The Day the Earth Stood Still Page #17

EXT. BOARDINGHOUSE - MED. CLOSE SHOT

As the Detective mounts the steps he glances through a window

into the living room. Klaatu can be seen reading to Bobby,

who is perched happily on the arm of Klaatu's chair. The

Detective moves to the front door ant rings the bell. There

is the sound of running feet and in a moment the door is

opened and Bobby appears.

DETECTIVE:

Mr. Carpenter come home yet?

BOBBY:

(studying the man

curiously)

Yeah -- he's right inside.

INT. DOWNSTAIRS - BOARDINGHOUSE

DETECTIVE:

Tell him I'd like to see him.

BOBBY:

(calling out)

Mr. Carpenter--!

(to the Detective)

Come on in.

The Detective steps inside and Bobby closes the door, as

Klaatu appears from the living room.

DETECTIVE:

Your name Carpenter?

KLAATU:

(puzzled that anyone

should know him)

Yes.

(then recalling, with

a smile of

satisfaction)

Oh -- I suppose Professor Barnhardt's

looking far me.

DETECTIVE:

(dryly, with grim

emphasis)

I been looking for you all afternoon.

EXT. BOARDINGHOUSE STREET - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

An inexpensive convertible -- a 1948 Ford, or Chevrolet --

drives up and stops in front of the house. Helen and Tom are

in it.

INT. CONVERTABLE - TW0 SHOT - HELEN AND TOM

You get the feeling that Helen and Ton have spent a very

enjoyable day together and are reluctant to say goodnight.

Tom puts his arm around her and kisses her.

HELEN:

(fondly)

It was a wonderful day.

TOM:

You still haven't answered my

question.

HELEN:

(warmly sincere)

You know how I feel, Tom. I just

want to think it over.

TOM:

The boss is leaving for Chicago

tomorrow. If I could tell him I was

getting married -- with two dependents--

HELEN:

(smiling)

You're a good salesman -- but I've

got to think about it.

TOM:

A good insurance salesman wouldn't

give you time to think.

With a smile and, a quick kiss, Helen gets out of the car.

HELEN:

'Night.

MED. SHOT

as Helen turns and hurries across the sidewalk to the house.

In the entrance she turns and waves to Tom. He waves back

and drives off slowly. Helen lets herself in with her key.

INT. DOWNSTAIRS HALL - BOARDINGHOUSE

The Detective is putting on his hat and preparing to leave

with Klaatu as Helen enters. There is a moment of awkwardness

and confusion as she glances, puzzled, at the Detective.

Bobby runs to her and greets her excitedly.

BOBBY:

Hi Mom!

HELEN:

Hello, darling.

(she kisses Bobby,

then turns

questioningly to

Klaatu and the

Detective)

Good evening, Mr. Carpenter.

Klaatu is uneasy but tries not to show it as he smiles in

greeting and introduces the Detective.

KLAATU:

Mrs. Benson -- this is Mr. Brady.

BOBBY:

(Impressively)

Mr. Brady's a cop.

Helen glances quickly at the Detective, then at Klaatu,

surprised and troubled. She turns to Bobby to cover her

confusion.

HELEN:

(to Bobby)

Did you have a nice day, dear?

BOBBY:

(enthusiastically)

Boy, we had a swell time. Didn't we,

Mr. Carpenter?

KLAATU:

We certainly did.

BOBBY:

We went to the movies -- and we had

ice cream cones -- and we went to

see Daddy--

HELEN:

(moved and grateful,

she's uneasy and

concerned as she

turns to Klaatu)

I don't know how to thank you.

KLAATU:

I enjoyed every minute of it.

DETECTIVE:

(with quiet insistence)

We better get goin', Mr. Carpenter.

As Klaatu nods and prepares to follow him, Bobby speaks to

Klaatu.

BOBBY:

Aw, gee -- we didn't finish our story.

KLAATU:

We'll finish it tomorrow... Goodnight,

Bobby.

BOBBY:

(reluctantly)

Goodnight.

Klaatu and the Detective nod to Helen and they go out. Helen

watches the door close with real concern, wondering why the

police want Klaatu and hoping he hasn't done anything wrong.

Still disturbed, she turns to lead Bobby upstairs.

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