The Day the Earth Stood Still Page #16

TWO SHOT - KLAATU AND B0BBY

as they come into scene and look down at the grave.

BOBBY:

That's my father.

(Klaatu glances at

the boy, then nods

understandingly)

He was killed at a place called Anzio.

Klaatu's glance roves out thoughtfully to the infinite rows

of crosses, and his eyes are sad as they return to Bobby.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. ARLINGTON CEMETERY - MED. SHOT - DAY

Klaatu and Bobby are approaching a bench beside a pathway

overhung with trees. Bobby leads the way to the bench and

they sit down. Klaatu's eyes stray out to the myriad crosses.

KLAATU:

(Reflectively)

Did all these people die in wars?

BOBBY:

(somewhat surprised)

Sure. Didn't you ever hear of

Arlington Cemetery?

KLAATU:

No -- I'm afraid not.

BOBBY:

(very serious)

Mr. Carpenter" -- you don't seem to

know about anything.

KLAATU:

(Amused)

I'll tell you, Bobby -- I've been

away for a long time. Very far away.

BOBBY:

Is it different where you've been?

(indicating the

cemetery)

Don't they have places like this?

KLAATU:

(slowly)

They have cemeteries. But not like

this one... You see, they don't have

any wars.

Bobby looks at him, puzzled and impressed by this

incomprehensible notion.

BOBBY:

Gee -- that's a good idea.

His eyes are drawn subconsciously out to the rows of crosses.

Then he turns back to Klaatu with a slow-dawning look of

curiosity, and Klaatu deliberately changes the subject.

KLAATU:

What would you like to do this

afternoon?

After a moment Bobby's expression changes and he breaks into

a broad grin.

BOBBY:

Go to the movies.

KLAATU:

All right.

BOBBY:

(he didn't dare hope

for this)

No foolin'? Will you?

KLAATU:

Certainly.

(then he hesitates)

Tell me, Bobby -- do you have to

have money to go there?

Bobby gives him a look of amazement, then grins, assuming

Klaatu was kidding and simply hasn't any money.

BOBBY:

(eagerly)

I've got some money. My mother gave

me two dollars.

KLAATU:

No -- I want to take you to the

movies.

(he takes some objects

out of his pocket)

Do you think they'd accept these?

CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU'S HAND

Sparkling in his palm are eight or ten cut diamonds of various

sizes.

TWO SHOT - KLAATU AND BOBBY

The boy is staring at the stones in wide-eyed amazement.

BOBBY:

Gee -- those look like diamonds!

KLAATU:

Some places that's what people use

for money. They're easy to carry --

and they don't wear out.

BOBBY:

(staring at them

fascinated)

Bet they're worth about a million

dollars.

KLAATU:

Would you give me your two dollars

for a couple of them?

BOBBY:

(with a nervous, unsure

smile)

Well, sure, but--

The boy studies Klaatu's face to see if he's kidding.

Realizing that he's not, Bobby's face takes on a childishly

shrewd expression -- as though he were about to trade a

jackknife for an ocean liner.

BOBBY:

(slowly)

Okay.

The boy takes out two dollar bills and offers them almost

challengingly. Klaatu takes the bills and hands Bobby two

good-sized Diamonds. They study their new acquisitions with

interest. Bobby looks up from his diamonds to steal a guilty

glance at Klaatu.

BOBBY:

Let's not say anything to my mother

about this, Mr. Carpenter.

KLAATU:

(mildly curious)

Why not, Bobby?

BOBBY:

(gravely)

She doesn't like me to steal from

people.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BOARDINGHOUSE STREET - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

Shooting toward the curb as a police prowl car drives up and

stops in front of the boardinghouse. A Detective in

plainclothes gets out and gestures to the uniformed Driver

to pull up the street a way and wait. The Driver nods and

the car moves off as the Detective crosses the sidewalk to

the boardinghouse.

Rate this script:1.9 / 8 votes