The Day the Earth Stood Still Page #12

MR. BARLEY

(delivering the final

word)

Stands to reason that fella wants

some thing or he wouldn't be here.

(facing Klaatu)

That make sense, Carpenter?

Klaatu pauses for a moment, then recites pleasantly.

KLAATU:

I must admit I'm a little confused.

Mrs. Crockett enters and speaks to Helen.

MRS. CROCKETT

Mrs. Benson -- Mr. Stevens is here

to see you.

HELEN:

Oh -- thank you.

She rises and goes out.

MRS. BARLEY

Finish your coffee, George. I told

the Carsons we'd be there at eleven.

INT. BOARDINGHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MED. CLOSE SHOT

as Helen crosses the room to greet TOM STEVENS. He's a

personable young man with a breezy manner and considerable

charm. There is between them an easy air of Intimacy.

HELEN:

(smiling warmly)

Good morning.

Tom kisses her.

TOM:

We're all set. I picked up some

sandwiches and put gas in the car.

And the radio's still busted, so me

can forget about the space man for

today.

HELEN:

(a little disturbed)

There's only one thing -- I haven't

been able to arrange for anyone to

stay with Bobby.

(tentatively)

I don't suppose we could take him

with us?

TOM:

(understandably

unenthusiastically)

Well, we could--

HELEN:

There's always somebody here, but

today of course they've all got plans.

KLAATU'S VOICE

I haven't any plans.

Helen and Tom turn in surprise.

THREE SHOT:

including Klaatu, who has wandered in from the dining room,

unnoticed by Tom and Helen. Klaatu continues, with an air of

wanting to be helpful without wanting to interfere.

KLAATU:

I'd be glad to spend the day with

him -- if you'd let me.

TOM:

(impulsively)

Say, that'll be great! Wouldn't it,

Helen.

HELEN:

(hesitating, a little

confused, by the

offer)

It's awfully nice of you to suggest

it.

(remembering the two

men haven't met)

I'm sorry Mr. Carpenter -- this is

Tom Stevens.

The two men shake hand's and exchange how-do-you-do's. Then

Klaatu turns back to Helen.

KLAATU:

Bobby and I had a fine time yesterday

afternoon. We talked -- and listened

to the radio.

(smiling at Helen)

I thought today he might show me

around the city.

Helen is debating the matter in her mind, concerned about

leaving Bobby with a comparative stranger, but tempted because

of her favorable impression of Klaatu.

KLAATU:

(easily)

Suppose I ask Bobby how he feels

about it.

He turns, with a little smile, and starts out of the room.

Helen, still not quite decided, turns to Tom with a

questioning look. Tom nods.

DISSOLVE T0:

INT. LINCOLN MEMORIAL - FULL SHOT - DAY (STOCK)

The great seated, brooding figure of Lincoln is at the far

end of the impressive main hall. A few tourists are moving

about the place.

MED. CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU AND BOBBY

They are in the south hall, on the wall of which is inscribed

the Gettysburg Address. They stand silently, side by side,

reading the inscription.

INSERT - GETTYSBURG ADDRESS (STOCK)

Featuring the last part of the Address. It reads: "--and

that government of the people, by the people, for the people,

shall not perish from the earth."

TWO SHOT - KLAATU AND BOBBY

KLAATU:

(visibly impressed)

Those are great words.

(with an air of

discovery)

He must have been a great man.

Bobby is impressed by the depth and sincerity of Klaatu's

tribute, but a little confused by his air of having discovered

Lincoln. Hobby watches Klaatu with a puzzled expression,

then follows as Klaatu moves off slowly.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. LINCOLN MEMORIAL - MED. CLOSE SHOT - DAY

shooting against one of the huge fluted columns as Klaatu

and Bobby come out of the building. Deeply preoccupied, Klaatu

speaks with impatient urgency.

KLAATU:

That's the kind of man I'd like to

talk to.

Bobby looks up at him in bewilderment. After a moment Klaatu

speaks slowly, thoughtfully.

KLAATU:

Bobby -- who's the greatest man in

America today?

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