Beauty and the Beast
To Reign in Hell
Season One, Episode 20
Original Air Date March 18, 1988
Written by Alex Gansa & Howard Gordon
Created by Ron Koslow
Director – Christopher Leitch
Director of Photography – Steven Larner
Production Designer – John Mansbridge
Editor – Drake P. Sullivan
Executive Story Editor – Alex Gansa
Executive Story Editor - Howard Gordon
Theme by Lee Holdridge
Music by Don Davis
Supervising Producer - Ron Koslow
Co-Supervising Producer - Stephen Kurzfeld
Producer - David Peckinpah
Producer - George R. R. Martin
Producer - Kenneth R. Koch
Associate Producer – Anthony Mazzei
Unit Production Manager – Tony Brown
1st Assistant Director – John Hockridge
2nd Assistant Director – Debra Du Val
Set Decorator – Peg Cummings
Property Master – Wally Wall
Assistant Producer – David F. Schwartz
Special effects Coordinator – Gary Bentley
Stunt Coordinator - Fred Lerner
Script Supervisor – Kathy Barrett
Make-up Supervisor – Fred Blau Jr
Hair Stylist – Josephine McCarthy
Beast Designed & Created by Rick Baker
Beast Make-up – Margaret Beserra
Costume Designer – Judy Evans
Costumer – Mary Taylor
Costumer - Ron Hodge
Sound Mixer – Pat Mitchell
Sound Mixer – Rick Ash
Sound Editing – David Hankins
Music Editor – Don Sanders
Main Titles – Robert Farina
Main Titles – Chris Arnold
Casting – Joyce Robinson
Casting – Penny Ellers
Executive in Charge of Production – Harry Waterson
CAST
OF CHARACTERS:
Catherine Chandler – Linda Hamilton
Vincent – Ron Perlman
Erlik the Giant – Big John Studd
Father – Roy Dotrice
Jamie – Irina Irvine
Mary – Ellen Geer
Narcissa – Beah Richards
Paracelsus – Tony Jay
Pascal – Armin Shimerman
Winslow – James Avery
Joe Maxwell – Jay Acovone
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXTERIOR NIGHT - NEW YORK:
Ariel view over river and city.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR – TUNNEL:
We hear Vincent’s voice, and then see shots of tunnels and then Vincent, in his chamber. Children are sitting gathered around him.
VINCENT
Our
world is in mourning now, and… though it is painful,
each of us must try to find meaning in what has come to pass…
some hope in this time of great sorrow and sacrifice.
We must never forget what has happened or why,
so that the story will live always,
so that one day, you can tell your own children.
CHILD
(Excited)
Tell us, Vincent!
VINCENT
(Nodding and smiling)
It
began a long time ago, when our world was very young.
There was a man who… with Father, helped to plant
the very seed of our civilization. But even then,
his evil side began to grow, until it overshadowed
all that was good. He was banished.
Yet, we were never truly free of him.
Then, one night, his evil visited the world above.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT - CATHERINE’S BALCONY:
Someone is standing on Catherine’s balcony, peering inside. His breathing is audible. Catherine has just entered her apartment, after jogging. The watcher on the balcony follows her from the French doors of the living room to the bedroom door. Catherine presses the button of her answering machine, and listens to a message.
JOE’S VOICE
Hey, Radcliff, it’s me.
I
hate to ask you, but I need you to do
a skip trace before you come in tomorrow morning.
A guy named Danny Burke, that’s B-U-R-K-E.
You can start by checking the secured tax rolling records.
But if nothing turns up there, he’s also a member of the Pipe Fitters Union.
So, maybe they have a roster you can use, or something.
Alright, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Thanks. Bye.
Catherine is standing by the answering machine, listening to the message. There is a tall shadow behind the curtain in the balcony. Catherine realizes that someone is standing there.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS - VINCENT’S CHAMBER:
Vincent is sitting in his chair, reading a book. He stops suddenly, very apprehensive.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR - CATHERINE’S APARTMENT:
Catherine has realized that someone is standing outside.
CATHERINE
(Pleased)
Vincent!
She steps out onto the balcony, and approaches the concealed figure who turns towards her from the shadows. It is not Vincent. Into the light, steps an enormous, giant-warrior (Erlik). He steps toward Catherine and she faints.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS - VINCENT’S CHAMBER:
Vincent leaves his book on the table and hurriedly starts on his journey to Catherine.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR NIGHT - CENTRAL PARK:
Erlik walks carrying Catherine over his shoulder.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS:
Erlik, still carrying Catherine over his shoulder, travels down the spiral stairs, passing through the Chamber of the Winds, descending the large steps.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR - CATHERINE’S BALCONY:
Vincent arrives and looks through the apartment window.
VINCENT
(Worried)
Catherine!
There is no response. He turns and looks down to the city. Then he sees a gold coin on the ground beside him; twisted and half melted. He kneels to pick it up.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK:
From “The Alchemist”.
PARACELSUS
Found
as a baby, outside St. Vincent’s hospital?
Did you…did you really believe that all these years?
(Echo)
Did you really believe that all these years?
END FLASH BACK:
EXTERIOR – CATHERINE’S BALCONY:
Vincent looks at the skyline.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK:
From “The Alchemist”.
We see Paracelsus’ as the switch knife springs from his sleeve. He slashes Vincent. They fight. A lantern falls on the ground and starts a fire.
END FLASH BACK:
EXTERIOR – CATHERINE’S BALCONY:
Vincent is looking at the gold coin.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASH BACK:
From “The Alchemist”.
Explosion. Fire.
PARACELSUS
My gold!
Paracelsus runs back into his chamber that is on fire. Vincent tries to stop him.
VINCENT
(Shouting)
Paracelsus!
PARACELSUS
(Wailing)
My gold!
Paracelsus escapes Vincent’s hold and rushes back into the chamber and disappears in a wall of fire.
END FLASH BACK:
EXTERIOR – CATHERINE’S BALCONY:
Vincent is still looking at the gold coin in his hand. He turns his gaze at the city, realizing what has happened.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – VINCENT’S CHAMBER:
Father is seated and Vincent paces back and forth.
FATHER
Paracelsus? Alive? But how?
I thought you said that he was…
VINCENT
He’s alive, Father.
Vincent throws the gold coin on the table, before Father. Father takes the coin in his hand.
VINCENT
(Pacing)
He’s taken Catherine.
FATHER
Catherine? Do you know where?
VINCENT
No… Our connection has been broken some how.
FATHER
I know Paracelsus.
As
twisted as his mind may be,
it’s still very complex, full of… designs and structures.
No,
Vincent, I assure you, if he intended to kill Catherine…
he would have done so already.
He’s luring you. Calling you away from this place of safety.
VINCENT
I have no choice but to try and find her.
FATHER
(Nodding)
I know.
VINCENT
Why is he doing this, Father?
FATHER
Why?
Because, in his mind, you are the one person
that prevents his return to this world,
a world which he still considers to be his own.
No, the consequences of this action may stretch far beyond Catherine.
The whole future of what we’ve built here is in balance.
Vincent, you must be careful. Expect anything.
Remember, Paracelsus has mislead you before.
VINCENT
I haven’t forgotten.
FATHER
Whatever he tells you… remember this. There is a truth beyond knowledge.
VINCENT
(Sigh)
I’ll remember, Father.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – PIPE CHAMBER:
Shots of the pipes, with continuous tapping sounds. Pascal is tapping the pipes with two iron sticks. He listens intently. He hears some kind of a reply.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – PIPE CORRIDOR:
Pascal and Winslow run following the length of a pipe on the wall of a corridor. They stop.
WINSLOW
Where is it coming from?
PASCAL
I don’t know. Too faint to tell. I thought this was a dead pipe!
They continue and go down a few steps. Pascal is listening through his stethoscope.
WINSLOW
It can’t just stop here!
PASCAL
(Listening carefully)
It doesn’t.
WINSLOW
(Reaching for the stethoscope)
Let me listen!
Pascal gives him the stethoscope tips.
Winslow listens, breathing heavily from exertion and concern.
WINSLOW
(Bewildered)
I don’t recognize the code.
PASCAL
Here.
(Motioning
to have the stethoscope back.)
Here!
Winslow gives him back the stethoscope. Pascal puts the chest piece back on the pipe.
PASCAL
I’m trying to remember… Yes! Repeated sequence… one word…
V – I – N – C – E – N… Vincent!
(Unbelievably)
It says “Vincent”!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS – PIPE CORRIDOR:
Vincent arrives at the spot where Pascal and Winslow heard the message on the old pipe. Winslow follows.
VINCENT
Has it stopped?
PASCAL
No. Like a machine.
Vincent puts his ear on the pipe and listens.
PASCAL
Is it Catherine?
VINCENT
(Nodding in uncertainty)
Tell me, Pascal, where does this pipe lead to?
PASCAL
Down!
Down below the Chamber of the Winds, after that…
It’s been silent ever since I can remember.
VINCENT
How far away is the tapping?
PASCAL
Hard
to tell. These old pipes twist and turn in the bedrock.
But, judging by the faintness, I’d say… three days travel! Two at least!
VINCENT
The code?
PASCAL
Archaic! One of the very first my father taught me. A Morse derivative.
You remember, Vincent! Before we shorthanded the system.
VINCENT
So, Paracelsus would know of this code.
PASCAL
He probably invented it!
VINCENT
Pascal… Do you think you could take me there? To the source?
PASCAL
I don’t know, I… I could try.
VINCENT
Would you?
PASCAL
Of course!
VINCENT
Prepare your things. We leave at once.
Vincent is leaving but Winslow stops him.
WINSLOW
Vincent! I’m going too!
VINCENT
Winslow…
(Sighing)
Thank you, but the danger is already too great.
WINSLOW
If Paracelsus has Catherine, then we’re all in danger.
VINCENT
Yes, but we should try to limit our risk!
WINSLOW
Vincent,
I have my reasons! Besides…
Pascal says the journey could take many days!
You‘ll have to sleep some time.
Somebody has to stay and watch!
And three shifts are safer than two.
Vincent reflects on what Winslow has suggested.
VINCENT
(Sighing and stepping in closer to comrades)
You’re my friends and… I accept your help.
But the way is uncertain.
You
must both promise.
You will turn back at the first sign of trouble.
Pascal and Winslow look at each other.
WINSLOW
I promise.
PASCAL
(Nodding)
I promise.
VINCENT
Then we go.
(Grabbing their shoulders)
The three of us…Together.
Pascal and Winslow smile. Vincent leads and they follow.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR – RED TUNNEL:
A corridor suffused with blood-red light, and jets of pressurized steam coming out of the walls. Erlik passes through carrying Catherine, who is still unconscious. He puts her down carefully with her back on the wall. Catherine begins to waken. She looks around, then at Erlik. Bending down to her, he takes her hand, and leads her along a chamber.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR – PARACELSUS’ RED COLISEUM CHAMBER:
Erlik and Catherine emerge from a narrow tunnel into a vast cave of many levels, illuminated with candles. The back of Paracelsus is seen. He slowly turns towards Catherine. He is wearing a gold mask that covers half his face. Erlik enters the cave, pulling Catherine in.
CATHERINE
(Astonished)
Paracelsus!
END OF ACT ONE
*
ACT TWO
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNELS:
Tunnel denizens are preparing the trio with the supplies for their journey. Mary gives Vincent a talisman.
MARY
(Squeezing it into his hands)
This is for luck.
VINCENT
Thank you, Mary…
(Sweeping a look to the whole group)
And all of you…
Father approaches Vincent.
FATHER
(Forlorn)
Safe journey, Vincent.
(Kissing him on both cheeks, and holding his head)
I should be going with you.
VINCENT
But you will be with us, Father.
Father and Vincent embrace and as the three men start off, Jamie steps forward.
JAMIE
Wait!
WINSLOW
(Annoyed)
What do you want?
JAMIE
I wanna go with you. Catherine’s my friend too.
VINCENT
(Appreciatively)
Jamie… Where we’re going is too far, and the way too dangerous.
JAMIE
(Fuming)
Too dangerous for who?
WINSLOW
(Aggravated)
For you!
JAMIE
I can take care of myself. I always have.
PASCAL
She’s got a point!
WINSLOW
She’s crazy!
VINCENT
Winslow!
WINSLOW
Well,
I’m right, ain’t I?
Girl’s got no business coming along, we all know that.
VINCENT
(Gently)
I’m
sorry, Jamie…
(placing hand on her shoulder)
It’s for the best.
JAMIE
Best for who?
Vincent turns and they start off once again.
WINSLOW
(Apologetically)
I only said it cos I care.
The exit party watch mournfully as the trio slowly disappears from view. Jamie looks especially sad, and Father tries to comfort her by placing his arm around her shoulder. She turns to look at it scornfully.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR – PARACELSUS’ RED COLISEUM CHAMBER:
Erlik is gathering bundles of wood before a recess in the stone wall, at the left side of the cave. Catherine is sitting by a table. Paracelsus emerges from an opening of another chamber. He offers Catherine a large bowl of water.
PARACELSUS
Drink,
or you’ll dehydrate. Drink!
You’re certainly no use to me dead.
CATHERINE
(Drinking thirstily)
Why? Why have you brought me here?
PARACELSUS
Must there be a reason?
CATHERINE
(Derisively)
Yes!
PARACELSUS
(Sighing)
I
was exiled from my home… from the world I created…
by the man you call “Father”.
Even then, he wouldn’t allow me to live in peace.
CATHERINE
I know a story. Fifty people died because of you.
PARACELSUS
I killed no one…
(Walking away)
They died because they were fools.
CATHERINE
They were weak. There is a difference.
PARACELSUS
Ah… But you’re not weak, are you, Catherine?
(Caressing the hair from her face)
You’re strong! Intrepid…
Cathy
stiffens as Paracelsus' black-gloved hand comes to rest on her neck.
CATHERINE
(Seething)
What
do you want with me?
PARACELSUS
Once
a person is being visited by violence, everything changes.
Isn’t that so? Nietzsche said “That which does not kill me, makes me
stronger.”
Well,
I am stronger now.
CATHERINE
You
still haven’t answered my question.
PARACELSUS
Vincent
is the answer to your question.
He’s
all that stands between Father and me.
In
more ways than one.
He
removes his mask to reveal the disfiguring burn underneath.
PARACELSUS
And
this… is why I must destroy him.
CATHERINE
I
am not afraid.
PARACELSUS
You
will be.
(Nodding)
You
see…Vincent is also coming here to watch you die.
CATHERINE
(Stunned)
Catherine
slowly turns thinking of the consequences of this trap.
PARACELSUS
Go
Erlik, and make certain that Vincent continues his journey… alone.
Erlik
leaves.
CUT
TO:
INTERIOR
PIPE TUNNELS:
Tapping
sounds. The three men continue on their journey, following the pipe on the stone
wall. Pascal taps it with a metal rod.
PASCAL
The
tapping stopped.
VINCENT
Are
you sure this is the same pipe?
PASCAL
Positive.
(Tapping it again)
The
tone is identical.
WINSLOW
What
do we do now?
VINCENT
(Sighing)
The
only thing we can. We continue.
They
start walking again and they reach an opening leading to a chamber at a lower
level - it is bathed in golden and sapphire light. There is a ladder leading to
Narcissa, the blind woman’s chamber.
NARCISSA
(Looking up)
Welcome,
children!
VINCENT
(Delighted)
Narcissa!
NARCISSA
(Smiling broadly)
Vincent!
Enter, please!
Vincent
descends the ladder.
NARCISSA
Bring
your friends!
(Encouraging them
forward)
And
why have you come travelling so far?
VINCENT
We
are in search of Catherine.
Pascal
and Winslow follow behind.
NARCISSA
And
why do you seek the woman?
VINCENT
She
was taken from her home.
We
are… following the ghost of a message along the pipes.
NARCISSA
(Looking in
Vincent’s direction and listening intently)
And
who do you say has taken her?
VINCENT
Paracelsus.
NARCISSA
(Grief-stricken)
Ah!
Pascal
and Winslow look at each other.
VINCENT
What
is it, Narcissa?
You
have knowledge.
You
must share it with us; it could help us in our journey.
Narcissa
reaches for a tray and puts it on the floor. Shaking a handful of small shells,
she throws them onto the tray and interprets the message.
NARCISSA
(Horrified)
Turn
back, Vincent! Journey no more!
VINCENT
(Acknowledging this)
She
is my life. I am… bound by my heart to go on.
NARCISSA
There
is death!
(Emphatic)
I
see it!
Pascal
and Winslow look alarmed.
VINCENT
I
must continue.
NARCISSA
Then…
my first duty is served. I have warned you.
VINCENT
(Touching her hand)
I
hear your warning.
Vincent
helps Narcissa to stand up.
NARCISSA
(Recalling something)
Vincent,
that man, whom you know as Paracelsus? He is not alone.
There
are those down here, who follow him. Protect him.
Pascal
and Winslow look troubled and wary.
VINCENT
How
many?
NARCISSA
They
are the simple ones.
The
lost ones…The way is dangerous before you.
Narcissa
puts the tray back in its place. Pascal gives Vincent his lantern and they
continue their journey through Narcissa’s chamber.
CUT
TO:
INTERIOR
WIND TUNNELS:
The
three men reach the end of the tunnel. They arrive at a junction of three
illuminated entrances. Vincent walks to the entrance on the left, which leads
out to a chasm, the bottom of which cannot be seen. A rope hangs above it.
WINSLOW
Where
does this take us?
PASCAL
Down.
WINSLOW
How
do we know this is the right way?
VINCENT
Because
it’s the only way.
I’ll
go first, and Pascal. Winslow, you follow.
Vincent
jumps onto the rope and begins to descend. Pascal is looking at the rope
somewhat frightened.
PASCAL
Um….
WINSLOW
What
is it?
PASCAL
I
don’t think I can make this jump.
WINSLOW
I
can’t hear you.
PASCAL
(Shouting)
I
said, I don’t think I can make this jump! OK?!
WINSLOW
(Teasing)
You’re
afraid, aren’t you?
PASCAL
I’m
not afraid, I’m just not… especially fond of heights.
WINSLOW
Ok…
(Going behind Pascal
and putting hands on Pascal’s shoulders)
How
about if I count to three,
and if your butt’s not off to here by then, I’ll push you?
One… two…
(shouts)
Three!!
PASCAL
(Making the jump and
starting to descend)
Winslow!
WINSLOW
Yeah,
yeah, I’m coming.
(Looking heavenward
and smiling wryly. Looking at the rope and then belly. Sighing)
I
should have gone on that diet. It’s too late now!
He
makes the jump as well and descends.
CUT
TO:
INTERIOR
JOURNEY TUNNELS:
Vincent,
Winslow and Pascal sit round a fire. Their sleeping bags are laid down on the
ground nearby.
PASCAL
I
studied everything he ever wrote.
The early manuals were brilliant.
Codes,
schematics…
(Heavy sigh)
It’s
hard to believe he is the same man…
VINCENT
Paracelsus
is not the same man, what he’s done proves that.
PASCAL
Oh,
I know that. It still makes me sad.
All
that intellect and energy, just…
(Sigh)
WINSLOW
You’ve
got a heart like a soft boiled egg, you know that?
(Laughing)
PASCAL
Well…
I’m going to bed.
Wake me up when it’s my turn for the watch.
(Patting both
comrades on their shoulders)
WINSLOW
Goodnight.
Pascal
goes to sleep nearby. Winslow watches Vincent tenderly studying the rose that
Catherine gave him on their first anniversary.
WINSLOW
(Gently)
So,
what’s on your mind?
You’ve
been awfully quiet ever since we left this morning.
VINCENT
Just…
thinking…
(Caressing the rose)
Wondering.
WINSLOW
About
Catherine?
VINCENT
If
she’s really in danger, why can’t I feel her fear?
WINSLOW
We’ll
get her back, don’t worry.
(Long pause / sighing)
I
remember Paracelsus from when I was a kid.
Times were bad. Resources were scarce.
People were scared. Paracelsus took advantage.
He was convincing. Smart! People started to follow him.
VINCENT
What
about Father?
WINSLOW
He
was the one that saved us. He reminded us that…
we were family, that we… had to stand by each other.
Oh, you would’ve been proud of him, his strength… his conviction!
Without him…
VINCENT
Paracelsus
might have prevailed.
WINSLOW
(Long pause)
But…
he was never the same after that.
VINCENT
Why?
WINSLOW
(Looking sad)
Because
once they were friends.
VINCENT
(Sighing)
You
should go to bed. It’s been a long day.
WINSLOW
Yeah…
(Yawning slightly)
I
guess you’re right. Besides… there’s always tomorrow!
(Standing up)
VINCENT
(Gratefully)
Goodnight,
Winslow.
Winslow
turns and takes a few steps towards Vincent.
WINSLOW
Vincent…
I want you to know
that I’m not just doing this because of Paracelsus.
It’s…
for Catherine too, she’s… a good woman.
I’ve
always said that… what’s between you two…
is something I’ve never felt myself.
But seeing it, I know it’s real. I believe in it.
Winslow
goes to sleep. Vincent is left looking at the rose.
END OF ACT TWO
*
ACT THREE
CUT
TO:
INTERIOR
JOURNEY TUNNELS
Vincent,
Winslow and Pascal continue their journey, following the length of the old pipe
on the stone wall.
VINCENT
Here…
They
keep walking.
CUT
TO:
INTERIOR
TUNNEL CAVE:
The
three enter a huge blue cavern with an underwater lake. The water is completely
obscured by fog. The end of the pipe lies half buried on the ground. Pascal
kneels to have a better look.
PASCAL
It
ends here.
WINSLOW
Where
the hell are we?
Suddenly,
Pascal is seen flying through the air and lands at Vincent’s feet. Erlik
appears carrying a length of pipe. Vincent jumps up from Pascal’s side and
lunges towards the giant, but Erlik hits Vincent to the ground where he writhes
in agony.
Winslow
takes up where Vincent left off, trying to duck and dive the giant’s blows to
distract him. But this infuriates Erlik even more, and Winslow does not move
quick enough to evade the next strike which knocks him hard against the rock
wall.
Vincent
recovers after seeing his comrade fall, and he battles with the giant being
thrown to the ground like a rag doll. Erlik makes his way back to Pascal, whom
is tending to a badly-injured Winslow. Just as Erlik is preparing for his move
on Pascal,
the
giant suddenly jerks forward -- struck by something in his left shoulder. He
reaches for it and, with a grimace, pulls an arrow out of his shoulder. He turns
around further enraged to see a girl reloading her crossbow.
PASCAL
(Greatly relieved)
Jamie!
A quiver of arrows is strapped to her back. Erlik advances menacingly toward her. Jamie lets another arrow fly -- this one striking the giant in the chest. The giant groans loudly in pain, and then plucks the arrow out. Jamie begins to reload quickly, almost frantically, as Vincent pushes back up on to his feet and moves toward the giant, but stops. Erlik sinks down into the fog and vanishes. Jamie and Vincent rush back towards Winslow. Pascal is already there and puts his ear on Winslow’s chest.
PASCAL
(Incredulously)
He’s dead!
Vincent and Jamie kneel beside Winslow’s body.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR
TUNNEL CAVE
Vincent, Pascal and Jamie are at the lake edge gathered near the mound of burial rocks. Pascal is throwing stones into the water.
PASCAL
I’m
remembering when we were kids,
we used to tease Winslow.
He
used to try so hard, not to lose his temper, but…
you could always see everything in his face.
Do you remember, Vincent? The common meeting,
when Father named him to the council?
You could see it then… in his eyes…that he finally knew
how much we all cared and respected him.
VINCENT
That’s
a good memory to have…
Winslow loved all of us fiercely. We were his family.
Nothing could ever change that for him.
Not conflict, nor anger, not even death…
(Long pause)
Jamie, who is kneeling reverently by the grave, starts weeping.
VINCENT
Winslow will always be a part of us, in our hearts.
Let us remember him, for his strength (sigh) and his courage.
He’ll continue to live through us, through our memory of him.
Allow yourself the time to mourn, and the pain will soften, I promise.
JAMIE
(Weeping even more, then standing up)
We have to go on.
VINCENT
I must go alone.
JAMIE
(Imploring)
Please, Vincent!
VINCENT
No! I’m sorry but… I’m responsible for this.
PASCAL
We came of our own choice. All of us.
VINCENT
I am still responsible.
I can no longer share that burden, even with my friends.
You
must go back… tell Father and the others
(heavy sigh)
what happened here.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR – PARACELSUS’ RED COLISEUM CHAMBER:
Erlik is carefully placing bundles of twigs around Catherine feet. She is chained to the rock wall.
PARACELSUS
(Looking around skyward)
Vincent is close.
CATHERINE
I Know.
PARACELSUS
(Curiously)
You’re really not afraid to die, are you?
CATHERINE
No.
PARACELSUS
Not even as you watch the stage being built?
CATHERINE
(Looking at him inquisitively)
PARACELSUS
Don’t you feel anything?
CATHERINE
Sadness…
PARACELSUS
About dying?
CATHERINE
About you… and the world you helped create.
Vincent has told me. Your vision, your ideals… All wasted.
PARACELSUS
(Maniacally)
Taken from me.
CATHERINE
Still, wasted.
Now, all you want to do is destroy.
Something… someone you don’t even know.
PARACELSUS
Then you perceive my life to be… contradictory.
CATHERINE
No, tragic.
PARACELSUS
Don’t you see? It doesn’t end with your death, or Vincent’s.
This is only the beginning.
CATHERINE
The beginning… of what?
PARACELSUS
Reclaiming what is mine!
(Walking slowly away – long pause)
After all these years… I’ve decided to go home.
END OF ACT THREE
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNEL UNDERGROUND LAKE:
Vincent is standing on a boat crossing the lake. He looks around the vast canyon, which is diffused with an amber glow and rays of golden lights.
CUT TO:
OTHER SIDE OF UNDERGROUND LAKE:
Vincent continues on his journey. He enters a scarlet fog, into a cavern which leads to a narrowed passageway. This eventually brings him to a cave where the rock walls spew jets of red steam. He passes through the steam jets and comes across a skeleton which has Catherine’s crystal pendant attached to its neck.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASHBACK:
Flash back from “Temptations”. Catherine’s balcony and the night Vincent gave her a crystal pendant marking their first anniversary.
END FLASHBACK:
RED STEAM CAVE:
Vincent is holding up the crystal – light flashes through it.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR – PARACELSUS’ RED COLISEUM CHAMBER:
Erlik is standing guard at Catherine’s side, ready to use the torch to ignite the pyre.
Vincent enters Paracelsus’ Chamber – full of books and candlelight.
PARACELSUS
“Better
to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven!”
Eh, Vincent?
VINCENT
Paracelsus!
PARACELSUS
(Sarcastically)
Milton, actually.
Paracelsus then appears from his hiding place and they both stand staring at each other.
VINCENT
Where’s Catherine?
PARACELSUS
Oh, she’s uh…well. And alive, for the time being.
VINCENT
I’m warning you!
PARACELSUS
Your threats, Vincent, hold no power here.
It
is my place.
It is I…who brought you to where you’re standing.
VINCENT
Twice,
we have been lenient with you,
and twice you have taken advantage.
PARACELSUS
What would you know of that?
VINCENT
I know you have killed.
PARACELSUS
And who are you, of all people, to judge?
VINCENT
I speak for many.
Vincent sets the lantern he has been carrying on the ground.
PARACELSUS
Come any nearer, and the woman is dead!
Vincent stands up slowly and glares at him.
PARACELSUS
Now it’s your turn to listen. To know my pain.
My grief at seen the only things I’ve ever loved, torn away.
But it wasn’t just me. There were others! You!
You
were betrayed, Vincent! You call him “Father”!
But it was I who found you, wrapped in rags, starving.
It was I who named you Vincent.
Vincent listens carefully to this.
PARACELSUS
And
it was I who cared for you, all those months.
Even Father, didn’t think you’ll live, but I…
I fed you, I… bathed you… and you did live!
Don’t you see, Vincent? He wouldn’t let me take you!
When
I was exiled, he made me leave you behind.
I loved you! You were mine!...
(Sincere and heartfelt)
You don’t believe me.
VINCENT
What would you have me believe?
That you loved, and are now capable of this?
PARACELSUS
Now is the time for retribution.
VINCENT
Then… you never really knew love.
(Long pause)
Where’s Catherine?
PARACELSUS
Directly below you.
Vincent looks down, and quickly jumps to the ground. Erlik throws the torch onto the pyre and then charges at Vincent. They fight violently. Erlik slams Vincent into the rock and Vincent retaliates by swiping deep slashes into the giant’s shoulders. Vincent then makes a flying tackle, whilst Paracelsus looks on. Meanwhile, the flames are rising around Catherine. Erlik then wrestles Vincent in a bear-hug.
CATHERINE
(Screaming loudly)
Vincent!
Vincent makes one final slash across Erlik’s throat, and the giant sinks to the ground.
CATHERINE
(Screaming even louder)
Vincent!
Vincent runs up the steps to the recess where Catherine is chained, and frees her. A dejected Paracelsus looks at the dead giant. As Vincent carries Catherine to safety, Paracelsus retreats back into the smaller cave, from which he first appeared.
VINCENT
Breathe! Breathe deeply!
The silhouette of Paracelsus can be seen in front of the bright red smog, then he slowly makes his exit.
CATHERINE
(Coughing)
Paracelsus!
Vincent looks up to Paracelsus’ hide out, but the man has disappeared. Vincent embraces Catherine, and the giant lies slain beneath them.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR TUNNEL UNDERGROUND LAKE:
Vincent and Catherine are on the boat crossing the amber canyon. Vincent reaches down into the pocket of his doublet and gives her back their crystal pendant.
VINCENT
(Lovingly)
I found this on my way to you.
CATHERINE
(Looking up adoringly)
Oh, I thought it was gone forever!...
(Smiling and clutching pendant)
VINCENT
Catherine… On the journey, I felt for the first time,
as if, some how, you were lost to me.
I knew you were in danger and yet I could sense no fear!
CATHERINE
I was afraid, Vincent…
But I couldn’t allow myself to feel the fear.
VINCENT
You didn’t want to draw me.
CATHERINE
I couldn’t.
VINCENT
You’d sacrifice so much…
CATHERINE
I would sacrifice everything for you!...
What Paracelsus said… about your past…
VINCENT
Before
I left, Father told me something
that I’m just now beginning to understand.
He
said that there is a truth beyond knowledge,
beyond… everything we could ever hope to know.
CATHERINE
(Smiling)
Yes…
VINCENT
And that truth… is love…
CATHERINE
(Smiling with head bowed)
VINCENT
(OFF SCREEN) So you see, Winslow knew the truth all along.
He valued love enough to die for it. There’s something worth protecting at any cost. He knew it as the force that binds us together.
And in the end, his death allowed our love to live.
CATHERINE
(Smiling shyly)
THE END