BEAUTY AND THE BEAST "A Fair and Perfect Knight" Written by P. K. Simonds, Jr. Directed by Gus Trikonis FIRST DRAFT November 7, 1988 (Goldenrod) November 4, 1988 (Green) November 2, 1988 (Yellow) November 1, 1988 (Pink) November 1, 1988 (Blue) October 31, 1988 ACT ONE FADE IN: 1 INT. VINCENT'S CHAMBER - DAY As a strange VOICE gently intones words from Shakespeare's "Henry IV," camera PANS over books, maps and other artifacts of learning which fill this gracious place... VOICE (0.S.) '... thou makest me sad, and makest me sin in envy that my Lord Northumberland should be the father to so blest a son-- a son who is the theme of honor's tongue...' It's a classroom situation where we FIND ZACH, GEOFFREY, SAMANTHA, BROOKE (a clear-eyed teenage tunnel girl) and several other CHILDREN listening. 2 MICHAEL A grown child of the tunnels, now 20, recites the words of this speech as if it bears on him with a terrible, personal weight... The young man is a prized pupil, teaching assistant, and friend of Vincent's, who idolizes his mentor unabashedly. MICHAEL '... 0 that it could be proved that some night-tripping fairy had exchanged in cradle-clothes our children where they lay... Then would I have his Harry and he mine.' Michael looks up from the aged volume he's reading. MICHAEL It's a very moving speech... ZACH (unconvinced) It didn't make me sad. MICHAEL Something about it troubled you, Zach? SAMANTHA (agreeing) You said the king loved his son. So how come he wants to trade Harry for someone else? MICHAEL The king was a leader of men, Samantha. He bore an obligation he knew was greater sometimes than what he owed his flesh and blood... (sadly) The obligation to his people. BROOKE But what about love, Michael? Vincent always says love is more important than anything... MICHAEL It's true... but none of us lives in a world made up only of loved ones.. Vincent and Father appear now at the door. They stop to let Michael finish before entering... MICHAEL ... Harry's father loved him, but he knew one day Harry would have to lead a nation. He never really wanted to trade his son away -- he just wanted Harry to be better prepared for his destiny... Vincent and father watch the children ponder this for a beat, then father clears his throat. FATHER Excuse us. May we interrupt for a moment..? MICHAEL Of course. Come in... VINCENT We have some wonderful news to share... BROOKE Really..? What? Vincent produces a piece of paper and hands it to Michael... VINCENT ... This just came from Catherine. As Michael reads it... FATHER (to the class) ... Because Michael scored so highly on his scholastic aptitude test, Brayfield College has agreed to waive their usual application requirements and admit him into the freshman class for the winter term... They all look up at Michael. He appears stunned... Vincent now embraces him. VINCENT I'm very proud of you... It's an auspicious beginning. Michael smiles despite himself... Brooke now jumps up and wraps her arms around Michael's neck... BROOKE It's terrific, Michael... But I just can't picture it here without you. Michael nods somewhat sadly... MICHAEL I know... Now everyone chimes in with congratulations. Father shakes Michael's hand, immensely proud... FATHER It's quite an honor... You do us all very proud. MICHAEL Thank you. Father... Michael smiles uneasily. It's clear he has misgivings. Vincent takes note of this as we: DISSOLVE TO: 3 INT. WHISPERING GALLERY - DAY FINDING Michael, sitting in deep contemplation at the edge of a foot bridge. VOICES filter down to him, and he cocks his head to hear certain of them better, as if listening for something in particular... PULL BACK to reveal Vincent sitting beside him... MICHAEL (quietly) All the voices -- they sound like what's going on inside my head... VINCENT You're apprehensive about leaving..? MICHAEL (torn) I know it's a great opportunity. (shakes his head) I just don't know... VINCENT Tell me -- tell me what you're feeling... MICHAEL I'm just not sure about it. This is my home... I've been happy here. VINCENT You're part of us, Michael -- you always will be. Wherever you go... VINCENT (from the heart) And there are times when we must go -- when great possibilities cannot in good faith be denied. The world above has much to offer you -- gifts of imagination and learning. And you have the mind and the heart to cherish those gifts. You're on the brink of a wonderous adventure... Vincent clasps Michael's shoulder, warmly... VINCENT (continuing, a beat) ... But every adventure must begin in farewell... MICHAEL (sadly) Some adventures don't end happily... VINCENT All we can do is proceed with the faith that they will. MICHAEL It's not even the unknown that worries me. It's what I know is up there. VINCENT You're thinking of your old life, above... MICHAEL It wasn't so long ago, I swore I'd never go back. VINCENT That was seven years ago, Michael. It was the oath of a child... MICHAEL I still feel the pain. I still remember where it came from. VINCENT But this time you won't be alone. Catherine will be there -- you'll have friends. And all of us, wishing you well -- waiting to hear your tales... MICHAEL (painfully) ... I want to do it for you. VINCENT No... This must be for you. It's your journey, Michael. Michael looks at Vincent, his eyes full of trepidation and doubt... DISSOLVE TO: 4 EXT. CATHY'S BALCONY - NIGHT Vincent looks out over the city, sharing his concerns about this with CATHY... VINCENT ... Perhaps I've done him a disservice. CATHY By encouraging him to embrace his future? VINCENT By assuming it was what he wanted. CATHY Vincent, he's come this far because of his desire, because you believed in him. VINCENT I always believed Michael would want this opportunity. CATHY (tenderly) ... you dreamed he would have what you couldn't have. Vincent acknowledges this, touched by her understanding... CATHY (continuing) It's a little frightening when dreams finally come true... VINCENT (moved) Yes... (a beat) We mustn't forget how Michael came to us -- the loss he suffered. CATHY His mother's death..? VINCENT (nods) ... And his father's rejection. CATHY Was he abandoned? VINCENT We only know that when we found Michael wandering the streets, he begged us not to contact his father. He would only say the man didn't want him. CATHY He lost both parents... VINCENT He lost his sense of hope... Michael blames not only his father but a world that would leave a child alone, in grief. CATHY Then Michael must come back to that world -- to face those disappointments -- to make his peace. VINCENT (concerned) Yes... CATHY You know I'll do everything to help him. VINCENT He'll need a friend... CATHY Don't worry, Vincent. Michael comes above with a great advantage over almost everyone else up here... He looks at her... CATHY (smiling reassuringly) He has your faith in him. CUT TO: 5-6 OMITTED 7 INT. MICHAEL'S CHAMBER - DAY MARY and Brooke fuss over Michael, helping him pack and disagreeing about what his school wardrobe should be. Father stands nearby, holding a stodgy brown suit he can't see why Michael wouldn't want. FATHER Honestly, I don't see what's wrong with this. (to Brooke) Didn't I hear you girls chattering something about nostalgia in the fashions today? Old styles coming back again? BROOKE Not that old, rather. MICHAEL (joking) Maybe that's what I need. The distinguished look... Brooke is pulling a slightly worn blue seersucker suit coat off Michael and replacing it with a rattier black jacket with padded shoulders (all of it obviously found clothing). MARY (objecting) What are you doing, Brooke? That thing is hideous! missing scene 7 MICHAEL Thank you, Samantha. The first thing I'll write in it is a letter to you. SAMANTHA Don't forget... MICHAEL I won't... I promise. The little girl gets choked up. Michael gets a little misty himself. Brooke comes over and stands him up. She is brave with her feelings... BROOKE Now listen to me Michael. There are some very pretty girls up top who'll act friendly to you, but that doesn't mean they like you the way we do... if you take my advice, you won't even talk to them. MICHAEL (playful but kind) Girls as pretty as you, Brooke? I can't believe it. She blushes deeply. Other in the chamber chuckle. Michael gives her a brotherly embrace... DISSOLVE TO: 8 OMITTED 8A INT. MICHAEL'S CHAMBER - LATER Everyone has left except Michael and Father. They sit on Michael's bed sharing a close moment... MICHAEL ... I can't help thinking -- no matter what I find up there, it can't possibly match the beauty of our world here... So what am I to gain? FATHER Knowledge, Michael. Knowledge of the world, of yourself, of the many paths that lie ahead of you. MICHAEL (shakes his head) But if the price I have to pay for that knowledge is to live in that world up there... FATHER You may grow to love it. MICHAEL But you tell us all the time how dangerous it is up there. All the cruelty and inhumanity... Father looks a bit guilty, realizing he's been unfair on the subject. FATHER ... If I've spoken only of the limitations, I haven't been fair... The world above is also filled with beauty and great joys... (reminiscing) I remember going away to college -- my first day, on my own, in New York... It was a clear, cool autumn afternoon. It was magical... I saw Van Gogh's sunflowers at the Metropolitan Museum -- then, walked through the park where a man on an apple crate sang the entire score of "La Traviata"... I found myself walking down Broadway, swept up in the Saturday evening crowds. I was under a spell. I remember being drawn into a dance hall where they were playing Dixieland jazz. It was Louis Armstrong... I'll never forget that day. It opened the door to a new world of experience -- a new way of seeing things... A moment of silence. Michael absorbs all this, then looks at Father and nods appreciatively... FATHER (fighting his own emotions) I'm not going to say goodbye, Michael... Just, savor every moment... (embracing him) God speed... as they embrace... DISSOLVE TO: 9 INT. CATHY'S SUB-BASEMENT - ANGLE DOWN TUNNEL - NIGHT Vincent and Michael approach the threshold point together... MICHAEL This is where she lives? VINCENT Right above us... MICHAEL Do I go up to meet her? VINCENT No.. Michael stops short as he sees approaching from the darkness 10 A SILHOUETTED FIGURE with the familiar soft hair and slender shape of Catherine... and she steps into a shaft of light, revealing herself with a gentle, welcoming smile... CATHY Hello... Michael reacts, his breath slightly taken. Vincent notes this. A beat. VINCENT Catherine... you remember Michael... CATHY (remarking) of course... (offering her hand) Welcome, Michael... MICHAEL (nervous; takes the hand) I'm very grateful to you for everything. CATHY I'm happy to be able to do it. An awkward moment or two. Vincent clasps Michael's arm. MICHAEL (to Vincent) How can I thank you? VINCENT You already have... Michael looks through the threshold and keeps holding Vincent's hand for a long beat. VINCENT (emotional) I will miss you, Michael... They embrace... This is the hardest goodbye of all. After a beat, Cathy intervenes, taking Michael by the shoulder. VINCENT Go now... the world awaits you... Michael steps through the doorway and walks toward the light. Catherine gives Vincent a last look and turns to follow... She puts a hand on Michael's arm to guide him and they disappear together into the light... Vincent watches this, then turns and walks away, suddenly very alone... FADE OUT: END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: 11 INT. CATHY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Cathy leads Michael into her dark apartment and switches on the light. Michael reacts to the surroundings -- it's a stark contrast to the tunnels, but it also reminds him of a place he used to live in. Cathy carries one of his bags over to the couch and drops it there. CATHY (smiling) Make yourself at home... I don't have a guest room, but that couch happens to be great for sleeping... MICHAEL (a bit uncomfortable) Thanks -- it's fine... He casts his eyes about the place... MICHAEL (continuing) It's nice... CATHY (sensing) Michael, if there's something you want to do, someplace you want to go -- or if you want to be left alone -- just tell me... alright? I want you to feel comfortable here... MICHAEL Alright... (beat, loosening up) It's been a long time since I've been anywhere like this... CATHY I thought we could go out and get something to eat. MICHAEL That sounds good... CATHY Great. Let me get my coat... She leaves. He looks around, notices the balcony doors and moves to them. we FOLLOW to share his POV as he opens the doors, REVEALING: 12 - 13 OMITTED 14 EXT. CATHY'S BALCONY - NIGHT - NEW YORK NIGHTSCAPE Shimmering millions of lights wash over the balcony wall... 15 REVERSE - MICHAEL can't possibly resist a tiny gasp of wonder, It's beautiful. He moves slowly to the edge, revealing for himself and us the expanding view... 16 CATHY appears at the door behind him. She watches him a beat, letting him enjoy the view undisturbed... CATHY It's something, isn't it? MICHAEL (despite himself) It is... CATHY You must have missed it... (off his silence) At least a little... MICHAEL (shakes his head against the idea) There's a lot of ugliness behind those lights, too... CATHY (shrugs) Maybe... but to me they always promised something... hope, I guess... MICHAEL (reflecting) Vincent says something like that, too... but I don't know... Michael looks away. She sees this needs to be taken slowly. A long beat. CATHY Why don't we take a walk...? Michael smiles bravely, as a peace offering. MICHAEL Okay. DISSOLVE TO: 17 INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT Michael and Cathy sit at a table for two near the window of this New York bistro. He watches her somewhat warily, but his defenses seem to be flagging more and more... CATHY (smiling at him) ... Suddenly you're above -- sitting in a restaurant, trying to decide what to order. This must all seem pretty strange, Michael... MICHAEL (nods) ... Strange and familiar. I used to live not far from here. There used to be a toy store down this block. My mother used to take me to it... CATHY After dinner we can walk by, see if it's still there... MICHAEL (uncertain) That's okay... Michael is distracted momentarily by the appearance of a miserable-looking PANHANDLER outside, who passes in front of their window as he works the street -- with little success... CATHY ... in New York, your memories become a part of everyday life, whether you like it or not. My high school sweetheart broke up with me on a corner two blocks down... MICHAEL (smiles) I'll bet he's sorry. (seeing the Panhandler again) Catherine... why doesn't anybody help him? Cathy notices the Panhandler. 18 HER POV - PANHANDLER being ignored by all PASSERSBY... 19 BACK TO SCENE CATHY It's a terrible problem... Just now the WAITER brings their food. During the following, as she speaks of the problem, Michael keeps looking back and forth between the well-dressed PATRONS surrounding him, the frustrated Panhandler outside, and his own expensive meal... CATHY There are so many like him, it just overwhelms people -- it makes you feel like there's nothing any one person could possibly do to make a difference-- Suddenly Michael takes his plate and stands up. CATHY Michael... what are you-- Michael heads for the door, ignoring looks from patrons, waiters, and the manager... 20 THROUGH THE GLASS we watch Michael approach the Panhandler with the food. At first the man refuses it, but Michael persist , following and entreating him. Finally the man stops. A barrier is broken. Michael helps him sit, spreads a napkin over his lap and places the plate there. The man looks up at Michael, real gratitude in his eyes. Michael smiles. 21 CATHY throughout this, reacting very moved... 22 MANAGER Not so impressed. He starts for the door. As Michael tries to re-enter, the Manager restrains him with a hand on his arm. MANAGER What the hell are you doing? I've got enough problems keeping them away from the door. The food is for paying customers... Cathy now arrives, pulls the manager's hand from Michael's arm and addresses him discreetly but firmly. Michael watches her with growing admiration... CATHY He was trying to do something decent. Can you understand that? Now, would you let us get back to our meal? MANAGER He's embarrassed my patrons. I'm not running a soup line here. I'm sorry... CATHY (cutting) An act of generosity embarrasses your patrons? I don't think I want to be counted among them. She stuffs some bills into his hand, grabs their coats from a rack and steers Michael out the door. The manager looks at the money, perhaps a little ashamed... CUT TO: 23 EXT. STREET - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Cathy and Michael stalk away from the restaurant wordlessly. After a few paces she starts to shake her head and a big grin breaks over her face. He sees this, but he isn't sure what it means. CATHY I can't believe you did that... MICHAEL I'm sorry if I embarrassed you-- CATHY Are you kidding? That was wonderful! I wish I had that much nerve... MICHAEL I couldn't help myself... CATHY (smiles) ... Vincent would have done the same thing. She stops at a hot dog vendor's cart and holds up two fingers. As she pays for the dogs another panhandler appears ahead of then. They see him and Cathy hands Michael his hot dog with a look. CATHY Now you hold onto this hot dog, Michael. I'm not buying you three dinners tonight... He smiles at her with deep appreciation, but doesn't laugh. He's beginning to feel a new and much bigger emotion... DISSOLVE TO: 23A INT. CATHY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Michael lies in the darkness on the couch, now made up as a bed. Catherine has drawn the sliding French doors that separate the living room and bedroom. 23B ANGLE - THROUGH THE LOUVERS We can SEE her shadow moving about as she prepares for bed... Michael lies there watching the shadow play, HEARING the rustle of her robe, with a look of enchantment... DISSOLVE TO: 24 INT. D.A.'S OFFICE - DAY Cathy sits at her desk catching up on some paperwork. 25 ACROSS THE ROOM Michael approaches, looking around, being told where to find her... 26 WITH CATHY MICHAEL (O.S.) Hi. She looks up and smiles. CATHY Hi. How's your day going? MICHAEL (enthused) Great. I went to the Metropolitan. I wanted to see Van Gogh's sunflowers. CATHY Only Van Gogh could paint a sunflower that makes your heart pound. MICHAEL That museum is mind-boggling. CATHY I know. I usually get lost in the Egyptian section... MICHAEL Do you still want to go to lunch? CATHY Sure. I'm just finishing up... NOW Joe comes up holding a bound deposition... He's too intent to immediately notice Michael. JOE (agitated) Hey Radcliffe, I'm looking at this deposition you took for the Willis case. Where' re you going with this line of questioning about where he does his shopping?? CATHY (calmly) The death threats came from a pay phone at a grocery about three blocks from Willis' apartment... JOE (chastened) Oh. Yeah -- right... NOW he notices Michael, standing near Cathy's desk. He looks from Michael to Cathy to Michael... CATHY Joe, this is Michael Richmond. Michael, meet my boss, friend and chief tormentor, Joe Maxwell... JOE (a bit off guard) Hi. How you doin..? MICHAEL Fine. Good to meet you... And awkward beat... CATHY (enjoying it) ... Michael's a friend from out of town. He's come here for college. JOE (to Michael, relaxing) Do me a favor -- stay out of law. We've got too many lawyers already. (to Cathy) Gee, for a minute Radcliffe I thought maybe your life had taken a new turn... Cathy grabs her purse... CATHY (chuckling) I won't say anything to spoil your fantasies... (to Michael) Let's get some lunch... MICHAEL (happily heading off with her) So long, Joe... Joe watches them walk out with a puzzled look on his face. CUT TO: 26A EXT. STREET - DAY Cathy and Michael are taking a walk after lunch. CATHY Does the city feel any better to you? MICHAEL Yes.,. It does. CATHY (moved) I'm glad... Some things just take a little time. MICHAEL And a little faith, I guess... CATHY That, always... MICHAEL (beat) ... I'm moving into the dormitory tomorrow. CATHY I know... Another new experience. MICHAEL I still haven't figured out what classes I'm taking. CATHY We'll go over the schedule tonight. I can help... MICHAEL Okay... CATHY Don't worry, we'll figure everything out... Cathy takes his arm and they continue on their way... CUT TO: 27 - 35 OMITTED 35A EXT. CATHY'S APARTMENT - BALCONY - NIGHT Michael stands on the balcony gazing out at the city. The look on his face is that of a man whose world has opened -- a young man riding the crest of a powerful wave of feeling... 35B ANGLE - INSIDE We SEE Cathy enter wearing her coat. She then steps out on the terrace... The crisp fall air invigorates them. She turns -- he smiles... MICHAEL So much energy out there... CATHY So it's different than you remember it? MICHAEL What's different -- is me... The things that frightened me then, are beginning to thrill me now... CATHY Because you're no longer blinded by your disappointment. MICHAEL I owe that to you. CATHY Are you thinking about seeing your father? MICHAEL (slowly nods) ... Today I went by the house where I used to live. I don't know if he still lives there... (drifting off) CATHY How did it feel? MICHAEL (from the heart) It brought everything back -- more feelings than memories -- feeling helpless and alone... And for a minute I didn't think I could deal with it -- but I could, and I did... And then things started to sort of make sense. I guess my father did what he had to do -- and so did 1. Maybe he was feeling helpless and alone, too. I tried to understand that. I even tried to forgive him... (looking at her) I think I'm finally ready to see him again... She clasps his arm, happy for him... CATHY (touched) Good... I brought Chinese. C'mon, we can work on your schedule. DISSOLVE TO: 35C INT. CATHY'S APARTMENT - DINING AREA - NIGHT Amid an array of opened Chinese food containers that litter Cathy's dining table, she and Michael consult his course catalogue and make notes, trying to work out a schedule... CATHY ... Okay let's see... (consulting notes) Tuesday and Thursday you have Oriental philosophy and this mythology-folklore course... (to herself) God I'm so jealous... MICHAEL Can I fit in modern architecture? CATHY (shakes her head) Meets same time as philosophy, remember? (indicates a course) How about this? Italian Lit. You get to read the Divine Comedy. MICHAEL I've already read it. CATHY Oh... Well you need a two unit class. -. (teasing) How 'bout golf? MICHAEL Golf?? CATHY (laughing) Sure, you can't be anything in this world if you don't play golf. Didn't you know that? MICHAEL (smiling) Maybe I should go back right now... They're having fun with this... CATHY (looking in catalog) No, wait -- here's one. I don't believe this... Fertility Dances of Polynesia. MICHAEL (incredulous) That's really a class? CATHY Look... (handing him the catalog) Sounds like fun. Listen Michael, there's nothing wrong with having a little fun at college... MICHAEL (studying catalog) Let's see, if I dropped English History I could take Albanian Folk Dancing... CATHY (tapping him with her chopsticks) I said a little fun... DISSOLVE TO: 35D OMITTED 35E INT. CATHY'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Cathy and Michael sit on the sofa. The catalog and schedule are on the coffee table along with a bottle of wine... Cathy raises a glass. CATHY (tenderly) ... Here's to the beginning of a great time in your life... May all good things come to you. Michael looks touched as he clinks glasses with her... MICHAEL ... I'll never know how to thank you. CATHY You don't have to... Just watching you begin to open up and accept life has been really wonderful. MICHAEL But it wouldn't have happened without your kindness. CATHY You deserved it. I feel lucky to know you. MICHAEL You do? CATHY (nods) ... I really do. Michael reaches behind a cushion on the couch and brings out an old book... MICHAEL I found this today at the bookstore. I wanted you to have it... He gives her the book... CATHY ... Blake -- I love Blake... MICHAEL He's one of my favorites... 25. She opens the book, SEE'S the inscription: 35EA INSERT - THE BOOK "To Catherine -- Who showed me the sky... Michael" 35EB BACK TO SCENE CATHY (moved) ...Thank you. MICHAEL (turning to a particular page) Read this one; "To The Evening Star"... CATHY (... she reads Blake, "To The Evening Star") Thou fair-hair'd angel of the evening,/ Now, while the sun rests on the mountains, light/ Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown/ Put on, and smile upon our evening bed!/ Smile on our loves; and, while thou drawest the/ Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew/ On every flower that shuts its sweet eyes/ in timely sleep. Let thy west wind sleep on/ The lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes,/ And wash the dusk with silver. Soon, full soon,/ Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide, / And the lion glares thro' the dun forest:/ The fleeces of our flocks are cover'd with/ Thy sacred dew: protect them with thine influence. As she reads, Michael watches her with love and admiration... When she finishes... MICHAEL You read that so beautifully... CATHY It's one of my favorites, too... They both smile... CATHY Listen, you've got a big day, tomorrow. And I have to be in a deposition downtown at 8. We better call it a night... MICHAEL I know... She brings out his pillow and blankets, puts them on the couch... CATHY Here you go... Got everything? MICHAEL (nods) ... Thank you, again, Catherine... CATHY (giving him a kiss on the cheek) Sleep well... She goes into her bedroom and closes the french doors... He reclines on the pillow, turning his head to the side and inhaling the scent of her... 35F OMITTED DISSOLVE TO: DREAM SEQUENCE 36 INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT In the darkened living room, Michael lies on the couch, under the covers, still awake... He turns and looks toward Cathy's bedroom... 37 ANGLE - FRENCH DOORS We see Cathy's silhouette moving about behind the french doors... Now the doors open and she's standing there wearing a translucent nightgown -- moonlight streaks through from the bedroom behind her... She comes toward Michael with eyes full of love and reassurance... She takes him by, the hand -- and then leads him toward her bedroom... 38 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT in the moonlight, Cathy and Michael lay beside each other, staring into each other's eyes... Then, slowly their lips meet and they begin to drink each other in... Michael, now beyond control, envelopes her in a hungry embrace. 39 ANGLE - THROUGH THE DOORS TO THE TERRACE Vincent moves to the bedroom window, looks in and sees what's happening inside and is utterly crestfallen... 39A MICHAEL - Now turns, sees Vincent. Michael looks to be struck by lightening... 40 VINCENT - Suddenly changes -- now filling with a wild rage. He shatters the bedroom doors, bursting through with a blood curdling roar... 41 MICHAEL - Reacts in terror. Suddenly Cathy is no longer there -- Michael tries to get away... 42 VINCENT - Snarling terrifyingly, he takes Michael by the throat, picks him up -- and brings his claws back to slash. He slashes... SMASH CUT TO: 43 INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Michael lurches awake, bathed in sweat. FADE OUT: END OF ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN: 44 INT. CATHY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY Cathy opens the doors to her bedroom and looks outside. She crosses to check on Michael and gets halfway to the couch before noticing he's not there... CATHY Michael? OFF her wondering expression, we CUT TO: 45 INT. VINCENT'S CHAMBER - DAY Vincent teaches the sane class we saw before. Now Samantha reads a passage aloud... SAMAMTHA Piping down the valleys wild Piping songs of pleasant glee On a cloud I saw a child. And he laughing said to me. Pipe a song about a lamb; So I piped with merry cheer, Piper pipe that song again- So I piped, he wept to hear. As she reads, we SEE Michael appear at the door, uncertainly, as if he isn't sure he wants to be here. Brooke looks up and sees him, though, and jumps to her feet. BROOKE Michael! She runs over and hugs Michael. The class reacts to him with joy. Vincent is also pleased. But despite the positive reaction, Michael is clearly a little awkward... DISSOLVE TO: 46 INT. VINCENT'S CHAMBER - LATER Michael and Vincent alone, as the last child from the class totters out... Michael seems uncomfortable... VINCENT ... They miss their teacher... MICHAEL I... needed to get something from my chamber I forgot... VINCENT (responding to his uncertainty) How are you finding it so far? You aren't unhappy? MICHAEL No... VINCENT Has Catherine been helpful? MICHAEL (a tiny beat) Oh yes. VINCENT She's a rare person. You couldn't have a better guide. MICHAEL (averting his eyes) Yes... that's true... Vincent watches him closely now, perhaps guessing the real problem here... VINCENT Michael, what's troubling you? MICHAEL Nothing... Vincent looks at him, knowing better... Vincent's getting too close. Michael dissembles. MICHAEL It's just... school, I guess. You know -- all the courses, decisions, new people... it's a lot to think about... VINCENT To leave a safe place and find your way among strangers -- is a difficult passage for anyone. A part of Michael wants Vincent to know the truth... MICHAEL Yes... I know that... VINCENT (trying to understand) Is it the past? MICHAEL No... I don't know... Vincent studies Michael a long moment. VINCENT Michael... fear makes our enemies loom larger and larger... Michael looks away. As usual, Vincent speaks right to the problem. VINCENT (hand on Michael's shoulder) Go back above, Michael. You'll find your way. Trust yourself... DISSOLVE TO: 47 INT. CATHY'S LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON Cathy enters and turns on the light. She reacts surprised as Michael gets up from the couch... CATHY Michael... MICHAEL Hi... CATHY Where were you this morning? I woke up and you were already gone. MICHAEL I forgot my journal. I went down to get it... CATHY (looks at watch) We have to hurry if we're going to make that orientation party... MICHAEL (tentatively) Catherine... you don't have to come to the party. I thought I might even skip it myself... CATHY (brightly; assuming it's just nerves) Don't be ridiculous. I'm not letting you skip it. you have to get oriented, Michael. Too many people go through college disoriented... (off his hesitation; grabs him by the wrist) Besides. We have a date! She tugs on his arm. The physical contact is too much for him. His eyes lose their look of resolve, and he smiles weakly as he gives in... DISSOLVE TO: 48 INT. BRAYFIELD COLLEGE DINING HALL - LATE AFTERNOOON The large institutional room has been transformed for the occasion into a festive place: bunting hangs on the walls, white tablecloths cover the ancient wooden tables, and banners proclaim "WELCOME, CLASS OF' 93". Hip swing music pipes in from somewhere. A mixed crowd of STUDENTS and older-looking ALUMNI mingles. Cathy and Michael stand near a refreshment table. They're talking to BETH, an old friend of Catherine's... CATHY ... No, the last I heard you were teaching in Chicago. BETH That was ages ago. I'm going on my fifth year here. I just got tenure. MICHAEL What classes do you teach? CATHY (to Michael) It doesn't matter, take her -- she's terrific... BETH (to Michael) ...Mainly, the nineteenth century romantics. CATHY (chuckles) Figures... BETH (wry) Hey, the nineteenth century is about the only place you can find it these days. CATHY (laughs) Oh, I don't know about that... DISSOLVE TO: 49 CO-EDS giggling among themselves as they point out various people in the room to each other. They quiet as Michael nears, looking him up and down with maybe some admiration. A more outgoing one, TINA, speaks up. TINA Hi. MICHAEL Hello. TINA (offering her hand) I'm Tina. MICHAEL (taking her hand) Michael. TINA Where are you from, Michael? Michael looks at Cathy. 50 POV - CATHY Still talking to Both -- she smiles over at Michael... MICHAEL Um... out of town... TINA Me too. I'm from Indiana. Michael looks at her, trying to be interested, but not able to. He can't stop watching Cathy... MICHAEL Oh. That's interesting. TINA Not really. The other girls laugh. Michael looks at them, slow on the uptake. He laughs too, halfheartedly, as we DISSOLVE TO: 50A CATHY she gets a glass of punch at the reception table. SEES MICHAEL still talking with the group of girls... 51 MICHAEL - glancing back at Cathy. As the other girls head off, Tina lingers a moment... TINA Nice to meet you, Michael. See you around? MICHAEL (nods) ... Nice to meet you too... She gives a little wave and moves off. He waves back, then crosses toward Cathy. CATHY How's it going? MICHAEL Fine... CATHY It looks that way... Michael, you're going to do great. Just now Michael looks off for a moment, something seems wrong. He looks again... 52 HIS POV - AT THE FRONT DOOR A distinguished-looking GENTLEMAN enters alone... 53 MICHAEL looks stunned. 54 CATHY Now notices Michael's reaction. CATHY (she stops; a beat) What? What's wrong..? MICHAEL (indicating) That man. Over by the door. With the maroon scarf... (when she spots him)... ...he' s my father... Cathy looks again at the man. Then back at Michael. CATHY Your father? Here? MICHAEL Yes... CATHY Michael... are you all right? Would you like to leave? I'm sure there's a back way-- MICHAEL No... I want to... I want to talk to him. I want to tell him. I'm back... CATHY What can I do to help? MICHAEL (he takes a deep breath) Wait here. (looks in her eyes) And wish me luck. He begins to cross to the door. Cathy looks after him with great concern... 55 AT THE DOOR - MICHAEL'S FATHER is giving his coat and scarf to an attendant. We SEE Michael approaching. The and starts to move away... MICHAEL Sir! The man stops. Looks at Michael without recognition. MICHAEL'S FATHER Do I know you? MICHAEL You used to. My name is Michael. MICHAEL'S FATHER I'm sorry. Michael who? Michael stands frozen in fear. It's a moment he's dreaded the last seven years... He summons all his nerve... MICHAEL Michael... your son. The man stares at Michael for a long beat before it comes to him. He blanches. He looks around to see if anyone is listening. MICHAEL'S FATHER Rose's boy? Is that who you are? (off Michael's nod; nearly panicking) Good god. What the hell do you want? Didn't you understand what your mother told you? She told me you understood... Michael's worst nightmare is coming true... what he always hoped to avoid... MICHAEL'S FATHER What's the matter? Did you already spend the money? MICHAEL (beginning to break down) I didn't want the money... I never touched it... MICHAEL'S FATHER (not understanding) You don't want money... What are you here for? What do you want? MICHAEL I want... (shakes his head; realizing) What I always wanted... to be your son... The man looks away, absorbing this. He agonizes. But he's not the kind of man who would accept the boy now. The embarrassment, the shame, would be too hard... MICHAEL'S FATHER Dammit... You can't be. It was all an accident... and it's been settled, for years... please... 56 CATHY watching, SEES Michael's head hung in pain, starts to approach them... 57 MICHAEL Looks up at his father slowly, and knows it's impossible. It's always been impossible... MICHAEL (crushed; weakly) I understand. The man puts a hand on Michael's shoulder in parting. MICHAEL'S FATHER I wish you good luck. I really do... He leaves, and just as Cathy nears, Michael turns and rushes for the door. She calls for him, and follows... 58 TINA, OTHERS look up and see them as they run out... CUT TO: 59 EXT. STREET (FORMERLY CENTRAL PARK WEST) - NIGHT Michael runs, Cathy following half a block behind... CATHY Michael! Wait! Please! Michael runs a few more paces, then stops and buries his face in his hands. Cathy catches up and tries to comfort him, taking his head in her hands... CATHY Michael, try to calm down... Tell me what happened... It's all right... MICHAEL It was a lie... I knew it all along... I should never have let myself hope! CATHY Michael, you have nothing to be sorry for. Whatever happened, it's not your fault -- MICHAEL (suddenly pulling away) You don't understand, Cathy! It is my fault! I lied! To you, to Vincent... to myself! CATHY What are you saying? He isn't your father? MICHAEL He's my father, yes... But my mother... she wasn't his wife... CATHY Who--? MICHAEL She was the housekeeper! She worked for him! CATHY Oh Michael -- MICHAEL What have I done?? (looking at her; his unrequited feelings compounding it) I'm a fool. . . CATHY Don't ever think that, Michael! What you did took courage... He looks in her eyes, needing love so badly now... MICHAEL Cathy... I... She takes him in her arms and squeezes him hard, trying to make him feel safe... CATHY It's okay... I'm right here... CUT TO: 60 INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT Vincent is walking along a lonely tunnel when he suddenly pauses, turning his head, reacting... CUT TO: 61 EXT. CENTRAL PARK WEST - NIGHT - BACK TO SCENE Cathy embracing Michael... He pulls his face back and looks into her eyes, drinking something from them he thirsts for desperately. She holds his gaze, wanting to give him whatever he needs... Until suddenly he pulls her lips into his, and kisses her with passion. Though she doesn't pull away, and it's clear this is something a small part of her wants, Cathy doesn't return the passion. Her arms don't hold him tighter, her eyes don't close in abandon... But still... CUT TO: 62 INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT MOVING IN on Vincent. He feels something powerful now, but doesn't know what it is. ON his confusion, we FADE OUT: END OF ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: 63 EXT. STREET - NIGHT Cathy, her eyes open in fearful awareness, pulls away from Michael's lips. She's afraid of devastating him any further, but can't allow this to go on... CATHY Michael... I'm sorry... But Michael is ahead of her -- already shame is welling within him... MICHAEL ... What have I done? His shame beginning to overwhelm him, he backs away from her... CATHY You've done nothing, Michael... Please... MICHAEL (self-loathing) I don't deserve your friendship... I don't deserve anything... He turns and runs. CATHY Michael..! Wait! Michael, come back..! But Michael is gone... CUT TO: 63A INT. TUNNEL JUNCTION - NIGHT Michael runs down the drainage tunnel to the junction. He opens the secret door and enters the tunnel beyond... 63B INT. TUNNELS Michael, full of torment, moves through the labyrinth of tunnels... Suddenly, he stops with a stricken look on his face. 63C MICHAEL'S POV - VINCENT Vincent appears at a fork in the tunnels just ahead... He moves toward Michael... 63D MICHAEL Now unfreezes himself and heads in the opposite direction, trying to avoid Vincent... 63E ANGLE Vincent moves to catch up to him. VINCENT Michael... The sound of Vincent's voice stops Michael in his tracks. As Vincent approaches him, Michael turns to face his mentor and friend... 63F VINCENT AND MICHAEL A frozen moment as Vincent sees the shame and betrayal in Michael's eyes. A moment where all is revealed -- a devastating moment, beyond words. Vincent beseeches Michael silently, struggling with the sadness of it. Michael, unable to receive Vincent's gaze, finally slips away. Vincent lets him pass... DISSOLVE TO: 64 - 65 OMITTED 66 INT. VINCENT'S CHAMBER - NIGHT Vincent sits, girding himself against the storm which rages inside of him -- grappling with feelings new and terrifying. Catherine stands by him... CATHY Vincent, go to him... Vincent slowly shakes his head... CATHY He needs you... VINCENT (far away) ... No... A long painful beat... CATHY ... What do you think happened? VINCENT (sullen) ... Nothing -- happened... I know that. CATHY Then..? VINCENT You must leave. CATHY (offguard) No... VINCENT Leave now, Catherine... CATHY Why do you want me to leave? VINCENT (in torment) ... Because what I feel - - What I have become -- shames me. CATHY Tell me - - tell me what you feel... VINCENT (struggling) You musn't see me like this... CATHY Don't send me away... He stands... VINCENT (now growing more agitated) I am poisonous. My thoughts -- are poisonous... CATHY Tell me those thoughts... Please... Vincent can barely look at her... VINCENT (blurting) What you shared -- I envied... (tormented) I've betrayed Michael, you -- everything I hold dear. CATHY How have you betrayed us? VINCENT (in pain) ... I know what it is to love you... I love Michael like a brother, like a son. Michael's life has been a struggle... He needed to be healed with your tenderness... (darkly) And yet -- I was unwilling to share your love -- with anyone... CATHY (with compassion) Don't be ashamed of these feelings. VINCENT They violate everything I believe... CATHY Don't you think I have those feelings too..? Sometimes, I envy Father, and the others in your life who receive your love, and your care every day... (beat) I know those feelings. They are ugly... (beat, then simply, deeply) But, Vincent, all of those feelings come from love... They are the other side of it. To turn away from them is to forget where they came from... VINCENT (from the heart) ... The better part of me would rejoice if you found love with someone as fine and good as Michael. You have so much love to give... CATHY Because of you... VINCENT (sadly) What we share -- beautiful as it is -- must always be measured, and limited... CATHY ... We don't know what the limits are, yet. VINCENT ... Catherine, you deserve a life without limits. CATHY There is no life without limits... (tenderly) Vincent, if this is my fate, I accept it, gratefully... You must believe that. Vincent is struck to the core by what Catherine has said. He is humbled, speechless... All he can do now is look at her with gratitude, and awe... CATHY (lovingly) ... Don't be afraid to want it -- even only for yourself... Don't be afraid to deserve it. You deserve everything... She holds out her arms to him... And he comes into her embrace... DISSOLVE TO: 67 INT. WHISPERING GALLERY - NIGHT Michael, disconsolate, stands on the bridge staring down into the abyss... After a few beats he turns to find... 67A VINCENT He stands at the far end of the bridge... He takes a step toward Michael... MICHAEL (deeply upset) Stay away..! VINCENT (gently) Michael... MICHAEL (agitated) ... Stay away, Vincent! VINCENT (another step closer) No... MICHAEL (distraught) I failed -- I failed you! I ruined everything... VINCENT That's not true... MICHAEL You don't know... VINCENT I do... Vincent moves closer to him... MICHAEL (self-disgust) You don't know what I did, what I was thinking... VINCENT (moving closer) Stop judging yourself... MICHAEL (breaking down, sobbing) I betrayed you! You!! ... How could I do that?? Vincent moves to within a few steps... MICHAEL (beside himself) Stay away..! I'm not worthy. I'm not... Vincent now envelops the sobbing boy in a powerful, all- accepting embrace... VINCENT ... Michael, what you felt was true... You are entitled to love -- and to be loved... That too, is part of your destiny... MICHAEL (touched) Vincent... VINCENT (as an absolute truth) And how could anyone not love her? As Michael wipes away his tears... DISSOLVE TO: 67B - 68 OMITTED 69 EXT. CATHY'S BALCONY - NIGHT Vincent and Catherine (DIALOGUE TO FOLLOW: APPROX. I PAGE) 69A EXT. STEPS TO LECTURE HALL - DAY Michael and Tina (DIALOGUE TO FOLLOW: APPROX. 1/2 PAGE) FADE OUT: THE END