Witchcraft (1916)
1 MANUFACTURER'S TITLE:
NO. 159.
2 PRODUCER'S TITLE: WITCHCRAFT.
3 FOREWORD: In 1692-3 the New England Colonies held
fast in the grip of a horrible witchcraft delusion.
Hundreds suffered persecution, young and old, rich
and poor, no one was safe. In Salem, alone, 19 people
were hanged before the Governor's Proclamation put an
end to this folly.
4 SUBTITLE: MAKEPEACE STRUBLE--THE TOWN MISER.
Scene 1
AGAINST BLACK BACKGROUND--(FADE IN.)
Makepeace Struble seated at old colonial desk,
looking over his ledger, counting money into strong
box, candle lit beside him. He handles the money,
mostly gold and silver, lovingly, then looks around
suspiciously as he closes strong box and turns to
make memorandum in ledger. (FADE OUT.)
5 SUBTITLE: RICHARD WAYNE--MAKEPEACE STRUBLE'S WARD.
Scene 2
BACKGROUND OF TREES AND SUNLIGHT--(FADE IN).
Richard Wayne, in hunting costume, coming down toward
foreground, mounted, looks cautiously about him. As
he gets to foreground turning and looking backward,
grins, ducks his head behind horse's neck and rides
out of picture toward right. As he does so, Indian
appears at foreground extreme left and shoots arrow
after him. (FADE OUT.)
6 SUBTITLE: NOKOMIS--SUSPECTED OF WITCHCRAFT.
Scene 3
BACKGROUND OF HUGE COLONIAL FIREPLACE--(FADE IN).
Nokomis, an elderly Indian woman (not decrepit), in
Indian costume, leaning over iron pot hanging over
fire, stirring contents and muttering to herself,
reaches up toward mantel over fireplace, pulls down a
bunch of herbs from string of them hanging from
ceiling. Throws them in pot, still muttering and
stirring as the steam from the pot rises like a cloud.
(FADE OUT.)
7 SUBTITLE: FANNY WARD AS SUZETTE, A HUGUENOT REFUGEE.
Scene 4
DOOR--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FADE IN).
Suzette, standing outside of colonial doorway,
holding old-fashioned lantern with candle inside,
which illumines the girl's face. She leans forward,
calling. A little girl of 8 or 9, plainly terrified
of the dark, runs into the picture, clutches
Suzette's arms, and points to closed door. As Suzette
looks toward it VISION rises on door of miniature
devils and witches, some (if possible) holding door
handle, others threatening with pitchforks and
broomsticks. (At least 2 devils and 2 witches.)
Suzette waves her hand towards them as though
brushing them aside and VISION FADES. As door opens
slowly and Suzette and the child stand illumined by
lantern light and the light from the house, Suzette
smiles at the child and says, "There, you see! There
are no devils or witches!" As they move to go within
(FADE OUT).
8 SUBTITLE: MAKEPEACE STRUBLE COLLECTS HIS RENT--IN
ADVANCE.
Scene 5
LIVING ROOM--(COLONIAL COTTAGE) (DAY)
(Hereafter designated as Suzette's Cottage.) (Big
fireplace, small lattice window, simple table and
chairs of heavy colonial structure, a heavy wooden
settle near fireplace.) (For full description of
fireplace refer to Scene 133.) (Very little in the
room. No pictures on the walls in this scene.) Old
Struble enters, looking about him, rubbing his hands.
Man comes in with bundle on his shoulder. (This means
household goods tied up in table cover or shawl. When
box is mentioned later in scene I mean the wooden
boxes or chests which served as trunks in those
days.) Man throws bundle down in middle of floor and
goes out. Another man, passing him with big wooden
box on shoulder, sets it down and also goes out. As he
does so, Suzette enters, cloaked and dressed as though
having been on a journey. She has her arms about her
mother. Suzette, with very daughterly affectionate
manner, leads her mother tenderly out of the picture
toward the wooden settle in front of the fireplace.
Scene 6
THE SETTEE--(LIVING ROOM) (SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette and mother enter the picture. Suzette places
the mother on the settle, takes her own cloak and
makes a pillow of it. Is asking her mother if she is
feeling very ill, when old Struble comes into the
picture. The mother is speaking to Suzette. Struble's
face shows that he does not understand. He turns to
the girl and asks her a question. Suzette nods, says:
9 SPOKEN TITLE: WE ARE FROM THE FRENCH SETTLEMENT. MY
MOTHER SPEAKS ONLY FRENCH BUT I SPEAK THE ENGLISH.
Smiles up at Struble, who nods gravely, looking at
the girl, gloatingly, noting how pretty she is, and
his claw-like hand stretches out toward her, as he
notes the little knitted purse she holds in her hand.
Suzette looks at him a moment in surprise, and then
as he indicates "The rent in advance," she smiles,
opens the purse and puts the money in his hand.
Indicates to Struble that her mother is tired and he
must go. Struble bows and goes out of the picture
with a glance first at the money and then at Suzette.
Suzette kisses her mother's cheek, tells her she must
go out and see to the rest of their goods. The mother
smiles feebly, and nods. Suzette turns and goes out
of the picture.
Scene 7
STREET--(OUTSIDE OF SUZETTE'S COTTAGE)
Old Struble going away from cottage up street, meets
Richard Wayne (in civilian's clothes) coming down
street towards cottage. Wayne salutes his guardian,
who indicates the cottage, and says:
10 SPOKEN TITLE: THE NEW TENANTS HAVE ARRIVED. THEY ARE
FOREIGNERS.
Wayne indicates: "Is that so?" Doesn't seem
particularly interested. The old man shows the money.
Wayne smiles and goes down the street toward the
cottage as Struble goes toward his home in opposite
direction.
Scene 8
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE
Suzette at gate, giving man instructions to pick up
another chest or trunk, and bring it into the house.
Several of the villagers, young men, women, and little
children standing near gate, eyeing her--among them
Nokomis, basket of berries on arm, stops and looks at
the girl. Suzette sees her and the basket, and
beckons to her.
Scene 9
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(CLOSE-UP)
Nokomis and Suzette. Suzette indicates to Nokomis
that she will take the berries from her. Nokomis nods
and Suzette says:
11 SPOKEN TITLE: MY MOTHER IS ILL. I WILL PAY THE GOOD
MONEY IF YOU WILL HELP ME.
Nokomis grunts and indicates that she will do so.
Starts to follow Suzette towards house.
Scene 10
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FULL VIEW)
The villagers whispering to each other. One of the
men, pointing to the cottage which Suzette and
Nokomis are entering, says:
12 SPOKEN TITLE: A WITCH AND A FOREIGNER GO WELL TOGETHER.
The people look at him in fear when he says witch.
Wayne comes into the picture. One of the men detaining
him, begins to talk to him. Some of the children start
to move away.
Scene 11
THE SETTEE--(LIVING ROOM SUZETTE'S COTTAGE)
Suzette's mother stretched out on settle, rigid.
Suzette enters picture, looks at her. The mother
begins to cry aloud and toss herself about. She looks
frightened. The Indian woman comes into the picture,
points at the mother, strokes her head, looking at
the girl keenly, and motions toward the door, starts
to go. Suzette looks frightened, grabs the Indian
woman by the arm, appeals to her. The Indian woman
says something again, looking keenly at the mother,
indicates: "They will say she is a witch." Suzette
shakes her head vehemently, indicates "No, no!" Then
says:
13 SPOKEN TITLE: HELP ME. WE CAME HERE BECAUSE IN THE
FRENCH SETTLEMENT THEY BEGAN TO CALL HER A WITCH.
The Indian woman looks down at the girl, then at the
mother. Takes pity on them, remembering that she too
is called a witch. Feels bond between her and the
pretty white girl, Suzette. Nodding her head,
indicates, "All right."
14 SPOKEN TITLE: I TELL SHE SICK. I BRING MEDICINE.
Turns and goes out of the picture, nodding her head.
Suzette goes to her mother, begins chafing her hands
and calling to her. As her mother stops moaning and
begins to scream, Suzette looks frightened, puts her
hand over her mother's mouth, then looks about her,
and goes hurriedly out of the picture.
Scene 14
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE.
The group of young men and Wayne, one of the young
men appealing to Wayne. Wayne is trying to get away
from them. He says, glancing toward the cottage:
15 SPOKEN TITLE: HOW SHOULD I KNOW WHETHER THE MAID BE
PRETTY? I HAVEN'T SEEN HER.
One of the young men laughs and points toward window.
Wayne turns and looks at window.
Scene 13
OPEN WINDOW--EXTERIOR OF COTTAGE (CLOSE-UP) (FLASH)
Suzette, face at the window. Her eyes show that sees
Wayne.
Scene 14
EXTERIOR COTTAGE--(FULL VIEW) (FLASH)
Wayne, staring at the window, takes a step toward it.
Scene 15
WINDOW--EXTERIOR COTTAGE--(CLOSE-UP) (FLASH)
Suzette's face at the window looking at him.
Scene 16
EXTERIOR COTTAGE--(FULL VIEW) (FLASH)
The men laugh as Wayne turns away from and window
goes down street, indicating, "He saw her that time,
all right!" Wayne, angry at being caught, pays no
attention to them.
Scene 17
WINDOW--LIVING ROOM--(FLASH)
Suzette turns away from window which she has closed
and goes toward her mother.
Scene 18
SETTLE--LIVING ROOM--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette and her mother--the mother reviving. She
clutches Suzette feverishly and says: "What did I
say? Did any one hear me?" Suzette putting her arm
about her, reassures her, says:
16 SPOKEN TITLE: YOU ARE SAFE HERE. THOUGH YOU CALL ON
GOD WHEN YOU RAVE, NO ONE WILL UNDERSTAND.
The mother's fear fades out of her face. She pats her
daughter's hand and asks if she is sure. Suzette nods
and says she is. Tells her mother not to worry, it
will be all right yet.
Scene 19
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Nokomis comes along street with bundle of herbs in
hand. The children throw stones at her and call
after her. She shakes stick at them and goes toward
cottage.
Scene 20
STRUBLE'S "OFFICE"--(STRUBLE'S HOUSE)
(A sort of cross between a study and a place where
Struble keeps his accounts and money. He has a few
books, a big desk, chairs, ledger, and writing
material. The furniture in this room is not ornate--
very plain and old, but not poor looking. The rest of
Struble's house is very prosperous looking.) Struble,
counting money, looks up, hearing someone, hastily
conceals the money. Wayne comes in, asks his guardian
for money. Struble does not want to give it to him,
says:
17 SPOKEN TITLE: I'LL NOT GIVE YOU MONEY TO SQUANDER IN
BOSTON. I'M YOUR GUARDIAN UNTIL YOU'RE TWENTY-FIVE.
The two men quarrel about it. Wayne suddenly flings
himself out of the room, indicating that when he is
twenty-five the old man will suffer. The old man
looks after him angrily, shouting and thumping with
his cane.
Scene 21
NEAR FIREPLACE--LIVING ROOM--(SUZETTE'S COTTAGE)
Nokomis has built fire and is giving the mother hot
steaming drink. The mother, leaning against Suzette
is sipping it. Suzette smiles across her mother at
Nokomis. Nokomis looks as affectionately as an Indian
can at Suzette. (FADE OUT.)
18 SUBTITLE: SPRINGTIME IN THE WOODS AND IN THE HEART.
Scene 22
THE WOODS--(DAY) (FADE IN)
(Not a gloomy part ... Sunlight showing.) Suzette
running along, singing and swinging her little bonnet
--wild flowers in her hand. Stops and begins to dance
by herself.
Scene 23
ANOTHER PART OF WOODS--(FLASH)
Richard Wayne, in hunting costume, sees rabbit,
shoots gun.
Scene 24
PATH (SUZETTE'S PART OF WOODS)
Suzette comes, singing, along the path. Stops and
screams, looking down. Sinks down--camera panning
with her--and strokes dead rabbit gently with her
finger. Rabbit doesn't move. Suzette looks at it in
horror, begins to cry.
Scene 25
WOODS--A LITTLE FURTHER ALONG (FLASH)
Wayne comes crashing through the underbrush to get
rabbit. Sees Suzette, pauses, and then goes toward
her.
Scene 26
WOODS--THE PATH BY DEAD RABBIT--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette, on her knees beside the rabbit, looks at it
pitifully. Wayne comes into the picture, stoops over,
touches her gently on the shoulder. She turns and
looks up at him, recognizing him. Gives a little
smile, showing that she's glad to see him, and that
their friendship has progressed considerably. Then,
looking down at the rabbit, determines to scold him,
and begins to rise, without smiling.
Scene 27
WOODS--(SAME PATH) (CLOSE-UP)
Wayne looks down at Suzette, who is on her feet and
turns on him passionately. Tells him he's cruel to
kill a poor little thing like a rabbit. He is paying
attention to the girl herself, watching her closely,
admiringly, but not paying any particular attention
to what she says. Suzette is not really angry, but is
coquettishly pretending anger. She stamps her foot at
him, pointing down to the dead rabbit. Wayne wakes up
with a start to what Suzette says, stoops, reaches
out of picture, the girl staring at him. He comes
back, straightens himself up, rabbit in his hand.
Drops it in his game bag. As he does this, Suzette
covers her face with her hands. Wayne takes her
wrists gently in his hands, uncovers her face, tells
her he did not want to hurt her so. Says:
19 SPOKEN TITLE: I PROMISE YOU I WON'T SHOOT ANOTHER
RABBIT--TO-DAY.
Suzette, reassured, cheers up, turns to go away. He
asks her where she is going. She indicates the woods,
telling him she is going to see the Indian woman and
is too busy to stop. Wayne smiles, turns and follows
her as she starts to go out of the picture.
Scene 28
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT--(FLASH)
(Relic of early settlers.) (Not Indian hut.) (A
tumble-down little shanty, built of logs.) Nokomis
comes to doorway, looks out, smiles.
Scene 29
PATH TO NOKOMIS' HUT--(FLASH)
Wayne and Suzette coming along, talking together.
Wayne's attitude to the girl is very lover-like as he
bends over her and holds the branches away so they
won't strike her.
Scene 30
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT--(FLASH)
Nokomis mutters to herself, well pleased. Turns and
goes into hut.
Scene 31
WINDOW--LIVING ROOM--(SUZETTE'S COTTAGE) (FLASH)
Suzette's mother looking out of window. Suddenly
smiles, beckons with her hand.
Scene 32
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Anne Hardin, a little maid of about nine, going toward
cottage, laughing and waving her hand toward Suzette's
mother.
Scene 33
LIVING ROOM--(SUZETTE'S COTTAGE)
Suzette's mother leaning back in big armchair,
holding out cookie. Little Anne comes running into
picture, takes cookie, eats it, leaning against arm
of chair. Suzette's mother pats the child's head,
showing simply her fondness for children and that she
feels lonely. Looks lovingly down at the child.
Scene 34
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Suzette comes to the hut, dismisses Wayne. He
indicates that he is going to wait for her. Suzette
shakes her head, saying: "Don't wait. I may be long."
Suzette protests again, then goes inside. Wayne
calmly sits down on nearby stump or stone, and waits,
looking at his gun.
Scene 35
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Suzette enters, greets Nokomis, asks for berries and
medicine for her mother, telling Nokomis her mother
has not been well. Shows anxiety. Nokomis pats her
arm clumsily. Takes basket, showing her berries. Puts
her hand up and takes bunch of herbs, from cluster
hanging from rafters. Explains to Suzette that this
will do her mother good. Puts it in basket with
berries. Suzette thanks her as she pays her money for
berries. Nokomis seizes the hand holding the coin,
takes it in her own, palm upward, looks at it, nods,
grunts, and points outside. Says:
20 SPOKEN TITLE: BRAVE WARRIOR WANTS TO MAKE MAIDEN HAPPY.
Suzette, embarrassed, pulls her hand away,
remembering what has been said about Nokomis being a
witch, shakes her head, telling her she must not say
that. Takes basket of berries and herbs and rushes
from hut. Nokomis smiles, shakes her head, indicating:
"That's the way with girls--you tell them what they
want to hear and they pretend they don't want to hear
it." Smiling and mumbling, goes toward fireplace.
Scene 36
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Wayne, waiting, points his gun toward tree, ready to
kill bird. Suzette comes up behind him, looks
horrified, sees what he is going to do. Wayne,
hearing her, instantly changes his attitude, turns
around with an innocent expression as though he saw
nothing but blue sky, and pretends to be examining
his gun. Suzette comes up to him, scolds him, tells
him that he was going to break his promise. Wayne
smiles at her, says:
21 SPOKEN TITLE: I SAID RABBITS, NOT BIRDS.
Suzette continues to scold him. He offers to give her
the gun to carry and he'll take the basket. Suzette
shrinks away from the gun, indignantly clings to the
basket, indicates that he has enough with his old gun
and gamebag. They go off together, Suzette still
pretending to scold him, Wayne smiling as though he
enjoyed it.
Scene 37
LIVING ROOM--(SUZETTE'S COTTAGE) (FLASH)
Little Anne takes another cookie, says good-by to
Suzette's mother and runs away out of picture. The
mother sinks back in the chair wearily, but smiling.
Scene 38
GATE--OLD STRUBLE'S GROUNDS--(FLASH)
Struble, coming down toward gate, sees lovers, stops,
steps behind shrubbery, looks out.
Scene 39
OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET
Wayne and Suzette parting. Wayne doesn't want to part
with her, says he is going with her. Suzette shake
her head, tries to withdraw her hand he is holding.
She says:
22 SPOKEN TITLE: YOU MUST NOT COME WITH ME. MOTHER IS
ILL. BESIDES--PEOPLE WILL TALK.
Wayne laughs, tells her he doesn't care what people
say--he's coming to see her soon. Suzette gets a
little embarrassed, tries to say good-bye again and
takes her hand away. Wayne won't let go, and despite
her struggles, draws her to him, throws his arms
about her and kisses her. Suzette, at first
frightened--looks up at him, hides her head on his
shoulder. Wayne indicates: "Now, will you let me
come with you?" Suzette shakes her head, indicating:
"Not now--it would frighten my mother." Wayne bends
over her, whispering in her ear, says:
23 SPOKEN TITLE: I'M COMING TO-MORROW--TO ASK YOUR MOTHER.
Stoops to kiss her again, but Suzette, with a happy
laugh, ducks under his arm and runs out of the picture
laughing. Wayne takes a step toward her as though to
follow her--then decides he'd better not. Stands at
gate--looking toward her.
Scene 40
FURTHER ALONG PATH--(EXTERIOR STRUBLE'S GATE) (FLASH)
Suzette turns, looks back at the gate and smiles
happily, waves good-bye to Wayne.
Scene 41
THE GATE--(FLASH)
Wayne waves to Suzette--she goes through gate.
Scene 42
INSIDE GATE--(BEHIND SHRUBBERY)--(FLASH)
Old Struble angry, crouches out of sight, as Wayne
comes in the grounds and passes him. After Wayne goes
out of picture, Struble sneaks out toward gate
cautiously.
Scene 43
VILLAGE STREET--(IN FRONT OF HARDIN COTTAGE) (FLASH)
(Opposite side of street and a little above Suzette's
cottage.) Group of people whispering, about the gate.
Turn and point.
Scene 44
STREET--(BETWEEN HARDIN COTTAGE AND STRUBLE'S HOUSE)
(FLASH)
Suzette coming down street.
Scene 45
EXTERIOR HARDIN COTTAGE--(FLASH)
An elderly woman pushes through group of people and
goes up towards house.
Scene 46
LIVING ROOM--(HARDIN HOUSE)
(Somewhat similar in character to that of Suzette's
cottage except that it has a more littered appearance,
because there are little children in it, and it has a
more settled and furnished appearance.) Anne Hardin,
the child to whom Suzette's mother gave cookie, lying
on settle, head propped up with pillows, tossing,
crying, looks very ill, mother bending over the child,
wringing her hands. The middle-aged woman enters, asks
questions. The mother begins to cry. The woman pats
her shoulder, says:
24 SPOKEN TITLE: THE DOCTOR WON'T BE BACK FOR AN HOUR.
I'LL DO WHAT I CAN.
Bends over the child, rubbing its hands. The mother
goes out of the picture, comes in with hot herb tea
in bowl. The woman lifts it to the child's lips. The
child pushes it away. The woman finds a bit of cookie
in the child's hands. Asks her who gave it to her.
The child points in the direction of Suzette's
cottage. The two women exchange glances, indicate:
"The foreigner!" Mother begins to cry again. The
middle-aged woman forces the child to drink the tea.
Scene 41
EXTERIOR HARDIN COTTAGE--(FLASH)
The group. Suzette has passed them and is in
foreground going toward her own house. They point
after her, whispering. Suzette feels this. Her face
shows a bit of alarm.
Scene 48
EXTERIOR SIDE OF SUZETTE'S COTTAGE WITH LATTICED
WINDOW--(FLASH)
Old Struble comes along little side path. Hurries
toward window.
Scene 49
LIVING ROOM--(SUZETTE'S COTTAGE)
Mother of Suzette sitting at table with small wooden
box, with brass hinges and clasp, open before her.
She takes jewels, string of pearls, several necklaces,
rings, pins, bracelets--and fingers them. Suzette
comes into the picture and puts her hand on her
mother's shoulder gently. The mother starts, looking
around, clutching the jewels. Looks relieved when she
sees Suzette.
Scene 50
WINDOW--INTERIOR LIVING ROOM-(FLASH)
Old Struble, peering through, sees the jewels, his
eyes gleaming with avarice.
Scene 51
LIVING ROOM
Suzette and her mother unconscious of the old man
watching them. Suzette asks her mother what these
things mean. Her mother glances at the jewels,
covers them with her hands, looks up at her daughter
and says:
25 SPOKEN TITLE: (In French) WHEN WE LOST EVERYTHING FOR
THE FAITH, I SAVED THESE FOR YOU. (Fade into English.)
Suzette puts her arms about her mother's neck, kisses
her, then looks at the jewels curiously, lifting
them up, admiring them. Her mother watches her with
a faint smile as though it amused her to see the
innocent love of beautiful things in this daughter
who had to do without them. Then a look of sadness
comes over her face. She puts her hand on her child's
arm and says:
26 SPOKEN TITLE: (In French): IF I DIE, THEY WILL BRING
MONEY ENOUGH FOR YOUR MARRIAGE PORTION, OR TAKE YOU
BACK TO FRANCE. (Fade into English.)
Suzette shakes her head, pushes the jewels away,
throws her arms about her mother, begs her not to
die but to stay with her. As the mother comforts
her, kisses her, she feels the eyes of the old miser
on her. Looks up.
Scene 52
WINDOW--INTERIOR LIVING ROOM--(FLASH)
Old Struble's face against the window, looking at
the jewels.
Scene 53
LIVING ROOM
The mother turns, frightened, begins to push the
jewels back in the box, her hands trembling. Suzette
helps her, asks her what is wrong. The mother tries
to point toward window, but her hand shakes, and the
seizure begins. Suzette looks at window.
Scene 54
WINDOW--INTERIOR LIVING ROOM--(FLASH)
Struble's face gone--the window blank.
Scene 55
LIVING ROOM
Suzette thinking her mother has had an hallucination,
turns to tell her so--finds her mother ill--her head
thrown back--her eyes closed--her body rigid--her
feet and hands twisting. She is muttering. (Note: Not
an epileptic fit--more the effect of a bad heart or
some serious brain trouble.) Suzette, frightened,
reaches for pitcher on table--pours water in glass--
begins to sprinkle on mother's face. As she does so,
Struble comes into picture. Suzette looks up at him
frightened--puts her hand over her mother's mouth.
Then concludes that this is useless. Struble looks
shocked. As he looks at the mother, says: "Devil's
Latin!" Suzette shakes her head, angry--says
scornfully:
27 SPOKEN TITLE: SHE SPEAKS FRENCH. NOT DEVIL'S LATIN.
MY MOTHER IS NO WITCH.
Struble looks at her doubtfully--calculatingly, as it
begins to dawn on him that he can use this witchcraft
threat to make her do what he desires. Suzette begs
him to help her, and together they half lift, half
support the mother out of the picture.
Scene 56
BEDROOM--(SUZETTE'S COTTAGE)
(High four-posted bed.) Struble and Suzette come into
the picture, supporting the mother--get her on the
bed. She comes out of the seizure--opens her eyes.
Her daughter gives her a drink of water--speaks to
her soothingly. Struble keeps himself in the
background. The mother turns her head, closes her
eyes, tries to sleep. Struble beckons to the girl.
She follows him out of the room.
Scene 57
LIVING ROOM
Struble enters--Suzette following him--comes up to
him anxiously. He begins to tell her that there's
danger of her mother being accused of witchcraft.
Suzette, terribly frightened, says:
28 SPOKEN TITLE: SUPERSTITION DROVE US HERE. MY MOTHER
SPEAKS STRANGELY WHEN SHE IS ILL, AND THEY SUSPECTED
HER.
Looks at Struble for sympathy and righteous
indignation at the very thought of them suspecting
her mother. Old Struble purses up his mouth--nods his
head solemnly and points outside--says:
29 SPOKEN TITLE: THEY SUSPECT HER HERE. BUT I WILL BE
YOUR FRIEND.
Suzette horrified, implores him to help her--begins
to cry. He pats her shoulder with his bony hand--
starts to draw her to him, but the girl involuntarily
draws back. Struble realizes he has gone as far as he
can this time--pats her shoulder again--chucks her
under the chin--tells her to be a good girl, and he
will take care of her. Goes off smiling and chuckling
to himself at his diplomacy. The girl stands looking
after him in horrified amazement--then as he goes out
of the picture, she bursts into tears, turns and goes
out of the picture toward bedroom.
Scene 58
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE
Wayne, going toward cottage, meets Struble coming
from it. Struble tells him that the mother is ill and
turns the young man back. Wayne is reluctant--
indicates that at least he could inquire, but Struble
tells him that he must not--that the mother is ill
and the girl anxious--indicates that he has something
to say to him--anxious to get Wayne away from Suzette,
buttonholing him--pulls him along--says
confidentially:
30 SPOKEN TITLE: I'VE CHANGED MY MIND. YOU SHALL START
TO-NIGHT TO JOIN THE GOVERNOR'S STAFF.
Wayne astonished and delighted. The old man watching
him foxily, delighted that he shall go and be kept
away from Suzette. Wayne tries to break away from his
guardian, but Struble insists upon talking about the
journey. Wayne interested in spite of himself at the
thought of realizing his ambition, goes with a
backward look at the cottage.
Scene 59
BEDROOM--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Suzette kneeling beside her mother's bed--her face
hidden. The mother puts her hand on her head--feebly
trying to comfort her. (FADE OUT.)
Scene 60
LIVING ROOM--HARDIN COTTAGE--(NIGHT) (FADE IN)
Anne Hardin crying--twitching--screaming--the Doctor
frowning--shaking his head--the father and mother
telling him about the cookie, showing him little
crumpled piece of cookie the child had in her hand.
The Doctor shakes his head--indicates that he doesn't
know what to say--finally says, solemnly:
31 SPOKEN TITLE: IT MAY BE THAT THE CHILD HAS BEEN--
BEWITCHED.
The father, terribly angry, begins to stride about,
gesticulating, declaring he will have the guilty
person punished.
Scene 61
"OFFICE"--STRUBLE HOUSE
Old Struble talking to Richard Wayne, who is dressed
ready to ride away. Struble gives him money and
advice, patting his arm and talking very fast.
Richard takes the money--looks down at his guardian a
moment thoughtfully--then smiles--extends his hand,
and says:
32 SPOKEN TITLE: FOR THE MONEY AND THE CAPTAIN'S
COMMISSION I THANK YOU, BUT--I AM LOATH--TO LEAVE
HEDFORD SO SUDDENLY.
Old Struble looks at him a little anxiously--then
indicates "that's all right"--he'll soon be back.
Begins to hustle him towards door, following him
with advice, quite evidently anxious to get him
away.
Scene 62
DRIVEWAY--EXTERIOR STRUBLE'S HOUSE
The horse saddled--a servant holding it. Richard
comes on--says good-bye to his guardian--mounts his
horse and rides off. Old Struble watches him with a
satisfied air--then instead of going into the house,
goes down the path toward the gate.
Scene 63
LIVING ROOM--HARDIN COTTAGE
The mother and doctor cautioning the father to be
still lest he disturb the child. The father turns
from them angry and goes out of the room hastily. The
mother and doctor turn and try to soothe the fretful
child.
Scene 64
GATE--EXTERIOR HARDIN COTTAGE
Group of neighbors--men and women, standing, waiting,
and talking. The father comes out excited--turns and
shouts, shaking his fist:
33 SPOKEN TITLE: THE FOREIGNER HAS BEWITCHED MY CHILD.
Consternation and horror on the part of the neighbors.
The father moves out of the picture in the direction
of Suzette's cottage, followed by the neighbors.
Scene 65
WINDOW--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(NEAR DOOR) (FLASH)
Suzette hears noise--looks out of window.
Scene 66
STREET--(SEEN FROM SUZETTE'S WINDOW--A LITTLE
BEYOND HARDIN COTTAGE) (FLASH)
Anne Hardin's father coming along with a group of
people following him. He looks threatening and angry
--waves his hands--talking vehemently about
witchcraft. The others shuddering--frightened.
Scene 67
WINDOW--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Suzette turns from window--goes toward door.
Scene 68
STREET IN FRONT OF SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Richard riding down the street--passes the group and
dismounts at Suzette's door.
Scene 69
DOOR--INTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Suzette at door--bolts it.
Scene 70
EXTERIOR DOOR--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Richard knocks on door.
Scene 71
DOOR--INTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Suzette hears the knock, but is afraid to open it--
thinks for a moment it might be Richard, but isn't
sure--makes up her mind that she will not open the
door--stands trembling against it.
Scene 72
SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--DOOR--EXTERIOR (FLASH)
Richard waiting--knocks again--receives no response
--turns and regretfully goes out of picture.
Scene 73
STREET--FURTHER UP--(OPPOSITE DIRECTION)
Makepeace Struble coming along towards Suzette's
cottage--meets minister hurrying along toward Hardin
cottage. They stop and speak, then walk on together.
Suddenly Makepeace points and urges the minister to
hurry.
Scene 74
SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--STREET--BEYOND (FLASH)
The group, led by the anxious father, going toward
Suzette's cottage.
Scene 75
LIVING ROOM--INTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Suzette terrified, turns from the door and rushes
toward mother's bedroom.
Scene 76
GATE--EXTERIOR STRUBLE'S COTTAGE
Struble and the minister meet the group and stop the
girl's father. Makepeace cautions the girl's father
to be quiet. The father, angry, and protesting
violently. The minister lifts his hand and quiets
them--says: "Do nothing until I have examined this
woman." The crowd listens to him sullenly--makes no
move to stand aside.
Scene 77
BEDROOM--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Suzette, having rushed in and closed the door behind
her, is leaning against it--listening, and watching
with anxiety, her sleeping mother.
Scene 78
THE GATE--EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Makepeace and the minister induce the people to stand
back, promising to investigate thoroughly. The
minister and Makepeace go to the cottage door and
knock.
Scene 79
BEDROOM--INTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE
Suzette, leaning against door, hears knock--is
terribly frightened. Glances at her mother--comes to
a decision--goes out of picture resolutely--(closing
door after her, if it is practicable.)
Scene 80
DOOR--EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Minister and Makepeace. Makepeace urging the minister
to leave it all to him--the minister shaking his head,
tells Makepeace he must do his duty.
Scene 81
DOOR--INTERIOR LIVING ROOM--(FLASH)
Suzette, opening door, frightened. The minister and
Makepeace come into the room. As they walk forward
out of the picture, she follows them.
Scene 82
LIVING ROOM--NEAR FIREPLACE--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette indicates chairs for the minister and
Makepeace, but the minister declines to sit, calls
her to him--begins to ask her about herself and her
mother. Suzette answers him--finally says, proudly:
34 SPOKEN TITLE: THOUGH WE ARE FOREIGNERS, YET ARE WE OF
THE SAME FAITH AS YOURSELF.
The minister impressed by this. Suzette follows up
her advantage by imploring both men vehemently not to
disturb and distress her mother. They insist on
seeing her. Suzette goes to Makepeace Struble who
has been glancing on her, figuring in his mind how
he would use this thing to marry her. She asks him
to help her. He takes her hand and is fondling it.
Although she is filled with repugnance, she dares
not withdraw it. She puts her fingers to her lips and
Makepeace beckons to the minister. They all go toward
the bedroom.
Scene 83
OUTSIDE BEDROOM DOOR--(FLASH)
Suzette and the men. Suzette gets her hand away from
Makepeace--opens door and indicates they should look.
They bend forward, looking eagerly.
Scene 84
BEDROOM--(SHOT FROM DOORWAY) (FLASH)
Suzette's mother asleep.
Scene 85
DOORWAY BEDROOM
Suzette closes the door--confronts both of the men
determinedly--tells them they shall not disturb her
mother. The minister and Makepeace confer together
and agree to go for the night and not to disturb her.
Suzette is very grateful. The minister goes, saying:
35 SPOKEN TITLE: I WILL EXAMINE YOUR MOTHER IN THE
MORNING.
Suzette and Makepeace watch him as he goes out of the
picture. Makepeace tells Suzette that he would like
to see her in the morning--turns to go, again
stroking her hand. Suzette gets it away from him
with loathing, which she endeavors to combat. As he
goes out of the picture, she looks down at the hand
which he has been holding--then tosses her head back
determined not to think about it--only of her mother
--turns toward her mother's bedroom. (FADE OUT.)
36 SUBTITLE: THE ONLY WAY.
Scene 86
STREET NEAR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FADE IN)
The old Indian woman, Nokomis, coming along the
street toward Suzette's cottage--children running
after, screaming at her--throwing stones--calling
her witch. Say:
37 SPOKEN TITLE: YOU AND THE FOREIGNER WITCH RODE THE
BROOMSTICK LAST NIGHT. WE SAW YOU.
Nokomis turns and chases the children with stick.
Then shakes her head and goes toward cottage door.
Scene 87
DOORWAY--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
(Door open) Suzette, standing in the doorway.
Nokomis comes up to her. They go in together.
Scene 88
LIVING ROOM--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE
Nokomis and Suzette enter. Nokomis indicates: "Did
you hear the children?" Suzette nods. Nokomis
implores her to get her mother away--says:
38 SPOKEN TITLE: GET MOTHER AWAY. SALEM TOWN HANG HEAP
WITCHES MONDAY.
Suzette shudders, doesn't know what to do--tells
Nokomis her mother is too ill to move. Nokomis goes
toward bedroom.
Scene 89
BEDROOM
Suzette's mother lying back on pillows, looking ill
and old. Looks up as Nokomis enters--takes medicine
the old squaw gives her--pats Suzette's hand--tells
her she'll soon be better. Suzette bursts into tears
and hurries from the room. Nokomis looks after her.
The mother begins to talk to Nokomis.
Scene 90
LIVING ROOM--(FLASH)
Suzette enters--throws herself full length on the
settle begins to weep.
Scene 91
EXTERIOR SUZETTE'S COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Old Makepeace Struble, all fixed up in his best
clothes, smirking and smiling, comes to the cottage
door--knocks.
Scene 92
LIVING ROOM
Suzette raises her head--calls "Come!"--gets to her
feet. As she stands there, wiping her eyes, old
Struble comes into the picture and up to her, Suzette
startled, goes to him--asks if anything is wrong. He
asks her how her mother is this morning, indicating
the bedroom. Suzette begs him to tell her what to do
for her mother. Old Makepeace shakes his head--
indicates he doesn't know--it's a pretty serious
matter. She'll undoubtedly be named as a witch. The
girl, frantic, indicates what can she do--her mother
is too ill to move. Old Struble, who has been
gloating over her, adjusts his ruffles, and says,
leaning over her, taking her by the wrists:
39 SPOKEN TITLE: MARRY ME AT ONCE. I AM A MAN OF
INFLUENCE AND CAN PROTECT YOU--AND YOUR MOTHER.
The girl, simply overwhelmed at such an idea, starts
back, staring at him--indicates that she doesn't want
to marry him. The old man turns away--indicates that
that's all right if she doesn't care what becomes of
her mother. The girl, unhappy and frightened,
stretches out her hand. He seizes it, and bends over
it. As he does this she draws away. He tells her
there's no one else. Says to her that she needn't
count on Wayne--he's gone and left her. Indicates
that she's helpless unless he helps her. VISION OF
Captain Wayne rises--Wayne sitting at table in full
regimentals, drinking with one of his brother
officers (not drunk). Wayne seems, in the vision,
utterly gay and careless and to have forgotten all
about Suzette. As she starts, putting her hand on her
heart, VISION fades--and old Struble who is holding
her hand again, begins to plead his cause. The girl
in a quick revulsion of feeling throws his hand aside
and tells him that she will not marry him. Old
Struble turns on her threateningly--storms--points
toward bedroom door, and indicates it will go hard
with her mother. VISION arises either on stone
chimney-piece above fireplace or on wall alongside of
the girl's mother falling by the wayside--the rabble
stoning her--as the VISION FADES the girl puts her
hand over her eyes, and turning to the old man, faces
him resolutely--says:
40 SPOKEN TITLE: IF YOU WILL SAVE MY MOTHER, I'LL MARRY
YOU TO-MORROW.
The old man joyfully assures her he will do just that
for her. As he takes both of her hands in his and
stoops toward her--(FADE OUT).
41 SUBTITLE: A USELESS SACRIFICE.
Scene 93
DOORWAY--THE MEETING HOUSE--(FADE IN) (DAY)
Struble coming out with Suzette on his arm. She is
dressed as a bride. (Remember a Puritan bride.) She
has a necklace on, one of the pieces of jewelry her
mother had in the jewel box. As they go down the
steps together, Struble puts his hand on the necklace
to look at it, disguising: the action with an attempt
at caress. Suzette involuntarily starts away from
him, so violently that the necklace unclasps in his
hands. Struble and his wife face each other. An
ugly look comes over the bridegroom's face as he sees
the terror in the girl's face--then he smiles--puts
the necklace in his pocket--shakes his finger at her,
reproving her for wearing gauds--remarking that he
will keep it safely. Takes her hand, puts it on his
arm again, and they go in the direction of Suzette's
cottage. The guests and bystanders looking on--the
women indicating that Makepeace Struble has shown
queer taste in taking this foreign creature to wife.
The young men looking after Struble enviously, and at
the girl rather scornfully, indicating that they
wonder how she could marry an old scarecrow like
Struble when there were young men like themselves
about.
Scene 94
LIVING ROOM--SUZETTE'S COTTAGE
Suzette's mother sitting in chair with pillow at her
head--looks ill, Nokomis, looking after her, tells
her they must be coming from church now. Says to
mother:
42 SPOKEN TITLE: WHY YOU LET HER MARRY OLD STRUBLE TO
SAVE YOU?
The mother looks at her--shakes her head, indicating
she doesn't understand. Nokomis mutters. The mother
indicates she feels very ill--Nokomis reaches for cup
of medicine. As she puts it in mother's hand, the
mother gasps--drops the cup--puts her hand to her
heart and falls back, dead. Nokomis looks at her--
feels her brow and heart--realizes she is dead--
bends over her, moaning.
Scene 95
EXTERIOR, SUZETTE'S COTTAGE
Suzette, accompanied by Struble and several of the
company, go toward door. Suzette breaks from the
others and goes in as though to rush to her mother.
Scene 96
INTERIOR LIVING ROOM--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Nokomis, leaning over the dead woman, raises her head
as Suzette rushes into the picture towards her
mother. Suzette seeing Nokomis weep, cries out and
throws her arms about her mother--finds that she is
cold and dead--leans over her weeping.
Scene 97
LIVING ROOM--(FULL VIEW)
Old Struble and the other people entering the room.
Nokomis comes toward them, pointing toward the girl
and her mother--tells them that the woman is dead.
Old Struble puts his hand on the casket containing
the jewels which is on the table--orders Nokomis to
leave the house--Nokomis goes; the people who have
followed old Struble in, stand back awed. As Struble
goes toward the girl (FADE OUT).
43 SUBTITLE: THE HOMECOMING.
Scene 98
TRAIL--WOODS--(NEAR NOKOMIS' HUT) (DAY) (FADE IN)
Captain Wayne, in uniform, riding toward Hedford,
looking about him, happy at the thought that he is
going to see Suzette again. He is smiling. Nokomis,
at the door of her hut, looks up at him. He smiles
and calls to her. She acknowledges his salute with a
grunt, and stands watching him out of sight--then
turning shakes her head and looks in opposite
direction, shading her eyes with her hand.
Scene 99
FOOTPATH THROUGH WOODS--(LEADING TO NOKOMIS' HUT)
Suzette, basket in hand, coming along slowly. She is
coming in through brush behind hut--has not seen
Wayne. She waves her hand toward Nokomis and
commences to run out of the picture.
Scene 100
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Nokomis at the door, watching Suzette. Suzette comes
into the picture and greets her--giving her the
little basket full of meat, bread, and vegetables,
says:
44 SPOKEN TITLE: THERE, NOKOMIS--THE SILLY PEOPLE WHO
CALL YOU WITCH SHAN'T STARVE YOU!
Nokomis takes it, thanking her, indicating that she
has something for Suzette. Goes into hut. Suzette
follows her.
Scene 101
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
(This has been one of the earlier settler's rough log
cabins and is now a little tumble-down, but has great
stone fireplace--iron pot hangs over--herbs on string
hanging from rafters--a big black cat--a toad or two
--a bird and a little dog.) Nokomis puts Suzette's
basket in a safe place and takes from rough mantle a
beaded talisman on a beaded chain, gives it to
Suzette, saying:
45 SPOKEN TITLE: WEAR IT. IT WILL MAKE ALL WISH COME
TRUE.
Suzette smiles, shakes her head rather sadly as
though that were not possible, but thanks the Indian
woman. Puts it around her neck. As she stretches her
hand up, the old woman sees something, goes to
Suzette, pushes the ruffle of her sleeve aside and
points to angry red mark and bruise, asking who did
it. Suzette pulls down sleeve, mortified, tries to
tell her she fell and hurt herself. The old woman
isn't so easily fooled. Says to her:
46 SPOKEN TITLE: NO LIE TO NOKOMIS. HUSBAND DID IT. YOU
MADE BAD MARRIAGE.
Shakes her head sadly. The girl tries to be cheerful,
indicates it can't be helped, looks at talisman.
Thanks Nokomis again, pats her hand and goes out of
hut.
Scene 102
"OFFICE"--STRUBLE'S HOUSE
Old Struble at desk. Has just concluded inventory of
his wife's jewels. The box is open beside him. It
amounts to a comfortable sum in pounds.
47 INSERT: Page of paper in front of him--with figures
showing how much it is in English pounds.
He leans back, well pleased, rubbing his hands and
smacking his lips.
Scene 103
THE WOODS--FOOTPATH
Suzette is met by a rabble of children. They have
sticks and stones in their hands, an empty hornet's
nest on a pole, a dead cat at the end of a stick, a
pan on which one of them is beating with a stick, and
a general collection of odds and ends, such as would
appeal to children's minds as either capable of
inflicting an injury or making a noise. They stop
Suzette and ask her the way to the witch's hut.
Suzette, indignant, says:
48 SPOKEN TITLE: THERE ARE NO WITCHES. NOKOMIS IS ONLY A
POOR OLD INDIAN WOMAN!
The children laugh at her, and tell her she doesn't
know anything, that Nokomis is a bad witch and they
gleefully tell Suzette what they are going to do with
her. They ask her again where the witch's hut is.
Suzette thinks for a moment, then points of into the
woods in opposite direction from Nokomis' hut. One of
the bigger boys laughs at her, indignant, points in
the direction of Nokomis' hut and says:
49 SPOKEN TITLE: SHE IS LYING TO US. SHE IS IN THE HUT.
Suzette sees she cannot save Nokomis that way--at her
wit's end what to do. Suddenly seizes the broom from
one of the boys, jumps up and down, waving broom in
the air and screeching; like a mad-cat. This so
terrifies the children that they run out of the
picture, screaming and dropping things.
Scene 104
"OFFICE" STRUBLE'S HOUSE
Wayne enters, hand outstretched. Old Struble hastily
shuts the jewel box and thrusts the memorandum under
a pile of papers, turns to greet his ward, not
particularly overjoyed. Tries to pretend a little
warmth, but isn't very good at pretending, and Wayne
can see that he is not over-welcome.
Scene 105
WOODS--(FLASH)
(Some distance from where the children first met
Suzette.) Children angry, shaking their fists in the
direction of Suzette.
Scene 106
ANOTHER PART OF THE WOODS--(OPPOSITE DIRECTION)
(FLASH)
Suzette, leaning on the old broom, looks back at the
children, laughs, throws the broom down and runs off
in the direction of home (Struble home).
Scene 107
"OFFICE"--STRUBLE'S HOUSE
Old Struble and Wayne talking earnestly. Wayne
indicates that he is going to settle down and work
hard at his profession. Old Struble looks at him
approvingly. Wayne, after a quick glance at the
guardian, says:
50 SPOKEN TITLE: WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE LITTLE FRENCH
MAID?
Old Struble looks up at the young man maliciously,
indicating himself, and begins to tell his ward he is
married. The young man can hardly believe his ears,
jumps to his feet, stands looking down at his
guardian, who watches him with cynical amusement.
Scene 108
"OFFICE" STRUBLE'S HOUSE--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Struble, watching Wayne, cynically notes how hard he
is taking the news. Richard has been practically
stunned, not only from the fact that his guardian has
married at all at his age, but also that it should be
this girl. He looks at his guardian incredulously,
says: "You can't mean you married her?" Old Struble
leans back in his chair smiling at him sardonically,
tosses his head back, indicates: "I mean it--I'm not
the old fossil you seem to think me, young sir."
Richard still staring at him incredulously, when
Suzette enters the picture. Coming up to her
husband, she puts her arm on the back of his chair,
sees Richard and starts. Richard, too, starts. Old
Struble puts his claw-like hand on Suzette's arm,
indicates her with a leer to Wayne, and says: "This
is my wife." Suzette holds out her hand.
Scene 109
"OFFICE" STRUBLE'S HOUSE--(CLOSE-UP)
Suzette and Richard then look at each other. He bows
over her hand without touching it. The misery in her
face as she realizes that he condemns her for what
she had done, and that he will never understand why
she married Struble. Anger and contempt on Richard's
face. He thinks she has married the old man for his
money.
Scene 110
"OFFICE" STRUBLE'S HOUSE--(CLOSE-UP)
Old Struble grinning evilly as he watches the young
people.
Scene 111
"OFFICE" STRUBLE'S HOUSE--(FULL VIEW)
Wayne bows, excuses himself, saying he must go and
remove the dust of travel, goes from room. Suzette
stands looking after him--wondering why he treats her
so contemptuously--then thinks he may suspect her of
having stepped between him and the fortune he might
have gotten from old Struble. Suzette starts--turns
to Struble, who has been watching her jealously, and
says:
51 SPOKEN TITLE: LET NOT OUR MARRIAGE ALTER THE FACT
THAT RICHARD WAYNE IS YOUR HEIR.
Old Struble gets very angry--asks what business it is
of hers what he does with his money--picks up ruler
from table--strikes her as she shrinks away--grabs
hold of her hand--pulls her to him--twists her arm
until she cries out for mercy. Flings her aside
roughly. Suzette staggering back--regains her
balance--turns as though to speak to him--then
decides that it is of no use--goes sadly from room,
as he sinks back into the chair--glowering at her,
mad with jealousy.
Scene 112
LIVING ROOM--STRUBLE'S HOUSE
The table is set at one end. Richard Wayne comes into
the picture--stops at fireplace near foreground--
takes high-back chair which practically conceals him
from anyone entering the room unless they know he was
there. (If the old-fashioned easy-chair with "wings"
was in existence in 1692-3, use that,--if not, the
easy-chair of the period.) He swings chair around so
that the back is toward room and he faces the fire--
sinks out of sight in the chair, leaning his head on
his hand.
Scene 113
LIVING ROOM--STRUBLE'S HOUSE
Suzette comes into the room with pates on s tray--
walks down to table past Richard, without seeing him.
Scene 114
THE TABLE--LIVING ROOM--STRUBLE HOUSE--(CLOSE-UP)
Suzette comes close to table--puts down plate--looks
it over--sees that it's all right--stands thinking a
moment--puts hand to her neck--takes out talisman (or
it falls out, swinging on its bead chain)--looks at
it--remembers what the old Indian woman said to her--
holds it in her hand and says:
52 SPOKEN TITLE: IF WISHES COME TRUE--LET RICHARD WAYNE
BE MY FRIEND.
Presses the talisman to her heart.
Scene 115
LIVING ROOM--AT FIREPLACE-(CLOSE-UP)
Richard in chair at fireplace, hears this--turns
around--smiles cynically--thinks she has done this
for effect--starts to rise.
Scene 116
AT TABLE--LIVING ROOM--(CLOSE-UP)
Suzette at table. She has slipped the talisman under
the neck of her gown again, and taking a step forward
from the table, meets Richard who comes into the
picture, smiling. Suzette at first looks embarrassed
--then greets him warmly--indicates "Since we'll have
to see a great deal of each other, why can't we be
friends?" Richard, quite sure she is playing a game,
determines to play it too--greets her warmly and tells
her that he desires it more than anything else. They
turn toward table.
Scene 117
AT TABLE--LIVING ROOM--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Old Struble enters picture--looks at them, grudgingly
orders them to sit down. Richard and he sit down.
Suzette at first waiting on them. Richard makes a
fuss over Suzette waiting on him--tries to touch her
hand. The old man sees this--angry, Suzette puzzled
and annoyed. Then when Suzette has taken things from
the sideboard to table and starts to sit down, Richard
places chair for her--makes a great deal of this small
courtesy--puts his hand on her shoulder--keeps it
there until the old man sees it and is angry. Suzette
alarmed and puzzled. Then, as Richard goes back to
his place, indifferent to her resentment and old
Struble's black looks, thinking he has gauged her
character and she's worth nothing--angry at his
guardian for being such an old fool to marry her;
with Struble furious at both of them; with Suzette
leaning back in her chair, looking at Richard in
amazement (FADE OUT).
53 SUBTITLE: WAYNE MAKES ONE MISTAKE--BUT OLD STRUBLE
MAKES ANOTHER.
Scene 118
FOOTPATH--WOODS-(FADE IN)
Suzette going along footpath in woods toward Nokomis'
hut, carrying basket with food in it. A little girl
of eight or nine following along, hanging on her hand,
skipping, talking merrily to her, Wayne comes into
picture from opposite direction, so that he will come
face to face with Suzette--he stops and waits for her.
As Suzette comes up to him, he bows and greets her
smiling. Suzette's face hardens. Suzette gives the
child the basket--motions to her to go along with it.
The child does so--runs out of the picture in opposite
direction to that which they entered. Suzette turns
and confronts Richard Wayne.
Scene 119
FOOTPATH--WOODS--(CLOSE-UP)
Suzette turns on Wayne indignant--asks him why he
follows her about. Wayne laughs, tries to kiss her
hand. Suzette pulls it away--says:
54 SPOKEN TITLE: 'TIS NOT RIGHT THAT YOU FOLLOW YOUR
GUARDIAN'S WIFE ABOUT--THIS WAY.
Wayne thinks she is posing--listens to her with an
amused smile--begins to laugh, and before Suzette
is aware of his intention, takes her in his arms.
Suzette frees herself--tells him angrily:
55 SPOKEN TITLE: SINCE YOU HAVE NO RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE
--OR FOR ME--GO!
Richard, impressed in spite of himself, looks at her
a moment in surprise--then as she moves to pass him,
seizes her by the arm which Struble hurt. The girl
winces, putting her hand involuntarily over the place.
Richard notices this, still holding her arm, pushes
back the cuff.
Scene 120
FOOTPATH--(CLOSE-UP)
Suzette's arm--black and blue bruises and a great
angry red welt across it.
Scene 121
FOOTPATH--WOODS--(CLOSE-UP)
Richard and Suzette. Richard lifts his face full of
astonishment, anger, and resentment, says: "Did he do
that?" The girl tries to pull her hand away--refuses
to answer him. Richard, ashamed of himself, bows his
head over Suzette's hand without kissing it--drops it
--looks at the girl, and says:
56 SPOKEN TITLE: FORGIVE ME!
Suzette looks at his bowed head--tries to speak--
cannot--turns her head away, clasping and unclasping
her hands--begins to speak.
Scene 122
NOKOMIS' RUT--(FLASH)
(Door ajar.) The child comes up to the door--peeks in.
Scene 123
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Nokomis bending over pot at fireplace--big black cat
watching her. She stirs the pot, muttering to
herself.
Scene 124
DOORWAY--EXTERIOR--NOKOMIS' HUT--(FLASH)
The child, half frightened, turns to go--then turns
back--fascinated--looks in again.
Scene 125
FOOTPATH--WOODS
(Richard and Suzette.) Suzette finishing telling
Richard why she married Struble. Richard takes her
hand in his--bends over it--and presses it to his
lips, says:
57 SPOKEN TITLE: I UNDERSTAND--AND I AM GOING AWAY
FOREVER.
Suzette stands for a moment, stunned at the thought
of his going--stretches out her hands toward him--
remembers and brings them back again--puts the hand
that he had kissed over her own lips for a moment as
though suppressing her own sobs--tears in her eyes--
turns and rushes out of the picture toward Nokomis'
hut.
Scene 126
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
(Door ajar.) Suzette comes up to hut--sees child
looking in--touches her gently on the shoulder--the
child jumps, frightened--almost drops the basket.
Suzette takes it from her hand and tells her to come
into the hut. The child shakes her head--indicates
she doesn't like it in there--she'll wait outside.
Suzette tries to persuade her--then sees that the
child is really in earnest and goes into the hut
with the basket, indicating that the child mustn't go
so far away. The child remains at doorway, looking
after Suzette.
Scene 127
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT--NEAR FIREPLACE
Suzette enters--goes to the old woman and gives her
the basket with vegetables, meat and a bit of flour,
and watches her as she stirs the pot and drops the
meat Suzette has brought into the pot. As she stirs,
the old woman looks up--sees that Suzette is sad--
speaks to her. Suzette draws the talisman from its
hiding place (around her neck) touches it, and says
to the old woman:
58 SPOKEN TITLE: I'M AFRAID OF THIS. THE ONLY WISH I'VE
MADE HAS TURNED OUT BADLY.
The old woman smiles, indicating: "Keep it a little
longer--it may be useful yet." Suzette puts it back.
The Indian woman offers her some berries to eat.
Suzette refuses, indicates she must go out to the
child waiting outside--goes out of picture toward
door. The Indian woman following her, gazing after
her with admiration and gratitude.
Scene 128
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Child at doorway, peering in, turns as Suzette comes
out. They move away together in the direction of the
village. Suzette taking the child's hand and
speaking kindly to her. Nokomis has come to the door
and watches them go.
Scene 129
"OFFICE" STRUBLE'S HOUSE
Old Struble at desk, looking at lifted lid of jewel
box, containing his wife's jewels. On lid of box
appears VISION of Suzette's face turned toward
Richard as they looked when they first caught sight
of each other. Old Struble slams the lid and scowls
into space, jealous. Richard Wayne enters, dressed
for traveling--tells him he is going. Struble
pretends to be surprised and sorry--urges him not to
go. Richard is firm--indicating that he must go--
goes out of the room--followed by Struble, who is
secretly delighted.
Scene 130
EXTERIOR STRUBLE HOUSE--DRIVEWAY
Horse saddled, waiting for Wayne--servant holding it,
Wayne enters, followed by his guardian--mounts and
rides off--his guardian saying good-bye and watching
him out of sight with an evil smile.
Scene 131
STREET--IN FRONT OF SUZETTE'S OLD COTTAGE
Suzette bids good-bye to the child who runs in the
gate. Suzette starts to go up the street. As she
does so, Wayne rides into the picture and down the
street, going toward Suzette--lifts his hat but does
not stop--goes on out of the picture. Suzette
involuntarily stops--clasps her hands against her
bosom, stands watching him as he rides out of the
picture with an expression which indicates she thinks
he is riding out of her life.
Scene 132
LIVING ROOM--SUZETTE'S OLD COTTAGE
The child who was with Suzette enters. Her mother is
giving the three other children their supper--mush
and milk--in little bowls. As she gives the children
the mush and milk, they walk out of the picture
toward fireplace. The oldest child (the one who was
with Suzette) is given her bowl, too, with a little
scolding for being so late. She walks out of the
picture to the fireplace.
Scene 133
FIREPLACE--LIVING ROOM--(CLOSE-UP)
(A good picture of exactly the kind of fireplace
desired is shown on p. 79 of "Colonial Days," by
Wilbur F. Gords. This fireplace is very deep--has
seat on inside of fireplace, along one side. If
practicable would like the VISIONS to be shown
against the blackened back of the fireplace, a little
above the fire line so that the fire, low, not
blazing, would be burning beneath the VISION. If
this is not practicable, can arrange that the VISION
fall in another place in mantel above fireplace--but
the fireback would be most effective.) The three
small children sitting on the long seat inside
fireplace, their little bowl of mush and milk in
their laps, eating. The oldest child comes into the
picture--takes little stool in front of fire and sits
down with her back partly turned to camera, facing
her sisters and brothers. They ask her where she's
been. She glances over her shoulder to see that none
of the grown-ups are about, listening, leans forward
and points mysteriously at the fireback. VISION rises
there of the interior of Nokomis' hut in which
Nokomis goes through the same motions that she did
when she was putting the meat and vegetables into the
stew--Suzette standing beside her, also; but as the
child tells it, Nokomis is a terrible, impossible old
witch with a pointed cap and a long hooked nose and
claw fingers. Likewise what she drops into the stew
is not meat and vegetables but toads, little snakes
or long worms--dead birds with all their feathers on,
and a kitten or two. Suzette is also a witch, but
not so ugly, and a talisman she fingers, instead of
being composed of beads is a little skull--the eyes
gleaming like pinpoints of fire (If this is possible
to get over). Instead of a black cat, a little devil
with horns and a tail, is watching the two. VISION
FADES OUT. The children are horror-stricken--unable
to eat, but the oldest one keeps on talking and
points again to the fireplace. Another VISION rises
of Nokomis going up the chimney astride of a
broomstick. Suzette and the little devil follow her
in the same manner. As the child tells this and the
VISION FADES OUT, the youngest child screams and
drops her bowl of mush and milk, commences to tremble
and twitch and scream with fright.
Scene 184
LIVING ROOM--(FULL SHOT)
The mother and a neighbor woman rush in and to the
children. The mother declares that the child has
been bewitched. The other children clutch her skirts
as she stops to comfort her. The child who has been
the cause of all this is frightened as the rest, but
stubbornly answers the neighbor woman, insisting that
she did see it and that it was just as she said.
Scene 135
LIVING ROOM--STRUBLE HOUSE
Suzette comes in, sinks down into easy-chair,
covering her face with her hands. Old Struble
enters picture and commences to rail at her, accuses
her of having allowed Wayne to make love to her,
strikes her with his stick. Suzette, indignant,
thrusts him back, denounces him for his cruelty to
her. She is hysterical and as she points to him with
one hand and touches her talisman with her other hand,
she says:
59 SPOKEN TITLE: WICKED OLD MAN--YOU BRING PEOPLE
NOTHING BUT UNHAPPINESS. YOU WOULD BE BETTER--DEAD!
The old man is astonished. This is the first time
Suzette has ever turned on him. He is a little
frightened, too, and pointing to the talisman, asks
her what it is. Suzette, seeing his superstitious
fear, plays on it, and answers him mysteriously.
60 SPOKEN TITLE: I WEAR IT BECAUSE IT GRANTS ME--ALL MY
WISHES.
Shaking with fear, the old man goes out of the
picture, glancing back at her. Suzette stands
looking down at the talisman, wondering if she has
found a way to keep him off.
Scene 136
EXTERIOR STRUBLE HOUSE
The minister and one or two men coming toward house.
Struble comes out to meet them, hurries to the
minister, commences to tell him at once about his
wife, says:
61 SPOKEN TITLE: GO--REASON WITH MY WIFE! SHE HAS CURSED
ME--AND WISHES ME DEAD.
The others agree that the minister is the one to
speak to Suzette. The minister and Struble go
toward house.
Scene 137
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
A young Indian boy (Nokomis' grandson) dressed in
ordinary clothes of the day--the cast-off clothing of
some white boy--but without shoes, tomahawk thrust in
his belt, comes to Nokomis' door. Listens a moment,
knocks and enters. (Note: This boy must be very
young so that his clothes will look as though they
might fit Miss Ward.)
Scene 138
LIVING ROOM--STRUBLE HOUSE
Suzette leaning against table, holding talisman in
her hand, thinking as she looks at it. The minister
and Struble come into the picture. Suzette greets
minister, motioning to chair. The minister sits and
addresses Suzette almost as though she were a
prisoner at the bar. Suzette astonished--doesn't
understand. He commences to accuse her--Suzette
understands now, says firmly:
62 SPOKEN TITLE: I DO NOT BELIEVE IN WITCHES OR DEVILS.
Struble and the minister horrified. Struble so
worked up that he shakes his fist at her, begins to
scream and rave, falls forward in sort of a fit. The
minister and Suzette catch him before he falls out of
the picture, putting him in chair. Suzette bends over
him. The minister stands looking down at him and at
Suzette, shaking his head.
Scene 139
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
The Indian boy has taken of his civilized clothes and
is now dressed like an Indian warrior going on the
warpath. Has war-paint and feathers and is adjusting
tomahawk in belt. Nokomis is helping him put paint
on his cheeks. She is talking to him as she does so
eagerly. Her manner is that of a grown person
humoring a child who is playing a game seriously.
Nokomis gathers something from what he says, leans
forward alertly, and asks him a question. The boy
answers, sticks tomahawk in belt and holds up two
fingers. Nokomis looks alarmed, asks him again. He
replies in the same manner, then indicates that she
is to keep the clothes he has taken off for him.
Nokomis throws them on a pile of blankets and
garments in corner. Indian boy grunts, indicates
that that will be all right, goes out, Nokomis
watching him.
Scene 140
STRUBLE'S BEDROOM
Struble ill, lying on bed, his wicked mean little
eyes following Suzette about, hatred of her showing
in every glance. He strikes her hand away when she
tries to smooth the pillow, refuses to take cup from
her, won't take it until the mother of the little
child (Scene 132) acting as nurse, comes--takes it,
tastes it herself and gives it to him. At the sign
from the nurse, Suzette, much distressed, goes from
the picture. The moment she goes, the old man sits
up in bed, and pointing after her, says:
63 SPOKEN TITLE: SHE HAS BEWITCHED ME--SHE WANTS ME TO
DIE.
The nurse tells him to be quiet, puts him back on
pillows, and continues to give him contents of the
cup.
Scene 141
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT--(LONG SHOT)
Nokomis, alone, fastens door, starts to walk off in
direction of village. Turns to look back at hut,
stumbles over rock in road and falls. Tries to get
up, falls again, sits down on ground, rubbing her
ankle, groaning.
Scene 142
PATH IN WOODS--NEAR HUT--(FLASH)
Suzette, coming along the path, worried, holding
talisman in her hand, going toward Nokomis' hut.
Scene 143
PATH IN FRONT OF NOKOMIS' HUT--(FULL VIEW)
Nokomis lifts her hand, listens and calls. Suzette
comes running into the picture, bends over the old
woman, gives her a hand, begins to help her up.
Scene 144
STRUBLE'S BEDROOM--(FLASH)
Struble sitting up in his bed, gesticulating feebly.
The minister and several of the elders grouped about
his bed, listening as he denounces his wife.
Scene 145
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Nokomis sitting on pile of blankets and garments at
side of fireplace where Indian boy's clothes are--
Suzette bathing her ankle. The Indian woman, looking
at the girl--finally leans over and says:
64 SPOKEN TITLE: TWO TRIBES INDIANS MAKE FIGHT--KILL
WHITE MEN. HOW TELL CAPTAIN WAYNE?
Suzette so startled she drops cloth she is making
bandage of into basin of water. She was bathing
Nokomis' foot--turns to Nokomis to ask her if it is
true. Nokomis nods--tells her it is--points to
herself then to her ankle. Suzette points to herself.
Nokomis shakes her head. Suzette insists--snatches up
Indian blanket from beside Nokomis--wraps it around
herself--pretends she is an Indian squaw. Nokomis
laughs--shakes her head--thinks--puts hand down
beside her--claws out from among the heap of garments
she is leaning on the Indian boy's bundle. Indicates
it to Suzette. Suzette stoops--picks it up--unties
it and holds up boy's clothes--looks at them and
then at Nokomis. Nokomis says:
65 SPOKEN TITLE: INDIAN BOY NO WANT--YOU TAKE--HEAP
SAFE.
Suzette looks from the garments to the Indian woman--
nods her head--begins to smile.
Scene 146
STRUBLE'S BEDROOM
The little child, who said Nokomis and Suzette were
witches, led in. The minister begins to question
her. Struble in bed--leans forward excitedly and
begins to ask questions. The child looks from one
to the other, half frightened, nods her head.
Struble, greatly excited, turns to the minister and
elders and indicates: "You see, it's true!" Gets so
excited that he falls back, clutches his throat,
choking. The nurse comes into the picture, orders
the others to leave the room. They start to go.
Scene 147
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Suzette in boy's clothes, fastening her collar, feels
talisman--takes it out--holds it toward Nokomis--says:
"I came to bring this back. It's an evil thing."
Nokomis shakes her head--doesn't take it back.
Suzette tells her that she wished her husband dead
and he is ill. The old woman smiles--says:
66 SPOKEN TITLE: ONLY BEADS--YOUR HUSBAND OLD BAD MAN.
HATE MAKE SICK--NOT BEADS.
Suzette asks Nokomis if she thinks that is so. Old
woman goes on to tell why she thinks it is. Suzette
slips talisman back round her neck, turns to go.
Nokomis suddenly realizes that it is dangerous for
the girl to go--holds her back--tells her not to go.
Suzette shakes her head--says:
67 SPOKEN TITLE: THE SOLDIERS MUST BE WARNED. NO ONE
WILL HARM ME.
Goes toward doorway. Nokomis stretching out her hand
and calling to her. (FADE OUT.)
68 SUBTITLE: THE POISON OF HATE.
Scene 148
STRUBLE'S BEDROOM--(NIGHT) (FADE IN)
Old Struble very ill--the doctor shaking his head--
says:
69 SPOKEN TITLE: HE MAY LIVE THE NIGHT. WHERE IS HIS
WIFE?
The nurse shakes her head. The minister enters. The
doctor speaks to him--asks him if he knows. The
minister shakes his head--looks at the man on the
bed--then indicates he will find her--goes from the
room.
Scene 149
DEEP IN THE WOODS--(MOONLIGHT)
Suzette in boy's clothes, traveling along in the
moonlight, half afraid, jumping at every sound, but
hurrying on. Finally hears something--stops still--
frightened--looking this way and that--finally looks
up.
Scene 150
TREE (DEEP IN WOODS) (CLOSE-UP) (FLASH) (MOONLIGHT)
A big owl on a branch has just finished hooting--
looking down at the girl.
Scene 151
DEEP IN THE WOODS--(MOONLIGHT)
Suzette, looking up at him, shakes her fist,
indicating, "Nasty old thing, you frightened me!"
Goes along, hurrying--looking from side to side.
Scene 152
DEEP IN THE WOODS (ANOTHER PART) (MOONLIGHT) (FLASH)
If possible--a flash here of a fox, wolf, or other
wild animal, common to the Massachusetts woods at
that time--not out on the path, but peering out of
the bushes.
Scene 153
DEEP IN THE WOODS (FURTHER ALONG) (MOONLIGHT) (FLASH)
The little figure of the frightened girl in boy's
clothing running through the woods.
Scene 154
INTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
The old woman lying down on the pile of blankets and
garments--rising slowly up, blinking her eyes, facing
the minister and one or two of the elders, one of whom
has a blazing stick from, the fireplace in his hand,
serving as an illumination. The minister asks the
woman about Suzette. The old woman answers:
70 SPOKEN TITLE: SHE'S NO WITCH. I NO KNOW WHERE GO.
The minister and elders impatient. They turn to go.
The man holding the brand flings it down in
fireplace. Nokomis starts to lie down again. (FADE
OUT.)
Scene 155
INTERIOR OLD COLONIAL TAVERN--NEAR DOOR (NIGHT)
(FADE IN)
(These taverns were the place of meeting for the best
people in town, and the tavern need not be shown full
of loafers--they were the only meeting places where
the godly as well as the ungodly could get
refreshments.) Soldiers, civilians, eating and
drinking--not very many of them in sight. Suzette
comes on--travel-stained, worn, and weary,--just as a
town drunkard is being admonished by a portly
gentleman who is pointing him out with his stick.
The tavern keeper, with many apologies, is directing
his hostler to remove him. Suzette dodges the town
drunkard and rushes into the portly gentleman. He
takes her by the ear and threatens her with his cane.
She dodges from under his grasp and runs to the
tavern keeper who takes her by the arm and is about
to send her flying as a boy and a nuisance, when she
looks up at him--puts her finger to her lips, and
says:
71 SPOKEN TITLE: IS CAPTAIN WAYNE HERE? I MUST SEE HIM.
'TIS VASTLY IMPORTANT.
The keeper looks at her with respect at the mention
of Captain Wayne. Excuses himself to the portly
gentleman, and walks out of the picture. Suzette
walks toward the fireplace.
Scene 156
FIREPLACE--TAVERN--(NIGHT) (FLASH)
Suzette enters--falls exhausted on settle.
Scene 157
ANOTHER PART OF TAVERN--(NIGHT) (FLASH)
Wayne and several of the officers drinking ale,
eating, and discussing military matters. The keeper
comes in, takes Wayne by the shoulder, indicates that
someone wants to see him. Wayne rises, excuses
himself with a bow, and follows the keeper out of
picture.
Scene 158
FIREPLACE--TAVERN--(NIGHT)
Suzette, curled up on settle, asleep, head on arm.
Wayne comes into picture, taps her on shoulder. As he
does so, looks down at her, gives an exclamation,
bends toward her.
Scene 159
SETTLE--FIREPLACE--(NIGHT) (CLOSE-UP)
The two faces--Wayne's bending over Suzette,
indicating: "My God, what does this mean?" Suzette's
eyes slowly opening as she smiles up into his face,
forgetting for a moment her errand and her costume.
Scene 160
SETTLE--FIREPLACE--(NIGHT) (SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette jumps to her feet, conscious of the fact that
someone may be watching her, puts her finger to her
lips, indicates to Wayne: "I must see you alone."
Wayne indicates that he understands and looks about
him. Tells her it's all right--to tell him now.
Suzette begins to talk. Tells him her news--says:
72 SPOKEN TITLE: THE TRIBES WILL RISE TOGETHER. THEY
PLAN TO SURPRISE THE FORT TO-MORROW NIGHT.
Wayne, greatly surprised, makes the girl repeat it
over again. Tells her she's on time and has saved
them all. Forgets himself for a moment, leans over
and puts his hand on hers, his face showing how much
he appreciates what she has done, and all he would
like to say to her. Suzette draws her hand away,
indicating that he must be careful. He looks around
him carefully, recognizing the need for caution,
unless he would expose her to insult. They turn and
go out of the picture together, talking earnestly.
Scene 161
OLD STRUBLE'S BEDROOM--(NIGHT)
Old Struble dead. The minister and elders standing
about bed. The nurse has put sheet over Struble's
face. The minister and elders begin to consult,
indicating the dead man. (FADE OUT.)
Scene 162
THE EDGE OF THE WOODS--(DAYLIGHT) (LONG SHOT)
(FADE IN)
Suzette and Wayne come toward camera and woods. In
background, small squad of soldiers waiting. Wayne
stops, points to the woods, speaks.
Scene 163
EDGE OF WOODS--(CLOSE-UP)
Wayne and Suzette. Wayne urges Suzette to let him
send escort with her. Suzette shakes her head--says:
73 SPOKEN TITLE: I'M SAFER WITHOUT ESCORT AS LONG AS NO
ONE KNOWS I AM--SUZETTE.
Holds out her hand. Wayne stoops as though to kiss
it. Suzette stops him, looking over her shoulder
warily. Wayne realizes it won't be safe to show
emotion--takes her hand and holds it tightly--looking
at her. Wayne looks after her for a moment--then
turns and goes out of picture in opposite direction
toward soldiers, calling to them as he goes.
Scene 164
INTERIOR MEETING HOUSE--(DAYLIGHT)
Solemn meeting of the minister and the elders and
several other influential men. The minister
announces to the others:
74 SPOKEN TITLE: DAME STRUBLE IS ACCUSED OF WITCHCRAFT
AND MUST BE APPREHENDED AND BROUGHT TO TRIAL.
The others agree, solemnly shaking their heads.
Scene 165
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT--DOORWAY.
Nokomis seated on doorstep, answering questions of
one or two men from village, shaking her head. They
start to go toward village. Nokomis looks in opposite
direction.
Scene 166
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT--DOORWAY.
Suzette, in boy's clothing, running toward the hut.
Scene 167
EXTERIOR NOKOMIS' HUT
Nokomis waves her hand, indicating "Keep back!" As
she does so, the two men look back and run out of
picture in the direction of Suzette. Nokomis rises
--stands leaning against the doorway--as the two men
come back into the picture holding Suzette between
them. Suzette and Nokomis plead with them to let
Suzette come into hut and change her clothes. The
men evidently regarding the clothes as part of the
witchcraft, refuse--drag her with them toward the
village.
Scene 168
VILLAGE STREET--(IN FRONT OF SUZETTE'S OLD HOUSE)
People in groups talking, the mother of the child,
who went with Suzette to the hut, especially vigilant,
directs attention to her child continually. Suddenly
the crowd point off and wait. Suzette comes on,
dragged by the two men down to foreground. The crowd
point at her. The minister comes into the crowd--
indicates the girl, and says:
75 SPOKEN TITLE: REMOVE THE WICKED AND UNGODLY COSTUME
IN WHICH SHE ATTENDS SATAN'S REVELS.
The people nod their heads--agree that it should be
done. Suzette begs them to let her be free--to let
her go home. They refuse and drag her out of the
picture. (FADE OUT.)
76 SUBTITLE: INTOLERANCE ON THE BENCH AND SUPERSTITION
IN THE JURY.
Scene 169
(See picture in "Colonial Days," p. 145--very bare
room. The meeting house was used as a place of trial
in many cases.) Suzette facing the judge and jury. A
number of people crowding to see the trial. (Note: In
none of these crowds should there be over 50 people
shown. Keep the mob down to indicating a small
settlement. In these days 200 was a large town.).
Suzette being tried--the judge badgering her.
Suzette standing, turns on them vehemently, and says:
77 SPOKEN TITLE: THERE IS NO DEVIL SAVE IN THE HEARTS OF
WICKED MEN. MALICE AND HATE ARE THE ONLY WITCHES.
The people and the judge shocked and horrified at
this. The minister, sitting beside the judge, shakes
his head. The child is brought forward--immediately
commences to scream and twitch--calls out--pointing
at Suzette:
78 SPOKEN TITLE: SHE'S PINCHING ME! I SEE THE DEVIL
LIKE A TEENY YELLOW BIRD, WHISPERING IN HER EAR!
Throws herself around, screaming. The mother tries
to restrain her. Another and older girl screams and
throws her arms in the air, indicating that she, too,
is tortured.
Scene 170
INTERIOR MEETING HOUSE--(CLOSE-UP) (FLASH)
Suzette, as she looks pityingly on them.
Scene 171
INTERIOR MEETING HOUSE--(LONG SHOT) (FLASH)
The crowd--some of them shaking their fists at
Suzette, indicates she ought to be hung.
Scene 172
INTERIOR MEETING HOUSE (NEAR JUDGE'S BENCH)
(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette, swaying with weakness, indicates a chair and
asks if she may sit down. They refuse. The men, one
on each side of her, jerk her to her feet as she
sways. The judge leans toward prisoner and says:
79 SPOKEN TITLE: DID YOU NOT SELL YOURSELF TO THE DEVIL
TO COMPASS THE DEATH OF YOUR HUSBAND?
Suzette, astonished, leans toward him--repeats, "The
death of my husband--Is he dead?" The judge points,
Suzette turns and looks toward open doorway.
Scene 173
OPEN DOORWAY OF MEETING HOUSE-(SHOT AS SEEN BY
SUZETTE) (FLASH)
The coffin of Struble is borne past the wide-open
doors, on the way to the cemetery.
Scene 174
MEETING HOUSE--(FLASH)
Suzette sees the coffin--screams--puts her hand
before her eyes, and starts to fall forward in a
dead faint, but is caught and held by the two men.
Scene 175
MEETING HOUSE--(CLOSE-UP) (FLASH)
Nokomis sees this--turns and hurries out of the
picture.
Scene 176
MEETING HOUSE--(FULL VIEW)
Suzette, held up by two men, opens her eyes as the
judge rises and pronounces her sentence. He says at
the conclusion:
80 SPOKEN TITLE: THEN SHALL YOU BE HANGED BY THE NECK
UNTIL YOU BE DEAD AND MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL!
Suzette turns and answers him proudly, that she is
innocent. As she is led by the two men out of the
picture, she looks at the people firmly in the face,
and as she passes them they shake their fists at her
and threaten her--she answers them only by saying, "I
am innocent--I am not a witch!"
Scene 177
WOODS
Nokomis, hurrying along, meets a man who has been
plowing, driving two horses ahead of him. Nokomis
stops him--pleads with him, frantically, to loan her
a horse--tells him about Suzette. He stops and
speaks to her. She shakes her head--begs him for a
horse. He indicates she can take it and welcome--he
says: (If necessary)
81 SPOKEN TITLE: I'D GIVE MORE THAN A HORSE TO STOP THIS
TERRIBLE PERSECUTION. NO ONE IS SAFE!
Nokomis thanks him. As she mounts bareback and rides
away, he looks after her--shakes his head and goes on
his way.
Scene 178
CELL
Suzette chained. The minister pleading with her to
recant and confess. A man, accompanying minister
with pen and paper: (Note: Quill pen and sand box)
ready to write down confession. Suzette refuses to
confess--shakes her head--says: "I am innocent--I've
nothing to confess." The minister again entreats her
to consider she is near her end and must tell the
truth. Suzette shakes her head and persists in her
refusal.
Scene 179
INTERIOR TAVERN--NEAR DOORWAY
(Note: This is the same tavern to which Suzette came
in search of Wayne, but it has been taken possession
of by soldiers and is being used as headquarters. No
landlord or waiters about. Soldiers everywhere, with
their guns stacked up, going out on duty. A few
soldiers guard Indian prisoners tied up.) Nokomis
enters between two soldiers--is stopped by another--
who calls to a third to get Captain Wayne. The third
soldier goes out of picture. The others surround
Nokomis and begin to question her. She refuses to
answer them--indicates that she will speak to no one
but the Captain. Wayne enters the picture. Nokomis
goes to him--begins to tell him about the girl. The
soldiers and Wayne show their indignation and
astonishment. Wayne frantic at the news, seizes the
Indian woman and almost shakes the wind out of her.
Scene 180
CELL--(FLASH)
Suzette alone, her face turned toward window--the
sunlight touching her hair and face. She is looking
longingly out.
Scene 181
INTERIOR TAVERN
Wayne tells the old woman to wait where she is--
turns and rushes out of the picture. The moment he
does so, Nokomis turns and hurries out toward door.
One of the soldiers starts to stop her, but she calls
out to him that it is all right--Captain's order, and
he lets her go.
Scene 182
TABLE--ANOTHER PART OF TAVERN
The Governor seated at table, talking with several of
the officers. They have maps spread before them, and
a man, dressed as a trapper or scout, gives them
information. Wayne rushes in frantic with anxiety,
begins to tell them, says:
82 SPOKEN TITLE: SHE SAVED THE SETTLEMENT FROM THE
INDIANS AND NOW--THEY WOULD HANG HER AS A WITCH!
The Governor frowns--strikes the table with his hand
--then puts his hand on Wayne's shoulder--says
indignantly:
83 SPOKEN TITLE: I AM SICK OF THIS FOLLY; AND AS GOVERNOR
MEAN TO PUT A STOP TO IT. YOU SHALL CARRY MY
PROCLAMATION TO THEM.
Wayne thanks him warmly--takes the paper that the
Governor selects from those on the table--and hurries
out. The Governor watches him with interest--turns
to the other men and indicates there is more than
mere anger in the captain's desire to get to Hedford.
The others agree--they smile, knowingly, as they
bring their heads together in discussion. (FADE OUT.)
84 SUBTITLE: ON GALLOWS HILL.
Scene 183
ON GALLOWS HILL--(FADE IN) (FLASH) (DAYLIGHT)
The people gathered--the gallows ready--most of the
people have stones and sticks in their hands. They
are all whispering together and looking down the hill.
Scene 184
FOOT OF HILL (FLASH)
Nokomis coming along on horseback. The horse gives
out. Nokomis gets down--tries to coax it along.
The horse refuses to move. She turns and hurries up
the hill.
Scene 185
AT THE FOOT OF GALLOWS HILL--(ANOTHER SPOT) (FLASH)
Suzette, between two men, being led toward gallows.
Behind her, the minister and several of the elders.
Scene 186
THE WOODS--(FLASH)
Wayne and several of his men, riding "hell for
leather" through the woods.
Scene 187
AT THE GALLOWS--(FLASH)
Suzette is brought to the gallows and turns to face
the crowd.
Scene 188
STREET IN FRONT OF SUZETTE'S OLD COTTAGE--(FLASH)
Wayne and several of his men ride in, calling out. An
old man, hobbling on a stick, points to Gallows Hill.
They ride off in that direction.
Scene 189
GALLOWS HILL--(FLASH)
(Shot from direction of gallows--so that crowd faces
camera.) The crowd. Nokomis worming her way toward
gallows.
Scene 190
GALLOWS HILL--(LONG SHOT)
(Long shot from the crowd so that Suzette faces
camera.) Suzette tells them that she is no witch,
affirming she is innocent. The crowd commences to
hurl sticks and stones--some of the smaller ones
strike her. One man seizes a big one. Nokomis
flings herself in front of Suzette as he throws the
stone.
Scene 191
FOOT OF GALLOWS HILL--(FLASH)
Wayne and his men, riding toward camera, shouting.
Scene 192
GALLOWS HILL--(CLOSE-UP) (FLASH)
Nokomis on the ground--Suzette bending over her,
weeping.
Scene 193
GALLOWS HILL--(LONG SHOT) (FLASH)
The crowd, armed with more stones, turns from Suzette
as the shouting soldiers ride through them. Wayne,
with his whip, men who are throwing strikes right and
left at the stones.
Scene 194
GALLOWS HILL (CLOSE-UP)
Suzette has risen and stretches out her hands, as
Wayne, dismounted, waving a proclamation, walks into
the picture, stands between her and the crowd,
protectingly--turns to the crowd, angrily--waves the
governor's proclamation.
Scene 195
GALLOWS HILL--(FULL VIEW) (FLASH)
The crowd surge forward, listening.
Scene 196
GALLOWS HILL--(CLOSE-UP)
Wayne addressing the crowd--Suzette behind him,
watching him. He says:
85 SPOKEN TITLE: TO THE MEETING HOUSE! YOUR MINISTER
SHALL READ YOU YOUR GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION!
Hands the proclamation to the minister who comes into
the picture and turns toward Suzette.
Scene 197
GALLOWS HILL--(FULL VIEW) (FLASH)
The crowd dispersing--following the minister--going
toward meeting house.
Scene 198
GALLOWS HILL--(SEMI-CLOSE-UP)
Suzette bending over Nokomis, who is being supported
by a man. One or two people who have lingered
watching. Suzette stoops over Nokomis, who opens her
eyes. Wayne comes into picture, stoops over and
touches Suzette. She puts her hand against his
shoulder and holds him off--then takes out talisman,
holding it toward him, and says earnestly:
86 SPOKEN TITLE: I MAY BE A WITCH AFTER ALL! MAKEPEACE
DIED BECAUSE--I HATED HIM!
The old woman looks up at them both--smiles feebly--
touches the talisman which is hanging from the girl's
neck and says:
87 SPOKEN TITLE: NO MAGIC. OLD MAKEPEACE--HIM DIE--
NATURAL. NOKOMIS KNOWS.
Puts Suzette's hand in Wayne's. Suzette looks at
Wayne. The man holding Nokomis, lifts her up and half
leads, half carries her out of the picture--Nokomis
looking back at the two young people and smiling
feebly. Wayne puts his arm about Suzette.
Scene 199
GALLOWS HILL--(CLOSE-UP)
Suzette and Wayne. Wayne has his arm about Suzette
and is pointing off, telling her of a new life for
both of them--out of this narrow little town--as
Suzette puts her hand in his and lifts her face,
full of hope, indicating that once more she believes
happiness is possible. (FADE OUT.)
Screenplay written by Margaret Turnbull ("one of the
foremost scenarioists of the day") using a "bichrome
typewriter ribbon" so that the titles would be colored red!
Based on a story by Dr. Robert Ralston Reed, which "won the
prize offered by the Famous Players-Lasky Company for the
best story written by the students of the course in
Photoplay Composition at Columbia University. The prize
consisted of a trip to the company's studios at Hollywood,
California, and three hundred and fifty dollars."