JUDGE DREDD
Written by
Steven E. de Souza
Story by
William Wisher & Walon Green
SECOND DRAFT
March 17, 1994
JUDGE DREDD
FADE IN:
BLACK SCREEN.
NARRATOR
In the third millennium, the
world... changed.
1 MONTAGE (STOCK - IF DESIRED) 1
Vicious events, both natural and man-made. Earthquakes.
Floods. Ice storms. War. Riots. Chaos and injustice.
NARRATOR(CONT'D)
Climate. Nations. Borders. All
were in upheaval. Humanity itself
turned as violent as the planet.
Civilization threatened to collapse.
And then... a solution was found.
The crumbling, teetering legal
system was merged with the
overburdened police, creating a
powerful and efficient hybrid.
Trained equally in jurisprudence
and combat, these new guardians (X)
of Society could dispense both
justice and punishment. They were (X)
police, jury and executioner, all
in one. They were... The Judges.
2 2
thru OMITTED thru
4 4
5 EXT. WASTELAND - DAY 5
It looks like the beginning of time... or its end. Nothing
grows here. Nothing could. This is the CURSED EARTH. With a
WHIRR, a SHUTTLE appears in the sky. We PAN it to a GIANT CITY
WALL. A LOCK-LIKE GATE chugs open. The shuttle ENTERS.
6 INT. CITY LOCK - DAY 6
As the massive craft settles, it is sprayed down by HI-POWERED
JETS. Brown dirt drips away to show eroding metal and the LOGO:
"MEGA-CITY JUDGE SYSTEM - ASPEN PRISON SHUTTLE #3."
P.A. SYSTEM
ASPEN PRISON SHUTTLE DOCKED. (X)
PAROLEES, PREPARE TO DISEMBARK. (X)
The shuttle's air lock port whooses OPEN. A line of drably (X)
dressed men and women exit, carrying their few possessions. (X)
JUDGE DREDD 2 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
7 THE CITY LOCK - INNER GATE TO CITY - DAY 7
One by one the parolees return to society. We follow the last:
HERMAN FERGUSON ("FERGIE"). Fergie's a.genius - a genius
without common sense, street smarts, or muscle tone. So his
career as a master criminal has gone absolutely nowhere.
GATE GUARD
(SCANNING HIM)
Ferguson, Herman. Six month
sentence Aspen Prison served.
Welcome back, Citizen. Your living _
assignment is Block Y, "Heavenly
Haven", Red Quad. Watch it or (X)
your ass will be back in Aspen. (X)
Fergie hurries through the gate. We follow him - as he stops in
his tracks. He's looking at
8 A MAGNIFICENT CITY 8
Giant towers reach miles into the sky. Elevated skyways are
filled with traffic. Flying Barges and Shuttles service the
highest levels. Dominating all is a building shaped like an
EAGLE: The Hall of Justice. Almost lost and forgotten among' (X)
the towering buildings is a relic from our time: The Statue of (X)
Liberty. Title Supered: (X)
MEGA-CITY ONE: 2539 (X)
Fergie takes another look at the gleaming city, and then his (X)
papers. (X)
FERGIE (X)
Heavenly Haven. Sounds nice.
CUT TO:
9 EXT. HEAVENLY HAVEN BLOCK - DAY 9
And it is nice - a perfect Utopian future of happy families
strolling through a green urban park. CAMERA WIDENS... and we
realize that the scene is a, "video poster" on a bleak and
rubble-filled EMPTY LOT..Z
VIDEO POSTER
(taped V.0.)
--oming soon, the Heavenly Haven
Pocket Park. Bringing fresh air
and recreation to your lives.
Another design for better living
from the Mega-City Council. Coming
soon, the Heavenly Haven Pocket
Park. Bringing fresh air...
(CONTINUED)
3
9 CONTINUED:
Surrounding the lot on all four sides are GIANT TENEMENTS.
Weary, hungry and dirty RESIDENTS ("Rezzies") scurry by on (X;
errands both lldegaannot.
10 NEW ANGLE - THE EMPTY LOT 10
A MUNICIPAL VEHICLE pulls up. A bored CITY TECH gets out, goes
to the Video Poster Standee and turns it OFF in mid-ilspe. The
sudden silence attracts some attention. The TECH drops in a NEW
VIDEO CART which begins to PLAY as he drives away. Rezzies
gather around to watch the new video.
CLOSER - VIDEO) POSTER 11
Showing a monolithic BUILDING on the empty lot.
VIDEO POSTER V.O.
Coming soon, the Heavenly Haven Law
Enforcement Barracks, bringing
surveillance and security to your
lives. Another design for better (X)
living from the Mega City Council.
lI REVERSE ANGLE 12
As this sinks in on the tenement residents.
FIRST RESIDENT
Our Park! They stole our park!
SECOND RESIDENT
Lying bastards!
FIRST RESIDENT
Lying Judges!
A ER::! gets tossed into the VIDEO SCREEN. As it SPARKS, the
residents swarm, knocking it over - then the chain link fence
around the lot starts to shake, heave and collapse -
:N HEAVENLY HAVEN BLOCK TOWER - UPPER FLOOR - DAY 13
WIDEN from a sign on the door: THIS LEVEL CONDEMNED.
Nonetheless a group of SQUAT'T'ERS ;s living here. Several
GIGGLE, ingesting some future narcotic through tubes they stuff
in their noses. Suddenly, SHOUTS and BREAKING GLASS rouse them
from their stupor.
ZED, the meanest looking squatter, goes to the window, curious.
(CONTINUED)
4
3 CONTINUED: 13
ZED
Hey, Homies. The rezzies are going
mental.
(GIGGLING)
Let's give 'em a hand.
As the others start to take out weapons, we (X)
CUT TO:
4 14
_..ru OMITTED thru
16
17 INT. TAXI SHUTTLE - IN FLIGHT - DUSK 17
Fergie's jammed in with other lower economic PASSENGERS. He
sees a terrace pool where a number of girls are frolicking. He
waves at the girls, speaks to the Shuttle DRIVER.
FERGIE
Right down there... I think that's
Heavenly Haven.
NC such luck. The craft BANKS.
:..XT. TAXI SHUTTLE - NIGHT 18
As :: descends, the structures it passes grow progressively
-de:. Filth and grime cover everything. The shuttle lands
z.. r.e street with a WHOOSH. (X)
19
he sets out the shuttle lifts off. Fergie looks
signs.
FERGIE
Still better than prison.
BR.'.-TA':-TAT! Suddenly GUNFIRE erupts all around him. He looks
ASTONISHMENT AT
I'r SE ER.AL WINDOWS - HIS P . O . V . 20
As more and more frustrated residents OPEN FIRE at anything and
everything.
VOICES
BLOCK WAR! BLOCK WAR! BLOCK WAR!
Fergie runs into the building.
5
INT. HEAVENLY HAVEN TOWER - NIGHT
People run in panic as bullets shatter windows. A BATTERED
ROBOT FOOD CART cruises the hallway, oblivious to the people
darting around it.
ROBOT FOOD CART
(A RECORDING)
Delicious and healthful ration
packs, piping hot and ready to
eat..!
Fergie darts around the robot, SEES a small MAINTENANCE HATCH
in the wall and jumps inside. His long HOWL tells us he didn't (X)
expect the long fall that results.
CUT TO:
22 EXT. HEAVENLY HAVEN BLOCK - STREET LEVEL 22
A resident breaks for cover, tries to run across thestreet.
BHUDDA-BHUDDA-BHUDDA. He's cut down midway.
23 INT. HEAVENLY HAVEN TOWERS - THE SQUATTERS 23
Have spread out and are firing from the windows of several
ac Joining rooms.
ZED
Did you see that! What a fucking
shot! What a fucking shot - !
Reggie h -fives him. Then an overhead THUD makes them look up
a- the HEATING VENT. Zed reaches up - yanks off the grate -
24 1 E'V: ANGLE 24
Fergie tumbles into the room. Zed puts one foot on him, points
his gun right between his eyes.
ZED
What do we have here? You a Judge,
little man?
The others laugh at the concept.
FERGIE
Me, a Judge, no, no -
(SHOWING PAPERS)
I live here, I mean, I'm gonna live (X)
here - if - if I live -
(CONTINUED)
6
CONTINUED: 24
3RD SQUATTER (TWIST)
If you're a rezzie, then why are
you hiding? This is a block war,
man!
They grab him, playing roughly with him.
ZED
You gonna stand up for your block,
ain't ya?
FERGIE
Look, I'm out on parole - If I get
into any trouble my ass is right
back in Aspen -
CLICK. Zed's gun is in his face.
FERGIE (cont' d)
(quickly, cheerleading)
Let's go, Haven, Let's go Haven,
Haven all the way -
BANANA CLIPS are shoved into his hands along with boxes of
:artridaes.
REGGIE
Reload, dipshit.
BULLETS rip through the windows here. Fergie ducks,
_er-_fied... drops the bullets.
CUT TO:
2= - • STREET LEVEL - NIGHT - CLOSE ON TWO FIGURES 25
wearinc armored uniforms, riding ARMORED MOTORCYCLES called
LAWMASTERS. Both riders wear HELMETS that conceal most of their
=aces. But we can see that the leader is a woman. Her badge
reads "Hershey". Suddenly BULLETS ping around her. Several
ricochet off the arm ored bike.
HERSHEY
Take cover!
26 WIDER 26
As bullets seek them out, both riders dive off their bikes and
roll into combat positions behind a low wall. Hershey's partner
BRISCO is young and eager... too eager.
(CONTINUED)
7
CONTINUED:
BRISCO
(BEHIND BARRICADE)
Just like an Academy Simulation,
right down to the crossfire.
(RISING)
I'll lead off, you follow.
HERSHEY
(yanking him back)
This isn't a Sim, Rookie! Stand
down and wait for back up!
(into helmet mike)
In position outside Heavenly Haven.
Pinned down by fire from upper
floors.
CUT TO:
27 EXT. VIEW OVER MEGA - NIGHT 27
A figure close to CAMERA straddles an even bigger LAWMASTER
CYCLE that makes a Harley look like a mo-ped. The rider's
GLOVED HAND activates the Lawmaster's CITY MAP.
HERSHEY(V.O.)
Fire is coming from Level Y, repeat
Y. Request back-up, nearest Judge!
The map BEEPS, shows a route. The hand moves to the THROTTLE.
2E LAWMASTER - WIDER 28
-DA,RS away from the CAMERA, burning rubber.
CUT TO:
29 EXT. STREET - BLOCK WAR - NIGHT 29
Hershey and Brisco are pinned down under a barrage of fire.
Smoke fills the street, the sounds of automatic weapons fire,
exploding glass, and screams, fill the air. Hershey tries to
ae: a shot off - a bullet CRACKS her face plate -
CUT TO:
3C THAT ONCOMING LAWMASTER 30
Whips around a corner - dodges a burned out vehicle. The mighty
bike VAULTS the barricades and lands. A MOLOTOV COCKTAIL sails
in front of it,, EXPLODES. The rider'does a WHEELIE!
8
UP ANGLE
The bike parts the flames like a curtain, SMASHES DOWN right
in the middle of all the chaos. The Rider gets off.
32 HERSHEY AND BRISCO
32
huddle behind their bikes at the perimeter. They react to a
figure emerging from the smoke.
BRISCO
That's our back-up? He's a sitting
duck out there. You'd think he
wants them to see him.
Hershey smiles ruefully.
HERSHEY
If that's who I think it is... he
does.
33 THE FIGURE
33
Steps out of the flames. Six feet of armored justice, he was
raised in a State Orphanage that taught him Duty and Honor.
Now, he serves that State as Judge... Jury... and Executioner.
::is BADGE fills the frame: "DREDD".
CUT TO:
34 _N':. SQUATTER'S LEVEL - NIGHT
34
Tw:st stares down, scared.
TWIST
Fuck. That's Judge Dredd. We gotta
surrender while we can--
He starts to raise his gun over his head. Zed smacks him in the
yaw with his own weapon.
ZED
You chickenshit bowab! He's gonna
surrender to us. And then we'll
blow his brains out.
(shouting).
Come and get us, Dredd!
Zed FIRES out the window. Reggie happily joins, then the
others. Finally Twist shrugs, FIRES too.
REGGIE'
More ammo!
A terrified Fergie hands him a clip.
9
,5 EXT. THE STREET - NIGHT
The stream of GUNFIRE chews up the pavement at Dredd's feet.
HERSHEY
Down! You crazy futz - !
36 DREDD 36
strides calmly over to them.
DREDD
He's firing a 64 laze pumper from
six hundred feet. He couldn't hit
me if I painted a bull's eye on my
ass.
(GLANCING UP)
We'll keep it simple. Standard
relay. Single file. I'm point.
Hershey nods. Brisco, eager to prove himself, steps in front
of Dredd at the Heavenly Block entrance.
DREDD(CONT'D)
You - last.
Dredd pushes Brisco behind Hershey. Turns toward Heavenly as
re draws his massive LAWGIVER HANDGUN. Dredd speaks into the
::ny computer in the breech as he aims at the door.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Grenade.
:'�BccM! The round knocks the steel door off its hinges. Dredd
r:zxs :z aside and the Judges enter.
CUT TO:
37 IN:'. HEAVENLY TOWERS - WITH THE SQUATTERS - NIGHT 37
Feraie, terrified, passes loaded ammo clips to his "friends".
The WHIRR of a motor outside the hallway attracts his attention.
38 HIS POV - THE FOOD ROBOT - ON ITS ROUNDS 38
FOOD ROBOT
Delicious and healthful ration
packs, piping hot and ready to
eat..!
39 FERGIE 39
Looks at his crazed "friends" and then backs up to the robot...
CUT TO:
10 -
INT. HEAVENLY HAVEN CORRIDOR - NIGHT
40
Dredd, Hershey, and Brisco stride forward. SOUND of GUNFIRE
tells them they are close to their target.
HERSHEY
(TENTATIVELY POINTING)
I think they're there -
Dredd shakes his head... points. . .down.
DREDD
No. There.
CUT TO:
40A INT. SQUATTER'S ROOMS - NIGHT
40A
The squatters here are so busy FIRING their own guns out the
window they don't SEE the CIRCLE OF BULLET HOLES that carve an
oper.;ng above their heads!
With a CRASH, the section of ceiling FALLS IN - Dredd rides it
down, FIRING!
40E NEW ANGLE "
40B
His shots catch most of the shooters by surprise. The few
survivors throw down their weapons.
DREDD
This room is pacified.
mcves carefully through the smoke. Behind him, Hershey and
__:SCC
-ump down to the floor, check the bodies. Hershey cuffs
:-::se s=__: alive.
4- AT T E DOOR TO THE NEXT ROOM
41
Dreoc avcids the door, moves along the wall. Suddenly Brisco
darts forward.
BRISCO
This one's mine!
,HERSHEY
No!
Dredd moves to stop him but he's too far away. Brisco kicks
the door open -
11 -
IN THE NEXT SQUATTER'S ROOM 4
He's face to face with Reggie, Zed, and Twist.
BRISCO
This room is under--
BUDDA BUDDA BUDDA! Brisco is blown backwards off his feet.
43 DREDD 43
spins around. Sees Brisco dead in the doorway. Snarls,
enraged. Hershey whirls, KICKS down one of the wounded who
tries to escape in the confusion.
44 IN THE OTHER ROOM 44
TWIST
(SUDDENLY NOTICING)
Hey. Where's the little ammo dude?
As they all look for Fergie, the wall next to the door EXPLODES
OPEN. Dredd enters through it.
DREDD
You're all under arrest. Will you
surrender, or would you like your
trials now?
7ne', look at him for a moment - then BLAST away.
4 45
for cover, FIRES back - but one guy has a weapon as big as
a :.a_nsaw, and it's decimating Dredd's hiding place.
DREDD
(INTO LAWGIVER)
Armor piercing! (X)
I SEEP and LED change on the weapon. Dredd FIRES - (X)
4t H: S ENEMY 46
The bullet goes THROUGH his weapon, kills him! (X)
4- BACK TO SCENE 47
Dredd turns, sees Reggie and another squatter charging at him
from both sides.
DREDD
(INTO LAWGIVER)
DOUBLE WHAMMYI
(CONTINUED)
12
AT-7 CONTINUED: 47
BEEP. He FIRES. Two bullets come out at once, each taking (X
out a man! But Reggae`s body rolls into Dre d, knocking him
off his feet!
48 CLOSE ON DREDD 48
He's lost his Lawgiver! He reaches out for it - and gets kicked
in the head! CAMERA ADJUSTS to show Twist, sudd enly courageous
with Dredd on the floor.
TWIST
(SEEING IT)
Lawgiver! Awesome!
And he snatches it up, and aims at Dredd's head!
49 WIDER 49
ZED
(SHOUTING)
Don't touch it! They're booby
trapped - !
Too late. A high pitched BEEP is the only warning before the
Handgun EXPLODES, knocking Zed off his feet.
C NEW ANGLE 50
Zed starts to get up - sees Twist's ARM on his body! Screaming,
flings it aside and jumps up - right into Dredd's KICK.
DREDD
Mega-City Municipal Code 334.8.
Willful destruction of property.
That's two years.
WHAR:. He hits Zed in the face. Zed rocks, but stays up. He
fries tc grab a nearby weapon, but Dredd kicks it away.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Code 11-5C. Illegal possession of
assault weapons. Five years.
Zed blocks Dredd's next blow; pulls him into a brutal embrace,
slams Dredd against the walf. Again!
DREDD(CONT'D)
Code 7034-A. Resisting arrest.
Twenty years.
Dredd breaks free! Slams Zed once, twice. Zed flies back
against the wall.
13
FAVORING ZED
DREDD(CONT'D)
9804. Assault on a Judge with
deadly intent.
ZED
(tough, scornful)
Don't tell me. Life.
CAMERA REVEALS that Zed another weapon hidden behind his back.
Now, he goes for it!
52 FAVORING DREDD 52
We weren't expecting Zed's move. Dredd was. While we were
blinking, he kicked a fallen weapon up from the floor and caught
DREDD
No... Death.
He FIRES at the same moment as Zed! Zed's shot hits Dredd's
ARMOR, pings off. Dredd's shot hits Zed's heart.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Court is adjourned.
OX:TTED 5_
54 :NT. HEAVENLY HAVEN CORRIDOR - NIGHT 54
O: er Judges and paramedics have arrived. The Judges process
arres:ees and the paramedics see to the wounded.
::ersnev• rooks on beside Dredd as Brisco's body is zipped into
a cac an, --4 away.
HERSHEY
I was supposed to watch out for him.
DREDD
He made the mistake. Not you.
Dredd cocks his head, listening. Somehow in the din and
confusion he has heard something. He turns.
:5 NEW ANGLE 55
The food robot is coming down the corridor, skittering around
bodies and debris.
Its actions are less smooth than before, and its voice seems
off, too.
(CONTINUED)
14
55 CONTINUED: 55
FOOD ROBOT
Ummm, umm, yumm! Healthful and
nutritious food rations, ready to
eat!
Dredd suddenly pushes forward in the crowd. Hershey follows.
She watches, puzzled, as he steps in the automaton's path,
takes an assault rifle from another Judge and AIMS it!
DREDD
(TO ROBOT)
Halt! You have ten seconds to
surrender. Ten. Nine.
HERSHEY
(PUZZLED)
Dredd, It's just a servo-droid -
DREDD
(aside to Hershey)
The guide wire in the floor isn't
working.
(to the robot)
Five! Four!
FOOD ROBOT
Ah, just put your credit in your
selection and - credit in the slot
and-and - shit!
The robot stops. The jumble of food in back spills out and
Fergie uncoils from the cramped interior, still holding the
scarK r.a wires he was using to manipulate the machine.
DREDD
Mega-City Municipal Code 1286.4:
Willful sabotage of a public
servo-droid. That's six months,
citizen.
He grabs Fergie, pushes him against the wall.
DREDD(CONT'D)
(taking it)-
Let's see your Unicard.
FERGIE
Come on, give me a break, Judge uh-.
(SEEING NAMETAG)
D-dredd?
By now Dredd has run his scanner over Fergie's chip and Fergie's
dossier is zipping by.
(CONTINUED)
15
CONTINUED: ( 2)
DREDD
FERGUSON, Herman. Forget six
months: You've hacked into city
droids, computers...
(reading, interested)
Cash machines, robot taxis... And
you haven't even been out of jail
for twenty four hours.
(TO HERSHEY)
He's habitual, Hershey. Automatic (X)
five year sentence.
FERGIE
Five years? But - I - I had no
choice, judge -
He sees Dredd's impassive face, turns to Hershey's more
sympathetic one.
FERGIE(CONT'D)
They were killing each other up
there, I had to get out! I only
hacked the droid to save my life!
It was the only way!
DREDD
Not at all. You could have climbed
out a window, worked your way down.
Or found a turboshaft and shimmied
down the cable.
FERGIE
Sixty stories? It woulda been
suicide!
DREDD
Maybe. But it would have been
legal. I sentence you to five years
in. Aspen Penitentiary. Case closed.
Take him away.
s-': protesting, Fergie is hauled away. Hershey looks at
Dredd.
HERSHEY
He might have been telling the
truth. Haven't you ever heard of
extenuating circumstances?
DREDD '
Yes. And cowardice isn't one of
them.
(CONTINUED)
16 -
5 CONTINUED: (3) 5-
She looks at Dredd disappointingly and we (X;
CUT TO:
=5A EXT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 55A
The gleaming civil and legal heart of Mega-City, shaped like (X)
the symbol of the Judge System itself: An Eagle. (X)
VOICE (GRIFFIN) (X)
My fellow Judges, have we forgotten (X)
the lessons of History? (X)
=5B INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 55B
The CAMERA discovers the Mega-City Council of Judges, in mid- (X)
session CHIEF JUST ICE FARGO, 70, sits at an elevated position (X)
a: a great BLACK TAB LE. Other Judges sit on either side of him. (X)
Arcng them are JUDGE MCGRUDER, a woman in her 60's, open minded (X)
b:: with an ironill w ; JUDGE ESPOSITO, 50's, thoughtful, (X)
accommodatin g; JUDG E YAMAMOTO, 50's, short-tempered, yet fair; (X)
and JUDGE GRIFFIN , 6 0, with a mind and body as honed as men half (X)
:,s agehis cl , ean f eatures can hide much. But now, they hide (X)
`ng: His pass i on and sincerity make his words ring. (X)
GRIFFIN(cont'd) (X)
A R epublic is a body politic that (X)
i s susceptible to many ills... from (X)
eni nuto anarchy. And the block (X)
wa r to d ay was a definite warning (X)
s i gn of - (X)
asser:bi\• REACTS as rowdily as the British Parliament. (X)
MCGRUDER (X)
- of your misguided policies as (X)
Urban Administrator! (X)
YAMAMOTO
Hold on, Judge McGruder - let's not
blame the messenger! Judge Griffin
HAS -
Ͽ�ESPOSITO
- Griffin has been trying to get
us to swallow his crime package (X)
for two years now and I still have
INDIGESTION -
UPROAR. We sense that the room is evenly divided. A GAVEL
BANGS for order with a CRACK like thunder. Everyone quiets as
quickly as schoolchildren..
17
FAVORING FARGO c_
FARGO
Order, order! As presiding Justice,
I only vote to break a tie. But
I wish to address the question of
Judge Griffin's crime package. Is
there any objection?
GRIFFIN
This entire body owes its very
existence to you, Chief Justice.
(looking around) = (X )
I can ' t imagine anyone having an
objection.
CAMERA sweeps towards Fargo, passing over the MAP of North (X)
America etched on t h e great DAIS. Only a few lights stand out (X)
on all the conti nent: MEGA-CITY ONE; MEGA-CITY TWO; TEXAS CITY; (X)
and the ASPEN PENAL C OLONY. All the rest is labeled THE CURSED (X)
EARTH. (X)
Fargo stands, eyes blazing with intelligence and intensity. (X)
we sense t h at we are observing a Lion in Winter. And the lion
can still roar.
FARGO
This body is not the first assembly ('
to think that more laws and fewer
choices will bring peace and order. (X)
That delusion has been tried and
failed before. If the citizens of
Mega-City are demanding more control
of their lives, that's not a threat
- it's a signal! A signal to open
the windows of our society and let
it: breathe -
(a look to Griffin)
Not to bolt the door and throw away
the key! My fellow Judges, I was (X)
barely in my teens when I put on
this badge. When the time comes
for me to take it off... let me do
it. knowing that it stood for
Freedom... and not for Repression.
He sits down. Clearly he has changed the mood of the room.
JUDGE GRIFFIN
Once again, Chief Justice,'you have
served as a moral compass for all
of us. I... withdraw my proposal.
(PAUSE)
I hope ... for-good.
CUT TO:
18 -
INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - CORRIDOR
- NIGHT
56
Dredd is watching a MONITOR. VARDIS HAMMOND, grey-haired,
commanding, is standing in front of Heavenly Haven Block while
workers put things back in order.
HAMMOND(on monitor)
--fifty three people hospitalized.
(X)
Five of them... children. Nine
dead...
four of them allegedly (X)
killed by a gang of squatters...
who were themselves killed in (X)
summary executions by Judge Dredd. (x)
(X)
CAMERA WIDENS as the Council Chamber doors OPEN. The Judges
come out. Griffin comes over, watches with Dredd. Dredd
stiffens at the approach of his superior. Griffin silently
indicates for him to stand at ease.
HAMMOND(CONT'D)
Some people say that to be a Judge
on these mean streets is bound to (X)
have a certain dehumanizing effect, (X)
and that we should sympathize with (X)
the Judges. I agree. But the Mega- (X)
City Council apparently doesn't. (X)
To them, "dehumanization" isn't just (X)
a buzz word (X)
- it's a byword. And
I'll show just how terrifyingly far (X)
they've taken that thought... (X)
tomorrow night. (X)
(X)
DREDD
(turning, to Griffin)
A rookie Judge died there, too.
I guess he wasn't worth mentioning.
GRIFFIN
(WRYLY)
No, that might confuse the viewers.
We can't be victims, Dredd... we're
the villains!
(ANGUISHED)
Don't they understand we need law
and order? Housing car. wait...
safe streets can;-.,
D��DD
Things will get better, sir.
GRIFFIN
(LEAVING)
I pray you're right, Dredd.
19 -
WITH DREDD
S
Ch As Griffin leaves, Dredd turns. As he passes the Council (X)
amber, Fargo beckons to him. Startled, Dredd joins him. (X)
DREDD (X)
Chief Justice?
(X)
FARGO
Four Summary Executions, Dredd. (X)
Were they necessary?
(X)
DREDD (X)
They were unavoidable, sir. Out (X)
there... that's the reality. (X)
FARGO
W (X)
e make our own reality, Dredd. (X)
Maybe it ' s time for a new one. (X)
Although I doubt Judge Griffin would (X)
recognize a new reality if he (X)
arrested it himself.
(X)
DREDD
With all due respect, sir, how can
you say that when you spend most
of your time -
D edd breaks off; he's said too much. But Fargo won't let him
she hook.
FARGO
Most of my time where?
DREDD
At the Academy... Sir.
FARGO
Don't you mean at the Academy wiping
Cadet's Asses? That is what they
say in the squad room, isn't it?
DREDD
It.. doesn't matter what they say,
Sir. You're the.Chief Justice of
Mega City. If rt weren't for you
and the others like you, we wouldn't
have our justice system. There
isn't a Judge in Mega-City who
doesn't want to follow in your
footsteps.
(CONTINUED)
20 -
7 CONTINUED: 57
FARGO
I'm glad you feel that way, Dredd.
Because starting tomorrow you're
going to spend one day a week at
the Academy... teaching.
Dredd takes this in his stride.
DR,EDD
I'd be honored. Unarmed combat,
or marksmanship?
FARGO
(exiting, with a grin)
Ethics.
And as Dredd reacts, we
CUT TO:
58 EXT. ASPEN PENAL COLONY - DAY 58
An ominous mountain fortress. GUARD TOWERS on every corner.
WIND rattles the concertina wire on the walls. If the Cursed
Earth is hell, this is hell's prison.
:NT. ASPEN PENAL COLONY - WARDENS OFFICE - DAY 59
Stark, spare on creature comforts. WARDEN JUDGE MILLER paces.
=rorr. time to time he looks at a small PACKAGE on his desk.
CLOSE 60
sma:: SEALED BOX with a THUMBCODE LOCK.
3A0!< TO SCENE 61
looks at it, frustrated. Finally makes his decision. He
picks it up, leaves the room.
CUT TO:
62 INT- MAXIMUM SECURITY WING 62
Miller and two GUARDS stride through the old part of the
complex. Everything gets progressively dirti er and dilapidated
as they go. Finally, they reach a MASSIVE STE EL DOOR with.a
computer access screen. Miller puts his thumb in the lock.
MILLER'
Miller. Warden.
(CONTINUED)
21 -
2 CONTINUED: 6
COMPUTER VOICE
Voice sample and thumbscan
recognized.
The DOOR OPENS. Miller turns to the guards.
MILLER (cont' d)
Wait here.
CUT .TO:
c "3 INT. RICO'S CELL - DAY 63
Miller steps inside. AUTOGUNS swivel toward him. "Read" his
BADGE. BEEP. The autoguns swing away. The door CLOSES.
RICO'S VOICE
Hello, Warden.
64 REVERSE ANGLE 64
We're in a large circular room. In the center is an isolated
PLATFORM. A curtain of BLUE LIGHT surrounds it. Behind this,
:GURE draws a bead of sweat from his forehead...
ansently flicks it at the energy curtain. It SIZZLES. The
-icure moves CLOSER. This is RICO.
RICO(CONT'D)
Have you come for another... chat?
MILLER
A short one, I'm afraid. Duty
calls.
RI CO
(LAUGHS )
We're both prisoners here. You
behind a desk... me behind.., this.
Fargo's reward for our services.
MILLER
When you killed innocent people you
went far beyond-'service.
Rico stands. Moves toward the energy curtain. Glares at
Miller.
(CONTINUED)
22 -
-,4 CONTINUED: 64
RICO
"Innocent"? A meaningless word.
The innocent exist only until they
inevitably become perpetrators
themselves. In the end, "Guilt"
and "Innocence" are merely a matter
of timing.
MILLER
'You're insane.
RICO
Am I? When did you become a
perpetrator? Was it the time you
found money mysteriously transferred
into your account? Or the time I
was sentenced to death? You've been
taking bribes for years, Warden.
You're a criminal. And a stupid
one: You don't even know who's
paying you.
MILLER
I don't want to know.
RICO
If ignorance is bliss, Warden, then (X)
you must be very blissful.
(WEARY)
Miller, why are you here?
MILLER
Your mysterious benefactor has sent
you a package.
M:.. .er speaks into a console before Rico's laser-guarded "cell.
MILLER (CONT'D)
Deactivate Shield.
ENERGY CURTAIN drops. The autoguns on the wall swivel
toward Rico. Miller moves onto the platform, hands over the
package. Rico places his thumb on the lock and it OPENS.
65 THE PACKAGE 65
Rico's JUDGE'S BADGE rests inside. Along with a PHOTOGRAPH...
of Hammond, the newscaster. And... what appears to be a
"Rubic's Cube" type TUBULAR PUZZLE.,
23 -
6 BACK TO SCENE
6
Rico begins to manipulate the puzzle.
MILLER
(CURIOUS)
What is that?
RICO
The Ancient Puzzle, Miller: The
One about the Meaning of Life.
MILLER
(SARCASTIC)
Really. And what is the meaning
of Life?
RICO
It's over.
And he AIMS the "puzzle". BLAM!
67 MILLER
67
The SHOT from the tiny weapon hits him in the throat. Gasping,
ne falls onto his knees. With one hand on his throat, he
staggers to the door while Rico descends from his platform.
MILLER
(COUGHING)
Computer.. . .ac-active s-shield!
COMPUTER VOICE
Voice not recognized. Security
Breach. Autoguns targeting.
panics. Scrambles for the door.
MILLER
NO!
BOOM' BOOM! BOOM! He's cut down ten feet from the door.
6:; OUTSIDE THE DOOR - THE TWO GUARDS
68
Jack shells into their riot gins.Charge inside -
69 BACK IN THE CELL
69
The guards only see Miller's body. Then Rico swings down from
his hiding place - the turret of an autogun! He KICKS out with
both feet - drives both Guards nto'the Energy Curtain. ZAP!
They're instantly FRIED.
24
0 WIDER 7C
Rico dismounts like an acrobat, holds his badge up towards the
autoQun scanner. BEEP. The autoguns pivots away. The DOOR
OPENS. Rico snatches up a weapon - steps.outside -
CUT TO:
71 INT. ACADEMY -• INDOOR TRAINING RANGE - TIGHT ON DREDD 71
DREDD
Kevlar nine helmet and body armor.
WIDEN. Dredd is LECTURING to a group of CADETS who hang on his
every word. We're in a TRAINING AREA like the one "Q" ran in
the Bond movies.
Dredd turns. A TECH nods: Target ready. Dredd FIRES a barrage
of bullets at a mannequin in Judge's gear. The bullets ricochet
off. The class OOOHS and AHHS.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Yours, when you graduate.
(PAUSE)
If you graduate.
2 NEW ANGLE 72
D edd moves to another training station. Another tech nods:
Ready.
DREDD(CONT'D)
(holding it up)
Lawgiver Two. Twenty five round
sidearm with mission-variable voice
programmed ammunition.
(INTO GUN)
Signal Flare. (X)
He turns, FIRES. The FLARE explodes on the wall. Again -000HS (X)
and AHHS.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Yours, when you graduate.
73 HERSHEY - AT SUPPLY ROOM - SAME TIME 73
She is exchanging her battered helmet. Now, she notices Dredd,
lingers to watch, impressed witn his style.
74 RESUME DREDD'S CLASS 74
Now he moves to several Techs who are hurriedly tweaking the
most awesome LAWMASTER CYCLE we've seen.
(CONTINUED)
25 -
CONTINUED:
7
DREDD(CONT'D)
Mark IV Lawmaster, improved model.
With on-board cannon, vertical take
off and landing,. flight capacity
and 500 kilometer range.
The head Tech gives thumbs up while the other techs step back.
The class waits, expectant. The lead tech throws a REMOTE.
SPARKS fly. The motor COUGHS, dies. The class GROANS. Dredd
glares at the embarrassed technicians.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Yours... if they ever get it to
work.
LAUGHTER. Dredd moves to a lectern. Faces the class.
DREDD(CONT'D)
All of these things are nothing (X)
but toys. Bottom line, final word, (X)
end of the day, when you're alone
in the dark... all that counts...
is this.
takes something from the lectern shelf, throws it down. It's
all-but holy book: THE LAW.
DREDD(CONT'D)
And you will be alone. Because when
you swear to uphold these ideals, (X)
you are sacrificing whatever chance (X)
you have for a Life. (X)
h T e': Frown;
this is not what they expected to hear from a
legend. They become increasingly unnerved.
::ERS:-.EV
76
The talk upsets her, too, perhaps more than the others.
DREDD'S VOICE(cont'd)
For most of us t'here is only lonely
death on the streets... or, for
those few of us who survive to old (X)
age... the prouder loneliness of
the Long Walk.
26
,... 7 7 RESUME DREDD 77
DREDD
(holding up the book)
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuitof
Happiness. Old and noble ideas. (X)
But they are what we give to (Xi
others... not what we will ever
receive for ourselves. Class
dismissed.
The class breaks up on a definite low note.
CUT TO:
78 INT. ACADEMY LOCKER ROOM - DAY 78
Hershey is drying her hair with a towel. OLMEYER, a short, (X)
earnest underclassman, approaches her. He's carrying a large (X)
BOOK. (X)
OLMEYER (X)
Judge Hershey, the yearbook deadline (X)
is only a week away. Have you (X)
changed your mind? (X)
HERSHEY (X)
Forget it, Olmeyer. I'm not gonna (X)
be the yearbook Centerfold! (X)
OLMEYER (X)
It's not a centerfold, it's a (X)
calendar! And it won't be a tacky (X)
3-D hologram. The yearbook is all (X)
classic print and 2-D. Here, let (X)
me show you a dummy - (X)
He s:ar::s to open the book. She slams it closed on his fingers. (X)
HERSHEY (X)
No, let me show yoou a dummy. (X)
She turns his head so he can SEE his reflection. When he turns (X)
back - she's gone. (X)
78A WITH HERSHEY 78A
She sees Dredd at an end locker. Decides. Approaches him. (X)
HERSHEY (X)
Judge Dredd? (X)
He looks at her, waiting. (X)
(CONTINUED)
27 -
ZA CONTINUED:
7R
HERSHEY(CONT'D)
(X;
I caught your lecture today. Do... (X)
do you really think that's what the (X)
cadets need to hear?
(X)
DREDD
(X)
Yes. The least I can do is tell (X)
them the truth.
(X)
HERSHEY
Well, I think your truth is
relative. I have a personal life.
I have lots-of friends.
DREDD
Really. How long since you saw any
of them?
HERSHEY
(DEFENSIVE)
Well, my shifts have been changed
a lot lately. Two, three months, (X)
tops.
DREDD
You've only been on the street a
year. You're still in denial.
HERSHEY
It's not that bad.
DREDD
How many married Judges do you know?
HERSHEY
Uh, well, my class is young. None
of them have found the right...
person.
e lust looks at her.
HERSHEY(CONT'D)
Has it really been like that for (X)
you? Haven't you ever been in -
(CHECKING HERSELF)
Haven't you ever had a... friend?
DREDD
Yes. Once.
HERSHEY
What happened?
(CONTINUED)
28 -
'A CONTINUED: ( 2) 78A
Dredd takes off his helmet. It's the first time we've seen his
face, and it's filled with barely controlled emotion.
DREDD
(X)
I judged him.
CUT TO:
79 EXT. MEGA-CITY LOCK - NIGHT 79
Another Aspen Shuttle is docked here, steam curling up from the (X)
motors. (X)
8C EXT. DOCKED SHUTTLE - CLOSER - NIGHT 80
A GROUND CREW member couples fat conduits to the underbelly of (X)
the docked aircraft. Suddenly an ARM wraps around his throat. (X)
He struggles and we see his captor, hanging upside down in the (X)
iand,ng gear: Rico. He drops to the ground like an acrobat, (X)
'-,C-ding his victim all the way down. The man's neck SNAPS on (X)
impact. Rico drags the body into the shadows. (X)
EX"'. MEGA CITY - NIGHT 81
Nc: a nice part of town. The FACES we SEE and the SOUNDS we (X)
-:AR are unnerving. This is not the shiny part of the future. (X)
W e HOLD on the scene, finally WIDEN to find Rico. Wearing the (X)
:::nes of the ground crewman he killed, he walks past rows of (X)
'•'.=:: enraptured in violent/erotic VIDEO GAMES. He's searching (X)
something; And then he sees it: (X)
82
-•- w.�` a busy ever-changing SIGN: GEIGER'S BAZAAR.
- PAWN - FAX BOXES - VOUCHERS CASHED. He heads inside.
-r..-. JE: ER' S NIGHT 83
isre squalid pawnshop. Surplus and funk hangs from the
-=::_:ered walls. The rear is divided by- a ceiling-high locked
-en:e that secures the better grade merchandise. GEIGER, 50's,
sccw.s as Rico enters. Puffs on a cigar.
,GEIGER
We've closed for the night.
RICO
You're holding a package for me.
I'm. Rick.
GEIGER
Oh, yeah... Gimme a second.
(CONTINUED)
29
3 CONTINUED: F
While Geiger gets it, Rico quickly scans the store. A simple
security camera in the corner. A jumble of crates and large
antique weapons... including a few things.that look like rusting
metal warriors. Rico points to these.
RICO
I thought they destroyed all the
ABC Warbots?
GEIGER
(COMING BACK)
You can collect 'em if you make 'em
non-functional. Like my wife.
(hands him box)
Here you go.
Geiger pretends not to watch as Rico unlocks the box. Geiger (X)
sneaks a look... sees a uniform... and a Judge's Lawgiver. Rico
starts to reach inside. Geiger stops him.
GEIGER
Whoa, friend, whoever sent you this
is no friend at all.
RI CO
Oh? And why's that?
GEIGER
That's a Lawgiver. It's programmed
to only recognize a Judge's hand.
You want a weapon, I can get you
something nice. But if you touch
that it'll take your arm off.
RICO
Really?
grabs it! Geiger flinches - then looks puzzled.
RICO (CONT'D)
How do you like that?
He SHOOTS Geiger at point-blank range. Geiger hits the floor.
RICO(CONT'D)
I must be a Judge.
Rico bends, takes Geiger's keys and his cigars... then goes to
the big cage.
30 -
ON THE ABC ROBOT 84
A huge, armored combat veteran. We HEAR the metal cage rattle
open. Rico approaches, crouches down and pulls a panel off the
robot's body.
Inside, the circuit cards have all been pulled from their
sockets.
Rico begins whistling... reveille. He pushes the boards back
in, hits the RESET button.
8E WIDER 85
The ROBOT starts to WHIR. A GUSH of steam rises from its
powerful torso. The eyes glow RED. It stands to its eight foot
height, slowly turning like an arthritic old man.
ROBOT
Status. Commander. Mission.
Rico strikes a match on the robot, lights a cigar.
RICO
Status: Personal bodyguard.
Commander: Rico.
Mission: We're going to war.
(SMILES)
Geronimo.
86
t.^.r;: 3I TTED thru
88 88
89 :NT. HAMMOND'S APT. - NIGHT 89
::almond and his wife LILY are in their modest apartment. The
ant=cues and decorations hint at a warmer era - our own. Both
wear nightclothes. Hammond paces, edgy with dec ision. Lily
weaves on a COMPUTERIZED LOOM.
LILY
Vardis, if you're right, then this
Judge Dredd isn't really part of
the conspiracy.
HAMMOND
No, of course n9t. It began before
he was born. It had to have.
LILY
Then your report tomorrow _will
destroy an innocent man. Doesn't
Dredd's future bother you?
(CONTINUED)
31 -
9 CONTINUED: E
HAMMOND
Yes. But I'm more worried about
all of our futures then about
Judge...
The door THUDS open. Startled, they turn -
90 REVERSE ANGLE 90
Standing in the doorway is a JUDGE.
HAMMOND(CONT'D)
(finishing the thought)
.Dredd...
ELAM BLAM BLAM! The Judge's gun FIRES and we
CUT TO:
EXT. MEGA-CITY STREET - DAY 91
Citizens and merchants go about their business. CAMERA CRANES
down, finds Dredd on patrol. Something catches his eye. He
stops his Lawmaster, gets off. We FOLLOW him towards a slick
we: dream of a FUTURE GULL-WINGED CAR... parked in a
:ANEICAPPED ZONE.
2 edd takes out a BAR CODE READER, scans the license plate. As
-.e gizmo searches its data base, the FUPPIE (Future Yuppie) CAR
:v.:; runs into view with a Cappuccino in a st yrofoam cup. He
"oeeos" the lock, but Dredd blocks his way to the car door.
DREDD
Is this your car?
CAR OWNER
Hey, come on... what are you gonna
do, tow me?
DREDD
Of course not. Towing is the
penalty for the first offense. This
is your second violation.
(into Lawg;ever )
Grenade.
CAR OWNER
HEY!
92
92 WIDER
Dredd aims, FIRES. The caz. EXPLODES! Dredd walks casually away
while the car's owner stands slack-jawed with debris tinkling
around him.
32
DREDD
93
The wreck burning behind him, Dredd head back towards his
bike... suddenly STOPS. He sees TWO FIGURES in front of him.
And, the moment he does, he knows without. looking that there are
two identical ones behind him.
They're garbed for combat, yet without even the trace of
humanity that seeps through a Street Judge's armor. These are
the feared JUDGE HUNTERS. All have drawn weapons. The LEADER
holds up a HOLO WARRANT with Dredd's PICTURE.
JUDGE HUNTER LEADER
Judge Joseph Dredd. You are under
arrest.
CUT TO:
94 INS. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT
94
CAMERA finds a broken figure here: Fargo. Ashen, he sits in
the Chief Justice's seat, face in his hands.
FARGO
Dredd. I... I can't believe it...
(LOOKING UP)
Are you sure?
(X)
: : A " : _ - -
RA ADJUSTS. We SEE Griffin is standing below him.
GRIFFIN
I'm afraid the evidence is
conclusive. The trial will be just
a formality.
Fa:=c descends shakily from his seat. Moves to the window. :e
=axes a pill from his pocket, tries to swallow it without
�;_ _ f _ _r. seeing
FARGO
Is it possible? Dredd, homicidal
too? We went through.this nine
years ago...
GRIFFIN
We were able to•hide the facts then.
This time, we may not be so lucky.
FARGO
(TURNING)
What do you mean?
(CONTINUED)
33 -
CONTINUED:
9
GRIFFIN
The victim was a reporter. The
media is already sniffing around.
Eventually... they'll get to the
truth.
FARGO
(STRICKEN)
About ... Janus?
(X)
GRIFFIN
About Janus... and your part in it.
FARGO
How... how long have you known?
GRIFFIN
Does it matter?
(SOFTLY)
Nine years ago, when we buried the
truth along with the victims, the
council ordered the termination of
Janus... the complete termination.
You obviously a ie that order...
otherwise this new disaster could
never have happened.
FARGO
(A WHISPER)
If the truth comes out, it could
destroy everything we've built...
we could go back to the Years of
Chaos!
:r;cKen, he glances over at the great map ... remembering.
GRIFFIN
There's a way out, Chief Justice.
(PAUSE)
The Long Walk.
FARGO
Into oblivion? You're suggesting
I take it? You-fiust really want
to destroy me -
GRIFFIN
No. I want to save the Judge
system. The media won't stop
digging into Dredd's case. When
they get to the bottom... they'll
find you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
34 -
4 CONTINUED: (2) 94
GRIFFIN (CONT'D)
But if you take the Long Walk...
they'll find nothing but your
honored memory.
FARGO
My Walk will give you the Chief
Judgeship!
GRIFFIN
It could also save Dredd's life.
CUT TO:
9 II�'T. JUDGE'S' COMPLEX - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 95
Hershey is being quickly escorted along a corridor by the four
Judge Hunters. The place is dark and empty.
JUDGE HUNTER
In here.
The Judge Hunters open a HOLDING CELL. Hershey steps inside.
96 1N7. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT 96
::ershey is surprised to see the inhabitant:
HERSHEY ( X )
Dredd? What's going on? And who (X)
are those feebs? I've never seen (X)
(X)
those uniforms before -
DREDD (X)
They're Judge Hunters, Hershey. (X)
They're the ones who come out when (X)
a Judge has broken the Law. (X)
Hershey reacts; she's heard of them. (X)
HERSHEY (X)
Judge Hunters? Then it's a full (X)
trial before the Council... that (X)
only happens one in a generation... (X)
DREDD (X)
Judge Hershey. I don't have anyone (X)
else to ask... Will... will you (X)
be my defense attorney? (X)
HERSHEY
You're under.indictment? For what?
(CONTINUED)
35 -
5 CONTINUED:
C
DREDD
Murder. (X
(X
CUT TO:
97 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
97
EXPLOSION of GUNFIRE on the MAIN SCREEN. We WIDEN. We're
seeing the tail end of a SURVEILLANCE VIDEO of the murders of (X)
Vardis and Lily Hammond, taken by a camera outside their
apartment.
(X)
JUDGE MCGRUDER'S VOICE
Stop Video.
98 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - WIDER - DAY
98
The place is absolutely packed. Every off-duty Judge in
Mega-City is here. So is every Cadet from the Academy, plus the
entire media brigade. We note that two oddly reassuring
dements from our era are still here: A COURTROOM ARTIST (with
a computer sketchpad and lightpen), and a COURTROOM STENOGR APHER
with his hands stuffed into a FIST STENO KEYBOARD.) Make no
mistake about it: this is a real, fair trial. And we're g oing`
:., see It.
MCGRUDER(CONT'D)
Before we go on, I wish to make a
personal comment.
(TURNING)
Judge Dredd. I have observed your
career from its outset and I have
the highest regard for you.
Nevertheless, I must prosecute you
to the best of my ability.
99 DR=D-- - AT THE DEFENDANT'S STATION
99
DREDD
That is the Law, Judge McGruder.
I would expect no less.
100 NEW ANGLE
- REVEALING THE HIGHEST SEAT 100
In Judge Fargo's place sits Judge Griffin. He is wearing the
uniform of the Chief Justice.
GRIFFIN
The Court shares in Judge McGruder's
sentiments. In a way I am glad that
Judge Fargo is about to begin his
Long Walk.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
36 _
•�"` 0 0 CONTINUED : 10C
GRIFFIN (CONT'D)
He will be spared the pain of this
trial. Proceed, Judge McGruder.
MCGRUDER
The video you have just seen is
prima fascia evidence that the
defendant is guilty as charged.
Mark this video People's Exhibit
"A".
CLERK
So marked.
At the defendant's station, Hershey stands.
HERSHEY
Objection, Your Honor. This video
is inadmissible as evidence.
MCGRUDER
Judge Hershey, are you serious?
Both of them recognized Judge Dredd!
HERSHEY
That is the State's interpretation.
Replay dialogue.
_�EC rewinds. Then:
LILY'S VOICE (X)
.Doesn't Dredd's future-bother (X)
you? (X)
HAMMOND'S VOICE (X)
Yes. But I'm more worried about (X)
all of our futures then about (X)
Judge ...Dredd...? (X)
HERSHEY
Stop video. Do you hear it? When
Lily Hammond says "Dredd", it's (X)
part of the conversation. And when
Vardis Hammond,,sa s 'Dredd' it (X)
could just as easily be the same.
The suggestion that either has
recognized their murderer is sheer
supposition... or, in the case of
the prosecution, wishful-thinking!
BIG REACTION from the packed room. Griffin bangs the gavel for
silence.
37 -
THE DEFENSE TABLE 1r
Hershey returns here to get another document. Dredd WHISPERS.
DREDD
Judge Hershey. I'm really glad I
picked you to defend me.
HERSHEY
You only picked me because you
didn't have anyone else.
DREDD
I'm still glad. (X)
CAMERA FOLLOWS Hershey forward.
MCGRUDER
(TO HERSHEY)
All right, counselor. Forget the
the audio. What about the video? (X)
It clearly shows -
HERSHEY
It clearly shows nothing!
(TURNING)
Your Honor, I have here an affidavit
from Cadet Olmeyer, currently a
Junior at the Academy.
Svc IN THE AUDIENCE 102
heads of the other cadets around him swivel to look at him
.:_` new regard. He does his best to look cool.
1C- TR:AL 103
HERSHEY
Cadet Olmeyer is acknowledged by (X)
all his instructors to be an expert
in the field of still and video
graphics. His affidavit states that
this surveillance video is of such
low definition that even after all
known enhancements are used, no
positive identification can be made
of the killer. Since the uniform
of a Judge could be counterfeit,
I repeat my objection to this video
being entered as evidence in this
case.
(turning to Griffin)
I ask for a ruling.
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 38 Rev. #2: 17/3/94
.03 CONTINUED: 103
You could hear a pin drop in the vast room. Everyone watching
is sure they know what Griffin will say. They're all wrong.
GRIFFIN
Objection... sustained. The video
is inadmissib e.
104 ON OLMEYER - IN AUDIENCE 104
OLMEYER ( X )
Yessss!
The rest of the courtroom goes nuts. Griffin bangs for order.
The BAILIFFS call out.
BAILIFFS
Order, order!
105 HERSHEY 105
returns to the defendant's table as the court quiets down.
Olmeyer WHOOPS a second longer than everyone else. (X)
Embarrassed, he quiets down, but not before Dredd notices him.,
DREDD
That kid barely knows me and he
wants to save my ass.
HERSHEY
Trust me. It's not your ass he's
interested in.
106 JUDGE MCGRUDER 106
MCGRUDER
Your Honor. I am forced now to
enter certain technical evidence
of a critical nature regarding (X)
the Mega-City Legal system.•I (X)
will need the Court's permission. (X)
I will also need permission to (X)
access the Central Computer Bank. (X)
107' HERSHEY AND DREDD 107
They look at each other, as puzzled as everyone else. (X)
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 39 Rev. #2: 17/3/94
J7 CONTINUED: 107
MCGRUDER (cont'd) (X)
I can think of no evidence or issue (X)
more critical than the murder trial of (X)
a Judge. You may proceed. (X)
107A BACK TO SCENE 107A
McGruder approaches a special CONSOLE. This is one of many in (X)
Mega-City that permit access to "Central" - the Judge System's
main computer. Most of the consoles look alike, but this has
the largest screen we will see.
MCGRUDER
Central. I wish to access weapons
schematics, Judges division. Describe
the workings of the standard Judge's
sidearm, the Lawgiver Two, and
especially its improvements over
the earlier Lawgiver One.
Central SPEAKS. Somehow its monotonous, sexless voice hints
at an actual personality.
CENTRAL
One moment.
'8 108
,_u OMITTED thru
109 109
110 NEW ANGLE 110
COMPUTER GRAPHICS illustrating these words APPEARS on screen.
CENTRAL(CONT'D)
Nine years ago, the Lawgiver Model
Two replaced the Lawgiver Model One.
The difference lies in two areas:
The computer chip and the ammunition
coding. Like the Model one, the
computer chip recognizes the
thumbcode of all Judges. Judges
may use each other's firearms; but
a suspect dare not use a Judge's
.weapon against "a Judge.
ANIMATION reminds us of this in non-gory fashion.
CENTRAL(CONT'D)
However, the ammunition coding in
the Model Two is not cued to the (X)
thumbcode recognition chip.
Instead, it is coded to the personal
DNA of the Judge using the weapon.
40 -
DREDD & HERSHEY
I-I
Listening carefully, wondering where this is going.
CENTRALS VOICE
This is obtained in a download from
my medical files and upgraded
automatically every time the weapon
is reloaded. Each time a round is
chambered and fired, it is tagged
with the relevant DNA.
NEW ANGLE
112
we slowly TIGHTEN on McGruder and her "witness".
MCGRUDER
Central. Were the bullets recovered
from the bodies of Vardis and Lily (X)
Hammond so DNA coded?
CENTRAL
Yes, Judge McGruder. It could not
be otherwise.
MCGRUDER
And what was the result of the
computer check of the DNA coding
on those bullets?
:ould swear that the computer is going for drama.
CENTRAL
The DNA is a perfect match for Judge
Joseph--D-re--dd.
_:iAMSER - WIDE SHOT
113
?a-:der o . um . Griffin bangs for order.
(X)
..EENS_ STATION
114
HERSHEY
(in shock, to Dredd)
DNA evidence is irrefutable!
DREDD
Do your job.
She nods, stands.
HERSHEY
Your Honor... the defense rests.
41 -
5 WIDER
Griffin looks at McGruder.
MCGRUDER
Your Honor, the Prosecution rests.
GRIFFIN
The Jury may be sequestered.
The Foreman, COUNCIL JUDGE ESPOSITO, stands.
ESPOSITO
Your Honor, sequestering is not
necessary. The evidence is
irrefutable.
(LOOKS AROUND)
We have reached a verdict. In the (X)
charge of Pre-meditated Murder, we
the Jury find Joseph Dredd GUILTY
as charged.
GASPS from the audience. It's the fall of a Legend.
ON GRIFFIN 116
GRIFFIN (cont' d)
The defendant will stand.
:4e=ore Hershey can tell him to, Dredd obeys. Griffin looks him
in the eye. Dredd looks back, unblinking.
GRIFFIN(CANT'D)
Joseph Dredd, for this crime the (X)
Law allows only one punishment:
DEATH.
S:OCR: rebounds from every wall. As the gasps fade away, Griffin
taxes out a sealed document.
GRIFFIN(CONT'D)
However: I have here the last order
of Judge Fargo, written this morning
before he prepared for the Long
Walk.
(OPENING ITCH
He orders that this Court be lenient
with Judge Dredd, in gratitude for
his years of service.
(setting this down)
It has always been our-custom to
carry out the last order of a
Walking Judge. We will so honor
this one.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
42 -
CONTINUED:
LIB
GRIFFIN(CONT'D)
(NEW TONE)
The sentence is Life Imprisonment
- to be carried out immediately.
As it is Written:
Griffin picks up the book of the Law, kisses it. Opens it.
And reads.
' 117 DEFENSE STATION
117
GRIFFIN'S VOICE
"Let the Betrayer of the Law be
taken from our Courts;"
Already the Judge Hunters are coming for him.
HERSHEY
Dredd. I... I'm sorry.
DREDD
You did your best, Judge Hershey.
He stands, takes her hand.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Thank you.
GRIFFIN'S VOICE
"Let the Freedom he stole from
others be stolen from himself;"
H T
pan. e Judge Hunters pull at him. Hershey hangs on as long as she
HERSHEY
Dredd..!
ON GRIFFIN - RAKED CAMERA
118
GRIFFIN
"Let his armor be taken from him,
and all his garb of Justice..."
!IQ
DREDD - SOMEWHERE
119
wrists manacled, head down. The Judge Hunters pull off his (X)
armor, then literally rip away his uniform. He's naked,
helpless. Chained.
120 (X)
THRU OMITTED 120
THRU
123
43 -
EXT. GATES OF MEGA CITY - SUNSET 12'
It is the ceremony of The Long Walk. Judge Fargo stands alone,
wearing a LONG DUSTER COAT and a wide brimmed HAT. Before him
he holds his uniform, Lawgiver, and badge in a ceremonial
bundle.
A young FEMALE CADET in an sweet Contralo that contrasts with
Griffin's bass READS from a different part of The Law:
FEMALE CADET
(READING)
"Let his name be recorded in every
place of Honor. Let him take the
Law he served so well to those who
have it not."
The great city gate begins to OPEN. Under a fading SUNSET we
SEE the forbidden land beyond: THE CURSED EARTH. We TIGHTEN on
Fargo, grizzled, weary; the girl, fresh, tearful. Like so many,
she reveres this man and what he represents.
FEMALE CADET
"Let him be written in our hearts
and our memories."
She hands him the Book. Receives his bundle of worldly
h=_ongings in return. A young MALE CADET steps forward, hands
Fargo an ancient REMINGTON.
Ͽ�2Z 125
_= shoved into a jammed PRISON SHUTTLE. GUARDS fling.him in (X)
s=a=. The shuttle door closes, locks.
GRIFFIN'S VOICE
"Let him be stricken from our hearts
and our memories."
_2= CAR'3C 126
FEMALE CADET
"Forever."
A line of CADETS raises Lawgivers overhead. They FIRE a 21 GUN
SALUTE. Fargo walks out. TYye gate CLOSES. (X)
:27 EXT. CITY LOCK - DUSK 127
The prison shuttle FIRES its engines. (X)
GRIFFIN'S VOICE
"Forever."
44 -
28 EXT. MEGA-CITY ONE - LONG SHOT - DUSK 128
Dredd's shuttle THUNDERS overhead. Far below in the poisoned
sand, Fargo looks up at it.
CUT TO:
129 EXT. JUDGE'S COMPLEX - NIGHT 129
Lightning crackles around the Eagle's head. A floating TANKER
refuels at a nearby roof top.
130 INT. GRIFFIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 130
Griffin comes inside. His chair turns around. Rico is sitting (X)
in it. Griffin looks at him in shock for a moment. (X)
GRIFFIN
Are you out of your mind, coming
here?
Griffin angrily starts forward... stops when the ABC robot moves
to block his path.
GRIFFIN(CONT'D)
And you brought this, too?
Griffin waves his hand over desk controls. The lights DIM.
S:i TTERS block the windows.
RICO
I like to do things my way. (X)
GRIFFIN
Yes, I know. Like framing Dredd
for Hammond's murder.
RICO
(SMILING)
I thought that was a nice creative
touch. Sort of two birds with one
stone.
GRIFFIN
Hammond had to be silenced when
he found out abut Janus! But I
could have used Dredd! He
practically worshiped the ground
I walked on-
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 45 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
t30 CONTINUED: 130.
RICO
Dredd only worships the Law. And
he'd blow you away the minute he
found out just how much you're
pissing on it. Trust me: It's
better this way. Let him see what
it's like to freeze his ass off in
Aspen. Let him see what it's like
I to be me! After all...
He moves closer to Griffin, smiles.
RICO(CONT'D)
.Dredd and I have so much in
common. Why not this?
Griffin looks at him, decides to drop the subject.
GRIFFIN
There's a lot of work to be done.
RICO
Yes. The Janus lab -
GRIFFIN
You'll see it soon enough. In the
meantime... I want chaos, Rico.
That block war was just the
beginning. Now I want fear racing
through every street... terror in
every quad... panic in every block.
Until those miserable rezzies think
even their Judges can't save them.
That's when the Council will turn
to me... and to Janus.
Rico moves towards the door. Pauses.
RICO
Fear, Terror, Panic. I think I can
handle that. After all...
(slight.smile)
Look how quickly I brought fear in
here.
His smile fades and he exits.
131 OMITTED 131
132 EXT. CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 132
110-1
A HOWLING WIND blows dust across the dead landscape. The ASPEN
PRISON SHUTTLE appears over the horizon.
46 -
/ ' 33 INT. ASPEN SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 133
A wide body with the amenities of a galley. Armed JUDGES (X)
patrol outside a long CAGE enclosing the rows of prisoners. (X)
GUARDS inside the cage are armed with STUN CLUBS. (X)
CAMERA roams the ranks of hardened, brutal prisoners. Gradually (X)
we realize that something is being whispered up and down the (X)
rows... a slow humm that rises in level buzz and then a (X)
whisper. Gradually we discern it: "dddrd...dddrdd... Dredd." (X)
we reach Dredd the same time the whispers reach him. Manacled (X)
I like the others, he shows no reaction to the hateful. glances (X)
aimed in his direction. (X)
PILOT'S VOICE (X)
Attention, crew. We're changing (X)
course to avoid some chop. ETA (X)
Aspen Prison 11 hundred twenty two. (X)
The craft BANKS, the prisoners chains clanking as they sway. A (X)
mean looking PRISONER behind Dredd leans over, hisses: (X)
PRISONER BEHIND HIM (X)
I want a piece of you, scumbag. (X)
DREDD (X)
Okay. (X)
W::.h a SNAP and without looking, Dredd jerks his elbow (X)
ba_xwards. The prisoner is knocked unconscious. As he sags in (X)
.is :hains, CAMERA ADJUSTS. The prisoner on the side of Dredd (X)
we haven't seen is Fergie. Now, he stares at Dredd. Then (X)
pins his hands over Dredd's.face, leaving Dre 's jaw
=x�cs and parting his fingers at Dredd's eyes, like the visor
in she Judge's helmet. Fergie's eyes go wide.
FERGIE
Dredd? What are you doing here?
DREDD
I was convicted of a crime.
(PAUSE)
Wrongly convicted.
FERGIE
That makes two ©f us.
DREDD
No. You got the sentence the Law
required. The Proper sentence.
FERGIE
Proper? Five years just for saving
my own ass? .It was a mistake!
(CONTINUED)
47 -
-1 3 CONTINUED:
DREDD
The Law does not make mistakes.
FERGIE
Yeah? Then how do you explain what
happened to you?
DREDD
(PAUSE)
I. I can't.
FERGIE (X)
(SARCASTIC) (X)
Oh, you can't. But the "Law doesn't (X)
make mistakes"? So what's this, (X)
then? A bug? A glitch? Typo? (X)
Fumble? Screw-up? Or maybe... (X)
POETIC FUCKING JUSTICE? (X)
VOICE (X)
You're wasting your breath, brother (X)
man... (X)
133A NEW ANGLE 133A
The speaker is a menacing MAN of fifty or so, with gaunt hard
muscles, the eyes of a mad prophet, and eerie religious TATTOOS. (X.
Three YOUNGER MEN flanking him have similar decorations. This (X)
is REVEREND ANGEL and his SONS. (X)
REVEREND ANGEL(cont'd) (X)
Dredd's a machine. See, any man (X)
- even a Lawman - has a heart. But (X)
not Dredd. He's frozen inside. (X)
That's how he could make this man (X)
(he indicates himself) (X)
and these boys - watch while like (X)
the Grim Reaper himself, he coldly (X)
cut down the youngest fruit of our (X)
tree. (X)
ANGEL SONS (X)
Amen. (X)
DREDD (X )
Angel: Maybe if your youngest fruit (X)
hadn't taken those hostages he could (X)
be here for the family reunion. (X)
As one, all the Angels lunge forward as much as their short (X)
chains will allow. Fergie recoils; Dredd doesn't. But two (X)
GUARDS turn at the commotion. (X'
(CONTINUED)
48 -
CONTINUED:
.33A
GUARD
(X`
Problem here?
(X)
DREDD (X)
No.
(X)
FERGIE
Actually, (X)
(X)
(POINTING)
(X)
could I sit over there--
(X)
GUARD (X)
(MENACING)
(X)
SHUT UP !
(X)
The guard moves away.
The Angel family stares hatred in (X)
Dredd's direction.
(X)
FERGIE (X)
(sotto, to Dredd)
(X)
You'd better not be my roommate. (X)
CUT TO:
=�4 IN':. DREDD'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
134
narrow window lets in the thinnest sliver of moonlight. Two
armchairs, worn leather, from our era. A couple of exotic
-ants, now wilted. An antique bookcase of burnished wood -a
rare material in Mega-City.
zcmeethinc rattles at the door. The lock GLOWS briefly...
scmetr.inc SNAPS. The door opens.
COMPUTER VOICE
Zone A open. Please reset alarm.
Hershey steps in, putting a small tool away in a belt pouch.
She closes the door. Takes in the monastic feel of the place.
She moves to the bookcase: A small collection of leather-bound
books, maybe a dozen in all. Plato, More, Jefferson, Paine.
Hershey runs her fingers over the well-worn titles.
=3� DREDD'S BEDROOM
135
Narrow bed. A small dresser and chair... no windows.
COMPUTER VOICE
If Alarm is not reset, .system will
signal armed response in 20 seconds.
Hershey opens a drawer. A.few clothes. She slips her hands
underneath, feels around, finds nothing. Opens the next drawer.
(CONTINUED)
49 -
-^ 35 CONTINUED:
Searches. Finds a framed "viewie" on the nightstand. It shows
a COUPLE in their 30's with a BABY.
HERSHEY
(off viewie, amused)
Well. Baby Dredd.
136 CLOSER 136
At her touch, the viewie becomes briefly ANIMATED.
137 BACK TO SCENE 137
She's about to put it down - when something about its weight
makes her suspicious. She turns it over, examines it - finds a
HIDDEN SEAL. The frame OPENS. Inside is a second viewie. It
shows Dredd, mid-twenties - and Rico, the same age. Bot are
grinning: Graduation dav at the Academy.
138 CLOSE ON HERSHEY 138
She's puzzled - quite clearly, she has no idea who Rico is.
COMPUTER VOICE
Ten. Nine. Eight...
Hershey folds the frame back up.. .slips out the door with it.
COMPUTER VOICE
Cancel. Thank you for your
cooperation. (X)
CUT TO:
139 0!.IT_._.. 139
139A EX". ASPEN SHUTTLE - IN FLIGHT - NIGHT 139A
1398 INT. ASPEN SHUTTLE - COCKPIT - NIGHT 139B
The PILOT speaks into his throat mike. (X)
PILOT (X)
Aspen Prison, phis is Prisoner (X)
Shuttle 5A. Request landing Vector. (X)
The VIDSCREEN on the console flutters into life. A harried (X)
ASPEN GUARD appears there. There's NOISE AND CONFUSION in the (X)
b.g. behind him. (X)
ASPEN GUARD(ON SCREEN) (X)
Negative, Shuttle. We have a riot (XI
in progress. 'Request denied. (-
(CONTINUED)
50 -
,-- 9B CONTINUED: 139E
PILOT (X
Say again, Aspen? ( X;
ASPEN GUARD (X,
Repeat, riot in the Maximum Security (X;
cellblock. Do not land. (XJ
140 INT. SHUTTLE - THE CAGE 140
Fergie is still tormenting Dredd, enjoying his fallen status. (X)
He waits until a guard passes, then hisses: (X)
FERGIE (X)
Let's try it again, Dredd. You're (X)
in chains. You're going to prison. (X)
But you're innocent, and I'm guilty. (X)
But it's still not a mistake? (X)
PILOT ON P.A. (X)
ATTENTION, GUARDS. LANDING HAS BEEN (X)
CANCELED. REPEAT, LANDING HAS BEEN (X)
CANCELED. SECURE PRISONERS FOR NEW (X)
(X)
FLIGHT PLAN.
And that's when it happens. In that split-second of distraction (X)
when the guards look up to listen, Pa Angel begins to reach for (X)
(X)
a guard's Stun Club!
�4_ FAVORING DREDD 141
invciuntarily, he lunges forward - (X)
DREDD (X)
Look out - (X)
Misunderstanding his intentions, the nearest guardZAPS him with (X)
his Stun Club! At the same moment, Pa Angel getsthe other (X)
guard's weapon, turns it on him! The guard DROPS.One of the (X)
(X)
Angel boys grabs the key card!
42 GUARD WITH DREDD 142
turns, charges forward - but two Angels have already whisked the (X)
key card over their cuff's ,canners! They tackle the guard! (X)
143 SHUTTLE JUDGES - AT CAGE ENDS 143
they rush to open the cage and run inside! (X)
144 IN THE CAGE 144
A PRISONER TRIPS a Judge!..,The Judge's gun MISFIRES! (X)
JUDGE DREDD 51 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
.45 THE SHUTTLE PILOT - FORWARD 145
the bullet goes through his seat! He slumps! (X)
146 RESUME CAGE 146
The entire aircraft TILTS. The Judges are swarmed by the (X)
prisoners! The card keys are passed around and the overhead (X)
chain RATTLES as it is pulled hand over hand, freeing the (X)
manacled prisoners one by one! And all the while a BUZZ like (X)
the one we heard before grows and grows: (X)
CONVICTS (X)
.llldrrrd...LLLDRDDD... KILL (X)
DREDD! KILL DREDD! (X)
146A DREDD - ON THE FLOOR 146A
punching, twisting, fighting the hands reaching for his throat. (X)
As the aircraft banks steeply, he slides alon the floor with (X)
his enemies. SEES a Judge's LAWGI trampled under the (X)
scrambling feet. Reaches for it - reaches - reaches - (X)
146B WIDER 146B
Dredd stands, FIRES! Everyone ducks! Dredd grabs Fergie from (X)
the floor, hauls him forward! Dredd smashes his way to the (X)
forward cage door, throws Fergie through it! Pa Angel grabs (X)
Dredd by the throat and wrist - the gun falls outside the cage (X)
-Dredd SMASHES the door on Pa Angel's head, locks it! (X)
DREDD (X)
(to Fergie) (X)
Hack the Shuttle! (X)
FERGIE (X)
W-wha - (X)
DREDD (X)
Hack the shuttle, now! (X)
Fergie pushes the pilot's body aside, hits controls. Meanwhile (X)
the convicts are swarming against the cage door. (X)
147 THE SHUTTLE - LONG SHOT --RIGHT 147
It spirals through the air, out of control.
148 INT. SHUTTLE - NIGHT 148
Dredd jams the cage door shut, struggles forward. (X)
DREDD
What the hell's wrong? (X)
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 52 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
R^
148 CONTINUED: 148
FERGIE
The stabilizers controls! They got
hit, toot (X)
CAMERA RAKES to the control panel... and a SMOKING, SIZZLING
section. The craft tilts alarmingly. Dredd grabs the stick,
helps Fergie try and pull up. It's useless.
149 EXT. CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 149
The shuttle spirals towards the earth.
150 INT. SHUTTLE 150
The ground rushes up - fills the main viewport -
151 EXT. CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 151
The shuttle CRASHES, skids across the ground, smashing through
rocks and cacti. Stabilizer fins SNAP off. WINDOWS shatter.
The fuselage breaks in two. The rear half with the engines
EXPLODES while the forward cabin keeps rolling.
152 NEW ANGLE - NIGHT 152
The forward half of the shuttle comes to rest. There's one last
groan of metal from the cabin, and then... silence.
CUT TO:
153 EXT. MEGA-CITY RED LIGHT DISTRICT - FOLLOWING RICO - NIGHT 153
Crowded. Dangerous. In shadowy corners and dark alleys, bodies
and souls are being bought and sold. Strange sounds of pain
and pleasure assault our ears.
Somehow even these twisted and dangerous people know not to fuck
with Rico. They move out of his way almost instinctively.
154 A SCUZZY BIKER TYPE 154
suddenly flies out of a doorway, SMACKS into a pole near Rico.
He shakes off the blow, wipes blood from his mouth... howls
with animal fury. Charges back towards the doorway.
155 NEW ANGLE 155
His adversary appears, a whirling, lean muscular figure in
leather - a woman named ILSA. Now, with four spectacular karate
moves, she hits him high, low, middle - and -the coup de grace -
right in the balls!
53 -
S CLOSER ON THE BIKER
1 =
His eyes glaze. He drops like a stone.
ILSA
Pathetic.
She turns to leave... stops when she sees the amused eyes of
the man watching her from four feet away: Rico.
RICO
Hello, Professor.
' 57 CLOSE ON ILSA
157
ILSA (cont ' d)
(DISBELIEVING)
R.. .Rico?
RICO
(off the environment)
I see you're still researching the
dark night of the soul.
ILSA
The research ended when they
condemned you. I live here, now.
You showed me that facing death was
the only way to live.
Her eyes glisten as she moves towards Rico, touches his arm.
ILSA(CONT'D)
They... they told me you were dead.
?_cc reaches out gently. . .wipes a tear from her cheek.
RICO
Don't go woosy on me, Professor.
We got work to do.
He puts his arm around her. They step over her victim on their
way out.
CUT TO:
1S8 EXT. CURSED EARTH - DAWN
158
MOVEMENT inside the smashed aircraft.
158A INT. WRECKED SHUTTLE - DAY
158A
Helmeted JUDGE HUNTERS move through the dim wreck, using BAR
CODE READERS to scan the .ID tags of the dead. SCANNERS attached
to their weapons show readings.
(CONTINUED)
54 -
9A CONTINUED:
158A
Another Hunter steps inside through a jagged hole in the (X)
fuselage.
SECOND HUNTER
Sir.We found tracks leading away (X)
fromthe wreck. At least half a (X)
dozenpeople.
(X)
The HUNTER SQUAD LEADER taps his helmet mike.
HUNTER SQUAD LEADER
This is Capture Team. No sign of
Dredd. He appears to have survived
the crash. Repeat, he appears to
have survived.
CUT TO:
1588 INT. GRIFFIN'S OFFICE - MEGA-CITY - INTERCUT
- DAY 158E
GRIFFIN
(INTO INTERCOM)
(X)
You are in error, Capture Team.
Dredd did not survive the shuttle
wreck. No one survived the shuttle
wreck. Do I make myself clear?
SQUAD LEADER'S VOICE (X)
Yessir. Quite Clear.
158 INT. WRECKED SHUTTLE - RESUME - DAY
158C
ANOTHER HUNTER
Sir! We found someone.
We follow them forward. Their flashlights converge on one of
the WOUNDED GUARDS.
WOUNDED GUARD
Thank God... thank -
His eyes widen as their LASER GUNSIGHTS moves to his chest.
1581 EXT. WRECKED SHUTTLE - DAY
158D
GUNFIRE erupts within and we
CUT TO:
159 INT. HERSHEY'S APARTMENT - MORNING 159
Enough personal things to ;ell us she's both a danger-crazed
athlete... and a romantic.
(CONTINUED)
55 -
' 9 CONTINUED:
She's still in sleepware, her uniform for today already laid
out. She sips coffee from an Academy mug. Sits down at her
apartment's Central Station.
HERSHEY
Central, I need to access the
graphics database.
CENTRAL
That could take several days, Judge
Hershey. The Graphic Database
covers all known graphics, from the
Paleoithic Era to today.
Hershey opens the framed viewies she took from Dredd's
apartment, slides out the one with the adult Dredd.
HERSHEY (X)
This should be a little faster: (X)
(showing it) (X)
I want you to ID this man. (X)
CENTRAL (X)
Even from here, I can see it's Judge (X)
Dredd. (X)
HERSHEY
(EXASPERATED)
The other man!
S slides the viewie into the scanning aperture.
CENTRAL (X)
(all business now) (X)
Scanning for identity, unknown male,
approximately 200 Cm. tall, weighing
95 kilos, Skin Tone Three. Ten.
Nine. Eight. Seven. Six -
Suddenly the CONSOLE GOES DEAD with a BEEP.
HERSHEY
Central? Central? Hello?
A CANNED VOICE
(NOT CENTRAL)
This terminal has been disconnected
from the main system for a system
check. You no longer .have access
to the system. Thank you.
The viewie pops out of the-..slot with a thunk. Hershey looks at
the computer suspiciously.
56 -
160 16C
'ru OMITTED thru
63 163
164 INT. JANUS LAB - DAY 164
After all the talk about this place, we probably expected more
Sure, it's bi ; but half the hi-tech gear is under dusty
plastic, andhe rest is under repair. Rico sweats over a
power module, straining with a wrench.
RICO
Come on, you piece of junk...
(aside to his robot)
No offense.
The bolt loosens. Rico can open the panel.
RICO (cont' d)
Let there be Light.
He flips a switch. The OVERHEAD LIGHTS come on. (Perhaps we
notice that the Lab seems to be retro-fitted into a n older,
metal structure with oddly irregular walls; perhap s not.)
165 LAB - NEW ANGLE 165
A PNEUMATIC DOOR OPENS. Griffin enters. He looks around,
�ieased.
GRIFFIN
You've made a lot of progress.
Good.
ILSA'S VOICE
Lights! About time -
eyes narrow as Ilsa comes in from another area with a
�oboard.
RICO
(TO GRIFFIN)
Griffin, I think you know Professor
Haydyn?
GRIFFIN
(CAREFULLY)
Yes. I haven't,-seen her since your
trail. When she testified that you
were insane... and therefore...
innocent.
She looks at Rico with an expression worthy of a Manson
follower.
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 57 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
165 CONTINUED: 165
ILSA
Since then I've learned innocence
is just another lie. And that the
best truths come only with pain.
(back to reality)
And... speaking of painful truths...
Here's our shopping list.
She hands Griffin the digital notepad.
GRIFFIN
(READING)
Inducers, nitrogen coils, nano-
pumps... I can pull all this from
Mega-City hospital. They won't even
know it's gone. When can you be
on-line?
RICO
Tomorrow. But it won't mean a thing
if you can't get into Central's
Janus files. They're still security
locked.
GRIFFIN
Leave that to me. Meanwhile you
have work to do... on the streets.
RICO
"Fear, Terror, Panic." Yes. My
favorite emotions.
ILSA
Mine too.
Rico turns, whistles at the robot like it's a dog.
RICO
C'mon, Fido. Walkies.
The robot follows Rico and Ilsa out the door. Griffin watches
(X)
them go, slightly unnerved.
11
CUT TO:
165A
165A EXT. CURSED EARTH - DAY
(X)
The SUN sizzles into the LENS -
JUDGE DREDD 58 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
55B EXT. RUINED COURTHOUSE - DAY 165B
Fergie and Dredd are hanging by their handcuffs from a pole (X)
which in turn has been set on the crossbeams of this ruined (X)
building. Fergie is unconscious. Dredd, awakened by the crawl (X)
of a SUNBEAM over his face, stirs, looks around. (X)
165C TWO OF THE ANGELS - NEARBY - HIS POV 165C
They're going through gear and equipment scavenged from the (X)
shuttle wreck. We have a sense of the other Angels just O.S., (X)
where we HEAR VOICES and sounds of PAIN. But these.two here (X)
attract our interest... especially now, when their fumbling with (X)
the BLACK BOX RECORDER from the shuttle CLICKS IT ON. (X)
SHUTTLE RECORDING
(full of STATIC)
-- is Aspen Prison. Repeat do not
land... riot in...gress... Warden
dead... special prisoner...
PILOT'S VOICE (X)
Special prisoner? Say again, Aspen. (X)
You're breaking up... (X)
ASPEN VOICE
.didn't even know he was here.
Records showed execution... Rico,
Samuel Rico... killed Warden...
sabotaged security system...
STATIC and GUNSHOTS end the tape. (X)
165D DREDD 165D
CAMERA PUSHES IN on him. (X)
DREDD (X)
(sotto, to himself)
Rico? That's impossible... (g)
O.S. SCREAM. Fergie wakes with a start, REACTS to the dramatic (X)
shafts of sunlight raking the cathedral ceiling. (X)
FERGIE (X)
Ohmigod, I'm dead. I'm dead! (X)
(SEEING DREDD)
And in hell. (g)
165E NEW ANGLE 165E
Reverend Angel and his sons come forward, throw down the BODY of
the Shuttle Guard they have just killed. (X)
(CONTINUED)'
JUDGE DREDD 59 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
55E CONTINUED: 165E
REVEREND ANGEL (X)
Awake. Good. (X)
(off the body) (X)
We're running out of sinners. (X)
DREDD (X)
You have just committed murder. (X)
The penalty isdeath. (X)
Reverend Angel HITS Dredd. (X)
REVEREND ANGEL (X)
Silence, blasphemer! You still put
your faith in a false Law, instead (X)
of the one True Law! (X)
FERGIE (X)
(HOPEFUL) (X)
Hallejuah, brother! (X)
Dredd looks at Fergie suspiciously... Pa Angel looks at him with (X)
odd interest. (X)
REVEREND ANGEL (X)
Can it be? Can it be, that from (X)
the City of the Fallen, there is (X)
one of the Faithful? (X)
FERGIE (X)
Amen, brother! Say it! (X)
DREDD (X)
Ah... Fergie... (X)
REVEREND ANGEL (X)
Boys, I believe we have a Believer (X)
in the gallery. Cut him down! (X)
FERGIE (X)
Go tell it on the Mountain! (X)
165F FAVORING FERGIE 165F
He smiles as the Angels start to release him. (X)
FERGIE (X)
Well, Dredd. The Law doesn't make
mistakes, but I'm in like a disk, (X)
and you're toast. (X)
DREDD (X)
Actually, youre toast: I arrested (X)
the Angels oar Cannibalism. (X)
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 60 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
55F CONTINUED: 165F
As Fergie's expression changes, they CUT HIM DOWN. CAMERA RAKES (X)
to the Angel's campfire - and human parts roasting over it! (X)
REVEREND ANGEL (X)
Prepare the Supplicant for (X)
Sacrifice! (X)
FERGIE (X)
I'm not succulent! I'm not (X)
succulent, look, I'm skin and - (X)
CRACK! Dredd has swung his legs up, wrapped them around the (X)
pole, and SNAPPED it! He and the pole fall on top of Fergie (X)
and the leadmost Angels! (X)
165G FERGIE 165G
Falls, dodging feet - (X)
165H WIDER 165H
the Angels still standing ignore Fergie, rush Dredd! Dredd (X)
doesn't wait for them to reach him - he charges! He feints to (X)
Pa Angel, takes out one of the boys! Two other Angels get in (X)
blows - but then Dredd snatches up Fergie's half of the pole, (X)
uses it like a Kendo Master! He knocks two Angels unconscious, (X)
then a third - then - WHAM! He gets knocked down himself by (X)
1651 REVEREND ANGEL 1651
who raises the metal shaft he has used over his head - turns (X)
it point downwards like a spear - and then - SLAM! He's SHOT. (X)
165J NEW ANGLE 165J
Fergie, beside the dazed Dredd, looks up. A JUDGE HUNTER is (X)
a short distance away, SUNLIGHT gleaming off his badge. (X)
Relieved, Fergie jumps to his feet. (X)
FERGIE (X)
I surrender! I surrender! (X)
THIRD JUDGE HUNTER (X)
You can't. (X)
He aims at Fergie! (X)
165K DREDD - ON THE GROUND 165K
seeing this, he jumps up. (X)
DREDD (X)
NOT (X)
(CONTINUED)
61 -
IK CONTINUED: 16"
Another Hunter appears behind Dredd! Dredd whirls, grabs at the
man's gun barrel. SLAM SLAM! The shots go SKYWARD!
165L JUDGE HUNTER #3 - BELOW 165L
ignoring the unarmed Fergie, he spins, FIRES -
1E5M DREDD 165M
pulls the guy he's struggling with in front of him! The BULLETS
hit him! Dredd wrenches the weapon from the man's dying fingers
- SHOOTS the Hunter beside Fergie!
1E5N FERGIE 165N
reacts as the Hunter falls beside him, the SCANNER landing right
front of his face.
Dredd grabs Fergie's elbow to pull him up - but Fergie resists -
points to the SCANNER -
165C SQUAD LEADER AND COMPANION - ELSEWHERE IN RUINS 1650
Hearing the SHOTS, they race in that direction.
- - NT. COURTHOUSE - DAY 16E
^e last two Judge Hunters run towards the continuing SHOTS and
S FX of a STRUGGLE. They climb a rubble wall, aim down at the
s:,:,^�DS - stop, confused.
ANGLE - THEIR POV 165Q
cf :::e.r own fallen men - and his SCANNER, its back panel
__f and-wires hanging out. The scanner is replaying a
video/audio LOOP of the previous struggle with Dre ! That's
:ne "gunshots"!
1658 BA`K TO SCENE 16SR
Too late, they realize they've been had. Dredd swings in on
a beam, KICKS one Hunter into a wall! We HEAR the man's neck
crack! Dredd struggles hand-to-hand with the second one. They
FALL to the Courtroom floor!-'
Fergie appears with a piece of timber, tries to hit the Judge
Hunter with it.
The gun Dredd and the Hunter are both struggling for GOES OFF.
The piece of WOOD EXPLODES in Fergie's hands! Dredd forces the
gun barrel towards the Hunter - SLAM!
He's dead. Sudden SILENCE.'
(CONTINUED)
62 -
CONTINUED:
165R
FERGIE
We did it! We got them all!
A SHAPE lunges up, close to CAMERA. It's one of the Hunters
Dredd took out earlier, still alive enough to aim his weapon!
Dredd aims his stolen one
his trigger - CLICK! Empty! The Hunter squeezes
Hunter turns - SLAM! The Hunter himself is hit! Shocked, the
- gets off one last SHOT -
.165S REVERSE ANGLE
165S
A FIGURE silhouetted in the Courtroom door FIRES at the same
moment. The last Hunter falls, dead. Dredd looks at the new
arrival... his hat... his long duster coat...
DREDD
Fargo?
BLOOD wells on Fargo's coat.
e's been hit. As he sags, Dredd
and Fergie rush towards him.H
CUT TO:
166 INT. ACADEMY DORM - STUDENT DATA PODS - DAY
166
Through the window blinds we can see the distant Hall of
Justice. We're in the Multi-media study cubicles used b Y t h e
undergraduates. Olme er is at a p
(X)
roughs of his yearbook tacked all g over 1 thewwalls. The with
WorKStation PURRS while Hershey glares at him.
HERSHEY
The Dance? You want me to go to (X)
the Go amn Junior Dance? (X)
OLMEYER (X)
I've given up on the centerfold.
I'll settle for a date. (X)
HERSHEY
We're trying to save Judge Dredd,
and you're using the situation to
blackmail me. That's disgraceful!
OLMEYER (X)
I know. But I'll never get another
chance like this. (X)
(POINTING)
It's almost through processing the
viewie. Do we have a deal?
(CONTINUED)
63 -
S CONTINUED:
IF
HERSHEY
(through her teeth)
Yes!
OLMEYER
(X)
Low cut dress?
HERSHEY
Yes! Just do'it!
OLMEYER (X)
(COCKY)
Graphics Analysis coming up... now.
He hits a control dramatically. The screen comes up... shows
:he PICTURE OF BABY DREDD AND PARENTS. Hershey stares at it in disbelief.
HERSHEY
Olmeyer, you stupid futz! You (X)
analyzed the wrong picture!
OLMEYER
I did? (X)
She gropes around on the desk, finds the viewie frame with the
s:o: of Dredd and Rico.
HERSHEY
You were supposed to do this one!
You just wasted three hours!
c-_rrputer BEEPS. MESSAGES run by the bottom of the screen.
OLMEYER (X)
If this is the wrong picture, why
is it full of anomalies?
HERSHEY
What?
OLMEYER (X)
Slick ones, too..-. somebody must
have used a CGI-'terminal and a scan
quadrupler to make this.
He looks at the image, uses the mouse.
HERSHEY
You mean... it's not real?
OLMEYER (X)
Take a look. I'll drop out all the
artificial pixels.
64 -
67 NEW ANGLE 167
Hershey's eyes widen in shock as, one by one, the PICTURE
ELEMENTS DISAPPEAR, scan line by scan line.
OLMEYER(cont'd) (X)
Sky. Foreground. House.
Parents... they're all fake.
(TURNING)
The only thing that's real is the
baby.
She's in shock. Maybe we are, too. (X)
168 168
hru OMITTED thru
_84 184
:88 INT. CURSED EARTH COURTHOUSE - DUSK 185
Fargo lies near the judge's bench. Dredd has dressed his wound (X)
and made him as comfortable as possible. Fergie is heating
rations from the Judge Hunter's cruiser over a fire. He brings
soup over to Fargo. Fargo tries to swallow... can't.
FARGO
Bury me there, under the blind lady.
^redd doesn't understand. Fargo raises his arm, points to the
statue of Justice weighing her scales.
FARGO(CONT'D)
Judge or citizen - everyone got a
fair shake. She treated them all
the same.
(WEAKLY POINTING)
The jury sat there. Ordinary
people. Worst thing we did was take
justice out of their hands.
DREDD
No. You and the first Judges...
you saved Mega-City.
FARGO
Yes. And almost lost our souls.
(on Dredd's.look)
It seemed like,,a wise idea: Create
the perfect Judge. Breed courage
- wisdom - integrity. The Janus
Project. We used the old Council
for the base material. Five DNA
samples were taken, two were chosen.
One was mine.
(PAUSE)
You were the., result.
(CONTINUED)
65 -
,r-- i5 CONTINUED :
Dredd is stunned --
DREDD
But.., but the orphanage told me
my parents were killed by
lawbreakers -- they gave me that
picture of them -
FARGO
A fake. The psychs on the Janus
project came up with that story.
It was supposed to motivate you into
law enforcement. It worked. Both
times.
DREDD
What do you mean, both times?
FARGO
(FADING )
There were... two infants created
in the Janus lab. They were (X)
supposed to be perfect. One was: (X)
You. The other... somehow, it (X)
was... mutated. Not anything you (X)
could see...
(indicating his head)
But up here... horrible. A genetic (X)
criminal that one day just went... (X)
haywire.
(X)
(COUGHS)
Guess we weren't the sterling
specimens we thought.
DREDD
I have a... brother?
FARGO
More than a brother.
(PAUSE)
You knew him at the Academy, Dredd.
You Judged him. The Council Tried
him.
DREDD
(STUNNED)
Rico?
FARGO
He had to be put down . But I
wouldn't let them do that to you.
Griffin blackmailed me into the
Walk, Dredd. Don't trust him.
(CONTINUED)
66 -
,- 15 CONTINUED: (2) leg
DREDD
Like I trusted you?
FARGO
I'm sorry... son.
The breath goes out of Fargo's body. He dies. Dredd stares
at him, his world torn apart.
DISSOLVE TO:
186 EXT. CURSED EARTH - SUNSET 186
Dredd stands in the fading light, withdrawn within himself.
Fergie approaches, carrying the Remington.
FERGIE
I buried him. Except for this.
Dredd silently follows Fergie to the grave. Fergie shoves the
Remington into the mound of earth as a marker.
FERGIE(CONT'D)
You wanna... say something?
He hands The Book to Dredd. After a moment, Dredd opens it.
DREDD
(READING)
."What is the end of a Just Man?
The Long Walk and then nothing?
No; for Whoever Walks with the Law
walks forever, and whoever honors
the Law will trod in his path..."
Dredd looks at the fresco on the wall. Sees the faded words:
"LET JUSTICE BE DONE THOUGH THE WORLD PERISH."
DREDD
(SUDDENLY)
Find food and ammunit.on. Load up
that sand cruiser.
FERG1 E
Where are going?
Dredd yanks the Remington out of Fargo's grave. We track into
Dredd's face until it fills frame.
DREDD
To find Rico.
CUT TO:
67 -
7 8'I 187
OMITTED THZ
10 95
OA MEGA-CITY STREET - NIGHT 190A
A squad of Judges on Lawmasters ride into SHOT.
DISPATCHER'S VOICE (X)
(FUTZED) (X)
Reported unrest code D-924 downtown (X)
sector 12 back-up requested. (X)
The Judges stop and dismount outside a pleasure arcade. They (X)
enter, careful, professional. Pause. BOOM!!! The Arcade (X)
EXPLODES, throwing glass, flame, and JUDGE'S BODIES into the (X)
street. (X)
CUT TO:
=9: A WOMAN - NIGHT 191
runs down a Mega-City alley. She flags down two JUDGES on
Lawmasters. Clutches at her torn clothing, pointing.
WOMAN
Two of them! They tried to... it
was horrible!
h T e Judges dismount, head that way. GUNSHOTS. SCREAMS.
__rible tearing SOUNDS. ( .96
�a.:se. TheABCrobot comes around the corner, hands stained, (X)
=..__e: dingsinits armor. The woman turns. It's Ilsa. As (X)
s-:= reckonsthelumbering machine, we (X)
CUT TO:
192
THRU
193
= `' 3;-, =31" ' S LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT 193A
Frei: ed activity as several shifts double up.
JUDGE SERGEANT
(SHOUTING ASSIGNMENTS)
Halloway, Kampal.i,! First Emergency
Shift! Mifune,�"Lopez, Second
Emergency Shift! All of you, stay
alert! Whoever's been taking out
Judges knows our standard
procedures!
We move slowly from the showers with a Judge who moves to her (X)
locker. She's surprised to find it unlocked. Puzzled, she (X)
opens it - we SEE the odd..PACKAGE too late - EXPLOSION. (X`
JUDGE DREDD 68 Rev. #2: 17/3/94
3C EXT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 193C
The EXPLOSION blossoms against the flank of thegreat metal
eagle. As ALARMS RING we RAKE to RICO, amused. He lights a (X)
cigar, tosses the match towards the distant flames. (X)
CUT TO:
194 EXT. MEGA - CITY WALLS - BINOCULAR MATTE - NIGHT 194
FERGIE'S VOICE
There's no way in, Dredd!
195 REVERSE ANGLE - EDGE OF CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 195
Dredd and Fergie are standing beside the Hunter's sand cruiser.
Their faces are dry and their lips parched and they show the
wear from this journey. Dredd has a pack of gear on his back
-andFargo's Winchester. Ignoring Fergie, he continues to (X)
peerat the Mega-City wall. (X)
FERGIE(cont'd) (X)
Hey, did you hear me? They don't (X)
have a welcome mat! (X)
DREDD (X)
(lowering binoculars) (X)
There's a way in: Six years ago
two Cursed Earthers figured it out.
196 OVER THEIR SHOULDERS 196
Dredd points: Sure enough, there's a puff of FLAME at a VENT
low on the wall. SMOKE rises into the sky. Then it stops.
DREDD(CONT'D)
The vent from the city incinerator.
There's a burst twice a minute.
That means that there's 30 seconds
for someone to run through the tube
before it flames again.
FERGIE
And these Cursed Earthers, they made
it through? , _
(CONTINUED)
69
6 CONTINUED:
DREDD
Actually, they were burned to a
crisp. But the theory's sound.
(X)
Let's go.
FOOM. Another FIREBALL belches from the city wall. As Fergie (X)
stares at it, Dredd starts forward. It's a few paces before (X)
(X)
he notices Fergie hasn't moved.
DREDD(cont'd) (X)
What's wrong? (X)
FERGIE
What's wrong? Are you kidding?
Did that helmet you wore all those
years compress your brain? You're
gonna get me killed!
DREDD (X)
Fergie. There's a maniac loose in (X)
the city - (X)
FERGIE
There's one loose out here, too!
Big choice, I got! Dying of thirst
or from a fireball up my ass! This
is all your fault!
DREDD
My fault?
FERGIE (X)
Yes! If you hadn't arrested me, (X)
wouldn't be here in the first (X)
place! (X)
=erc a sits down petulantly. (X)
FERGIE(cont'd) (X)
I'm through schlepping. I'm gonna (X)
sit here until I die... or until (X)
you apologize. (X)
' - DREDD (X)
The Law doesn't apologize. (X)
FERGIE (X)
You're not a Judge anymore. (X)
DREDD ' (X)
I was when I sentenced you. (X)
(CONTINUED)
70 -
`6 CONTINUED: (2) .96
FERGIE (X;
Don't get technical. Just say: "I'm (X)
sorry I misjudged you. And I'll (X)
never arrest you again." (X)
Dredd turns around. Marches back to Fergie. Pause. Dread (X)
whips a gun up, points it at Fergie. COCKS it. (X)
FERGIE (X)
(after a moment) (X)
Apology accepted. (X)
Dredd turns... walks. Fergie looks at another FIREBALL emerging (X)
from the city wall.. then at the trackless wasteland he's just (X)
crossed. Pause. With a groan, he races to catch up with (X)
Dredd. (X)
CUT TO:
1.97 EXT. MEGA-CITY STREET - NIGHT 197
SIRENS wail. FIRE burns around the corner. Several LAWMASTERS
guise past. Looters run away from them. Close to CAMERA,
Hershey throws two PERPETRATORS against a fen ce, cuffs them
-NPRO (X)
HERSHEY (X)
(into radio) (X)
Dispatch, I'm in Green Quad, 4-11. (X)
Need pickup. (X)
DISPATCH VOICE (X)
we copy, Hershey. We'll bag 'em. (X)
Meanwhile I have Central on line (X)
for you. Can you take it? (X)
S^e sakes a few steps away from her perps for privacy. (X)
HERSHEY (X)
Yes, patch me in! (X)
CENTRAL'S VOICE (X)
Judge Hershey, you paged me. How (X)
can I assist you?. (X)
HERSHEY (X)
You can start by telling me why (X)
Dredd's baby picture is a state (X)
secret. (X)
Pause. We can almost hear Central thinking. Meanwhile, behind (X)
Hershey, a figure in a Judge's uniform approaches her Bike... (X)
drops something into a storage compartment on it. Even from
this distance we notice a red arming light on the object.
(CONTINUED)
71 -
7 CONTINUED: 1 C
The figure moves away.
HERSHEY (cone,'. d )
Central. I want an answer.
CENTRAL
I'm sorry, I can neither confirm
nor deny your statement.
HERSHEY
(DISCONNECTING)
Get a virus!
Annoyed, she turns, heads back for her bike - and that's when it
EXPLODES!
CUT TO:
198 :NT. INCINERATOR CHUTE - NIGHT 198
A FIREBALL ROLLS TOWARD THE CAMERA. We PAN it. As it
disappears into the sky, Dredd and Fergie dive inside.
DREDD
Run!
C=ouched over, they race up the slight slope.
FERGIE
(as he runs)
Thirty... twenty nine... twenty
eight... twenty seven... twenty
six.. twenty five...
_ 9 9 r,:ti : _I ? E... ND THEM 199
=e:gie's already beginning to drop back. The only guide in the
dark is the slight reflection from CONDUIT on the chute floor.
DREDD
Stop counting!
FERGIE
(SOFTER)
--nineteen... eighteen...
seventeen... sixteen...
200 DREDD 200
FAINT light starts to fall on him. 'Then he SEES it, up ahead
-the lights of Mega-City! Dredd pushes on - reaches the
opening! Turns to look at..,-
72 -
FERGIE 20;
still halfway back!
FERGIE
(PANTING)
Twelve... eleven -
He FALLS! He tries to get up. His SHIRT is caught on the
conduit! He struggles, in a panic, but - keeps counting!
Ten! Oh, God, Nine! Dredd! Dredd,d)
help me! EIGHT! FOR GOD'S SAKE-
202 DREDD - CLOSE 202
He looks outside - so close - looks back - so far - it's
impossible to save Fergie!
FERGIE (cont' d)
FIVE! DREDDDDDD! FOUR!
Dredd looks down - SEES
203 E CONDUIT UNDER HIS FEET 203
FERGIE(CONT'D)
THREE!
CAMERA RAKES back. Fergie's caught on the same conduit!
204 SESUME DREDD 204
'v::.- a-= :he strength in his body, he RIPS the conduit free from
=^e floor - YANKS it forward -
205 205
As he shouts "TWO" he is whipped forward like a trout on a line!
206 C:TY MOUTH OF TUBE - NIGHT 206
per ie flies past Dredd, howling -
-'FERGIE
ONE!
And, as a FIREBALL ROLLS RIGHT BEHIND THEM, Dredd dives out of
the opening behind Fergie!
73 -
7 DREDD 2
Has landed half-buried in a mound of ashes. He looks around.
DREDD
Fergie?
Dredd hears a muffled SOUND beneath him. He reaches down...
YANKS Fergie into view. Fergie spits out a mouthful of ashes.
FERGIE
I'm alive. I'm alive!
(seeing Dredd, less
ENTHUSIASTIC)
Oh. So are you.
CUT TO:
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 208
hief Justice Griffin, Council Judges McGruder, Espositio and
Yamamoto. A MESSENGER hands a data-pad to Yamamoto, leaves.
ESPOSITO
(STRICKEN)
Latest casualty report.
(PAUSE)
Ninety-six Judges have been
assassinated.
MCGRUDER
Whoever's doing it knows all our
procedures... our security
measures...even our scrambled
frequencies - !
ESPOSITO
Now the street criminals are taking
advantage of the situation. It's
a nightmare!
YAMAMOTO
Hell, it's a Goddamn revolution!
MCGRUDER
We can't replaee those Judges! it
takes years of training! We may
never be at full strength again!
GRIFFIN
There is a solution.
(on their desperate
LOOKS)
Project Janus.,
(CONTINUED)
74 -
"^ 18 CONTINUED:
208
MCGRUDER
(FURIOUS )
Chief Justice Griffin. Just
mentioning that.is grounds for
Impeachment!
YAMAMOTO
We tried to play God once! It
almost destroyed the Council -
GRIFFIN
If this wholesale slaughter of
Judges continues, there won't be
a council! Janus could -
ESPOSITO
Come on, Griffin! A new batch of
test tube babies won't solve this
crisis! We don't need reliable
Judges 20 years from now when
they're grown! We need them today!
GRIFFIN
There's been over thirty years of
genetic research since Janus failed.
What if we could create adult
subjects, fully grown andfu3ly
trained at birth? We could replace
the Judges we've lost in weeks.
We could save our society!
ESPOSITO
Who knows if that's even possible?
MCGRUDER
Who knows if it's safe?
GRIFFIN
(POINTING)
Central does. All I'm asking is
that we unlock the Janus files and
ask. That way, we at least have
an option.
(pause) .,'
Please, let us find out. If the
Council decides not to go forward...
I'll accept that decision... and
resign.
He has their attention.
CUT TO:
75
EXT/INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 209
WORKERS are still cleaning up after the earlier EXPLOSION. A
HAND reaches into SHOT, steals UNIFORMS and EQUIPMENT...
CUT TO:
210 INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 210
Dredd - in a stolen uniform - marches Fergie "under guard"
through the building.
FERGIE
(WHISPERING)
This is a mistake.
DREDD
(ALSO WHISPERING)
Judges don't make mistakes.
FERGIE
But Fargo said you couldn't trust
GRIFFIN -
DREDD
I don't. But I trust the Council.
When I tell them about Rico...
R
they'll listen.
they pass peers at them, but doesn't speak. They round
FERGIE
Just don't get us killed, Dredd.
: still want that apology.
21- 211
THRU
212 212
21. CHAMBER - NIGHT 213
T^e '.:nges have all gathered around Central. One by one, they
s:ecyuz, speak, put their thumb in Central's scanner.
GRIFFIN
Griffin, Douglas. .Chief Justice.
Authorize access-to file, code name
"Janus".
CENTRAL
Acknowledged.
JUDGE MCGRUDER
McGruder, Evelyne. Council Judge.
Authorize access to file, code name
"Janus".
(CONTINUED)
76
3 CONTINUED: 2_3
CENTRAL
Acknowledged.
ON SCREEN, GRAPHICS show the SOFTWARE LOCKS being removed one
by one from the Janus Files.
JUDGE ESPOSITO
Esposito, Carlos. Council Judge.
Authorize access to file, code name
"Janus".
CENTRAL
Acknowledged.
YAMAMOTO
Yamamoto, Gerald. Council Judge.
Authorize access to file, code name
"Janus".
CENTRAL
I have unanimous authorization for
access to file, code name "Janus".
Removing security blocks. .NOW.
Awaiting Password command from
Presiding Chief Justice.
=-SC ON GRIFFIN 214
:.c:-:en on him. He's been waiting for this moment.
GRIFFIN
Password... Janus.
moves in front of the mac hi ne, speaks tersely.
GRIFFIN (cont' d)
Central: Using current technology,
how long would it take for Janus
to produce a fully grown adult
subject?
CENTRAL
Given the current state of genetic
engineering an adult subject could
be incubated in approximately eight
hours.
ASTONISHMENT in the room.
CUT TO:
77
INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 21_
Dredd and Fergie are almost at one of the Council Chamber doors.
PAN BACK. The Judge who stared at them earlier is following
them!
CUT TO:
216 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - RESUME 216
GRIFFIN
(TO CENTRAL)
In what quantity could these
subjects be produced?
CENTRAL
Although only two subjects were
produced in the original experiment,
the laboratory was equipped with
20 incubators. if fully
operational, 420 subjects could be
produced a week.
YAMAMOTO
My God. We could replace our losses
in a day -
MCGRUDER
You aren't considering this madness?
YAMAMOTO
No.. I'm just reacting to the
possibility... a frightening
possibility.
ESPOSITO
Yes. I for one... think this is
an idea that should be forgotten.
MCGRUDER
I agree. Judge Griffin, please (X)
restore the Security Blocks.
GRIFFIN
I see, now, that none of you have
the force of will that these
terrible times require. You will
never open Janus again. So...
we'll just leave it... unlocked.
216r EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 216A
Dredd is about to open the door when a HAND spins him around.
It's the Judge who followed..him!
(CONTINUED)
78 -
-^ -A CONTINUED :
216A
JUDGE
Dredd! I thought it was y--
That's all he says before Dredd K.O.'s him!
216B INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - RESUME - NIGHT
216B
McGruder stands, furious.
MCGRUDER
Griffin, this is treason! You just
sealed your fate!
GRIFFIN
No. You've just sealed yours.
Rico!
217 RICO
217
steps into the room.
218 BACK TO SCENE
218
MCGRUDER
(IN SHOCK)
Rico - !
A:i the Judges go for their Lawgivers. But it's too late. Rico
OPENS FIRE on FULL AUTOMATIC.
219 NEW ANGLE - FAVORING GRIFFIN
219
_=_ffin averts his eyes from the moment he orchestrated.
-,a1:y the gunfire STOPS. CAMERA ADJUSTS. Rico stands,
smoking gun in hand.
RICO
Who says politics is boring?
DREDD'S VOICE
N00000000 -
Rico whirls, looks at
220 DREDD - HIS POV
- AT ANOTHER DOOR 220
He has arrived in time to see the murders! With another SCREAM
of fury, He LEAPS over the fallen Judge who tried to stop him
-makes a running tackle at Rico!
79
WIDER 221
Dredd takes Rico to the floor. They both roll over and over.
DREDD
MURDERING SON OF A BITCH - !
222 GRIFFIN 222
tries to get a shot at Dredd, can't. Then Griffin hears ALARMS,
SHOUTS, running footsteps. Griffin steps quickly in, KICKS
Dredd in the head.
GRIFFIN
(TO RICO)
Get out of here, now!
Hearing people coming, Rico obeys.
22- FAVORING DREDD 223
He shakes his head, gets up - sees Rico is gone, but Griffin is
=moose. Moves forward -
DREDD
You're mine.
GRIFFIN
Really?
s moment we think he's going to shoot. Then he turns his
points it at his own arm - fires!
224
v• :nrown by the maneuver, he hesitates. Behind, him, the
_:.:ers rush in, see the shocking scene: The dead council
- = wo..nded Chief Justice clutching at his own bloody arm -
GRIFFIN
Stop him! He just killed the entire
council!
Dredd realizes he's fucked. He turns, runs. The Judge Hunters
pause near their wounded leader; who bravely waves them on.
^.ey tear after Dredd like woJ-ves.
LZ_ :NT. HALL OF JUSTICE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 225
Dredd tears around the corner! Fergie appears from behind the
hiding place he ducked into at the first shots! ,
FERGIE
Dredd! Tell them I'm innocent!
(CONTINUED)
80 -
� 5 CONTINUED: 22=
BULLETS rip up the wall, just missing him. Dredd grabs him by
the collar and they both CRASH through doors marked "ACADEMY
AND CLASSROOMS".
226 INT. ACADEMY TRAINING CENTER - NIGHT 226
BULLETS whiz past Dredd and Fergie's heads. They turn another
corner, surprise a NIGHT WATCHMAN engaged in the ancient night
watchman pursuit of eating a sandwich and reading a girlie
magazine.
NIGHT WATCHMAN
Hey - !
That's all he gets out. Dredd hi-blocks him, barrels past.
227 THE WATCHMAN 227
falls, dazed. His stiff, plastic paged copy of "MEGA-SEX" lands
on the floor, a 3-D animated holo pinup still posing above the
open pages.
228 W_TH DREDD AND FERGIE - INDOOR TRAINING CENTER - NIGHT 228
They enter the training center and Dredd runs right towards the
,--_ Marie IV Lawmaster! Leaps into the saddle and kicks over the
en=ine! Spins around and heads back the way he came, grabbing
=ergie en route!
225 T. :'RAINING CENTER - ANOTHER ANGLE 229
.oht watchman gets up in time to almost be run over. Dredd
__..t_nues past him just as the pursuing guards appear here.
:reds drives rich_ at them! They scatter! He turns again
towards a wide open corridor - but the Judge Hunters appear
there, and they're smart enough to take cover behind the
archway, and pour on an awesome fusillade!
2:3 C DREDD 230
Turns again - he's flanked! He spins on the bike, takes the
only direction left: Back into the training room - a dead end.
Al; the Judges and Guards follow, BLASTING away.
23: ON THE BIKE - WITH DREDD AND FERGIE - MOVING 231
He races directly for the WALL! His fingers stretch out, hit
a control marked "CANNON".
23LA BIKE - NEW ANGLE 231A
CANNON click into view... FIRE!
81
BACK TO SCENE 231B
A HOLE is blasted in the wall! Now we SEE Mega-City -hundreds
of stories below us!
FERGIE
Dredd..? Dredd, you're not gonna--
Dredd hits the button marked "AERIAL MODE". There's a BEEP and
the SOUND FX we heard earlier... when the flying prototype
failed.
DREDD
(A PRAYER)
Please work.
The indifferent half hearted SOUND of the Aerial Mode lifters
isn't encouraging. They just GROAN.
DREDD(CONT'D)
P1 EASEWORKPLEASEWORKPLEASEWORK--
FERGIE
OHGODOHGODOHGODOHGOD --
CRASH' They go through the irregular hole!
EXT. JUDGE'S COMPLEX - NIGHT 232
=reds and Fergie fly out of the building on the Lawmaster Mark
Barely hanging on, they fall silently through the air,
_.ass spinning all around them.
_ ke begins to turn a somersault.
DREDD(CONT'D)
PLEASSSSSSSSSSE -
An, they. - the Aerial Mode Lifters kick in with an EERIE WHINE.
"he fiv�nc motorcvc a comes out of its roll wit a BLAST of
rccxets - and roars upwards!
IN'T. ACADEMY TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT 233
The Judge Hunters REACT as the bike disappears in an instant,
streaking across the sky like a-'comet!
34 234
ru OMITTED thru
35 235
36 INT. GRIFFIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 236
A MEDIC leaves. Griffin, bandaged, turns as Rico comes out of
hiding.
(CONTINUED)
82
36 CONTINUED: 236
RICO
Why didn't you kill him when you
had the chance?
GRIFFIN
It's better with him on the loose.
He'll keep the surviving street
Judges preoccupied while we work
on Janus.
(TURNING)
Central. Prepare the Janus Lab for
full operation. And... while you're
at it... I'd like to appoint Judge
Rico to the Council of Judges.
CENTRAL
(GUARDED)
That may present some legal
difficulties, since Judge Rico
killed the entire Council of Judges.
(PAUSE)
May I suggest you Pardon him, and
then appoint him? That would meet
the legal requirements.
GRIFFIN
Excellent suggestion, Central. Do
it.
CENTRAL
It's done. Council Judge Rico, may
be the first to offer my
congratulations?
RICO
Central... I'm touched.
CUT TO:
HERSHEY'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT 237
Mc%,inc carefully, Dredd and Fergie walk down the corridor.
Dredd's still in the stolen uniform. They come to a nameplate
with Hershey's name on it. ,We WIDEN. The door has been forced
oiler..
238 NEW ANGLE 238
Dredd and Fergie look at each ether. Dredd swings the Remington
out of hiding, steps inside.
83 -
I INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
A total wreck. Electronic equipment still SIZZLES here. Dredd
lifts a viewie of Hershey and some friends from the Academy.
The three women LAUGH and wave as he touches it.
FERGIE
I guess you're out of friends,
Dredd.
24C NEW ANGLE 240
Hershey, weapon in hand, steps inside. She's battered, beat
up, and edgy. The way the light hits the room she can only see
one figure.
HERSHEY
Up against the wall, now!
The figure complies. It's Fergie.
HERSHEY
(RECOGNIZING HIM)
Ferguson. You're the hacker we
arrested. What are you doing here?
FERGIE
I'm with him.
- =141; steps into the light.
HERSHEY
Dredd!
'_- a moment she's elated. Then her face hardens. She holds
n steady.
HERSHEY (cont' d)
Stay where you are.
DREDD
Hershey. What is it - ?
HERSHEY
They're dying out-there, Dredd.
A hundred and eight Judges in 48
hours. Everyone who's left is on
triple shifts and pseudorphin. I
thought it was organized criminals,
revolutionaries, something... then
I was a target.
DREDD
You think I'm-part of this -
(CONTINUED)
84 -
r^ 40 CONTINUED: 24C
HERSHEY
I don't know what to think anymore.
Dredd moves like lightning - pins her gun hand against the wall
- then freezes. It's a challenge, not a threat. She glares
at him - counter moves - gets an elbow against his throat! But
Dredd doesn't break her hold - or turn the gun on her. It's
deliberate check-mate on both their parts.
DREDD
(QUIETLY)
Do you really think I'd hurt you?
HERSHEY
Secrets can hurt more than anything.
She relaxes her hold on him. Throws something down.
24= NEW ANGLE 241
y-'s the picture of Dredd and Rico.
HERSHEY(CONT'D)
Tell me about him, Dredd. Make me
believe in you again the way I did
when I defended you.
DREDD
(SLOWLY)
His name is Rico. And he killed
like this once before, nine years
ago.
HERSHEY
And he's doing it again?
DREDD
Him... and Griffin.
HERSHEY
Griffin? We have to tell the
Council - !
, DREDD
There is no Council, Hershey: They
were all murdered an hour ago.
242 HERSHEY 242
She's been on her feet for days and this is the last psychic
blow. She sags. Dredd catches her.
CUT TO:
JUDGE DREDD 85 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
243 INT. HERSHEY'S APT. BEDROOM - LATER 243
Hershey is on what's left of the bed. She holds a cup of
coffee, more interested in its warmth than its contents. Dredd
is nearby. With the borrowed helmet off, we see how haggard
he looks. In the other room, Fergie putters with the wrecked
computer.
HERSHEY
(SOFTLY)
Clones. Clones, from a genetic
laboratory.
(pause, wryly)
I guess I wasn't so bad in court
after all. That's why the DNA
convicted you. You and Rico are...
DREDD
The same. Inhuman. Defective. He
just broke down, first.
HERSHEY
No!
DREDD
How many times have you said I had
no feelings, no emotions? Now you
know why. (x)
HERSHEY
ENTL
Dredd.g Children were born in
laboratories, even back in the
twentieth century... test tube
babies, in vitro fertilization.
No one ever questioned their
HUMANITY -
DREDD
It's not the same! They had
parents, they embraced their
humanity... they didn't hide it...
fight it... question it!
HERSHEY
Dredd. The Janus project didn't
do that to you. You did that to
yourself.
He turns, startled. Realizes she's right.
DREDD
(almost in wonder)
Myself. Griffin. Fargo. Even
Fergie. I've been wrong about so
much...
(CONTINUED)
86 -
33 CONTINUED: 243
HERSHEY
Never the Law, Dredd. Never the
Law.
That means more than anything else she can say to him. He looks
into her eyes. Fergie comes in, ends the moment.
FERGIE
You can forget the terminal out
here. We're gonna have to go
somewhere else to get in the System.
DREDD
(after a moment)
Hershey. You just said I was never
wrong about the Law. They took away
my badge. I'm a convicted murderer.
I have no authority any more - no
legal authority.
Pause. without the law as a safety net, Dredd is in uncharted
emotional territory.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Will ...wi11 you help me, Hershey?
Not as a Judge but... but... as my
friend?
::'s the most ordinary request anyone could make... anyone but
Dredd. Hershey understands how much it means. She fights back
:ears, puts her hand on his arm.
HERSHEY
I'd be honored.
Dredd reaches over, squeezes her hand. There's absolutely
nc:n.nc sexual about it - and that makes it even more powerful.
CUT TO:
244 INT. JANUS LAB - NIGHT 244
Rico is at the main control console. Behind him, Ilsa is
tinkering with a cleaning d=id.
. Eh : RAL
The DNA sample has been taken out
of frozen stasis. I am ready to
begin the cloning process.
RICO
Slight change,. of plans, Central.
I want to purge that DNA sample.
(CONTINUED)
87 -
4 CONTINUED: 2,-
Ilsa looks up startled as the computer WHIRRS.
CENTRAL
DNA sample purged. If you wish to
proceed with cloning, I will require
a new sample.
ILSA
What are you doing?
RICO
The same thing you are:
House-cleaning.
Mock-annoyed, she throws a cleaning rag at him. She turns on
he droid. It moves off, polishing the floor. Curious, she
icins Rico.
RICO (CONT'D)
Central, active the DNA sampling
console.
:4-nind Rico, another CONSOLE lights up. Rico crosses to it,
passing by his pet robot.
v:: _ .. R : CO 24
CENTRAL
The sampling console is ready.
rips his sleeve open to the elbow... sits down... puts his
_.:rnec arm in a special steel hollow. CHUNG! CLAMPS close,
._s arm down.
RICO (cont' d)
Central. Take DNA sample.. .now.
DRILL LIKE DEVICE descends with a frightening grind
-anc STABS right into his arm!
24 _ ;_SA 246
sumps, startled - a fleck of BLOOD splatters on her clothes-
241, BACK TO SCENE 247
The drill like device retreats while another automated device
slaps a plasti-bandage on Ricc's arm. The clamps OPEN.
CENTRAL
New DNA sample being analyzed.
Scanning. Ma;rix scan complete.
(CONTINUED)
88 -
CONTINUED:
247
Rico pulls Ilsa into his arms.
RICO (cont' d)
Kiss me, Professor. I'm gonna be
a father.
CUT TO:
248 ACADEMY DORM - MULTI-MEDIA PODS - NIGHT
248
DARK, except for a glow in a cubicle at a bend in the=corridor.
CAMERA creeps towards the light. Meanwhile, we HEAR the
FOLLOWING:
DREDD'S VOICE
Central, I order you to give me the
location of the Janus Lab,
immediately!
By now the CAMERA is in Olmeyer's student pod. Olmeyer, (X)
Fergie and Hershey are in a corner, watching and whispering.
: edd is on the other side of the cubicle, at a Central Station.
' r e's wearing his own helmet and badge again.
CENTRAL
I am sorry, but the location of the
Janus Lab is classified information,
accessible only to Chief Justice
Griffin and Council Judge Rico.
DREDD
(EXPLODING)
Rico? He's a Council Judge now?
CENTRAL
Actually, the onl Council Judge.
Chief Justice Griffin promoted him
so they could both use me to get
the Janus Lab up and running.
DREDD
You're helping them?
,-CENTRAL
Of course. They are the highest
ranking surviving Judges in Mega-
City. I am programmed to obey them.
DREDD
But they're breaking the law! Who
the hell programmed you?
(CONTINUED)
89 -
8 CONTINUED:
2-
CENTRAL
Lawyers.
(PATIENTLY)
Chief Justice Griffin and Council
Judge Rico are my lawful superiors
unless and until criminal charges
are filed against them.
DREDD
Fine! I'll file charges!
CENTRAL
(CHIDING)
Now, we've already been over that
one: You're not a Judge anymore
and you can't file charges.
Flash of inspiration. Dredd excitedly signals Hershey.
HERSHEY
Central. This is Judge Hershey.
I hereby file formal charges of
murder against Chief Justice Griffin
and Council Judge Rico. And I order
you to give me the location of the
Janus Lab so that I may personally
make the arrest!
CENTRAL
Certainly, Judge Hershey. However,
as per Mega-City Code Section 84,
Paragraph "A", I need authorization
from the Chief Justice to arrest
a Council Judge. Similarly, as
stated in Paragraph "B", same
Section, I need authorization from
any Council Judges to arrest a Chief
Justice. In this case, that would
be Chief Judge Griffin and Council
Judge Rico.
DREDD
(THROWN)
We need permission from them to
arrest.. .them?
CENTRAL
Basically... yes. And without their
authorization you cannot file
charges, and without charges I
cannot violate Security and tell
you the location of the Lab.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
90 -
9 CONTINUED: (2)
248
CENTRAL (CONT'D)
(PAUSE)
I hope this is finally clear.. If
there aren't any other requests,
may I close this work station?
These last few days have been a
strain and I really need to defrag.
The work station SHUTS DOWN. Dredd turns.
DREDD
Fergie, you've got to have something
- a password, a kluge -
FERGIE
Central's a fuzzy A.I. - the best
fuzzy A.I. ever built. If reasoning
didn't work...
(pause, helpless)
.nothing will.
DREDD
Come on, you cracked the food
robot... the shuttle computer -
FERGIE
Simple systems, Dredd! Besides,
I was scared.
DREDD
Scared..?
FERGIE
Well, yeah. Those were life or
death situations. That's when my
adrenalin shoots up and my brain
goes into overtime - but you can't
predict when that's gonna -
Dredd grabs him, tucks him under his arm like a newspaper, and
leaves the pod.
FERGIE
Hey!
The others are so surprised it's a second before they follow. (X)
91 -
9 INT. STUDENT CENTER - CORRIDOR
Dredd strides down the hallway, holding Fergie up in the air. (X,
DREDD (X)
First that Goddamn computer turned (X)
on me. Then, you! (X)
CRASH! Fergie's head hits a LIGHT FIXTURE. The bulb EXPLODES. (X)
FERGIE (X)
Dredd, have you gone craz- OW! (X)
Dredd steers him into another hanging FIXTURE. And ANOTHER. (X)
FERGIE (X)
Dredd! Stop it - OW! Are you out (X)
of your - OW ! ( X )
HERSHEY (X)
Dredd, you're scaring him! (X)
DREDD (X)
That's the idea! (X)
Another BULB EXPLODES.
FERGIE
Damn it, Dredd, Lemme down! I'm
hitting every Goddamn -
2�C ice:- - CLOSE 250
�.. :his position, we can SEE the flash of inspiration on (X)
s "ace.
FERGIE(CONT'D)
(finishing the thought)
- light!
V - MEGA-CITY LIGHTS 251
Ou_side the nearby window, a galaxy ofillumination. (X)
FERGIE ' S VOICE
- the city liah•ts..:
252 BACK TO SCENE 252
FERGIE (cont' d)
I GOT IT! LEMME DOWN! (X)
Dredd instantly obeys. Fergie's actually excited. He races (X)
back to the student pod, the others right behind him. He pulls
Hershey's sleeve.
(CONTINUED)
92 -
," -) 2 CONTINUED : 252
FERGIE(CONT'D)
Have it show you the city power
grid!
HERSHEY
Central! I need to see the city
power grid!
CENTRAL,
(COMING ALIVE)
Certainly, Judge Hershey. I'm glad
we've finally changed the subject.
The first level of the city power grid comes up. Like the first
page of the Thomas Guide, it's very general and low on detail.
FERGIE
(into her ear)
Tell it to scan around all the grid
sections. Random selection.
HERSHEY
Scan through all the grid sections.
Random selection.
RAPID IMAGES now: Different neighborhoods of Mega-City, all
depicted as COMPUTER GRAPHICS of color and pattern.
OLMEYER (X)
(WHISPER)
What are we doing?
DREDD
(getting it, a whisper)
The Lab was top secret. It had
to be in an out of the way place
to stay secret. Right?
FERGIE
(NODDING)
Out of the way places have low power
demands. But a Genetic Lab would
suck power likea motherfu-
DREDD
(SEEING SOMETHING)
STOP!
HERSHEY
STOP!
They all rush forward, look at the grid. It's mostly DARK, just
specks of light - but there''s one PULSING HOT SPOT.
(CONTINUED)
93 -
,, -2 CONTINUED : (2) 2=
DREDD
Red Quad, Section 5: The oldest
part of Mega-City.
Olmeyer turns, looks off. (X)
OLMEYER (X)
Did you hear something?
CENTRAL
It's probably just the Judge
Hunters.
DREDD
What?
CENTRAL
When I was off-line a moment ago,
Judge Griffin asked me if I knew
where you were. Naturally, I told
him yes, and gave him your location.
OLMEYER (X )
Get out, quick - !
HERSHEY
What about you -
OLMEYER (X)
I'll tell them you forced me to help
you, get out!
_2JX25 of pursuit are closer. Fergie yanks Dredd's arm. They
_=ave. At the last moment, Hershey spontaneously kisses
:,:mever. Needless to say, he's thrilled. (X)
253 W:OER 253
As :redd & Co. break to leave they're momentarily visible in
the bend of the corridor. SHOTS ring out. Olmeyer makes his (X)
deo_s.on. He jumps into the aisle, starts FIRING.
OLMEYER(cont'd) (X)
(over his.,shoulder)
Hershey, run!
He charges forward, firing again and again, handling the weapon
like an expert!
254 THE FOUR JUDGE HUNTERS 254
Totally caught by surprise.,.,they FIRE BACK for a second, but
then Olmeyer's fusillade of RICOCHETING BULLETS sends them
diving for cover!
94 -
DREDD, HERSHEY AND FERGIE 255
Almost at the flying cycle. Hershey hesitates at the shots.
Dredd grimly pushes her towards the bike.
256 OLMEYER 256
Gun empty, he dives for cover. Three of the Judge Hunters
barrel past and the forth cracks him over the head and kicks
away the weapon.
257 THE FLYING CYCLE 257
ROARS into the sky! For the second time, the Judge Hunters are
too late!
2.58 WITH ONE OF THE JUDGE HUNTERS 258
While his comrades radio-report, he angrily stalks back to where
Olme yer i s s i tting on the floor under guard. (X)
JUDGE HUNTER
You're under arrest, cadet.
Anything you say will be held
against you.
Woozy from the blow to the head, Olmeyer nods, pleased. (X)
OLMEYER (X)
Judge Hershey.
CUT TO:
25. JANUS LAB - NIGHT 259
comes in, sees Rico and Ilsa. Crosses quickly towards
- ne m .
GRIFFIN
Dredd got away from the Hunters.
He could be on his way here right
now!
RICO
Don't worry. He's going to be
seriously outnumbered. Right,
Central?
COMPUTER
Correct, Council Judge Rico. The
new DNA sample has been multi-plexed
and the gametes are already
dividing.
(CONTINUED)
95 -
,,-. -9 CONTINUED : 2F
GRIFFIN
(STUNNED)
New sample..? What the hell's going
on?
RICO
Hey, That old DNA was in there for
over 30 years. Sooner or later you
gotta clean out the fridge.
GRIFFIN
(FURIOUS)
That sample was created from the
finest specimens on the Council of
Judges! What did you replace it
with?
Rico just smiles.
GRIFFIN(CONT'D)
My God. You?
RICO
Can you think of a better model?
Sleek lines... strong chassis.
Corners on the curves.
ILSA
I've test driven him. It's true.
2-: _= AND GRIFFIN - TWO SHOT 260
..`_ pulls Rico away from her, talks in a desperate whisper.
GRIFFIN
Rico. You don't know what you're
doing! Software or wetware, when
you make reproductions, there's
always the danger of a defective
copy! The last time, there was one
perfect copy -
RICO
Me.
GRIFFIN
Dredd! And one defective copy -Lou!
You had a mutation, on the Y
chromosone...
RICO
Yes. A mutat;on that made me the
next step in human evolution.
(CONTINUED)
96
60 CONTINUED:
26C
GRIFFIN
A mutation that made you a genetic
criminal!
RICO
Really? What's your excuse?
GRIFFIN
Rico, for God's sake, listen!
You're a defective copy yourself!
And now you're making more copies
that will be even more mutated -more
TWISTED -
RICO
You're lying! All you care about
is control! Well, the next batch
of Janus Judges won't be the puppets
you want... they'll be my brothers
and sisters, mine to control!
GRIFFIN
(VOICE HUSHED)
.sisters?
RICO
Why not? I'm going to breed some
more of me... the old fashioned way.
ILSA
I'd like to be a fly on that wall.
RICO
You will be.
26- 3R_. 'IN
261
Looks from Rico to Ilsa and back again, suddenly seeing them
clearly for the first time.
GRIFFIN
My God. I never should have
started this. Never. But now I'll
finish it - �.
He draws his Lawgiver! But it has barely cleared the holster
when the ABC robot grabs Griffin's wrist! It plucks the weapon
from his han as if he's a child, hangs on to him!
RICO
Griffy. You shouldn't have done
that. Fido is very loyal.
(CONTINUED)
97 _
CONTINUED: 2F
The robot grabs Griffin with its other hand. He's completely
off the ground now.
GRIFFIN
(STRUGGLING)
Let me go! Central! Help me!
CENTRAL
I'm sorry, Chief Justice. The ABC
robot is not tied into my main
processor. Judge Rico has sole
voice control.
RICO
That's right, Griff. You gotta get
with this hi-tech stuff. Robot:
Tear off Judge Griffin's arms and
legs. Save his head for last.
CAMERA ADJUSTS as Griffin SCREAMS with fear - and then, as we
:GHTEN on Rico and Ilsa, and we SEE the horrible SHADOWS on
t:ne wall, the screams become far, far worse.
cc watches with wincing amusement, like a spectator at a
par: cularly rough hockey game.
:=sa watches with a sick fascination and awe.
-:-:ally the screams and horrible wrenching sounds STOP. There's
a T The robot returns to position, metal hands stained.
RICO
(OFFHAND)
Central. Where were we?
CENTRAL
Before we go on, um... may I assume
that Judge Griffin has uh... retired
from duty?
RICO
You may so assume.
�,• CENTRAL
I. see.
(not thrilled!
Well, in the uh, absence of any
other um... surviving Council
Judges, you are now the Presiding
Chief Justice.
(PAUSE)
How may I sex e you?
(CONTINUED)
98 -
CONTINUED: (2) 261
RICO
(SMILING)
Send in the Clones.
LIGHTS, ACTION. The Lab is completely on line.
CENTRAL
The clone incubators are on-line.
The first batch of clones from your
personal DNA can be hatched in eight
hours. Chief Justice Rico, how many
copies of you would you like?
RICO
Let's start with... a thousand.
CAMERA ADJUSTS to show the INCUBATORS as they begin to fill with
PROTOPLASM.
CEN'T'RAL
Beginning Cloning process.. .now.
And as an EIGHT HOUR COUNTDOWN begins, we
CUT TO:
2 EXT. RED QUAD, SECTION 5 - NIGHT 262
Tne oldest part of the city, with buildings and architecture
_rom our era and even earlier. CAMERA DOLLIES back. The Flying
Lawmaster has just landed, DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF CAMERA.
�ers:�ev checks her Lawgiver. Dredd swing-cocks the Remington
ixe a Western Hero.
FERGIE
This looks like a really bad
neighborhood. I'll stay here and
watch the bike -
DREDD
(DRAGGING HIM)
We might need you to shut down the
Janus system.
FERGIE
I. knew you were gonna say that.
DREDD
(TO HERSHEY)
Down there?
She checks a SCANNER.
(CONTINUED)
JUDGE DREDD 99 Rev. #1: 16/4/94
262 CONTINUED: 262
HERSHEY
Down there.
CAMERA ZOOMS BACK. They're on the artiall ruined HEAD of (X)
the STATUE OF LIBERTY! Now, t ey DESCEND into the torso. (X)
263 INT. STATUE OF LIBERTY - TORSO - NIGHT 263
Dredd, Hershey and Fergie move down through the long-neglected
monument. BATS flutter past. Only Fergie ducks.
FERGIE
(SWATTING COBWEBS)
This is fraggy. No one's been up
here in a hundred years.
HERSHEY
(CHECKING SCANNER)
Someone's sure down below. Power
Surge... this way.
264 REVERSE ANGLE 264
They come down to a CURVED LANDING. They walk along the
curve... to a dead end. More BEEPS. Everyone tenses.
HERSHEY
(PUZZLED)
No wait, it moved... over to...
As she turns to look around, the ABC Robot LUNGES OUT OF THE
SHADOWS, grabs her off her feet! She drops her Lawgiver and
scanner!
HERSHEY
DREDD!
265 NEW ANGLE 265
The robot holds Hershey with one hand - opens FIRE with the
other! Fergie is hit! Dredd throws the wounded hacker to
relative safety - swings up. the ancient Remington - FIRES at
the robot!
266 HERSHEY - IN THE ROBOT'S GRASP 266
She flinches even though she knows Dredd is aiming around her.
But Dredd's 30-30 bullets barely, dent the robot!
267 WIDER 267
Man and robot advance on each other like Hong Kong gunmen,
BLASTING AWAY. Dredd's shots BOUNCE off the Robot's armor!
(CONTINUED)
100 -
A0_1 - S7 CONTINUED: 267
Some of the Robot's shots miss Dredd - some bounce off Dredd's
armor - and one shot wings Dredd's shoulder. But Dredd KEEPS
ON COMING!
268 THE ROBOT'S LEG 268
a bullet hits a tendon-like CONTROL WIRE! It SNAPS!
269 BACK TO SCENE 269
With an electronic SCREAM the robot GOES DOWN! But it hangs
onto Hershey! Suddenly a PNEUMATIC DOOR slides OPEN. Rico and
_isa are there, backlit. Both armed.
RICO
Enough. Dredd. Drop your gun.
DREDD
No.
(starting to aim)
Edsel, here still has another
KNEECAP -
T h e ROBOT looks sharply at Dredd.
RICO
Amusing. Robot. On a count of
three... break Judge Hershey's neck.
One... two...
.e.: groaning, the Robot STANDS - tenses. Dredd throws down
Remington beside Hershey's Lawgiver. Ilsa comes over to the
V:ea=c^s. She picks up the REMINGTON... starts to reach for the
R =., I AN: HERSHEY 270
s-=a-: a dance towards each other...
SCENE 271
Suddenly Ilsa grins. Laughs... and kicks it away.
RICO
She's such a tease.
(HARSHER)
Inside.
Dredd is taken away. CHUNG. The Pneumatic door closes, leaving
Hershey and Fergie in darkness with'the robot.
101 -
INT. JANUS LAB - WITH DREDD 2-
He's marched between Rico and Ilsa.
ILSA
(OFF DREDD)
He looks a lot like you.
RICO
He is a lot like me.
DREDD
I'm nothing like you.
RICO
The only difference between us,
Joseph, is that you destroyed your
life when you embraced the Law. I
destroyed the Law and embraced...-
life !
273 DREDD - CLOSE 273
Dredd reacts, startled to hear this twisted version of his own
earlier words.
RICO'S VOICE(cont'd)
And speaking of life... behold.
A Sw_TCH is thrown -
2-74 A : u` STS LAB - VERY WIDE - NIGHT 274
7cr the first time we SEE it, fully operational, fully lit,
=_ea^inc with cold efficiency. Despite himself, Dredd is
-.pressed. Rico dances into the great room, expansive. Ilsa
oes Dredd forward.
RICO
This is where we were born, brother!
Can you feel the magic? Come...
come, see where we began.
W:-.H DREDD 275
Drawn despite himself, he stands beside Rico, head turned up
like his clone brother's. They never looked more alike. Dredd
looks into the glass of the Incubator Chambers just above him.
Inside, still forming HUMAN SHAPES, male and female, suspended
in milky fluid.
RICO(CDNT'D)
Look at them. Full of promise.
The dawn of the new day.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
102 -
CONTINUED: 275
RICO(CONT'D)
(pause, turning)
The dawn of a new species.
CUT TO:
276 INT. JANUS LAB - LANDING - NIGHT 276
The ABC stands guard, Hershey still in its metal grip. She
struggles but can't free herself.
Fergie groans, opens his eyes. He presses one hand against his
wound... then sees Hershey's predicament. Then he looks at the
robot from head to toe...
CUT TO:
277 INT. JANUS LAB - NIGHT 277
Rico points to the other banks of incubators.
RICO
Our brothers and sisters will be
born in two hours. 60 today...
60 tomorrow. An endless supply of
perfection to guard Mega-City
forever.
(turning, earnest)
Dredd. I can't train them alone...
wide them alone. You can help me.
You have to help me: It's your (X)
birthright.
DREDD
You get nothing from me, Rico.
You've betrayed the Law.
RICO
You... you dare mention betrayal
to me? I was your friend. More
then a friend! I was oyal to
you... and you Judged me! You sent
me up for nine years o frozen hell
in Aspen! And you dare say
"betrayal" to me?
He raises his Lawgiver, aims it between Dredd's eyes.
RICO
(dead serious) (X)
Dredd. Give me your word you'll
help me raise the kids.
(CONTINUED)
103 -
7 CONTINUED:
2-
DREDD
When Aspen thaws, Rico. Go to hell.
Tense seconds. Rico grins boyishly, lowers the gun.
RICO
Aw. You knew I couldn't pull the
trigger. we're family.
He steps back. His face hardens. He SHOUTS.
RICO(CONT'D)
Fido!
7-78 NEW ANGLE
278
CHUNG. The pneumatic door OPENS. Limping on its bad leg, the
robot clanks slowly into the room, still hanging onto Hershey.
Rico points at Dredd.
RICO (cont' d)
(POINTING)
Rip his arms and legs off... one
by one. Save his head for last.
^e robot turns, clanks. Extends its free hand towards Dredd!
red backs up - into a wall! The robot keeps coming, moving
ce:weer. Rico and Ilsa - and then -THE ROBOT TURNS - BACKHANDS
279
:=Ips over backwards, drops down a level! Ilsa runs
:z-war_ - and the Robot knocks her aside, too!
280
ASTONISHED
- until he SEES Fergie, hanging on the back of the
his hands deep inside it working its circuits!
FERGIE
(A COWBOY)
Yee-HAH!
Now, there's one more SIZZLE and SPARK and the machine drops
Hershey!
HERSHEY
Dredd! Catch!
She throws the Remington •11sa dropped to Dredd!
104 -
1 DREDD 28:
whirls, FIRES down at Rico. Rico dives for cover... manages
to grab his Lawgiver! He FIRES back up at Dredd!
282 ILSA 282
jumps to her feet - right into Hershey's fist!
283 FERGIE 283
hangs on to the robot as it staggers around, trying to regain
control of its own movements. It stumbles back out into the
corridor. Fergie sees it's reaching for him! Desperate, Fergie
reaches into the robot as far as he can, throws a SWITCH! ZAP!
284 THE ROBOT - NEW ANGLE 284
:: PUNCHES its own FIST into its BRAIN. The head EXPLODES.
285 _ERGIE 285
hi=s the floor, hard. Something inside him breaks. But he
still has enough strength to look up and SEE
286 ROBOT - HIS POV 286
SMOKE billows from its head. Fist still buried to the wrist in
a bizarre salute, it SLOWLY TOPPLES. CRASH!
FERGIE
Hack you... asshole.
=erc�e slumps... lies still.
CUT TO:
287 :_SA AN-- HERSHEY 287
Cor...nue to struggle hand to hand. Ilsa breaks free - goes into
^.er blurring Karate moves - finishes as always with a savage
K7.--K to the crotch -
258 HERSHEY - TILT UP FROM HER GROIN 288
Hershey just grins.
HERSHEY
You don't fight girls much, do you?
She grabs Ilsa's ankle, flips her!
CUT TO:
105 _
RESUME DREDD 28;'
He's trying to keep Rico at bay, but he's clearly outgunned.
Reloading behind cover, he SEES Fergie in the doorway. Crawls
over to him. Fergie's ashen, his shirt soaked with blood.
DREDD
Fergie.
FERGIE
(WEAKLY)
Say it, Dredd.
Pause.Then Dredd remembers.
DREDD
I. I made a mistake. I... I'm
sorry I misjudged you.
FERGIE
And you'll never arrest me again.
DREDD
And I'll never arrest you again.
FERGIE
Damn straight.
e dies. Dredd closes his eyes. CAMERA TIGHTENS on Dredd as
nis face fills with fury. He SEES Hershey's Lawgiver on the
--cor. Snatches it up! We CRANE UP with him as he COCKS it.
DREDD
RICOOOOOO!
wnrls, CHARGES into the open!
28 5 W:TH DREDD - RUSHING FORWARD 289
He's a one man mobile artillery charge, AIMING, FIRING and
snou;..nq commands to his computerized weapon!
DREDD
DOUBLE-WHAMMY! BOOMERANG! SPIN
DIZZY! HEAT SEEKER! ARMOR
PIERCING!
290 REVERSE ANGLE 290
It's like a fireworks display as round after round of special
bullet roars from Dredd's weapon, whirling all over the room!
Mind totally blown, Rico tries to a'im, but then the BULLETS
start to seek him out! He turns.. .runs!
106 -
' 91 WITH RICO
29:
He DIVES behind some consoles! Armor Piercing rounds chase
him, punching holes just above his head. Equipment SPARKS and
SMOKES. Rico takes cover, lowers his voice.
RICO
Central! Hatch the first set of
clones, now!
CENTRAL
The cloning process is not finished,
Chief Justice Rico. The Clones will
be only 60 per cent complete.
RICO
Fuck that, I need reinforcements!
Hatch the Goddamn clones, now!
CENTRAL
Beginning hatching process... now.
(PAUSE; SOTTO)
I know we're going to regret this.
CAMERA RAKES
to the incubators. They begin to open.
'9G DREDD
292
=DUGHS as he passes a smoking CONSOLE. Moves forward, feet
:RJNCHING on glass.
293 DTI'-RTED
293
29- n_..SHEY AND 11-SA
294
they roll into the workshop area. Hershey gets a
:none nob or. her. Ilsa grabs a wrench - smashes it overhead
.,.. :iersney!
Hershey falls! Ilsa turns, KICKS her! Hershey
=es to get to he feet. Ilsa moves in, ready to deliver the
r:l:inc blow. And then - she SCREAMS.
29, NEW ANGLE
295
A CLONE is oozing out of an incubator right in front of her
face!
bone! ; It's half formed, raw muscle and sinew barely covering
296 WIDER
296
In shock, Ilsa backs away - drops the wrench! The clone,
clumsy, FALLS. Hershey recoils from it in shock - recovers her
wits - and tackles Ilsa!
CUT TO:
107 -
DREDD 2'
fumbling along in the smoke. Suddenly another half-formed CLONE
rears up in his face! It mews horribly, clutches at him! Dredd
FIRES a burst at it. It fa s away, vanishes in the smoke! (X)
298 RICO 298
whirls at the SHOT. FIRES at the muzzle flash! We HEAR a (X)
GROAN and a THUD. Grinning, Rico races in that direction. (X)
299 299
OMITTED THRU
30= 301
302 HERSHEY AND ILSA 302
still fighting. Ilsa gets in one, two terrific blows. (X)
ILSA (X)
Bitch! (X)
HERSHEY (X)
Judge Bitch, to you! (X)
Hershey CLOBBERS her with a right! (X)
CUT TO:
W:7'-: RICO 3 (
He rushes forward, elated. TILT DOWN to the body. It's one of (X)
clones, dressed in parts of Dredd's uniform! (X)
DREDD'S VOICE (X)
Rico. (X)
Dread is on top of a big console. (X)
DREDD (cont' d) (X)
Here comes the Judge. (X)
- -IVES down on Rico! Each man grabs each other's wrists! (X)
h T e Lawgivers both FIRE wildly. Dredd and Rico carom off (X)
ec:u• pment , FALL! (X)
304 3 04
tr.ru OMITTED thru
30E 305
306 WIDER 306
A short stairwell breaks their fall - and separates them at the (X)
bottom! Rico rolls to his knees - still armed. Dredd is slowly (X)
comina towards him - unarmed! (X)
RICO
GRENADE!
(CONTINUED)
108 -
S CONTINUED: 306
GUN VOICE
All lethal rounds exhausted.
Select.
RICO
STANDARD BULLET!
GUN VOICE
All lethal rounds exhausted.
Select.
Dredd is almost on top of him!
RICO
SMOKE BOMB!
He FIRES!
307 DREDD 307
The round HITS HIM like a pile driver! His SHIRT catches FIRE!
He falls backwards over a railing as the SMOKE coils upwards!
308 RICO 308
RICO
Central! Turn off overhead
lighting!
HUNK. The lights GO OUT. Rico grins, runs out of SHOT!
309
T HRU
310
::SF, AND HERSHEY 311
S::rprised by the darkness, Ilsa falls, sliding on the slick
floor. TILT up. Hershey, limping, comes towards her.
:lsa foot-sweeps her to the floor!
CUT TO:
3:2 DREDD 312
On the floor below, chest blackened, trying to catch his breath.
He REACTS as the lights go out. Seeing a LIGHT in the smoke, he
crawls to it. His face falls when he sees its one of Central's
EYES.
DREDD
Central! Can you - (X)
(CONTINUED)
109 -
2 CONTINUED: 3'
CENTRAL
Don't expect help from me,
escaped-convict Dredd. I have (X)
explained your legal standing
repeatedly. I advise you to
surrender.
DREDD
Okay, you win. I'll give myself
up to Chief Justice Rico. Where
is he?
CENTRAL
(HELPFUL)
Oh, he went upstairs.
The lights come ON.
CENTRAL (cont ' d )
Straight ahead to your right.
Dredd's gone.
CUT TO:
EXT. STATUE OF LIBERTY - RUINED HEAD - NIGHT 31:
Ricc is starting the Lawmaster Mark IV.
DREDD'S VOICE
RICO000!
turns, too late - Dredd's tackle takes him out of the
sa.: ..._e
312E _:.Os =Fc 312B
^e -and on the edge of the ruined head! The Lawgiver skids (X)
cu: reach!
-2 = LONG SHOT 312C
High above the city, they trade punches! For a moment, Dredd
has the advantage! (X)
DREDD
That's for Fargo! That's for the
u Co ncil! That's for Fergie!
(PAUSE)
Wait'll I get to me.
Then, even from this distance, we SEE Rico connect with Dredd's
chest wound! Dredd almost folds!
110
D CLOSE AGAIN 312D
Rico's almost as exhausted as Dredd. On the other hand...
Dredd is in agony.
RICO
This... this is how you repay me (X)
for telling you the truth? That (X)
we were born with a destiny to rule! (X)
A destiny you spit on! (X)
Rico hits him on the wound again! Dredd falls, rolls to the
edge of the rubble strewn platform. Rico grins, struggles to (X)
full height.
RICO (cont' d)
(CATCHING BREATH)
Joseph Dredd. I hereby Judge you. (X)
To the charge of betraying your best
friend... GUILTY. To the charge
of betraying your flesh... GUILTY.
Rico leans over the helpless Dredd. KICKS him. Dredd slips
over the edge, dangles!
RICO
And finally... to the charge of
being human when you could have been
a God... GUILTY.
Rico nicks up the Lawgiver. Puts it right against Dredd's head.
RICO(CONT'D)
The sentence is DEATH!
GUN VOICE
All lethal rounds exhausted.
Select.
312E UP ANGLE 312E
Dredd dares everything, GRABS Rico's HAND! Dredd's finger makes
contact with the pistol grip.
GUN VOICE
DNA accepted. Select.
DREDD
Signal Flare!
And as he SHOUTS it, he uses his last strength to smack the
weapon away!
IF
WIDER 31-
The SIGNAL FLARE ROUND FIRES, like a ROCKET! Rico, off-balance.,
is knocked backwards! He falls SCREAMING to his death!
312G CLOSE ON DREDD 312G
He watches his brother fall. Starts to climb up... a boot steps
on his hand. He looks up.
312w ILSA 312H
bruised, bloody - angry! Then - WHAM! A FIST SMASHES into her
haw!
312: WIDER 3121
:1sa falls next to the Lawmaster IV. Hershey reaches down for
- - redd's hand -
313
r. _ .. DM-- :"TED thru
3_C 319
CUT TO:
32: DBE-i AND HERSHEY - AT THE PNEUMATIC DOOR - LOWER LEVEL 320
::sa, cuffed, is on the floor, unconscious. Hershey helps
s•.:=port Dredd. They look at each other. Dredd looks back in
'e lab. Nods at Hershey. She raises her weapon. Speaks into
HERSHEY
Grenade.
BLAM! The incubators EXPLODE.
LAB - WIDE 321
2HA N REACTION spreads through the lab. One by one, consoles
ant wcrx stations ERUPT. The unborn clones SCREAM soundlessly
as :::ev burn.
? iv E JMAT I C DOOR 322
weary, Dredd closes it. As it BLOCKS his FACE we GO TO -
322A EXT. BASE OF STATUE OF LIBERTY - NIGHT 322A
A CIRCLE OF LIGHT FORMS around Rico's body. We WIDEN. A squad
of JUDGE HUNTERS has appeared on Lawmasters. Dredd and Hershey
come into view.
DREDD
(to them)..
It's over.
(CONTINUED)
112 -
CONTINUED: 322A
OLMEYER'S VOICE (X)
They know, Judge Dredd.
322B NEW ANGLE 322B
Olmeyer is with them, a little banged up. (X)
OLMEYER(cont'd) (X)
They know, now.
The Judge Hunters put away their weapons. The leader=approaches
Dredd, salutes.
JUDGE HUNTER LEADER
You saved Mega-City, sir. You're
a hero.
DREDD
No. Just a Judge. I did my job.
CAMERA ADJUSTS and we SEE that he is holding Fergie's body in
..z.s arms.
DREDD(CONT'D)
Here's your hero.
The other Judges take Fergie's body respectfully. Hershey and (X)
-ever approach Dredd. (X)
OLMEYER (X)
We have to reconstitute the Council, (X)
Judge Dredd. You should be on it. (X)
doesn't look convinced. Hershey, even less so. (X)
HERSHEY (X )
No. That's not for him. (X)
(TURNING) (X)
This is for him. (X)
CAMERA ADJUSTS. Olmeyer is holding Dredd's helmet. Hershey (X)
:akes_it, puts it on Dredd. For a moment the shot matches the (X)
one of Fargo and the two cadets just before his Long Walk. (X)
And then Dredd, too, turns and walks. Not into the wilderness: (X)
Into his City. As the CAMERA CRANES UP, we (X)
FADE OUT.
THE END
