TARZAN: THE EPIC ADVENTURES
*
"Tarzan and the Priestess of Opar"
*
By Dennis Kerner
TEASER
*
FADE IN:
1 EXT. MULANI VILLAGE - DAY
as the tribe celebrates a successful hunt. DRUMS BEAT in
rhythmic fury as NATIVES drink home-brewed beer and dance
wildly around a huge bonfire. And leading the celebration
primal abandon is TARZAN!
THEMBA
sits alone off to the side of the festivities. Tarzan leaps
in front of him, his bottom half IN FRAME, then rears back
and lets out with a triumphant ROAR!
THEMBA
Must you always do that?
TARZAN
You're not celebrating.
THEMBA
When I give thanks I simply bow my
head.
TARZAN
But that's not enough! Tantor is a
great creature!
THEMBA
Yes, but you've been celebrating
since last night... Anyway, elephant
isn't a staple where I come from.
TARZAN
And where is that, my friend? The
place you're running from or heading
to?
They exchange knowing looks. Suddenly, a commotion erupts
among some Mulanis. One of them, a young warrior, YELLS!
ANOTHER PART OF CAMP
A Mulani youth (BAZI) is drunk and telling tales to a group
of younger warriors; the alcohol feeding an already over-
blown ego. Tarzan and Themba approach.
THEMBA
(to Tarzan)
What's going on?
TARZAN
Rite of passage. Ten days ago, young
Bazi there left the village a boy and
has recently returned a man.
BAZI
Ugly beasts. Half-man, half-gorilla.
Big teeth.
(mimics gorilla's SNARL; then gestures
with hand)
I came this close to being caught.
THEMBA
(to Tarzan)
Why didn't he just run?
BAZI
(overhears Themba)
Mulani warriors don't run.
(resumes story)
But I followed. And when they were
asleep I grabbed the yellow bounty.
THEMBA
(to Tarzan)
The kid's drunk.
TARZAN
Maybe. Except I believe he's telling
the truth.
Tarzan looks toward the ground. Themba follows his gaze. At
the youth's feet lies an open cloth sack, inside of which is
a TREASURE TROVE of GOLD JEWELRY and TRINKETS.
THEMBA
Well, look at that!
As Themba bends to check out the goods, Bazi thrusts his
spear over his loot and locks eyes on Themba.
But then Tarzan is drawn to something hidden among the
jewelry. As he bends to pick it up, the Mulani youth turns
the spear on him. But the youth soon yields under Tarzan's
fierce gaze and GROWL.
Tarzan picks up a gold-adorned, black onyx CAMEO and stares
at it as if seeing into the past.
THEMBA
(continuing)
What is it?
TARZAN
This necklace... It's the one I gave
to Jane before I left England.
(looks at Themba)
She's here -- in the jungle.
Themba connects with the gravity in Tarzan's voice, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
FADE IN:
2 EXT. MULANI VILLAGE - LATER
The celebration is still going on, but starting to quiet
down. Tarzan and Themba question Bazi.
TARZAN
(shows the cameo)
Where did you find this?
Bazi remains silent.
BAZI
You are not Mulani.
THEMBA
It belongs to a friend of his.
TARZAN
A white woman. She may be in danger.
BAZI
I don't believe you.
Bazi snatches the cameo from Tarzan.
BAZI
(continuing)
All you want is the yellow metal.
THEMBA
Why you little...
TARZAN
(cautioning Themba)
He's exercising his manhood.
(to Bazi)
You've learned well.
THEMBA
I think there's another lesson he
needs to be taught here.
Themba steps forward in a threatening manner, and suddenly
several SPEARS are pointed at Tarzan and him.
TARZAN
It's time to go.
THEMBA
What about Jane?
TARZAN
You have the courage of a Wagambi.
Now think like one.
Tarzan gives a courteous nod to Bazi and his comrades, then
slowly retreats. Themba follows suit.
3 EXT. MULANI CAMP - NEXT DAY
Early morning. The camo is asleep. Glowing embers are all
that remain of the raging bonfire.
BAZI
is asleep under a tree, safely surrounded by other sleeping
warriors.
Silently, Tarzan slips INTO VIEW, hanging from the branches
by his feet. Cupping one hand over Bazi's mouth and hooking
his arm under the youth's chin, Tarzan swiftly and with
little effort lifts the frightened Mulani out of camp.
4 EXT. VELDT - DAY
Bazi is tied to a tree, his hands behind his back and his
legs spread slightly apart. Themba is tying a GOURD to the
top of Bazi's head. Tarzan stands several feet in front of
Bazi preparing to do some "William Tell-type" target shooting
with his bow and arrow.
Tarzan is ACTING like he's still DRUNK from the celebration,
finding it difficult to keep himself and his bow and arrow
steady.
THEMBA
(to Bazi)
If I were you, I think I'd tell him
what he wanted to know.
BAZI
You cannot scare a Mulani warrior.
THEMBA
(shrugs his shoulders)
You're braver than I.
(to Tarzan)
Are you ready?
TARZAN
Yes.
Tarzan closes one eye and purposely aims his bow and arrow
ninety degrees off target.
THEMBA
Tarzan, over here!
Tarzan opens both eyes, reacting like he actually sees better.
TARZAN
Oh.
Tarzan adjusts his aim, but he's still shaking.
THEMBA
(to Bazi)
You do the Mulani proud. Long will they
proclaim your name -- after
you're gone.
He taps Bazi solicitously on the shoulder and walks away.
The Mulani's bravado starts to fray as Tarzan tries to steady
his aim. Tarzan FIRES!
CLOSE ON BAZI
We HEAR the ARROW STICK IN THE TREE. Bazi opens his eyes and
looks up, but the arrow isn't there. Then as he looks down,
CAMERA TILTS and we see the arrow sticking out of the tree
JUST BELOW HIS CROTCH.
BACK TO SCENE
as Bazi, frightened, starts spewing African dialogue so
rapidly we can't understand him.
THEMBA
I think he's ready to talk.
ON TARZAN
he looks at Themba, smiles and winks.
5 EXT. RIVER - DAY
Bazi stands on the bank with Tarzan and Themba, pointing.
BAZI
Follow the river. A moon's march
north. Beyond the hidden valley.
Tarzan places his right hand on Bazi's shoulder.
TARZAN
I ask the spirits to bring me as much
courage on my journey as you showed
on yours.
Bazi looks at Tarzan and smiles proudly. He graciously
returns the CAMEO to the ape man; then stands tall, bringing
his right fist to his left breast in a warrior's salute.
BAZI
(meaning "Go well")
Hamba kahle.
Tarzan returns the salute.
TARZAN
Hamba kahle.
Then, as Bazi exits in one direction, Tarzan and Themba move
out in the other.
THEMBA
That was a nice gesture you made...
you know, asking the spirits for the
same courage and all.
TARZAN
I meant it. I found this among his
possessions.
He hands something to Themba which sickens him.
CLOSE ON THEMBA'S HAND
He's holding a hairy, gnarled FINGER. Attached to it is gold
ring.
6 EXT. RIVER - LONG SHOT - DAY (CGI)
We see Tarzan and Themba follow the river through a valley
toward a mountain in the distance.
7 EXT. MOUNTAIN - DAY 7
Tarzan and Themba are climbing a steep mountain trail. The
climb is taking its toll on Themba.
8 EXT. RIVER - DAY
Tarzan and Themba rest. Themba drinks heavily from a spring.
THEMBA
I still don't understand why Jane
would come to Africa unannounced?
(off Tarzan's silence)
But you do, don't you?
TARZAN
This isn't the first time.
THEMBA
Forgive me, but isn't that a little
strange? I mean, she's supposed to
be in love with you.
TARZAN
She is. It's not her love for me she
comes to test. It's the jungle.
THEMBA
Why all the secrecy?
TARZAN
To protect herself.
THEMBA
It obviously didn't work.
TARZAN
We've yet to find out.
THEMBA
(beat)
This isn't about Jane and the jungle.
It's about you and the jungle.
TARZAN
She knows she can't separate the two.
Themba is drawn to a shimmering yellow glint in the river.
THEMBA
You know, Tarzan, it's not easy what
you're going through with Jane.
Themba finds an ARROW HEAD made of GOLD. He suppresses his
excitement as he examines it.
TARZAN
I'm not going through anything.
THEMBA
You are, but you won't admit it. Men
in love never do.
Themba touches a nerve.
TARZAN
I'm not like other men.
THEMBA
Maybe not in your taste in clothes.
but when it comes to affairs of the
heart -- you're as weak as a
butterfly is to the wind.
Tarzan is growing impatient with Themba's analysis. Themba
digs around in the river bed looking for more gold.
TARZAN
You talk and talk but you say
nothing. Just like tan-klu.
THEMBA
Then Tan-klu's one smart rooster.
It's amazing the stuff we can find
buried in our minds when we dig hard
enough.
Themba finds a GOLD EARRING. Excited, he tries to share his
discovery with Tarzan.
THEMBA
(continuing)
Tarzan, look at this.
But Tarzan is too annoyed to listen.
TARZAN
(rising quickly)
Let's go.
Themba
It's gold!
Tarzan ignores him and walks away. But Themba doesn't want
to leave just yet.
THEMBA
(continuing)
Ah... you go on. I'm still catching
my breath.
Themba then follows the river bed looking for more gold.
DISSOLVE TO:
9 EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - DAY
as Tarzan follows the trail. Suddenly, he stops down wind
and SNIFFS the air. He turns, looking concerned, then
swiftly retraces his steps.
10 EXT. RIVER BEND - DAY
The water is deeper here. High reeds grow thick at the
water's edge. Themba is still searching for gold when he
hears the BARK of a GREAT APE. He quickly submerges up to
his neck and pushes in among the reeds.
THEMBA'S POV
looking through the reeds. The deformed FEET of a hairy
Oparian beast step INTO VIEW and face Themba. We HEAR the
beast SNIFF the air.
BACK ON THEMBA
He remains quiet. In fact, the entire jungle now appears
silent. Suddenly, an Oparian hand reaches through the reeds
for Themba.
A11 EXT. RIVER - DAY
as Tarzan hurries to the river 5 edge and stops. He sees
several BENT REEDS, but no sign of Themba. He then checks
the trail for footprints.
TARZAN'S POV
He sees the IMPRINT of a SIX-TOE OPARIAN FOOT.
BACK ON TARZAN
As he follows the trail.
Tarzan continues his trek. As he gets over a rise, he stops
and looks:
B11 TARZAN'S POV - FROM THE VALLEY - DAY
In the distance, high atop a craggy mountainside, is OPAR: a
sprawling village of stone structures, encircled by a huge,
thick wall. Standing out among the structures are the ornate
spires of the Palace. The entire city glitters with
yellowish-gold light.
A11 BACK ON TARZAN
as he heads toward Opar.
DISSOLVE TO:
12 EXT. JUNGLE - DUSK 12
Tarzan is making his way when the trail seems to end at a
THICKET OF THORN BUSHES. There's no way around them, and the
thorn bushes are so thick and high he can't see beyond them.
But his senses tell him there is a path here.
He picks a TUFT OF FUR off a thorn, and another one beyond
the first, and examines them. He then tentatively pushes
through the thorned barrier, but stops when the thorns prick
his body.
He studies the bushes again. After a few moments, he bears
down and starts to push through them. It's as though his
resolve is a KEY, because suddenly
THE THORN BUSHES
magically part and a path appears winding through them.
ON TARZAN
as he follows the path through the bushes until he emerges on
the other side, where he LOOKS UP and SEES:
A12 TARZAN'S POV
of PALACE SPIRES and TURRETS rising above the wall
atop the mountain.
OMITTED 13 THRU 15
16 EXT. HILLSIDE - DUSK 16
We see Tarzan climbing the steep rock cliffs, inching his way
to the top.
17 EXT. HILLSIDE - WALL - DUSK
Tarzan stands at the base of the wall, which rises high above
him and is cut into the mountainside. He looks up.
18 TARZAN'S POV
Pieces of the wall have fallen away from the top. TURRETS
and GUARD POSTS align the wall, but they too have decayed
with age. STRANCE COLD FIGURES of MEN and BEASTS also
hang from the wall. VINES and other plants grow on the wall,
further evidence of its age and disuse.
SHADOWS move swiftly over the surfaces, too quickly to make
out what caused them.
BACK ON TARZAN
An APE SHRIEK echoes from beyond the wall. Is it a warning?
If so, Tarzan ignores it, as he moves along the base of the
wall looking for an opening. But he can't find one. Unable
to find one, he climbs the vines and plants hugging the wall.
19 EXT. BRIDGE OF TIME - NIGHT
We see Tarzan's hand reach up over the wall, and then Tarzan
pulls himself up and over.
20 EXT. PATHWAY TO MONKEY SPRING COURTYARD - NIGHT
In the center is the imposing Monkey Spring Shrine with its
torch lit up in hommage to simians.
STRANGE SHADOWS
crisscross the courtyard.
ON TARZAN
as he quietly enters and makes his way across the courtyard,
on the alert for anything.
ANOTHER SHRIEK! Tarzan conceals himself behind the Monkey
Spring Shrine. He grabs his knife, then proceeds around the
Shrine.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As Tarzan emerges from behind the Shrine and makes his away
across the other part of the courtyard. GOLD STATUES and
SCULTURES make it easier for him to be ambushed.
Suddenly, he stops and listens. He HEARS movement, senses
something scurrying about him.
HUGE SHADOWS of BEASTS are cast on the ground behind him.
He HEARS more movement, this time closer and more of whatever
is stalking him.
BULKY SHADOWS appear to surround him, moving in and out of
dark corners and behind the statues and sculptures.
As Tarzan walks past one sculpture, a HUMANOID SHADOW stands
next to it.
A SHAFT of MOONLIGHT streaks into the courtyard. Tarzan
HEARS movement, turns. For a brief, involuntary moment,
Tarzan recoils; the Humanoid Shadow is actually --
AN UGLY OPARIAN
hideous face; half-man, half-ape, neither white nor black,
with hair covering his body and brow.
ON SCENE
Tarzan recovers quickly, slams the Oparian to the ground then
makes a hasty retreat.
But other OPARIANS emerge from other hiding places, carrying
cudgels and knives, and attack!
Tarzan gives a valiant effort, but in the end the Oparians
are just too many and too strong.
As they overpower Tarzan, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
21 EXT. RIVER - DAY
Dawn. We follow a reed sticking out of the water until it
stops. A moment later, Themba surfaces and looks around,
frightened.
22 OMITTED.
23. EXT. AMPHITHEATRE. DAY
As the sunlight wipes away the darkness, we see Tarzan laying
in the middle of the floor bound hand and foot.
CLOSE ON TARZAN
as the sun touches his eyelids, they open. He HEARS WHISPERS
punctuated by GRUNTS and one prominent VOICE.
CADJ (O.S.)
The outsider has infiltrated our
sanctuary and threatens our home!
Tarzan turns his head and looks up.
TARZAN'S POV
The sunlight obstructs his vision. But he sees enough to
realize he's in an outdoor theatre of sorts. Taking center
stage is CADJ, a menacing Oparian priest who is speaking to
a GALLERY of Oparians, stirring up hatred.
CADJ
Mark my words, where there is one
outsider, there are many! I say, we
must protect Opar. I say -- death to
the outsider! Bundalo!
Cadj sticks his face fully INTO FRAME.
CADJ
(continuing)
He awakens. Good -- he can claim his
last breath.
(NOTE: ALTHOUGH CADJ IS OPARIAN AND UGLY, HE'S EASIER TO LOOK
AT AND MORE HUMANLIKE THAN HIS BROTHERS ALSO...
(OPARIAN GUARDS AND PRIESTS CARRY CLUBS AND HAVE CURVED
KNIVES TUCKED IN THEIR BELTS OR STRAPPED TO THEIR LEGS. AND
THEY'RE ADORNED WITH GOLD BRACELETS AND ARM BANDS.)
CADJ
ceremoniously circles the STAGE PORTION of the
amphitheatre, facing the gallery, while dragging his
cudgel on the ground.
ON TARZAN
as he strains futilely at his bindings.
BACK TO SCENE
The gallery is rapt with anticipation. At a moment chosen by
Cadj, he RAISES HIS CUDGEL and CHARGES Tarzan to KILL HIM.
But then, suddenly, he's halted by a loud, piercing YELL!
Followed immediately by --
A FLASH OF LIGHT
and a BILLOW OF SMOKE that fills the space between Tarzan and
him. Then --
PRINCESS LA
appears out of the smoke. Adorned in GOLD and DIAMONDS and
draped in an ANIMAL SKIN, she has the courage and agility to
battle the feral attacker. She immediately sends CADJ
sprawling to the ground with a kick to the chest.
CADJ
Cadj. quickly jumps to his feet and turns ready to attack
again, but then suddenly stops his pursuit.
ANOTHER ANGLE
La is holding a RED JEWEL majestically above her head. The
jewel must possess some power because Cadj, as well as OTHER
OPARIANS cower at the sight of it. Still, CADJ risks
challenging her.
CADJ
Kill the outsider!
LA
Since when do you tell your High
Priestess what to do?
CADJ
He belongs to the Flaming God.
LA
And mine is the voice through which
the Flaming God speaks.
CADJ
You must stand by the law.
LA
I am the law! If you doubt that,
I'll call on the Flaming God himself
to settle the matter.
She turns the Red Jewel threateningly to the sun, and Cadj
recoils in fear.
CADJ
No!
LA
(smiles; solicitous)
Cadj, you're wasting a perfectly good
sacrifice before we even get to the
Temple.
La makes the jewel disappear, then grabs her knife and points
it at Cadj.
LA
(continuing; re Tarzan)
Now, take him to my chamber.
Cadj hesitates. La GROWLS and Cadj relents.
CADJ
(to guards)
You heard the priestess.
The guards pick Tarzan up and lead him from the amphitheater
against a torrent of catcalls.
LA and her priestesses, follow.
ANGLE ON CADJ
as he's approached by his slimy ally INGE.
INGE
It appears her highness may have her
wish afterall.
There's a malicious relish in INGE'S remark, which Cadj
doesn't like. With a swift blow of his forearm, Cadj flings
Inge to the ground.
24 INT. LA'S BEDROOM CHAMBER - DAY
It's stone walls and floor are adorned in regal finery; very
much befitting a high priestess, but certainly not the woman
warrior we just saw defending Tarzan. The focus of the room
is a large pillowed bed.
The guards carry Tarzan in, deposit him on the floor, then
exit. Moments later, La enters.
LA
I am La, High Priestess of Opar.
And you?
TARZAN
They call me Tarzan.
LA
(amused)
Tarzan. White skin.
TARZAN
You know the language of the Mangani.
LA
Oparians share the blood of the great
apes.
TARZAN
Then you are like them.
LA
(somewhat insulted)
Not quite.
La CLAPS her hands and TWO PRIESTESSES of lower rank enter
and follow her behind a dressing screen, through which Tarzan
can see her silhouette. As she changes, he also scans the
room looking for a way out.
LA
(continuing)
I come from noble blood, as you
obviously do.
TARZAN
My blood is no different than any
other man's.
LA
The thorn bushes would not have let
you pass if your blood wasn't pure.
TARZAN
But your priest was ready to spill
mine.
LA
If your blood spills it will be by my
hand. That is the law. As for Cadj,
he's mad with ambition, but easily
controllable.
La emerges from behind the screen adorned in MORE GOLD,
including a gaudy HEADRESS.
LA
(continuing)
There. This is more becoming of a
High Priestess, don't you think?
TARZAN
It depends on whether her heart is
cast from the same metal.
LA
Fleet of tongue. I like that.
She unties his feet, then reties the binding around his neck.
Then, using the binding as a leash, she pulls Tarzan to his
feet so that his face meets hers.
LA
(continuing)
Now, what are you doing in my kingdom?
TARZAN
Looking for a friend. An outsider.
LA
You'd risk your life for this
outsider?
TARZAN
For anyone who couldn't defend
themselves.
LA
This woman...
TARZAN
I never said it was a woman.
LA
(smirks)
Is it a woman?
TARZAN
Yes. Her name is Jane.
LA
(sighs; catty)
Is this Jane able to defend herself?
TARZAN
Not against your guards.
LA
Then you're a fool to waste your life
on this weakling.
TARZAN
Then she is here.
No one enters or leaves Opar without
my knowing it.
TARZAN
Maybe this one has.
La loses her patience and tugs on Tarzan's leash.
LA
Tand-panda! I told you I've heard
nothing of this woman.
La is face-to-face with Tarzan.
LA
(continuing)
What power does this Jane have over
you?
TARZAN
Only that which I'm willing to give.
LA
Then you give too easily.
She shoves him backwards onto the bed. She then BANGS a GONG
and a GUARD enters.
LA
(continuing)
See if a female outsider is being
held in Opar and report back to me.
In the meantime, show this man to our
special guest quarters.
25 INT. WINDOWLESS PIT - DAY
Dark. Fashioned out of rocks. Straw strewn over the dirt
floor. The door opens and Tarzan is shoved inside, his hands
still tied behind his back. The door is then locked from the
outside.
26 EXT. RIVER - DAY
OPARIAN GUARDS patrol the banks of the river. CAMERA MOVES
to river where we see Themba hugging the embankment. After
the guards pass, he moves on down the river.
27 EXT. ROCKY FALLS - DAY
Themba stands on the side of this small, but steep drop in
the river. He's looking for a way to cross when something
catches his eye.
THEMBA'S POV
In the middle of the falls, somewhere imbedded in between the
rocks, glints a YELLOWISH LIGHT.
BACK ON THEMBA
as he makes his way precariously across the face of the
falls, holding onto the slippery rocks for balance.
He makes it to the center of the falls and the light, then
reaches through the water and feels around. Moments later he
finds something -- a GOLD MEDALLION.
Themba's so excited, he loses his concentration and SLIPS!
ANOTHER ANGLE
as Themba falls into the pool of water below.
28 EXT. POOL OF WATER - DAY
as Themba emerges from under the water, he grabs onto a
FLOATING LOG and slowly drifts down river toward Opar. As he
does, he looks up:
THEMBA'S POV
carved into the side of a cliff is a MONKEY.
ON THEMBA
looking apprehensive.
29 EXT. COVE - DAY
where the river butts up to a CAVE. Water cascades from the
rocky cliff above. Themba floats on the log to the cave,
where he hoists himself up and disappears into the dark
cavern.
30 INT. DUNGEON CELL - DAY
a WOMAN we believe to be Jane is pacing back and forth.
Being bruised and dirty doesn't hide her attractiveness. But
the safari jacket and skirt she's wearing seem out of place
on her. Not because it's torn and smudged. It's her, she
looks uncomfortable in it.
She hears someone unlocking her cell door and cowers.
But then La enters.
WOMAN
You're a woman.
LA
How very perceptive of you.
WOMAN
You don't understand. I thought you
were one of those beasts. Did you
see...
(dawning on her)
How did you get past them?
LA
I'm their ruler.
WOMAN
(skeptically checks
La up and down)
Their ruler?
LA
Why does that surprise you?
WOMAN
Nothing. I'm sorry. That was rude
of me.
LA
You have my permission to be rude.
WOMAN
It's just that back in England, women
of royal blood dress a little more
refined.
LA
This is the raiment worn by all High
Priestesses.
WOMAN
Yes. Well, then, see. What right do
I have to tell you what to wear?
LA
No, I wish to hear more. What do you
know about men?
WOMAN
Men?
LA
Especially the strong, wild types.
The Tarzans.
WOMAN
(reacting)
Tarzan! He's here?
LA
No. It's just that he's sort of a
legend in these parts.
WOMAN
(smiles knowingly)
Same back home.
LA
Then you know him?
WOMAN
(taken aback by question)
Well. . . yes.
La reacts, she believes she found Jane.
A30 INT. WINDOWLESS PIT - DAY
Tarzan sits on the floor, his hands tied behindhis back,
when the door opens and in walks La with a Priestess.
LA
Has the cold floor softened you any?
He just stares at her.
LA
(continuing; off his stare)
Mmm... I guess you don't want to hear
about your Jane.
Tarzan stands up.
TARZAN
Where is she?
LA
I am not a bad person, Tarzan.
merely wish to be treated with a
little respect.
TARZAN
(no nonsense)
I said, where is she?
She tugs on his leash. He goes red in the face resisting.
LA
You can either make this easy or hard
on yourself. If you want your friend
back, I'd recommend the former.
Tarzan relaxes. La smiles, approvingly.
LA
(continuing)
She is safe. She was spotted north
of here. I've sent guards to fetch
her.
(beat...)
Now, can I trust you to accept my
hospitality?
Tarzan nods.
LA
(continuing)
Good.
As La turns to give her Priestess an order...
TARZAN
La, I was travelling with another
friend. A Wagambi.
LA
You seem to lose a lot of friends,
Tarzan. Maybe you should tie bells
around their necks.
(To Priestess)
Prepare him.
As the priestess escorts Tarzan out of the pit...
DISSOLVE TO:
31 OMITTED 31
AND 32
33 EXT. CLAM SHELL GRAND POOL - DAY
STARTING ON A REFLECTION OF TARZAN dressed to the nines.
CAMERA MOVES to show him in all his finery.
ANOTHER ANGLE
We see that the pool is cut out of the rock and plants. GOLD
STATUES with an oceanic motif are positioned around the pool.
Mist rising off the water adds a sensuous majesty to the
night.
A CLAM SHELL SCULPTURE
extends out over the middle of the pool. MIST fills the
center of the shell, out of which emerges HIGH PRIESTESS LA.
HIGH PRIESTESS LA
is decked out in another gossamer GOWN that wafts in the
breeze around her naked body. GOLD ADORNMENTS cover most of
her extremities. And she wears a MASK of ARIOS, a god.
La nods to her priestesses, signalling the start of some
CEREMONY.
THE CEREMONY
ONE PRIESTESS emerges from the mist at one end of the pool
CHANTING a mesmerizing melody, reminiscent of the enchanting
voice of a siren luring a ship onto the rocky reefs.
AT THE OTHER END OF THE POOL
SEVERAL MORE PRIESTESSES in diaphanous gowns step into the
water; some carrying FLOWERS. The women move dance-like to
the middle of the pool where they form a half-circle in front
of the clamshell.
TARZAN
is watching the priestesses. But then he turns to look at La
in the clamshell, but --
TARZAN'S POV
La isn't there.
34 EXT. POOL - DAY
Tarzan is watching the spectacle when he turns and discovers
La standing behind him, still wearing the mask.
LA
I wear the mask of Arios.
TARZAN
The Emperor of Atlantis.
LA
(removing the mask)
You continue to amaze me, Tarzan.
You actually have a brain to match
your brawn.
TARZAN
A trait I apparently share with your
highness.
LA
Yes.
TARZAN
Why do you pay homage to the
Atlantean legend?
LA
Because it reminds us of our way home.
The RED JEWEL appears in La's hand.
She waves the jewel over her head until she finds a light
source and then projects a RED STREAK OF LIGHT at the pool.
35 ANGLE ON POOL
The priestesses have formed a rectangle. The red streak hits
the water in the center, where
AN ANCIENT MAP OF ATLANTIS (CGI)
is projected on the water... with ANCIENT SHIPS SAILING *
across the map.
LA (O.S.)
Ten thousand years ago our ancestors
sailed to this savage land in search
of gold.
THE ANCIENT SHIPS SAILING (CGI)
disappear from the map.
LA (O.S.)
Then one day the ships stopped coming.
ATLANTIS DISAPPEARS (CGI)
under the water from an underwater earthquake.
LA (O.S.)
(continuing)
We sent scouts to find them... but
Atlantis had sunk into the sea.
A VORTEX, ostensibly created by the volcano, appears in the
water -- from which a PRIESTESS RISES OUT OF THE WATER
wearing the MASK of ARIOS.
The red light and reflected images disappear from the water.
ON TARZAN AND LA
As La finishes a sweep of the red jewel over the pool.
Tarzan sees Cadj staring at him like he wanted to kill him.
LA
He won 't be happy until you're
dead.
(off Tarzan's look)
You can't really blame him. He
thinks you're after something he
feels belongs to him.
TARZAN
What's that?
LA
Me.
36 INT. CATACOMBS OF OPAR - DAY
as Themba works his way through the rocky passages.
In pushing through a narrow opening, he trips and falls
into the wall causing a chunk of wall to fall down.
Themba sees something shiny inside the hole. He pulls more
of the wall down until he uncovers a stash of GOLD COINS,
INGOTS and other gold items, including GOLD ORNAMENTAL PLATES.
37 EXT. ROYAL STAIRCASE - DAY
As Tarzan and La descend the stairs.
LA
By law I must mate so the direct line
of high priestesses isn't broken.
Only the most perfect man is selected
for that honor.
TWO OPARIAN PRIESTS pass them on the stairs.
TARZAN
(grinning, re priests)
From what I can see, you have lots of
suiters.
LA
I know.
TARZAN
Then what's the problem?
LA
They're all ugly.
Tarzan looks up and sees Cadj spying on them.
TARZAN
Cadj is eager.
LA
They all are, but none will challenge
him. Though something tells me you
would.
TARZAN
If I had reason to.
(beat... off La's
hopeful reaction)
But I don't.
LA
Tarzan, you're the sign we've been
waiting for... chosen by the Flaming
God as his own.
TARZAN
La... I'm not what you think.
LA
But you have to be. If it was not a
power beyond ourselves that brought
you to me, then what? Don't you see?
You are the fulfillment of the
prophecy. You are the fulfillment of
my dreams.
She goes to kiss him, but feels the uncomfortable prick of
something inside Tarzan's shirt.
LA
(continuing)
What is that?
Tarzan reaches in and takes out Jane's CAMEO.
TARZAN
There's someone else.
Suddenly, a darkness falls over La's countenance.
LA
You may have the look of nobility,
but you are only half a man. Just
like the Oparians.
She rips Tarzan's linen shirt.
LA
(continuing)
You're not fit to wear this.
(turning)
Guards!
Suddenly, Tarzan is surrounded by Oparian guards.
LA
(continuing)
Prepare our guest for the sacrificial
temple.
As the guards take Tarzan away, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
38 EXT. SACRIFICIAL TEMPLE - DAWN 38
STARTING on a HUGE LENS that hangs beneath an open-domed rock
structure. ELECTRIC ARCS crackle beneath it.
In the center sits a stone altar caked with brownish-red
stains.
FOUR OPARIAN GUARDS stand around the temple.
TARZAN
with his hands and feet bound, is ceremoniously carried in
by Oparian GUARDS. Preceeding him is a PROCESSION of
Priestesses and Priests led by La. In her belt, a long
jeweled, GOLD KNIFE. They stop at the altar, where Tarzan
only has to look at the stains to know his fate.
TARZAN
Looks like you're very good to your
Flaming God.
LA
He treats us well. We're very
grateful.
TARZAN
I have a friend who simply bows his
head to show his gratitude.
LA
Our custom is similar.
La claps her hands. The guards lay Tarzan on his back across
the altar, his head hanging over one edge.
La then looks across the room and nods.
ANOTHER ANGLE
OPARIAN PRIESTS form a line at the head of the altar.
The OPARIAN PRIESTESSES line up on the other side. They're
wearing skins of wild animals caught about their waists with
chains of gold. Their masses of hair held together with gold
and jewelled caps. Each priestess carries TWO GOLD CUPS, one
of which they then hand to the Priests.
TARZAN
(to La)
What are we drinking to?
LA
Life.
TARZAN
Mine?
LA
It's your blood we'll be toasting
with.
The RED JEWEL appears in La's hand. She then
closes her eyes and prays.
LA
(continuing)
Oh, Flaming God. Father of the
Light. We call upon your essence and
all that is life. Accept this
offering as proof of our devotion.
TARZAN
(connects with La)
Yut tro.
The language of the Mangani saddens her.
LA
Yes, farewell.
(she rests her eyes
on the ape man)
Ah, Tarzan... what a waste. One word
of encouragement from your lips would
turn this morbid place into a suite
of celebration.
TARZAN
I'm bound by my conscience.
LA
And I am bound by mine.
Cadj arrives late, pushing to the head of the line, creating
a ruckus. He grabs a cup from another priest then hammers him
out of the way.
CADJ
Stand aside!
LA
Cadj! This chamber knows only one
voice.
CADJ
And it makes us tired with waiting.
Get on with the offering.
LA
How dare you enter this chamber and
order me around like some
CADJ
Crossbreed?
LA
You insult the Flaming god.
CADJ
No more than you have by the way you
submit to this outsider. The Flaming
God comes. Cast the Sacred Jewel
or....
LA
Or what?
CADJ
There will be an offering today, La.
By your hand or mine.
Gasps from the guards. A priestess defends her mistress.
A PRIESTESS
Enough! This is my mistress you're
talking to. Not one of your
crossbreed guards.
CADJ
One voice I can accept. But not this
one.
Cadj leaps across and grabs the priestess by the throat and
squeezes. She struggles.
LA
Cadj, release her!
(beat, as Cadj
refuses to obey)
I command you -- release her!
CADJ
As you wish, your Highness.
The priestess dies in Cadj's hand. As he releases her, the
body drops to the floor.
La reacts, becomes enraged.
LA
Seize him!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Cadj faces his guards and GROWLS! The guards stand fast,
refusing to obey La's orders.
Cadj then faces La with an exalted sense of power.
CADJ
There's a new order in Opar, La.
LA
There is only the law!
CADJ
(ignoring her)
And you're looking at it!
LA
You are a crossbreed!
The very word enrages Cadj, who jumps up on the altar, ready
to attack La.
La starts to raise the Red Jewel, but Cadj KNOCKS it out of
her hand with his cudgel.
CADJ
Now let's see if the Flaming God will
protect you.
ON TARZAN
Throughout all this, no one notices Tarzan FREEING HIMSELF
FROM HIS BONDS.
BACK TO SCENE
As Cadj leaps over the ape man to attack La, Tarzan trips
him. Cadj goes tumbling head first on the floor and is
momentarily dazed.
With Cadj dazed and unable to command, the GUARDS stand
around, confused.
This gives La time to retrieve her Red Jewel and then escape
with Tarzan from the temple.
CADJ
clears his head and rises in time to see Tarzan and La escape.
CADJ
(to Guards)
My brothers, today we take our
rightful place in Opar!
(gestures with his knife)
After them!
A collective CHEER! as Cadj leads the guards out of the
temple after Tarzan and La.
A38 EXT. COBRA DOOR NEAR TEMPLE OF COURAGE - DAY
It's cut into a cliff. We see Tarzan and La enter the door.
39 INT. CATACOMBS OF OPAR - DAY 39
as Tarzan and La run for their lives, they EXIT FRAME.
Moments later, Cadj and his guards ENTER chasing after them.
40 OMITTED 40
41 EXT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
as La and Tarzan approach a DOOR, they HEAR SOUNDS of GUARDS,
i.e. barking, cheering, getting closer.
LA
Quickly.
She opens the door and leads Tarzan inside.
A41 INT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
A sacrificial altar stands in the center with skulls and
skeletons scattered about the room.
La precedes Tarzan into the chamber.
As they close the door, we HEAR GUARDS BARKING and RUNNING
outside the door. We also SEE their SHADOWS flicker into the
chamber through the space below the door jamb.
LA
We'll be safe here.
TARZAN
(looking around)
A tomb.
LA
Oparians are afraid of the souls of
the dead. According to law, anyone
who trespasses these walls will be
sacrificed by those buried here.
TARZAN
But you're not afraid.
LA
It's my duty as High Priestess to
interpret the law. Nothing says I
must also believe in it.
TARZAN
You're a hypocrite.
LA
Without the law we'd be deprived of
what little society we have left.
TARZAN
And the Oparians would take over.
LA
For a time. But theirs is a
primitive society.
TARZAN
And you would no longer rule.
LA
And you would be dead. I'd say we
both benefit by my maintaining power.
Tarzan puts his ear to the door; listens for the guards.
TARZAN
The guards are moving away.
La sidles up to Tarzan.
LA
Cadj wants me. The guards want me.
It seems everybody wants me, but you,
Tarzan. Now what is a High Priestess
to do?
Tarzan continues to listen through the door.
TARZAN
More guards.
LA
Tarzan, Cadj couldn't harm you if I
were already spoken for. That's the
law.
(presses against him)
There's only one man worthy to sit
beside me. Only one man I want
touching me.
She kisses him. There is a moment -- a fleeting moment --
when Tarzan's animal instincts respond to her kiss. But the
moment passes quickly and then she gets no response from him.
She might as well be kissing gold.
TARZAN
Our time would be better spent
thinking of a way to get out of here.
LA
I see. Once again this Jane comes
between us.
TARZAN
I'm sorry.
LA
Yes, but apologies won't save us.
She starts to leave; Tarzan grabs her arm.
TARZAN
Where are you going?
LA
I still have some troops loyal to me.
(he refuses to release her)
You're going to have to trust me.
TARZAN
Trust you? That's a tall order.
LA
I'm a tall woman.
She kisses him hard on the lips, then starts to open the door
when she has another thouaht.
LA
(continuing)
Oh, and another thing...
She quickly TURNS A SKULL and a TRAP DOOR opens under
Tarzan's feet.
42 EXT. WINDOWLESS PIT - DAY
Tarzan falls through and crumbles to the floor.
43 INT. CATACOMBS - DAY
Two Oparian guards search the bowels of Opar for Tarzan.
they EXIT FRAME, Themba emerges from a rocky recess and
cautiously makes his way in the direction the guards came
from.
He HEARS MOVEMENT behind him and presses into a rock
formation. With a little maneuvering, he works his way
through a GAP to the other side. He HEARS VOICES, looks for
their source. He peers through an OPENING into a chamber
where he sees
44 OMITTED 44
45 THEMBA'S POV - PREPARATION CHAMBER
Two priestesses are preparing the white woman for some
ceremony. The preparation is solemn and no one is talking.
BACK ON THEMBA
looking worried.
A45 EXT. LA'S CHAMBERS - DAY
Cadj forces La into the room, where he throws her down.
CADJ
Give me one reason why you should
live?
LA
Because the Flaming God demands it.
CADJ
You have dishonored the god by
helping the outsider to escape.
LA
Tarzan needed no help from me.
Cadj seizes her by the throat.
LA
(continuing)
Your guards have searched all of Opar
without finding him. Does that not
tell you something about the kind of
man you're dealing with?
CADJ
It tells me we are without a
sacrifice.
LA
I assure you a sacrifice will take
place. And it will be an outsider.
A female.
CADJ
(loosening his grip)
The woman?
LA
A fitting offering for the Flaming
God -- don't you think?
Cadj releases La, barks in understanding.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
46 INT. WINDOWLESS PIT - DAY
Tarzan traverses the chamber, feeling the wall, looking for
a way out. He gathers some straw into a pile, then takes two
stones and strikes them together until a spark lights the
debris.
He sees that the SMOKE gets drawn through the cracks in the
wall.
He puts his hand to the wall and feels air coming through the
seams of the rocks. He pries away one rock.. then another.
Soon there is an opening large enough for him to crawl
through, which he does.
47 INT. ANOTHER PART OF CATACOMBS - DAY
Tarzan moving stealthily through the tunnels. He turns,
walks backwards. As he rounds a bend, he senses a loan
figure about to attack him from the dark and immediately
takes him down. He turns to thrash him and sees that it's
Themba.
THEMBA
Tarzan, it's me!
As they embrace eachother several gold items falls out of
Themba's pocket.
THEMBA
(continuing)
Souvenirs.
Tarzan gives him a look, then....
TARZAN
We have to get out of here. Follow
me.
As Tarzan starts to leave...
THEMBA
I saw Jane.
Tarzan stops.
48 INT. PREPARATION CHAMBER - DAY
Priestesses are putting the finishing touches to Woman's
ceremonial outfit. She's draped in a gown woven of gold that
clings to her hips and breasts. Diamond-laden gold bracelets
adorn her arms and legs. She's crowned with a gold-leaf
laurel and a gold veil hides her features.
The door opens and in walks La.
LA
(to woman)
You look lovely.
WOMAN
I feel like a princess.
LA
And so you should.
WOMAN
Why am I so dressed up?
LA
We're celebrating your coming and
going.
WOMAN
Well then, I'm ready.
LA
I brought you an escort.
She steps aside as Cadj enters. The Woman is frightened,
then SCREAMS! as Cadj barks and moves to grab her.
49 EXT. SACRIFICIAL TEMPLE - DAY
The temple is filled with priests, priestesses and guards as
the Woman is led to the altar where La waits. One look at
the blood stains and Woman tries to run. But two guards pick
her up and place her SCREAMING on the altar. As they do, the
the priests line up at her head with gold cups in hand.
La steps to the center of the altar.
LA
Flaming God cast down your burning
fingers. We await your presence.
50 INT. CATACOMBS OF OPAR - DAY
Tarzan and Themba weaving their way through the tunnels.
51 TNT. SACRIFICIAL TEMPLE - DAWN
As the sun appears overhead casting its rays into the temple,
we HEAR ONE PRIESTESS CHANTING.
INTERCUT - SUN LENS
as it starts to GLOW from the rays of the sun.
BACK TO SCENE
LA
(to Woman)
I don't understand. You're weaker
than I. Not as pretty. Gold isn't
even your color. Still, he favors
you.
WOMAN
(near hysteria)
I don't know what you're talking
about.
Cadj bullies his way to the front of the line.
CADJ
Get on with it, La!
La raises the red jewel above her head. The sun captures its
glow and the lens becomes more intense. Electric arcs flash
just below the lens. The Oparians SHOUT:
OPARIANS
Bundalo! Bundalo!
The SHOUTING reaches climatic proportions.
LA
(to Woman)
This isn't personal.
WOMAN
You're going to kill me; I take that
very personally.
LA
I do Tarzan a service by my deed.
WOMAN
Tarzan?
La makes the RED JEWEL appear in her hand. But as she raises
it to activate the lens, the Red Jewell is suddenly KNOCKED
FROM her hand by an ornamental GOLD PLATE.
LA
Who dares touch the High Priestess?
She looks around and spots --
LA'S POV
showing Tarzan and Themba standing at the entrance to the
temple.
BACK TO SCENE
as La orders her guards.
LA
Seize them!
As the guards converge on Themba and Tarzan, La picks up the
Red Jewel and aims it at the lens. Immediately the lens
starts to FOCUS THE RAYS INTO A LASER BEAM.
As the guards assemble, Tarzan tosses several other gold
plates like frisbees, disabling several of them and causing
others to halt their pursuit. He then disarms a couple of
Oparians, taking one of their KNIVES.
TARZAN
(to Themba)
Get Jane.
TARZAN AND THEMBA
fight their way toward the altar.
THE LASER BEAM
from the lens is BURNING A PATH to the Woman.
TARZAN
reaches the wall. he runs and jumps onto the shoulders of an
Oparian and then springs into the air and grabs onto the lens
just as the laser beam is about to CUT THE WOMAN IN TWO.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As Tarzan hangs, he's able to direct the laser. First, at
the Oparian who's threatening Themba. Then at other
Oparians, sending them all scurrying from the temple.
Tarzan then swings and does a somersault, landing next to La.
He draws his knife as the laser goes beserk, swinging back
and forth.
TARZAN
(to La)
The jewel!
La raises the jewel up to the lens and the laser stops.
Thinking she is about to die, La braces for death when Tarzan
turns instead to Woman and cuts her bindings. He then lowers
her veil.
TARZAN
(continuing; taken
aback)
You're not Jane.
WOMAN
I know.
LA
Does this mean I can kill her?
Tarzan shoots her a look.
WOMAN
Look, I can explain.
TARZAN
Later.
(to La; forcefully)
A way out!
LA
Come.
La leads Tarzan, Themba and the Woman out of the temple.
CADJ
then cautiously returns to the temple as his sacrifice
escapes. He summons the guards by banging on the gong. As
they return, Cadj raises his knife....
CADJ
Bundalo!
Then leads them into the catacombs.
52 INT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
As La leads Tarzan and the others into the chambers.
The woman is repulsed by the skulls and bones.
WOMAN
Where are we?
LA
A place where Tarzan will soon send
me.
(to Tarzan)
Better that than what Cadj has in
store for me.
Tarzan stares at her, then turns to Themba.
TARZAN
(re La)
Keep an eye on her.
Tarzan then turns to the Woman who cowers at the sight of ape
man's anger.
TARZAN
(continuing)
Talk fast.
(shows her the cameo)
Where did you get this?
The woman does her best to obey his orders, by talking fast
and still making sense to what she's saying.
WOMAN
I got it from Jane. Well, I took it.
My name is Joanna Kingsley. I wanted
an adventure in Africa. I heard all
about you and it all sounded too good
to be true. My life hasn't been so
exciting. So I borrowed the cameo without her
knowing it and came here wanting to
be her. Just once I wanted to find
adventure... to find love. The kind
you and Jane have for each other.
LA
(re Woman)
So this isn't my competition.
(to Tarzan)
My opinion of you just rose
considerably.
53 EXT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
The Oparians stop outside the door.
CADJ
What are you doing? Enter the
chamber!
The Oparians cower.
BACK INSIDE THE CHAMBER
THEMBA
Do they know this place is sacred?
TARZAN
(to La)
You are too cagey to be caught here
without some means of escape.
She stares at him; he's right. She moves to a wall and turns
one of the skulls and a hidden door opens to a passageway.
Themba and he Woman head out. Then Tarzan. But La
hesitates.
TARZAN
(continuing)
Aren't you coming?
LA
(shakes her head "no")
This is my world. It's where I
belong... even if it is without you.
The Oparians are trying to bust in the door.
THEMBA
Tarzan.
TARZAN
(to La)
They'll kill you.
LA
I know now that is my fate.
TARZAN
No one has to die.
(to Themba)
Take Joanna down the east tunnel.
I'll meet you across the river.
Themba leaves.
54 EXT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
Cadj is wielding an AX at the door. His boldness is causing
his guards to forget their fears. One last swing of the ax
and the door is freed. Cadj enters.
55 INT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
As Cadj and Guards enter, they stop short, terrified.
56 CADJ'S POV
Tarzan lays on the bloodstained altar. A knife is magically
suspended above his head, as though held in the hand of a
dead soul. A disembodied VOICE SHRIEKS!
BACK TO SCENE
Cadj and the Oparians flee the chamber. La emerges from the
black background holding the knife.
LA
Thank you. This'll give me time to
figure a way back to their good
graces.
Tarzan turns the skull and the door opens. He and La exit.
57 EXT. CHAMBER OF DEAD - DAY
Cadj stands outside with the guards
CADJ
Find the others.
The guards leave. Cadj starts to leave, thinks twice, then
sticks his head back inside.
A57 INT. CHAMBER OF THE DEAD - DAY
Cadj looks inside and sees that Tarzan's body is gone.
OMITTED 58 AND 59
60 INT. CATACOMBS OF OPAR - DAY
As Tarzan and La hurry through the tunnels and stop.
TARZAN
I know my way from here.
LA
And the way back.
They share a look.
TARZAN
What will you do?
LA
(feigns confidence)
I'll mount a campaign against Cadj.
I'm still the High Priestess.
She forces a smile, but it doesn't last. Tarzan then reaches
out and gently touches her hand. La glows. Tarzan looks at
her one last time, then turns and leaves.
LA
looks after him wistfully. Suddenly, she is grabbed from
behind by Cadj. She SCREAMS!
TARZAN
turns as he sees La disappear through the opening.
61 INT. ANOTHER PART OF CATACOMBS - DAY
As Cadj carries La apelike over the shoulder through the
tunnel.
LA
Cadj, kill me and be done with it.
CADJ
You know the priests would never
stand for that. Mine will be the
next offspring to free your loins.
Only then will I take your life.
62 INT. ANOTHER PART OF CATACOMBS - DAY
as Cadj and La turn down one tunnel, Tarzan falls from above
in front of them cutting off their exit.
LA
Tarzan.
Cadj puts La down, then takes his knife and starts for Tarzan.
Tarzan leaps out of the knife's path, and flips Cadj to the
ground.
The Oparian is up quickly and ramrods Tarzan into the wall.
Tarzan grips Cadj's arm keeping the knife at bay.
LA
Tarzan.
Cadj puts La down, then takes his knife and starts for Tarzan.
Tarzan leaps out of the knife's path, and flips Cadj to the
ground.
The Oparian is up quickly and ramrods Tarzan into the wall.
Tarzan grips Cadj's arm keeping the knife at bay.
But with his lips flaring, Cadj BITES down on Tarzan's
shoulder.
The apeman CRIES OUT IN PAIN and ANGER as Cadj opens a wound.
Tarzan pounds his head against Cadj's, momentarily dazing the
Oparian. He then continues to pound Cadj and eventually
KNOCKS HIM into and out of the COBRA GATE.
A62 EXT. COBRA DOOR NEAR TEMPLE OF COURAGE - DAY
As Cadj tumbles out of the gate, rising quickly to his feet,
in fear. Seeing Tarzan exiting the Gate, Cadj flees up the
path toward the Temple of Courage. Tarzan chases after him.
B62 INT. TEMPLE OF COURAGE - DAY
as Tarzan corners Cadj in the Temple. Cadj has no recourse
but to fight! He charges Tarzan!
63 OMITTED
64 EXT. TEMPLE OF COURAGE - LONG SHOT
Tarzan and Cadj are seen battling in the opening above the
powerful waterfalls.
A64 ON TARZAN AND CADJ
as Tarzan ducks, avoiding Cadj's powerful blows.
They crouch facing one another. Cadj has his knife ready.
Tarzan reaches for his.
La comes upon them as the two warriors clash in a deadly
embrace. Tarzan throws him off. Then in a fit of rage, Cadj
charges Tarzan, leaping on him, and pushing them both over
the falls.
65 EXT. TEMPLE OF COURAGE
as Tarzan and Cadj tumble over the falls.
66 EXT. POOL AT BASE OF FALLS
as Tarzan and Cadj plunge into the water, still embraced in
battle.
The pool spumes mists from the falls. Seconds pass.. .then
Cadj's body floats to the surface.
Seconds later Tarzan emerges from the pool, knife raised in
victory, and ROARS.
A66 EXT. BASE OF CLIFFS - DAY
Themba and Joanna are seen exiting the mountain. Oparians
are casting rocks and boulders down on them.
B66 EXT. RIVER - DAY
As Themba and Joanna arrive at the banks they look behind and
see TWO OPARIANS in the distance chasing after them.
THEMBA
We have to cross.
JOANNA
I'll never make it in this dress. It
weighs too much.
More rocks rain down around them.
THEMBA
You have a choice.
JOANNA
Oh, no. This dress is made of pure
gold. What else would I have to show
for my adventure.
THEMBA
Your life.
The Oparians continue coming. Joanna doesn't take long to
make up her mind.
JOANNA
Okay, but you first. And don't turn
around until we reach London.
Themba jumps in the water and is immediately pulled under.
He then rises to the surface, struggling to stay afloat.
(JOANNA
(continuing)
What's wrong?
He looks at her with a pained but guilty look on his face,
then starts unloading his shirt of all the GOLD ITEMS he's
accumulated, sending them all to the bottom of the river.
They exchange smirks, then Themba swims across the river.
JOANNA
starts to untie her dress.
CLOSE SHOT - JOANNA'S FEET
As she lets the gold dress fall to the ground and she steps
out of it.
We then HEAR her DIVE into the river.
67 EXT. BASE OF CLIFFS - DAY 67
As more Oparians descend the mountain heading for Themba and
Joanna -- suddenly, they stop short.
CAMERA WIDENS to show Tarzan walking up to them with Cadj
stretched across his shoulders.
TARZAN
(to the Oparians)
High priestess La saved me from the
Chamber of the Dead so I may return
to save her. La is great!
GONGS draw the Oparians' attention up above, where La shows
herself at the wall of Opar. She raises her arms in a
gesture welcoming tnem nome.
Slowly, the Oparians start returning to Opar.
ON TARZAN
as his eyes connect with La's. He raises his hand in a
gesture of friendship.
TARZAN
My friend.
ON LA
She copies his gesture. But for her it has a different
meaning, as she sadly looks at him and whispers:
LA
My love.
We HOLD ON her SAD EXPRESSION, as Tarzan walks away, and we:
FADE OUT.
68 OMITTED 68
THE END
(
geocities.com/area51)