12 Years a Slave Page #3

Solomon gives the whole deal one last consideration.

SOLOMON:

The payment offered is enticementenough, as is my desire to visitthe metropolis.

HAMILTON:

We are delighted, sir. So

delighted. Though we would addthat our travel plans-

BROWN:

We would like to depart withhaste.

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 10.

11 CONTINUED:
(2) 11 11 CONTINUED: (2) 11

SOLOMON:

As luck would have it, my wife and

children are traveling. I will

write her of our plans.

BROWN:

Excellent! I would beg you

collect yourself, then we may

proceed.

12 INT. NORTHUP HOUSE/BEDROOM - LATER 12

Back in his house, we see Solomon packing: putting someclothes in a travel case, and collecting his violin aswell.

13 INT. NORTHUP HOUSE/STUDY - LATER 13

Solomon sits down to write a letter; pen poised overpaper with already a few lines written. But Solomon

thinks better of it. WITH LITTLE THOUGHT HE TEARS THE

PAPER AND SETS IT ASIDE. WE SHOULD GET THE SENSE THAT

THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE BY LETTER

IS LOST ON SOLOMON. THIS FACT WILL HAVE GREAT WEIGHT IN

THE NEAR FUTURE.

14 EXT. SOLOMON'S HOUSE/INT. COVERED CARRIAGE - LATER 14

Solomon enters the buggy, carpet bag in hand. Brown and

Hamilton are waiting. They ride in a covered carriageled by a pair of "noble" horses.

HAMILTON:

No letter to post?

SOLOMON:

No need. My return will coincide

with my family's.

BROWN:

We're off then.

15 INT. PUB -EVENING 15

-MID TO LATE APRIL, 1841

We find ourselves in a roadside pub. It serves the

purpose of drinking and diversion, and little more. As

Solomon plays his violin, Brown and Hamilton perform adecent, paired magic routine before a SPARSE AUDIENCE NOTOF "SELECT CHARACTER."

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 11.

16 INT. PUB -LATER 16

After the show, the pub now fairly empty, Solomon,

Hamilton and Brown sit down to eat. Hamilton and Brown

drink, but again Solomon abstains. Though Solomonremains cool, Hamilton and Brown put up a great show ofbeing disappointed as Hamilton counts out what littlemoney was collected.

HAMILTON:

Not an additional tip from a oneof them. They expect to beentertained for nothing.

BROWN:

And not satisfied a bit despitegiving them more than what theypaid for.

SOLOMON:

It's the national mood. There's

too much grief to make room forfrivolity.

HAMILTON:

My sincerest apologies, Solomon.

You were promised opportunity, andyou were given none.

BROWN:

The opportunity is with thecircus. A two man show poorlypromoted, what were we to expect?

But the circus bills itself.

HAMILTON:

True.

BROWN:

I have told you of the circus withwhich we are connected. Creatures

from the darkest of Africa.

Acrobats from the Orient who--

SOLOMON:

You have described it, yes.

BROWN:

Yes. We need to return

immediately to Washington.

Solomon...I believe us familiar

enough now, but forgive me if I ambold...would you consider makingthe trip with us?

Solomon gives a bit of a laugh at the idea.

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT

CONTINUED:
CONTINUED:

HAMILTON:

Entertaining at pubs and inns has

it's place, but a man of your

skills deserves better.

BROWN:

Hear, hear.

HAMILTON:

And more importantly you would

build your own name and following.

The circus tends to attract those

with the highest of reputations.

An introduction here and there

could amount to a lifetime of

reward. Now would be the time.

With your family away, an

opportunity presents itself.

BROWN:

Said as fellow artists as well as

businessmen. Well worth the

effort at least.

SOLOMON:

You present a flattering

representation. As my family will

be traveling back shortly, perhaps

I might commit only to one trial

engagement.

HAMILTON:

Oh, very good, sir. Very good. I

cannot recall being so excited.

BROWN:

There is a practical concern. If

you are to continue on with us you

should obtain your free papers.

SOLOMON:

Not necessary.

BROWN:

Here in New York, no. But we will

be entering slave states and as a

matter of precaution... It's to

all our benefit we should not have

to come to account for your well

being.

HAMILTON:

Six shillings worth of effort

could well save much trouble

later.

12.

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 12A.

16 CONTINUED:
(2) 16 16 CONTINUED: (2) 16

BROWN:

We'll go to the Customs House inthe morning, then travel on. Good

business all around.

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 13.

17 OMIT 17

18 EXT. WASHINGTON -DAY 18

The city is a swarm of people. At the moment the populaceis displaying both sorrow and anticipation. Sorrow for

the loss of the President. Many are dressed in black,

and black crepe hangs nearly everywhere. Black armbandsare frequently seen, and the occasional American Flaghung at half mast. As well, there are portraits ofHarrison at varying locations.

Having arrived in Washington, Solomon, Hamilton and BrownRIDE ONWARD IN THEIR CARRIAGE.

19 INT. GADSBY HOTEL/DINNING ROOM - EVENING 19

A decent though crowded, boisterous and smoke-filledjoint. Very lively. Solomon, Hamilton and Brown areamong several parties drinking in the hotel's bar. As

with seemingly everywhere in the city black crepesaccessorize the background. Brown counts out $43.00 IN

COIN on the tabletop. Solomon is astonished by theamount.

BROWN:

Forty-three dollars. All to you.

SOLOMON:

That...it's far more than my wages

amount to.

BROWN:

Consider the remainder an advance

from the circus. I cannot tell

you...I honestly wish you had seen

the expression of our director

when I described your abilities.

He was fairly overcome with

excitement.

HAMILTON:

You should have invited him to sup

with us.

BROWN:

I did. I did, but so many

preparations before the company is

to depart.

SOLOMON:

Gentlemen-

BROWN:

Tomorrow we shall prepare for our

Washington debut. But tonight, our

thoughts are with the great man

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 13A.

19 CONTINUED:
19

BROWN (CONT'D)

for whom this city prepared solemn

memorial. He has passed from the

praise of men to receive the

plaudit of his heavenly father. A

fine man has passed. Let us

remember him with a drink.

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 14.

19 CONTINUED:
(2) 19 19 CONTINUED: (2) 19

Both Hamilton and Brown hold up their tankards to drink.

Solomon, a bit reluctantly, does the same.

HAMILTON:

Cheers.

BROWN:

Another. Our departed President

deserves all the salutation we can

imbibe.

Hamilton and Brown drink again, and Solomon does as well.

20 OMIT 20

21 OMIT 21

22 EXT. ALLEY -LATER 22

WE MAKE A HARD CUT to Solomon outside of the Pub, in analley, with Brown and Hamilton in silhouette, back-lit bythe street lights. He is violently ill, hunched over andretching horribly.

HAMILTON:

That's all right Solomon. No

shame in it. No shame at all.

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