12 Years a Slave Page #27

start up. As they move on, Patsey sinks down to theground, where she remains in a weary and half-recliningstate, the other slaves around her.

WE STAY WITH Solomon as he travels further and further

from the slaves - who are diminished by distance.

Solomon waves a hand to them, but the carriage rounds abend and a thicket of trees hides them from his eyesforever more.

BLACK:

EXT. NORTHUP HOUSE - DAY A169

-MARCH, 1853

We now see Solomon in front of a door. A door we have

seen before at the very beginning of our story. Solomon,

aged significantly since then, stands nervously,

swallowing, and adjusting his attire. He breaths in andholds his breath. He blows out and closes his eyes. Atear falls from his cheek, but this is not the way hewants his family to see him. He gathers himself, andlooks to his right. There stands Mr. Parker. He placeshis hand on Solomon's shoulder. He says gently-

PARKER:

Are you ready?

Solomon swallows and nods.

INT. NORTHUP HOUSE - LATER 169

THE DOOR TO THE ROOM OPENS. Mr. Parker enters, Solomonbehind. We first see Anne, in her finest attire; theNorthup children: Alonzo, who is now seventeen andMargaret who is now twenty - SHE CARRIES WITH HER ABUNDLE. Also present is MARGARET'S HUSBAND. The familywaits patiently, dutifully...but anxiously.

Anne rises to greet him, but holds back. All around, thebody language of the family is stiff and awkward. Theyare, after all - after twelve years - little more thanfamiliar strangers.

SOLOMON:

I apologize for my appearance. I

have had a difficult time of

things these past many years.

Solomon looks among his family; trying to recall them asmuch as they look to see familiarity within him. To his

children:

SOLOMON (CONT'D)

Alonzo... Margaret, yes? You do

not recognize me, do you? Do

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

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169 CONTINUED:
169

SOLOMON (CONT'D)

you...do you even remember the

last time we saw each other? I

put you on a carriage with your

mother...

Margaret, tearing, hugs her father. Solomon almost

breaks, but he keeps himself together. Looking to theunknown man:

SOLOMON (CONT'D)

And who is this?

MARGARET:

He is my husband.

SOLOMON:

Husband?

MARGARET'S HUSBAND

It is very good to meet you, sir.

SOLOMON:

We have much acquainting to do.

Margaret rises, she presents her bundle to her father.

MARGARET:

And this is your grandson.

Solomon Northup Staunton.

SOLOMON:

...Solomon...

The fact his grandson carries his name, is overwhelming.

Solomon breaks down. Emotionally, physically... But

ANNE IS THERE TO CATCH HIM. As she holds him, Solomonsays to Anne with all his heart:

SOLOMON (CONT’D)

Forgive me.

ANNE:

There is nothing to forgive.

The pair, joined now by the whole family, hold on to eachother for life...and one would think for all the rest of

their lives.

FADE TO:

BLACK:

CARD:

Upon gaining his freedom, Solomon Northup located andattempted to seek legal justice against the men whokidnapped him. The case was tried in Washington, DCwhere blacks were prohibited by law from testifying

(CONTINUED)

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(2) 169 169 CONTINUED: (2) 169

against whites. The charges against the kidnappers wereeventually dismissed.

Northup spent the rest of his life working as anabolitionist, and with the Underground Railroad.

Solomon Northup most likely died between 1863 and 1875.

The exact date, place, and circumstances of his deathremain unknown.

- END

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