Being There (1979)

FADE IN:

EXT. TOWNHOUSE GARDEN - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON

An afternoon in late November, the leaves have left the
trees, and the early darkness of a winter dusk approaches.
The garden is long and narrow, guarded on either side by a
high brick wall. At one end stands the rear of a three-story
brick townhouse; at the other, a one story brick building.
CLASSICAL MUSIC is heard in the distance. A MAN, handsomely
dressed in a well-tailored suit of the 1920's, works in the
garden. A gardener's apron protects his suit from the earth
as he turns the loam along one of the walkways. He works
slowly,-precisely, obviously engrossed in his surroundings.
This man is called CHANCE.

Chance stops working for a moment, takes a pocket watch from
inside his coat, checks the time. He looks to the darkening
skies, returns the watch to his pocket. As Chance starts
toward the one story brick building, he takes a spotless rag
from his apron pocket and wipes the dirt from the tines of
his pitchfork.

INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON

The sound of the music increases as Chance enters the garage
from the garden. A gleaming 1921 TOURING CAR is revealed as
he walks through the garage and leans the pitchfork against a
wall. Chance takes a neatly folded cover from a shelf,
carefully puts it over the car. When he finishes covering the
car for the night, Chance picks up the pitchfork, leaves the
garage through a side entry.

INT. POTTING ROOM - AFTERNOON

The Potting Room is filled with the tools of the gardener,
everything arranged in an orderly fashion. Rows of small pots
are on tables, young plants sprouting from some of them. A
small, 1940's table model black-and-white TV rests on a
shelf. It is playing, tuned to the BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA.
Attached to the front of the screen is a wheel containing
colored gels. The wheels spins, creates an early form of
color TV. As Chance enters, his attention is on the
television set. He watches it as he oils the tines of the
pitchfork and puts it away. Chance turns off the TV and
leaves the room, but the sound of the Boston Pops continues.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON

A room adjacent to the Potting Room. A large screen remote
control color television set dominates the room. It is on,
tuned to the Boston Pops. In contrast to the new TV, the rest
of the room is sparsely but tastefully decorated with
expensive furniture of the twenties. There are no books,
magazines, newspapers or reading matter of any kind to be
seen. Chance comes in, watches the TV with a detached gaze as
he removes his apron. He changes the channel with the remote
control as he puts his apron and the pitchfork rag into a
laundry bag. He takes off his suit jacket, hangs it in the
closet where it is accompanied by several others, all of like
quality. Chance changes the channel once again.

EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT

Chance, wearing a different suit and carrying the laundry
bag, crosses from the rear building to the main house.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - NIGHT

The interior of the main house has the mustiness of age, the
warmth of oak. White dropcloths and sheets cover all of the
furniture. Chance enters, walks through the hallway.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

A large dropcloth is over the dining room table and chairs.
It is neatly folded back at one end, leaving one chair and
place setting uncovered. A small portable color TV is next to
the place setting.

Chance enters, puts his laundry bag on a covered table near
the doorway. He sits at the dining room table, turns on the
TV, and carefully unfolds his napkin, puts it on his lap as
he watches the screen. LOUISE, an elderly black maid, enters
with a tray of food and Chance's clean laundry.

		LOUISE
		(sets dinner before
		 Chance)
	... Evening, Chance.

		CHANCE
		(slowly, perfect diction,
		 no accent of any kind)
	... Good evening, Louise.

Louise sets Chance's clean clothes on the small table, picks
up his laundry bag.

		LOUISE
	... The Old Man is getting weaker,
	Chance.

		CHANCE
		(begins to eat)
	I see.

		LOUISE
	I'm afraid he's slippin' a bit with
	every hour that goes by...

Chance, his manners impeccable, concentrates on the TV as he
eats. A buzzer SOUNDS, Louise looks upstairs.

		LOUISE (CONT'D)
	... Back up those stairs - damn...
	That Man's needin' me more and more
	just before he never needs me
	again...

		CHANCE
		(still watches TV)
	Is his back feeling better?

Louise gives Chance a look.

		LOUISE
	... Gobbledegook... You and your
	gobbledegook. You're gonna be the
	death of me yet, Chance...
		(she turns to leave)
	... Unless those stairs are... The
	Good Lord's liable to snatch up two
	unwillin' souls at the same time if
	I keep on trampin' up those
	stairs... I don't want none of
	that...

Louise disappears through the doorway. Chance continues to
eat and watch TV.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAWN

Chance is asleep, lying on his back. His eyes slowly open,
and, with no change of expression, he sits up and turns on
the TV with the remote control. Chance gets out of bed, goes
to the dresser and takes his pocket watch out of a drawer,
checks the time. He crosses to the closet, his eyes never
straying from an early morning show on television. He puts on
a bathrobe and leaves the room.

INT. POTTING ROOM - DAWN

Chance enters, turns on the TV with the spinning color wheel,
then waters a few of the pots with a sprinkling can. He turns
off the TV and exits.

INT. GARAGE - DAWN

Chance comes into the garage, takes the cover off of the
touring car, folds it and puts it on a shelf. He leaves the
garage.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAWN

Chance returns to his room, changes channels on the
television, takes off his robe and hangs it back up in the
closet, then goes into the bathroom.

EXT. GARDEN - MORNING

A light snow is falling. The door to the small building
opens, Chance peeks out, then goes back inside. A few seconds
pass and Chance reappears, this time with an umbrella.
Smartly dressed in suit and tie, he crosses to the main
house.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - MORNING

Chance opens the door, shakes off and closes the umbrella
before entering. He hangs the umbrella on a doorknob, then
heads for the dining room.

INT. DINING ROOM - MORNING

Repeating his ritual, Chance enters the dining room, sits,
turns on the TV, carefully spreads his napkin on his lap. He
watches the screen for a moment, then turns, expecting
Louise. She doesn't appear, so he turns back, watches TV.
After a few beats, Chance hears Louise's footsteps hurrying
down the stairs. She comes into the dining room, visibly
distraught. Chance looks up, smiles.

		CHANCE
	Good morning, Louise.

		LOUISE
		(out of breath)
	He's dead, Chance! The Old Man's
	dead!

		CHANCE
		(flatly, turns back to TV)
	... I see.

		LOUISE
	Must of happened durin' the night,
	I don't know... Lord, he wasn't
	breathin' and as cold as a fish. I
	touched him, just to see, and you
	believe me, Chance - that's doin'
	more than I get paid to do... Then
	I just covered him up, pulled the
	sheet over his head...

		CHANCE
		(nodding)
	Yes. I've seen that done.

		LOUISE
	Then I got the hell out of that
	room and called the doctor and I
	think I woke him probably, he
	wasn't any too alert. He just said,
	'Yeah, he's been expectin' it and
	said he'd send somebody over...'
	Lord, what a mornin'!

		CHANCE
		(watches news, flashes of
		 season's first snowfall)
	... Yes, Louise, it's snowing in
	the garden today. Have you looked
	outside and seen the snow? It's
	very white.

A beat of silence from Louise, then anger.

		LOUISE
	Dammit, Boy! Is that all you got to
	say? More gobbledegook?
		(Chance smiles, is silent)
	That Old Man's layin' up there dead
	as hell and it just don't make any
	difference to you!

		CHANCE
		(with a smile, accepting
		 death)
	Yes, Louise. I have seen it often.
	It happens to old people.

		LOUISE
	Well, ain't that the truth...

		CHANCE
	Yes. It is.

Louise throws back the cover from a chair next to Chance and
sits, softening a bit toward him.

		LOUISE
	Oh, Lord, Chance - I don't know
	what I was expectin' from you...
	I'm sorry for yellin' like I did...
	No sir, I just don't know what I
	was expectin' ...
		(Chance doesn't react,
		 watches TV)
	... I 'spose I'd better gather up
	some breakfast for you...

		CHANCE
		(a turn to her)
	Yes, I'm very hungry.

		LOUISE
		(rises, looks upstairs)
	Well, no more stewin' those prunes
	every mornin', that's somethin', I
	guess...
		(she starts out, stops by
		 the door)
	... what are you goin' to do now,
	Chance?

		CHANCE
		(gazing at TV)
	I'm going to work in the garden.

Louise gives Chance a long look, then turns to leave.

		LOUISE
		(as she goes)
	... I'll get you some eggs.

Chance nods in approval, then changes the channel on the TV.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - SERVANT'S STAIRWAY - MORNING

An enclosed stairway. Chance enters, proceeds up the stairs.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING

Chance comes out of a doorway adjoining the main staircase.
He moves off down the hall.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - OLD MAN'S ROOM - MORNING

The furniture in this room is not covered with sheets but the
Old Man is. There is a polite knock at the door, then Chance
enters the room. As Chance moves slowly to the Old Man's bed,
we sense a feeling of respect from Chance, as well as a bit
of curiosity. Chance stands by the side of the bed for a
moment, then he reaches down and gently pulls the sheet back
from the Old Man's face. He touches the man's forehead,
lightly, briefly, then replaces the sheet. Chance moves to
the TV (like the one in his own room) and turns it on. He
sits in an easy chair next to the Old man's bed and watches a
movie from the early forties. Chance puts an arm out, rests
it on the Old Man's covered body. With the other, he changes
the channels with the remote control.
He returns to the channel with the forties movie and seems to
become absorbed in a scene in which a gentleman tips his hat
to a lady. The scene seems to have 'sunk into' his mind.

EXT. GARDEN - MORNING

It has stopped snowing. Chance, wearing a hat, the gardening
apron over his suit and boots, putters in the garden. Louise
comes out of the main house. She is dressed warmly, a scarf
over her head, a heavy coat. Chance sees her, tips his hat to
Louise exactly like the man he saw on television.

		LOUISE
	... Well, ain't you the gentleman
	this mornin'...
		(a pause)
	... gotta go now, Chance...

		CHANCE
		(resumes working)
	Yes.

		LOUISE
	You're gonna need somebody,
	someone's gotta be around for you,
	boy...
		(he keeps working)
	... You oughta find yourself a
	lady, Chance...
		(she smiles slightly, with
		 caring)
	But I guess it oughta be an old
	lady, 'cause you ain't gonna do a
	young one any good, not with that
	little thing of yours...
		(she reaches out, puts a
		 hand on his shoulder)
	... You're always gonna be a little
	boy, ain't you?
		(he smiles, keeps working)
	... Goodbye, Chance...

Louise gives his shoulder a squeeze, turns and moves toward
the house.

		CHANCE
		(as she goes)
	Goodbye, Louise.

Louise waves as she enters the townhouse. Chance tips his hat
once again as she disappears.

INT. MAIN HOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - MORNING

Louise enters the hallway, picks up a couple of suit cases
waiting by the door. She stops as she sees TWO MEN in white
carrying a stretcher down the main staircase. She notices the
ease with which they bring the Old Man's body down the
stairs.

		LOUISE
	... He used to be a big man...
	'Spose he wasted away to about
	nothin'...
		(a beat - then she talks
		 to the body of the old
		 Man)
	... I guess I'll be goin' off to
	find me some folks, Old Man... I'm
	not batty enough to stay around
	this neighborhood any longer...

The stretcher bearers move to the front door. Louise steps in
front of them.

		LOUISE (CONT'D)
		(to stretcher bearers)
	Wait up! I'm goin' out that door
	first.

Louise takes one more look at the covered body, then opens
the front door, leaves.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - DAY

The TV plays offstage as Chance washes up in the bathroom. He
finishes, comes into the bedroom, takes a pair of house
slippers from his closet, turns off the television and leaves
the room.

EXT. GARDEN - DAY

Chance, carrying his slippers, crosses through the layer of
fresh snow to the townhouse.

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

Chance, wearing the slippers, enters and sits at his place.
He turns on the TV, puts the napkin on his lap. He watches TV
for a moment, then turns, looks for Louise. She does not
appear so he resumes watching TV. He changes channels, views
a wildly exciting FOOTBALL game. At a peak in the excitement,
he again switches channels. Chance watches TV News coverage
of the PRESIDENT of the United States greeting foreign
dignitaries at the White House.
CLOSE SHOTS on television reveal that the President uses a
two-handed handshake when meeting his guests. Unconsciously,
Chance grips one hand with the other, the scene on TV seeming
to have 'sunk into' his mind.

INT. TOWNHOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - DAY

A key is heard in the lock. The door opens and THOMAS
FRANKLIN and SALLY HAYES enter. Franklin, an attorney, is in
his late thirties, carries a large briefcase. Hayes is
younger, attractive, also an attorney. She totes a briefcase,
has the look of a modern, liberated woman. Hayes appears to
be surprised at the interior of the house.

		HAYES
		(looks around)
	... This is another world, Tom - I
	never would have believed it...

		FRANKLIN
	Yeah... He and my father used to
	ride together back in the
	thirties... Fox hunting... Before I
	was born...

		HAYES
	... Would you take me on a tour?

		FRANKLIN
	Gladly...
		(he smiles)
	... The safe is in Mr. Jennings'
	bedroom, that'll be stop number
	one.

Franklin puts a hand on Hayes' shoulder as they,go off down
the hall.

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

Chance still watches TV, waits for Louise to serve him.
Franklin and Hayes appear in the doorway of the dining room.
They are both surprised to see Chance.

		FRANKLIN
	... Why... Hello, we thought we
	heard something...
		(moves to Chance, hand
		 outstretched)
	I'm Thomas Franklin.

Chance remains seated, takes Franklin's hand warmly in both
of his like the President did on TV.

		CHANCE
	Hello, Thomas... I'm Chance, the
	gardener.

		FRANKLIN
		(a beat)
	... The gardener?
		(thinks it's a joke,
		 laughs)
	... Yes, of course... Mr. Chance,
	this is Ms. Hayes.

Hayes moves to shake Chance's hand.

		HAYES
	Mr. Chance, I'm very pleased to
	meet you.

		CHANCE
		(doesn't rise, again
		 shakes with both hands)
	Yes.

Chance turns back to the TV and Hayes and Franklin exchange
looks.

		FRANKLIN
		(after an uneasy pause)
	... We're with Franklin, Jennings
	and Roberts, the law firm handling
	the estate.

		CHANCE
		(a smile, totally at ease)
	Yes, Thomas - I understand.

Another period of silence. Franklin and Hayes seem perplexed.

		FRANKLIN
	... Are you waiting for someone? An
	appointment?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I'm waiting for my lunch.

		FRANKLIN
	Your lunch? You have a luncheon
	appointment here?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Louise will bring me lunch.

		FRANKLIN
	Louise?... The maid?...
		(a look to Hayes)
	But she should have left earlier
	today...

		CHANCE
		(smiles at Hayes)
	I see...

		FRANKLIN
		(a beat)
	... You've quite a sense of humor,
	Mr. Chance - but all kidding aside,
	may I ask just what you are doing
	here?

		CHANCE
	I live here.

		FRANKLIN
	You live here?
		(a look to Hayes)
	... We don't have any record of
	that.

		CHANCE
	Yes. It's very cold outside today,
	isn't it, Thomas?

		FRANKLIN
		(a beat)
	... How long have you been living
	here?

		CHANCE
	Ever since I can remember, since I
	was a child.

		FRANKLIN
		(doubting)
	Since you were a child?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Thomas. I have always been
	here. I have always worked in the
	garden.

		HAYES
	... Then you really are a gardener?

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		HAYES
	Your appearance doesn't suggest
	that at all, Mr. Chance.

		CHANCE
	Oh. Thank you.

		FRANKLIN
	Do you have any proof of your
	employment, Mr. Chance - any checks
	from the deceased, any contracts or
	documents?

		CHANCE
	No.

		FRANKLIN
	How were you compensated for these
	duties you say you performed?

		CHANCE
	Compensated...?

		FRANKLIN
	How were you paid?

		CHANCE
	I was given meals, and a home...

		HAYES
	What about money?

		CHANCE
	I never needed money.

Franklin steps to the TV, turns it off.

		FRANKLIN
	Mr. Chance, perhaps you could show
	us some identification with your
	address -- a Driver's License, a
	credit card, checkbook?

		CHANCE
	No, I do not have any of those.

		FRANKLIN
	Then how about medical records?
	Could you give us the name of your
	doctor, or your dentist?

		CHANCE
	I have no need for a doctor or
	dentist. I have never been ill. I
	have never been allowed outside of
	this house, and, except for Joe, I
	have never had any visitors.

		FRANKLIN
	... Joe? Who's Joe?

		CHANCE
		(turns TV back on)
	Joe Saracini. He was a mason that
	did some repairs on the brickwork
	at the rear of the house. That was
	in 1952.

		FRANKLIN
	1952...?

		CHANCE
		(changes channels)
	Yes. I remember when he came. He
	was very fat and had short hair and
	showed me some pictures from a
	funny little book.

		HAYES
	Some pictures...?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Of men and women.

		HAYES
	... Oh.

		FRANKLIN
	Mr. Chance, that was twenty-seven
	years ago.

		CHANCE
	Yes and the Old Man used to come to
	my garden. He would read and rest
	there.

		FRANKLIN
	Come now, Mr. Jennings had been
	bedridden for thirty-five years,
	since he fractured his spine.

		CHANCE
	Yes, Thomas, that is correct. Then
	he stopped visiting my garden.

		FRANKLIN
		(a beat)
	... We shall need some proof of
	your having resided here, Mr.
	Chance.

		CHANCE
	You have me, I am here. What more
	proof do you need?

Franklin and Hayes exchange looks.

INT. TOWNHOUSE - REAR ENTRANCE/HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

Chance puts on his snow-boots as Franklin and Hayes continue
their questioning.

		FRANKLIN
	Have you served in the Army?

		CHANCE
	No, Thomas. But I have seen the
	Army on television.

		HAYES
	How about taxes, Mr. Chance, surely
	you must have paid taxes?

		CHANCE
	No.

Chance picks up his slippers and leads the attorneys outside.

EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON

Chance describes his garden with pride as they walk toward
the rear building.

		CHANCE
		(points)
	Those trees were very young when I
	first arrived.

		FRANKLIN
	Are you related to the deceased,
	Mr. Chance?

		CHANCE
	No, I don't think so. And I have
	planted and shaped all the hedges,
	and in the springtime you will be
	able to see my flowers.

		HAYES
	Might you have a birth certificate,
	Mr. Chance?

		CHANCE
	No.
		(points to wall)
	That's where Joe fixed the bricks.

They arrive at the rear building and Chance opens the door to
the garage. Franklin and Hayes follow him inside.

INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON

Franklin and Hayes are taken aback by the touring car.

		FRANKLIN
		(admires car)
	... Do you drive this, Mr. Chance?

		CHANCE
	No, Thomas. I have never been in an
	automobile.

		HAYES
		(amazed)
	You never been in a car?

Chance is silent for a moment, he blushes slightly.

		CHANCE
	... Well... From time to time I did
	sit in it... Just in here... It
	hasn't been outside since the Old
	Man hurt himself.
		(he turns)
	I live in here.

Chance moves toward his room, Franklin and Hayes follow.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON

Chance sits on the bed to remove his boots as Hayes and
Franklin inspect the room.

		CHANCE
	The Old Man gave me nice television
	sets, this one has remote control.
		(he turns it on with the
		 remote)
	He has one just like it.

		FRANKLIN
	Mr. Chance, the fact remains that
	we have no information of your
	having any connection with the
	deceased.

		CHANCE
	Yes, I understand.

Chance puts on his slippers, crosses to the closet, opens the
door. It is filled with men's wear.

		CHANCE
	I am allowed to go to the attic and
	select any of the Old Man's suits.
	They all fit me very well. I can
	also take his shirts, shoes and
	coats.

		HAYES
	It is quite amazing how those
	clothes have come back into style.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I have seen styles on
	television.

		FRANKLIN
		(getting back to business)
	What are your plans now, Mr.
	Chance?

		CHANCE
	I would like to stay and work in my
	garden.

Chance turns to watch TV. Franklin takes Hayes to a side of
the room.

		FRANKLIN
		(quietly)
	... What do you make of all this?

		HAYES
	I really don't know, Tom - he seems
	so honest and simple... In a way,
	he's quite charming...

		FRANKLIN
		(looks at Chance)
	... Yeah...

		HAYES
	... It's very bizarre - I don't
	know what to think...

		FRANKLIN
	Well... He's either very, very
	bright or very, very dense - he's
	hard to figure...
		(he unzips briefcase)
	... Let's just keep everything
	legal.

Franklin takes out some papers, approaches Chance.

		FRANKLIN
	Mr. Chance, assuming what you say
	is the truth, I would like to know
	what sort of claim you are planning
	to make against the deceased's
	estate.

		CHANCE
		(does not understand)
	I'm fine, Thomas. The garden is a
	healthy one. There is no need for a
	claim.

		FRANKLIN
	Good. That's good. Then if you
	would please sign a paper to that
	effect.

Franklin hands the release to Chance but Chance does not take
it.

		CHANCE
	No, Thomas. I don't know how to
	sign.

		FRANKLIN
	Come now, Mr. Chance.

		CHANCE
		(smiles)
	I have no claim, Thomas.

		FRANKLIN
	But you won't sign, correct?

		CHANCE
	Correct.

		FRANKLIN
	Very well, Mr. Chance - if you
	insist on dragging this matter
	on... But I must inform you this
	house will be closed tomorrow at
	noon. If indeed, you do reside
	here, you will have to move out.

		CHANCE
	Move out? I don't understand,
	Thomas.

		FRANKLIN
	I think you do, Mr. Chance.
	However, I will reiterate, this
	house is closed and you must
	leave...
		(he gives Chance his
		 business card)
	Call me if you change your mind
	about signing.
		(turns to Hayes)
	C'mon, Sally - let's grab a bite...

		HAYES
		(a smile to Chance)
	Good day, Mr. Chance.

		CHANCE
		(returns smile)
	Good day, Sally.

Chance watches as they leave, then puts Franklin's card on a
desk without ever looking at it and turns to stare at
television.

INT. TOWNHOUSE - ATTIC - AFTERNOON

A large attic filled with the Old Man's possessions of the
past. Chance enters, turns on an old black-and-white TV with
a magnifying lens attached to the front. As it plays, he
selects a fine leather suitcase from several, takes a hand
made suit from a long rack.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - AFTERNOON

The TV is on as Chance packs his belongings.

EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON

Chance, very nicely dressed, comes out of the rear building
carrying his suitcase. He stops on occasion to inspect his
garden as he walks toward the townhouse.

INT. TOWNHOUSE - FRONT HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

Chance is reluctant to open the front door. After some
hesitation, he gathers up his courage, opens it and steps
outside, closing the door behind him.

EXT. FRONT OF TOWNHOUSE - AFTERNOON

Chance stops short on the front steps; the townhouse is
situated in a decaying ghetto.
The snow is a dirty grey, houses adjoining have their windows
shattered, are smeared with grafitti. Chance tries to return
to the safety of the townhouse, but the door is locked. He
stands on the steps for a moment, then moves to the trash
laden sidewalk. He stops, ponders which way to go, finally
makes up his mind and moves off to his left.

EXT. GHETTO STREET - AFTERNOON

The buildings are crumbling, rusted out cars line the street.
A group of Black people huddle together in threadbare stuffed
furniture on the sidewalk, a fire burning between them for
warmth. Chance rounds the corner, walks up to them. He stands
by them, smiles. They stare back, no sign of friendship in
their faces. Chance nods politely to them, then walks away
down the sidewalk.

EXT. GHETTO STREET - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON

A group of eight to ten hard-core ghetto youths hang out on a
corner. Other passersby give them a wide berth, they are
unapproachable. Chance nears the group, approaches.

		CHANCE
		(friendly)
	... Excuse me, would you please
	tell me where I could find a garden
	to work in?

They turn to him as one, silent, amazed that this White
trespasser would intrude on their jiving.

		CHANCE (CONT'D)
		(after a beat)
	... There is much to be done during
	the winter, I must start the seeds
	for the spring, I must work the
	soil...

One of the Black youths, LOLO, interrupts Chance.

		LOLO
	What you growin', man?

The leader of the gang, ABBAZ, shuts up Lolo with an elbow
and moves menacingly forward.

		ABBAZ
		(nose to nose with Chance)
	... What you doin' here, boy?

		CHANCE
	I had to leave my garden. I want to
	find another.

		ABBAZ
	Bullshit. Who sent you here, boy?
	Did that chickenshit asshole
	Raphael send you here, boy?

		CHANCE
	No. Thomas Franklin told me that I
	had to leave the Old Man's house,
	he's dead now, you know...

		ABBAZ
	Dead, my ass! Now get this, honkie -
	you go tell Raphael that I ain't
	takin' no jive from no Western
	Union messenger! You tell that
	asshole, if he got somethin' to
	tell me to get his ass here
	himself!
		(edges closer to Chance)
	You got that, boy?

Chance smiles at Abbaz and reaches into his pocket.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I understand.
		(he takes out his remote
		 control TV changer)
	If I see Raphael I will tell him.

Chance points the changer at Abbaz and clicks it three times,
tries to change the picture. Abbaz immediately pulls out a
switchblade, whips the blade open.

		ABBAZ
		(holds knife at Chance)
	Now, move, honkie! Before I cut
	your white ass!

Chance, disappointed that the changer did not work, returns
it to his pocket.

		CHANCE
	Yes. Of course.
		(as he leaves)
	Good day.

Abbaz, Lolo and the gang watch him go, then begin to buzz
with excitement: "Who the fuck died?" "Why'd he pull that
changer on us, man?" "The Old Man died, must be Papa Joe!"
"He's some weird honkie, man."

EXT. CHINATOWN - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON

A Bulletin board affixed to a storefront in Chinatown. Chance
gazes at the notes pinned to it, written in Chinese. Smiling,
he turns from it, walks on through the area.

EXT. PORNO AREA - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON

A street lined with adult book stores, X-rated movies and
strip joints. An elderly Black woman approaches carrying a
bag of groceries. Chance steps in front of the woman, stops
her.

		CHANCE
	I'm very hungry now. Would you
	please bring me my lunch?

The woman looks up to Chance, becomes very frightened. She
turns and half-runs into a sleazy bar for safety. Chance
watches after her for a moment, then continues along.

EXT. PARK - WASHINGTON, D.C. - AFTERNOON

Chance stands looking through a chain-link fence watching
some teenage boys playing basketball. He bangs on the fence,
calls to them.

		CHANCE
	I have seen your game! I have
	watched Elvin Hayes play it many
	times! They call him "Big E!"

The boys ignore him, Chance walks away.

EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON

Chance walks down the center meridian of a divided street. He
seems oblivious to the automobiles passing on either side. In
the background can be seen the Washington Monument.

EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON

Chance seems stumped on which way to go. He looks up one
street, then the other, has no idea where they lead. He
turns, looks behind him and sees a large statue of Benito
Juarez pointing. Chance smiles and goes off in the direction
that Benito points.

EXT. REAR OF THE WHITE HOUSE - DUSK

Tourists are gathered around gaping through the fence at the
White House.
Chance is turned the other way, inspecting the branches of a
dying tree. Chance moves to a POLICEMAN standing nearby.

		CHANCE
	Excuse me...
		(points to tree)
	... That tree is very sick. It
	should be cared for.

The Policeman looks at the tree, then at Chance, figures a
man dressed that well must be important.

		POLICEMAN
	Yes sir. I'll report it right away.

		CHANCE
	Yes. That would be a good thing to
	do. Good day.

		POLICEMAN
	Good day.

The Policeman takes out his walkie-talkie as Chance walks
away.

EXT. BUSINESS DISTRICT - EVENING

A fashionable area. Expensive shops, well-kept streets and
sidewalks. A television store has caught Chance's eye. He
stands by the display window, looks in at a dozen or so color
TVs, all turned on, playing various channels. A video camera
points outward from a corner of the window and is focused on
the sidewalk to allow potential customers to see themselves
live on an Advent TV. Chance is intrigued by his own image.
He poses, lifts one arm, then the other to make sure that it
is really him on television. He moves forward, smiles, then
moves slowly backward, notices himself become smaller on the
screen. He steps back off the curb, frowns as his likeness
disappears from frame on the Advent. Standing between two
parked cars, Chance takes out his remote control, clicks it
at the Advent. Four or five other sets in the window change
channels, but he does not reappear on the giant screen. As he
does this, the car to his,left, a large, American-made
limousine, backs up. The car bumps Chance, pins him against
the car to his right. Chance cries out in pain, drops his
suitcase, his changer, and bangs his hand on the trunk of the
limo. The chauffeur, DAVID, and the liveryman, JEFFREY,
immediately jump from the car, run back to Chance.

		DAVID
	I'm very sorry, sir... I...

David and Jeffrey reach out to help, but Chance is wedged
solidly between the two cars.

		CHANCE
		(in pain)
	... I can't move... My leg...

		DAVID
		(rushes back to limo)
	... My Lord...

		JEFFREY
	This is terrible, sir -  I hope
	you're not badly injured...

		CHANCE
	No. I'm not badly injured. But my
	leg is very sore.

David pulls the car forward, freeing Chance. A few bystanders
begin to gather as Jeffrey helps Chance to the sidewalk.

		JEFFREY
	Can you walk? It's not broken, is
	it?

		CHANCE
		(leans against limo, holds
		 leg)
	It's very sore.

David gets out of the car, comes back.

		DAVID
	Perhaps I should call an ambulance.

A BYSTANDER interrupts.

		BYSTANDER
	Somebody ought to call the police!

		CHANCE
		(looks over, smiles)
	There's no need for police, it's
	just my leg.

During this, the rear door of the limo opens and EVE RAND
steps out. Eve is in her late thirties, has the look of a
traditional New England lady. She watches as Jeffrey tends to
Chance.

		JEFFREY
	I don't think we should call anyone
	just yet, it may not even be all
	that serious.

		CHANCE
		(obviously hurting)
	I agree.

		JEFFREY
	Let's have a look, do you mind?

		CHANCE
	Of course. I would like to look.

Chance bends, raises his trouser leg. A red-bluish swollen
bruise, three inches in diameter, is forming on his calf.

		JEFFREY
	It's starting to swell, is it
	painful?

		CHANCE
	Yes.

Eve moves closer to Chance, looks at the bruise.

		EVE
		(to Chance)
	... Won't you let us do something
	for you? Your leg should be
	examined, we could take you to a
	hospital.

		CHANCE
		(smiles at Eve)
	There's no need for a hospital.

		EVE
	Why, there certainly is. You must
	see a doctor, I insist on it.
	Please, let us take you.

Eve turns to get back into the limo. David goes with her to
hold the door.

		DAVID
	I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Rand, I
	never saw the man.

		EVE
	Oh, I don't think it was anyone's
	fault, David.

		DAVID
	Thank you, ma'am.

Chance is hesitant about getting in the car. Jeffrey offers a
helping hand.

		JEFFREY
	Please, sir.

		CHANCE
	I've never ridden in an automobile.

		JEFFREY
		(a beat)
	I assure you, sir, David is a very
	careful driver. Please, won't you
	let us take you?

		CHANCE
		(looks at the car, then
		 decides)
	... Yes. You can take me.

		JEFFREY
	Very good.

Jeffrey assists Chance into the rear seat of the limo.

		CHANCE
		(as he gets in)
	... My suitcase.

		JEFFREY
	Yes sir. I'll take care of that.

Jeffrey closes the door, goes back to pick up Chance's
suitcase, does not notice the remote control. As Jeffrey puts
Chance's bag into the trunk, we see the personalized license
plate "RAND l."

INT. LIMOUSINE - EVENING

Chance and Eve settle in the back seat. As they talk, David
starts up the limo, Jeffrey joins him in front and the limo
pulls out into traffic.

		EVE
	I hope you're comfortable.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I am.

		EVE
	These can be such trying situations
	everyone seems to make such a to-do
	over a simple little accident. Of
	course, they can be very
	frightening, and I must apologize
	for David, he's never had an
	accident before.

		CHANCE
	Yes. He's a very careful driver.

		EVE
	... Why, yes, he is... Is your leg
	feeling any better?

		CHANCE
	It's feeling better, but it's still
	very sore.

		EVE
	I see.
		(a thought)
	... Say, would you mind seeing our
	family doctor?

		CHANCE
		(doesn't understand)
	Your family doctor?

		EVE
	Yes. My husband has been very ill.
	His doctor and nurses are staying
	with us. Those hospitals can be so
	impersonal - why, it might be hours
	before you are treated...

		CHANCE
	I agree.

		EVE
	Fine, it will save a lot of
	unnecessary fuss and it will be so
	much more pleasant for you...
		(leans forward)
	David, we'll just go on home.
	Jeffrey, would you call and let
	them know?

		JEFFREY
	Yes ma'am.

Eve presses a button, the glass partition closes. As the
window rolls up behind him, Jeffrey dials the limo telephone.

There is a moment of silence. Eve, still a bit on edge from
the accident and feeling a bit uncomfortable with a stranger
in the car, presses another button. The limo's bar moves out,
revealing a row of decanters and glasses.

		EVE
	Would you care for a drink?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Thank you.

As Eve pours cognac into a monogrammed crystal glass, Chance
notices the limo's TV set.

		CHANCE (CONT'D)
	I would like to watch television.

		EVE
		(a bit surprised)
	Oh? Certainly...

She hands Chance the cognac, turns on the TV.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	Oh, by the way - I'm Eve Rand.

		CHANCE
	Hello, Eve.

Chance takes a sip of the cognac, is not accustomed to
alcohol, coughs. There is another moment of silence.

		EVE
	May I ask your name?

		CHANCE
		(with a slight cough)
	My name is Chance.

		EVE
	Pardon me, was that Mr. Chance?

		CHANCE
		(still indistinct)
	No. I'm a gardener.

		EVE
	Oh... Mr. Gardiner... Mr. Chauncey
	Gardiner... You're not related to
	Basil and Perdita Gardiner are you?

		CHANCE
	No, Eve. I'm not related to Basil
	and Perdita.

		EVE
	Oh. Well, they're just a wonderful
	couple, we've been friends for
	years. We visit their island quite
	often.

Chance reaches out to change the channel on the TV, suddenly
realizes he doesn't have his remote control. He starts going
through his pockets, searches for it.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	Did you lose something?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I lost my remote control.

		EVE
	Oh... Well, I'm very sorry...

Another pause, Chance reaches out, changes channels on TV.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	... I'll feel so relieved after Dr.
	Allenby examines your leg. After
	that, David can run you on home, or
	to your office or wherever you'd
	prefer...
		(Chance still watches TV)
	... Is there anything special you
	would like to watch?

		CHANCE
	I like to watch. This is fine.

Chance watches the news. Eve sips on her cognac as David
eases the limo out of the city of Washington.

EXT. HIGHWAY - WOODED AREA - NIGHT

The limo approaches, then turns into the entrance-way of the
Rand Estate. Two guards stand on either side of the open
gate, salute as the car passes through.

EXT. RAND DRIVE - NIGHT

The drive runs alongside a stream, then turns and crosses a
large meadow. The limousine passes, still no sign of the
house. It is a very, very long driveway.

INT. LIMOUSINE - NIGHT

Chance is glued to the TV, switches channels, again watches
the news. Eve takes his fascination with television as a sign
of intelligence.

		EVE
	I can see that it must be very
	important for you to stay informed
	of all the latest events.

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		EVE
	I admire that in a person. As for
	myself, I find there is so much to
	assimilate that it can become quite
	muddling at times...

Chance nods, changes the channel, watches a Mighty Mouse
cartoon. Eve looks at him perplexed, then takes it for a joke
and smiles.

EXT. RAND MANSION - NIGHT

Two uniformed valets, WILSON and PERKINS, await the
limousines by the front door of the Rand mansion. Wilson
stands behind a wheelchair. As the limo parks, Perkins and
Jeffrey assist Chance into the chair. Wilson turns to Eve as
she gets out of the limo.

		WILSON
	Good evening, Mrs. Rand.

		EVE
	Good evening, Wilson.

		WILSON
	I shall take the gentleman to the
	third floor guest suite, ma'am. Dr.
	Allenby is standing by.

		EVE
	Thank you, Wilson. That will be
	fine.

Perkins and Jeffrey carry Chance in the chair up the steps
and into the house. Eve and Wilson follow.

INT. RAND MANSION - FRONT HALLWAY - NIGHT

Once inside the house, Wilson takes over wheeling Chance. A
lady, GRETA, is waiting to take Eve's coat.

		EVE
	Thank you, Greta.
		(to Wilson)
	I'll be with Mr. Rand if I'm
	needed.

		WILSON
	Yes, ma'am.

		EVE
		(to Chance)
	I'll see you after the doctor has a
	look at your leg, Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
		(looking around mansion)
	Yes, I think he should examine my
	leg.

Eve watches as Wilson wheels Chance around a corner.

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

The doors open, Wilson pushes Chance into the elevator. As
Wilson pushes a button and the doors close on them, a strange
look comes over Chance's face.

		CHANCE
		(looks to Wilson)
	... I've never been in one of
	these.

Wilson thinks that Chance is talking about the wheelchair.

		WILSON
	It's one of Mr. Rand's. Since he's
	been ill...

Chance looks around the elevator.

		CHANCE
	Does it have a television?

		WILSON
		(laughs)
	No - but Mr. Rand does have one
	with an electric motor, that way he
	can get around by himself.

		CHANCE
	I see.

Chance again checks out the elevator.

		CHANCE (CONT'D)
	How long do we stay in here?

		WILSON
	How long? I don't know, see what
	the doctor says ...

The elevator stops on the third floor.

INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - NIGHT

A hallway adjoining a large, glass-enclosed room. Eve passes
through the hall, enters the room.

INT. BENJAMIN RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Eve enters into a hermetically sealed area, set up with all
the latest hospital emergency gear; oxygen, EKG machine, X
ray machine, transfusion equipment, sterilizers, etc.
BENJAMIN RAND, wearing a silk bathrobe, lies in a king-sized
bed in the center of the room. A nurse, CONSTANCE, is
attending to her duties in the room, looks up as Eve comes
in.

		CONSTANCE
	Good evening, Mrs. Rand.

EVE

Good evening, Constance.

Ben Rand perks up as he sees Eve crossing to him. He is in
his sixties, maintains an inner strength and dignity despite
the sapping effects of his illness.

		RAND
	(with weakness)
	... Eve...

Eve kisses him, holds his hand.

		EVE
	Oh, Ben - I miss you so when I'm
	out... How are you feeling?

		RAND
	Tired... And I'm getting tired of
	being so tired. Other than that,
	I'm doing very well.

		EVE
	No headaches?

		RAND
	No, it's been a good day - better
	than yours, from what I've been
	told.

		EVE
		(holds his hand against
		 her cheek)
	You heard?

		RAND
	I may be a shut-in, but I do not
	lack for news. I'm sorry you had to
	go through all that.

		EVE
	Oh, it wasn't all that bad,
	darling. We were fortunate that Mr.
	Gardiner turned out to be so
	reasonable.

		RAND
	Reasonable? Good, I'd like to meet
	a reasonable man. Why don't you ask
	this Gardiner to join us for
	dinner?

		EVE
		(sits on the side of the
		 bed)
	Do you feel well enough for that?

		RAND
		(smiles)
	Hah!... Tell me the truth, Eve - if
	I wait until I feel better, will I
	ever meet the man?

There is silence from Eve. Rand squeezes her hand, turns to
Constance.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	Constance! I want new blood
	tonight, I'm getting up for dinner.

		CONSTANCE
	But, Mr. Rand...

		RAND
	Don't argue, tell Robert I want new
	blood!
		(turns to Eve)
	... Ask him to dinner.

Rand pulls Eve's hand close, kisses it.

INT. EAST WING GUEST SUITE - NIGHT

An enormous bedroom, filled with 18th Century antique
furniture. DR. ROBERT ALLENBY dabs Chance's ass with a piece
of cotton soaked in alcohol, prior to an injection. Chance
stands with his pants to the floor, looks to the television
which is not turned on.

		ALLENBY
	The injection will ease the pain
	and swelling, Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
	I understand. I've seen it done
	before.

		ALLENBY
	Now, you'll barely feel this. It
	won't hurt at all.

Allenby administers the injection, Chance reacts from the
pain.

		CHANCE
	You were wrong, it did hurt.

		ALLENBY
		(a chuckle)
	But not for long...

As Allenby puts a band-aid on Chance's ass, Chance spots a
remote control for the TV on the bedside table. He reaches
out, picks it up.

		ALLENBY (CONT'D)
	It's good that there was no
	apparent damage to the bone.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I think so, too.

		ALLENBY
	However, with injuries such as
	this, I have run into minor
	hemorrhaging, which really isn't
	too serious at the time, but can
	cause secondary problems if not
	looked after.

		CHANCE
	I see.

Chance turns on the TV.

		ALLENBY
		(a look to the TV, then to
		 Chance)
	You can pull your trousers up, now.

		CHANCE
	Oh, fine.

		ALLENBY
		(as Chance pulls up pants)
	Just to take the proper
	precautions, Mr. Gardiner, I'd
	recommend we take you downstairs
	and X-ray your leg.
		(no reaction from Chance,
		 Allenby takes a long look
		 at him)
	... By the way, Mr. Gardiner, I
	would like to ask you something
	straight out.

		CHANCE
		(doesn't understand)
	... Straight out?

		ALLENBY
	Yes. Are you planning on making any
	sort of claim against the Rand's?

		CHANCE
		(after a beat)
	Claim...? ... Oh, claim, that's
	what Thomas asked me.

		ALLENBY
	Thomas? Who's Thomas?

		CHANCE
	Thomas Franklin, an attorney.

		ALLENBY
	An attorney?

		CHANCE
		(turns back to TV)
	Yes.

		ALLENBY
		(suddenly very cold)
	Then you wish to handle this matter
	through your attorneys?

		CHANCE
	There's no need for a claim, the
	garden is a healthy one.

		ALLENBY
		(gives Chance a look)
	Oh, I see...
		(warms up)
	... Well, then... You're a very
	funny man, Mr. Gardiner. You caught
	me off guard, I must admit...

		CHANCE
		(changes channels, sits on
		 bed)
	Thank you.

		ALLENBY
	Good, keep your weight off that
	leg, Mr. Gardiner. In fact, it
	would be best if you could stay
	here for a day or two, if that
	would be would be possible. Since
	Benjamin became ill we have our own
	hospital downstairs. I can promise
	you the finest in care, unless, of
	course, you would prefer to go
	elsewhere.

		CHANCE
	Yes, I could stay here. Thank you.

		ALLENBY
	Fine. Would you like me to speak to
	your personal physician?

		CHANCE
	No.

Allenby waits for Chance to say more, he does not. Finally,
Allenby picks up his bag, heads for the door.

		ALLENBY
		(stops by door)
	I'll send Wilson up to take you for
	X-rays, Mr. Gardiner. Feel free to
	use the telephone, and please let
	me know if you have any discomfort.

		CHANCE
		(clicking changer)
	Yes, I will.

Allenby gives him a look, then leaves. Chance watches an old
movie of a man lighting a cigar. The man enjoys the cigar,
blows out smoke. The scene seems to 'sink into' Chance's
mind.

EXT. MANSION - PATIO - NIGHT

Eve sits next to a roaring patio fireplace with a steaming
cup of tea. Allenby comes outside, joins her.

		ALLENBY
	Good God, Eve - you'll freeze out
	here.

		EVE
	I wanted some fresh air, Robert.
	How is Mr. Gardiner?

		ALLENBY
	A rather large contusion, but I
	don't feel there is any serious
	damage. I'd like to keep an eye on
	him, though - I suggested that he
	stay here for a couple of days.

		EVE
	Stay here? Is that necessary?

		ALLENBY
	Not necessary, but preferable. I
	don't think he'll be a bother, he
	seems like a most refreshing sort
	of man.

		EVE
	Yes, he is different... Not the
	kind of person one usually meets in
	Washington.

		ALLENBY
	How true. Mr. Gardiner may be a
	welcome change of pace.

		EVE
	He's very intense, and internal,
	don't you think?

		ALLENBY
	At times, yes. But that's not an
	uncommon reaction to such an
	accident. Actually, I found him to
	have quite a sense of humor.

		EVE
	Good. It might be pleasant for a
	couple of days.
		(Eve puts down her tea)
	... Robert... Is there any
	improvement...?

		ALLENBY
	No, Eve... I'm sorry.

Eve is silent for a moment, looks out to the darkness.

		EVE
	... Sometimes when I see Ben I
	could swear that he's getting
	stronger... Something that he might
	say, the way he moves, or a look in
	his eyes - makes me feel that this
	is all a nightmare and that he'll
	be better soon... It's just so hard
	to believe what's really
	happening...

Allenby reaches out, holds Eve's hand.

INT. RAND MANSION - FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT

The elevator door opens, Wilson guides Chance in the
wheelchair into the hallway.

		CHANCE
		(looks back to elevator)
	... That is a very small room.

		WILSON
		(laughs)
	Yes sir, I guess that's true
	smallest room in the house.

		CHANCE
		(glancing around)
	Yes. It seems to be.

Wilson takes this as another joke, chuckles as he wheels
Chance toward Rand's hospital room.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

CONSTANCE and another nurse, TERESA, stand by as Rand is
being given a transfusion. Rand lifts his head as Wilson
wheels Chance into the room.

		RAND
	Welcome to Rand Memorial Hospital,
	Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
		(looks around room)
	... I see.

Wilson pushes Chance to the X-Ray machine, where the
technician, BILLINGS, a Black man, waits. As Wilson and
Billings help Chance onto the X-Ray table, Chance's face
brightens up.

		CHANCE (CONT'D)
	I feel very good in here.

		RAND
	Sure you do. This ward is air
	tight, I have a little extra oxygen
	pumped in, keeps my spirits up.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I like that very much.

		BILLINGS
		(lining up Chance's leg)
	This won't take long, Mr. Gardiner.
	Please hold still when I ask.

Chance stares at Billings, reacts to him being Black.

		CHANCE
		(to Billings)
	Do you know Raphael?

		BILLINGS
	No sir, I don't believe I do.

		CHANCE
	Oh. I have a message for him.

		BILLINGS
	Yes, sir.

		CHANCE
	A Black man gave me the message.

		BILLINGS
	Well, I still don't believe I know
	the man, Mr. Gardiner. Now, hold
	still.

Rand looks over as Billings takes the X-Ray.

		RAND
	Aplastic anemia, Mr. Gardiner -
	aplastic anemia.

Chance smiles to Rand.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	Failure of the bone marrow to
	produce red blood cells... Not a
	damn thing they can do about it.
	Oh, they can make me comfortable,
	prolong my life with steroid
	therapy and transfusions... And
	what makes my blood boil, what
	little I have left, that is, Mr.
	Gardiner - is that it's generally a
	young person's disease... Here I
	am, getting on in years and about
	to die of a young person's
	disease...

		CHANCE
		(still smiles at Rand)
	Yes. You look very sick.

		BILLINGS
	Hold still, please, Mr. Gardiner.

		RAND
		(a laugh)
	I am very sick, and, as you can see
	by all this paraphernalia, I am
	very wealthy. I think I would
	rather be wealthy and sick than
	poor and sick.

		CHANCE
		(looks around the room)
	I understand. I've never seen
	anything like this on television.

		BILLINGS
	Please, hold still, Mr. Gardiner.

		CONSTANCE
	You too, Mr. Rand, you must stay
	quiet.

Rand lays his head back.

		RAND
	... We're prisoners, Mr. Gardiner -
	we're prisoners of tubes and
	technology.

		CHANCE
	I agree.

		RAND
		(flat on his back)
	... You will join us for dinner,
	won't you, Mr. Gardiner?

		CHANCE
		(also flat on his back)
	Yes. I am very hungry.

		RAND
	... So am I, my boy - so am I.

INT. RAND DINING ROOM - NIGHT

THURMAND, a waiter, and MARIANNE, a waitress, enter into the
Rand dining room carrying trays of food. The dining room is
immense, a 70-foot ceiling, huge fireplace. Allenby, Eve,
Rand, and Chance (both in wheelchairs) sit around the table.
Rand speaks slowly, with obvious weakness.

		RAND
	I know exactly what you mean. Today
	the businessman is at the mercy of
	kid-lawyers from the SEC. All they
	want to do is regulate our natural
	growth! It's happening across the
	country!

		ALLENBY
	To everyone, I'm afraid. The
	Government controls are so
	restricting that the Medical
	Profession, as we know it, is being
	legislated out of existence.

		RAND
	Of course! By kid-lawyers!

Eve turns to Chance.

		EVE
	Won't your injury prevent you from
	attending to business, Mr.
	Gardiner?

		CHANCE
	No. It won't do that.

		EVE
	... Would you like us to notify
	anyone for you?

		CHANCE
	No. The Old Man died and Louise
	left.

There is a moment of silence.

		EVE
	Oh. I'm very sorry. Well, if you
	have any need for any of our
	facilities, please do not hesitate
	to ask.

		RAND
	Do you need a secretary?

		CHANCE
	No, thank you. My house has been
	closed.

		RAND
	Oh. When you say 'Your house has
	been closed', you mean to say that
	your business was shut down?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Shut down and locked by the
	attorneys.

		RAND
	What'd I tell you? Kid-lawyers! The
	S.E.C.! Damn them!

		EVE
	I hope that staying here won't be
	an inconvenience for you.

		CHANCE
	No. I like it here.

		RAND
	That's good, Mr. Gardiner. Or may I
	call you Chauncey?

		CHANCE
		(agreeable to being called
		 Chauncey)
	Yes. Chauncey is fine.

		RAND
	And I'm Ben.

		ALLENBY
		(smiles to Chance)
	... And please call me Robert.

		CHANCE
	Yes, Robert. I will.

		RAND
	So tell me, Chauncey, what are your
	plans now?

Chance looks around the room.

		CHANCE
	Does this house have a garden?

Allenby gives Chance a look.

		RAND
	Do we have a garden? Hah! Tomorrow,
	Chauncey, you will see our gardens.

		CHANCE
	I see. I would like to work in your
	garden.

		EVE
		(laughs)
	Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I
	sometimes enjoy puttering around
	myself, such a pleasant way to
	forget one's troubles.

		CHANCE
	I am a very good gardener.

		RAND
	A gardener! Well put, Chauncey
	excellent! Isn't that what a
	businessman is? A gardener? A
	person that makes flinty soil
	productive with the labor of his
	own hands, who waters it with the
	sweat from his own brow, and who
	creates a place of value for his
	family and community? Yes,
	Chauncey, what a brilliant metaphor
	-- yes, indeed, a productive
	businessman is a laborer in his own
	vineyard.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Ben. The garden that I
	left was such a place. Everything
	which grew there was with the labor
	of my own hands. I planted seeds
	and watered them and watched
	everything grow.

		RAND
		(weakly)
	Bravo!

		CHANCE
	But I don't have that any more...
		(points to ceiling)
	... All that's left for me now is
	the room upstairs.

		RAND
	Now, wait a minute, Chauncey you
	are young, you are healthy, for
	God's sake don't give up on
	yourself! You have to fight! You
	can't let those bastards keep you
	down! I don't want to hear any more
	from you about the 'Room Upstairs'.
	That's where I'm going soon.

There is a long pause. Chance looks up, then smiles at Rand.

		CHANCE
	It's a very pleasant room, Ben.

		RAND
		(laughs)
	Yes, I'm sure it is. That's what
	they say, anyway.

Another period of silence. The servants bustle around the
room as Allenby studies Chance.

INT. RAND'S POOL ROOM - NIGHT

Allenby opens the door. Rand enters in his electric
wheelchair followed by Chance being pushed by Wilson.

		RAND
	... I don't know what you've heard
	about me, Chauncey, but I'm sure
	you know everything there is to
	know. Cigar?

Rand holds out humidor to Chance.

		CHANCE
	Yes, thank you.
		(takes cigar)
	No Ben. I don't know everything
	about you.

Rand smiles as he takes a cigar for himself.

		RAND
	... No, of course you don't. Excuse
	me for being so presumptuous. No
	man knows everything about another
	man - however, very few are honest
	enough to admit it.

		ALLENBY
	That is so true. You're different,
	Chauncey... Quite different than
	most men.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Robert.

Rand lights his own cigar, then hands an ornate lighter to
Chance.

		RAND
		(picks up pool cue, weakly
		 strokes the balls)
	... You know, Chauncey, there are
	thousands of American businessmen,
	large and small, that share your
	plight. I've been concerned with
	the situation for some time now.

Chance, not knowing to bite off the tip, tries to light the
cigar like the man on TV. It will not light.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	So I've been thinking about
	beginning a financial assistance
	program, Chauncey, to help out
	American businessmen that have been
	harassed by inflation, excessive
	taxation, unions and other
	indecencies...

Allenby watches Chance trying to light the cigar as Rand
speaks on, shooting pool as he talks.

		RAND
	... I'd like to offer the decent
	'Gardeners' of the business
	community a helping hand. After
	all, they are our strongest defense
	against the pollutants who so
	threaten our basic freedoms and the
	well-being of our middle class.
	Tell me, would you have any
	thoughts on such a program?

Chance puts the unlit cigar in the ashtray, smiles at
Allenby, then answers Rand.

		CHANCE
	No, Ben.

		RAND
		(a smile)
	Reluctant to speak, eh, Chauncey?
	Well, I can understand that. When a
	man loses everything, anger has a
	tendency to block out reason for a
	time. Just give it some thought,
	work with the idea, I'm sure you'll
	have plenty to say in a few days.

		CHANCE
	I could give it some thought, Ben,
	but my leg is very sore.

		RAND
	... Oh?
		(looks to Allenby)
	Robert, take a look, would you?

		ALLENBY
	Some pain is to be expected...
		(bends to Chance, looks at
		 leg)
	... And I think what would be best
	for the two of you is a good
	night's rest.
		(checks watch)
	... It's late, I'm afraid it's time
	for my patients to prepare for bed.

		RAND
		(puts down pool cue)
	We have common foes, Chauncey - kid
	lawyers and our physician!

		CHANCE
	I agree.

Allenby laughs as he takes Rand's cigar from him, snuffs it
in the ashtray.

INT. MANSION - ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Wilson stands behind Chance in the wheelchair. Chance glances
slowly and inquisitively around the elevator. When his eyes
meet Wilson's, the valet breaks out in laughter.

		WILSON
		(laughing, trying to
		 apologize)
	... Sorry, sir - I just couldn't
	contain myself... I knew you were
	going to come out with another one
	of your jests about the elevator...
	Excuse me, sir...

The elevator stops, the door opens.

INT. MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT

Wilson wheels Chance out of the elevator.

		CHANCE
		(looks back as the door
		 closes)
	... Hmmm... Elevator.

		WILSON
		(laughs again)
	... Yes sir - elevator!

Wilson stops laughing, becomes the stone-faced servant once
again as he notices Eve coming out of her bedroom. Wilson
stops wheeling Chance, stands stiffly at attention as Eve and
Chance talk.

		EVE
	Chauncey, I wanted to tell you how
	dreadful I feel about the accident
	today, but that I'm delighted that
	you are staying with us.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Eve - I like this house
	very much.

		EVE
	... And Ben is just mad about you -
	you've lifted his spirits so - it's
	just... Well, it's just a real
	pleasure having you with us.

		CHANCE
	Ben is very ill, Eve - I've seen
	that before.

		EVE
	Yes... I know, Chauncey.

		CHANCE
	I like Ben very much... He reminds
	me of the Old Man...

		EVE
	He does...?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Are you going to leave and
	close the house when he dies?

Eve is not prepared for such a question.

		EVE
	... Why... No, I don't think so...

		CHANCE
	That's good.

Chance smiles at Eve and there is a moment of silence before
Eve steps back into her bedroom.

		EVE
	... Good night, Chauncey.

		CHANCE
	Good night, Eve.

Eve closes the door. Wilson wheels Chance down the hallway
toward the guest room.

EXT. FRONT OF RAND MANSION - MORNING

Eve comes out of the house, Jeffrey holds the door for her as
she gets into "RAND l." Jeffrey gets in and the limo pulls
away. Chance comes out of the front door, walking with a
limp. His first view of the Rand grounds in the daylight, he
is taken by the extent of the greenery. An attendant, LEWIS,
hurries to Chance.

		LEWIS
	Did you want a car, sir?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I would like a car.

		LEWIS
	Yes, sir.

Lewis goes to his post, picks up a phone. As Chance looks at
the surroundings, Allenby and Wilson, with Chance's
wheelchair, come out of the house.

		ALLENBY
		(frowns as he sees Chance
		 walking)
	Chauncey, there you are. What are
	you doing on that leg?

		CHANCE
	It's fine today, Robert.

		ALLENBY
	Shame on you, Chauncey - you should
	let me be the judge of that.
		(motions to Wilson)
	Please, sit in the chair.

Wilson pushes the wheelchair to Chance, he sits.

		ALLENBY (CONT'D)
		(checks leg)
	I swear, Chauncey, between you and
	Benjamin, I've got my hands full...
		(looks at calf)
	... Say, that is coming along, the
	swelling has gone down
	considerably...
		(pokes a spot)
	... Any pain here?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Robert. But it's not bad.

A limousine pulls up to the front of the mansion, waits for
Chance.

		ALLENBY
		(continues examining)
	... Benjamin has been hounding me
	to allow him to address the annual
	meeting of his Financial Institute
	today, but obviously, the strain
	would be impossible... How about
	here, Chauncey, any soreness?

		CHANCE
	Hardly any, Robert.

Lewis, the attendant, interrupts.

		LEWIS
	Your limousine, sir.

		CHANCE
	Oh, thank you.

		ALLENBY
		(reacting to limo)
	... Were you going somewhere?

		CHANCE
	No, Robert.

		ALLENBY
		(a beat)
	... Oh.
		(checks leg)
	... My God, I only wish that
	Benjamin had your recuperative
	powers... Anyway, the President
	offered to sit in for Ben at the
	meeting, quite a nice gesture, I
	felt. He's due here soon, I
	believe.

		CHANCE
	Yes, Robert. I know about the
	President.

		ALLENBY
		(mildly surprised)
	... Oh? You've heard?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Ben called me. He wants me to
	meet the President.

		ALLENBY
		(stands)
	He does, does he?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Ben told me to be in his room
	at ten o'clock.

		ALLENBY
	Why, that's terrific, Chauncey.

		CHANCE
	How do I know when it's ten
	o'clock?

A long look from Allenby, then he looks at his watch.

		ALLENBY
	... It's five of, you'd best get on
	in there.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Robert.

Wilson begins to push Chance.

		CHANCE (CONT'D)
	I would like to walk today.

		ALLENBY
	Hell yes - walk. You're meeting the
	President, aren't you?

		CHANCE
		(gets out of chair)
	Oh, really?

Allenby, a bit puzzled, watches as Chance goes into the
house.

INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - MORNING

Chance limps aimlessly through a hallway. He stops, admires a
large tapestry on the wall. A servant, SMYTHE, notices Chance
appears confused, approaches him.

		SMYTHE
	May I help you, Mr. Gardiner?

		CHANCE
		(with a smile)
	Yes. I would like to go to Rand
	Memorial Hospital.

		SMYTHE
		(a pause)
	... Sir?

		CHANCE
	Yes.

There is another long pause.

		SMYTHE
	... Did you wish to see someone,
	sir?

		CHANCE
	Yes, I would like to see Ben.

		SMYTHE
	Oh, Mr. Rand, of course. Right this
	way, sir.

Chance follows Smythe down the hall.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING

Rand is in an easy chair, dressed for his meeting with the
President. The two nurses are working at the disinfecting
table. Rand smiles as Chance is shown into the room by
Smythe.

		RAND
	Chauncey, up and around this
	morning, are you?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Ben. My leg is not very sore.

		RAND
	Well, that's good news, my boy.

		CHANCE
	You're looking much better today,
	Ben.

		RAND
	Hah! It's all make-up, Chauncey...
	I asked nurse Teresa to fix me up,
	I didn't want the President to
	think I was going to die during our
	talk.

		CHANCE
	I understand.

		RAND
	No one likes a dying man, my boy -
	because few know what death is. All
	we know is the terror of it. But
	you're an exception, Chauncey -
	that's what I admire in you, your
	marvelous balance. You don't
	stagger back and forth between fear
	and hope - you're a truly peaceful
	man.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Ben.
		(looks at Rand closely)
	... The nurse did a very good job,
	Ben.

The nurses turn, look at Chance.

EXT. FRONT RAND MANSION - MORNING

Wilson is at the head of eight servants lined up on the front
steps. Two black PLYMOUTH SEDANS pull up and park. EIGHT MEN
in grey business suits get out. One of them, WOLTZ, goes
directly to Wilson.

		WOLTZ
	Good morning, Mr. Wilson.

		WILSON
	Good morning, Mr. Woltz, nice to
	see you again.

		WOLTZ
	Thank you. How have you been?

		WILSON
	Fine, thank you.
		(hands Woltz paper)
	We have an additional guest with us
	today, Mr. Chauncey Gardiner.

		WOLTZ
		(reads list)
	I see...
		(turns to other men)
	Okay, let's go to work.

The eight servants pair up with the eight men in suits and go
into the house.

INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - MORNING

Allenby gets off the elevator, stands and thinks for a
moment, then heads off down the hallway in the direction of
Chance's room.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING

Chance watches television as Rand speaks.

		RAND
	Yes, when I was younger I had
	thoughts about public office... But
	I found, Chauncey - that I was able
	to contribute more as a private
	citizen... of course, my wealth
	provided me with considerable
	influence, but I've tried, believe
	me, not to misuse that power...
	It's extremely important, Chauncey,
	when one is in a position of
	eminence, that he does not allow
	himself to become blinded to the
	needs of the country... The
	temptations are strong, and I've
	been labeled a 'kingmaker' by many,
	but I have tried to stay open to
	voices of the people... I have
	tried to remain honest to myself...

		CHANCE
		(changing channels)
	I see, Ben.

		RAND
	... Maybe one day you shall find
	yourself in a similar position,
	Chauncey... Maybe one day...

EXT. FRONT RAND MANSION - MORNING

Two black limousines followed by a station wagon with small
holes in the side pull up in front of the mansion. As men
from the first limousine and the station wagon jump out and
take positions around the driveway, Lewis hurries to his
post, picks up his phone.

INT. RAND MANSION - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - MORNING

The nerve center of the Rand Enterprises since he has become
ill. Four or five desks, all the latest electronic office
equipment, three TV's with video taping facilities, countless
telephones. MRS. AUBREY, Rand's senior secretary, is at her
desk, answers her phone.

		MRS. AUBREY
		(into phone)
	Yes... Oh, very good, Lewis, thank
	you.

Mrs. Aubrey hangs up, picks up another phone, pushes a
button.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING

Rand smiles at Chance as the phone rings.

		RAND
	He's here.
		(into phone)
	Yes, Mrs. Aubrey?
		(listens)
	Fine. Show the President to the
	library, we'll be along in a few
	minutes.

Rand hangs up the phone, turns to Chance with a twinkle in
his eyes.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	It's an old habit that goes along
	with power -- keep them waiting...

Teresa brings Rand's wheelchair to him.

		RAND (CONT'D)
		(stands, very weak)
	Not now, Teresa. I'm seeing the
	President on my own two feet.

		TERESA
	But, Mr. Rand...

		RAND
		(puts an arm around Chance
		 for support)
	Shall we go, Chauncey?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Ben. That's a good idea.

Rand walks slowly, clings to the limping Chance tightly as
they leave the room.

EXT. HALLWAY - MORNING

Secret Service Men are seen in the background as Rand stops
outside Mrs. Aubrey's office, leans in.

		RAND
	Mrs. Aubrey, have you received the
	papers on the Caracas agreement?

		MRS. AUBREY
	Yes, sir. They're ready for you to
	sign.

		RAND
	Excellent.
		(turns to Chance)
	A good woman, Mrs. Aubrey.

		CHANCE
		(seeing her for first
		 time)
	I agree, Ben.

They shuffle off down the hallway. Chance smiles at the
Secret Service men that they pass.

INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY BY LIBRARY - MORNING

Woltz and Wilson wait by the library door. Woltz takes a
small metal detector from his pocket as Rand and Chance
approach.

		WOLTZ
	Good morning, Mr. Rand.

		RAND
	Woltz, how have you been?

		WOLTZ
		(passes detector over
		 Rand's body)
	Just fine, thank you, sir.
		(turns to Chance)
	And you must be Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		WOLTZ
		(passes detector over
		 Chance)
	Just a formality, Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
		(as he finishes)
	Thank you very much.

Wilson knocks lightly, then opens the library door, Rand and
Chance enter.

INT. RAND LIBRARY - MORNING

Rand and Chance come into the Library and the President goes
to Rand with both hands outstretched.

		PRESIDENT
	Ben!

		RAND
		(very weak)
	... Mr. President, how good to see
	you.

		PRESIDENT
	It's so good to see you too, Ben,
	you look terrific!

		RAND
		(barely able to stand)
	I'm not convinced of that, Mr.
	President, but your visit has
	raised my spirits...

		PRESIDENT
	Well, I'm delighted to be here, my
	friend. I've missed you.
		(guides Rand to chair)
	Here, sit down, get off your feet.

As Rand sinks into the chair, Chance approaches the President
with both hands outstretched.

		CHANCE
	Good morning, Mr. President.

		PRESIDENT
		(smiling)
	... Hello.

Chance and the President exchange a two-handed handshake.
Rand, still weak from standing, catches his breath and
introduces Chance.

		RAND
	Mr. President, I'd like you to meet
	my dear friend, Mr. Chauncey
	Gardiner.

		PRESIDENT
	Mr. Gardiner, my pleasure.

		CHANCE
	You look much taller on television,
	Mr. President.

		PRESIDENT
		(a beat)
	... Oh, really...

		RAND
		(smiling)
	You will find that my house guest
	does not bandy words, Mr.
	President.

The President gives Chance a look, then laughs.

		PRESIDENT
	Well, Mr. Gardiner, that's just
	fine with me - I'm a man that
	appreciates a frank discussion...
	Be seated, please, Mr. Gardiner...

		CHANCE
		(sitting)
	Yes, I will.

		PRESIDENT
		(also sits)
	Now, Ben, did you happen to get a
	chance to...

Chance perks up at the mention of his name, interrupts.

		CHANCE
	Yes?

There is a beat as the President looks at Chance quizzically,
then he continues.

		PRESIDENT
	I just wondered if you had gone
	over my speech, Ben.

		RAND
	Yes, I did.

		PRESIDENT
	... Well?

		RAND
	Overall - pretty good. But, Mr.
	President, I think it's very
	dangerous to resort to temporary
	measures at this stage of the game.

		PRESIDENT
	Well, Ben... I...

		RAND
	I sympathize with your position,
	Mr. President, I know how difficult
	it is to be straightforward, the
	reaction to such a speech could be
	chaos.

		PRESIDENT
	That's too big a risk, I can't take
	the chance.

		CHANCE
		(again perks up)
	Yes?

Once again, the President gives Chance a puzzled look.

INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - MORNING

Perkins accompanies Secret Service Agent RIFF as he checks
out the third floor. Riff knocks on each door, looks inside,
then moves in.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - MORNING

Allenby is searching through Chancels clothes looking for
some sort of identification. There is a knock at the door,
Allenby pulls back from the closet as Riff opens the door,
looks inside.

		ALLENBY
	Oh... Hello.

		RIFF
		(entering)
	Good morning. I'm Riff, Secret
	Service.

		ALLENBY
	... Yes. Of course.

Perkins watches curiously as Riff passes the metal detector
over Allenby's clothing.

INT. LIBRARY - MORNING

The President is worried about what Rand is telling him. He
paces, smokes a cigarette. Chance smiles through it all.

		RAND
	... There is no longer any margin
	for inflation, it has gone as far
	as it can, you've reached your
	limits on taxation, dependence on
	foreign energy has reached a
	crisis, and, from where I see it,
	Mr. President, the Free Enterprise
	System has reached the breaking
	point. We are on the brink of
	another crash from which recovery
	might not be possible.

		PRESIDENT
	It's that serious, huh?

		RAND
	I'm afraid so.

The President now looks nearly as bad as Rand. He sits, turns
to Chance.

		PRESIDENT
	Do you agree with Ben, Mr.
	Gardiner? Are we finished? Or do
	you think we can stimulate growth
	through temporary incentives?

		CHANCE
		(a beat)
	As long as the roots are not
	severed, all is well and all will
	be well in the garden.

		PRESIDENT
		(a pause)
	... In the garden?

		CHANCE
	That is correct. In a garden,
	growth has its season. There is
	spring and summer, but there is
	also fall and winter. And then
	spring and summer again...

		PRESIDENT
		(staring at Chance)
	... Spring and summer...
		(confused)
	Yes, I see... Fall and winter.
		(smiles at Chance)
	Yes, indeed...
		(a beat)
	Could you go through that one more
	time, please, Mr. Gardiner?

		RAND
	I think what my most insightful
	friend is saying, Mr. President, is
	that we welcome the inevitable
	seasons of nature, yet we are upset
	by the seasons of our economy.

		CHANCE
	Yes. That is correct.

		PRESIDENT
		(pleased)
	...Well, Mr. Gardiner, I must
	admit, that is one of the most
	refreshing and optimistic
	statements I've heard in a very,
	very long time.

The President puts out his cigarette, rises.

		PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
	... Many of us forget that nature
	and society are one! Yes, though we
	have tried to cut ourselves off
	from nature, we are still a part of
	it! Like nature, our economic
	system remains, in the long run,
	stable and rational. And that is
	why we must not fear to be at its
	mercy!
		(he smiles at Chance, who
		 is absorbed in looking
		 around the room at the
		 books)
	... I envy your good, solid sense,
	Mr. Gardiner - that is precisely
	what we lack on Capitol Hill.
		(glances at watch)
	I must be going.
		(holds out hand to Chance)
	Mr. Gardiner, this visit has been
	enlightening...

Chance rises and shakes the President's hand.

		CHANCE
	Yes. It has.

		PRESIDENT
	... You will honor me and my family
	with a visit, won't you?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I will.

		PRESIDENT
	Wonderful, we'll all look forward
	to seeing you.
		(turns to Rand)
	Is Eve around? I'd like to say
	hello.

		RAND
	No, she flew up to Boston for
	another charity event. She'll be
	sorry to have missed you.

		PRESIDENT
	I'm sorry, too. Well, Nancy wanted
	me to send along her best to the
	two of you - and, Ben, I want to
	thank you for your time and
	thoughts.

		RAND
	Nonsense, Mr. President - I thank
	you for coming to spend time with a
	dying man.

		PRESIDENT
	Now, Ben, I won't have any of that.
	Why don't you listen to your good
	friend Chauncey this is a time to
	think of life!

The President clasps Rand's hand.

		RAND
	You're right, Mr. President I don't
	like feeling sorry for myself.

		PRESIDENT
	Take care of yourself, Ben.

		RAND
	You take care too, Bobby.

		PRESIDENT
		(as he turns to go, a
		 smile to Chance)
	Mr. Gardiner...

The President leaves the library and Chance sits back down.

		RAND
		(as the door closes)
	He's a decent fellow, the
	President, isn't he?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Ben - he is.

		RAND
	He was quite impressed with your
	comments, Chauncey - he hears my
	sort of analysis from everyone, but
	yours, unfortunately - seldom if
	ever at all.

		CHANCE
	I'm glad he came, Ben. It was nice
	talking to the President.

EXT. RAND MANSION - MORNING

An aide, KAUFMAN, waits by the front door of the Rand
mansion. As the President comes out, he speaks quietly to
Kaufman.

		PRESIDENT
	Kaufman, I'm going to need
	information on Mr. Chauncey
	Gardiner's background.

		KAUFMAN
		(makes note of name)
	Gardiner, yes, sir.

		PRESIDENT
	And put it through on a Code Red -
	I want it as soon as possible.

		KAUFMAN
	No problem, Chief.

They head toward the waiting limousines.

INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - MORNING

Rand has an arm around Chance, hangs on for dear life as the
two of them walk through the hall. Behind them, Wilson and
Perkins push empty wheelchairs.

		RAND
		(very weak)
	... You know, Chauncey, there's
	something about you... You're
	direct, you grasp things quickly
	and you state them plainly. You
	don't play games with words to
	protect yourself. I feel I can
	speak to you frankly... You know
	what I was talking to you about
	last night?

		CHANCE
		(blankly)
	No, Ben.

		RAND
	Oh, sure you do, the financial
	assistance program. I think you
	might be just the man to take
	charge of such an undertaking. I'd
	like you to meet with the members
	of the Board, we'll be able to
	discuss the matter at greater
	length at that time.

		CHANCE
	I understand.

		RAND
		(stops outside his door)
	And, please, Chauncey - don't rush
	your decision. I know you're not a
	man to act on the spur of the
	moment.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Ben.

		RAND
	And now, Chauncey, I'm afraid you
	must excuse me - I'm very tired all
	of a sudden.

Wilson and Perkins leave the wheelchairs, assist Rand into
his hospital room.

		CHANCE
		(as they go in)
	I'm sorry that you are so sick,
	Ben.

The door closes, Chance limps off down the hall.

EXT. RAND MANSION - GARDEN - DAY

Chance, with a limp, walks down a pathway in the garden,
admires the greenery. In the background, coming from the
house, we see Eve.

		EVE
		(approaches Chance, calls)
	Chauncey!

		CHANCE
		(stops, turns)
	Hello, Eve.

		EVE
	Your leg must be getting better.

		CHANCE
	Yes. It's feeling much better now.

		EVE
	Good. I'm glad to hear that.
		(they walk together)
	... How did you like meeting the
	President?

		CHANCE
	Fine. He's very nice.

		EVE
	Yes, he is. I'm sorry I didn't get
	to see him.

They walk along in silence for a moment. Chance sees a huge
greenhouse not far from them, heads toward it. Eve turns to
him, hesitates, then questions.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	... Chauncey... Last night you
	mentioned an old man, that died.

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		EVE
	Was he a relative? Or an intimate
	friend?

		CHANCE
		(looking at greenhouse)
	He was a very wealthy man, he
	looked after me since I was young.

		EVE
	Oh, I see... Your mentor, perhaps?

		CHANCE
		(quizzically)
	... Mentor...?

Eve takes his uncertainty as a reluctance to discuss the Old
Man.

		EVE
	Forgive me, Chauncey - I didn't
	mean to pry. You must have been
	very close to him.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I was.

		EVE
	I'm sorry...
		(getting more to the
		 point)
	... And what about Louise? YOU
	mentioned that she had gone, were
	you close to her also?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I liked Louise very much. She
	was his maid.

		EVE
		(relieved)
	Oh, his maid!... Stupid me, I
	thought perhaps she was someone
	that you may have been romantically
	involved with.

		CHANCE
	Oh, no. She brought me my meals.

		EVE
		(pleased)
	Of course.

Eve edges slightly closer to Chance. Chance edges slightly
closer to the greenhouse, is fascinated by it.

		CHANCE
	What is that?

		EVE
	Our greenhouse.

		CHANCE
		(pleased)
	Oh, I like that very much.

		EVE
	Yes, so do we.

Chance peeks through one of the windows.

INT. RAND'S BEDROOM - DAY

Rand is in bed. Eve, Chance and Allenby are seated around
him, the two nurses standing to one side. They all watch the
President's address to the Financial Institute on TV. Chance
inhales deeply, enjoys the oxygen in the room. Rand is
looking weaker. Every so often, Allenby casts a concerned
glance his way.

		PRESIDENT'S VOICE
	... And there are so many of you
	that have proclaimed that we are on
	the brink of the worst financial
	crisis in this nation's history.
	And there are so many of you
	demanding that we put into effect
	drastic measures to alter its
	course. Well, let me tell you,
	gentlemen, I have been conducting
	multiple-level consultations with
	members of the Cabinet, House and
	Senate. I have conducted meetings
	with prominent business leaders
	throughout the country. And this
	very morning I had an in-depth
	discussion with your founder and
	Chairman-Of-The-Board, Mr. Benjamin
	Turnbull Rand and his close friend
	and advisor Mr. Chauncey
	Gardiner...

Rand perks up a bit at this mention. Allenby manages a smile,
once again looks at Rand, checking his condition. Eve looks
proudly at Chance, who continues to enjoy the oxygen.

		PRESIDENT'S VOICE (CONT'D)
	... Well, gentlemen, I found this
	to be a most rewarding
	conference... To quote Mr.
	Gardiner, a most intuitive man, 'As
	long as the roots of industry
	remain firmly planted in the
	national soil, the economic
	prospects are undoubtedly sunny.'

Rand starts coughing, breathing heavily. Allenby and the
nurses rush to his bedside. Allenby shoots a quick look to
Eve and Chance.

		ALLENBY
		(motioning toward door)
	Excuse us, please.

Eve and Chance leave the room as Allenby administers aid to
Rand.

		PRESIDENT'S VOICE
	Gentlemen, let us not fear the
	inevitable chill and storms of
	autumn and winter, instead, let us
	anticipate the rapid growth of
	springtime, let us await the
	rewards of summer. As in a garden
	of the earth, let us learn to
	accept and appreciate the times
	when the trees are bare as well as
	the times when we pick the fruit.

EXT. RAND MANSION - PATIO - DAY

Eve and Chance sit in silence on the patio. Eve's eyes are
swollen, red, she has been crying. She turns to Chance,
reaches out, touches his hand.

		EVE
		(hesitates)
	... I'm...
		(pause)
	... I'm very grateful that you're
	here, Chauncey...
		(pause)
	... With us ...

		CHANCE
	So am I, Eve.

Allenby comes out the door, his mood is serious,
professional. Eve turns quickly, awaits his news.

		ALLENBY
		(sits alongside Eve)
	... Eve - this has been an
	exhausting day for Ben...

		EVE
		(anxious)
	... But he's...?

		ALLENBY
	He's resting comfortably now.
	There's no cause for alarm, yet...

Mrs. Aubrey comes out of the house.

		MRS. AUBREY
	Mr. Gardiner, I have a telephone
	call for you. Sidney Courtney, the
	financial editor of the Washington
	Post.

		CHANCE
		(not moving)
	Thank you.

		MRS. AUBREY
	Would you care to take it, sir?

		CHANCE
	Yes.

Chance still does not move. Eve mistakes Chance's not moving
for concern for herself. She puts a hand on his shoulder.

		EVE
	I'll be all right, Chauncey you go
	ahead with Mrs. Aubrey...

		CHANCE
		(rising)
	Yes, Eve. You'll be all right.

Chance follows Mrs. Aubrey into the house. Eve watches him
go, then turns to Allenby.

		EVE
	... He's such a sensitive man, so
	considerate...

INT. RAND MANSION - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - DAY

Mrs. Aubrey leads Chance to a phone at one of the desks. The
three television sets are on, attract Chance's attention.

		CHANCE
		(picks up phone, looks at
		 TVs)
	Hello.

INT. WASHINGTON POST - COURTNEY'S OFFICE - DAY

SID COURTNEY, a Black man in his fifties, wears a rumpled
wool jacket, smokes a pipe.

		COURTNEY
	Hello, Mr. Gardiner. This is Sid
	Courtney, Washington Post.

INTERCUT - MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE / COURTNEY'S OFFICE

		CHANCE
	Hello, Sid.

		COURTNEY
	I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr.
	Gardiner, I know you must be very
	busy.

		CHANCE
		(looking from one TV to
		 the other)
	No. I'm not busy.

		COURTNEY
	Then, I'll be brief. I covered the
	President's speech at the Financial
	Institute today, and since the Post
	would like to be as exact as
	possible, we would appreciate your
	comments on the meeting that took
	place between Mr. Rand, the
	President and yourself.

		CHANCE
	The President is a nice person. I
	enjoyed it very much.

		COURTNEY
	Good, sir. And so, it seems, did
	the President - but we would like
	to have some facts; such as, uh...
	What exactly is the relationship
	between yourself and that of the
	First American Financial
	Corporation?

		CHANCE
	I think you should ask Mr. Rand
	that.

		COURTNEY
	Of course. But since he is ill I'm
	taking the liberty of asking you.

		CHANCE
	Yes, that is correct. I think you
	should ask Mr. Rand that.

Courtney doesn't understand but continues his questioning.

		COURTNEY
	I see. Then one more quick
	question, Mr. Gardiner; since we at
	the Post would like to, uh - update
	our profile on you - what exactly
	is your business?

		CHANCE
	I have nothing more to say.

Chance hangs up the phone, watches the TVs.

Courtney listens to the dial tone, then puts the receiver
down.

		COURTNEY
		(to himself)
	Typical - no wonder he's so close
	to Rand...

INT. RAND MANSION - HALLWAY - DAY

Chance comes out of Mrs. Aubrey's office, notices the service
elevator.

		CHANCE
	Hmmm. Elevator.

He gets in the elevator.

INT. ELEVATOR - DAY

Chance looks at the row of buttons, presses one. He smiles as
he feels the elevator move.

INT. RAND MANSION - BASEMENT - DAY

One of Mrs. Aubrey's secretaries, JENNIFER, waits with an arm
load of paperwork for the elevator. The door opens, Chance
smiles at her as he steps out.

		JENNIFER
		(surprised to see him)
	Why, hello, Mr. Gardiner - are you
	looking for someone?

		CHANCE
	No.

Jennifer gets in the elevator, the doors Close. Chance looks
around the basement, puzzled. He had expected to be on the
third floor.

INT. MRS. AUBREY'S OFFICE - DAY

Mrs. Aubrey is at her desk, buzzing her inter-house phone. As
Jennifer enters, Mrs. Aubrey hangs up in frustration.

		MRS. AUBREY
	I can't find Mr. Gardiner anywhere.

		JENNIFER
	He's in the basement.

		MRS. AUBREY
	What's he doing in the basement?

		JENNIFER
	I don't know, Mrs. Aubrey.

Mrs. Aubrey grabs a notepad, leaves the office.

INT. RAND MANSION - BASEMENT - DAY

Mrs. Aubrey comes out of the service elevator, hurries
through the basement. She checks:
The boiler room.
The electrical room.
The photographer's studio (Eve is sitting for a portrait)
The gym (Allenby is working out)

INT. RAND MANSION - BASEMENT BOWLING ALLEY - DAY

Chance stands in the middle of the two-lane bowling alley,
totally confused. Mrs. Aubrey enters, he smiles at her.

		MRS. AUBREY
	Oh, Mr. Gardiner, I've been looking
	all over.

		CHANCE
	Oh, yes.

		MRS. AUBREY
	Morton Hull, the producer of 'This
	Evening' just called.

		CHANCE
	Yes, I have seen that show on
	television.

		MRS. AUBREY
	Of course. They would like you to
	appear on the show tonight. The
	Vice President was scheduled, but
	he had to cancel, and they asked if
	you would be interested.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I would like to be on that
	show.

		MRS. AUBREY
	Fine. They felt that since you had
	such close ties with the President,
	you would be a splendid choice.
		(Chance nods, there is a
		 pause)
	... Can I help you? Are you looking
	for something?

		CHANCE
	No. I like this attic very much.

Mrs. Aubrey gives him a look, leaves.

EXT. SKY - DUSK

AIR FORCE 1 passes through the clouds.

INT. AIR FORCE 1 - DUSK

The President sits on a couch in one of the compartments on
the jet. Before him, stand six of his STAFF, Kaufman
included.

		PRESIDENT
	... Gentlemen, I quoted this man on
	national television today he is
	obviously a financial sophisticate
	of some reknown.

		KAUFMAN
	Yes, sir - we are aware of all
	that, but still, we haven't been
	able to...

		PRESIDENT
		(interrupts)
	He's an advisor and close personal
	friend of Rand's! For Christ sakes,
	they have volumes of data on
	Benjamin!

		KAUFMAN
	Yes, Mr. President, we attempted to
	contact Mr. Rand, but he was too
	ill to...

		PRESIDENT
		(again interrupts)
	I do not want Benjamin Rand
	disturbed! You have other ways of
	gathering information than to
	trouble a dying man. Use whatever
	agencies are necessary to put
	together a detailed history of
	Chauncey Gardiner, if you run into
	problems, alert Honeycutt.
		(he stands)
	I'll be in the office at seven in
	the morning and I would like to
	have it at that time.
		(he starts for door)
	I've got to take a leak.

		KAUFMAN
	Right, Chief.

As the President goes to the Men's Room, two of the aides
reach for telephones.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - EVENING

Chance wears a velvet bathrobe, watches TV. Perkins lays out
a suit, shirt, tie, etc. on the bed.

		PERKINS
	I believe these garments will be
	quite appropriate, Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
		(eyes on TV)
	Yes. They are fine.

There is a knock at the door.

		PERKINS
	Excuse me, sir.

Perkins answers the door, it is Eve.

		EVE
		(entering)
	Chauncey...

		CHANCE
		(rises)
	Hello, Eve.

		EVE
	Chauncey, I just wanted to wish you
	well. I know you'll be smashing.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Eve.

		EVE
	And Benjamin sends along his best
	wishes.

		CHANCE
	How is Ben feeling?

		EVE
	He's tired, Chauncey - but he's
	going to watch you tonight. We'll
	both be watching.

		CHANCE
	That's good. I like to watch, too.

		EVE
	I know you do - you and your
	television...
		(a pause)
	... Good luck, Chauncey.

Eve impulsively steps forward, kisses Chance on the cheek.
Chance smiles at her, and Eve, slightly embarrassed, turns
and leaves the room. Chance sits back down, watches TV as
Perkins attends to his clothes with a whisk broom.

INT. WASHINGTON POST - STAFF ROOM - NIGHT

Courtney heads a meeting of his four staffers. One man,
KINNEY, a research assistant, sits behind a stack of
paperwork, has a downcast expression as he listens to
Courtney.

		COURTNEY
	... Gardiner is laconic, matter-of
	fact. The scuttlebutt is that he's
	a strong candidate for one of the
	vacant seats on the board of First
	American. But before we can do any
	sort of a piece on the man, we're
	going to need facts on his
	background...
		(turns to Kinney)
	... Kinney, what did you come up
	with?

		KINNEY
		(after a pause)
	... Nothing.

		COURTNEY
		(sighs, taps pencil on
		 table)
	... Skip the levity, Kinney - what
	have you got?

		KINNEY
		(another pause)
	... I realize this sounds banal but
	there is no information of any sort
	on Gardiner. We have no material on
	him - zilch...

The room is quiet except for the tapping of Courtney's
pencil.

EXT. TELEVISION STATION - NIGHT

The RAND 1 limousine parks in front of the station. As
Jeffrey opens the door for Chance, MORTON HULL steps to the
limo.

		HULL
	Mr. Gardiner, I'm Morton Hull, the
	producer of 'This Evening.'

		CHANCE
		(as they shake hands)
	Hello, Morton.

Hull takes Chance into the station.

INT. RAND MANSION - CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT

Constance, Rand's nurse, enters Chance's room, goes to the
closet.

INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Chance is intrigued by the surroundings as Hull guides him
through the corridor.

		HULL
	Of course, Mr. Gardiner, the fact
	that you occupy such a position in
	the world of finance makes you
	ideally suited to provide our
	millions of viewers with an
	explanation of this nation's
	economic crisis.

		CHANCE
	I see.

		HULL
	Do you realize, Mr. Gardiner, that
	more people will be watching you
	tonight than all those who have
	seen theater plays in the last
	forty years?

		CHANCE
	Yes. It's a very good show.

		HULL
	I'm glad you like it, Mr. Gardiner.

Hull takes Chance into the MAKE-UP room.

INT. RAND MANSION - CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT

Constance is in the closet, searching through Chance's
pockets, finding nothing. She takes out a small knife, cuts a
label from one of the jackets. Quickly, she examines one of
Chance's shoes, copies the name of the shoemaker in a
notebook. Constance hurries to the dresser, continues her
search.

INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR/MAKEUP ROOM  NIGHT

COLSON, the makeup man, comes through the corridor carrying a
glass of water. He turns into the makeup room, goes to Chance
who sits in front of the lights. Hull sits next to Chance,
briefs him on the show. Chance has his eyes on a TV monitor,
watches the guest preceding him on "This Evening."

		COLSON
		(gives Chance water)
	Here you go, Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
	Thank you. I'm very thirsty.

		COLSON
	Yes, sir - it's hot under those
	lights.

Colson applies finishing touches to Chance.

		HULL
	Now, if the host wants to ask you a
	question, he'll raise his left
	forefinger to his left eyebrow.
		(Chance watches TV)
	Then you'll stop, and he'll say
	something, and then you'll answer.

On the TV, WILLIAM DUPONT, the host, wraps up his talk with
his guest.

		COLSON
		(a last-minute dab)
	Okay, Mr. Gardiner, you're all set.

Hull leads Chance out of the makeup room. Colson closes the
door, then carefully picks up Chance's water glass, wraps it
in Kleenex, puts it in his overcoat pocket.

INT. TV STATION - "THIS EVENING" STUDIO - NIGHT

William Dupont introduces Chance.

		DUPONT
	Ladies and gentlemen, our very
	distinguished quest, Mr. Chauncey
	Gardiner!

The BAND plays as Chance comes onto the stage. An audience of
about three hundred applauds Chance as he appears. Two TV
cameras move with him as he walks, with a smile and a limp,
to center stage. Dupont shakes Chance's hand, Chance holds
Dupont's hand with both of his own.

		DUPONT (CONT'D)
	Mr. Gardiner, how very nice to have
	you with us this evening.

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		DUPONT
		(showing Chance to chair)
	I'd like to thank you for filling
	in on such short notice for the
	Vice President.

		CHANCE
		(sits)
	You're welcome.

		DUPONT
		(also sitting)
	I always find it surprising, Mr.
	Gardiner, to find men like
	yourself, who are working so
	intimately with the President, yet
	manage to remain relatively
	unknown.

		CHANCE
	Yes. That is surprising.

		DUPONT
		(a beat)
	... Well, your anonymity will be a
	thing of the past from now on.

		CHANCE
		(doesn't understand)
	I hope so.

		DUPONT
	Yes... Of course, you know, Mr.
	Gardiner, that I always prefer an
	open and frank conversation with my
	guests, I hope you don't object to
	that.

		CHANCE
	No. I don't object.

		DUPONT
	Fine, then let's get started. The
	current state of our country is of
	vital interest to us all, and I
	would like to know if you agree
	with the President's view of the
	economy?

		CHANCE
	Which view?

Applause and laughter from the audience. Dupont accustomed to
parrying with his guests, asks again.

		DUPONT
	Come now, Mr. Gardiner, before his
	speech at the Financial Institute
	the President consulted with you
	and Benjamin Rand, did he not?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I was there with Ben.

		DUPONT
	I know that, Mr. Gardiner.

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		DUPONT
		(a beat)
	Well, let me rephrase the question;
	the President compared the economy
	of this country to a garden, and
	stated that after a period of
	decline a time of growth would
	naturally follow. Do you go along
	with this belief?

		CHANCE
	Yes, I know the garden very well. I
	have worked in it all my life. It
	is a good garden and a healthy one;
	its trees are healthy and so are
	its shrubs and flowers, as long as
	they are trimmed and watered in the
	right seasons. The garden needs a
	lot of care. I do agree with the
	President; everything in it will
	grow strong, and there is plenty of
	room in it for new trees and new
	flowers of all kinds.

The audience applauds Chance's apparent metaphor. Dupont
waits for it all to subside, then asks another question.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Rand is in bed. Eve sits in a chair next to the bed, squeezes
Rand's hand in excitement as they both watch Chance on
television. Teresa, the nurse, watches in the background.

		DUPONT
		(over TV)
	...Well, Mr. Gardiner, that was
	very well put indeed, and I feel it
	was a booster for all of us who do
	not like to wallow in complaints or
	take delight in gloomy predictions.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

The President and First Lady are in bed together watching the
show.

		PRESIDENT
	Gloomy predictions? That insolent
	son of a bitch!

		DUPONT
		(over TV)
	Let's make it clear, Mr. Gardiner,
	it's your view that the collapse of
	the Stock Market, the dramatic
	increase in unemployment, you feel
	that this is just another season,
	so to speak, in the garden?

The First Lady cuddles close the President, ruffles his hair,
tries to cheer him up.

INT. TV STUDIO - "THIS EVENING SHOW" - NIGHT

Chance answers.

		CHANCE
	In a garden, things grow - but
	first some things must wither; some
	trees lose their leaves before they
	grow new leaves...

INT. CIA ROOM - NIGHT

A small, dark room. A videotape machine is running. Also, a
machine is turning that records the harmonics of Chance's
voice. TWO CIA MEN run the equipment, watch as a needle
charts Chance's voice onto paper.

		CHANCE
		(over TV)
	... Then they grow thicker and
	stronger and taller. Some trees
	die, but fresh saplings replace
	them. Gardens need a lot of care
	and a lot of love.

INT. THOMAS FRANKLIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Franklin, the attorney that evicted Chance, comes out of the
bathroom brushing his teeth. His wife, JOHANNA, is in bed
absorbed in "This Evening." Franklin sits on the end of the
bed, watches the show.

		CHANCE
		(over TV)
	... And if you give your garden a
	lot of love, and if you work very
	hard and have a lot of patience, in
	the proper season you will see it
	grow to be very beautiful...

More applause from the TV. Franklin leans closer to the set.

		FRANKLIN
		(puzzled)
	It's that gardener!

		JOHANNA
	Yes, Chauncey Gardiner.

		FRANKLIN
	No! He's a real gardener!

		JOHANNA
		(laughs)
	He does talk like one, but I think
	he's brilliant.

		DUPONT
		(over TV)
	I think your metaphors are quite
	interesting, Mr. Gardiner, but,
	haven't we seen seasons that have
	been devastating to certain
	countries?

INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

The President and First Lady continue to watch.

		DUPONT
		(over TV)
	Such as disasterous winters,
	prolonged droughts that have wiped
	out crops, hurricanes that have all
	but swept away island communities?
	Doesn't a country need to have
	someone in charge that can see it
	through such crises?

		PRESIDENT
	... That bastard...

The First Lady moves closer to him.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - NIGHT

The TV, its volume low, plays in the background as Constance,
with a pair of tweezers, plucks a hair from Chance's pillow,
puts it into a small vial.

		DUPONT
		(over TV)
	Don't we need a leader capable of
	guiding us through the seasons? The
	bad as well as the good?

		CHANCE
		(over TV)
	Yes. We need a very good gardener.

INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT

Dupont continues his questions.

		DUPONT
	Do you feel that we have a 'Very
	good gardener' in office at this
	time, Mr. Gardiner?

At the end of the question, Dupont glances over Chance's
shoulder to look at the monitor.

		CHANCE
		(a beat)
	I understand.

Chance turns to see what Dupont is looking at, sees the back
of his own head on the TV screen.

		DUPONT
	I realize that might be a difficult
	question for you, Mr. Gardiner -
	but there are a lot of us around
	the country that would like to hear
	your thoughts on the matter.

Chance is still turned to the monitor.

		CHANCE
	Oh, yes. It is possible for one
	side of the garden to be flooded,
	and the other side to be dry...

INT. RAND MANSION - ALLENBY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Allenby watches Chance on television. The camera that covered
Dupont in close-up has now pulled back, includes Dupont and
Chance, both looking into camera. Allenby is concerned, he is
unsure of Chance.

		CHANCE
		(over TV)
	... Some plants do well in the sun,
	and others grow better in the cool
	of the shade.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT

A group of ELDERLY BLACK PEOPLE sit in the lobby, watch "This
Evening" on an old black-and-white TV.

		CHANCE
		(over TV)
	... It is the gardener's
	responsibility to take water from
	the flooded area and run it to the
	area that is dry. It is the
	gardener's responsibility not to
	plant a sun-loving flower in the
	shade of a high wall...

During the preceding speech, Louise, the maid from the Old
Man's house, chatters.

		LOUISE
	Gobbledegook! All the time he
	talked gobbledegook! An' it's for
	sure a White man's world in
	America, hell, I raised that boy
	since he was the size of a pissant
	an' I'll say right now he never
	learned to read an' write - no sir!
	Had no brains at all, was stuffed
	with rice puddin' between the ears!
	Shortchanged by the Lord and dumb
	as a jackass an' look at him now!
	Yes, sir - all you gotta be is
	white in America an' you get
	whatever you want! Just listen to
	that boy - gobbledegook!

There is a chorus of "Amens" as she finishes.

INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT

Chance continues.

		CHANCE
	... It is the responsibility of the
	gardener to adjust to the bad
	seasons as well as enjoy the good
	ones. If the gardener does his job,
	everything will be fine.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Audience applause is heard over TV. Rand claps weakly along
with the TV sound. Eve and Teresa also clap.

		RAND
		(smiling)
	Splendid. Just splendid...

Rand looks up as Constance comes into the room.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	Damn, Constance, get in here! You
	shouldn't miss any of this!

Constance hurries to Teresa's side. Rand turns to Eve.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	I'm becoming quite attached to
	Chauncey - quite attached...
		(Eve smiles)
	... And so are you, aren't you,
	Eve.

		EVE
		(a beat)
	... Yes, I am, Ben.

		RAND
		(reaches out, takes her
		 hand)
	That's good... That's good.

		DUPONT
		(over TV)
	Well, Mr. Gardiner, from the sound
	of our audience, I'd say that your
	words are a most welcome respite
	from what we've been hearing from
	others...

		CHANCE
		(over TV)
	Thank you.

INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT

Dupont asks another question.

		DUPONT
	I'm sorry to say that our time is
	running short, but before we close,
	I'd like to ask one final question.
	What sort of gardener, sir, would
	you be?

		CHANCE
		(with confidence)
	I am a very serious gardener.

INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

More applause over the TV. The President pales.

		PRESIDENT
	Oh, Jesus...

He rolls over in bed. The First Lady reaches out, puts a
comforting hand on his shoulder.

INT. FRANKLIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Franklin holds a phone to his ear with one hand, shuts off
the TV with the other.

		FRANKLIN
	Okay, I'll see you in twenty
	minutes.

Franklin hangs up the phone, scurries around getting dressed.
His wife, Johanna, sits grimly in bed.

		JOHANNA
		(coldly)
	... Business, bullshit! Going out
	in the middle of the night to meet
	that bitch in a bar...

		FRANKLIN
	Sally Hayes is not a bitch - she's
	a damn fine attorney! I've got to
	talk to her about this Gardiner...

		JOHANNA
		(turns over in bed)
	Good night.

		FRANKLIN
	Look, Johanna...

		JOHANNA
		(cuts him off)
	I said good night!

Franklin gives up, hurries from the room.

INT. TV STATION - CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Colson, carefully carrying his overcoat, walks with Chance
through the corridor. A delighted Hull walks behind them.

		COLSON
	Marvelous! Just marvelous, Mr.
	Gardiner! What spirit you have,
	what confidence! Exactly what this
	country needs!

Chance smiles at well-wishers as they continue on through the
corridor.

INT. PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

The First Lady is snuggled up close to the President,
caresses his body. After a moment, it becomes clear to her
that he is not up to the occasion.

		FIRST LADY
	... Darling... What's wrong?

		PRESIDENT,
	... I can't... I just can't right
	now... I'm sorry, dearest... I just
	can't...

The First Lady looks at him for a beat, then turns, lies on
her back and stares at the ceiling.

INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

An 'in' meeting place for the upper-middle Washington, D.C.
crowd. Thomas Franklin and Sally Hayes sit at a table, drinks
in front of them.

		FRANKLIN
	... It didn't make any sense to me
	at all. I didn't know what the hell
	he was talking about...

		SALLY
	He wasn't making a speech to us,
	Tom - he was talking to the masses.
	He was very clever, keeping it at a
	third grade level - that's what
	they understand...

		FRANKLIN
	Yeah? Well, I don't understand what
	was up his sleeve when he pulled
	that stunt with us? What was he
	doing? And why?

		SALLY
	Who knows...? Maybe the government
	had something to do with it.

		FRANKLIN
	You know, Sally - I really feel
	like I've been had, and you know
	what that means, don't you?... It
	means that any political future I
	had is right down the toilet!

The CAMERA begins to slowly move away from the table, the
sound of Franklin's voice continues.

		FRANKLIN (CONT'D)
	... Jesus, the thought of spending
	the rest of my life as an attorney,
	that is really a downer... And,
	Christ, Sally, I almost forgot
	Johanna is starting to think
	something's going on between...

Franklin's voice fades into the background hubbub. The voice
of Kinney, the research assistant from the Washington Post is
heard as the camera settles on a table occupied by Sidney
Courtney and his staff.

		KINNEY
	... Sid, be reasonable - I've been
	everywhere, there's no place left
	to check!

		COURTNEY
	Try again.

		KINNEY
	Sure, try again - where? There's
	nothing, it's like he never
	existed!

		COURTNEY
	Try again.

		KINNEY
	Sid, it's useless!

		COURTNEY
	I said - try again.

Kinney stands, shoves his paperwork across the table.

		KINNEY
	Up yours, Sid. You try again, I
	quit!

Kinney takes his drink with him as he leaves the lounge.

EXT. RAND MANSION - NIGHT

The household staff is lined up on the front steps,
applauding Chance as he steps from the limousine. Chance
accepts the plaudit, though does not understand the reason.
As he nears the steps, Perkins and Wilson step forward.

		WILSON
	An outstanding speech, sir.

		PERKINS
	May I take your coat, Mr. Gardiner?

		CHANCE
	Yes. Thank you, Perkins.

Perkins nods, takes Chance's overcoat, allows everyone to
enter the house ahead of him. Alone on the steps, Perkins
quickly searches through the pockets of the coat, finds
nothing.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Rand is in bed. Eve sits on the edge, looks warmly to Chance
who stands nearby.
Allenby prepares an injection for Rand, and occasionally
glances curiously at Chance. Chance breathes deeply, enjoys
the oxygen.

		RAND
		(with some effort)
	... You possess a great gift,
	Chauncey, of being natural. And
	that, my boy, is a rare talent, the
	true mark of a leader. You were
	strong and brave, yet did not
	moralize. I hope the entire country
	was watching you tonight, the
	entire country...

Allenby crosses to Rand, needle in hand.

		ALLENBY
	And you, Benjamin, must be strong
	and brave for me. Turn over,
	please.

		RAND
		(holds up hand)
	In a minute, Robert - in a
	minute... Chauncey, I would like to
	ask a favor of you...

		CHANCE
	Certainly, Ben.

		RAND
	Senator Rowley's widow, Sophie, is
	hosting an evening reception
	tomorrow evening honoring
	Ambassador Skrapinov of the Soviet
	Union... I think it's rather
	obvious that Robert won't allow me
	to attend, so - would you go in my
	place, and escort Eve?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I would like to escort Eve.

		RAND
	Good. Together, the two of you
	should create quite a stir - I can
	already hear the gossip.

		EVE
		(with a blush)
	... Ben, really...

		RAND
		(reaches out a tired hand
		 to Chance - Chance holds
		 it)
	... Thank you, Chauncey... Thank
	you very much.
		(takes back hand)
	... All right, Robert, I'm all
	yours.

Eve and Chance quietly leave the room. Allenby watches Chance
go, then readies Rand for the injection.

INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT

The elevator door opens, Eve and Chance come into the
hallway. Chance looks back at the elevator for a beat, then
the two walk quietly down the hall.

		EVE
		(stopping by bedroom door)
	... You don't happen to have a
	tuxedo in your suitcase, do you?

		CHANCE
	No, thank you.

		EVE
	Oh. Well, we can fix up one of
	Ben's for you tomorrow night.
	Sophie insists an Black Tie.

		CHANCE
	I see.

		EVE
		(a pause, softly)
	... I have very few friends,
	Chauncey... And Benjamin's friends
	are all quite a bit older...

Eve gives Chance a long look, then kisses him on the lips.
She steps back, smiles.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	... Good night, Chauncey.

		CHANCE
	Good night, Eve.

Eve goes into her bedroom, closes the door. Chance heads for
his room as though nothing had happened.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE ANTE ROOM - MORNING

Kaufman and the five other Aides nervously await the
President's arrival. The door opens, the President briskly
enters the room.

		PRESIDENT
	Good morning, gentlemen.

		AIDES
		(as one)
	Good morning, sir.

The President leads the way into the Oval Office.

INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING

As the President goes to his desk, Kaufman hands him a
folder. The President sits, reads it quickly, it is very
brief.

		PRESIDENT
		(to Kaufman)
	This is not what I requested.

		KAUFMAN
	No, sir.

		PRESIDENT
	This information goes back three
	days. I want the standard file, you
	know that.

		KAUFMAN
	Right, Chief.

		PRESIDENT
	So...? Where the hell is it?

		KAUFMAN
	We... uh, have been unable to come
	up with any information before the
	man appeared at Mr. Rand's home ...
	and, uh...

		PRESIDENT
	What the hell are you talking
	about, Kaufman?

		KAUFMAN
	Well, we do have data from
	Honeycutt's sources, Chief - but it
	isn't pertinent.

		PRESIDENT
	I'd like to hear that data,
	Kaufman.

		KAUFMAN
	Yes, sir.

Kaufman takes a clipboard from the man at his right.

		KAUFMAN (CONT'D)
		(reading)
	Suits hand-made by a tailor in
	Chicago in 1918. The tailor went
	out of business in 1929, then took
	his own life.
	... His shoes were hand-made in
	1928. The cobbler has long since
	been dead. Underwear, all of the
	finest cloth, factory destroyed by
	fire in 1938. The man carries no
	identification; no wallet, no
	driver's license, no credit cards.
	... He carries one item along with
	him, a fine Swiss pocket-watch
	crafted at the turn of the century;
	so far they have been unable to
	ascertain where or when purchase
	was made.
	... He has never dyed his hair.
	... Computers have analyzed
	Gardiner's vocal characteristics;
	it is impossible to determine his
	ethnic background, they feel his
	accent may be northeastern, but
	they will not commit to that.
	... Fingerprint check proved
	negative, no identification
	possible.
		(a pause)
	... That's it, Mr. President.

The President stares at Kaufman for a beat, then speaks into
his intercom.

		PRESIDENT
		(into intercom)
	Miss Davis - I'd like my eggs
	poached this morning, please.

A quick "Yes sir" from Miss Davis over the intercom. The
President leans back in his swivel chair, looks at Kaufman.

		PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
	... So what does all that add up
	to?

		KAUFMAN
	Well, sir - it occurred to us that
	he might be an agent of a foreign
	power. But, we ruled that out, as
	they invariably are provided with
	too much documentation, too much
	American identity... We, uh...don't
	quite know what to make of it yet,
	sir... But we'll keep on top of it,
	Mr. President - we'll come up with
	the answer.

		PRESIDENT
		(with sarcasm)
	I would appreciate that.

The Aides quickly leave the office.

INT. CHANCE'S ROOM - MORNING

Chance is in bed, a bed tray on his lap, eating breakfast. A
pile of the morning's newspapers lies at the foot of the bed,
untouched. The TV is playing, Chance watches as he eats.
There is a knock at the door.

		CHANCE
		(without turning from TV)
	Come in!

Eve enters, wearing a robe over her nightgown.

		EVE
	Chauncey! Have you seen the papers?

		CHANCE
	No, Eve. I don't read the papers.

		EVE
		(moving to bed)
	Well, it seems you've been
	described as one of the architects
	of the President's speech. And your
	own comments from the 'This
	Evening' show are quoted side by
	side with the President's.

		CHANCE
	I like the President. He is a very
	nice man.

		EVE
		(sits on bed)
	I know...
		(a moment)
	... So are you, Chauncey ...
		(another moment, Chance
		 watches TV)
	... Do you mind my being here, like
	this?

		CHANCE
		(a bite of toast)
	No, Eve. I like you to be here.

Eve smiles, moves a little closer to Chance.

		EVE
	... You know, Chauncey... I want us
	to be...
		(with difficulty)
	I want us... You and I to become...
	close... I want us to become very
	close, you know...?

		CHANCE
	Yes, Eve. I know that.

Eve suddenly begins to cry, sobbing quietly at first, then
losing control, the tears flowing freely. To comfort her,
Chance puts his arm around her shoulder, nearly tipping his
breakfast tray. Eve responds to his touch, draws closer,
holds Chance tightly. Chance does his best to avoid spilling
his breakfast, keep an eye on the TV, and to comfort Eve. She
gives in to her desires, begins to caress Chance, running her
hand over his body. She kisses him, his eyes, his neck, his
lips, his ears. Chance does not return the lovemaking, and
Eve eventually catches hold of herself, stops. She lies
quietly beside Chance for a time, regains her demeanor, then
speaks.

		EVE
	... I'm grateful to you,
	Chauncey... I would have opened to
	you with a touch, and you know
	that...
		(Chance,confused, turns to
		 her)
	... But you're so strong - I can
	trust myself with you. I'm glad,
	Chauncey - I'm glad that you showed
	so much restraint...

		CHANCE
	Yes, Eve. I'm very glad that you
	didn't open.

		EVE
	I know you are, Chauncey...
		(a pause)
	... You conquer a woman from within
	herself, you infuse in her the need
	and desire and the longing for your
	love.

		CHANCE
		(another bite of toast)
	Yes. That could be true.

		EVE
		(sits up)
	... I guess I may as well be honest
	about my feelings, Chauncey, as I
	know you are I am in love with
	you... I love you and I want you...
	And I know that you know it and I'm
	grateful that you've decided to
	wait until... Until...

Eve cannot bring herself to finish the sentence. She rises,
straightens her robe and moves toward the door.

		EVE (CONT'D)
		(stopping by door)
	... I do love you, Chauncey.

A knock at the door startles Eve. She turns, opens it to
MAGGIE, the seam tress. Maggie carries one of Rand's tuxedos.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	Oh, come in, Maggie.

		MAGGIE
		(entering)
	Yes, ma'am.

		EVE
	Chauncey, Maggie will alter Ben's
	tuxedo for you now.

		CHANCE
	Fine.

Eve leaves. Maggie stands by patiently as Chance eats his
once-warm scrambled eggs and watches"Mr. Rogers Neighborhood"
on TV.

INT. RAND MANSION - ALLENBY'S ROOM - DAY

Allenby is at his desk, searching through the Washington,
D.C. telephone book. He finds a number, dials.

		ALLENBY
		(into phone)
	Mr. Thomas Franklin, please.
		(a wait)
	Is Thomas Franklin in?
		(a beat)
	Yes, this is Dr. Robert Allenby,
	would you please tell Mr. Franklin
	that I would like to talk to him?
	It concerns Chauncey Gardiner.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DUSK

Teresa and Constance work in a corner of the room. Rand is in
bed, very still, deep in thought.

EXT. SOPHIE'S - EVENING

The RAND 1 limousine pulls up to Sophie's house. Jeffrey
opens the door for Eve and Chance. He wears Ben's tuxedo, Eve
is in a formal gown. The press is waiting, a couple of
reporters, 5 photographers and a mini-cam crew from local TV
station gather around Eve and Chance.

		REPORTER #1
	Mr. Gardiner, what did you
	think of the Post's editorial on
	the President's speech?

		CHANCE
		(smiling for photogs)
	I didn't read it.

		REPORTER #2
		(surprised)
	But air - you must have at least
	glanced at it.

		CHANCE
	No. I did not glance at it.

		REPORTER #3
	Mr. Gardiner, the New York Times
	spoke of your 'Peculiar brand of
	optimism,' what was your reaction
	to that?

		CHANCE
		(continues to pose for
		 pictures)
	I did not read that either.

		REPORTER #3
	Well, how do you feel about that
	phrase, 'Peculiar brand of
	optimism?'

		CHANCE
	I do not know what it means.

		REPORTER #2
	Sorry to persist, air, but it would
	be of great interest to me to know
	what newspapers you do read.

		CHANCE
	I do not read any newspapers. I
	watch TV.

There is a moment of silence as the reporters digest this.
The TV Reporter smiles, questions Chance.

		TV REPORTER
	... Do you mean, Mr. Gardiner, that
	you find television's coverage of
	the news superior to that of the
	newspapers?

		CHANCE
		(flatly)
	I like to watch TV.

		TV REPORTER
		(pleased) )
	Thank you, Mr. Gardiner, for what
	is probably the most honest
	admission to come from a public
	figure in years. Few men in public
	life have the courage not to read
	newspapers none have the guts to
	admit it.

		CHANCE
	You're welcome.

Eve and Chance walk toward the front door, leaving the
newsmen to talk among themselves.

		EVE
	I've never seen anyone handle the
	media as well as you, Chauncey.
	You're so cool and detached -
	almost as if you were born to it.

		CHANCE
	Thank you, Eve.

The front door is opened for them by an attendant.

INT. SOPHIE'S - EVENING

The Black Tie reception is in progress. The house is crowded,
possibly a hundred guests, mostly foreign ambassadors and
other such dignitaries. Eve and Chance enter, are greeted by
DENNIS WATSON, a State Department official.

		WATSON
	Mrs. Rand, how good to see you.

		EVE
	Mr. Watson.

		WATSON
		(looks to Chance)
	And you must be Mr. Gardiner,
	correct?

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		EVE
	Chauncey, this is Mr. Dennis Watson
	of the State Department.

		CHANCE
		(they shake)
	Hello, Dennis.

		WATSON
	A pleasure to meet you, sir.

		CHANCE
	Yes. It is.

SOPHIE, an older woman bedecked with jewelry, approaches,
embraces Eve.

		SOPHIE
	Eve, child! How nice of you to
	come.

		EVE
	Hello, Sophie.

Sophie steps back, looks at Chance.

		SOPHIE
	And look who you brought with!

		EVE
	Sophie, this is Chauncey
	Gardiner...

		SOPHIE
		(hugs Chance)
	Oh, I've been just dying to meet
	you, Mr. Gardiner!

		EVE
	Chauncey, this is Mrs. Sophia
	Rowley.

		CHANCE
		(being hugged)
	Hello, Sophia.

		SOPHIE
		(steps back, admires
		 Chance)
	Sophie, please - call me Sophie!

Sophie pulls them both into the party, leaving Dennis looking
after Chance as he walks away.

		SOPHIE (CONT'D)
		(as they go, to Chance)
	You just have to let me introduce
	you to some of the exciting people
	here... Why, Pat Boone and his
	daughter may drop by later!

They disappear into the crowd.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT

The President is hunched over his desk, absorbed in
constructing a model airplane, a World War II flying fortress
bomber. The First Lady sits nearby, plays solitaire on a
small table. The President glances to her, then back to his
work.

		PRESIDENT
		(gluing the wing)
	... How are the kids getting along?

		FIRST LADY
	Oh. Well, I just talked to Cindy
	this morning. She loves California,
	but to quote her, she says, 'The
	Secret Service is getting to be a
	drag.' I guess she wants her
	privacy...

		PRESIDENT
	Huh... I'm glad they're along with
	her, if you know what I mean... How
	about Jack?

		FIRST LADY
	Well, I think Jack needs some time
	alone with you, darling... He's
	getting to that age, you know... He
	really misses you...

		PRESIDENT
	Yeah... I'll have a talk with him
	as soon as...

A KNOCK at the door interrupts the President.

		PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
		(calls out)
	... Yes, come in!

Kaufman enters.

		KAUFMAN
	Sorry to disturb you, chief but we
	have new developments.

		PRESIDENT
	Oh? What?

		KAUFMAN
	We have word that the Soviets have
	put out a top priority alert for
	information on Gardiner's
	background. So far, they haven't
	come up with a thing - what's more,
	as a result of their eagerness, one
	of their ablest agents blew his
	cover, we have him in custody at
	this time.

		PRESIDENT
	Good. Anything else?

		KAUFMAN
	Yes, chief - eight other foreign
	powers have put Gardiner under
	surveillance. We're around-the
	clock now, sir - I'll keep you
	posted.

The President nods, Kaufman leaves. The President puts some
more glue on the wing.

INT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT

Sophie pulls Eve and Chance to AMBASSADOR SKRAPINOV and his
WIFE. Skrapinov smiles as he sees Eve.

		SKRAPINOV
	Mrs. Rand. How delightful.

Skrapinov kisses Eve's hand.

		EVE
	It seems like ages, Mr. Ambassador.
		(a nod to his wife)
	Mrs. Skrapinov.

Mrs. Skrapinov returns the nod as Sophie introduces Chance.

		SOPHIE
	Mr. Gardiner, let me introduce you
	to our guest of honor, His
	Excellency Vladimar Skrapinov,
	Ambassador of the Soviet Union.

Chance warmly shakes Skrapinov's hand with both of his own.

		CHANCE
		(stumbles over name)
	Hello... His... His...

		SOPHIE
	Ambassador Skrapinov, this is Mr.
	Chauncey Gardiner.

		SKRAPINOV
	Delighted. Delighted.

		SOPHIE
	And this is Mrs. Skrapinov.

Chance smiles at Mrs. Skrapinov as The Ambassador puts an arm
around him.

		SKRAPINOV
	You must sit with us, my friend, we
	have much to discuss.

		CHANCE
	I agree.

		SKRAPINOV
		(to Eve)
	How is my dear friend Benjamin
	feeling?

		EVE
	He's doing as well as could be
	expected, Mr. Ambassador. He still
	speaks of the stimulating
	discussions he's had with you.

		SKRAPINOV
	Ah, Yes. Please give him my
	regards.

		EVE
	Of course.

		SOPHIE
		(tugs at Eve)
	Come on, Eve. Let's let the men
	talk, there are so many people that
	have been asking about you.

		EVE
		(to Chance and Skrapinov)
	Would you two excuse me for a
	moment?

		SKRAPINOV
	Regretfully, Mrs. Rand - I shall
	yield the pleasure of your company
	to others.

		CHANCE
	Yes, Eve. I shall yield too.

		EVE
		(smiling)
	I'll be back soon...

Eve and Sophie leave. Skrapinov leads his wife and Chance to
their table.

		SKRAPINOV
		(as they walk)
	I'm sorry we haven't met sooner,
	Mr. Gardiner. I had the pleasure of
	seeing you on television last night
	and I listened with great interest
	to your down-to-earth philosophy.
	I'm not surprised that it was so
	quickly endorsed by the President.
		(quietly)
	... Tell me, Mr. Gardiner, just how
	serious is Benjamin's illness? I
	did not want to upset Mrs. Rand by
	discussing it in detail.

		CHANCE
	Ben is very ill.

		SKRAPINOV
	Yes, so I've heard, a shame... As
	you know, we in the Soviet Union
	have the keenest interest in
	developments of the First American
	Financial Corporation... We are
	pleased to hear that you may fill
	Benjamin's place should he fail to
	recover.
		(arrive at table)
	Be seated, please, Mr. Gardiner.

Chance sits between Skrapinov and Mrs. Skrapinov.

		SKRAPINOV (CONT'D)
		(moves chair close to
		 Chance)
	... Mr. Gardiner, I wish to be
	quite candid - considering the
	gravity of your economic situation,
	shouldn't we, the diplomats, and
	you, the businessman - get together
	more often?

		CHANCE
	Yes, I agree, I think so too.

		SKRAPINOV
	To exchange our thoughts - what
	does a Russian know about business?
	On the other hand, what does an
	American know about diplomacy?

		CHANCE
	Yes, I understand.

		SKRAPINOV
	And I have noticed in you a certain
	reticence regarding political
	issues - so why not a coming
	together? An interchange of
	opinion? We may find, my friend,
	that we are not so far from each
	other, not so far!

		CHANCE
		(an engaging smile)
	We are not far...
		(motions at nearness of
		 their chairs)
	... our chairs almost touch.

		SKRAPINOV
		(laughs)
	Bravo! Bravo! Our chairs are indeed
	almost touching! And we want to
	remain seated on them, correct? We
	don't want them snatched from under
	us, am I right? Because if one
	goes, the other goes, and then -
	boom! Boom! And we are both down
	before our time, you see? And
	neither of us wants that, do you
	agree?

		CHANCE
	I certainly do.

		SKRAPINOV
	Yes. Tell me, Mr. Gardiner - do you
	by any chance enjoy Krylov's
	fables? I ask this because there is
	something... there is something
	Krylovian about you.

		CHANCE
	Do you think so? Do you think so?

		SKRAPINOV
	So you know Krylov!

Skrapinov pauses, then leans close to Chance, speaks softly
in Russian. Chance, having never heard this language, raises
his eyebrows and laughs. Mrs. Skrapinov remains impassive.

		SKRAPINOV (CONT'D)
		(amazed)
	So you know your Krylov in Russian,
	do you? Mr. Gardiner, I must
	confess I had suspected as much all
	along - I know an educated man when
	I meet one!

		CHANCE
	Oh, good.

		SKRAPINOV
	Yes, it is very good!

		CHANCE
	Yes, it is.
		(beat)
	Would you tell me your name again,
	please?

		SKRAPINOV
		(slaps Chance on the back)
	Ho! Ho! A dash of American humor!
	Vladimar Skrapinov!

		CHANCE
	Yes. I like that name very much.

		SKRAPINOV
	And yours, sir - Chauncey Gardiner!
		(in Russian)
	How poetic! Chauncey, a name of
	uncertain meaning! And Gardiner, a
	bit of the French, a suggestion of
	a stroll through the flowers! A
	beautiful name, my friend!

As he speaks in Russian, Eve comes to the table, taps
Skrapinov on the shoulder.

		SKRAPINOV (CONT'D)
		(immediately rises)
	Mrs. Rand! You have returned to us!

		EVE
	Only to steal Mr. Gardiner away, if
	I might.
		(to Chance)
	Everyone wants to meet you.

		CHANCE
	Yes, Eve. That would be good.

		SKRAPINOV
		(shakes Chance's hand)
	We must speak again, Mr. Gardiner,
	many times!

		CHANCE
	Thank you.

As Eve and Chance leave, Skrapinov turns and nods to a MAN
standing a short distance away. The man, KARPATOV, hurries to
the table.

		SKRAPINOV
	Yes? What have you found?

		KARPATOV
		(in Russian)
	We have nothing on him, Ambassador
	Skrapinov.

		SKRAPINOV
		(holds up hand, looks
		 around)
	Quietly, please. Mr. Gardiner, for
	one, understands our language.

		KARPATOV
		(in English, softly)
	Sorry, Comrade Ambassador.

		SKRAPINOV
	What do you mean there is nothing?
	That's impossible.

		KARPATOV
	There is no information available
	on the man before he moved into
	Benjamin Rand's. It has proven to
	be such a difficult task that it
	has resulted in the loss of one of
	our agents to the United States
	Government.

Mrs. Skrapinov strains to overhear the conversation.

		SKRAPINOV
	But... Where was this man Gardiner
	before last week?

		KARPATOV
	Apparently the White House shares
	our curiosity - they have also
	launched an investigation, and,
	according to our sources, neither
	the F.B.I. nor the C.I.A. has met
	with success.

		SKRAPINOV
	I see. Clearly, such interest on
	their part is of great political
	significance.

		KARPATOV
	Clearly, yes comrade.

		SKRAPINOV
	Hmmm... Take this down.
		(Karpatov takes out
		 notepad)
	I want this quote included in the
	Tass coverage; 'Chauncey Gardiner,
	in an intimate discussion with
	Ambassador Skrapinov, noted that
	"Unless the leaders of the opposing
	political systems move the chairs
	on which they sit closer to each
	other, all of their seats will be
	pulled from under them by rapid
	social and political changes."'

		KARPATOV
	Very good, Your Excellency.

Karpatov leaves the table.

INT. WASHINGTON, D.C. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

The same lounge as before. Sidney Courtney sits at the same
table as earlier, only this time with the editor of the
Washington Post, LYMAN STUART. Courtney puffs on his pipe as
he speaks.

		COURTNEY
	... It's strictly rumor at this
	stage, Lyman - just something in
	the wind...

		STUART
	Something rather big in the wind,
	I'd say. So whose files were
	destroyed? The CIA's or the FBI's?

		COURTNEY
	I don't know. Like I said, it's
	just rumor so far, but we should
	start nosing around, see if we can
	talk to some people...

The CAMERA begins to slowly MOVE AWAY from their table.

		STUART
	... But why? The question is why?
	Why would they destroy Gardiner's
	files? What is it about his past
	they are trying to cover up?
		(his voice fades)
	... A criminal record? A membership
	in a subversive organization?
	Homosexual, perhaps?

The SOUND of Stuart's voice dissolves into Thomas Franklin's
as the CAMERA SETTLES on Dr. Allenby and Franklin sitting at
a table nearby.

		FRANKLIN
	... And he told us that he had been
	living there since he was a child,
	working as a gardener. He showed us
	a room in the garage, where he said
	he stayed, and I... Well, I didn't
	really believe him, of course - but
	why the act?

		ALLENBY
	I have no idea...

		FRANKLIN
	Another thing that baffles me,
	Doctor - what was his connection
	with the deceased? Major financial
	dealings, obviously - but our firm
	has no record of any such
	transactions.

		ALLENBY
	Hmmm. You say he showed you his
	garden?

		FRANKLIN
	Well, he said it was his, he walked
	us through it.

		ALLENBY
	I see.
		(leans close to Franklin)
	Mr. Franklin, I must ask you and
	Miss Hayes to keep this incident
	with Mr. Gardiner to yourselves.
	There's no telling what he was
	involved in, and the matter may be
	extremely confidential. So please,
	not a word.

		FRANKLIN
	Of course, Doctor, I understand.

		ALLENBY
	Fine. Thank you, Mr. Franklin.

		FRANKLIN
	Certainly, glad to be of help.

Allenby rises, leaves the bar.

INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - DINNER PARTY - NIGHT

Eve and Sophie are talking to a small group. Chance moves
away to get an hors d'oeuvre and is approached by RONALD
STIEGLER, a publisher.

		STIEGLER
	Mr. Gardiner, I'm Ronald Stiegler,
	of Harvard Books.

		CHANCE
		(a two-handed handshake)
	Hello, Ronald.

		STIEGLER
	Mr. Gardiner, my editors and I have
	been wondering if you'd consider
	writing a book for us? Something on
	your political philosophy. What do
	you say?

		CHANCE
	I can't write.

		STIEGLER
		(smiles)
	Of course, who can nowadays? I have
	trouble writing a post card to my
	children! Look, we could give you a
	six figure advance, provide you
	with the very best ghostwriter,
	research assistants, proof
	readers...

		CHANCE
	I can't read.

		STIEGLER
	Of course not! No one has the time
	to read! One glances at things,
	watches television...

		CHANCE
	Yes. I like to watch.

		STIEGLER
	Sure you do! No one reads!...
	Listen, book publishing isn't
	exactly a bed of roses these
	days...

		CHANCE
		(mild interest)
	What sort of bed is it?

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Rand is in bed. Sitting nearby are two attorneys, MONROE and
TOWNSEND. Mrs. Aubrey stands to one side and Constance and
Teresa prepare an IV for Rand.

		RAND
		(speaks slowly, with
		 effort)
	Everything. I said everything and
	that's exactly what I mean.

		MONROE
	But, Mr. Rand, the holdings are so
	extensive, I would like to be more
	precise in...

		RAND
		(interrupts)
	What could be more precise than
	everything...?

Allenby enters the room, stands by the door, unnoticed.

		MONROE
		(turns to Townsend)
	Everything to Mrs. Rand.

		TOWNSEND
		(drafting a will)
	Right - everything.

		RAND
	You two don't have to lecture me on
	the complexities of the situation,
	no one knows that better than
	myself... But you must understand
	that I have an endless faith in
	Mrs. Rand's abilities - I know that
	she will select the right person
	for guidance when she has the
	need... She has shared my life,
	gentlemen, she has given me far
	more pleasure than any of my so
	called assets... Life has suddenly
	become very simple for me now - I
	may be older than my years, and you
	might think me to be somewhat
	feeble... But I am still in love,
	gentlemen, thank God for that...

Allenby silently leaves the room.

INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - DINNER PARTY - NIGHT

Dennis Watson, of the State Department, talks with Chance in
a corner of the living room. Dennis whispers something into
Chance's ear and Chance gives him an innocent smile. Dennis
is encouraged by the smile.

		DENNIS
	We could do it now, we can go
	upstairs.
		(no reaction from Chance)
	... Please, it's time for us. Come
	upstairs.

		CHANCE
		(blankly)
	I like to watch.

		DENNIS
	Watch? You mean just watch me?
	Doing it alone?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I like to watch very much.

		DENNIS
	Well, if that's what you want, then
	I want it too.
		(takes Chance's arm)
	We can go this way.

		CHANCE
	I want to tell Eve.

		DENNIS
	Tell Eve? You mean Mrs. Rand?

		CHANCE
	Yes.

		DENNIS
		(pulling Chance)
	Oh, you can tell her later. She'll
	never miss you in this crowd.

Dennis leads Chance out of the crowded room.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

A light from the adjoining bathroom filters into the darkened
bedroom. The President and the First Lady are in bed. They
each lie on their backs, a distance apart and are silent.

		FIRST LADY
		(after some time)
	... Maybe you should talk to
	somebody, darling.

		PRESIDENT
	No, that won't do any good.

		FIRST LADY
		(another pause)
	... Is it me? Is there something
	I've done?

		PRESIDENT
	Oh, no, sweetheart - it's not
	you...

		FIRST LADY
		(another pause)
	It's your damn job. It never
	happened when you were a senator...

		PRESIDENT
	It's not that, I just...

The inter-White House phone rings, the President reaches for
it.

		PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
		(into phone)
	Yeah, Kaufman - what is it?

		KAUFMAN'S VOICE
		(over phone)
	Chief, we have a break in the case.
	Our man at the Washington Post says
	they are working on a story that
	either the CIA or the FBI destroyed
	Gardiner's files before anyone
	could get to them.

		PRESIDENT
	What? Why?

		KAUFMAN'S VOICE
		(over phone)
	I can't say at this time - neither
	agency will admit to a thing.

		PRESIDENT
		(getting out of bed)
	Okay, get both Directors over here,
	I'll be right down.

The President hangs up the phone as the First Lady stares at
the ceiling.

INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS ROOM - NIGHT

A small room exquisitely decorated in pale lilac tapestry.
The lights are very dim, and Dennis, who we cannot see, is
lying on the floor. Dennis' clothes are draped over a chair.
Chance sees a very small pocket television on a desk. He
turns the TV on.

		DENNIS' VOICE
		(softly)
	Can you see well?

		CHANCE
		(squints at small screen)
	Yes, very well, thank you.

		DENNIS' VOICE
	Do you like it?

		CHANCE
	Yes. It's very tiny, but it's good.

		DENNIS' VOICE
		(disappointed at it being
		 'tiny')
	... Are you sure you like it?

		CHANCE
	Yes, I do, it's very good.

		DENNIS' VOICE
		(excited)
	Really? Really!!!

Chance reacts to the change in tone of Dennis' voice, turns
to look at him on the floor. Hearing the groans and heavy
breathing, Chance thinks Dennis is ill.

		CHANCE
	Do you need a doctor? I could call
	Robert...

		DENNIS' VOICE
	I don't want Robert.

		CHANCE
	I see.

		DENNIS' VOICE
		(through the groans)
	Your foot! Give me your foot!!

Dennis reaches out with his free hand, grabs Chance's foot,
pulls it to himself.

		CHANCE
		(some pain)
	Thank you. But my leg is still a
	little sore.

Chance watches as Dennis goes through some spasms, then his
body relaxes. Chance is concerned for Dennis' health.

		CHANCE (CONT'D)
	Are you sure you're not ill?

We hear a contented sigh from the man on the floor.

EXT. SOPHIE'S - NIGHT

A long, black limousine with a Red Star on the door pulls
away from Sophie's house.

INT. RED STAR LIMOUSINE - NIGHT

ALEXIS NOVOGROD, a high-ranking KGB officer, and two of his
underlings are in the limousine, along with Skrapinov, his
wife and Karpatov. Novogrod and his men wear heavy clothing,
fresh from Moscow. They all drink vodka.

(Dialogue in Russian, English subtitles)

		NOVOGROD
	The rank-and-file in the FBI feel
	he is FBI, but others feel he is a
	CIA man who knows how to destroy
	FBI files.

		SKRAPINOV
	That could be possible...

		NOVOGROD
	But we are quite certain, comrade,
	that this man Gardiner is a leading
	member of an American elitist
	faction planning a coup d'etat.

		SKRAPINOV
	A coup d'etat! Of course, that was
	foreseen by Lenin himself!

		NOVOGROD
	That is correct, Comrade Skrapinov.
	We have ascertained that Gardiner
	heads a big-business power group
	that will soon be taking over the
	American government.

		SKRAPINOV
	Big business. I could work with
	that faction quite nicely, Colonel
	Novogrod.

		NOVOGROD
	You have proven that already,
	Comrade Skrapinov, you are to be
	congratulated for recognizing the
	importance of this man and
	establishing an early friendship.

		SKRAPINOV
	Thank you, Colonel.

		NOVOGROD
		(raising his glass)
	Let us toast to the success of the
	coup.

They all raise their glasses.

		GROUP TOAST
	Na zdorov'e!

The men and Mrs. Skrapinov drink their vodkas.

INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

The reception is breaking up. Eve, wearing her coat, searches
for Chance in the crowd. She sees him, taps him on the
shoulder from behind.

		EVE
	Chauncey, where have you been? I
	was afraid you got bored and left,
	or that you were with some
	mysterious woman.

		CHANCE
	No. I was with a man. We went
	upstairs.

		EVE
	Upstairs? Chauncey, you're always
	involved in some sort of
	discussion...

		CHANCE
	He was very ill, I stayed with him
	for a while.

		EVE
	It must be the punch, and it is
	stuffy in here -- I feel it a
	little myself. You're an angel, my
	dear - thank God there are still
	men like you around to give aid and
	comfort.

Eve and Chance leave the reception.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT

The President sits behind his desk in a bathrobe, his hair
mussed. Standing before him are GROVER HONEYCUTT, the
Director of the F.B.I., and CLIFFORD BALDWIN, C.I.A. Chief.
Kaufman stands to one side. All are red-eyed, tired, and
frustrated.

		HONEYCUTT
	I never gave such a directive, Mr.
	President.

		BALDWIN
	Nor I, sir - it would be out of the
	question.

		PRESIDENT
	Gentlemen, I didn't call you here
	at such an hour to make
	accusations, I just want to explore
	the possibilities. Now, I have
	three questions; Is the man a
	foreign agent? Or, have we suddenly
	found that our methods of gathering
	data are grossly inefficient? Or,
	thirdly, have the man's files been
	destroyed? Now, I'd like some
	answers.

		BALDWIN
	Gardiner is not a foreign agent,
	there are now sixteen countries
	investigating the man. We can rule
	that out.

		PRESIDENT
	Very well... Can we rule out
	inefficiency...?

There is silence in the room. A couple of looks, but silence.

		PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
	I see. What about question three?
	Is it possible to erase all traces
	of a man?

		HONEYCUTT
	Highly unlikely, sir... In fact,
	the boys around the Bureau feel
	that the only person capable of
	pulling it off would be an ex
	F.B.I. man.

		BALDWIN
		(a look to Honeycutt)
	I don't think that's entirely true,
	Grover.

		PRESIDENT
		(to Baldwin)
	And what do the boys around
	Intelligence think?

		BALDWIN
	Well, Mr. President... They don't
	quite know what to think.

		PRESIDENT
		(rising)
	Gentlemen, needless to say, there
	is going to be a full Congressional
	investigation of your respective
	operations.
		(goes to door)
	Good night.

The President leaves the Oval Office.

INT. RAND MANSION - THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT

Eve and Chance walk down the hallway.

		EVE
		(holding his hand)
	I feel so close to you, so safe
	with you, Chauncey...
		(stops at her bedroom
		 door)
	... And Benjamin understands that,
	dearest... He understands and
	accepts my feelings for you...

		CHANCE
	Yes, Eve. Ben is very wise.

		EVE
		(opens her door)
	... Come in, Chauncey - please come
	in...

		CHANCE
	Thank you.

Chance enters, Eve closes the door behind them.

INT. EVE'S ROOM - NIGHT

Eve turns on a soft lamp, Chance goes directly to her TV,
turns it on.

		EVE
	I can sense that you've been
	through a lot, Chauncey. But one
	day, when you feel like it, you'll
	tell me all about your life...
		(Chance watches an old
		 movie)
	... But, even if you tell me
	nothing, even if it's too painful
	for you to reveal your past...

As she talks, Chance watches a love scene on TV. The hero
gives his lady a passionate kiss and embrace. The scene seems
to 'sink into' Chance's mind. He abruptly turns, takes Eve
into his arms and kisses her full on the mouth. Just as
abruptly, he turns away and changes channels on TV.

		EVE
		(breathless)
	Oh, Chauncey... I do love you so
	much!

She takes Chance in her arms, kisses him wildly. They fall to
her bed in an embrace. As she holds him, kisses him, runs her
hands over his body, Chance watches television, neither
resists nor responds to Eve's caresses. Suddenly she stops,
lets her head fall on Chance's chest.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	... You don't want me, Chauncey...
	You don't feel anything for me...
	Nothing at all...

Chance sits up on the bed, then, feeling her sadness, gently
strokes her hair as he looks at TV.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	I just don't excite you at all... I
	don't know what you want... I don't
	know what you like...

		CHANCE
	I like to watch.

		EVE
		(not understanding)
	To watch...? To watch me...?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I like to watch.

		EVE
		(uncertain)
	... Is that all you want...?
		(a hesitation)
	... To watch me...?

		CHANCE
	Yes. It's very good, Eve.

		EVE
	... But I've never done...
		(another hesitation)
	... You mean...? When... When...
	When I do it? ... When I touch
	myself...?

Eve slowly gets up from the bed, nervously paces the bedroom
as Chance watches TV. She makes a decision, moves to Chance,
kisses him.

		EVE (CONT'D)
		(getting aroused)
	Oh, Chauncey...

She steps back, slips off her dress. She does not undress any
further, instead, leans close to Chance.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	One of those little things you
	don't know about me yet, darling -
	I'm a little shy.

She smiles, gets in bed and pulls the covers over herself.
Chance divides his attention between Eve and the TV, watching
both with an equal detachment. Eve begins to respond to her
own touch, finds a heretofore undiscovered pleasure with her
own body. Chance changes the channel as she reaches orgasm.
As Eve's body trembles, Chance yawns, gets up from the bed.

		CHANCE
		(going to door)
	Good night, Eve.

A low purr is heard from Eve as Chance leaves.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING

Allenby, Constance and Teresa are readying a transfusion for
Rand. There is a feeling of urgency as they work.

Rand, very weak, strains to speak to Allenby.

		RAND
	No more, Robert... No more
	needles...

		ALLENBY
		(sits on the side of the
		 bed)
	It's not good, Ben - I'm sure you
	can feel it.

		RAND
	I know, Robert... But, strangely
	enough, I don't feel too bad about
	now... I feel all right... I guess
	it's easier... knowing Chauncey is
	here... to take care of things...

Teresa is about to swab Rand's arm with alcohol but he pulls
away.

		RAND (CONT'D)
	No, I don't want any of that...
	Please... please, just get me Mr.
	Gardiner, Teresa - please... he'll
	head it up...

Teresa looks to Allenby, he nods to her. Teresa puts the
cotton down, leaves the room.

EXT. RAND MANSION - PATIO - MORNING

A light snow is failing. Eve is in a fur coat, holds a
steaming cup of coffee. Chance stands next to her, an
umbrella in one hand. He holds his other arm out, catching
the snowflakes as they fall.

		EVE
	... And I feel so free now,
	Chauncey. Until I met you, I never
	felt acknowledged by a man...
		(Chance gazes out at the
		 falling snow)
	... I always had the feeling that I
	was just a vessel for a man,
	someone that he could take hold of,
	pierce, and pollute. I was merely
	an aspect of somebody's lovemaking.
	Do you know what I mean?

Chance turns to her, says nothing, presses the cold
snowflakes to his face.

		EVE (CONT'D)
		(presses close to him)
	Dearest, you uncoil my wants;
	desire flows within me, and when
	you watch me my passion dissolves
	it. You set me free. I reveal
	myself to myself and I am drenched
	and purged.

		CHANCE
	That's very interesting, Eve.

Teresa appears in the doorway.

		TERESA
	Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Rand would like
	to see you.

		CHANCE
	Yes. I would like to see Ben.

Chance gives Eve a warm smile, then follows Teresa into the
house.

INT. RAND'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING

Allenby, with nothing more he can do to prolong Rand's life,
sits on the bed close to him, grips his hand tightly. Teresa
shows Chance into the room and Allenby motions to the nurses
to leave. As they do, Chance, once again breathing the oxygen
with a smile, goes to Rand's bedside.

		RAND
		(slowly)
	... Chauncey... Chauncey...

		CHANCE
	Yes, Ben - are you going to die
	now?

Allenby winces.

		RAND
		(a weak smile)
	... I'm about to surrender the Horn
	of Plenty for the Horn of Gabriel,
	my boy...

		CHANCE
	Oh, I see.

		RAND
		(reaches out to him)
	Let me feel the strength in your
	hand, Chauncey... Let me feel your
	strength...
		(holds Chance's hand)
	Yes, that's good... I hope,
	Chauncey - I hope that you'll stay
	with Eve... Take care of her, watch
	over her, she's a delicate flower,
	Chauncey...

		CHANCE
		(smiling)
	A flower...

		RAND
	She cares for you and she needs
	your help, Chauncey... there's much
	to be looked after...

		CHANCE
	Yes. I would like to do that.

		RAND
	... I've worked very hard and
	enjoyed my life... I've known
	success... and I've felt love... My
	associates, Chauncey - I've talked
	with them about you... They're
	eager to meet you... very eager to
	meet you... I'm very fond of you,
	Chauncey... And I understand Eve...
	Tell her that... tell her I'm madly
	in love with her...

Rand slumps down, dead. Allenby checks his pulse, turns to
Chance.

		ALLENBY
	... He's gone, Chauncey.

		CHANCE
	Yes, Robert. I have seen it before.
	It happens to old people.

		ALLENBY
		(covers Rand's face)
	Yes, I suppose that's true.

Chance reaches out, uncovers Rand's face, gently touches the
man's forehead, feels the coldness. Allenby eyes him as
Chance stays with Rand for a moment, then replaces the sheet.

		CHANCE
		(turns to Allenby)
	Will you be leaving now, Robert?

		ALLENBY
	In a day or two, yes.

		CHANCE
	Eve is going to stay. The house
	will not be closed.

		ALLENBY
		(a moment, a look)
	... You've become quite a close
	friend of Eve's - haven't you Mr...
		(a beat)
	... Chance...?

		CHANCE
	Yes. I love Eve very much.

		ALLENBY
	I see...
		(another beat)
	... And you are really a gardener,
	aren't you?

		CHANCE
		(brightens)
	Yes, Robert - I am.
		(a smile at Allenby)
	I'll go tell Eve about Ben now,
	Robert.

Chance leaves the bedroom. Allenby watches him go, then sits
back in a chair, his head spinning.

EXT. RAND MANSION - DAY

A cloudy, cold day patches of snow are on the ground. The
Rand servants are lined up in front of the mansion, listen to
funeral services for Rand on a pair of loudspeakers. PAN
AROUND, reveal the services being held on a hill overlooking
the mansion. Fifty mourners are gathered around the Rand
family mausoleum. Chance stands with Eve and Allenby. The
President of the United States stands before a microphone.

		PRESIDENT
	... Millions of people across the
	world have heard of the passing of
	Benjamin Rand; but, unfortunately,
	only relatively few will feel the
	pain and sadness at such a loss. To
	most, Benjamin Rand was a legend;
	to those of us gathered here today,
	Benjamin was a beloved friend. My
	personal association with Benjamin
	dates back many years, and my
	memories of our friendship will
	stay with me forever.

As the President speaks, Chance turns and walks away. Eve and
Allenby watch as he goes into the trees surrounding the area.

		PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
	I initially came in contact with
	the Rand name in 1943. 1 was a
	young lieutenant in the Air Corps,
	a navigator flying missions over
	Europe. That plane that I learned
	to know so well was manufactured by
	the Rand Aeronautics Corporation.
		(a beat)
	Benjamin Rand was an industrial
	giant, known to be powerful and
	uncompromising, and yet, on a
	personal level, we have all felt
	his warmth and humor...
		(a beat)
	... I would like to share with you
	a few quotes, and a few feelings
	from our dear friend.
		(holds up paper, reads)
	... 'I do not regret having
	political differences with men that
	I respect; I do regret, however,
	that our philosophies kept us
	apart.'
	... 'I have no use for those on
	welfare, no patience whatsoever...
	But, if I am to be honest with
	myself, I must admit that they have
	no use for me, either.'
	... 'I was born into a position of
	extreme wealth, I have spent many
	sleepless nights thinking about
	extreme poverty -  I do not know
	the feelings of being poor, and
	that is not to know the feelings of
	the majority of people in this
	world. For a man in my position,
	that is inexcusable.'
	'Life is a state of mind.'
	... 'When I was a boy, I was told
	that the Lord fashioned us from his
	own image. That's when I decided to
	manufacture mirrors.'

INT. LARGE AUDITORIUM - DAY

Ah auditorium with row upon row of empty seats. Huddled
together at one end of the hall are six important
businessmen, speaking in hushed tones. JAMES DUDLEY, a
powerful industrialist, speaks.

		DUDLEY
	But what do we know of the man?
	Nothing! We have no inkling of his
	past!

SEWELL NELSON, a corporation chairman, joins in.

		NELSON
	Correct, and that is an asset. A
	man's past can cripple him, his
	background turns into a swamp and
	invites scrutiny.

Another executive, PETER CALDWELL, agrees.

		CALDWELL
	To this time, he hasn't said
	anything that could be used against
	him.

CHARLIE BOB BENNET, a Texas oil millionaire;

		BENNET
	Well, I'm certainly open to the
	thought - it would be sheer lunacy
	to support the President for
	another term.

		NELSON
	No one will go along with that...
	Look at the facts, gentlemen, the
	response from his appearance on
	'This Evening' was overwhelming; he
	has excited and awakened the people
	of this country at a time of
	despair.

LYMAN MURRAY, a banker;

		MURRAY
	He's personable, elusive, yet
	seemingly honest. He's riding a
	crest of popularity that builds
	with every statement. As far as his
	thinking goes, he appears to be one
	of us. I firmly believe, gentlemen,
	that he is our only chance - Mr.
	Chauncey Gardiner!

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Chance, his umbrella under his arm, walks through the woods.

EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY

The services are over. Eve, Allenby talk with the President
and the First Lady.

		EVE
	It was very moving, Bobby - thank
	you so much...

		PRESIDENT
	We're all going to miss him, Eve...
		(glances around)
	... Where's Mr. Gardiner?

		ALLENBY
	... He walked off...

		EVE
	Chauncey is so sensitive... He was
	overcome with grief...

		PRESIDENT
	I can certainly understand that...

		FIRST LADY
	Of course... I'm so sorry for you,
	Eve...

		EVE
	Thank you, Nancy.

		FIRST LADY
	I'll call you soon.

The President and First Lady head toward their limousine.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Chance walks deeper into the woods, absorbed in the greenery.
He stops by a tree, brushes some snow from a branch, moves
on.

EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY

The majority of mourners have left. Eve and Allenby walk
slowly to the RAND 1 limousine, look around for Chance.

		EVE
	... Do you think we should look for
	him?

		ALLENBY
	I don't think so, he should be
	along soon...

		EVE
	I wish he were here...

Eve keeps looking as they walk to the limousine.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Chance happens on a tree with a cracked limb, hanging to the
ground. He stops, inspects the break, runs his fingers along
the split in the bark. He looks to the ground, notices that
an end of the limb has fallen on a seedling, bending it
double. Chance pulls the limb away, then kneels beside the
seedling. He removes an expensive paid of suede gloves, and,
with gentle fingers, brushes the dirt and snow away from the
seedling. Chance glances up to the remaining limbs of the
larger tree which could fall and threaten the emerging tree.
He unfolds his umbrella, places it over the seedling in a way
to give it protection, yet to still allow it to receive light
from the winter sun. Chance stands, puts his gloves back on
and continues his walk, disappearing into a remote section of
the woods.

EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY

Jeffrey stands holding the door for Eve and Allenby, all the
other cars have gone. Eve is worried, gets into the car.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Chance walks through the woods, his pace faster than before.

EXT. RAND'S FUNERAL - DAY

The limousine still waits for Chance.

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

Eve is deeply concerned for Chance.

		EVE
	We have to find him, Robert - he
	could be lost, something may have
	happened, we can't leave him!

		ALLENBY
	You really care for him, don't you,
	Eve?

		EVE
	I do - we do - both of us, Ben and
	I feel so much for Chauncey...

		ALLENBY
	I think we'd better go look for
	him.
		(he taps on the glass
		 partition)
	David!

David starts up the limousine.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Chance walks with determination through the woods.

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

Allenby and Eve search for Chance as David drives along a
narrow road through the woods. Jeffrey, sitting in front,
suddenly calls out.

		JEFFREY
	Look!

About 100 yards ahead of them, Chance crosses the road,
continues on down a hill.

		EVE
	There he is! Chauncey!

David stops the limousine at the point where Chance crossed.
Eve hurries out of the car.

EXT. SIDE OF ROAD - DAY

Chance is about twenty yards down the side of a hill. Eve
calls to him.

		EVE
	Chauncey! Chauncey!

		CHANCE
		(stops, looks up)
	Hello, Eve.

Eve runs, half falls as she goes down the hill.

		EVE
	Oh, Chauncey...!

She gets to him, holds him tightly.

		EVE (CONT'D)
	Oh, Chauncey, darling... Where have
	you been? We thought we'd lost you -
	we've been looking all over!

		CHANCE
	Yes. I've been looking for you,
	too, Eve.

She hugs him one more time, then she leads him back up the
hill to the waiting limousine. Allenby gets out of the car,
greets Chance with a handshake and an arm around the
shoulder. Then the three get into the limousine.

				 FADE OUT.

		      THE END