A
Screenplay
by
Stanley Kubrick
Based on the novel by
William Makepeace Thackeray
February 18, 1973
FADE IN:
EXT. PARK - DAY
Brief shot of duel.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My father, who was well-known to the
best circles in this kingdom under
the name of roaring Harry James, was
killed in a duel, when I was fifteen
years old.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Mrs. James, talking with a suitor; Roderick, at a
distance.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My mother, after her husband's
death, and her retirement, lived in
such a way as to defy slander. She
refused all offers of marriage,
declaring that she lived now for her
son only, and for the memory of her
departed saint.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Mother and son walking together.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My mother was the most beautiful
women of her day. But if she was
proud of her beauty, to do her
justice, she was still more proud of
her son, and has said a thousand
times to me that I was the
handsomest fellow in the world.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
Mother and son entering church.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The good soul's pleasure was to
dress me; and on Sundays and
Holidays, I turned out in a velvet
coat with a silver-hilted sword by
my side, and a gold garter at my
knee as fine as any lord in the
land. As we walked to church on
Sundays, even the most envious souls
would allow that there was not a
prettier pair in the kingdom.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
A picnic. The Dugan family. Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My uncle's family consisted of ten
children, and one of them was the
cause of all my early troubles; this
was the belle of the family, my
cousin, Miss Dorothy Dugan, by name.
EXT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DAY
A sprawling run-down Irish manor house with large garden,
stables, barn and farm.
Idealized images of Dorothy.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Ah! That first affair, how well one
remembers it! What a noble
discovery it is that the boy makes
when he finds himself actually and
truly in love with some one! A lady
who is skilled in dancing or singing
never can perfect herself without a
deal of study in private. So it is
with the dear creatures who are
skilled in coquetting. Dorothy, for
instance, was always practicing, and
she would take poor me to rehearse
her accomplishments upon...
Dorothy talking with the exciseman.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the exciseman, when he came
his rounds.
Dorothy talking to the steward.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the steward.
Dorothy sitting under a tree with the curate, reading a
book.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the poor curate.
Dorothy talking to the apothecary's lad.
RODERICK (V.O.)
... or the young apothecary's lad
from Dugan's Town whom I recollect
beating once for that very reason.
Roderick, fighting with apothecary's lad.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The torments of jealousy she made me
endure were horrible.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Dorothy, like a greyhound released from days of
confinement, and given the freedom of the fields at last,
runs at top-speed, left and right, back and forth,
returning every moment to Roderick.
She runs and runs until she is out of breath, and then
laughs at the astonishment which keeps Roderick motionless
and staring at her.
After catching her breath, and wiping her forehead, she
challenges Roderick to a race.
RODERICK
I accept, but I insist on a wager.
The loser must do whatever the
winner pleases.
DOROTHY
Agreed.
RODERICK
Do you see the gate at the end of
the field? The first to touch it
will be the winner.
They line up together and start on a count of three.
Dorothy uses all her strength, but Roderick holds back,
and Dorothy touches the gate five or six paces ahead of
him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was certain to win, but I meant to
lose to see what she would order me
to do.
Dorothy catches her breath, thinking of the penalty. Then
she goes behind the trees and, a few second later, comes
out and says:
DOROTHY
Your penalty is to find a cherry-
colored ribbon which I have hidden
somewhere on my person. You are
free to look for it anywhere you
will, and I will think very little
of you if you do not find it.
They sit down on the grass. Roderick searches her
pockets, the fold of her short bodice and her skirt, then
her shoes; then he turns up her skirt, slowly and
circumspectly, as high as her garters, which she wears
upon the knee. He unfastens them and finds nothing; he
draws down her skirt and gropes under her armpits. The
tickling makes her laugh.
RODERICK
I feel the ribbon.
DOROTHY
Then you must get it.
Roderick has to unlace her bodice and touch her pretty
breasts, over which his hand must pass to reach it.
DOROTHY
Why are you shaking?
RODERICK
With pleasure at finding the ribbon.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Military review. One hundred English troops, a few
mounted officers, a small military band, fifty local
people.
The Dugan family, Roderick and his mother, Captains Best
and Grogan.
Roderick admires the troops in their splendid uniforms.
RODERICK (V.O.)
About this time, the United Kingdom
was in a state of great excitement
from the threat generally credited
of a French invasion. The noblemen
and people of condition in that and
all other parts of the kingdom
showed their loyalty by raising
regiments of horse and foot to
resist the invaders. How I envied
them. The whole country was alive
with war's alarums; the three
kingdoms ringing with military
music, while poor I was obliged to
stay at home in my fustian jacket
and sigh for fame in secret.
INT. BALLROOM AT FENCIBLES - NIGHT
Dorothy and Roderick entering.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Once, the officers of the Kilwangen
regiment gave a grand ball to which
Dorothy persuaded my to take her.
Several cuts depicting the evening.
Dorothy ignores Roderick; dances, chats, laughs, drinks
punch, and finally, strolls outside with Captain Best.
Roderick makes a half-hearted try at dancing with Miss
Clancy.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I have endured torments in my life,
but none like that. Some of the
prettiest girls there offered to
console me, for I was the best
dancer in the room, but I was too
wretched, and so remained alone all
night in a state of agony. I did
not care for drink, or know the
dreadful comfort of it in those
days; but I thought of killing
myself and Dorothy, and most
certainly of making away with
Captain Best.
EXT. FENCIBLES BALLROOM - DAWN
The guests leaving and saying their goodbyes.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At last, and at morning, the ball
was over.
EXT. ROAD - DAWN
Dorothy and Roderick on horseback together.
DOROTHY
Sure it's a bitter night, Roderick
dear, and you'll catch cold without
a handkerchief to your neck.
To this sympathetic remark, from the pillion, the saddle
made no reply.
DOROTHY
Did you and Miss Clancy have a
pleasant evening, Roderick? You
were together, I saw, all night.
To this, the saddle only replies by grinding his teeth,
and giving a lash to Daisy.
DOROTHY
Oh! Mercy, you make Daisy rear and
throw me, you careless creature,
you.
The pillion had by this got her arm around the saddle's
waist, and gave it the gentlest squeeze in the world.
RODERICK
I hate Miss Clancy, you know I do!
And I only danced with her because
-- because -- the person with whom I
intended to dance chose to be
engaged the whole night.
DOROTHY
I had not been in the room five
minutes before I was engaged for
every single set.
RODERICK
Were you obliged to dance five times
with Captain Best, and then stroll
out with him into the garden?
DOROTHY
I don't care a fig for Captain Best;
he dances prettily to be sure, and
is a pleasant rattle of a man. He
looks well in his regimentals, too;
and if he chose to ask me to dance,
how could I refuse him?
RODERICK
But you refused me, Dorothy.
DOROTHY
Oh! I can dance with you any day,
and to dance with your own cousin at
a ball as if you could find no other
partner. Besides, Roderick, Captain
Best's a man, and you are only a
boy, and you haven't a guinea in the
world.
RODERICK
If ever I meet him again, you shall
see which is the best man of the
two. I'll fight him with sword or
with pistol, captain as he is.
DOROTHY
But Captain Best is already known as
a valiant soldier, and is famous as
a man of fashion in London. It is
mighty well of you to fight farmers'
boys, but to fight an Englishman is
a very different matter.
Roderick falls silent.
EXT. SMALL BRIDGE OVER A STREAM - DAWN
They come to an old, high bridge, over a stream,
sufficiently deep and rocky.
DOROTHY
Suppose, now, Roderick, you, who are
such a hero, was passing over the
bridge and the enemy on the other
side.
RODERICK
I'd draw my sword, and cut my way
through them.
DOROTHY
What, with me on the pillion? Would
you kill poor me?
RODERICK
Well, then, I'll tell you what I'd
do. I'd jump Daisy into the river,
and swim you both across, where no
enemy could follow us.
DOROTHY
Jump twenty feet! You wouldn't dare
to do any such thing on Daisy.
There's the captain's horse, Black
George, I've heard say that Captain
Bes --
She never finished the word for, maddened by the continual
recurrence of that odious monosyllable, Roderick shouts:
RODERICK
Hold tight to my waist!
And, giving Daisy the spur, springs with Dorothy over the
parapet, into the deeper water below.
The horse's head sinks under, the girl screams as she
sinks, and screams as she rises.
Roderick lands her, half-fainting, on the shore.
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Various cuts showing illness and convalescence.
Roderick feverish: the doctor taking his pulse.
Mother brings a tray of food.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I went home, and was ill speedily of
a fever, which kept me to my bed for
a week.
Dorothy visiting him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Dorothy visited me only once, but I
quitted my couch still more
violently in love than I had been
ever before.
EXT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DAY
The air is fresh and bright, and the birds sing loud
amidst the green trees. Roderick is elated, and springs
down the road, as brisk as a young fawn.
He encounters an orderly whistling "Roast Beef of Old
England," as he cleans down a cavalry horse.
RODERICK
Whose horse, fellow, is that?
ORDERLY
Feller, indeed! The horse belongs
to my captain, and he's a better
fellow nor you any day.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I did not stop to break his bones,
as I would on another occasion, for
a horrible suspicion had come across
me, and I made for the garden as
quickly as I could.
Roderick see Captain Best and Dorothy pacing the path
together. Her arm is under his, and he is fondling and
squeezing her little hand which lies closely nestling
against his arm.
Some distance beyond them is Captain Grogan, who is paying
court to Dorothy's sister, Mysie.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The fact is that, during the week of
my illness, no other than Captain
Best was staying at Castle Dugan,
and making love to Miss Dorothy in
form.
CAPTAIN BEST
No, Dorothy, except for you and four
others, I vow before all the gods,
my heart had never felt the soft
flame.
DOROTHY
Ah, you men, you men, John, your
passion is not equal to ours. We
are like -- like some plant I've
read of -- we bear but one flower,
and then we die!
CAPTAIN BEST
Do you mean you never felt an
inclination for another?
DOROTHY
Never, my John, but for thee! How
can you ask me such a question?
Raising her hand to his lips.
CAPTAIN BEST
Darling Dorothea!
Roderick rushes into view, drawing his little sword.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I pulled out a knot of cherry-
colored ribbons, which she had given
me out of her breast, and which
somehow I always wore upon me, and
flung them in Captain Best's face,
and rushed out with my little sword
drawn.
RODERICK
She's a liar -- she's a liar,
Captain Best! Draw, sir, and defend
yourself, if you are a man!
Roderick leaps at Captain Best, and collars him, while
Dorothy makes the air echo with her screams.
Captain Grogan and Mysie hasten up.
Though Roderick is a full growth of six feet, he is small
by the side of the enormous English captain.
Best turns very red at the attack upon him, and slips back
clutching at his sword.
Dorothy, in an agony of terror, flings herself round him,
screaming:
DOROTHY
Captain Best, for Heaven's sake,
spare the child -- he is but an
infant.
CAPTAIN BEST
And ought to be whipped for his
impudence, but never fear, Miss
Dugan, I shall not touch him, your
favorite is safe from me.
So saying, he stoops down and picks up the bunch of
ribbons, which Roderick had flung at Dorothy's feet, and
handing it to her, says in a sarcastic tone:
CAPTAIN BEST
When ladies make presents to
gentlemen, it is time for other
gentlemen to retire...
DOROTHY
Good heavens, Best! He is but a boy
and don't signify any more than my
parrot or lap-dog. Mayn't I give a
bit of ribbon to my own cousin?
RODERICK
(roaring)
I'm a man, and will prove it.
CAPTAIN BEST
You are perfectly welcome, miss, as
many yards as you like.
DOROTHY
Monster! Your father was a tailor,
and you are always thinking of the
shop. But I'll have my revenge, I
will! Roddy, will you see me
insulted?
RODERICK
Indeed, Miss Dorothy, I intend to
have his blood as sure as my name's
Roderick.
CAPTAIN BEST
I'll send for the usher to cane you,
little boy, but as for you, miss, I
have the honor to wish you a good
day.
Best takes off his hat with much ceremony, and makes a low
bow, and is just walking off, when Michael, Roderick's
cousin, comes up, whose ear has likewise been caught by
the scream.
MICHAEL
Hoity-toity! John Best, what's the
matter here?
CAPTAIN BEST
I'll tell you what it is, Mr. Dugan.
I have had enough of Miss Dugan here
and your Irish ways. I ain't used
to 'em, sir.
MICHAEL
(good-humoredly)
Well, well! What is it? We'll make
you used to our ways, or adopt
English ones.
CAPTAIN BEST
It's not the English way, for ladies
to have two lovers, and, so, Mr.
Dugan, I'll thank you to pay me the
sum you owe me, and I resign all
claims to this young lady. If she
has a fancy for school-boys, let her
take 'em, sir.
MICHAEL
Pooh! Pooh! Best, you are joking.
CAPTAIN BEST
I never was more in earnest.
Best exits.
MICHAEL
(in a towering rage)
You -- you! Hang you for a meddling
brat, your hand is in everybody's
pie. What business had you to come
brawling and quarreling here, with
a gentleman who has fifteen hundred
a-year?
Michael runs after Best.
DOROTHY
(gasps)
Oh, I shall die; I know I shall. I
shall never leave this spot.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
(whisper to Dorothy)
The Captain is gone.
Dorothy, giving him an indignant look, jumps up and walks
towards the house.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
(in a soothing tone
to Roderick)
This is a pretty way to recommend
yourself to the family.
RODERICK
(shouts after
Michael)
The man that marries Dorothy Dugan
must first kill me -- do you mind
that?
MICHAEL
(shouting back from
a distance)
Pooh, sir. Kill you -- flog you,
you mean! I'll send for Nick the
huntsman to do it.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
You are a gallant lad, and I like
your spirit. But what Dugan says is
true. It's a hard thing to give a
lad counsel who is in such a far-
gone state as you; but, believe me,
I know the world, and if you will
but follow my advice, you won't
regret having taken it. Dorothy
Dugan has not a penny; you are not a
whit richer. And, my poor boy,
don't you see -- though it's a hard
matter to see -- that she's a flirt,
and does not care a pin for you or
Best either?
RODERICK
Dorothy might love me or not, as she
likes, but Best will have to fight
me before he marries her!
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Faith, I think you are a lad that's
likely to keep your word.
He looks hard at Roderick for a second to two, then he
walks away, humming a tune, looking back at Roderick as he
goes through the old gate out of the garden.
When Grogan is gone, Roderick is quite alone, and he
flings himself down on the bench where Dorothy had made
believe to faint, and had left her handkerchief and the
ribbons and, taking them up, hides his face in them, and
bursts into a passion of tears.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I must have sat for some hours
bemoaning myself on the garden-bench,
for the dinner-bell clanged as usual
at three o'clock, which wakened me
from my reverie.
EXT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DAY
As Roderick passes the courtyard, he sees the Captain's
saddle still hanging up at the stable-door, and his odious
red-coated brute of a servant, swaggering with the
scullion-girls and kitchen people.
MAID
The Englishman's still there, Master
Roderick. He's there in the parlor.
Go in, and don't let 'im browbeat
you, Master Roderick.
INT. DUGAN MANOR HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
Roderick enters and takes his place at the bottom of the
big table; the butler speedily brings him a cover.
UNCLE
Hello, Roddy, my boy! Up and well?
That's right.
AUNT
He'd better be home with his mother.
UNCLE
Don't mind her. It's the cold goose
she ate for breakfast -- didn't
agree with her. Take a glass of
spirits, Mrs. Dugan, to Roderick's
health.
It is evident that his uncle doesn't know of what
happened, but Michael, who is at dinner too, and Harry,
and almost all the girls, look exceedingly black and the
captain foolish; and Miss Dorothy, who is again by his
side, ready to cry. Captain Grogan sits smiling, and
Roderick looks on as cold as stone.
His uncle is in high good-humor.
UNCLE
Dorothy, divide that merry thought
with the captain! See who'll be
married first. Jack Best, my dear
boy, never mind a clean glass for
the claret, we're short of crystal
at Castle Dugan; take Dorothy's and
the wine will taste none the worse.
Mrs. Dugan and ladies, if you
please; this is a sort of toast that
is drunk a great deal too seldom in
my family, and you'll please to
receive it with all the honors.
Here's to Captain and Mrs. John
Best, and long life to them. Kiss
her, Jack, you rogue; for faith,
you've got a treasure.
RODERICK
(spring up)
His already?!
HARRY
Hold your tongue, you fool -- hold
your tongue!
RODERICK
(shouting)
He has already been slapped in the
face this morning, Captain John
Best; he's already been called a
coward, Captain John Best; and this
is the way I'll drink his health.
Here's your health, Captain John
Best.
Roderick flings a glass of claret into his face. The next
moment, he is under the table, tripped up by Harry, who
hits him a violent cuff on the head; as he goes down, he
hardly has time to hear the general screaming and
scurrying that is taking place above him, being so fully
occupied with kicks, and thumps and curses, with which
Harry is belaboring him.
HARRY
You fool! You great blundering
marplot -- you silly beggarly
brat --
(a thump at each)
Hold your tongue!
When Roderick gets up from under the table, the ladies are
all gone; but he has the satisfaction of seeing the
captain's nose is bleeding, as his is -- Best is cut
across the bridge, and his beauty spoiled forever.
UNCLE
In Heaven's name, what does all the
row mean? Is the boy in fever
again?
HARRY
(turning to his
father)
The fact is, sir, that the young
monkey has fallen in love with
Dorothy, and finding her and the
captain mighty sweet in the garden
today, he was for murdering Jack
Best.
CAPTAIN BEST
(bristling up)
And, I'll tell you what, Mr. Dugan,
I've been insulted grossly in this
house. I ain't at all satisfied
with these here ways of going on.
I'm an Englishman, I am, and a man
of property; and I -- I --
HARRY
If you're insulted, and not
satisfied, remember there's two of
us, Best.
On which, the captain falls to washing his nose in water,
and answering never a word.
RODERICK
(in dignified tone)
Mr. Best may also have satisfaction
any time he pleases, by calling on
Roderick James, Esquire, of
Jamesville.
His uncle bursts out laughing, and in this laugh, Captain
Grogan joins.
RODERICK
Captain Grogan, I beg you to
understand that, for my cousin
Harry, who has been my best friend
through life, I could put up with
rough treatment from him; yet, even
that sort of treatment I will bear
from him no longer; and any other
person who ventures on the like will
not like the cost. Mr. Best knows
that fact very well; and, if he's
man, he'll know where to find me.
UNCLE
It is getting late, and your mother
will be anxious about you. One of
you had better go home with him.
(turning to his sons)
Or the lad may be playing more
pranks.
HARRY
Both of us ride home with Best here.
CAPTAIN BEST
I'm not afraid of highwaymen. My
man is armed, and so am I.
HARRY
You know the use of arms very well,
Best, and no one can doubt your
courage; but Michael and I will see
you home for all that.
UNCLE
Why, you'll not be home till
morning, boys. Kilwangan's a good
ten miles from here.
HARRY
We'll sleep in Best's quarters.
We're going to stop a week there.
And, in another week, my boy.
And here, Harry whispers something in the Captain's ear.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I'll go home with the boy.
EXT. ROAD - LATE DAY
Grogan walks with Roderick.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
A pretty day's work of it you have
made, Master Roderick. Knowing your
uncle to be distressed for money,
and try and break off a match which
will bring fifteen hundred a-year
into the family? Best has promised
to pay off the four thousand pounds
which is bothering your uncle so.
He takes a girl without a penny -- a
girl that has been flinging herself
at the head of every man in these
parts these ten years past, and
missing them all, and a boy who
ought to be attached to your uncle
as to your father.
RODERICK
And so I am.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
And this is the return you make for
his kindness! Didn't he harbor you
in his house when your father died,
and hasn't he given you and your
mother, rent-free, your fine house
of Jamesville yonder?
RODERICK
Mark this, come what will of it, I
swear I will fight the man who
pretends to the hand of Dorothy
Dugan. I'll follow him if it's into
the church, and meet him there.
I'll have his blood, or he shall
have mine. Will you take my message
to him, and arrange the meeting?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Well, if it must be, it must. For a
young fellow, you are the most
bloodthirsty I ever saw. No
officer, bearing His Majesty's
commission, can receive a glass of
wine on his nose, without resenting
it -- fight you must, and Best is a
huge, strong fellow.
RODERICK
He'll give the better mark. I am
not afraid of him.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
In faith, I believe you are not; for
a lad I never saw more game in my
life. Give me a kiss, my dear boy.
You're after my own soul. As long
as Jack Grogan lives, you shall
never want a friend or a second.
They embrace.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Poor fellow! He was shot six months
afterwards, at Minden, and I lost
thereby a kind friend. But we don't
know what is in store for us, and
that's a blessing.
EXT. HOUSE - LATE DAY
Mother greeting Roderick and Captain Grogan.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In spite of my precautions to
secrecy, I half-suspected that my
mother knew all from the manner in
which she embraced me on my arrival,
and received our guest, Captain
Grogan.
His mother looks a little anxious and flushed and, every
now and then, gazes very hard into the Captain's face.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But she would not say a word about
the quarrel, for she had a noble
spirit, and would as lief have seen
any one of her kindred hanged as
shirking from the field of honor.
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - RODERICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick waking up.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I never slept sounder in my life,
though I woke a little earlier than
usual, and you may be sure my first
thought was of the event of the day,
for which I was fully prepared.
Roderick at table with paper and ink.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And now I sat down and wrote a
couple of letters; they might be the
last, thought I, that I should ever
write in my life.
See him write: "Dearest Mother."
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
Then I went down to breakfast, where
my mother was waiting for me, you
may be sure. We did not say a
single word about what was taking
place.
Roderick eats his breakfast with a good appetite; but in
helping himself to salt, spills it, on which his mother
starts up with a scream.
MOTHER
Thank God, it's fallen towards me!
And then, her heart being too full, she leaves the room.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Ah! They have their faults, those
mothers; but are there any other
women like them?
There is an elegant, silver-mounted sword that hangs on
the mantelpiece under the picture of Roderick's late
father.
A pair of pistols hang on each side of the picture.
Roderick takes down the sword and pistols, which are
bright and well-oiled, and collects flints, balls and
gunpowder.
EXT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
Captain Grogan and Orderly arrive.
RODERICK
Have you taken my message to him?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
The meeting is arranged. Captain
Best is waiting for you now.
RODERICK
My mare is saddled and ready; who's
the captain's second?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Your cousins go out with him.
Roderick and Grogan, and the Orderly ride off.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I didn't take leave of Mrs. James.
The curtains of her bedroom-windows
were down, and they didn't move as
we mounted and trotted off.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
They ride their horses at a leisurely pace.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
That's a very handsome sword you
have there.
RODERICK
It was with this sword that my late
father, Harry James, God rest his
soul, met Sir Huddelstone
Fuddelstone, the Hampshire baronet,
and was fatally run through the
neck. He was quite in the wrong,
having insulted Lady Fuddelstone,
when in liquor, at the Brentford
Assembly. But, like a gentleman, he
scorned to apologize.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
And now you risk the same fate. If
you are killed, your mother is all
alone in the world.
RODERICK
I am Harry James' son, and will act
as becomes my name and quality.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY
Harry, Michael and the Captain are already there. Best,
flaming in red regimentals, a big a monster as ever led a
grenadier company. The party are laughing together.
RODERICK
(to Captain Grogan)
I hope to spoil this sport, and
trust to see this sword of mine in
that big bully's body.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Oh, it's with pistols we fight. You
are no match for Best with the
sword.
RODERICK
I'll match any man with the sword.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
But swords are today impossible;
Captain Best is -- is lame. He
knocked his knee against the
swinging park gate last night, as he
was riding home, and can scarce move
it now.
RODERICK
Not against Castle Dugan gate, that
has been off the hinges these ten
years.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
It must have been some other gate.
They alight from their horses, and join and salute the
other gentlemen.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I have just explained to Mister
James that Captain Best is lame, and
that swords are impossible.
HARRY
Oh, yes! Dead lame.
Harry comes up to shake Roderick by the hand, while
Captain Best takes off his hat, and turns extremely red.
HARRY
And very lucky for you, Roderick, my
boy. You were a dead man else, for
he is a devil of a fellow -- isn't
he, Grogan?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
A regular Turk. I never yet knew
the man who stood to Captain Best.
HARRY
Hang the business. I hate it. I'm
ashamed of it. Say you're sorry,
Roderick. You can easily say that.
CAPTAIN BEST
If the young feller will go to
Dublin, as proposed...
RODERICK
I'm not sorry -- I'll not apologize
-- and I'll as soon go to Dublin as
to hell!
Grogan takes him aside.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Look here, Roderick, my boy; this is
silly business. The girl will marry
Best, mark my words; and as sure as
she does, you'll forget her. You
are but a boy. Best is willing to
consider you as such. Dublin's a
fine place, and if you have a mind
to take a ride thither and see the
town for a month, here are twenty
guineas at your service. Make Best
an apology, and be off.
RODERICK
A man of honor dies, but never
apologizes. I'll see the captain
hanged before I apologize.
HARRY
(with a laugh to
Grogan)
There's nothing else for it. Take
your ground, Grogan -- twelve paces,
I suppose?
CAPTAIN BEST
(in a big voice)
Ten, sir, and make them short ones,
do you hear, Captain Grogan?
HARRY
Don't bully, Mr. Best. Here are the
pistols.
(with some emotion
to Roderick)
God bless you, my boy; and when I
count three, fire.
RODERICK
This is not one of my pistols.
HARRY
They are all right, never fear.
It's one of mine. Yours will serve,
if they are needed, for the next
round.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Roderick, fire at his neck -- hit
him there under the gorget; see how
the fool shows himself open.
Michael, who has not spoken a word, Harry, and the Captain
retire to one side, and Harry gives the signal.
It is slowly given, and Roderick has the leisure to cover
his man well.
Captain Best changes color and trembles as the numbers are
given.
At "three" both pistols go off. Best gives a most
horrible groan, staggers backwards and falls.
THE SECONDS
(crying out)
He's down! He's down!
Running towards him, Harry lifts him up -- Michael takes
his head.
MICHAEL
He's hit here, in the neck.
Laying open his coat, blood is seen gurgling from under
his gorget.
HARRY
How is it with you?
The unfortunate man does not answer, but when the support
of Harry's arm is withdrawn from his back, groans once
more and falls backwards.
MICHAEL
(with a scowl)
The young fellow has begun well.
You had better ride off, young sir,
before the police are up. They had
wind of the business before we left
Kilwangan.
RODERICK
Is he quite dead?
MICHAEL
Quite dead.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
Then the world's rid of a coward.
It's all over with him, Roddy -- he
doesn't stir.
He gives the huge prostrate body a scornful kick with his
foot.
HARRY
We are not cowards, Grogan, whatever
he was! Let's get the boy off as
quick as we may. Your man shall go
for a cart, and take away the body
of this unhappy gentleman. This has
been a sad day's work for our
family, Roderick James, and you have
robbed us of fifteen-hundred a-year.
RODERICK
It was Dorothy did it.
Roderick takes the ribbons she gave him out of his
waistcoat, and the letter, and flings them down on the
body of Captain Best.
RODERICK
There! Take her those ribbons.
She'll know what they mean; that's
all that's left of her of two lovers
she had and ruined.
MICHAEL
And now, in Heaven's name, get the
youngster out of the way.
HARRY
I'll go with you.
They mount up and gallop off.
EXT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
Upon seeing Roderick and Harry ride up, his mother, who
has been waiting outside, rushes to her son with wild
screams of joy. He dismounts, and she kisses and embraces
him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I need not tell you how great was my
mother's pride and exultation when
she heard from Harry's lips the
account of my behavior at the duel.
INT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - PARLOR - DAY
Still much excitement and hustle and bustle.
HARRY
The boy must go into hiding, for a
short time anyway. Dublin is the
best place for him to go, and there
wait until matters are blown over.
MOTHER
Dublin? But the poor lad has never
been away from home. He will be as
safe here as in Dublin.
HARRY
I wish that were true, Auntie dear,
but I'm afraid the bailiffs may
already be on their way from
Kilwangan.
INT. RODERICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
His mother is rushing about and packing a valise. Harry
sits on the bed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Harry persisted in the necessity of
instant departure, in which
argument, as I was anxious to see
the world, I must confess, I sided
with him; and my mother was brought
to see that, in our small house, in
the midst of a village, escape would
be impossible, and capture would be
impossible to avoid.
INT. MOTHER'S BEDROOM - DAY
His mother takes out a stocking from her escritoire, and
gives Roderick twenty golden guineas.
MOTHER
(gravely)
Roderick, my darling, my wild boy, I
have forebodings that our separation
is to be a long one. I spent most
of all night consulting the cards
regarding your fate in the duel, and
all signs betoke a separation. Here
is twenty guineas -- all that I have
in the world -- and I want you to
keep your father's sword and
pistols, which you have known to use
so like a man.
EXT. MOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
Roderick's departure.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She hurried my departure now, though
her heart, I know, was full, and
almost in half-an-hour from my
arrival at home, I was once more on
the road again, with the wide world,
as it were, before me.
Roderick waves. His mother cries.
EXT. HIGH ROAD TO DUBLIN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
No lad of seventeen is very sad who
has liberty for the first time, and
twenty guineas in his pocket; and I
rode away, thinking, I confess, not
so much of the kind of mother left
alone, and of the home behind me, as
of tomorrow, and all the wonders it
would bring.
Roderick happily riding down the road.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had no doubts of the future;
thinking that a man of my person,
parts, and courage, could make his
way anywhere. So I rode on, singing
to myself, or chatting with the
passersby; and all the girls along
the road said, "God save me, for a
clever gentleman."
Farm girls in the fields flirting with him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
As for thoughts of Dorothy Dugan,
there seemed to be a gap of a half-
a-score of years.
EXT. ROAD TO DUBLIN - DAY
A well-armed gentleman dressed in green, and a gold cord,
with a patch on his eye, and riding a powerful mare, puts
his horse alongside.
ARMED GENTLEMAN
Good day to you, young sir.
RODERICK
Good morning.
ARMED GENTLEMAN
Where are you bound for?
RODERICK
(after a long look at
his companion)
That is none of your business.
ARMED GENTLEMAN
Is your mother not afraid on account
of the highwayman to let one so
young as you travel?
RODERICK
(pulling out a
pistol)
Not at all, sir. I have a pair of
good pistols that have already done
execution, and are ready to do it
again.
At this, a pock-marked man coming up, the well-armed
gentleman spurs into his bay mare, and leaves Roderick.
EXT. ROAD TO DUBLIN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
A little later on, as I rode towards
Kilcullen, I saw a crowd of peasant
people assembled round a one-horse
chair, and my friend in green, as I
thought, making off half-a-mile up
the hill.
A footman howls, at the top of his voice.
FOOTMAN
Stop thief!
But the country fellows only laugh at his distress, and
make all sorts of jokes at the adventure which had just
befallen.
COUNTRY FELLOW #1
Sure, you might have kept him off
with your blunderbush!
COUNTRY FELLOW #2
O the coward! To let the Captain
bate you, and he only one eye!
COUNTRY FELLOW #3
The next time my lady travels, she'd
better leave you at home!
RODERICK
What is this noise, fellows?
Roderick rides up amongst them, and seeing the lady in the
carriage, very pale and frightened, gives a slash of his
whip, and bids the red-shanked ruffians keep off.
Pulling off his hat, and bringing his mare up in a prance
to the chair-window.
RODERICK
What has happened, madam, to annoy
your ladyship?
MRS. O'REILLY
Oh, I am grateful to you, sir. I am
the wife of Captain O'Reilly
hastening to join him at Dublin. My
chair was stopped by a highwayman;
this great oaf of a servant-man fell
down on his knees, armed as he was,
and though there were thirty people
in the next field, working, when the
ruffian attacked, not one of them
would help but, on the contrary,
wished him "good luck."
COUNTRY FELLOW #1
Sure, he's the friend of the poor,
and good luck to him.
COUNTRY FELLOW #2
Was it any business of ours?
RODERICK
(shouting)
Be off to your work, you pack of
rascals, or you will have a good
taste of my thong.
(to Mrs. O'Reilly)
Have you lost much?
MRS. O'REILLY
Everything -- my purse, containing
upwards of a hundred guineas, my
jewels, my snuff-boxes, watches.
And all because this blundering
coward fell to his knees...
FOOTMAN
Be fair, ma'am, them wasn't so much.
Didn't he return you the thirteen
pence in copper, and the watch,
saying it was only pinchbeck?
MRS. O'REILLY
Don't be insolent, or I'll report
you to the Captain.
FOOTMAN
Sorry, ma'am.
He shuffles a few steps away and frowns in the direction
that the Captain has vanished.
MRS. O'REILLY
That fool didn't know what was the
meaning of a hundred-pound bill,
which was in the pocket-book that
the fellow took from me.
RODERICK
I am riding to Dublin myself, and if
your ladyship will allow me the
honor of riding with you, I shall do
my best to protect you from further
mishap.
MRS. O'REILLY
But I shouldn't like to put you to
such trouble, Mister...?
RODERICK
O'Higgins... Mohawk O'Higgins.
EXT. ROADSIDE INN - DAY
They stop at the inn.
RODERICK
(very gallantly)
As you have been robbed of your
purse, may I have permission to lend
your ladyship a couple of pieces to
pay any expenses which you might
incur before reaching your home?
MRS. O'REILLY
(smiling)
That's very kind of you, Mr.
O'Higgins.
He gives her two gold pieces.
INT. INN - DAY
Roderick and Mrs. O'Reilly finishing their meal.
We will hear dialogue underneath Roderick's voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
How different was her lively rattle
to the vulgar wenches at Kilwangan
assemblies. In every sentence, she
mentioned a lord or a person of
quality. To the lady's question
about my birth and parentage, I
replied that I was a young gentleman
of large fortune, that I was going
to Dublin for my studies, and that
my mother allowed me five hundred
per annum.
MRS. O'REILLY
You must be very cautious with
regard to the company you should
meet in Dublin, where rogues and
adventurers of all countries abound.
I hope you will do me the honor of
accepting lodgings in my own house,
where Captain O'Reilly will welcome
with delight, my gallant young
preserver.
Paying the bill.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Perhaps had I been a little older in
the world's experience, I should
have begun to see that Madame
O'Reilly was not the person of
fashion she pretended to be; but, as
it was, I took all her stories for
truth, and, when the landlord
brought the bill for dinner, paid it
with the air of a lord. Indeed, she
made no motion to produce the two
pieces I had lent her.
EXT. DUBLIN - STREET - NIGHT
They ride by.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And so we rode on slowly towards
Dublin, into which city we made our
entrance at nightfall. The rattle
and splendor of the coaches, the
flare of the linkboys, the number
and magnificence of the houses,
struck me with the greatest wonder;
though I was careful to disguise
this feeling.
EXT. O'REILLY HOUSE - DUBLIN - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
We stopped at length at a house of
rather mean appearance, and were let
into a passage which had a great
smell of supper and punch.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Captain O'Reilly, a stout red-faced man, without a
periwig, and in a rather tattered nightgown and cap.
Roderick and Mrs. O'Reilly.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Mr. O'Higgins, I cannot say how
grateful I am for your timely
assistance to my wife.
RODERICK
I am only sorry that I was unable to
prevent the villain from carrying
off all her ladyship's money and
pearls.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Mr. O'Higgins, we are in your debt,
and rest assured, sir, you have
friends in this house whenever you
are in Dublin.
(pours a glass)
Mister O'Higgins, I wonder if I know
your good father?
RODERICK
Which O'Higgins do you know? For I
have never heard your name mentioned
in my family.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Oh, I am thinking of the O'Higgins
of Redmondstown. General O'Higgins
was a close friend of my wife's dear
father, Colonel Granby Somerset.
RODERICK
Ah -- I see. No, I'm afraid mine
are the O'Higgins of Watertown.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
I have heard of them.
There are relics of some mutton-chops and onions on a
cracked dish before them.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
My love, I wish I had known of your
coming, for Bob Moriaty and I just
finished the most delicious venison
pasty, which His Grace the Lord
Lieutenant, sent us, with a flash of
sillery from his own cellar. You
know the wine, my dear? But as
bygones are bygones, and no help for
them, what say ye to a fine lobster
and a bottle of as good claret as
any in Ireland? Betty, clear these
things from the table, and make the
mistress and our young friend
welcome to our home.
Captain O'Reilly searches his pockets for some money to
give to Betty.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
I'm sorry, Mr. O'Higgins, but I
don't seem to have any small change.
May I borrow a ten-penny piece to
give to the girl?
MRS. O'REILLY
I have some money, my dear. Here,
Betty, go to the fishmonger and
bring back our supper, and mind you
get the right change.
She takes out one of the golden guineas Roderick gave to
her.
INT. DINNING ROOM - LATER
They are eating.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our supper was seasoned, if not by
any great elegance, at least by a
plentiful store of anecdotes,
concerning the highest personages of
the city, with whom, according to
himself, the captain lived on terms
of the utmost intimacy. Not to be
behind hand with him, I spoke of my
own estates and property as if I was
as rich as a duke.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
The couple wishing Roderick goodnight.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Had I been an English lad, the
appearance of the chamber I occupied
might, indeed, have aroused
instantly my suspicion and distrust.
But we are not particular in Ireland
on the score of neatness, hence the
disorder of my bed-chamber did not
strike me so much.
Broken door.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Was there a lock to the door, or a
hasp to fasten it to?
Dress lying over bed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Though my counterpane was evidently
a greased brocade dress of Mrs.
O'Reilly.
Cracked mirror.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And my cracked toilet-glass not much
bigger than a half-crown, yet I was
used to these sort of ways in Irish
houses, and still thought myself to
be in that of a man of fashion.
Drawers, full of junk.
RODERICK (V.O.)
There was no lock to the drawers,
which, when they did open, were full
of my hostess' rouge-pots, shoes,
stays, and rags.
INT. BEDROOM - O'REILLY HOUSE - NIGHT
In the middle of the night, Mrs. O'Reilly comes to
Roderick's room on a flimsy pretext, and in the course of
events, he has his first woman.
INT. COACH - DAY
Roderick, Captain and Mrs. O'Reilly.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
I needn't ask whether you had a
comfortable bed. Young Fred
Pimpleton slept in it for seven
months, during which he did me the
honor to stay with me, and if he was
satisfied, I don't know who else
wouldn't be.
EXT. PROMENADE - PHOENIX PARK - DAY
Roderick, Captain and Mrs. O'Reilly, their friends.
Various cuts.
RODERICK (V.O.)
After breakfast, we drove out to
Phoenix Park, where numbers of the
young gentry were known to Mrs.
O'Reilly, to all of whom she
presented me in such a complimentary
way that, before half an hour, I had
got to be considered as a gentleman
of great expectations and large
property.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - NIGHT
RODERICK (V.O.)
I had little notion then that I had
got amongst a set of impostors --
that Captain O'Reilly was only an
adventurer, and his lady a person of
no credit. The fact was, a young
man could hardly have fallen into
worse hands than those in which I
now found myself.
An evening of gambling.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Their friends were always welcome on
payment of a certain moderate sum
for their dinner after which, you
may be sure, that cards were not
wanting, and that the company who
played did not play for love merely.
Various cuts of the characters present.
RODERICK (V.O.)
What could happen to a man but
misfortune from associating with
such company? And in a very, very
short time I became their prey.
Roderick loses two hundred guineas to Captain O'Reilly in
a single hand.
We see Captain O'Reilly cheat, but Roderick does not.
He pays him the 18 gold guineas, remaining from the sum
his mother gave him.
RODERICK
I shall have to write out a note for
the rest of it, Captain O'Reilly.
EXT. STREET - OUTSIDE O'REILLY HOUSE - DAWN
Roderick exits to the street. The sound of the gambling
can still be heard in the street. He is soon joined by
Councillor Mulligan.
COUNCILLOR MULLIGAN
Master Roderick, you appear a young
fellow of birth and fortune; let me
whisper in your ear that you have
fallen into very bad hands -- it's a
regular gang of swindlers; and a
gentleman of your rank and quality
should never be seen in such
company. The captain has been a
gentleman's gentleman, and his lady
of no higher rank. Go home, pack
your valise, pay the little trifle
you owe me, mount your mare, and
ride back again to your parents --
it's the very best thing you can do.
Roderick does not reply, and walks slowly away from him
down the street.
INT. O'REILLY HOUSE - RODERICK'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Roderick enters.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Into a pretty nest of villains,
indeed, was I plunged! When I
returned to my bed-chamber, a few
hours later, it seemed as if all my
misfortunes were to break on me at
once.
Valise open, wardrobe lying on the ground, and Roderick's
keys in the possession of O'Reilly and his wife.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Whom have I been harboring in my
house? Who are you, sirrah?
RODERICK
Sirrah! Sirrah, I am as good a
gentleman as any in Ireland!
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
You're an impostor, young man, a
schemer, a deceiver!
RODERICK
Repeat the words again, and I run
you through the body.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Tut, tut! I can play at fencing as
well as you, Mr. Roderick James.
Ah! You change color, do you? Your
secret is known, is it? You come
like a viper into the bosom of
innocent families; you represent
yourself as the heir to my friends
the O'Higgins of Castle O'Higgins; I
introduce you to the nobility and
gentry of this methropolis; I take
you to my tradesmen, who give you
credit. I accept your note for near
two hundred pounds, and what do I
find? A fraud.
He holds up the name, Roderick James, printed on the
linen.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
Not Master O'Higgins of Watertown,
but Roderick James of the devil only
knows where...
Captain O'Reilly gathers up the linen clothes, silver
toilet articles, and the rest of Roderick's gear.
RODERICK
Hark ye, Mr. O'Reilly, I will tell
you why I was obliged to alter my
name, which is James and the best
name in Ireland. I changed it, sir,
because, on the day before I came to
Dublin, I killed a man in deadly
combat -- an Englishman, sir, and a
Captain in His Majesty's service;
and if you offer to let or hinder me
in the slightest way, the same arm
which destroyed him is ready to
punish you.
So saying, Roderick draws his sword like lightning, and
giving a "ha, ha!" and a stamp with his foot, lunges it
within an inch of O'Reilly's heart, who starts back and
turns deadly pale, while his wife, with a scream, flings
herself between them.
MRS. O'REILLY
Dearest Roderick -- be pacified.
O'Reilly, you don't want the poor
child's blood. Let him escape -- in
Heaven's name, let him go.
CAPTAIN O'REILLY
(sulkily)
He may go hang for me, and he's
better be off quickly, for I shall
go to the magistrate if I see him
again.
O'Reilly exits. His wife sits down on the bed and begins
to cry.
EXT. DUBLIN STREET - DAY
Roderick riding down the street, with his valise.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Where was now a home for the
descendant of the James? I was
expelled from Dublin by a
persecution occasioned, I must
confess, by my own imprudence. I
had no time to wait and choose. No
place of refuge to fly to.
INT. ALE HOUSE - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
There was a score of recruiting
parties in the town beating up for
men to join our gallant armies in
America and Germany.
Roderick approaches a Captain and a Sergeant, who quickly
make him welcome.
RODERICK
I will tell you frankly, sir. I am
a young gentleman in difficulties; I
have killed an officer in a duel,
and I am anxious to get out of the
country.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But I needn't have troubled myself
with any explanations; King George
was in too much want of men to heed
from whence they came -- and a
fellow of my inches was always
welcome. Indeed, I could not have
chosen my time better. A transport
was lying at Dunleary, waiting for a
wind.
EXT. BRITISH WARSHIP AT SEA - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
I never had a taste for any thing
but genteel company, and hate all
descriptions of low life. Hence my
account of the society in which I at
present found myself must of
necessity be short. The
reminiscences of the horrid black-
hole of a place in which we soldiers
were confined, of the wretched
creatures with whom I was now forced
to keep company, of the plowmen,
poachers, pickpockets, who had taken
refuge from poverty, or the law, as,
in truth, I had done myself, is
enough to make me ashamed even now.
Roderick sits very disconsolately over a platter of rancid
bacon and moldy biscuit, which is served to him at mess.
When it comes to his turn to be helped to drink, he is
served, like the rest, with dirty tin noggin, containing
somewhat more than half a pint of rum and water. The
beaker is so greasy and filthy that he cannot help turning
round to the messman and saying:
RODERICK
Fellow, get me a glass!
At which, all the wretches round him burst into a roar of
laughter, the very loudest among them being Mr. Toole, a
red-haired monster of a man.
MR. TOOLE
Get the gentleman a towel for his
hands, and serve him a basin of
turtle-soup.
Roars the monster, who is sitting, or rather squatting, on
the deck opposite him, and as he speaks, he suddenly
seizes Roderick's beaker of grog and empties it in midst
of another burst of applause.
LINK-BOY
(whispers)
If you want to vex him, ask him
about his wife, the washerwoman, who
bates him.
RODERICK
Is it a towel of your wife's
washing, Mr. Toole? I'm told she
wiped your face often with one.
LINK-BOY
(whispers)
Ask him why he wouldn't see her
yesterday, when she came to the
ship.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And so I put to him some other
foolish jokes about soapsuds, hen-
pecking, and flat-irons, which set
the man into a fury, and succeeded
in raising a quarrel between us.
Roderick and Toole fight with cudgels. Roderick gives him
a thump across his head which lays him lifeless on the
floor.
RODERICK (V.O.)
This victory over the cock of the
vile dunghill obtained me respect
among the wretches among whom I
formed part.
EXT. MILITARY DRILL FIELD - CUXHAVEN - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our passage was very favorable, and
in two days we landed at Cuxhaven,
and before I had been a month in the
Electorate, I was transported into a
tall and proper young soldier, and,
having a natural aptitude for
military exercise, was soon as
accomplished at the drill as the
oldest sergeant in the regiment.
Various cuts.
Roderick learning the soldierly arts, musket drill, manual
of arms, bayonet, marching.
EXT. MILITARY COURTYARD - CUXHAVEN - DAY
The Cuxhaven troops are drawn up to receive a new
regiment, arrived from England.
Roderick sees, marching at the head of his company, his
old friend, Captain Grogan, who gives him a wink.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Six weeks after we arrived in
Cuxhaven, we were reinforced by
Gales regiment of foot from England,
and I promise you the sight of
Grogan's face was most welcome to
me, for it assured me that a friend
was near me.
INT. GROGAN'S QUARTERS - DAY
Roderick and Grogan.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Grogan gave me a wink of
recognition, but offered no public
token of acquaintance and it was not
until two days afterwards that he
called me into his quarters, and
then, shaking hands with me
cordially, gave me news which I
wanted, of my family.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I had news of you in Dublin. Faith,
you've begun early, like your
father's son, but I think you could
not do better than as you have done.
But why did you not write home to
your poor mother? She has sent
half-a-dozen letters to you in
Dublin.
RODERICK
I suppose she addressed them to me
in my real name, by which I never
thought to ask for them at the post
office.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
We must write to her today, and you
can tell her that you are safe and
married to "Brown Bess."
Roderick sighs when Grogan says the word "married," on
which Grogan says with a laugh:
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I see you are thinking of a certain
young lady at Duganstown.
RODERICK
Is Miss Dugan well?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
There's only six Miss Dugans now...
poor Dorothy.
RODERICK
Good heavens! Whatever? Has she
died of grief?
CAPTAIN GROGAN
She took on so at your going away
that she was obliged to console
herself with a husband. She is now
Mrs. John Best.
RODERICK
Mrs. John Best! Was there another
Mr. John Best?!
CAPTAIN GROGAN
No, the very same one, my boy. He
recovered from his wound. The ball
you hit him with was not likely to
hurt him. It was only made of tow.
Do you think the Dugans would let
you kill fifteen hundred a-year out
of the family? The plan of the duel
was all arranged in order to get you
out of the way, for the cowardly
Englishman could never be brought to
marry from fear of you. But hit him
you certainly did, Roderick, and
with a fine thick plugget of tow,
and the fellow was so frightened
that he was an hour in coming to.
We told your mother the story
afterwards, and a pretty scene she
made.
RODERICK
The coward!
CAPTAIN GROGAN
He has paid off your uncle's
mortgage. He gave Dorothy a coach-
and-six. That coward of a fellow
has been making of your uncle's
family. Faith, the business was
well done. Your cousins, Michael
and Harry, never let him out of
their sight, though he was for
deserting to England, until the
marriage was completed, and the
happy couple off on their road to
Dublin. Are you in want of cash, my
boy? You may draw upon me, for I got
a couple of hundred out of Master
Best for my share and, while they
last, you shall never want.
EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - BRITISH ON THE MARCH - DAY
Roderick on the march.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Our regiment, which was quartered
about Stade and Luneberg, speedily
had got orders to march southwards
towards the Rhine, where we would
fight the famous battle of Minden.
It would require a greater
philosopher and historian than I am
to explain the causes of the famous
Seven Years' War in which Europe was
engaged, and, indeed, its origin has
always appeared to me to be so
complicated, and the books written
about it so amazingly hard to
understand, that I have seldom been
much wiser at the end of a chapter
than at the beginning, and so shall
not trouble you with any personal
disquisitions concerning the matter.
Various cuts featuring Roderick; marching, cooking at open
fires, gambling, resting in a farm yard, officers riding
by; shivering in his blanket.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD OF MINDEN - BATTLE FRAGMENT - DAY
Roderick and his company.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Were these memoirs not characterized
by truth, I might easily make myself
the hero of some strange and popular
adventures.
EXT. MINDEN - BATTLE FRAGMENTS - DAY
Officers ride by in smoke. Troops marching to the attack.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But I saw no one of the higher ranks
that day than my colonel and a
couple of orderly officers riding by
in the smoke -- no one on our side,
that is. A poor corporal is not
generally invited into the company
of commanders and the great.
Roderick advancing.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But, in revenge, I saw, I promise
you, some very good company on the
French part, for their regiments of
Lorraine and Royal Cravate were
charging us all day; and in the sort
of melee high and low are pretty
equally received. I hate bragging,
but I cannot help saying that I made
a very close acquaintance with the
colonel of the Cravates.
Roderick firing his musket. He bayonets a French colonel,
amidst shouts and curses.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And finished off a poor little
ensign, so young, slender, and
small, that a blow from my pigtail
would have dispatched him.
Roderick kills a French ensign with a blows from the butt
of his musket.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And in the poor ensign's pocket
found a purse of fourteen louis
d'or, and a silver box of sugar-
plums, of which the former present
was very agreeable to me.
Roderick taking money and the box of sugar-plums from the
ensign.
RODERICK (V.O.)
If people would tell their stories
of battles in this simple way, I
think the cause of truth would not
suffer by it. All I know of this
famous fight of Minden, except from
books, is told here above.
Captain Grogan is shot, cries out, and falls.
A brother captain turns to Lieutenant Lakenham.
CAPTAIN
Grogan's down; Lakenham, there's
your company.
RODERICK (V.O.)
That was all the epitaph my brave
patron got.
Roderick kneels above Grogan.
CAPTAIN GROGAN
I should have left you a hundred
guineas, Roderick, but for a cursed
run of ill-luck last night at faro.
He gives Roderick a faint squeeze of the hand; and, as the
word is given to advance, Roderick leaves him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
When we came back to our ground,
which we presently did, he was lying
still, but he was dead. Some of our
people had already torn off his
epaulets, and, no doubt, had rifled
his purse.
EXT. VARIOUS ROUGH RURAL LOCATIONS - DAY
Short cuts to voice over.
Roderick and British troops rape, pillage and burn.
RODERICK (V.O.)
After the death of my protector,
Captain Grogan, I am forced to
confess that I fell into the very
worst of courses and company. In a
foreign country, with the enemy
before us, and the people
continually under contribution from
one side or the other, numberless
irregularities were permitted to the
troops. It is well for gentlemen to
talk of the age of chivalry; but
remember the starving brutes whom
they lead -- men nursed in poverty,
entirely ignorant, made to take
pride in deeds of blood -- men who
can have no amusement but in
drunkenness, debauch, and plunder.
It is with these shocking
instruments that your great warriors
and kings have been doing their
murderous work in the world.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - WARBURG - BATTLE FRAGMENTS - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
The year in which George II died,
our regiment had the honor to be
present at the Battle of Warburg,
where Prince Ferdinand once more
completely defeated the Frenchmen.
Lieutenant Lakenham is shot, falls, and cries for help.
RODERICK (V.O.)
During the action, my lieutenant,
Mr. Lakenham, of Lakenham, was
struck by a musket-ball in the side.
He had shown no want of courage in
this or any other occasion where he
had been called upon to act against
the French; but this was his first
wound, and the young gentleman was
exceedingly frightened by it.
LAKENHAM
Here, you, Roderick James. I will
pay you five guineas if you will
carry me into the town which is hard
by those woods.
Roderick and another man take him up in a cloak, and carry
him towards the nearby town of Warburg.
EXT. A FARMHOUSE - GERMAN STREET - WARBURG - DAY
In order to get into the house, Roderick and the other man
are obliged to fire into the locks with their pieces,
which summons brings the inhabitants of the house to the
door; a very pretty and black-eyed, young woman, and her
old, half-blinded father.
They are at first unwilling to accommodate the guest, but
Mr. Lakenham, speaking to them in German, and taking a
couple of guineas out of a very full purse, speedily
convinces the people that they have only to deal with a
person of honor.
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
They carry Lieutenant Lakenham to bed and receive their
five guineas.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We put the patient to bed, and he
paid me the stipulated reward. A
young surgeon, who desired nothing
better than to take himself out of
the fire of the musketry, came
presently to dress the wound.
In his German jargon, Roderick pays some deserved
compliments to the black-eyed beauty of Warburg, thinking,
with no small envy, how comfortable it would be to be
billeted there.
EXT. STREET - WARBURG - OUTSIDE THE FARMHOUSE - DAY
He starts back to the regiment, with his comrade, when the
man interrupts his reverie by suggesting they divide the
five guineas.
PRIVATE
I should get half.
RODERICK
Your share is one guinea.
Roderick gives him one guinea.
PRIVATE
He gave you five guineas, and I
bloody well expect half.
RODERICK
Go to the devil.
The private lifting his musket, hits Roderick a blow with
the butt-end of it, which sends him stunned to the ground,
allowing his comrade to take the other four guineas from
his pocket.
Recovering his senses, Roderick bleeding, with a large
wound in the head, has barely time to stagger back to the
house where he had just left the lieutenant, when he
falls fainting at the door, just as the surgeon exits.
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick is carried by the surgeon and the black-eyed
girl, into another bed in the room where the Lieutenant
has been laid.
LAKENHAM
(languidly, in pain)
Who are you putting into that bed?
LISCHEN
We have the Corporal, wounded, to
you bringing.
LAKENHAM
A corporal? Turn him out. Schicken
sie Herrn Koporal weg!
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT AND DAY
Lischen brings Roderick a refreshing drink; and, as he
takes it, he presses the kind hand that gave it to him;
nor does this token of his gratitude seem unwelcome.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I found Lischen the tenderest of
nurses. Whenever any delicacy was
to be provided for the wounded
lieutenant, a share was always sent
to the bed opposite his, and to the
avaricious man's no small annoyance.
Lischen serving food.
Various cuts, representing different days.
Lakenham behaving as rottenly as Roderick describes:
RODERICK (V.O.)
Nor was I the only person in the
house to whom the worthy gentleman
was uncivil. He ordered the fair
Lischen hither and thither, made
impertinent love to her, abused her
soups, quarreled with her
omelettes, and grudged the money
which was laid out for his
maintenance, so that our hostess
detested him as much as, I think,
without vanity, as she regarded me.
Roderick making lover to Lischen while Lieutenant Lakenham
sulks in the next bed.
RODERICK (V.O.)
For if truth must be told, I had
made very deep love to her during my
stay under her roof, as is always my
way with women, of whatever age or
degree of beauty. Do not think me
very cruel and heartless, ladies;
this heart of Lischen's was like
many a town, which had been stormed
and occupied several times before I
came to invest it,
Roderick sitting up in bed. Lischen has just served him
his supper.
Enter a British officer, an aide who carries a notebook,
and a surgeon. In a brief scene to be written, we learn
that a sudden movement on the part of the French requires
the British army to follow them. The town is to be
evacuated, except for some Prussian line-of-communication
troops, whose surgeons are to visit the wounded in the
place; and, when they are well, they are to be drafted to
their regiments.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I began to reflect how pleasant my
quarters were to me, and that I was
much better here than crawling under
an odious tent with a parcel of
tipsy soldiers, or going the night-
rounds, or rising long before
daybreak for drill. I determined
that I never would join mine again.
EXT. VIEW OUT OF WARBURG FARMHOUSE WINDOW - DAY
Roderick stands by the window, watching English troops and
wagons leaving the town.
INT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Roderick walks into Lakenham's room attired in his full
regimentals, and with his hat cocked over his left eye.
RODERICK
I'm promoted Lieutenant. I've come
to take my leave of you. I intend
to have your papers and purse.
LAKENHAM
You great scoundrel! You mutinous
dog! What do you mean by dressing
yourself in my regimentals? As sure
as my name's Lakenham, when we get
back to the regiment, I'll have your
soul cut out of your body.
With this, Roderick puts his hand under his pillow, at
which Lakenham gives a scream that might have called the
whole garrison about his ears.
Roderick threatens him with a knife at his throat.
RODERICK
Hark ye, sir! No more noise, or you
are a dead man!
Roderick, taking his handkerchief, binds it tight round
his mouth, and, pulling forward the sleeves of his shirt,
ties them in a knot together, and so leaves him, removing
the papers and the purse, and wishing him politely a good
day.
EXT. WARBURG FARMHOUSE - STREET - DAY
Lischen, waiting outside the house, with a saddled horse,
throws her arms around him, and makes the tenderest adieu.
Roderick mounts his newly-purchased animal, waves his hat
gallantly, and, prances away down the street.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Roderick happily riding along a wooded country road,
rounds a blind bend and sees suddenly before him, about
two hundred yards away, a company of Prussian infantry
resting along the sides of the road, together with a dozen
mounted dragoons.
A quick calculation tells him that is is better to proceed
than to turn back, and he rides into their midst,
approaching a group of officers.
He presents himself as Lieutenant Lakenham and asks for
directions to join his regiment. He is told that he is
riding in the wrong direction, and is shown a map.
During the explanation, Captain Galgenstein approaches
with an open, smiling countenance, introduces himself, and
says he, too, is bound for the same place, and asks if
Roderick will honor him with his company.
To avoid suspicion, Roderick readily accepts the offer,
and the two men mount up, and ride off together.
EXT. ROAD - GERMANY - DAY
Roderick and Galgenstein riding together.
Dialogue under voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My companion treated me with great
civility, and asked me a thousand
questions about England, which I
answered as best I might. But this
best, I am bound to say, was bad
enough. I knew nothing about
England, and I invented a thousand
stories which I told him; described
the king and the ministers to him,
said the British ambassador in
Berlin was my uncle, and promised my
acquaintance a letter of
recommendation to him.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
What is your uncle's name?
RODERICK
(slowly)
O'Grady.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(with a laugh)
Oh, yes, of course, Ambassador
O'Grady...
EXT. DESOLATE GERMAN ROAD - DAY
Roderick and Captain Galgenstein. Their horses' heads
together, jogging on.
They pass a party of recruits under the armed guard of a
red-coated Hanoverian sergeant.
He exchanges signs of recognition with Captain
Galgenstein.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
It hurts my feelings to be obliged
to commune with such wretches, but
the stern necessities of war demand
men continually, and hence these
recruiters whom you see market in
human flesh. They get five-and-
twenty thaler a man from our
government for every man they bring
in. For fine men -- for men like
you.
(he adds laughing)
They would go as high as hundred.
EXT. DESOLATE GERMAN INN - LATE AFTERNOON
Roderick and Captain Galgenstein approach a very lonely-
looking place.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
This is a very good inn. Shall we
stop for dinner?
RODERICK
This may be a very good inn for
Germany, but it would not pass in
old Ireland. Corbach is only a
league off, let us push on for
Corbach.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Do you want to see the loveliest
woman in Europe?
Roderick smiles.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Ah! You sly rogue, I see that will
influence you.
RODERICK
The place seems more a farm than an
inn-yard.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
The people are great farmers, as
well as inn-keepers.
They enter by a great gate into a court, walled round, and
at on end of which is the building, a dingy ruinous place.
A couple of covered wagons are in the courtyard; their
horses are littered under a shed hard by.
Lounging about the place are some men, and a pair of
sergeants in the Prussian uniform, who both touch their
hats to the captain.
The inn has something foreboding about it, and the men
shut the great yard-gates as soon as they enter.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(explaining the gate)
Parties of French horsemen are about
the country, and one cannot take too
many precautions against such
villains.
The two sergeant take charge of the horses; the captain
orders one of them to take Roderick's valise to his
bedroom.
Roderick promises the sergeant a glass of schnapps for his
pains.
They enter into supper.
INT. GERMAN INN - LATE AFTERNOON
A dish of fried eggs and bacon is ordered from a hideous
old wench that comes to serve them, in place of the lovely
creature which had been expected; and the captain,
laughing, says:
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Well, our meal is a frugal one, but
a soldier has many a time a worse.
Taking off his hat, sword-belt, and gloves, with great
ceremony, Galgenstein sits down to eat. Roderick puts his
weapons securely on the old chest of drawers where the
captain's is laid.
The hideous old woman brings in a pot of very sour wine,
at which, and at her ugliness, Roderick feels a
considerable ill-humor.
RODERICK
(when she leaves)
Where's the beauty you promised me?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(laughing and looking
hard at Roderick)
It was my joke. I was tired, and
did not care to go farther. There's
not prettier woman here than that.
If she won't suit your fancy, my
friend, then you must wait awhile.
This increases Roderick's ill-humor.
RODERICK
(sternly)
Upon my word, sir, I think you have
acted very coolly.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
I have acted as I think fit.
RODERICK
Sir, I'm a British officer.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
It's a lie! You're a deserter!
You're an impostor, sir; Your lies
and folly have confirmed this to me.
You pretend to carry dispatches to a
general who has been dead these ten
months; you have an uncle who is an
ambassador and whose name you don't
know. Will you join and take the
bounty, sir, or will you be given
up?
RODERICK
Neither!
Springing at him like a tiger.
But, agile as he is, Galgenstein is equally on his guard.
He takes two pistols out of his pockets, fires one off,
and says, from the other end of the table where he stands
dodging Roderick, as it were.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Advance a step, and I send this
bullet into your brains!
The door is flung open, and the two sergeants enter, armed
with musket and bayonet to aid their captain.
The game is up. Roderick flings down a knife with which
he had armed himself, for the old hag, on bringing in the
wine, had removed his sword.
RODERICK
I volunteer.
EXT. A ROAD - DAY
Prussian troops on the march. Roderick is now one of
them.
Captain Galgenstein rides by.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At the close of the Seven Years' War,
the Prussian army, so renowned for
its disciplined valor, was
officered and under-officered by
native Prussians, it is true, but
was composed for the most part of
men hired or stolen, like myself,
from almost every nation in Europe.
The deserting to and fro was
prodigious.
EXT. A FIELD - DAY
Prussian punishment gauntlet.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The life the private soldier led was
a frightful one to any but the men
of iron courage and endurance. The
punishment was incessant.
EXT. VARIOUS RURAL LOCATIONS - DAY
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was not near so unhappy, in spite
of all, as I had been on my first
enlisting in Ireland. At least,
there will be no one of my
acquaintance who will witness my
shame, and that is the point which I
have always cared for most.
Rape, pillage and burn.
Brief thematic repeat of British army version.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I reasoned with myself thus: "Now
you are caught, there is no use in
repining -- make the best of your
situation, and get all the pleasure
you can out of it. There are a
thousand opportunities of plunder,
offered to the soldier in war time,
out of which he can get both
pleasure and profit; make use of
these, and be happy."
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - FRAGMENT
Prussians against Austrians, or French, or Saxons.
Roderick fighting.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I do not intend to make a history of
battles in the Prussian any more
than in the English service. I did
my duty in them as well as another,
and there was not a braver,
cleverer, handsomer, and, I must
own, wickeder soldier in the
Prussian army.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - ACTION - DAY
RODERICK
I had formed myself to the condition
of the proper fighting beast; on a
day of action, I was savage and
happy.
Roderick saves Captain Galgenstein's life.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Roderick is decorated by Colonel Bulow for his heroism in
saving Captain Galgenstein.
Colonel Bulow gives Roderick two Frederic d'or in front of
the regiment.
COLONEL BULOW
You are a gallant soldier, and have
evidently come of good stock; but
you are idle, dissolute, and
unprincipled; you have done a deal
of harm to the men; and, for all
your talents and bravery, I am sure
you will come to no good.
RODERICK
I hope Colonel Bulow is mistaken
regarding my character. I have
fallen into bad company, it is true;
but I have only done as other
soldiers have done; and, above all,
I have never had a kind friend and
protector before, to whom I might
show that I was worthy of better
things. The Colonel may say I am a
ruined lad, and send me to the
devil; but be sure of this, I would
go to the devil to serve the
regiment.
Captain Galgenstein looks pleased with Roderick's
performance.
BERLIN - 1763
RODERICK (V.O.)
Soon after the war ended, our
regiment was garrisoned in the
capital, the least dull, perhaps, of
all the towns of Prussia; but that
does not say much for its gaiety.
INT. ANTE-ROOM - CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN'S OFFICE - DAY
Roderick enters and approaches the Captain's sergeant.
RODERICK
Private Roderick James. First
Hanoverian Guards. Captain
Galgenstein sent for me.
PRUSSIAN SERGEANT
You may wait.
RODERICK
Thank you, sir.
Roderick stands stiffly. We can make out the sound of
loud talking behind the closed door.
Enter a private huffing and puffing.
PRIVATE
Sergeant, the wagon has arrived with
the Captain's furniture, but the
driver says he is not supposed to
unload it. Is it possible for you
to talk to him?
Exit the sergeant, muttering. Roderick, now alone in the
office, walks closer to the door so that he can hear what
is being said.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN (O.S.)
Give him his discharge! Bon Dieu!
You are a model of probity! You'll
never succeed to my place, my dear
nephew, if you are no wiser than you
are just now. Make the fellow as
useful to you as you please. You
say he has a good manner and a frank
countenance, that he can lie with
assurance, and fight, you say, on a
pinch. The scoundrel does not want
for good qualities. As long as you
have the regiment in terrorem over
him, you can do as you like with
him. Once let him loose, and the lad
is likely to give you the slip.
Keep on promising him; promise to
make him a general, if you like.
What the deuce do I care? There are
spies enough to be had in this town
without him.
Roderick hears the sergeant returning and walks back to
the door.
Then the office door opens, Captain Galgenstein looks out,
sees Roderick, smiles and say:
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Good morning, Private James. Please
come in. I should like you to meet
my uncle, Herr Minister of Police
Galgenstein.
RODERICK
How do you do, sir?
The Minister nods.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The captain was the nephew and heir
of the Minister of Police, Herr
Galgenstein, a relationship which,
no doubt, aided in the younger
gentlemen's promotion.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Your loyalty to me and your service
to the regiment has pleased me very
well -- and now there is another
occasion on which you may make
yourself useful to us; if you
succeed, depend on it, your reward
will be your discharge from the
army, and a bounty of 100 guineas.
RODERICK
What is the service, sir?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
There is lately come to Berlin a
gentleman in the service of the
Empress Queen, who calls himself the
Chevalier de Belle Fast, and wears
the red riband and star of the
pope's order of the Spur. He is
made for good society, polished,
obliging, a libertine, without
prejudices, fond of women, of good
food, of high play, prudent and
discreet.
The Captain smiles at Roderick.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
He speaks Italian and French
indifferently; but we have some
reason to fancy this Monsieur de
Belle Fast is a native of your
country of Ireland, and that he has
come here as a spy.
The Captain rises and begins to pace back and forth.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Naturally, your knowledge of English
makes you an ideal choice to go into
his service. Of course, you will
not know a word of English; and if
the Chevalier asks as to the
particularity of your accent, say
you are Hungarian. The servant who
came with him will be turned away
today, and the person to whom he has
applied for a faithful fellow will
recommend you.
Roderick nods.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
You are a Hungarian; you served in
the army, and left on account of
weakness in the loins. He gambles a
great deal, and wins. Do you know
the cards well?
RODERICK
Only a very little, as soldiers do.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
I had thought you more expert. You
must find out if the Chevalier
cheats. He sees the English and
Austrian envoys continually, and the
young men of either ministry sup
repeatedly at his house. Find out
what they talk of, for how much each
plays, especially if any of them
play on parole. If you are able to,
read his private letters, though
about those which go to the post,
you need not trouble yourself -- we
look at them there. But never see
him write a note without finding out
to whom it goes, and by what channel
or messenger. He sleeps with the
keys of his dispatch-box with a
string around his neck -- twenty
frederics, if you get an impression
of the keys.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Does this assignment interest you?
RODERICK
Yes, Minister, I am interested in
any work in which I can be of
service to Captain Galgenstein.
The Minister studies Roderick, coldly.
EXT. CHEVALIER DE BELLE FAST'S HOUSE - BERLIN - DAY
Roderick, now dressed in civilian clothes, admires a
beautiful carriage, waiting at the door. Then he enters.
INT. CHEVALIER DE BELLE FAST'S APARTMENT - DAY
CHEVALIER
You are the young man who M. de
Seebach recommended?
RODERICK
Yes, sir. Here is my letter.
Roderick bows, and hands him a letter from that gentleman,
with which the Captain had taken care to provide him.
As the Chevalier reads the letter, Roderick has the
leisure to examine him.
He is a man of sixty years of age, dressed superbly,
wearing rings, diamonds and laces.
One of his eyes is closed with a black patch, and he wears
a little white and red paint, and a pair of moustachios,
which fall over his lip.
The Chevalier is seated at a table near the window to read
the letter.
CHEVALIER
Your name is Lazlo Zilagyi?
RODERICK
Yes, sir.
CHEVALIER
You come highly recommended by Herr
Seebach.
RODERICK
Herr Seebach was a very kind
employer.
CHEVALIER
For whom else have you worked?
RODERICK
No one, sir. Before that I served
in the army but had to leave due to
weakness of the loins.
CHEVALIER
Who else can give me information
about you?
RODERICK
Only the agency of servants.
The Chevalier puts the letter down, looks at Roderick for
a few seconds, and then smiles.
CHEVALIER
You will do. I will give you 30...
a day. I do not provide your
clothing; you will sleep at home,
and you will be at my orders every
morning at seven o'clock.
He notices Roderick begin to tremble and look peculiar.
CHEVALIER
Is there something wrong?
He goes up to Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was very imprudent of me; but
when I saw the splendor of his
appearance, the nobleness of his
manner, I felt it impossible to keep
disguise with him. You, who have
never been out of your country know
little what it is to hear a friendly
voice in captivity; and there's a
many a man that will understand the
cause of the burst of feeling which
was about to take place.
The Chevalier takes Roderick by the shoulder.
RODERICK
(as he speaks,
bursting into tears)
Sir, I have a confession to make. I
am an Irishman, and my name is
Roderick James. I was abducted into
the Prussian army two years ago, and
now I have been put into your
service by my Captain and his uncle,
the Minister of Police, to serve as
a watch upon your actions, of which
I am to give information to the same
quarter. For this odious service, I
have been promised my discharge, and
a hundred guineas.
Sobbing, Roderick falls into his arms.
CHEVALIER
The rascals! They think to catch
me, do they? Why, young man, my
chief conspiracy is a faro-bank.
But the king is so jealous, that he
will see a spy in every person who
comes to his miserable capital, in
the great sandy desert here.
EXT. BERLIN - PARK - DAY
Roderick and the Chevalier walking.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And I think he was as much affected
as I was at thus finding one of his
kindred; for he, too, was an exile
from home, and a friendly voice, a
look, brought the old country back
to his memory again, and the old
days of his boyhood.
CHEVALIER
I'd give five years of my life to
see the old country again, the
greenfields, and the river, and the
old round tower, and the burying
place.
EXT. BERLIN - STREET - DAY
Roderick and the Chevalier walking.
CHEVALIER
My lad, I have been in every
service; and, between ourselves, owe
money in every capital in Europe. I
have been a rolling stone. Play --
play has been my ruin! That and
beauty. The women have made a fool
of me, my dear boy. I am a soft-
hearted creature, and this minute,
at sixty-two, have no more command
of myself than when Peggy O'Dwyer
made a fool of me at sixteen.
EXT. BERLIN - LAKE WANNSEE - DAY
Roderick and the Chevalier walking along the bank.
CHEVALIER
The cards are now my only
livelihood. Sometimes I am in luck,
and then I lay out my money in these
trinkets you see. It's property,
look you, and the only way I have
found of keeping a little about me.
When the luck goes against me, why,
my dear, my diamonds go to the
pawnbrokers and I wear paste. Do
you understand the cards?
RODERICK
I can play as soldiers do, but have
no great skill.
CHEVALIER
We will practice in the mornings, my
boy, and I'll put you up to a thing
or two worth knowing.
INT. CHEVALIER'S ROOMS - BERLIN - DAY
Quick cuts -- Roderick being taught the profession of
cards and the dice-box.
EXT. GARDEN HOUSE - BERLIN - DAY
Roderick, Minister Galgenstein, and Captain Galgenstein.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I carried my little reports to
Captain Galgenstein at the Garden
house outside the town where he gave
me rendezvous. These reports, of
course, were arranged between me and
the Chevalier beforehand. I was
instructed, and it is always the
best way, to tell as much truth as
my story would possible bear.
Dialogue comes up from under voice over.
RODERICK
He goes to church regularly -- he is
very religious, and after hearing
mass comes home to breakfast. Then
he takes an airing in his chariot
till dinner, which is served at
noon. After dinner, he writes his
letters, if he has any letters to
write; but he has very little to do
in this way. His letters are to the
Austrian envoy, with whom he
corresponds, but who does not
acknowledge him; and being written
in English, or course, I look over
his shoulder. He generally writes
for money. He makes his party with
Calsabigi, the lottery contractor,
the Russian attaches, two from the
English embassy, my lords Deuceace
and Punter, who play a jeu d'enfer,
and a few more. He wins often, but
not always. Lord Deuceace is a very
fine player. The Chevalier Elliott,
the English Minister, sometimes
comes, on which occasion the
secretaries do not play.
INT. CHEVALIER'S APARTMENTS - NIGHT
The Chevalier is at play against several gentlemen,
including the Prince of Turbingen, while Roderick signals
the cards.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was agreed that I should keep my
character of valet, that in the
presence of strangers I should not
know a word of English, that I
should keep good lookout on the
trumps when I was serving the
champagne and punch about; and,
having a remarkably fine eyesight,
and a great natural aptitude, I was
speedily able to give my dear
benefactor much assistance against
his opponents at the green table.
Several cuts of playing and cheating to illustrate voice
over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Simplicity was our secret.
Everything successful is simple.
If, for instance, I wiped the dust
off a chair with my napkin, it was
to show that the enemy was strong in
diamonds; if I pushed it, he had an
ace, king; if I said, "Punch or
wine, my lord?" hearts was meant.
If "Wine or punch?" clubs. If I
blew my nose, it was to indicate
that there was another confederate
employed by the adversary; and then,
I warrant you, some pretty trials of
skill would take place. The Prince
of Turbingen, although so young, had
a very great skill and cleverness
with the cards in every way; and it
was only from hearing Ritter von
Brandenburg, who came with him, yawn
three times when the Chevalier had
the ace of trumps, that I knew we
were Greek to Greek, as it were.
The Prince loses a big hand, and, in a fury, throws down
his cards. He stares at the table, then at the Chevalier.
PRINCE
Chevalier, though I cannot say how,
I believe you have cheated me.
CHEVALIER
I deny your Grace's accusations, and
beg you to say how you have been
cheated?
PRINCE
(glaring at Roderick)
I don't know.
CHEVALIER
Your Grace owes me seventy thousand
frederics, which I have honorably
won.
PRINCE
Chevalier, if you will have your
money now, you must fight for it.
If you will be patient, maybe I will
pay you something another time.
CHEVALIER
Your Grace, if I am so tame as to
take this, then I must give up an
honorable and lucrative occupation.
PRINCE
I have said all there is to be said.
I am at your disposal for whatever
purposes you wish. Good night.
He exits.
EXT. GARDEN HOUSE - DAY
Roderick, Captain Galgenstein and Minister Galgenstein.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Was he cheated?
RODERICK
In so far as I can tell these things
-- no. I believe the Chevalier won
the money fairly.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Hmm-mmmm.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
What are the Chevalier's intentions?
RODERICK
I am not sure. The Prince told him
quite clearly that if he wished to
have the money, he would have to
fight for it.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
A meeting with the Prince of
Turbingen is impossible.
RODERICK
The Prince left him only that
choice.
The Captain and the Minister walk a few steps away and
speak in whispers.
Then they return to Roderick.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Will you be able to return here
tomorrow without arousing suspicion?
INT. CHEVALIER'S APARTMENTS - DAY
CHEVALIER
Tell them I intend to demand
satisfaction from the Prince.
RODERICK
But they will prevent a meeting at
whatever the cost.
CHEVALIER
Have no fear. It will come out well
for me.
RODERICK
I believe they will deport you.
CHEVALIER
I have faced that problem before.
RODERICK
But, if they send you away, then
what is to become of me?
CHEVALIER
(with a smile)
Make your mind easy, you shall not
be left behind, I warrant you. Do
take a last look at your barracks,
make your mind easy, say a farewell
to your friends in Berlin. The dear
souls, how they will weep when they
hear you are out of the country,
and, out of it, you shall go.
RODERICK
But how, sir?
EXT. GARDEN HOUSE - BERLIN - DAY
Roderick, Captain Galgenstein and Minister Galgenstein.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
The King has determined to send the
Chevalier out of the country.
RODERICK
When is he to go?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Has he sent the challenge yet?
RODERICK
Not yet, but I believe he intends
to.
MINISTER GALGENSTEIN
Then this must be done tomorrow.
RODERICK
What is to be done?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
You say he drives after breakfast
and before dinner. When he comes
out to his carriage a couple of
gendarmes will mount the box, and
the coachman will get his orders to
move on.
RODERICK
And his baggage?
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
Oh! That will be sent after him. I
have a fancy to look into that red
box which contains his papers, you
say; and at noon, after parade,
shall be at the inn. You will not
say a word to any one there
regarding the affair, and will wait
for me at the Chevalier's rooms
until my arrival. We must force
that box. You are a clumsy hound,
or you would have got the key long
ago.
EXT. CHEVALIER'S APARTMENTS - DAY
Action as per voice over.
RODERICK (V.O.)
At ten o'clock the next morning, the
carriage of the Chevalier de Belle
Fast drew up as usual at the door of
his hotel, and the Chevalier came
down the stairs in his usual stately
manner.
Looking around and not finding his servant to open the
door.
CHEVALIER
Where is my rascal, Lazlo?
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(standing by the
carriage)
I will let down the steps for your
honor.
No sooner does the Chevalier enter than the officer jumps
in after him, another mounts the box by the coachman, and
the latter begins to drive.
CHEVALIER
Good gracious! What is this?
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(touching his hat)
You are going to drive to the
frontier.
CHEVALIER
It is shameful -- infamous! I
insist upon being put down at the
Austrian ambassador's house.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
I have orders to gag your honor if
you cry out, and to give you this
purse containing ten thousand
frederics if you do not.
CHEVALIER
Ten thousand? But the scoundrel
owes me seventy thousand.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
Your honor must lower his voice.
CHEVALIER
(whispering)
All Europe shall hear of this!
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
As you please.
Both lapse into silence.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The coach drives by. Suddenly -- "boom," the alarm cannon
begins to roar.
INT. COACH - DAY
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
Do not be alarmed. The alarm cannon
only signals a deserter.
Chevalier nods.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The coach drives by and action as described.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Hearing the sound of the alarm
cannon, the common people came out
along the road, with fowling-pieces
and pitch-forks, in hopes to catch
the truant. The gendarmes looked
very anxious to be on the lookout
for him too. The price of a
deserter was fifty crowns to those
who brought him in.
EXT. SAXON CUSTOM-HOUSE - DAY
The black and white barriers came in view at last hard by
Bruck, and opposite them the green and yellow of Saxony.
The Saxon custom-house officers came out.
CHEVALIER
I have no luggage.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
The gentleman has nothing
contraband.
The Prussian officers, grinning, hand the Chevalier the
purse and take their leave of their prisoner with much
respect.
The Chevalier de Belle Fast gives them three frederic a-
piece.
CHEVALIER
Gentlemen, I wish you a good day.
Will you please go to the house from
whence we set out this morning, and
tell my man there to send my baggage
on to Three Kings at Dresden?
RODERICK (V.O.)
Then ordering fresh horses, the
Chevalier set off on his journey for
that capital. I need not tell you
that I was the Chevalier.
INT. ROOM - HOTEL DES TROIS COURONNES - DAY
Roderick reading a letter over his breakfast in bed.
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
From the Chevalier de Belle Fast to
Roderick James, Esquire, Gentilhomme
Anglais. At the Hotel des trois
Couronnes, Dresden, Saxe. My dear
Roderick -- This comes to you by a
sure hand, no other than Mr. Lumpit,
of the English mission, who is
acquainted, as all Berlin will be
directly, with our wonderful story.
They only know half as yet; they
only know that a deserter went off
in my clothes, and all are in
admiration of your cleverness and
valor.
INT. CHEVALIER'S ROOM - DAY
Action as per description in letter.
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
As I lay in my bed two and a half
hours after your departure, in comes
your ex-captain, Galgenstein.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
(in his imperious
Dutch manner)
Roderick! Are you there?
No answer.
CAPTAIN GALGENSTEIN
The rogue is gone out.
Action as per voice over.
CHEVALIER (V.O.)
Straightaway he makes for the red
box where I keep my love letters, my
glass eye which I used to wear, my
two sets of Paris teeth, and my
other private matters that you know
of. He first tries a bunch of keys,
but none of them fit the English
lock. Then he takes out of his
pocket a chisel and hammer, and
falls to work like a professional
burglar, actually bursting open the
little box! Now was my time to act!
I advance towards him armed with an
immense water-jug. I come
noiselessly up to him just as he has
broken the box, and, with all my
might, I deal him such a blow over
the head as smashes the water-jug to
bits, and sends the captain with a
snort lifeless to the ground. Then
I ring all the bells in the house;
and shout, and swear, and scream,
"Thieves! -- Thieves! -- Landlord!
-- Murder! -- Fire!" until the whole
household comes tumbling up the
stairs.
CHEVALIER
Where is my servant? Who dares to
rob me in open day? Look at the
villain whom I find in the act
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