KORESHAN © 1991 by Douglas Brodoff

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FADE IN: TITLE OF MOVIE IN GOLDEN LETTERS OVER A STAR-FILLED SKY "KORESHAN" NOTE: The main character changes his name from CYRUS REED TEED to KORESH in the very first scene. Both names refer to the same character. The same applies later to ANNIE ORDWAY who changes her name to LUCIA GRAZIA. EXT. - SMALL TOWN A FEW NIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS - 1869 - NIGHT The stars become snowflakes swirling around the few brave pedestrians moving through the winter streets with their packages. A VOICEOVER begins and continues through this shot and the next shot. KORESH is speaking. A carriage passes by, moving slowly through the snow. slowly to a house next to a church.

CAMERA UP

There are lanterns lit in all the windows which causes an interesting pattern of frost against the reflective pane that the CAMERA has come up to. KORESH (voiceover) In 1869 the good Lord led my family and myself to the small town of Uttica, New York. After sharing a medical practice with my Uncle Samuel for some years, I was excited to be finally setting out on my own. As my thirtieth birthday approached, I felt a deep contentment come over me. All was right in the world. My practice was thriving after only a few months. I had the pleasure of preaching God's word from the pulpit of a local church. My son, Douglas had acclimated quite well to our new home. My dear wife, Delia had become happily involved in her favorite civic causes. But in the autumn, Delia came down with a bad cold. Despite my best efforts to nurse her back to health, her condition deteriorated quickly.I was compelled to devote more and more time tending to her, while struggling at the same time to take care of my son and to maintain my practice.

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2. INT. HOUSE - TRAVELING SHOT - NIGHT

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The VOICEOVER continues as the CAMERA moves slowly from the inside of the window, through rooms filled with warm middleclass Victorian furnishings. One room, a study reveals the equipment and diplomas of a medical doctor alongside religious accessories and a photo of KORESH as a young man in a Union Civil War Uniform. A huge bible on a stand dominates the room. A woman's coughs are heard... KORESH (voiceover) ...How these circumstances may have contributed to the events that followed, I cannot say. I can only affirm that on the night of Christmas Eve, 1869, having led up to that time a solid if somewhat undistinguished life, I was completely unprepared for the illuminations which were to test my faith and change my life forever. Except in the courage, unfaltering moral fortitude, and mental balance that I give credit to my parents for, I might have doubted my own sanity that night and dismissed my revelations as ravings... ...Following the sound, the CAMERA MOVES up the narrow stairs passing a room where a small boy is asleep, a winged rocking horse next to his bed, and entering finally a bedroom where a woman tosses and turns in her bed coughing painfully... KORESH (voiceover) ...Following my training in eclectic medicine, a discipline which embraces the use of herbal as well as other remedies, I had set up for my experiments, an electro-alchemical laboratory. I had been attempting for some time to discover the secret of transforming matter of one kind into its equivalent energy, and in reducing this energy through polaric influence, to matter of another kind. That night I succeeded! (more) (CONTINUED)

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2 KORESH (cont'd) Alone in my lab, I, of all mankind, had discovered the secrets governing the reciprocal interchange, the very transmutation of matter and energy! I was elated, ecstatic. I ran up the stairs to tell Delia of my discovery, forgetting in my joy that she was sick and in a deep narcotic induced sleep. I sat down and tried to compose myself. My whole body trembled with a power I had never known. I felt that if I concentrated, I could summon up God himself. I closed my eyes. Celestial music, sweet and faint filled my ears, I felt disembodied, ethereal,bliss, bliss, bliss...

In a chair by the window Cyrus Reed Teed, soon to up to a tight CLOSEUP of begins to illuminate his

sits the coughing woman's husband, Dr. be known as KORESH. The CAMERA MOVES his sweaty face. A strange light face, growing brighter and brighter.

KORESH scrunches his eyes shut tighter and tighter as the light becomes so blindingly bright that the features of his face cannot be made out. A woman's voice speaks, the voice of an ANGEL. ANGEL Awaken! Awaken! Dear doctor, you who are called Cyrus, after the ancient island. Son of light, you have been chosen from before time to bring truth into the world. LONG SHOT-THE SAME BEDROOM - FILLED WITH LIGHT AND MIST The ANGEL appears before KORESH. swirl around the room.

Dazzling rainbows of color

CYRUS (SAME AS KORESH) I tremble, yet I am not afraid. What are you? Are you a devil? In the name of Jesus... ANGEL He it is who sent me. CYRUS You are of God then? (CONTINUED)

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2 ANGEL You are he who sent me. CYRUS I do not understand. ANGEL Your mother is well pleased with you. My mother?

CYRUS ANGEL She has prepared a place for you. CYRUS I think perhaps you have been sent by Satan to deceive me. ANGEL Calm yourself,beloved one. All will be revealed to you. Come. The ANGEL holds out her hand to CYRUS who reaches out to her and rises from his chair phantom-like leaving his sleeping body behind. A golden chariot appears and the dark bedroom disappears in a swirl of color. MEDIUM SHOT - MAN AND ANGEL - BACKGROUND OF SWIRLING COLOR The ANGEL hands CYRUS a silver sphere. Here.

ANGEL CYRUS What is it? ANGEL Your reflection. CLOSEUP OF SPHERE IN HIS HAND-HIS REFLECTION The reflection changes. It is now the face of Jesus that looks back at CYRUS from the sphere. CYRUS is shocked. ANGEL You will be known now as KORESH. This is your name, in the language of your father. (CONTINUED)

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2 KORESH (trying out his new name) Koresh...

The face in the sphere disappears completely. KORESH looks to the ANGEL questioningly then back to the sphere. A strong wind is blowing into his face. CAMERA ZOOMS into the silver sphere DISSOLVING INTO... MONTAGE OF IMAGES - VISION A beach at dawn, the leaves of the tall palms gently sway. wind is building.

The

A flaming golden chariot wheel spins in mid-air. Suddenly a figure dressed in black appears, staring out to sea. It is Koresh. A dark and distinct storm front is moving over the water. The flaming wheel fills the screen. It spins faster, turning into a sphere, now golden and spinning in the blackness of space. A thunderous crash and the sphere cracks open. It is hollow and filled with stars. In the center is a glowing sun. On the inside of the shell we can make out the familiar outlines of the earth's continents, through the swirling clouds. It is a completely inverted earth exquisitely animated. We soar into the shell, toward the concave continents, down through the atmosphere directly into the storm and back to the beach. Sheets of rain pour down. The figure of KORESH is gone. sits squarely on the shore.

A large above-ground tomb now

A flash of lightning lights up the tomb and thunder crashes, like the earth itself splitting open. CLOSEUP - KORESH'S FACE-IN CHAIR His face is drenched in sweat. His eyes are wide open, in shock. The room is dark and quiet. A grandfather clock chimes. The CAMERA moves back as he rises and goes toward the bed where the sleeping woman is having a coughing fit. He sits on the bed, takes a bottle of syrup and a spoon from the nightstand and gently lifts his wife's head. (CONTINUED)

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2 KORESH Delia. Delia, it's time for your medicine. With her head cradled in his arms, he puts the spoon into her mouth. He stares off into space as he strokes her hair. KORESH Sleep now, beloved,sleep.

INT. WOMAN’S BEDROOM - 1970’S

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MONTAGE OF IMAGES OVER WHICH THE CREDITS ROLL. An old woman is waking up. Though the room and her clothes suggest another time, there is a phone and other things that indicate that the time is the present. It is as if the past we saw in the previous scene has been transplanted into the relative present of the 1970’s. The woman is HEDWIG MICHEL. She gets up, washes with a pitcher and a bowl and dresses slowly. Interspersed with shots of her dressing are shots of the old paintings on the walls, the old photos of groups of people posing in Victorian clothing, a large portrait of KORESH. The bible sits open on a stand in the corner, a conch shell on a dresser. The MONTAGE of shots and the CREDITS end as she sits at her desk, picks up her pen, and the camera pulls in to a TIGHT CLOSEUP of her wise old face. HEDWIG (voiceover in English) When people say I'm crazy to believe what I do, I laugh because I know what real insanity is. I lived through it, and I came here to escape it. The following scene, though written in English will be acted in German with English subtitles. INT. A CLASSROOM IN A SCHOOL IN NAZI GERMANY 1937 - DAY Not much different from any other classroom except for the picture of Hitler and the Nazi flag on the wall. A bell rings and the young children gather their things and file out. A middle-aged woman, HEDWIG MICHEL, stands in the front of the classroom. (CONTINUED)

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7. CONTINUED:

4 HEDWIG Class dismissed. Please remember to study for tomorrow's geography test. One student pauses at the door to raise his hand in a Nazi salute. STUDENT Heil Hitler, Miss Michel. HEDWIG (reluctantly) Yes, of course, Heil Hitler. Hans, come in.

Ah,

Another teacher, HANS enters. HANS Can you tell me what is happening to this place? I feel like I'm in an army camp some days. I walk into my classroom today and the whole class is goose-stepping around the room. HEDWIG It's frightening. HANS I've brought you a book, Hedwig. I know you like this kind of metaphysical materiel. It's in English. From the college library. HEDWIG The Cellular Cosmogony. By Koresh. Funny name. Thank-you Hans. It does look interesting. On the cover of the book is a line drawing of a split open globe with the continents on the inner concave walls. HANS Would you like to have dinner with me tonight Hedwig? HEDWIG (sighing) Not tonight, Hans. I just want to go home, take a hot bath ...and now I have something to read myself to sleep with. (CONTINUED)

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4 HANS Ah well, I can only blame myself for that.

The two friends laugh and start to walk out together. INT. HEDWIG’S BEDROOM - 1937 - NIGHT

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Young HEDWIG is sitting up in her bed reading the book by lamplight. The window next to her bed is closed and the curtain is closed. Outside can be heard muffled city sounds. Hedwig does not notice as the sound become sounds of mobs and screams and breaking glass. HEDWIG (voiceover in English) I never saw dear Hans again. But it was certainly providence that led him to give me that book, on that particular day. That night, when I opened it, I felt transported to a new world. I felt as if the world had just split open and offered up her secrets to me. I knew that my future was with whoever had written this book. And it was that same night that the old world shattered for me and fell to pieces like glass. For that was the night of November second,1937. The night that hell unleashed it’s hounds. That night was Kristalnach. HEDWIG has finally noticed the strange sounds from outside. has gotten up, walked to the window, and pulled apart the curtains. It is a riot. Broken glass and fires everywhere.

She

Gangs in black, beating people in the street. She looks out in horror. She opens the window and the screams are nearly deafening. HEDWIG (voiceover in English) You think Koresh was crazy? Listen, I know crazy. Koresh tried to build a heaven on earth. That's wisdom. That's not crazy. HEDWIG leaves the window, and grabbing a shawl, flees. A moment later she is back to grab the book that she has left open on the bed. The room is empty. (CONTINUED)

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A rock comes flying through the window. HEDWIG I ran. I ran away from the people who created a hell on earth and I came here, to Koreshan, to find the people who had created a heaven. INT. WOMAN’S BEDROOM - 1970’S

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Hedwig as an old woman is writing at her desk. Load voices can be heard and, distracted, she looks out the window toward the sounds. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT - THE PRESENT- DAY The back of a mobile home,covered with bumper stickers. South of the Border, Carlsberg Caverns, Monkey Jungle, among others. There are so many bumper stickers that the license plate is hardly noticeable. As the Bicentennial and Gerald Ford for President bumper stickers indicate,it is now modern times circa 1976. We hear people talking loudly, " Did you put film in the camera?", "Stand still, Jason!", "Boy,it's hot.", etc. The CAMERA PANS and we see a Rambler with Florida plates next to the mobile home. The CAMERA continues PANNING the otherwise empty parking lot. Woods and fields surround the lot and palm trees indicate that this is Florida. TOUR GUIDE (voiceover) If you'll quiet down please, we'll begin. May I have your attention? Thank-you. My name is Howard, and I will be your tour guide for today. The tour takes exactly forty-five minutes so we will be pausing at the entrance to the park where there is a bathroom for your convenience. I will ask you to please not disturb any of the plant life that we encounter during our walk. The Koreshan gardens were world renowned and were responsible for introducing many new and exotic flora to the United States. (more) (CONTINUED)

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10. CONTINUED:

7 TOUR GUIDE (cont'd) Many of the building are currently being or are as yet to be restored so please keep that in mind when escorting your children through the grounds. Please feel free to ask any questions. I will do my best to answer them as best I can.

The CAMERA has arrived at the bare legs and sneakered feet of the tourists. Through their legs can be seen the khaki trouser legs of the TOUR GUIDE. A MEDIUM SHOT of RANDY and NANCY, two of the tourists. NANCY Do you have bumper stickers. TOUR GUIDE I'm sorry, ma'm. We don't have any bumper stickers. Oh, poo!

NANCY RANDY You see, we got stickers for every place we been to. JASON and JESSICA, the children of RANDY and NANCY are fooling around. Jason is teasing his sister and pulling her hair. JESSICA Ooooow! That hurt. Jason stop. Randy?

Mommy, make

NANCY RANDY Jason, do you want to sit in the car? Is that what you want? But she...

JASON RANDY I don't care, not another word. Do you hear me? Yes, sir.

JASON (CONTINUED)

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JIMMY and SUSIE exchange knowing glances. Meanwhile, the tour guide has be continuing his speech, uninterrupted. TOUR GUIDE Koreshan State Park was a gift from Hedwig Michel, the last surviving member of the Koreshan Unity. Restoration is currently underway on ten of the more than sixty original buildings, the earliest built by the original settlers sometime around 1870. That's one hundred years ago. NANCY One hundred and six. TOUR GUIDE Mrs. Michel came to this country and to the Koreshan Unity from Nazi Germany to escape extermination. Before she converted to Koreshanity, she was Jewish. Mrs.Michel still lives alone here in the settlement here. SUSIE You hear that, Jimmy? Jewish.

They were

NANCY Lord, can you imagine. She lives here by herself. It would give me the creeps. RANDY (whispering) Honey, you bring any beer. NANCY No, I did not bring any beer. RANDY I'm going back to grab one. JIMMY Hey friend, could you spare a brewski? Mighty hot out here. RANDY Sure thing. (CONTINUED)

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7 TOUR Here we are at We will pause minutes if you facilities.

GUIDE the entrance gate. here for a few care to use the

NANCY Could we wait one second? My husband had to go back to the car to get some film. JASON Mom, I gotta go. INT. WOMAN’S BEDROOM - 1970’S

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HEDWIG stands at the window. The Tourists are in the distance. The sun suddenly shines into the window and HEDWIG holds her hand to her forehead to shade her eyes from the glare. INT. HOUSE - KORESH & DELIA'S BEDROOM 1869 - NIGHT The morning sun now streams into the 1869 bedroom. KORESH is holding DELIA as before. They have both fallen asleep in this position, like the inverse of a picture of Madonna and child. The sun hits KORESH's eyes and he wakes as DELIA coughs. He rubs his face and gently rises, carefully lifting DELIA so as not to wake her and walks quietly across the room. He is startled by DELIA's voice. DELIA Spend some time with the boy. Yes, dear?

KORESH DELIA Douglas. He needs you. for a walk.

Take him

KORESH Well, I have some patients this morning. Some business later at church. Perhaps I can make some time this afternoon. DELIA Something is troubling you, Cyrus. What is it? (CONTINUED)

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9 KORESH Nothing. It's nothing. My dreams. I have been having the most strange dreams. DELIA Your clothes. You slept in your clothes again. KORESH On the battlefield, we often didn't change our clothes for weeks. DELIA (coughing) This is Uttica, New York not Gettysburg, Cyrus. KORESH Yes, yes. Let me give you your medicine before I go.

KORESH walks back to the night stand and prepares the medicine. DELIA This is no life for you, Cyrus, caring for an invalid. KORESH Now, let's have no more of that. EXT.

DOWN STREET, 1869 - DAY

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KORESH and his nine year old son, DOUGLAS are walking past the shops on the main street of Uttica. The boy is shuffling his feet and KORESH urges him on. Every passerby acknowledges them and KORESH keeps his hand at his hat so as to tip it easier. They turn and walk into the General Store. INT.- STORE, 1869 - DAY

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The store is warm and well-stocked. It has the feeling of a friendly social gathering place. Koresh and son walk up to the counter where the storekeeper, MR.FOREST stands with his wife, MRS.FOREST. MR.FOREST Well, good morning Doctor Teed. Good morning, young master. What may I do for you this fine morning? (CONTINUED)

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11 KORESH We'll be needing some more of that special syrup for my wife please, Mr. Forest. MR.FOREST How is she doing then. KORESH The coughing has subsided, somewhat. Thank-you for asking. MRS.FOREST Come, Douglas. I have something to show you.

MRS. FOREST comes out from behind the counter and steers DOUGLAS to another corner of the store, where colorful jars of candy are displayed. KORESH We'll need five pounds of flour, a dozen eggs, A quarter pound of that tea you had me try last week. Where was that from? Ceylon.

MR.FOREST In the Orient somewhere.

KORESH Yes, of course. And everything else on this list. MRS. FOREST holds a piece of rock candy out to DOUGLAS MRS. FOREST (whispering) Will you paint me one of your pretty pictures? MR. FOREST Well, you have our prayers, Reverend. It's a shame someone so lovely has to suffer so. KORESH Who among us may know the Lord's designs? MR. FOREST I admire your faith, Dr. Teed. Will that be all, then? (CONTINUED)

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11 KORESH Yes, Thank-you. MR. FOREST I would be happy to deliver it for you, doctor. MRS. FOREST We enjoyed your sermon this past Sunday, Reverend. KORESH Thank-you, you are both very kind. Come Douglas, let us walk.

As KORESH and DOUGLAS leave, MR. and MRS. FOREST look at each other in commiseration. MRS. FOREST Poor child. EXT. TOWN STREET -- DAY

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KORESH and DOUGLAS walk down a sunny tree-lined street. DOUGLAS Father, is everything all right? KORESH (surprised) Certainly,Douglas. reason you ask?

Is there some

DOUGLAS I heard you and Mother talking. KORESH I hope you weren't easedropping. DOUGLAS No, sir. I couldn't sleep. You said you had a bad dream. I got scared. KORESH Douglas, sometimes in our dreams we see things that frighten us but it does not necessarily mean that those things are bad. Do you understand? DOUGLAS Not really. (CONTINUED)

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12 KORESH Well, take for example, your room at night.Sometimes something in your room might frighten you, a dark shape, for instance. You light a candle and it turns out that what frightened you was the shadow of your rocking horse. Now your rocking horse is nothing to be afraid of, but the shadows it makes may momentarily frighten you.Dreams are like that. Shadows that frighten but turn out to be gifts from heaven. DOUGLAS I see. (Pauses to consider) Father, is that what death is like. KORESH (tearfully smiling) Dear child.

FURTHER ON Father and son are walking by a canal. The sunset is beginning. DOUGLAS runs to a swing that hangs from the branches of a beautiful oak tree. KORESH Just for a few minutes. We have to get back to the house. Dinner should be ready. From DOUGLAS's point of view, as KORESH swings him from the front, we see him speaking, now large, now small, now large, now small. KORESH How's that? Higher.

DOUGLAS Higher!

KORESH Are you sure? All right, if you're sure. Father and son are walking down the street on their way home. As KORESH speaks, DOUGLAS's face becomes pained and bewildered. (CONTINUED)

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12 KORESH (struggling) Douglas, you asked me before about death. I think that you are old enough that I can speak plainly. You know that your mother is very sick. Well, it may be that God wants her to come live with him soon. I know that may be hard for you to understand. I know you love her very much, and heaven knows you need her, but sometimes what God wants takes precedence. Sometimes what God wants is what is most important, even when we do not understand why We must both be strong, Douglas. And we must have faith. Yes, sir.

DOUGLAS

EXT. MISTS OF VISION KORESH is standing with the ANGEL. of rolled up maps.

13 The Angel hands him a bundle

INT. KORESH & DELIA'S BEDROOM

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KORESH sits on the bed holding DELIA's hands. traveling. DELIA is more alert than before.

He is dressed for

DELIA It's best this way, Cyrus. I want you to go. You must. God has spoken to you. I have no doubt and neither should you. Never stray from your vision, Cyrus, and never doubt my love. KORESH and DELIA embrace tearfully. MONTAGE of KORESH’s early preaching, in front of small groups, in homes. It’s obvious that KORESH is attracted to wealthy people and they to him, as he.gathers followers around him from the upper classes. (CONTINUED)

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14 KORESH (voiceover) And so I became a wanderer, a prophet of the New Covenant, of the future age of glory in earth. I spent the next few years traveling from town to town, speaking with anyone who would listen, in churches and in homes. Soon enough I gathered around me, disciples and followers. We moved to New York City and there we were most discouraged and thwarted it seemed at every step. We were often the object of intolerance and ridicule.Then one day, I received an invitation...

INT. - OFFICES OF THE UNITY - NEW YORK CITY.- DAY It is a comfortable and simple room. Koresh sits at a large desk, a few of his devoted followers around him. He is reading a letter out loud. KORESH (reading letter) "...of the National Association Of Mental Science, it is my honor to extend this invitation to you to speak at our upcoming Congress to be held in Chicago." Outstanding! BERTHALDINE Finally, someone recognizes your work. EMMA Congratulations, brother. HENRIETTA Congratulations, Master. KORESH (reading) "The theme is of your choosing. You will find a most sympathetic audience as we have read your monographs here with great interest.Your theories concerning the left and right hemispheres of the brain are of special interest here. I hope you can..." (more) (CONTINUED)

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19. CONTINUED:

15 KORESH (cont'd) And so forth. Ladies, our work moves apace.

Koresh stands, handing the letter to EMMA. The women look to him expectantly. Koresh raises his arms up with fists clenched. KORESH (exclaiming) We're going to Chicago! The women laugh and clap. INT. KORESH’S STUDY - NIGHT

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KORESH standing at his bible stand, studying. EMMA walks in and stands quietly, unable to speak, her eyes red from crying. KORESH Emma, what's wrong. Emma, what is it. Is it Delia? Dear God... EMMA She's passed on, brother. KORESH collapses sobbing in to EMMA's arms. INT.- DRAWING ROOM - DAY

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A sunny drawing room set up for a tea and lecture. At the podium stands the HOSTESS. KORESH sits at her side waiting to be introduced. The room is filled with about thirty well-to-do women in pastel dresses and hats. KORESH is somewhat conspicuous in his black suit. HOSTESS Ladies,ladies. May we begin? Ladies, please. Friends, the Women's Cultural Society has been fortunate to have had some quite stimulating speakers in the past. But certainly none so well respected and at the same time controversial as our honored guest today. A medical doctor by profession, a minister and biblical scholar by calling, a decorated veteran of The great war; he has turned his genius to the great questions of humanity. (more) (CONTINUED)

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17 HOSTESS (cont'd) His celebrated theories have attracted much attention in the newspapers. They challenge some of our most cherished ideas, yet as he will tell you himself, he maintains that his ideas are confirmed by scripture. It has always been our policy to explore fully the questions of our day. To become as fully informed as we can, to condemn no idea without a hearing. So it is in the interest of science, we are indeed honored today to introduce the Reverend Dr. Cyrus Reed Teed. Dr. Teed.

There is polite clapping as the HOSTESS sits. moves to the platform.

KORESH stands and

KORESH Thank-you for your very gracious introduction. I am very happy to be able to spend this time with you today. As Mrs. Morgan has indicated, the press has recently been having some fun making fun of my ideas. That doesn't bother me. These socalled ideas or theories are not mine,per se. These ideas, are simple fundamental truths,firmly based in scripture and do not necessarily depend on me to be their advocate. Truth is a faith-building and God-affirming. And once the mesmerizing chains of scientific illusion are broken, truth becomes selfevident. So all I would have to do, standing up here is to point by point systematically debunk the assumptions of our modern science and the truth would become as plain to you as the pretty noses on your faces. LONG SHOT- AUDIENCE The faces in the audience reveal variable degrees of attention. There is some whispering and tittering and clinking of teacups.One woman however is obviously completely transfixed by the speech. This is ANNIE ORDWAY, later to be known as LUCIA GRAZIA, a handsome woman in her thirties. (CONTINUED)

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CLOSEUP - ANNIE ORDWAY

MEDIUM SHOT- KORESH AT PODIUM

KORESH (cont’d) But I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to waste your time and mine on such an endeavor. Let me just state simply that the concepts of science are based not on truth but on the ravings of Godless men. Contrary to popular belief, many of these theories have never been actually proven in the real world. Indeed, rigorous experimentation would prove many of these theories to be without foundation and completely insubstantial. Why then have these ideas been proposed so fervently in the first place, and why have they found such wide and universal acceptance, when to any Godfearing man they obviously contradict the very Word of God? Why? Because these ideas, and I will confront each one in specific momentarily, these ideas prey on fear and they serve, in their rejection of fundamental values, as justification for every corrupt, false, perverse action that you can imagine. If we are to believe in the idea of infinite space, just think of that, space without limit, that's what they try to tell us. And where is God in all this infinity of space. Where is God? Unreachable, unknowable. No God to answer to. What matter if we worship capitol. What matter if we exploit our fellow man. If we build factories that befoul our precious air and rivers... MONTAGE - KORESH SPEAKING IN DIFFERENT speaking in front of larger and larger large banner illustrating the Cellular in two showing the different strata in speech continues in VOICEOVER.

PLACES. Koresh is crowds. Behind him is a Cosmogony, an earth split concentric circles. His

In the audience, he notices ANNIE ORDWAY again and again, and nods to her. (CONTINUED)

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17

Koresh speaking in a church. A CLOSEUP of a poster advertising KORESH speaking on the topic of the Cellular Cosmogony.Koresh speaking in an auditorium. A gold globe is on a metal stand. KORESH opens the globe to reveal that it is hollow, the continents of the earth painted on the inside.As he is illustrating his point, a small group of what appear to be followers sit close by all dressed in white. One woman assists him with the globe. Again we see Annie Ordway in the audience. KORESH (voiceover) If we allow ourselves to be controlled by unnatural, lustful urges. If we engage in dishonest practices. Who is to know? God, according to the scientists, is somewhere millions of miles away, if he exists at all. And here we are, a little ball, supposedly spinning in a solitary orbit around a solitary star, one of billions and billions of solitary stars.Nonsense! Pure and simple rubbish. Ladies, mankind has been deceived. Let those who have eyes, see!I stand her today, in absolute certainty of my convictions. Everything in nature supports the truth. Life is cell-based. God is here. God is knowable. I know him. And I can tell you that his creation is perfect, regenerating, self-perpetuating, self-contained. The earth is hollow. And we live inside. CUT TO: INT. AUDITORIUM - BACKSTAGE

18

It is after a speech and KORESH is shaking hands with a crowd of people. Most of the crowd is warm and friendly though some walk by shaking their heads. KORESH's back is toward us and moving up behind him comes ANNIE ORDWAY. She taps him on the shoulder. He turns around and recognizes her. (CONTINUED)

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18 KORESH Are you with us, Mrs. Ordway? ANNIE How do you know my name? KORESH You would be surprised how much I know about you. ANNIE I pray, Dr. Teed, do not toy with me. KORESH Please excuse me, I meant you no discourtesy. ANNIE You are in my dreams, Dr. Teed. Yes.

KORESH ANNIE I am uncomfortable talking about it. Dr. Teed, I am not in the habit of dreaming about men. KORESH You have been chosen, Mrs. Ordway. Chosen for a great work. Come speak to me tomorrow at the Unity house. Two o'clock if it is convenient. I can't.

ANNIE KORESH Emma here will give you directions. Good night, Mrs.Ordway. KORESH is whisked away by his followers, leaving ANNIE ORDWAY astonished. EMMA begins to speak to her. EMMA Are you familiar with the Park Slope area?

24. EXT. PARK SLOPE STREET - DAY

19

LONG SHOT- A HORSE AND CARRIAGE ANNIE steps out of her carriage and stands for a moment in front of the modest Victorian house. A sign over the porch proclaims “CHURCH OF THE NEW COVENANT”, and in smaller letters, “HOME OF THE KORESHAN UNITY”. ANNIE (to driver) I shan't be long. LONG SHOT- SIDE OF HOUSE Looking down the side of the house, ANNIE sees another entrance. A shingle hanging in front of the door reads, DR. CYRUS REED TEED M.D. ANNIE walks up the porch stairs and knocks on the front door. She notices a small bell to the side of the door and rings it. There is the sound of movement inside. A woman, HENRIETTA, answers the door. HENRIETTA May I help you. ANNIE Mrs. Annie Ordway to see Dr. Teed. HENRIETTA Oh, yes. Come right in. has been expecting you.

Father

INT. - FOYER

20

Annie comes in. The house is well-furnished but uncluttered. Through a pair of frosted glass doors, voices can be heard. ANNIE Are you Dr. Teed's daughter? HENRIETTA (laughs, then quiets herself) There is a class in session. To answer your question, we all refer to Him as Father. With love and respect. You can go right in, Mrs. Ordway. ANNIE Are you sure? (CONTINUED)

25. CONTINUED:

20

HENRIETTA opens the glass doors and they quietly enter a gracious sitting room. A number of well-dressed ladies and gentlemen sit in a circle around KORESH. Standing at his side is EMMA, who periodically fills the teacups from a pot that sits on a nearby side board. EMMA nods to ANNIE and HENRIETTA and silently indicates an empty chair. KORESH is addressing BERTHALDINE, a strong looking woman who leans forward in an attentive yet challenging posture. KORESH And so, dear Berthaldine, the alchemico-organic domain awaits the coming of the great mother who upon her complete absorption will complete the prophecy. Immortality. Until that time, we are spiritual widows...and widowers. KORESH notices ANNIE’s arrival. KORESH (cont’d) Ah, Mrs. Ordway, good afternoon. I'm so glad you could join us. Emma, please, some tea for Mrs. Ordway. You remember my sister, don't you, Mrs. Ordway? Emma has extraordinary talents as an herbalist. She prepares special teas for us according to the session, the stars and our subject. I think you will find this blend most stimulating. It braces the glandula-vitae and balances the hemispheres. We will leave the socializing until later. Let us continue. Mrs. Ordway, much of our discussion and terminology may seem quite foreign to you. You will grow accustomed to it. Now where were we... MONTAGE- ANNIE AT CLASS To the accompaniment of bright baroque choir music, we see the faces in the class. KORESH dominates the discussion but others also participate in a lively fashion. Everyone is very curious about ANNIE. They cast friendly and curious glances at her. ANNIE's face reflects the fact that her initial discomfort is being replaced by a relaxed glow of pleasure. (CONTINUED)

26. CONTINUED:

20

LATER - AT THE DOOR The class has broken up and some people are leaving. saying goodbye to ANNIE.

KORESH is

KORESH I apologize that we did not get to speak in private. EMMA Feel free to come to any of our daily services. KORESH We will have opportunity soon. ANNIE Thank- you so much for allowing me to observe your class. It is an honor I will not soon forget. KORESH The honor was truly ours. HENRIETTA So good to meet you, Mrs. Ordway. ANNIE leaves with the group who are leaving. It is clear that some live in the house and some do not. All are saying goodbyes, gathering up hats and sticks. BERTHALDINE is among those leaving and approaches ANNIE as they go down the front porch stairs. BERTHALDINE So what do you make of our little group, Mrs. Ordway? ANNIE Frankly, I'm just not sure. Please call me Annie. I'm afraid... BERTHALDINE Oh, forgive me. Mrs. Berthaldine Boomer. Bertha...or Bee, if you like. EMMA Bertie, do remember the coltsfoot you promised me. (CONTINUED)

27. CONTINUED:

20 BERTHALDINE (laughing) Don't worry Emelia. I will deliver. Or Bertie.

Later that evening in the parlor of the Koreshan house. KORESH Mrs. Ordway is to be treated with the utmost respect. Treat her no differently than you would me. Treat her like a Queen. For in fact, that is what she is.Though she does not know it yet, she is the Mother of creation. My spiritual equal, exact opposite and exact complement. From her, comes all hope, all life truly. Do you understand what I am telling you? HENRIETTA Certainly, Master. Treat the lady like a Queen. BERTHALDINE Our pleasure is to satisfy your wishes. KORESH You must not let her know, however. She must discover her destiny for herself. BERTHALDINE We will be silent. EXT. MISTS OF VISION

21

The ANGEL and KORESH floating in clouds of ether. ANGEL We are well pleased with you, Koresh. Now it comes time for you to look for a proper site in the earth for the New Jerusalem. KORESH Where do I begin? (CONTINUED)

28. CONTINUED:

21 ANGEL Within the heart of heaven you will find the heart of earth. The heart of earth is the sun, the heart of the sun is in your breast.

LONG SHOT of the inside of the Koreshan Unity Temple. The temple is packed. There are hundreds of people crowded into the Temple. Huge banners of the inner earth symbol hang on the side walls KORESH is speaking. KORESH stands at a podium. KORESH We are grateful to see all of you here tonight.Acknowledgments must go to our own dear Lucia Grazia, formally Annie Ordway. She has done more to recruit members than even myself. Most of you here tonight first came into contact with the ideas of our Unity, with the truth that sets all men and women free, through her teaching. As you may know, our Unity is actively engaged in seeking land where we can build our New Jerusalem. We intend to create the city of the future, a community of love, where men and women of any race or color may come to live. No one will be turned away who can contribute in some way and who promise to maintain our high moral standards. I want to take this opportunity to correct a misconception that some have about our Unity. Though the ministers of the Koreshan Unity, male and female, have taken vows of chastity, and we do endorse such purification for those who aspire to the spiritual heights, we understand that such strict austerity is not for everyone. We therefore fully accept the sanctity of the marriage bed and welcome families into our fold with open arms.

29. INT. OFFICES OF KORESHAN UNITY.

22

LUCIA, looking very comfortable in her new position, is at her desk handling business. MARY, her secretary, sits next to the desk. LUCIA Of all the responses to the inquiries we sent out, the most promising is from an agent in Florida. MARY I've heard that land is very cheap down there. LUCIA The Master has decided that we will send a scouting party that will stay until a suitable property is secured. MARY I hope I can go. LUCIA We'll see. We will be planning the trip for December. Because the climate in Florida is fair year round, weather doesn't need to be a consideration. ] CUT TO: MONTAGE OF WORLD'S FAIR BUILDINGS All the different buildings of the fair flash by. Every surface is a brilliant white. Figures in black move across the white terraces and walkways. There is not much color except for the blue sky. This scheme is broken by the appearance of rows of bright banners and flags. A huge sign says: "WORLD COLUMBIAN EXHIBITION OF ARTS AND SCIENCES" EXT. WORLD’S FAIR - DAY - KORESH AND COMPANY KORESH and his entourage of women are all conspicuously dressed in white. They seem to belong to the White City. We see them in front of various exhibits, all marvels of the time. A brass band in bright red uniforms and led by John Philip Sousa himself, sporting a fine waxed moustache, plays Stars and Stripes Forever. This plays through the whole scene. Edward Muybridge's movement photographs seem to impress them as do the magnificent and strange looking motors and appliances on display. (CONTINUED)

23

30. CONTINUED:

23

Interspersed with the scenes of KORESH and company enjoying the splendors of the White City are flashes of scenes from the future, 1976, as the TOUR GUIDE leads RANDY, NANCY, JIMMY, SUSIE, JASON, and JESSICA through the Koreshan State Park. The 1976 tourists make fun of the old photos of KORESH’s visit to the World’s Fair. They laugh at other pictures and funny appliances they discover. The tourists of 1894 are more refined and awed by what they see. LUCIA What a wonderful way to say farewell to Chicago. EMMA And to the old world. BERTHALDINE I just can't believe it. That such amazing things exist. KORESH Our New Jerusalem will make all this seem pale in comparison. EMMA Praise God. KORESH You see, Berthaldine.all of you, these showpieces, wondrous as admittedly they are, represent the worship of capitol and the exploitation of the worker. Even as we admire their beauty, their function, and the contribution to humanity, we must never forget the oppression of Christ's children. EMMA Now good brother. I believe that you promised that for this one day you would refrain from sermonizing. KORESH Indeed you are correct. you for reminding me.

I thank

BERTHALDINE We all thank you, I'm sure. (CONTINUED)

31. CONTINUED:

23 KORESH Ladies, Might I suggest that we proceed to the Amusement area? I am most anxious to see the giant wheel that everyone is talking about. EMMA It says here that is is the invention of one George Ferris.

EXT. FERRIS WHEEL - SUNSET A Ferris Wheel, the first in history, stands majestically against the early sunset sky. KORESH and company stare at it in awe and silence. KORESH Magnificent! Well, who's coming? I want to.

BERTHALDINE EMMA I'm happy to stay on the ground, thank you. Henrietta?

KORESH How about you?

HENRIETTA Heavens, no. KORESH Well, Berthaldine, it looks like it's me and you. Let's go.

BERTHALDINE KORESH and BERTHALDINE are being strapped into their Ferris Wheel chair. As they rise they both grip the guard bar tighter and their eyes widen in fear and astonishment. The world swirls around them. There are screams of fear and delight. KORESH's face is lit up. It is as if the panoramic view confirms his theories of the curvature of the earth. He is delighted. As a LONGSHOT shows the Ferris Wheel against the deepening colors of the sunset, electric lights come on across the whole fairground and hundreds of voices ooh and aah in unison.

24

32. EXT. PUNTA RASSA TRAIN STATION - DAY

25

A train pulls into a small town station. The sign reads PUNTA RASSA. As billows of steam rise, the conductor yells. CONDUCTOR Punta Rassa. Punta Rassa. Last stop.Watch your step. KORESH steps off the train. Behind him are LUCIA, BERTHALDINE, EMMA, and MARY. They have very little luggage. KORESH holds some long map tubes under his arm. KORESH The agent said that he would meet us at the station. BERTHALDINE Well, they didn't lie about the weather, did they. A young man approaches them dressed for the weather in a billowing long sleeve shirt, and panama hat. This is ROLAND PIERCE, the real estate man. He tips his hat. Dr. Teed?

ROLAND

INT. PUNTA RASSA SALOON - DAY

26

At a table Roland is heatedly telling the Koreshans a story. Murdered!

BERTHALDINE ROLAND Poisoned. The whole family. Mother, two daughters and a son died. One son pulled through. EMMA It's terrible. A terrible story. We should pray for them BERTHALDINE I still don't understand. What would he gain by killing... (CONTINUED)

33. CONTINUED:

26 ROLAND Well, heaven knows how a fiend like that thinks but the idea was to befriend them, come into their home, gain their confidence, kill them off and then lay claim to the land. It nearly worked too.As I said, most of the land in this part of the world was up until recently homesteading land.Free from the Government to whoever would make proper use of it in a certain length of time. Ripe for speculation! Course there's no more giveaways, but there are some bargains to be had. I've found a few properties that I believe fit would your needs quite nicely. KORESH I would like to hear more about Mr. Damkohler and his land. EMMA You say the killer just disappeared? ROLAND Like an angel of death. Yes. But there are many confidence artists about. It is good land, Dr. Teed, and certainly more than Damkohler and his one surviving son can handle in my opinion. You may be doing the poor man a favor by taking it off his hands. I think you could get a good price. At any rate, he is very eager to meet you. KORESH How many acres? ROLAND Nearly one thousand. Right on a river. About five miles from here. Twenty from Fort Myers. KORESH (to the women) Edison! (CONTINUED)

34. CONTINUED:

26 ROLAND Yes, Mr. Edison's winter home is in Fort Myers.But don't get me wrong about Damkohler's land. There are plenty of other properties I would like you to see.

A man stands in the doorway of the restaurant. He has a thick white beard and frightened blue eyes. He sees the group at the table and walks to them. This is GUSTAVE DAMKOHLER. GUSTAVE Are you Dr. Teed? ROLAND Mr Damkohler. What a surprise. Dr. Teed, this is Gustave Damkohler whose land I was telling you about. GUSTAVE (ignoring Roland) Dr. Teed, I've read your book. Wonderful. You come with me. My boat is outside. We go now. ROLAND (trying to maintain control) We were planning to come tomorrow, Gustave. The ladies need to rest and freshen up. BERTHALDINE We're just fine, thank you. GUSTAVE You come, please. You be my guests. You stay as long as you like. KORESH and the women exchange glances. EXT. ON THE RIVER - DAY

27

A flock of herons fill the sky. A gator slithers into the water. A pair of otters splash into the water. A deer lifts its head, startled by the sound. Faint voices can be heard and the deer flees. The quiet forest is in actuality buzzing with the sound of insects. Thick tropical foliage covers the river bank. Great oaks, towering slash pines and palm trees lean out over the river. (CONTINUED)

35. CONTINUED:

27

Around a bend, coming into view like magic, is a large raft being rowed and navigated by GUSTAVE. Brightly colored parasol shade the four women in their long white dresses, their faces covered with veils of white netting. The women incline their parasols to block the sun from KORESH's eyes. KORESH stands majestically, feet astride at the bow, taking in the glorious surroundings. With a long pole he helps to propel the raft, but he is obviously distracted by the novelty of his surroundings. KORESH I can feel it. We're very close. Praise God. GUSTAVE Just a few more bends. We're coming into the Gulf of Mexico.The raft comes out onto the Gulf where the sun is setting. LUCIA How beautiful. KORESH What is that? KORESH is pointing to a strange looking small island with pyramid-like mounds on it. GUSTAVE That is Mound Key. That island is completely man-made. BERTHALDINE How could that be? GUSTAVE The Indians. The Calloosa. They carried shells and dirt out there by foot. It's all pretty shallow, EMMA Still, that's a lot of dirt. GUSTAVE They say it was their capitol. Their holy city. KORESH What are the mounds for? (CONTINUED)

36. CONTINUED:

27 GUSTAVE Burial mounds. Like the pyramids in Egypt. KORESH It’s a sign. Our search is over. BERTHALDINE This is our New Jerusalem. BERTHA Praise God.

EXT. FURTHER DOWN THE RIVER - DAY

28

The raft now turns into the mouth of another river. raft is surrounded by trees. EMMA Cyrus, these mosquitoes are just awful. KORESH Paradise is for all God's creatures, sister. GUSTAVE My son, Edwin, should be looking out for us. LUCIA (a startled scream) What's that! Is that an alligator? MARY Oh my God, mum! LUCIA Watch your tongue, Mary. GUSTAVE He won't be bothering us, ladies, don't you worry. EMMA Well, I should hope not. GUSTAVE You'll be glad for the gators soon enough. MARY What does he mean? (CONTINUED)

Again the

37. CONTINUED:

28

Berthaldine mimes eating. GUSTAVE Mighty good eating. EMMA You can't be serious. MARY You're joke... He's joking... You are, aren't you? Koresh laughs heartily, throwing his head back. EXT. RIVERBANK FURTHER ALONG - DAY

29

CLOSEUP - YOUNG MAN'S FACE The side of EDWIN DAMKOHLER's face, looking out from shore. He is GUSTAVE's sixteen year old son. His face is weathered and tan, which makes him look older. He lifts a rolled cigarette butt to his lips. KORESH's laughter echoes through the trees. EDWIN takes one more puff and quickly puts out the cigarette, saving the remainder in his pocket. He takes a peppermint leaf out of his pocket and pops it into his mouth. Standing up from the crouch he has been in, he moves quickly through the thick shoreline brush toward the sounds of voices now growing louder. Finally he sees the raft and stops. EDWIN (to himself) He don't look like no god to me. EXT. THE DAMKOHLER'S SHACK ON THE ESTERO RIVER DAY GUSTAVE and EDWIN are unloading the raft. at the rather austere surroundings.

The women look around

GUSTAVE Ten years we been here. We were the first. Named the river myself, Estero River on account of it being an estuary. EMMA What is an estuary? (CONTINUED)

30

38. CONTINUED:

30 GUSTAVE (laughing) Brackish water. Salty, can't drink it, can't do nothing with it. Mosquitoes breed in it. Shrimp, too. Can't eat 'em. KORESH Isn't there any fresh water nearby? GUSTAVE A few miles. It's a problem. BERTHALDINE You say you've lived here for ten years?

EXT. DAMKOHLER’S CABIN - NIGHT The stars in the night sky. deafening.

31

The sound of mosquitoes is almost

INT. DAMKOHLER’S CABIN - NIGHT

32

Inside the tiny shack, the women are asleep, packed like sardines on the floor. At a tiny table in the corner, KORESH and GUSTAVE sit whispering. KORESH's maps are spread out on the table. EDWIN is sleeping under the table. KORESH ...for life. We will take care of Edwin's schooling. You can retire. GUSTAVE (eyes wide) Let me see that first map again. KORESH pulls one map out from under the others and spreads it out.. The map of KORESH's New Jerusalem is a fantastical rendering of a dream city, its bright colors illuminated by the candlelight. KORESH's finger traces various things as he shows GUSTAVE. KORESH These are the streets. You see how wide. Four hundred feet. Here is the College of Life. The Art Hall. The Temple of the Church Triumphant.And see here. (more) (CONTINUED)

39. CONTINUED:

32 KORESH (cont'd) These are the waste management areas where everything will be recycled and used again.

GUSTAVE's face is bright with wonder. GUSTAVE I have never seen anything so beautiful. KORESH You are a great man, Mr. Damkholer. You will be remembered for all eternity as a man of god. EDWIN's face under the table. listening.

His eyes are open.

He has been

INT. THE SHACK IN EARLY MORNING. Light is streaming in. EDWIN are awakening.

The women

33 are asleep.

GUSTAVE and

EXT. THE SHACK IN EARLY MORNING. Outside the shack. of the shack.

34

KORESH is clearing brush.

GUSTAVE comes out

KORESH Good morning, Brother Gustave. I thought I'd get an early start. We'll clear a spot over here and put up a tent so we won't be in your way. GUSTAVE Fine, fine. I've got to go to Punt Rassa again today so we'll pick up some canvas. I'll get the proper papers from my lawyer. We'll both go, me and my son. Give you some time to get used to it here. KORESH You keep bees. (CONTINUED)

40. CONTINUED:

34 GUSTAVE Sweetest honey on earth. Yes, bees, oranges,sweet potatoes, oh many many things. Good meat too.turkey sometime, tortoise sometime. Gator is best.The women come out of the shack, yawning. EMMA Lord, I have never been so sore. KORESH No one ever said paradise would be easy. BERTHALDINE No one said it would be so hot either. KORESH Ladies, I have an announcement to make. Mr. Damkohler has decided to donate all his land to the Unity. More than three hundred acres consecrated to the glory of God! LUCIA Bless you, Brother Gustave.

EDWIN shuffles sleepily out of the shack. EXT. THE SHACK - DAY EDWIN What's going on out here? EMMA You should be very proud of your father. LUCIA He's given this land to God. EDWIN is still sleepy but he can't believe what he hears. KORESH Let us bow our heads together and pray. Our father, who art IN heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, IN earth as it is IN heaven. Give us...

35

41. EXT. RAFT ON THE RIVER - DAY

36

GUSTAVE and EDWIN on their raft. EDWIN I can't believe it. After all that we've been through, Father. How can you give away all that we've worked so hard for? GUSTAVE It is for God that I do it. EDWIN For God! Don't make me laugh. Do you forget what happened to my mother, my brother, my two sisters? Do you forget so quickly? GUSTAVE I have not forgotten. The land is God's land now. That is good for Momma. EDWIN This Koresh is no better than that murderer you thought was such a good man. GUSTAVE You watch your mouth, boy. He is a man of God. EDWIN You mean he IS God. At least he thinks he is. But he's nothing but a con artist taking advantage of gullible chumps like you. GUSTAVE Are you forgetting who you are talking to. I am still your father. EDWIN That's right. And I am your son, your son and rightful heir. You are old, Father. When you pass on, I am all that is left of you is here in me. The land is mine, to live on, to cultivate. And you give it away? Like it means nothing. I won't let you. (CONTINUED)

42. CONTINUED:

36 GUSTAVE There is nothing you can do about it. What's done is done.

A tense silence falls over the father and son. EXT. LONG SHOT SHACK IN CLEARING - DAY

37

It is a few days later. The clearing where the Damkohler shack stands is quite a bit clearer. The CAMERA PANS to the left past EDWIN who sits on a stone sharpening an ax and intensely staring off to the left. The CAMERA PANS further left and the clothesline that he has been staring at comes into view. White dresses and women's underclothing are what he finds so fascinating and MARY,who is hanging them. The CAMERA PANS further and a large tent comes into view. The tent is tall enough to walk around in and is the size of a large room. One side is open now as it is day. EMMA is cooking at a large stove. LUCIA and KORESH sit side by side, talking. in a ledger as KORESH speaks.

LUCIA writes notes

KORESH We have got to start on the artesian wells as soon as possible. LUCIA Which reminds me, we need some more rain barrels. KORESH Roland has found a sawmill for us. I hope I can close the deal the next time I go to Punta Rassa. LUCIA Where is it? KORESH About twenty miles away. We'll have to dismantle the whole building and sail the pieces here. We'll reassemble it at the mouth of the Estero. (CONTINUED)

43. CONTINUED:

37 LUCIA I suppose it would be more economical in the long run. KORESH Well, we can't really build a sawmill without a sawmill. LUCIA (laughing) What a lovely paradox. KORESH I will also be wiring Chicago to summon any and all who have carpentry skills. LUCIA Certainly any able-bodied workers would be welcome. EMMA More men mean more mouths to feed. We will certainly need to find a way to feed them. KORESH There is plenty of time, dear sister.

BERTHALDINE walks up to the tent. Her hair and arms are wet. There is blood all over her dress, and she is out of breath. LUCIA What in heavens name have you been up to. BERTHALDINE I went back to see if there was anymore that I could salvage from that alligator carcass. I just cannot believe that the tail is the only edible cut. KORESH No success? BERTHALDINE Nothing. I think I'll stick to jellies and jams. Some of these wild fruits may be quite tasty. (CONTINUED)

44. CONTINUED:

37 EMMA Just be sure to check with Brother Gustave. We're in the tropics remember, and there are many poisonous plants about.

EXT.

THE SAME SHACK IN WINTER - DAY

38

A layer of snow and frost cover the clearing. women huddle around an open fire.

KORESH and the

DISSOLVE TO: EXT.

THE SAME SHACK IN MODERN TIMES 1976 - DAY

The TOURISTS stand around it and the TOUR GUIDE speaks to them. TOUR GUIDE That first winter was the bitterest on record and the Koreshans were ill prepared. They had little food and had left all their winter things back in Chicago. NANCY This is so primitive. JIMMY (to RANDY) You know, maybe this guy Koresh wasn't so crazy after all. RANDY How do you figure? JIMMY Oh I don't know. That hollow earth idea sorta grows on ya. It's kinda cool when you think about it. NANCY Excuse me. I'm curious about all these women who you've told us about. Seems like there were an awful lot of women around. (CONTINUED)

39

45. CONTINUED:

39 TOUR GUIDE That may be because along with their other utopian ideas, the Koreshans believed in equal rights for women. JIMMY I changed my mind. Koresh was nuts.

This guy

SUSIE (laughing) You're terrible! RANDY (laughing) Nutty as a fruitcake. NANCY (laughing) You wait 'til we get home. TOUR GUIDE As a matter of fact, their attitudes about women brought the Koreshans more trouble than any of their other ideas. There was lots of talk about what must be going on here. Their were even articles in newspapers in Fort Myers and Tampa with all kinds of wild stories. Course it all had to be nonsense, seeing as the Koreshans were all celibate. NANCY You've got to be kidding. JIMMY I rest my case. RANDY You mean old Koresh didn't monkey around? No sir.

TOUR GUIDE SUSIE (to TOUR GUIDE) You ain't one of those celi...are you? (CONTINUED)

46. CONTINUED:

39 TOUR GUIDE (laughing) No, ma'm. My wife would have something to say about that. RANDY You mean to say that no one monkeyed around? TOUR GUIDE Well now, there were families. People had a choice. It's an interesting thing. All the articles in the papers stirred up a lot of trouble. And as many people as lived here, in those days, for this area, it was a lot of people.

MONTAGE of old fashioned printing company. Newspapers being printed. A book, KORESH’s “The Cellular Cosmology” being sewn and bound. TOUR GUIDE (cont’d in voiceover) KORESH decided to bring the printing presses down from Chicago. He wanted to start a newspaper that would present the Koreshan life as it really was. Well, that brought even more people... FADE TO EXT. THE PUNTA RASSA RAILROAD STATION, 1900. LONG SHOT of a train pulling into the station, all smoke and steam. The number of people that pour out of the train seems incongruous for this platform in the middle of nowhere. All are dressed in fine city attire. The size and number of trunks suggest that these people are here to stay. TOUR GUIDE (voiceover) By this time, the community had a cement works, a post office, a general store. Soon there would be more than sixty buildings.

40

47. EXT. THE BAMBOO LANDING 1976 - DAY

41

TOUR GUIDE (voiceover) The lifeline to the rest of the world was this landing, which was called the Bamboo Landing, after the bamboo that grew so well by the river here. This landing is all the original stone and cement. It's hard to imagine this staircase leading to very much but it did. Both ways. And boats came from miles around to get supplies... The TOURISTS stand on the Bamboo Landing, a small stone landing on the river band. Behind the TOURISTS is a cement stairway about twelve steps high and flanked by stone urns. EXT. THE KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1900 - DAY

42

A LONG SHOT of the whole community and the main courtyard in 1900. There are buildings going up and people passing to and fro. There is a very ethereal feeling to the whole place. It has the grace and industry of a monastery. A bell is ringing. . EXT. THE KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1900 - DAY

43

HENRIETTA is ringing the bell. Two children stand next to her and indicate that they would like to try. HENRIETTA holds out the rope to one of them TOUR GUIDE It seems hard for us today to imagine such industrious people. To have none of the advantages of our modern conveniences... CUT TO EXT. THE KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1976 - DAY

44

A CLOSEUP of the BELL The CAMERA pulls back from the close-up of the ringing bell to reveal to modern tourists in a circle around the pole. TOUR GUIDE This bell is the very bell that marked the hours of the day for the Koreshans. (more) (CONTINUED)

48. CONTINUED:

44 TOUR GUIDE (cont'd) From the wake-up bell and the bell for morning prayers, the breakfast bell, afternoon prayer, dinner... NANCY Is is cast iron? TOUR GUIDE I believe it is. SUSIE I have a beautiful cast iron door jam at home. Really?

NANCY How nice.

A scotty.

SUSIE A cast iron dog.

TOUR GUIDE If we could keep together, please. RANDY Wish we had a keg. JIMMY I hear you, buddy. hell out here.

It's hot as

TOUR GUIDE We'll proceed now to the Planetary Court. This way, please. NANCY You know, Jimmy honey, I don't think we'll have any trouble making it to Disneyworld tonight. Ooooh!

SUSIE Look! Are those mangos?

JIMMY Looks like its gonna fall on somebody's head. SUSIE Get it, Jimmy. Jump up there and get me that mango. JIMMY It's too high. (CONTINUED)

49. CONTINUED:

44 TOUR GUIDE Please do no touch any of the fruit or plants. Thank-you. You will still see examples of, among other things, lemons, limes, coconuts, bananas, melons, dates, and many varieties of bamboo. NANCY Randy, have you seen Jason and Jessica? Where did they run off to? RANDY Probably playing hide and seek somewhere.

They have arrived in front of a remarkable Victorian house, wrapped with two story porches all the way round and somewhat in the shape of a huge octagon. TOUR GUIDE The building we are now standing in front of is called the Planetary Court. It was built to house the seven women who were the governing body of Koreshan, so called after the seven known planets at that time. It's unique design, with seven separate outside entrances and seven separate inside entrances allowed for privacy even within the communal lifestyle... SUSIE Look! There's a face in the window! There's someone in there! JIMMY Where? The children, JASON and JESSICA run up yelling. JASON Mommy! Daddy! We saw a turtle. A big turtle. NANCY That's very nice dear. RANDY Didn't I tell you two to stay with us. (CONTINUED)

50. CONTINUED:

44 JASON Look, there he is. turtle.

There's the

The "turtle" is moving slowly up a path. SUSIE Oh, look. It is a turtle. he beautiful.

Isn't

TOUR GUIDE Actually, this is a gopher tortoise. There are many of these beautiful creatures all over the park. Like turtles they have a very long life span. They live in burrows and tunnels all over the settlement. NANCY They don't bite do they? TOUR GUIDE Well I've never heard of one biting. I wouldn't annoy them though. They're actually more likely to go into their shell. JESSICA He's going away. Bye, Mr. turtle! The tortoise moves down the path and the CAMERA moves past him to reveal... EXT. KORESHAN GARDEN 1900 - DAY

45

...KORESH and a group of people sitting in a garden, coming into view. We are now in the past, at the Koreshan settlement. KORESH (pointing to the tortoise) I'd like you to meet my friends. This one over here is Copernicus. Come on, Copernicus, don't be shy. That hearty specimen over there is Mr. Kepler. And noticeably absent is Tycho Bryae, easily recognizable by his abnormally large size and golden nose. We focus on one of one of the men sitting with KORESH. THOMAS EDISON. (CONTINUED)

It is

51. CONTINUED:

45 EDISON I'm curious about those piles of dirt over there.

He points to three piles of dirt about twenty-five feet in diameter and six feet high. KORESH Now that is a curious story. I decided to put these up in honor of the mound on Mound Key. And it just so happened that at the same time the dirt was being dug up, one of the men of our congregation Henri was out hunting and caught a live bear. Alive?

EDISON How did they manage that?

KORESH I've never quite understood that part. At any rate, we made the dirt hole into a bear pit and that's where we keep the beast, behind the mounds there. I've taught him to do some tricks. Would you like to see? EDISON Oh, Please don't put yourself out on my account. EXT. THE BEARPIT - DAY

46

From above of KORESH down in the BEARPIT. He stands in an old fashioned boxing stance, face to face with the bear. A MONTAGE of different shots of KORESH wrestling the BEAR and the reactions of EDISON and the other guests. DISSOLVE TO EXT. THE KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1976 - DAY

47

The elderly HEDWIG is walking down a path carrying a bucket filled with gardening tools. She stops for a moment because she hears voices. Fifty feet away the tour is passing from one building to another. Hedwig stands very still. (CONTINUED)

52. CONTINUED:

47

The TOUR GUIDE points to a pile of large pieces of scaffold-like pieces made of wood and wire stacked up against the side of a building. TOUR GUIDE ...based his theories of the earth's curvature on the most precise calculations available at that time. These measuring devices called rectolineators were designed to test Koresh's theories. Koresh even went so far as to offer 50,000 dollars to anyone who could scientifically prove his theories wrong. JASON Ma, when are we going to Disneyworld. JESSICA This is booor-ing. NANCY Now, kids, I think it's very educational and... JIMMY Fifty Thousand smackers! guy's from the moon.

This

RANDY It's easy to bet other people's money... The tour has passed by now without noticing HEDWIG. She walks again. The CAMERA PANS up to her face and pull in close. She sees something and stops again. ] She sees a stone bench by the path. A stone urn stands next to it, a dead branch sticking out of it. Voices can be heard as the scene FADES OUT and another FADES IN. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1940’S - DAY

48

It is the same bench, a HEDWIG who is thirty years younger sits on it with IMOGENE who is at that time an old woman. Next to them, the urn is filled with bright red flowers. What they are saying is now audible. (CONTINUED)

53. CONTINUED:

48 HEDWIG (as if reciting) He comes to me in my dreams. He is robed in glory. He touches me and renews my strength. He renews his vision through me. He guides me and enfolds me in his radiance. I live in his radiance. IMOGENE That's lovely, Heddy. Like a prayer. You know, he really did have a radiance about him, when he was in the flesh. And such goodness. I remember when I was nine or ten. It was on this very bench. I was struggling over a passage from scripture the teacher had given us. It was as if he appeared out of nowhere. "Mo," he said, that was when he started calling me Mo, "Mo,before your face becomes permanently crinkled, let me see if I can help you. With all his burdens, he still had time for a little girl and her homework. Nothing touched him more than the cares of a child. HEDWIG You know, I envy you, Imogene. God forgive me, I truly do. IMOGENE Now what has gotten into you, Hedwig. HEDWIG No, its true. I envy that you knew him. You knew him as a man. You spoke to him. When you talk about those days, I am green with envy. And so curious! IMOGENE But surely, he is more alive today in your heart and in your work. More alive than ever. HEDWIG You flatter me. (CONTINUED)

54. CONTINUED:

48 IMOGENE You remember what it was like when you came? Nothing but fights, all the time. You're the one who turned that all around. HEDWIG Tell me about the day of measurement. IMOGENE You don't really want to hear that story again, do you? HEDWIG Please, Imogene. IMOGENE Well. I can't say I don't enjoy telling it. I remember that day better than yesterday. In the morning, it was windy and they almost called the whole thing off... FADE TO

INT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT HOUSE 1900’S - DAY

49

IMOGENE as a child. Her mother is tying a red ribbon in her hair. All that is said by IMOGENE in this scene are voiceovers. IMOGENE (voiceover) It was quite a day. Teacher had been explaining it for weeks. They were going to test Koresh's theories of the curvature of the earth... INT. SCHOOLROOM - DAY

50

IMOGENE sits at her desk in the classroom. In front of the class stands a large white-bearded man demonstrating the curvature theory with miniature rectolineators, an invention consisting of two wooden pillars connected by a crossbar like an "H" and by criss-crossing "X"s of thick wire. (CONTINUED)

55. CONTINUED:

50 IMOGENE Ulysses Morrow came to class to show us how his invention, the rectolineator would prove Koresh's theories beyond any scientific doubt. That morning they loaded the rectolineators into wagons. It took both wagons...

EXT. KORESHAN BARN 1900’S - DAY

51

Little IMOGENE with her red ribbon stands watching the huge rectolineators onto the wagons. It takes two men to carry each six foot high, eight foot wide rectolineator. Horses are harnessed to the wagon. IMOGENE ...It was a parade. Everybody walking down to the Gulf. The whole congregation. Everybody singing. It was a holiday. And Koresh was laughing and joking all the way there, riding in his special surrey with the Queen... EXT. ROAD TO BEACH 1900’S - DAY

52

A procession of wagons down the sandy road to the beach. KORESH is waving to everyone. The rectolineators bang back and forth in the wagons. The mood is festive. EXT. THE BEACH -DAY

53

A LONG SHOT of the rectolineators lined end to end down the beach as far as the eye can see. Men stand at various intervals crouching like surveyors. Various groups of people standing and sitting in small groups. The mood has changed. Everyone is quiet, serious, expectant. The wall of rectolineators divide everyone from the water. KORESH sits in a throne-like chair, LUCIA sits by his side. ever-present CLAUDE stands at his other side.

The

At a special table HENRIETTA and BERTHALDINE sit studying and calculating on huge sheets of paper that they have to hold down to keep them from blowing away in the wind. Runners bring them measurements from the rectolineators on slips of paper that are then added into the calculations. (CONTINUED)

56. CONTINUED:

53 IMOGENE (voiceover) When they lined those rectolineators up on the beach, it seemed like it was miles long.

Two little boys crawl through the wires of run laughing into the water. Their mother Struggling and tangled in the wires of the finally squeezing through, she runs to the children.

a rectolineator and chases them. rectolineator, water to get her

The serious mood is broken for a moment when there is laughter and applause. KORESH is consulting the tabulations at the table.There is a hush over the crowd. The men at their positions on the line of rectolineators stand at attention as if in the army. KORESH raises his hand. KORESH Ladies and Gentlemen. The findings are conclusive. We have proven that we do indeed beyond a shadow of a doubt live inside the earth. You are witnesses to history. Everyone cheers and gathers around to congratulate each other. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1940’S - DAY

54

Middle-aged HEDWIG and old IMOGENE on the stone bench. IMOGENE That was also the first time that Koresh took a special interest in Claude. Claude was his special helper from that day on. Oh the other children were jealous. HEDWIG I miss dear Claude. IMOGENE Not a minute goes by that I don't think of him.We planned to meet back here for so many years.He always wanted to come back. (more) (CONTINUED)

57. CONTINUED:

54 IMOGENE (cont'd) It was so good to come back. He never told me how sick he was. I think he wanted to be buried here.

EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1976 - DAY

55

Old HEDWIG, in present time, has cleaned out and is now planting new flowers in the stone urn next to the bench. They are pink. EXT. THE PIRATE'S CLEARING 1900’S - DAY

56

A tiny shack surrounded by human bones and skulls arranged in such a way as to frighten away the curious. In the underbrush we see CLAUDE peeking out at the clearing. Suddenly from behind him comes the pirate, BLACK AUGUSTUS who grabs him and picks him up. CLAUDE Put me down. Leave me alone. Let me go. BLACK AUGUSTUS What do we have here? A spy. little spy!

A

CLAUDE I'm not a spy. Please don't hurt me. BLACK AUGUSTUS If you're not a spy, then why are you sneaking around here? CLAUDE I don't know. I was curious. BLACK AUGUSTUS Curious! I've drawn and quartered men for less than that. CLAUDE Please let me go. anyone.

I won't tell

BLACK AUGUSTUS What is there to tell? You listen, boy. We'll strike a deal, you and me. You're one of those what lives in the settlement. (more) (CONTINUED)

58. CONTINUED:

56 BLACK AUGUSTUS (cont'd) I've heard that they make some fine bread. As a matter of fact, there have been a few mornings the wind has brought the sweet smell here. Boy, I want you to bring me some of that bread. A loaf a day. You miss a day, you bring me two. You miss a week, I come and find you. And what I do to you you don't want to hear about. CLAUDE I'll bring you the bread. BLACK AUGUSTUS Good lad. And not a word of this to anyone, do you hear? One word and Black Augustus will come after you just the same and nothing, nothing will save you. CLAUDE Not a word. I promise. now? Go.

May I go

BLACK AUGUSTUS Go now. Come back tomorrow.

CLAUDE runs off into the woods, leaving BLACK AUGUSTUS laughing. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1900’S - DAWN The sky at dawn.

57

The morning bell rings.

INT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT OFFICE 1900’S - DAWN

58

Koresh is sitting at his desk writing. INT. THE BAKERY - DAWN The women are busy mixing the dough in giant horse troughs. The huge cast iron ovens are busy also and though it is just dawn,hundreds of loaves sit on the cooling trays. The women laugh and whisper as they go about their work. Among them is the young IMOGENE who watches and follows carefully.

59

59. EXT. THE STABLES 1900’S - DAWN

60

HENRI SILVERFRIEND is harnessing two horses to the delivery cart. INT. THE BAKERY - DAWN

61

CLAUDE is peeking through the bakery door. He sneaks in behind the cooling trays, takes two loaves and shoves them quickly into his book bag. IMOGENE sees CLAUDE and starts to speak. his lips asking her to be silent.

CLAUDE, his finger to

EXT. THE BAKERY - DAWN

62

CLAUDE sneaks quietly out and breaths a sigh of relief once he is outside only to be startled by HENRI SILVERFRIEND who he bumps into. HENRI What are you up to, Claude? shouldn't you be getting ready for school. CLAUDE Yes, sir. Going sir. CLAUDE runs off before another question can be asked and HENRI is left shaking his head. He turns to enter the bakery. HENRI Here I am, ladies. Bread for the provinces. They must have bread... INT. THE SCHOOLROOM - DAY

63

Children of various ages fill the classroom. In the front of the room stands a globe which is split open revealing the continents painted on the inside according to Koreshan belief. Within this, attached to the center pole is a golden sphere. On the walls of the classroom are other illustrations of Koreshan thought. One picture demonstrates the optical illusion of a boat sailing over a horizon. Another illustrates in concentric circles, the various elements that make up the various layers of strata that form the outer shell of the earth and the various levels of atmosphere that form inner space. (CONTINUED)

60. CONTINUED:

63 TEACHER And so it is that the heresies of Copernicus have lead to many of the social problems of today...

IMOGENE catches CLAUDE's eye. EXT THE SCHOOL - DAY

64

Children are coming out of the schoolroom.

A bell is ringing.

IMOGENE approaches CLAUDE. IMOGENE So what were you doing in the bakery so early this morning. Nothing.

CLAUDE IMOGENE Claude, I saw you steal that bread. CLAUDE Please, Imogene, don't tell anyone. It's not for me. IMOGENE Who is it for then? CLAUDE I can't tell you. IMOGENE It's a sin to steal, Claude. CLAUDE (gets an idea) Imogene,you've got to help me. I need a loaf of bread every day. You're a baker's apprentice.You could give me bread and then it wouldn't be stealing. IMOGENE A loaf a day? What do you need with so much bread? CLAUDE I can't tell you. You've got to trust me.It's...it's God's work. (CONTINUED)

61. CONTINUED:

64 IMOGENE I don't know. CLAUDE Please, Imogene. I don't want to be a sinner.

IMOGENE smiles. A MONTAGE of scenes of the bread taken by IMOGENE from the bakery, given to CLAUDE at school and brought to BLACK AUGUSTUS who devours it tearing into the loaves like an animal. Hand to hand we see the bread passing, over and over again. The pirate raises a loaf to the sky. BLACK AUGUSTUS (laughing) Rising bread. Many years since I see such rise up bread. EXT. THE WOODS - DAY

65

The CAMERA is rushing through the woods. It is from CLAUDE's point of view. Now we see CLAUDE and a distance behind him, IMOGENE. CLAUDE doesn't notice IMOGENE following him. IMOGENE catches up and peeks into the clearing. Her eyes widen in shock as she watches the pirate eat, sitting in between his human skeletons. She runs off. BLACK AUGUSTUS hears something and turns to CLAUDE. BLACK AUGUSTUS (in a scary voice) Gator! CLAUDE gulps, thinking of his walk home. INT. KORESHAN THEATER 1900’S - NIGHT

66

A series of short glimpses of various acts in a variety show. A man is playing a ragtime song on a piano at center stage. Same stage. HENRIETTA is singing an Italian aria. A man with a trained pig who jumps through a hoop. View of the audience from the stage. The crowd of Koreshans applauds warmly. In the front row sit KORESH, LUCIA and two distinguished guests, THOMAS EDISON and HENRI FORD. (CONTINUED)

62. CONTINUED:

66 EDISON Delightful, Cyrus, delightful. As good as anything I've seen on Broadway. I am thrilled. Henry, do I exaggerate? FORD Well, I am no connoisseur, but to my taste it was a howler. KORESH I take that as a complement. Thomas, are we ready for the surprise? EDISON Young Damkholer is at the switch, awaiting our signal. KORESH It's a quarter past the hour. Shall we say at exactly half past. That will give us some time for speeches. EDISON That's fine.

KORESH looks around and noticing CLAUDE, motions for the boy to come to him. KORESH Claude, The time has come for your special job... HENRIETTA, still in costume is approaching from the stage. HENRIETTA Oh, Mr. Edison. I am so glad you came. EDISON Mrs. Silverfriend, I wouldn't have missed your performance for all the world. INT. POWER PLANT - NIGHT

67

EDWIN is sitting in the small Power Plant shack smoking a cigarette and shuffling his feet. It is obvious that he would rather be somewhere else. CLAUDE comes running in, out of breath. (CONTINUED)

63. CONTINUED:

67 EDWIN What do you want shrimp? CLAUDE The master sent me to tell you to turn the switch at half past. EDWIN Ten minutes, then. By the way shrimp, I hear you've been talking to the pirate. CLAUDE What do you mean? EDWIN Black Augustus. I hear you've been sneaking out to see him. CLAUDE I don't know what you are talking about. EDWIN You'd better watch your step. He didn't buy all those skeletons around his shack, you know.

INT. KORESHAN THEATRE - NIGHT

68

Back at the Art Hall, KORESH has now mounted the stage and is speaking to the crowd. KORESH As you all know, this is our Lunar Festival, honoring the birthday of our Queen and Divine Mother, Lucia Grazia. It is truly through her grace that we have come so far with our Unity. CLOSEUP of LUCIA's face enjoying the attention. She is dressed up and blushing. One man in particular, DR. HARDING stares at LUCIA, smitten with her. LUCIA notices and turns away. KORESH stands at the podium. Behind KORESH as he speaks can be seen two portraits of Napoleon. (CONTINUED)

64. CONTINUED:

68 KORESH As the head of our Society Arch Triumphant, she recruited more families to the Koreshan Unity than anyone else. And now as President of the Unity, she presides regally over the church and the day to day workings of Koreshan. Lucia; with the help of our esteemed guests, the honorable Henri Ford and especially the noblest genius of our age, Mr. Thomas Alva Edison, we have prepared a special surprise for you. Of course, many of your friends have been in on it, for certainly, it takes conspiracy to keep a secret in our small community.

The audience laughs. INT. POWER PLANT - NIGHT

69

EDWIN and CLAUDE are in the small Power Plant shack. EDWIN Yeah, well I guess I was wrong. What am I thinking anyway. A prissy little shrimp of a city boy like you would be too scared to talk to a real pirate. CLAUDE is biting his tongue, bursting to speak. EDWIN (bragging) Five minutes! I know what tonight's big secret is. So...

CLAUDE

EXT. CHILDREN'S DORM - NIGHT

70

Two women, MARY and SARA are standing at the doorway of the children's dormitory. The door is open and there is much commotion and excitement. (CONTINUED)

65. CONTINUED:

70 MARY All right children. It's almost time. Let's keep it quiet. Remember, no running. We are dancers. Little fairies.

INT. KORESHAN THEATRE - NIGHT

71

Back to the Art Hall again. EDISON is standing in front of the crowd speaking now. The crowd is growing excited. EDISON Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will file out please. Out to the lawn. Please extinguish your lanterns. You will not be disappointed. LUCIA Is it fireworks? fireworks.

Oh I love

INT, POWER SHACK - NIGHT

72

EDWIN and CLAUDE are making last minute adjustments in the power shack. CLAUDE It's time, Edwin, it's time! EDWIN Hold your horses shrimp. EXT. KORESHAN THEATRE - NIGHT

73

The Theater crowd is standing on the lawn, huddled together in the darkness. KORESH looks at his pocket watch. DR> HARDING tries to push through the crowd to get closer to LUCIA. A moment of expectant silence, a low rumbling hum, a surge of power and suddenly... A blazing light illuminates everyone's faces. Their eyes become used to the lights and they applaud and ooh and aah what they now see. The whole settlement is lit up like a Christmas tree. KORESH Electricity! (CONTINUED)

66. CONTINUED:

73 LUCIA How wonderful! Look!

Running joyfully through the newly lit paths of Koreshan are all the children of the community, dressed as fairies. They are a beautiful vision, laughing as they dance and scamper through the trees. KORESH Your fairy court, madame. LUCIA How did I never notice? wires? The lamps?

The

KORESH A tribute to your concentration, and sense of purpose. LUCIA My blindness. Thank you Master, for tonight. And Thomas, this must have taken so much work.Electricity! This will mean so much to our community. EXT. POWER SHACK - NIGHT

74

CLAUDE and EDWIN are standing in the doorway of the power shack, speechless at the sight of the electric lights. EXT. THE THEATRE - NIGHT The crowd outside of the Art Hall is breaking up. Some of the fairies have found their parents. The other are rounded up. KORESH Where is Lucia? By the way, we have some splendid new strains of bamboo I will show you in the morning. EDISON I nearly forgot. I brought you some new seeds.Perhaps you will have more luck with them than I. EDISON's hand drops seeds into KORESH's hand. KORESH has produced a handkerchief in his other hand and transfers the seeds to its folds.

75

67. EXT. BAMBOO LANDING - NIGHT

76

Lucia stands by the Grecian vase in silhouette, catching her breath after the events of the evening. Suddenly DR HARDING approaches runs toward her, pulls her to him, and kisses her. Lucia pushes him away. It is over in a flash. He runs off into the night. LUCIA is completely flustered. INT. KORESHAN ART STUDIO 1900’S - DAY

77

DOUGLAS, KORESH’S son, now a young man, is painting at an easel. Many canvasses are stacked up around the sunlit studio. The paintings are brightly colored scenes of the desert and of classical Greece. Men in robes gesture dramatically against swirling skies. There is a knock on the door. Come in.

DOUGLAS The door opens and KORESH opens.

DOUGLAS continues painting.

KORESH Am I disturbing you? No, no.

DOUGLAS come right in, father.

KORESH Well, it looks as if you've settled right in.Have you received all the help you require? DOUGLAS You've been more than kind father. And everyone else, too. KORESH Good. Good. I'm very glad you've decided to stay on for awhile. DOUGLAS I must say I enjoy it here. You really have succeeded in creating a certain kind of idyllic life for yourselves. And of course the light and color, the tropical plant life. A challenge to capture on canvas. KORESH holds a canvas up that he likes. (CONTINUED)

68. CONTINUED:

77 KORESH Yes it is different here. A very different life. (Pause) This painting is my favorite. God's glory is in this one. Take it.

DOUGLAS KORESH Are you sure? Why thank-you, son. I know exactly where I'm going to hang it. In the Planetary Court. With the ladies permission. There is an uncomfortable pause.

DOUGLAS continues painting.

KORESH It is novel for me to be at such a lose for words. Are you?

DOUGLAS KORESH Douglas, you do not make it easy. I suppose I do deserve it. Douglas, I want you to understand why I left you and your mother. DOUGLAS Isn't it a bit late for excuses? KORESH Douglas, she begged me to leave. She wanted me to go. If she had not forced me to, I never would have left her side, I swear. She shared my vision but she knew that I would never achieve it with a sick wife to care for. She made the ultimate sacrifice. For this. For all this. Look around you. This whole place is testimony to the love we shared. DOUGLAS And what about the boy? baggage?

Extra (CONTINUED)

69. CONTINUED:

77 KORESH I was traveling, preaching, spreading the new gospel. It was a difficult life and certainly not for a growing boy. Yes, I left you with your Aunt where you could grow up with some stability, so you could grow up straight and true. I'm not ashamed of that. And look at you, I'm very proud. You've grown up to be a fine young man. DOUGLAS And what now? Do I have a father now? KORESH I would like to be that to you. If you would let me try. DOUGLAS And what does that make me? If you are God almighty now, What does that make me? The son of the son of god? God the Second? KORESH You will not blaspheme God in my presence. DOUGLAS There you are, scolding father or offended God. Which is it?

KORESH storms out in anger.

DOUGLAS continues painting.

EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT - SUNSET

78

A beautiful tropical sunset of flaming colors. EXT. KORESHAN BAMBOO LANDING 1900’S - SUNSET KORESH standing on the Bamboo Landing. The SHOT is from the river looking up at KORESH Behind him are the rose-colored cement steps leading up to the settlement. KORESH is deep in thought, his eyes are slightly red from crying. Suddenly appearing at the top of the stairs in sunset shadow, brush still in hand is DOUGLAS. He walks down two stairs. (CONTINUED)

79

70. CONTINUED:

79

KORESH senses a presence and turns to face his son. The two men pause, then move toward each other and fall into each other's arms in a warm embrace. INT. SHERIFF’S OFFICE 1900’S - DAY

80

KORESH and HENRI are sitting in the SHERIFF's office. SHERIFF I'm sorry Dr. Teed, but there is very little I can do. You claim that members of your community have been verbally and even physically attacked on the streets of my city, and that is something I assure you I will not tolerate, but you offer me no evidence. KORESH No evidence? You have my testimony. You have the sworn statements of many Koreshans. SHERIFF I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do. Frankly, Dr Teed. These newspaper articles I've been reading have stirred up a lot of folks. KORESH There's not a shred of truth to those articles, and you know it. SHERIFF I may know it, and I may not know it. KORESH and HENRI stand up to leave. KORESH Let it be on your conscience, sir. INT. PUNTA RASSA BAR - DAY

81

EDWIN is sitting at a bar with ROLAND PIERCE the real estate man, now ten years older. ROLAND Yeah, it's a shame how he hoodwinked your father. (more) (CONTINUED)

71. CONTINUED:

81 ROLAND (cont'd) He's slick. Hell, I never made no commission and I'm the one who shopped around for him. Still slick, too. You lived up there a long time. You ever been to one of those orgies I heard about? Hell, yes.

EDWIN ROLAND Now that's disgusting.The two men laugh. A drunk man named HORACE is watching them from the end of the bar. HORACE That bastard stole my wife. Sir?

ROLAND HORACE Stole my wife. I'm going to murder him with my bare hands if I so much as see the bastard. EDWIN Hell, today's your lucky day, then. The great Koresh is at this moment, not a block away. At the sheriff's office. ROLAND They arrest him? EDWIN He's too slick for that. Well friend, this is your big chance. You going to do something about it? HORACE I'll show you what I'm going to do about it. EXT. PUNTA RASSA STREET - DAY

82

KORESH is walking down a Punta Rassa street. some packages and walking by his side.

HENRI is carrying

(CONTINUED)

72. CONTINUED:

82

HORACE, coming around a corner,sees KORESH. A gang from the bar follows close behind him. Hey, you!

HORACE You rotten bastard.

KORESH turns and faces HORACE. KORESH Are you addressing me, sir? HORACE I am, sir. You stole my wife, Dr. Teed. You mesmerized her, you confused her. You filled her poor head up with more nonsense than I've ever heard.You've taken advantage of her nature and I demand satisfaction. KORESH Sir, your wife has a mind of her own. She can reason quite well for herself and is free to seek the truth in her own way. Furthermore I assure you, far from being a captive, your wife is free to come and go as she chooses. HORACE She is my wife, goddam you! HENRI May I remind you sir that you are speaking to a man of the cloth. HORACE A man of the sheets, maybe. HENRI steps forward to protect KORESH. The SHERIFF comes out of a building to see what the commotion is all about. KORESH It's alright, Henri. HENRI Master, I cannot stand hear and let him speak to you like that. HORACE Fornicator! Whoremonger! (CONTINUED)

73. CONTINUED:

82 KORESH We must turn the other cheek. SHERIFF That will be enough now, Horace. The rest of you clear out. You heard me.Get going. HORACE I want you to arrest this man, sheriff. SHERIFF I'd like to. I really would but right now I have no cause. HORACE No cause? He kidnaps my wife and you say I have no cause? SHERIFF Horace, let me help you home HORACE No. This is none of your business, Sheriff. SHERIFF I don't want any trouble, Horace. Let's go.

The SHERIFF takes HORACE by the arm and HORACE does not resist but allows himself to be led away. Suddenly and quite violently HORACE tears himself free and lunges out at KORESH smashing him over the head. The loud thud suggests that a weapon was used.

No!

HENRI (screaming) EDWIN is peeking around a corner. He has been watching the attack. He smiles with satisfaction. INT. DENTIST’S OFFICE DR. HARDING is dressing KORESH’s head wound. DR. HARDING You might want to see a specialist. KORESH It’s nothing.

83

74. INT. KORESH’S BEDROOM 1900’S - DAY

84

KORESH is in his bed back at Koreshan, recuperating. bandage is around his head.

A white

INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT KORESH is speaking in bandage on his head. crowd's reactions and KORESH and sit beside dresses.

85

front of a large crowd. He has a small As KORESH speaks, there are shots of the of the two Koreshan women who accompany the podium stiffly in their long white

KORESH’s injury has made him old and he is not quite as forceful a speaker as he once was. Once or twice he falters and almost collapses, but he goes on. KORESH I am so glad to be here in San Francisco with all of you. I know how hard you work to spread the gospel of Koreshanity. I am proud to say that we now have active chapters in Chicago, New York City, St. Louis, Los Angeles and in many other cities and small towns around the country. I invite you to come us at our main center in Florida. Come for a visit or come to stay. Our New Jerusalem is growing, there are jobs for everyone, we have the finest school I believe on earth and of course, the fellowship is wonderful. Everywhere I go people ask me if Koreshanity isn't just another form of spiritualism. "We hear that you talk with angels, "they say, "and spirits."Well nothing could be further from the truth.Friends, the pineal gland must be pulled out by the root, scooped out as if with a spoon. At Koreshan, we have the environment, the program to do just that. The manifestations of modern spiritualism, some of which have come to be known as, Christian science, theosophy, or what have you, are all forms of the Antichrist and must be eliminated. You know, when you join our Unity, you receive Common stock. (more) (CONTINUED)

75. CONTINUED:

85 KORESH (cont'd) You invest in the community and you reap the benefits. We've got many successful factories that our Unity runs...You...You can't invest in God however. It can't be done. The United States prints the words, "In God We Trust" on their Treasury notes. And that is certainly a noble motto. But Jesus is not the God of capitalists. And neither am I. Friends, this is a world of plenty. In God's earth, there is enough for every man, woman, and child. Friends, Koreshanity is the salvation of humanity and those who oppose me are Antichrist.

INT. PIRATE’S SHACK 1900’S - DAY

86

CLAUDE is in the pirate's shack. BLACK AUGUSTUS has just finished his loaf of bread and crumbs are all over him. BLACK AUGUSTUS You take good care of Black Augustus. Many years now. You are a good boy. CLAUDE You don't look well,sir. ill.

Are you

BLACK AUGUSTUS (laughing) Ill? Aye! Black Augustus very old now, dead soon. More bones, to join my friends outside. (indicates skeletons in the clearing.) CLAUDE Master Koresh is very sick too. He will die soon, and then the new age will begin, when he is resurrected. (CONTINUED)

76. CONTINUED:

86 BLACK AUGUSTUS (shaking his head) Madness, my young friend. Rise up dead? No, my son. He will not rise again. You listen to Black Augustus. Rise up bread. You eat the bread, it's gone. Don't come back. Except one way. CLAUDE You'll see. BLACK AUGUSTUS You a good boy. You listen. When I die, you tear up this floor. You dig right here. Two, three feet down. You hear me? You do what I say. CLAUDE (confused) Yes, sir. BLACK AUGUSTUS You go now, go!

EXT. PIRATE’S SHACK - DAY

87

CLAUDE coming out of the shack. He runs off, turning back when he hears the pirate loudly singing. BLACK AUGUSTUS (laughing and singing) Rise up bread! Rise up dead! Rise up bread!... INT. THE EDISON'S HOME IN FORT MYERS 1908 - NIGHT THOMAS and MRS. MARY EDISON are in the living room. reading and MRS. EDISON is knitting. MRS. EDISON You are not the only inventor in the family, Thomas. I have invented two extremely exotic stitches. You must see. EDISON Which hardly changes the fact that you are knitting in Florida, of all places. (CONTINUED)

88 Thomas is

77. CONTINUED:

88

The doorbell rings. It works!

EDISON MRS. EDISON Very amusing. I wonder who that could be at this hour. Don't get up. I'll get it. EDISON It's probably Robert. I left him to watch the filament experiment. MRS. EDISON is opening the front door to reveal CLAUDE who is standing there somewhat timidly with his hat in his hand. MRS. EDISON May I help you? CLAUDE Good evening, m'am. Edison at home.

Is Mr.

MRS. EDISON Is there some... wait...aren't you a Koreshan? CLAUDE Yes, ma'm. My name is Claude. I've come to fetch Mr. Edison on a matter of great urgency. EDISON Who is it dear? MRS. EDISON It's a young man from Estero, from Koreshan. EDISON comes to the door. EDISON Well, invite the lad in, MRS. EDISON Why if it isn't Claude. certainly grown.

You have

CLAUDE Yes sir. Thank-you, sir. Sir, you must come with me back to Koreshan at once. (more) (CONTINUED)

78. CONTINUED:

88 CLAUDE (cont'd) It's very important. The master wishes to speak to you. MRS. EDISON The master? EDISON Dr. Teed. Well son, what is the great urgency. CLAUDE He is dying, sir. He told me to ask you if you would honor a dying man's request. I have a boat waiting. EDISON (businesslike) Behind the house, you will find my laboratory.There is a very comfortable bed there. Tell Robert I sent you. I will give you my answer in the morning. CLAUDE (leaving) Thank-you sir. You are very kind.

MRS. EDISON closes the door. across the doorway.

She and THOMAS look at each other

MRS. EDISON Will you go? EDISON (shrugs) I must obey a dying god's request. EXT. THE BEACH - DAY

89

KORESH is standing on the beach in a robe looking out over the water. His profile is Napoleonic but it is clear that his vigor is gone. He walks down to the water. HENRIETTA helps him get his robe off. Two young male Koreshans hold him up and lower him into the water. EXT. BOAT ON THE RIVER - DAY

90

CLAUDE and EDISON in the boat. (CONTINUED)

79. CONTINUED:

90 EDISON Tell me something. You look like a smart lad. Do you really believe that he is the son God? CLAUDE His resurrection will make the whole world believers. EDISON I see. (Pause) Don't get me wrong, now. I like Dr. Teed very much. I just cannot accept him as the savior. It's preposterous.

CLAUDE is silent. EXT. THE BEACH - DAY

91

EDISON and KORESH sit side by side in chairs on the beach. Koresh is wrapped in blankets. They have already been talking for some time. It is clear throughout the scene that EDISON is humoring the dying KORESH. CLAUDE stands off to the side. He hears the conversation and is visibly disturbed by it. KORESH Yes, the flesh fails us. It does. Look at me.Did I ever tell you, Thomas, My father was an inventor. It's true. He had a farm and he spent all his spare time tinkering with mechanical things. He even enjoyed some small successes. A bicycle powered mill, I believe it was. EDISON That's very interesting, Cyrus but that's not what you asked me here to talk about. KORESH You're right. I asked you to come because I have no one I can talk to. No one here who could possibly understand. You see, I have to appear strong for them, for as long as I am here. You and I, Thomas,we live by different rules. (more) (CONTINUED)

80. CONTINUED:

91 KORESH (cont'd) You have brought marvels into the world, I have tried to build a kingdom of heaven in earth. So we have both in our ways been fulfilling the Lord's prayer, to bring heaven to earth. EDISON Perhaps, my friend, but never consciously on my part. KORESH Just bear with me a moment. We are both scientists, we bring the things of heaven to earth through unwavering devotion, uncompromising, analysis, and the sweat of our brows. Do you have a son, Thomas? EDISON Yes, Thomas Jr. He spends all his time enjoying my money. KORESH Exactly my point. My son, Douglas is a painter. Quite good, I'm proud of what he is capable of.What does he do. He squanders his time in the parlors of Paris. So what is all my work for? EDISON I still don't understand. KORESH If what I've done means so little to him, then what of all the others. What will they make of these things when I have gone. I am afraid the Unity will crumble. I see the seeds already. They think I do not know, but I know. Aren't you ever afraid Thomas, of what will happen when you pass away, of what will happen when your inventions fall into the hands of those with limited or twisted vision? (CONTINUED)

81. CONTINUED:

91 EDISON Frankly, I don't think about it. When I go, I will go. What concerns me listening to you today is that there are a lot of people here who are counting on your resurrection. Don't you think that that is a little unfair? KORESH I don't know. I have believed it for so long. It is hard. I do have doubts. That is why I could only talk to you. EDISON Cyrus, I will be very sorry to see you go. We've been good friends you and I, over the years. I treasure the memory of our talks. But death comes to all of us, Cyrus and I cannot believe it would come any differently to you. I must get back, Cyrus. Mary is expecting me. I will try to visit next Sunday. KORESH I would like that. Claude. Take Mr. Edison back please. CLAUDE Yes,master. KORESH Thank-you for coming, Thomas. God bless you. EDISON God bless you, Cyrus.

KORESH watches EDISON leave. waves to KORESH.

EDISON stands in the boat and

INT. KORESHAN TEMPLE 1908 - DAY

92

KORESH is speaking to a small group in the Temple. original followers are there.

All his

(CONTINUED)

82. CONTINUED:

92 KORESH Do beliefs matter? Friends, belief will not hold together this Unity. Do you believe in Jesus? Good for you. Do you believe in me? Good, again. Do you believe that I will rise again on the third day? Good for you but I tell you friends, it does not matter what you believe. Love will keep this Unity together. Love each other, I beg you. Help each other. Love each other or you will not hold together. BERTHALDINE But master, you will be with us. You will guide us. KORESH That is true, but perhaps in another form. It is up to all of you to maintain the Unity. HENRI You told us it would be in the flesh. KORESH Yes I know, Henri, but things may have changed. Do not concern yourself with it. Obey me, and obey Queen Lucia in my absence.

There is murmuring in the room. men lift him and help him out.

KORESH motions for help and two

EXT, KORESHAN PATH 1908 - DAY

93

EDWIN is walking down a Koreshan path. He interrupts CLAUDE who is standing talking to some friends. EDWIN and CLAUDE are a few years older now. Edwin! back?

CLAUDE Hello! When did you get

EDWIN Have you seen my father? I've been looking everywhere. No one seems to know where he is. (CONTINUED)

83. CONTINUED:

93 CLAUDE Calm down, Edwin. We'll find him. How was school? EDWIN Fine. Listen, I've got to go look for him. If you see him, tell him I'll be at the old house. CLAUDE I sure will. It's good to see you.

But Edwin has run off and CLAUDE turns back to his friends. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1908 - DAY

94

EDWIN is running across the settlement. He stops to ask a woman. She points and he runs in that direction. EXT. THE BAMBOO LANDING 1908 -DAY

95

On the steps of the Bamboo Landing where all the boats are docked, GUSTAVE is lying drunk He is dressed in dirty cloths and looks like a bum. EDWIN appears at the top of the stairs and is shocked. EDWIN Father! Father, what have they done to you? GUSTAVE Done? Why, nothing. You're back.

Hello son.

EDWIN You look terrible, father. anyone taking care of you.

Isn't

GUSTAVE I don't need anyone to take care of me. EDWIN Father, I'm not staying here. I'm going to Alaska. They've discovered gold up there. I want you to come with me. GUSTAVE I'm too old, son. prospecting.

Too old to be (CONTINUED)

84. CONTINUED:

95 EDWIN No,no. We're going to be rich. We'll show them. GUSTAVE Show who? The Koreshans? make me laugh.

You

EDWIN You're coming with me. I'm not going to leave you here. He helps his father up and helps him up the stairs. EXT. A ROCKY INCLINE IN ALASKA 1908 - DAY

96

A fierce blizzard is swirling the snow around. EDWIN and GUSTAVE struggle against the storm. They are loaded down with rope and tools. GUSTAVE, his beard frozen and covered with icicles, collapses in the snow. GUSTAVE I can't go on. I'm finished. EDWIN We've got to go on.

We'll die.

GUSTAVE's body shudders. Father!

EDWIN Edwin tries to revive his father, but his attempts are in vain. His screams are inaudible in the storm. The snow begins to cover GUSTAVE'S dead body. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1908 - DAY

97

EDWIN screaming in fury, being held back by two men, HENRI and ANDREW. They are on the beach, the gulf in the background. EDWIN Murderer! You damned bastard! I'll kill you! I swear. You killed my father! KORESH sits, his chair facing the water. White sheets and blankets are draped around him. KORESH, looks ill besides being pale and shocked by this attack. EDWIN continues screaming as KORESH speaks. (CONTINUED)

85. CONTINUED:

97 KORESH I'm very sorry for your loss Edwin.Brother Gustave was very dear to us. But really I don't see how you can blame me for his death. Frankly, at his age he had no business climbing mountains in the snow.

EDWIN is being dragged away, still kicking and screaming. Murderer!

EDWIN Murderer!

Murderer!

HENRI Calm down, Edwin. KORESH watches EDWIN being dragged off and then turns to face the water. EXT. PIRATE’S SHACK 1908 - DAY

98

CLAUDE enters the pirate's clearing with his loaf of bread. Augustus!

CLAUDE Augustus!

He looks into the shack. INT. PIRATE’S SHACK - DAY

99

BLACK AUGUSTUS appears to be asleep. CLAUDE moves over to him and nudges him. But the pirate is dead and CLAUDE sees his blank eyes and a trickle of dried blood running down his chin. Oh my god.

CLAUDE My god.

CLAUDE doesn't know what to do. the shack.

He is crying and runs out of

Suddenly he remembers something and runs back into the shack. He take the pirate's knife off the body and uses it to tear up the half rotten floorboard in the area that the pirate had once pointed out to him. He begins to dig, more and more furiously, using the knife, and his hands. CUT TO It is some time later. CLAUDE is still digging. mounds of dirt around him.

There are

(CONTINUED)

86. CONTINUED:

99 CLAUDE There's nothing here. pirate.

Crazy

But suddenly CLAUDE hits something with his knife. He grows excited and digs faster. A dome becomes visible which he now digs around, trying to free it. His eyes grow wider. He pulls and pull with both hands and finally breaks the object free. He lifts it out of the hole and holds it up in front of him shaking and brushing off dirt. It is an eight inch sphere of solid gold! CLAUDE is amazed. lets loose a scream of joy. Then, he wraps the sphere in a cloth and leaves.

He

CLAUDE God bless you Augustus. I'll be back to give proper burial. INT. THE PIRATE'S SHACK - DAY - LATER.

100

CLAUDE stands with a shovel over a new grave with a wood cross at it's head. The grave in in the place where the gold sphere was buried. INT. KORESH’S BEDROOM 1908 - DAY

101

KORESH is in bed. He is clearly dying. Around him are various members of his inner circle. HENRIETTA holds his hand. KORESH is half delirious. He speaks constantly in a voice, now audible, now a whisper. KORESH Do not worry. It is done. days. Water.

Three

HENRIETTA He needs water. Please bring some water. INT. THE KORESHAN TEMPLE - DAY The temple is filled with people praying. alter, looking sad and uncomfortable.

102 LUCIA stands at the

LUCIA Our father has achieved immortality. Three days after his passing, he will rise up again, resurrected and transfigured. Glory to him.

87. INT. MEN’S DORMITORY - DAY A table in the men's dormitory. more crowd around.

103 Men are seated at the table and

HENRI That's what everyone is thinking. What if this resurrection never happens? Whose left in charge. I'll tell you who. Queen Lucia. The holy mother and her crones. I'm telling you, it's time the men of this community took a stand. ANDREW I agree, Henri. But how can we gain control of the board. We are powerless. CARL By force. We're still men, aren't we? JAMES I'll tell you how. We seize the financial records. We seize the books. The common stock records. We get a lawyer to freeze the assets. ANDREW That damn Ordway chair factory is going to be a problem. We inherited a mountain of debt with that one. JAMES Thanks to Queen Lucia. HENRI The time is right. He'll be dead soon. Let's set up a plan. We'll be ready. INT. KORESH’S BEDROOM - DAY

104

KORESH lies in bed, sweating and murmuring. EXT. ANGELIC MIST

105

KORESH and the ANGEL in heavenly mists. (CONTINUED)

88. CONTINUED:

105 ANGEL Thy will be done, thy noble son. Breath of heaven, flower of god. SHOCKCUT TO

EXT. A CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD - DAY

106

A young KORESH in blue Union uniform is looking for living bodies among the dead. There is smoke and scattered fire. comrade running in retreat sees him and calls to him.

A

SOLDIER Cyrus! Come on. They're dead. They're all dead. Leave them. Cyrus looks up, his face twisted in pain and gets up to follow his friend. INT. KORESH'S BEDROOM 1908 - DAY

107

Koresh’s face is twisted in pain. KORESH I'm coming. EXT. LONG SHOT OF THE SETTLEMENT.1908 - DAY

108

A woman runs out of the Founder's house and runs crying all across the settlement to the bell. We see now that the woman is HENRIETTA. She is hysterical as she rings the bell furiously, crying, screaming, laughing. HENRIETTA He's dead! Koresh is dead! Glory to Koresh! Our Lord is dead. He will rise! He will. He will. She collapses to the ground. The formally empty courtyard is now bustling with confusion. People look lost,confused. INT. KORESH’S BEDROOM - DAY - SAME DAY

109

KORESH’s corpse is still on the bed, fully dressed. Around him, his inner circle stand and sit calmly. They act as if he is not dead. They even speak to the corpse. (CONTINUED)

89. CONTINUED:

109 EVELYN Three days. LUCIA Yes, three days. BERTHALDINE Master, we are all very happy. Can we get you anything?

CLOSEUP of KORESH's obviously dead face. LUCIA You don't need anything now, do you. Not for three days. EVELYN Someone will stay with you at all times. LUCIA Berthaldine, would you go find Henrietta? She seems to be having a difficult time. HENRI enters. HENRI The whole settlement is outside. Everybody wants to know what to do. He's dead, then? LUCIA Henri, please tell everyone to assemble in the Temple. I will speak to them. HENRI and BERTHALDINE exit. LUCIA Help me, Master. INT. THE TEMPLE -DAY Everyone is assembled.

110 The mood is dark.

LUCIA is speaking.

LUCIA The next three days will be a great test for us. The master does not want us to grieve. He wants us to be joyful. (more) (CONTINUED)

90. CONTINUED:

110 LUCIA (cont'd) He wants us to await his resurrection in joy. Be careful of doubt in the next few days. The devil is going to be hard at work.

INT. CLAUDE’S BEDROOM 1908 - NIGHT

111

CLAUDE is sitting in his room. He is thoughtful. Checking to see that he is alone, he takes the gold sphere from its hiding place and stares at it in the candlelight. MONTAGE OF TIME PASSING. INT. KORESH’S BEDROOM 1908

112

In the room where KORESH lies dead, various people sit vigil. BERTHALDINE reads the bible out loud to the corpse. HENRIETTA tries to maintain her composure but has to be led out whenever she stops crying. The face of the corpse is changing color. The body is becoming bloated. And flies are noticeably gathering on the corpse. Three sunrises.

Three sunsets.

The women at their bedside vigil now hold handkerchiefs over their faces. INT. LUCIA’S OFFICE 1908 - DAY

113

LUCIA looks increasingly worried though forcing a happy smile as she goes about her business. We see her at her desk. We see her speaking to other Koreshans consoling and encouraging them. INT. MEN’S DORMITORY 1908 - NIGHT

114

We see HENRI and his conspirators planning by candlelight. LUCIA’S OFFICE - DAY LUCIA is at her desk.

EVELYN enters.

EVELYN The gentleman from the Health department is here again. (CONTINUED)

91. CONTINUED:

114

Ah.

LUCIA (sighing) Well, send him in.

Evelyn leaves and reenters with the INSPECTOR who holds a handkerchief over his nose and mouth. INSPECTOR Good morning, Mrs. Grazia. LUCIA Good morning, sir. seat.

Please have a

INSPECTOR I'll get right to the point, m'am. I have been extremely lenient with you. I don't think that you could ever fault me for being insensitive or inconsiderate. I realize what a blow this death must be for you and your community. However I have a responsibility to the town of Estero which as you know shares a common border with you. We have received numerous complaints from miles around about the smell and I concur with them that the stench is awful. LUCIA We are aware of the problem. INSPECTOR Aware of the problem. Yes, but there is only one solution. You asked me for three days and I gave them to you. Today is the fourth day, and four days in the hot Florida sun is enough, Mrs. Grazia. He must be buried. I cannot allow the health of the community to be jeopardized one day more. LUCIA I understand. I was prepared for this. If it is acceptable with you, I will need today to make the proper arrangements and we will inter the body in the morning. (CONTINUED)

92. CONTINUED:

114 INSPECTOR As long as I have your word, that will be fine.

They get up and LUCIA walks the INSPECTOR to the door. LUCIA Thank-you for your patience. Oh, and one more thing. I think that it would be best for all the sensibilities involved if he were interred in a tomb above ground. I already have a site in mind if it does not go against any public ordinances. INSPECTOR I'm sure it's fine. And let me once again extend my condolences to you and to everyone here.Whatever may be said about him, your Koresh was a kind and greathearted man. The INSPECTOR leaves and EVELYN enters. LUCIA Evelyn, I want you to bring a message to the stoneworks. Tell them to stop all other production and to start making a large tomb. I will be there presently to help them with the design. EVELYN (shocked) But, Lucia! LUCIA Please, no argument. And tell them to make a stone slab, with letters eight inches high, the name KORESH. INT, KORESH’S BEDROOM 1908 - DAY

115

KORESH's body lies in the bed. The body is now enormous. belly has bloated like a balloon. (CONTINUED)

The

93. CONTINUED:

115 EMMA Well, I can tell you that the body has decomposed so much that it may be a problem keeping it from falling apart when we move it. HENRI Well, we can't take the whole bed. EVELYN I have an idea. Why don't we put him in the bathtub. EMMA I find even the thought offensive. HENRI Wait, maybe she has something there. It's a beautiful tub. It's got gold trimming and all.We could fill it with bedding and flowers. LUCIA That sounds fine as long as Emma approves. EMMA Well with the bedding and flowers, I suppose it will look quite nice. BERTHALDINE We want something simple, so that when the master does rise,he can easily get out. LUCIA Henri, please bring the tub in here.

HENRI and a few other men go to get the bathtub. CUT TO The bathtub is now next to the bed. From above we see the body being slid over from the bed to the bathtub. The women arrange KORESH's arms and put flowers all around him. EXT. THE KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1908 - DAY KORESH’S funeral procession moves across the settlement. Two horses pull a flatbed with the bathtub on it The flatbed, like the tub is overflowing with flowers.

116

94. EXT. ON THE RIVER - DAY

117

The whole funeral is now on the water. The mourners fill a number of boats. The main boat tows a small barge on which the body in the bathtub rests. The boats move single file down the river. EXT. ON THE GULF - DAY The boats are now in the open bay. its Indian burial mounds.

118 They pass by Mound Key, with

The boats head out to another small island. As the island comes into view, a large newly cut stone tomb can be seen. EXT. THE ISLAND - DAY

119

The mourners all stand on the shore. KORESH is carried, tub and all and set down next to the open tomb. The door to the tomb leans up against the tomb and the name KORESH is engraved on it. There is screaming and some women faint. LUCIA Let us rejoice. The land will soon resound with news of the resurrection of our Savior. Let us throw ourselves into his loving arms, let us help him to smooth our paths. All things will be yours if you truly seek him, you will surely find. I implore you, in the days ahead, cast unkindness from your attitudes. Let us love each other... The CAMERA is inside the tomb and the bathtub is slid into the tomb. The CAMERA looks out over the body. The light is streaming in. Amid weeping, the door to the tomb is closed and the SCREEN goes black. . FADE IN INT. LUCIA’S OFFICE 1908 - DAY

120

A family with their luggage stands in LUCIA's office. LUCIA I'm sorry, Mr. Foster, but due to the circumstances, I cannot honor your request. (more) (CONTINUED)

95. CONTINUED:

120 LUCIA (cont'd) I've had five similar requests just this morning and at least one hundred since the Dear One's passing. It would simply be suicide for this corporation to start giving people back their money right now. MR. FOSTER Listen, when I joined this Unity, I donated all my worldly goods with the understanding that should I ever decide to leave, I would be compensated, with interest! I demand that you allow me to cash in my shares. LUCIA You are reacting emotionally, Mr. Foster. Believe me, I understand. We are all a little distraught. I suggest that you reconsider your decision to leave. At any rate, The Planetary Court has ruled that no one will receive any refunds or dividends from the Unity Treasury until further notice. MR. FOSTER (furiously) I'll get my money, Mrs Grazia, just you wait.

LUCIA sigh, her face careworn. EXT. PLANETARY COURT 1908 - DAY

121

A Crowd of angry people at the main door of the Planetary Court. Most of them wave stock certificates and yell that they want their money. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1908 - DAY

122

Groups of people are gathered here and there. There are people dragging luggage. One man stands on a soapbox speaking to a small group of people. Children run around. It is a contrast to the discipline and grace of before. (CONTINUED)

96. CONTINUED:

122

Suddenly a group of men are striding across the courtyard carrying rifles. They are led by HENRI. Their jaws are set, but they are obviously not accustomed to behaving like this. A few of them wear Civil War caps. INT. LUCIA'S OFFICE - DAY

123

EVELYN rushes in. EVELYN Lucia! We've got to leave. They're coming with rifles! Who?

LUCIA What are you talking about?

EVELYN Henri, Andrew, Carl, James, a whole gang. LUCIA Oh this is really the limit. not going anywhere, Evelyn.

I'm

EXT. PLANETARY COURT - DAY HENRI and his gang run up the front porch steps of the Planetary Court. Henri knocks on the door. Let us in!

HENRI EVELYN (opening door) You live here, Henri. In the cupola. Have you forgotten? HENRI Don't be smart with me, Evelyn. We want to see Lucia. EVELYN I'll have to ask you to leave your firearms outside. HENRI Nothing doing. Come on! The CAMERA follows the gang as they push by EVELYN and barge into LUCIA's office.

124

97. INT. LUCIA’S OFFICE - DAY

125

LUCIA stands behind her desk. Behind her now are the rest of the women of the Planetary Court. LUCIA Well, Henri. Gentlemen. I help you this morning.

How may

HENRI We're taking over, Lucia. LUCIA I see. May I ask, on whose authority. ANDREW On mine. Koresh told me that I would run the Unity after he died. LUCIA That's interesting. And when was it that the master told you this, and how is it I've never heard of this until now. ANDREW He didn't want me to tell anyone. LUCIA smiles and pauses for a moment. LUCIA I want you all to understand that I had already made a decision concerning my future before you gentlemen came. I don't want you to think that you've forced my hand in any way. You are ridiculous, the lot of you. I wish you all good luck. Good day and good day. LUCIA exits and the men and women look at each other in shock. Lucia!

EVELYN

EXT. THE PLANETARY COURT - DAY

126

LUCIA comes out the door and runs down the stairs. HENRI and his men, the women of the Planetary Court all crowd through the door and stand on the porch in utter amazement. The steam has been let out from the coup and the men can't believe what they are seeing. (CONTINUED)

98. CONTINUED:

126 Lucia!

BERTHALDINE Where are you going?

HENRIETTA Lucia, come back! LUCIA is walking away, down the path, from the point of view of those on the porch. LUCIA (still with her back to them) I'm going to Saint Augustine. I'm leaving. EVELYN Saint Augustine? Augustine.

What's in Saint

EMMA Lucia, stop acting crazy, now. HENRI Lucia, we didn't mean for you to leave. ANDREW You'll be back. BERTHALDINE Lucia, what will you do? LUCIA stops in her tracks and turns around. LUCIA I'm getting married. The people on the porch stand with their mouths hanging open. It is like a bomb has been dropped. EVELYN M..mm..mmm...married? Now LUCIA is laughing. LUCIA Look at you. Yes, I'm getting married. A very kind man, a dentist. Maybe you know him? Dr. Harding. He asked me and I accepted. It's not like I haven't been married before. And anyway, look at us. Look at us. (more) (CONTINUED)

99. CONTINUED:

126 LUCIA (cont'd) Dried prunes, that's what we've become. We separated the sexes to achieve equality, and spiritual purity and look what we have! Cultural suicide, that's what it is. Utopia? Closer to God? I don't think so.Is an apple tree without apples still an apple tree? Oh it feels good to speak my mind. We've justified our fear and prudish natures by calling it chastity. Well, I want love. I want a warm body, and I want life, a real life. I don't want to be your Goddess, I've tried and I tell you it's dry and thankless work. I sympathize with God, and I will miss all of you. Listen, it's over.Either God is dead, or our dear master was not God. But either way, my work is finished and I must go. Goodbye.

The people on the porch stand in various attitudes, some proud some miserable but all completely dumb-struck. The CAMERA pulls back down the path that LUCIA has just until it is a LONG SHOT where the whole house is like the vanishing point in the distance down the perspective lines of the tree-lined path. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1908 - DAY

127

Young CLAUDE and IMOGENE are sitting on the stone bench next to the stone urn filled now with yellow flowers. CLAUDE My parents have decided that we must move back to Chicago. IMOGENE We're going back to San Francisco. We're going tomorrow. CLAUDE I don't understand anything that's been happening. CLAUDE We must have faith, Imogene. Our parents know what's best, I'm sure. (CONTINUED)

100. CONTINUED:

127 IMOGENE You knew the Master better than almost anyone CLAUDE You were his favorite student. And you took such good care of him when he was ill. Did he say anything to you? About coming back? What went wrong? CLAUDE I don't know. IMOGENE Maybe we just weren't good enough. Maybe we are so full of sin that we didn't deserve... CLAUDE Don't talk like that Imogene. There's no one sweeter than you, and more kind and good. IMOGENE Are you afraid, Claude. CLAUDE A little. But it's exciting too. I'm sorry to leave you, though. I'm going to miss you most of all. IMOGENE I know! We'll be pen pals. We can write to each other. Do you promise? I promise

CLAUDE

INT. A CAFE ON THE LEFT BANK IN PARIS.1908 - DAY A Picasso, a Gauguin and a Cezanne hang unframed behind the bar. It is a very mixed crowd. DOUGLAS ARTHUR TEED sits at a small table in the corner, a young Parisian woman at his side. DOUGLAS is sporting a moustache and has a forced continental look about him. Across the table sits ANDRE, with whom DOUGLAS is having a heated discussion. ANDRE You are wrong, my friend. The new style will conquer the world. (CONTINUED)

128

101. CONTINUED:

128 DOUGLAS I just don't agree. It's a phase, an experiment. And there will be more freedom because of it. But the works will not last. Not like a Turner, or even a Delacroix. ANDRE (in french, to the woman) Your friend has very oldfashioned taste. Is he oldfashioned in bed,too?

The woman laughs. DOUGLAS (jokingly) Be careful, Andre, my french is improving. A young boy, coming into the cafe carrying a telegram and looking for someone. BOY (calling out) Monsieur Teed! The BOY spots TEED and runs over to him. BOY (in french) Monsieur Teed, this came for you. I thought it might be important. DOUGLAS takes the telegram and gives the boy a coin. DOUGLAS Industrious lad. Thank-you. ANDRE From America? DOUGLAS (opening telegram) Yes, Florida. ANDRE Ah, yes. Flor-i-da. Land of flowers. I hope it is not bad news. DOUGLAS is reading the telegram, his face goes ashen, his body trembles, he hold his head in his hands. (CONTINUED)

102. CONTINUED:

128 WOMAN (in french) Douglas, are you all right? What's the matter? ANDRE What is wrong, my friend. you all right?

Are

DOUGLAS (regaining composure) Yes...I'm fine...fine. ANDRE Garcon, some brandy please! Saints be with us. Was it bad news? DOUGLAS says nothing ANDRE (cont’d) I'm very sorry, my sympathies. Someone died? Your mother? Your father? God.

DOUGLAS God has died.

ANDRE looks at him like he may be looking at a crazy man. EXT. FLORIDA GULF COAST 1908 - DAY

129

A MONTAGE of tropical scenes. The riverbank. The beaches. On the horizon a strange looking storm front is building. A wall of blackness is moving across the water. A MONTAGE of a huge tropical storm. flat as torrents of rain pour down. through the air.

Trees are almost bent over Trees are uprooted and fly

EXT. TOMB ISLAND - NIGHT

130

The tomb stands on the beach, in the midst of the storm. The sharp outline of the tomb are barely visible in the darkness and rain. Huge waves beat against the tomb. And then suddenly the tomb is demolished.

It has disappeared.

103. EXT. TOMB ISLAND - DAY

131

After the storm, the same LONG SHOT of the beach where the tomb was is empty except for a few odd pieces of rubble. A CLOSEUP of one of the pieces of rubble, half buried in sand. On it can be seen the engraved name of KORESH. A SERIES OF SCENES follows of the passing years with images from the separate lives of CLAUDE and IMOGENE as described by their letters. By the changes in fashion, we see the passing years. The VOICEOVERS intertwine in counterpoint. EXT. CHICAGO 1915 -DAY

132

First we see some views of Chicago, 1915. meatyards, airplanes.

We see machines,

INT. IMOGENE’S APT. 1915 - NIGHT

133

Then we see IMOGENE sitting writing at her desk in a humble apartment. She is a seven years older than when she left Koreshan. IMOGENE (voiceover) My Dear Claude, I was so happy to receive your letter. I am glad you are happy in your new job... EXT. NEW YORK CITY 1920 - DAY

134

We see shots of New York City, circa 1920. INT. NEW YORK CITY OFFICE 1920 - DAY

135

Then we see CLAUDE in a huge office, with lines and lines of desks. He is obviously sneaking time to read IMOGENE's letter. He starts to write. Then we see shots of CLAUDE's phase of rich excess. He is at shows, nightclubs, parties but always looks out of place. CLAUDE (voiceover) My dear Imogene, yes I am a working man once more. As you know, my pirate treasure did not last me for very long. (more) (CONTINUED)

104. CONTINUED:

135 CLAUDE (cont'd) For a few years I lived the life of a rich man. Leisure really didn't suit me. Thank heaven I had sense enough to buy the house that I now live in...

EXT. CHICAGO 1920

136

Shots of Chicago, 1920. INT. LIBRARY 1920 - DAY IMOGENE is in a huge library. writes...

137 She is a librarian.

She

IMOGENE The plays in New York must be wonderful. How I do miss the wonderful music and shows of our dear home, Koreshan... EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1920 - DAY Shots of BERTHALDINE at KORESHAN. The buildings are in terrible disrepair and the few people walking around are elderly. IMOGENE (voiceover) I have heard from Berthaldine, she sends such awfully blue letters. When she is up north, she is homesick for Koreshan, when she is at Koreshan, she can't wait to get back north, CLAUDE (voiceover) How many in the OUTSIDE could understand the kind of world we come from and the knowledge we have of that world... IMOGENE She says that everyone at Koreshan says has gotten so old. Many buildings have been destroyed by fire or storm.It depresses her...

138

105. EXT. NEW YORK CITY 1927

139

Shots of New York City, circa 1927. EXT. NEW YORK CITY PARK 1927

140

CLAUDE is on a stone park bench in Washington Square Park, writing. EXT. FLORIDA GRAVEYARD 1927 -DAY

141

Shots of Lucia's funeral. CLAUDE (voiceover) ...and have you heard the news? Lucia is dead. She never returned to Koreshan but still had many advocates. Keep her in your prayers... INT. CHICAGO LIBRARY 1927 - DAY IMOGENE is reading CLAUDE's letter. to write.

142 She lays it down and begins

IMOGENE (voiceover) I've seen Henrietta. She told me about seeing you...Take care of that cold... EXT. NEW YORK CITY 1939 SHOTS of New York City, 1939. World’s Fair.

143 This includes SHOTS of the 1939

INT. CLAUDE’S NEW YORK HOUSE 1939 - DAY

144

CLAUDE is sitting and writing at the dining room table of his spacious but empty looking house. There is not much furniture. As he writes the CAMERA pulls in closer and closer to his face to a tight CLOSEUP of his aging and sorrowful face. CLAUDE (voiceover) Yes, I am lonely sometimes. I think of you and wonder how can it be that we have not seen each other in so long? (more) (CONTINUED)

106. CONTINUED:

144 CLAUDE (cont'd) It seems the older I get, the more I think of Koreshan and how much I would like to walk through its peaceful gardens once more.Would you meet me there, Imogene? It wouldn't seem right without you. Your loving friend, Claude.

CLAUDE finishes writing and leans back in his chair. of IMOGENE can be heard.

The voice

IMOGENE (voiceover) The things of the world have brought me no happiness, either. I admit it to you and so admit it to myself. The hardships of Koreshan at least were real and were the hardships of a search for truth. Of course I will meet you. I count the days. EXT. KORESHAN SETTLEMENT 1939 - DAY

145

CLAUDE and IMOGENE sit next to each other on the stone bench at Koreshan. They are both old now and silently hold hands. The stone urn next to them is filled with dead flowers. CUT TO EXT. THE BAMBOO LANDING 1976 - DAY

146

On the steps of the Bamboo Landing HEDWIG aranges the flowers in the giant vases. An extremely old EDWIN, dressed in dirty cloths and looking like an ancient hermit, and very much like his father GUSTAVE, peeks out from behind a tree at HEDWIG.. Hedwig knows he’s there but doesn’t look. HEDWIG I can see you, Edwin. The old man scurries back into the forest, muttering angrily. CUT TO:

107. INT. HEDWIG’S ROOM 1976 - DAY

147

HEDWIG is standing at her window, in the Planetary Court, looking out at the tourists. HEDWIG (voiceover) People are amazed that anyone could believe in such a theory today. I am amazed at what some of them believe, at how they live. "We have rockets!" they say, "We've been to the Moon!Koresh was obviously mistaken." I'm not so sure. Last week a mathematician came to visit me, He told me about the new geometry, and something called inversion geometry. According to its laws, for any point outside a circle, there is a corresponding point inside. In other words, if we believe that there is a star OUT there, there MUST be one IN THERE! I admit, it may be hard to visualize but inner space could be as infinitely vast and glorious as outer space. We are still explorers and our theories and our models of our globe can hardly be called the last word. The book is open, the word is still out... HEDWIG’S POV Hedwig notices that she has forgotten her tools and bucket in the garden. JASON and JESSICA are down in the garden playing with them. The rest of the tourist party has moved on. HEDWIG What is wrong with me today? EXT. THE GARDEN 1976 - DAY

148

JASON AND JESSICA are in the garden, playing with the tools. They are making war noises, making holes and bashing flowers. HEDWIG's legs appear and she kneels down to talk to the children. The children are surprised and awed by the old woman. HEDWIG Good morning, children, are you planting in the garden? (CONTINUED)

108. CONTINUED:

148 JASON We're just playing. HEDWIG I see. Well let me see if I can help you.

EXT. FRONT GATE 1976 - DAY

149

The tourists are once again back at the front gate of the park. TOUR GUIDE On behalf of the State Department of Parks and Recreation, I'd like to thank you all for coming today. NANCY Randy, have you seen the kids? RANDY I told them to stay with us. NANCY Go find them, honey. God knows they might have been bitten by one of those turtles. TOUR GUIDE Tortoises, m'am, and they won't bite. RANDY I'll run get them. Jessica!

Jason!

EXT. THE GARDEN - DAY

150

HEDWIG is showing the children how to plant. They are using a baby plant and tying it to a stick to support it. The children are transfixed. HEDWIG You see, this one is going to grow up big and strong. Now go on, pat the ground around it with your hands. That's right. RANDY comes running up, all out of breath. RANDY There you are. You had your mom and I going crazy. (CONTINUED)

109. CONTINUED:

150 JASON We're planting seeds, Daddy. RANDY (to Hedwig) Excuse me, m'am. I hope they haven't been bothering you. HEDWIG No, not at all.

Now NANCY is running up to them. NANCY There you are. I've been running all over this place. HEDWIG They've been helping me in the garden. NANCY Jessica, look at your dress! Come on out of the dirt, honey. RANDY You must be the lady that the guide told us about. HEDWIG Probably so. NANCY Randy, we better get going if we want to make it to Disneyworld tonight. I don't know how I'm going to get these stains out. JESSICA We planted a seed, mommy! RANDY (knows he's missing something) Yeah, well, nice to meet you. I'm sorry about the kids. HEDWIG Goodbye, children. The children sheepishly mutter goodbyes. The family walks away. RANDY turns back one more time to wave to HEDWIG

110. EXT. THE PARKING LOT 1976 - DAY

151

JIMMY and SUSIE are pulling out. JIMMY sticks his head out the window as RANDY and NANCY arrive at their car with their kids. JIMMY You all have a nice vacation, now. RANDY Good meeting you folks, take care. Okay, everybody, get into the car. NANCY Did you see that dress she was wearing? God it was ancient. RANDY Shut up and get in the car.please. JASON Dad, I gotta go. EXT. THE GARDEN 1976 - DAY

152

HEDWIG is standing in the garden. HEDWIG Strange world that has such people in it. She gathers up all her tools as she hears the sound of the car starting up. She notices a big tortoise at the edge of the garden. HEDWIG Good morning, Copernicus. are you today?

How

CLOSEUP of the tortoise. A SHOT of HEDWIG from a few feet above her head. The camera rises and we can see the whole settlement filled with shimmering ghostlike figures in Victorian dress carrying parasols. In the background, we see RANDY's car pulling out of the parking lot. HEDWIG turns to go back into the house. EXT. PARKING LOT EXIT - DAY

CUT TO The bumper of RANDY's car where a sticker of the Koreshan inverted earth symbol is plainly visible among all the other stickers, by virtue of its newness. (CONTINUED)

153

111. CONTINUED:

153

As the car pulls away down the road into the distance, the CAMERA rises and we see the road bending strangely upward in the distance. The CAMERA rises higher until we see the Koreshan settlement and the surrounding countryside but the landscape is inverted like a bowl. The CAMERA rises and zooms out and away until we see the concave earth as if from inner space. Further and further we go, until we are among the stars and completely surrounded by the earth. We hear the voices of KORESH and the ANGEL intoning in unison: KORESH AND ANGEL We live inside. Nothing is outside. We live inside.