is that it's generally a
young person's disease... Here I
am, getting on in years and about
to die of a young person's
disease...
CHANCE
(still smiles at Rand)
Yes. You look very sick.
BILLINGS
Hold still, please, Mr. Gardiner.
RAND
(a laugh)
I am very sick, and, as you can see
by all this paraphernalia, I am
very wealthy. I think I would
rather be wealthy and sick than
poor and sick.
CHANCE
(looks around the room)
I understand. I've never seen
anything like this on television.
BILLINGS
Please, hold still, Mr. Gardiner.
CONSTANCE
You too, Mr. Rand, you must stay
quiet.
Rand lays his head back.
RAND
... We're prisoners, Mr. Gardiner -
we're prisoners of tubes and
technology.
CHANCE
I agree.
RAND
(flat on his back)
... You will join us for dinner,
won't you, Mr. Gardiner?
CHANCE
(also flat on his back)
Yes. I am very hungry.
RAND
... So am I, my boy - so am I.
INT. RAND DINING ROOM - NIGHT
THURMAND, a waiter, and MARIANNE, a waitress, enter into the
Rand dining room carrying trays of food. The dining room is
immense, a 70-foot ceiling, huge fireplace. Allenby, Eve,
Rand, and Chance (both in wheelchairs) sit around the table.
Rand speaks slowly, with obvious weakness.
RAND
I know exactly what you mean. Today
the businessman is at the mercy of
kid-lawyers from the SEC. All they
want to do is regulate our natural
growth! It's happening across the
country!
ALLENBY
To everyone, I'm afraid. The
Government controls are so
restricting that the Medical
Profession, as we know it, is being
legislated out of existence.
RAND
Of course! By kid-lawyers!
Eve turns to Chance.
EVE
Won't your injury prevent you from
attending to business, Mr.
Gardiner?
CHANCE
No. It won't do that.
EVE
... Would you like us to notify
anyone for you?
CHANCE
No. The Old Man died and Louise
left.
There is a moment of silence.
EVE
Oh. I'm very sorry. Well, if you
have any need for any of our
facilities, please do not hesitate
to ask.
RAND
Do you need a secretary?
CHANCE
No, thank you. My house has been
closed.
RAND
Oh. When you say 'Your house has
been closed', you mean to say that
your business was shut down?
CHANCE
Yes. Shut down and locked by the
attorneys.
RAND
What'd I tell you? Kid-lawyers! The
S.E.C.! Damn them!
EVE
I hope that staying here won't be
an inconvenience for you.
CHANCE
No. I like it here.
RAND
That's good, Mr. Gardiner. Or may I
call you Chauncey?
CHANCE
(agreeable to being called
Chauncey)
Yes. Chauncey is fine.
RAND
And I'm Ben.
ALLENBY
(smiles to Chance)
... And please call me Robert.
CHANCE
Yes, Robert. I will.
RAND
So tell me, Chauncey, what are your
plans now?
Chance looks around the room.
CHANCE
Does this house have a garden?
Allenby gives Chance a look.
RAND
Do we have a garden? Hah! Tomorrow,
Chauncey, you will see our gardens.
CHANCE
I see. I would like to work in your
garden.
EVE
(laughs)
Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I
sometimes enjoy puttering around
myself, such a pleasant way to
forget one's troubles.
CHANCE
I am a very good gardener.
RAND
A gardener! Well put, Chauncey
excellent! Isn't that what a
businessman is? A gardener? A
person that makes flinty soil
productive with the labor of his
own hands, who waters it with the
sweat from his own brow, and who
creates a place of value for his
family and community? Yes,
Chauncey, what a brilliant metaphor
-- yes, indeed, a productive
businessman is a laborer in his own
vineyard.
CHANCE
Thank you, Ben. The garden that I
left was such a place. Everything
which grew there was with the labor
of my own hands. I planted seeds
and watered them and watched
everything grow.
RAND
(weakly)
Bravo!
CHANCE
But I don't have that any more...
(points to ceiling)
... All that's left for me now is
the room upstairs.
RAND
Now, wait a minute, Chauncey you
are young, you are healthy, for
God's sake don't give up on
yourself! You have to fight! You
can't let those bastards keep you
down! I don't want to hear any more
from you about the 'Room Upstairs'.
That's where I'm going soon.
There is a long pause. Chance looks up, then smiles at Rand.
CHANCE
It's a very pleasant room, Ben.
RAND
(laughs)
Yes, I'm sure it is. That's what
they say, anyway.
Another period of silence. The servants bustle around the
room as Allenby studies Chance.
INT. RAND'S POOL ROOM - NIGHT
Allenby opens the door. Rand enters in his electric
wheelchair followed by Chance being pushed by Wilson.
RAND
... I don't know what you've heard
about me, Chauncey, but I'm sure
you know everything there is to
know. Cigar?
Rand holds out humidor to Chance.
CHANCE
Yes, thank you.
(takes cigar)
No Ben. I don't know everything
about you.
Rand smiles as he takes a cigar for himself.
RAND
... No, of course you don't. Excuse
me for being so presumptuous. No
man knows everything about another
man - however, very few are honest
enough to admit it.
ALLENBY
That is so true. You're different,
Chauncey... Quite different than
most men.
CHANCE
Thank you, Robert.
Rand lights his own cigar, then hands an ornate lighter to
Chance.
RAND
(picks up pool cue, weakly
strokes the balls)
... You know, Chauncey, there are
thousands of American businessmen,
large and small, that share your
plight. I've been concerned with
the situation for some time now.
Chance, not knowing to bite off the tip, tries to light the
cigar like the man on TV. It will not light.
RAND (CONT'D)
So I've been thinking about
beginning a financial assistance
program, Chauncey, to help out
American businessmen that have been
harassed by inflation, excessive
taxation, unions and other
indecencies...
Allenby watches Chance trying to light the cigar as Rand
speaks on, shooting pool as he talks.
RAND
... I'd like to offer the decent
'Gardeners' of the business
community a helping hand. After
all, they are our strongest defense
against the pollutants who so
threaten our basic freedoms and the
well-being of our middle class.
Tell me, would you have any
thoughts on such a program?
Chance puts the unlit cigar in the ashtray, smiles at
Allenby, then answers Rand.
CHANCE
No, Ben.
RAND
(a smile)
Reluctant to speak, eh, Chauncey?
Well, I can understand that. When a
man loses everything, anger has a
tendency to block out reason for a
time. Just give it some thought,
work with the idea, I'm sure you'll
have plenty to say in a few days.
CHANCE
I could give it some thought, Ben,
but my leg is very sore.
RAND
... Oh?
(looks to Allenby)
Robert, take a look, would you?
ALLENBY
Some pain is to be expected...
(bends to Chance, looks at
leg)
... And I think what would be best
for the two of you is a good
night's rest.
(checks watch)
... It's late, I'm afraid it's time
for my patients to prepare for bed.
RAND
(puts down pool cue)
We have common foes, Chauncey - kid
lawyers and our physician!
CHANCE
I agree.
Allenby laughs as he takes Rand's cigar from him, snuffs it
in the ashtray.
INT. MANSION - ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Wilson stands behind Chance in the wheelchair. Chance glances
slowly and inquisitively around the elevator. When his eyes
meet Wilson's, the valet breaks out in laughter.
WILSON
(laughing, trying to
apologize)
... Sorry, sir - I just couldn't
contain myself... I knew you were
going to come out with another one
of your jests about the elevator...
Excuse me, sir...
The elevator stops, the door opens.
INT. MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
Wilson wheels Chance out of the elevator.
CHANCE
(looks back as the door
closes)
... Hmmm... Elevator.
WILSON
(laughs again)
... Yes sir - elevator!
Wilson stops laughing, becomes the stone-faced servant once
again as he notices Eve coming out of her bedroom. Wilson
stops wheeling Chance, stands stiffly at attention as Eve and
Chance talk.
EVE
Chauncey, I wanted to tell you how
dreadful I feel about the accident
today, but that I'm delighted that
you are staying with us.
CHANCE
Thank you, Eve - I like this house
very much.
EVE
... And Ben is just mad about you -
you've lifted his spirits so - it's
just... Well, it's just a real
pleasure having you with us.
CHANCE
Ben is very ill, Eve - I've seen
that before.
EVE
Yes... I know, Chauncey.
CHANCE
I like Ben very much... He reminds
me of the Old Man...
EVE
He does...?
CHANCE
Yes. Are you going to leave and
close the house when he dies?
Eve is not prepared for such a question.
EVE
... Why... No, I don't think so...
CHANCE
That's good.
Chance smiles at Eve and there is a moment of silence before
Eve steps back into her bedroom.
EVE
... Good night, Chauncey.
CHANCE
Good night, Eve.
Eve closes the door. Wilson wheels Chance down the hallway
toward the guest room.
EXT. FRONT OF RAND MANSION - MORNING
Eve comes out of the house, Jeffrey holds the door for her as
she gets into "RAND l." Jeffrey gets in and the limo pulls
away. Chance comes out of the front door, walking with a
limp. His first view of the Rand grounds in the daylight, he
is taken by the extent of the greenery. An attendant, LEWIS,
hurries to Chance.
LEWIS
Did you want a car, sir?
CHANCE
Yes. I would like a car.
LEWIS
Yes, sir.
Lewis goes to his post, picks up a phone. As Chance looks at
the surroundings, Allenby and Wilson, with Chance's
wheelchair, come out of the house.
ALLENBY
(frowns as he sees Chance
walking)
Chauncey, there you are. What are
you doing on that leg?
CHANCE
It's fine today, Robert.
ALLENBY
Shame on you, Chauncey - you should
let me be the judge of that.
(motions to Wilson)
Please, sit in the chair.
Wilson pushes the wheelchair to Chance, he sits.
ALLENBY (CONT'D)
(checks leg)
I swear, Chauncey, between you and
Benjamin, I've got my hands full...
(looks at calf)
... Say, that is coming along, the
swelling has gone down
considerably...
(pokes a spot)
... Any pain here?
CHANCE
Yes, Robert. But it's not bad.
A limousine pulls up to the front of the mansion, waits for
Chance.
ALLENBY
(continues examining)
... Benjamin has been hounding me
to allow him to address the annual
meeting of his Financial Institute
today, but obviously, the strain
would be impossible... How about
here, Chauncey, any soreness?
CHANCE
Hardly any, Robert.
Lewis, the attendant, interrupts.
LEWIS
Your limousine, sir.
CHANCE
Oh, thank you.
ALLENBY
(reacting to limo)
... Were you going somewhere?
CHANCE
No, Robert.
ALLENBY
(a beat)
... Oh.
(checks leg)
... My God, I only wish that
Benjamin had your recuperative
powers... Anyway, the President
offered to sit in for Ben at the
meeting, quite a nice gesture, I
felt. He's due here soon, I
believe.
CHANCE
Yes, Robert. I know about the
President.
ALLENBY
(mildly surprised)
... Oh? You've heard?
CHANCE
Yes. Ben called me. He wants me to
meet the President.
ALLENBY
(stands)
He does, does he?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben told me to be in his room
at ten o'clock.
ALLENBY
Why, that's terrific, Chauncey.
CHANCE
How do I know when it's ten
o'clock?
A long look from Allenby, then he looks at his watch.
ALLENBY
... It's five of, you'd best get on
in there.
CHANCE
Thank you, Robert.
Wilson begins to push Chance.
CHANCE (CONT'D)
I would like to walk today.
ALLENBY
Hell yes - walk. You're meeting the
President, aren't you?
CHANCE
(gets out of chair)
Oh, really?
Allenby, a bit puzzled, watches as Chance goes into the
house.
INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - MORNING
Chance limps aimlessly through a hallway. He stops, admires a
large tapestry on the wall. A servant, SMYTHE, notices Chance
appears confused, approaches him.
SMYTHE
May I help you, Mr. Gardiner?
CHANCE
(with a smile)
Yes. I would like to go to Rand
Memorial Hospital.
SMYTHE
(a pause)
... Sir?
CHANCE
Yes.
There is another long pause.
SMYTHE
... Did you wish to see someone,
sir?
CHANCE
Yes, I would like to see Ben.
SMYTHE
Oh, Mr. Rand, of course. Right this
way, sir.
Chance follows Smythe down the hall.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
Rand is in an easy chair, dressed for his meeting with the
President. The two nurses are working at the disinfecting
table. Rand smiles as Chance is shown into the room by
Smythe.
RAND
Chauncey, up and around this
morning, are you?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben. My leg is not very sore.
RAND
Well, that's good news, my boy.
CHANCE
You're looking much better today,
Ben.
RAND
Hah! It's all make-up, Chauncey...
I asked nurse Teresa to fix me up,
I didn't want the President to
think I was going to die during our
talk.
CHANCE
I understand.
RAND
No one likes a dying man, my boy -
because few know what death is. All
we know is the terror of it. But
you're an exception, Chauncey -
that's what I admire in you, your
marvelous balance. You don't
stagger back and forth between fear
and hope - you're a truly peaceful
man.
CHANCE
Thank you, Ben.
(looks at Rand closely)
... The nurse did a very good job,
Ben.
The nurses turn, look at Chance.
EXT. FRONT RAND MANSION - MORNING
Wilson is at the head of eight servants lined up on the front
steps. Two black PLYMOUTH SEDANS pull up and park. EIGHT MEN
in grey business suits get out. One of them, WOLTZ, goes
directly to Wilson.
WOLTZ
Good morning, Mr. Wilson.
WILSON
Good morning, Mr. Woltz, nice to
see you again.
WOLTZ
Thank you. How have you been?
WILSON
Fine, thank you.
(hands Woltz paper)
We have an additional guest with us
today, Mr. Chauncey Gardiner.
WOLTZ
(reads list)
I see...
(turns to other men)
Okay, let's go to work.
The eight servants pair up with the eight men in suits and go
into the house.
INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - MORNING
Allenby gets off the elevator, stands and thinks for a
moment, then heads off down the hallway in the direction of
Chance's room.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
Chance watches television as Rand speaks.
RAND
Yes, when I was younger I had
thoughts about public office... But
I found, Chauncey - that I was able
to contribute more as a private
citizen... of course, my wealth
provided me with considerable
influence, but I've tried, believe
me, not to misuse that power...
It's extremely important, Chauncey,
when one is in a position of
eminence, that he does not allow
himself to become blinded to the
needs of the country... The
temptations are strong, and I've
been labeled a 'kingmaker' by many,
but I have tried to stay open to
voices of the people... I have
tried to remain honest to myself...
CHANCE
(changing channels)
I see, Ben.
RAND
... Maybe one day you shall find
yourself in a similar position,
Chauncey... Maybe one day...
EXT. FRONT RAND MANSION - MORNING
Two black limousines followed by a station wagon with small
holes in the side pull up in front of the mansion. As men
from the first limousine and the station wagon jump out and
take positions around the driveway, Lewis hurries to his
post, picks up his phone.
INT. RAND MANSION - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - MORNING
The nerve center of the Rand Enterprises since he has become
ill. Four or five desks, all the latest electronic office
equipment, three TV's with video taping facilities, countless
telephones. MRS. AUBREY, Rand's senior secretary, is at her
desk, answers her phone.
MRS. AUBREY
(into phone)
Yes... Oh, very good, Lewis, thank
you.
Mrs. Aubrey hangs up, picks up another phone, pushes a
button.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
Rand smiles at Chance as the phone rings.
RAND
He's here.
(into phone)
Yes, Mrs. Aubrey?
(listens)
Fine. Show the President to the
library, we'll be along in a few
minutes.
Rand hangs up the phone, turns to Chance with a twinkle in
his eyes.
RAND (CONT'D)
It's an old habit that goes along
with power -- keep them waiting...
Teresa brings Rand's wheelchair to him.
RAND (CONT'D)
(stands, very weak)
Not now, Teresa. I'm seeing the
President on my own two feet.
TERESA
But, Mr. Rand...
RAND
(puts an arm around Chance
for support)
Shall we go, Chauncey?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben. That's a good idea.
Rand walks slowly, clings to the limping Chance tightly as
they leave the room.
EXT. HALLWAY - MORNING
Secret Service Men are seen in the background as Rand stops
outside Mrs. Aubrey's office, leans in.
RAND
Mrs. Aubrey, have you received the
papers on the Caracas agreement?
MRS. AUBREY
Yes, sir. They're ready for you to
sign.
RAND
Excellent.
(turns to Chance)
A good woman, Mrs. Aubrey.
CHANCE
(seeing her for first
time)
I agree, Ben.
They shuffle off down the hallway. Chance smiles at the
Secret Service men that they pass.
INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY BY LIBRARY - MORNING
Woltz and Wilson wait by the library door. Woltz takes a
small metal detector from his pocket as Rand and Chance
approach.
WOLTZ
Good morning, Mr. Rand.
RAND
Woltz, how have you been?
WOLTZ
(passes detector over
Rand's body)
Just fine, thank you, sir.
(turns to Chance)
And you must be Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
Yes.
WOLTZ
(passes detector over
Chance)
Just a formality, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
(as he finishes)
Thank you very much.
Wilson knocks lightly, then opens the library door, Rand and
Chance enter.
INT. RAND LIBRARY - MORNING
Rand and Chance come into the Library and the President goes
to Rand with both hands outstretched.
PRESIDENT
Ben!
RAND
(very weak)
... Mr. President, how good to see
you.
PRESIDENT
It's so good to see you too, Ben,
you look terrific!
RAND
(barely able to stand)
I'm not convinced of that, Mr.
President, but your visit has
raised my spirits...
PRESIDENT
Well, I'm delighted to be here, my
friend. I've missed you.
(guides Rand to chair)
Here, sit down, get off your feet.
As Rand sinks into the chair, Chance approaches the President
with both hands outstretched.
CHANCE
Good morning, Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
(smiling)
... Hello.
Chance and the President exchange a two-handed handshake.
Rand, still weak from standing, catches his breath and
introduces Chance.
RAND
Mr. President, I'd like you to meet
my dear friend, Mr. Chauncey
Gardiner.
PRESIDENT
Mr. Gardiner, my pleasure.
CHANCE
You look much taller on television,
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
(a beat)
... Oh, really...
RAND
(smiling)
You will find that my house guest
does not bandy words, Mr.
President.
The President gives Chance a look, then laughs.
PRESIDENT
Well, Mr. Gardiner, that's just
fine with me - I'm a man that
appreciates a frank discussion...
Be seated, please, Mr. Gardiner...
CHANCE
(sitting)
Yes, I will.
PRESIDENT
(also sits)
Now, Ben, did you happen to get a
chance to...
Chance perks up at the mention of his name, interrupts.
CHANCE
Yes?
There is a beat as the President looks at Chance quizzically,
then he continues.
PRESIDENT
I just wondered if you had gone
over my speech, Ben.
RAND
Yes, I did.
PRESIDENT
... Well?
RAND
Overall - pretty good. But, Mr.
President, I think it's very
dangerous to resort to temporary
measures at this stage of the game.
PRESIDENT
Well, Ben... I...
RAND
I sympathize with your position,
Mr. President, I know how difficult
it is to be straightforward, the
reaction to such a speech could be
chaos.
PRESIDENT
That's too big a risk, I can't take
the chance.
CHANCE
(again perks up)
Yes?
Once again, the President gives Chance a puzzled look.
INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - MORNING
Perkins accompanies Secret Service Agent RIFF as he checks
out the third floor. Riff knocks on each door, looks inside,
then moves in.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - MORNING
Allenby is searching through Chancels clothes looking for
some sort of identification. There is a knock at the door,
Allenby pulls back from the closet as Riff opens the door,
looks inside.
ALLENBY
Oh... Hello.
RIFF
(entering)
Good morning. I'm Riff, Secret
Service.
ALLENBY
... Yes. Of course.
Perkins watches curiously as Riff passes the metal detector
over Allenby's clothing.
INT. LIBRARY - MORNING
The President is worried about what Rand is telling him. He
paces, smokes a cigarette. Chance smiles through it all.
RAND
... There is no longer any margin
for inflation, it has gone as far
as it can, you've reached your
limits on taxation, dependence on
foreign energy has reached a
crisis, and, from where I see it,
Mr. President, the Free Enterprise
System has reached the breaking
point. We are on the brink of
another crash from which recovery
might not be possible.
PRESIDENT
It's that serious, huh?
RAND
I'm afraid so.
The President now looks nearly as bad as Rand. He sits, turns
to Chance.
PRESIDENT
Do you agree with Ben, Mr.
Gardiner? Are we finished? Or do
you think we can stimulate growth
through temporary incentives?
CHANCE
(a beat)
As long as the roots are not
severed, all is well and all will
be well in the garden.
PRESIDENT
(a pause)
... In the garden?
CHANCE
That is correct. In a garden,
growth has its season. There is
spring and summer, but there is
also fall and winter. And then
spring and summer again...
PRESIDENT
(staring at Chance)
... Spring and summer...
(confused)
Yes, I see... Fall and winter.
(smiles at Chance)
Yes, indeed...
(a beat)
Could you go through that one more
time, please, Mr. Gardiner?
RAND
I think what my most insightful
friend is saying, Mr. President, is
that we welcome the inevitable
seasons of nature, yet we are upset
by the seasons of our economy.
CHANCE
Yes. That is correct.
PRESIDENT
(pleased)
...Well, Mr. Gardiner, I must
admit, that is one of the most
refreshing and optimistic
statements I've heard in a very,
very long time.
The President puts out his cigarette, rises.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
... Many of us forget that nature
and society are one! Yes, though we
have tried to cut ourselves off
from nature, we are still a part of
it! Like nature, our economic
system remains, in the long run,
stable and rational. And that is
why we must not fear to be at its
mercy!
(he smiles at Chance, who
is absorbed in looking
around the room at the
books)
... I envy your good, solid sense,
Mr. Gardiner - that is precisely
what we lack on Capitol Hill.
(glances at watch)
I must be going.
(holds out hand to Chance)
Mr. Gardiner, this visit has been
enlightening...
Chance rises and shakes the President's hand.
CHANCE
Yes. It has.
PRESIDENT
... You will honor me and my family
with a visit, won't you?
CHANCE
Yes. I will.
PRESIDENT
Wonderful, we'll all look forward
to seeing you.
(turns to Rand)
Is Eve around? I'd like to say
hello.
RAND
No, she flew up to Boston for
another charity event. She'll be
sorry to have missed you.
PRESIDENT
I'm sorry, too. Well, Nancy wanted
me to send along her best to the
two of you - and, Ben, I want to
thank you for your time and
thoughts.
RAND
Nonsense, Mr. President - I thank
you for coming to spend time with a
dying man.
PRESIDENT
Now, Ben, I won't have any of that.
Why don't you listen to your good
friend Chauncey this is a time to
think of life!
The President clasps Rand's hand.
RAND
You're right, Mr. President I don't
like feeling sorry for myself.
PRESIDENT
Take care of yourself, Ben.
RAND
You take care too, Bobby.
PRESIDENT
(as he turns to go, a
smile to Chance)
Mr. Gardiner...
The President leaves the library and Chance sits back down.
RAND
(as the door closes)
He's a decent fellow, the
President, isn't he?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben - he is.
RAND
He was quite impressed with your
comments, Chauncey - he hears my
sort of analysis from everyone, but
yours, unfortunately - seldom if
ever at all.
CHANCE
I'm glad he came, Ben. It was nice
talking to the President.
EXT. RAND MANSION - MORNING
An aide, KAUFMAN, waits by the front door of the Rand
mansion. As the President comes out, he speaks quietly to
Kaufman.
PRESIDENT
Kaufman, I'm going to need
information on Mr. Chauncey
Gardiner's background.
KAUFMAN
(makes note of name)
Gardiner, yes, sir.
PRESIDENT
And put it through on a Code Red -
I want it as soon as possible.
KAUFMAN
No problem, Chief.
They head toward the waiting limousines.
INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - MORNING
Rand has an arm around Chance, hangs on for dear life as the
two of them walk through the hall. Behind them, Wilson and
Perkins push empty wheelchairs.
RAND
(very weak)
... You know, Chauncey, there's
something about you... You're
direct, you grasp things quickly
and you state them plainly. You
don't play games with words to
protect yourself. I feel I can
speak to you frankly... You know
what I was talking to you about
last night?
CHANCE
(blankly)
No, Ben.
RAND
Oh, sure you do, the financial
assistance program. I think you
might be just the man to take
charge of such an undertaking. I'd
like you to meet with the members
of the Board, we'll be able to
discuss the matter at greater
length at that time.
CHANCE
I understand.
RAND
(stops outside his door)
And, please, Chauncey - don't rush
your decision. I know you're not a
man to act on the spur of the
moment.
CHANCE
Thank you, Ben.
RAND
And now, Chauncey, I'm afraid you
must excuse me - I'm very tired all
of a sudden.
Wilson and Perkins leave the wheelchairs, assist Rand into
his hospital room.
CHANCE
(as they go in)
I'm sorry that you are so sick,
Ben.
The door closes, Chance limps off down the hall.
EXT. RAND MANSION - GARDEN - DAY
Chance, with a limp, walks down a pathway in the garden,
admires the greenery. In the background, coming from the
house, we see Eve.
EVE
(approaches Chance, calls)
Chauncey!
CHANCE
(stops, turns)
Hello, Eve.
EVE
Your leg must be getting better.
CHANCE
Yes. It's feeling much better now.
EVE
Good. I'm glad to hear that.
(they walk together)
... How did you like meeting the
President?
CHANCE
Fine. He's very nice.
EVE
Yes, he is. I'm sorry I didn't get
to see him.
They walk along in silence for a moment. Chance sees a huge
greenhouse not far from them, heads toward it. Eve turns to
him, hesitates, then questions.
EVE (CONT'D)
... Chauncey... Last night you
mentioned an old man, that died.
CHANCE
Yes.
EVE
Was he a relative? Or an intimate
friend?
CHANCE
(looking at greenhouse)
He was a very wealthy man, he
looked after me since I was young.
EVE
Oh, I see... Your mentor, perhaps?
CHANCE
(quizzically)
... Mentor...?
Eve takes his uncertainty as a reluctance to discuss the Old
Man.
EVE
Forgive me, Chauncey - I didn't
mean to pry. You must have been
very close to him.
CHANCE
Yes. I was.
EVE
I'm sorry...
(getting more to the
point)
... And what about Louise? YOU
mentioned that she had gone, were
you close to her also?
CHANCE
Yes. I liked Louise very much. She
was his maid.
EVE
(relieved)
Oh, his maid!... Stupid me, I
thought perhaps she was someone
that you may have been romantically
involved with.
CHANCE
Oh, no. She brought me my meals.
EVE
(pleased)
Of course.
Eve edges slightly closer to Chance. Chance edges slightly
closer to the greenhouse, is fascinated by it.
CHANCE
What is that?
EVE
Our greenhouse.
CHANCE
(pleased)
Oh, I like that very much.
EVE
Yes, so do we.
Chance peeks through one of the windows.
INT. RAND'S BEDROOM - DAY
Rand is in bed. Eve, Chance and Allenby are seated around
him, the two nurses standing to one side. They all watch the
President's address to the Financial Institute on TV. Chance
inhales deeply, enjoys the oxygen in the room. Rand is
looking weaker. Every so often, Allenby casts a concerned
glance his way.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE
... And there are so many of you
that have proclaimed that we are on
the brink of the worst financial
crisis in this nation's history.
And there are so many of you
demanding that we put into effect
drastic measures to alter its
course. Well, let me tell you,
gentlemen, I have been conducting
multiple-level consultations with
members of the Cabinet, House and
Senate. I have conducted meetings
with prominent business leaders
throughout the country. And this
very morning I had an in-depth
discussion with your founder and
Chairman-Of-The-Board, Mr. Benjamin
Turnbull Rand and his close friend
and advisor Mr. Chauncey
Gardiner...
Rand perks up a bit at this mention. Allenby manages a smile,
once again looks at Rand, checking his condition. Eve looks
proudly at Chance, who continues to enjoy the oxygen.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE (CONT'D)
... Well, gentlemen, I found this
to be a most rewarding
conference... To quote Mr.
Gardiner, a most intuitive man, 'As
long as the roots of industry
remain firmly planted in the
national soil, the economic
prospects are undoubtedly sunny.'
Rand starts coughing, breathing heavily. Allenby and the
nurses rush to his bedside. Allenby shoots a quick look to
Eve and Chance.
ALLENBY
(motioning toward door)
Excuse us, please.
Eve and Chance leave the room as Allenby administers aid to
Rand.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE
Gentlemen, let us not fear the
inevitable chill and storms of
autumn and winter, instead, let us
anticipate the rapid growth of
springtime, let us await the
rewards of summer. As in a garden
of the earth, let us learn to
accept and appreciate the times
when the trees are bare as well as
the times when we pick the fruit.
EXT. RAND MANSION - PATIO - DAY
Eve and Chance sit in silence on the patio. Eve's eyes are
swollen, red, she has been crying. She turns to Chance,
reaches out, touches his hand.
EVE
(hesitates)
... I'm...
(pause)
... I'm very grateful that you're
here, Chauncey...
(pause)
... With us ...
CHANCE
So am I, Eve.
Allenby comes out the door, his mood is serious,
professional. Eve turns quickly, awaits his news.
ALLENBY
(sits alongside Eve)
... Eve - this has been an
exhausting day for Ben...
EVE
(anxious)
... But he's...?
ALLENBY
He's resting comfortably now.
There's no cause for alarm, yet...
Mrs. Aubrey comes out of the house.
MRS. AUBREY
Mr. Gardiner, I have a telephone
call for you. Sidney Courtney, the
financial editor of the Washington
Post.
CHANCE
(not moving)
Thank you.
MRS. AUBREY
Would you care to take it, sir?
CHANCE
Yes.
Chance still does not move. Eve mistakes Chance's not moving
for concern for herself. She puts a hand on his shoulder.
EVE
I'll be all right, Chauncey you go
ahead with Mrs. Aubrey...
CHANCE
(rising)
Yes, Eve. You'll be all right.
Chance follows Mrs. Aubrey into the house. Eve watches him
go, then turns to Allenby.
EVE
... He's such a sensitive man, so
considerate...
INT. RAND MANSION - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - DAY
Mrs. Aubrey leads Chance to a phone at one of the desks. The
three television sets are on, attract Chance's attention.
CHANCE
(picks up phone, looks at
TVs)
Hello.
INT. WASHINGTON POST - COURTNEY'S OFFICE - DAY
SID COURTNEY, a Black man in his fifties, wears a rumpled
wool jacket, smokes a pipe.
COURTNEY
Hello, Mr. Gardiner. This is Sid
Courtney, Washington Post.
INTERCUT - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE / COURTNEY'S OFFICE
CHANCE
Hello, Sid.
COURTNEY
I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr.
Gardiner, I know you must be very
busy.
CHANCE
(looking from one TV to
the other)
No. I'm not busy.
COURTNEY
Then, I'll be brief. I covered the
President's speech at the Financial
Institute today, and since the Post
would like to be as exact as
possible, we would appreciate your
comments on the meeting that took
place between Mr. Rand, the
President and yourself.
CHANCE
The President is a nice person. I
enjoyed it very much.
COURTNEY
Good, sir. And so, it seems, did
the President - but we would like
to have some facts; such as, uh...
What exactly is the relationship
between yourself and that of the
First American Financial
Corporation?
CHANCE
I think you should ask Mr. Rand
that.
COURTNEY
Of course. But since he is ill I'm
taking the liberty of asking you.
CHANCE
Yes, that is correct. I think you
should ask Mr. Rand that.
Courtney doesn't understand but continues his questioning.
COURTNEY
I see. Then one more quick
question, Mr. Gardiner; since we at
the Post would like to, uh - update
our profile on you - what exactly
is your business?
CHANCE
I have nothing more to say.
Chance hangs up the phone, watches the TVs.
Courtney listens to the dial tone, then puts the receiver
down.
COURTNEY
(to himself)
Typical - no wonder he's so close
to Rand...
INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - DAY
Chance comes out of Mrs. Aubrey's office, notices the service
elevator.
CHANCE
Hmmm. Elevator.
He gets in the elevator.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Chance looks at the row of buttons, presses one. He smiles as
he feels the elevator move.
INT. RAND MANSION - BASEMENT - DAY
One of Mrs. Aubrey's secretaries, JENNIFER, waits with an arm
load of paperwork for the elevator. The door opens, Chance
smiles at her as he steps out.
JENNIFER
(surprised to see him)
Why, hello, Mr. Gardiner - are you
looking for someone?
CHANCE
No.
Jennifer gets in the elevator, the doors Close. Chance looks
around the basement, puzzled. He had expected to be on the
third floor.
INT. MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - DAY
Mrs. Aubrey is at her desk, buzzing her inter-house phone. As
Jennifer enters, Mrs. Aubrey hangs up in frustration.
MRS. AUBREY
I can't find Mr. Gardiner anywhere.
JENNIFER
He's in the basement.
MRS. AUBREY
What's he doing in the basement?
JENNIFER
I don't know, Mrs. Aubrey.
Mrs. Aubrey grabs a notepad, leaves the office.
INT. RAND MANSION - BASEMENT - DAY
Mrs. Aubrey comes out of the service elevator, hurries
through the basement. She checks:
The boiler room.
The electrical room.
The photographer's studio (Eve is sitting for a portrait)
The gym (Allenby is working out)
INT. RAND MANSION - BASEMENT BOWLING ALLEY - DAY
Chance stands in the middle of the two-lane bowling alley,
totally confused. Mrs. Aubrey enters, he smiles at her.
MRS. AUBREY
Oh, Mr. Gardiner, I've been looking
all over.
CHANCE
Oh, yes.
MRS. AUBREY
Morton Hull, the producer of 'This
Evening' just called.
CHANCE
Yes, I have seen that show on
television.
MRS. AUBREY
Of course. They would like you to
appear on the show tonight. The
Vice President was scheduled, but
he had to cancel, and they asked if
you would be interested.
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to be on that
show.
MRS. AUBREY
Fine. They felt that since you had
such close ties with the President,
you would be a splendid choice.
(Chance nods, there is a
pause)
... Can I help you? Are you looking
for something?
CHANCE
No. I like this attic very much.
Mrs. Aubrey gives him a look, leaves.
EXT. SKY - DUSK
AIR FORCE 1 passes through the clouds.
INT. AIR FORCE 1 - DUSK
The President sits on a couch in one of the compartments on
the jet. Before him, stand six of his STAFF, Kaufman
included.
PRESIDENT
... Gentlemen, I quoted this man on
national television today he is
obviously a financial sophisticate
of some reknown.
KAUFMAN
Yes, sir - we are aware of all
that, but still, we haven't been
able to...
PRESIDENT
(interrupts)
He's an advisor and close personal
friend of Rand's! For Christ sakes,
they have volumes of data on
Benjamin!
KAUFMAN
Yes, Mr. President, we attempted to
contact Mr. Rand, but he was too
ill to...
PRESIDENT
(again interrupts)
I do not want Benjamin Rand
disturbed! You have other ways of
gathering information than to
trouble a dying man. Use whatever
agencies are necessary to put
together a detailed history of
Chauncey Gardiner, if you run into
problems, alert Honeycutt.
(he stands)
I'll be in the office at seven in
the morning and I would like to
have it at that time.
(he starts for door)
I've got to take a leak.
KAUFMAN
Right, Chief.
As the President goes to the Men's Room, two of the aides
reach for telephones.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - EVENING
Chance wears a velvet bathrobe, watches TV. Perkins lays out
a suit, shirt, tie, etc. on the bed.
PERKINS
I believe these garments will be
quite appropriate, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
(eyes on TV)
Yes. They are fine.
There is a knock at the door.
PERKINS
Excuse me, sir.
Perkins answers the door, it is Eve.
EVE
(entering)
Chauncey...
CHANCE
(rises)
Hello, Eve.
EVE
Chauncey, I just wanted to wish you
well. I know you'll be smashing.
CHANCE
Thank you, Eve.
EVE
And Benjamin sends along his best
wishes.
CHANCE
How is Ben feeling?
EVE
He's tired, Chauncey - but he's
going to watch you tonight. We'll
both be watching.
CHANCE
That's good. I like to watch, too.
EVE
I know you do - you and your
television...
(a pause)
... Good luck, Chauncey.
Eve impulsively steps forward, kisses Chance on the cheek.
Chance smiles at her, and Eve, slightly embarrassed, turns
and leaves the room. Chance sits back down, watches TV as
Perkins attends to his clothes with a whisk broom.
INT. WASHINGTON POST - STAFF ROOM - NIGHT
Courtney heads a meeting of his four staffers. One man,
KINNEY, a research assistant, sits behind a stack of
paperwork, has a downcast expression as he listens to
Courtney.
COURTNEY
... Gardiner is laconic, matter-of
fact. The scuttlebutt is that he's
a strong candidate for one of the
vacant seats on the board of First
American. But before we can do any
sort of a piece on the man, we're
going to need facts on his
background...
(turns to Kinney)
... Kinney, what did you come up
with?
KINNEY
(after a pause)
... Nothing.
COURTNEY
(sighs, taps pencil on
table)
... Skip the levity, Kinney - what
have you got?
KINNEY
(another pause)
... I realize this sounds banal but
there is no information of any sort
on Gardiner. We have no material on
him - zilch...
The room is quiet except for the tapping of Courtney's
pencil.
EXT. TELEVISION STATION - NIGHT
The RAND 1 limousine parks in front of the station. As
Jeffrey opens the door for Chance, MORTON HULL steps to the
limo.
HULL
Mr. Gardiner, I'm Morton Hull, the
producer of 'This Evening.'
CHANCE
(as they shake hands)
Hello, Morton.
Hull takes Chance into the station.
INT. RAND MANSION - CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Constance, Rand's nurse, enters Chance's room, goes to the
closet.
INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Chance is intrigued by the surroundings as Hull guides him
through the corridor.
HULL
Of course, Mr. Gardiner, the fact
that you occupy such a position in
the world of finance makes you
ideally suited to provide our
millions of viewers with an
explanation of this nation's
economic crisis.
CHANCE
I see.
HULL
Do you realize, Mr. Gardiner, that
more people will be watching you
tonight than all those who have
seen theater plays in the last
forty years?
CHANCE
Yes. It's a very good show.
HULL
I'm glad you like it, Mr. Gardiner.
Hull takes Chance into the MAKE-UP room.
INT. RAND MANSION - CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Constance is in the closet, searching through Chance's
pockets, finding nothing. She takes out a small knife, cuts a
label from one of the jackets. Quickly, she examines one of
Chance's shoes, copies the name of the shoemaker in a
notebook. Constance hurries to the dresser, continues her
search.
INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR/MAKEUP ROOM NIGHT
COLSON, the makeup man, comes through the corridor carrying a
glass of water. He turns into the makeup room, goes to Chance
who sits in front of the lights. Hull sits next to Chance,
briefs him on the show. Chance has his eyes on a TV monitor,
watches the guest preceding him on "This Evening."
COLSON
(gives Chance water)
Here you go, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
Thank you. I'm very thirsty.
COLSON
Yes, sir - it's hot under those
lights.
Colson applies finishing touches to Chance.
HULL
Now, if the host wants to ask you a
question, he'll raise his left
forefinger to his left eyebrow.
(Chance watches TV)
Then you'll stop, and he'll say
something, and then you'll answer.
On the TV, WILLIAM DUPONT, the host, wraps up his talk with
his guest.
COLSON
(a last-minute dab)
Okay, Mr. Gardiner, you're all set.
Hull leads Chance out of the makeup room. Colson closes the
door, then carefully picks up Chance's water glass, wraps it
in Kleenex, puts it in his overcoat pocket.
INT. TV STATION - "THIS EVENING" STUDIO - NIGHT
William Dupont introduces Chance.
DUPONT
Ladies and gentlemen, our very
distinguished quest, Mr. Chauncey
Gardiner!
The BAND plays as Chance comes onto the stage. An audience of
about three hundred applauds Chance as he appears. Two TV
cameras move with him as he walks, with a smile and a limp,
to center stage. Dupont shakes Chance's hand, Chance holds
Dupont's hand with both of his own.
DUPONT (CONT'D)
Mr. Gardiner, how very nice to have
you with us this evening.
CHANCE
Yes.
DUPONT
(showing Chance to chair)
I'd like to thank you for filling
in on such short notice for the
Vice President.
CHANCE
(sits)
You're welcome.
DUPONT
(also sitting)
I always find it surprising, Mr.
Gardiner, to find men like
yourself, who are working so
intimately with the President, yet
manage to remain relatively
unknown.
CHANCE
Yes. That is surprising.
DUPONT
(a beat)
... Well, your anonymity will be a
thing of the past from now on.
CHANCE
(doesn't understand)
I hope so.
DUPONT
Yes... Of course, you know, Mr.
Gardiner, that I always prefer an
open and frank conversation with my
guests, I hope you don't object to
that.
CHANCE
No. I don't object.
DUPONT
Fine, then let's get started. The
current state of our country is of
vital interest to us all, and I
would like to know if you agree
with the President's view of the
economy?
CHANCE
Which view?
Applause and laughter from the audience. Dupont accustomed to
parrying with his guests, asks again.
DUPONT
Come now, Mr. Gardiner, before his
speech at the Financial Institute
the President consulted with you
and Benjamin Rand, did he not?
CHANCE
Yes. I was there with Ben.
DUPONT
I know that, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
Yes.
DUPONT
(a beat)
Well, let me rephrase the question;
the President compared the economy
of this country to a garden, and
stated that after a period of
decline a time of growth would
naturally follow. Do you go along
with this belief?
CHANCE
Yes, I know the garden very well. I
have worked in it all my life. It
is a good garden and a healthy one;
its trees are healthy and so are
its shrubs and flowers, as long as
they are trimmed and watered in the
right seasons. The garden needs a
lot of care. I do agree with the
President; everything in it will
grow strong, and there is plenty of
room in it for new trees and new
flowers of all kinds.
The audience applauds Chance's apparent metaphor. Dupont
waits for it all to subside, then asks another question.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Rand is in bed. Eve sits in a chair next to the bed, squeezes
Rand's hand in excitement as they both watch Chance on
television. Teresa, the nurse, watches in the background.
DUPONT
(over TV)
...Well, Mr. Gardiner, that was
very well put indeed, and I feel it
was a booster for all of us who do
not like to wallow in complaints or
take delight in gloomy predictions.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The President and First Lady are in bed together watching the
show.
PRESIDENT
Gloomy predictions? That insolent
son of a bitch!
DUPONT
(over TV)
Let's make it clear, Mr. Gardiner,
it's your view that the collapse of
the Stock Market, the dramatic
increase in unemployment, you feel
that this is just another season,
so to speak, in the garden?
The First Lady cuddles close the President, ruffles his hair,
tries to cheer him up.
INT. TV STUDIO - "THIS EVENING SHOW" - NIGHT
Chance answers.
CHANCE
In a garden, things grow - but
first some things must wither; some
trees lose their leaves before they
grow new leaves...
INT. CIA ROOM - NIGHT
A small, dark room. A videotape machine is running. Also, a
machine is turning that records the harmonics of Chance's
voice. TWO CIA MEN run the equipment, watch as a needle
charts Chance's voice onto paper.
CHANCE
(over TV)
... Then they grow thicker and
stronger and taller. Some trees
die, but fresh saplings replace
them. Gardens need a lot of care
and a lot of love.
INT. THOMAS FRANKLIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Franklin, the attorney that evicted Chance, comes out of the
bathroom brushing his teeth. His wife, JOHANNA, is in bed
absorbed in "This Evening." Franklin sits on the end of the
bed, watches the show.
CHANCE
(over TV)
... And if you give your garden a
lot of love, and if you work very
hard and have a lot of patience, in
the proper season you will see it
grow to be very beautiful...
More applause from the TV. Franklin leans closer to the set.
FRANKLIN
(puzzled)
It's that gardener!
JOHANNA
Yes, Chauncey Gardiner.
FRANKLIN
No! He's a real gardener!
JOHANNA
(laughs)
He does talk like one, but I think
he's brilliant.
DUPONT
(over TV)
I think your metaphors are quite
interesting, Mr. Gardiner, but,
haven't we seen seasons that have
been devastating to certain
countries?
INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The President and First Lady continue to watch.
DUPONT
(over TV)
Such as disasterous winters,
prolonged droughts that have wiped
out crops, hurricanes that have all
but swept away island communities?
Doesn't a country need to have
someone in charge that can see it
through such crises?
PRESIDENT
... That bastard...
The First Lady moves closer to him.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT
The TV, its volume low, plays in the background as Constance,
with a pair of tweezers, plucks a hair from Chance's pillow,
puts it into a small vial.
DUPONT
(over TV)
Don't we need a leader capable of
guiding us through the seasons? The
bad as well as the good?
CHANCE
(over TV)
Yes. We need a very good gardener.
INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT
Dupont continues his questions.
DUPONT
Do you feel that we have a 'Very
good gardener' in office at this
time, Mr. Gardiner?
At the end of the question, Dupont glances over Chance's
shoulder to look at the monitor.
CHANCE
(a beat)
I understand.
Chance turns to see what Dupont is looking at, sees the back
of his own head on the TV screen.
DUPONT
I realize that might be a difficult
question for you, Mr. Gardiner -
but there are a lot of us around
the country that would like to hear
your thoughts on the matter.
Chance is still turned to the monitor.
CHANCE
Oh, yes. It is possible for one
side of the garden to be flooded,
and the other side to be dry...
INT. RAND MANSION - ALLENBY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Allenby watches Chance on television. The camera that covered
Dupont in close-up has now pulled back, includes Dupont and
Chance, both looking into camera. Allenby is concerned, he is
unsure of Chance.
CHANCE
(over TV)
... Some plants do well in the sun,
and others grow better in the cool
of the shade.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
A group of ELDERLY BLACK PEOPLE sit in the lobby, watch "This
Evening" on an old black-and-white TV.
CHANCE
(over TV)
... It is the gardener's
responsibility to take water from
the flooded area and run it to the
area that is dry. It is the
gardener's responsibility not to
plant a sun-loving flower in the
shade of a high wall...
During the preceding speech, Louise, the maid from the Old
Man's house, chatters.
LOUISE
Gobbledegook! All the time he
talked gobbledegook! An' it's for
sure a White man's world in
America, hell, I raised that boy
since he was the size of a pissant
an' I'll say right now he never
learned to read an' write - no sir!
Had no brains at all, was stuffed
with rice puddin' between the ears!
Shortchanged by the Lord and dumb
as a jackass an' look at him now!
Yes, sir - all you gotta be is
white in America an' you get
whatever you want! Just listen to
that boy - gobbledegook!
There is a chorus of "Amens" as she finishes.
INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT
Chance continues.
CHANCE
... It is the responsibility of the
gardener to adjust to the bad
seasons as well as enjoy the good
ones. If the gardener does his job,
everything will be fine.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Audience applause is heard over TV. Rand claps weakly along
with the TV sound. Eve and Teresa also clap.
RAND
(smiling)
Splendid. Just splendid...
Rand looks up as Constance comes into the room.
RAND (CONT'D)
Damn, Constance, get in here! You
shouldn't miss any of this!
Constance hurries to Teresa's side. Rand turns to Eve.
RAND (CONT'D)
I'm becoming quite attached to
Chauncey - quite attached...
(Eve smiles)
... And so are you, aren't you,
Eve.
EVE
(a beat)
... Yes, I am, Ben.
RAND
(reaches out, takes her
hand)
That's good... That's good.
DUPONT
(over TV)
Well, Mr. Gardiner, from the sound
of our audience, I'd say that your
words are a most welcome respite
from what we've been hearing from
others...
CHANCE
(over TV)
Thank you.
INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT
Dupont asks another question.
DUPONT
I'm sorry to say that our time is
running short, but before we close,
I'd like to ask one final question.
What sort of gardener, sir, would
you be?
CHANCE
(with confidence)
I am a very serious gardener.
INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
More applause over the TV. The President pales.
PRESIDENT
Oh, Jesus...
He rolls over in bed. The First Lady reaches out, puts a
comforting hand on his shoulder.
INT. FRANKLIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Franklin holds a phone to his ear with one hand, shuts off
the TV with the other.
FRANKLIN
Okay, I'll see you in twenty
minutes.
Franklin hangs up the phone, scurries around getting dressed.
His wife, Johanna, sits grimly in bed.
JOHANNA
(coldly)
... Business, bullshit! Going out
in the middle of the night to meet
that bitch in a bar...
FRANKLIN
Sally Hayes is not a bitch - she's
a damn fine attorney! I've got to
talk to her about this Gardiner...
JOHANNA
(turns over in bed)
Good night.
FRANKLIN
Look, Johanna...
JOHANNA
(cuts him off)
I said good night!
Franklin gives up, hurries from the room.
INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Colson, carefully carrying his overcoat, walks with Chance
through the corridor. A delighted Hull walks behind them.
COLSON
Marvelous! Just marvelous, Mr.
Gardiner! What spirit you have,
what confidence! Exactly what this
country needs!
Chance smiles at well-wishers as they continue on through the
corridor.
INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The First Lady is snuggled up close to the President,
caresses his body. After a moment, it becomes clear to her
that he is not up to the occasion.
FIRST LADY
... Darling... What's wrong?
PRESIDENT,
... I can't... I just can't right
now... I'm sorry, dearest... I just
can't...
The First Lady looks at him for a beat, then turns, lies on
her back and stares at the ceiling.
INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT
An 'in' meeting place for the upper-middle Washington, D.C.
crowd. Thomas Franklin and Sally Hayes sit at a table, drinks
in front of them.
FRANKLIN
... It didn't make any sense to me
at all. I didn't know what the hell
he was talking about...
SALLY
He wasn't making a speech to us,
Tom - he was talking to the masses.
He was very clever, keeping it at a
third grade level - that's what
they understand...
FRANKLIN
Yeah? Well, I don't understand what
was up his sleeve when he pulled
that stunt with us? What was he
doing? And why?
SALLY
Who knows...? Maybe the government
had something to do with it.
FRANKLIN
You know, Sally - I really feel
like I've been had, and you know
what that means, don't you?... It
means that any political future I
had is right down the toilet!
The CAMERA begins to slowly move away from the table, the
sound of Franklin's voice continues.
FRANKLIN (CONT'D)
... Jesus, the thought of spending
the rest of my life as an attorney,
that is really a downer... And,
Christ, Sally, I almost forgot
Johanna is starting to think
something's going on between...
Franklin's voice fades into the background hubbub. The voice
of Kinney, the research assistant from the Washington Post is
heard as the camera settles on a table occupied by Sidney
Courtney and his staff.
KINNEY
... Sid, be reasonable - I've been
everywhere, there's no place left
to check!
COURTNEY
Try again.
KINNEY
Sure, try again - where? There's
nothing, it's like he never
existed!
COURTNEY
Try again.
KINNEY
Sid, it's useless!
COURTNEY
I said - try again.
Kinney stands, shoves his paperwork across the table.
KINNEY
Up yours, Sid. You try again, I
quit!
Kinney takes his drink with him as he leaves the lounge.
EXT. RAND MANSION - NIGHT
The household staff is lined up on the front steps,
applauding Chance as he steps from the limousine. Chance
accepts the plaudit, though does not understand the reason.
As he nears the steps, Perkins and Wilson step forward.
WILSON
An outstanding speech, sir.
PERKINS
May I take your coat, Mr. Gardiner?
CHANCE
Yes. Thank you, Perkins.
Perkins nods, takes Chance's overcoat, allows everyone to
enter the house ahead of him. Alone on the steps, Perkins
quickly searches through the pockets of the coat, finds
nothing.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Rand is in bed. Eve sits on the edge, looks warmly to Chance
who stands nearby.
Allenby prepares an injection for Rand, and occasionally
glances curiously at Chance. Chance breathes deeply, enjoys
the oxygen.
RAND
(with some effort)
... You possess a great gift,
Chauncey, of being natural. And
that, my boy, is a rare talent, the
true mark of a leader. You were
strong and brave, yet did not
moralize. I hope the entire country
was watching you tonight, the
entire country...
Allenby crosses to Rand, needle in hand.
ALLENBY
And you, Benjamin, must be strong
and brave for me. Turn over,
please.
RAND
(holds up hand)
In a minute, Robert - in a
minute... Chauncey, I would like to
ask a favor of you...
CHANCE
Certainly, Ben.
RAND
Senator Rowley's widow, Sophie, is
hosting an evening reception
tomorrow evening honoring
Ambassador Skrapinov of the Soviet
Union... I think it's rather
obvious that Robert won't allow me
to attend, so - would you go in my
place, and escort Eve?
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to escort Eve.
RAND
Good. Together, the two of you
should create quite a stir - I can
already hear the gossip.
EVE
(with a blush)
... Ben, really...
RAND
(reaches out a tired hand
to Chance - Chance holds
it)
... Thank you, Chauncey... Thank
you very much.
(takes back hand)
... All right, Robert, I'm all
yours.
Eve and Chance quietly leave the room. Allenby watches Chance
go, then readies Rand for the injection.
INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
The elevator door opens, Eve and Chance come into the
hallway. Chance looks back at the elevator for a beat, then
the two walk quietly down the hall.
EVE
(stopping by bedroom door)
... You don't happen to have a
tuxedo in your suitcase, do you?
CHANCE
No, thank you.
EVE
Oh. Well, we can fix up one of
Ben's for you tomorrow night.
Sophie insists an Black Tie.
CHANCE
I see.
EVE
(a pause, softly)
... I have very few friends,
Chauncey... And Benjamin's friends
are all quite a bit older...
Eve gives Chance a long look, then kisses him on the lips.
She steps back, smiles.
EVE (CONT'D)
... Good night, Chauncey.
CHANCE
Good night, Eve.
Eve goes into her bedroom, closes the door. Chance heads for
his room as though nothing had happened.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE ANTE ROOM - MORNING
Kaufman and the five other Aides nervously await the
President's arrival. The door opens, the President briskly
enters the room.
PRESIDENT
Good morning, gentlemen.
AIDES
(as one)
Good morning, sir.
The President leads the way into the Oval Office.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING
As the President goes to his desk, Kaufman hands him a
folder. The President sits, reads it quickly, it is very
brief.
PRESIDENT
(to Kaufman)
This is not what I requested.
KAUFMAN
No, sir.
PRESIDENT
This information goes back three
days. I want the standard file, you
know that.
KAUFMAN
Right, Chief.
PRESIDENT
So...? Where the hell is it?
KAUFMAN
We... uh, have been unable to come
up with any information before the
man appeared at Mr. Rand's home ...
and, uh...
PRESIDENT
What the hell are you talking
about, Kaufman?
KAUFMAN
Well, we do have data from
Honeycutt's sources, Chief - but it
isn't pertinent.
PRESIDENT
I'd like to hear that data,
Kaufman.
KAUFMAN
Yes, sir.
Kaufman takes a clipboard from the man at his right.
KAUFMAN (CONT'D)
(reading)
Suits hand-made by a tailor in
Chicago in 1918. The tailor went
out of business in 1929, then took
his own life.
... His shoes were hand-made in
1928. The cobbler has long since
been dead. Underwear, all of the
finest cloth, factory destroyed by
fire in 1938. The man carries no
identification; no wallet, no
driver's license, no credit cards.
... He carries one item along with
him, a fine Swiss pocket-watch
crafted at the turn of the century;
so far they have been unable to
ascertain where or when purchase
was made.
... He has never dyed his hair.
... Computers have analyzed
Gardiner's vocal characteristics;
it is impossible to determine his
ethnic background, they feel his
accent may be northeastern, but
they will not commit to that.
... Fingerprint check proved
negative, no identification
possible.
(a pause)
... That's it, Mr. President.
The President stares at Kaufman for a beat, then speaks into
his intercom.
PRESIDENT
(into intercom)
Miss Davis - I'd like my eggs
poached this morning, please.
A quick "Yes sir" from Miss Davis over the intercom. The
President leans back in his swivel chair, looks at Kaufman.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
... So what does all that add up
to?
KAUFMAN
Well, sir - it occurred to us that
he might be an agent of a foreign
power. But, we ruled that out, as
they invariably are provided with
too much documentation, too much
American identity... We, uh...don't
quite know what to make of it yet,
sir... But we'll keep on top of it,
Mr. President - we'll come up with
the answer.
PRESIDENT
(with sarcasm)
I would appreciate that.
The Aides quickly leave the office.
INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - MORNING
Chance is in bed, a bed tray on his lap, eating breakfast. A
pile of the morning's newspapers lies at the foot of the bed,
untouched. The TV is playing, Chance watches as he eats.
There is a knock at the door.
CHANCE
(without turning from TV)
Come in!
Eve enters, wearing a robe over her nightgown.
EVE
Chauncey! Have you seen the papers?
CHANCE
No, Eve. I don't read the papers.
EVE
(moving to bed)
Well, it seems you've been
described as one of the architects
of the President's speech. And your
own comments from the 'This
Evening' show are quoted side by
side with the President's.
CHANCE
I like the President. He is a very
nice man.
EVE
(sits on bed)
I know...
(a moment)
... So are you, Chauncey ...
(another moment, Chance
watches TV)
... Do you mind my being here, like
this?
CHANCE
(a bite of toast)
No, Eve. I like you to be here.
Eve smiles, moves a little closer to Chance.
EVE
... You know, Chauncey... I want us
to be...
(with difficulty)
I want us... You and I to become...
close... I want us to become very
close, you know...?
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. I know that.
Eve suddenly begins to cry, sobbing quietly at first, then
losing control, the tears flowing freely. To comfort her,
Chance puts his arm around her shoulder, nearly tipping his
breakfast tray. Eve responds to his touch, draws closer,
holds Chance tightly. Chance does his best to avoid spilling
his breakfast, keep an eye on the TV, and to comfort Eve. She
gives in to her desires, begins to caress Chance, running her
hand over his body. She kisses him, his eyes, his neck, his
lips, his ears. Chance does not return the lovemaking, and
Eve eventually catches hold of herself, stops. She lies
quietly beside Chance for a time, regains her demeanor, then
speaks.
EVE
... I'm grateful to you,
Chauncey... I would have opened to
you with a touch, and you know
that...
(Chance,confused, turns to
her)
... But you're so strong - I can
trust myself with you. I'm glad,
Chauncey - I'm glad that you showed
so much restraint...
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. I'm very glad that you
didn't open.
EVE
I know you are, Chauncey...
(a pause)
... You conquer a woman from within
herself, you infuse in her the need
and desire and the longing for your
love.
CHANCE
(another bite of toast)
Yes. That could be true.
EVE
(sits up)
... I guess I may as well be honest
about my feelings, Chauncey, as I
know you are I am in love with
you... I love you and I want you...
And I know that you know it and I'm
grateful that you've decided to
wait until... Until...
Eve cannot bring herself to finish the sentence. She rises,
straightens her robe and moves toward the door.
EVE (CONT'D)
(stopping by door)
... I do love you, Chauncey.
A knock at the door startles Eve. She turns, opens it to
MAGGIE, the seam tress. Maggie carries one of Rand's tuxedos.
EVE (CONT'D)
Oh, come in, Maggie.
MAGGIE
(entering)
Yes, ma'am.
EVE
Chauncey, Maggie will alter Ben's
tuxedo for you now.
CHANCE
Fine.
Eve leaves. Maggie stands by patiently as Chance eats his
once-warm scrambled eggs and watches"Mr. Rogers Neighborhood"
on TV.
INT. RAND MANSION - ALLENBY'S ROOM - DAY
Allenby is at his desk, searching through the Washington,
D.C. telephone book. He finds a number, dials.
ALLENBY
(into phone)
Mr. Thomas Franklin, please.
(a wait)
Is Thomas Franklin in?
(a beat)
Yes, this is Dr. Robert Allenby,
would you please tell Mr. Franklin
that I would like to talk to him?
It concerns Chauncey Gardiner.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DUSK
Teresa and Constance work in a corner of the room. Rand is in
bed, very still, deep in thought.
EXT. SOPHIE'S - EVENING
The RAND 1 limousine pulls up to Sophie's house. Jeffrey
opens the door for Eve and Chance. He wears Ben's tuxedo, Eve
is in a formal gown. The press is waiting, a couple of
reporters, 5 photographers and a mini-cam crew from local TV
station gather around Eve and Chance.
REPORTER #1
Mr. Gardiner, what did you
think of the Post's editorial on
the President's speech?
CHANCE
(smiling for photogs)
I didn't read it.
REPORTER #2
(surprised)
But air - you must have at least
glanced at it.
CHANCE
No. I did not glance at it.
REPORTER #3
Mr. Gardiner, the New York Times
spoke of your 'Peculiar brand of
optimism,' what was your reaction
to that?
CHANCE
(continues to pose for
pictures)
I did not read that either.
REPORTER #3
Well, how do you feel about that
phrase, 'Peculiar brand of
optimism?'
CHANCE
I do not know what it means.
REPORTER #2
Sorry to persist, air, but it would
be of great interest to me to know
what newspapers you do read.
CHANCE
I do not read any newspapers. I
watch TV.
There is a moment of silence as the reporters digest this.
The TV Reporter smiles, questions Chance.
TV REPORTER
... Do you mean, Mr. Gardiner, that
you find television's coverage of
the news superior to that of the
newspapers?
CHANCE
(flatly)
I like to watch TV.
TV REPORTER
(pleased) )
Thank you, Mr. Gardiner, for what
is probably the most honest
admission to come from a public
figure in years. Few men in public
life have the courage not to read
newspapers none have the guts to
admit it.
CHANCE
You're welcome.
Eve and Chance walk toward the front door, leaving the
newsmen to talk among themselves.
EVE
I've never seen anyone handle the
media as well as you, Chauncey.
You're so cool and detached -
almost as if you were born to it.
CHANCE
Thank you, Eve.
The front door is opened for them by an attendant.
INT. SOPHIE'S - EVENING
The Black Tie reception is in progress. The house is crowded,
possibly a hundred guests, mostly foreign ambassadors and
other such dignitaries. Eve and Chance enter, are greeted by
DENNIS WATSON, a State Department official.
WATSON
Mrs. Rand, how good to see you.
EVE
Mr. Watson.
WATSON
(looks to Chance)
And you must be Mr. Gardiner,
correct?
CHANCE
Yes.
EVE
Chauncey, this is Mr. Dennis Watson
of the State Department.
CHANCE
(they shake)
Hello, Dennis.
WATSON
A pleasure to meet you, sir.
CHANCE
Yes. It is.
SOPHIE, an older woman bedecked with jewelry, approaches,
embraces Eve.
SOPHIE
Eve, child! How nice of you to
come.
EVE
Hello, Sophie.
Sophie steps back, looks at Chance.
SOPHIE
And look who you brought with!
EVE
Sophie, this is Chauncey
Gardiner...
SOPHIE
(hugs Chance)
Oh, I've been just dying to meet
you, Mr. Gardiner!
EVE
Chauncey, this is Mrs. Sophia
Rowley.
CHANCE
(being hugged)
Hello, Sophia.
SOPHIE
(steps back, admires
Chance)
Sophie, please - call me Sophie!
Sophie pulls them both into the party, leaving Dennis looking
after Chance as he walks away.
SOPHIE (CONT'D)
(as they go, to Chance)
You just have to let me introduce
you to some of the exciting people
here... Why, Pat Boone and his
daughter may drop by later!
They disappear into the crowd.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT
The President is hunched over his desk, absorbed in
constructing a model airplane, a World War II flying fortress
bomber. The First Lady sits nearby, plays solitaire on a
small table. The President glances to her, then back to his
work.
PRESIDENT
(gluing the wing)
... How are the kids getting along?
FIRST LADY
Oh. Well, I just talked to Cindy
this morning. She loves California,
but to quote her, she says, 'The
Secret Service is getting to be a
drag.' I guess she wants her
privacy...
PRESIDENT
Huh... I'm glad they're along with
her, if you know what I mean... How
about Jack?
FIRST LADY
Well, I think Jack needs some time
alone with you, darling... He's
getting to that age, you know... He
really misses you...
PRESIDENT
Yeah... I'll have a talk with him
as soon as...
A KNOCK at the door interrupts the President.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
(calls out)
... Yes, come in!
Kaufman enters.
KAUFMAN
Sorry to disturb you, chief but we
have new developments.
PRESIDENT
Oh? What?
KAUFMAN
We have word that the Soviets have
put out a top priority alert for
information on Gardiner's
background. So far, they haven't
come up with a thing - what's more,
as a result of their eagerness, one
of their ablest agents blew his
cover, we have him in custody at
this time.
PRESIDENT
Good. Anything else?
KAUFMAN
Yes, chief - eight other foreign
powers have put Gardiner under
surveillance. We're around-the
clock now, sir - I'll keep you
posted.
The President nods, Kaufman leaves. The President puts some
more glue on the wing.
INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
Sophie pulls Eve and Chance to AMBASSADOR SKRAPINOV and his
WIFE. Skrapinov smiles as he sees Eve.
SKRAPINOV
Mrs. Rand. How delightful.
Skrapinov kisses Eve's hand.
EVE
It seems like ages, Mr. Ambassador.
(a nod to his wife)
Mrs. Skrapinov.
Mrs. Skrapinov returns the nod as Sophie introduces Chance.
SOPHIE
Mr. Gardiner, let me introduce you
to our guest of honor, His
Excellency Vladimar Skrapinov,
Ambassador of the Soviet Union.
Chance warmly shakes Skrapinov's hand with both of his own.
CHANCE
(stumbles over name)
Hello... His... His...
SOPHIE
Ambassador Skrapinov, this is Mr.
Chauncey Gardiner.
SKRAPINOV
Delighted. Delighted.
SOPHIE
And this is Mrs. Skrapinov.
Chance smiles at Mrs. Skrapinov as The Ambassador puts an arm
around him.
SKRAPINOV
You must sit with us, my friend, we
have much to discuss.
CHANCE
I agree.
SKRAPINOV
(to Eve)
How is my dear friend Benjamin
feeling?
EVE
He's doing as well as could be
expected, Mr. Ambassador. He still
speaks of the stimulating
discussions he's had with you.
SKRAPINOV
Ah, Yes. Please give him my
regards.
EVE
Of course.
SOPHIE
(tugs at Eve)
Come on, Eve. Let's let the men
talk, there are so many people that
have been asking about you.
EVE
(to Chance and Skrapinov)
Would you two excuse me for a
moment?
SKRAPINOV
Regretfully, Mrs. Rand - I shall
yield the pleasure of your company
to others.
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. I shall yield too.
EVE
(smiling)
I'll be back soon...
Eve and Sophie leave. Skrapinov leads his wife and Chance to
their table.
SKRAPINOV
(as they walk)
I'm sorry we haven't met sooner,
Mr. Gardiner. I had the pleasure of
seeing you on television last night
and I listened with great interest
to your down-to-earth philosophy.
I'm not surprised that it was so
quickly endorsed by the President.
(quietly)
... Tell me, Mr. Gardiner, just how
serious is Benjamin's illness? I
did not want to upset Mrs. Rand by
discussing it in detail.
CHANCE
Ben is very ill.
SKRAPINOV
Yes, so I've heard, a shame... As
you know, we in the Soviet Union
have the keenest interest in
developments of the First American
Financial Corporation... We are
pleased to hear that you may fill
Benjamin's place should he fail to
recover.
(arrive at table)
Be seated, please, Mr. Gardiner.
Chance sits between Skrapinov and Mrs. Skrapinov.
SKRAPINOV (CONT'D)
(moves chair close to
Chance)
... Mr. Gardiner, I wish to be
quite candid - considering the
gravity of your economic situation,
shouldn't we, the diplomats, and
you, the businessman - get together
more often?
CHANCE
Yes, I agree, I think so too.
SKRAPINOV
To exchange our thoughts - what
does a Russian know about business?
On the other hand, what does an
American know about diplomacy?
CHANCE
Yes, I understand.
SKRAPINOV
And I have noticed in you a certain
reticence regarding political
issues - so why not a coming
together? An interchange of
opinion? We may find, my friend,
that we are not so far from each
other, not so far!
CHANCE
(an engaging smile)
We are not far...
(motions at nearness of
their chairs)
... our chairs almost touch.
SKRAPINOV
(laughs)
Bravo! Bravo! Our chairs are indeed
almost touching! And we want to
remain seated on them, correct? We
don't want them snatched from under
us, am I right? Because if one
goes, the other goes, and then -
boom! Boom! And we are both down
before our time, you see? And
neither of us wants that, do you
agree?
CHANCE
I certainly do.
SKRAPINOV
Yes. Tell me, Mr. Gardiner - do you
by any chance enjoy Krylov's
fables? I ask this because there is
something... there is something
Krylovian about you.
CHANCE
Do you think so? Do you think so?
SKRAPINOV
So you know Krylov!
Skrapinov pauses, then leans close to Chance, speaks softly
in Russian. Chance, having never heard this language, raises
his eyebrows and laughs. Mrs. Skrapinov remains impassive.
SKRAPINOV (CONT'D)
(amazed)
So you know your Krylov in Russian,
do you? Mr. Gardiner, I must
confess I had suspected as much all
along - I know an educated man when
I meet one!
CHANCE
Oh, good.
SKRAPINOV
Yes, it is very good!
CHANCE
Yes, it is.
(beat)
Would you tell me your name again,
please?
SKRAPINOV
(slaps Chance on the back)
Ho! Ho! A dash of American humor!
Vladimar Skrapinov!
CHANCE
Yes. I like that name very much.
SKRAPINOV
And yours, sir - Chauncey Gardiner!
(in Russian)
How poetic! Chauncey, a name of
uncertain meaning! And Gardiner, a
bit of the French, a suggestion of
a stroll through the flowers! A
beautiful name, my friend!
As he speaks in Russian, Eve comes to the table, taps
Skrapinov on the shoulder.
SKRAPINOV (CONT'D)
(immediately rises)
Mrs. Rand! You have returned to us!
EVE
Only to steal Mr. Gardiner away, if
I might.
(to Chance)
Everyone wants to meet you.
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. That would be good.
SKRAPINOV
(shakes Chance's hand)
We must speak again, Mr. Gardiner,
many times!
CHANCE
Thank you.
As Eve and Chance leave, Skrapinov turns and nods to a MAN
standing a short distance away. The man, KARPATOV, hurries to
the table.
SKRAPINOV
Yes? What have you found?
KARPATOV
(in Russian)
We have nothing on him, Ambassador
Skrapinov.
SKRAPINOV
(holds up hand, looks
around)
Quietly, please. Mr. Gardiner, for
one, understands our language.
KARPATOV
(in English, softly)
Sorry, Comrade Ambassador.
SKRAPINOV
What do you mean there is nothing?
That's impossible.
KARPATOV
There is no information available
on the man before he moved into
Benjamin Rand's. It has proven to
be such a difficult task that it
has resulted in the loss of one of
our agents to the United States
Government.
Mrs. Skrapinov strains to overhear the conversation.
SKRAPINOV
But... Where was this man Gardiner
before last week?
KARPATOV
Apparently the White House shares
our curiosity - they have also
launched an investigation, and,
according to our sources, neither
the F.B.I. nor the C.I.A. has met
with success.
SKRAPINOV
I see. Clearly, such interest on
their part is of great political
significance.
KARPATOV
Clearly, yes comrade.
SKRAPINOV
Hmmm... Take this down.
(Karpatov takes out
notepad)
I want this quote included in the
Tass coverage; 'Chauncey Gardiner,
in an intimate discussion with
Ambassador Skrapinov, noted that
"Unless the leaders of the opposing
political systems move the chairs
on which they sit closer to each
other, all of their seats will be
pulled from under them by rapid
social and political changes."'
KARPATOV
Very good, Your Excellency.
Karpatov leaves the table.
INT. WASHINGTON, D.C. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT
The same lounge as before. Sidney Courtney sits at the same
table as earlier, only this time with the editor of the
Washington Post, LYMAN STUART. Courtney puffs on his pipe as
he speaks.
COURTNEY
... It's strictly rumor at this
stage, Lyman - just something in
the wind...
STUART
Something rather big in the wind,
I'd say. So whose files were
destroyed? The CIA's or the FBI's?
COURTNEY
I don't know. Like I said, it's
just rumor so far, but we should
start nosing around, see if we can
talk to some people...
The CAMERA begins to slowly MOVE AWAY from their table.
STUART
... But why? The question is why?
Why would they destroy Gardiner's
files? What is it about his past
they are trying to cover up?
(his voice fades)
... A criminal record? A membership
in a subversive organization?
Homosexual, perhaps?
The SOUND of Stuart's voice dissolves into Thomas Franklin's
as the CAMERA SETTLES on Dr. Allenby and Franklin sitting at
a table nearby.
FRANKLIN
... And he told us that he had been
living there since he was a child,
working as a gardener. He showed us
a room in the garage, where he said
he stayed, and I... Well, I didn't
really believe him, of course - but
why the act?
ALLENBY
I have no idea...
FRANKLIN
Another thing that baffles me,
Doctor - what was his connection
with the deceased? Major financial
dealings, obviously - but our firm
has no record of any such
transactions.
ALLENBY
Hmmm. You say he showed you his
garden?
FRANKLIN
Well, he said it was his, he walked
us through it.
ALLENBY
I see.
(leans close to Franklin)
Mr. Franklin, I must ask you and
Miss Hayes to keep this incident
with Mr. Gardiner to yourselves.
There's no telling what he was
involved in, and the matter may be
extremely confidential. So please,
not a word.
FRANKLIN
Of course, Doctor, I understand.
ALLENBY
Fine. Thank you, Mr. Franklin.
FRANKLIN
Certainly, glad to be of help.
Allenby rises, leaves the bar.
INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - DINNER PARTY - NIGHT
Eve and Sophie are talking to a small group. Chance moves
away to get an hors d'oeuvre and is approached by RONALD
STIEGLER, a publisher.
STIEGLER
Mr. Gardiner, I'm Ronald Stiegler,
of Harvard Books.
CHANCE
(a two-handed handshake)
Hello, Ronald.
STIEGLER
Mr. Gardiner, my editors and I have
been wondering if you'd consider
writing a book for us? Something on
your political philosophy. What do
you say?
CHANCE
I can't write.
STIEGLER
(smiles)
Of course, who can nowadays? I have
trouble writing a post card to my
children! Look, we could give you a
six figure advance, provide you
with the very best ghostwriter,
research assistants, proof
readers...
CHANCE
I can't read.
STIEGLER
Of course not! No one has the time
to read! One glances at things,
watches television...
CHANCE
Yes. I like to watch.
STIEGLER
Sure you do! No one reads!...
Listen, book publishing isn't
exactly a bed of roses these
days...
CHANCE
(mild interest)
What sort of bed is it?
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Rand is in bed. Sitting nearby are two attorneys, MONROE and
TOWNSEND. Mrs. Aubrey stands to one side and Constance and
Teresa prepare an IV for Rand.
RAND
(speaks slowly, with
effort)
Everything. I said everything and
that's exactly what I mean.
MONROE
But, Mr. Rand, the holdings are so
extensive, I would like to be more
precise in...
RAND
(interrupts)
What could be more precise than
everything...?
Allenby enters the room, stands by the door, unnoticed.
MONROE
(turns to Townsend)
Everything to Mrs. Rand.
TOWNSEND
(drafting a will)
Right - everything.
RAND
You two don't have to lecture me on
the complexities of the situation,
no one knows that better than
myself... But you must understand
that I have an endless faith in
Mrs. Rand's abilities - I know that
she will select the right person
for guidance when she has the
need... She has shared my life,
gentlemen, she has given me far
more pleasure than any of my so
called assets... Life has suddenly
become very simple for me now - I
may be older than my years, and you
might think me to be somewhat
feeble... But I am still in love,
gentlemen, thank God for that...
Allenby silently leaves the room.
INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - DINNER PARTY - NIGHT
Dennis Watson, of the State Department, talks with Chance in
a corner of the living room. Dennis whispers something into
Chance's ear and Chance gives him an innocent smile. Dennis
is encouraged by the smile.
DENNIS
We could do it now, we can go
upstairs.
(no reaction from Chance)
... Please, it's time for us. Come
upstairs.
CHANCE
(blankly)
I like to watch.
DENNIS
Watch? You mean just watch me?
Doing it alone?
CHANCE
Yes. I like to watch very much.
DENNIS
Well, if that's what you want, then
I want it too.
(takes Chance's arm)
We can go this way.
CHANCE
I want to tell Eve.
DENNIS
Tell Eve? You mean Mrs. Rand?
CHANCE
Yes.
DENNIS
(pulling Chance)
Oh, you can tell her later. She'll
never miss you in this crowd.
Dennis leads Chance out of the crowded room.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A light from the adjoining bathroom filters into the darkened
bedroom. The President and the First Lady are in bed. They
each lie on their backs, a distance apart and are silent.
FIRST LADY
(after some time)
... Maybe you should talk to
somebody, darling.
PRESIDENT
No, that won't do any good.
FIRST LADY
(another pause)
... Is it me? Is there something
I've done?
PRESIDENT
Oh, no, sweetheart - it's not
you...
FIRST LADY
(another pause)
It's your damn job. It never
happened when you were a senator...
PRESIDENT
It's not that, I just...
The inter-White House phone rings, the President reaches for
it.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Yeah, Kaufman - what is it?
KAUFMAN'S VOICE
(over phone)
Chief, we have a break in the case.
Our man at the Washington Post says
they are working on a story that
either the CIA or the FBI destroyed
Gardiner's files before anyone
could get to them.
PRESIDENT
What? Why?
KAUFMAN'S VOICE
(over phone)
I can't say at this time - neither
agency will admit to a thing.
PRESIDENT
(getting out of bed)
Okay, get both Directors over here,
I'll be right down.
The President hangs up the phone as the First Lady stares at
the ceiling.
INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS ROOM - NIGHT
A small room exquisitely decorated in pale lilac tapestry.
The lights are very dim, and Dennis, who we cannot see, is
lying on the floor. Dennis' clothes are draped over a chair.
Chance sees a very small pocket television on a desk. He
turns the TV on.
DENNIS' VOICE
(softly)
Can you see well?
CHANCE
(squints at small screen)
Yes, very well, thank you.
DENNIS' VOICE
Do you like it?
CHANCE
Yes. It's very tiny, but it's good.
DENNIS' VOICE
(disappointed at it being
'tiny')
... Are you sure you like it?
CHANCE
Yes, I do, it's very good.
DENNIS' VOICE
(excited)
Really? Really!!!
Chance reacts to the change in tone of Dennis' voice, turns
to look at him on the floor. Hearing the groans and heavy
breathing, Chance thinks Dennis is ill.
CHANCE
Do you need a doctor? I could call
Robert...
DENNIS' VOICE
I don't want Robert.
CHANCE
I see.
DENNIS' VOICE
(through the groans)
Your foot! Give me your foot!!
Dennis reaches out with his free hand, grabs Chance's foot,
pulls it to himself.
CHANCE
(some pain)
Thank you. But my leg is still a
little sore.
Chance watches as Dennis goes through some spasms, then his
body relaxes. Chance is concerned for Dennis' health.
CHANCE (CONT'D)
Are you sure you're not ill?
We hear a contented sigh from the man on the floor.
EXT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
A long, black limousine with a Red Star on the door pulls
away from Sophie's house.
INT. RED STAR LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
ALEXIS NOVOGROD, a high-ranking KGB officer, and two of his
underlings are in the limousine, along with Skrapinov, his
wife and Karpatov. Novogrod and his men wear heavy clothing,
fresh from Moscow. They all drink vodka.
(Dialogue in Russian, English subtitles)
NOVOGROD
The rank-and-file in the FBI feel
he is FBI, but others feel he is a
CIA man who knows how to destroy
FBI files.
SKRAPINOV
That could be possible...
NOVOGROD
But we are quite certain, comrade,
that this man Gardiner is a leading
member of an American elitist
faction planning a coup d'etat.
SKRAPINOV
A coup d'etat! Of course, that was
foreseen by Lenin himself!
NOVOGROD
That is correct, Comrade Skrapinov.
We have ascertained that Gardiner
heads a big-business power group
that will soon be taking over the
American government.
SKRAPINOV
Big business. I could work with
that faction quite nicely, Colonel
Novogrod.
NOVOGROD
You have proven that already,
Comrade Skrapinov, you are to be
congratulated for recognizing the
importance of this man and
establishing an early friendship.
SKRAPINOV
Thank you, Colonel.
NOVOGROD
(raising his glass)
Let us toast to the success of the
coup.
They all raise their glasses.
GROUP TOAST
Na zdorov'e!
The men and Mrs. Skrapinov drink their vodkas.
INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The reception is breaking up. Eve, wearing her coat, searches
for Chance in the crowd. She sees him, taps him on the
shoulder from behind.
EVE
Chauncey, where have you been? I
was afraid you got bored and left,
or that you were with some
mysterious woman.
CHANCE
No. I was with a man. We went
upstairs.
EVE
Upstairs? Chauncey, you're always
involved in some sort of
discussion...
CHANCE
He was very ill, I stayed with him
for a while.
EVE
It must be the punch, and it is
stuffy in here -- I feel it a
little myself. You're an angel, my
dear - thank God there are still
men like you around to give aid and
comfort.
Eve and Chance leave the reception.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT
The President sits behind his desk in a bathrobe, his hair
mussed. Standing before him are GROVER HONEYCUTT, the
Director of the F.B.I., and CLIFFORD BALDWIN, C.I.A. Chief.
Kaufman stands to one side. All are red-eyed, tired, and
frustrated.
HONEYCUTT
I never gave such a directive, Mr.
President.
BALDWIN
Nor I, sir - it would be out of the
question.
PRESIDENT
Gentlemen, I didn't call you here
at such an hour to make
accusations, I just want to explore
the possibilities. Now, I have
three questions; Is the man a
foreign agent? Or, have we suddenly
found that our methods of gathering
data are grossly inefficient? Or,
thirdly, have the man's files been
destroyed? Now, I'd like some
answers.
BALDWIN
Gardiner is not a foreign agent,
there are now sixteen countries
investigating the man. We can rule
that out.
PRESIDENT
Very well... Can we rule out
inefficiency...?
There is silence in the room. A couple of looks, but silence.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
I see. What about question three?
Is it possible to erase all traces
of a man?
HONEYCUTT
Highly unlikely, sir... In fact,
the boys around the Bureau feel
that the only person capable of
pulling it off would be an ex
F.B.I. man.
BALDWIN
(a look to Honeycutt)
I don't think that's entirely true,
Grover.
PRESIDENT
(to Baldwin)
And what do the boys around
Intelligence think?
BALDWIN
Well, Mr. President... They don't
quite know what to think.
PRESIDENT
(rising)
Gentlemen, needless to say, there
is going to be a full Congressional
investigation of your respective
operations.
(goes to door)
Good night.
The President leaves the Oval Office.
INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
Eve and Chance walk down the hallway.
EVE
(holding his hand)
I feel so close to you, so safe
with you, Chauncey...
(stops at her bedroom
door)
... And Benjamin understands that,
dearest... He understands and
accepts my feelings for you...
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. Ben is very wise.
EVE
(opens her door)
... Come in, Chauncey - please come
in...
CHANCE
Thank you.
Chance enters, Eve closes the door behind them.
INT. EVE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Eve turns on a soft lamp, Chance goes directly to her TV,
turns it on.
EVE
I can sense that you've been
through a lot, Chauncey. But one
day, when you feel like it, you'll
tell me all about your life...
(Chance watches an old
movie)
... But, even if you tell me
nothing, even if it's too painful
for you to reveal your past...
As she talks, Chance watches a love scene on TV. The hero
gives his lady a passionate kiss and embrace. The scene seems
to 'sink into' Chance's mind. He abruptly turns, takes Eve
into his arms and kisses her full on the mouth. Just as
abruptly, he turns away and changes channels on TV.
EVE
(breathless)
Oh, Chauncey... I do love you so
much!
She takes Chance in her arms, kisses him wildly. They fall to
her bed in an embrace. As she holds him, kisses him, runs her
hands over his body, Chance watches television, neither
resists nor responds to Eve's caresses. Suddenly she stops,
lets her head fall on Chance's chest.
EVE (CONT'D)
... You don't want me, Chauncey...
You don't feel anything for me...
Nothing at all...
Chance sits up on the bed, then, feeling her sadness, gently
strokes her hair as he looks at TV.
EVE (CONT'D)
I just don't excite you at all... I
don't know what you want... I don't
know what you like...
CHANCE
I like to watch.
EVE
(not understanding)
To watch...? To watch me...?
CHANCE
Yes. I like to watch.
EVE
(uncertain)
... Is that all you want...?
(a hesitation)
... To watch me...?
CHANCE
Yes. It's very good, Eve.
EVE
... But I've never done...
(another hesitation)
... You mean...? When... When...
When I do it? ... When I touch
myself...?
Eve slowly gets up from the bed, nervously paces the bedroom
as Chance watches TV. She makes a decision, moves to Chance,
kisses him.
EVE (CONT'D)
(getting aroused)
Oh, Chauncey...
She steps back, slips off her dress. She does not undress any
further, instead, leans close to Chance.
EVE (CONT'D)
One of those little things you
don't know about me yet, darling -
I'm a little shy.
She smiles, gets in bed and pulls the covers over herself.
Chance divides his attention between Eve and the TV, watching
both with an equal detachment. Eve begins to respond to her
own touch, finds a heretofore undiscovered pleasure with her
own body. Chance changes the channel as she reaches orgasm.
As Eve's body trembles, Chance yawns, gets up from the bed.
CHANCE
(going to door)
Good night, Eve.
A low purr is heard from Eve as Chance leaves.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
Allenby, Constance and Teresa are readying a transfusion for
Rand. There is a feeling of urgency as they work.
Rand, very weak, strains to speak to Allenby.
RAND
No more, Robert... No more
needles...
ALLENBY
(sits on the side of the
bed)
It's not good, Ben - I'm sure you
can feel it.
RAND
I know, Robert... But, strangely
enough, I don't feel too bad about
now... I feel all right... I guess
it's easier... knowing Chauncey is
here... to take care of things...
Teresa is about to swab Rand's arm with alcohol but he pulls
away.
RAND (CONT'D)
No, I don't want any of that...
Please... please, just get me Mr.
Gardiner, Teresa - please... he'll
head it up...
Teresa looks to Allenby, he nods to her. Teresa puts the
cotton down, leaves the room.
EXT. RAND MANSION - PATIO - MORNING
A light snow is failing. Eve is in a fur coat, holds a
steaming cup of coffee. Chance stands next to her, an
umbrella in one hand. He holds his other arm out, catching
the snowflakes as they fall.
EVE
... And I feel so free now,
Chauncey. Until I met you, I never
felt acknowledged by a man...
(Chance gazes out at the
falling snow)
... I always had the feeling that I
was just a vessel for a man,
someone that he could take hold of,
pierce, and pollute. I was merely
an aspect of somebody's lovemaking.
Do you know what I mean?
Chance turns to her, says nothing, presses the cold
snowflakes to his face.
EVE (CONT'D)
(presses close to him)
Dearest, you uncoil my wants;
desire flows within me, and when
you watch me my passion dissolves
it. You set me free. I reveal
myself to myself and I am drenched
and purged.
CHANCE
That's very interesting, Eve.
Teresa appears in the doorway.
TERESA
Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Rand would like
to see you.
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to see Ben.
Chance gives Eve a warm smile, then follows Teresa into the
house.
INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
Allenby, with nothing more he can do to prolong Rand's life,
sits on the bed close to him, grips his hand tightly. Teresa
shows Chance into the room and Allenby motions to the nurses
to leave. As they do, Chance, once again breathing the oxygen
with a smile, goes to Rand's bedside.
RAND
(slowly)
... Chauncey... Chauncey...
CHANCE
Yes, Ben - are you going to die
now?
Allenby winces.
RAND
(a weak smile)
... I'm about to surrender the Horn
of Plenty for the Horn of Gabriel,
my boy...
CHANCE
Oh, I see.
RAND
(reaches out to him)
Let me feel the strength in your
hand, Chauncey... Let me feel your
strength...
(holds Chance's hand)
Yes, that's good... I hope,
Chauncey - I hope that you'll stay
with Eve... Take care of her, watch
over her, she's a delicate flower,
Chauncey...
CHANCE
(smiling)
A flower...
RAND
She cares for you and she needs
your help, Chauncey... there's much
to be looked after...
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to do that.
RAND
... I've worked very hard and
enjoyed my life... I've known
success... and I've felt love... My
associates, Chauncey - I've talked
with them about you... They're
eager to meet you... very eager to
meet you... I'm very fond of you,
Chauncey... And I understand Eve...
Tell her that... tell her I'm madly
in love with her...
Rand slumps down, dead. Allenby checks his pulse, turns to
Chance.
ALLENBY
... He's gone, Chauncey.
CHANCE
Yes, Robert. I have seen it before.
It happens to old people.
ALLENBY
(covers Rand's face)
Yes, I suppose that's true.
Chance reaches out, uncovers Rand's face, gently touches the
man's forehead, feels the coldness. Allenby eyes him as
Chance stays with Rand for a moment, then replaces the sheet.
CHANCE
(turns to Allenby)
Will you be leaving now, Robert?
ALLENBY
In a day or two, yes.
CHANCE
Eve is going to stay. The house
will not be closed.
ALLENBY
(a moment, a look)
... You've become quite a close
friend of Eve's - haven't you Mr...
(a beat)
... Chance...?
CHANCE
Yes. I love Eve very much.
ALLENBY
I see...
(another beat)
... And you are really a gardener,
aren't you?
CHANCE
(brightens)
Yes, Robert - I am.
(a smile at Allenby)
I'll go tell Eve about Ben now,
Robert.
Chance leaves the bedroom. Allenby watches him go, then sits
back in a chair, his head spinning.
EXT. RAND MANSION - DAY
A cloudy, cold day patches of snow are on the ground. The
Rand servants are lined up in front of the mansion, listen to
funeral services for Rand on a pair of loudspeakers. PAN
AROUND, reveal the services being held on a hill overlooking
the mansion. Fifty mourners are gathered around the Rand
family mausoleum. Chance stands with Eve and Allenby. The
President of the United States stands before a microphone.
PRESIDENT
... Millions of people across the
world have heard of the passing of
Benjamin Rand; but, unfortunately,
only relatively few will feel the
pain and sadness at such a loss. To
most, Benjamin Rand was a legend;
to those of us gathered here today,
Benjamin was a beloved friend. My
personal association with Benjamin
dates back many years, and my
memories of our friendship will
stay with me forever.
As the President speaks, Chance turns and walks away. Eve and
Allenby watch as he goes into the trees surrounding the area.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
I initially came in contact with
the Rand name in 1943. 1 was a
young lieutenant in the Air Corps,
a navigator flying missions over
Europe. That plane that I learned
to know so well was manufactured by
the Rand Aeronautics Corporation.
(a beat)
Benjamin Rand was an industrial
giant, known to be powerful and
uncompromising, and yet, on a
personal level, we have all felt
his warmth and humor...
(a beat)
... I would like to share with you
a few quotes, and a few feelings
from our dear friend.
(holds up paper, reads)
... 'I do not regret having
political differences with men that
I respect; I do regret, however,
that our philosophies kept us
apart.'
... 'I have no use for those on
welfare, no patience whatsoever...
But, if I am to be honest with
myself, I must admit that they have
no use for me, either.'
... 'I was born into a position of
extreme wealth, I have spent many
sleepless nights thinking about
extreme poverty - I do not know
the feelings of being poor, and
that is not to know the feelings of
the majority of people in this
world. For a man in my position,
that is inexcusable.'
'Life is a state of mind.'
... 'When I was a boy, I was told
that the Lord fashioned us from his
own image. That's when I decided to
manufacture mirrors.'
INT. LARGE AUDITORIUM - DAY
Ah auditorium with row upon row of empty seats. Huddled
together at one end of the hall are six important
businessmen, speaking in hushed tones. JAMES DUDLEY, a
powerful industrialist, speaks.
DUDLEY
But what do we know of the man?
Nothing! We have no inkling of his
past!
SEWELL NELSON, a corporation chairman, joins in.
NELSON
Correct, and that is an asset. A
man's past can cripple him, his
background turns into a swamp and
invites scrutiny.
Another executive, PETER CALDWELL, agrees.
CALDWELL
To this time, he hasn't said
anything that could be used against
him.
CHARLIE BOB BENNET, a Texas oil millionaire;
BENNET
Well, I'm certainly open to the
thought - it would be sheer lunacy
to support the President for
another term.
NELSON
No one will go along with that...
Look at the facts, gentlemen, the
response from his appearance on
'This Evening' was overwhelming; he
has excited and awakened the people
of this country at a time of
despair.
LYMAN MURRAY, a banker;
MURRAY
He's personable, elusive, yet
seemingly honest. He's riding a
crest of popularity that builds
with every statement. As far as his
thinking goes, he appears to be one
of us. I firmly believe, gentlemen,
that he is our only chance - Mr.
Chauncey Gardiner!
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance, his umbrella under his arm, walks through the woods.
EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY
The services are over. Eve, Allenby talk with the President
and the First Lady.
EVE
It was very moving, Bobby - thank
you so much...
PRESIDENT
We're all going to miss him, Eve...
(glances around)
... Where's Mr. Gardiner?
ALLENBY
... He walked off...
EVE
Chauncey is so sensitive... He was
overcome with grief...
PRESIDENT
I can certainly understand that...
FIRST LADY
Of course... I'm so sorry for you,
Eve...
EVE
Thank you, Nancy.
FIRST LADY
I'll call you soon.
The President and First Lady head toward their limousine.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance walks deeper into the woods, absorbed in the greenery.
He stops by a tree, brushes some snow from a branch, moves
on.
EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY
The majority of mourners have left. Eve and Allenby walk
slowly to the RAND 1 limousine, look around for Chance.
EVE
... Do you think we should look for
him?
ALLENBY
I don't think so, he should be
along soon...
EVE
I wish he were here...
Eve keeps looking as they walk to the limousine.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance happens on a tree with a cracked limb, hanging to the
ground. He stops, inspects the break, runs his fingers along
the split in the bark. He looks to the ground, notices that
an end of the limb has fallen on a seedling, bending it
double. Chance pulls the limb away, then kneels beside the
seedling. He removes an expensive paid of suede gloves, and,
with gentle fingers, brushes the dirt and snow away from the
seedling. Chance glances up to the remaining limbs of the
larger tree which could fall and threaten the emerging tree.
He unfolds his umbrella, places it over the seedling in a way
to give it protection, yet to still allow it to receive light
from the winter sun. Chance stands, puts his gloves back on
and continues his walk, disappearing into a remote section of
the woods.
EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY
Jeffrey stands holding the door for Eve and Allenby, all the
other cars have gone. Eve is worried, gets into the car.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance walks through the woods, his pace faster than before.
EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY
The limousine still waits for Chance.
INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY
Eve is deeply concerned for Chance.
EVE
We have to find him, Robert - he
could be lost, something may have
happened, we can't leave him!
ALLENBY
You really care for him, don't you,
Eve?
EVE
I do - we do - both of us, Ben and
I feel so much for Chauncey...
ALLENBY
I think we'd better go look for
him.
(he taps on the glass
partition)
David!
David starts up the limousine.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance walks with determination through the woods.
INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY
Allenby and Eve search for Chance as David drives along a
narrow road through the woods. Jeffrey, sitting in front,
suddenly calls out.
JEFFREY
Look!
About 100 yards ahead of them, Chance crosses the road,
continues on down a hill.
EVE
There he is! Chauncey!
David stops the limousine at the point where Chance crossed.
Eve hurries out of the car.
EXT. SIDE OF ROAD - DAY
Chance is about twenty yards down the side of a hill. Eve
calls to him.
EVE
Chauncey! Chauncey!
CHANCE
(stops, looks up)
Hello, Eve.
Eve runs, half falls as she goes down the hill.
EVE
Oh, Chauncey...!
She gets to him, holds him tightly.
EVE (CONT'D)
Oh, Chauncey, darling... Where have
you been? We thought we'd lost you -
we've been looking all over!
CHANCE
Yes. I've been looking for you,
too, Eve.
She hugs him one more time, then she leads him back up the
hill to the waiting limousine. Allenby gets out of the car,
greets Chance with a handshake and an arm around the
shoulder. Then the three get into the limousine.
FADE OUT.
THE END
