The Elephant Man Page #19

Before Carr Gomm can withdraw his hand, Merrick grasps it

with his left hand.

There is an uncomfortable silence. Merrick releases it. Carr

Gomn, nervously clears his throat.

CARR:

How are you feeling today?

MERRICK:

I feel much better. Thank you for

asking. And you?

CARR:

I'm feeling very fit, thank you. How

is your bronchitis?

MERRICK:

I feel much better. Thank you.

CARR:

Are you comfortable here?

MERRICK:

Everyone has been very kind. I am

extremely grateful.

TREVES:

Mr. Merrick likes the food here.

Don't you John?

MERRICK:

Oh yes! It is much better than what

I am used to.

CARR:

Oh yes?

TREVES:

(after a pause)

And what was that, John?

MERRICK:

Potatoes...

There is another agonizing silence.

TREVES:

(to Carr Gomm)

...Yes potatoes... but...

MERRICK:

But the variety of food here is very

pleasing... I commend you.

CARR:

(after a pause)

I understand that you were beaten?

Merrick is at a loss. This is not part of the expected

scenario.

DIERRICK:

Oh no, everyone has been very kind.

CARR:

No, I meant in your former situation.

Merrick doesn't seem to understand.

MERRICK:

I'm feeling much better now...

Carr Gomm stares levelly at Treves for a moment, then asks

Merrick:

CARR:

Tell me, how do you like Mr. Treves?

As a teacher?

Treves stiffens.

MERRICK:

...I... everyone has been very kind

to me.

CARR:

Of course. How long did you and Mr.

Treves prepare for this interview?

Merrick looks at Treves for guidance, but Treves cannot look

him in the eye.

MERRICK:

...everyone has been very kind.

CARR:

Yes, of course... Well, it's been a

pleasure meeting you, Mr. Merrick.

Good day.

TREVES:

(to John)

Thank you, John. You did very well.

Treves and Carr Gomm go out the door onto the landing. Merrick

sees his chance escaping him and tries to recapture their

attention.

MERRICK:

(his voice is gaining

strength)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not

want. He maketh me to lie down in

green pastures...

(he continues through

the following dialogue)

Treves and Carr Gomm are alone on the landing, speaking

quietly.

CARR:

It was a nice try, Treves, but the

man is so obviously mouthing your

words.

TREVES:

Yes, I'm very sorry to have wasted

your time, sir. I just felt that I

had to do anything I could to protect

him.

CARR:

I'm sorry too. He simply doesn't

belong here. He's be much happier

somewhere else, where he could be

constantly looked after. Believe me,

Frederick, it's better that it worked

out this way. Good day.

Merrick has come to the end of what Treves taught him to

say. He makes one last, desperate attempt to be heard.

Treves, disheartened, stands on the landing as Carr Gomm

starts down the stairs.

MERRICK (V.O.)

(now full voice)

Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear

no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy

rod and Thy staff, they comfort me...

Treves is staring, open-mouthed, back into the room. Carr

Gomm looks up at him.

CARR:

What is it, Treves?

MERRICK (V.O.)

Thou preparest a table before me in

the presence of mine enemies, Thou

anointest my head with oil...

TREVES:

I didn't teach him that part!

Treves rushes back into the room, followed by Carr Gomm.

MERRICK:

My cup runneth over. Surely goodness

and loving kindness shall follow me

all the days of my life, and I shall

dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

There is a long silence as all three men stare at each other.

TREVES:

How did you, know the rest? I never

taught you the rest of it.

Rate this script:3.0 / 4 votes