"The Princess Bride"
by
William Goldman
1987-Shooting Draft
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FADE IN ON:
A VIDEO GAME ON A COMPUTER SCREEN
The game is in progress. As a sick coughing sound is heard.
CUT TO:
THIS KID
lying in bed, coughing. Pale, one sick cookie. Maybe he's
seven or eight or nine. He holds a remote in one hand,
presses it, and the video game moves a little bit. Then he's
hit by another spasm of coughing, puts the remote down.
His room is monochromatic, greys and blues, mildly high-tech.
We're in the present day and this is a middle class house,
somewhere in the suburbs.
CUT TO:
The Kid's MOTHER as she enters, goes to him, fluffs his
pillows, kisses him, and briefly feels his forehead. She's
worried, it doesn't show. During this
MOTHER
You feeling any better?
THE KID
A little bit.
MOTHER
Guess what.
THE KID
What?
MOTHER
Your grandfather's here.
THE KID
(not overjoyed)
Mom, can't you tell him that I'm
sick?
MOTHER
You are sick, that's why he's here.
THE KID
He'll pinch my cheek. I hate that.
MOTHER
Maybe he won't.
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2.
The Kid shoots her an "I'm sure" look, as we
CUT TO:
THE KID'S GRANDFATHER bursting into the room. Kind of
rumpled. But the eyes are bright. He has a wrapped package
tucked under one arm as be immediately goes to The Kid,
pinches his cheek.
GRANDFATHER
Hey! How's the sickie? Heh?
The Kid gives his Mother an "I told you so" look. The Mother
ignores it, beats a retreat.
MOTHER
I think I'll leave you two pals.
And she is gone. There's an uncomfortable silence, then...
GRANDFATHER
I brought you a special present.
THE KID
What is it?
GRANDFATHER
Open it up.
The Kid does. He does his best to smile.
THE KID
A book?
GRANDFATHER
That's right. When I was your
age, television was called books.
And this is a special book. It
was the book my father used to
read to me when I was sick, and I
used to read it to your father.
And today, I'm gonna read it to
you.
THE KID
Has it got any sports in it?
CUT TO:
THE GRANDFATHER
Suddenly passionate.
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3.
GRANDFATHER
Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting.
Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters.
Chases. Escapes. True love.
Miracles.
CUT TO:
THE TWO OF THEM as the Grandfather sits in a chair by the bed.
THE KID
(manages a shrug)
It doesn't sound too bad. I'll
try and stay awake.
GRANDFATHER
Oh. Well, thank you very much.
It's very nice of you. Your vote
of confidence is overwhelming.
All right.
(Book open now, be
begins to read.)
The Princess Bride, by S.
Morgenstern. Chapter One.
Buttercup was raised on a small
farm in the country of Florin.
DISSOLVE TO:
The story he's reading about, as the monochromatic look of
the bedroom is replaced by the dazzling color of the English
countryside.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
Her favorite pastimes were riding
her horse and tormenting the farm
boy that worked there. His name
was Westley, but she never called
him that.
(to the kid)
Isn't that a wonderful beginning?
THE KID
(off-screen doing his best)
Yeah. It's really good.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen reading)
Nothing gave Buttercup as much
pleasure as ordering Westley
around.
CUT TO:
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4.
BUTTERCUPS FARM - DAY
BUTTERCUP is standing, holding the reins of her horse, while
in the background, WESTLEY, in the stable doorway, looks at
her. Buttercup is in her late teens; doesn't care much about
clothes and she hates brushing her long hair, so she isn't
as attractive as she might be, but she's still probably the
most beautiful woman in the world.
BUTTERCUP
Farm boy. Polish my horse's
saddle. I want to see my face
shining in it by morning.
WESTLEY
(quietly, watching her)
As you wish.
Westley is perhaps half a dozen years older than Buttercup.
And maybe as handsome as she is beautiful. He gazes at her
as she walks away.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
"As you wish" was all he ever
said to her.
DISSOLVE TO:
WESTLEY, outside, chopping wood. Buttercup drops two large
buckets near him.
BUTTERCUP
Farm Boy. Fill these with water --
(a beat)
--please.
WESTLEY
As you wish.
She leaves; his eyes stay on her. She stops, turns -- he
manages to look away as now her eyes stay on him.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
That day, she was amazed to
discover that when he was saying,
"As you wish," what he meant was,
"I love you."
DISSOLVE TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
BUTTERCUP IN THE KITCHEN - DUSK
Westley enters with an armload of firewood.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
And even more amazing was the day
she realized she truly loved him
back.
BUTTERCUP
(pointing to a pitcher
that she could reach herself)
Farm Boy, fetch me that pitcher.
He gets it, hands it to her; they are standing very close to
each other gazing into each other's eyes.
WESTLEY
As you wish.
Now he turns, moves outside.
DISSOLVE TO:
WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP, outside his tiny hovel in the red
glow of sunset. They are locked in a passionate kiss.
THE KID
(off-screen)
-hold it, hold it-
CUT TO:
THE KID'S ROOM
THE KID
What is this? Are you trying to
trick me? -- Where's the sports? --
Is this a kissing book?
GRANDFATHER
-- wait, just wait --
THE KID
-- well, when does it get good?
GRANDFATHER
Keep your shirt on. Let me read.
(reading again)
Westley had no money for marriage.
So he packed his few belongings
and left the farm to seek his
fortune across the sea.
CUT TO:
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6.
WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP
They stand near the gate to the farm, locked in an embrace.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen reading)
It was a very emotional time for
Buttercup --
THE KID
(off-screen groaning)
I don't be-leeve this.
BUTTERCUP
I fear I'll never see you again.
WESTLEY
Of course you will.
BUTTERCUP
But what if something happens to
you?
WESTLEY
Hear this now: I will come for you.
BUTTERCUP
But how can you be sure?
WESTLEY
This is true love. You think this
happens every day?
He smiles at her, she smiles too, throws her arms so tightly
around him. They kiss. Then as Westley walks away, Buttercup
watches him go.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen reading)
Westley didn't reach his
destination. His ship was attacked
by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who
never left captives alive. When
Buttercup got the news that
Westley was murdered --
THE KID
(off-screen, perking
up a little)
-- murdered by pirates is good --
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP: Buttercup, staring out the window of her room.
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7.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
She went into her room and shut
the door. And for days, she
neither slept nor ate.
BUTTERCUP
(no emotion at all in
her voice)
I will never love again.
HOLD ON HER FACE, perfect and perfectly sad.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLORIN CASTLE - DAY
The main courtyard of Florin replete with townspeople,
livestock, and a bustling marketplace.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen reading)
Five years later, the main square
of Florin City was filled as
never before to hear the
announcement of the great Prince
Humperdinck's bride-to be.
CUT TO:
PRINCE HUMPERDINCK, a man of incredible power and bearing,
standing in his royal robes on a castle balcony. Three
others standing behind him: an OLD COUPLE with crowns, the
aging KING AND QUEEN, and a dark bearded man who seems the
Prince's match in strength: this is COUNT RUGEN.
HUMPERDINCK
(raises his hands,
starts to speak)
My people ... a month from now,
our country will have its 500th
anniversary. On that sundown, I
shall marry a lady who was once a
commoner like yourselves --
(pause)
-- but perhaps you will not find
her common now. Would you like to
meet her?
And the answering YESSSS booms like summer thunder.
CUT TO:
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8.
A giant staircase leading to the CROWD and as a FIGURE just
begins to become visible,
CUT TO:
THE CROWD, as they see the figure. (We haven't yet.) And if
there is such a thing as collective action, then this crowd,
collectively, holds its breath.
CUT TO:
THE STAIRCASE, as the figure appears in the archway. It is
Buttercup. And she resplendent.
HUMPERDINCK
My people ... the Princess
Buttercup!!
She descends the stairs and starts to move amongst the people.
CUT TO:
THE CROWD, and they do a very strange thing: with no
instruction at all, they suddenly go to their knees. Great
waves of people kneeling and --
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP, terribly moved. She stands immobile among her
subjects, blinking back tears. HOLD on her beauty for a
moment.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
Buttercup's emptiness consumed
her. Although the law of the land
gave Humperdinck the right to
choose his bride, she did not
love him.
CUT TO:
WOODLANDS
-- and Buttercup, barreling along, controlling her horse
easily.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
Despite Humperdinck's reassurance
that she would grow to love him,
the only joy she found was in her
daily ride.
CUT TO:
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9.
A WOODED GLEN - CLOSE TO SUNDOWN
Lovely, quiet, deserted. Buttercup suddenly reins in.
VOICE
A word, my lady?
CUT TO:
THREE MEN, standing close together in the path. Beyond them
can be seen the waters of Florin Channel. The three men are
not your everyday commuter types. Standing in front is a
tiny man with the most angelic face. He is Sicilian and his
name is VIZZINI. Beside him is a Spaniard, erect and taut as
a blade of steel. His name is INIGO MONTOYA. Beside him is a
giant. His name is FEZZIK.
VIZZINI
We are but poor, lost circus
performers. Is there a village
nearby?
BUTTERCUP
There is nothing nearby; not for
miles.
VIZZINI
Then there will be no one to hear
you scream-
He nods to the giant, Fezzik, who merely reaches over,
touches a nerve on Buttercup's neck, and the start of a
scream is all she manages --unconsciousness comes that fast.
As she starts to fall --
CUT TO:
A TINY ISOLATED SPOT AT THE EDGE OF FLORIN CHANNEL
A sailboat is moored. It's dusk now, shadows are long.
Inigo, the Spaniard, busies himself getting the boat ready.
CUT TO:
The giant Fezzik carries Buttercup, unconscious, on board.
Vizzini rips some tiny pieces of fabric from an army jacket
and tucks them along the saddle of Buttercup's horse. There
is about the entire operation a sense of tremendous skill
and precision.
INIGO
What is that you're ripping?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
VIZZINI
(not stopping or turning)
It's fabric from the uniform of
an Army officer of Guilder.
FEZZIK
Who's Guilder?
VIZZINI
(pointing straight out)
The country across the sea. The
sworn enemy of Florin.
(slaps the horse's rump)
Go!
The horse takes off. They start for the boat.
VIZZINI
Once the horse reaches the
castle, the fabric will make the
Prince suspect the Guilderians
have abducted his love. When he
finds her body dead on the
Guilder frontier, his suspicions
will be totally confirmed.
FEZZIK
You never said anything about
killing anyone.
Vizzini hops onto the boat.
VIZZINI
I've hired you to help me start a
war. That's a prestigious line of
work with a long and glorious
tradition.
FEZZIK
I just don't think it's right,
killing an innocent girl.
VIZZINI
(whirling on Fezzik)
Am I going mad or did the word
"think" escape your lips? You
were not hired for your brains,
you hippopotamic land mass.
INIGO
I agree with Fezzik.
CUT TO:
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11.
CLOSE UP: Vizzini, in a fury.
VIZZINI
(We only thought he
was in a fury --now
he's really getting mad)
Oh. The sot has spoken. What
happens to her is not truly your
concern -- I will kill her --
(louder)
And remember this -- never forget
this --
CUT TO:
INIGO AND FEZZIK, as Vizzini advances on them. Nothing shows
on Inigo's face, but FEZZIK is panicked by Vizzini.
VIZZINI
(to Inigo)
-- when I found you, you were so
slobbering drunk you couldn't buy
brandy --
(now to Fezzik, who
retreats as much as he
can while Vizzini advances)
-- and you -- friendless,
brainless, helpless, hopeless --
Do you want me to send you back
to where you were, unemployed in
Greenland?
Vizzini glares at him, then turns, leaves them.
During this, Inigo has gone close to FEZZIK, who is very
distressed at the insults he's just received. As Inigo casts
off.
INIGO
(softly)
That Vizzini, he can fuss.
(a slight emphasis on
the last word)
FEZZIK
(looking at Inigo)
... fuss ... fuss ...
(Suddenly, he's got it
again, emphasis on the
last word.)
I think he likes to scream at us.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
INIGO
Probably he means no harm.
FEZZIK
He's really very short on charm.
INIGO
(proudly)
Oh, you've a great gift for rhyme.
FEZZIK
Yes, some of the time.
(he starts to smile)
VIZZINI
(whirling on them)
Enough of that.
As they sail off, we hear their voices as the boat recedes.
INIGO
FEZZIK, are there rocks ahead?
FEZZIK
If there are, we'll all be dead.
VIZZINI
No more rhymes now, I mean it.
FEZZIK
Anybody want a peanut?
As Vizzini screams we:
DISSOLVE TO:
THE SAILBOAT RACING ACROSS THE DARK WATERS
Inigo is at the helm, FEZZIK stands near the body of the
princess, whose eyelids flutter slightly -- or do they?
Vizzini sits motionless. The waves are higher, there are
only occasional flashes of moon slanting down between clouds.
VIZZINI
(to Inigo)
We'll reach the Cliffs by dawn.
Inigo nods, glances back.
VIZZINI
Why are you doing that?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
INIGO
Making sure nobody's following us.
VIZZINI
That would be inconceivable.
BUTTERCUP
Despite what you think, you will
be caught. And when you are, the
Prince will see you all hanged.
Vizzini turns a cold eye on the Princess.
VIZZINI
Of all the necks on this boat,
Highness, the one you should be
worrying about is your own.
Inigo keeps staring behind them.
VIZZINI
Stop doing that. We can all
relax, it's almost over-
INIGO
You're sure nobody's following us?
VIZZINI
As I told you, it would be
absolutely, totally, and in all
other ways, inconceivable. No one
in Guilder knows what we've done.
And no one in Florin could have
gotten here so fast. Out of
curiosity, why do you ask?
INIGO
No reason. It's only, I just
happened to look behind us, and
something is there.
VIZZINI
What?
And suddenly the three whirl, stare back and as they do --
CUT TO:
THE DARKNESS BEHIND THEM
It's hard to see; the moon is behind clouds now. But the
wind whistles. And the waves pound.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
And suddenly it's all gone ominous.
CUT TO:
INIGO, FEZZIK, AND VIZZINI squinting back, trying desperately
to see. At this moment, they are all holding their breaths.
CUT TO:
THE DARKNESS BEHIND THEM
And there's still nothing to be seen. It's still ominous.
Only now it's eerie too.
Then --
The moon slips through and --
Inigo was right -- something is very much there. A sailboat.
Black. With a great billowing sail. Black. It's a good
distance behind them, but it's coming like hell, closing the
gap.
CUT TO:
INIGO, FEZZIK, AND VIZZINI
staring at the other boat.
VIZZINI
(explaining with as
much logic as he can muster)
Probably some local fisherman out
for a pleasure cruise at night
through eel-infested waters.
And now as a sound comes from their boat they turn as we
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP, diving into the water, starting to swim away.
CUT TO:
THE BOAT
and Vizzini screaming.
VIZZINI
Go in, get after her!
INIGO
I don't swim.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
FEZZIK
(to the unasked question)
I only dog paddle.
VIZZINI
Veer left. Left. Left!
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
still close to the boat, switching from a crawl to a silent
breast stroke. The wind dies and as it does, something new
is heard. A not-too-distant high-pitched shrieking sound.
Buttercup stops suddenly, treads water.
CUT TO:
THE BOAT
VIZZINI
Do you know what that sound is,
Highness? Those are the Shrieking
Eels -- if you doubt me, just
wait. They always grow louder
when they're about to feed on
human flesh.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP, treading water, still not far from the boat. The
shrieking sounds are getting louder and more terrifying.
Buttercup stays silent.
CUT TO:
THE BOAT
VIZZINI
If you swim back now, I promise,
no harm will come to you. I doubt
you will get such an offer from
the Eels.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP, and she's a gutsy girl. The shrieking sound is
louder still, but she doesn't make a sound. Behind her now,
something dark and gigantic slithers past.
She's scared, sure, petrified, who wouldn't be, but she
makes no reply --
-- and now a SHRIEKING EEL has zeroed in on her --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
-- and now she sees it, a short distance away, circling,
starting to close --
-- and Buttercup is frozen, trying not to make a movement of
any kind --
-- and the Eel slithers closer, closer --
-- and Buttercup knows it now, there's nothing she can do,
it's over, all over --
-- and now the Eel opens its mouth wide, and it's never made
such a noise, and as its great jaws are about to clamp
down --
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
She doesn't get eaten by the Eels
at this time.
And the second we hear him:
CUT TO:
THE SICK KID'S ROOM
The Kid looks the same, pale and weak, but maybe he's
gripping the sheets a little too tightly with his hands.
THE KID
What?
GRANDFATHER
The Eel doesn't get her. I'm
explaining to you because you
looked nervous.
THE KID
Well, I wasn't nervous.
His Grandfather says nothing, just waits.
THE KID
Well, maybe I was a little bit
concerned. But that's not the
same thing.
GRANDFATHER
Because I can stop now if you want.
THE KID
No. You could read a little bit
more ... if you want.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
He grips the sheets again, as the Grandfather picks up the
book.
GRANDFATHER
(reading)
"Do you know what that sound is,
Highness?"
CUT TO:
VIZZINI
We're back in the boat.
VIZZINI
Those are the Shrieking Eels.
THE KID
(off-screen)
We're past that, Grandpa.
CUT TO:
THE SICK KID'S ROOM
THE KID
You read it already.
GRANDFATHER
Oh. Oh my goodness, I did. I'm
sorry. Beg your pardon.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
treading water.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
All right, all right, let's see.
Uh, she was in the water, the Eel
was coming after her. She was
frightened. The Eel started to
charge her. And then -
And we're back where we were at the last moment we saw her,
Buttercup frozen, the Shrieking Eel, jaws wide, about to
clamp down as we
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
A GIANT ARM
pounding the Eel unconscious in one move, then easily
lifting Buttercup.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL
The boat and FEZZIK, Buttercup being deposited on the deck.
VIZZINI
Put her down. Just put her down.
CUT TO:
INIGO
pointing behind them.
INIGO
I think he's getting closer.
Vizzini, tying Buttercup's hands.
VIZZINI
He's no concern of ours. Sail on!
(to Buttercup)
I suppose you think you're brave,
don't you?
BUTTERCUP
(staring deep at him)
Only compared to some.
DISSOLVE TO:
The boat at dawn, being followed closely by the black
sailboat, which we can see for the first time is being
sailed by a MAN IN BLACK, and his boat almost seems to be
flying.
INIGO
Look! He's right on top of us. I
wonder if he is using the same
wind we are using.
VIZZINI
Whoever he is, he's too late --
(pointing ahead of them)
-- see?
(big)
The Cliffs of Insanity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
And once he's said the name--
CUT TO:
THE CLIFFS OF INSANITY - DAWN
They rise straight up, sheer from the water, impossibly high.
CUT TO:
THE TWO SAILBOATS
in a wild race for the Cliffs and the Man In Black is
closing faster than ever, but not fast enough, the lead was
too great to overcome, and as Inigo sails with great
precision straight at the Cliffs
CUT TO:
THE BOAT
being pursued.
VIZZINI
Hurry up. Move the thing! Um ...
that other thing. Move it!
(staring back now)
We're safe -- only FEZZIK is
strong enough to go up our way --
he'll have to sail around for
hours 'til he finds a harbor.
There is much activity going on, all of it swift, expert,
economical. FEZZIK reaches up along the Cliff face, grabs a
jutting rock, reaches behind it. Suddenly there is a thick
rope in his hands. He drops back to the boat, gives the rope
a freeing swing and
CUT TO:
THE CLIFFS
The rope goes all the way to the top.
CUT TO:
INIGO
hurrying to FEZZIK. He straps a harness to him, then lifts
Buttercup and Vizzini in the harness. Finally, he himself
gets in the harness. All three are strapped to FEZZIK like
papooses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
And he starts to ascend the rope, carrying them all along
with him as he goes.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK, sailing in toward the Cliffs of Insanity,
watching as FEZZIK rises swiftly through the first moments
of dawn.
CUT TO:
THE TOP OF THE CLIFFS - LOOKING DOWN
FEZZIK'S GROUP is only faintly visible far below. This is
the first time we've gotten the real vertigo feeling and
it's a gasper.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK CLIMBING ON. Buttercup is almost out of her mind with
fear.
CUT TO:
THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CLIFFS
FEZZIK is moving right along; however high they are, he's
already over a third of the way done.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
leaping from his ship to the rope, starting to climb. He's
impossibly far behind, but the way he goes you'd think he
didn't know that because he is flying up the rope, hand over
hand like lightning.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI AND THE OTHERS
INIGO
(looking down)
He's climbing the rope. And he's
gaining on us.
VIZZINI
Inconceivable!
He prods FEZZIK, who nods, increases his pace.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
THE MAN IN BLACK
roaring up the rope, and
CUT TO:
LONG SHOT - THE CLIFFS
-- and the Man In Black is cutting deeply into FEZZIK's lead.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI AND THE OTHERS
VIZZINI
(shrieking)
Faster!
FEZZIK
I thought I was going faster.
VIZZINI
You were supposed to be this
colossus. You were this great,
legendary thing. And yet he gains.
FEZZIK
Well, I'm carrying three people.
And he's got only himself.
VIZZINI
(cutting through)
-- I do not accept excuses.
(shaking his head)
I'm just going to have to find
myself a new giant, that's all.
FEZZIK
(hurt)
Don't say that, Vizzini. Please.
And his arms begin moving much more slowly.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
His arms still work as before. If anything, he has speeded
up. FEZZIK's lead is smaller and smaller
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE CLIFFS
Maybe a hundred feet for FEZZIK to go. Maybe more.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI AND THE OTHERS, and it's getting too close now.
VIZZINI
Did I make it clear that your job
is at stake?
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
less than a hundred feet behind them. And gaining.
CUT TO:
THE CLIFF TOP AS FEZZIK MAKES IT!
Vizzini leaps off and takes out a knife, begins to cut the
rope which is tied around a great rock while Inigo helps the
Princess to her feet and FEZZIK just stands around, waiting
for someone to tell him to do something. Nearby are some
stone ruins. Once they might have been a fort, now the kind
of resemble Stonehenge.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
feet from the top now, maybe less -- maybe only 50 -- and
his pace is as dazzling as before, and
CUT TO:
VIZZINI
cutting through the last of the rope and
CUT TO:
THE ROPE
slithering across the ground and out of sight toward the
Channel, like some great serpent at last going home.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
standing with Inigo and Buttercup by the cliff edge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
FEZZIK
(to Inigo -- impressed)
He has very good arms.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
hanging suspended hundreds of feet in the air, holding to
the jagged rocks, desperately trying to cling to life.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI
stunned, turning to the others, looking down.
VIZZINI
He didn't fall? Inconceivable!!
INIGO
(whirling on Vizzini)
You keep using that word -- I do
not think it means what you think
it means.
(looks down again)
My God! He's climbing.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
and so he is. Very slowly, he is picking his way upwards,
sometimes a foot at a time, sometimes an inch.
CUT TO:
The group at the top, staring down.
VIZZINI
Whoever he is, he's obviously
seen us with the Princess, and
must therefore die.
(to Fezzik)
You, carry her.
(to Inigo)
We'll head straight for the
Guilder frontier. Catch up when
he's dead. If he falls, fine. If
not, the sword.
Inigo nods.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
INIGO
I want to duel him left-handed.
VIZZINI
You know what a hurry we're in.
INIGO
Well, it's the only way I can be
satisfied. If I use my right --
tch -- over too quickly.
VIZZINI
(turns abruptly,
starts off-screen)
Oh, have it your way.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
still creeping his way upward.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
who goes to Inigo.
FEZZIK
You be careful.
(gravely)
-- people in masks cannot be
trusted.
VIZZINI
(calling out)
I'm waiting!
FEZZIK nods, hurries after Vizzini.
CUT TO:
INIGO
He watches them depart, then turns, peers down over the
Cliffs. He watches a moment, then paces, shaking his hands
loose. He practices a few of his honed fencing skills. He is
a taut and nervous fellow, and has never been one for
waiting around.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
THE MAN IN BLACK
climbing on. He must be six inches closer to the top than
when last we saw him. Inigo is watching.
CUT TO:
INIGO
walking away. Finally he goes back to cliff edge, starts to
talk. It's instant death if the Man In Black falls, but
neither gives that possibility much credence. This is our
two heroes meeting. They don't know it yet; but that's what
it is.
INIGO
(hollering down)
Hello there.
The Man In Black glances up, kind of grunts.
INIGO
Slow going?
MAN IN BLACK
Look, I don't mean to be rude,
but this is not as easy as it
looks. So I'd appreciate it if
you wouldn't distract me.
INIGO
Sorry.
MAN IN BLACK
Thank you.
Inigo steps away, draws his sword, loosens up with a few
perfect thrusts. Then resheathes and looks eagerly over the
edge again.
INIGO
I do not suppose you could speed
things up?
MAN IN BLACK
(with some beat)
If you're in such a hurry, you
could lower a rope, or a tree
branch, or find something useful
to do.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
INIGO
I could do that. In fact, I've
got some rope up here. But I do
not think that you will accept my
help, since I am only waiting
around to kill you.
MAN IN BLACK
That does put a damper on our
relationship.
He finds another bold a few inches higher.
INIGO
But I promise I will not kill you
until you reach the top.
MAN IN BLACK
That's very comforting. But I'm
afraid you'll just have to wait.
INIGO
I hate waiting. I could give you
my word as a Spaniard.
MAN IN BLACK
No good. I've known too many
Spaniards.
And he just hangs there in space, resting, gathering his
strength.
INIGO
You don't know any way you'll
trust me?
MAN IN BLACK
Nothing comes to mind.
And on these words, CAMERA ZOOMS into a CLOSE UP on Inigo.
He raises his right hand high, his eyes blaze, and his voice
takes on a tone we have not heard before.
INIGO
I swear on the soul of my father,
Domingo Montoya, you will reach
the top alive.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK.
There is a pause. Then, quietly:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
MAN IN BLACK
Throw me the rope.
CUT TO:
INIGO
He dashes to the giant rock the rope was originally tied to.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
as his grip loosens a moment, trying to cling to the side of
the cliff.
CUT TO:
INIGO
now with a small coil of rope, hurries back to the edge and
hurls it over --
CUT TO:
THE ROPE
It hangs close to the Man In Black. He releases the rocks,
grabs the rope, hangs helplessly in space a moment, then
looks up at Inigo and --
CUT TO:
INIGO
straining, forcing his body away from the cliff edge and --
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
rising through the early morning light, slowly, steadily,
and as the cliff top at last comes within reach --
CUT TO:
INIGO
watching as the Man In Black crawls to safety, then looks to
Inigo.
MAN IN BLACK
(pulling his sword)
Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
INIGO
We'll wait until you're ready.
MAN IN BLACK
Again. Thank you.
The Man In Black sits to rest on the boulder that once held
the rope. He tugs off his leather boots and is amazed to see
several large rocks tumble out. The Man In Black wears
gloves. Inigo stares at them.
INIGO
I do not mean to pry, but you
don't by any chance happen to
have six fingers on your right
hand?
He glances up -- the question clearly baffles him.
MAN IN BLACK
Do you always begin conversations
this way?
INIGO
My father was slaughtered by a
sixfingered man. He was a great
swordmaker, my father. And when
the six-fingered man appeared and
requested a special sword, my
father took the job. He slaved a
year before he was done.
He hands his sword to the Man In Black.
MAN IN BLACK
(fondling it-impressed)
I have never seen its equal.
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP - INIGO
Even now, this still brings pain.
INIGO
The six-fingered man returned and
demanded it, but at one-tenth his
promised price. My father refused.
Without a word, the six-fingered
man slashed him through the heart.
I loved my father, so, naturally,
challenged his murderer to a duel
... I failed ...
(MORE)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
INIGO (CONT'D)
the six-fingered man did leave me
alive with the six-fingered
sword, but he gave me these.
He touches his scars.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
looking up at Inigo.
MAN IN BLACK
How old were you?
INIGO
I was eleven years old. When I
was strong enough, I dedicated my
life to the study of fencing. So
the next time we meet, I will not
fail. I will go up to the
sixfingered man and say, "Hello,
my name is Inigo Montoya. You
killed my father. Prepare to die."
MAN IN BLACK
You've done nothing but study
swordplay?
INIGO
More pursuit than study lately.
You see, I cannot find him. It's
been twenty years now. I am
starting to lose confidence. I
just work for Vizzini to pay the
bills. There's not a lot of money
in revenge.
MAN IN BLACK
(handing back the
great sword, starting
to rise)
Well, I certainly hope you find
him, someday.
INIGO
You are ready, then?
MAN IN BLACK
Whether I am or not, you've been
more than fair.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
INIGO
You seem a decent fellow. I hate
to kill you.
MAN IN BLACK
(walking away a few
paces, unsheathing his sword)
You seem a decent fellow. I hate
to die.
INIGO
Begin!
And on that word --
CUT TO:
THE TWO OF THEM
And what we are starting now is one of the two greatest
sword fights in modern movies (the other one happens later
on), and right from the beginning it looks different.
Because they aren't close to each other -- none of the
swordscrossing "en garde" garbage.
No, what we have here is two men, two athletes, and they
look to be too faraway to damage each other, but each time
one makes even the tiniest feint, the other counters, and
there is silence, and as they start to circle --
CUT TO:
THE SIX-FINGERED SWORD
feinting here, feinting there and --
CUT TO:
THE TWO MEN
finished teasing, begin to duel in earnest.
Their swords cross, then again, again, and the sound comes
so fast it's almost continual. Inigo presses on, the Man In
Black retreating up a rocky incline.
INIGO
(thrilled)
You're using Bonetti's defense
against me, ah?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
MAN IN BLACK
I thought it fitting, considering
the rocky terrain --
INIGO
Naturally, you must expect me to
attack with Capo Ferro.
And he shifts his style now.
MAN IN BLACK
(coping as best he can)
-- naturally --
(suddenly shifting again)
--but I find Thibault cancels out
Capo Ferro, don't you?
The Man In Black is now perched at the edge of the elevated
castle ruin. No where to go, he jumps to the sand.
Inigo stares down at him.
INIGO
Unless the enemy has studied his
Agrippa-
And now, with the grace of an Olympian, Inigo flies off the
perch, somersaults clean over the Man In Black's head, and
lands facing his opponent.
INIGO
-- which I have.
The two men are almost flying across the rocky terrain,
never losing balance, never coming close to stumbling; the
battle rages with incredible finesse, first one and then the
other gaining the advantage, and by now, it's clear that
this isn't just two athletes going at it, it's a lot more
that that. This is two legendary swashbucklers and they're
in their prime, it's Burt Lancaster in "The Crimson Pirate"
battling Errol Flynn in "Robin Hood" and then, incredibly,
the action begins going even faster than before as we
CUT TO:
INIGO
And behind him now, drawing closer all the time, is the
deadly edge of the Cliffs of Insanity. Inigo fights and
ducks and feints and slashes and it all works, but not for
long, as gradually the Man In Black keeps the advantage,
keeps forcing Inigo back, closer and closer to death.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
INIGO
(happy as a clam)
You are wonderful!
MAN IN BLACK
Thank you -- I've worked hard to
become so.
The Cliff edge is very close now. Inigo is continually being
forced toward it.
INIGO
I admit it -- you are better than
I am.
MAN IN BLACK
Then why are you smiling?
Inches from defeat, Inigo is, in fact, all smiles.
INIGO
Because I know something you
don't know.
MAN IN BLACK
And what is that?
INIGO
I am not left-handed.
And he throws the six-fingered sword into his right hand and
immediately, the tide of battle turns.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
stunned, doing everything be can to keep Inigo by the Cliff
edge. But no use. Slowly at first, he begins to retreat. Now
faster, Inigo is in control and the Man In Black is desperate.
CUT TO:
INIGO
and the six-fingered sword is all but invisible now, as he
increases his attack, then suddenly switches styles again.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
A ROCKY STAIRCASE leading to a turret-shaped plateau, and
the Man In Black is retreating like mad up the steps and he
can't stop Inigo -- nothing can stop Inigo -- and in a
frenzy, the Man In Black makes every feint, tries every
thrust, lets go with all he has left. But he fails.
Everything fails. He tries one or two final desperate moves
but they are nothing.
MAN IN BLACK
You're amazing!
INIGO
I ought to be after twenty years.
And now the Man In Black is smashed into a stone pillar,
pinned there under the six fingered sword.
MAN IN BLACK
(hollering it out)
There's something I ought to tell
you.
INIGO
Tell me.
MAN IN BLACK
I am not left-handed either.
And now he changes hands, and at last, the battle is fully
joined.
CUT TO:
INIGO
And to his amazement, he is being forced back down the steps.
He tries one style, another, but it all comes down to the
same thing -- the Man In Black seems to be in control. And
before Inigo knows it, the six-fingered sword is knocked
clear out of his hand.
Inigo retreats, dives from the stairs to a moss-covered bar
suspended over the archway. He swings out, lands, and
scrambles to his sword and we
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
who watches Inigo, then casually tosses his sword to the
landing where it sticks in perfectly. Then the Man In Black
copies INIGO. Not copies exactly, improves.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
He dives to the bar, swings completely over it like a circus
performer and dismounts with a backflip.
CUT TO:
INIGO
staring in awe.
INIGO
Who are you?!
MAN IN BLACK
No one of consequence.
INIGO
I must know.
MAN IN BLACK
Get used to disappointment.
INIGO
Okay.
CUT TO:
INIGO
moving like lightning, and he thrusts forward, slashes,
darts back, all in almost a single movement and --
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
Dodging, blocking, and again he thrusts forward, faster even
than before, and again he slashes but --
CUT TO:
INIGO
And there is never a move anyone makes he doesn't remember,
and this time he blocks the slash, slashes out himself with
the sixfingered sword.
On it goes, back and forth across the rocky terrain, Inigo's
feet moving with the grace and speed of a great
improvisational dancer.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
THE SIX-FINGERED SWORD
as it is knocked free, arching up into the air, and --
CUT TO:
INIGO
catching it again. And something terrible is written behind
his eyes: he has given his all, done everything man can do,
tried every style, made every maneuver, but it wasn't
enough, and on his face for all to see is the realization
that he, Inigo Montoya of Spain, is going to lose.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
moving in for the end now, blocking everything, muzzling
everything and
CUT TO:
THE SIX-FINGERED SWORD
sent flying from Inigo's grip. He stands helpless only a
moment. Then be drops to his knees, bows his head, shuts his
eyes.
INIGO
Kill me quickly.
MAN IN BLACK
I would as soon destroy a stained
glass window as an artist like
yourself. However, since I can't
have you following me either --
And he dunks Inigo's head with his heavy sword handle. Inigo
pitches forward unconscious.
MAN IN BLACK
Please understand, I hold you in
the highest respect.
He grabs his scabbard and takes off after the Princess and we
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP: VIZZINI
VIZZINI
Inconceivable!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL
Vizzini, staring down from a narrow mountain path, as far
below the Man In Black can be seen running. FEZZIK, carrying
the Princess, stands alongside. It's a little later in the
morning.
VIZZINI
Give her to me.
(grabs Buttercup
starts off)
Catch up with us quickly.
FEZZIK
(starting to panic)
What do I do?
VIZZINI
Finish him, finish him. Your way.
FEZZIK
Oh, good, my way. Thank you,
Vizzini.
(little pause)
Which way is my way?
CUT TO:
A COUPLE OF ROCKS
Nothing gigantic. Vizzini points to them. There is a large
boulder nearby.
VIZZINI
Pick up one of those rocks, get
behind the boulder, and in a few
minutes, the Man in Black will
come running around the bend. The
minute his head is in view, hit
it with the rock!
As Vizzini and Buttercup hurry away.
FEZZIK
(little frown; softly)
My way's not very sportsmanlike.
He grabs one of the rocks and plods behind the boulder and
we --
DISSOLVE TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
THE MAN IN BLACK
racing up the mountain trail. Ahead is a bend in the trail.
He sees it, slows. Then he stops, listening.
Satisfied by the silence, he starts forward again and as he
rounds the bend -- a rock flies INTO FRAME, shattering on a
boulder inches in front of him.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
He moves into the mountain path. He has picked up another
rock and holds it lightly.
FEZZIK
I did that on purpose. I don't
have to miss.
MAN IN BLACK
I believe you -- So what happens
now?
FEZZIK
We face each other as God intended.
Sportsmanlike. No tricks, no
weapons, skill against skill alone.
MAN IN BLACK
You mean, you'll put down your
rock and I'll put down my sword,
and we'll try to kill each other
like civilized people?
FEZZIK
(gently)
I could kill you now.
He gets set to throw, but the Man In Black shakes his head,
takes off his sword and scabbard, begins the approach toward
the Giant.
MAN IN BLACK
Frankly, I think the odds are
slightly in your favor at hand
fighting.
FEZZIK
It's not my fault being the
biggest and the strongest. I
don't even exercise.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
He flips the rock away.
CUT TO:
THE MOUNTAIN PATH AND THE TWO MEN
The Man In Black is not now and has never been a shrimp. But
it's like he wasn't even there, FEZZIK towers over him so
much.
There is a moment's pause, and then the Man In Black dives
at FEZZIK's chest, slams him several tremendous blows in the
stomach, twists his arm severely, slips skillfully into a
beautifully applied bear hug, and in general makes any
number of terrific wrestling moves.
FEZZIK just stands there, kind of taking in the scenery.
Finally the Man In Black pushes himself away, stares up at
the Giant.
MAN IN BLACK
Look are you just fiddling around
with me or what?
FEZZIK
I just want you to feel you're
doing well. I hate for people to
die embarrassed.
They get set to begin again. Then suddenly --
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
as he jumps forward with stunning speed for anyone his size
and reaches for the Man In Black who drops to his knees,
spins loose, and slips between the Giant's legs.
FEZZIK
You're quick.
MAN IN BLACK
And a good thing too.
FEZZIK
(getting set for
another onslaught)
Why do you wear a mask? Were you
burned by acid, or something like
that?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
MAN IN BLACK
Oh no. It's just that they're
terribly comfortable. I think
everyone will be wearing them in
the future.
FEZZIK considers this a moment, then attacks, and if he
moved quickly last time, this time he is blinding and as the
Man In Black slips down to avoid the charge, FEZZIK moves
right with him, only instead of twisting free and jumping to
his feet, this time the Man In Black jumps for FEZZIK's back
and in a moment he is riding him, and his arms have FEZZIK's
throat, locked across FEZZIK's windpipe, one in front, one
behind. The Man In Black begins to squeeze. Tighter.
FEZZIK
(standing, talking as
he does so)
I just figured out why you give
me so much trouble.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
as he charges toward a huge rock that lines the path, and
just as he reaches it he spins his giant body so that the
entire weight of the charge is taken by the Man In Black.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
And the power of the charge is terrible, the pain enormous,
but he clings to his grip at FEZZIK's windpipe.
MAN IN BLACK
(his arms never leave
Fezzik's throat)
Why is that, do you think?
FEZZIK
(his voice just
beginning to get a
little strained)
Well, I haven't fought just one
person for so long. I've been
specializing in groups. Battling
gangs for local charities, that
kind of thing.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
ANOTHER HUGE ROCK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PATH
Again FEZZIK charges, slower this time, but still a charge,
and again he spins and creams the Man In Black against the
rough boulder.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
And the punishment is terrible, and for a moment it seems as
if he is going to let go of Fezzik's windpipe and crumble,
but he doesn't, he holds on.
MAN IN BLACK
Why should that make such a
difference?
FEZZIK
Well ...
(And now his voice is
definitely growing weaker)
... you see, you use different
moves when you're fighting half a
dozen people than when you only
have to be worried about one.
Again FEZZIK slams the Man In Black against a boulder, only
this time his power has diminished and Fezzik starts to
slowly collapse.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
and there isn't much breath coming.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
holding his grip as FEZZIK tries to stand, halfway makes it,
but there is no air. Back to his knees he falls, holds there
for a moment, and pitches down to all fours. The Man In
Black increases the pressure. FEZZIK tries to crawl. But
there is just no air. No air. FEZZIK goes to earth and lies
still.
CUT TO:
FEZZIK
as the Man In Black turns him over, puts his ear to FEZZIK's
heart. It beats. The Man In Black stands.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
MAN IN BLACK
I don't envy you the headache you
will have when you awake. But, in
the meantime, rest well ... and
dream of large women.
And he nimbly scoops up his sword with his foot, catches it
and as he dashes off up along the mountain path --
CUT TO:
PRINCE HUMPERDINCK
as he slips his boot into a foot print in the sand.
Count Rugen mounted, watches. Behind him, half a dozen armed
WARRIORS, also mounted. A GREAT WHITE HORSE waits riderless
in front. Humperdinck is all over the rocky ground, and
maybe he isn't the best hunter in the world. Then again,
maybe he is. Because, as he begins to put his feet into
strange positions, we realize that what he is doing is
miming the fencers.
HUMPERDINCK
There was a mighty duel -- it
ranged all over. They were both
masters.
RUGEN
Who won? How did it end?
HUMPERDINCK
(looking down in the
position where Inigo
fell unconscious)
The loser ran off alone.
(points in the
direction Vizzini and
FEZZIK took)
The winner followed those
footprints toward Guilder!
RUGEN
Shall we track them both?
HUMPERDINCK
The loser is nothing. -- Only the
Princess matters --
(to the armed warriors)
-- clearly this was all planned
by warriors of Guilder. We must
be ready for whatever lies ahead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
RUGEN
Could this be a trap?
HUMPERDINCK
(vaulting onto his horse)
I always think everything could
be a trap -- Which is why I'm
still alive.
And he gallops off --
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
cresting the peak of the mountain.
CUT TO:
CLOSE-UP ON
a knife pointed at a throat -- PULL BACK TO REVEAL Vizzini
munching on an apple, holding the knife to Buttercup's
throat. She is blindfolded.
A PICNIC SPREAD is laid out. A tablecloth, two goblets and
between them, a small leather wine container. And some
cheese and a couple of apples. The picnic is set on a lovely
spot, high on the edge of a mountain path with a view all
the way back to the sea.
The Man In Black comes running around the path, sees Vizzini,
slows. The two men study each other. Then --
VIZZINI
So, it is down to you. And it is
down to me.
The Man In Black nods and comes nearer --
VIZZINI
If you wish her dead, by all
means keep moving forward.
And he pushes his long knife harder against Buttercup's
unprotected throat.
MAN IN BLACK
Let me explain-
VIZZINI
-- there's nothing to explain.
You're trying to kidnap what I've
rightfully stolen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
MAN IN BLACK
Perhaps an arrangement can be
reached.
VIZZINI
There will be no arrangement --
(deliberate)
-- and you're killing her!
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP'S THROAT
as Vizzini jabs with his long knife. Buttercup gasps against
the pain.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
stopping fast.
MAN IN BLACK
But if there can be no
arrangement, then we are at an
impasse.
VIZZINI
I'm afraid so -- I can't compete
with you physically. And you're
no match for my brains.
MAN IN BLACK
You're that smart?
VIZZINI
Let me put it this way: have you
ever heard of Plato, Aristotle,
Socrates?
MAN IN BLACK
Yes.
VIZZINI
Morons.
MAN IN BLACK
Really? In that case, I challenge
you to a battle of wits.
VIZZINI
For the Princess?
The Man In Black nods.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
VIZZINI
To the death?
Another nod.
VIZZINI
I accept.
MAN IN BLACK
Good. Then pour the wine.
As Vizzini fills the goblets with the dark red liquid, the
Man In Black pulls a small packet from his clothing, handing
it to Vizzini.
MAN IN BLACK
Inhale this, but do not touch.
VIZZINI
(doing it)
I smell nothing.
MAN IN BLACK
(taking the packet back)
What you do not smell is called
iocane powder. It is odorless,
tasteless, dissolves instantly in
liquid, and is among the more
deadlier poisons known to man.
VIZZINI
Hmm.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI
watching excitedly as the Man In Black takes the goblets,
turns his back. A moment later, he turns again, faces
Vizzini, drops the iocane packet. It is now empty.
The Man In Black rotates the goblets in a little shell game
maneuver then puts one glass in front of Vizzini, the other
in front of himself.
MAN IN BLACK
All right: where is the poison?
The battle of wits has begun. It
ends when you decide and we both
drink, and find out who is right
and who is dead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
VIZZINI
But it's so simple. All I have to
do is divine from what I know of
you. Are you the sort of man who
would put the poison into his own
goblet, or his enemy's?
He studies the Man In Black now.
VIZZINI
Now, a clever man would put the
poison into his own goblet,
because he would know that only a
great fool would reach for what
he was given. I'm not a great
fool, so I can clearly not choose
the wine in front of you. But you
must have known I was not a great
fool; you would have counted on
it, so I can clearly not choose
the wine in front of me.
MAN IN BLACK
(And now there's a
trace of nervousness beginning)
You've made your decision then7
VIZZINI
Not remotely. Because iocane
comes from Australia, as everyone
knows. And Australia is entirely
peopled with criminals. And
criminals are used to having
people not trust them, as you are
not trusted by me. So I can
clearly not choose the wine in
front of you.
MAN IN BLACK
Truly, you have a dizzying
intellect.
VIZZINI
Wait till I get going! Where was I?
MAN IN BLACK
Australia.
VIZZINI
Yes -- Australia, and you must
have suspected I would have known
the powder's origin, so I can
clearly not choose the wine in
front of me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
MAN IN BLACK
(very nervous)
You're just stalling now.
VIZZINI
(cackling)
You'd like to think that, wouldn't
you?
(stares at the Man in Black)
You've beaten my giant, which
means you're exceptionally strong.
So, you could have put the poison
in your own goblet, trusting on
your strength to save you. So I
can clearly not choose the wine
in front of you. But, you've also
bested my Spaniard which means
you must have studied. And in
studying, you must have learned
that man is mortal so you would
have put the poison as far from
yourself as possible, so I can
clearly not choose the wine in
front of me.
As Vizzini's pleasure has been growing throughout, the Man
In Black's has been fast disappearing.
MAN IN BLACK
You're trying to trick me into
giving away something -- it won't
work --
VIZZINI
(triumphant)
It has worked -- you've given
everything away -- I know where
the poison is.
MAN IN BLACK
(fool's courage)
Then make your choice.
VIZZINI
I will. And I choose --
And suddenly he stops, points at something behind the Man In
Black.
VIZZINI
-- what in the world can that be?
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
THE MAN IN BLACK
turning around, looking.
MAN IN BLACK
What? Where? I don't see anything.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI
busily switching the goblets while the Man In Black has his
head turned.
VIZZINI
Oh, well, I-I could have sworn I
saw something. No matter.
The Man In Black turns to face him again. Vizzini starts to
laugh.
MAN IN BLACK
What's so funny?
VIZZINI
I'll tell you in a minute. First,
let's drink -- me from my glass,
and you from yours.
And he picks up his goblet. The Man In Black picks up the
one in front of him. As they both start to drink, Vizzini
hesitates a moment.
Then, allowing the Man In Black to drink first, he swallows
his wine.
MAN IN BLACK
You guessed wrong.
VIZZINI
(roaring with laughter)
You only think I guessed wrong --
(louder now)
-- that's what's so funny! I
switched glasses when your back
was turned. You fool.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
There's nothing he can say. He just sits there.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
VIZZINI
watching him.
VIZZINI
You fell victim to one of the
classic blunders. The most famous
is "Never get involved in a land
war in Asia." But only slightly
less well known is this: "Never
go in against a Sicilian when
death is on the line."
He laughs and roars and cackles and whoops and is in all
ways quite cheery until he falls over dead.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
stepping past the corpse, taking the blindfold and bindings
off Buttercup, who notices Vizzini lying dead.
The Man In Black pulls her to her feet.
BUTTERCUP
Who are you?
MAN IN BLACK
I am no one to be trifled with,
that is all you ever need know.
He starts to lead her off the mountain path into untraveled
terrain.
BUTTERCUP
(a final glance back
toward Vizzini)
To think -- all that time it was
your cup that was poisoned.
MAN IN BLACK
They were both poisoned. I spent
the last few years building up an
immunity to iocane powder.
And with that, he takes off, dragging her behind him.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
A MOUNTAIN PATH
It's where FEZZIK fought the Man in Black. CAMERA PULLS BACK
TO REVEAL the Prince, kneeling, inspecting every grain of
misplaced sand. The others wait behind him.
HUMPERDINCK
Someone has beaten a giant!
(roaring)
There will be great suffering in
Guilder if she dies.
He leaps onto his horse and they charge off.
CUT TO:
A WILD STRETCH OF TERRAIN
The Man In Black comes running into view, still dragging
Buttercup, who sometimes stumbles, but he keeps forcing her
along. Finally, when she is close to exhaustion, he lets go
of her.
MAN IN BLACK
(his voice harsh now,
carrying the promise
of violence)
Catch your breath.
BUTTERCUP
If you'll release me ... whatever
you ask for ransom ... you'll get
it, I promise you...
MAN IN BLACK
And what is that worth, the
promise of a woman? You're very
funny, Highness.
BUTTERCUP
I was giving you a chance. No
matter where you take me ...
there's no greater hunter than
Prince Humperdinck. He could
track a falcon on a cloudy day.
He can find you
MAN IN BLACK
You think your dearest love will
save you?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
BUTTERCUP
I never said he was my dearest
love. And yes, he will save me.
That I know.
MAN IN BLACK
You admit to me you do not love
your fiance?
BUTTERCUP
He knows I do not love him.
MAN IN BLACK
"Are not capable of love" is what
you mean.
BUTTERCUP
I have loved more deeply than a
killer like yourself could ever
dream.
And the Man In Black cocks back a fist. Buttercup flinches,
but does not retreat.
MAN IN BLACK
That was a warning, Highness. The
next time, my hand flies on its
own. For where I come from, there
are penalties when a woman lies.
CUT TO:
VIZZINI'S BODY
The picnic is spread as before.
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL the Prince kneeling by the body
as the others ride up. The Prince grabs the empty poison
packet, hands it to Rugen, after first sniffing it himself.
HUMPERDINCK
Iocane. I'd bet my life on it.
(gestures to the trail ahead)
And there are the Princess's
footprints. She is alive ... or
was, an hour ago. If she is
otherwise when I find her, I
shall be very put out.
And as he vaults onto his horse and the all charge off --
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
BUTTERCUP
being spun INTO CAMERA view, falling heavily as the Man In
Black releases her. We are at the edge of an almost sheer
ravine. The drop is sharp and severe. Below, the ravine
floor is flat, but getting there would not be half the fun.
MAN IN BLACK
Rest, Highness.
BUTTERCUP
(stares at him)
I know who you are -- your
cruelty reveals everything.
The Man In Black says nothing.
BUTTERCUP
You're the Dread Pirate Roberts;
admit it.
MAN IN BLACK
(bowing)
With pride. What can I do for you?
BUTTERCUP
You can die slowly cut into a
thousand pieces.
MAN IN BLACK
Hardly complimentary, Your
Highness. Why loose your venom on
me?
CLOSE UP - BUTTERCUP, quietly now.
BUTTERCUP
You killed my love.
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
watching her closely.
MAN IN BLACK
It's possible; I kill a lot of
people. Who was this love of
yours? Another Prince, like this
one, ugly, rich, and scabby?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
BUTTERCUP
No. A farm boy. Poor. Poor and
perfect, with eyes like the sea
after a storm.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
And probably, if she did not hate Roberts so, there would be
tears.
BUTTERCUP
On the high seas, your ship
attacked, and the Dread Pirate
Roberts never takes prisoners.
MAN IN BLACK
(explaining as a
teacher might)
I can't afford to make exceptions.
Once word leaks out that a pirate
has gone soft, people begin to
disobey you, and then it's
nothing but work, work, work, all
the time.
BUTTERCUP
You mock my pain!
MAN IN BLACK
Life is pain, Highness. Anyone
who says differently is selling
something. I remember this farm
boy of yours, I think. This would
be, what, five years ago?
Buttercup nods.
MAN IN BLACK
Does it bother you to hear?
BUTTERCUP
Nothing you can say will upset me.
MAN IN BLACK
He died well, that should please
you. No bribe attempts or
blubbering. He simply said,
"Please. Please, I need to live."
It was the "please" that caught
my memory.
(MORE)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
MAN IN BLACK (CONT'D)
I asked him what was so important
for him. "True love," he replied.
And then he spoke of a girl of
surpassing beauty and faithfulness.
I can only assume he meant you.
You should bless me for destroying
him before he found out what you
really are.
BUTTERCUP
And what am I?
MAN IN BLACK
Faithfulness he talked of, madam.
Your enduring faithfulness. Now,
tell me truly. When you found out
he was gone, did you get engaged
to your prince that same hour, or
did you wait a whole week out of
respect for the dead?
BUTTERCUP
You mocked me once, never do it
again -- I died that day!
The Man In Black is about to reply as they stand there on
the edge of the sheer ravine. But then something catches his
attention and as he stares at it briefly,
CUT TO:
HIS P.O.V.:
The dust cloud caused by Humperdinck's HORSES is rising up
into the sky.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
and while his attention is on the dust cloud, rising high,
she pushes him with all the strength she has.
BUTTERCUP
You can die too, for all I care!!
CUT TO:
THE MAN IN BLACK
teetering on the ravine edge, for a moment, then he begins
to fall. Down goes the Man In Black.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
Down, down, rolling, spinning, crashing always down toward
the flat rock floor of the ravine.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
staring transfixed at what she has wrought.
There is a long pause. She stands there, alone, as from far
below the words come to her, drifting on the wind --
MAN IN BLACK
... as ... you ... wish...
BUTTERCUP
Oh, my sweet Westley; what have I
done?
And without a second thought or consideration of the dangers,
she starts into the ravine. A moment later, she too is
falling, spinning and twisting, crashing and torn,
cartwheeling down toward what is left of her beloved.
CUT TO:
THE DUST CLOUD
rising.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL
Prince Humperdinck and the others reining in at the spot
where Buttercup promised ransom in exchange for her freedom.
The Prince shakes his head.
HUMPERDINCK
Disappeared. He must have seen us
closing in, which might account
for his panicking in error.
Unless I'm wrong, and I am never
wrong, they are headed dead into
the fire swamp.
CUT TO:
COUNT RUGEN
The mere mention of the Fire Swamp makes him pale.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
THE RAVINE FLOOR
TWO BODIES lie a few feet apart, not moving. It is, of
course, Buttercup and Westley. They might be corpses. After
a time, Westley slowly forces his body into motion and as he
does,
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
bruised and torn, as Westley crawls slowly toward her.
WESTLEY
Can you move at all?
BUTTERCUP
(weakly stretching out
an arm toward him)
Move? You're alive. If you want,
I can fly.
WESTLEY
I told you, "I would always come
for you." Why didn't you wait for
me?
BUTTERCUP
Well ... you were dead.
WESTLEY
Death cannot stop true love. All
it can do is delay it for a while.
BUTTERCUP
I will never doubt again.
WESTLEY
There will never be a need.
And now, they begin to kiss; it's a tender kiss, tender and
loving and gentle and --
THE KID
(off-screen)
Oh no. No, please.
CUT TO:
THE KID'S BEDROOM
GRANDFATHER
What is it? What's the matter?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
THE KID
They're kissing again, do we have
to hear the kissing part?
GRANDFATHER
Someday, you may not mind so much.
THE KID
Skip on to the Fire Swamp -- that
sounded good.
GRANDFATHER
Oh. You're sick, I'll humor you.
(he picks up the book again)
So now, where were we here? Yeah,
yeah, yeah. Ah. Oh. Okay. Westley
and Buttercup raced along the
ravine floor.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP
racing along the ravine floor. Westley glances up.
CUT TO:
HUMPERDINCK AND HIS MEN
perched on top of the cliff, looking down at Westley and
Buttercup.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
WESTLEY
Ha. Your pig fiance is too late.
A few more steps and we'll be
safe in the Fire Swamp.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
and Westley has tried to say it with Chevalier-like
nonchalance, but she ain't buying.
BUTTERCUP
We'll never survive.
WESTLEY
Nonsense -- you're only saying
that because no one ever has.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
As they race off, leaving Humperdinck and his men stranded,
defeated.
CUT TO:
THE FIRE SWAMP
And it really doesn't look any worse than any other moist,
sulphurous, infernal horror you might run across. Great
trees block the sun.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP
Buttercup is clearly panicked and maybe Westley is too, but
he moves jauntily along, sword in hand.
WESTLEY
It's not that bad. I'm not saying
I'd like to build a summer home
here, but the trees are actually
quite lovely.
THE GIANT TREES, thick and black-green, look ominous as hell
and they shield all but intermittent stripes of sun.
A GIANT SPURT OF FLAME leaps up, preceded by a slight
popping sound, and this particular spurt of flame misses
Westley, but Buttercup is suddenly onfire; at least the
lower half of her is and --
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
instantly forcing Buttercup to sit, gathering her flaming
hem in his hands, doing his best to suffocate the fire. This
isn't all that easy and it causes him a bit of grief, but he
does his best to sound as jaunty as before.
WESTLEY
Well now, that was an adventure.
He examines where the flames burst over her.
WESTLEY
Singed a bit, were you?
BUTTERCUP
(She wasn't and she
shakes her head "no")
You?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
He was, and he shakes his head "no." As he pulls her to her
feet --
CUT TO:
THE SWAMP FLOOR
-- and as there's another popping sound,
CUT TO:
WESTLEY GRABBING BUTTERCUP
pulling her aside to safety as another great spun of flame
suddenly shoots up.
WESTLEY
Well, one thing I will say. The
Fire Swamp certainly does keep
you on your toes.
Buttercup is frozen with fear. He takes her hand, gently
leads her forward as we-
CUT TO:
THE TWO OF THEM
moving slowly along through a particularly dangerous part of
the Fire Swamp.
It's later now, the sun slants down at a slightly different
angle.
WESTLEY
(happily)
This will all soon be but a happy
memory because Roberts' ship
"Revenge" is anchored at the far
end. And I, as you know, am
Roberts.
BUTTERCUP
But how is that possible, since
he's been marauding twenty years
and you only left me five years
ago?
WESTLEY
I myself am often surprised at
life's little quirks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
59.
There is again a popping sound, then a huge spurt of flame.
Westley simply picks up Buttercup as they walk along, moves
her out of danger, puts her back down, goes right on talking
without missing a beat.
WESTLEY
You see, what I told you before
about saying "please" was true.
It intrigued Roberts, as did my
descriptions of your beauty.
CUT TO:
SOME HIDEOUS VINES --
they look like they could be flesh eating. Westley takes his
sword, slices a path for them to follow. The vines groan as
they fall. He's been chatting away the entire time.
WESTLEY
Finally, Roberts decided something.
He said, "All right, Westley,
I've never had a valet. You can
try it for tonight. I'll most
likely kill you in the morning."
Three years he said that. "Good
night, Westley. Good work. Sleep
well. I'll most likely kill you
in the morning." It was a fine
time for me. I was learning to
fence, to fight, anything anyone
would teach me. And Roberts and I
eventually became friends. And
then it happened.
BUTTERCUP
What? -- go on --
Westley picks her up, carrying her across some swamp water
that is bridged by a narrow, rickety tree branch.
WESTLEY
Well, Roberts had grown so rich,
he wanted to retire. So he took
me to his cabin and told me his
secret. "I am not the Dread
Pirate Roberts," he said. "My
name is Ryan. I inherited this
ship from the previous Dread
Pirate Roberts, just as you will
inherit it from me. The man I
inherited it from was not the
real Dread Pirate Roberts, either.
(MORE)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.
WESTLEY (CONT'D)
His name was Cummerbund. The real
Roberts has been retired fifteen
years and living like a king in
Patagonia." Then he explained the
name was the important thing for
inspiring the necessary fear. You
see, no one would surrender to
the Dread Pirate Westley.
The two of them have by now crossed the pond.
WESTLEY
So we sailed ashore, took on an
entirely new crew and he stayed
aboard for awhile as first mate,
all the time calling me Roberts.
Once the crew believed, he left
the ship and I have been Roberts
ever since. Except, now that
we're together, I shall retire
and hand the name over to someone
else. Is everything clear to you?
Buttercup, perplexed, is about to reply but the ground she
steps on gives way -- it's Lightning Sand -- a great patch
of it, and it has her -- a cloud of powder rises and she
sinks into the stuff crying Westley's name but then she is
gone as we --
CUT TO:
WESTLEY WHIRLING
slashing at a U-shaped vine, hacks it in half -- it's still
connected to the tree. Then be grabs it, drops his sword,
and, clutching the other end of the vine, he dives into the
lightning sand and there is another cloud of white powder,
but it settles quickly.
Now nothing can be seen. Nothing at all. Just the lightning
sand, lovely and lethal.
HOLD ON THE LIGHTNING SAND -- THEN --
An odd panting sound is heard now. The panting sound is
suddenly very loud. And then a giant R.0.U.S. darts into
view. The R.0.U.S. -- a Rodent of Unusual Size -- is probably
no more than eighty pounds of bone and power. It sniffs
around a bit then, as quickly as it has come, it goes.
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
61.
THE LIGHTNING SAND
as Westley, lungs long past the bursting point, explodes
out; he has Buttercup across his shoulders and as he pulls
to the edge of the lightning sand pit, using the vine --
CUT TO:
CLOSE-UP - BUTTERCUP
Her face is caked with the white powder. It is in her eyes,
her ears, hair, mouth. She's still probably beautiful, but
you have to look awfully hard to see it. As Westley continues
to pull them to safety --
CUT TO:
THE R.0.U.S.
high above them; it watches --
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
placed against a tree. Westley is cleaning the lightning
sand from her face. He hesitates, glances around and
CUT TO:
THE R.0.U.S.
on a much lower branch now. It stares down at Westley.
Westley stares back up at the beast. Buttercup is oblivious.
Her eyes flutter. He continues to work on her as --
BUTTERCUP
We'll never succeed -- we may as
well die here.
WESTLEY
No. No. We have already succeeded.
He glances back again. Now THERE ARE TWO R.0.U.S.'s. The
have climbed into a nearby tree, stare hungrily down.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY, picking her up.
He puts an arm around her, starts to walk with her as he
encouragingly goes on talking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
62.
WESTLEY
I mean, what are the three
terrors of the Fire Swamp? One,
the flame spurts. No problem.
There's a popping sound preceding
each, we can avoid that. Two, the
Lightning Sand. But you were
clever enough to discover what
that looks like, so in the future
we can avoid that too.
BUTTERCUP
Westley, what about the R.O.U.S.'s?
WESTLEY
Rodents of Unusual Size? I don't
think they exist...
And as he says that, a R.0.U.S. comes flying at him from
offscreen.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
screaming and --
Westley, pinned under the attacking R.0.U.S., trying to fend
it off. Can't. The thing's teeth sink deep into his arm. He
howls.
Westley drives a fist into the beast's face, rolling it off.
He reaches for his sword just a few feet away, but the
R.0.U.S. is back atop him. It's a fierce battle, and just
when we think Westley can't possibly win, he flips the ugly
rodent clear.
Westley scrambles for his sword. The R.0.U.S. stampedes on,
changing its target, heading right for --
Buttercup, and she's scared to death and --
BUTTERCUP
Westley!
Westley abandons his sword, reaching for the rodent, grabbing
only a tail, wrestling with it. Buttercup grabs a small
branch, and using it as a club, beats the skull of the
thing, doing pretty well, but the beast manages to snag her
hem with its razor teeth, and she's pulled to the ground, and
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.
WESTLEY
jumping onto its back, and the R.0.U.S. is all over him now,
sinking needle teeth into Westley's shoulder.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
with death close at hand, as a popping sound starts. He
tries one desperate move, rolls into the sound --
CUT TO:
A FLAME SPURT
shooting skyward and --
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
with the R.0.U.S. pinned under him, and as the beast bursts
into flame, it lets go and Westley rolls safely free, grabs
his sword and exhaustedly stabs the R.0.U.S., which is
trying to put itself out.
The R.0.U.S. collapses dead. Westley stands motionless,
exhausted. The danger has passed.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
relieved.
DISSOLVE TO:
THE FAR EDGE OF THE FIRE SWAMP
Beyond, a beach.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY
BUTTERCUP
(almost in disbelief)
We did it.
WESTLEY
Now, was that so terrible?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
64.
And from somewhere they summon strength, pick up their pace,
and as they reach the edge of the Fire Swamp --
CUT TO:
SOMETHING WE HADN'T EXPECTED:
Humperdinck on his horse, Rugen beside him. THREE WARRIORS,
armed and ready, are mounted in formation behind. Buttercup
and Westley are at the edge of the Fire Swamp, about to
leave it. They stop. Buttercup looks beyond exhaustion.
Westley looks worse.
HUMPERDINCK
Surrender!
It's dusk. Behind Humperdinck are the waters of the bay.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP
staring out at the others.
WESTLEY
You mean you wish to surrender to
me? Very well, I accept.
HUMPERDINCK
I give you full marks for
bravery --don't make yourself a
fool.
WESTLEY
Ah, but how will you capture us?
We know the secrets of the Fire
Swamp. We can live there quite
happily for some time. So,
whenever you feel like dying,
feel free to visit.
HUMPERDINCK
I tell you once again -- surrender!
WESTLEY
It will not happen!
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
looking from one to the other; then something else catches
her eye and we --
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.
AN ARMED WARRIOR
in shadow, with a loaded crossbow aimed at Westley's heart.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
looking the other way --
CUT TO:
ANOTHER WARRIOR
crossbow aimed at Westley.
HUMPERDINCK
(roaring)
For the last time -- SURRENDER!
WESTLEY
(roaring right back, bigger)
DEATH FIRST!!
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
frantically staring around, and now
CUT TO:
A THIRD WARRIOR
crossbow stretched, ready to shoot; this one is hidden in a
tree blocking any escape Westley might try.
BUTTERCUP
Will you promise not to hurt him?
CUT TO:
HUMPERDINCK
whirling to face her.
HUMPERDINCK
What was that?
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
whirling to face her.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
66.
WESTLEY
What was that?
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
talking to them both.
BUTTERCUP
If we surrender, and I return
with you, will you promise not to
hurt this man?
HUMPERDINCK
May I live a thousand years and
never hunt again.
BUTTERCUP
(looks at Westley)
He is a sailor on the pirate ship
"Revenge." Promise to return him
to his ship.
HUMPERDINCK
I swear it will be done.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY
staring deep into each other's eyes.
CUT TO:
HUMPERDINCK AND RUGEN
HUMPERDINCK
(whispering)
Once we're out of sight, take him
back to Florin and throw him in
the Pit of Despair.
RUGEN
(almost a smile)
I swear it will be done.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY
BUTTERCUP
I thought you were dead once, and
it almost destroyed me. I could
not bear it if you died again,
not when I could save you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.
Westley is dazed. Silent.
Buttercup tries to speak again, can't, and is swooped off
her feet onto Humperdinck's horse, and off they go.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
staring after her. Rugen watches as his warriors bring
Westley to him. The Count has a heavy sword and he holds it
in his hand.
RUGEN
Come, sir. We must get you to
your ship.
WESTLEY
We are men of action. Lies do not
become us.
RUGEN
Well spoken, sir --
Westley is looking at him.
RUGEN
-- what is it?
WESTLEY
You have six fingers on your
right hand -- someone was looking
for you --
Count Rugen clubs Westley hard across the skull. Westley
starts to fall --the screen goes black.
FADE IN ON:
THE PIT OF DESPAIR
Dank and chill, underground and windowless, lit by flickering
torches. Frightening. Westley lies in the center of the
cage, chained and helpless.
CUT TO:
SOMETHING REALLY FRIGHTENING: A BLOODLESS-LOOKING ALBINO
Dead pale, he silently enters the pit, carrying a tray of
food and medication. He puts it down.
WESTLEY
Where am I?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
68.
ALBINO
(he only whispers)
The Pit of Despair.
He begins tending Westley's wounds. Westley winces.
ALBINO
(garbled)
Don't even think --
(A hack, sputter,
cough - now his voice
seems normal again)
-- don't even think about trying
to escape. The chains are far too
thick. And don't dream of being
rescued either. The only way in
is secret. And only the Prince,
the Count, and I know how to get
in and out.
WESTLEY
Then I'm here till I die?
ALBINO
(working away)
Till they kill you. Yeah.
WESTLEY
Then why bother curing me?
ALBINO
The Prince and the Count always
insist on everyone being healthy
before they're broken.
WESTLEY
So it's to be torture.
The albino nods.
WESTLEY
I can cope with torture.
The albino shakes his head.
WESTLEY
You don't believe me?
ALBINO
You survived the Fire Swamp. You
must be very brave...
(little pause)
... but nobody withstands The
Machine.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
69.
He studies Westley, whose face is almost sad.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
and her face is sad. Pallid, perhaps ill. She wanders down a
corridor in Florin Castle. As she moves unseeing past an
intersecting corridor:
CUT TO:
PRINCE HUMPERDINCK AND COUNT RUGEN
watching her.
HUMPERDINCK
She's been like that ever since
the Fire Swamp.
(looks at Rugen)
It's my father's failing health
that's upsetting her.
RUGEN
(unbelieving)
Of course.
As they move on--
CUT TO:
FLORIN CASTLE - NIGHT
CAMERA HOLDS ON IT while we hear the Grandfather's voice
reading.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
The King died that very night,
and before the following dawn,
Buttercup and Humperdinck were
married.
CUT TO:
MAIN SQUARE OF FLORIN CASTLE
And if we thought it was packed before, we didn't know how
many more could fit in this courtyard. Humperdinck, Rugen
and the Queen stand high on the balcony.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
And at noon, she met her subjects
again. This time as their Queen.
HUMPERDINCK
My father's final words were...
THE KID
(off-screen)
-- hold it. Hold it, Grandpa.
And the scene FREEZES, Humperdinck caught in mid-sentence.
CUT TO:
THE KID'S ROOM
The Kid is half sitting now, not strong yet, but clearly
stronger than when we first saw him.
THE KID
You read that wrong. She doesn't
marry Humperdinck, she marries
Westley. I'm just sure of it.
After all that Westley did for
her, if she does not marry him,
it wouldn't be fair.
GRANDFATHER
Well, who says life is fair?
Where is that written? Life isn't
always fair.
THE KID
I'm telling you you're messing up
the story, now get it right!
GRANDFATHER
Do you want me to go on with this?
THE KID
Yes.
GRANDFATHER
All right, then. No more
interruptions.
(starts to read again)
... at noon, she met her subjects
again. This time as their Queen.
And on these words--
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.
PRINCE HUMPERDINCK
HUMPERDINCK
My father's final words were
"love her as I loved her, and
there will be joy." I present to
you your Queen. Queen Buttercup.
And on his words--
CUT TO:
THE CROWD
and it's gigantic.
CUT TO:
THE ARCHWAY
we saw before, as Buttercup emerges.
CUT TO:
THE CROWD
suddenly going to its knees, wave after wave of silent
KNEELING PEOPLE. All of them down.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
touched as before, but then she seems stunned as we
CUT TO:
THE CROWD
SOMEONE IS BOOING! The BOOING gets louder as an ANCIENT
WOMAN approaches Buttercup through the crowd, BOOING every
step of the way.
BUTTERCUP
Why do you do this?
ANCIENT BOOER
Because you had love in your
hands, and you gave it up.
BUTTERCUP
(distraught)
But they would have killed
Westley if I hadn't done it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.
ANCIENT BOOER
Your true love lives and you
marry another --
(to the crowd)
-- True love saved her in the
Fire Swamp, and she treated it
like garbage. And that's what she
is, the Queen of Refuse! So, bow
down to her if you want. Bow to
her. Bow to the Queen of Slime,
the Queen of Filth, the Queen of
Putrescence. Boo! Boo! Rubbish!
Filth! Slime! Muck! Boo! Boo!
She advances on Buttercup now, who is more and more panicked.
CLOSE-UP - THE ANCIENT BOOER
Louder and louder and LOUDER she shrieks vituperation at
Buttercup, reaching out her old hands toward Buttercup's
throat, and Buttercup is as frightened now as Dorothy was
when the Witch went after her in "The Wizard of Oz", and
suddenly,
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
coming out of her nightmare, alone in her castle bedroom. As
she frantically grabs a robe and starts to run.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen, still reading)
It was ten days till the wedding.
The King still lived, but
Buttercup's nightmares were
growing steadily worse.
THE KID
(off-screen)
See? Didn't I tell you she'd
never marry that rotten
Humperdinck?
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
-- yes, you're very smart. Shut-Up.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
bursting into the Prince's chambers. Count Rugen stands
nearby.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
73.
BUTTERCUP
It comes to this: I love Westley.
I always have. I know now I
always will. If you tell me I
must marry you in ten days,
please believe I will be dead by
morning.
CUT TO:
PRINCE HUMPERDINCK
Just stunned. Finally, softly, he begins to talk.
HUMPERDINCK
I could never cause you grief;
consider our wedding off.
(to Rugen)
You returned this Westley to his
ship?
RUGEN
Yes.
HUMPERDINCK
Then we will simply alert him.
(to Buttercup now)
Beloved, are you certain he still
wants you? After all, it was you
who did the leaving in the Fire
Swamp. Not to mention that
pirates are not known to be men
of their words.
BUTTERCUP
My Westley will always come for me.
HUMPERDINCK
I suggest a deal. You write four
copies of a letter. I'll send my
four fastest ships. One in each
direction. The Dread Pirate
Roberts is always close to Florin
this time of year. We'll run up
the white flag and deliver your
message. If Westley wants you,
bless you both. If not ... please
consider me as an alternative to
suicide. Are we agreed?
And she nods --
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
74.
A VERY THICK GROVE OF TREES
The trees are unusual in one respect: all of them are
extraordinarily heavily knotted.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL
Humperdinck and Rugen, walking into the grove of trees.
RUGEN
Your Princess is really a winning
creature. A trifle simple,
perhaps, but her appeal is
undeniable.
HUMPERDINCK
Oh, I know. The people are quite
taken with her. It's odd, but
when I hired Vizzini to have her
murdered on our engagement day, I
thought that was clever. But it's
going to be so much more moving
when I strangle her on our
wedding night. Once Guilder is
blamed, the nation will be truly
outraged. They'll demand we go to
war.
They are deeper into the grove now. Rugen is searching around.
RUGEN
Now, where is that secret knot?
It's impossible to find.
(Finding the knot on
the tree he hits it,
and it opens, revealing
a staircase leading underground.)
Are you coming down into the Pit?
Westley's got his strength back.
I am starting him on The Machine
tonight.
HUMPERDINCK
Tyrone, you know how much I love
watching you work. But, I've got
my country's five hundredth
anniversary to plan, my wedding
to arrange, My wife to murder,
and Guilder to frame for it. I'm
swamped.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
75.
RUGEN
Get some rest -- if you haven't
got your health, you haven't got
anything.
Rugen smiles and hurries down the stairs as the tree slides
back perfectly into place.
CUT TO:
AN ENORMOUS THING
We can't tell quite what it is or what it does, but somehow
it is unsettling.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL
Count Rugen, dragging Westley up alongside the thing --
Levers and wheels and wires, you name it, it's there.
RUGEN
Beautiful, isn't it?
The Albino starts attaching suction cups to Westley.
RUGEN
It took me half a lifetime to
invent it. I'm sure you've
discovered my deep and abiding
interest in pain. At present I'm
writing the definitive work on
the subject. So I want you to be
totally honest with me on how The
Machine makes you feel.
CUT TO:
A DIAL
with numbers ranging from a low of "1" to a high of "50."
Rugen goes to it.
RUGEN
This being our first try, I'll
use the lowest setting.
And he turns the dial to "1".
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
76.
WESTLEY
He has suction cups on his head now, on his temple, on his
heart, his hands and feet. He says nothing, keeps control of
himself
CUT TO:
COUNT RUGEN
fiddling with his Machine a moment more. And then he opens
the flood gate, water pours down the chute, turning the
wheel, which in turn really gets The Machine going.
CUT TO:
WESTLEY
and he's lying on the table, and he's only flesh and the
chains are metal and thick, but such is his desperation it
almost seems he might break them. A terrible sound comes
from his throat, an incessant gasping. It keeps on coming as
we finally
CUT TO:
COUNT RUGEN
He switches off The Machine, picks up a large notebook and
pen, sits in a chair. The NOISE of The Machine subsides.
Rugen opens the book to a blank page.
RUGEN
As you know, the concept of the
suction pump is centuries old.
Well, really, that's all this is.
Except that instead of sucking
water, I'm sucking life. I've
just sucked one year of your life
away. I might one day go as high
as five, but I really don't know
what that would do to you. So,
let's just start with what we
have. What did this do to you?
Tell me. And remember, this is
for posterity, so be honest --
how do you feel?
AND NOW, AT LAST:
CUT TO:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
77.
WESTLEY
in anguish so deep it is dizzying. Helpless, he cries.
Count Rugen watches the tears, then starts to write.
RUGEN
Interesting.
CUT TO:
HUMPERDINCK
in his quarters, swamped. Piles of papers are strewn all
over. Now YELLIN, a pale, shifty, quick-eyed man appears in
the doorway.
HUMPERDINCK
Yellin.
YELLIN
(bows, then kneels)
Sire.
HUMPERDINCK
As Chief Enforcer of all Florin,
I trust you with this secret:
killers from Guilder are
infiltrating the Thieves' Forest
and plan to murder my bride on
our wedding night.
YELLIN
My spy network has heard no such
news.
CUT TO:
BUTTERCUP
entering.
BUTTERCUP
Any word from Westley?
CUT TO:
THE PRINCE AND YELLIN
turning to her in the doorway.
HUMPERDINCK
Too soon, my angel. Patience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.
BUTTERCUP
He will come for me.
HUMPERDINCK
Of course.
As she glides out--
HUMPERDINCK
She will not be murdered. On the
day of the wedding, I want the
Thieves' Forest emptied and every
inhabitant arrested.
YELLIN
Many of the thieves will resist.
My regular enforcers will be
inadequate.
HUMPERDINCK
Form a Brute Squad then. I want
the Thieves' Forest emptied
before I wed.
YELLIN
It won't be easy, Sire.
HUMPERDINCK
(alone, exhausted)
Try ruling the world sometime.
CUT TO:
THE THIEVES' FOREST - DAY
A lot of hollering is going on. The THIEVES are being
rounded up by the BRUTE SQUAD, a large group of large men.
Yellin stands on a wagon in the midst of all the scuffling.
GRANDFATHER
(off-screen)
The day of the wedding arrived.
The Brute Squad had their hands
full carrying out Humperdinck's
orders.
YELLIN
(to an unpleasantlooking
assistant)
Is everybody out?
ASSISTANT BRUTE
Almost. There's a Spaniard giving
us some trouble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
79.
YELLIN
Well, you give him some trouble.
Move!
And his wagon starts, and as it does,
CUT TO:
INIGO
drunk as a skunk, sprawled in front of a hovel, a bottle of
brandy in one hand, the six-fingered sword in the other. He