Dead Slaves (2001)
fade in: ext. COAST OF MANHATTAN - day, 1837
The Contessa di Roma, a large SAILING SHIP, roughly glides through the waves.
int. ship cabin - same
NIKOLAI GOGOL, a short Ukrainian man in his late twenties, with a pencil-thin MUSTACHE and long, light brown hair, is drenched in cold sweat. His large, sharp nose detracts from an otherwise attractive face.
He disdainfully glares at the Russian playbill he’s clutching, which states: “РЕВИЭОРЬ,” “Н.В. ГОГОЛЬ.”
SUPER “THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR,” “N.V. GOGOL.”
EXT. ROME - SAME
The sun is setting over the city.
int. inn corridor, rome - same
CAPTAIN KOPEIKIN, a large Russian soldier, quickly follows the INNKEEPER.
kopeikin
(curtly)
You must know something.
innkeeper
I told you -- the crazy fool left months ago.
The innkeeper unlocks a door.
innkeeper
With no forwarding address.
int. ship cabin - same
Gogol, who is standing by a porthole, crushes the playbill and throws it into the ocean.
He looks out at the New York coastline. Suddenly and inexplicably, he screams out in fright.
GOGOL | SUBTITLES |
Satana! | Satan! |
Gogol collapses onto the floor in fear. He puts his head between his hands.
GOGOL | SUBTITLES |
Pokoy! | Leave me alone! |
int. room, rome - same
Kopeikin is violently rummaging through the unkempt room.
innkeeper
If you find Mr. Gogol, please tell him that he is no longer welcome here.
Kopeikin finds a WORLD MAP, on which a line has been drawn, leading toward New York.
KOPEIKIN | SUBTITLES |
Gospodi! | Damn! |
ext. PORT OF manhattan - later
Gogol stumbles down the plank of the docked ship, unable to maintain his balance. He suddenly stops, leans over the rail, and vomits.
ext. greenwich village - same
EDGAR, a pale but dashing man in his late twenties, who always wears a BLACK FROCK COAT buttoned to his neck, drunkenly stumbles toward the entrance of a modest apartment building.
At the entrance, he pulls out a WHISKEY FLASK and takes a gulp.
ext. port - same
Gogol is looking for something to wipe his mouth. He grabs a LEAFLET off a wall, but before wiping his face with it, he notices that it’s an advertisement for a SLAVE AUCTION.
He wipes his face with his sleeve while staring at the leaflet.
EXT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE, ROME - SAME
Kopeikin is animatedly speaking with a TELEGRAPH OPERATOR through the shop window.
int. telegraph office - same
Kopeikin points to a piece of paper written in Russian.
kopeikin
This letter must be sent to Saint Petersburg at once.
The operator looks at the paper.
operator
But, these characters . . . they are Greek, or some kind of nonsense.
Kopeikin pushes the man out of the way and sits down by the MACHINE.
INT. edgar’S APARTMENT - SAME
SISSY, a delicate fourteen-year-old girl with tuberculosis, opens the front door. Edgar stumbles inside and smiles at her. He has an upper-class Virginian accent.
Edgar
Good evening, my dear.
He gently kisses her on the forehead. She loudly coughs.
Sissy
Did you find work today, Eddy?
Edgar
Something much better -- a great idea for a story!
MUDDY CLEMM, a woman in her early forties, enters from the kitchen smiling. She is wearing an apron.
muddy
Did I hear you’ve come up with a story?
int. slave auction - day
FIVE AFRICAN-AMERICAN SLAVES, chained by their ankles, are standing toward the back of a small, empty warehouse. Among them is TOM, a tall man in his late twenties who has a slender, wiry build.
TWO AUCTIONEERS look at each other distressed and agitated. The first auctioneer waves a WHIP while the second one shakes his head.
second auctioneer
We need . . . a miracle.
Gogol, with a excessively long stride, passes across the entrance. The first auctioneer turns his head.
first auctioneer
(to second auctioneer)
What was that?
second auctioneer
What was what?
Gogol passes again.
first auctioneer
That!
Gogol peeks his head inside.
second auctioneer
Can we help you, sir?
gogol
Have you seen Satan?
first auctioneer
Who?
gogol
Never mind. Is this the slave auction?
second auctioneer
(smiles)
Yes. Please, come inside and check the goods.
Gogol warily enters.
gogol
Where is everyone else?
first auctioneer
(nervously)
It’s . . . it’s the weather.
gogol
But it is beautiful outside.
second auctioneer
Exactly. Way too nice for an auction.
gogol
This whole city is quiet.
first auctioneer
New York’s a very quiet city.
EXT. PARK - SAME
Edgar is sitting on a bench drinking from his flask. He looks through a collection of overdue bills.
int. slave auction - same
Gogol is inspecting the slaves. He comes to Tom.
gogol
Show me your teeth.
tom
I’m no horse.
The first auctioneer cocks his whip. Tom hesitantly opens his mouth. Gogol puts his fingers inside it.
tom
Whataya doing?
first auctioneer
Quite honestly, this one may be some trouble.
Gogol turns to the first auctioneer and smiles.
gogol
I will take him.
ext. park - same
Edgar exits the park and crosses the street. He stops in surprise when he sees two workmen installing a SHOP WINDOW that states: “AARON BURR . . . COUNSELOR AT LAW.” The old window, partially destroyed by a brick, lies beside the building.
int. burr’s office - same
AARON BURR, an elderly, heavy-set man, is sitting behind a desk, in front of a bookcase full of LAW BOOKS, solemnly speaking with his CLERK while smoking a large CIGAR.
burr
But why are you leaving?
clerk
Your reputation, sir. I’m sorry.
(beat)
We have no clients. And are unlikely to have any in the future.
Burr reaches in his desk, pulls out a pistol, and aims it at the clerk. The clerk runs to the door in shock.
clerk
You need help, Colonel Burr!
The clerk slams the door behind himself.
int. slave auction - same
The first auctioneer is writing a bill of sale.
first auctioneer
What you say your name . . .
The first auctioneer looks shocked when he sees Gogol standing on his head in the corner.
gogol
Gogol. Nikolai Vasilevich.
first auctioneer
Huh?
ext. burr’s office - same
Edgar watches Burr’s former clerk exit and run down the street.
edgar
(shouts)
Do you know if he’s hiring?
ext. street - same
Gogol slowly skips, while Tom apprehensively walks behind him. His skipping garners attention from a number of bystanders.
gogol
What is the real reason for this
. . . lack of activity?
tom
They call it a depression.
gogol
Ah, I see.
Gogol suddenly stops.
gogol
Tom -- how well do you know this area?
tom
Spent my whole life here.
gogol
I need a house in the country. Someplace quiet.
tom
If you’re not too particular, I know an abandoned cabin near where I live.
(beat)
I mean, where I lived before I was sold.
gogol
Where?
tom
Way out in the middle of nowhere.
(beat)
They call it the Bronx.
gogol
And hire us a britzka.
tom
A what?
gogol
A troika.
tom
A what?
gogol
A . . . a carriage.
tom
Why didn’t you just say so?
gogol
I will also need a secretary.
ext. port of rome - same
Captain Kopeikin anxiously stands in a long line, waiting to purchase ship tickets.
ext. road - day
Tom is driving a SMALL CARRIAGE led by TWO HORSES. Gogol is sitting next to him, glowing with happiness.
gogol
Road! Oh, what strangeness, allurement, conveyance, and wonderment in that word!
tom
Hey, that ain’t bad -- almost good enough to put in a book.
gogol
(smiles)
You think so?
tom
Where you from?
gogol
Saint Petersburg. But I am originally from Little Russia.
tom
Little Russia? You mean, everyone there is as short as you?
Gogol giggles.
gogol
The Russians call it “Little Russia” because they think the Ukraine is just a small part of themselves.
tom
So, these Russians are your masters?
gogol
Not quite like you think.
tom
How so?
Gogol becomes excited.
gogol
Quick -- stop!
Tom reigns in the horses. Gogol looks around with fear in his eyes.
tom
What’s wrong?
gogol
Satan!
Gogol covers his and Tom’s eyes.
tom
Where?
gogol
I do not know.
(beat)
I cannot see.
ext. employment office, manhattan - same
A crowd of men hopelessly stare into the window, where a few job listings are posted. The sign on the window states: “INTELLIGENCE OFFICE.” Edgar pushes his way through the crowd.
int. employment office - later
A MAN hands Edgar a piece of paper.
man
This just came in.
(beat)
It should be a simple job for a man of your talents.
Edgar
How am I supposed to get out there?
man
By locomotive.
Edgar shakes his head.
Edgar
I don’t know about this.
man
This is your last chance, Edgar.
Edgar solemnly looks at the man.
ext. tom’s cabin - same
Tom and Gogol pull up to the decrepit, two-story cabin. There is nothing near it other than trees, fields, and a SMALL SHED. Gogol smiles.
gogol
This will do nicely. Quite nicely.
ext. western new York - same
A group of SLAVE HUNTERS on foot and horseback move slowly and cautiously, as if they were looking for someone.
The leader of the group is MUNSON, a large, gruff-looking man with a thick southern accent, who is carrying a large SHOTGUN.
One of the men looks at Munson, and shakes his head, as if the trail had become cold. Munson spits in disgust.
ext. barn, western new york - night
Dogs are barking in the BACKGROUND.
int. barn - same
An AFRICAN AMERICAN family (a man, a woman, two young girls, and a thirteen-year-old boy named ISHMAEL) are huddled together on the floor. They look tired and scared.
Standing over them is STOWE, a short, attractive white woman in her early twenties, who quietly hands the man food and water. She is wearing a very conservative dress and has her hair tightly combed in a bun.
man
Thank you.
Stowe nods. She turns to leave.
man
Miss Stowe?
stowe
Mrs. Stowe.
man
Mrs. Stowe -- can I ask you a question?
(beat)
Why are you doing this?
stowe
Because the Lord commands me to.
int. tom’s cabin, gogol’s study - same
Tom places a group of BOOKS (written in many languages) from a large steamer trunk into a bookcase. He curiously looks at the titles, which include DON QUIXOTE, GARGANTUA AND PANTRAGRUEL, and TOM JONES.
Gogol proudly hangs a PORTRAIT of ALEKSANDR PUSHKIN, a elegantly-dressed mulatto man with curly hair and long sideburns. Pushkin has an expression that bleeds pride.
Tom walks up behind Gogol.
tom
Who’s that?
gogol
Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin.
(beat)
Our national poet . . . our everything.
tom
He looks almost . . .
gogol
(smiles)
Black?
ext. western new york - day
Stowe and the slave family discreetly exit a dirt path, which leads to a road, where a handwritten sign states: “NEW YORK CITY 50 MILES.” Ishmael looks up at his father.
ext. bronx train stop - same
Tom is standing over the shoulder of a white man, trying to read the newspaper the man is reading. A train stops.
Edgar nervously exits the train.
int. tom’s cabin, gogol’s study - same
Gogol, who is sitting behind a desk, looks up at Pushkin’s portrait. He smiles and then starts writing (in Russian.)
gogol (vo)
Dearest Aleksandr.
(beat)
I’ve arrived in America in the hope of finally breaking the spell Satan has cast upon me.
(beat)
With God’s help, I hope to begin writing seriously again.
(beat)
As we discussed, I would like to write a novel -- no, not a novel -- an epic poem!
(beat)
But the question remains: on what subject?
ext. tom’s cabin - later
Tom leads an apprehensive Edgar across a field, toward the front door. Edgar feels for his whiskey flask.
tom
How shall I introduce you?
Edgar, without thinking, pulls out a CARD and hands it to Tom.
edgar
(with embarrassment)
Oh -- how foolish of me.
tom
I can read.
Tom looks at the card, before looking back at Edgar as if he knew him.
int. gogol’s study - later
Gogol is still writing his letter.
gogol
Yes?
Tom enters with Edgar.
tom
Mr. Edgar A. Poe.
ext. tom’s cabin - later
SALLY, a pretty, twelve-year-old African-American girl, who is wearing a white cotton dress, skips toward the cabin.
Tom exits the cabin carrying a bucket of water. Sally stops in shock.
sally
Tom?
Tom turns to her and smiles. She runs to him and jumps into his arms.
tom
Sally!
Tom puts her down.
sally
How’d you get back here -- did you escape?
tom
No, I was bought.
He points to Gogol’s window.
tom
By a Little Russian fool.
sally
What’s a Russian?
tom
Never you mind -- suffice to say he’s a fool.
Sally smiles.
sally
Momma’s gonna be so glad that you’re right next door.
tom
Tell her I’ll be over first chance I get.
int. gogol’s study - same
gogol
So, you are a writer.
Edgar
I’ve had many poems and short stories published. And my novel, the Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, came out last year.
gogol
I never heard of it.
Edgar
I don’t suppose you would have.
gogol
I am an author as well.
Edgar
So I’ve been told.
gogol
My play, The Government Inspector, was performed in front of the Czar last year.
Edgar
Never heard of it.
gogol
I do not suppose you would have.
Edgar
What requirements have you for a secretary?
gogol
Govorite po-russki?
Edgar
Je parle français.
gogol
Parla italiano?
Edgar
Ich spreche Deutch.
GOGOL | SUBTITLES |
Beszél magyarul? | Do you speak Hungarian? |
Edgar pauses for a moment in thought.
Edgar
Je parle français.
ext. becky’s cabin, shawson’s estate - same
BECKY, an African-American woman in her mid-twenties, is placing clothes on a line. She is attractive, but looks old for her age.
She glances despondently at SHAWSON, a tall, well-built man in his mid-forties with a bushy mustache, who smiles at her.
Sally runs toward her.
sally
Momma! Momma!
becky
What is it, child?
sally
Tom’s back! Tom’s back!
Becky and Shawson look at each other with surprise.
becky
(to Sally)
What did I tell you ’bout talking nonsense?
sally
It’s not nonsense. I just saw him. He was bought.
becky
Bought by who?
sally
Some little rushing fool, Tom says.
becky
Why . . . why don’t you go wash up for supper.
Sally rushes inside.
shawson
Don’t be thinking Tom’s return is gonna change anything.
ext. tom’s cabin - same
Gogol and Edgar exit. They both look uncomfortable.
gogol
So, I will see you here tomorrow at nine.
Edgar
As you wish.
(beat)
But I still don’t understand what I am to do for you.
Gogol turns and begins walking inside.
gogol
Oh, correspondences, . . . exorcisms, and other such secretarial duties.
Edgar stares in shock. He takes out his whiskey flask.
int. becky’s cabin - night
Becky, who is facing Shawson, is hysterical.
becky
Don’t even think about her!
Shawson slaps Becky across her face, the force of which throws her across the floor. Blood flows from her lips.
shawson
I’ll do what I please!
becky
(pleading)
Please, Mr. Shawson. I’ll . . . I’ll be better. I promise.
He picks her off the ground with one arm.
shawson
You’re nothing but an old cow, grazing off the fat of my land.
He punches her in the face, the force of which throws her onto the bed. As he slowly approaches her, she shuts her eyes tight in despair.
ext. becky’s cabin - same
Sally watches her mother being beaten from the window. Tears slowly flow from her eyes.
ext. tom’s cabin - morning
Tom is chopping wood. Sally runs up to him, looking upset and disheveled.
tom
What’s wrong?
sally
Momma -- she’s real sick.
tom
(suspiciously)
What do you mean, sick?
Sally cries.
sally
Master beat her bad last night. Worse than he ever done.
Tom grabs her.
tom
I want you to stay here.
Edgar approaches the cabin as Gogol exits it.
gogol
What is all this noise?
Tom rushes away.
gogol
Where are you going?
Tom ignores him and keeps moving.
gogol
Come back here!
(angrily)
Now!
(beat)
You call yourself a slave?
Edgar
If you want my advice, that boy could use a good beating.
gogol
Very well -- when he comes back, you may administer it.
Edgar
I didn’t mean me!
int. becky’s cabin - later
Becky’s lying in bed unconscious. Her entire face is swollen, and her abdomen is covered in blood.
Tom bursts through the door.
int. becky’s cabin - later
Tom applies wet cloths to Becky’s face.
tom
You’ll be okay, Becky -- I promise.
Becky comes to. Her speech is very weak.
becky
Tom . . . Tom -- is that you?
tom
Don’t talk.
becky
Sally said you came back.
tom
That’s right. And I ain’t never leaving again.
becky
Tom?
tom
What?
becky
Promise me something.
tom
What?
becky
Take care of Sally.
tom
You’ll be taking care of her.
She gently grabs his arm.
becky
Promise me.
Blood spurts out of her mouth.
int. shawson’s house - later
HERMAN, a tall, lean eighteen-year-old farmhand, places a crate on the floor.
Tom, who has been crying for an extended period of time, bursts through the door. Herman looks shocked.
Herman
Tom?
tom
Where is he, Herman?
Herman
Who?
tom
Master.
Herman looks toward the study, and Tom rushes toward it. Herman steps in front of him.
Herman
What are you gonna do?
tom
Get out of my way!
Tom throws Herman aside.
int. shawson’s study - same
Shawson is calmly reading a newspaper at his desk. Tom bursts through the door. Shawson smiles and nonchalantly puts his hand in a desk drawer.
shawson
Ah, Tom -- welcome home.
Tom flings himself toward Shawson.
tom
I’ll kill you.
As Tom is about to pounce on Shawson, Shawson moves out of the way. Tom lands on the desk. Shawson takes out a CUDGEL and crushes Tom’s head with it, knocking him unconscious.
ext. sailing ship - day
Captain Kopeikin (the Russian soldier who is looking for Gogol) emotionlessly looks out at an endless sea.
int. shawson’s study - day
Shawson is sitting by his desk reading some papers. Gogol is standing in front of him.
gogol
Could you not reconsider?
shawson
I’d have that boy hung even if he were white.
(beat)
Attacking me in my own home.
gogol
But you murdered his sister.
shawson
(angrily)
You can’t murder a nigger. No more than you can murder cattle.
(beat)
And besides, that dead niggress is costing me a lot more than it’s costing him.
gogol
I can see you are heartbroken.
shawson
I don’t like your tone of voice.
gogol
I apologize. But, try to understand my situation -- I paid a lot of money for this slave.
shawson
That’s your problem. You should’ve put him on a leash. Like I did his papa.
ext. field - same
Sally solemnly watches as a couple of slaves throw Becky into a makeshift grave.
int. shawson’s study - same
Shawson, whose face is red, is standing facing Gogol, pointing toward the door.
shawson
If you’ll excuse me, I have a farm to run.
Gogol turns to the door, but quickly turns back to Shawson.
gogol
And how is the farm business, if I may ask?
shawson
Like every other business. Lousy.
(beat)
It’s called a depression.
gogol
Yes -- I have heard.
shawson
What’s worse -- that’s the fourth dead nigger this year.
gogol
Terrible.
shawson
Especially when you have to pay taxes on them.
gogol
Excuse me?
shawson
Property taxes on slaves are based on the last census, so you have to pay it even if they die.
gogol
A tax on dead souls?
shawson
Dead souls? Dead slaves!
Gogol scratches his head in thought.
gogol
Yes, we have a similar law.
int. prison - same
Tom is sitting on a cot, looking depressed. A young DEPUTY, sitting across the room from him, smiles.
deputy
I can’t wait to string you up, boy.
Tom turns to the deputy and looks at him with hatred in his eyes. The deputy looks uncomfortable.
int. shawson’s study - same
Gogol is standing at the door. He turns the knob, but stops and turns back to Shawson.
gogol
What if I bought these . . . these dead slaves?
shawson
What are you talking about?
gogol
If you sell your dead slaves, you will no longer pay taxes on them, am I correct?
shawson
That’s nonsense!
Gogol quickly approaches Shawson.
gogol
Why?
shawson
Because . . .
Shawson lowers his head in thought. Gogol smiles.
gogol
You have my slave released, in exchange for purchasing your four dead slaves.
int. shawson’s house - night
A light shines through the study window, displaying the silhouettes of three men.
int. shawson’s study - same
Gogol and Shawson are patiently waiting as Edgar reads through some documents.
gogol
Is everything in order?
Edgar shakes his head.
Edgar
This . . . this is quite irregular, sir.
gogol
What?
Edgar
Buying dead people. Why, . . . it’s macabre.
gogol
Is there a law against it?
Edgar
Not that I know of.
gogol
Then, finish.
Gogol turns to Shawson.
gogol
What about the girl, Tom’s niece?
shawson
What about Sally?
gogol
I want her included.
shawson
Absolutely not. I’ve got big plans for her . . .
(smiles)
Now that she’s of age.
Gogol meekly smiles back. Edgar lowers his head in disgust.
shawson
And besides, she’s my daughter.
gogol
Listen, Shawson, you are getting more than a fair bargain.
shawson
Not fair enough. Since the last census, I’ve had another eleven slaves die on me. I want them included too.
Gogol thinks about it for a moment. He sighs, before turning to Edgar.
gogol
Very well. Make the changes.
Shawson smiles and rubs his hands. Gogol smiles to himself.
ext. prison - day
Edgar is waiting outside the door. Tom exits, frowning. Edgar condescendingly smiles.
edgar
You’re one lucky boy.
Tom angrily walks past him.
int. gogol’s study - day
Gogol is writing a letter (in Russian.)
gogol (vo)
Dearest Aleksandr.
(beat)
I’ve discovered the subject for my poem: the purchasing of dead serfs. I think you once mentioned such a case.
(beat)
It seems Americans are open to the same form of knavery.
Gogol looks out the window at the vista, which leads to a bay in the far distance. He stands up.
GOGOL | SUBTITLES |
Rus! Rus! Vizhu tebya, iz moego chudnogo, prekrasnogo daleka tebya vizhu. | Russia! Russia! I see you, from my glorious, beautiful distance I see you. |
Gogol is distracted by something in his view. He walks to the window.
from the window
Gogol sees Sally sitting in the field. She has an expression of numbness. Tom walks up and comforts her.
in the study
Edgar enters and walks up behind Gogol.
Edgar
What do you plan to do with her?
gogol
(innocently)
What do other slave owners do with girls like her?
Edgar clears his throat. Gogol blushes.
gogol
I see.
Edgar
Perhaps she could take care of the other slaves you bought.
Gogol looks at Edgar askance.
int. hallway - later
Edgar exits Gogol’s study, and walks down the staircase. Tom enters the cabin from outside.
Edgar
(nonchalantly)
Boy, fetch me a glass of water.
tom
Fetch it yourself.
Tom walks away. Edgar rushes down the stairs and grabs Tom from behind.
Edgar
What did you say to me?
tom
(angrily)
I said, fetch it yourself.
Edgar
How dare you!
tom
Don’t give me orders, you drunk.
Edgar looks stupefied.
tom
That’s why you got yourself fired from the Messenger, ain’t it?
Edgar
How . . . how did you know?
tom
I can smell it on you.
Edgar
(angrily)
No -- how did you know I worked for the Messenger?
tom
I’ve read it. My friend Herman has a subscription.
Edgar
You . . . you’ve actually read my stories?
Tom nods.
Edgar
(with self-deprecating tone)
So, you were the one.
tom
I like your stuff.
(beat)
Real scary.
(beat)
Like the story about that Pym fellow.
(beat)
It was even scarier than that “Sleepy Hollow” story I read.
Edgar looks flabbergasted.
ext. riverbank - day
Sally is mindlessly walking along a small river that has many tall bushes and trees alongside it.
TWO MEN, who are both unclean and unshaven, appear. The first one has a PATCH over his left eye, while the second has one over his right eye.
The first man grabs Sally and smiles. Sally looks scared.
first man
Hi, pretty.
The second man grabs Sally from behind and roughly caresses her hair.
second man
Well, don’t you speak?
There’s some ruffling in the bushes, which the men do not notice.
The two men smile at each other. The first man slowly reaches for the bow that ties Sally’s dress.
Stowe quickly exits the bushes. Her hands are in her dress pockets.
stowe
Let her go!
The two men are briefly startled, but quickly regain their calm. The first man smiles at Stowe.
first man
Now, little lady, you just wait your turn.
Stowe pulls out a small REVOLVER, and points it at the men.
stowe
My father might be a minister, but believe me, gentlemen, he taught me how to use this quite well.
The men quickly put their hands up.
ext. riverbank - later
Stowe, who has her arm around Sally’s shoulder, watches as the men leave in the distance. The African-American family cautiously exits the bushes. Sally turns to them, looking surprised.
sally
Who . . . who are you?
Stowe smiles.
stowe
Don’t worry -- I’m with the Railroad.
Ishmael looks warmly at Sally.
ext. tom’s cabin - same
Gogol is soaking in a large wooden TUB, just inside a small batch of woods, singing the aria from the opera, “ROBERT LE DIABLE.” He is wearing a large WOODEN CRUCIFIX around his neck.
ext. tom’s cabin - later
Sally, Stowe, and the African-American family slowly and discreetly approach the cabin from a patch of woods. Sally points to the shed.
sally
They can hide in there.
stowe
Child, whose place is this?
sally
Why, it’s Uncle Tom’s cabin.
stowe
Uncle Tom’s cabin?
ext. tom’s cabin - later
Stowe watches from the bushes as Sally leads the family into the shed. The door closes behind them.
Gogol, who is exiting the woods naked from his bath, bumps into Stowe, pushing the two of them into the clearing.
Stowe covers her eyes and screams (her eyes remain covered throughout the scene.) Gogol covers his eyes and screams.
gogol
You have seen Satan?
stowe
What?
gogol
Satan. That is why you are screaming.
stowe
You’re naked!
Gogol uncovers his eyes and calmly looks down at himself, before returning his eyes to Stowe.
gogol
So?
stowe
So? What kind of heathen are you?
Gogol looks down and touches his crucifix, and then looks back at Stowe.
gogol
You have never seen a naked man?
stowe
How dare you! I’m a married woman!
gogol
Believe me, madam, the latter does not necessitate the former.
stowe
(hysterically)
Get out of here!
gogol
As you wish.
Gogol calmly walks toward the house. Stowe takes a small, inquisitive peek at him as he leaves. Gogol turns back to her. She blushes and immediately re-covers her eyes. Gogol smiles.
int. gogol study - later
Edgar enters. Gogol, who is sitting behind his desk, turns to him.
gogol
Have you discovered who she is?
edgar
Perhaps, Miss Stowe should speak for herself.
stowe (os)
Mrs. Stowe.
Stowe timidly enters with her head down.
gogol
You need not worry -- I am dressed.
She raises her head and meekly smiles. Gogol walks up to her and kisses her hand. She blushes.
gogol
Welcome to my modest abode. Non ebur neque aureum mea renidet in domo lacunar.
stowe
Ah, Latin. Let me see: not . . .
edgar
Neither ivory nor gold glitters in my home.
(beat)
Horace, I believe. Odes, two, eighteen.
Gogol smiles at Edgar and then turns to Stowe, motioning her to sit down. They sit.
gogol
I so apologize for our earlier misunderstanding.
stowe
Oh, but it was I who was trespassing.
gogol
Trespassers as beautiful as you are always welcome.
Stowe again blushes.
stowe
Mr. Poe tells me you’re a writer.
gogol
Yes.
stowe
(smiles)
I dabble a little myself.
gogol
Is that so?
Stowe’s expression turns serious.
stowe
I think I should be honest with you.
gogol
Yes -- by all means.
stowe
I’m a member of the Railroad. The Underground Railroad.
gogol
(to Edgar)
Underground Railroad?
Edgar
An illegal organization that steals slaves.
stowe
(annoyed)
We do not steal them, Mr. Poe -- we free them.
Edgar
Semantics. They are not yours to free.
stowe
No man has the right to own another.
(to Gogol)
Surely, a cultured Christian like yourself can understand the barbarity of slavery.
Edgar
Mr. Gogol himself owns slaves. Some of whom are even living.
Gogol looks at Edgar askance.
stowe
What?
gogol
Never mind. What is it you want from me?
stowe
I would like to keep my family of slaves in your shed overnight.
edgar
Is that where they are?
stowe
We’ll be gone at daybreak.
Edgar
(to Gogol)
If they catch her, you can be implicated.
gogol
Implicated?
Edgar
They can arrest you.
gogol
Oh, dear. That will not do.
(to Stowe)
I am sorry, Madame Stowe -- but you will have to leave.
ext. tom’s cabin - later
Gogol, Edgar, and Stowe leave together. Stowe hugs Gogol and feigns tears.
stowe
Please, Mr. Gogol -- don’t throw us out -- we have no place to go.
(beat)
They’ll catch us. And these men are brutes. Just brutes.
Gogol reluctantly puts his arms around Stowe. Stowe smiles to herself. Edgar looks at Gogol askance.
int. tom’s cabin, main room - night
Tom hands Gogol and Stowe coffee. Stowe smiles at Tom.
stowe
(condescendingly)
Thank you, Tom.
(to Gogol)
And thank you. God will reward you for this kindness.
Tom leaves.
gogol
Like he is rewarding me now?
stowe
Whatever do you mean?
gogol
He sends Satan to torment me.
Stowe awkwardly smiles.
gogol
It is true.
man (os)
They’re in here!
stowe
Oh, no!
ext. tom’s cabin - same
TWO DEPUTIES with shotguns lead the African-American family out of the shed. Gogol and Stowe rush out. A SHERIFF steps in front of them. He has a WARRANT in his hands, and is also carrying a shotgun.
sheriff
Miss Harriet Beecher Stowe?
stowe
Mrs.
sheriff
Mrs. Stowe, you are under arrest.
gogol
Why?
sheriff
For aiding and abetting runaway slaves.
Stowe looks pleadingly at Gogol as the two deputies and the family approach. The father knocks one of the deputies into the other.
father
Run, boy -- run!
Ishmael runs into the woods. The first man gets up and butts the father with his shotgun, knocking him to the ground. The second man awkwardly rushes toward the woods.
sheriff
You’ll never catch him.
int. tom’s cabin, gogol’s study - same
Tom, who is watching the commotion from the window, turns and approaches the portrait of Pushkin. He lightly touches it.
tom
You sure ain’t nobody’s slave.
int. prison cell - later
Stowe is lying on a cot, looking terribly scared.
ext. Herman’s cabin, shawson’s estate - same
Herman (Shawson’s farmhand) whistles as he enters.
int. Herman’s cabin - same
As Herman enters, Ishmael rushes by him. Herman catches him.
Herman
Who are you?
Ishmael doesn’t answer.
Herman
Are you a runaway?
Ishmael cries. Herman kneels.
Herman
Don’t worry -- I won’t turn you in.
(beat)
What’s your name?
ishmael
Call me Ishmael.
Herman smiles. He offers Ishmael his hand.
Herman
Herman. Herman Melville.
int. prison - morning
The cell door opens. Gogol, Edgar, and the deputy are behind it. Stowe wakes up.
gogol
The judge has graciously released you in my recognizance.
The deputy looks confused at this statement. Stowe turns to Edgar, who lowers his head in shame.
stowe
You. You are to blame.
gogol
What are you talking about?
stowe
He told the sheriff!
Edgar
It was the responsible thing to do.
gogol
What?
She rushes at Edgar and pounds her fists at him.
stowe
Bastard!
ext. prison - same
Gogol is dragging Stowe to the carriage, with Edgar uncomfortably at his side. Tom has the reigns.
stowe
(to Edgar)
I’ll kill you!
Gogol lifts her into the carriage.
gogol
(to Edgar)
Perhaps you should walk.
Edgar takes out his whiskey flask.
int. Herman’s cabin - later
Herman is reading ROBINSON CRUSOE aloud to Ishmael, who looks completely enraptured.
Herman
From whom I was called Robinson Kreutznear; but by the usual corruption of words in England we are now called, nay, we call ourselves, and write our name, Crusoe, and . . .
Herman looks at Ishmael.
Herman
Would you like to learn how to read?
Ishmael points to himself. Herman smiles.
Herman
Yeah, you.
Ishmael enthusiastically nods.
Herman
Well, then -- get over here.
int. tom’s cabin, main room - same
Gogol, Stowe, and Edgar are sitting uncomfortably. Stowe crosses her arms in anger.
stowe
I will not stay in this house with him.
Edgar
You don’t have a choice.
stowe
(to Gogol)
How can you employ such a man?
gogol
He is very good at his job . . . when he is sober.
Edgar looks at Gogol askance.
stowe
He’s a proponent of slavery!
gogol
So am I.
stowe
I don’t understand.
gogol
Slavery is a grand thing.
stowe
What?
gogol
It is folly at its finest.
stowe
Then, how can you be for it?
gogol
(smiles)
I enjoy folly.
stowe
That’s crazy!
gogol
If you had your way, madam, you would take all the foolishness out of the world. And then, what would I have to laugh at?
Edgar smiles.
stowe
You call the misery of others something to laugh at?
gogol
What better thing to laugh at? It is the supreme idiocy -- and the more insane it is, the better!
stowe
I want out of this house. Immediately!
gogol
We cannot do that.
stowe
My husband’s in Europe, but if you’ll kindly contact my father, arrangements will be made.
gogol
I do not think so.
stowe
What do you mean, “you do not think so”?
gogol
I enjoy your company. And I will continue to enjoy it -- at least, until your trial.
stowe
So, I am to be your slave?
gogol
(smiles)
Yes -- my slave!
(to door)
Tom -- come here!
Tom enters.
gogol
Tom, make sure that Madame Stowe, my slave, never leaves the grounds.
tom
And if she tries?
Gogol takes Stowe’s gun from his jacket pocket and flips it to Tom.
gogol
Shoot her.
Stowe looks shocked. Tom smiles.
ext. police station, shed - day
As the door is opened, light bursts into the darkened shed. The African-American family are lying on the ground, sweating excessively. They hold up their hands against the light.
The sheriff and Munson (the leader of the slave hunters) look at them. Munson shakes his head.
munson
Where’s the boy?
sheriff
He got away.
munson
(upset)
He got away?
sheriff
Listen, you’re lucky you’re getting what you’ve got. This whole slave business stinks.
The sheriff waves his hand across his nose.
sheriff
Literally.
munson
I’ve got a contract to return a family of niggers, including a boy nigger. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.
sheriff
Then stop bellyaching, and find him.
The sheriff walks off, and two of Munson’s men appear. Munson points to the family.
munson
Take this filth back. I’ll find the little nigger myself.
a hundred yards away
Herman is intently watching.
ext. riverbank - same
Ishmael is lying in the bushes reading Robinson Crusoe.
ishmael
B . . . ut . . . by th . . . e
u . . .
The bushes open. Ishmael quickly closes the book in fear. Sally appears.
sally
Ishmael?
ishmael
What are you doing?
sally
What are you doing?
ishmael
Quick -- get down! And be quiet!
Sally lies next to him. Ishmael looks around.
ishmael
I’m reading.
sally
You know how to read?
ishmael
Herman’s been teaching me.
sally
So, that’s where you been hiding.
ishmael
Now, don’t you be telling anyone -- I know how you women --
sally
Uncle Tom knows how to read. I keep asking him to teach me -- but he says it’s not for women.
ishmael
He’s right.
sally
No, he ain’t right!
ishmael
Sshhh!
sally
(softly)
He ain’t right.
ishmael
He is, too.
sally
Well, if you don’t teach me, I’m gonna tell everyone about you.
ishmael
You wouldn’t.
sally
I would.
Ishmael scowls.
ishmael
Oh, all right then.
Sally frantically kisses Ishmael on the cheek. Ishmael blushes. He touches his cheek.
int. gogol’s study - same
Edgar is facing Gogol, who is standing on his head.
gogol
Madame Stowe will be the heroine of my poem.
Edgar
It’s quite irregular, sir.
gogol
That was a brilliant idea, turning the slaves in.
Edgar
I don’t feel brilliant -- I feel like a cad.
gogol
I will compensate those feelings in this week’s pay.
int. tom’s cabin, main room - same
Stowe is quietly pleading with Tom.
stowe
You’ve got to let me go.
tom
I don’t gotta do nothing.
stowe
After all I’ve done for your people?
tom
My people is me and Sally.
stowe
And what about Sally -- do you want her raised a slave?
Tom looks away from her.
stowe
To always be at the whim of some beast, like the two upstairs. God only knows what diabolical plans they have for me.
tom
I wouldn’t worry about those two. One’s crazy drunk. And the other’s just crazy.
stowe
You help me and I’ll help both you and Sally escape.
tom
Escape? Escape where?
stowe
New England. Canada.
tom
What -- they can’t see colors up there?
stowe
You’ll be free!
tom
I’ll never be free!
stowe
You . . . you’re nothing but a stupid house nigger, Uncle Tom!
tom
The hell with you!
stowe
Well, at least fetch me some water, boy!
Tom takes out Stowe’s gun. Stowe looks horrified. Tom kicks open the front door and points the gun at her.
tom
I ain’t your house nigger! Fetch it yourself!
int. train stop - dusk
Edgar is sitting at a bench holding a quill. He puts the quill to a piece of parchment and starts to write, but quickly stops. His hand is shaking.
A train sounds its HORN.
int. tom’s cabin, hallway - night
Gogol gently leads Stowe toward a door.
gogol
I hope you are finding your accommodations comfortable.
He smiles and opens the door for her.
stowe
You’re a beast.
gogol
Yes, I know.
As she enters, he gropes her behind. She screams. He locks the door behind her.
int. Sissy’s room - same
Edgar opens the door, steps into the threshold, and sees Sissy sleeping. She wakes up.
Sissy
Eddy?
edgar
(softly)
Go back to sleep.
Sissy
Did you write anything today?
Sissy starts violently coughing. Edgar watches in horror as a thick stream of blood flows from her mouth.
ext. edgar’s living room - later
Edgar, who is sitting on a couch, puts some OPIUM into a LONG THIN PIPE. He lights it, and takes a vicious hit.
int. gogol’s study - same
Gogol is sitting by his desk, writing in a manuscript (in Russian.) There is a full CANDLE inside the lamp beside him. He smiles.
gogol (vo)
In the carriage sat a gentleman, neither handsome nor particularly ugly, neither overly fat nor overly thin . . .
Gogol dips his quill into the ink. After a brief but pensive glance at Pushkin’s portrait, he puts the quill back onto the paper.
gogol (vo)
While it can't be said that he was old, he was also not overly young.
int. gogol’s study - later
Gogol is sleeping at his desk. The candle is almost finished. He awakes in a terrible fright, as from a bad dream.
gogol
Satana!
He screams and covers his eyes, before falling to the floor, grabbing his crucifix.
gogol
Pokoy! Pokoy!
int. stowe’s room - same
Stowe holds the bedcover to her face in fright.
gogol (Os)
Bozhe, pomoch! Pomoch!
int. gogol’s study - day
Gogol, clearly agitated, struggles to write. Edgar, tired-looking and a bit disheveled, enters.
Edgar
I’m sorry I’m late, sir.
gogol
You mean, you are sorry you got so drunk last night.
Edgar
I assure you I hadn’t a sip.
gogol
Listen, it does not matter to me that you are a drunk -- half my countrymen are drunks, and the other half are recovering drunks -- but I expect you to do your work.
Gogol momentarily closes his eyes, before crushing his quill. There is ink all over his hand.
Edgar
Is everything all right?
gogol
Satan visited me last night.
Edgar
Satan?
gogol
Yes, he stole my inspiration.
(beat)
And the first few cantos were going so well.
Edgar
What can I do?
gogol
Inspire me!
Edgar
How?
gogol
I need more dead souls!
Edgar
Perhaps you could buy some more.
Gogol pauses briefly in thought.
gogol
Great idea.
Edgar
(startled)
Sir, I was only joking.
ext. tom’s cabin - later
Tom helps Stowe into the rear of the carriage, without looking directly at her. Edgar enters the carriage from the opposite direction. Stowe looks at Edgar with hatred in her eyes.
Gogol and Tom step up into the front of the carriage. Tom takes the reigns.
stowe
I don’t understand why you must take me with you.
gogol
Otherwise, you might escape.
stowe
But I’m not a slave!
ext. road - later
Shawson passes the carriage on horseback. They both stop. Shawson tips his hat to Gogol and Stowe. Tom looks at him with hatred in his eyes. Shawson smiles back.
shawson
Mr. Gogol -- how are those slaves I sold you?
gogol
Just fine. You would not happen to know of any others for sale?
shawson
Try the Widow Harding. She’s just a few miles up the road. Tom knows the way.
gogol
Thank you.
shawson
Oh, by the way, the town is having a small ball tomorrow night. You are more than welcome.
gogol
Thank you -- but I am afraid I will be busy.
ext. widow harding’s house - later
Stowe is sitting in the back of the carriage. Tom is sitting in the front. An old African-American man is lazily sitting on a bench in front of the house.
stowe
Tom?
tom
What do you want?
stowe
I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what I said yesterday.
(beat)
I didn’t mean it. It’s not like me at all. Really.
int. widow harding’s house - same
WIDOW HARDING, a frightened, decrepit woman in her eighties, pours Gogol and Edgar tea. The house is also decrepit.
Edgar
Mrs. Harding, we were wondering if you have any slaves to sell.
harding
Slaves? Why, all I have left is that old handyman outside, and he’s certainly not worth anything.
Edgar
No. We were wondering . . .
(to Gogol)
We were wondering if you have any dead slaves.
harding
Dead slaves? Why would you want dead slaves?
gogol
The reasons are not important. Will you sell them?
harding
I . . . I suppose so.
gogol
How many have died since the last census?
harding
Oh, that’s a long time ago. I . . . I guess eight or nine.
(beat)
Yes, eight.
gogol
And how much would you like for them?
harding
Well, I don’t know. They can’t be worth much -- they weren’t worth much alive.
(beat)
Would a dollar-a-piece be too much?
Gogol smiles.
ext. widow harding’s house - later
Edgar and Gogol enter the carriage.
tom
Where to now?
gogol
Mrs. Harding mentioned a Mr. Sanderson up the road.
stowe
I won’t even ask what kind of evil business you’re conducting.
Edgar
(smiles)
Mr. Gogol just bought eight slaves.
stowe
(aghast)
Ah! And where are these poor creatures?
Edgar pats the breast of his coat.
Edgar
Right here.
stowe
(to Gogol)
What kind of Christian are you?
(to herself)
A papist, no doubt.
int. sanderson’s house - later
SANDERSON, a burly, well-dressed man in his fifties, is sipping whiskey with Gogol and Edgar. The house is expensively furnished.
sanderson
Let me get this right -- you want to buy my dead Negroes.
gogol
Correct.
sanderson
Well, okay by me.
(beat)
I’ve had twelve die on me since the census. And at twenty dollars each, that’ll be --
Edgar
Twenty dollars? For dead slaves?
sanderson
That’s what I said.
Edgar
But Mrs. Harding sold hers for a dollar each.
sanderson
I don’t care what Mrs. Harding sold hers for. I’m selling mine for twenty dollars.
Edgar
They’re not worth it.
sanderson
They must be -- or Mr. Gogol wouldn’t want them.
Gogol smiles.
Edgar
This is outrageous -- we --
gogol
Pay him.
Edgar
What?
gogol
Pay him.
ext. port of MANHATTAN - same
Captain Kopeikin (the Russian soldier who is looking for Gogol) confidently exits his docked ship.
int. dawkins’ house - later
DAWKINS, a slight man in a wheelchair, is signing over a large number of slave deeds. Gogol and Edgar look on.
dawkins
Nineteen, by my count.
Edgar
I’ll just check them, if you don’t mind.
Dawkins covers the deeds with his arms.
dawkins
I do mind.
(beat)
What -- don’t you trust me?
gogol
Of course, we do, Mr. Dawkins.
(beat)
Is that not right, Edgar?
int. dawkins’ foyer - later
Gogol and Edgar, who is reading through the deeds, walk toward the front door. Edgar stops and shakes his head.
Edgar
This is an outrage!
Gogol stops and turns to Edgar.
gogol
What?
Edgar
Half these deeds are clearly fake.
Gogol turns back and smiles.
gogol
Only half?
ext. dawkins’ house - same
Gogol and Edgar exit.
gogol
What magnificent characters!
(beat)
One more decadent than the next.
Edgar stops, pulls out his whiskey flask, and takes a sip.
ext. road - dusk
Gogol (who has the expression of an excited child) and Tom are in the front of the carriage, as they approach Manhattan in full stride. Edgar and Stowe are sleeping in the back.
gogol (vo)
Ah, steeds, steeds, steeds! Is there wind in your manes? Does your sharp ear send fire through each nerve?
(beat)
You hear the pitch of that enticing, familiar song, and at once you strain your bronze chests, and . . .
(beat)
And hooves barely touching ground, you turn into one protracted line, flying through air, . . . inspired by God!
Tom slows the carriage and turns to Gogol.
tom
Tell me more about this Pushkin.
gogol
His grandfather or great grandfather was a Negro slave given to Czar Peter, one who rose to become a great general.
tom
But Pushkin himself really isn’t a Negro?
gogol
To every Russian he is a Negro.
(beat)
And if you ask him, he will tell you he is a Negro. With pride.
tom
And . . . does he got some of those slaves you were talking about?
gogol
Serfs? Yes, he does.
tom
And these serfs, they’re white?
gogol
Of course.
tom
(smiles)
Damn.
(beat)
And you said he’s got a beautiful wife, right?
gogol
The most beautiful in Russia.
tom
And she’s white, too?
gogol
Of course.
tom
Well, what are we doing mucking around here? Let’s go to Russia!
Gogol giggles.
gogol
Remember, Aleksandr is not just a Negro -- he is the greatest poet in Russia. . . . And, my greatest friend.
ext. Edgar’s apartment building - later
Edgar steps out of the carriage.
Edgar
(to Gogol)
Thank you for the ride home.
(beat)
Perhaps you would like to sup with me and my family?
gogol
I would not want to cause a trouble.
Edgar
It would be no trouble at all, sir. But I should tell you, neither ivory nor gold glitters in my home either.
int. Herman’s cabin - same
Herman is lying in bed. Ishmael is reading ROBINSON CRUSOE aloud slowly, but fluently, to candlelight.
ishmael
I cast my eyes to the stranded vessel, when the breach and froth of the sea being so big, I could hardly see it, it lay so far off, and considered, Lord, how was it possible I could get on shore?
Herman
You’re a natural, Ishmael. I’ve never seen anyone take to reading so fast.
ishmael
Really?
Herman
Tell me, what do you want to be?
ishmael
I never thought about it. I just thought I’d always be a slave.
(beat)
What about you?
Herman
I want to go to sea. You know, the world . . . it’s almost endless.
ishmael
Herman, do they have slaves out at sea?
Herman
Of course not. At sea, everyone’s free.
ishmael
Herman, . . . can I come with you, I mean, out to sea?
Herman
What about your family?
ishmael
My pa says, don’t nothing else matter but being free.
int. Edgar’s apartment - same
Edgar is introducing Sissy to Gogol in the entranceway. Tom and Stowe look on.
Gogol kisses Sissy’s hand.
gogol
Edgar, you have a beautiful daughter.
Edgar clears his throat.
gogol
Niece?
Edgar
Wife.
gogol
Wife?
Gogol turns to Tom and Stowe. Stowe lowers her head in embarrassment while Tom smiles at him.
gogol
Tom, why don’t you wait in the carriage.
tom
What, I don’t get to eat?
gogol
(agitated)
We will bring you something.
tom
I bet you wouldn’t treat Pushkin like that.
Edgar
It’s all right, sir -- he can eat at our table.
Sissy
(to Edgar, with mild shock)
What?
Edgar
Sissy, my dear -- you are looking at my biggest supporter.
As Tom smiles, Muddy exits from the kitchen wearing an apron.
int. Edgar’s dining room - later
Gogol, Edgar, Sissy, Stowe, Tom, and Muddy are finishing dinner. Tom still has an enormous amount of food on his plate.
tom
This is great, Mrs. Clemm. I don’t get to eat like this every day.
muddy
(uneasily)
I’m glad you are enjoying it.
gogol
(to Muddy)
If I understand correctly, you are Edgar’s aunt.
muddy
That’s right. And Sissy’s mother.
gogol
Sissy’s mother? That would mean Edgar and Sissy are . . .
Edgar clears his throat. Gogol looks at Tom, who smiles at him. Stowe lowers her head.
int. Edgar’s living room - later
The six of them are having coffee. Edgar and Sissy are holding hands.
Edgar
(to Muddy)
Miss Stowe is an abolitionist.
stowe
Mrs. Stowe.
(beat)
And actually, these days I’m more of a slave than an abolitionist.
muddy
(to Edgar)
A slave?
gogol
(smiles)
Hardly. Madame Stowe is in my custody until her trial.
stowe
(angrily)
Wipe that smile off your face, Mr. Gogol.
gogol
Oh, I do so enjoy you. You are such an idealist. A Romantic!
stowe
And you find that funny?
gogol
I find it appealing. Very appealing.
Gogol looks deep into Stowe’s eyes. Stowe blushes.
ext. shawson’s house - later
Munson and Shawson exit together. Shawson points.
shawson
Mr. Gogol is just up the road away.
a hundred yards away
Herman, who is walking along a path, suspiciously looks at Shawson and Munson.
int. tom’s cabin, hallway - later
Gogol leads Stowe to her room.
gogol
I hope you do not hate me too much.
stowe
I hate you enough.
He lovingly grabs her.
gogol
But I do not hate you at all.
Stowe
Mr. Gogol, I’m a married woman.
gogol
Yes, it is a pity.
He passionately kisses her. She looks shocked. They burst through the door.
int. stowe’s room - same
Gogol is lying on top of Stowe, passionately glaring into her eyes.
stowe
So, you’re a rapist.
gogol
Yes, a rapist.
He lovingly kisses her neck. She can’t help but amorously react to his kisses. She puts her arms around him.
stowe
(meekly)
Help me.
gogol
Yes, help.
There’s a knock on the door. Gogol stops and lifts his head. Stowe looks relieved.
gogol
(annoyed)
Gospodi!
(beat)
What is it?
tom (os)
A man to see you.
gogol
At this hour?
tom (os)
He says it’s very important.
Gogol jumps out of bed and straightens his clothes.
gogol
Sorry, my darling.
Gogol quickly leaves. Tom enters the threshold, looks at Stowe, and smiles. Stowe’s face is bright red.
tom
You all right, Mrs. Stowe?
stowe
I am now. Thank you, Tom.
Tom closes the door. Stowe runs to the window and opens it. She fans herself with fresh air.
She curiously looks down.
at the entrance
Munson enters the house. Stowe does not see his face.
int. tom’s cabin - same
Gogol and Munson face each other.
gogol
A runaway slave?
munson
Yes, a boy -- about thirteen.
gogol
Ah, yes -- the boy from the other night.
(beat)
I am sorry, but I have not seen him since that evening. He is probably a hundred versts from here.
munson
I don’t know how long a verst is, but I don’t think he’s a hundred anything from here.
Tom walks down the stairs. He and Munson look at each other suspiciously.
int. tom’s cabin, hallway - later
Gogol has his hands on Stowe’s doorknob. But with a fearful expression, he turns around and leaves.
int. stowe’s room - same
Stowe, who is lying in bed with the covers up to her neck, hears Gogol moving away. At first, she looks relieved, but soon looks a little disappointed.
ext. Herman’s cabin - day
Herman is chopping wood with an ax. Ishmael runs outside, carrying ROBINSON CRUSOE.
Herman
Where you going?
Ishmael stops and blushes.
ishmael
Just gonna go reading.
Herman
Be careful.
int. gogol’s study - same
Edgar is facing Gogol, who is standing on his head.
Edgar
Tom tells me there was a bit of commotion between you and Miss Stowe last night.
gogol
Mrs. Stowe. And Tom should know better than to tell tales.
(beat)
Tell me, are all Negro slaves like him?
Edgar
Hardly.
(beat)
But, I feel I should tell you, sir
-- as a gentlemen, I don’t like you taking advantage of her like this.
int. outside gogol’s study - same
Stowe is listening outside the door.
gogol (os)
I assure you, nothing happened. I am simply playing a game with her.
Stowe looks visibly angry.
Edgar (os)
A game?
gogol (os)
Yes, just a little cat and mouse.
stowe
(softly)
We’ll see who’s a mouse.
ext. road - same
Munson, who is on horseback, stops when he sees Ishmael in the distance, running through a dense patch of forest. He dismounts.
int. gogol’s study - later
Gogol is sitting and smiling at his desk, as he writes in his manuscript (in Russian.)
gogol (vo)
Chichikov, who was now in the most satisfying mood, sat in his carriage, which had long since made its way --
There’s a knock on the door. Gogol doesn’t stop writing.
gogol
Yes?
stowe (os)
Can I come in?
Gogol drops his quill.
gogol
Yes.
Stowe enters, gleaming. She closes the door behind herself.
stowe
I was surprised you didn’t come back last night to ravish me.
gogol
(smiles)
Disappointed?
She walks up behind him and puts her hands on his shoulder.
stowe
You certainly are a strange little man.
Gogol looks uneasy.
ext. riverbank - later
Two sets of feet (a girl’s and a boy’s) stick out of the bushes.
ext. riverbank, bushes - same
Sally is reading ROBINSON CRUSOE, with Ishmael attentively looking on.
sally
I . . . I ma . . de him kn . . . ow his name . . . should be Fri
. . . day.
Sally smiles at Ishmael. He smiles back. She closes her eyes and leans toward him.
Two sets of arms drag Sally and Ishmael from the bushes screaming.
ext. riverbank - same
The two men with patches drag Sally and Ishmael from the bushes.
The first man picks up Sally and throws her onto the ground. He smiles.
first man
You won’t get away this time.
ishmael
No!
The second man picks up Ishmael by his legs. Ishmael screams.
second man
Catch a nigger by his toe.
(beat)
If he hollers, let him go!
The second man throws Ishmael near the river, knocking him unconscious. He then joins the first man, who is on top of Sally.
The first man rips open the top of Sally’s dress. She cries out for help.
The butt of a shotgun smashes into the first man’s good eye, knocking him out. The second man turns to the assailant. Munson smashes his fist into the second man’s good eye, knocking him out.
Munson spits.
munson
Trash.
Munson kneels in front of Sally, who is still hysterical.
munson
Are you all right?
sally
Please . . . please don’t hurt me.
ishmael (os)
Sally?
Munson stands up and turns around. Ishmael, who is woozy, rubs his head.
munson
Ishmael?
Ishmael pauses briefly, and then starts running away.
munson
Hey, come back here!
(beat)
Damn!
Munson starts running after Ishmael.
ext. manhattan - same
Kopeikin walks aimlessly through a street. He draws a lot of unwanted attention due to his uniform.
He stops in front of the RUSSIAN CONSULATE. Its sign incorporates an elaborate SEAL.
ext. tom’s cabin - same
Ishmael quickly runs past the cabin, with Munson about twenty yards behind him.
As Munson crosses the cabin, Tom appears and smashes Stowe’s handgun into Munson’s head, knocking him out. Due to the small size of the gun, Tom’s hand connects as well. He winces in pain.
tom
Damn!
int. gogol’s study - same
Stowe is chasing Gogol around the desk.
gogol
But . . . but you are a married woman.
stowe
That didn’t stop you last night.
gogol
It was different.
stowe
Why?
gogol
I was chasing you.
Stowe abruptly stops, changes direction, and catches Gogol. She pushes him down against the desk.
ext. tom’s cabin, shed - same
Tom slowly, and with lots of effort, drags Munson inside.
When he exits, he sees Sally, who is quite disheveled, approaching. When she sees him, she runs up and hugs him.
tom
What happened?
sally
These men . . . they tried . . . they . . .
Tom drags Sally to the front of the shed and points to Munson.
tom
(angrily)
This man?
sally
No. He saved me.
tom
Saved you?
int. gogol’s study - same
Stowe is kissing Gogol’s neck.
gogol
(meekly)
Help me!
stowe
So, how do you like being the mouse?
gogol
Madame Stowe -- I think you should maybe find other accommodations.
stowe
I can’t! Remember, I’m under your custody!
gogol
(smiles)
Oh, that.
(beat)
It . . . it was just a little joke.
stowe
(horrified)
A joke?
gogol
Yes, you see, you have always been free.
(beat)
Your judge happened to be a noted abolitionist.
She grabs his throat.
stowe
I’ll kill you!
Edgar rushes in and pulls Stowe off Gogol. Tom enters with Sally and loudly clears his throat. Gogol, Edgar, and Stowe stop and look at him.
tom
I think we have a situation.
int. Herman’s cabin - same
Herman is lying on his bed reading. Ishmael storms inside.
Herman
What’s wrong?
ishmael
He’s after me!
Herman
Who?
ishmael
He wants to take me back!
Herman grabs him.
Herman
No one’s taking you anywhere.
ext. tom’s cabin, shed - later
Tom opens the shed. Gogol, Edgar, and Stowe look inside. Munson comes to.
stowe
Mr. Munson?
munson
Miss Stowe?
stowe
Mrs. Stowe.
tom
(shocked)
You know him?
stowe
Of course.
(beat)
He works for the Railroad.
int. dance - night
About thirty semi-formally dressed men and women are gathered. Half of them are waltzing.
Shawson greets Mrs. Harding.
shawson
I understand you had a visitor yesterday.
harding
Yes, I did, as a matter of fact. Two very strange young men.
shawson
I should say.
(softly)
So, how’d you make out?
harding
Excuse me?
shawson
Didn’t he buy your dead Negroes?
Harding grabs her face in shock.
harding
How did you know?
(beat)
I knew I was doing something wrong!
A group of waltzers stop and stare at Harding.
shawson
Sshhh -- keep your voice down!
harding
Please, Mr. Shawson -- don’t tell anyone I sold my dead slaves!
voices (os)
What?
shawson
Shut up, you old fool!
The sheriff walks up to them.
sheriff
What’s going on?
harding
Please, Sheriff -- I didn’t know what I was doing.
A crowd surrounds them.
sheriff
What are you talking about?
harding
Selling dead slaves.
DAWKINS (os)
You sold some, too?
The crowd turns to Dawkins, who wheels up to them.
shawson
He bought them from you as well?
sheriff
(exasperated)
Who?
sanderson
Mr. Gogol.
harding
He bought them from you, too?
sheriff
Somebody please tell me what’s going on!
The deputy walks up to the sheriff.
deputy
Sheriff, some men want to see you.
sheriff
Not now!
deputy
I really think you want to talk to these people.
int. tom’s cabin - same
Stowe is talking to Sally, who is nearly in tears. Gogol, Edgar, Tom, and Munson look on.
stowe
You must tell us where Ishmael is.
sally
But I promised I wouldn’t.
stowe
Sometimes we have to break our promises.
(beat)
Don’t you want him to join his family in Canada?
ext. dance hall - later
The sheriff and the deputy walk toward three large, well-dressed (REAL) SLAVE HUNTERS, who have deep Southern accents. Two of the men are holding BLOODHOUNDS.
sheriff
Well, who are they?
The first man hands the sheriff a piece of paper.
first HUNTER
We’re looking for a family of runaway slaves. We know they came through here.
The sheriff looks at the paper.
sheriff
Why, this is the family the other fellows picked up.
second HUNTER
Other fellows?
first HUNTER
Sheriff, I assure you, we are the only people looking for this family.
The sheriff turns to the deputy.
sheriff
I’m more interested in those dead slaves.
ext. woods - same
Herman is preparing a fire while Ishmael looks on nervously.
ishmael
Are we really gonna be sailors?
Herman
(smiles)
The boat leaves the day after tomorrow. A whaling ship.
int. tom’s cabin - later
Tom opens the door. The sheriff, the deputy, and the first hunter enter and quickly approach Gogol and Edgar.
sheriff
Mr. Gogol, you are under arrest.
gogol
Arrest?
Edgar
For what?
sheriff
For buying dead slaves.
Edgar
What law has he broken?
sheriff
I don’t know, but I’m sure gonna find one.
(to deputy)
Take him.
first HUNTER
Sheriff, what about our slaves . . . the living ones?
int. burr’s house, manhattan - later
Burr is standing with his back against a very nervous-looking BUTLER. They are both holding PISTOLS.
burr
On the count of ten.
Burr starts slowly and wobbly walking forward, away from the butler. The butler doesn’t move.
burr
One . . . two . . .
butler
Please, Colonel -- I don’t like playing Hamilton.
burr
Three . . . four . . .
GLASS SMASHES OFF-SCREEN.
burr
What was that?
ext. street - later
The butler rushes out. A BRICK has been thrown through Burr’s window sign, but Burr’s name is still readable. The butler looks down the street and sees two drunken men in the distance.
first man
Blackguard!
second man
Traitor!
int. burr’s house - later
The butler enters. Burr is still holding his pistol.
burr
What was it?
butler
Some more of your admirers.
burr
That’s the third time this month.
butler
Forth.
Someone loudly KNOCKS OFF-SCREEN. Burr cocks his pistol.
int. house entranceway - later
Burr nervously opens the door and points his pistol at Edgar, who quickly raises his hand.
int. prison - day
Burr, who is smoking a cigar, smiles at Gogol through the bars. Edgar, who is holding a large BLACK BAG, is standing next to Burr. The deputy is sitting near the door, intently watching.
Burr offers Gogol his hand.
burr
Zdravstuyte, gospodin Gogol.
Gogol shakes Burr’s hand.
gogol
You speak Russian?
burr
I spent quite a bit of time in your country seeking funds for one of my . . .
(looks around)
Projects.
gogol
You were really vice-president of America?
burr
(angrily)
I would’ve been president if not for Jefferson and the salacious lies he spread about me!
Edgar loudly clears his throat.
burr
Excuse me.
(beat)
We’ve just come from the judge -- he set bail at ten thousand dollars.
gogol
What?
Edgar
He thinks you’re a high risk to leave the country.
gogol
But what crime have I committed?
burr
He’s still looking.
(softly)
Believe me, I know all about judges and trumped-up charges.
(normal voice)
They once tried to convict me of treason. And all because I wanted to start a little, harmless . . . country.
Burr walks to the door, stops, and turns around.
burr
Don’t worry -- I’ll get you out.
(to deputy)
Even if I have to re-form my old gang to break you out by force.
Burr leaves. Gogol shakes his head.
gogol
He . . . he is crazy.
Edgar
(smiles)
I knew you’d like him.
Gogol scowls at Edgar.
gogol
Ten thousand is a lot of money.
Edgar
Perhaps you could mortgage some of your slaves.
gogol
Mortgage?
Gogol pauses in thought. The deputy listens even more intently.
Edgar
I was joking!
gogol
My manuscript.
Edgar takes out a quill, ink, and the manuscript from the bag.
int. judge’s chamber - same
The JUDGE, a heavy-set man in his mid-sixties wearing judicial garb, is sitting behind a desk facing the PROSECUTOR, a lanky man with a long mustache.
The judge takes a sip of tea.
judge
What will you charge him with?
prosecutor
To start with, filing false deeds.
ext. russian consulate - later
Edgar hesitantly enters the building.
int. russian consulate - later
The RUSSIAN CONSULAR, a balding man in his fifties with a bushy mustache, is sitting behind a desk emotionlessly listening to Edgar, who is sitting in front of him. His ASSISTANT is solemnly standing behind him.
edgar
Mr. Gogol doesn’t even know I’m here. I came on the advice of his counsel.
consular
So what would you have us do?
Edgar
I don’t know . . . but Mr. Gogol insists he’s your country’s greatest writer. After Pushkin.
consular
(condescendingly)
Did he?
The consular momentarily looks up at his assistant and smiles, before looking back at Edgar.
consular
I should say he now surpasses Pushkin.
The consular stands up.
consular
I will see what we can do.
He leads Edgar to the front door. The assistant follows.
consular
But I make no promises.
Edgar and the assistant leave. The consular hurries back to his desk and starts writing a letter.
int. shawson’s study - same
Shawson, Sanderson, and Dawkins are sitting around a desk.
dawkins
We should just let the law take care of it.
shawson
You fool! We’ll all be implicated. If Gogol broke the law buying dead slaves, we certainly broke the law selling them.
sanderson
Tax evasion, at the very least.
shawson
I propose handling this ourselves. After all, Gogol is a foreigner. He has no family or friends here.
Sanderson and Dawkins look at each other uneasily.
int. Herman’s cabin - same
Sally timidly enters, looking upset.
sally
Ishmael, are you hiding in here?
(beat)
Please don’t be mad that I told Mrs. Stowe.
(beat)
Ishmael?
int. rooming house - later
Kopeikin is lying on a bed, deep in thought, in a Spartanly-furnished room. Someone knocks on the door. He opens it. A middle-aged, stout LANDLADY is standing there holding an envelop affixed with the Russian consulate’s seal.
landlady
A letter for you.
Kopeikin rudely grabs it from her hand. She looks insulted as he opens it.
int. prison - night
Gogol, who has a melancholy countenance, is busily writing in his manuscript. The deputy is sitting by the door.
gogol (vo)
By mortgaging them, Chichikov thought, he could obtain two hundred rubles for each soul. Two hundred thousand in capital!
Edgar and Tom enter. Edgar meekly smiles.
Edgar
Burr is seeing the judge.
Gogol jumps up in fear.
gogol
Quick -- behind you!
Edgar and Tom look at each other incredulously.
ext. road - same
Herman and Ishmael quietly and cautiously come to a crossing. Three shotguns are cocked at them. The first slave hunter smiles.
first hunter
Howdy, folks.
MUNSON (OS)
Put the guns down, fellows.
The three men turn and fire. Herman and Ishmael hide in the bushes.
int. prison - same
Gogol is pleading with Edgar and Tom.
gogol
Why won’t you look?
tom
Look at what, you crazy bastard?
Five armed VIGILANTES wearing scarves storm the prison. The first vigilante points his shotgun at the deputy, who quickly raises his arms in surrender. The second vigilante is carrying a NOOSE.
int. road - same
Munson fires at the slave hunters and ducks. Stowe is sitting on the ground loading a RIFLE. Munson smiles as he puts his rifle down.
munson
Your papa taught you well.
She smiles and tosses him the rifle. He quickly jumps up and fires again.
ext. field - same
Sally is walking, solemnly staring into the sky. She hears nearby shotgun blasts.
int. prison - same
The third vigilante unlocks the cell. Gogol stands on his head.
Edgar
What is the meaning of this?
The second vigilante pushes Edgar to the side, while the third, forth, and fifth vigilantes enter the cell.
third vigilante
Get up, you fool!
The forth and fifth vigilantes stand Gogol upright and lead him from the cell toward the front door.
gogol
Do not worry, Edgar -- if a man is destined to be burned alive, he cannot hang.
Gogol is dragged out past a docile Tom. The second vigilante looks at Tom.
second vigilante
We’re not gonna have any problems from you, boy, are we?
Tom momentarily pauses. He shakes his head.
int. judge’s dining room - same
The judge and Burr are finishing dinner. Burr lights a cigar.
judge
It doesn’t look good for him, Colonel.
burr
And why may I ask?
judge
He clearly broke the law.
burr
We shall see.
judge
This will not be like your trial -- this time justice will be served.
burr
I had a fair trial!
judge
Fair, my ass!
burr
Why, I’d challenge you to a duel
. . . if it weren’t for my arthritis.
After a brief pause, the two men smile at each other.
ext. road - same
The three hunters, behind the cover of trees and bushes, are shooting at Munson.
The first hunter sees Herman and Ishmael hiding in the bushes. He grabs Ishmael and drags him out. Herman tries to stop him, but the man knocks Herman unconscious with the butt of his shotgun.
Sally runs toward them.
sally
Ishmael!
The first hunter turns around and fires, just as he himself is shot.
ext. prison - same
The noose is hanging over a strong branch of a tree. Nearby, the vigilantes place Gogol, whose hands are tied behind his back, on a horse.
Kopeikin quickly enters on horseback.
kopeikin
Stop -- in the name of the Czar!
The vigilantes turn to Kopeikin.
second vigilante
Who the . . .
gogol
An imperial guard! Quick -- hang me!
Kopeikin stops.
kopeikin
What?
gogol
Better to hang here than in Petersburg.
kopeikin
Hang?
gogol
You are here because of the Czar.
kopeikin
True.
gogol
(to vigilantes)
The Czar hates me. He despised my play.
(beat)
Everyone misinterpreted it -- liberals, conservatives -- they all twisted it for their own ends.
kopeikin
The Czar loved your play!
gogol
What?
kopeikin
He loved it. He told me so himself.
(to vigilantes)
He even laughed.
gogol
He laughed?
(beat)
At which parts?
The first Vigilante points his gun at Kopeikin.
first vigilante
Sir, we have no quarrel with you. Please stand back.
kopeikin
Release him! Now!
Kopeikin charges, drawing his SWORD with his left hand. The first Vigilante shoots Kopeikin at close range, blowing off his left arm, and throwing him off his horse.
third vigilante
Come on -- let’s hang him already!
As the second vigilante puts the noose around Gogol’s neck, he is shot dead by Tom, who is holding Stowe’s pistol. Edgar stands nearby.
The third vigilante takes off the second vigilante’s scarf, revealing Shawson.
third vigilante
He killed him.
first vigilante
Well, there’s rope enough to hang two men.
The vigilantes slowly approach Tom.
Edgar
(to Tom)
Perhaps you should make a run for it.
A rifle fires in the near distance, followed by the appearance of Munson. Herman is walking beside him carrying Sally, who has a large bullet wound in her chest. Behind them, Stowe and Ishmael, who is teary-eyed, are riding on a horse.
munson
There’s not gonna be anymore killing.
Tom
Sally?
Tom frantically runs up to Herman, grabs Sally in despair, and falls to the ground. He becomes covered in her blood.
first vigilante
(to other vigilantes)
What are you standing around for? String the boy up. He can’t shoot all of us.
The vigilantes cautiously approach Tom. Munson cocks and aims his rifle.
A bullet fires into the first vigilante’s head from behind. When he collapses, Kopeikin appears, sitting on the ground holding a REVOLVER in his right hand.
The remaining vigilantes look uneasily at each other.
ext. prison - later
Edgar and Munson take Gogol off the horse, and Edgar unties his hands. Herman carries Kopeikin toward Gogol.
Burr rides in, followed by the sheriff.
burr
What is all this?
kopeikin
(to Gogol)
Nikolai Vasilevich.
Kopeikin attempts to salute with his left hand, but noticing his missing arm, salutes with his right hand.
kopeikin
Kopeikin, my lord. Piotr --
gogol
You came all the way to America to tell me the Czar liked my play?
kopeikin
No, sir.
(looks down)
Aleksandr Sergeevich is dead.
gogol
(shocked)
Pushkin?
kopeikin
He was killed by Baron d’Anthès. In a duel.
burr
(indignantly)
Not a duel.
Everyone stares at Burr. He shrugs. Kopeikin turns to Gogol.
kopeikin
The Czar requests your return.
Gogol turns and walks back toward the horse.
gogol
Pushkin dead?
(shouts)
Dead?
Gogol jumps on the horse and tries to pull the noose over his neck. Edgar and Munson grab him.
ext. Becky and sally’s grave - day
Tom, Ishmael, Herman, and Munson stand over Sally’s freshly dug grave, which is next to her mother’s. Stowe is reading from the Bible.
stowe
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Stowe closes the Bible, and puts her hand on Tom’s shoulder. Tom breaks down in sorrow.
int. Herman’s cabin - later
Ishmael is pleading with Herman. Stowe and Munson look on.
ishmael
But you said we were gonna be partners.
Herman
That was when we thought your folks were slaves. Or worse.
ishmael
But I don’t wanna go to Canada -- I wanna go to sea with you. You promised.
Herman sadly turns to Stowe and Munson.
ext. manhattan courtroom - day
A young, shabbily-dressed BOY is selling copies of the NEW YORK SUN on the street corner. The headline states: “DEAD SLAVES TRIAL.”
A TALL MAN in his late twenties, who is wearing a large, beat up STOVEPIPE HAT, walks by the boy.
boy
Paper, sir?
The tall man stops and carefully looks at the headline.
int. courtroom - later
Gogol is sitting in the defendant’s seat. Edgar, Stowe, and Kopeikin are sitting behind him in the first pew. The tall man is sitting in the back.
The judge looks at his pocket watch.
judge
I’m sorry -- but we’ll have to begin without Colonel Burr.
The door forcefully swings open. Burr enters carrying a BAG.
judge
Do you always have to be so dramatic?
int. courtroom - later
The prosecutor is examining Edgar, who is sitting in the witness chair.
prosecutor
If you knew Mr. Gogol was doing something -- in the very least unethical -- why did you assist him?
Edgar
I have a family to support.
prosecutor
So you did it for the money?
Edgar
Yes. I mean, no. I . . .
(smiles)
I must admit, I found it all terribly amusing.
Gogol smiles at Edgar.
int. courtroom - later
The prosecutor is examining Tom, who looks very bitter.
prosecutor
For the record, you are the property of the defendant, are you not?
Tom looks carefully at Gogol for a few moments.
tom
No.
prosecutor
Perhaps, you didn’t understand the question.
tom
I understood it.
prosecutor
Perhaps, you’ve forgotten you’re under oath.
int. courtroom - later
The prosecutor is examining the deputy.
prosecutor
So, you heard the defendant and Mr. Poe discuss mortgaging his dead slaves?
int. courtroom - later
The prosecutor is examining a bespectacled, middle-aged MAN.
prosecutor
As a banking expert, please tell the court what one could accomplish by mortgaging these slave deeds.
man
One could conceivably apply for and receive any number of loans.
gogol
(to Burr)
Why does everyone misunderstand me!
The judge bangs his gavel.
judge
Order!
int. courtroom - later
Stowe solemnly steps down from the witness chair. Burr is asleep.
prosecutor
Your honor, the prosecution rests.
judge
Very well. Colonel Burr, you may begin.
Burr starts snoring.
judge
(loudly)
Colonel Burr!
Startled, Burr wakes up and stands.
judge
It’s your turn.
burr
The defense rests, your honor.
The jury and the audience is abuzz. The judge looks surprised.
judge
What?
burr
Didn’t I speak loud enough? The defense rests.
The judge bangs his gavel to restore order. Burr slowly sits down. Gogol, who is visibly upset, grabs his arm.
gogol
What are you doing?
burr
What do you mean?
gogol
You do not question witnesses, you do not present our case. I do not know much about American law, but
. . .
Burr touches Gogol’s hand and confidently smiles.
BURR | SUBTITLES |
Uspokoytets. Uspokoytets. | Calm yourself. Calm yourself. |
int. courtroom - later
The judge is addressing the courtroom.
judge
Final arguments.
int. courtroom - later
The prosecutor is facing the jury.
prosecutor
Slavery is a blot on our entire nation. A blot that, at least here in New York, we hope soon to remove.
(beat)
Which only makes what this man did all the worse.
(to Gogol)
This . . . this despicable man, not only did he commit fraud, but he did so by purchasing dead slaves.
(beat)
Imagine, dead human beings. Why, it’s . . . diabolical.
(to jury)
There’s only one verdict you can return. One true Christian verdict. . . . Guilty.
The prosecutor returns to his seat.
judge
Colonel Burr, do you want to say something?
Burr smiles.
int. courtroom - later
Burr is facing the jury.
burr
Of course, the evidence is overwhelming. I can’t possibly deny Mr. Gogol bought dead slaves. Which, I guess by the letter of the law, could be construed as illegal.
Burr slowly turns to the audience.
burr
But the prosecution has not proved any attempt to defraud anyone.
(beat)
The truth is Mr. Gogol purchased those slaves for no other intent than in the praise of folly.
(smiles)
As a lark for his book.
(beat)
This was his mistake.
Burr turns back to the jury.
burr
(curtly)
How dare he, as a foreigner, have the audacity to mock our folly -- to laugh at us.
(beat)
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we all know that’s the only reason he sits before you.
int. courtroom - day
Everyone is standing. The judge looks at the JURY FOREMAN.
judge
How say you?
jury foreman
Guilty, your honor.
The courtroom is abuzz. The judge bangs his gavel.
int. courtroom - later
Burr and Gogol are standing. The judge addresses them.
judge
Do you have anything to say before I pass sentence?
Burr loudly clears his throat. An entourage of elegantly-dressed Russians enter, led by the consular and his assistant. The consular hands Burr a large ENVELOP affixed with the Russian consulate’s seal.
burr
Perhaps you should read this.
int. courtroom - later
The judge opens the envelop and takes out a letter.
judge
What is this?
The judge puts on his EYEGLASSES.
burr
It’s from the Russian consulate.
(to audience)
It states that Mr. Gogol is a member of the Russian Imperial Court, and hence entitled to diplomatic immunity.
The courtroom is abuzz.
judge
Why didn’t you show me this before the trial?
burr
What, and spoil all this drama?
Burr smiles. The judge scowls at him.
int. courtroom - later
Burr is slowly placing documents into his bag. The tall man approaches him and offers his hand.
tall man
That was quite an eloquent defense, Colonel.
Burr smiles and shakes his hand.
burr
Thank you, Mr. . . .
tall man
Lincoln.
INT. GOGOL’S STUDY - day
Gogol is solemnly drawing a small horse-drawn carriage, racing off in a cloud of dust, on a piece of paper that states: “ÌÅÐÒÂÛÅ ÄÓØÈ,” “ÏÎÝÌÀ.”
SUPER “DEAD SOULS,” “A POEM.”
He places the paper on top of his manuscript and looks up at the portrait of Pushkin. Edgar enters.
Edgar
Everything is taken care of, sir.
(beat)
So, if there isn’t anything else, I shall take my leave of you.
Gogol stands up and shakes Edgar’s hand.
gogol
Farewell, my friend.
Edgar feigns a smile as he enviously looks at the completed manuscript. He turns and walks toward the door.
gogol
By the way, Tom showed me some of your work.
Edgar stops, but does not turn toward Gogol.
gogol
A little too derivative of Lucian, but very good.
(beat)
You have talent, Edgar. Do not drown it.
int. burr’s apartment - same
Burr is lying in bed sick, with his butler attending him.
burr
I feel it’s time.
butler
Yes, sir.
burr
You don’t have to agree with me.
butler
Sorry, sir.
(smiles)
You really showed them.
burr
Yes. I can take some solace in that. That and the fact I outlived Jefferson.
(smiles)
And, of course, Hamilton.
ext. train stop - dusk
Edgar is sitting alone on a bench underneath a tree, trying to write something on a piece of parchment. His hand shakes. He puts the quill down and takes out his opium pipe.
Edgar
(to pipe)
I’ll never write again.
A RAVEN perches on a branch above Edgar. Edgar takes out some opium.
Edgar
Never. Nevermore.
raven
Nevermore.
Edgar, shocked, drops the opium. He turns to the raven.
raven
Nevermore.
int. Sissy’s room - night
Edgar enters. A light from a street lamppost is shinning into the room. Sissy is asleep, but is violently coughing. Edgar joins her on the bed and puts his hand on her shoulder. She awakes.
Sissy
Edgar. What is it?
Edgar
I’ve written a poem.
Sissy
(excitingly)
Really?
Edgar
Would you like to hear it?
Sissy
Of course!
Edgar takes out a piece of paper and starts reading.
Edgar
I lie so composedly,
Now, in my bed,
(to Sissy)
Knowing her love . . .
(to paper)
That you fancy me dead.
I rest so contentedly,
Now, in my bed,
(to Sissy)
With her love at my breast . . .
(to paper)
That you fancy me dead.
That you shudder to look at me,
Thinking me dead.
Edgar drops the paper to his side. She looks at him uneasily and then rests her head on his chest.
ext. port of manhattan - day
Tom stops the carriage. Herman, who is sitting next to him, jumps off, carrying his bag. He looks inside the carriage, where Gogol and Kopeikin are sitting.
Herman
Thanks for the ride, Mr. Gogol.
Gogol politely smiles at him, and he rushes off. Tom steps down and opens the carriage door. Gogol and Kopeikin exit.
tom
I’ll get our things onboard.
gogol
Only my things.
tom
What do you mean?
Gogol hands Tom an official DOCUMENT.
gogol
I had Edgar take care of this. You are a free man, Tom.
Tom reads the document in shock.
ext. passenger ship - later
Kopeikin and Gogol step onto the plank.
stowe (os)
Mr. Gogol!
Gogol and Kopeikin stop and turn around. Gogol smiles at Stowe. He briefly turns to Kopeikin and waves him on. Kopeikin continues onboard.
gogol
Madame Stowe. You need not have seen me off.
stowe
I wanted to tell you . . .
(smiles)
I’m . . . I’m actually very glad you were released.
gogol
Really?
She reluctantly nods. He kisses her hand. She blushes. She starts to back up, but stops.
stowe
I . . . I have to know something.
(beat)
That night you were at my door . . . why didn’t you come in?
Gogol looks down in shame.
gogol
Believe me, Mrs. Stowe, if I could
. . . if I had the ability to love someone, anyone . . .
(to Stowe)
It would be you.
ext. whaling ship - same
A burly old sea CAPTAIN stares at Herman.
captain
No sea experience whatsoever?
Herman lowers his head.
captain
Well, I guess we could always use one more cabin boy.
Herman looks up and smiles.
ishmael (os)
How ’bout two?
Herman quickly turns around and looks at Ishmael with surprise. Ishmael smiles.
ishmael
Guess I’m getting good at running away.
ext. passenger ship - later
Gogol is standing on the deck by himself, staring into the horizon, humming the aria from “ROBERT LE DIABLE.” He looks queasy.
gogol (vo)
What is it you want from me? What ambiguous link bonds us?
(beat)
Why do you stare so, and why is everything that is you turned toward me with such eyes of expectation?
(beat)
Answer!
Tom appears behind him with the freedom document in his hand. He smiles.
tom
Looking for Satan?
Gogol turns around in shock.
gogol
Tom?
Tom drops the freedom document into the ocean.
gogol
Why . . . why did you do that?
tom
I don’t need any paper to tell me what I am.
gogol
So, now what will you do?
tom
I’m going to Russia.
gogol
Russia?
tom
Yup, gonna get me one of those pretty white wives -- and some white slaves too. Just like Pushkin.
gogol
But Pushkin was a great writer.
tom
(smiles)
That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, I’ve got this great idea for a novel.
Gogol smiles and turns back to the ocean. His smile fades, though, when he sees SATAN laughing at him.
fade out
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