 |
|
|  |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
| | |
THE PLANET OF THE APES
"Up Above the World So High"
|
| Contributing Writers: | Shimon Wincelberg
Arthur Browne, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE PLANET OF THE APES
"Up Above The World So High"
ACT ONE
|
FADE IN
(NOTE TO DIRECTOR: PLEASE ALLOW 45 FEET OF SILENT ACTION FOR SUPERIMPOSITION OF TITLES)
EXT. SHRUBBED ROCKY HILLSIDE - MED. CLOSE SHOT - BERRY BUSH - DAY
ripe with odd-looking fruit, as GALEN ENTERS carrying a small partially filled sack. He plucks a berry, tastes it, is pleased and starts filling the sack. The faint WHISTLING OF WIND through struts is heard, FADING as a SHADOW FLITS BY. Galen pauses, not sure he heard or saw anything. He glances about, then returns his attention to the berries. The SOUND COMES ON AGAIN. Galen screws up his face in curiosity, looking about. He reacts as the Shadow flits by again. He turns and looks off, gasping in surprise, then fear.
GALEN’S P.O.V. - LONG SHOT - GLIDER
pitching and yawing over a valley, virtually out of control. Its design is similar to a hang glider but constructed of crude wooden struts, animal hide wings tied together with thongs, etc. The pilot is indistinguishable except for his legs hanging down and thrashing about wildly, fighting for control. The glider wings over TOWARD CAMERA (Galen).
BACK TO GALEN
eyes wide in terror, dropping the sack, CAMERA ANGLING with him as he dives for the shelter of a large boulder. After a moment, he peers out.
GALEN’S P.O.V. - THE GLIDER
turning away, winging over the valley again.
BACK TO GALEN
gathering his senses, looking down o.s., CAMERA ANGLING with him as he moves out a few paces, waving, yelling:
GALEN Alan! Pete!
REVERSE ANGLE DOWN TO TREES
at the base of the hillside as VIRDON and BURKE EMERGE, each finishing an odd-looking fruit.
GALEN’S VOICE (o.s.) Take shelter!
VIRDON (yells back) What’s the matter?
MED. CLOSE SHOT - GALEN
frantically pointing o.s.
GALEN A…a flying reptile!
He glances o.s., reacts and dives behind the boulder
MED. TWO SHOT - VIRDON AND BURKE
BURKE A…what?
Virdon is nonplussed. The o.s. SOUND OF WIND THROUGH STRUTS is HEARD AGAIN. Both hear it, looking up and about, their view obscured by the trees.
VIRDON Something’s up there!
CAMERA ANGLES with them as they break into a run, scrambling up the hillside.
MED. CLOSE ON GALEN
peering out from behind the boulder, glancing up and o.s., then:
GALEN Hurry! Before it attacks!
PAN SHOT - VIRDON AND BURKE
scrambling up the hillside toward Galen who motions them on.
EXT. MEADOW - MED. LONG SHOT - TWO GORILLA TROOPERS - DAY
mounted, EMERGING from the bordering trees, approaching, suddenly reining in, looking up and o.s., reacting.
THEIR P.O.V. - THE GLIDER
appearing momentarily over a stand of trees, turning, disappearing.
BACK TO TROOPERS
exchanging curious glances, then spurring their horses, CAMERA PANNING them as they ride off in pursuit.
LOW ANGLE - GLIDER
soaring along, CAMERA LOWERING to include Virdon and Burke as they almost reach Galen.
GALEN I think it sees us!
Virdon and Burke pause and look back, reacting to what they see.
THEIR P.O.V. - THE GLIDER
pitching and yawing, turning and winging away.
BURKE’S VOICE (o.s.; awed) Well…wadda y’know…
MED. SHOT - VIRDON AND BURKE - GALEN IN B.G.
VIRDON I don’t believe it…
Galen hesitantly moves to them, noting their reactions.
GALEN Aren’t you frightened?
VIRDON Of what?
THEIR P.O.V. - THE GLIDER
winging over a stand of trees, hitting an updraft.
VIRDON’S VOICE (o.s.) Seeing a man fly?
BACK TO SCENE
GALEN (reacts) A man? Then…it’s not a…a reptile?
BURKE No…it’s some sort of home-made glider contraption.
GALEN Thank heavens. For a moment there, I… (reacts) Humans can’t fly! I mean not our humans.
BURKE Seeing’s believing. (reacts) Oh-oh!
THEIR P.O.V. - THE GLIDER
Something has happened as it yaws and pitches wildly, looping over, going out of sight, apparently crashing into a stand of trees.
BACK TO SCENE
Virdon and Burke wince. Galen is curious.
VIRDON Let’s go!
They head off down the hill, Galen following.
EXT. TREES - MED. LONG SHOT - GALEN, VIRDON AND BURKE - DAY
running towards CAMERA. Galen suddenly holds up his hand.
GALEN Wait!
They stop, looking about. Galen points o.s.
REVERSE LONG SHOT - TWO TROOPERS
crossing a meadow, holding up, looking about, then heading off in another direction.
BACK TO GALEN, BURKE AND VIRDON
BURKE They must’ve seen it too.
GALEN Yes…so we’d better get there first.
His tone is ominous. The two regard him. Galen shrugs.
GALEN A flying human. They’ll kill him.
They exchange glances, then continue on, CAMERA PANNING them OFF through the trees.
EXT. TREES - LOW ANGLE - GLIDER WRECKAGE - DAY
scattered about, hanging from tree branches. An o.s. THRASHING SOUND is HEARD as CAMERA PANS the scene to HOLD ON the upside-down figure of LEURIC, a fiftyish eccentric, hanging by his foot entangled in a piece of wreckage. He “curses” under his breath as he tries to extricate himself, finally giving up with:
LEURIC Help! …Somebody! Get me down!
VIRDON’S VOICE (o.s.; distantly) Where are you?
LEURIC (reacts) Here! Over here!
He twists about, trying to see in all directions.
CLOSE SHOT - HIS FOOT
coming loose from the wreckage.
ANGLE ON LEURIC
flailing out with a YELL, grasping the leaves of a branch, CAMERA LOWERING with him as he falls, pulling the branch down with him, allowing him to land with a thump but unhurt.
ANGLE THROUGH TREES
as Virdon APPEARS. He sees Leuric o.s. and yells back.
VIRDON Pete! Galen! This way. I found him!
CAMERA PANS him quickly to Leuric as the latter sits up, brushing himself off.
VIRDON Are you hurt?
Leuric allows him to assist him to his feet through the following.
LEURIC Only my pride, friend…Confounded wind coming from every direction all at once! (works back muscle) Ow…pulled a muscle…Ah! (relaxes) There. I tell you, the wind is like a woman. You never know what it’s going to do!
VIRDON (smiles) You could have killed yourself.
LEURIC Bosh! The wind was too strong for the guide ropes… (throws up hands) Look at this mess! (shrugs) Well, never mind. Next time, I’ll get better materials, better everything and…
He breaks off as ONCOMING FOOTSTEPS are HEARD, turning, gasping:
LEURIC An Ape!
ANGLE INCLUDING GALEN
APPEARING through the trees, followed by Burke, moving to them.
LEURIC Run!
VIRDON (stops him) Hold it! They’re friends.
LEURIC (indicating Galen) Him?
Before Virdon can answer:
BURKE Those troopers spotted us!
GALEN They’re coming this way!
VIRDON (to Leuric) Now we run…
He takes Leuric by the arm and they all head off into the trees.
ANGLE THROUGH TREES - THE TROOPERS
urging their mounts forward, one FIRING.
PAN SHOT - VIRDON, BURKE, GALEN AND LEURIC
running, as a BULLET WHINES OFF. They dive into a ravine.
ANGLE ON TROOPERS
in pursuit.
ANGLE IN RAVINE
Burke, Virdon, Galen and Leuric approach, quickly hiding themselves in the shrubbery as ONCOMING HOOFBEATS are HEARD.
LOW ANGLE - TROOPERS
approaching, reining in, looking about.
FOUR SHOT - VIRDON, LEURIC, BURKE AND GALEN
concealed in the shrubbery, barely breathing.
FIRST TROOPER’S VOICE (o.s.) We lost them.
MED. TWO SHOT - TROOPERS
looking about, then one indicates and they whirl their horses, riding OFF.
ANGLE INTO RAVINE
as the o.s. HOOFBEATS FADE. Gradually, Virdon, Burke, Galen and Leuric APPEAR.
BURKE That was close.
VIRDON Yeah…
Galen helps Leuric up and out of the ravine, Leuric giving him the once-over, removing his helping hand from his arm as all stop BEFORE CAMERA.
LEURIC Thank you…
GALEN You’re quite welcome.
Leuric accepts this familiarity in a skeptical manner, turning his attention to Virdon and Burke.
LEURIC And my thanks to you as well. Now, if you’ll excuse me…
He starts off, stopping for:
VIRDON Where’re you going?
LEURIC Back…to salvage what I can.
BURKE If I were you, I’d leave it. Those troopers aren’t that far away.
LEURIC But, you don’t understand…It’s the only one I had and…
VIRDON Better do what he says… (takes Leuric’s arm) and believe me, I know just how you feel.
LEURIC How could you?
BURKE (takes other arm) Let’s just say…we’ve been there ourselves.
Leuric looks perplexedly from one to the other as they steer him off through the trees, Galen following.
LEURIC (as they go) What is that supposed to mean? Have you had experience with flying? Who are you anyway?
EXT. CHATKA GARRISON - TO ESTABLISH - DAY (STOCK)
A series of cave-like openings in a hillside, GUARDS standing duty at various entrances, etc. HUMANS move by in routine.
LOW ANGLE - TWO TROOPERS
riding up, each carrying portions of Leuric’s wrecked glider, reining in and starting to dismount.
INT. COMMANDER KONAG’S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON KONAG - DAY
KONAG rises from behind his desk, a disbelieving expression on his face.
KONAG You lie. I refuse to believe such a thing!
ANGLE INCLUDING TROOPERS
standing before his desk, Second Trooper holding a portion of the glider.
FIRST TROOPER But it’s true, sir. (waves hand) He was flying…
KONAG And you saw it happen…with your own eyes?
SECOND TROOPER We swear to it.
He extends a small, leather pouch to Konag who takes it and examines it.
SECOND TROOPER We also found that…tangled in the wreckage.
INSERT - POUCH
REVEALING Leuric’s name crudely burned into the leather.
KONAG’S VOICE (o.s.) Leuric…
BACK TO SCENE
KONAG (thoughtfully) A human who not only flies…but is able to write his name as well…? (beat) I want this… (indicates wreckage) and that…delivered to Commander Urko in Central City…at once!
He tosses the pouch back. The Troopers snap to, AD-LIBBING:
TROOPERS Yes, sir! / At once!
They turn and EXIT, CAMERA CLOSING IN ON Konag, worried, slapping a fist against his palm.
EXT. LEURIC’S FARM - LOW ANGLE TO CRUDE WINDMILL - DAY
turning. CAMERA LOWERING TO INCLUDE some farm animals near a thatched roof cabin and a lean-to barn, the door open for:
LEURIC’S VOICE (o.s.) You see how the air flow affects the movements of the craft?…
INT. BARN WORKSHOP - CLOSE ON BARREL - DAY
supported by wooden legs, open at both ends, a miniature “glider” hanging inside, swaying from the airflow created by a bellows-like affair at one end. CAMERA PULLS BACK to REVEAL Leuric operating a treadle device which activates the bellows, as a somewhat amazed Virdon and Burke look on. Galen moves about in b.g., examining various tools, models of aircraft, sections of wooden framing, etc., which are scattered about the room on tables, hanging from the rafters, etc.
LEURIC It’s when the wind comes from the side…like today, Very tricky.
ANOTHER ANGLE
VIRDON That’s called a cross-wind.
Leuric stops the treadle and observes them.
LEURIC You know, the more you talk, Alan, the more I feel I must believe you.
GALEN (joining them) I had a hard time being convinced myself.
BURKE What we’ve told you is true, Leuric. In our time, we flew every type of aircraft…fixed wing, helicopters, jets, inter-planetary modules…
LEURIC (waves hand) Stop…stop…You’re boggling my mind again. I only understand the simplest of principles.
VIRDON (looks about) Well, considering what you’ve had to work with, I’d say you’ve come a long way.
LEURIC Thank you…and perhaps someday with better tools, better materials, my ultimate dream might come true.
GALEN And what is that?
LEURIC The mastery of flight…to prove to the Apes that we humans are at least their equals…so that instead of living in constant fear, we can all live together in harmony.
VIRDON You really believe that could happen?
LEURIC I do…
Virdon and Burke exchange glances, then:
VIRDON If you’ll let us, we’d like to help you.
LEURIC (brightens) Would you?
BURKE Sure… (indicates) …but not here. (to Virdon) He may have gotten away with all this up to now…but after what happened today…
GALEN Pete’s right. The Council will no doubt be informed and, most certainly, so will Urko…if he doesn’t know already.
As they exchange apprehensive glances:
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MED. CLOSE ON URKO - NIGHT
URKO is addressing the Council, the flickering torches about the room highlighting his countenance. Through the following, CAMERA ANGLES to REVEAL the COUNCIL MEMBERS, including CARSIUS, the Minister of Knowledge, with ZAIUS presiding.
URKO Good Councillors, I have called this meeting to give you news of a most disturbing nature.
CARSIUS What could be so disturbing, Urko, as to get us out of bed in the middle of the night?
There is a MURMUR of agreement about the room.
ANGLE FAVORING CARSIUS AND URKO
URKO What if I told you, Carsius, that I have had reports of a human attempting to fly!
There are shocked, AD-LIBBED MURMURS from the Council members.
CARSIUS Impossible!
Urko is pleased with the reaction. He signals to a Guard by the door who immediately EXITS for a moment.
URKO I will show you the proof!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Guard returns carrying a section of broken wing from Leuric’s craft. Urko takes it as the Guard resumes his post.
ZAIUS And what is that?
URKO Part of a wing, Zaius…made by a human who calls himself Leuric…a farmer living near the village of Chatka. Troopers from the garrison there swear they witnessed this man soaring above the earth…like a bird… (beat) …before they shot him down.
CARSIUS They killed such a man?!
URKO (becoming uncomfortable) No…
Carsius is relieved.
ZAIUS Then…they arrested him, of course.
URKO He…he escaped.
ZAIUS (detects lie) I see…But you will locate him…
URKO A simple matter. (boldly) Then he will be killed.
CARSIUS Why?
URKO Why! he is as dangerous to us as any challenge from the humans we have ever faced!
ANGLE FAVORING CARSIUS
CARSIUS Perhaps…but then, are we not curious as to how it was done? Are we overlooking the possibility that we may learn to fly?
URKO For what purpose?
CARSIUS Consider the power it would give us. To control the humans from the air!
ANGLE FAVORING URKO
CARSIUS Unrest, rebellion…and escape would be stopped before it even begins!…and that is something Urko has quite failed to do!
Urko is furious as the Councillors STOMP, AD-LIBBING approval.
ANGLE FAVORING ZAIUS
ZAIUS Very well… (to Urko) You will order this human, this Leuric, to be found… (indicates) …and he will be placed in the custody of our Minister of Knowledge.
Urko glowers. Carsius is pleased.
CARSIUS I’ll go to Chatka myself….
ZAIUS Whatever you choose… (beat) If, however, after a reasonable period of time, he has not taught us to fly…to ‘soar like a bird’ as you put it, then, Commander Urko, you may dispose of him in a manner of your own choosing. (to the room) Is it agreed?
The Councillors STOMP and AD-LIB “Aye! Aye!”
ANGLE FAVORING URKO AND CARSIUS
They exchange triumphant, challenging looks. CAMERA ANGLES TO FAVOR Urko as he regards the portion of wing he is holding, suddenly crushing it with his powerful hands.
EXT. RUINS - CLOSE SHOT - VIRDON - DAY
carrying an armload of glider parts, etc., CAMERA PANNING him into the remains of a building, possibly a Quanset Hut, open at one end, overgrown with vines and vegetation, set amid what was once a small industrial community (to suit).
INT. HUT - ANGLE ON VIRDON - DAY
ENTERING, to INCLUDE Burke setting up other tools and equipment from Leuric’s barn. Virdon dumps his armload on a makeshift table.
BURKE How much more?
VIRDON Another trip ought to do it.
Burke nods, continuing his work as Virdon turns to leave, stopping and looking back.
VIRDON Come on, pal…that’s a long walk, y’know.
Burke reacts, then shrugs and smiles, joining Virdon. The two EXIT.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - LOW ANGLE PAN SHOT - HORSES - DAY
About eight horses. CAMERA LIFTING TO INCLUDE Konag, First and Second Troopers and five other Troopers, apparently heading for Leuric’s farm.
INT. LEURIC’S BARN - ANGLE ON GALEN - DAY
His arms loaded with materials, CAMERA PULLING BACK TO INCLUDE Leuric as he stuffs a rolled hide under Galen’s arm.
LEURIC There…Is that enough?
GALEN Well, I suppose I could carry something on my head…
Leuric considers, then realises it’s a joke and smiles.
LEURIC I’ll feed the animals and catch up to you.
Galen nods and they EXIT the barn.
EXT. FARM - ANGLE ON GALEN - DAY
approaching, juggling his armload as best he can. In b.g., Leuric is seen to tend the animals. Galen suddenly holds up, hearing something o.s. He whirls.
REVERSE LONG SHOT - TROOPERS
riding up to the farm.
BACK TO GALEN
quickly taking shelter behind some shrubbery.
ANGLE ON LEURIC
backing against a fence, wide-eyed as he is surrounded by Troopers, Konag to the fore, the First Trooper beside him.
FIRST TROOPER That’s him, sir.
LEURIC What have I done?!
KONAG Silence!(to Troopers) Tie him up. Search the barn and the house!
The Troopers dismount, grabbing Leuric, others heading for the barn.
CLOSE SHOT - GALEN
watching helplessly, distraught, glancing off, reacting.
ANGLE TO TREES - BURKE AND VIRDON
starting to emerge, seeing the Troopers o.s., diving for cover.
FULL SHOT - LEURIC AND TROOPERS
Leuric’s hands are bound behind him and rope is circled around his neck, Konag holding the other end. The Troopers come from the barn and house, converging, Second Trooper to the fore.
SECOND TROOPER The place is empty. He’s the only one.
KONAG (to Leuric) There are no others?!
LEURIC I…I live here alone.
Konag studies Leuric, then “Hmphs” to himself, indicating:
KONAG Mount!
MED. TWO SHOT- VIRDON AND BURKE
watching the o.s. scene, exchanging glances.
FULL SHOT - TROOPERS
leaving the farm, Leuric led by the rope.
MED. SHOT - GALEN
watching, the procession in b.g., disappearing into the woods, their SOUNDS RECEDING. He looks off toward Virdon and Burke, CAMERA ANGLING with him as he moves toward them as they appear from hiding.
THREE SHOT - VIRDON, BURKE AND GALEN
converging, saying nothing, looking after the procession, then:
VIRDON Why didn’t they kill him?
GALEN A good question… (beat) About the only thing I can think of…they just might want to make a spectacle of him.
BURKE How?
GALEN By…executing him in public.
Their eyes lock.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - FULL PAN SHOT - TROOPERS - DAY
passing, CAMERA CENTERING on Leuric, being led by the rope, hands bound, stumbling along in the dust.
|
FADE OUT
|
| END OF ACT ONE |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
