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The Three musketeers
And – Porthos - royal
Screenplay - WGAW Registry:
Original Screenplay written by Geoffrey D. Edwards
Under no circumstances will we/I release this screenplay without the express permission of the owner of this Copywrite.
D'Artagnan, Athos, Aramis and Porthos
Begin Lines:
Everyone has a French accent:
EXT: Misc. Barn – European – sunny – warm – quaint – green
INT: Misc barn – shadows of light
A noise in one of the old stalls inside the barn. The sound of two people fooling around.
(Camera slowly moves to where the two people are having a roll in the hey)
PORTHOS AND THE PRINCESS, naked and making love. He is on top. They kiss,
he puts his hands on her breasts. She has her hand on his bum. It's like two pigs in the squallier.
Porthos
His words muffled in her face
(French accent) My love, I could be with you forever.
Princess
She pulls back as if she were interested in what he just said
Forever?
Porthos
Rethinks his comment
Did I say… forever?
Princess
Yes, and if you know what's good for you, you would repeat it.
Porthos
Thinks the better of it
Yes, I guess I did say that.
Princess
Are you proposing marriage to me Porthos?
Porthos
Thinks
It is time for me to settle down. Yes, I believe I am.
Princess
Solemn occasion
I would marry you Porthos.
Porthos
You would. Marry a peasant like me?
Princess
Sits up
That is the problem is it not?
Porthos
Thinks
Yes, I cannot marry into royalty.
Princess
Looks at him endearing
There must be a way.
Porthos
I was hoping you would know one.
Princess
This has been a quandary for years. No one knows how to get around this. And the penalty
is death for the peasant.
Suddenly a sound from another part of the barn. Porthos sits up
with a start.
Princes Cont.
I knew someone would find out.
Porthos
Pulls out his sword
I would rather kill a man than let you go.
She pulls his face to hers.
Princess
No Porthos, I will not have your death on my hands because of this. You must run.
Porthos
Run, I do not run from any man.
Princess
…I know, but there is a time to fight and a time to run. This is time to…
Several men in royal kingdom garb come in.
ROYAL CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD LOU-ISE
Now we have you. Porthos, you are under arrest.
Porthos
Getting dressed
But Lou-ise, I thought you were my friend?
LOU-ISE
You know we have never been friends Porthos.
CS
Put him in shackles!
The men with Lou-ise apprehend Porthos and attempt to put his arms behind his back.
But Porthos is strong, the men can't move his arms.
Princess
This is ridicules, let him go.
Lou-ise
You know the rules princess. This man must be apprehended and guillotined.
Porthos
Guillotined?
He throws one of the men off to the right, the other off to the left. Lou-ise pulls
his sword but before he can pull it all the way out Porthos snap kicks him.
Two other guards try to apprehend Porthos. The princess screams. Porthos
punches one of the other men and throws another behind him with the man's momentum.
Lou-ise and the other two have struggled to their feet. Lou-ise has his sword pulled.
The other two men pull theirs.
Porthos, half dressed, pulls his sword. He duels with all three. They're no
match for him. Though large and bumbling, he is an expert with the sword.
He runs one of the men through and back hands the other. He duels with
Lou-ise. Lou-ise ends up losing his sword. Porthos drives him back. One
of the guards is coming back. Porthos knows he's there and before the
man can run him through, he parries back, blocks the man's thrust and
back kicks him. He is still driving Lou-ise back.
Princess
Run Porthos.
Porthos looks at her, grabs the rest of his stuff. Bulls the other guards
down, crashes through the wall of the barn and mounts his horse. He
rides off.
1 EXT: Misc Barn
Lou-ise and the guards see him riding off but he is too far off for them to
pursue. Lou-ise looks back at the princess.
2 INT: Misc Barn
She looks at Lou-ise with distain. She's half-dressed herself.
Lou-ise
You know the rules madam.
Princess
Touch me and I will have you guillotined.
Lou-ise
Knows she would and could
Yes madam.
He and the other guards back off, leave the barn area, mount
their horses and ride off.
3 INT: Royal Palace – Musketeers quarters
D'Artagnan, Athos and Aramis listen to Porthos story as he admits
what has happened.
Porthos
Sadly
…You must believe me. I did not intend for this to happen!
ATHOS
Angry
Of course you didn't you fool because you think with your dingle. But now they will come for you.
ARAMIS
To Athos
No, we must protect him until this blows over.
To Porthos, stern
You fool, you have dishonored the princess, the cardinal, the queen and most of all, God!
Porthos
Cups his hands over his face
I know. I know.
(This is where we learn about Aramis)FLASH BACK:
4 INT: Musketeer horse barn – midday – tending
One day Aramis is grooming his horse in the Musketeer horse barn.
He's wearing his Abbe clothes. He's deep in thought and he strokes th
e horse with a brush. The horse loves it.
Athos, Aramis' closest friend, walks up.
Athos
Aramis.
Aramis
Turns to look, continues to groom
Athos, what brings you here?
Athos
You my friend. I thought we could go riding later.
Aramis
Probably
Yes, that sounds good, I think I would enjoy a relaxing evening on horseback.
Athos
Something bothers you my friend, if you wish to discuss it, I will listen and not offer advice unless asked for.
Aramis
I would like to talk but I need you to promise me that you'll not talk to others of it.
Athos
Aramis, you are my closest friend, anything you tell me is in the strictest confidence.
Aramis Narrates as each scene is acted out. Aramis and Athos sit on a nearby bench.
Aramis V.O.
I was brought up in the church. Trained by some of my church friends who were
musketeers or were at one time. My mother and father encouraged it, sanctioned it.
5 INT: Aramis' church – early years
AramisV.O. Cont.
They were wonderful men. Of the highest social caliber. They even assisted my mother in teaching
me the many fundamentals of the church.
6 INT: Aramis' home – early years
Aramis V.O. Cont.
We were a well to do family and it went straight to my head. As I grew older, fifteen, sixteen, I began
to grow arrogant.
7 EXT: Aramis – older – political stance in village
Aramis V.O. Cont.
I took a political stance in the village. People got to know me and many didn't like me.
I was of the mind that as a political figure I should be paid and treated as such.
Aramis V.O. Cont.
By age eighteen I was voted out of office. I lived in the streets of my village.
8 EXT: Aramis – village – poor – street person
Aramis V.O. Cont.
I could not find work anywhere and my hunting skills were non-existent.
9 EXT: Aramis – Younger – not wanting to learn hunting
Aramis VO Cont.
They tried to teach me but I didn't want to learn.
7b EXT: Aramis – 18 – panhandling at palace – early afternoon – clear - cool
Aramis V.O. Cont.
One day, I was at the palace looking for handouts when a Royal came
up to me and said that I was dirtying up the area that I should leave.
I was starving. I begged the man to give me food or something.
He refused. And he insisted that I leave. Other men came around him.
They were the same way. One of the men slapped me. I fell to
the ground. I was so hungry that I became sort of crazed.
I got up and started arguing with them. I pushed one of them and the
man I pushed drew his sword. He jabbed at me. I drew mine to
defend myself. But when I drew mine the other five or so men drew there's.
I fought like a tiger. I'm sure some of them were musketeers. I beat
them all and without anyone getting killed. Then I said I would
leave. Realizing what I had done, I asked their forgiveness as I ran away.
10 EXT: Aramis – 18 – hiding in woods with other vagrants
Aramis V.O. Cont.
Several days later, I was hiding in the woods with several other beggars. I was practicing a
sermon as I often do.
Aramis (Sermon)
"…And the Lord sent fire and brimstone down and destroyed the cities of
Sodom and Gomorra. The Lord took those cities because there was not
a one person who was worthy to be saved.
Sin, sexual sin. God arbores it. Yet all of us, men and women, seem
to ignore the fact that God doesn't like it.
He opens the Bible.
Aramis VO cont.
If you read in First Corinthians, sexual sin is wrong. It is in black and white,
God doesn't like it. He didn't just wipe out Sodom and Gomorra,
He destroyed it. Wiped it from the face of the Earth. Is that what you want?
Is that how your life will end? Is…
CUT TO ATHOS:
Athos
…Aramis!
10b EXT: Kings soldiers appear – mid afternoon – clear - cool
Aramis
…Oh sorry.
FLASH BACK CONT.
Aramis V.O. Cont.
Anyway, several of the king's guards came looking for us. They raided our camp.
They were so cruel, I couldn't just stand by and watch them slaughter everyone.
I pulled my sword and began to fight them. Every time one of them was
about to get the upper hand on me, the other beggars jumped in to help.
Finally, when many of them were beaten… or dead… a royal
came out of a carriage and asked me if I would defend the King and Queen."
Aramis
I answered
"Honorably."
THE ROYAL ASKED
"How old are you?"
Aramis
Out of breath
"Eighteen sir."
Royal
You were seen, dueling at the palace. We were sent to find you. When I asked
how I would know you, I was told that the gallant fighter would make
himself known in battle and wears the clothes of clergy.
Aramis V.O.
The royal then asked me if I was interested in joining the musketeers.
I had to think about it. I really wanted to be an Abbe. I was trained as one
and I dressed as one.
The Royal said…
"Be an Abbe and be a musketeer."
Aramis Cont.
"Is that possible? I sked."
The Royal said…
"Of course."
11 EXT: Aramis in Musketeer training – sunny – clear - cool
Aramis VO cont.
So I joined finding only later that if you were officially a musketeer, you could not be an Abbe.
CUT TO ATHOS:
Athos
So you ponder this? This is what you are worried about?
Aramis
Often. Soon I will resign my commission as a musketeer and become a true Abbe.
Athos
Smiles
No you won't.
(End of Aramis' Story) NEXT SCENE:
Come back to reality.
12 EXT: Day – clear – cool - woods – misc clearing
13 INT: Safe house
D'ARTAGNAN
Aramis is correct, we must protect him.
Aramis
Then what, what would you have us do?
D'Artagnan
Thinks
We must hide him.
Athos
We are subject to the Cardinal and the Queen, who are her parents by the way.
D'Artagnan
Yes, but friendship overrides all that, do you not think?
Athos
Bows his head
Yes D'Artagnan, you are right.
Aramis
To Porthos, gets up
Come with me fool, we must leave straight away before they come.
D'Artagnan
Jumps up
Yes, we must go now!
12b EXT: Safe house
Athos is already out the door and mounting his horse. They all ride off.
14 EXT: Path in the woods near the palace
They all stop.
D'Artagnan
To Aramis
Where are we going?
Aramis
To D'Artagnan
I don't know, I thought you…
Athos
…Great, and where does one hide a big oaf like Porthos?
Porthos
Oaf?
Athos
OAF!
Porthos
Offended, dismounts and pulls his sword
I am no oaf.
Athos pulls his sword.
D'Artagnan
Get back on your horse you fool. We have no time for this.
Porthos thinks, sheaths his sword and gets back on his horse all
while giving Athos a dirty look. Athos sheaths his as well, watching
Porthos.
D'Artagnan
Now, think, where do we hide him.
Aramis
I don't know but we'd better think quickly, I hear horses.
Sure enough, Lou-ise is with a Posey looking for Porthos. The four
ride further down the path and eventually divert off into the woods.
D'Artagnan
While riding
Follow me!
The other three follow D'Artagnan. They ride off into the woods.
15 INT: Palace – Cardinals office – Candle light
Lou-ise is telling of his recent tails.
Lou-ise
…I'm sorry sir, I know you won't like this but…
CARDINAL
…What you fool, tell me.
Lou-ise
He was with… your daughter my liege.
Cardinal
Shocked
My daughter?
Lou-ise
He bows
Yes my liege.
The Cardinal thinks.
Cardinal
Trying to hide his hatred for the Three Musketeers
Porthos, he is a musketeer is he not?
Lou-ise
Hates the musketeers
He… he is sir but the rules, your rules, it's the law…
Cardinal
…I make the rules and if I want to break them, I will.
Lou-ise
Humbled
Yes my liege.
Cardinal
Thinks
Porthos is one of the greatest amongst the musketeer.
Thinks
My daughter is old and not married.
Thinks, looks at Lou-ise
You must not say anything to the queen. I would break the news to
her in my own time.
Lou-ise
Yes my liege.
Cardinal
You must promise me this Lou-ise.
Lou-ise
Lies to the cardinal
I… I promise my liege.
Cardinal
Good.
Thinks
Now, how to break this to Catherine.
12 EXT: Woods – later day – old cabin
The four come to a cabin in the woods under a large hill.
Aramis
To D'Artagnan
What is this place?
The others look on also not knowing where they are.
D'Artagnan
This old cabin is where I hid from you when you were looking for me.
Athos and Porthos smile somewhat.
Athos
We would have never found you here my friend.
D'Artagnan
Exactly. And hopefully they will not find our friend.
Porthos
Looking at it
It looks rather… run down. I mean, I would not look a gift horse in the mouth but…
D'Artagnan
…What will you do while you are here Porthos?
D'Artagnan goes deep into thought.
(This is where we learn about D'Artagnan) FLASH BACK:
16 EXT: Small village in _ France – early morning – still dark – cloudy - cool
A small village. In the town of _ France. A small cottage where
(D'Artagnan's family) lives. Father (Mr. D'Artagnan), mother (Mrs. D'Artagnan),
Younger brother (Billy D'Artagnan) and little sister (Susie D'Artagnan) and
D'Artagnan himself.
17 INT: D'artagnan's home
The father wakes a young Seven year old D'Artagnan to steel fruit from
the farmers market in town. Barely awake, D'Artagnan splashes some
water in his face, eats a piece of bread, dons warm clothes and follows
his father out of the small cottage.
18 EXT: Early morning – dusky – cool - cloudy
It's still dark. Down the road they walk together. Town isn't
far away. They sit by a tree together until the farmer arrives
with his goods.
19 EXT: Near village center – market area – dusky - cool
When the farmer arrives he begins to unload crates of fruit. Apples,
berries, Strawberries, etc.
D'FATHER
Whispers
Ok Dart, now's the time, it's you or we eat bread for another day.
D'Artagnan
Yes sir.
D'Artagnan is a spit fire. He doesn't mind steeling at all, especially
if his father sanctions it. D'Artagnan carefully makes his way to the farm
stand. Stealthily, working his way closer. He's next to the table.
He rises up slowly to see what's above him. Apples, big bright red ones.
He opens his bag, reaches up and one by one drops apples in his bag.
Suddenly he hears someone cry out…
GRANARY MANAGER
Robery!
Thieves acting non-chalant loading bags of grain onto a cart. But the
manager sees them. He knows who they are. They all stop. This is
strange, usually the man sees them and doesn't say anything for fear
that he'll be run through.
A detachment of musketeers rides in. Twenty or so. There are twelve
thieves. They try to hi-tail it out but the musketeers are on them.
It must have been pre-planned.
D'Artagnan thought it was for him at first. He looks towards his father
who signals him to stay put. D'Artagnan turns again to watch what is
going on. The musketeers have surrounded the cart in practiced fashion.
Several of the musketeers dismount.
MUSKETEER 1
Come along peacefully, there's no need for bloodshed.
A musketeer from upon a horse.
Horse Musketeer
La Shu, you've been caught, by the authority given me by the king
of France, you and your men are under arrest.
La Shu pulls his sword. The rest of his gang also pull swords. The
musketeers, on foot and on horseback pull their swords.
La Shu attacks. The fight is on. Some of La Shu's gang are pretty
handy with the sword but the musketeers are all experts. La Shu
and some of his gang are either killed or injured. The Musketeers
quickly gain control and the ones that are alive are tied up and
marched out of the city.
D'Artagnan can't believe what he's seen. He's heard but never
actually seen the musketeers in action. He's standing now though
not realizing it. The bag of apples falls out of his hand. The Farmer
sees him and calls out…
FARMER
Stop you little thief!
D'Artagnan tries to run realizing that he's been spotted. But it's
too late. The farmer catches him. D'Artagnan's father comes out
of the trees but the Farmer his huge. Using D'Artagnan as a club,
he knocks the father for a loop.
HORSE MUSKETEER
You there, let the boy go. He's not a criminal, he's hungry.
The Farmer reluctantly heeds his suggestion and lets D'Artagnan go.
D'Artagnan tries to run but runs into another Musketeer. The musketeer
doesn't move. D'Artagnan hits him like a brick wall and falls back.
Everyone laughs. Another musketeer helps the father up and brushes
him off. The musketeer on horseback rides over.
Horse Musketeer
To the father
Your child?
Father
Yes, yes sir.
Horse Musketeer
Take the boy, bring him home and teach him to field not steel.
The father, thankful, stumbles a little, grabs D'Artagnan by the hand
and starts to lead him off. The Musketeer on the horse calls out to
them again.
Horse Musketeer
You!
The father stops and looks. The Horse bound musketeer tosses a
gold coin to the father.
Horse Musketeer cont.
By fruit with it and bring the change to your woman.
The father and D'Artagnan are so grateful to be set free that they
disappear into the woods anyway. The musketeers all laugh.
D'Artagnan watches behind himself as his father hauls him away.
The musketeers, mount up, usher the thieves along and leave as
if nothing ever happened. D'Artagnan is enamored.
17. INT: D'Artagnan's home - morning
When D'Artagnan and his father arrive home, the wife, younger
brother and sister are doing chores. The father walks in with
D'Artagnan at his side.
The wife is disgusted with the father. She knows what he's been
doing. She reaches out and opens the husband's hand. A gold coin.
WIFE
We don't take hand-outs. Take D'Artagnan and show him how to grow
things. We will eat bread again tonight.
The husband looks down at D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan looks up at him.
The husband gives the gold coin to D'Artagnan and walks out.
D'Artagnan never sees his father again.
20 INT: D'Artagnan's mother on her death bed in the same house
Several years later D'Artagnan's mother grows ill. She is on her death
bed. D'Artagnan is at her side.
21 INT: D'Artagnan's home – Misc Bed room
Mother
To D'Artagnan
You are the oldest. You must take care of your brother and sister now.
I don't know what you'll do but you must do something soon or they will starve.
22 EXT: Funeral scene
His mother dies.
16 EXT: Wooded village – day – cool - clear
He makes some attempts to find work but no one else has any
money either.
17 INT: D'Artagnan's home – main room
When he arrives home, his brother and sister are being taken
by some people in town. The town mayor talks to him.
23 EXT: Out front of D'Artagnan's home – day – wooded area
The Mayor's people are rounding up D'Artagnan's brother and sister.
The Mayor talks to D'Artagnan.
MAYOR
You are too young D'Artagnan, you will live with the Friers until you
are old enough to go on your own.
His brother and sister are crying. The old man Mr. Frier takes
D'Artagnan by the arm and pulls him along.
24 INT: Frier's home – attic – late night - dark
That night, D'Artagnan with a small lamp, packs some things,
wakes his brother and sister and tells them…
D'Artagnan
…I'm going to become a musketeer. When I am in the service of the King, I
will come back for you.
Late that night he leaves.
25 EXT: D'Artagnan walking
Montage:
Different places in France where D'Artagnan is walking.
Clear across France he walks until he finally reaches the palace of
the king and his Musketeers.
End montage:
26 EXT: Near Palace in Paris – Early morning – Cool - Clear
He is found by a musketeer passed out from lack of food and water.
27 INT: Palace – misc room – later in the day
He is revived by a beautiful maid in the palace. He eats, drinks then asks…
D'Artagnan
Is this the palace of the King's musketeers?
MAID
Yes.
He runs off. She tries to stop him.
28 EXT: Palace court yard – afternoon – cool - clear
He runs outside, the musketeers are training out in the quad of
the palace. D'Artagnan runs in and starts training with them.
The training leader walks over by him.
TRAINING LEADER
And who might you be?
D'Artagnan
I am a new recruit. I've come to join the musketeers to fight for
King and country.
The trainer pulls him aside.
Training Leader
How old are you?
D'Artagnan
Stands at attention
Fourteen sir.
TL
Laughs a little
And um, what is your name?
D'Artagnan
D'Artagnan sir.
TL
You're a little young aren't you?
D'Artagnan
Looks around
Well, yes, I guess but I'm ready sir.
TL
Young man, even if you were older, you must be appointed by the King
to be a musketeer.
D'Artagnan
Oh, I see. I cannot volunteer?
TL
For the King's Army you can but you have to wait about four more years.
D'Artagnan
Can one be appointed from the Army to be a Musketeer?
TL
It has happened but not very often.
D'Artagnan
My mother and father are dead sir, I must be able to volunteer now.
Many laugh.
TL
Sorry young man.
D'Artagnan
Might I ask the Kinf?
TL
That's enough, go now, come back in four years.
D'Artagnan dejected and unsure what he was to do walked dejectedly
off into the woods near the palace. There was a small village near the palace.
29 EXT: Amidst a small village – Early evening – Farm stand
He was starving. He resorted to steeling again but an old man caught him.
30 INT: Old man's home in the woods – Not a poor man
The old man brought him home and fed D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan
told the old man what had happened and how he had come to
join the Musketeers.
31 EXT: D'Artagnan in a clearing - Tilling
So the old man started working him. He worked D'Artagnan hard.
One night when D'Artagnan had enough he struck out and
entered a large pub. He tried to get handouts from some of
the people there.
32 INT: Village - Pub
Instead of handouts, some of the people were angered and
started to attack D'Artagnan. Just as D'Artagnan thought his
life was over, someone in a dark robe jumped in and defended him.
Several men in the pub attacked the old man with sword. The old
man was good and fended off his attackers. When the fight was
over, the defender walked over to D'Artagnan. He pulled off the
hood of his robe. It was the old man.
OLD MAN
If you want to be a Musketeer, you must start by learning to work hard.
Then and only then will I teach you what you need to know to be a Musketeer.
D'Artagnan agreed. The two part together.
31 EXT: Old man's guarden clearing – D'artagnan tilling and planting
The old man worked D'Artagnan hard again and one day began to
teach D'Artagnan how to fence.
33 EXT: Out front of the old man's home – Afternoon - Sparring
The old man was astonished at how good D'Artagnan was. It
seemed that no matter what the old man through at him,
he managed to, defend it, do it or work it out.
31 EXT: Old man's guarden clearing – D'artagnan tilling and planting
D'Artagnan worked hard for the old man.
34 EXT: Old man's funeral
Four years later, the old man died. D'Artagnan loved the old man
like a father and mourned when he passed. D'Artagnan lived
in the old man's house for a time but still longed to be a musketeer.
30 INT: Old man's home – Main room – Evening – Lamp light
D'Artagnan
To himself
If I must join the King's army to prove myself, then I will. Then I will free
my brother and sister.
35 EXT: Morning – near palace – clear - cool
Still determined to go back for his brother and sister after
all that time. When he arrived at the King's palace he was
greeted at the entrance by a guard.
35 EXT: Out front of main entrance to palace
GUARD
Can I help you young man?
D'Artagnan
He smiles
I'm here to join the King's army.
Guard
Sarcastically
You are?
D'Artagnan
Yes sir, I will show that I am a gallant man and I will eventually
become a musketeer.
Guard
Laughs a little
If you are in the King's army you would not be able to be a musketeer.
D'Artagnan
Oh, why not?
Guard
You have to be appointed to the musketeers. And if you are in the army,
you stay in the army.
D'Artagnan
I was told that some people go from the King's army into the musketeers.
Guard
How old are you?
D'Artagnan
Twenty sir.
Guard
That's what I'm trying to tell you, you must be appointed at the age of
eighteen. If not, you cannot be a musketeer. So even if you're in the king's
army you are too old.
D'Artagnan
Thinks
Then I shall be a servant to the King upon joining his army.
Guard
Not today you're not.
D'Artagnan
What, why not?
Guard
The King isn't taking any more recruits right now, at the advice
of her confidant Lou-ise.
Several other people have joined the guard now and are listening
to the conversation. They laugh. D'Artagnan pays little attention to
them.
D'Artagnan
Ok, then when?
Guard
You're not getting it. The King doesn't want you.
The people around laugh.
D'Artagnan
Then I will ask the King.
Guard
Wha… you will not ask the King.
D'Artagnan
Then you will.
Everyone laughs again.
Guard
I will not… be gone with you stupid young man.
D'Artagnan turns to leave, he is humiliated. The people behind
him continue to laugh. He hears the guard say "The nerve,"
People laugh.
30 INT: Old man's cottage – main room
But D'Artagnan is ahead of the game, he pays someone on
the inside to tell him when the musketeers are going on a
mission and beats them to it.
30b INT: Old mans's home – mid day
Montage:
Mission after mission D'Artagnan either takes the whole situation into
his own hands or makes it so that the musketeers have it easy.
End montage:
36 INT: Musketeers building near the palace – captains room
MACSHO DE CHONCE one of the commanding officers in charge of
a division of musketeers is speaking with the Captain.
M de Ch
…And I've no idea why the king is the way he is but he asks us to do things
that the musketeers normally don't do.
CAPTAIN FLUESS (Piar Flu – ess)
Yes I know but he is the king. As musketeers we must do as the king and
queen order. We know that sometimes kings are not good but we must defend
them non-the-less.
M de Ch
Captain, if this keeps up, I'm afraid I will have to resign my commission.
And there are others who have told me they would do the same.
Fluess
I will talk to the king.
M de Ch
That is all I ask.
37 INT: Palace – kings court
Conversation already ensuing…
KING AN SOL
…Who, who says that?
Fluess
Several of the men. De Chonce and some of his men.
36 INT: Musketeer building – captains office
A messenger appears at Fluess' door.
Fluess
Yes.
MESSENGER 1
Announces
Macsho de Chonce and some of his men… are dead.
Fluess jumps up.
Fluess
What, what are you talking about?
Messenger 1
I was told by the king to tell you that no one defies the king and gets away with it.
No one leaves and no one speaks ill of the king.
37 INT: Palace – kings court
Fluess
…But your majesty, it has always been the rule that if a man believes himself
to be unprepared to serve the king and queen, that he be allowed to leave
the musketeers.
King An Sol
Gets in Fluess' face
NO! No one leaves and no one defies the king. That is my rule!
Fluess
Yes sir.
C.S.
Excuse me sir but do you know how De Chonce and his men were killed?
King An Sol
As if he really doesn't know
I have heard no such thing. Captain Fluess are you loosing track of your men?
Fluess
Shocked by the king's response
No my king, I will get to the bottom of this.
King An Sol
And so you should. Good day Captain.
Meaning it was time for Fluess to leave the court.
As Fluess is walking out of the palace to the musketeer building a
woman stops him. It's COUNTESS DU MUL, the mother of the king.
She calls to him from a place of hiding.
38 EXT: Palace corridor outside
Countess
Captain Fluess…
He looks around wondering who called him.
Countess cont.
Captain Fluess, over here.
He finally sees her hiding in the shadows. He walks over.
Fluess
Countess, (my love) what are you doing? Is something wrong?
They embrace.
Countess
She begins to sob
Please forgive me captain, but…
A long pause
…when the king was born…
Pause
…He had a twin brother.
Fluess
A twin, I did not know this. Where is he now?
Countess
I do not know but the king has been holding someone in the old west tower for
years. I think it may be my other son, our other son the twin, the real king.
Fluess
What do you mean the real king?
Countess
When they were born, the Cardinal declared my first son, Louis the VIII to
be king after his father Louis the VII died. When the two boys grew up the other twin,
An sol became jealous of his bother, the king.
One day the king, the one that's in there now said that the bad twin left
rather than endure the humiliation but I think An Sol took the real king
hostage and filled his bothers seat.
Fluess
You think the current king is An Sol?
Countess
Yes.
Fluess
Who says he's Louis?
Countess
Yes.
Fluess
Does anyone know this besides you and I?
Countess
No, well… the king.
Fluess
Yes, I get that…
Thinks
…Keep this between us.
Countess
I will.
Fluess
Thinks
Why tell me, I could be a trader?
Countess
I have known you all my life Captain Fluess, I love you and I believe I can trust you.
Fluess
You can.
Fluess leaves, the countess ducks back into the shadows and disappears.
36 INT: Musketeer building - Captains office
De Chonce replacement, La Fute.
LA FUTE
…Are you sure?
Fluess
No as a matter of fact I am not sure and I can't act until I do.
La Fute
What do you wish me to do?
Fluess
Keep quiet but keep your ears open and report to me daily. Do you know
of any other musketeers that might be able to help us?
La Fute
Thinks
Maybe.
30 INT: Old man's cottage – D'Artagnan
La Fute is D'Artagnan's inside man.
La Fute
…and that is what he told me.
D'Artagnan
Thinks out loud
Then I must find out who is in that tower.
La Fute
Be careful, the reason no one goes there is because the king declared that area
off limits years ago.
D'Artagnan
Years ago, how long has it been?
La Fute
Over two year's sir.
Fade: D'Artagnan C.U.
39 EXT: West tower – night – cool
The camera shows the west tower lit only by the moon at night.
As it pans down, a man with a climbing harness comes into view.
He spins a grapple with a rope tied to it and throws it to one of the
upper windows. It makes a noise. D'Artagnan looks around. No one
comes.
He begins to climb. When he reaches the window, he throws the
grapple up a few more stories. It hooks on another window but clanks
when it catches. D'Artagnan shakes the grapple lose, it comes down.
D'Artagnan pulls it in just in time. A parameter guard walks into the
area and looks around.
D'Artagnan sees the man and hopes he doesn't notice. The man
looks up but doesn't seem to see D'Artagnan in the window. The guard
walks out. D'Artagnan throws the grapple up again. This time the
grapple hooks the top window. He climbs up. The window is locked
closed but it's only wood.
D'Artagnan pry's the window open and climbs into the top floor of
the tower.
40 INT: West tower of palace – night – very dark - cool
He lights a small torch. He shines it around. He hears a muffled voice.
VOICE
Frightened, muffled
Who's there?
D'Artagnan doesn't speak but his light now illuminates the man
with the voice. The man has an iron mask and is chained to the
wall. D'Artagnan walks over to him and kneels down.
D'Artagnan
Calmly
I am a friend.
The man comes out of a fetal position and reaches up with his hand.
Voice
Muffled by the mask
Who are you?
D'Artagnan reaches over and tries to pull the mask off. The man in
the mask cries out in pain.
Voice cont.
It is… clamped on, never to be removed.
D'Artagnan feels around the back of the mask.
D'Artagnan
It is only held by a key, but I don't have anything to Jimmy the lock.
I will have to come back.
Voice
Please, don't leave, I've not talked to anyone for many years.
D'Artagnan
Why are you here, who are you?
Voice
Lowers his masked head
I only know my name is Louis. I don't remember anything else. I'm not sure
I even remember my mother or father.
D'Artagnan
Shocked
Louis, I must leave but I will return.
Voice
I… very well sir.
D'Artagnan
Tell know one of my visit.
Voice
Your secret is safe with me sir.
D'Artagnan
I am D'Artagnan of the musketeers. And I shall return, that is a promise.
With that D'Artagnan leaves. Out the window.
39 EXT: Palace tower – repelling down
When he reaches the bottom he is attacked from behind and
taken prisoner.
(Choreograph)
As they usher him to the prison he escapes, he uses something on
one of the wagons to cut his hands loose and steels a sword. He fights
off his captures and disappears into the woods.
41 EXT: Next day – morning – cool - sunny – Musketeers building just out front
The musketeers are in formation being given orders by Fluess.
Fluess
…anyone who finds this man, will be promoted and given pay accordingly.
Now ride and find this man.
The musketeers break formation, mount their many horses and ride
off in different directions.
42 EXT: Woods – old man's cottage – day
Two musketeers dismount, one notices a rope and grapple
hanging on a hook just outside the front door and points it out
to the other. The other musketeer pulls his sword and backs
up to the side of the door. The other musketeer charges the
front door.
(Choreograph)
As the one crashes in, D'Artagnan, who knew they were there,
is ready. A dual ensues, before long D'Artagnan has them both
whipped. He ties them up, gags them, puts them on their horses
and sends them off. Alive.
42 EXT: Woods – next day - old man's cottage – day
The next day, six musketeers arrive at D'Artagnan's cottage.
scene changes again:
41 EXT: Musketeers building – day – inside the main gate
The six musketeers ride in gagged and tied up.
36 INT: Musketeer building – Fluess' office
Fluess calls for the Three Musketeers, Porthos, Athos and Aramis.
He informs the leader, Aramis and the three are off to find D'Artagnan,
not yet knowing his actual name.
They go to the cottage. No one is there. They investigate the cottage.
They find the rope and grapple. One of them finds a bottle from the local tap.
They go to the local tap. D'Artagnan is waiting for them.
(Choreograph)
This time, it's not so easy for D'Artagnan. He engages in sword
fights but the Three Musketeers are as good as him. D'Artagnan
must resort to other tactics to thwart his pursuers. He finally
escapes on horseback.
43 EXT: Woods near palace – Day
(Choreograph)
It's nearing evening, the Three Musketeers have been searching
all day. Suddenly D'Artagnan comes out of the trees. They dual,
D'Artagnan has his hands full. Frustrated, he escapes again.
42 EXT: Woods – old man's cottage – next day
The Three Musketeers attack the cottage. D'Artagnan is inside but
waiting for them.
30 INT: Old man's cottage
This time, after dueling with Athos and Aramis, D'Artagnan climbs
out a back window and ends up outside.
44 EXT: Old man's cottage – back of building
Outside, Porthos is waiting for him and throws a net over him and
tackles him.
Porthos
Yelling
I have him!
Athos and Aramis come running out. D'Artagnan struggles but
the more he struggles the more entangled he becomes. They
roll him over.
Aramis
Who are you?
D'Artagnan doesn't say a word.
Athos
Why were you at the palace in an area strictly forbidden to go near
by the king?
D'Artagnan
Doesn't speak for a moment
I…
Athos
…Tie him up and put him on his horse, we'll let the king decide what to
do with him.
They haul him up on his horse, gagged and tied. He tries to talk.
Porthos
I think he's trying to say something.
Athos
He had his chance.
They start to lead him away but D'Artagnan is tricky. He has a
small knife hidden in his sleeve.
45 EXT: Misc woods
He cuts the ropes binding his hands but Aramis is on to him and
pulls him off his horse to the ground and jumps on him. D'Artagnan
has his gag off.
D'Artagnan
Before they can gag him again
I believe the man in the tower is the real king!
Aramis pauses and listens.
Aramis
And what makes you think that?
D'Artagnan
Only that I have it on good authority.
Porthos
Really, how do you know it's good authority?
D'Artagnan
I… I don't.
Aramis
Gag him and put him back on his horse…
D'Artagnan
Wait! Don't you want to know why the king has the west tower off limits?
Athos
No, we just do what we are told.
D'Artagnan
The king has a twin brother.
They stop, for some reason this registers with them.
Aramis
Hauls D'Artagnan up
Where did you hear that?
D'Artagnan
I… I have an informer. He resides within your ranks. He got it from the Captain who
got it from the king's mother, the Countess. She believes that the evil twin
is on the thrown and his brother, Louis the real king is being kept in the tower.
Aramis
Thinks
It has puzzled me these last years, why the king has asked the musketeers to do the
strange things he has.
Looks at D'Artagnan
Did you climb into that tower?
D'Artagnan
Yes.
Aramis
What did you see?
D'Artagnan
Un-tie me and I'll tell you.
Porthos and Athos
(Random) I don't think so.
Aramis
Thinks
Un-tie him.
Athos
Aramis, he will only run.
D'Artagnan
I will not. I wish to become a musketeer.
Porthos and Athos laugh. They untie him.
Aramis
Who is in the tower?
D'Artagnan
Thinks
What about my wish?
Porthos
Tells us and maybe we'll let you go.
Aramis
Hold up a hand to silence Porthos
If what you tell us is of value, you will get your wish.
Athos
Aramis, you can't do that.
Aramis
Then he is with us.
Porthos
Good, then I can whip his little ass.
D'Artagnan
You are a fat pig. Give me my sword and I will show you.
Porthos
I do not like being called a pig. Let him up Aramis and give
him a sword.
Aramis does just that. He lets D'Artagnan up. D'Artagnan
pulls Aramis' sword and faces off with Porthos.
(Choreograph)
The two battle. Porthos is way more of a challenge than D'Artagnan
had thought. Porthos duels but is growing tired. D'Artagnan is also
getting tired but his youth gives him an advantage. Finally D'Artagnan
kicks his feet out from under him and has him on his back with the
point of the sword to his throat.
Aramis
Don't kill him, we need him.
D'Artagnan pulls the sword away and tosses it back to Aramis.
D'Artagnan
I had no intention of killing this man. I will tell you what I learned because I
believe you three to be the legendary Three Musketeers.
Porthos, Athos and Aramis go side by side and smile.
Aramis
Tell us what you know… and…
D'Artagnan
…and?
Athos
Tell us your name.
D'Artagnan
I am D'Artagnan, the old man who used to live in the cottage taught me to…
Aramis
…the old man who used to live in the cottage used to be our captain. He taught
us all to be musketeers.
D'Artagnan
All I know, is that the man in the tower was chained to the wall with an iron
mask over his face.
Porthos
An iron mask?
Aramis
His name?
D'Artagnan
He told me his name was… Louis. (Lu-ee)
The three look at each other in shock. They converse in secret.
Then they turn. They're all smiling.
Porthos
We are The Three Musketeers not the four Musketeers.
D'Artagnan
And so you shall remain the Three Musketeers, I will just remain a silent
partner. If you so desire.
Aramis extends a hand. He and D'Artagnan shake. The other two
join in. They all lock swords in the air
Athos
All for one…
All reply
…and one for all!
They all mount up.
Aramis
To D'Artagnan
You realize we cannot officially make you a musketeer?
D'Artagnan
I understand but if I am worthy to ride with you then being a real musketeer will
not be necessary.
Aramis smiles and looks at Porthos and Athos who are also
smiling. They ride off.
35 EXT: Front of palace – late afternoon – sunny – cool
Captain Fluess catches them as they're riding by. They stop.
Fluess
Where are you gentlemen headed to?
D'Artagnan
Speaks first
To see the king, we believe he might not actually be the king.
Fluess
Before they can ride off
He is… not necessarily the king.
Aramis
What?
Fluess
He might not be the king, but he…
Pause
…is my son.
D'Artagnan
You're…
Fluess
Looks at Aramis about D'Artagnan
Who is this man?
Aramis
He is a new addition to the Three Musketeers.
Fluess
So now you are the Four…
D'Artagnan
…D'Artagnan sir, and no, they remain the Three Musketeers.
Aramis
To the captain about D'Artagnan
He has told us what we believe to be true so we ride.
Porthos
Still pondering
Then you and the Countess…
Fluess
…yes, and I still love her and she still loves me.
D'Artagnan
Then you know of the twins?
Fluess
No but I have long suspected that the king is… another.
Aramis
Then ride with us, help keep the king's guards at bay while we investigate.
Fluess
Thinks, he turns to a musketeer Centre
Get five men, come and find us by the west tower.
CENTRE
Salutes
Sir!
Pause, did I hear right?
…The west tower sir?
Fluess
Yes, the West tower.
Centre
Sir!
He dismounts and enters the musketeer building. The five men
ride toward the west tower. While they are riding…
Fluess
There will be no investigation, if it is my son, we shall rescue him.
39 EXT: West tower – Afternoon
A guard stands at the entrance to the west tower. He holds his
ground. The five men ride up.
TOWER GUARD 2
The king has put me here and I will do my duty. You will not pass.
Aramis
There are five of us and one of you. Are you sure you want to do your duty?
Tower guard 2
I must.
Aramis
I tell you what. You go tell the king and come back with help.
Tower guard 2
You are a true gentleman sir. The guard runs off.
Aramis
We have about ten minutes.
46 INT: Bottom of tower stairway
They all dismount, pry the door open and run inside. Porthos
looks up at all the stairs, all the stairs.
Porthos
I believe I will stay and assist the captain.
D'Artagnan
Are you sure my big friend?
Porthos
I am sure my little friend.
47 INT: Tower stairway
D'Artagnan, Athos and Aramis run up the stairs. When they reach
the door to the top of the tower it is of course locked.
48 INT: Top of tower – outside cell door
Aramis
We need Porthos.
D'Artagnan
Let me see.
D'Artagnan pulls on the door. The handle breaks off.
Athos
Humorously
You are strong my friend.
D'Artagnan
I can do better.
Aramis
Pull away D'Artagnan, the three of us will charge it.
The three charge the door. It breaks but does not give. The three
men are in a little pain after the first attempt.
Athos
Ok, that hurt.
A sound outside the tower. Aramis looks out the window. A large
complement of the queen's army duel with Porthos and the captain.
Looking down...
Aramis cont.
Our friends need our help.
Just then a group of six musketeers rides up and joins the mix.
Aramis
Now we have time.
48 INT: Top of west tower - cell
The three line up and charge the door again this time breaking
through.
40 INT: West tower cell
Two of them crash to the floor. The room is dark and stinky. Some
hay is scattered around. The man in the mask is lying helpless.
He is a pathetic sight. All but dead. The three go to him.
D'Artagnan
Carefully.
Athos
Is he the one?
D'Artagnan
I'm sure of it, let us take him anyway.
Aramis and Athos pull the chain from the wall. They help up the
fragile man and begin to escort him down the stairs. As they make
their way down, some of the king's army who have gotten past
Porthos and the Captain, make their way up.
47 INT: Tower stairway
(Choreograph)
A duel on the stairs. Aramis holds the fragile man while
D'Artagnan and Athos Duel with the guards. The guards
are quickly dispatched. The three men work their way the
rest of the way down the stairs.
46 INT: Bottom of stairs - still inside tower
When they reach the bottom a battle is going on. A shot is fired.
The captain goes down. The fragile man in the mask is set down
and the other three have to join the frey.
The four and the few musketeers have all they can handle.
The king's army is not letting up. There are too many of them.
39 EXT: West tower – early evening – clear - cool
Suddenly more of the musketeers ride up. The battle is halted. One of
the commanding officers of the musketeers rides up to the entrance
and dismounts. He enters the tower and sees the captain laying there
bleeding.
46 INT: Bottom of stairs - still inside tower
MUSKETEER OFFICER 10
Kneels down
Sir, who did this to you?
Fluess
Someone from the Kings army but it does not matter. He was only doing his duty.
The officer sees the man in the mask. He stands up.
MO10
Is this the man from the tower?
D'Artagnan
Yes.
MO10
Who is he?
A voice comes from behind them.
Countess
He is my son.
They all turn. The Countess kneels and cradles his head.
Countess
My son.
He can see her through the mask.
Voice
Mother.
Fluess
To the countess
My love.
Voice
Father.
He passes out. King An Sol arrives.
King An sol
What are you all doing here? This area is off limits. Guards arrest these men.
D'Artagnan
The man in the mask is the real king Louis.
King An sol
Nonsense, I am the king. Now arrest these men.
No one moves. The countess faces the king.
King An sol
Mother.
Countess
To An sol
How could you, this is your brother?
King An sol
I know not of what you speak mother, this man is a common thief.
Aramis
Then why keep him alive, it is your rule, hang all common criminals?
Fluess
To An Sol
If I had known…
King An Sol
If you had known, you would do what?
Countess
…He would have killed you.
Fluess dies.
King An sol
Kill me? price he has paid for treason
Pause
and I… I was… about to hang this man. And I would have hung the Captain
but he has saved me the trouble.
D'Artagnan
This man has been here for over two years.
Porthos man-handles one of the prison guards, knocks him down
and takes his keys. He walks over to open the mask. The King (An Sol)
jumps in sword pulled and stabs Porthos. D'Artagnan pulls his sword
and pins the king against the wall with the point of his sword.
Porthos is ok. He unlocks the mask revealing the man inside.
Countess
She sobs
It is my son, it is the real king, King Louis!
MO10
All hail the king!
Everyone including the king's army bows. The frail king who was
released from the mask, cradled in his mother's arms.
KING LOUIS
Fragile
Lock him in the tower and lock the mask over his face. I am a good king, I will let him
out in a year or two.
All laugh. They take An Sol prisoner and haul him off. He cries out
as he's being taken away…
An Sol
I am the king, that man is an imposter, I am the king…
28 EXT: A week later – palace court yard – Day – cool – sunny
All the musketeers and the king's army are gathered in formation
during a ceremony for the new king. All are bowed. King Louis
walks up to the Three Musketeers plus one. He tells them to rise.
Then he tells all to rise.
King Louis
To Aramis
Who is this new member of your team Aramis?
Aramis
He is D'Artagnan your majesty.
King Louis
A musketeer?
Aramis
No your majesty. He is… with us, that is if your majesty approves.
King Louis
I do not approve, only appointed ones can be musketeers.
Aramis drops his head, D'Artagnan is clearly disappointed.
King Louis cont.
I made that rule and only I can make exceptions. So today, the man who saved
me, D'Artagnan…
To D'Artagnan
Bow my son.
D'Artagnan bows.
King Louis cont.
Taps him on each shoulder with his sword
I knight thee D'Artagnan, a musketeer and captain of the musketeers.
D'Artagnan looks up smiling.
King Louis cont.
Rise D'Artagnan, captain of the musketeers. Rise and serve the king.
D'Artagnan
Bows
I will your majesty.
All cheer. End D'Artagnan's story NEXT SCENE:
12 EXT: Fade to reality – woods –D'Artagnan's cottage
Porthos continues to speak…
Porthos
I… I don't know, eat I suppose.
D'Artagnan
And when you are not eating?
Athos
Jests
When would that be, he is either screwing or eating, there is no in between.
The others laugh.
Porthos
Offended
In Between I am protecting you, you pig.
Aramis
Offended
There is only one pig around here.
D'Artagnan
Before Porthos can say anything else
…In between, you will make this place livable again. And there will be no
women. We cannot afford for you to be caught again until this doth in
deed blow over.
Porthos
Looks at it again, smiles a little, looks at D'Artagnan
I will, I will make it a good place. A place to bring a woman…
Pauses, humbly
…Once this has all blown over of course.
Cut:
49 INT: MISC ROOM – PALACE – MID DAY
Lou-ise is of course, talking to the queen.
Lou-ise
…Milady, if the Cardinal hears that I have told you about this he will…
QUEEN
…He will do nothing without my word. Do not worry Lou-ise (Lu wees), I will create a
rumor that someone else has told me.
Lou-ise
Yes Milady…
Bows and exits backwards
Thank you Milady.
Lou-ise leaves, the queen ponders.
Queen
To herself
I have you now Porthos…
Pause, gets angry
…My daughter!
50 INT: Misc part of the Palace
The queen is talking with the Cardinal
Queen
My husband…
She cuddles up to him
…I have heard the news about Agnes and Porthos.
Cardinal
I told that bastard Lou-ise not to…
Queen
…It was not Lou-ise husband.
Cardinal
Then who?
Queen
Thinks
It was… one of the men with Lou-ise the day they caught her.
Cardinal
Think
Lou-ise, he should have…
Queen
…I asked Lou-ise about this. He swore his men to secrecy. This man came to me of
his own accord.
Cardinal
Who my dear, who told you?
Queen
Why, why is this so important to you? You know how I feel about Porthos. This is
just what we need to…
Cardinal
Hiding the fact that he really hates the Musketeers
…No, I… I have seen the error of my way. The musketeers and especially Porthos are
here to protect us. Of that I have no doubt.
Queen
Thinks
The musketeers yes, but Porthos and those other three that he is always with, I
do not trust them.
Cardinal
Looks at her
I do. I would sanction a marriage between these two.
Queen
Sanction, what do you mean? You know I would never allow this.
Cardinal
Thinks
I… I know my dear. But if you would just listen to me. Porthos is a…
Queen
…Porthos is a buffoon and a peasant, no daughter of mine will be married to him.
Cardinal
Gets his back up
You… you will do as I say woman. You are my wife and…
Queen
…and you are not the king.
Cardinal
No… no I am not. I am a man of the clothe. I am the supreme leader of the church. The
king will listen to me.
Queen
He will not, he is angry at you for steeling me away.
Pause, bows her head
He would listen to neither of us.
Cardinal
No… you are right, he would not.
Queen
Perks up
Then it comes down to this my husband, who has the trust of the royal Army?
Cardinal
And…
Pause
…That would be… you… my queen.
Queen
Correct, and I say, there will be no wedding. That peasant was caught with my daughter
and he shall pay for it.
Cardinal
Defeated
Yes… my dear.
Pause
But you will orchestrate this yourself. I will have no part of it.
Queen
Of course my husband. I would not involve you.
Cardinal
Turns and faces her down one more time
She is a grown woman, she can make her own decisions. You must…
Queen
…I must do nothing. She knows the penalty for this as well as he does. She must
accept the consequences.
She smiles an evil smile.
51 INT: Night – a bar in the town near the palace
Men attend the bar, most peasants who barely have two nickels to
rub together, find peace in a place where they can imbibe without
the cackling of their wives for a few minutes.
Lou-ise is there. He is having Ale after a day's work. He overhears
two men talking about the musketeers. He leans closer.
BAR MAN 1
If it weren't for those musketeers, this little village would be a lot better off.
BAR MAN 2
Yeah, we could get away with a lot more but they're always there.
Bar man 1
We should tell the Lady De Winter about them.
Bar man 2
She's royalty, you wouldn't get close.
Lou-ise interrupts them.
Lou-ise
Excuse me.
Bar men 1 and 2 look up at him.
Lou-ise cont.
I overheard you talking…
Bar man 2
…We wasn't talken about nothen!
Lou-ise
No, no, your secret is safe with me. You know of the LADY DE WINTER?
Bar man 2
Thinks, looks at his friend
No… never heard of her.
Lou-ise
Forgive me, I distinctly heard you talking about her. I promise, I have
no ill wishes against you. I simply want to know where she is that I might…
set her against the musketeers.
Bar man 1
How do we know you're not just trying to trick us?
Lou-ise
Thinks
I… I suppose you don't. But I am not. I tell you what. You know where the
pillars are to the entrance to the city?
Bar man 2
Yeah.
Lou-ise
You put a message there, near the feet of the statue, indicating where she might be.
Bar man 1
You'll be waiten for us.
Lou-ise
Then send someone we don't know. Here…
He pulls some coins out of a pouch attached to his side.
Lou-ise cont.
Pay him with this. Keep some for yourself.
Bar man 2
It's a trick.
Lou-ise
Frustrated
Look you imbecile, I could find plenty of ways to have you arrested. Sooner
or later, you're just going to have to trust someone.
Bar man 2
Thinks
I… suppose you could.
Lou-ise
I could… easily. But all I want is to know where Lady de Winter is.
Bar man 2
Thinks
Alright, we'll find someone to leave the message. Tomorrow night too soon?
Lou-ise
No… no that would be perfect.
Bar man 1
You'll find it where you said.
Lou-ise
Thinks
If what I find is good, you will be rewarded.
Bar man 2
Believe it when I see it.
Lou-ise
You… my friend, will see it.
Cut:
52 INT: Misc room – somewhere in France – Mid day
The Lady De Winter and an evil bishop (Charles Le Brun) discuss
the over throw of the King in their own neck of the woods.
CHARLES
…But milady, is this not the perfect time?
LADY
The perfect time my bishop but not the perfect weapon. We need another way
to kill him.
A messenger knocks. The Lady goes to the door but only calls
through it.
Lady
Who is it?
ANTOINE OC
Through the door
It is Antoine milady, I have a message for you.
She opens the door but as Antoine tries to enter she blocks him.
He hands her the letter. It's sealed, she looks at it and opens it.
She reads. Pause, her eyes go wide.
Charles
What is it milady? A weapon?
Lady
Still looking at the letter
No…
Pause
…something …far greater.
Charles tries to read it from her hand. She stuff's it in a pocket in
her coat. Turns and runs to the door.
Charles
Milady!
Lady
As she's leaving
We'll have to continue this later Charles, I have to go!
She leaves in a hurry and slams the door behind her. Charles
just looks as if he's not sure what just happened.
50 INT: Misc Room – Palace
The queen is in a misc room within the palace awaiting Lou-ise.
Lou-ise finally arrives.
Lou-ise
Bows before her
Forgive me my queen, I was detained.
Queen
No matter.
CS
I have heard this and recently heard it again. Apparently there is a person
who has specialized in getting involved in the efforts of the Musketeers and…
Lou-ise
…Lady De Winter.
She's surprised.
Lou-ise cont.
I knew of her. I dispatched a letter to her explaining the situation.
Queen
Wonderful Lou-ise, she has killed the greatest of men. Is she coming?
Lou-ise
I am afraid I have not heard my queen but I have been informed that she… is
determined to kill D'Artagnan. She has spent time in jail for an offence of which she wishes
to retain retribution.
Queen
Thinks
She must be coming.
Looks at Lou-ise
Prepare for her arrival, she should be here tomorrow. Put her in our best room
and give her anything she needs.
Lou-ise
Bows as he leaves the room
Yes my queen.
12 EXT: Cottage – deep woods – mid day
Porthos is putting an old window back together with stones and
cement. It falls apart because he doesn't have the correct
mixture for the cement. He gets angry and smashes more
of the window. A voice behind him.
Aramis
You are doing a wonderful job my friend.
Porthos turns around.
Porthos
It's this damn cement, it won't hold.
Aramis dismounts, dips his hand in the cement and sniffs it.
Aramis
Have you put lime in this?
Porthos
Lime, why would I put that in my cement?
Aramis
Lime, lime is the main ingredient in cement.
Porthos enters the cottage and reappears with limes in his hand.
Aramis cont.
Not that kind of lime you fool, lime stone, lime stone.
Porthos
Oh…
Pause
Where do I find it?
Aramis
Looks around, finds some
Here, D'Artagnan has left much for you. It is in this bucket.
Porthos
Smiles
I wondered what that was.
CS
Why are you here Aramis?
Aramis
Just checking on you. See if you need anything.
Porthos
I need a lot of things but I'd settle for some wine and several cooked chickens.
Aramis pulls a package from a pouch on his horse. He also
pulls out a large bottle of wine.
Aramis
Will this do?
Porthos looks at it. He smiles.
Porthos
Smiles
It's not chicken but it will do.
He takes it, smells it and brings it into the cottage. Aramis
follows him in.
13 INT: Cottage – it is falling apart – the sun shines through many holes.
Porthos sits down to eat. He waves for Aramis to join him.
He slides the large bottle of wine over to him. Aramis drinks.
Porthos
Mouth full, he takes a drink
I'm grateful my friend.
Aramis
Porthos, you do realize that people will be trying to find you?
She will have offered a reward.
Porthos
Mouth full
I'm sure, any news? What am I worth?
Aramis
About 500 pounds, otherwise no news so far but if I know the queen and her compadre,
they will be cooking something up.
Porthos
Chewing, takes another drink
I'm… sure… you are right my friend. If she asks what will you do?
Aramis
Thinks
Lie I guess.
Porthos
You think it will be that easy.
Aramis
No but one can hope.
Porthos
Laughs
I thought lying was against your religion?
Aramis
It is but I think God would forgive it if it was for a good reason.
Porthos
Maybe.
35 EXT: In front of the palace – Night – Dark
A fancy carriage arrives (camera from higher view). A woman
exits the carriage. The man with her also exits the carriage and
knocks at the large door. A voice from over the side of the roof
answers.
Claude
Who is there?
She yells up.
Lady
Lady De Winter sir.
The man disappears. Soon the large door opens with a creek. An
old man, a palace guard of sorts, dressed in guard garb and a
sword and spear at his side, escorts the Lady and her friend to
another room within the palace.
Lou-ise waits with several servants at his side.
Lou-ise
The Lady De Winter I assume?
The Lady bows.
Lou-ise cont.
I have been told by the queen to extend every luxury to you.
Lady
I am grateful. Are you Lou-ise Le Nain who wrote me?
Lou-ise
I am milady.
CS
Please, follow me.
53 INT: Misc Corridor – Palace
Lou-ise cont.
Tis the queen that will inform you.
Lady
Inform me, of what?
Lou-ise
Of… the quarry.
Lady
Ah.
Charles
Whispers to her
The quarry being the Musketeers I hope.
Lou-ise
As he walks
The same.
Charles, surprised at being over-heard. They arrive at a particularly
ornate door. Lou-ise knocks. A voice from the other side answers.
Queen OC
Come!
Lou-ise opens the door. They enter.
54 INT: Lavish room – palace
The queen sits with royal guards standing next to her. The others bow.
Queen
Lady De Winter?
Lady
She bows
I am, my queen.
Queen
Rise, all of you. Everyone go, leave me and the Lady to converse alone.
Charles and Lou-ise look surprised.
Lou-ise
But my queen…
Queen
…Lou-ise
Pause
…Please, take our friend to the palace kitchen.
Charles
But I am not…
Queen
…To the kitchen.
Lou-ise
…Follow me dear sir.
Lou-ise, Charles and the three guards leave. Lou-ise bows as
he closes the door. The lady sits.
Queen
I don't often get a chance to converse with a woman as high in the aristocracy as me.
Lady
Please ma'am, I am not.
Queen
Very well but you are the same I suspect.
Lady
I am honored my queen.
Queen
I am sure I am not your queen.
Lady
In your presents you are my queen.
Queen
I have heard much about you. I'm sure you have no queen… but never mind that.
Have you seen the room?
Lady
I have, it is… more than I would have expected.
Queen
You deserve it, you have a big job ahead of you.
Lady
Yes…
Thinks
…But I fear D'Artagnan will know what I'm up to and…
Queen
…Is he a man?
Lady
More than a man my queen.
Queen
He is dashing, I must admit.
Lady
He killed my father. For that I tried to kill him. I spent time in prison for
my attempt. Do you know what they do to a woman in prison?
Queen
In deed.
Lady
May I enquire why does the queen want D'Artagnan dead?
Queen
Oh no, not D'Artagnan, Porthos.
Lady
Porthos, he is a buffoon, you could dispatch him easily.
Queen
Not as easily as you would think. He is great amongst the Musketeers and with the
other three, he is… unapproachable.
Lady
But if I kill D'Artagnan in the process…
Queen
…A bonus. Worthy of a greater payment than originally deemed.
Lady
Which leads me to my next question, what does the queen think Porthos
is worth?
Queen
He was caught with my daughter.
Lady
Then… a handsome sum for his head.
Queen
A thousand pounds for Porthos and another thousand if D'Artagnan dies
in the process.
Lady
A worthy amount for a worthy task.
Queen
Can you do it?
Lady
I failed once…
Queen
You did.
Lady
…But I will not fail again.
Queen
I have no doubt, your reputation precedes you.
55 INT: Small Village – Mid day – Clear - Sunny – Warm
A group of Lou-ise' men and Lou-ise with them. They go from
town to town looking wreaking havoc as they go for Porthos.
D'Artagnan walks out of a local pub just in time to meet with
Lou-ise and his men. Like a dear in headlights, D'Artagnan stops.
Lou-ise is as shocked. He draws his sword…
Lou-ise
That man, apprehend him that is D'Artagnan!
D'Artagnan pulls his sword and duels with several of the men…
(Choreograph)
D'Artagnan moves gracefully using everything available to aid in
his defense against the mass of royal guards. Aramis and Athos
are close by. They see that D'Artagnan is battling and outnumbered.
They jump in giving D'Artagnan an advantage.
(Choreograph)
A couple of the royal guards are run through. Athos sustains an injury.
D'Artagnan and Aramis must end the battle because of Athos' injury
and escape with they're friend.
They disappear momentarily and then appear again on horseback.
They ride past the guards, knocking some of them down in the process.
43 EXT: Misc spot in the woods
They stop once deep in the woods sure that they haven't been followed.
D'Artagnan tends to Athos' wound.
Aramis
D'Artagnan, who were they?
D'Artagnan
The one was Lou-ise, the queens head soldier. The others must have been royal
soldiers under him.
Athos
Do you think they were looking for Porthos?
D'Artagnan
My guess.
Aramis
To capture us is to find Porthos.
D'Artagnan
My guess.
D'Artagnan finishes binding Athos' wound. The three remount
their horses.
Aramis
Then we have more to worry about than I thought.
D'Artagnan
Yes. The queen is a devious type. She will most assuredly incorporate the assistance
of anyone she can to bring Porthos down.
Athos
To justice you mean.
Aramis
Her justice is not justice.
D'Artagnan
I agree. The queen is evil and full of hate for the musketeers. One must
understand her kind of justice.
Aramis
Then the musketeers need to know of this.
D'Artagnan
Not just yet my friend. We must determine who of the musketeers would stand
in defiance of the queen to save Porthos.
Athos
Subject to the queen.
D'Artagnan
Subject to the queen. There is a queen's sup with the Musketeers tomorrow
night, we will attend and indiscriminately figure out who we can trust.
56 INT: Palace – the lady's bedroom
Lady De Winter is discussing plans to catch Porthos with her
confidant the Bishop.
Lady
D'Artagnan knows where Porthos is.
Charles
Do you think my lady?
Lady
I'm sure of it. We must find D'Artagnan.
The queen knocks at the door. Charles opens it.
Charles
Bows
My queen.
Queen
I'm sure.
Charles stands as the queen passes him to speak to the lady.
Queen Cont.
Have you determined how you are to go about killing Porthos?
Lady
Killing him, no ma'am. I will bring him to you, you will decide his fate.
Queen
Very well.
Lady
Ponders
I must find D'Artagnan.
Queen
Thinking
There is a meal, a dinner for the Musketeers tomorrow night.
Lady
Ponders
It will be a place to start. Will they allow women there?
Queen
Yes, if you don't mind being the subject of the night.
Lady
I have been before and I have friends who would assist me. Can
anyone attend?
Queen
Not really, just royalty, women, and Musketeers.
Lady
Then how will I enter?
Queen
That I am not sure of.
Lady
What is the dinner for?
Queen
I sup them occasionally as a way of having them believe that I am faithful to them.
And they, faithful to me.
Lady
Good they will be expecting women, I will need help.
Queen
I will give you a detachment of my soldiers.
C.S.
If D'Artagnan sees you…
Lady
He is in love with me, he will not react.
Queen
And you, are you in love with him?
The Lady blushes.
Lady
Thinks
…Yes… I am but I would kill him just the same for what he has done to me.
Queen
Good.
57 INT: Dark dinner hall – evening – near the palace
All the musketeers are making marry. There's plenty of ale and
food. The queen enters. They all stop and bow.
Queen
As you were.
They stand and continue to frolic. The queen looks around, there
are women there but she does not see Lady De Winter. Soon, the
Lady enters, there are two other women with her. They are as
stunning as she is. The men warm up to them quickly and they
to the men. They are there to find Athos and Aramis and hold
them back, distract them. But they are unsuccessful.
D'Artagnan, Athos and Aramis, sit non-nonchalantly in the rear
of the hall watching all that goes on. D'Artagnan sees Lady
De Winter and points her out to the others. The other two look.
They see her. They look back at him. D'Artagnan gets up to
go to her when Aramis stops him. D'Artagnan smiles and winks
at Aramis. Aramis lets him go.
The Lady De Winter sees him coming, smiles and waits for him to
approach. The queen sees this also.
58 EXT: In the trees – in the dark somewhat cool of the night – Outside the hall
Someone hiding in the dark watches as Lady De Winter's men
cautiously position themselves near the entrance to the hall.
57 INT: Inside the dinner hall
D'Artagnan
Leans on the bar next to the Lady
And to what do I owe this pleasure?
Lady
Why D'Artagnan, whatever do you mean?
D'Artagnan
Please, you expect me to think that you just decided to come and
enjoy all this?
Lady
Of Course not. I heard you might be here.
D'Artagnan
From who, I told no one that I would be here.
Lady
The musketeers, all for one and so on. I just figured you'd be here.
She looks around.
D'Artagnan
Are you looking for my friends?
She looks at him.
Lady
Why… no… I was just looking around.
She turns her attention back to him.
Lady Cont.
D'Artagnan, we should leave this place, get caught up.
D'Artagnan
Should we now?
Lady
Of Course, it has been too long.
D'Artagnan
And where should we go?
Lady
Ponders
Why, we should just walk.
D'Artagnan
In such a dangerous place?
Lady
D'Artagnan is a gallant fighter, I would have no fear.
D'Artagnan makes eye contact with Aramis.
D'Artagnan
Indeed, no one would dare. Shall we?
D'Artagnan begins to walk out with her. Aramis finds Athos and
they make their way through the crowd of Musketeers to find out
who is with them and then to the exit
Athos
To Aramis
I hope this doesn't take too long.
(This is where Athos grows up to be a musketeer) FLASH BACK:
58 INT: Athos family home – morning – dining room
Athos
Father, my friends and I are going to ride horses in the field
MR. ATHOS IE FATHER
Sure Athos.
C.S.
Honey can I get a riding crop for Athos?
A voice from another room.
MRS. ATHOS I.E. MOTHER I.E. HONEY
Asle, can you get Athos a riding crop?
ASLE (AZ ILL)
Young French girl accent
I would have to order some miss, we're out right now.
58b INT: Dining room
Mr. Athos
Athos, can you ride without…
Suddenly the noise of a crash!
Mr. Athos cont.
Alarmed
…What was that noise?
A scream from another room. It sounds like Asle. Mr. Athos runs
to the front room.
59 INT: Athos' home – front room
Four men with swords out, stand just inside the door. Asle who
answered the door was killed, stabbed upon opening the door.
Mr. Athos pulls his sword but he's no match for the man that
he challenges. The man runs him through. Athos is 15 and
very good with the sword. He runs one of the men through
but another gets him. Athos falls injured.
Mrs. Athos comes in and screams. Two of Athos' sisters come
down the stairs. One older, LA BIN and one younger LA TUR.
The older one screams.
Athos
Calls out
No, leave them!
He looks over, his father lays dead.
The four men go into action, three of them stab Mrs. Athos. She
falls to the floor dead. The two girls run back up the stairs. The
little one falls as she's running away.
60 INT: Athos home – upstairs
Two of the men go up the stairs after the two girls. The little
one is caught and stabbed. Athos can do nothing and is beyond
devastated.
61 INT: Athos home – upstairs hallway
The older one locks herself in her room.
One man busts her door open. La Tur is fourteen and quite
attractive. The man that busts her door open gets pummeled
by thrown objects and must close the door again to keep from
getting hit.
A second man runs up beside him. They break into La Tur's
room together.
62 INT: La Tur's room
She's out of ammunition. She tries to use her bed as a barricade
but it's of little use.
INSERT:
The first man stabs her shoulder.
The second man throws her on the bed, rapes her, and then
cuts her throat with a knife. The other man just stands there
and laughs.
59 INT: Athos home – downstairs – main room
Athos lies bleeding. He can see his little sister dead at the top
of the stairs. His mother and father lay dead near him. The four
men gather at the door.
GANG MAN 1
Sees Athos
That one stabbed me, and he's still alive.
He goes over to stab Athos again but the gang leader stops him.
LA SHU
No, let him go. He'll bleed to death anyway.
Looks at Athos
Tell your friends, your father didn't like the way the queen was doing
things. He dared to defy her. The penalty for defying the queen and her
laws is death. You tell em that, if you live long enough.
The four men leave.
43 EXT: Through the woods – day – cool – on the ground
Athos crawls, injured to a neighbor's house. Another well to do
family. The Flath's home. The husband, a good man but an older
man isn't sure about the stance that Athos' father has taken
against the queen.
63 INT: Flath home – main room
It would interfere with his class of living also. But he knows
that at the same time, the queen's laws are not fair to the not
so privileged. A thump, Mrs. Flath opens the door. When she
sees the injured Athos she becomes frantic but pulls him inside.
Mr. Flath comes to the room and sees Athos being hauled to the
couch by Mrs. Flath.
MR. FLATH
What is he…
Looks around
…doing here?
MRS. FLATH
He's injured, can't you see?
Athos moans but is in-coherent.
Mr. Flath
If anyone finds out he's here we'll be killed for sure.
Mrs. Flath
What makes you think that?
Mr. Flath
His father is working against the queen, obviously someone has attacked
him because of it. We need to get him home as soon as possible.
Mrs. Flath
If he has a home, why do you think he came here?
Mr. Flath
I don't know, he likes to ride horses, maybe they attacked him close
to here.
Mrs. Flath
Then go to Athos' house and tell them that he's here.
Mr. Flath
I… oh, very well.
He leaves out the main entrance.
43 EXT: Woods – day – path
Mr. Flath walking through the woods towards Athos home.
44 EXT: Outside the main entrance of Athos' home
Mr. Flath knocks. No answer. He looks down, a trail of blood,
probably from where Athos dragged himself away. He tests
the door, it's open. He cautiously goes in.
Mr. Flath
Hello, is any…
…Then he sees Athos father and mother laying dead on the floor.
Mr. Flath cont.
…Oh my god.
He starts to make his way up the stairs when he sees the little
girl. He turns her over. Her eyes are open but she's dead.
Someone stabbed her. He starts to whimper and closes the
little girl's eyes.
He lays her down gently and walks down the hall checking each room.
61 INT: Athos home – upstairs hall
62 INT: Athos Home – La Turs room
He finally goes into La Tur's room. There are signs of a
struggle but he doesn't see anything at first. As he looks
around the bed…
INSERT
…he sees the foot of a young girl. Her throat has been slit. There
is blood all over and a clear indication that she'd been raped.
Cut:
63 INT: Flath home – main room
Mr. Flath enters, it's clear he is upset and has been crying. Mrs.
Flath runs to him and raps her arms around him as he almost
passes out on a nearby chair. He looks at Athos passed out
on the couch.
Mrs. Flath
Husband, what did you see?
Mr. Flath
Looks up at her
All of them, they're all dead. Even the little girl.
Mrs. Flath
Gasps
Oh my god. We have to help him now.
Mr. Flath
Thinks, gets angry
Yes, the queen has gone too far this time. Too Far.
54 INT: Palace – queens quarters – later in the day
The queen is talking to the gang leader.
Queen
I didn't mean for you to kill all of them.
La Shu
Snaky
Forgive me malady, but when we kill, we kill all.
Queen
I should have you killed. If anyone finds out what you did, there will
be hell to pay.
La Shu
But your majesty, you did not…
Queen
…No… I did not tell you not to kill the rest of the family. There
was a little girl…
La Shu
Pouts and kneels
We… killed her to Malady.
Queen
Reaches in her pocket
I suppose it's just as well, no one can talk now.
La Shu
He looks up smiling
Dead men tell no tails Malady.
As he's bowed, she walks around him, she pulls a knife and holds
it to his throat. Then she hands him a leather pouch with money
in it. He takes it. She slowly pulls the knife away.
Queen
There's more, if and when I need you again.
La Shu
Backing up
Thank you malady, thank you.
35 EXT: Front of palace entrance – early evening – clear – cool
Mr. Flath and several men on horseback are at the main entrance
to the palace. A voice overhead.
VOICE OVERHEAD
What say you?
Mr. Flath
Yells back up
We wish council with the queen.
The Voice disappears for a moment. Then comes back.
Voice Overhead
The queen is busy, she is not taking council right now.
Mr. Flath
Tell her, it's urgent.
The voice disappears again, then returns.
Voice overhead
The queen has requested that you leave and come back another day.
Mr. Flath
But it's urgent?
Voice overhead
A threat to the queen?
Mr. Flath
Well, no.
Voice overhead
Then be gone with you or be hung.
Mr. Flath
Looks at others with him
Hung, she must be very busy.
MAN1 WITH FLATH
With a lower voice, with Flath
She must be near, he wasn't gone that long.
Mr. Flath
You heard him gentlemen, we must go for now…
He gets louder
…but we'll be back.
They ride off.
54 INT: Palace – queens court
She is alone with the Voice overhead.
Queen
What do you think they wanted?
Voice overhead
I don't know malady.
Queen
Thinks
Call for the gang leader.
63 INT: Flath home – day – several days later
A knock at the Flath's door. Mr. Flath answers it. It's one
of the men that was with him.
PIEN
Flath.
Mr. Flath
Pien, come in.
Pien walks in.
Pien
Flath, there's rumors floaten around.
Mr. Flath
What rumors?
Pien
That the queen is on the rampage. She's having people killed that might
defy her. I believe she's coming this way.
Mr. Flath
Just Rumors?
Pien
So far.
Mr. Flath
There are always rumors about the queen, I'm sure that's what they are.
Pien
Thinks
Do you think so?
Mr. Flath
Yes, yes. You go home to your wife and tell her to stop spreading rumors.
Pien
Not my wife.
Mr. Flath
Of course not.
He ushers Pien back out. Mrs. Flath enters the room.
Mrs. Flath
Who was that?
Mr. Flath
Pien, he thinks the queen is on a rampage.
Mrs. Flath
Do you think someone knows the boy is here?
Mr. Flath
I doubt it, she's just on the rampage, nothing new. She will not
bother us.
Mrs. Flath
Good.
64 EXT: Outside near the flath home – early evening
Several years later:
Mr. Flath and some men are training Athos. Who has become
very good at fencing, they are sparring. Athos is fending off
several of them. They're all laughing. Truth is, none of them
can even get close to Athos.
Mr. Flath
Out of breath
Ok Athos that's enough, I don't want my friends to have a heart attack.
FRIEND 2
Out of breath
Us?
Mr. Flath
Come my friends, we will have a drink.
Athos
Me too?
Mrs. Flath
No Athos, you are not old enough.
Athos
Pouts
Ah.
Mr. Flath
Sorry Athos, maybe next time.
The men all go into Mr. Flath's outbuilding for a drink of ale.
65 INT: Flath outbuilding – inside – early night – lamp lite
They're laughing it up, drinking their ale's when Pien walks in.
Mr. Flath
Cheerful
Pien, come in.
Pien stands there for a moment, no expression on his face, he
doesn't respond to Mr. Flath's request. Mr. Flath and the other
men watch him for a second. Then… Pien cough's up blood and
falls flat on his face. Flath and his friends run up to him very
concerned.
Flath's Friend 2
He's been stabbed. It looks like a saber wound.
Suddenly bullets pierce the walls and windows. One of Flath's
friends goes down. The rest take cover. Fire begins to burn
around them but outside.
Mr. Flath
Yelling
They're trying to burn us out!
Flath draws his sword, climbs up into the rafters of the building.
Walks across the rafters to the front of the building and crashes
through.
66 EXT: Near Flath outbuilding – night
Men with torches all around, some on horseback. Some have
crossbows and torches.
66b EXT: Flath crashes out the top of his out building
Flath comes crashing out of the top of the building which surprises
the attackers. He's a fairly big man and takes out several of them
at once. He knocks two men off their horses.
This gives the men inside a chance to come out fighting. Another
crossbow, hit's one of Flath's friends but it's not enough to knock
him down. He continues to fight.
They're outnumbered but not by much and they're all very good
swordsmen. Just as the attackers seem to be getting the upper
hand, Athos rides in, he knocks a couple of the attackers down.
He fires a pistol, killing one attacker and fires a crossbow injuring
another. He jumps off his horse, sword drawn. Two men attack
him. Like a gallant swashbuckler he fights the two men off and
takes one of their swords.
Now he has two. Athos jumps in and kills off several of the attackers
giving Flath and his friends the upper hand. Athos is fast and
unstoppable. Flath watches him. Soon all of Flath's friends
have bested their attackers and watch Athos. Athos is fighting
off the last four.
(Choreograph)
Athos fights like no one has ever seen, he disarms two of the
men, runs them through, raps a rope around another and
causes a horse to run off pulling the man by his neck. He
bends his sword on the chest of the last pinning him against
a tree.
All the attackers are lying injured or dead. Flath and his friends
are all ok.
Athos
As he's cutting men down
…And this is for my mother, father and my two sisters!
They join Athos and the one living attacker that he has pinned.
Athos cont.
Who are you, who sent you to do this? Talk or I'll run
you through.
The man maintains his silence. Athos stabs his right arm. Then
pins the man again. The man cries out in pain.
Athos cont.
Tell bastard or I'll stab your other arm.
The man remains quiet. Athos jabs his other arm. The man
cries out in pain.
Athos cont.
The next one is through your heart.
Attacker 1
How do I know you'll let me live if I tell you.
Athos
You don't!
Athos cocks back as though he's going to thrust the sword
through the man's chest but the man calls out hoping to
sway Athos' jab.
ATTACKER 1
Ok!
Athos
Ok what?
Attacker 1
Looks at the others
We were following orders but the orders came from the queen.
Flath
Why?
Attacker 1
I… I'm not sure, something about her wanting to make sure that certain
people in the village don't go against her.
Flath
To the others
Sounds to me like the queen has become paranoid.
FLATH FRIEND 3
Suddenly?
Athos
To the man
I'll let you go. If these men wish to pursue you, I cannot stop them.
Athos pulls back his sword and releases the man. Holding his
right arm, he hesitates for a moment and then starts running.
Athos cont.
Yells to the man
Tell the queen, I'll kill her if she ever does this again.
Flath
To Athos
Athos, you don't want to say things like that. That will surely get
you killed.
Montage:
Athos has to fight off more attacks by the queens soldiers.
Sometimes he has help from Flath and his men, sometimes
he is alone but always victorious and a menous to the queen.
End montage:
67 EXT: Outside palace
One day Athos is fighting outside the palace. He's about to
come into the main entrance. Two guards meet him with pistols.
He sheaths his sword, smiles and walks away.
Athos
I'll be back, you can count on it.
68 EXT: Next morning – in front of Flath's house – sunny – cool
The queen and a large entourage ride up in front of Flath's
house. Fancy carriages, fancy military horses and the like.
63 INT: Flath house main room looking out
Mrs. Flath is looking out.
Mrs. Flath
To Mr. Flath looking over her shoulder
What do you think she wants?
Mr. Flath
I… I'm not sure.
68b EXT: In front of Flath's house – sunny – cool
QUEENS ASSISTANT
He reads a scroll, yelling out
To the young man that resides at this place of residence. It has been made
clear to the queen that the young man is quite able.
He is therefore called to join the queens musketeers if he so chooses.
63b INT: Flath home – main room looking out
Mr. Flath
Looks at his wife
Do you think that Athos would like to join the musketeers?
Just then, Athos goes running by.
68 EXT: Flath home – out front
He runs out the front door and up to the crowd of the queen's
entourage. He kneels. Someone knights him and he walks off
with the entourage. Mr. and Mrs. Flath come outside. Mr. Flath
has his arm around Mrs. Flath
Mrs. Flath
Is it a trick?
Mr. Flath
I don't think so. I think she would rather have him for her than
against her.
Mrs. Flath laughs.
Mrs. Flath
Looks at him
Just like the proud father.
Mr. Flath looks back at her and kisses her. They both watch
as Athos marches to the palace to become a musketeer.
End Athos story
Next scene:
D'Artagnan and the Lady exit the hall together.
69 EXT: Outside the hall
70 EXT: Misc street near palace – night - cool
D'Artagnan and the lady walk down the dimly lit street
toward the center of the city. As they walk…
Lady
Do you remember where you put me the last time we were together?
D'Artagnan
Ponders
Let's see, I believe you ended up… in the hands of the Duke of
Buckingham whom you tried to kill.
Lady
Do you know what they do to women in prison?
D'Artagnan
Yes, and you must have escaped as they would have kept a fine
woman as yourself as long as they could.
Lady
They tried.
D'Artagnan
…And they paid no doubt?
It's dark but there is enough light to see a fountain and statue
of King Louis XIII in the middle of the main square in Paris.
She quickly and swooning jumps in front of D'Artagnan and
backs him up to the wall of the fountain.
Lady
…Dearly!
D'Artagnan is still in love with her. And she him for that matter.
Lady Cont.
A sensual smile
Would you like to know what they did to me in prison?
D'Artagnan
Thinks, still smiling
No, not really.
Lady
Thinks
Well, maybe I'll tell you anyway, or better yet, show you!
INSERT:
She pulls out a knife and tries to stab D'Artagnan who is ready
for it. He grabs her arm before she can thrust the knife. He
swings her around and up against the wall of the fountain.
Holding her hand, with the knife, up still, he kisses her.
She enjoys that. A voice from behind him. It's the Royal
French Guard, about twenty of them.
Royal French Guardsman Captain
You are under arrest D'Artagnan.
A sword is poking D'Artagnan in the back.
D'Artagnan has no intention of going quietly, he can see
that he's out-numbered but he knocks away the sword
of the captain and at the same time pulling his own.
He's quick, he makes a move to attack. The Lady thrusts
her knife but the knife plunges deep into the chest of another
guard. D'Artagnan fights enough to get clear of the guard
but there are too many and surround him before he can escape.
Suddenly, someone else is in the fight. It's Aramis and Athos.
Swords drawn, they dual with the guard, dispatching or running
them through one by one. The captain sees that his guards are
no match for the Three Musketeers, mounts his horse and rides
quickly for more help.
71 EXT: Edge of woods near Paris
As he nears the end of the city near the palace, Porthos is waiting
in the dark, jumps out and knocks the captain off his horse. The
Captain is bruised but ok. He gets up and tries to pull his sword
but Porthos stops him.
Porthos
That would not be wise Captain.
Captain of the Guard
Porthos, I'd know you anywhere.
Porthos
Looks at him more now
You, you were a Musketeer!
Cotg
And you are a bumbling slob and a drunk and if you let go my hand
I'll run you through.
Porthos thinks about this. The young man obviously needs to be
taught a lesson. So Porthos lets him go and backs up. The
captain draws his sword. Porthos doesn't. The Captain charges
at him, Porthos simply throws him.
The Captain charges again, and again Porthos throws him.
Cotg
Draw your sword you pig!
Now Porthos is offended, he doesn't like being called a pig.
He draws his sword.
Porthos
Pig?
The captain charges again. He's actually pretty good with the
sword and catches Porthos by surprise. The captain causes
Porthos to lose his sword. And pins Porthos against a tree
at sword point. Porthos won't make the same mistake twice.
A quick move and the captain's sword is stuck in the tree.
Porthos swats the captain on the behind causing great pain.
The Captain dislodges his sword and charges Porthos again.
This time Porthos duals with him, actually testing his abilities.
Porthos
While dueling
Captain, you are quite good, you should have stayed with the
Musketeers.
Cotg
Tiring
And you are quite good. Better than I had anticipated.
Porthos finally runs him through. The Captain goes down
holding his side where Porthos stabbed him. Porthos looks
down at him.
Porthos
You'll live.
Porthos jumps on the Captains horse and rides into town.
72 EXT: Night – fountain – brawl
Porthos rides into the fray, the horse takes out several of
the guard. Porthos dives off the horse and pummels two
of the guard. He knocks them both out with a good punch,
pulls his sword and runs another through. There's only
three left, they run.
D'Artagnan
Breathing hard
They'll be back.
Porthos
Breathing hard as well
Yes, they will, and I can't help thinking this is all because of me.
Athos
Breathing hard
It is because of you, you oaf!
Porthos is about to get his back up when Aramis stands in
front of Athos and D'Artagnan stays the hand of Porthos.
D'Artagnan
This will get us nowhere. We must ride back to the safe house. And…
D'Artagnan looks around…
D'Artagnan Cont.
…Where is the Lady De Winter?
Athos
Mounting his horse
Ran most likely. We must leave also… now!
Athos rides off. The other three mount their horses and ride
off as well. As they're riding out of the city D'Artagnan notices
a man faltering in the dark woods.
71 EXT: Edge of the city – night – dark - cool
Porthos
Leave him D'Artagnan, he is the captain.
D'Artagnan
Where is his horse?
As they ride, D'Artagnan sees that Porthos is riding the
Captains horse.
D'Artagnan Cont.
Great, add horse theft to the charges.
They ride off. In the mean time…
73 EXT Different street – near the oprah hall – Dark – cool
People are dressed warmly but for the occasion. Several Carriages
pull up dropping off the privileged ones.
Lady De Winter runs out from a dark alley between buildings,
climbs aboard one of the carriages, stabs the driver and pushes
him off. We hear screams and shouts of protest.
She takes off with the carriage at full speed. There are two
horses but they're in good shape and carry the carriage quickly.
43 EXT: Woods – dark road – late night
Lady de Winter drives the coach wildly trying to catch up with
D'Artagnan and his gang. She rides furiously, frantically,
testing the limits of the stability of the carriage.
74 EXT: More shots of the Lady de winter riding wildly through the woods
She finally catches up with them. Still far enough back, they
don't see or hear her. She can see lamp light through the
windows of the little cottage. She strays the carriage off
into the woods.
13 INT: D'artagnans cottage in the woods – cool – night
The four sit around the table, licking their wounds and
catching their breath.
Porthos
I think we're safe.
Athos
Yes, for the moment. They saw us ride off into the woods.
Aramis
This place will be hard to find but in time, they will find it.
D'Artagnan
Then we must be ready but for the time being we must rest.
They all agree and go to different parts of the cottage to sleep.
D'Artagnan and Porthos are headed to the main living area.
Aramis and Athos ascend to rooms upstairs. D'Artagnan uses
his lamp to look around.
D'Artagnan
Porthos, from what I can see, you have done marvelously with
this place.
Porthos
Oh, thank you D'Artagnan. Unfortunately when it is light out you may
see more blemishes.
D'Artagnan lays down.
D'Artagnan
Closes his eyes
Of that, I've no doubt but anything is an improvement.
Porthos
Oh, you will find this place much improved my friend. A place
to bring a woman.
Porthos is lying down. He closes his eyes.
13 INT: Morning – all are sleeping – sunny – warm
A voice comes from the woods near the cottage.
Lady OC
Calling to those in the cottage
D'Artagnan, I followed you last night. And I'm here with some of my friends
from the Queens army!
They're all still lying down but their eyes are wide open
Lady OC cont.
Would you like to come out and play?
Athos comes down the stairs with Aramis close behind. D'Artagnan
is running toward the back door. He looks up at Athos.
D'Artagnan
Sarcastically
She must have ran?
D'Artagnan continues to run to the kitchen
Athos
Who knows women?
The four men gather near D'Artagnan near the back window.
Some of the queen's army are cautiously working their way
around the cottage.
75 INT: Cottage - kitchen
D'Artagnan
Quickly, take up positions around the main floor of the house. Aramis,
cover the windows in the back room. Athos, cover the door and
windows in the front room.
Porthos
And me?
D'Artagnan
Follow Athos.
Athos
Why must he follow me?
Porthos
Because you're going to be my wall to hide behind if anyone attacks.
Athos
Runs to his position
Oh great!
Porthos follows.
75 INT: Cottage – back window looking out
D'Artagnan has a pistol. As one of the queen's men runs past,
D'Artagnan sticks his head out the back door and guns the
man down.
(Choreograph)
More come now. The fight is on. Pistols fire into the house.
Then men charge the house.
76 INT: D'Artagnan's cottage – Back room
Some try to come in the back window. Aramis runs them
through as they climb in. He smiles then jabs.
13 INT: D'Artagnan's cottage – front room
A man on horseback nears the front door.
Athos
Porthos, the door!
Porthos opens the front door. The man shoots and hits
Porthos in the arm. This aggravates Porthos. He immediately
grabs the horses bit harness with his other hand and pulls
the horse in. The man on the horse is clothes lined by the
upper portion of the door frame.
He falls off the back of his horse.
12 EXT: D'Artagnan's cottage out front
Porthos goes out and runs him through. More men attack.
Porthos defends himself with his sword, holding one arm and
fighting like a mad man with the other.
D'Artagnan opens the back door, gets on the horse that
Porthos has acquired and rides out the back door quickly.
Porthos watches as D'Artagnan takes the horse.
77. EXT: Behind the cottage – woods – morning
D'Artagnan rides out cutting down the men that are attacking
from the back of the cottage. Porthos makes his way back
in the cottage and closes the door on the men he's fighting with.
13 INT: Cottage – front room
77 EXT: Cottage – back yard
D'Artagnan, being on the horse, is a force to be reckoned with.
Two follow close behind but on foot. (Porthos and Athos also
run out the back door and join the Frey, cutting down the
queens men).
Aramis dives out the back window surprising the attackers. It
seems that the odds are overwhelming for the four men. But
just as the four are about to give in, the queen's musketeers
join in. The ones D'Artagnan, Athos and Aramis spoke to at
the dinner.
Soon the queen's army is overrun and those that remain run off.
D'Artagnan
To the captain and out of breath
Sir, you could not have come at a better time.
CAPTAIN OF THE MUSKETEERS
We heard the shots or we never would have found this place.
Athos and Aramis join D'Artagnan, completely out of breath.
D'Artagnan
We are forever in your debt sir.
Cotm
Nonsense, we are all with you D'Artagnan. And those that weren't are
detained though there are few.
The three are bent over trying to catch their breath and patting
each other on the back for a job well done. D'Artagnan looks up.
No Porthos.
D'Artagnan
Yells
Porthos, it is over, you can come out now.
They're all smiling.
D'Artagnan cont.
Porthos?
They look at each other and the captain. The three
run into the cottage.
75 INT: Cottage – kitchen
D'Artagnan
Calls out
Porthos!
The other two come back to D'Artagnan after checking
the rest of the house.
Athos
He is not here.
Aramis
They must have taken him.
The captain has entered in the mean time. He hears and runs out.
77 EXT: Woods – back of cottage
Cotm
To some of his men
You four, ride toward the palace as quick as you can and try to find Porthos.
Musketeer 1
Sir!
The four ride off quickly.
Cotm
If he is out there, those men will find him.
D'Artagnan
Just the same…
To Athos and Aramis
To our horses, we must also look for Porthos.
They run for their horses. But they're horses are gone.
D'Artagnan Cont.
Great!
Cotm
Climb on with my men, we'll ride you to the palace.
The three hop on with other musketeers and they all ride off quickly.
78 EXT: Misc woods – road toward palace
As the team of four musketeers is riding quickly to find Porthos
they are ambushed. A large contingent of the queen's army has
trapped them and cut them down. They are all killed.
74 EXT: Misc woods – road to palace – queens Musketeers
The musketeer army is riding quickly through the woods when
the captain sees his men slaughtered on the road before them.
He stops everyone and climbs off.
Several of his higher ranking men and the Three Musketeers join him
looking at the slaughtered men.
Captain otm
Angry
Someone will pay.
D'Artagnan
If we don't get to the palace soon, Porthos will pay.
79 INT: Palace – dongion – jail cells – dark and dank
It takes eight men to hold Porthos and push him into a cell.
They close the door behind him. He attempts to open it but
to no avail. He gives up.
A voice comes to the door.
80 INT: Dongion - cell
Queen
From outside the cell
Porthos.
Porthos sits and looks up at the door defeated.
Queen cont.
Porthos did you really think I would let you marry my daughter?
Porthos
Defeated
I knew it would come to this.
Queen
And do you know why we brought you here?
Porthos
Of course, I was caught with your daughter.
Queen
I've a little secret for you.
Porthos
I know, I'm to hang or be guillotined.
Queen
No Porthos, that is not my secret although you will be guillotined soon.
Porthos
Then what is your secret?
Queen
My secret is… I'm not telling.
Porthos charges the cell door!
Porthos
Damn you!
The queen laughs as she walks away.
79 INT: Dungion – keeper
The queen to the keeper.
Queen
Is that guillotine ready yet?
Keeper
I… I do not know malady.
Queen
Frustrated
Agh!
She runs off.
80 INT: Cell – Porthos
Porthos hangs his head in defeat.
54 INT: Queens court – palace – day
Lady de' Winter is waiting for the queen. Lou-ise is with
her. The queen comes in with haste. She looks at the Loise.
Queen
Is the guillotine ready?
Lou-ise
Not yet malady, it's being…
Queen
…Go and speed them up you fool. The musketeers will come for
him, I want him dead before they get here. Kill him yourself if you
have to.
Lou-ise
Yes malady.
The captain runs off.
79 INT: Dungeon – cells
Lou-ise arrives. The Keeper jumps up and comes to attention.
Keeper
Comes to attention
Sir!
Lou-ise
The queen has instructed me to kill Porthos myself.
He pulls out a knife.
80 INT: Cell – Porthos
Porthos overhears and makes ready.
79 INT: Dungeon – Cells
The keeper tries to warn him but it's too late. The captain opens
the door to Porthos' cell and Porthos attacks him. Lou-ise tough
but no match for the great Porthos.
The keeper has his sword out and a pistol. He fires at Porthos
hitting him in the same arm. This just infuriates Porthos. The
keeper tries to cut Porthos down with his sword.
Porthos is too good. The keeper misses, Porthos backhands
the keeper knocking him to the ground. Porthos has the
captain's sword and runs the keeper through.
Lou-ise comes to and jumps on Porthos' back. Porthos struggles
at first, then backs up and smashes the captain between himself
and a wall. Lou-ise is all but finished but challenges Porthos with
a sword he has picked up. He misses and Porthos runs him
through as well.
Porthos goes to the Keepers dead body and finds the keys to
let himself out of the dungeon. He runs to the door and starts
to unlock it.
50 INT: Misc. Room – Palace
The queen hands Lady de Winter a small leather pouch with
her payment inside. Lady de Winter dumps out the contents.
Lady de Winter
It's not all here!
Queen
You did not do what I asked, only part of it. You were supposed to
kill D'Artagnan.
She turns and walks out of the room. The Lady de Winter
pulls a knife and chases after her.
81 INT: Palace – Misc. corridor
A contingent of men are waiting. They subdue the Lady de as she
comes out of the room and hold her. The queen returns. She
stands in front of the now captured Lady de.
Queen
Going to kill me after I paid you.
Lady
It's not all here!
Queen
I told you, kill D'Artagnan. And instead you try to kill me.
The Lady spits at the queen.
Queen Cont.
Take her to the dungeon and lock her up.
They begin to haul her off. She fights and screams in anger.
70 EXT: The Musketeers and The Three Musketeers – riding toward the palace
The Three Musketeers now have horses and ride with the
queen's Musketeers. They arrive at the palace.
D'Artagnan
Porthos is probably in the dungeon.
Athos and Aramis volunteer to go after him. They ride off.
82 INT: Palace – main hall
A guard runs up to the queen. He bows.
QUEENS MAN 2
Malady!
Queen
What is it?
Queens man 2
Malady…
He hesitates
…Porthos has…
Pause
…escaped!
Queen
Escaped?
Qm2
Continues to bow
Yes Malady.
Queen
Find Lou-ise and…
Qm2
…I'm sorry Malady but… the captain is dead also. But Porthos has
been shot, twice. He will die of bleeding in time.
Queen
Who's the next man in charge?
Qm2
I am Malady.
Queen
Then you just inherited his duties.
Qm2
Yes Malady.
Queen
I need a contingent most of my soldiers to escort me and my carriage
to the king as soon as Porthos is dead.
83 INT: Misc corridor – darker
Porthos is sneaking around, trying to find his way out of the
palace. He hears something, someone is coming. There is a
window nearby.
84 EXT: Outside palace – precarious place
Porthos climbs out the window just as the contingent of men
sees him. He jumps. He lands on an eve made of some
material. He's sliding down when he grabs some of it.
It tares and he swings down toward another wall of the
palace. He hits the wall. It knocks him for a loop. He lets
go of the material, falls thirty feet or so and piles upon two
of the queens guards. He snaps to and looks down at the
two unconscious guards.
28 EXT: Palace court yard – Day – clear – cool - sunny
Porthos
Broke my fall, I thank you.
He gets up and is about to run off when he hears someone
knocking frantically at the door behind him. He tries to open
the door but it's locked. He finds something and pries the
door open. It's his love the princess Agnes. She jumps into
his arms
Agnes
Porthos!
He flinches.
Porthos
In pain
…What are you doing in there?
Agnes
My mother…
C.S.
…My love, you are hurt.
Porthos
I have been shot… twice.
He falls to the ground almost passing out from blood loss.
Agnes
Porthos, I… I…
Suddenly the queen's carriage and a contingent of soldiers ride up.
QM3
Into the carriage
He is almost dead Malady.
The leader and several of his men put Porthos and Agnes
under arrest. Porthos can hardly walk. Several of them
have to carry his heavy body. Porthos talks to Agnes as
they're getting escorted back to the dungeon.
Porthos
Why, why would she lock you up, you are her daughter, it
is I they want.
Agnes
Porthos, you are of royal blood. We can be married.
Porthos
Laughs a little
What are you talking about?
Agnes
You are the nephew of Sir Rally Quintess.
Porthos
Yes I know that.
Agnes
You are hiar to his land, hiar to a large quantity of land, almost a
quarter of the south of France on the ocean.
Porthos
You must be joking.
Agnes smiles. They haul the two into the Palace.
82 INT: Palace – main room – decorem – bright
As they're being hauled through the palace the Three Musketeers
charge in. More of the queen's musketeers follow cutting down the
detail of soldiers that are escorting Porthos and the Princess.
Agnes
After the queen, she is trying to bring a letter of detent to the
King to acquire Porthos' inheritance.
C.S. She looks down at Porthos
Porthos, if you are alive she will not be given the land.
D'Artagnan
What?
Porthos
Sickly
I believe it might be true my friend.
(This is where Porthos grows up to be a musketeer)FLASH BACK:
85 EXT: Camera pans for a view of the mountain valley
Porthos, a fat young child. Fairly well educated even though he
is caught not going to school on occasion.
He steels food mostly. He loves to eat. The other kids tease
him but if he gets in a scuffle he always wins. He doesn't
know fencing at such a young age but everything around
him becomes a weapon or blockade.
He's smart but he doesn't act like it. Always in trouble.
Mother Porthos has him by his ear. They live in a
mountain valley.
86 INT: Porthos home – main room
Mother Porthos
…Porthos an officer came by today. Says you've been steeling
food again.
Porthos
I can't help it mother, I'm always hungry.
She locks him in his room. She yells at the door.
Mother Porthos
You wait until your father gets home.
87 INT: Porthos home – Porthos' room
His father walks in.
Father Porthos
He slams the door
Son, this is going to have to stop.
The father begins beating Porthos.
86 INT: Porthos home – main room
Mother Porthos and the dog wince at the horrible noises
coming from the other room.
88 EXT: Next day – mountainess – sunny – cool – morning
Porthos is walking to school with his friends. One of them
smacks him on his bum. He cries out. They know he got a
beating again and his bum is sore.
Porthos
Rubbing his bum
Dang it Spenald, why must you do that?
Spenald
Stop eating so much and your father won't have to beat you.
Porthos sticks out his tongue. Spenald does the same. There
are five of them. One is a young girl named Mina (Mee-nah).
MINA
Porthos, you are fat but you are very smart. Why must you always
get in trouble?
Porthos
Thinks
Because I don't get enough to eat.
CATSHON
Looks like you get enough to eat to me.
All the kids laugh. Porthos chases Catshon
89 INT: School room
Porthos is sneaking out again.
90 EXT: Mountain side – day – early – sunny – cool
Porthos is in town. He spies out the local food stand. Unknown
to him, the food stand tender has seen him before and
knows he's there.
Porthos sneaks an apple. The food stand tender lets him
eat an apple. But when Porthos goes for more, the food
stand tender catches him and ushers him to the police.
91 INT: Mountain police station
Gasson
...And I caught him steeling food again.
The police officer grabs him by his ear.
Policeman 1
Isn't this how your mother does it Porthos?
Porthos
Owe, yeah!
92 EXT: Outside police station on front porch
They sit together on a bench.
Policeman 1
We'll just sit here and wait for your father to come by.
Porthos sits in a huff with his little arms crossed. The
policeman goes to sleep. Porthos sneaks off.
88 EXT: Mountain – misc. path – sunny – cool – mid day
Porthos is walking along when some of the not very nice
boys from the village see him. One of the boys picks up a
rock and bounces it off the side of Porthos' head.
Kelfine
You got him!
Porthos goes down. He starts to cry holding his head. The
nasty group of boys, about five of them, run up and
surround Porthos. They don't care if he's hurt. They
dance around and tease him.
Kelfine
Hey Porthos, why are you not in school?
Porthos
Rubbing his head
Hey Kelfine, why didn't you ever go to school?
Kelfine doesn't like this and tries to take a swing at Porthos.
Porthos ducks and sets about to take all five boys.
(Choreograph)
He outwits them and leaves them in a tangled mess. As he's
leaving the boys the Policeman catches him. Holding him by
his arm, the policeman escorts him home.
86 INT: Porthos home – main room
A knock at the door. His mother opens it. Porthos and the
policeman are standing there. All she can say is…
Mother Porthos
Porthos, not again.
86b INT: Porthos home – next day
Father Porthos
Porthos, come here.
Porthos' mother and father are sitting at the table where they
eat. He walks in and sits down. He knows he's in trouble.
They don't look at him.
Porthos Father cont.
There is a school in the north of France. We've been thinking and…
Porthos
…Oh no, you're not sending me away to some prison school.
His mother and father just give each other a serious look.
93 EXT: Porthos home – out front – sunny - cool
He runs out and right into the arms of an old crotchety man.
Porthos' mother and father come out.
OLD SCHOOLMARM
Is this the boy?
Father Porthos
He is. He's a good boy he just…
Old Schoolmarm
…Sneaking away from school ey? I'll cure you of that.
The old schoolmarm takes Porthos across the country to a
place in the far north mountains. The school is called the
Paris School for Boys.
94 INT: Paris school for boys – early night - attic
The boys that are there are all mean. Porthos is taken to
the attic and chained in with some other boys.
Old Schoolmarm
You can just stay here until I think you're ready to come out!
The old man leaves. Porthos pulls a small pin-like object from
his sleeve. It takes him about an hour but he finally jimmies
the lock open. The other boys are looking at him.
He tosses the object to another boy and takes off.
95 EXT: Outside Paris school – night – mountainess – cool – very dark
Porthos sneaks off going in the only direction he can see
based on the moon.
96 EXT: Next day – country road – Morning – Sunny – cool
Porthos is walking along when a man in a horse drawn
buggy (Fancy) stops. A man sticks his head out the window.
BUGGY MAN
Young man, are you lost?
Porthos
Well, sort of.
Buggy Man
Sticks his head in then comes back out
Sort of, what does that mean? Where are you going?
Porthos
Thinks
Actually, I'm not going anywhere, just wherever I go I guess.
The man pops his head back in to council with the other rider. Then
pops his head back out.
Buggy Man
We're going to Paris, would you like a ride?
Porthos
Thinks
I guess.
The door to the buggy opens and Porthos hops in.
97 INT: Inside the buggy
Porthos looks at the two men. The Buggy man pops his
head out and instructs the driver to drive on then pops back in.
Buggy man
I'm Paul De Vain and this is Sir Rally of Quintess.
Porthos nods his head to Sir Rally, Sir Rally smiles and nods
back. He makes eye contact with the Buggy man.
Buggy man Cont.
What is your name?
Porthos
I am Porthos.
Sir Rally's eyes widen.
Buggy man
Porthos, Porthos what?
Porthos
Just Porthos.
SIR RALLY
What was your father's name?
Porthos
His name was Porthos also.
Now Sir Rally's eyes really open wide.
Sir Rally
What are you doing, why are you alone?
Porthos
Looks at the Buggy Man, the Buggy man approves
I'm… I ran away from home.
Sir Rally
Why?
Porthos
Truth is sir, my mother and father wanted me to go to this
boarding school, The Paris…
Sir Rally
…School For Boys.
Porthos
Well, yes sir.
Sir Rally looks at Buggy man.
Buggy man
We… don't like that school. The people that run it are…
shall we say, not up to parr.
Porthos
They're idiots.
Sir Rally laughs a little.
Sir Rally
Would you like to come live with us for a while?
Porthos
Thinks
Do you have a lot to eat?
Buggy man
Plenty!
Porthos
Are you going to make me go to some stupid school?
Buggy man
No… but you will be taught at home, you will be educated.
Porthos
Thinks
I guess.
Sir Rally
If you don't like it, you can just run away.
Porthos
True.
98 EXT: Sir rally's opulent home - Time passes – Porthos is older –
outside on the padio
Sir Rally is sparing with Porthos. Porthos is still a big
bumbling fool but he's educated and has become an
excellent swordsman.
Sir Rally
As they duel
Porthos, I don't remember, how old are you now?
Porthos
As they duel
I'm eighteen sir.
Sir Rally stops and salutes with his sword, then puts it
away. Porthos does the same. Sir Rally puts his arm
around Porthos' neck. He talks as they stroll.
Sir Rally
Porthos, I've been thinking, maybe it's time for you to… go out on
your own.
Porthos
Are you trying to get rid of me?
Sir Rally
Yes, you eat too much.
The two laugh.
Sir Rally cont.
No Porthos, and before I go on, I want to tell you a story.
Porthos sits on a decorative rock in the yard.
Sir Rally cont.
Porthos, there was… once… a man. He was pretty smart and worked
hard, so hard that he was hardly ever home.
He was so busy working at the lumber company that nothing else really
mattered to him, not even his wife or the child she was about to have.
Porthos
Sounds like my father.
Sir Rally
Funny you should say that…
Pause
It is your father I speak of.
Porthos
What? My father?
Sir Rally
You father, is my brother.
Porthos
Thinks, emotional
That means, you…
Sir Rally
…I am your uncle.
Porthos
Emotional
Why didn't you tell me this?
Sir Rally
Your father and I… we don't get along very well. You see, I was
given my father's inheritance when he died. Your father… was
given the lumber factory.
Porthos
Thinking
It all makes sense now. He and my mother used to talk about…
HIM. But they never said who HIM was.
Sir Rally
And now?
Porthos
I believe the HIM they were talking about was you.
Sir Rally
Probably.
Porthos
The way they talked about you. Forgive me but… it made me angry.
Sir Rally
Understandable.
Pause
…I offered to let your father, my brother, stay with me. He was so offended
that our father, your grandfather, would give me all his wealth and leave your
father with the factory, that he refused.
I often think that maybe, since my father was so successful that he wanted
a true workhorse to take up the lumber factory.
Porthos
My… father?
Sir Rally
He made good money did he not?
Porthos
Is that why you want me to leave?
Sir Rally
No Porthos, in fact I feel as though you were the son I never had.
Porthos
Emotional
And you have been like the father I never had. I am grateful
for everything… uncle.
Sir Rally
Laugh's a little
No Porthos, I presented you to the king and queen. If you want,
you will be inducted into the Musketeers and trained.
Porthos
Thinks
If I don't like it, can I run away?
Sir Rally
Laughs
No Porthos, if you join and don't like it, you must stay anyway. Eventually
you can resign your commission but until then, the penalty for desertion
is death.
Porthos
Can I think about it?
Sir Rally
Yes, but it is a great honor.
Porthos
Yes, I know. And actually I've thought a lot about it.
Sir Rally
Really.
Porthos
Yes, and I would be proud to become a musketeer. But I am fat, will
they take me?
Sir Rally
I told them that you were… a bit overweight but I told them you
were a great swordsman.
Porthos
Was that enough?
Sir Rally
Well, yes, sort of.
Porthos
Oh, well, when do I start?
Sir Rally
Next month. You have twenty-eight days.
(End Porthos' Story)NEXT SCENE:
Back to Reality.
Athos
Oh good god, Porthos is royalty?
D'Artagnan and the others run to the outside of the palace.
28. EXT: Outside in the quad of the palace – their horses – mid day –
sunny – somewhat warm
They all mount horses and ride quickly to apprehend the queen.
82 INT: In the mean time – palace – main room
The princess holds a dying Porthos' head in her hands.
Agnes
Porthos, you must not go, I love you.
Porthos
In dying words
And I you my love. For I am to marry you.
Agnes
Then you must live, for we are both of royal blood now.
Porthos
Princess my love?
Agnes
Yes Porthos.
Porthos
The Cardinal Richelieu is behind you with a knife.
Agnes turns around. The Cardinal is about to thrust the knife
into the princess when a hand catches the knife before it
hits its mark.
Agnes
Looks down
Porthos?
The Cardinal struggles to break free of Porthos' powerful grip
and finally does.
Cardinal
I will but for the queen for I love her. If I do this thing,
she will love me back.
The cardinal grabs the princess. Unbenounced to both of them,
Porthos has regained enough strength to catch the Cardinal off guard.
The Cardinal is able to stab Porthos. Porthos falls to the ground.
The Cardinal still has the knife. He looks at Porthos and then
runs towards the princess. She runs at him. The two
struggle, the cardinal throws her to the ground. He is
about to stab her when Porthos interferes again.
Porthos, standing, grabs the arm of the Cardinal. He and
the Cardinal struggle. Even injured, Porthos is a great man.
Finally, Porthos has him. Porthos pulls the cardinals knife
hand down and stabs him with his own knife. The
Cardinal slowly falls to the ground. Porthos finally let's go.
Porthos falls backward and down. The princess is frantic.
She tries to pull him to someone that can help but
Porthos is heavy. Not a moment too soon, The Duke
of Luynes comes in with a group of his men. He sees
what is going on and instructs several of his men to assist.
Princess
You are…
DUKE
...The Duke of Luynes. I was to marry you and Porthos. I assume
that was Porthos my men carried off?
Agnes
Yes.
Duke
He will be alright, we have good doctors and they are with us.
Agnes
I am grateful sir.
The Duke smiles.
99 EXT: Early evening – kings palace – clear – cool
The queen and her entourage arrive at the King's palace. She
climbs out of her carriage and starts up the stairs. A guard
stops her. Then he realizes who she is. He bows.
KINGS GUARD 1
Malady, forgive me, I did not recognize you.
Queen
It is of no consequence.
She turns to one of her guards and whispers
Kill him.
As they are walking in, one of her soldiers kills the king's guard.
100 INT: Kings palace – thrown room
The queen and her men barge in. The king is consoling with some
of his advisors.
KING
What is this?
Then he sees her
What do you want?
The queen holds the letter of detent out to him.
Queen
By now, Porthos is dead. At my word, D'Artagnan will die. I need your
signature on this paper.
King
Thinks
Why should I believe you? You are a lying bitch.
Queen
Very well.
She turns to one of her guards
Send word…
King
Wait…
The guard holds. She turns back to him with an evil smile.
King cont.
Porthos is dead?
Queen
Yes, he tried to escape and my men shot him.
King
And D'Artagnan…
Queen
Captured, and at my word he is to be guillotined.
King
…And you would set him free if I sign this?
Queen
No, but I would not kill him.
King
Thinks
Ok.
One of his advisors tries to stop him. The king stops the
advisor. He is ready to sign and seal the letter when…
…Someone swings in swoops across the table and cuts
the paper in half. The swinging man lands on the balcony
above.
Athos and Aramis run in and dispatch the rest of the queen's
guards that are present. The king looks up.
King
D'Artagnan!
D'Artagnan swings back down and lands in front of the king.
D'Artagnan
Sir, if you sign that, she will own enough land that she would be
the ruler of France.
King
Looks at the queen
I thought you said D'Artagnan was…
Queen
I lied.
She runs for the door. She goes outside only to see that
her army is at war with the musketeer army. Though the
queen's army outnumbers the musketeers two to one.
(Choreograph)
Long fight:
She turns but only to face D'Artagnan himself. She tries to run
but D'Artagnan catches her. Several of her soldiers run up
the steps to assist her. But as soon as they get to the queen
and D'Artagnan the other two musketeers come out and join
the fight. The king has his some of his men to subdue the queen.
The fight is ferocious. Some of the musketeers are killed as well.
Then the Kings army joins the fight and the queen's army is
all but decimated leaving only a small contingent behind.
Some of the king's guards holding the queen aren't paying
attention and the queen wriggles lose. She runs, mounts
a horse and takes off.
King
Let her go.
D'Artagnan
Porthos is at the palace, the queen might have him killed.
D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers mount horses and ride
off after the queen.
28 EXT: Queens palace – day – cool – clear
The queen rides up. A boarder takes the horse. The queen
runs in. Another guard meets her in the main hall of the palace.
82 INT: Palace – main hall
GUARD Z
Your majesty, I…
Queen
…Where is Porthos?
Guard Z
He is in the infirmary but…
The queen takes off for the infirmary.
83 INT: Palace – misc corridor
The queen runs into La Shu, the murderous gang leader.
His entire gang of 80 men are with him.
La Shu
Malady.
Queen
Come, Porthos is in the infirmary. He has to be killed.
La Shu instructs his men to follow. They head out of the
palace to the royal infirmary.
101 INT: Royal infirmary
When they arrive, no one is there. Porthos' bed is disheveled
but he is gone. As they run back outside…
102 EXT: Royal Infirmary
They see the doctor standing with several of The Duke of
Luynes men. They draw swords. La Shu's men draw swords,
the fight is on.
103 INT: Misc Palace room – corridor
The queen is trying to stay out of the way. She edges
along the wall toward one of the entries to her palace
when she sees Lady de Winter come through the door.
She starts to edge the other way when she sees her
daughter, the princess come through the other door followed
by Porthos. One of the men from La Shu's gang attacks Porthos.
Porthos is armed and steps into the Frey.
The queen sees her chance, she starts to head toward the
door where her daughter is. Her daughter stands there as if
she isn't going to move. The queen gets into a pushing match
with her daughter who didn't like being locked up.
The queen gets her daughter down on the ground and pulls
a knife. She is about to stab her own daughter when
someone from behind, stabs the queen.
When the queen falls dead, Lady de Winter is behind
her. The princess smiles, Lady de Winter smiles back
and helps the princess up.
In the mean time, La Shu and some of his men try to escape
out the front of the palace. But they are trapped when the other
Three musketeers show up. The battle is on now with them.
They easily mop up, with the help of Porthos who comes
from behind to assist. D'Artagnan is dueling with La Shu
but runs him through in the end.
The fight is over. Some of the Dukes men were killed
but they dispatched La Shu's gang.
104 EXT: Palace – King's court
The queens army in formation on one side and the
musketeers on the other. The king rides through on his
horse flanked by two of his advisors. As they ride by,
everyone bows.
They ride to the podium, the King dismounts and walks up
to speak. The Three Musketeers are in formation with the
rest of the Musketeers and D'Artagnan is out front as their
captain.
King
My friends and countrymen, it was a close call. The queen might
have been the supreme ruler of France was it not for the gallant efforts
of the musketeers. The queen's army is now the king's army.
The army cheers.
King cont.
He looks at Porthos
Porthos, come forward.
Porthos looks at his friends, then formally walks
forward, gets to the king and bows.
King Cont.
Rise Sir Porthos.
Porthos stands.
King Cont.
Porthos, you have inherited a great portion of the country of France.
Soon you shall be its leader. And I shall be proud to descend the
thrown for you.
All cheer.
Porthos
Once the noise settles
Great King, I am a musketeer. I have no knowledge
of ruling a country.
He reaches into his coat and pulls out the letter of
detent that the queen had.
Porthos cont.
This is the letter of detent. I give it to you sir, with one request.
King
Anything Sir Porthos
Porthos
That you strive to end Privilege in France.
King
It shall be my main motivation as King.
Porthos signs the paper over to the king and hands it to him.
Porthos
I relinquish all this land to you my lord. And you can count on the
musketeers to defend it, hand and foot.
All cheer.
Fade out slowly:
76 INT: D'Artagnans hidden cottage
D'Artagnan is with the Lady de Winter. They are in
bed and commence to make love.
104 INT: Palace – kings court
Porthos is getting married to Agnes. The room is full
with people.
End movie: