The New Howell Theater presents
Copyright 1983, 1996, 2003 by Ronald L. Ecker
All Rights Reserved
THE TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE
FADE IN:
EXT. CAFÉ COLÓN - MEXICO CITY - ESTABLISHING - DAY
Not a high-class joint. MARIACHI MUSIC from within.
FEDERAL SOLDIER #1 leans idly against a military car
parked in front. SUBTITLE fades in:
MEXICO CITY
FEBRUARY, 1913
INT. CAFÉ COLÓN - DAY
Some working-class MEXICANS are eating and drinking,
while a MARIACHI BAND sings and plays.
INT. A PRIVATE ROOM - CAFÉ COLÓN - DAY
Federal General VICTORIANO HUERTA, 59, of Huichol Indian
blood, stands by a table as he's talking on the phone.
The Mariachis (o.s.) can be heard through the open
door, which is casually guarded by General RAFAEL
IZQUIERDO, 50-ish.
A WAITER has brought Huerta a bottle of cognac, and is
pouring a glass on the table.
HUERTA
(into phone)
I am at the Café Colón. You
hear the mariachis?
Huerta chuckles. As he glances at the Waiter leaving
the room:
HUERTA
(into phone)
You know, under Madero, there
is one revolt after another.
INTERCUT: INT. AMBASSADOR'S OFFICE - U.S. EMBASSY - DAY
The 50-ish U.S. AMBASSADOR sits talking on the phone. He
is calm, conspiratorial:
AMBASSADOR
I know. Mexico, General Huerta,
needs a return to stability.
HUERTA
I would have to agree.
As Huerta sits down, relaxed, his cognac beside him on the
table:
HUERTA
I would like your reassurance,
Mister Ambassador, that His
Excellency Mister President Taft
will not intervene, if Madero
should be overthrown.
AMBASSADOR
No need to worry. President Taft
depends largely on what I advise
him regarding affairs here. Anyway,
his term will be ending in March.
HUERTA
What about this Woodrow Wilson?
AMBASSADOR
Well, I'm sure he'll depend on me too.
(beat)
How soon do you think Madero might
be overthrown?
HUERTA
Oh . . .
Huerta looks at a pocket watch. (The time is five after
two.)
HUERTA
Any time now.
EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY
A sprawling building on the Zócalo, the city's central plaza.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - THE PALACE - DAY
President FRANCISCO MADERO, 40, a small, gentle-looking fellow,
is listening with interest to AIDE #1. AIDES #2 and #3 also
are present.
AIDE #1
Villa escaped from the prison
disguised as a visitor. They
think he has headed for Texas.
MADERO
If he escaped, good for him.
(with disgust)
A hero of the Revolution, jailed
as a horse thief by order of Huerta.
The general was going to have him
shot! I said, 'No, he will have a
fair trial.'
AIDE #2
Huerta is not to be trusted, Mister
President. You know he was loyal
to the old regime, and -
MADERO
(interrupting,
resentfully)
I have his loyalty now.
(rhetorically)
He is head of the new federal army.
What more could Huerta want?
AIDE #1
(beat)
Beware of wolves who come in sheep's
clothing.
Aide #1 doesn't finish before they HEAR boots.
The door has opened, and Federal General AURELIANO BLANQUET,
60, walks in, followed by TWO COLONELS. Their uniforms
include holstered pistols. Armed FEDERAL SOLDIERS remain
outside the doorway.
MADERO
(rising)
Blanquet. What is this?
BLANQUET
Madero, you are under arrest.
MADERO
Who do you think you are?
As Aide #1 slowly moves his hand, out of Blanquet's view,
for something in his coat:
BLANQUET
Vice President Pino Suárez is
already in custody.
Madero looks defiantly at the taller Blanquet.
MADERO
Where is General Huerta? I want
to see him now.
Aide #1 has drawn a pistol. Colonel #1 SHOOTS him, just as
Aide #2 draws a pistol and is SHOT by both Blanquet and
Colonel #2.
Soldiers have entered with guns at ready. The shaken Madero
looks down at dead Aides #1 and #2. He looks again at the
stone-faced Blanquet.
EXT. CAFÉ COLÓN - DAY
The military car is leaving, with Huerta and Izquierdo in
back, Soldier #1 driving.
INT. THE CAR - DAY
Huerta calmly lights a black cigarette, Izquierdo set to
take notes, as the Soldier drives.
HUERTA
Have this message sent to all
embassies: 'I have the honor to
inform you that I have overthrown
the government.'
(beat)
'From now on there will be peace
and prosperity.'
(beat, then)
I will drop you off at the palace.
IZQUIERDO
What about you?
HUERTA
I am going to the house. It is
one of my grandsons' birthday.
EXT. PATIO - HUERTA'S HOME - DAY
Huerta's blindfolded GRANDSON, about 7, succeeds in busting
a goodies-filled piñata with a stick.
Cheering him on, then applauding, are Huerta's wife EMILIA,
52, four or five Huerta DAUGHTERS, a couple of SONS-IN-LAW,
and several CHILDREN.
EXT. HUERTA'S HOME - DAY
The car bringing Huerta arrives at the nice but not regal
home.
EXT. PATIO - FIVE MINUTES LATER
Huerta and the birthday-partying FAMILY feast at a table,
MAID #1 attending.
EMILIA
How has your day been, dear?
HUERTA
I am the new head of Mexico.
EMILIA
You are?
DAUGHTER #1
(thrilled)
Father!
SON-IN-LAW #1
What about Madero?
HUERTA
He was no good for the country, he
and his so-called Revolution. I
had generals revolting every day.
I got tired of defending him.
SON-IN-LAW #1
Has he been shot?
HUERTA
No, he has not been shot.
EMILIA
What will the Congress say about
you taking over?
Huerta laughs. As he reaches over and gives Emilia a fond
squeeze on the arm:
HUERTA
Would you like to go live in
Chapultepec Castle?
EMILIA
I don't know, I haven't thought
about it.
DAUGHTER #1
Mama!
EMILIA
Well I don't want to move.
HUERTA
I don't want to move either. So
we won't.
DAUGHTER #2
(sarcastically)
Who wants to live in a castle?
GRANDSON
I do.
As Huerta gestures to the Maid for more wine:
SON-IN-LAW #2
What about Washington? Are you
concerned about what the gringos
will say?
HUERTA
No, I am not. The ambassador
understands. He will see that my
government gets full recognition.
EXT. A NICE TWO-STORY HOME - NEW JERSEY - DAY
As a car (CHAUFFEUR-driven, bringing WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN)
arrives in front, where TWO SECRET SERVICE MEN wait in the
cold, SUBTITLE fades in:
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
OVERLAP SOUND of convivial LAUGHTER.
INT. AN UPSTAIRS SITTING ROOM - DAY
WOODROW WILSON, 56, his Georgian wife ELLEN, 55, and Wilson's
diminutive advisor, Texan "Colonel" EDWARD HOUSE, 53, sit
laughing about something.
Pretty NELLIE WILSON, 26, has appeared at the door.
NELLIE
Mister Bryan is here, Dad.
WILSON
Thank you, Nell.
As Wilson is about to get up, House rising instead, Nellie
leaving:
HOUSE
Finish your coffee, Woodrow. I'll
greet him.
As House heads for the door:
ELLEN
Thank you, Colonel.
Wilson and Ellen look fondly at each other for a moment.
Ellen rises, picks up House's cup, and takes it, Wilson
watching her, to the table where the coffee pot sits.
Wilson, finishing his cup, rises and follows her.
WILSON
Ellen . . .
As she turns, takes Wilson's cup:
WILSON
Don't call Ed 'Colonel.' He
hates it.
As Ellen sets down the cup, turns again to Wilson:
ELLEN
I'm sorry. I thought he was a
colonel.
WILSON
It's honorary. One of the things
they do out in Texas.
As Wilson takes Ellen in his arms:
ELLEN
What's his title going to be?
WILSON
Advisor to the President.
As Wilson starts giving her pecks and nibbles:
WILSON
Do you know what else they do
out in Texas?
ELLEN
What?
WILSON
They do it in Virginia too. My
old neck of the woods.
ELLEN
Now I'm catching on.
WILSON
They do it here in New Jersey.
As Ellen gently breaks his hold:
ELLEN
They do it in Rome, Georgia too.
But not while William Jennings
Bryan is waiting outside.
INT. THE UPSTAIRS SITTING ROOM - TEN MINUTES LATER
Wilson is pacing while WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN, 52, sits
having coffee, House smoking a cigar.
BRYAN
Well I might as well say it, Woodrow.
Colonel.
HOUSE
(with a smile)
Call me Ed.
BRYAN
I'm a teetotaler, Ed. I come from
a long, dry line of teetotalers.
(to Wilson)
If I run the State Department, I'd
like to prohibit the serving of
liquor at all state dinners.
Wilson and House glance at each other.
BRYAN
Wine too.
WILSON
Well, I guess I'd leave that to
your judgment.
As Bryan rises to offer his hand:
BRYAN
Then I accept.
As Wilson and Bryan shake hands:
HOUSE
Wine too, eh?
BRYAN
Why compromise on one's principles?
WILSON
(to House)
Can't argue with that.
As Bryan sits down again, Wilson pacing:
WILSON
Anyway, Will, the first thing on
your plate is going to be Mexico.
There'll be no recognition of
Huerta. One of the first things
we'll do is recall the ambassador.
BRYAN
Break off relations?
WILSON
No, we're going to put pressure on
Huerta to restore Madero or hold
new elections, return to constitutional
government. It's a matter of principle.
HOUSE
The Revolution may not be over.
(beat)
This Huerta, you know, was one of the
old dictator's men.
WILSON
Well, one thing I intend to do, as
I said in my campaign, is to help
foster democracy in Latin America.
And no traitor of a general like
Huerta is going to stop me.
BRYAN
Does that mean military intervention,
sir?
WILSON
No. The United States is through
being the bully on the block. We
are not going to war against Mexico.
There are more civilized means to help
them undo what's been done. We are
going to handle this diplomatically.
EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - NIGHT
In the darkness a group of RURALES (federal policemen) hustle
Madero and Vice President JOSÉ MARÍA PINO SUÁREZ, 50, out of
a rear entrance of the palace into two waiting cars.
INT. FIRST CAR - NIGHT
A Federal police MAJOR gets into the back next to the nervous
Madero. On Madero's other side sits FEDERAL POLICEMAN #1.
TWO RURALES are in front, one getting ready to drive.
MADERO
Where are you taking us?
MAJOR
To Lecumberri. We can no longer keep
you here in the palace.
MADERO
(incredulously)
Lecumberri? The prison?
MAJOR
Temporarily. For your safety.
EXT. THE PALACE - NIGHT
The first car pulls away, then the second car follows.
INT. SECOND CAR - NIGHT
Pino Suárez sits between FEDERAL POLICEMEN #2 and #3, TWO
RURALES in front.
EXT. THE PRISON - NIGHT
The two cars move along a road by the prison wall toward the
front entrance.
INT. FIRST CAR - NIGHT
The Major, Madero, and Policeman as before. As Madero
glances back:
MADERO
We just passed the entrance.
MAJOR
We are going to use the one at
the rear.
EXT. THE PRISON - NIGHT
The two cars come to a halt by a rear door.
INT./EXT. FIRST CAR - NIGHT
As Policeman #1 gets out, to stand by the car, the Major
looks at Madero.
MAJOR
Get out.
Madero hesitates. Major speaks more firmly:
MAJOR
Get out.
Madero starts getting out.
Drawing his pistol, the Major aims it at the back of
Madero's head, and FIRES.
EXT. BY FIRST CAR - NIGHT
Madero falls to the ground, where he is SHOT again by
Policeman #1.
EXT. BY SECOND CAR - NIGHT
Pino Suárez is out of the second car. He has watched the
killing in horror.
Standing behind Pino Suárez, Policeman #3 aims his pistol
at the back of Pino Suárez's head.
The Major gets out of the first car, as a SHOT is heard,
followed momentarily by ANOTHER, by the second car.
The Major steps over to Madero's body, looks down at it,
then looks over at Pino Suárez's. He glances around at
the Rurales.
MAJOR
That's what they get, eh? For
trying to escape. The fools.
They deserved to be shot.
(gesturing toward
second car)
Load them in the car.
INT. SITTING ROOM - WILSON HOME - PRINCETON - DAY
Ellen is signing inaugural ball invitations, while Wilson
sits with a newspaper in an armchair.
Wilson is grim. The story he is reading is headlined
DEPOSED PRESIDENT SHOT IN MEXICO.
ELLEN
Jessie and Frank want to get
married in the White House.
Ellen looks over at Wilson reading, not listening.
ELLEN
Woodrow . . .
As Wilson looks over at her:
WILSON
Sorry, dear.
ELLEN
Jessie and Frank want a White
House wedding.
Wilson scans the last few lines of the story. As he
grimly sets the paper aside:
WILSON
Well, an appropriate place, I
suppose, to start losing our
daughters.
Ellen looks at him quizzically. He's pensive, clearly
troubled by what he has read.
WILSON
President Taft says the White House
is the loneliest place in the world.
After a moment, as Ellen writes:
ELLEN
I'll try not to let you get too
lonely.
Wilson looks at her fondly.
WILSON
Is that a promise?
ELLEN
I cross my heart.
EXT. VIENNA, AUSTRIA - NIGHT
ESTABLISHING, as SUBTITLE fades in:
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
During this, OVERLAP SOUND:
NELSON (V.O.)
Well, things are happening now
that Wilson has taken the oath.
EXT. BALCONY - A VIENNA APARTMENT - NIGHT
Pretty EDITH O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, sits staring off at the city
on a mild evening. She looks sullen about something.
NELSON
We're being transferred to Mexico.
Now Edith rolls her eyes incredulously.
Handsome NELSON O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, sits down a few feet from
Edith, who looks like she's trying to ignore him.
NELSON
Embassy first secretary. This
could be a big break. There's
been a coup, the Revolution has
re-ignited. Rumor has it Wilson's
going to recall the ambassador.
(beat)
That'll leave me in charge there.
I could be the next ambassador.
EDITH
You could also get lynched by a mob.
NELSON
(beat)
Is that wishful thinking?
(after a moment)
You don't have to go, Edith. You
could go home to Philadelphia.
A beat, Edith clearly in a quandary.
EDITH
Couldn't that ruin your chance of
being ambassador?
NELSON
(beat)
I can't just think of myself.
Edith cuts a hard eye at him, as if Nelson hasn't always been
so unselfish. Nelson looks away.
After a moment, Edith sighs, looking off at the city.
EDITH
Book your passage to Mexico,
Nelson. I'll stay here to
settle our . . .
(hesitates to
use the word)
. . . affairs . . . It'll give
me some time to think.
(beat)
Mexico City - or Philadelphia.
EXT. TOWN OF SAN ANDRÉS - CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO - DAY
Stocky, mustachioed PANCHO VILLA, 35, and some 50 well-armed
VILLISTAS come riding into town on HORSES.
Humble TOWNSPEOPLE, including idle TEENAGERS, see Villa
coming. The Teenagers become excited:
TEENAGER #1
It's Pancho Villa!
As Villa and his Men ride past, some Townspeople shouting
salutations:
VILLISTA #1
Viva Pancho Villa!
TEENAGER #
Que viva!
VILLISTA #2 reins in his Horse, to shout:
VILLISTA #2
Come join us, to help save the
Revolution!
Two or three of the Teenagers go running off, as if to
fetch some belongings.
TEENAGER #2
Viva la Revolución!
INT./EXT. A SECOND-FLOOR WINDOW - OTILIA'S HOME - DAY
Pretty OTILIA, 35, looks out the window, sees Villa and
some of the Villistas arrive on their Horses below.
INT. OTILIA'S SECOND-FLOOR BEDROOM - DAY
Surprised Otilia, straightening her clothes, turns anxiously
from the window:
OTILIA
It's Pancho!
Her terrified LOVER jumps off of the bed and runs out of
the room, grabbing his sombrero and fastening his pants
as he goes.
INT. THE SECOND FLOOR - DAY
Exiting Otilia's room, the Lover runs to the first window
he sees.
EXT. BACK OF HOUSE - DAY
Scrambling out the second-floor window, the Lover doesn't
think twice before jumping.
He falls straight through the thatched roof of a chicken
coop by the side of the house. Cackling CHICKENS come
flying out.
EXT. FRONT OF HOUSE - DAY
Villa heads for the entrance, Two Villistas staying in
front as guards, the Others riding off.
VILLA
Otilia, I am home!
INT. THE HOUSE - DAY
As Villa enters, Otilia runs to greet him with open arms:
OTILIA
Pancho!
VILLA
Otilia, my love!
As he hungrily embraces her:
OTILIA
Have you come home to stay?
VILLA
Not yet, my precious. I am
raising an army. We are taking
the Revolution back from Huerta.
As he leads her by the hand toward the stairs:
VILLA
Let's go, I don't have much time.
EXT. REAR OF HOUSE - DAY
The Lover, covered with crap, is hurriedly limping off
on a broken leg.
INT. THE HOUSE - DAY
As Villa and Otilia are walking up the stairs:
OTILIA
How many men do you have now,
Pancho?
VILLA
I left El Paso with six. I pick up
more at every village.
EXT. A VILLAGE - CHIHUAHUA - DAY
PEASANTS stand gathered, listening intently to Villa, trying
fierily to recruit them, a few already armed, while mounted
Villistas wait.
VILLA
Mexico, hombres, is in the bloody
hands of assassins. They shot
down Madero like a dog in the
street. They have snatched away
all that we fought for. There will
be no land, no better life for your
families, unless we stand up to
these traitors.
PEASANT
Mueran los traidores!
VILLA
Those who fought for the Revolution
must now fight again, and all good
Mexicans must now join the cause.
(pointing north)
We are going to retake Ciudad Juárez.
Then we head south, to retake Torreón,
to retake Zacatecas, to throw Huerta
out of Mexico!
PEASANTS
Viva la patria! Viva Villa!
VILLA
Those who are with me, go to your
homes, get your guns. They will
pay with their blood, we will take
back what belongs to us all: our
beloved Mexico!
As Villa heads for his horse, Peasants running for home or
waving their weapons:
PEASANTS
Vámanos! Viva Villa! Viva la
Revolución!
EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - WASHINGTON, D.C. - DAY
It's spring. Some SHEEP are grazing on the White House lawn.
OVERLAP SOUND:
A LADY (V.O.)
It's such a disgrace, Mrs. Wilson . . .
INT. ELLEN'S OFFICE - THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Ellen sits at her desk, listening to social activist CHARLOTTE
HOPKINS, while looking at a drawing of a simple, protoype
two-family house. (The drawing is labeled SANITARY HOUSING
COMPANY.)
With Hopkins are two other LADIES. Ellen's small, 50-ish
secretary HELEN BONES is also present.
HOPKINS
. . . a disgrace that, with this
type of low-cost, sanitary housing
available, folks live, right here
in the nation's capital, in alleys
like Goat and Willow Tree.
ELLEN
(beat)
Alleys like -?
HOPKINS
One of the slums I referred to.
Goat and Willow Tree, Logan's
Court -
LADY #1
They're alleys, Mrs. Wilson, of
dilapidated shacks, where most
of the black people live. Right
in sight of Capitol Hill.
This is clearly news to Ellen:
ELLEN
I haven't been around much to
notice.
HOPKINS
Oh, no one 'notices,' Mrs. Wilson.
But the conditions are awful.
LADY #3
The slumlords - that's what they
are - could put in this type of
housing, if Congress would just
make them do it.
ELLEN
(after a moment)
Well I'd like to see these alleys
you're talking about. Can we
check my calendar, Helen?
Hopkins and the Ladies look thrilled as Helen shows a
calendar to Ellen.
ELLEN
How about Monday afternoon?
HOPKINS
Oh, that would be great, Mrs. Wilson.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Wilson is meeting with his CABINET, including BRYAN,
Treasury's handsome Georgian WILLIAM McADOO, 50, Navy
Secretary JOSEPHUS DANIELS, 52, and Secretary of War
LINDLEY GARRISON, 60.
WILSON
Let's move on to Mexico. Mister
Bryan . . .
BRYAN
It's civil war, Mister President.
Huerta seems to be holding his
own, but the rebels are picking
up steam.
McADOO
Who's leading those rebels down
there? Is it Villa?
BRYAN
(glancing at notes)
The nominal leader is Carranza, the
governor of Coahuila in the north.
He calls himself First Chief of the
Constitutionalist forces.
GARRISON
(derisively)
'Constitutionalists.' That's a
bunch of hooey, Mister President.
BRYAN
Obregón is Carranza's top general.
Villa is supposedly a Carranza
man too, but Zapata's on his own.
DANIELS
I think what you've got down there,
with Carranza, Villa, and Zapata,
is a free-for-all.
GARRISON
You're exactly right, Mister Daniels.
The day's coming, if it's not already
here, Mister President, when we'll
need to march into Mexico. To save
American lives and property from total
depredation.
WILSON
We're neutral on the war, Mister
Garrison, for now anyway. Our policy
is watchful waiting. Huerta claims
he's going to hold an election.
GARRISON
It'll be a sham, Mister President.
He'll have himself, or some crony,
elected.
WILSON
No, he will not.
(to Bryan)
I want to send a special envoy,
from me to Huerta - is our new chargé
down there yet?
BRYAN
Yes, Mister President.
WILSON
Our envoy will tell Huerta face-to-
face: a free election, soon, and
he's not a candidate.
DANIELS
Perhaps an interim government first,
Mister President. For electoral order.
WILSON
Fine, as long as Huerta resigns.
(beat)
At the same time, let's send a
confidential agent to Carranza,
to talk things over with him.
Both sides might agree to elections,
an interim government, an end to
hostilities.
(beat)
Let's find out how constitutionalist
the rebels really are.
EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY
REESTABLISHING. OVERLAP SOUND:
RÁBAGO (V.O.)
Mister O'Shaughnessy, the President
will see you now.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
Nelson is escorted to the ornate double doors of the
presidential office by CHUCHO RÁBAGO, Huerta's male
secretary. A FEDERAL SOLDIER stands guard.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
As Rábago shows Nelson in, the uniformed Huerta turns from
the window overlooking the plaza or Zócalo.
RÁBAGO
Mister President, the United
States chargé d'affaires -
As Huerta strides over to Nelson, Rábago leaving:
HUERTA
Ah! Mister O'Shaughnessy.
As they shake hands:
NELSON
It is a pleasure to meet you,
General Huerta.
HUERTA
I may call you Nelson?
NELSON
Please do.
HUERTA
How soon, Nelson, might they name
you the new ambassador?
NELSON
Oh, I have no idea, sir. I'd
have to be confirmed. We have
to see how things go.
HUERTA
Patience is a virtue, eh? How
is my English?
NELSON
Excellent - Your Excellency.
Huerta laughs. As he takes Nelson by the arm:
HUERTA
Come, let us go for a ride.
EXT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY
Huerta's new personal car is moving along a suburban road,
with a car of BODYGUARDS following.
INT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY
Huerta is in good spirits, as he and Nelson sit in back,
HUERTA'S CHAUFFEUR driving.
HUERTA
A Mexican and a Frenchman are
standing on the corner. A brazen
woman comes by, in a light dress
that opens in front. Underneath
she wears nothing. A strong wind
lifts open her skirt. She pulls
it down and keeps going. The
Frenchman says, 'C'est la vie.'
The Mexican thinks he was speaking
Spanish: 'Sé la ví.'
NELSON
'I know I saw it.'
HUERTA
Yes. And the Mexican says, 'I saw
it too.'
Huerta laughs heartily, Nelson smiling.
INT. EL GLOBO SALOON - NIGHT
Huerta and Nelson have been drinking at a table, Huerta with
his back to the wall, BODYGUARDS sitting nearby, working-class
PATRONS watching them, MARIACHIS SINGING.
A WAITER sits down a fresh bottle. Nelson is already drunk,
Huerta just hitting his stride.
HUERTA
Your wife, mi hijo. Is she
with you?
NELSON
Not yet. She'sh on her way from
Vienna.
Huerta leans close, points out a couple of smiling SEÑORITAS,
clearly available, watching them.
HUERTA
You would like some companionship,
eh?
Nelson looks, smiles, then:
NELSON
Oh, no. No, General. I'm in
enough trouble already.
HUERTA
You are?
Huerta laughs, shakes Nelson chummily by the shoulder:
HUERTA
Que macho!
EXT. THE U.S. EMBASSY - NIGHT
Huerta's car pulls up at the gate, where TWO MEXICAN
GENDARMES stand guard.
As Nelson gets unsteadily out of the car, waves back
at Huerta:
HUERTA
Good night, mi hijo.
INT. FOYER - THE EMBASSY - NIGHT
Embassy butler HECTOR, a middleaged, stoical Indian,
opens the door for Nelson, who walks drunkenly in.
HECTOR
Are you okay, sir?
As Nelson puts an arm around Hector's shoulders:
NELSON
Yes, yes - What was your name
again?
HECTOR
Hector, sir.
NELSON
Hector, I feel great. We had a
wunnerful time.
HECTOR
Very good, sir.
NELSON
I just had a little much too to
drink.
HECTOR
Very bad, sir.
NELSON
But the gen'ral an' I get along
fine.
HECTOR
Very good.
As Nelson starts moving away, half-turns, walking sideways:
NELSON
Yep. Things are going to be
straightened out around here -
Nelson stumbles against some furniture by the wall, starts
losing his balance.
NELSON
- in no time at all.
Nelson falls flat on the floor. Hector steps over as if
to help him up, but drunken Nelson, as if ready to sleep
it off, lays his head on an arm, trying to make himself
comfortable.
NELSON
It's all right. Just leave me
here.
HECTOR
Very good, sir.
Hector leaves him lying on the floor.
EXT. AN ALLEY OF SHACKS - WASHINGTON - DAY
PATRICE, a humbly clothed, 30-ish black woman, stands holding
a small CHILD in her arms.
She's calmly watching Ellen and Ms. Hopkins come walking
along the alley, with SECRET SERVICE AGENTS #1 and #2 a
a few steps behind them. It's a mild day.
Ragged black CHILDREN play in the narrow, shack-lined dirt
street, in which sewage runs. A few black ADULTS move about.
As Ellen and Hopkins stop in front of Patrice's shack:
HOPKINS
Hello, Patrice.
PATRICE
Ms. Hopkins, how are you?
HOPKINS
Fine. I want you to meet Mrs.
Wilson. She's -
ELLEN
(interrupting;
to Patrice)
You can call me Ellen.
As Patrice, glancing curiously at the Secret Service Men,
clearly doesn't recognize Ellen:
PATRICE
Pleased to meet you, Miss Ellen.
ELLEN
Is this your only child?
PATRICE
No, ma'am, we have four. This
is the youngest.
ELLEN
You could use a better place for
them, couldn't you.
PATRICE
We sure could. Everyone could.
Everyone here works hard, those
with jobs. But this is what we
come home to. You know we can't
get a place nowhere else.
ELLEN
Well, maybe we can get something
done here.
PATRICE
(chuckles)
Excuse me for laughin', Miss Ellen.
I sure hope you know the right
folks. It would take the President
himself to get something done about
this place.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - MEXICO CITY - NIGHT
Nelson stands waiting as Edith steps from the train, followed
by the embassy's Mexican chauffeur JESÚS with luggage.
Edith doesn't smile. As Nelson kisses her, she turns her
head slightly, so that the kiss is a peck on the cheek.
NELSON
Welcome to Mexico City.
INT. DINING ROOM - U.S. EMBASSY - LATER THAT NIGHT
Nelson and Edith have been having a light meal, Mexican MAID #2
attending. Nelson tries to make small talk:
NELSON
You'll meet Louis D'Antin tomorrow.
He's the embassy first clerk and
legal advisor.
Through eating, Edith says nothing. She declines more coffee
from the Maid.
NELSON
Would you like a grand tour of
the embassy?
EDITH
(beat; matter-of-factly)
I'm kind of tired after riding that
train all day. Think I'd like to
turn in.
INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
Nelson and Edith stop at the door of a room. A trunk and
two suitcases sit in the hallway.
NELSON
I wasn't sure about your clothes,
so I told 'em to leave it out
here - till I knew where you want
to sleep.
A pause. As Nelson nods toward it:
NELSON
This is the master bedroom.
No reaction. He gestures further down the hall:
NELSON
There's two other bedrooms,
across from each other.
A beat. As Edith starts toward one of them:
EDITH
I'd like my own room for now,
if that's all right.
As Nelson picks up one of the suitcases and follows her:
NELSON
Suit yourself, Edith.
(beat)
How long do you think you might
want it?
As they stop at the open bedroom door:
EDITH
I don't know, Nelson.
NELSON
Let me know when you do.
EDITH
I will.
As she starts in the door:
NELSON
Edith, wait . . .
(she stops)
You take the master bedroom, and
I'll take this one.
EDITH
No, I'd rather you keep it.
NELSON
No, then you take this room, and
I'll take the one over (there)
EDITH
(interrupting)
(What)ever you want to do, Nelson.
I'm tired.
Nelson follows her into:
INT. EDITH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Edith looks the nice room over as Nelson puts the suitcase
on the bed.
NELSON
I'll have 'em bring in the rest.
Edith moves to a dresser.
NELSON
Tomorrow's Chinese Independence
Day.
Edith gives him a look.
EDITH
Thanks for reminding me.
Edith sits down at the dresser, looks tiredly at her
reflection. As Nelson walks over, to stand behind her:
NELSON
There'll be a big reception at
the Chinese legation. You'll
get to meet a lot of people.
Edith gives him an unthrilled look in the mirror.
NELSON
You might even meet Huerta.
After a moment, Nelson puts a hand on her shoulder
and lightly kisses the top of her head:
NELSON
Good night, dear.
She looks at him, rather blankly, in the mirror.
EDITH
Good night.
Nelson leaves. Edith thinks for a moment, and sighs.
INT. WILSON BEDROOM - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
Ellen is already in bed as Wilson, in pajamas, sits down on
the edge of the bed to tiredly take off his slippers.
ELLEN
I've got two good senators in
mind, to talk to about the alleys.
WILSON
That's who to talk to, lady.
Congress has all the money.
As Wilson lies down:
ELLEN
Okay, I will. I'll take a couple
of senators down there to Goat
and Willow Tree. I'll take a
whole committee.
A pause. Wilson looks pensive, staring up at the ceiling,
as Edith regards him.
ELLEN
You ought to see those places,
Woodrow.
WILSON
Ellen, I've got enough on my mind.
ELLEN
Pardon me?
WILSON
Ellen, for Pete's sake, I talk about
democracy in Latin America, and
we've got a butcher next door
running Mexico. What should I do?
ELLEN
You're asking me? Honey, 'I've got
enough on my mind.'
Wilson gives her a look. He sighs.
WILSON
(half-seriously)
President Taft was right. This is
the loneliest place in the world.
ELLEN
(smiles)
You've got your little project, and
I've got mine.
EXT. THE CHINESE LEGATION - MEXICO CITY - DAY
ESTABLISHING. Diplomatic GUESTS are arriving.
INT. SALON - LEGATION - DAY
At the reception, Chinese legate CH'AN and MRS. CH'AN greet
Nelson and Edith, among arriving GUESTS:
CH'AN
Mister O'Shaughnessy.
NELSON
May I present my wife Edith.
(to Edith)
Mister and Mrs. Ch'an.
CH'AN
So pleased to meet you.
MRS. CH'AN
Welcome to Mexico.
EDITH
Happy Independence Day.
EXT. CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES - MEXICO CITY - DAY
Congressional Deputy JORGE VERA ESTAÑOL is railing to his
COLLEAGUES in session (about 200 in all):
VERA ESTAÑOL
And what has General Huerta had to
say of the mysterious disappearance,
two nights ago, of our esteemed
colleague, the Honorable Belisario
Domínquez? Not a word! And who
among us will be next?
The chamber doors suddenly open, and General Blanquet comes in
with armed SOLDIERS. With Blanquet is the Mexico City POLICE
CHIEF.
There is stunned silence as Blanquet strides down the aisle
toward the podium, the Chief close behind him.
Blanquet stops, looking at Vera Estañol with a seeming mixture
of amusement and contempt.
BLANQUET
What is your name?
Vera Etañol hesitates, as if surprised by the question, then:
VERA ESTAÑOL
(proudly)
Jorge Vera Estañol.
BLANQUET
(to Police Chief)
Is he on the list?
The Chief checks a long list of names in his hand.
CHIEF
Yes, General.
BLANQUET
(to Vera Estañol)
You are under arrest.
As Deputies begin angrily protesting:
BLANQUET
(to all)
This Congress is dissolved, by order
of the provisional president of Mexico!
(then, to Chief)
Read off the names.
INT. THE SALON - CHINESE LEGATION - DAY
Nelson is chatting with British LORD CARDEN and Frenchman
PIERRE MORNET.
LORD CARDEN
(to Nelson)
You really believe Huerta can
survive this renewed civil war
without your government's
recognition?
NELSON
President Wilson is not going to
recognize Huerta.
MORNET
But governments are recognized as
existing or not existing -
A GERMAN DIPLOMAT has hurried in.
GERMAN (O.S.)
(anxiously)
Where is the American chargé?
NELSON
Over here.
Edith, listening with other LADIES to LADY CARDEN, notices
Nelson and Others listening with concern to the German,
out of the Ladies' earshot.
LADY CARDEN
Personally I think Mexico needs a
strong hand like Huerta's, till
some kind of order is restored.
As Edith sees Nelson heading toward her:
LADY CARDEN
The general may have his faults -
EDITH
(to Lady beside her)
Excuse me.
As Edith moves toward Nelson, Lady Carden continues to the
Ladies:
LADY CARDEN
- but can you imagine life under
Pancho Villa?
As Nelson and Edith meet, Edith still cold toward him:
NELSON
I've got to get back to the embassy.
EDITH
What's wrong?
NELSON
Huerta just dissolved the Congress.
Not only that, he arrested some
of the deputies.
(pointedly)
One hundred and ten of them.
A pause, Edith stunned.
EDITH
I'll go back with you.
NELSON
No, you stay here. I want everyone
to meet you.
As Nelson starts to go:
EDITH
Nelson, what's going to happen to
the deputies?
NELSON
Nothing if I can help it.
(beat; with dread)
Wait till Washington hears about
this.
Nelson turns to leave.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - SAME DAY
Wilson daughter JESSIE, 25, and 30-ish FRANCIS SAYRE have just
married, and head happily for a waiting car and their honeymoon.
Wilson, Ellen, oldest daughter MARGARET, and the rest of the
WEDDING GUESTS have come out to see them off. McAdoo happens
to be standing by pretty Nell, and they share a smile.
As the car is driving off, Wilson's secretary JOE TUMULTY, a
short man about 40, appears at Wilson's side with some news:
TUMULTY
(whispering)
Huerta just dissolved the Congress
in Mexico. Over one hundred deputies
arrested.
Ellen notes Wilson's grim change of expression as Tumulty
moves away.
ELLEN
What is it, dear?
WILSON
(after a moment)
Victoriano Huerta.
Go to Part TwoBack to beginning of script
