The Day the Earth Stood Still Page #5

CAPTAIN:

Yes, sir.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. SITTING ROOM - WALTER REED HOSPITAL - NIGHT

There is a door to the corridor and a door to Klaatu's room.

In the small sitting room, talking in tones of hushed concern,

is a group of men. There's a Major General, a likable man

with a chest full of ribbons. There are also a Colonel in

command of the hospital, a high-ranking police officer, a

couple of medical officers and two civilians. The conversation

is interrupted by the entrance from Klaatu's room of a Medical

Corps Major, followed by an Army Nurse.

GENERAL:

(to Major)

How is he?

MAJOR WHITE:

He's all right, General... Blood

pressure's a little high, but it

could be aggravation.

GENERAL:

(wryly)

Can't blame him. I always get mad

when somebody shoots me.

MAJOR WHITE:

He still wants to see the President.

COLONEL:

(to General)

We informed the White House over an

hour ago.

GENERAL:

(to Major)

Didn't drop any hints about where

he's from, did he?

MAJOR WHITE:

No, sir, he didn't.

The door to the corridor opens and a worried young Captain

enters.

CAPTAIN:

Excuse me.

(to the Colonel)

What about the reporters, Colonel?

They're swarming all over the lobby.

The Colonel turns, in deference, to the General.

GENERAL:

(quietly)

Tell them there won't be any statement

tonight.

CAPTAIN:

Yes, sir.

(glancing down the

corridor)

Mr. Harley's here from the White

House.

Harley appears in the doorway, a brief case under his arm.

He's a dignified, intelligent member of the White House

secretariat. He proceeds uninterruptedly into the room,

nodding cordially to the General.

HARLEY:

General --

GENERAL:

(indicating Klaatu's

room)

Right in there, Mr. Harley.

Harley proceeds in businesslike fashion to the door. He knocks

and then enters.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - FULL SHOT

as Harley enters, closing the door behind him. Klaatu no

longer wears his helmet and we see his face clearly for the

first time. Even sitting up in bed, with his shoulder strapped

in bandages, he is a figure of great authority. His face

reflects inner dignity and assurance. Harley, who is a

hardened diplomatist, can't help being impressed by his

present assignment and a little awed by Klaatu. Harley

obviously has been sent by the President to find out what he

can. Klaatu's eyes study him, cool, penetrating, reserved.

HARLEY:

My name is Harley -- Secretary to

the President

(Klaatu continues to

study him silently)

I've been told that you speak our

language -- that your name is Mr.

Klaatu.

KLAATU:

(coolly)

Just Klaatu.

HARLEY:

The President asked me to convey his

deepest apologies for what has

happened. We all feel--

KLAATU:

(evenly)

Sit down, Mr. Harley.

Somewhat relieved, Harley seats himself. He speaks with a

half smile, hoping to ease the tension.

HARLEY:

I'm sure I don't have to point out

that your arrival was something of a

surprise.

(getting a little

smile from Klaatu,

he is encouraged to

do some fishing)

Had you been traveling long?

KLAATU:

About five months -- your months.

HARLEY:

You must have come a long way.

KLAATU:

About 250 million of your miles.

Harley glances at him quickly to be sure he's not joking.

He's not.

HARLEY:

Naturally we're very curious to know

where it is you come from.

KLAATU:

(easily; he's a

diplomat, too)

From another planet. Let's just say

that we're neighbors.

Harley reacts, as his wildest assumptions are so blandly

corroborated.

HARLEY:

It's rather difficult for us to think

of another planet as a neighbor.

KLAATU:

I'm afraid, in the present situation

you'll have to learn to think that

way.

HARLEY:

(eyebrows raised)

The present situation?

Rate this script:1.9 / 8 votes