Witness Page #2

---

11 CONTINUED: (2) 11

At ease as he was with the men, he's a bit awkward at this.

All the women, very much aware of Hochstetler's availability, tune in as

Rachel looks up.

HOCHSTETLER:

I was sorry to hear about Jacob.

Let us hope he walks close with

God.

RACHEL:

I'm sure he does, Daniel.

12 FIELDS, LAPP FARM - DAY12

It is some time after the funeral and the Lapp family is hard at work

breaking ground for the spring ploughing. The death of Jacob has

increased the work load on; all three - Samuel maneuvers a four-mule

team while Rachel and old Eli work nearby, further breaking up the

earth. Rachel looks up from the back-breaking labor as several figures

approach - it's Daniel Hochstetler and two of his brothers. Without a word

they fall in beside Eli and Rachel and take up various tasks associated with

the work in hand. Daniel works close beside Rachel.

12A EXT. COUNTRY ROADS, LANCASTER COUNTY - DAY12B

A few BRIEF SHOTS of a lone buggy containing the Lapp family take

us from the 18th century into the 20th century the reassuring RATTLE

OF THE CARRIAGE WHEELS on quiet backroad, to the ROAR OF

TRAFFIC as the buggy waits patiently for a chance to cross a busy

interstate highway.

12B EXT. HIGHWAY, LANCASTER COUNTY - DAY12B

A huge tractor trailer rig hovers over the frail buggy as it trots down

the interstate. The camera cranes up to reveal a procession of vehicles

behind the truck for a chance to overtake it.

13 OMITTED 13

14 EXT. PLATFORM, LANCASTER STATION - DAY14

Daniel Hochstetler moves through the crowd on the plat-form, Rachel

turns surprised, as he approaches, a faint color coming to her cheek.

RACHEL:

Daniel?

14 CONTINUED:14

HOCHSTETLER:

I...I was at the feed store.

And I saw your horse, so...

There is an embarrassment between them broken by the

arrival of the train.

HOCHSTETLER:

(continuing)

You will come back soon?

Samuel can barely contain his excitement as he drags at

his mother's hand.

SAMUEL:

Quickly, Mothers Quickly!

Rachel embraces Eli.

ELI:

You be careful out among them

English.

She turns to Hochstetler.

RACHEL:

I need time, Daniel.

14A EXT. CARPARK, LANCASTER STATION - DAY14A

Daniel Hochstetler leaps into the driving seat of his open

wagon and with a flick of the reins and a whoop

sets his horse off at a fast trot.

14B EXT. TRAIN - DAY14B

The ENGINE gives a WARNING BLAST before creeping slowly

forward.

15 OMITTED15

16 INT. TRAIN (MOVING)

16

as Samuel spots something out of the window that causes

him to light up.

SAMUEL:

Look, Mama...l

17 HIS POV THROUGH WINDOW17

A road runs parallel to the train track, and Hoch-

stetler in his wagon urges his horse almost to the

gallop as he attempts to keep pace with the train.

18 BACK TO SCENE18

as Rachel smiles.

RACHEL:

I see, darling.

And Samuel cranes to look back, waving, for as long as

he can.

18A EXT. LANCASTER COUNTRYSIDE - DAY18A

The train moves across a broad panorama of fields,

dotted with dolls'-house-sized farms and the tiny

figures of Amish farmers working their horse-drawn

equipment.

19 SERIES OF CUTS19

as the train continues its eastward journey... Samuel

stares raptly out of the window at the changing pat-

terns of the countryside. He points in wonder at a

brightly colored hot air balloon as it drifts slowly

over timbered hills... he looks unsure as the pattern

of field and wood gives way to suburbs, bustling shop-

ping centers, restaurants, car lots and fast food

outlets.

20 EXT. PHILADELPHIA SLUMS20

as the train travels past dilapidated row houses,

streets choked with cars and the gutters with filth.

21 INT. TRAIN (MOVING)21

Now Samuel is staring out the window with some confu-

sion, almost apprehension:

SAMUEL:

Is this where we're going?

RACHEL:

Of course not. We're going to

Baltimore. It's much nicer in

Baltimore.

21 CONTINUED:21

And Rachel draws her son closer, turning her back on

the window.

22 OMITTED22

23 INT. 30 ST. STATION, PHILADELPHIA - DAY23

Rachel is in a line at one of the counters. The plain

dress of the two Amish - particularly Samuel's black

coat and hat - are drawing curious stares.

SAMUEL:

He's uncomfortably aware of the shy looks and giggles

of a little girl about his own age, standing in line

with her parents at the next counter.

He edges away from his mother...

ANGLE:

as Samuel comes upon a figure garbed in a long black

frock coat and flat-brimmed hat... the man's back is turned,

could, from appearances, be an Amishman.

Samuel stares... A beat, the man turns to face Samuel

and we discover that he is a Hasidic Jew.

SAMUEL:

as he reacts.

BACK TO TICKET COUNTER

as Rachel's turn arrives. The TICKET SELLER glances up

and she shows him her ticket.

RACHEL:

We have a ticket to Baltimore.

Where is that train, please?

TICKET SELLER:

Delayed three hours. You'll hear

an announcement when it's time to

board.

Rate this script:4.0 / 1 vote