Beauty and the Beast
Down to a Sunless Sea
Season One, Episode 17
Original Air Date February 19, 1988
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by Christopher Leitch
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INTERIOR TUNNELS NIGHT - VINCENT’ S CHAMBER:
Vincent is sleeping and having a nightmare. He dreams he is running through a forest in the night.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAWN – NEW YORK:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - CATHERINE’ S APARTMENT:
Catherine is sitting at the table eating breakfast and reading the newspaper. A piece of burnt toast pops out of the toaster. It is hot and Catherine drops it.
CATHERINE
Damn it!
Catherine walks over to the counter and pours some coffee. She sits back and continues reading the newspaper. She tastes the coffee.
CATHERINE
Urgh!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY – HALLWAY CATHERINE’ APARTMENT BUILDING:
Catherine exits the apartment and locks the door. After a few steps, her heel breaks, causing her to lunge forwards, dropping all her documents.
CATHERINE
(Exasperated)
God!
She takes off her shoe.
CATHERINE
(Annoyed)
I bought these yesterday!
She picks up all her papers, and goes back into the apartment.
CATHERINE
(Just audibly)
Grrh!
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY - D.A.’s OFFICE:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - JOE’ S OFFICE:
Catherine and Joe are in counsel with a woman who is sitting on the couch. She is looking at her bruised face in a small mirror.
CATHERINE
You have to keep reminding yourself of what he did to you...
Even after the bruises fade.
MARCY
(Sighing)
He’s still my husband.
(Touching the bruises)
CATHERINE
Marcy!
(Emphatic)
He’s dangerous!
JOE
If you don’t post bail, we can at least keep him locked up, until the trial.
And keep you safe.
MARCY
Well, uh…. I couldn’t stand to see him in there.
(Smiling weakly)
You don’t know what it was like for me. He was crying like a baby!...
CATHERINE
He’s done that before.
MARCY
(Sighing)
I know but… this is different. He swears, he’ll never lay a hand on me again.
He swears it.
CATHERINE
(Unconvinced)
And you believe him…
JOE
(Long pause then sighing)
MARCY
(Upset and embarrassed)
If there’s nothing else, I’d like to go now.
Marcy exits without speaking to either of them.
CATHERINE
Damn it!
JOE
What’d you expect?
For her to come around just because we gave her a good talking to?
A machine sounds - Joe pushes the button.
JOE
Yeah.
SECRETARY
Call for Miss Chandler on seven.
Catherine is ready to head back to her desk.
JOE
Why don’t you take it here? I need some coffee.
Joe exits, Catherine picks up the phone.
CATHERINE
Catherine Chandler.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - JENNY’S OFFICE:
JENNY
Ah…
(Smiling broadly)
It’s great to hear your voice, stranger!
CATHERINE
Jenny?
(Laughing)
Is that really Jenny Aronson, world record holder for unreturned phone calls?
JENNY
Don’t forget unrequited love!
CATHERINE
(Laughing)
That’s not what I hear! How are ya? What’s up?
JENNY
Oh, I’m fine! I’m great, actually!
I got a phone call, about five minutes ago… (sighing) from Steven Bass.
He is in town, he’s trying to reach you and…
I gave him your home number, and it occurred to me about a second later,
that I probably shouldn’t have.
He is so insistent! (Pause) Cathy?
CATHERINE
Yeah… I’m here…
(Sighing)
JENNY
You don’t have to call him back. You don’t owe him anything.
CATHERINE
Did he say where he’s staying?
JENNY
Yeah, he’s at the Huntington. If you want, we can talk about it, over lunch?
CATHERINE
No, I don’t. Not yet, anyway.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT – NEW YORK CITY:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR NIGHT - CATHERINE’S APARTMENT:
Catherine grabs a notebook and sits by the answering machine. She presses the button to listen to her messages.
MESSAGE 1 – ARLENE
Hi Cathy, it’s Arlene.
We’re having a dinner party this Saturday.
No big deal, just a few people. Garry is attempting his famous lasagna Florentine.
So, give a call. We’d love to see you.
MESSAGE 2 – GLENN
This is Glenn Martinez.
I have a scheduling conflict regarding tomorrow morning’s deposition with my client.
Call me at home, A.S.A.P. 5553483.
MESSAGE 3 – STEVEN
Hey, Cathy! I’m not in the habit of leaving long messages on answering machines,
but I figured, maybe, it’s the best way to reach you, all things considered.
You know, without putting you on the spot,
which, believe me, is the last thing I wanna do.
In case you’re wondering, I got your number from Jenny Aronson,
but don’t be too hard on her. I said it was important, and it is.
It’s been a long time, Cath. What happened between us… This is absurd…
I promised myself, I wasn’t going to get into that, so I won’t.
Anyway… (laughing) I’m talking to a machine and I can’t press the rewind button from here.
I guess, I really just wanted to touch base with you. There’s something we need to talk about.
Something important. I wouldn’t think that’s too unreasonable a request to you.
I’m staying at the Huntington.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK DAY – INTERIOR KITCHEN:
STEVEN
Give me a reason! I need a reason!
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
You know the reasons…
STEVEN
I’m too possessive.
I don’t like you, be you. What is that supposed to mean?
How was I supposed to act?
Like I didn’t care? Like I didn’t have an opinion?
CATHERINE
(Drained)
I don’t want to argue with you right now…
STEVEN
(Shouting)
You fell in love with me, because I was strong,
because I had my own ideas, because I knew what I wanted!
And now, you hold that against me!
END OF FLASH BACK:
DISSOLVE TO:
Catherine is sitting by her answering machine. A sound indicates there are no more messages.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – NIGHT
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS NIGHT - VINCENT’S CHAMBER:
Children are gathered around Vincent as he prepares to read them a bedtime story.
CHILD
Read the one about the Kubla Khan!
VINCENT
Alright, but then, it’s time for bed.
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
a stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
through caverns measureless to man
down to a sunless sea.
So twice five miles of fertile ground
with walls and towers were girdled round:
And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills…"
Vincent stops suddenly as images appear from the nightmare he had had that morning. He continues reading.
VINCENT
"Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree:
And here were forests ancient as the hills…"
Vincent stops again, threatened by the same images.
CHILD
Vincent?
(Concerned)
Are you alright?
VINCENT
(Smiling reassuringly)
"And here were forests ancient as the hills…"
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT - CATHERINE’S APARTMENT BUILDING:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR NIGHT - CATHERINE’S APARTMENT:
A knock is heard at the door.
CATHERINE
Steven?
STEVEN
Yeah, it’s me.
Catherine opens the door.
CATHERINE
Hi…
STEVEN
(Smiling cautiously)
Hi…
CATHERINE
(Pleased, but tentative)
Come in…
Steven kisses her awkwardly on the cheek, then enters.
STEVEN
Thanks for seeing me.
CATHERINE
Five years… Long time…
STEVEN
Yeah… Well, it’s not that long!
CATHERINE
(Laughing)
Take your coat.
STEVEN
(Taking off coat)
Thanks.
Catherine takes the coat to the bedroom.
STEVEN
(Walking and surveying the room)
Place sure beats the old walk up in Soho!
CATHERINE
I don’t know…huh… Sort of…
Had something you don’t get eighteen storeys above street level.
STEVEN
(Cackling)
Yeah… Lot of noise!
CATHERINE
(Laughing uncomfortably)
Can I get you a drink or something?
STEVEN
(Shaking head and laughing)
This is crazy. I’m…uh, feeling stiff and…polite.
You know I’m neither of those things.
Do you think we can avoid dancing around here like a couple of strangers?
CATHERINE
We… are strangers.
STEVEN
Yeah… I guess we are.
Well! The… You’re eighteen floors up, d’you have a view?
CATHERINE
Mm – hm!
STEVEN
Do you mind?
CATHERINE
(Shaking head and motioning him to go out)
STEVEN
(Absorbing the view)
Well… Since we’re total strangers, how about filling me in?
CATHERINE
(Laughing)
In a hundred words or less?
STEVEN
I have time. Is there… someone?
CATHERINE
(Smiling bashfully)
Yes…
STEVEN
Do you love him?
CATHERINE
(Nodding)
STEVEN
Yeah (whispered).
(Smiling)
I’m glad for you, Cath. I really am.
CATHERINE
What about you?
STEVEN
Oh, modern love is too tough a nut for me to crack.
Besides, the last five years haven’t exactly been the best years of my life.
CATHERINE
I heard about your parents. I’m sorry…
STEVEN
How did you find out?
CATHERINE
(Looking apologetic)
Jenny…
STEVEN
(Nodding understandingly)
Did she tell you that I killed them?
CATHERINE
(Aghast)
What?!
STEVEN
Oh, I was behind the wheel when the car crashed. Drunk, as usual.
The court sentenced me to six months in jail.
One terrible thing happening after another.
It’s taken me the last five years to get my life back
together…And then…(sighing)
CATHERINE
What is it, Steven?
STEVEN
Yeah…Well, it seems that I’ve got this thing in my head, kind of a brain tumour.
Degenerative and about as terminal as they get.
Can you believe it? (laughing sardonically). Me and Job, right?
CATHERINE
(Shaken)
God, Steven…
STEVEN
Well, they give me six months, more or less.
They say that I’ll be fairly normal, for most of that time.
That’s why I’m here, Cathy…
You know, after the anger and the denial
and all that past, I did a lot of thinking.
Took an inventory of my life. I realized
that I hadn’t picked up a lot of friends along the way.
In fact, there was no one. You’re really the most important
person in my life.
CATHERINE
(Looking very sad)
STEVEN
All that I’m asking is that you see me from time to time.
No demands. Just friendship.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK DAY - EXTERIOR. PARK:
Catherine and Steven are spinning around. They fall down on the ground laughing hysterically.
CATHERINE
I feel so light!...
Like I could just lift off and float… right up to the tops of those trees!
(Contented sighing)
I feel so happy!
STEVEN
Do you know how much I love you?
CATHERINE
Uh – uh. How much?
STEVEN
D’you want me to show you or tell you?
CATHERINE
(Nodding expectantly)
Show me!
They kiss tenderly.
CATHERINE
(Smiling)
We have so much to look forward to.
END OF FLASHBACK:
DISSOLVE TO:
Catherine and Steven, still on the balcony.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT – DEPARTMENT STORE:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR NIGHT – JEWELRY COUNTER:
An employee carefully carries a frame and shows it to Steven.
EMPLOYEE
I think I have what you’re looking for. Eighteen carat, solid gold.
STEVEN
Yes…
EMPLOYEE
Quite expensive, I’m afraid. Just over three thousand dollars.
STEVEN
What was that?
EMPLOYEE
It’s three thousand dollars, sir.
STEVEN
It’s perfect.
Stephen gives his credit card to the employee.
EMPLOYEE
Thank you, Mr. Bass.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT - DEPARTMENT STORE:
Steven is on the sidewalk, holding a shopping bag.
STEVEN
Taxi! Taxi!
He walks into the road towards a taxi that is slowing down.
STEVEN
Will you give me a lift?
TAXI DRIVER
I can’t help you, buddy.
Steven crosses the road, walking down a dark alley. As he passes by the entrance of a building, a man appears from a recess and follows him. Another man then suddenly pops in front of Steven. Both men grab him and take him inside another building’s entrance.
ROBBER 1
Look man! Looks like we’ve got us a good one!
STEVEN
Alright, guys, take it easy, I’m not putting up a fight.
ROBBER 1
Good, man!
STEVEN
You want money?
ROBBER 2
What do you think?
Robber 2 takes Steven’s wallet and passes it to robber 1.
ROBBER 2
Check it out!
Robber 1 looks through the wallet, excited to find a large quantity of money.
ROBBER 1
Geez, man! Look at all these! Woo!
STEVEN
I’d just like my ID, if you don’t mind.
ROBBER 1
You hear that, man?
ROBBER 2
(Mocking)
He’d like his ID.
BOTH ROBBERS
Aaaah! (Mockingly)
(Both laughing hysterically)
ROBBER 2
Yeah? Well, I’d like this watch!
STEVEN
That’s alright.
ROBBER 1
(Grabbing the briefcase)
Here, let me hold that for you man.
STEVEN
Hey!
ROBBER 1
Pachamie, what’s in here huh? Ohh…(shaking the case)
STEVEN
Nothing that would interest you!
ROBBER 1
No?
ROBBER 2
No, huh?
STEVEN
Come on, there’s nothing in there!
ROBBER 2
(Viciously)
Shut up!
STEVEN
Come on, there’s nothing. There is nothing…
ROBBER 2
(Threatening)
I said, shut your mouth!
(Holding Steven up hard against the wall)
STEVEN
Argh!
Steven fights the robbers. As he drops his briefcase, it opens and the contents are scattered on the street. Steven overpowers both robbers by viciously kicking them in the gut and groin. Afterwards, he quickly regains his composure and kneels down to pick up the scattered papers. There are numerous pictures of Catherine.
END OF ACT ONE
*
ACT TWO
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – NIGHT:
Vincent and Catherine stroll along the brick tunnel.
CATHERINE
I don’t know… We have so much history together.
It’s hard to know what I’m really feeling.
VINCENT
Did you love this man once?
CATHERINE
Once… And I still feel an obligation for him.
I don’t know why. Because of his illness… maybe…
And because of the intimacy we once had.
VINCENT
I understand…
CATHERINE
(Smiling)
We were happy for a while (laughing)
Life seemed so simple then…
CUT TO:
VINCENT’S NIGHTMARE:
Vincent is startled by images of his nightmare.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – NIGHT:
CATHERINE
(Concerned)
What is it?
VINCENT
I don’t know.
CATHERINE
There was such… fear in your face! I’ve never seen that before!
VINCENT
(Curious)
Are you afraid, Catherine?
CATHERINE
Me?... Of what?
VINCENT
This man, coming back into your life?
CATHERINE
Is that what you’re sensing?
VINCENT
Perhaps…
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
I don’t think "afraid" is the right word.
Curious, maybe. About the road not taken. What my life would’ve held.
And guilty. Because I know I hurt him.
VINCENT
When was the last time you saw him?
CATHERINE
Five years ago.
It was after I’d broken off the engagement. (Sighing)
He just wouldn’t accept it at first. We were arguing, as usual…
It was no different from our other arguments…
but for some reason, that day, he believed me.
And I never saw him again. Until now…
VINCENT
(Looking annoyed)
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY – HOUSE IN COUNTRYSIDE:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR. CAR – DAY:
Steven and real estate agent, Mrs Thompson are driving along a country lane towards a house.
MRS THOMPSON
I think you’ll appreciate my urgent telephone call, Mr Bass.
This just came on the market today, and believe me, it won’t last long! (Smiling)
They park the car in front of a large manor house and step out.
STEVEN
Mrs Thompson, I’m gonna say something that’s very strange.
I… I’ve never been here in my life, but I… somehow recognize it!
Mrs THOMPSON
(Laughing)
Well, that’s not strange at all. I’ve heard that from buyers for twenty years!
Come on inside.
They walk towards the main entrance of the house.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR HOUSE – DAY:
Steven and Mrs Thompson enter a spacious entrance hall.
STEVEN
Oh, yes…It’s beautiful! You gauged my taste very well!
MRS THOMPSON
Come on, I’ll show you the grounds.
They go to the back door of the house and exit.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY - GROUNDS AT THE BACK OF THE HOUSE:
MRS THOMPSON
Well?
STEVEN
I want it. How soon can you draw up the papers?
MRS THOMPSON
(Laughing)
How soon do you need them?
Steven walks down the steps leading into the extensive grounds.
STEVEN
I can have a bank draft for the full amount, tomorrow morning.
MRS THOMPSON
(Smiling)
Are you sure you don’t want a day or two, to think about it?
I mean, I don’t wanna rush you in anything.
STEVEN
I thought about it. I want it.
MRS THOMPSON
You’ll probably have to sign a few wavers in lieu of the usual inspections,
but I can assure you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this property.
STEVEN
(Staring at a clearing through the grounds)
I can see that. It’s perfect… Just perfect.
Mrs Thompson goes back into the house. Steven follows. He stands at the door and looks at the grounds again. Then enters the house and closes the door.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – DAY:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS DAY - VINCENT’S CHAMBER:
Father sits, whilst Vincent paces back and forth.
VINCENT
It’s irrational. I can’t explain it.
FATHER
Well, why don’t you try, Vincent?
(Removing spectacles)
VINCENT
A powerful image… A foreboding.
Every time I think of her.
FATHER
Foreboding. You mean some manifestation of the empathy you share?
VINCENT
No… This is different.
FATHER
Look, Vincent, I remember the last time a man came into her life…
VINCENT
(Pleading)
Please, Father… These feelings are real!
FATHER
I’m not disputing the feelings themselves. Only the source of the feelings.
VINCENT
You think I’m the source?
FATHER
I can understand that.
This man is someone with whom Catherine shared the dreams of a life together.
A life, unfortunately, you and she could never have.
VINCENT
That doesn’t explain the vision. The threat.
FATHER
The threat to her… or the threat to you, Vincent?
CUT TO:
INTERIOR NIGHT - CATHERINE’S APARTMENT:
Catherine is sitting on the couch and Steven on the floor, by the fireplace.
CATHERINE
(Laughing)
I
hadn't thought of Professor Lewbin for years!
STEVEN
I mean, the old guy was certifiably nuts! (Laughing)
Do you remember the time he repeated the same lecture, word for word?
CATHERINE
(Laughing heartily)
You slept through it twice!
Steven sits on the couch beside her.
STEVEN
Well, civil procedure would put anybody to sleep!
CATHERINE
(Laughing)
Ah…Your memory is incredible!
STEVEN
Yeah… Not incredible enough to get me through Law School.
CATHERINE
Enough to remind me of how much I’ve forgotten…
STEVEN
Well, maybe it’s better to forget and smile
than to remember and be sad.
CATHERINE
Stephen, I’m not bitter about our relationship.
It was a very important part of my life,
I’ve always thought of it that way. I did a lot of growing.
STEVEN
You certainly outgrew me! (Pause) I’m sorry. Hey! I’m not perfect.
Steven caresses Catherine’s hair. He sees the scar near her ear.
STEVEN
Where did you get that?
CATHERINE
Mm… Long story…
STEVEN
You know, I actually think scars are beautiful.
They’re kinda like a map to a person’s past.
Proof that even the worst wounds heal.
I have scars too… You just can’t see them.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK NIGHT - INTERIOR ROOM:
STEVEN
I love you! (Yelling)
No one will ever love you like I do!
CATHERINE
(Crying)
It’s too late, Steven. I’m sorry but it is.
STEVEN
(Dumbfounded)
I’m standing here and you’re burning me to the ground…
END OF FLASHBACK:
DISSOLVE TO:
Steven is still caressing Catherine’s hair.
STEVEN
I think I better go. (Standing up)
Listen… The Met is doing "Tosca" tomorrow night.
I know it used to be one of your favourite operas.
CATHERINE
Yeah…It still is.
STEVEN
Why don’t we go then? I mean, if you’re free. I…I.
CATHERINE
(Nodding)
I’m free. I’d love to.
STEVEN
Good.
END OF ACT TWO
*
ACT THREE
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY – DEPARTMENT STORE:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY – DEPARTMENT STORE:
Steven enters, holding his briefcase. He walks towards an elderly employee sitting behind a desk.
STEVEN
Excuse me.
EMPLOYEE 2
May I help you?
STEVEN
I’m looking for Mr Prescott.
EMPLOYEE 2
Mr Prescott is not in today, he is sick, I’m afraid. Can I help you?
STEVEN
Yes. I ordered an antique stove from him, last week.
I called this morning, it was supposed to have arrived.
EMPLOYEE 2
(Standing)
You must be Mr Bass.
STEVEN
Yes, that’s me.
EMPLOYEE 2
Come right this way.
The employee leads Steven through the furniture store to the back.
EMPLOYEE 2
It came in last night, actually. There she is.
He proudly shows Steven a black antique stove.
EMPLOYEE 2
Just a beautiful piece, don’t you think? We can deliver it right away.
STEVEN
(Disgruntled)
This is not the stove I ordered. I specifically ordered a red stove.
EMPLOYEE 2
Did you?
STEVEN
(Aggressively)
Yes, I did!
I called this morning, and was told that a red stove was waiting!
EMPLOYEE 2
There’s nothing here, in the invoice!
STEVEN
(Shouting)
I don’t give a damn about the invoice!
EMPLOYEE 2
(Shocked)
Mr Bass!
STEVEN
(Shouting)
I paid for this in advance!
EMPLOYEE 2
I know you did.
STEVEN
Don’t play games with me! (Emphatically)
I need that stove, and I need it tomorrow!
Everything depends on it. Can you understand that?
EMPLOYEE 2
(Cold and unimpressed)
I’ll call Mr Prescott right away.
STEVEN
You do that.
Steven leaves the store.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY - D.A.’s OFFICE:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - D.A.’s OFFICE:
Catherine walks hurriedly to her desk, holding some papers. Joe comes out of his office.
JOE
Cathy, we have to talk.
CATHERINE
I can’t, I’m late for the
case status meeting with Moreno.
JOE
You may want to put that on hold for a minute.
I got some bad news. Marcy O’ Neill is in jail.
CATHERINE
What?
JOE
She stabbed her husband last night.
She’s been asking for you, so… I figured you’d wanna know.
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
Oh… How is he?
JOE
Intensive care. Presbyterian. Fifty – fifty, last I heard.
CATHERINE
Where’s Marcy?
JOE
Riverdale Tombs. Go ahead. I’ll fill Moreno in.
CATHERINE
Thanks.
Catherine leaves.
JOE
(Sighing)
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - VISITING ROOM RIVERDALE TOMBS:
Catherine and Marcy sit opposite each-other at long table. A female officer is present.
CATHERINE
I’m sorry, Marcy. I’m sorry it got to this point.
MARCY
(Crying)
I don’t know what to do, Miss Chandler… I’m so afraid!
CATHERINE
You’ll get help. Someone from the Public Defender’s Office will be assigned to you.
MARCY
Will I go to prison?
CATHERINE
I don’t know.
MARCY
You don’t know?
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
That may depend on whether or not your husband lives.
MARCY
(Long pause)
It wasn’t like I was… thinking, when it happened.
He was hitting me because… (recalling why and crying)
There was no reason! He was just beating me!
I begged him, but he wouldn’t stop, and that knife was… it was on the counter…
He just kept on and… I felt like I was drowning… and I was reaching for air…
He didn’t even wait until the old bruises were gone!
Oh, God, I’m so afraid!
CATHERINE
(Reaching towards her in sympathy)
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY - CROWDED STREET:
Catherine walks. She opens her purse and looks at her beeper. Then enters a phone booth.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - STEVEN’S HOTEL ROOM:
Steven answers the phone.
STEVEN
Hello!
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
Steven!
STEVEN
Good afternoon!
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
For someone, somewhere, I’m sure it is!
STEVEN
How bad can things get by lunch?
CATHERINE
Bad!... I’m feeling just a little stressed.
STEVEN
Well, I’m sorry I have to add to your bad day, but… I have to back out of tonight.
CATHERINE
(Disappointed)
Oh, why?
STEVEN
I’m not feeling too well, and when I get this way I have to take it easy.
But the tickets are paid for, there’s no point wasting them,
why don’t you take somebody else?
CATHERINE
I tell you, with the day I’m having, I wouldn’t be much of an audience, um…
I could drop by the hotel though, on my way home?
STEVEN
You sure you want to keep company with a convalescent?
CATHERINE
(Smiling)
I can’t give you an exact time…
STEVEN
Well, that’s OK, I’m not going anywhere.
CATHERINE
OK, you need me to bring anything?
STEVEN
No. Just yourself will be great.
CATHERINE
(Conspiratorially)
OK, see you later.
Catherine hangs up the phone. So does Steven.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR DAY - DRAINAGE TUNNEL:
Catherine and Vincent are standing by the gate.
CATHERINE
(Cross)
I don’t understand!
VINCENT
I’m not certain myself. I have nothing more than a feeling.
An image, that evaporates whenever I try to touch it.
CATHERINE
Are you sure, this feeling has anything to do with me?
VINCENT
You provoke the image.
The thought of you. Even your name, brings it to my eyes.
CATHERINE
(Angry and nonplussed)
What do you expect me to do?
I’ve… told you what I’m thinking!
You already feel everything I feel!
(Exasperated sigh)
And now you say I’m in danger, only you can’t tell me from whom or why!
VINCENT
(Apologetically)
Because I don’t know, myself.
CATHERINE
Is this fair of you? You know I value your words above all others!
VINCENT
Catherine… I fear for you!
CATHERINE
And I’m supposed to take that fear up into the world and live with it?
Tonight, when I see Steven…
VINCENT
Don’t go.
CATHERINE
(Emphatic and walking sternly towards Vincent)
He is my friend, Vincent. And I care about him.
He’s dying! And at the very least, I owe him my trust.
VINCENT
(Ashamed)
Catherine!
CATHERINE
(Upset)
He’s dying, Vincent! And I’m all he has!
Catherine departs, and Vincent is left leaning against the wall – embarrassed and apprehensive.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT – HOTEL:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR NIGHT - STEVEN’S HOTEL ROOM:
Catherine and Steven are sitting on the couch. Steven pours some coffee.
STEVEN
You know, actually it was my own darn fault.
I forgot to take my medication.
CATHERINE
Is there anything I can do for you?
STEVEN
Nah… Actually, I’m much better. But, let’s not talk about it.
Why don’t you tell me about your lousy day?
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
I don’t know… (Despondent)
So many of the people I deal with on a daily basis…
are just crying out for help… and so unable to accept it, just…
STEVEN
(Casually)
I guess it’s just hard for you to understand that dynamic.
CATHERINE
Yeah… It is…
STEVEN
When I was in India, last year, I saw a level of squalor
that I couldn’t believe still existed in the world, and the only way
I could accept it, was to realize that… humanity exists on completely different levels.
Hunger means something very different in Calcutta, or even… twenty blocks north of here.
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
Yeah… Listen, I can’t stay long.
STEVEN
That’s OK.
CATHERINE
I’ve got at least two hours of paper work that has to be finished tonight.
STEVEN
I think, maybe you work too hard.
CATHERINE
(Smiling)
Some times… maybe I do.
STEVEN
And I also think you could use a change of scenery.
CATHERINE
You’re telling me!
STEVEN
Cath, something very exciting is happening. I’m thinking of buying a house.
CATHERINE
Really? Where?
STEVEN
New Rochelle. It’s a beautiful area. It’s only about a half hour from the city.
CATHERINE
Great!
STEVEN
Will you come see it with me?
CATHERINE
When?
STEVEN
Tomorrow!
CATHERINE
Oh, no way. This whole week’s impossible for me.
STEVEN
Well, Saturday then.
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
Oh, Steven, I would love to, I’ve just so much to do!
STEVEN
It won’t take long. Just a couple of hours.
CATHERINE
(Smiling)
OK…
STEVEN
Terrific!
CATHERINE
(Exhausted sigh)
Well, I’ve gotta run. (Standing up) I’ll let you know about Saturday.
Catherine takes her purse and heads to the door. Steven follows and opens the door for her.
CATHERINE
Feel better! (Kissing him)
STEVEN
Thanks.
Catherine kisses him on the lips and leaves. Steven closes the door behind her with strange look on his face.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK DAY – EXTERIOR PARK:
Steven and Catherine lie on the ground kissing and laughing.
CATHERINE
(Sighing in contentment)
We have so much to look forward to! I can just see it.
We’ll have a house in a clearing, just like this.
STEVEN
Yeah, your country estate.
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
And in the kitchen we’ll have one of those red pot-bellied stoves!
STEVEN
It’ll be perfect!...
CATHERINE
Yeah…
END OF FLASH BACK:
DISSOLVE TO:
Steven, still in his hotel room, with an inward-looking expression.
STEVEN
Just perfect!...
END OF ACT THREE
*
ACT FOUR
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR DAY - COUNTRY HOUSE:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR CAR – DAY:
Catherine and Steven are in the car. Catherine sees the house.
CATHERINE
Is that it?
STEVEN
Yes!
CATHERINE
(Exclaiming)
Oh, it looks lovely!
STEVEN
It gets better! Much better!
Steven stops the car in front of the house.
STEVEN
Before we go inside, I wanna show you something.
They both get out of the car. Steven takes Catherine to the porch at the back of the house and shows her the grounds.
STEVEN
Ha, ha! This is what really sold me on it!
CATHERINE
It sounds like you’ve already decided!
STEVEN
I bought it. I wanted to surprise you.
CATHERINE
You’re kidding! (Smiling) Well, I am surprised!
STEVEN
Right here.
Steven points towards a clearing in the trees.
STEVEN
Do you recognize it?
CATHERINE
Recognize what?
STEVEN
The whole thing!
CATHERINE
No. Should I?
STEVEN
Come on. You’ll see. (Taking her arm)
Steven takes Catherine to the back door of the house.
STEVEN
I’ve been working day and night getting the place ready.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR HOUSE – DAY:
Steven and Catherine enter the house from the back door.
STEVEN
There’s a complete sense of privacy. Behind it’s all woods.
It’s like there’s no one around for a hundred miles.
CATHERINE
(Impressed)
God… It’s beautiful!...
STEVEN
Come here.
Steven leads Catherine to a lounge.
STEVEN
I haven’t gotten started in here yet, but…otherwise it’s pretty liveable.
Come here.
Steven exits the room and Catherine follows. He takes her to a cosy sitting room.
STEVEN
Do you remember talking about the red stove?
CATHERINE
(Intrigued)
What red stove?
He shows her the red pot-bellied stove.
STEVEN
Isn’t it what you wanted?
CATHERINE
(Confused)
What I wanted?
STEVEN
I mean, what you had in mind when you were describing it.
CATHERINE
Steven, what are you talking about?
STEVEN
You’re not getting it! (Excited) Come on!
I saved the best for last. Come on, come on, come on!
(Laughing)
Come on. Come on.
He takes her by the hand and they leave the room. They go upstairs. Catherine laughs as they run up. They stand before the bedroom door. Steven opens it and they enter it.
CATHERINE
Oh!... (Laughing)
STEVEN
Well?
CATHERINE
(Exclaiming)
It’s so big!
Catherine sees her photo in a golden frame, on a chest of drawers.
CATHERINE
(Perturbed)
STEVEN
Cat, you remember how we used to like buying things?
Even clothes? I got pretty good at it, I thought.
Everything at the right style, the right size.
Steven stands in front of a wooden closet. He opens it wide. It is filled with women’s clothes.
STEVEN
(Breathless with excitement)
Take a look! You won’t have to go back and pack a thing!
CATHERINE
Steven… I can’t stay here with you… (Gently, but firmly)
I want you to take me home.
STEVEN
Why?
(Ignoring her signals- taking a long white gown from the wardrobe)
If you need anything, I’ll send for it! I really want you to try this one on!
Cath, it will look beautiful on you, I promises!
Catherine looks embarrassed and a little frightened.
CATHERINE
Steven, you’re making me very uncomfortable.
Please, take me home.
STEVEN
But, Cath, you are home!
Catherine walks to the door.
CATHERINE
I’ll be waiting outside, in the car.
STEVEN
(Remonstrative)
Oh, Cath…
Steven throws the gown on a chair and leaves the room to follow her.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR HOUSE – DAY
Catherine swiftly descends the stairs and runs to open the door, but it is locked. Steven is watching nonchalantly from the top of the stairs. Catherine tries the door once more, then looks at him.
STEVEN
(Hostile)
You’re not being reasonable, Catherine.
CATHERINE
Steven, you’re scaring me.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – DAY:
Vincent is walking. He suddenly stops and turns his head with a soft roar.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR COUNTRY HOUSE ENTRANCE HALL – DAY:
Catherine goes to the back door. She tries to open it but it is also locked. She turns and sees Steven standing in the hallway.
STEVEN
If you’re feeling uptight, I understand! But it’ll pass, Cathy!
Catherine runs into the small sitting and struggles to escape through the window, but Steven pulls her back. They fight.
STEVEN
Cathy, I love you!
She knocks Steven to the ground, but he grabs her ankles as she runs past, and pulls her to the ground. She frantically kicks him away, but Steven, realising she is not an easy prey, hits her over the head with a heavy ornament. Catherine falls back unconscious.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – DAY:
VINCENT
(Roaring)
No!!
He turns and starts to run down the brick tunnel.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR COUNTRY HOUSE – DAY
Catherine is on the floor unconscious, Steven over her.
STEVEN
Don’t be frightened (breathing heavily)
(Panicking)
Please be alright.
Please… Cathy…. Please… please… You’ll be fine! I’ll make it better!...
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – DAY
Vincent is running in the tunnels.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR COUNTRY HOUSE – NIGHT:
CUT TO:
INTERIOR HOUSE – NIGHT:
Steven and Catherine are in the dining room, sitting at each end of an elegantly decorated table.
STEVEN
Why don’t you eat something, sweetheart?
CATHERINE
Steven… you need help! Please, let me help you!
STEVEN
Help me?
CATHERINE
You’re not thinking clearly anymore!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR SUBWAY – NIGHT:
A train is passing. Vincent is riding on top of it.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR COUNTRY.HOUSE – NIGHT:
Steven and Catherine are still sitting at the dinner table. Steven leaves his glass on the table.
STEVEN
(Tapping wine glass impatiently)
I don’t understand you.
I have done everything possible to give you everything that you wanted!
I mean… this is what you wanted, isn’t it?
Catherine’s arms are tied to her chair
CATHERINE
Once, maybe, but not now!
I’ve changed, you don’t know me anymore!
STEVEN
(Shouting)
Don’t say that!
Steven stands and walks towards her.
STEVEN
All that I am asking is that you trust me. We can be happy here, together!
I know it! No one could ever love you like I love you! (Shouting and smiling)
CATHERINE
(Indicating towards arms)
Is this how you love?
STEVEN
Do you want me to show you or tell you? (Smiling and kissing her)
CATHERINE
(Pulling head away)
No!!
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR SUBWAY – NIGHT:
Vincent on top of the train.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR COUNTRY HOUSE – NIGHT:
Catherine fights to avoid Steven’s kiss.
STEVEN
(Shouting)
You never trusted me! That was the problem!
(Trying to kiss her again)
CATHERINE
No! No!
Catherine fights Steven and manages to break free. She hits Steven and he falls on the floor. Catherine runs to the glass door, jumps through it, and falls on the ground.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR FOREST – NIGHT:
Vincent is running through the forest, seeing it as it appeared exactly in his nightmare.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR GROUNDS OF STEVEN’S HOUSE – NIGHT:
Catherine is gets up and starts running. Stephen stands before the broken glass door.
STEVEN
(Shouting)
Cathy!
Catherine runs into the woodland.
STEVEN
Cathy, come back! It’s useless!
He pursues her with a flashlight in hand.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR FOREST – NIGHT:
Vincent is still running through the forest.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR FOREST NEAR GROUNDS – NIGHT:
Steven follows closely on Catherine’s trail, who is running, stumbling and falling. She finds temporary refuge behind a tree, but Steven is gaining on her. Catherine starts running again, and Steven rushes behind her. He throws her to the ground, landing heavily on top of her.
STEVEN
(Shouting)
Why did you run? Why?
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR FOREST – NIGHT:
Vincent is still running and panting heavily.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR FOREST NEAR GROUNDS – NIGHT:
Steven now has Catherine by the throat, trying to strangle her.
STEVEN
(Shouting)
I didn’t want this to happen! Didn’t I make everything nice for you?
I want it like it was before! Why can’t it be like it was before?
He is choking her.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR FOREST – NIGHT:
Vincent reaches the end of the forest, and flies at Steven. Steven steps back, startled. Vincent is snarling, growling and roaring. He grabs Steven by his shirt, making a death swipe. Catherine stands up and rushes to stop him from killing Steven.
CATHERINE
Vincent! No!
In his blood-rage, Vincent pushes her back, but she comes between him and Steven.
CATHERINE
(Pleading)
It’s… over!
Vincent looks at her and steps back. Steven falls on the ground, unconscious.
CATHERINE
(Crying)
It’s over…
She leans her head on his chest, crying. Her blouse covered in blood.
CATHERINE
(Sighing heavily from relief)
It’s over…
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR GROUNDS OF STEVEN’S HOUSE – NIGHT:
Vincent is walking towards the house, carrying Steven at his arms. Catherine is following.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT:
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR CATHERINE’S BALCONY – NIGHT:
Vincent and Catherine are looking out over the city.
VINCENT
(Feeling shame)
Have you seen him?
CATHERINE
They wouldn’t let me.
(Looking at Vincent.)
Don’t be ashamed, Vincent. You only did what you had to do.
VINCENT
I know that.
CATHERINE
(Sighing)
I was the one who was unfair.
I just… thought that you were feeling… betrayed.
I forgot for a moment how you trust me.
I should have trusted you…
(Sighing)
How did you know?
VINCENT
I knew because, somehow, somewhere deep inside of you…
you must have known.
CATHERINE
(Nodding and finally understanding)
THE END