FADE TO:
ELEVATOR DOORS
Framed by gold, they fill the screen. A few seconds pass
before a "Ding!" signals their opening, revealing Julia
Waters, addressing the camera.
JULIA WATERS
Welcome to Day One of the 1980
World Chess Championship and the
beginning of our live coverage on
NBS, your finest broadcasting
service.
As she steps out of the elevator, a TRACKING SHOT following
her reveals:
INT. PALACE AND SCHLOSS MAUR HOTEL, MERANO--HALLWAY
CONTINUOUS
The corridor is tinted in warm yellows and oranges casting
themselves on the off-white walls and burgundy carpeting.
JULIA WATERS
(addressing the camera)
We have just been informed that
reigning champion Freddie Trumper
is not yet to be seen at the
opening ceremony...
As we follow her, DELEGATES, LOCAL OBSERVERS, FANS, and OTHER
NEWS CREWS are revealed crowding around a number of people we
can't quite make out.
JULIA WATERS (cont'd)
(backing into the center
of the crowd)
In the meantime, we will be posing
a few questions to both the
American and Soviet delegations to
help better understand the highly
politicized nature of this event.
Remember - you heard it here first
and only on NBS.
She turns around; the CAMERA continues to move just a bit
over her shoulder, revealing Molokov on the left and Walter
on the right, flanked by their respective ENTOURAGES. They
are all gathered in front of an ornate set of double doors.
It should be noted that the Soviet entourage is practically
hiding Anatoly from the media crews.
AMERICAN REPORTER (O.C.)
...regarding your player's
unwillingness to host a press
conference?
A bar appears at the bottom of the screen with "Alexander
Molokov, Soviet Chess Second" written on top of it.
MOLOKOV
Our player is pre-occupied with his
game; he is very dedicated and
intent on clinching his title -
JULIA WATERS (O.C.)
So as to suppress the humiliation
you faced twice in the past decade?
Walter chuckles; Molokov clears his throat.
OBSERVERS
NO ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES
MOLOKOV
I would not say such a thing, per
se...
OBSERVERS
NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES
WALTER
And we wouldn't dream of letting
such thoughts betray our spirit of
friendship.
MOLOKOV
(playing to the camera)
Precisely!
IT'S THE US VERSUS USSR
YET WE MORE OR LESS ARE
OBSERVERS
NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES!
The observers gradually begin to parade themselves, almost
dirge-like, forming a semi-circle behind Molokov and Walter.
MOLOKOV
TO OUR CREDIT, PUTTING ALL THAT
ASIDE
WE HAVE SWALLOWED OUR PRIDE!
OBSERVERS
THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND
DIFFICULT TIMES
WALTER
(turning to Molokov,
extending his hand)
IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER WHO COMES
OUT ON TOP -
MOLOKOV
(returning the gesture)
WHO GETS THE CHOP!
WALTER & MOLOKOV
(to camera, smiling as for
a photo op)
NO-ONE'S WAY OF LIFE IS THREATENED
BY A FLOP!
They and the observers freeze in that position as the
lighting of the hall switches to a dim blue. Three AMERICAN
DELEGATES emerge from the rabble, distinguished by stars-and
stripes pendants on their suit jackets. They weave past the
interview scene and behind the frozen camera crews, possibly
whispering in their ears.
AMERICAN DELEGATES
BUT WE'RE GONNA SMASH THEIR
BASTARD!
MAKE HIM WANT TO CHANGE HIS NAME
TAKE HIM TO THE CLEANERS AND
DEVASTATE HIM -
WIPE HIM OUT, HUMILIATE HIM
They freeze; the hall becomes awash in red, and seven SOVIET
DELEGATES, distinguished by hammer-and-sickle pendants, do
the same.
SOVIET DELEGATES
WE DON'T WANT THE WHOLE WORLD
SAYING
"THEY CAN'T EVEN WIN A GAME!"
WE HAVE NEVER RECKONED ON COMING
SECOND -
THERE'S NO USE IN LOSING!
Return to normal lighting as the broadcast continues; this
time Walter in focus, accompanied by a bar at the bottom of
the screen with "Walter De Courcey, Agent and Press
Representative," scrolled across.
WALTER
(gesturing emphatically;
grinning)
IT'S THE RED FLAG UP AGAINST STARS
AND-STRIPES
BUT WE'RE PEACE-LOVING TYPES
OBSERVERS
NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES!
WALTER
(puts his arm around
Molokov)
IT'S A SWEET HAIL-FELLOW WELL-MET
AFFAIR
FOR BOTH EAGLE AND BEAR
OBSERVERS
THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND
DIFFICULT TIMES!
MOLOKOV
(again returns the
gesture, shaking Walter a
bit)
TO THOSE THAT SAY THAT THIS IS NOT
A FRIENDLY CLASH
DON'T BE SO RASH
(releases his grip, closes
in on the camera)
I ASSURE YOU, COMRADES, THAT IS
BALDERDASH!
Another freeze as the lighting returns to a dim blue. Walter
now joins the American delegates as they weave through the
reporters present, whispering in their ears.
AMERICAN DELEGATES (WALTER)
WHAT A LOAD OF WHINING PEASANTS -
THINKING THEY CAN WIN, THEY CAN'T!
WHAT AN EXHIBITION OF SELF-DELUSION
THIS ONE'S A FOREGONE CONCLUSION!
Americans freeze with another red wash; the Soviets start
moving, again mirroring the previous action, back to their
original positions. Meanwhile, five silhouetted figures -
four women surrounding a man - appear between Walter and
Molokov, and the news crews.
SOVIET DELEGATES (MOLOKOV)
BUT ENOUGH OF ALL THIS BEATING
'ROUND THE BUSHES OF DETENTE
WE INTEND TO COLLAR THE YANKEE
DOLLAR
WE SHALL TRASH THEM, THRASH THEM!
Return to normal lighting as the silhouetted figures are
revealed to be the Arbiter and his 4 Assistants. Walter and
Molokov are stunned. The Americans scatter back to their
original positions.
ARBITER
HOW GOOD TO FEEL THAT
AS THIS GREAT EVENT BEGINS
IT UNDERPINS
(grabs Walter & Molokov's
hands; slowly brings them
together)
OUR QUEST FOR PEACE
THE BONDS OF COMMON INTEREST
(locks their hands)
OF EAST AND WEST
EXTREME CU on the handshake. Another blue wash...
AMERICAN DELEGATES
AS LONG AS OUR MAN WINS...
And a red wash.
SOVIET DELEGATES
AS LONG AS OUR MAN...
Flash back to normal view and lighting. The Arbiter is
firmly holding Walter and Molokov's hands in place.
ALL DELEGATES
WINS!
JULIA WATERS
(to camera)
Tensions are high as -
OBSERVER (O.S.)
Oh, my God!
General pandemonium, whispers, and the occasional screechy
fan-girl cry of "It's Freddie!" as one of the news cameras is
lifted off a crew member's back. It becomes evident that
it's none other than Freddie himself, wearing a snazzy three
piece suit, who has taken it. He focuses first on the
Assistants wooing the Arbiter, and we shift back and forth
between his POV and a third-person.
FREDDIE
WHAT A SCENE, WHAT A JOY!
WHAT A LOVELY SIGHT -
(spins around, films the
championship banner over
the elevator entrance)
WHEN MY GAME IS THE BIG SENSATION!
He turns around again, pushing through the frantic mass of
REPORTERS and FANS.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
HAS THE MOB'S SPORTING TASTE
ALTERED OVERNIGHT?
HAVE THEY FOUND NEW SOPHISTICATION?
He pushes further, into the Soviet delegation...
FREDDIE (cont'd)
NOT YET - THEY JUST WANT TO SEE
And past them, to Anatoly, arms folded, sheepishly trying not
to notice the camera.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
IF THE NICE GUY BEATS THE BUM!
Pushing into an extreme close-up of Anatoly, now pinned up
against the double-doors. The Russian finally half-smiles at
the camera.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
IF IT'S EAST-WEST
AND THE MONEY'S SKY-HIGH
(again surveys the fanatic
mob)
THEY ALL COME!
He finally turns the camera to reveal Florence, who has been
standing beside him since he entered.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
May I introduce my second, Ms.
Florence Vassy.
He passes the camera back to the news crewman he took it
from, then turns back to Florence and kisses her on the
cheek.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(half-whispering, to
Florence)
YOU CAN RAISE ALL YOU WANT
IF YOU RAISE THE ROOF
SCREAM AND SHOUT -
(breaks off, hamming it
up)
AND THE GATE INCREASES!
An eruption of camera flashes.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(to various news cameras)
BREAK THE RULES, BREAK THE BANK!
I'M THE LIVING PROOF!
The Arbiter grimaces.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(to Arbiter, indicating
the fans)
THEY DON'T CARE
HOW I MOVE MY PIECES!
(to Reporters)
I KNOW I'M THE BEST THERE IS
BUT ALL YOU WANT IS A SHOW
He pushes himself through the double doors, parading himself
into a state-of-the-art broadcasting center.
INT. PALACE AND SCHLOSS MAUR HOTEL--BROADCASTING CENTER -
CONTINUOUS
Television monitors and camera controls all over the walls
are locked in on multiple angles of another room we haven't
seen yet. Cool lighting casts itself on the several tables
and rows of chairs throughout, set up like a small arena.
FREDDIE
(to cameras)
WELL THAT'S ALL RIGHT -
I'LL BE GLAD TO OBLIGE!
All begin to follow him inside.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(spreading his arms)
S.R.O! S.R.O!!
ARBITER
Mr. Trumper! So good of you to
show.
Around the two, people begin to take their seats, the
inevitable reporters begin to crowd Freddie, delegations
gather, and the screens on the wall flicker on and off.
FREDDIE
It's an honor and a privilege to be
here, Mr. Arbiter, to shove at the
Russkies what they shoved at us.
MOLOKOV
(appears behind the
Arbiter)
Mr. Arbiter - !
ARBITER
(raises his hand)
Mr. Trumper, I have already firmly
established -
FREDDIE
I know, I know. You won't get a
peep of (people-farming?) from me.
But, before we begin...
ARBITER
Yes?
The Assistants pout their lips at Freddie.
FREDDIE
(tugging at his collar)
It's about the climate controls; I
don't feel that the...heat will be
entirely conducive to my ability to
play.
(begins to unbutton his
shirt)
It's just...too hot...
ARBITER
I'll see what I can do.
FREDDIE
(to Molokov)
I'm sure you can sympathize, what
with being from the land of
Hitler's frostbitten nose and all.
He now opens his shirt, revealing, in both English and
Russian (Cyrillic letters), a t-shirt boldly silk-screened
with the words "OUT OF AFGHANISTAN!" Camera flashes abound.
The Arbiter firmly grabs Freddie by the arm.
ARBITER
IF YOU'RE THINKING OF THE KIND OF
THING
THAT WE'VE SEEN IN THE PAST
The Assistants begin to button up Freddie's shirt; he is
grinning ear to ear.
ARBITER (cont'd)
(numerating)
CHANTING GURUS, WALKIE-TALKIES,
WALKOUTS, HYPNOTISTS, TEMPERED
FISTS -
NOT SO FAST!
Florence pulls Freddie aside before the Assistants finish.
ARBITER (cont'd)
(to Reporters)
THIS IS NOT THE START OF WORLD WAR
THREE!
NO POLITICAL PLOYS
(waves Freddie and Anatoly
to come to him)
I THINK BOTH YOUR CONSTITUTIONS ARE
TERRIFIC
The Assistants escort the two players to the Arbiter;
Freddie's shirt isn't quite tucked in.
ARBITER (cont'd)
SO, NOW YOU KNOW
(places one hand on each
player's shoulder)
BE GOOD BOYS!
He leads the players to the far end of the room, to a small
door that looks as though it would lead to a broom closet.
ARBITER (cont'd)
I'M ON THE CASE
CAN'T BE FOOLED!
(waves his finger)
ANY OBJECTION
IS OVERRULED!
ASSISTANTS
(mirroring the Arbiter as
they escort the players)
HE'S ON THE CASE -
CAN'T BE FOOLED!
(wave their fingers)
ANY OBJECTION
IS OVERRULED!
The Assistants break off from the players and begin to circle
the triad of the Arbiter, Freddie, and Anatoly. Anatoly
smiles at them.
ARBITER (cont'd)
OH, I'M THE ARBITER
AND I KNOW BEST
ASSISTANTS
(channeling soul girls)
HE'S IMPARTIAL, DON'T PUSH HIM -
HE'S UNIMPRESSED!
The Arbiter opens the door and checks the room.
ARBITER
(blocking the view)
YOU'VE GOT YOUR TRICKS -
GOOD FOR YOU!
Freddie tries to take a peak. An Assistant pops up
immediately, lowering her glasses and looking directly into
Freddie's eyes, effectively blocking his view.
ARBITER (cont'd)
BUT THERE'S NO GAMBIT
I DON'T SEE THROUGH!
All four of the Assistants stylistically shut the door as the
Arbiter turns back to the players.
ASSISTANTS
HE'S THE ARBITER -
HE KNOWS THE SCORE!
ARBITER
FROM SQUARE ONE, I'LL BE WATCHING
ALL - SIXTY-FOUR!
The Assistants dance out into another circle, addressing any
reporters who may have followed this scene.
ASSISTANTS
HERE WE SEE A MAN
UNDER GREAT PRESSURE
TWO FIGHTS TO FIGHT, YET
HE COULD NOT LOOK FRESHER!
They throw themselves back at the Arbiter, brushing against
Anatoly and Freddie in the process.
ASSISTANTS (cont'd)
(caressing the object of
their affection)
CHESS "SANS POLITIQUE" -
UNITING NATIONS
OUR GREATEST ASSET TO
EAST-WEST RELATIONS
The Assistants roll off of the Arbiter, and he again opens
the door.
ARBITER
Here it is, precisely as laid out
in the match contracts.
CUT TO:
THE ROOM
The room is small, maybe double the size of the broom closet
the door seemed to indicate. Two chairs and a table with
chessboard take up most of the space. Dozens of small
cameras line the walls, and one prominently hangs from the
ceiling, directed straight down at the chessboard.
FLORENCE (V.O.)
The American delegation objects...
INT. PALACE AND SCHLOSS MAUR HOTEL--BROADCASTING CENTER -
CONTINUOUS
Florence is at Freddie's side; Molokov is at Anatoly's. The
Arbiter still stands in front of the door; the Assistants,
meanwhile, have begun to set up the board.
FLORENCE
It's far too small; it doesn't take
into account our player's
(condition) -
FREDDIE
(takes a deep breath,
smirks)
I think I can handle it.
ARBITER
These specifications were given to
us by your delegation, Ms. Vassy.
Florence fidgets; Molokov whispers something in Anatoly's
ear.
ANATOLY
(to Florence)
I would hate to have to fly back to
Moscow on account of someone else's
claustrophobia, Ms. Vassy.
FLORENCE
(eyeing Anatoly)
The American delegation withdraws
its objection...
ARBITER
Very well, then. If the players
would take their seats...
(leads Freddie and Anatoly
into the playing area)
...game play will commence...
A cerebral waltz, the "Chess Instrumental," begins to play.
FADE TO:
INT. MAKESHIFT NEWSROOM
Julia Waters sits as a news anchor behind a desk. WILL
HARTSTON, a dashing young man in a suit, sits next to her.
JULIA WATERS
(overlapping with the
Arbiter's previous line)
...began at 10 o'clock today,
Merano time. First, a brief recap
as we return to the first game,
from NBS Correspondent Will
Hartston.
ELEVATOR DOORS
Framed by gold, they fill the screen. A few seconds pass
before a "Ding!" signals their opening, revealing Julia
Waters, addressing the camera.
JULIA WATERS
Welcome to Day One of the 1980
World Chess Championship and the
beginning of our live coverage on
NBS, your finest broadcasting
service.
As she steps out of the elevator, a TRACKING SHOT following
her reveals:
INT. PALACE AND SCHLOSS MAUR HOTEL, MERANO--HALLWAY
CONTINUOUS
The corridor is tinted in warm yellows and oranges casting
themselves on the off-white walls and burgundy carpeting.
JULIA WATERS
(addressing the camera)
We have just been informed that
reigning champion Freddie Trumper
is not yet to be seen at the
opening ceremony...
As we follow her, DELEGATES, LOCAL OBSERVERS, FANS, and OTHER
NEWS CREWS are revealed crowding around a number of people we
can't quite make out.
JULIA WATERS (cont'd)
(backing into the center
of the crowd)
In the meantime, we will be posing
a few questions to both the
American and Soviet delegations to
help better understand the highly
politicized nature of this event.
Remember - you heard it here first
and only on NBS.
She turns around; the CAMERA continues to move just a bit
over her shoulder, revealing Molokov on the left and Walter
on the right, flanked by their respective ENTOURAGES. They
are all gathered in front of an ornate set of double doors.
It should be noted that the Soviet entourage is practically
hiding Anatoly from the media crews.
AMERICAN REPORTER (O.C.)
...regarding your player's
unwillingness to host a press
conference?
A bar appears at the bottom of the screen with "Alexander
Molokov, Soviet Chess Second" written on top of it.
MOLOKOV
Our player is pre-occupied with his
game; he is very dedicated and
intent on clinching his title -
JULIA WATERS (O.C.)
So as to suppress the humiliation
you faced twice in the past decade?
Walter chuckles; Molokov clears his throat.
OBSERVERS
NO ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES
MOLOKOV
I would not say such a thing, per
se...
OBSERVERS
NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES
WALTER
And we wouldn't dream of letting
such thoughts betray our spirit of
friendship.
MOLOKOV
(playing to the camera)
Precisely!
IT'S THE US VERSUS USSR
YET WE MORE OR LESS ARE
OBSERVERS
NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES!
The observers gradually begin to parade themselves, almost
dirge-like, forming a semi-circle behind Molokov and Walter.
MOLOKOV
TO OUR CREDIT, PUTTING ALL THAT
ASIDE
WE HAVE SWALLOWED OUR PRIDE!
OBSERVERS
THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND
DIFFICULT TIMES
WALTER
(turning to Molokov,
extending his hand)
IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER WHO COMES
OUT ON TOP -
MOLOKOV
(returning the gesture)
WHO GETS THE CHOP!
WALTER & MOLOKOV
(to camera, smiling as for
a photo op)
NO-ONE'S WAY OF LIFE IS THREATENED
BY A FLOP!
They and the observers freeze in that position as the
lighting of the hall switches to a dim blue. Three AMERICAN
DELEGATES emerge from the rabble, distinguished by stars-and
stripes pendants on their suit jackets. They weave past the
interview scene and behind the frozen camera crews, possibly
whispering in their ears.
AMERICAN DELEGATES
BUT WE'RE GONNA SMASH THEIR
BASTARD!
MAKE HIM WANT TO CHANGE HIS NAME
TAKE HIM TO THE CLEANERS AND
DEVASTATE HIM -
WIPE HIM OUT, HUMILIATE HIM
They freeze; the hall becomes awash in red, and seven SOVIET
DELEGATES, distinguished by hammer-and-sickle pendants, do
the same.
SOVIET DELEGATES
WE DON'T WANT THE WHOLE WORLD
SAYING
"THEY CAN'T EVEN WIN A GAME!"
WE HAVE NEVER RECKONED ON COMING
SECOND -
THERE'S NO USE IN LOSING!
Return to normal lighting as the broadcast continues; this
time Walter in focus, accompanied by a bar at the bottom of
the screen with "Walter De Courcey, Agent and Press
Representative," scrolled across.
WALTER
(gesturing emphatically;
grinning)
IT'S THE RED FLAG UP AGAINST STARS
AND-STRIPES
BUT WE'RE PEACE-LOVING TYPES
OBSERVERS
NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT THESE ARE
DIFFICULT TIMES!
WALTER
(puts his arm around
Molokov)
IT'S A SWEET HAIL-FELLOW WELL-MET
AFFAIR
FOR BOTH EAGLE AND BEAR
OBSERVERS
THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND
DIFFICULT TIMES!
MOLOKOV
(again returns the
gesture, shaking Walter a
bit)
TO THOSE THAT SAY THAT THIS IS NOT
A FRIENDLY CLASH
DON'T BE SO RASH
(releases his grip, closes
in on the camera)
I ASSURE YOU, COMRADES, THAT IS
BALDERDASH!
Another freeze as the lighting returns to a dim blue. Walter
now joins the American delegates as they weave through the
reporters present, whispering in their ears.
AMERICAN DELEGATES (WALTER)
WHAT A LOAD OF WHINING PEASANTS -
THINKING THEY CAN WIN, THEY CAN'T!
WHAT AN EXHIBITION OF SELF-DELUSION
THIS ONE'S A FOREGONE CONCLUSION!
Americans freeze with another red wash; the Soviets start
moving, again mirroring the previous action, back to their
original positions. Meanwhile, five silhouetted figures -
four women surrounding a man - appear between Walter and
Molokov, and the news crews.
SOVIET DELEGATES (MOLOKOV)
BUT ENOUGH OF ALL THIS BEATING
'ROUND THE BUSHES OF DETENTE
WE INTEND TO COLLAR THE YANKEE
DOLLAR
WE SHALL TRASH THEM, THRASH THEM!
Return to normal lighting as the silhouetted figures are
revealed to be the Arbiter and his 4 Assistants. Walter and
Molokov are stunned. The Americans scatter back to their
original positions.
ARBITER
HOW GOOD TO FEEL THAT
AS THIS GREAT EVENT BEGINS
IT UNDERPINS
(grabs Walter & Molokov's
hands; slowly brings them
together)
OUR QUEST FOR PEACE
THE BONDS OF COMMON INTEREST
(locks their hands)
OF EAST AND WEST
EXTREME CU on the handshake. Another blue wash...
AMERICAN DELEGATES
AS LONG AS OUR MAN WINS...
And a red wash.
SOVIET DELEGATES
AS LONG AS OUR MAN...
Flash back to normal view and lighting. The Arbiter is
firmly holding Walter and Molokov's hands in place.
ALL DELEGATES
WINS!
JULIA WATERS
(to camera)
Tensions are high as -
OBSERVER (O.S.)
Oh, my God!
General pandemonium, whispers, and the occasional screechy
fan-girl cry of "It's Freddie!" as one of the news cameras is
lifted off a crew member's back. It becomes evident that
it's none other than Freddie himself, wearing a snazzy three
piece suit, who has taken it. He focuses first on the
Assistants wooing the Arbiter, and we shift back and forth
between his POV and a third-person.
FREDDIE
WHAT A SCENE, WHAT A JOY!
WHAT A LOVELY SIGHT -
(spins around, films the
championship banner over
the elevator entrance)
WHEN MY GAME IS THE BIG SENSATION!
He turns around again, pushing through the frantic mass of
REPORTERS and FANS.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
HAS THE MOB'S SPORTING TASTE
ALTERED OVERNIGHT?
HAVE THEY FOUND NEW SOPHISTICATION?
He pushes further, into the Soviet delegation...
FREDDIE (cont'd)
NOT YET - THEY JUST WANT TO SEE
And past them, to Anatoly, arms folded, sheepishly trying not
to notice the camera.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
IF THE NICE GUY BEATS THE BUM!
Pushing into an extreme close-up of Anatoly, now pinned up
against the double-doors. The Russian finally half-smiles at
the camera.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
IF IT'S EAST-WEST
AND THE MONEY'S SKY-HIGH
(again surveys the fanatic
mob)
THEY ALL COME!
He finally turns the camera to reveal Florence, who has been
standing beside him since he entered.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
May I introduce my second, Ms.
Florence Vassy.
He passes the camera back to the news crewman he took it
from, then turns back to Florence and kisses her on the
cheek.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(half-whispering, to
Florence)
YOU CAN RAISE ALL YOU WANT
IF YOU RAISE THE ROOF
SCREAM AND SHOUT -
(breaks off, hamming it
up)
AND THE GATE INCREASES!
An eruption of camera flashes.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(to various news cameras)
BREAK THE RULES, BREAK THE BANK!
I'M THE LIVING PROOF!
The Arbiter grimaces.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(to Arbiter, indicating
the fans)
THEY DON'T CARE
HOW I MOVE MY PIECES!
(to Reporters)
I KNOW I'M THE BEST THERE IS
BUT ALL YOU WANT IS A SHOW
He pushes himself through the double doors, parading himself
into a state-of-the-art broadcasting center.
INT. PALACE AND SCHLOSS MAUR HOTEL--BROADCASTING CENTER -
CONTINUOUS
Television monitors and camera controls all over the walls
are locked in on multiple angles of another room we haven't
seen yet. Cool lighting casts itself on the several tables
and rows of chairs throughout, set up like a small arena.
FREDDIE
(to cameras)
WELL THAT'S ALL RIGHT -
I'LL BE GLAD TO OBLIGE!
All begin to follow him inside.
FREDDIE (cont'd)
(spreading his arms)
S.R.O! S.R.O!!
ARBITER
Mr. Trumper! So good of you to
show.
Around the two, people begin to take their seats, the
inevitable reporters begin to crowd Freddie, delegations
gather, and the screens on the wall flicker on and off.
FREDDIE
It's an honor and a privilege to be
here, Mr. Arbiter, to shove at the
Russkies what they shoved at us.
MOLOKOV
(appears behind the
Arbiter)
Mr. Arbiter - !
ARBITER
(raises his hand)
Mr. Trumper, I have already firmly
established -
FREDDIE
I know, I know. You won't get a
peep of (people-farming?) from me.
But, before we begin...
ARBITER
Yes?
The Assistants pout their lips at Freddie.
FREDDIE
(tugging at his collar)
It's about the climate controls; I
don't feel that the...heat will be
entirely conducive to my ability to
play.
(begins to unbutton his
shirt)
It's just...too hot...
ARBITER
I'll see what I can do.
FREDDIE
(to Molokov)
I'm sure you can sympathize, what
with being from the land of
Hitler's frostbitten nose and all.
He now opens his shirt, revealing, in both English and
Russian (Cyrillic letters), a t-shirt boldly silk-screened
with the words "OUT OF AFGHANISTAN!" Camera flashes abound.
The Arbiter firmly grabs Freddie by the arm.
ARBITER
IF YOU'RE THINKING OF THE KIND OF
THING
THAT WE'VE SEEN IN THE PAST
The Assistants begin to button up Freddie's shirt; he is
grinning ear to ear.
ARBITER (cont'd)
(numerating)
CHANTING GURUS, WALKIE-TALKIES,
WALKOUTS, HYPNOTISTS, TEMPERED
FISTS -
NOT SO FAST!
Florence pulls Freddie aside before the Assistants finish.
ARBITER (cont'd)
(to Reporters)
THIS IS NOT THE START OF WORLD WAR
THREE!
NO POLITICAL PLOYS
(waves Freddie and Anatoly
to come to him)
I THINK BOTH YOUR CONSTITUTIONS ARE
TERRIFIC
The Assistants escort the two players to the Arbiter;
Freddie's shirt isn't quite tucked in.
ARBITER (cont'd)
SO, NOW YOU KNOW
(places one hand on each
player's shoulder)
BE GOOD BOYS!
He leads the players to the far end of the room, to a small
door that looks as though it would lead to a broom closet.
ARBITER (cont'd)
I'M ON THE CASE
CAN'T BE FOOLED!
(waves his finger)
ANY OBJECTION
IS OVERRULED!
ASSISTANTS
(mirroring the Arbiter as
they escort the players)
HE'S ON THE CASE -
CAN'T BE FOOLED!
(wave their fingers)
ANY OBJECTION
IS OVERRULED!
The Assistants break off from the players and begin to circle
the triad of the Arbiter, Freddie, and Anatoly. Anatoly
smiles at them.
ARBITER (cont'd)
OH, I'M THE ARBITER
AND I KNOW BEST
ASSISTANTS
(channeling soul girls)
HE'S IMPARTIAL, DON'T PUSH HIM -
HE'S UNIMPRESSED!
The Arbiter opens the door and checks the room.
ARBITER
(blocking the view)
YOU'VE GOT YOUR TRICKS -
GOOD FOR YOU!
Freddie tries to take a peak. An Assistant pops up
immediately, lowering her glasses and looking directly into
Freddie's eyes, effectively blocking his view.
ARBITER (cont'd)
BUT THERE'S NO GAMBIT
I DON'T SEE THROUGH!
All four of the Assistants stylistically shut the door as the
Arbiter turns back to the players.
ASSISTANTS
HE'S THE ARBITER -
HE KNOWS THE SCORE!
ARBITER
FROM SQUARE ONE, I'LL BE WATCHING
ALL - SIXTY-FOUR!
The Assistants dance out into another circle, addressing any
reporters who may have followed this scene.
ASSISTANTS
HERE WE SEE A MAN
UNDER GREAT PRESSURE
TWO FIGHTS TO FIGHT, YET
HE COULD NOT LOOK FRESHER!
They throw themselves back at the Arbiter, brushing against
Anatoly and Freddie in the process.
ASSISTANTS (cont'd)
(caressing the object of
their affection)
CHESS "SANS POLITIQUE" -
UNITING NATIONS
OUR GREATEST ASSET TO
EAST-WEST RELATIONS
The Assistants roll off of the Arbiter, and he again opens
the door.
ARBITER
Here it is, precisely as laid out
in the match contracts.
CUT TO:
THE ROOM
The room is small, maybe double the size of the broom closet
the door seemed to indicate. Two chairs and a table with
chessboard take up most of the space. Dozens of small
cameras line the walls, and one prominently hangs from the
ceiling, directed straight down at the chessboard.
FLORENCE (V.O.)
The American delegation objects...
INT. PALACE AND SCHLOSS MAUR HOTEL--BROADCASTING CENTER -
CONTINUOUS
Florence is at Freddie's side; Molokov is at Anatoly's. The
Arbiter still stands in front of the door; the Assistants,
meanwhile, have begun to set up the board.
FLORENCE
It's far too small; it doesn't take
into account our player's
(condition) -
FREDDIE
(takes a deep breath,
smirks)
I think I can handle it.
ARBITER
These specifications were given to
us by your delegation, Ms. Vassy.
Florence fidgets; Molokov whispers something in Anatoly's
ear.
ANATOLY
(to Florence)
I would hate to have to fly back to
Moscow on account of someone else's
claustrophobia, Ms. Vassy.
FLORENCE
(eyeing Anatoly)
The American delegation withdraws
its objection...
ARBITER
Very well, then. If the players
would take their seats...
(leads Freddie and Anatoly
into the playing area)
...game play will commence...
A cerebral waltz, the "Chess Instrumental," begins to play.
FADE TO:
INT. MAKESHIFT NEWSROOM
Julia Waters sits as a news anchor behind a desk. WILL
HARTSTON, a dashing young man in a suit, sits next to her.
JULIA WATERS
(overlapping with the
Arbiter's previous line)
...began at 10 o'clock today,
Merano time. First, a brief recap
as we return to the first game,
from NBS Correspondent Will
Hartston.