The Elephant Man Page #18

Merrick, very frightened, crawls down into his hiding place.

BEDROOM (MORNING)

We see Anne alone in bed, asleep. Treves is finished dressing

and leaves the room. The sound of the door closing awakens

Anne. She looks around for Treves. A clock reads 5:30.

ISOLATION WARD:

Merrick's disguise hangs on the wall.

MERRICK (V.O.)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not

want, he maketh me to lie down in

green pastures; He leadeth me beside

still waters. He restoreth my soul:

He Guideth me in the paths of

righteousness...

TREVES:

Righteousness...

MERRICK (V.O.)

Righteousness for his namesake.

WE NOW SEE TREVES AND MERRICK

TREVES:

Very good, very good. Now, when your

visitor comes today I want you to

say it exactly the way you said it

just now. I will introduce him to

you and you will say the words you've

learned. If you have any trouble

with any of the words, I'll help

you. I'm sure you'll be just fine.

If you do as well for him as you've

done for me these last two days,

then I'm sure our visitor will be

very pleased. Now, let's go through

the whole thing again, shall we? I

will say "May I introduce you to Mr.

Carr Gomm." And you will say...

MERRICK:

Hello, my name is John Merrick. I am

very pleased to meet you!

HALLWAY:

Treves and Carr Gomm are speaking together as they walk along.

TREVES:

It's only a physical problem. He has

trouble with certain sounds because

of the constrictive deformity of the

mouth. But he can talk, and has a

great eagerness to make contact with

people who will let him. So if you

have any difficulty understanding

what he is saying, just tell me and

I'll make it clear.

CARR:

Speaking is one thing, Treves, but

can the man comprehend?

Treves cannot easily answer this question.

TREVES:

...As I said, it's only a physical

problem... but I do feel that Mr.

Merrick is very flattered that you're

taking the time and trouble to meet

him, and he's most anxious to make a

good impression, so he might seem

rather nervous.

CARR:

He needn't. I have no desire to cause

him any discomfort. Did you make

those inquiries we spoke about?

TREVES:

Yes, I spoke to both the British

Home and Royal Hospital for

Incurables. I'm afraid that they

weren't very encouraging, but they

said they'd bring it up at their

next committee meeting, so we should

have their answers shortly.

CARR:

Fine, fine. You know, your dedication

to this patient is an inspiring thing,

Treves. But you must remember that

this is a hospital, and there are

many patients here. Patients who can

be made well, and you owe them your

first consideration. Just don't become

so obsessed, old man, that you begin

to neglect them.

Carr Gomm starts up the stairs. Treves remains behind,

watching him for a moment, then follows.

ISOLATION WARD:

Merrick is standing beside his disguise on its hook. He

nervously smooths the cloak down, repositions the Bible on

the bedside table and smooths the cloak again. He looks at

the door, expecting it to open. It doesn't. His hands smooths

the cloak over and over again. Voices can be heard outside

the door.

Merrick freezes.

There are two raps at the door. Merrick flinches, clutching

the cloak. The raps are repeated. He pulls himself together

and walks to the middle of the room. He takes a deep breath

and closes his eyes.

MERRICK:

Come in.

The door opens and Treves and Carr Gomm enter. Carr Gomm's

eyes are rivited on Merrick, but he contains his shock.

Merrick is breathing unevenly, his eyes still closed. Treves

goes to him and touches his shoulder. Merrick opens his eyes

and looks up at Treves. Treves turns to Carr Gomm, as does

Merrick. Carr Gomm lowers his eyes.

TREVES:

John, may I introduce you to Sir

Carr Gomm.

MERRICK:

Hello... my name is John Merrick. I

am very pleased to meet you.

Carr Gomm, still shaken, instinctively offers his hand.

CARR:

I'm very... pleased to meet you.

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