Isle of the Dead Page #11

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An alert, speculative look comes into Albrecht's face as he

watches St. Aubyn move out of scene.

MED. SHOT, Cathy, Thea and Miss Wollsten have seated

themselves around the brazier, Miss Wollsten already at work

on her interminable embroidery. St. Aubyn passes them, going

to the staircase in b.g. Miss Wollsten looks up and watches

him anxiously. Cathy also looks up.

CATHY:

Good night, Pappa.

St. Aubyn smiles at her, with an effort, and starts slowly up

the stairs.

INT. UPSTAIRS CORRIDOR - NIGHT

ANGLE SHOT of St. Aubyn coming up the stairs. A few steps

from the top, he stops; falters and almost loses his balance.

He clutches at the balustrade to save himself from falling.

For a second, he stands there almost doubled over, his face

drawn from a sudden onslaught of pain. Then he straightens

himself with an effort and pulls himself slowly up the

remaining steps. At the head of the stairs, he goes past

camera. CAMERA PANS TO show him start down the murky

corridor, staggering as if he were drunk. He hesitates, then

turns and lurches to the third door at the left, opens it and

goes in.

MED. CLOSE SHOT. Albrecht, Oliver and the General, at the

table, are watching St. Aubyn's o.s. exit. They speak in

whispers.

GENERAL:

Did you hear what Thea said --

as if she knew what threatens

us.

ALBRECHT:

That's impossible. I told them

Jacks died of a sudden heart

attack, probably brought on by over

drinking.

GENERAL:

Did your servant got word to

Dr. Drossos?

Albrecht picks up the wine bottle and the glasses.

ALBRECHT:

(nodding)

Dr. Drossos should be here any

hour now.

WIDER ANGLE. Cathy and Thea are paying no attention to the

men across the room, but Miss Wollsten is watching them

covertly. As the men start across to the brazier, Albrecht

carrying the bottle and glasses, she gathers together her

embroidery and stands up.

MISS WOLLSTEN:

If you'll forgive me...I've letters

to write.

The others call out "good night" to her as she crosses to the

stairs and begins to ascend. Albrecht and the General go to a

small table, where Albrecht puts down the bottle and glasses.

Oliver joins Cathy and Thea.

CATHY:

(to Oliver)

I've just been admiring Thea's

headdress. I think I shall have

a hat made like it a little round

cap with a veil ——

Oliver, scarcely hearing her prattle, looks off toward the

now empty staircase.

INT. UPSTAIRS CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Miss Wollsten comes up the stairs. She hesitates a moment at

the first door on her left and then walks past it and goes

down to the third door. She knocks. There is no answer. She

opens the door. The room is dark. She goes in.

DISSOLVE:

INT. MAIN ROOM - NIGHT

The General and Albrecht sit drinking. Albrecht is showing

the old soldier a Grecian helmet. The General holds it in his

hands, studying it carefully and with something close to

affection.

Cathy and Thea are standing with Oliver at the foot of the

stairs.

CATHY:

Good night, Oliver.

OLIVER:

Sleep well.

The two girls, start up the stairs,Oliver looking after them

pityingly.

CATHY:

(over her shoulder)

You're not leaving tomorrow..?

OLIVER:

I think not.

Thea half turns to look back at Oliver; a long sweeping look.

Thea and Cathy continue upstairs and Oliver turns back to

where the other two men arc seated.

DISSOLVE:

INT. MAIN ROOM - NIGHT

The General and Albrecht are still sitting together.

Oliver stands near them.

GENERAL:

Until we know, what choice is

there? We have to stay.

OLIVER:

But the war, the army —— they

need you.

GENERAL:

Better no general than one

carrying the plague.

OLIVER:

We still don't know that it's the

plague ——

GENERAL:

(adamantly)

Dr. Drossos will tell us. We

will know what to do then.

Oliver gives a little shrug of resignation and walks a few

steps into the room, head down, hands in his pockets.

Then he turns, grinning ruefully. -

OLIVER:

I wonder if my editor's psychic?

Reports from the Greek front are

going to be a little vague.

ALBRECHT:

(chuckling)

Or even spirit messages from

the next world.

Oliver's eyes widen and then he smiles quizzically at

Albrecht.

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