A Clockwork Orange Page #6

PRIEST:

Indeed.

ALEX:

And, Father, I've never been guilty of any institutional infractions,

have I?

PRIEST:

You certainly have not, 655321. You've been very helpful, and you've

shown a genuine desire to reform.

ALEX:

Father - may I ask you a question in private?

PRIEST:

Certainly, my son, certainly. Is there something troubling you, my son?

Don't be shy to speak up. Remember, I know all the urges that can

trouble young men deprived of the society of women.

ALEX:

No Father. It's nothing like that, Father. It's about this new thing

they're all talking about. About this new treatment that you out of

prison in no time at all and makes sure you never get back in again.

PRIEST:

Where did you hear about this? Whose been talking about these things?

ALEX:

These things get around, Father. Two Warders talk as it might be, and

somebody can't help overhearing what they say. Then somebody picks up a

scrap of newspaper in the workshops and the newspaper tells all about

it. How about putting me in for this new treatment, Father?

PRIEST:

I take it you are referring to the Ludovico Technique?

ALEX:

I don't know what it's called, Father, all I know is that it gets you

out quickly and makes sure that you never get in again.

PRIEST:

That's not proven, 655321. In fact, it is only in the experimental

stage at this moment.

ALEX:

But it is being used, isn't it, Father?

PRIEST:

It has not been used yet in this prison. The Governor has grave doubts

about it and I have heard that there are very serious dangers involved.

ALEX:

I don't care about the danger, Father. I just want to be good. I want

for the rest of my life to be one act of goodness.

PRIEST:

The question is weather or not this technique really makes a man good.

Goodness comes from within. Goodness is chosen. When a man cannot

chose, he ceases to be a man.

ALEX:

I don't understand about the whys and wherefores, Father. I only know I

want to be good.

PRIEST:

Be patient, my son, and put your trust in the Lord.

ALEX:

Instruct thy son and he shall refresh thee and shall give delight to

thy soul.

PRIEST:

Amen.

They cross themselves.

EXT. PRISON YARD - DAY

Prisoners walking in circles.

INT. PRISON CORRIDOR

Guards stand either side of cell doors.

Chief Guard with Governor, Minister and entourage.

CHIEF GUARD:

Mister.

GUARD:

All present and correct, sir.

CHIEF GUARD:

Right. All present and correct, sir.

GOVERNOR:

Very good, Chief.

They inspect cells.

CHIEF GUARD:

Leave to carry on, sir, please?

GOVERNOR:

Carry on, Chief.

CHIEF GUARD:

Sir.

EXT. PRISON YARD

Chief Guard comes out of door.

CHIEF GUARD:

Right, pay attention. I want you in two lines. Up against that wall

facing this way. Go on move! Hurry up about it and stop talking.

The men line up. Chief Guard moves back to door and comes to attention.

CHIEF GUARD:

Ready for inspection, sir.

He stands back and salutes as Governor, Minister and entourage enter

and walk along line of men.

MINISTER:

How many to a cell?

GOVERNOR:

Four in this block, sir.

MINISTER:

Cram criminals together and what do you get - concentrated

criminality... crime in the midst of punishment.

GOVERNOR:

I agree, sir. What we need are larger prisons. More money.

MINISTER:

Not a chance, my dear fellow. The Ggovernment can't be concerned any

longer with outmoded penological theories. Soon we may be needing all

of out prison space for political offenders. Common criminals like

these are best dealt with on a purely curative basis. Kill the criminal

reflex that's all. Full implementation in a year's time. Punishment

means nothing to them, you can see that... they enjoy their so-called

punishment.

Alex seizes his chance as they pass by.

ALEX:

You're absolutely right, sir.

CHIEF GUARD:

Shut your bleedin' hole!!!

MINISTER:

Who said that?

ALEX:

I did, sir.

MINISTER:

What crime did you commit.

ALEX:

The accidental killing of a person, sir.

CHIEF GUARD:

He brutally murdered a woman, sir, in furtherence of theft. 14 years...

sir!

MINISTER:

Excellent. He's enterprising, aggressive, outgoing. Young. Bold.

Viscous. He'll do.

GOVERNOR:

Well, fine... we could still look at C-Block.

MINISTER:

No, no, no. That's enough. He's perfect. I want his records sent to me.

This vicious young hoodlum will be transformed out of all recognition.

ALEX:

Thank you very much for this chance, sir.

MINISTER:

Let's hope you make the most of it, my boy.

GOVERNOR:

Shall we go to my office?

MINISTER:

Thank you.

INT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - DAY

Governor seated at his desk. There is a knock on the door.

GOVERNOR:

Come in.

Door opens. Chief Guard enters with Alex.

CHIEF GUARD:

Sir, 655321, sir.

GOVERNOR:

Very good, Chief.

Chief Guard turns to Alex.

CHIEF GUARD:

Forward to the white line, toes behind it. Full name and number to the

Governor.

Chief Guard closes door.

ALEX:

Alexander de Large, sir. 655321, sir.

The Governor takes off his glasses.

GOVERNOR:

I don't suppose you know who that was this morning, do you? That was no

less a personage than the Minister of the Interior and what they call a

very new broom. Well, these new ridiculous ideas have come at last, and

orders are orders, though I may say to you in confidence that I do not

approve. An eye for an eye, I say, if someone hits you, you hit back,

do you not? Why then should not the State very severely hit by you

brutal offenders not hit back also? But the new view is to say no. The

new view is that we turn the bad into good. All of which seems to be

grossly unjust. Hmmmmmm.

ALEX:

Sir...

CHIEF GUARD:

Shut your filthy hole, you scum!!!

GOVERNOR:

You are to be reformed. Tomorrow you go to this man, Brodsky. You wbe

leaving here. You will be transferred to the Ludovico Medical Facility.

It is believed that you will be able to leave State custody in a little

over a fortnight. I suppose that prospect pleases you?

CHIEF GUARD:

Answer when the Governor asks you a question you filthy young swine!

ALEX:

Oh yes, sir. Thank you very much, sir. I've done my best here I really

have, sir. I'm very grateful to all concerned.

GOVERNOR:

Sign this - where it's marked.

Alex turns the paper to read it.

CHIEF GUARD:

Don't read it - sign it!

GOVERNOR:

It says that you are willing to have the residue of your sentence

commuted to the Ludovico treatment.

Alex signs. Governor gathers up papers.

Alex dots the last "i" and smiles.

INT. LUDOVICO CENTRE RECEPTION DESK - DAY

ALEX (V.O.)

The next morning I was taken to the Ludovico Medical Facility, outside

the town centre, and I felt a malenky bit sad having to say goodbye to

the old Staja, as you always will when you leave a place you've like

gotten used to.

Chief Guard briskly leads the way for Alex and escort. They move into

reception hall where the Doctor stands.

CHIEF GUARD:

(shouting like an RSM)

Right. Halt the prisoner. Good morning, sir, I'm Chief Officer Barnes.

I've got 655321 on a transfer from Parkmoor to the Ludovico Centre,

sir!

DOCTOR:

Good morning, we've been expecting you. I'm Dr. Alcott.

Chief Guard checks the name from his clipboard.

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