The Princess Bride Page #16

The R.0.U.S. collapses dead. Westley stands motionless,

exhausted. The danger has passed.

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP:

relieved.

DISSOLVE TO:

THE FAR EDGE OF THE FIRE SWAMP

Beyond, a beach.

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY

BUTTERCUP:

(almost in disbelief)

We did it.

WESTLEY:

Now, was that so terrible?

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64.

And from somewhere they summon strength, pick up their pace,

and as they reach the edge of the Fire Swamp --

CUT TO:

SOMETHING WE HADN'T EXPECTED:

Humperdinck on his horse, Rugen beside him. THREE WARRIORS,

armed and ready, are mounted in formation behind. Buttercup

and Westley are at the edge of the Fire Swamp, about to

leave it. They stop. Buttercup looks beyond exhaustion.

Westley looks worse.

HUMPERDINCK:

Surrender!

It's dusk. Behind Humperdinck are the waters of the bay.

CUT TO:

WESTLEY AND BUTTERCUP

staring out at the others.

WESTLEY:

You mean you wish to surrender to

me? Very well, I accept.

HUMPERDINCK:

I give you full marks for

bravery --don't make yourself a

fool.

WESTLEY:

Ah, but how will you capture us?

We know the secrets of the Fire

Swamp. We can live there quite

happily for some time. So,

whenever you feel like dying,

feel free to visit.

HUMPERDINCK:

I tell you once again -- surrender!

WESTLEY:

It will not happen!

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP:

looking from one to the other; then something else catches

her eye and we --

CUT TO:

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65.

AN ARMED WARRIOR

in shadow, with a loaded crossbow aimed at Westley's heart.

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP:

looking the other way --

CUT TO:

ANOTHER WARRIOR:

crossbow aimed at Westley.

HUMPERDINCK:

(roaring)

For the last time -- SURRENDER!

WESTLEY:

(roaring right back, bigger)

DEATH FIRST!!

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP:

frantically staring around, and now

CUT TO:

A THIRD WARRIOR:

crossbow stretched, ready to shoot; this one is hidden in a

tree blocking any escape Westley might try.

BUTTERCUP:

Will you promise not to hurt him?

CUT TO:

HUMPERDINCK:

whirling to face her.

HUMPERDINCK:

What was that?

CUT TO:

WESTLEY:

whirling to face her.

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66.

WESTLEY:

What was that?

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP:

talking to them both.

BUTTERCUP:

If we surrender, and I return

with you, will you promise not to

hurt this man?

HUMPERDINCK:

May I live a thousand years and

never hunt again.

BUTTERCUP:

(looks at Westley)

He is a sailor on the pirate ship

"Revenge." Promise to return him

to his ship.

HUMPERDINCK:

I swear it will be done.

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY

staring deep into each other's eyes.

CUT TO:

HUMPERDINCK AND RUGEN

HUMPERDINCK:

(whispering)

Once we're out of sight, take him

back to Florin and throw him in

the Pit of Despair.

RUGEN:

(almost a smile)

I swear it will be done.

CUT TO:

BUTTERCUP AND WESTLEY

BUTTERCUP:

I thought you were dead once, and

it almost destroyed me. I could

not bear it if you died again,

not when I could save you.

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67.

Westley is dazed. Silent.

Buttercup tries to speak again, can't, and is swooped off

her feet onto Humperdinck's horse, and off they go.

CUT TO:

WESTLEY:

staring after her. Rugen watches as his warriors bring

Westley to him. The Count has a heavy sword and he holds it

in his hand.

RUGEN:

Come, sir. We must get you to

your ship.

WESTLEY:

We are men of action. Lies do not

become us.

RUGEN:

Well spoken, sir --

Westley is looking at him.

RUGEN:

-- what is it?

WESTLEY:

You have six fingers on your

right hand -- someone was looking

for you --

Count Rugen clubs Westley hard across the skull. Westley

starts to fall --the screen goes black.

FADE IN ON:

THE PIT OF DESPAIR

Dank and chill, underground and windowless, lit by flickering

torches. Frightening. Westley lies in the center of the

cage, chained and helpless.

CUT TO:

SOMETHING REALLY FRIGHTENING: A BLOODLESS-LOOKING ALBINO

Dead pale, he silently enters the pit, carrying a tray of

food and medication. He puts it down.

WESTLEY:

Where am I?

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68.

ALBINO:

(he only whispers)

The Pit of Despair.

He begins tending Westley's wounds. Westley winces.

ALBINO:

(garbled)

Don't even think --

(A hack, sputter,

cough - now his voice

seems normal again)

-- don't even think about trying

to escape. The chains are far too

thick. And don't dream of being

rescued either. The only way in

is secret. And only the Prince,

the Count, and I know how to get

in and out.

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