From the novel by Jerzy Kosinski
"BEING THERE"
Screenplay by
Jerzy Kosinski and Robert C. Jones
January 10, 1979
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FADE IN:
1 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAWN
A large-screen color TV dominates a room sparsely decorated
with expensive furniture of the twenties. There are no
books, magazines, newspapers to be seen. A man, CHANCE, is
in bed, sleeping. His eyes slowly open, and, with no change
of expression, he sits up and turns on the TV with a remote
control. He reaches for a pocketwatch on the bedside table,
and, as he looks at it, the watch chimes. He gets out of
bed, crosses to the closet, his eyes never straying from the
TV. Chance puts on a bathrobe and leaves the room.
2 INT. POTTING ROOM - DAWN
The room is filled with the tools of a gardener. Chance enters
and turns on a 1940's black and white TV that sits on a shelf.
A wheel with colored gels spins in front of the set, giving
an early form of color television. He waters a few of the plants
in the potting room as he watches TV.
3 INT. GARAGE - DAWN
Chance, with a dust rag and feather duster, cleans off a 1935
limousine, in perfect condition.
4 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAWN
Chance takes off his robe, hangs it in the closet, changes
channels on the TV, then goes into the bathroom.
5 EXT. GARDEN - MORNING
A light snow is falling in a garden between a three-story
brick townhouse and a one-story rear building, guarded on
either side by a high brick wall. The door to the rear
building opens, Chance peeks out, then goes back inside. A
moment passes and Chance reappears, this time with an
umbrella. Smartly attired in suit and tie, Chance, with an
eye on the garden, crosses to the townhouse.
6 INT. TOWN HOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - MORNING
Chance enters, hangs his umbrella on a door knob, then
crosses through the hall. As he goes, we reveal that the
furniture in the house is covered with sheets.
7 INT. TOWN HOUSE - DINING ROOM - MORNING
A large table, covered with a sheet except for two place-
settings. A TV is on the table. Chance comes into the
room, sits and turns on the television. He watches the
screen for a moment, then turns, as if expecting someone.
No one appears, so he turns back to the TV. After a time.
footsteps are heard and Chance smiles. LOUISE, an elderly
Black maid, hurries into the room, visibly distraught.
CHANCE
Good morning, Louise.
LOUISE
(out of breath)
He's dead, Chance! The Old Man's
dead!
CHANCE
(flatly, turns
back to TV)
...I see.
LOUISE
Must of happened durin' the night,
I don't know...Lord, he wasn't
breathin' and as cold as a fish.
I touched him, just to see, and
you believe me, Chance - that's
doin' more than I get paid to
do... Then I just cover him
up, pulled the sheet over his head...
CHANCE
(nodding)
Yes. I've seen that done.
LOUISE
...Then I get the hell out of that
room and call the doctor and I
think I woke him probably, he wasn't
any too alert. He just said, 'Yeah,
he's been expectin' it and said he'd
send somebody over...' Lord, what a
mornin'!
CHANCE
(watches news,
flashes of season's
first snowfall)
...Yes, Lousie, it's snowing in
the garden today. Have you
looked outside and seen the snow?
It's very white.
A beat of silence from Louise, then anger.
LOUISE
Gobbledegook! Dammit, Boy! Is
that all you got to say? More
gobbledegook?
(Chance smiles,
is silent)
That Old Man's layin' up there
dead as hell and it just don't
make any difference to you!
Lousie takes a long look at Chance, then softens, sits
next to him.
LOUISE (Cont'd)
Oh, Lord, Chance - I don't know
what I was expectin' from you...
I'm sorry for yellin' like I did...
No sir, I just don't know what I
was expectin'...
(Chance doesn't
react, watches TV)
...I 'spose I'd better gather up
some breakfast for you...
CHANCE
(a turn to her)
Yes, I'm very hungry.
LOUISE
(rises, looks upstairs)
Well, no more stewin' those prunes
every mornin', that's somethin',
I guess...
(she starts out,
stops by the door)
...What are you goin' to do now,
Chance?
CHANCE
(gazing at TV)
I'm going to work in the garden.
Louise gives Chance another look, then turns to leave.
LOUISE
(as she goes)
...I'll get you some eggs.
Chance nods in approval, then changes the channel on
the TV.
8 INT. TOWN HOUSE - SERVANT'S STAIRWAY - MORNING
An enclosed stairway. Chance enters, proceeds up the
stairs.
9 INT. TOWN HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING
Chance comes out of the doorway adjoining the main stair-
case. He moves off down the hall.
10 INT. TOWN HOUSE - OLD MAN'S ROOM - MORNING
The furniture in this room is not covered with sheets -
but the Old Man is. There is a knock a the door, then
Chance enters the room. He stands by the bed for a moment,
Then reaches down and pulls the sheet back from the Old
Man's face. He touches the man's forehead, briefly, then
replaces the sheet. Chance moves to the the TV and turns it
on. He sits in an easy chair next to the Old Man's bed
and watches a movie from the early forties. Chance puts
an arm out, rests it on the Old Man's covered body. He
becomes absorbed in a scene in which a gentleman tips his
hat to a lady. The scene seems to have 'sunk into' his
mind.
11 EXT. GARDEN - MORNING
It has stoppped snowing. Chance, wearing a hat, and a
gardening apron over his suit, putters in the garden.
Louise, dressed warmly, comes out of the main house. Chance
sees her, tips his hat exactly like the man he saw on
television.
LOUISE
...Well, ain't you the gentleman
this morning...
(a pause)
...I'm gonna go now, Chance...
CHANCE
(resumes working)
Yes.
LOUISE
You're gonna need somebody, some
one's gotta be around for you...
(he keeps working)
...You oughta find yourself a
lady, Chance...
(she smiles slightly,
with caring)
...But I guess it oughta be an
old lady, 'cause you ain't gonna
do a young one any good, not with
that little thing of yours...
(she reaches out,
puts a hand on his
shoulder)
...You're always gonna be a little
boy ain't you?
(he smiles, keeps
working)
...Goodbye, Chance...
Lousie hugs and kisses Chance, then turns to go.
CHANCE
(as she goes)
Goodbye, Louise.
Louise waves as she enters the townhouse. Chance tips
his hat once again as she disappears.
12. INT. TOWN HOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - MORNING
Louise enters the hallway, picks up a couple of suit-
cases waiting by the door. She stops as she sees TWO
Men carrying a stretcher down the main staircase. A
THIRD MAN, a mortician, follows behind.
LOUISE
...He used to be a big man...
'Spose he wasted away to about
nothin'...
(a beat - then
she talks to the
body of the Old
Man)
I guess I'll be goin' off to
find me some folks, Old Man...
I'm not batty enough to stay
around this neighborhood any
longer...
The stretcher bearers move to the front door. Louise
steps in front of them.
LOUISE
Wait up! I'm goin' out that
door first.
Louise takes one more look at the covered body, then
openes the front door, leaves.
13 EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Chance's pocketwatch chimes as he looks at it. He
removes his gardner's apron as he walks toward the
townhouse.
14 INT. TOWNHOUSE DINING ROOM.
Chance enters and sits at his place. He turns on the TV,
and watches for a moment, then turns, looks for Louise.
She does not appear so he resumes watching TV. He changes
channels, views a wildly exciting game show. At a
peak in the excitement, he again switches channels to news
coverage of the President of the Unite States greeting
foreign dignitaries at the White House. CLOSE SHOTS on
television reveal that the President uses a two-handed
handshake when meeting his guests. Chance grips one hand
with the other, the scene on TV seeming to have 'sunk into'
his mind.
15 INT. TOWNHOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - DAY
A key is heard in the lock. The door opens and THOMAS
FRANKLIN and SALLY HAYES enter. Franklin, an attorney, is
in his late thirties, carries a large breifcase. Hayes is
younger, attractive, also an attorney. She totes a brief-
case, has the look of a modern woman.
FRANKLIN
(as they enter)
He and my father used to ride to-
gether back in the thirties...
Fox hunting... Before I was born...
HAYES
(looking around)
Will you give me a tour?
FRANKLIN
Gladly...
(he smiles)
...The safe is in Mr. Jenning's
bedroom, that'll be stop number
one.
Franklin puts a hand on Hayes' shoulder as they go toward
the stairway. Suddenly, they stop, listen to the off-
stage TV.
16 INT. TOWNHOUSE DINING ROOM - DAY
Chance still watches TV as Franklin and Hayes appear in
the doorway. They are surprised to see Chance.
FRANKLIN
...Why...Hello, we thought we
heard something...
(moves to Chance,
hand outstretched)
...I'm Thomas Franklin.
Chance remains seated, takes Franklin's hand warmly in
both of his like the President did on TV.
CHANCE
Hello, Thomas...I'm Chance,
the gardener.
FRANKLIN
(a beat)
...The gardener?
(thinks it's a joke,
laughs)
...Yes, of course...Mr. Chance,
this is Ms. Hayes.
Hayes moves to shake Chance's hand.
HAYES
Mr. Chance, I'm very pleased to
meet you.
CHANCE
(doesn't rise,
again shakes with
both hands)
Yes.
Chance turns back to the TV. Hayes and Franklin ex-
change looks, there is an uneasy pause.
FRANKLIN
We're with Franklin, Jennings
and Roberts, the law firm handling
the estate.
CHANCE
(a smile, totally
at ease)
Yes, Thomas - I understand.
FRANKLIN
...Are you waiting for someone?
An appointment?
CHANCE
I'm waiting for my lunch.
FRANKLIN
Your lunch? You have a luncheon
appointment here?
CHANCE
Louise will bring my lunch.
FRANKLIN
Louise?... The maid?...
(a look to Hayes)
But she should have left earlier
today...
CHANCE
(smiles at Hayes)
I see...
FRANKLIN
(a beat)
All kidding aside, Mr. Chance,
may I ask just what you are doing
here?
CHANCE
I live here.
Franklin stares at Chance as Hayes unzips her briefcase.
17 EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON
Chance talks to Franklin as Hayes quickly checks through
some paperwork.
CHANCE
The Old Man himself used to
visit my garden. He would
read and rest here.
FRANKLIN
Come now, the deceased...
(catches himself)
Mr. Jennings was bedridden for
at least the last thirty-five
years, since he fractured his
spine.
CHANCE
Yes, Thomas. Then he stopped
visiting my garden.
(points to a small
area)
I planted a lot of tulips right
there. I like to watch them
grow.
HAYES
(looking up
from papers)
There is no mention of a gardener.
In fact, according to our inven-
tories, there hasn't been a man
employed here since 1933...except
for a Mr. Joe Saracini, a brick
mason, who did some repairs to a
wall. He was here for two-and-a-
half days in 1952.
CHANCE
Yes, I remember Joe. He was very
fat and had short hair and showed
me pictures from a funny little
book.
HAYES
...Some pictures?
CHANCE
Yes. Of men and women.
HAYES
...Oh.
FRANKLIN
Just how long have you been
living here, Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
Ever since I can remember, since
I was a child. I have always
worked in the garden.
HAYES
...The you really are a
gardener?
CHANCE
Yes.
(again points off)
...My roses...
FRANKLIN
...We will need some proof of
your having resided here, Mr.
Chance.
CHANCE
You have me, I am here. What
more proof do you need?
(he starts toward
rear building, points
off)
That's where Joe fixed the wall.
FRANKLIN
(starts after Chance)
Are you related to the deceased,
Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
No. I don't think so.
(looks back to garden)
In the springtime, you will be
able to see my flowers.
Chance goes into the garage. A perplexed Franklin and
Hayes follow.
18 INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
Chance enters, Franklin and Hayes close behind.
FRANKLIN
(looking at limo)
That's a nice car. Do you drive
it, Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
I've never been in an automobile.
HAYES
You've never been in a car?
CHANCE
Oh, no. I've never been allowed
outside of the house.
19 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Chance turns on the TV as Hayes and Franklin inspect the
room.
CHANCE
I used to listen to the radio,
then the Old Man started giving
me television sets, this one
has a remote control...I like to watch...
(motions to bed)
You see? This is my bed...
(to closet)
...This is my closet...
(to bathroom)
...This is my bathroom...
HAYES
(goes to closet)
You have a very handsome ward-
robe, Mr. Chance.
CHANCE
Yes. I am allowed to go to
the attic and use the Old Man's
clothes. They all fit me very
well.
HAYES
It is amazing how these clothes
have come back into style.
FRANKLIN
Could you show us something with
your address? A driver's license,
a checkbook? Anything to show
that you were employed here?
CHANCE
I don't have any of those things.
HAYES
How about a birth certificate?
CHANCE
Oh, no.
FRANKLIN
What are your plans now, Mr.
Chance?
CHANCE
My plans are to work in my
garden.
HAYES
How much money did Mr. Jennings
pay you for your work?
CHANCE
Pay me?...Why nothing. I've
never needed money.
FRANKLIN
Mr. Chance, I would like to know
what sort of claim you are plan-
ning to make against the deceased's
estate.
CHANCE
I'm fine, Thomas. The garden is
a healthy one. There is no need
for a claim.
FRANKLIN
I see. Would you be willing to sign
a paper to that effect?
CHANCE
No, Thomas. I don't know how to
sign.
FRANKLIN
Come now, Mr. Chance.
CHANCE
(smiles)
I have no claim, Thomas.
FRANKLIN
But you won't sign, correct?
CHANCE
Yes, correct, thank you.
FRANKLIN
Very well, Mr. Chance. I have
no alternative but to inform
you that this house is now
closed. If indeed, you have
resided here, you have no legal
right to remain. You will have
to move out.
CHANCE
Move out? I don't understand,
Thomas.
FRANKLIN
I think you do, Mr. Chance.
However, I will reiterate. This
house is closed and you must
leave - by, let's say - noon
tomorrow.
(he gives Chance
his business card)
Call me if you change your mind
about signing.
(turns to Hayes)
C'mon, Sally - let's grab a bite...
HAYES
(stops by the door)
What about medical records? Could
you gives us the name of your
doctor? Or your dentist?
CHANCE
I have no need for a doctor or
dentist. I have never been ill.
HAYES
(a smile to Chance)
I see...Well, good day, Mr. Chance.
CHANCE
(returns smile)
Good day, Sally.
Chance watches as they leave, then puts Franklin's card
on a desk without ever looking at it and turns to stare
at television.
20. INT. TOWNHOUSE - ATTIC - AFTERNOON
A large attic filled with the Old Man's possessions of
the past. Chance enters, turns on an old black-and white
TV with a magnifying lens attached to the front. As it
plays, he selects a fine leather suitcase from several,
takes a hand-made suit from a long rack.
21 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
The TV is on as Chance packs his belongings. He tries
to fit in his umbrella, but it is too long for the suitcase.
22 EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON
Chance, very nicely dressed, with his suitcase and umbrella,
stands in the middle of the garden looking around.
23 INT. TOWNHOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Chance is reluctant to open the front door. After some
hesitation, he gathers up his courage, opens it and steps
outside, closing the door behind him.
24 EXT. FRONT OF TOWNHOUSE - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
Chance stops short on the steps; the front of the townhouse
is run down and the yard filled with trash. He tries
to return to the safety of inside, but the door is locked.
Chance stays on the steps for a moment, ponders which way
to go. Making a decision, he steps to the sidewalk and
walks down the street to reveal a decaying ghetto.
Windows are shattered or boarded up, walls are smeared
with grafitti. Chance passes a group of black people
huddled together in threadbare stuffed furniture on the
sidewalk, a fire burning between them for warmth. Chance
nods politely to the the people; they stare back, no sign of
friendship in their faces.
25 EXT. GHETTO STREET - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
Chance walks along a ghetto sidewalk. He notices some-
thing, moves across the street toward a gang of eight
to ten hard-core ghetto youths.
26 EXT. GHETTO STREET - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
Chance approaches the gang.
CHANCE
(friendly)
...Excuse me, would you please
tell em where I could find a
garden to work in?
They turn to him as one, silent. After a moment, LOLO, one
of the gang, speaks.
LOLO
What you growin', man?
CHANCE
There is much to be done during
the winter, I must start the
seeds for the spring, I must
work the soil...
The leader of the gang, ABBAZ, moves forward and interrupts.
ABBAZ
Bullshit. Who sent you here,
boy? Did that chickenshit
asshole Raphael send you here,
boy?
CHANCE
No. Thomas Franklin told me
that I had to leave the Old
Man's house, he's dead now,
you know...
ABBAZ
Dead, my ass! Now get this,
honkie - you go tell Raphael
that I ain't takin' no jive
from no Western Union messenger!
You tell that asshole, if he got
somethin' to tell me to get his
ass down here himself!
(edges closer
to Chance)
You got that boy?
During this, as Abbaz becomes more hostile, Chance reaches
into his pocket, takes out his remote control TV changer.
He points the changer at Abbaz and clicks it three times,
tries to change the picture. ABBAZ immediately pulls out
a switchblade knife, holds it at Chance.
ABBAZ
Now, move, honkie! Before I
cut your white ass.
Chance, disappointed that the changer did not work, returns
it to his pocket.
CHANCE
Yes. I understand. If I see
Raphael, I will tell him.
(as he leaves)
Good day.
Abbaz, Lolo and the gang watch him go, then begin to buzz
with excitement: "Who the fuck died?" "Why'd he pull that
changer on us, man?" "The Old Man died, must be Papa Joe!"
"He's some weird honkie, man!"
27 EXT. PORNO AREA - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
A street lined with adult book stores, X-rated movies and
strip joints. An elderly Black Woman approaches carrying a
bag of groceries. Chance steps in front of the woman, stops
her.
CHANCE
I'm very hungry now. Would
you please bring my lunch?
The woman looks up to Chance, becomes very frightened.
She turns and half-runs into a sleazy bar for safety.
Chances watches after her for a moment, then continues
along.
28 EXT. PARK - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON
Chance stands looking through a chain-link fence
watching some teenage boys playing basketball. He bangs
on the fence, calls to them.
CHANCE
I have seen your game! I have
watched Elvin Hayes play it
many times! They call him
'Big E!'
The boys ignore him, Chance walks away.
29 EXT. - WASHINGTON, D.C. - LATE AFTERNOON
Chance seems stumped on which way to walk. He looks one
way, then the other, turns and looks behind him and sees a
large statue of Benito Juarez pointing. Chance smiles and
goes off in the direction that Benito points.
30 EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. - LATE AFTERNOON
Chance walks down the center meridian of a divided street.
He seems oblivious to the automobiles passing on either
side. In the background can be seen the Capitol Building.
31 EXT. REAR OF THE WHITE HOUSE - DUSK
Chance is across the street from the White House, inspecting
the branches of a potted tree. He moves to a POLICEMAN
standing nearby.
CHANCE
Excuse me...
(points to tree)
...That tree is very sick. It
should be cared for.
The Policeman looks at the tree, then at Chance, figures a
man dressed that well must be important.
POLICEMAN
Yes sir. I'll report it right
away.
CHANCE
Yes. That would be a good
thing to do. Good day.
POLICEMAN
Good day.
The Policeman takes out his walkie-talkie as Chance leaves.
32 EXT. BUSINESS DISTRICT - EVENING
A fashionable area. Expensive shops, well-kept streets
and sidewalks. Chance stands by the display window of a
TV store, looks in at a dozen or so color TVs, all turned
on, playing various channels. A video camera points outward
and is focused on the sidewalk to allow passersby to see
themselves live on TV. Chance is intrigued by his own image.
He poses, then steps back off the curb, frowns as his like-
ness disappears from the frame. Standing between two parked cars,
Chance takes out his remote control, clicks it at the store.
Four or five other sets in the window change channels, but
he does not reappear on the giant screen. As he does this,
the car to his left, a large, American-made limousine, backs
up. The limo bumps Chance, pins him against the car to his
right. Chance cries out in pain, drops his suitcase, his
umbrella, his changer, and bangs his hand on the trunk of the
limo. The chauffer, DAVID, and the liveryman, JEFFREY,
immediately jump from the car, run back to Chance.
DAVID
I'm very sorry, sir... I...
David and Jeffrey reach out to help, but Chance is wedged
solidly between the two cars.
CHANCE
(in pain)
...I can't move... My leg...
DAVID
(rushes back to limo)
...My Lord...
JEFFREY
This is terrible, sir - I hope
you're not badly injured...
CHANCE
No. I'm not badly injured. But
my leg is very sore.
David pulls the car forward, freeing Chance. A few by-
standers begin to gather as Jeffrey helps Chance to the
sidewalk.
JEFFREY
Can you walk? It's not broken,
is it?
CHANCE
(leans against limo,
holds leg)
I hope not.
DAVID.
(returning)
Perhaps I should call an
ambulance.
A BYSTANDER interrupts.
BYSTANDER
Somebody ought to call the police!
CHANCE
(looks over, smiles)
There's no need for police, it's
just my leg.
During this, the rear door of the limo opens and EVE RAND
steps out. Eve is in her mid-thirties, and is rich.
She is not pleased with this inconvenience
JEFFREY
Let's have a look, do you mind?
CHANCE
Of course. I would like to look.
Chance bends, raises his trouser leg. A red-bluish swollen
bruise is forming on his calf. Eve moves closer, looks at
the bruise.
EVE
(to Chance)
...Won't you let us do something
for you? Your leg should be
examined, we could take you to a
hospital.
CHANCE
(smiles at Eve)
There's no need for a hospital.
EVE
Why, there certainly is. You
must see a doctor, I insist on
it. Please, let us take you.
Eve turns to get back in the limo. David goes with her
to hold the door.
DAVID
I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Rand,
I never saw the man.
EVE
Oh, I don't think it was anyone's
fault, David.
DAVID
Thank you, ma'am.
Jeffrey holds the door open but Chance is hesitant about
getting in the car.
CHANCE
I've never ridden in an auto-
mobile.
JEFFREY
(a beat)
I assure you, sir, David is a
very careful driver.
CHANCE
(looks at the car,
then decides)
...Yes. You can take me.
JEFFREY
(as Chance gets in)
Very good.
Jeffrey closes the door, goes back to pick up Chance's
suitcase and umbrella but does not notice the remote
control. As Jeffrey puts Chance's bag into the trunk, we
see the personalized license plate "Rand 1."
33 INT. LIMOUSINE MOVING THROUGH TOWN - EVENING
Chance and Eve are settled in the back seat. As they talk,
Chance is experiencing his first ride in a car.
EVE
I hope you're comfortable.
CHANCE
Yes, I am.
EVE
These situations can be so
trying - everybody seems to
make such a todo over a
simple little accident...
(eyes Chance)
...the insurance, police, the
news and all... Is your leg
feeling any better?
CHANCE
No, it isn't.
EVE
I see.
Chance looks out the window at passing cars.
CHANCE
It looks very much like television
but you can see further.
EVE
(not hearing him)
Say - if you came to our house,
we could take care of you there.
CHANCE
Your house?
EVE
Yes. My husband has been very
ill. His doctor and nurses are
staying with us. Those hospitals
can be so impersonal - why, it
might be hours before you are
treated...
CHANCE
I agree.
EVE
Fine, it will save a lot of un-
necessary fuss and it will be
so much more pleasant for you...
(leans forward)
David, we'll just go on home.
Jeffrey, would you call and let
them know?
JEFFREY
Yes ma'am.
Jeffrey closes the glass between them, then dials the
limo telephone.
There is a moment of silence. Eve, a bit uncomfortable,
presses a button. The limo's bar moves out, revealing a
row of decanters and glasses.
EVE
Would you care for a drink?
CHANCE
Yes. Thank you. I am very
thirsty.
As Eve pours cognac into a monogrammed crystal glass,
Chance notices the limo's TV set.
CHANCE
I would like to watch television.
EVE
(a bit surprised)
Oh? Certainly...
She hands Chance the cognac, turns on the TV.
EVE
May I ask your name?
Chance takes a sip of the cognac, is not accustomed
to alcohol, coughs.
CHANCE
(with a slight cough)
My name is Chance.
EVE
Pardon me, was that Mr. Chance?
CHANCE
No, I'm a gardener.
EVE
Oh... Mr. Gardiner... Mr.
Chauncey Gardiner... You're not
related to Basil and Perdita
Gardiner are you?
CHANCE
No... I'm not related to
Basil and Perdita.
EVE
Oh. Well, they're just a wonderful
couple, we've been friends for
years. We visit their island quite
often.
Chance suddenly starts going through his pockets, searching.
EVE
Did you lose something?
CHANCE
Yes. I lost my remote control.
EVE
Oh... Well, I'm very sorry...
Another pause, Chance reaches out, changes channels on TV.
34 EXT. HIGHWAY - WOODED AREA - NIGHT
The limo approaches, then turns into the entranceway of
the Rand Estate. Two guards stand on either side of the
open gate, salute as the car passes through.
35 INT. LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
As Eve speaks, Chance is glued to the TV, switches
channels to the news.
EVE
Is there anything special you
like to watch?
CHANCE
I like to watch. This is fine.
EVE
I know it's very mportant to
stay informed of all the
latest events, but I find
there is so much to assimilate
that it can become quite
muddling at times...
Chance nods, changes the channel, watches a Mighty Mouse
cartoon. Eve takes it for a small joke and smiles
patronizingly.
36 EXT. RAND MANSION - NIGHT
At least three uniformed people, two valets, WILSON and
PERKINS, and LEWIS, the Doorman, are waiting at the front
of the Rand Mansion as the limousine arrives. There is
a general hubbub as the three of them, along with Jeffrey,
help Chance into a wheelchair.
37 INT. RAND MANSION - FRONT HALLWAY - NIGHT
As the group comes through the front doors, Wilson is
wheeling Chance. A uniformed woman, GRETA, is waiting
to take Eve's coat.
EVE
(to Wilson)
You take Mr. Gardiner to the
third floor guest suite.
EVE
(to Chance)
I'll see you after Dr. Allenby
has a look at your leg.
CHANCE
Yes, I think he should examine
my leg.
Eve heads off partially revealing a remarkable and large
place to live in as Wilson wheels Chance into the elevator.
38 INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
As the door closes on them, Chance looks to Wilson.
CHANCE
...I've never been in one of
these.
Wilson thinks that Chance is talking about the wheelchair.
WILSON
It's one of Mr. Rand's. Since
he's been ill...
CHANCE
(looks around elevator)
Does it have a television?
WILSON
(laughs)
No - but Mr. Rand does have one
with an electric motor, that way
he can get around by himself.
CHANCE
I see.
Chance again checks out the elevator.
CHANCE
How long do we stay in here?
WILSON
How long? I don't know, see
what the doctor says...
The elevator stops on the third floor.
39 INT. RAND MANSION - PALM COURT - NIGHT
Eve is talking to ROBERT ALLENBY. He is in his late
fifties and has been Benjamin Rand's doctor for years.
EVE
I pray that I did the right
thing, Robert. I didn't want
to take the risk of any
publicity, especially with
Benjamin being so ill.
ALLENBY
I'm sure you did, EVE. But
let's just hope he's not one
of those opportunists that try
and make a fortune out of every
little bruise.
EVE
Well, I'm sure we could make a
settlement if we had to, but
I'd rather not - find out what
you can, I'm going to change.
ALLENBY
(as she goes)
Ben's been asking about you...
EVE
(over her shoulder)
I'll see him soon.
Allenby watches after her for a beat, then turns, goes
off in the other direction.
40 INT. GUEST SUITE - NIGHT
An enormous bedroom, filled with 18th Century antique
furniture. Allenby dabs Chance's ass with a piece of
cotton soaked in alcohol, prior to an injection. Chance
stands with his pants to the floor, looks to the tele-
vision which is not turned on.
ALLENBY
This will ease the pain and
swelling, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
I understand. I've seen it
done before.
ALLENBY
Now, you'll barely feel this.
It won't hurt at all.
Allenby administers the injection, Chance reacts from
the pain.
CHANCE
You were wrong, it did hurt.
ALLENBY
(a chuckle)
But not for long...
As Allenby puts a band-aid on Chance's ass, Chance spots
a remote control for the TV on the bedside table. He
reaches out, picks it up.
ALLENBY
It's good that there was no
apparent damage to the bone.
CHANCE
Yes. I think so, too.
ALLENBY
There could be minor hemorr-
haging, which really isn't
too serious at the time, but
can cause secondary problems
if not looked after.
CHANCE
(turns on TV)
I see.
ALLENBY
(a look to the TV,
then to Chance)
You can pull your trousers up,
now.
CHANCE
Oh, fine.
ALLENBY
Just to take the proper pre-
cautions, Mr. Gardiner, I'd
recommend we take you down-
stairs and X-Ray your leg.
There is no reaction from Chance, Allenby takes a long
look at him.
ALLENBY
...By the way, Mr. Gardiner, I
would like to ask you something
straight out.
CHANCE
(doesn't understand)
...Straight out?
ALLENBY
Yes. Are you planning on making
any sort of claim against the
Rand's?
CHANCE
(after a beat)
Claim...? ...Oh, claim, that's
what Thomas asked me.
ALLENBY
Thomas? Who's Thomas?
CHANCE
Thomas Franklin, an attorney.
ALLENBY
An attorney?
CHANCE
(turns to TV)
Yes.
ALLENBY
(suddenly very cold)
Then you wish to handle this
matter through your attorneys?
CHANCE
There's no need for a claim,
the garden is a healthy one.
ALLENBY
(gives Chance a look)
Oh, I see...
(laughs)
...Well, then... You caught me
off guard, I must admit...
CHANCE
(changes channels,
sits on bed)
Thank you.
ALLENBY
Good, keep your weight off
that leg, Mr. Gardiner. In
fact, it would be best if
you could stay here for a
day or two, if that would be
possible. I can promise you
the finest in care.
CHANCE
Yes, I could stay here. Does
this house have a garden?
ALLENBY
...Why, yes - many
Allenby picks up his bag, heads for the door.
ALLENBY
I'll send Wilson up to take you
for X-Rays, Mr. Gardiner. Feel
free to use the telphone, and
please let me know if you have
any discomfort.
CHANCE
(clicking changer)
Yes, I will.
Allenby gives him a look, then leaves. Chance watches an
old movie of a man lighting a cigar. The man enjoys the
cigar, blows out smoke. The scene seems to 'sink into'
Chance's mind.
41 INT. EVE'S BEDROOM/SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Allenby enters to reveal Eve standing in front of large
double windows that are wide open. She is wearing different
clothes, different hair.
ALLENBY
Good God, Eve - you'll freeze.
EVE
I wanted some fresh air.
How is Mr. Gardiner?
ALLENBY
A rather large contusion, but
there isn't any...
EVE
(interrupts)
That's not what I meant, Robert.
ALLENBY
(a beat)
Okay...Well - he seemed to be
a most reasonable man, I don't
think he'll cause any trouble.
EVE
Thank God for that.
ALLENBY
I'd like to keep an eye on him,
though - I suggested that he
stay here for a couple of days.
EVE
Stay here? Is that necessary?
ALLENBY
Not necessary, but preferable.
Don't worry, Eve - he might be a
breath of fresh air...
EVE
(a beat)
...Yes, he is different... He's
very intense, and internal, don't
you think?
ALLENBY
Perhaps... Actually, I found him
to have quite a sense of humor.
EVE
Good. It might be pleasant for
a couple of days....
Eve is silent for a moment, looks out to the darkness.
EVE
I guess I should go see Ben now.
(turns)
I'll see you at dinner.
Eve leaves the room.
44 INT. RAND'S CONVERTED BEDROOM - NIGHT
Eve enters through heavy glass doors. BENJAMIN RAND,
wearing a silk bathrobe, lies on a king-sized bed to one
side of the room. Rand perks up as sees Eve crossing
to him. He is in his sixties, maintains an inner
strength and dignity despite the sapping effects of his
illness.
RAND
(with wekness)
...Eve...
Eve kisses him, holds his hand.
EVE
(with conviction)
Oh, Ben - I do miss you when
I'm out... How are you feeling?
RAND
Tired... And I'm getting tired
of being tired. Other than
that, I'm doing very well.
EVE
I'm so glad... No headaches?
RAND
No, it's been a good day - better
that yours, from what I've been
told.
EVE
You heard?
RAND
I may be a shut-in, but I do not
lack for news. I'm sorry you had
to go through all that.
EVE
Oh, it wasn't all that bad darling.
We were fortunate that Mr. Gardiner
turned out to be so reasonable.
RAND
Reasonable? Good, I'd like to meet
a reasonable man. Why don't you
ask this Gardiner to join us for
dinner?
EVE
For dinner? Are you well enough
for that?
RAND
(smiles)
Hah!... Tell me the truth, Eve -
if I wait until I feel better,
will I ever meet the man?
(Eve is silent)
Constance!
CONSTANCE, in a nurse's uniform, appears in a side doorway.
RAND
Constance! I want new blood
tonight, I'm getting up for
dinner.
CONTANCE
But, Mr. Rand...
RAND
Don't argue, tell Robert I
want new blood!
(turns to Eve)
...Ask him to dinner.
Rand pulls Eve's hand close, kisses it.
EVE
(after a beat)
... I ran into Senator Jansen at
lunch today and he all but ignored
me... And it's starting to happen
a lot lately... since you've been
sick.
RAND
Dammit, there's no excuse for that.
I'll call him tomorrow.
EVE
Thank you, darling.
43 INT. RAND MANSION - FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
The elevator door opens to reveal Wilson with Chance in
the wheelchair.
CHANCE
(as Wilson wheels
him out)
...Thats is a very small room.
WILSON
(laughs)
Yes sir, I guess that's true -
smallest room in the house.
CHANCE
(glancing around)
Yes. It seems to be.
Wilson takes this as another joke, chuckles as he wheels
Chance toward Rand's hospital room.
44 INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
A glass-enclosed room, next to Rand's bedroom, filled with
the very latest in hospital emergency equipment. CONSTANCE
and another nurse, TERESA, stand by as Rand is being given
a transfusion. Rand lifts his head as Wilson wheels Chance
into the room.
RAND
Welcome to Rand Memorial
Hospital, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
(looks around room)
...I see.
Wilson pushes Chance to the X-Ray machine, where BILLINGS, a
Black technician helps him onto the table.
CHANCE
(inhales deeply)
I feel very good in here.
RAND
That's the oxygen! When I first
got sick I had it all glassed in
so I could have a little extra
oxygen pumped in, keeps my
spirits up.
Chance is now flat on his back as Billings lines up the
X-Ray camera.
CHANCE
You must be very sick.
RAND
Aplastic anemia, Mr. Gardiner -
aplastic anemia. Failure of the
bone marrow to produce red blood
cells... Not a damn thing they
can do about it. Oh, they can
make me comfortable, prolong my
life with steroid therapy and
transfusions... But what makes
my blood boil, what little I
have left, that is, Mr. Gardiner
- is that it's generally a young
person's disease... Here I am,
getting on in years and about to
die of a young person's disease...
CHANCE
(smiles at Rand)
I've never seen anything like this
on television.
BILLINGS
Please, hold still, Mr. Gardiner.
CONSTANCE
You too, Mr. Rand, you must stay
quiet.
RAND
(lays his head
back)
..You will join us for dinner,
won't you, Mr. Gardiner?
CHANCE
Yes. I am very hungry.
RAND
... So am I, my boy - so am I.
Chance stares at Billings, reacts to him being black.
CHANCE
Do you know Raphael?
BILLINGS
No sir, I don't believe I do.
CHANCE
Oh. I have a message for him.
BILLINGS
Yes, sir.
CHANCE
A black man gave me the message.
BILLINGS
Well, I still don't believe I
know the man, Mr. Gardiner.
Now, please hold still.
45 INT. RAND DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The dining room is immense, a 75-foot ceiling, huge fire-
places. Allenby, Eve, Rand and Chance (both in wheel-
chairs) sit around the table. THURMAND, a waiter, and
MARIANNE, a waitress, enter carrying trays of food. Eve
turns to Chance.
EVE
I do hope your injury won't
prevent you from attending to
business, Mr. Gardiner?
CHANCE
No. It won't do that.
EVE
...Would you like us to notify
anyone for you?
CHANCE
No. The Old Man died and
Louise left.
EVE
Oh. I'm very sorry. Well, if
you have a need for any of our
facilities, please don't hesi-
tate to ask.
RAND
Do you need a secretary?
CHANCE
No, thank you. My house has
been closed.
RAND
Oh, you mean to say that your
business was shut down.
CHANCE
Yes. Shut down and locked by
the attorneys.
RAND
What'd I tell you? ...I know
exactly what you mean. Today
the businessman is at the
mercy of kid-lawyers from the
SEC. All they want to do is
regulate our natural growth!
ALLENBY
It's happening to everyone,
I'm afraid. The way things
are going they'll probably
legislate the Medical Profession,
as we know it, right out of
existence.
CHANCE
Yes. Right out of existence.
RAND
And it's a damn shame - it's all
happening too fast...
(sighs)
What are your plans now, Mr.
Gardiner? Or may I call you
Chauncey?
CHANCE
Yes. Chauncey is fine.
RAND
And I'm Ben.
ALLENBY
(smiles to Chance)
Robert.
EVE
(also smiles)
...Eve.
RAND
So tell me, Chauncey, just
what are your plans?
CHANCE
I would like to work in your
garden.
EVE
(laughs)
Oh, I know exactly what you
mean. I sometimes enjoy
puttering around myself, such
a pleasant way to forget one's
troubles.
RAND
I never had a feel for it my-
self... But, Eve - why don't
you show Chauncey our gardens
tomorrow...
(to Chance)
They're quite lovely.
EVE
Well, it'll have to wait until
I get back from Boston...
Unfortunately, my morning will
be taken up by another one of
those charity events.
CHANCE
I am a very good gardener.
RAND
Isn't that what a businessman is?
A gardener? A person that makes
flinty soil productive with the
labor of his own hands, who waters
it with sweat from his own brow,
and who creates a place of value for
his family and community? Yes, in-
deed, Chauncey, a productive busi-
nessman is a laborer in his own
vineyard.
CHANCE
I know exactly what you mean, Ben.
The garden that I left was such a
place. But I don't have that any
more...
(points to ceiling)
...All that's left for me now is
the room upstairs.
RAND
Now, wait a minute, Chauncey - you
have your health... for
God's sake don't give up on your-
self! You have to fight!
You can't let those bastards
keep you down! I don't want
to hear any more from you about
the 'Room Upstairs.' That's
where I'm going soon.
There is a long pause. Chance looks up, then smiles at
Rand.
CHANCE
It's a very pleasant room, Ben.
RAND
(laughs)
Yes, I'm sure it is. That's
what they say, anyway.
Another period of silence. The servants bustle around
the room as Allenby studies Chance.
46 INT. RAND'S POOL ROOM - NIGHT
Allenby is shooting pool. Rand is offering Chance a cigar
from a humidor.
RAND
Have one of these, Chauncey -
they're Cuban.
CHANCE
Thank you, Ben.
Chance examines the cigar, does not see Rand clip the end
off his own.
RAND
It's one thing Robert
can't keep me from. I've
enjoyed a cigar as long
as I can remember.
Rand turns the cigar clipper to Chance. As Chance tries
to figure out the clipper, the flame from an ornate lighter
catches his eye and Chance watches intently as Rand lights
hiw own cigar.
RAND
...You know, Chauncey, there are
thousands of American businessmen,
large and small, that share your
plight. I've been concerned with
the situation for some time now.
(hands lighter
to Chance)
...I'd like to offer the decent
'gardeners' of the community a
helping hand. They've been
harrassed long enough by inflation,
excessive taxation, unions, all
sorts of indecencies...
Allenby watches Chance as he first tries to light the
lighter, then tries to light the unclipped cigar.
RAND (cont'd)
After all, they are our strongest
defense against the pollutants
that threaten our basic freedoms
and the well-being of our middle
class. So I've been thinking
about beginning a financial
assistance fund... Tell me,
Chauncey, would you have any
thoughts on such a program?
CHANCE
(puffing, trying
to light cigar)
No, Ben.
RAND
(a smile)
Reluctant to speak, eh, Chauncey?
Well, I can understand that. When
a man loses everything, anger has
a tendacy to block out reason for
a time. Just give it some thought,
work with the idea, I'm sure you'll
have plenty to say in a few days.
Chance puts the unlit cigar in the ashtray, smiles at
a most curious Allenby.
47 INT. MANSION - ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Wilson stands behind Chance in the wheelchair. Chance
glances slowly around the elevator. Suddenly, Wilson breaks
out into laughter.
WILSON
...Sorry, sir... I thought
you were going to come out
with another one of your
jests about the elevator...
Excuse me, sir...
The elevator stops, the door opens.
48 INT. MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
Wilson wheels Chance out of the elevator.
CHANCE
...Hmmm... Elevator.
WILSON
(laughs again)
...Yes sir - elevator!
Wilson stops laughing as he notices Eve coming toward them.
EVE
Chauncey, I wanted to tell you
how dreadful I feel about your
leg, but how delighted I am
that you are staying with us.
CHANCE
Thank you, Eve - I like this
house very much.
EVE
...And Ben is just mad about
you - you've lifted his spirits
so - it's just... Well, it's
just a real pleasure, your
being here...
CHANCE
Ben is very ill, Eve - I've seen
that before.
EVE
Yes... I know Chauncey.
CHANCE
I like Ben very much... He re-
minds me of the Old Man...
EVE
He does...?
CHANCE
Yes. Are you going to leave
and close the house when he
dies?
Eve is not prepared for such a question.
EVE
...Why... No, I don't think
so...
CHANCE
That's good.
Chance smiles at Eve and there is a moment of silence
before Eve moves away.
EVE
...Good night, Chauncey.
CHANCE
Good night, Eve.
Wilson wheels Chance toward the guest room.
49 EXT. FRONT OF RAND MANSION - MORNING
Chance comes out of the front door, walking with a limp
for his first view of the Rand grounds. The attendant,
Lewis, hurries to Chance.
LEWIS
Did you want a car, sir?
CHANCE
Yes. I would like a car.
LEWIS
Yes, sir.
Lewis goes to his post, picks up a phone. As Chance looks
at the surroundings, Allenby and Wilson, with Chance's
wheelchair, come out of the house.
ALLENBY
Chauncey, there you are. What
are you doing on that leg?
CHANCE
It's fine today, Robert.
ALLENBY
Shame on you, Chauncey - you
should let me be the judge of
that. Please, sit in the chair.
Wlison pushes a wheelchair to Chance, he sits.
ALLENBY
(checks leg)
I swear, Chauncey, between you
and Benjamin, I've got my hands
full...
(examines Chance's
calf)
...Say, that is coming along, the
swelling has gone down considerably...
A limousine pulls up to the front of the mansion, waits
for Chance.
ALLENBY
(continues examining)
...Benjamin has been hounding
me to allow him to address the
annual convention of his
Financial Institute today, but
obviously, the strain would be
impossible... How about here,
Chauncey, any soreness?
CHANCE
Hardly any, Robert.
Lewis, the attendant, interrupts.
LEWIS
Your limousine, sir.
CHANCE
Oh, thank you.
ALLENBY
...Are you going somewhere?
CHANCE
No, Robert.
ALLENBY
(a beat)
...Oh... Anyway, the President
offered to sit in for Ben at
the convention, quite a nice
gesture. He's due here soon,
I believe.
CHANCE
Yes, Robert. I know about the
President.
ALLENBY
(mildly surprised)
...Oh? You've heard?
CHANCE
Yes. Ben called me. He wants
me to meet the President.
ALLENBY
He does, does he?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben asked me to be in his
room at ten o'clock.
ALLENBY
Why, that's terrific, Chauncey.
CHANCE
How do I know when it's ten
o'clock?
A long reaction from Allenby, then he looks at his watch.
ALLENBY
...It's five of, you'd best
get on in there.
CHANCE
Thank you, Robert.
Wilson begins to push Chance.
CHANCE
I would like to walk today.
ALLENBY
Hell yes - walk. You're meeting
the President, aren't you?
CHANCE
(gets out of chair)
Yes. I like to watch him on
television.
Allenby, a bit puzzled, watches as Wilson opens the front
door for Chance.
50 INT. RAND'S ROOM - MORNING
Rand is in an easy chair, dressed for his meeting with the
President. The two nurses are nearby. Rand smiles as
Chance is shown into the room by Wilson.
RAND
Chauncey, up and around this
morning, are you?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben. I like to walk.
RAND
Well, that's good news, my boy.
CHANCE
You're looking much better today,
Ben.
RAND
Hah! It's all makeup, Chauncey...
I asked nurse Teresa to fix me up,
I didn't want the President to
think I was going to die during
our talk.
CHANCE
I understand.
RAND
No one likes a dying man, my boy -
because few know what death is.
All we know is the terror of it.
But you're am exception, Chauncey -
that's what I admire in you, your
marvelous balance. You don't
stagger back and forth between fear
and hope - you're a truly peaceful
man.
CHANCE
Thank you, Ben.
(looks at Rand
closely)
...Nurse Teresa did a very good
job, Ben.
The nurses turn, look at Chance.
51 INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - MORNING
Allenby gets off the elevator, stands and thinks for a
moment, then heads off down the hallway in the direction
of Chance's room.
52 EXT. FRONT RAND MANSION - MORNING
Perkins is at the head of eight servants lined up on the
front steps. Two black PLYMOUTH SEDANS pull up and EIGHT
MEN in grey business suits get out. One of them, WOLTZ,
goes directly to Perkins.
WOLTZ
Good morning, Perkins.
PERKINS
Good morning, Mr. Woltz, nice
to see you again.
WOLTZ
Thank you. How have you been?
PERKINS
Fine, thank you.
(hands Woltz paper)
We have an additional guest with
us today, Mr. Chauncey Gardiner.
WOLTZ
(reads list)
I see...
(turns to other men)
Okay, let's go to work.
The eight servants pair up with the eight men in suits
and go into the house.
53 INT. RAND'S ROOM - MORNING
Chance watches television as Rand speaks.
RAND
Yes, when I was younger I had
thoughts about public office...
But I found, Chauncey -- that I
was able to contribute more as
a private citizen... Of course,
my wealth provided me with con-
siderable influence, but I've
tried, believe me, not to mis-
use that power... It's extremely
important, Chauncey, that you
don't allow yourself to become
blinded to the needs of the
country even when the tempations
are strong. I've been labeled a
'kingmaker' by many, but I have
tried to stay open to the voices
of the people... I have tried to
remain honest to myself...
CHANCE
(changing channels)
...I see, Ben.
54 INT. RAND MANSION - A HALLWAY - MORNING
One of the servants accompanies Secret Service Agent RIFF
as he knocks on each door, checks inside, then moves on.
55 EXT. FRONT RAND MANSION - MORNING
Lewis picks up his phone and dials as he sees the President's
motorcade come through the far gate.
LEWIS
(into phone)
The President is arriving now,
Mrs. Aubrey.
56 INT. RAND MANSION - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - MORNING
MRS. AUBREY is Rand's executive secretary, but her office
is the Nerve Center of Rand Enterprises.
MRS. AUBREY
(on phone)
Very good, Lewis, thank you.
Mrs. Aubrey clicks off, pushes another button.
57 INT. RAND'S ROOM - MORNING
Rand smiles at Chance as the phone buzzes.
RAND
He's here.
(into phone)
Yes, Mrs. Aubrey?
(listens)
Fine. Show the President to the
library, we'll be along in a few
minutes.
Rand hangs up the phone, turns to Chance with a twinkle
in his eyes.
RAND
It's an old habit that goes
along with power -- keep them
waiting...
Teresa brings Rand's wheelchair to him.
RAND
(stands, very week)
Not now, Teresa. I'm seeing the
President on my own two feet.
TERESA
But, Mr. Rand...
RAND
(puts an arm around
Chance for support)
Shall we go, Chauncey?
CHANCE
Yes, Ben. That's a good idea.
Rand walks slowly, clings to the limping Chance tightly
as they leave the room.
58 EXT. HALLWAY - MORNING
The President and his entourage are seen on their way to
the library as Rand and Chance enter and stop in front
of Mrs. Aubrey's office.
RAND
Mrs. Aubrey, have you received
the papers on the Caracas
agreement?
MRS. AUBREY
Yes, sir. They're ready for
you to sign.
RAND
Excellent.
(as they move away)
A good woman, Mrs. Aubrey.
CHANCE
I agree, Ben.
They shuffle off down the hallway and are met immediately
by Woltz and and another agent, Barker. Both carry small metal
detectors.
WOLTZ
Good morning, Mr. Rand.
RAND
Woltz...
(nods toward Chance)
This is Mr. Gardiner.
WOLTZ
(indicates detector)
Just a formality, Mr. Gardiner.
Barker passes the detector over Rand as Woltz checks Chance.
RAND
Good thing we're not in our
wheelchairs, you boys would have
a devil of a time.
CHANCE
(as Woltz finishes)
Thank you very much.
59 INT. RAND LIBRARY - MORNING
A somewhat nervous PRESIDENT waits for Rand and Chance.
When they enter, he goes to Rand with both hands out-
stretched.
PRESIDENT
Ben!
RAND
...Mr. President, how good to
see you.
PRESIDENT
It's so good to see you too,
Ben, you look terrific!
RAND
(with a look
to Chance)
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me
tell you, your visit has raised
my spirits...
PRESIDENT
Well, I've missed you, my friend.
(guides Rand to
chair)
Here, sit down, get off your
feet.
As Rand sinks into the chair, Chance approaches the President
with both hands outstretched.
CHANCE
Good morning, Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
(smiling)
...Hello.
RAND
Oh, Mr. President, I'd like you
to meet my dear friend, Mr.
Chauncey Gardiner.
Chance and the President exchange a two-handed handshake.
The President reacts.
CHANCE
You look much smaller on
television, Mr. President.
PRESIDENT
(a beat)
...Oh, really...
RAND
(smiling)
You will find that Chauncey
does not bandy words, Mr.
President.
The President gives Chance a look, then laughs.
PRESIDENT
Well, Mr. Gardiner, that's
just fine with me - I'm a man
that appreciates a frank dis-
cussion... Be seated, please,
Mr. Gardiner...
CHANCE
(sitting)
Yes, I will.
PRESIDENT
(also sits)
Now, Ben, did you happen to get
a chance to go over...
Chance reacts to the mention of his name, interrupts.
CHANCE
Yes?
There is a beat as the President look at Chance quizzically,
then he continues.
PRESIDENT
...I just wonder if you had
gone over my speech, Ben.
RAND
Yes, I did.
PRESIDENT
...Well?
RAND
Overall - pretty good. But, Mr.
President, I think it's very
dangerous to resort to temporary
measures at this stage of the game.
PRESIDENT
Well, Ben... I...
RAND
I sympathize with you and, I
know how difficult it is to be
straightforward, but I'm telling
you right now, Bobby - your
position on this is going to
cause more dissension that you
want or might even be able to
stand.
60 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - MORNING
Allenby is searching through Chance's clothes looking for
something. There is a knock at the door, Allenby pulls
back from the closet as Riff opens the door, looks inside.
ALLENBY
Oh... Hello.
RIFF
(entering)
Good morning. I'm Riff, Secret
Service.
ALLENBY
...Yes. Of course.
Allenby spreads his arms as Riff passes the metal detector
over him.
61 INT. LIBRARY - MORNING
The President paces, is worried about what Rand is telling
him. Chance smiles through it all.
RAND
...There is no longer any margin
for inflation, it has gone as
far as it can. You've reached
your limits on taxation, dependence
on foreign energy is at a point of
crisis, and, from where I see it,
Mr. President, the so-called Free
Enterprise System could be at
the breaking point.
PRESIDENT
You don't think I should take
that chance, huh?
RAND
Absolutely not.
Chance has reacted to his name, but doesn't know what
to say. The President sits, turns, to Chance.
PRESIDENT
Do you agree with Ben, Mr.
Gardiner? Or do you think we
can stimulate growth through
temporary incentives?
CHANCE
(a beat)
As long as the roots are not
severed, all is well and all
will be well in the garden.
PRESIDENT
(a pause)
...In the garden?
CHANCE
That is correct. In a garden,
growth has its season. There
is spring and summer, but there
is also fall and winter. And
then spring and summer again...
PRESIDENT
(staring at Chance)
...Spring and summer...
(confused)
Yes, I see...Fall and winter.
(smiles at Chance)
Yes, indeed.
RAND
(interrupts)
I think what my most insightfult
friend is building up to, Mr.
President, is that we welcome the
inevitable saesons of nature, yet
we are upset by the seasons of
our economy.
CHANCE
Yes. That is correct. There will
be growth in the spring.
PRESIDENT
(pleased)
...Well, Mr. Gardiner, I must
admit, that is one of the most
refreshing and optimistic state-
ments I've heard in a very, very
long time.
(he rises)
...I envy your good, solid sense,
Mr. Gardiner - that is precisely
what we lack on Capitol Hill.
(glances at watch)
I must be going.
(holds out hand
to Chance)
... This visit has been most
enlightening...
Chance rises and shakes the President's hand.
CHANCE
Yes. It has.
PRESIDENT
...You will honor me and my family
with a visit, won't you?
CHANCE
Yes. I will.
PRESIDENT
Wonderful, we'll all look forward
to seeing you.
(turns to Rand)
Is Eve around? I'd like to say
hello.
RAND
No, she flew up to Boston for some
charity event. She'll be sorry
to have missed you.
PRESIDENT
I'm sorry, too. Well, Nancy wanted
me to send along her best to the two
of you - and, Ben, I want to thank
you for your time and thoughts.
RAND
Nonsense, Mr. President - I
thank you for coming to spend
time with a dying man.
PRESIDENT
Now, Ben, I won't have any any of
that. Why don't you listen to
your good friend Chauncey -
this is a time to think of
life!
The President claps Rand's hand.
RAND
You're right, Mr. President -
I don't like feeling sorry
for myself.
PRESIDENT
Take care of yourself, Ben.
RAND
You too, Bobby.
PRESIDENT
(as he turns to
go, a smile to
Chance)
...Chauncey...
CHANCE
...Bobby...
The President leaves the library and Chance turns to Rand.
RAND
(as the door
closes)
He's a decent fellow, the
President, isn't he?
CHANCE
I'm glad he came, Ben. It was
nice talking to the President.
62 INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - MORNING
The President and his entourage are moving along toward
the front door. One aide, KAUFMAN, walks next to the
President.
PRESIDENT
Kaufman, I'm going to need
information on Mr. Chauncey
Gardiner's background.
KAUFMAN
(makes note of name)
Gardiner, yes, sir.
PRESIDENT
And I'd like it some time today.
KAUFMAN
No problem, Chief.
63 INT. RAND MANSION - TAPESTRY ROOM - MORNING
Rand has an arm around Chance as the two of them walk.
Behind them, Wilson and Perkins push empty wheelchairs.
RAND
(very weak)
...You know, Chauncey, there's
something about you... You don't
play games with words to protect
yourself. You're direct...
(they walk a
few more feet
in silence)
You know what I was talking to
you about last night?
CHANCE
(blankly)
No, Ben.
RAND
Oh, sure you do, the financial
assistance program for the
businessman.
(another beat)
Well, I think you might be just
the man to take charge of such an
undertaking. I'd like you to meet
with the other members of the Board
so you can discuss the matter at
greater length with them.
CHANCE
I understand.
RAND
And, please, Chauncey - don't
rush your decision. I know
you're not a man to act on the
spur of the moment.
CHANCE
Thank you, Ben.
RAND
And now, Chauncey, I'm afriad
you must excuse me - I'm very
tired...
Rand sits down in his wheelchair and Perkins starts off
with him.
CHANCE
(as they go)
I'm sorry that you are so sick,
Ben.
Chance watches after them for a moment, then his interest
is taken by one of the large tapestries.
64 EXT. RAND MANSION - MAIN GARDEN - DAY
Chance and Eve walk through the garden. At one end, is a
huge Victorian greenhouse, with smaller greenhouses next
to it. Off to one side, stands an attractive stone house.
Five young men work in one area, shovelling mulch.
EVE
There are over sixty thousand
tulip bulbs planted here. It's
quite a sight when they're
blooming. Of course, the
roses are beautiful, too. We
have, I think, around twenty
thousand bushes.
(gestures to
men working)
...We plant something different
every year in that area... But
I haven't decided what I would
like this spring. What do you
think, Chauncey?
CHANCE
I don't know.
EVE
Well, give it some thought.
(indicates stone
house)
That's the gardener's house
over there.
Chance looks off to the two story stone house.
65 INT. A GREENHOUSE - DAY
Chance and Eve are in the middle of a huge potting green-
house where hundreds of young plants are tended by four
workers.
CHANCE
I like to watch the young
plants grow.
EVE
It is wonderful, isn't it?
CHANCE
Young plants do much better
if a person helps them.
Eve looks at Chance as he inspects some of the flowers.
She has decided to make a move.
EVE
...Ben tells me the President
was very taken with you this
morning.
Chance doesn't know what to say, continues inspecting the
flowers.
66 INT. VICTORIAN GREENHOUSE - DAY
Chance and Eve move through a large and an extra lush green-
house until they reach a long room filled with cacti.
EVE
(as they move)
...Chauncey...Last night you
mentioned an old man, that died.
Was a relative? Or an
intimate friend?
CHANCE
(looking at
greenhouse)
He was a very wealthy man, he
looked after me since I was
young.
EVE
Oh, I see... Your mentor.
CHANCE
...Mentor...?
Eve takes his uncertainty as a reluctance to discuss the
Old Man.
EVE
Forgive me, Chauncey - I don't
mean to pry. You must have
been very close to him.
CHANCE
Yes. I was.
EVE
I'm sorry...
(getting more
to the point)
...And what about Louise? You
mentioned that she had gone.
Were you close to her also?
CHANCE
Yes. I liked Louise very
much. She was his maid.
EVE
(relieved)
Oh, his maid!... Stupid me, I
thought perhaps she was someone
that you may have been romantically
involved with, or maybe your sister.
CHANCE
Oh no. She brought me my meals.
EVE
(pleased)
Of course.
Eve edges slightly closer to Chance. Chance edges
slightly closer to the cacti, is fascinated by it.
67 INT. RAND'S ROOM - DAY
Rand is in bed, looking bad. Eve, Chance and Allenby are
seated around him, the two nurses stand to one side. They
all watch the President's address to the Financial Institute
on TV.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE
...I know that many of you believe
that we are on the brink of the
worst financial crisis in this
nation's history. And there are
some of you who would like to see
us put mandatory freezes on prices
and wages, and then call it a
temporary measure. Well, that's
exactly what I was going to do
until this moment. But I have
decided there are no temporary
stop gaps. So I am going to re-
think my position and find
another solution. And, you'll be
very pleased to know that your
founder and chairman-of-the-board,
Mr. Benjamin Turnbull Rand, agrees
with me on this...
(a beat)
...for once.
There is applause and laughter from the audience.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE (Cont'd)
(after applause)
Chauncey Gardiner, Mr. Rand's close
friend and advisor, was at our
meeting this morning. I found Mr.
Gardiner to have a feeling for
this country that we need more of.
He likened us to a garden...
...To quote Mr. Gardiner, a most
intuitive man, 'As long as the
roots of industry remain firmly
planted in the national soil,
the economic prospects are un-
doubtedly sunny.'
Rand starts coughing, breathing heavily. Allenby and
the nurses rush to his bedside. Allenby shoots a quick
look to Eve and Chance.
ALLENBY
(motioning toward door)
I think you should leave.
Eve and an interested Chance leave the room as Allenby
administers aid to Rand.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE (Cont'd)
Gentlemen, let us not fear the
inevitable chill and storms of
autumn and winter, instead, let
us anticipate the rapid growth
of springtime, let us await the
rewards of summer. As in a
garden of the earth, let us
learn to accept and appreciate
the times when the trees are
bare as well as the times when
we pick the fruit.
68 INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - DAY
Eve and Chance stand in silence near the palm court. Eve's
eyes are swollen, red, she has been crying. She turns to
Chance, reaches out, touches his hand.
EVE
(hesitates)
...I'm...
(pause)
...I'm very grateful that you're
here, Chauncey...
(pause)
...With us...
CHANCE
So am I, Eve.
Allenby comes out of Rand's room, his mood is serious.
ALLENBY
...This has been an exhausting
day for Ben... He's resting
comfortably now. There's no
cause for alarm...
Mrs. Aubrey approaches.
MRS. AUBREY
Mr. Gardiner, I have a telephone
call for you, Sidney Courtney.
CHANCE
...Telephone call?
MRS. AUBREY
Yes, Sidney Courtney, the
Financial Editor of the
"Washington Post."
Chance does not react.
MRS. AUBREY
(after a moment)
Would you care to take it, sir?
CHANCE
Yes.
Chance still does not move. Eve mistakes this for
concern for herself.
EVE
I'll be all right, Chauncey -
you go ahead with Mrs. Aubrey...
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. You'll be all right.
Chance follows Mrs. Aubrey. Eve watches Chance go, then
turns to Allenby.
EVE
...He's such a sensitive man,
so considerate...
69 INT. MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - DAY
Three television sets are on. Mrs. Aubrey hands a phone
to Chance, he looks at it, uncertain.
CHANCE
(after a moment, into
phone)
...Hello.
70 INT. WASHINGTON POST - COURTNEY'S OFFICE - DAY
SID COURTNEY, a man in his fifties, wears a rumpled wool
jacket, smokes a pipe.
COURTNEY
Hello, Mr. Gardiner. I'm sorry
to disturb you, but I watched
the President's speech at the
Financial Institute today, and
I wondered if you have any
comments on the meeting that
took place between Mr. Rand,
the President and yourself.
71 INTERCUT - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE/COURTNEY'S OFFICE - DAY
CHANCE
The President is a nice person.
I enjoyed it very much.
COURTNEY
Good, sir. And so, it seems,
did the President - but we would
like to have some facts; such as,
uh... What exactly is the
relationship between yourself and
that of the First American
Financial Corporation?
CHANCE
I think you should ask Mr. Rand
that.
COURTNEY
Of course. But since he is ill
I'm taking the liberty of asking
you.
CHANCE
(watching three
TV sets)
Yes, that is correct. I think
you should ask Mr. Rand that.
Courtney doesn't understand but continues his questioning.
COURTNEY
I see. Then one more quick
question, Mr. Gardiner.
Chance hangs up the phone, watches the TVs.
Courtney listens to the dial tone, then puts the receiver
down.
COURTNEY
(to himself)
No wonder he's so close to
Rand...
72 INT. MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - DAY
Mrs. Aubrey puts a call on hold, speaks to Chance who
is still intrigued by the three televisions.
MRS. AUBREY
Mr. Gardiner, I have the producer
of the 'Gary Burns Show' on the
line.
CHANCE
Yes, I have watched that on
television.
MRS. AUBREY
Of course. They would like you
to appear on the show tonight.
The Vice-President was scheduled,
but he had to cancel, and they
asked if you would be interested.
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to be on
television.
MRS. AUBREY
Fine.
Chance turns back to the televisions. Mrs. Aubrey talks
to the producer.
MRS. AUBREY
(into phone)
Hello, Mr. Hull... Mr. Gardiner
has agreed to do the show... Yes,
I'll tell him. The show will be
taped and then shown at ten o'clock,
but he's to be there at seven.
73 INT. EVE'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Eve is on the phone while being attended to by a MANICURIST
and a HAIRDRESSER. Eve talks to Sophie as if they weren't
there as one wig is taken off, another is put on.
EVE
(into phone)
...Are you kidding? Of course,
I'll bring him, I promise - but
I'll get Ben to suggest it...
Hands off, Sophie - this one's
mine... No, I haven't done that,
but give me time... Yes, be sure
and watch the 'Burns' Show to-
night, you'll see what I mean...
Ben? Oh, he's okay - he's got
his ups and downs...
74 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - EVENING
Chance wears a velvet bathrobe, watches TV. Wilson and
Perkins lay out a suit, shirt, tie, etc. There is a KNOCK
at the door.
PERKINS
Excuse me, sir.
Perkins answers the door, it is Eve.
EVE
(entering)
Chauncey, I wanted to wish you
well. I know you'll be just
smashing.
CHANCE
(rising)
Thank you, Eve.
EVE
And Benjamin sends along his
best wishes.
CHANCE
How is Ben feeling?
EVE
He's tired, Chauncey - but he's
going to watch you tonight.
We'll both be watching.
CHANCE
That's good. I like to watch,
too.
EVE
I know you do - you and your
television...
(a pause)
...Good luck, Chauncey.
Eve impulsively steps forward, kisses Chance on the cheek.
Chance smiles at her. Eve returns the smile, then leaves
the room. Chance sits back down, watches TV as Wilson
and Perkins attend to his clothes with a whiskbroom.
75 INT. WASHINGTON POST - RESEARCH ROOM - NIGHT
A woman, KINNEY, sits behind a stack of paperwork. She
has a downcast expression as Sidney Courtney, followed by
three staffers, enters the room.
COURTNEY
(to Staffers)
...Gardiner is laconic, matter-
of-fact. The scuttlebutt is
that he's a strong candidate
for one of the seats on the
Board of First American.
(to Kinney)
...Kinney, what did you come up
with on his background?
KINNEY
(after pause)
...Nothing.
COURTNEY
...Skip the levity, Kinney -
what have you got?
KINNEY
(another pause)
...I realize this sounds banal -
but there is no information of
any sort on Gardiner. We have
no material on him - zilch...
The room is quiet.
76 INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Chance is intrigued by the the surroundings as MORTON HULL
guides him through the corridor.
HULL
Of course, Mr. Gardiner, your
position in the financial
community carries a lot of
weight, but what caught Gary's
attention was your down-to-
earth philosophy.
CHANCE
I see.
They walk a while through the corridor.
HULL
(making conversation)
Do you realize that more people
will be watching you tonight
that all those who have seen
theater plays in the last
forty years?
CHANCE
Yes. It's a very good show.
Hull takes Chance into the makeup room.
77 EXT. AIRPORT - NIGHT
AIR FORCE 1 taxies to the ground.
78 INT. AIR FORCE 1 - NIGHT
The President sits on a couch in one of the compartments
on the jet. With him are six of his STAFF, Kaufman
included.
PRESIDENT
What do you mean, no background?
That's impossible, he's a very
well known man!
KAUFMAN
Yes, sir - we are aware of all
that, but still, we haven't been
able to...
PRESIDENT
(interrupts)
He's an advisor and close personal
friend of Rand's! For Christ
sakes, they have volumes of data
on Benjamin!
KAUFMAN
Yes, Mr. President, I plan on
contacting Mr. Rand as soon as...
PRESIDENT
(again interrupts)
I do not want Benjamin Rand
disturbed! You have other ways
of gathering information than to
trouble a dying man. Use whatever
agencies are necessary to put to-
gether a detailed history of
Chauncey Gardiner, if you run
into problems, alert Honeycutt.
(he stands)
Have it in my office at seven
in the morning.
(he starts for door)
I've got to take a leak.
KAUFMAN
Right, chief.
As the President goes to the Men's Room, two of the aides
reach for telephones.
79 INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR/MAKEUP ROOM - NIGHT
A PAGE comes through the corridor carrying a glass of
water. He turns into the makeup room to reveal Hull
sitting next to Chance in front of the mirror. The
makeup man, COLSON, works on Chance as he watches the
guest preceding him on a TV monitor that is reflected
in the mirror.
PAGE
(gives Chance water)
I thought you might need this
about now, Mr. Gardiner. It
gets real hot under these lights.
CHANCE
Thank you. I am very thirsty.
The Page leans against the door jamb, smiles if anyone
looks at him.
HULL
(briefing Chance)
Now, if Gary wants to interrupt
you, or ask you a question,
he'll raise his left forefinger
to his left eyebrow.
CHANCE
(to Colson)
Nurse Teresa did Ben's makeup.
COLSON
(laughs)
Oh? Did she do a good job?
CHANCE
Yes, very good.
On the TV, GARY BURNS finishes with his guest and the
band goes into a hot instrumental number.
COLSON
(a last minute dab)
Okay, Mr. Gardiner, looks like
you're up.
Hull leads Chance out of the makeup room. Colson sits
and watches the TV monitor. The Page, his back to Colson,
carefully picks up Chance's water glass so as not to smear
the fingerprints, then leaves the room. On the TV monitor,
the band plays, the audience applauds as Burns introduces
Chance.
80 INT. RAND LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
BURNS (on TV)
I always find it surprising, Mr.
Gardiner, to find men like your-
self, who work so intimately with
the President, yet manage to remain
relatively unknown.
CHANCE (on TV)
Yes. That is surprising.
BURNS (on TV)
...Well, your anonymity will be
a thing of the past from now on.
CHANCE (on TV)
(doesn't understand)
I hope so.
BURNS (on TV)
(a beat)
Yes...of course. Well, I assume,
since the President quoted you, that
you agree with his view of the
economy.
CHANCE (on TV)
Which view?
Applause and laughter from the TV audience.
81 INT. ALLENBY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Allenby watches, concerned as to which way it will go.
BURNS (on TV)
(a beat)
Well, the President compared the
economy of this country to a
garden, and stated that after a
period of decline a time of
growth would naturally follow.
CHANCE (on TV)
Yes, I know the garden very well.
I have worked in it all my life.
It is a good garden and a healthy
one;
82 INT. RAND'S ROOM - NIGHT
Rand is in bed. Eve sits in a chair next to the bed,
squeezes Rand's hand in the excitement as they both watch
Chance on television. Teresa and Constance watch in
the Background.
CHANCE (on TV - cont'd)
its tress are healthy and so are
its shrubs and flowers, as long as
they are trimmed and watered in the
right seasons. The garden needs
a lot of care. I do agree with
the President; everything
will grow strong, and there is
plenty of room in it for new trees
and new flowers of all kinds.
The TV audience applauds Chance and Constance quietly
leaves the room.
83 INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The President and First Lady are in bed together watching
the show.
BURNS (on TV)
So you're saying, Mr. Gardiner,
if the Stock Market collapses,
and unemployment keeps increasing.
that this is just another season,
so to speak, in the garden?
The First Lady cuddles up to the President.
84 INT. RAND LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
Chance continues to watch himself.
CHANCE (on TV)
Yes. In a garden, things grow - but
first some things must wither; some
trees lose their leaves before they
grow new leaves...
85 INT. THOMAS FRANKLIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Franklin, the attorney that evicted Chance, comes out of
the bathroom brushing his teeth. His wife, JOHANNA, is
in the bed absorbed in the show. Franklin sits on the end
of the bed.
CHANCE (on TV - cont'd)
...And if you give your garden a
lot of love, and if you work very
hard and have a lot of patience,
in the proper season you will see
it grow to be very beautiful...
More applause from the TV. Franklin leans closer to
the set.
FRANKLIN
(puzzled)
It's that gardener!
JOHANNA
Yes, Chauncey Gardiner.
FRANKLIN
No! He's a real gardener!
JOHANNA
(laughs)
He does talk like on, but I
think he's brilliant.
BURNS (on TV)
Well, that's very interesting,
Mr. Gardiner, but, what about
the bad seasons?
86 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Constance is in Chance's closet searching through his
clothing. Finding nothing, she checks the labels on
his suits, copies them in a notepad.
BURNS (Cont'd)
(on TV)
Such as prolonged droughts that
have wiped out crops, disastrous
winters, hurricanes? Doesn't a
country need to have someone in
charge that can see it through
such crises? Don't we need a
leader capable of guiding us
through the bad seasons as well
as the good?
CHANCE
(on TV)
Yes. We need a very good gardner.
Constance continues her work in the closet.
87 INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROROM - NIGHT
The President and First Lady are very attentive.
BURNS
(on TV)
I realize this might be a difficult
question for you, Mr. Gardiner -
but there are a lot of us around
the country that would like to hear
your thoughts on the matter.
CHANCE
(on TV)
I understand.
BURNS
(on TV)
Do you feel that we have a 'very
good gardener' in office at this
time, Mr. Gardiner?
PRESIDENT
...That bastard...
CHANCE
(on TV)
Oh, yes. It is possible for one
side of the garden to be flooded,
and the other side to be dry...
Some plants do well in the sun,
and others grow better in the cool
of the shade.
The First Lady moves closer to the President.
88 INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
A group of ELDERLY BLACK PEOPLE sit in the lobby, watching
the show on an old black-and-white TV
CHANCE (on TV - cont'd)
..It is the gardner's responsibility
to take water from the flooded area
and run it to the area that is dry.
It is also the gardner's responsi-
bility not to plant a sun-loving flower
in the shade of a high wall...
During the preceding speech, Louise, the maid from the Old
Man's house, chatters.
LOUISE
Gobbledegook! All the time he
talked gobbledegook! An' it's
for sure a White man's world in
America, hell, I raised that boy
since he was the size of a pissant
an' I'll say right now he never
learned to read an' write - no sir!
Had no brains at all, was stuffed
with rice puddin' between the ears!
Short-changed by the Lord and dumb
as a jackass an' look at him now!
Yes, sir - all you gotta be is
white in America an' you get whatever
you want! Just listen to that boy -
gobbledegook!
There is a chorus of "Amens" as she finishes.
89 INT. RAND LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
Chance watches himself.
CHANCE (on TV - cont'd)
...It is the responsibility of
the gardner to adjust to the bad
seasons as well as enjoy the good
ones.
Chance changes channels to a Game Show.
90 INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The President and First Lady still watch Chance.
CHANCE (on TV - cont'd)
If the gardner does his job,
everything will be fine.
PRESIDENT
Oh, Jesus...
Audience applause is heard on TV.
BURNS (on TV)
Before we take a break...
What sort of gardner would
you be?
CHANCE (on TV)
(with confidence)
I am a very serious gardner.
BURNS (on TV)
I'm sure you are, Mr. Gardiner.
(looks at camera)
We'll be right back.
As a commercial comes on, the President rolls over in bed.
The First Lady reaches out, puts a comforting hand on his
shoulder.
91 INT. RAND'S ROOM - NIGHT
The commercial is on TV.
RAND
He's a remarkable man, remarkable...
(to Eve)
You're fond of him too, aren't
you, Eve?
EVE
(a beat)
...Yes, I am, Ben.
RAND
That's good... that's good.
Rand looks up as Constance comes back into the room.
RAND
Constance! Where have you been?
You missed the whole show - Chauncey
was wonderful.
92 INT. FRANKLIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Franklin shuts off the commercial on TV, is talking on
the phone.
FRANKLIN
Okay, Sally, I'll see you in
twenty minutes.
Franklin hangs up the phone, scurries around getting
dressed. His wife, Johanna, sits grimly in bed.
FRANKLIN
(notices her look)
I won't be long, I've just got
to talk to her about this Gardiner...
JOHANNA
(turns over in bed)
Good night.
FRANKLIN
Look, Johanna...
JOHANNA
(cuts him off)
I said good night!
Franklin gives up, hurries from the room.
93 EXT. RAND MANSION - NIGHT
Some of the household staff are lined up applauding
Chance as he steps from the limousine. Perkins and
Wilson come forward.
WILSON
Bravo, sir! You were outstanding.
Outstanding!
PERKINS
May I take your coat, Mr. Gardiner?
CHANCE
Yes. Thank you, Perkins.
Perkins nods, takes Chance's overcoat, allows everyone
to enter the house. Once alone, Perkins quickly searches
through the coatpockets, finds nothing.
94 INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The First Lady is snuggled up close to the President,
caresses his body. After a moment, it becomes clear
to her that he is not up to the occasion.
FIRST LADY
...Darling... What's wrong?
PRESIDENT
...I can't... I just can't right
now... I'm sorry, dearest... I
just can't...
The First Lady looks at him for a beat, then turns, lies
on her back and stares at the ceiling.
95 INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Rand is in his wheelchair, stripped to the waist. Eve
stands nearby. Chance breathes deeply, enjoys the oxygen.
Allenby and the nurses prepare four separate injections
for Rand, which Allenby administers to him during the
scene.
RAND
(with some effort)
Senator Rowley's widow is hosting
a reception tomorrow night honoring
the Soviet Ambasador and I think
it's rather obvious that Robert
won't allow me to attend. So,
Chauncey, you would be doing me a
great favor if you would escort
Eve, and go in my place.
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to escort Eve.
RAND
Good. Together, the two of you
should create quite a stir - I can
already hear the gossip.
EVE
...Ben, really...
RAND
...You possess a great gift, Chauncey,
of being natural. And that, my boy,
is a rare talent - tonight on television,
you were strong and brave and didn't
moralize. I hope the entire country
was watching - the entire country.
Allenby gives Rand the last injection.
96 INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT
An 'in' meeting place for the upper-middle Washington,
D.C. crowd. Thomas Franklin and Sally Hayes sit at a
table, drinks in front of them.
FRANKLIN
...It didn't make any sense to
me at all. I didn't know what
the hell he was talking about...
SALLY
It wasn't meant for
us, Tom - he was talking to the
masses. He was very clever,
keeping it at a third grade
level - that's what they under-
stand...
FRANKLIN
Yeah? Well, I don't understand why
he was in Jennings' house? What was
up his sleeve when he pulled that stunt
with us? What was he doing? And why?
SALLY
Who knows..? Maybe the government
had something to do with it.
FRANKLIN
You know, Sally - he made a
fool out of me, ...and you know
what that means, don't you?...
It means that any political future
I had is right down the toilet!
The CAMERA begins to slowly move away from the table,
the sound of Franklin's voice continues.
FRANKLIN (cont'd)
...Jesus, the thought of spending
the rest of my life as an attorney,
that is really a downer... And,
Christ, Sally, I almost forgot -
Johanna is starting to think some-
thing's going on between...
Franklin's voice fades into the background hubbub. The
voice of Kinney, the research assistant from the WASHINGTON
POST is heard as the camera settles on a table occupied
by Sidney Courtney and his staff.
KINNEY
...Sid, be reasonable - I've been
everywhere, there's no place left
to check!
COURTNEY
Try again.
KINNEY
Sure, try again - where? There's
nothing, it's like Gardiner never
existed!
COURTNEY
Try again.
KINNEY
It's useless!
COURTNEY
(coldly)
I said - try again.
Kinney stands, shoves her paperwork across the table.
KINNEY
Up yours, Sid. You try again,
I quit!
Kinney takes her drink with her as she leaves the lounge.
97 INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
The elevator door opens revealing Eve and Chance inside.
EVE
(as they come out)
I'll bet you don't have a
tuxedo with you, do you?
CHANCE
No, thank you.
EVE
... Well, we can fix up one
of Ben's for you tomorrow.
Sophie insists on Black Tie.
CHANCE
I see.
They walk in silence for a moment. Eve stops, then
Chance.
EVE
(softly)
...I have very few friends,
Chauncey... And Benjamin's
friends are all quite a bit
older...
Eve gives Chance a long look, then kisses him on the
lips. She steps back, smiles.
EVE
...Good night, Chauncey.
CHANCE
Good night, Eve.
Eve goes into her bedrom, closes the door. Chance heads
for his room as though nothing had happened.
98 INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE ANTE ROOM - MORNING
Kaufman and the five other Aides nervously await the
President's arrival. The door opens, the President
briskly enters.
PRESIDENT
Good morning, gentlemen.
AIDES
(as one)
Good morning, sir.
The President leads the way into the Oval Office.
99 INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING
As the President goes to his desk, Kaufman hands him a
folder. The President sits, reads it quickly, it is
very brief.
PRESIDENT
(to Kaufman)
This is not what I requested.
KAUFMAN
No, sir.
PRESIDENT
This information goes back a day
and a half! I want the standard
file, you know that.
KAUFMAN
Right, Chief.
PRESIDENT
So...? Where the hell is it?
KAUFMAN
We...uh, have been unable to come
up with any information before Mr.
Gardiner appeared at the Rand's...
and, uh...
PRESIDENT
What the hell are you talking
about, Kaufman?
KAUFMAN
Well, we do have some data from the
Bureau, but it isn't pertinent.
PRESIDENT
I'd like to hear that data
Kaufman.
KAUFMAN
Yes, sir.
Kaufman takes a clipboard from the man at his right.
KAUFMAN
(reading)
...Suits hand-made by a tailor in
Chicago in 1928. The tailor went
out of business in 1933, then took
his own life.
...His shoes were hand-made in
1936. The cobbler has long since
been dead. Underwear, all of the
finest cloth, factory destroyed by
fire in 1948. The man carries no
indentification; no wallet, no
driver's license, no credit cards.
...He carries one item along with
him, a fine Swiss Patek-Phillipe watch,
made in 1887, but there is no
record of where or when it was
purchased.
...Computers have analyzed Gardiner's
vocal characteristics; it is impos-
sible to determine his ethnic back-
ground, they feel his accent may be
northeastern, but they will not
commit to that.
...Fingerprint check proved negative,
no identification possible.
(a pause)
...That's it, Mr. President.
The President stares at Kaufman for a beat, then speaks
into his intercom.
PRESIDENT
Miss Davis - I'd like my eggs
poached this morning, please.
100 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - MORNING
Chance is in bed, a tray on his lap, eating breakfast.
A pile of the morning's newspapers lie at the foot of
the bed, untouched. The TV is playing, Chance watches
as he eats. There is a knock at the door.
CHANCE
(without turning
from TV)
Come in!
Eve enters, wearing a robe over her nightgown.
EVE
Chauncey! Have you seen the
papers?
CHANCE
No, Eve. I don't read the
papers.
EVE
(moving to bed)
Well, it seems you've been
described as one of the architects
of the President's speech. And
your own comments from the television
show are quoted side by side with
the President's.
CHANCE
I like the President. He is a
very nice man.
eve
(sits on bed)
I know...
(a moment)
...So are you, Chauncey...
(another moment,
Chance watches TV)
...Do you mind my being here,
like this?
CHANCE
(a bite of toast)
No, Eve. I like you to be here.
Eve smiles, moves a little closer to Chance.
EVE
...You know, Chauncey... I
want us to be...
(with difficulty)
I want us... You and I to
become... close... I want us
to become very close, you know...?
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. I know that.
Eve suddenly begins to cry, sobbing quietly at first,
then losing control, the tears flowing freely. To
comfort her, Chance puts his arm around her shoulder,
nearly tipping his breakfast tray. Eve responds to
his touch, draws closer, holds Chance tightly. Chance
does his best to avoid slipping his breakfast, keep an
eye on the Tv, and to comfort Eve. She begins to caress
Chance, running her hand over his body. She kisses him,
his eyes, his neck, his lips, his ears. Chance does not
return the lovemaking, and Eve eventually catches hold of
herself, stops. She lies quietly beside Chance for a
time, regains her demeanor, then speaks.
EVE
...I'm grateful to you, Chauncey...
I would have opened to you with a
touch, and you know that...
(Chance, confused,
turns to her)
EVE (cont'd)
...But you're so strong - I can
trust myself with you...
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. I'm very glad that
you didn't open.
EVE
I know you are, Chauncey... And
I appreciate why you've decided
to wait...until...until...
There is a long moment, then Eve rises, straightens her
robe and moves toward the door.
EVE
(stopping by door)
...I do love you, Chauncey.
Eve leaves. Chance eats his once-warm scrambled eggs and
watches "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" on TV.
101 INT. RAND MANSION - ALLENBY'S ROOM - DAY
Allenby is at his desk, searching through the Washington,
D. C. telphone book. He finds a number, dials.
ALLENBY
(into phone)
Mr. Thomas Franklin, please.
(a wait)
Is Thomas Franklin in?
(a beat)
Yes, this is Dr. Robert Allenby,
would you please tell Mr. Franklin
that I would like to talk to him?
It concerns Chauncey Gardiner.
102 INT. RAND'S ROOM - DUSK
Rand is in bed, very still, deep in thought. Teresa and
Constance work in the background.
103 EXT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
Chance wears Ben's tuxedo and Eve is done to the teeth
as they emerge from the limousine and are met by the
press: a couple of reporters, 5 photographers and a
mini-cam crew from a local TV station.
REPORTER #1
Mr. Gardiner, what did you
think of the Posts' editorial
on the President's speech?
CHANCE
(smiling for photogs)
I didn't read it.
REPORTER #2
But sir - you must have at least
glanced at it.
CHANCE
No. I did not glance at it.
REPORTER #3
Mr. Gardiner, the New York Times
spoke of your 'Peculiar brand of
optimism,' what was your reaction
to that?
CHANCE
(continues to pose
for pictures)
I did not read that either.
REPORTER #3
Well, how do you feel about that
phrase, 'Peculiar brand of
optimism?'
CHANCE
I do not know what it means.
REPORTER #2
Sorry to persist, sir, but it
would be of great interest to
me to know what newspapers you
do read.
CHANCE
I do not read any newspapers.
I watch TV.
There is a moment of silence as the reporters digest this.
The TV Reporter smiles, questions Chance.
TV REPORTER
...Do you mean, Mr. Gardiner, that
you find television's coverage of the
news superior to that of the news-
papers?
CHANCE
(flatly)
I like to watch TV.
TV REPORTER
Thank you, Mr. Gardiner.
CHANCE
(thinks the interview
is over)
You're welcome.
Chance turns and goes toward the house, Eve follows.
the TV Reporter turns to the TV camera.
TV REPORTER
Well, that is probably the most
honest admission to come from a
public figure in years. Few
men in public life have the
courage not to read newspapers.
None, that this reporter has met,
have the guts to admit it.
104 INT. SOPHIE'S - EVENING
Chance and Eve move through the hallway toward the Living
Room.
EVE
I've never seen anyone handle
the press the way you do,
Chauncey - you're so cool and
detatched.
CHANCE
Thank you, Eve.
They move on to reveal the Black Tie Reception in progress,
crowded with Ambassadors and other such dignitaries.
SOPHIE ROWLEY, the hostess, comes rushing toward to greet
them.
105 INT. WASHINGTON, D.C. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT
The same lounge as before. Sidney Courtney sits at the
same table as earlier, only this time with the editor
of the Washington Post, LYMAN STUART. Courtney puffs
on his pipe as he speaks.
COURTNEY
...It's strictly rumor at this
stage, Lyman - just something
in the wind...
STUART
Something rather big in the
wind, I'd say. So whose files
were destroyed? The CIA's or
the FBI's?
COURTNEY
I don't know. But we should
start nosing around, see if we
can talk to some people...
The CAMERA begins to slowly MOVE AWAY from their table.
STUART
What is it about his past they
are trying to cover up?
(his volume fades)
...A criminal record? A
membership in a subversive
organization? Homosexual,
perhaps?
The SOUND of Stuart's voice dissolves into Thomas
Franklin's as the CAMERA SETTLES on Dr. Allenby and
Franklin sitting at a table nearby.
FRANKLIN
...And he told us that he had been
living there since he was a child,
working as a gardener. He showed
us a room in the garage, where he
said he stayed, and I... Well, I
didn't really believe him, of
course - but why the act? He
must have been involved on some
major financial level with the
deceased...
(catches himself)
Mr. Jennings, but our firm has
no record of any such transactions.
ALLENBY
Hmmm. You say he showed you
his garden?
FRANKLIN
Well, he said it was his, he
walked us through it.
ALLENBY
I see.
(leans close to
Franklin)
Mr. Franklin, I must ask you and
Miss Hayes to keep this incident
with Mr. Gardiner to yourselves.
There's no telling what he was
involved in, and the matter may
be extremely confidential. So
please, not a word.
FRANKLIN
Of course, Doctor, I understand.
ALLENBY
Fine. Thank you, Mr. Franklin.
FRANKLIN
Certainly, glad to be of help.
Allenby rises, leaves the bar.
106 INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
Sophie pulls Eve and Chance to AMBASSADOR SKRAPINOV and
his WIFE. As they arrive, Eve steps in front of Sophie and
makes the introduction.
EVE
Mr. Chauncey Gardiner, let me
introduce you to the guest of
honor, His Excellency Vladimar
Skrapinov, Ambassador of the
Soviet Union.
Chance warmly shakes Skrapinov's hand with both of his own.
CHANCE
(stumbles over name)
Hello... His... His...
SKRAPINOV
Delighted, Mr. Gardiner...
(a nod to Eve)
Mrs. Rand, delighted.
SOPHIE
And this is Mrs. Skrapinov.
Chance smiles at Mrs. Skrapinov as The Ambassador puts
am arm around him.
SKRAPINOV
(to Chance and Eve)
You must sit with us, my
friends, we have much to
discuss.
CHANCE
I agree.
SOPHIE
(tugs at Eve)
Come, Eve, let's let the men
talk.
(to Chance and
Skrapinov)
Would you two excuse us for
a moment?
SKRAPINOV
Regretfully - we shall yield the
pleasure of your company to
others.
CHANCE
Yes, Eve. I shall yield, too.
EVE
Fine. You two have a nice chat.
Skrapinov leads his wife and Chance to their table as Eve
and Sophie move through the crowd.
EVE
(with self-importance)
You see? Didn't I tell you?
SOPHIE
Oh, I'm so glad you brought him,
it makes everything perfect.
(looks back at Chance)
He's very, very sexy - don't let
me alone with him for too long...
A smiling Senator Jensen comes out of the crowd.
SENATOR JENSEN
Mrs. Rand! How good to see you!
EVE
Well, Senator Jensen.
SENATOR JENSEN
I certainly would like to meet
Mr. Gardiner.
EVE
I'm sure you would.
Eve turns away, Sophie follows.
As they are met by the Senator, we CUT.
107 INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
Chance is seated between Ambassador Skrapinov and his
wife at their table.
SKRAPINOV
(moves chair close
to Chance)
Considering the gravity of your
economic situation, Mr. Gardiner,
shouldn't we, the diplomats, and
you, the businessmen - get together
more often to exchange our thoughts?
What does a Russian know about
business? On the other hand,
what does an American know about
diplomacy? So why not a coming
together? An interchange of
opinion? We may find, my friend,
that we are not so far from each
other, not so far!
CHANCE
(an engaging smile)
We are not so far...
(motions at nearness
of their chairs)
...our chairs almost touch.
SKRAPINOV
(laughs)
Bravo! Bravo! Our chairs are
indeed almost touching! And
we want to remain seated on
them, correct? We don't want
them snatched from under us,
am I right? Because if one
goes, the other goes, and then -
boom! Boom! And Boom, Boom!
And we are both down before our
time, you see? And neither of
us wants that, do you agree?
CHANCE
I certainly do.
SKRAPINOV
Yes. Tell me, Mr. Gardiner -
do you by any chance enjoy
Krylov's fables? I ask this
because there is something...
there is something Krylovian
about you.
CHANCE
Do you think so? Do you
think so?
SKRAPINOV
So you know Krylov!
Skrapinov pauses, then leans close to Chance, speaks
softly in Russian. Chance, having never heard this
language, raises his eyebrows and laughs. Mrs. Skrapinov
remains impassive.
SKRAPINOV
(amazed)
So you know your Krylov in
Russian, do you? Mr. Gardiner,
I must confess I had suspected
as much all along.
CHANCE
(beat)
Would you tell me your name
again, please?
SKRAPINOV
(slaps Chance on
the back)
Ho! Ho! A dash of American
humor! Vladimar Skrapinov!
CHANCE
Yes. I like that name very
much.
SKRAPINOV
And yours, sir - Chauncey
Gardiner!
(in Russian)
How poetic! Chauncey, a name
of uncertain meaning! And
Gardiner, a bit of French,
a suggestion of a stroll through
the flowers! A beautiful name,
my friend!
108 INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A light from the adjoining bathroom filters into the
darkened bedroom. The President and the First Lady
are in bed. They each lie on their backs, a distance
apart and are silent.
FIRST LADY
(after some time)
...Maybe you should talk to
somebody, darling.
PRESIDENT
No, that won't do any good.
FIRST LADY
(another pause)
...Is it me? Is there something
I've done?
PRESIDENT
Oh, no, sweetheart - it's not
you...
FIRST LADY
(another pause)
It's your damn job. It never
happened when you were a
senator...
PRESIDENT
It's not that, I just...
The inter-White House phone buzzes, the President reaches
for it.
PRESIDENT
(into phone)
Yeah, Kaufman - what is it?
KAUFMAN'S VOICE
(over phone)
Chief, we have a break in the
case. Our man at the Washington
Post says they are working on a
story that either the CIA or the
FBI destroyed Gardiner's files
before anyone could get to them.
PRESIDENT
What? Why?
KAUFMAN'S VOICE
(over phone)
I can't say at this time -
neither agency will admit to a
thing.
PRESIDENT
(getting out of bed)
Okay, get Honeycutt and Baldwin
over here, I'll be right down.
The President hangs up the phone as the First Lady stares
at the ceiling.
109 INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
Eve and Chance are talking. AMBASSADOR GAUFRIDI of France
edges toward them.
EVE
Chauncey, you had Ambassador
Skrapinov eating out of your
hand, and you never told me
you spoke Russian. That's
incredible!
Gaufridi joins in.
GAUFRIDI
It's extremely useful to speak
Russian these days. Are you
proficient in other languages,
Mr. Gardiner?
EVE
Mr. Gardiner is a modest man,
Ambassador Gaufridi. He
doesn't advertise his acoomplish-
ments, his knowledge is for
himself.
Chance smiles, then turns away to select an hors d'oeuvre,
where he is approached by RONALD STIEGLER, a publisher.
STIEGLER
Mr. Gardiner, I'm Ronald Stiegler,
of Harvard Books.
CHANCE
(a two-handed
handshake)
Hello, Ronald.
STIEGLER
Mr. Gardiner, my editors and
I have been wondering if you'd
consider writing a book for us?
Something on your political
philosophy. What do you say?
CHANCE
I can't write.
STIEGLER
(smiles)
Of course, who can nowadays? I
have trouble writing a post card
to my children! Look, we could
give you a six figure advance,
provide you with the very best
ghostwriters, research assistants,
proof readers...
CHANCE
I can't read.
STIEGLER
Of course not! No one has the
time to read! One glances at
things, watches television...
CHANCE
Yes. I like to watch.
STIEGLER
Sure you do! No one reads!
...Listen, book publishing isn't
exactly a bed of roses these days...
CHANCE
(mild interest)
What sort of bed is it?
110 INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
KARPATOV, an aide, sits next to Skrapinov and his wife.
SKRAPINOV
I want to know everything about
his relationship with Rand. And
found out the real reason the
President has singled him out.
(Karpatov takes
notes)
And I want this quote included in
the TASS coverage...
"Chauncy Gardiner, in an intimate
discussion with Ambassador Skrapinov,
noted that 'unless the leaders
of the opposing political systems
move the chairs on which they sit
closer to each other, all of their
seats will be pulled from under
them by rapid social and political
changes.'"
Karpatov writes out the quote.
111 INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT
Eve is with SENATOR SLIPSHOD, MRS. SLIPSHOD, and DENNIS
WATSON of the State Department.
SENATOR
I heard that he speaks eight
languages, and on top of every-
thing else, holds a degree in
medicine as well as law. Isn't
that true, Eve?
EVE
Well, I really don't know,
Senator, but it wouldn't
surprise me.
MRS. SLIPSHOD
He's very attractive.
EVE
Isn't he?
DENNIS
Yes... Very.
112 INT. RAND'S ROOM - NIGHT
Allenby enters the room quietly and stands in the shadows
watching Rand sitting up in bed with a large loose-leaf
type book on his lap. He has a dictaphone mike in one hand,
with the other, he moves his finger down a page and stops.
RAND
(into mike)
Sell all 750,000 shares of C.C.T.
His finger continues down the page, does the same to two
more pages before stopping again.
RAND
(into mike)
...Let's see - just sell a
million shares of Inland Oil.
(takes a beat)
Oh, and Mrs. Aubrey, have
30,000 shares of Standard
transferred into your name.
That's for you.
ALLENBY
(steps out of
shadows)
...Ben.
RAND
(looks up)
Robert... I was just cleaning
up some loose ends - getting
rid of some of the dead wood
so Eve won't have to put up
with it...
ALLENBY
(a beat)
...Ben, I want to talk to you
about Chauncey.
RAND
(smiles)
Oh, yes - Chauncey - you know,
Robert - there's something about
him that I trust - he makes me
feel good. Since he's been
around, the thought of dying
has been much easier for me.
Allenby is silent and thoughtful.
113 INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Dennis Watson is a homosexual and is coming on strong
to Chance.
DENNIS
...You're fascinating, Mr. Gardiner -
I've never met anyone like you in
Washington before.
CHANCE
Yes, I've been here all my life.
DENNIS
Really? Well, where have you
been all my life?
(Chance smiles)
Tell me, Mr. Gardiner, have you
ever had sex with a man?
CHANCE
(a beat)
No. I don't think so.
DENNIS
We could go upstairs right now.
CHANCE
Do they have a TV upstairs?
DENNIS
A TV? I'm sure they do.
CHANCE
I like to watch.
DENNIS
You like to waaaaaatch? Well -
you wait right here, I'll go get
Warren.
Dennis hurries off. Eve appears, moves to Chance.
EVE
Let's get out of here, Chauncey -
Let's go home...
Eve takes Chance by the arm and they move off.
114 INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT
The President sits behind his desk in a bathrobe, his
hair mussed. Standing before him are GROVER HONEYCUTT,
the Director of the FBI, and CLIFFORD BALDWIN, CIA Chief.
Kaufman stands to one side. All are red-eyed, tired,
and frustrated.
HONEYCUTT
I never gave such a directive,
Mr. President.
BALDWIN
Nor I, sir - it would be out
of the question.
PRESIDENT
Gentlemen, I didn't call you
here at such an hour to make
accusations, I just want to
explore the possibilities.
Now, I have three questions:
Is the man a foreign agent?
Or, have we suddenly found
that our methods of gathering
data are grossly inefficient?
Or, thirdly, have the man's
files been destroyed? Now,
I'd like some answers.
BALDWIN
Gardiner is not a forign agent,
there are now sixteen countries
investigating the man. We can
rule that out.
PRESIDENT
Very well... Can we rule out
inefficiency?
There is silence in the room. A couple of looks, but
silence.
PRESIDNENT
I see. What about question
three? Is it possible to
erase all traces of a man?
HONEYCUTT
Highly unlikely, sir... In
fact, the boys around the Bureau
feel that the only person capable
of pulling it off would be an ex-
F.B.I. man.
BALDWIN
(a look to Honeycutt)
I don't think that's entirely
true, Grover.
PRESIDENT
(to Baldwin)
And what do the boys around
Intelligence think?
BALDWIN
Well, Mr. President... They
don't know quite what to think.
More silence, more looks.
115 INT. RAND LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
Chance watches TV. Eve sits beside him, her hand on his
thigh.
EVE
I feel so close to you, so
safe with you, Chauncey...
and Benjamin understands that,
dearest... He understands and
accepts my feelings for you...
CHANCE
Yes. Ben is very wise.
Eve moves her hand up higher on Chance's thigh, there is
no reaction.
116 INT. RAND MANSION - 3rd FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
Eve and Chance stand close together in the hallway.
EVE
...It's difficult to say good
night to you, Chauncey - it's
very hard for me to leave you.
CHANCE
It's very hard for me, too, Eve.
EVE
...Oh.
Flustered at the thought, Eve turns and leaves. Chance watches
her go, then moves off to his room.
117 INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Chance is propped up in bed, watches an old movie on tele-
vision. The hero gives his lady a passionate kiss and embrace.
The scene seems to 'sink into' Chance's mind. Suddenly, Eve,
robe over her nightgown, comes into the room.
EVE
Oh, Chauncey - I just couldn't stand
it any longer.
She goes to the bed, takes Chance in her arms, starts to kiss
him, when he abruptly takes Eve into his arms and kisses her
full on the mouth. Once done, Chance's attention returns to
the television while Eve is in a frenzy of passion. She
holds him, kisses him, runs her hands over his body.
Chance neither resists nor responds, he just watches
television. Suddenly Eve stops, lets her head fall on
Chance's chest.
EVE
...You don't want me, Chauncey...
You don't feel anything for me...
Nothing at all...
Chance, feeling her sadness, gently strokes her hair as he
looks at TV.
EVE
...I just don't excite you...
I don't know what you want.. I
don't know what you like...
CHANCE
I like to watch.
EVE
(not understanding)
To watch...? To watch me...?
CHANCE
Yes. I like to watch.
EVE
(uncertain)
...Is that all you want...?
(a hesitation)
...To watch me...?
CHANCE
Yes. It's very good, Eve.
EVE
...But I've never done...
(another hesitation)
...You mean...? When... When...
When I do it?... When I touch
myself...?
Eve slowly gets up from the bed, nervously paces the bed-
room as Chance watches TV. She makes a decision, moves
to Chance, kisses him.
EVE
(getting aroused)
Oh, Chauncey... I do love you so
much.
She steps back, slips off her robe. She does not undress
any further, instead, leans close to Chance.
EVE
One of those little things you
don't know about me yet, darling -
I'm a little shy.
She smiles, drops to the floor. Chance divides his attention
between Eve and the TV, watching both with an equal detach-
ment. Eve becomes more and more involved with herself,
finding immense pleasure with her own body. Chance changes
the channel with the remote control. Eve reaches orgasm, her
body shaking violently, then a delicate tremor. Then she is
still. Chance turns off the TV with the remote, turns over
in bed.
CHANCE
Good night, Eve.
A low purr is heard from Eve.
118 INT. RAND'S ROOM - MORNING
There is a feeling of urgency as Allenby and the nurses
attend to Rand.
ALLENBY
(to nurses)
Get set up for a transfusion
right away.
RAND
(very weakly)
...No more, Robert - no more
needles...
ALLENBY
It's not good, Ben - I'm
sure you can feel it.
RAND
I know, Robert... I know...
119 INT. RAND MANSION - PATIO - MORNING
A light snow is falling. Eve is in a fur coat, holds a
steaming cup of coffee. Chance stands near her next to
the railing. He reaches out, catches snowflakes as they
fall.
EVE
...And I feel so free now,
Chauncey. I never felt so
acknowledged by a man...
Until I met you, I always
had the feeling that I was
just a vessel for a man,
something that he could take
hold of, pierce, and pollute.
I was merely an aspect of
somebody's lovemaking. Do
you know what I mean?
Chance turns to her, says nothing, presses the cold snow-
flakes to his face.
EVE
You uncoil my wants; desire
flows within me, and when you
watch me my passion dissolves
it. You set me free. I
reveal myself to myself and I
am drenched and purged.
Teresa appears in the doorway.
TERESA
Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Rand would
like to see you.
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to see Ben.
Chance gives Eve a warm smile, then follows Teresa into
the house.
120 INT. RAND'S ROOM - MORNING
Allenby, with nothing more he can do to prolong Rand's
life, stands close to him, grips his hand tightly. Teresa
shows Chance into the room and Allenby motions to the nurses
to leave. Chance, with a smile, goes to Rand's bedside.
RAND
(slowly)
...Chauncey... Chauncey...
CHANCE
Yes, Ben - are you going to die now?
Allenby winces.
RAND
(a weak smile)
...I'm about to surrender the
Horn of Plenty for the Horn
of Gabriel, my boy...
CHANCE
I see.
RAND
(reaches out to him)
Let me feel the strength in
your hand, Chauncey... Let me
feel your strength...
(holds Chance's hand)
Yes, that's good... I hope,
Chauncey - I hope that you'll
stay with Eve... Take care of
her, watch over her, she's a
delicate flower, Chauncey...
CHANCE
(smiling)
A flower...
RAND
She cares for you and she needs
your help, Chauncey... there's
much to be looked after...
CHANCE
Yes. I would like to do that.
RAND
...My associates, Chauncey - I've
talked with them about you...
They're eager to meet with you...
very eager...
(trails off)
...Tell Eve..
Rand slumps down, dead. Allenby checks his pulse, turns
to Chance.
ALLENBY
...He's gone, Chauncey.
CHANCE
Yes, Robert. I have seen it
before. It happens to old
people.
ALLENBY
(covers Rand's face)
Yes, I suppose that's true.
Chance reaches out, uncovers Rand's face, gently touches
the man's forehead, feels the coldness. Allenby eyes him
as Chance stays with Rand for a moment, then replaces the
sheet.
CHANCE
(turns to Allenby)
Will you be leaving now, Robert?
ALLENBY
In a day or two, yes.
CHANCE
Eve is going to stay. The house
will not be closed.
ALLENBY
(a moment, a look)
...You've become quite a close
friend of Eve's - haven't you...
(a beat)
...Chance...?
CHANCE
Yes. I love Eve very much.
ALLENBY
I see...
(another beat)
...And you really are a gardener,
aren't you?
CHANCE
(brightens)
Yes, Robert - I am.
(a smile at Allenby)
I'll got tell Eve about Ben now,
Robert.
Chance leaves the bedroom. Allenby watches him go, then
sits back in a chair, his head spinning.
121 EXT. RAND ESTATE - DAY
Rand's funeral services are being held on a hill overlooking
the mansion. Six distinguished-looking men stand near Rand's
casket, which is placed on a concrete block. They are the
PALLBEARERS. The Rand mausoleum is fifty yards further up
the hill, while the MOURNERS, all close friends and associates
of Rand's, stand fifty yards down the hill from the pallbearers.
Chance stands with Eve and Allenby. The President of the
United States is before the microphone, which feeds loudspeakers
for the Rand servants lined up in front of the mansion.
PRESIDENT
...I know that Ben said keep it
small and quiet... No eulogies,
no fanfares... And I don't want
to go against Ben's wishes. But
I thought it would be good, while
our close friends carry Ben to
his last resting place, to read
from his quotes, which I'm sure
will have special meaning to all
of us who are gathered here today.
With this, the Pallbearers pick up the casket and begin
the chore of taking it to the mausoleum. It is hard
work.
PRESIDENT
(reading quotes)
... 'I have no use for those on
welfare, no patience whatsoever...
But if I am to be honest with
myself, I must admit that they
have no use for me, either.'
... 'I do not regret having
political differences with men
that I respect; I do regret,
however, that our philosophies
kept us apart.'
... 'I was born into a position
of extreme wealth, but I have
spent many sleeples nights
thinking about extreme poverty.'
As the President speaks, Chance turns and walks away. Eve
and Allenby watch as he goes toward the trees surrounding
the area.
PRESIDENT
(continues reading)
... 'When I was a boy, I was told
that the Lord fashioned us from
his own image. That's when I
decided to manufacture mirrors.'
... 'Life is a state of mind.'
The Pallbearers are enroute, they are all breathing
heavily. JAMES DUDLEY, a powerful industrialist, speaks.
DUDLEY
Yes, I agree, Maxwell would be an
excellent man for the job - but
he's boring, he would never take
an election.
SEWELL NELSON, a corporation Chairman, speaks.
NELSON
Correct, the people of this
country need to be awakened.
PETER CALDWELL, another executive:
CALDWELL
What about Lawson? He's
charismatic, exciting...
DUDLEY
A bit too exciting, I'm afriad...
Once they start bringing things
up about his background.
WEBB, Railroad money:
WEBB
Well, gentlemen. Time is running
out, we must come to a decision.
122 EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance, his umbrella under his arm, walks through the woods.
He stops by a tree, brushes some snow from a branch, moves on.
123 EXT. RAND ESTATE - DAY
The President is still reading Rand's quotes.
PRESIDENT
(reading)
'The world parts with Rand, and
Rand parts with the world: A
fair trade, don't you agree?
Security, tranquility, a well-
deserved rest: All the aims I
have pursued will soon be
realized.'
Eve is concerned about Chance, she turns to Allenby.
EVE
(quietly)
I've got to find Chauncey.
She leaves the funeral, heads toward the trees.
PRESIDENT
(reading)
...'I do not know the feelings
of being poor, and that is not
to know the feelings of the
majority of people in this
world. For a man in my position,
that is inexcusable.
The Pallbearers near the mausoleum, they are struggling.
DUDLEY
But what do we know of the man?
Nothing! We have no inkling of
his past!
NELSON
Correct, and that is an asset.
A man's past can cripple him,
his background turns into a
swamp and invites scrutiny.
CALDWELL
...Up to this time, he hasn't
said anything that could be used
against him.
NELSON
The response from his appearance
on the 'Burns Show' was over-
whelming; mail and telephone
response was the highest they
ever had, and it was ninety-five
percent pro!
CHARLIE BOB BENNET, a Texas oil millionaire;
BENNET
Well, I'm certainly open to the
thought - it would be sheer
lunacy to support the President
for another term.
LYMAN MURRAY, a banker;
MURRAY
Exactly. That is why I agree
with Ben's final wishes, and
I firmly believe, gentlemen,
if we want to retain the
Presidency, that our one and
onlt chance is Chauncey Gardiner!
124 EXT. WOODS - DAY
Chance happens on a tree with a cracked limb, hanging to
the ground. He stops, inspects the break, runs his fingers
along the split of the bark. He looks to the ground, notices
that an end of the limb has fallen on a seedling, bending it
double. Chance pulls the limb away, then kneels beside the
seedling. He removes an expensive pair of suede gloves, and,
with gentle fingers, brushes the dirt and snow away from the
seedling. Chance glances up to the remaining limbs of the
larger tree which could fall and threaten the emerging tree.
He unflods his umbrella, places it over the seedling in a way
to give it protection, yet still allow it to receive light
from the winter sun. Chance stands, and is putting his gloves
on when Eve appears, running towards him.
EVE
(breathless)
Chauncey! Chauncey!
CHANCE
(looks)
Hello, Eve.
EVE
(holds him)
Oh, Chauncey, darling. Where were
you? I've been looking for you.
I was scared.
CHANCE
Yes. I've been looking for you
too, Eve.
She hugs him one more time, then leads him back from whence she
came. The President can still be heard reading quotes.
PRESIDENT'S VOICE
(in the distance)
I've lived a lot, trembled a lot,
was surrounded by little men who
forgot that we enter naked and
exit naked and that no accountant
can audit life in our favor.
THE END