King Kong (2005)/Transcript

KING KONG

Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Peter Jackson

Based on a Story by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace

© Universal Pictures 2005

Act One

EXT. CENTRAL PARK - DAY

CLOSE ON:

A scrawny MONKEY scratches.

ANGLES ON:

Defeated, listless ANIMALS, in the bleak environs of a dilapidated ZOO.

WIDER:

It is CENTRAL PARK ZOO in Great Depression era NEW YORK. The PARK itself is like a GARBAGE DUMP, dotted with squalid SHANTY TOWNS. Against these BLEAK IMAGES, the SOUND of a BRIGHT, BRASSY SONG fades up: Al Jolson, singing "I'm Sitting on Top of the World". The skyline of MANHATTAN rises in the background, a grim steaming jungle on this cold FALL day.

EXT. NY STREETS - DAY

SONG continues over:

IMAGES:

The CROWDED STREETS of NEW YORK... beneath the bustle is a sense of despair.

LONG SOUP LINES snake along the STREETS.

The HUNGRY search through RUBBISH BINS for FOOD. SKYSCRAPERS rise steadily upwards as more people are evicted from their homes. HOMELESS sleep amid steaming VENTS and GARBAGE STREWN GUTTERS.

INT. VAUDEVILLE THEATER - NIGHT

SONG continues over:

MANNY, an old-time VAUDEVILLIAN, hurriedly fixes a large DROOPY MUSTACHE on to a YOUNG WOMAN'S TOP LIP... this is ANN DARROW.

IMAGES: Weird and wonderful snatches of VAUDEVILLE ACTS follow... singers, dancers, gymnasts, jugglers, boxing ladies.

INTERCUT WITH:

EXT. NY STREETS - DAY

The COLOR and MUSIC contrast with the SOUP LINES and SLUMPED SHOULDERS of the REAL WORLD.

INT. VAUDEVILLE THEATER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN on STAGE... dressed as an ELEGANT GENT, she launches into 'I'm Just Wild About Harry' with HARRY, a larger-than-life PERFORMER dressed in a FRILLY DRESS, BRASSY RED WIG and FALSIES.

INTERCUT:

MANNY's CHARACTER joins in... SNEEZING LOUDLY and causing ANN to take a SUDDEN PRATFALL. And so the ROUTINE BUILDS... ANN and HARRY singing and dancing... MANNY SNEEZING... ANN falling.

The AUDIENCE look on with bored expressions on their faces. All except ONE MAN at the BACK, who is LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY.

CLOSE ON:

ANN throwing everything into her ACT... SWEAT rolls down her face... she tries not to get distracted by the LAUGHING, WHEEZING MAN.

WIDER:

A SMATTERING of APPLAUSE from the TINY AUDIENCE. FORTY PEOPLE in a THEATER designed for FIVE HUNDRED.

CRASH CUT:

INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

MANNY in the NOISY, CROWDED DRESSING ROOM, which is full of VAUDEVILLE PERFORMERS in various stages of undress.

MANNY fires off a loud comical SNEEZE. He looks around at the others.

Manny: That's a funny one! Isn't that funnier?

Harry: It's hysterical, Manny. As long as we're laughing we won't be crying over the box office. Talk about depressing.

ANGLE ON:

ANN sitting down at a MIRROR, starting to take off her VEST... a book entitled "ISOLATION" by Jack Driscoll lies half open on the counter top nearby...

Ann: Twenty girls in feather boas prancing around like circus ponies! Now that's depressing!

ANGLE ON:

MAUDE, a LOUSY SINGER, licking a lollipop.

Maude: (fondly) I love a good chorus line!

CLOSE ON:

ANN brushing her HAIR. TAPS, a young tap dancer, leans across and picks up the book.

Taps: What's this?

Ann: It's a play.

Manny: I know it's a play. Who wrote it, Annie?

Taps: Some guy... Dry-scroll.

Ann: You mean Driscoll.

Taps: (reading the jacket of the book) From the Federal Theater.

Maude: Don't knock it till you try it, honey – at least they get an audience.

Ann: It'll pick up. Isn't that right, Manny?

The DRESSING ROOM goes suddenly quiet... MANNY looks away, refusing to meet ANN'S eye.

Ann: (cont'd, trailing off) It always does.

EXT. DRESSING ROOM ALLEYWAY - NIGHT

MANNY and ANN emerge from the STAGE DOOR, into an ALLEYWAY. Night and winter are setting in... MANNY splutters out another LOUD SNEEZE.

Manny: The trick is to start the build right at the back of your throat... (sneezing comically) Works well out through the nose, too.

Ann: Have you eaten today?

Manny: (sheepish) Oh, I'm not hungry. Don't worry about me.

Ann: Hey – you're all I've got.

ANN slips her arm through MANNY'S...

Ann: (cont'd) Come on – take me to dinner.

Manny: You think the kitchen'll still be open on Third?

Ann: Soup and biscuits – perfect.

EXT. VAUDEVILLE THEATER - DAY

CUT TO:

WIDE ON: The VAUDEVILLE THEATER. The DOOR is chained closed. WORKMEN are up ladders, taking the HOARDINGS down SIGN and putting a large sign up: THEATER CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE...

Maude: (calling at WORKMEN) You can't do this!

Ann: (calling out to HARRY) Hey! Harry, what's going on?

ANGLE ON:

ANN... rattling the HEAVY STEEL CHAINS that are LOCKED around the DOORS to the VAUDEVILLE THEATER...

Ann: (cont'd) Hey, open up! We work here.

A WORKMAN up a LADDER smirks down at her.

Ladder Man: Not anymore, lady.

A MOTLEY collection of VAUDEVILLE PERFORMERS cluster on the SIDEWALK ... near them an incongruous assortment of PROPS and COSTUMES litter the STREET ...

Maude: (calling at WORKMEN) It's all right for you! We haven't had a pay check in two weeks! How are we going to eat?

Ann: They're not gonna get away with this.

CLOSE ON:

MAUDE looks bleakly at ANN...

Maude: They just did.

ANN tries to gather up PROPS - MANNY'S BROOM, her TOP-HAT, HARRY'S parasol...

Manny: (O.S.) Ann... Annie! It's no use.

ANN turns... MANNY is standing quietly to one side.

Manny: (cont'd) The show it's over – it's done. I'm done. I'm leaving, Annie... I'm going back to Chicago to be with my family. I'm sorry...

ANGLE ON:

ANN stares at MANNY in shock...

Manny: (cont'd) I'm sorry, Ann. Ever since you were small, people have been letting you down. But you gotta think of yourself now. You should try out for that part.

ANN looks at him warily...

Manny: (cont'd) It's what you've always wanted. Oh, I know what you're thinking – every time you reach out for something you care about... fate comes along and snatches it away.

MANNY grabs ANN'S hand ...

Manny: (cont'd) But not this time, Annie... not this time.

CLOSE ON:

ANN as she digests MANNY'S words... the LOUD rumble of an L TRAIN thunders overhead...

EXT. NY STREETS - DAY

ANGLE ON:

WESTON, a NEW YORK THEATER PRODUCER, strides out of his office, a copy of VARIETY tucked under his arm...

Ann: (faux nonchalance) Hello there, Mr. Weston!

WESTON turns and sees ANN... he quickens his step.

Weston: Oh, please...

ANGLE ON:

ANN falls into step beside WESTON as he hurries along the BUSY SIDEWALK.

Weston: (cont'd) Look, Miss... I told you already; call my office – leave your resume with my secretary.

ANN doggedly follows WESTON...

Ann: Now why would I want to do that when we can talk about it in person?

Weston: Because that's what a smart girl would do.

Ann: But I already sent you my resume – you returned it unopened.

Weston: Well, what can I say? Jack Driscoll's very particular about who he works with.

Ann: Please, just an audition – that's all I'm asking.

Weston: God – you don't give up, do you?

Ann: Mr. Weston, I know this role backwards, just like I know the back of my own hand.

Weston: Well, that's too bad – because we just gave the part to someone else. Sorry, kid – the play is cast.

They are standing outside a FANCY RESTAURANT... WESTON goes to enter... ANN catches a glimpse of PLATES of FOOD and GLASSES of WATER. She quickly looks away. WESTON catches the glance and stops.

Weston: (cont'd) Look – I know times are tough. You want my advice? Use what you got. You're not bad looking – a girl like you doesn't have to starve.

HOPE flickers in ANN'S EYES as WESTON fishes into his POCKET for a PEN and BUSINESS CARD. He scribbles down an address.

Weston: (cont'd) There's a new place, just opened. Listen, princess – this gig ain't the Palace, you understand? Ask for Kenny K. Tell him I sent you.

WESTON hands her the BUSINESS CARD... ANN looks down at the address, not recognizing it. She looks at him questioningly.

Weston: (cont'd, evasive) Just play the date, take the money and forget you was ever there.

CLOSE ON:

ANN staring down at the piece of paper in her hand.

INT. NY SCREENING ROOM - DAY

FLICKERING B&W IMAGES: TIGERS ROARING... BRUCE BAXTER, in a PITH HELMET, stalking through undergrowth... He raises his rifle and fires! CLICK! The gun is JAMMED. BRUCE turning to CAMERA, speaking soundlessly.

CLOSE ON:

A SLEEPY-LOOKING LION. A PIECE of MEAT is lowered into frame... DENHAM appears briefly holding the MEAT. He is attempting to STIR the yawning ANIMAL into life. CAMERA TILTS UP briefly revealing the bars of a CAGE. PRESTON'S FACE appears above a CLAPPER BOARD... "TAKE 5"

CLOSE ON:

CARL DENHAM sitting in the smoky SCREENING ROOM. He is nervous... his eyes flick from one INVESTOR to the other... trying to read the room.

Zelman: So how much more is there?

Assistant: Another five reels.

Zelman: Lights up.

Light floods the room as the washed out image on screen is extinguished.

DENHAM notices a sleazy looking INVESTOR wake up with a start.

Thuggish Investor: This is it? This is what we get for our forty grand, Denham? Another one of your Safari pictures?

Sleazy Investor: Look, Denham, you promised us romantic scenes with Bruce Baxter and Maureen McKenzie.

Denham: Oh, come on, fellas – you know the deal – we agreed to push Maureen's start date so that she could get her teeth fixed.

Thuggish Investor: It's not the principle of the thing that matters – it's the money.

Zelman: Carl – you've been in production for over two months...

Denham: Trust me, Bruce and Maureen are gonna steam up the screen – once we get them on the ship.

Zelman: What ship?

Denham: The one we've hired to get to the location.

DENHAM hurriedly pulls himself up – as ZELMAN turns on him.

Zelman: What location? Carl – you're supposed to be shooting on the backlot.

Denham: Yes, I understand that – but fellas, we're not making that film anymore – and I'll tell you why.

DENHAM gets out of his SEAT and moves to the FRONT of the ROOM.

Denham: (cont'd) The story has changed; the script has been rewritten.

DENHAM turns to face the room, whipping a TATTERED MAP out of his pocket.

Denham: (cont'd) Life intervened! I've come into possession of a map. (growing excitement) The soul surviving record of an uncharted island, a place that was thought to exist only in myth... until now!

Zelman: Whoa! Carl – slow down!

Sleazy Investor: Is he asking for more money?

Thuggish Investor: He's asking us to fund a wild goose chase.

Denham: Where we're going is the only place on Earth where the geese chase us! I'm talking about a primitive world... never before seen by man! The ruins of an entire civilization – the most spectacular thing you've ever seen! (dramatic pause) That's where I'll shoot my picture! So... any questions?

Sleazy Investor: Will there be action?

Denham: Yes.

Thuggish Investor: Will there be mystery and drama?

Denham: Yes.

Sleazy Investor: Will there be... romance?

Denham: Yes.

Thuggish Investor: Will there be danger, terror and suspense?

Denham: Yes!

Sleazy Investor: Will the island natives be friendly or hostile?

Denham: Well, that depends.

Thuggish Investor: Depends on what?

Denham: On which side they're on, and whether or not they might turn out to be... bloodthirsty savages. (after a long pause) Any other questions?

Zelman: Are you sure this new picture will make a lot of money at the box office?

Denham: Yes! Now, if there's nothing else...

Sleazy Investor: (raises his hand) Just one more question... if you don't mind my asking?

SILENCE for a beat... And then –

Denham: Go ahead.

Sleazy Investor: Will there be breasts?

DENHAM is momentarily SPEECHLESS.

Denham: Breasts?!

Sleazy Investor: You know what I mean! Jigglies, jablongers, bazoomers! You see, in my experience, people only go to these films to observe the... undressed form of the native girls.

Denham: What are you, an idiot? You think they asked De Mille to waste his time on nude shots? No! They respected the film maker; they showed some class! Not that you'd know what that means, you cheap low-life!

ZELMAN shifts uncomfortably in his seat as the THUGGISH INVESTOR shoots him an ANGRY LOOK.

Denham: (cont'd) Is there anything I can do to make it up to you, guys?

Zelman: Actually, there is. Would you step outside for a moment, Carl?

DENHAM looks at them... the INVESTORS avoid EYE CONTACT.

INT. SCREENING ROOM LOBBY - DAY

AS DENHAM STEPS INTO THE LOBBY, PRESTON, HIS LONG SUFFERING ASSISTANT WAITS ON A SOFA. DENHAM points suddenly to the GLASS OF WATER on the TABLE next to PRESTON.

Denham: Gimme that – quick!

PRESTON hands him the WATER.

Preston: You won't like it; it's non-alcoholic!

DENHAM empties the GLASS into a POT PLANT.

Denham: Preston, you have a lot to learn about the motion picture business.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM quietly places the GLASS against the SCREENING ROOM DOOR, and presses his ear against it.

INT. NY SCREENING ROOM - DAY

ZELMAN looks to the INVESTORS.

Zelman: Don't write him off, fellas. He's hot-headed, sure. But up to now, Carl Denham's made some interesting pictures; he's had a lot of... near success.

Thuggish Investor: (interrupts) He's a preening self-promoter...

INT. SCREENING ROOM LOBBY - DAY

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM listening...

Thuggish Investor: (O.S., through the door) ...an ambitious no-talent! The guy has "loser" written all over him.

Zelman: (O.S.) Look, I understand your disappointment.

Thuggish Investor: (O.S.) He's washed up. It's all over town!

Sleazy Investor: (O.S.) He can't direct. He doesn't have the smarts.

INT. SCREENING ROOM LOBBY - DAY

Thuggish Investor: This jumped-up little jerk's gonna bankrupt us.

Zelman: The animal footage has value?

Sleazy Investor: Sure... Universal is desperate for stock footage.

Thuggish Investor: Then sell it! Scrap the picture! We gotta retrieve something from this debacle.

ZELMAN nods ... gestures to the YOUNG ASSISTANT.

Zelman: Get him back in.

ANGLE ON:

The YOUNG ASSISTANT opens the DOOR, steps into the LOBBY which is... EMPTY.

Young Assistant: Mr. Denham?

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM and PRESTON hurrying down the CROWDED SIDEWALK - struggling under the weight of EIGHT FILM CANS. DENHAM is glancing back over his shoulder.

Denham: I want the cast and crew on the ship within the hour.

Preston: No, Carl, you can't do this!

Denham: Tell them that the studio's pressured us into an early departure.

Preston: It's not ethical!

Denham: What are they gonna do – sue me? They can get in line! I'm not going to let them kill my film.

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON follows DENHAM, who steps off the curb... and flags a CAB down. He cuts across the BUSY ROAD, PRESTON hurrying behind.

Preston: You realize that none of the camera equipment is on board. We have no permits, no visas...

Denham: That's why I have you, Preston.

Preston: We have no insurance, no foreign currency – in fact, we have no currency of any kind –

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM looks back across the STREET and notices an angry INVESTOR heading towards him.

Denham: Get in there!

PRESTON suddenly finds himself BUNDLED into the back of a CAB.

Preston: Who's gonna pay for the ship?

QUICK MOMENT:

The SLEAZY INVESTOR grabs at the PARTIALLY OPEN BACK WINDOW of the CAB.

Sleazy Investor: Get out of there!

DENHAM hurriedly WINDS the WINDOW SHUT... the SLEAZY INVESTOR yelps with PAIN, as he yanks his JAMMED FINGERS away from the CAB!

Denham: Step on it!

Sleazy Investor: (furious) You're finished, Denham!

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON sprawled on the SEAT, amid a PILE of FILM CANS, as the CAB speeds away.

LATER...

Denham: Don't worry, Preston – I've had a lot of practice at this; I'm real good at scaring away the investors.

AERIAL WIDE:

DENHAM'S CAB cruises along the CROWDED STREETS of NEW YORK.

Denham: And two dozen of Mr. Walker's finest...

Preston: (O.S.) Red label, 80% proof – packed in a crate marked "orange juice".

INT. NY CAB - DAY

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON and DENHAM sit on the BACK SEAT. PRESTON is feverishly scribbling on his NOTEPAD.

Denham: You got it... and tell Maureen – she doesn't have six hours to put on her face. If she wants to be in this picture, she's gotta be on that boat!

Preston: She doesn't want to be in this picture.

DENHAM looks at him blankly.

Preston: (cont'd) Maureen pulled out.

Denham: She pulled out?!

Preston: Yesterday. I told you.

CUT TO:

Denham: (suspicious thought) You said we were shooting in Singapore, right? That's what you told her?

Preston: But we're not shooting in Singapore.

Denham: (exasperation) Dammit, Preston! All you had to do is look her in the eye and lie.

DENHAM turns away, his brain whirring... thinking hard...

Denham: (cont'd) I gotta get to a phone... talk to Harlow's people.

Preston: She's unavailable.

HIGH WIDE:

DENHAM'S CAB wends its way through BUSY NEW YORK streets...

Denham: (O.S.) Myrna Loy? Clara Bow? Mae West?

Preston: Mae West?! No! She has to be a size four!

INT. NY CAB - DAY

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON and DENHAM sit on the BACK SEAT.

Preston: You gotta get a girl who'll fit into Maureen's costumes.

Denham: (sudden inspiration) Fay's a size four!

Preston: Yes, she is, but she is doing a picture with RKO.

DENHAM looks away, muttering to himself...

Denham: Cooper, huh? (darkly) I might have known.

EXT. NY STREETS - DAY

ANGLE ON:

The CAB screeches to a SUDDEN HALT in MID-TRAFFIC...

DENHAM jumps out, leaving PRESTON in protest...

Preston: We gotta delay the shoot – shut production down. We can't sail tonight!

Denham: Not an option.

Preston: Carl!

Denham: I said I'd find a girl. And I will!

DENHAM turns and looks at PRESTON briefly.

Denham: (cont'd) For God's sake, Preston – think like a winner. Call Jack. I need that damn screenplay!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM leans in the window, PRESTON looks on PERPLEXED.

Denham: (cont'd) Defeat is always momentary.

DENHAM bangs the CAB ROOF with his hand, and then strides off confidently along the street.

EXT. BURLESQUE THEATER - EVENING

CLOSE ON:

A series of PHOTOS of SEMI-NAKED WOMEN, with feather boas and peacock fans... gaudy banners proclaiming Miss Lily Rose... Delaware DuBoise... Velvet Cushions ...

WIDER:

DENHAM is standing outside a tacky BURLESQUE THEATER. He straightens his tie and heads towards the DOOR.

ANGLE ON:

A couple of LARGE GIRLS, followed by a SMALLER GIRL, arrive for work and enter the BURLESQUE THEATER... DENHAM eyes the BIGGER GIRLS, then chooses to follow the SMALLER ONE.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is reaching for the DOOR HANDLE to go inside, when he suddenly pauses, his eye caught by the REFLECTION in the GLASS DOOR...

CLOSE ON:

ANN... standing in the MIDDLE of the SIDEWALK. She is unaware of DENHAM watching her. ANN stares grimly at the BURLESQUE HOARDINGS, the FLYER clutched in her hands, a small knot of anger forming in her stomach.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM'S HAND lets go of the DOOR. His eyes lock on ANN through the sea of PEDESTRIANS.

ANN angrily CRUMPLES the FLYER, drops it in the GUTTER and walks away from the THEATER.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM... watching her leave.

EXT. FRUIT STALL - EVENING

A BUSY FRUIT STALL on the SIDEWALK. The VENDOR is hurriedly handing out APPLES and pocketing NICKELS.

ANGLE ON:

ANN walks slowly by... her eyes on the FRUIT. She glances at the VENDOR, SWIPES an APPLE from the TRAY, and quickly moves on, slipping the APPLE into her POCKET. ANN'S arm is suddenly GRABBED. The ANGRY VENDOR pulls her hand out of her pocket, which is still clutching the stolen apple.

Vendor: (angry) Hey! Are you gonna pay for that or what?

ANN tries to pull away. The VENDOR'S grip on her arm tightens.

Denham: (O.S.) Excuse me...

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM steps up behind them up HOLDING a NICKEL...

Denham: (cont'd) Ma'am, I think you dropped this.

ANGLE ON:

THE VENDOR snatches the NICKEL from DENHAM'S fingers.

INT. NY DINER - EVENING

ANGLE ON:

ANN is eating from a FULL PLATE, trying to disguise her HUNGER. DENHAM walks over carrying a CUP of TEA.

Denham: Vaudeville, huh? I worked Vaudeville once; that is a tough audience. If you don't kill them fast, they kill you. But gymnastics? Well, that's another story.

Ann: Mr. Denham, I want you to know that I'm not in the habit of accepting charity from strangers, or for that matter... taking things that don't belong to me.

Denham: It was obviously a terrible misunderstanding.

Ann: It's just that I haven't been paid in a while...

Denham: (mock sincerity) That's awful. Anyway, Ann – may I call you Ann?

DENHAM leans forward... lowering his voice.

Denham: (cont'd) You wouldn't happen to be a size four by any chance, would you?

ANN pauses midway through a mouthful of food, her appetite suddenly draining away.

Ann: What makes you think I'm a size four?

Denham: Well, that depends on... how much you weigh.

ANN abruptly stands.

Denham: (cont'd) No! Oh God, no! You've got me all wrong. Miss Darrow, please! I'm not that type of person at all!

Ann: Well then, what type of person are you?

Denham: I'm someone you can trust, Ann. I'm a movie producer. (sincere) Believe me, I am on the level; no funny business. Please, sit down – please... pretty please, with sugar on it.

ANN hesitates a moment before sitting down once again.

Denham: (cont'd, pitching the film) Ann, I want you to imagine a handsome explorer bound for the Far East.

Ann: You're filming in the Far East?

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM looking her in the eye and lying.

Denham: Singapore, to be exact. On board a ship, he meets a mysterious young girl. She's beautiful... she's fragile... haunted...

ANN looks up... caught by the tale DENHAM is weaving.

Denham: (cont'd) She can't escape the feeling that forces beyond her control are compelling her down a road from which she cannot draw back. It's as if her whole life has been a prelude to this moment – this fateful meeting that changes everything. And sure enough, against her better judgement...

Ann: She falls in love.

Denham: Yes!

Ann: But she doesn't trust it. She's not even sure if she believes in love.

Denham: Oh, really?

Ann: And if she loves someone – it's doomed.

Denham: And why is that?

Ann: Because good things never last, Mr. Denham.

An awkward pause... ANN looks away, having revealed too much.

DENHAM considers her a beat, realizing something...

Denham: So you're interested?

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM hurriedly gathering up his hat and coat.

Denham: (cont'd) Well, that's settled, then. Now, I don't want to rush you or anything – but we are under some time pressure here.

Ann: Well, I really –

Denham: Ann, I'm telling you, You’re perfect – just look at you! You're the saddest girl I ever met; you're gonna make them weep, Ann – you're gonna break their hearts!

Ann: See, that's where you're wrong, Mr. Denham, I make people laugh; that's what I do.

ANN suddenly STANDS.

Ann: (cont'd) So... good luck with your picture.

DENHAM follows ANN to the DOOR...

Denham: (growing desperation) Ann! Miss Darrow, please! I'm offering you money, adventure, fame... the thrill of a lifetime and a long sea voyage that starts tonight. You wanna read a script? Jack Driscoll's turning in a draft even as we speak.

ANN stops and turns.

Ann: Jack Driscoll?

Denham: Sure. Why – wait! You know him?

Ann: Well, no – not personally. I've seen his plays.

DENHAM, sensing her interest, starts to get excited.

Denham: What a writer, huh? And let me tell you, Ann, Jack Driscoll doesn't want just anyone starring in this picture. That's when he said to me, "Carl, somewhere out there is a woman who was born to play this role..." (quiet realization) And as soon as I saw you, that's when I knew –

Ann: (uneasy) Knew what?

Denham: That it was always going to be you.

SLOW PUSH IN on ANN as she realizes she is standing on the brink of a life changing moment.

EXT. NY DOCKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The CROWDED DOCKS... a clutter of SHIPS and SHANTY TOWNS. A CAB drives onto the DOCKS. DENHAM hops out and holds the door open for ANN, who emerges carrying a BATTERED SUITCASE. ANN stares at a LARGE OCEAN GOING LINER that rises above her.

Ann: (awestruck) Is this the moving picture ship?

Denham: Not exactly... it's actually this one over here.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is striding towards a RUSTY BATTERED TRAMP STEAMER on the OTHER SIDE of the WHARF! This is the Venture.

Denham: (cont'd) Now... don't let appearances deceive you. It's much more spacious on board.

Hayes: Haul away...

ROUGH looking SAILORS are working hard to get the boat under way. Hurried activity everywhere, crates being loaded; smoke begins pouring from the stacks... DENHAM crosses and talks to MIKE and HERB, who stand next to some film gear.

Denham: Is this all of the equipment? This is all of it? We're taking the Bell and Howell? Good. You got all the lenses – you got the two and the six?

Preston: (O.S.) Carl!

Denham: Yes – (to MIKE and HERB) Get it on board, fellas. Come on.

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON hurrying down the GANGWAY. He rushes up to DENHAM... his eyes flick to ANN, but he pulls DENHAM to one side.

Preston: (urgent whisper) They're on their way. I've just had word.

Denham: Who?

Preston: (whisper) Men in uniform. The studio called the cops!

A FLASH of FEAR crosses DENHAM'S FACE... DENHAM calls across to a TALL FIGURE who is supervising the loading of the ship.

Denham: Englehorn! Unless you have a better plan, cast off! Hoist up the mainsail – raise the anchor, whatever the hell it is you do – we gotta leave.

Englehorn: I cannot do that. We're waiting on the manifest.

Denham: What? Who? English – please!

Englehorn: (dryly) Paperwork, Mr. Denham.

DENHAM leans in conspiratorially...

Denham: (low voice) I'll give you another thousand to leave right now.

Englehorn: Ah, but you haven't given me the first thousand yet.

DENHAM glances at ANN, flustered and embarrassed.

Denham: Can we talk about this later? Can't you see we're in the company of a VIP guest?

ENGLEHORN'S gaze falls upon ANN...

Englehorn: Ma'am...

Ann: Ann Darrow.

Englehorn: So you are ready for this voyage, Miss Darrow?

Ann: Sure...

Englehorn: Nervous?

Ann: Nervous? No. Why? Should I be?

ANN looks taken aback...

Englehorn: It isn't every woman who would take such a risk.

DENHAM throws PRESTON a look.

Preston: (hurriedly) Why don't I show Miss Darrow to her cabin?

Denham: Wonderful idea; thank you, Preston.

Preston: Miss Darrow, if you'd just – Hi, my name is Preston, Carl's assistant.

DENHAM pulls his CHECKBOOK from his JACKET POCKET.

Denham: Two thousand – it's a deal. Will you take a check?

Englehorn: Do I have a choice?

EXT. VENTURE / NY DOCKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON goes to lead ANN up the GANG WAY past some rough-looking sailors, onto the SHIP - THE VENTURE.

Preston: Please, follow me. If there's anything that you need... excuse me, fellas. If there's anything that you need, please don't hesitate to... ask...

PRESTON turns back to see ANN hesitating at the bottom of the GANG WAY... an unnerved expression on her face... ANN steps forward... with a deep breath, she follows PRESTON.

INT. ENGINE ROOM - NIGHT

BEEFY SAILORS shovel COAL into the SHIP'S FURNACE... another cranks a valve on the pistons.

INT. DENHAM'S CABIN - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM enters his CABIN looking FLUSTERED. He is STARTLED to find JACK DRISCOLL waiting for him. DRISCOLL is a WRITER, well dressed in a SHABBY sort of way.

Denham: Jeez, Jack – you scared me!

DENHAM crosses to a cabinet and breaks into a CRATE OF SMIRNOFF VODKA.

Denham: (cont'd) Listen, if anyone comes to the door, don't open it. You haven't seen me... say I got depressed and committed suicide. Say I stuck my head down a toilet! (holding up a bottle) You want one?

Jack: No! I can't stay, Carl. I have a rehearsal for which I am now... (checks his WATCH) ...three hours late.

JACK throws a FEW SCRIPT PAGES across the TABLE.

Denham: What's this?

Jack: It's the script.

Denham: You call this a script? Jack... this is fifteen pages.

Jack: I know – but they're good! You've got fifteen good pages there, Carl!

Denham: I'm supposed to be making a feature-length picture.

Jack: You told me I had more time. I'm sorry. Look, I gotta go.

Denham: Jack, no – you can't do this to me! I have a beginning, but I need a middle and an end! I gotta have something to shoot.

The SHIP'S ENGINES roar into life... JACK stands to leave.

Jack: You got my notes – I gotta go. See you.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM looking DISMAYED. He stares blankly at the RUSH of ACTIVITY through the PORTHOLE WINDOW behind JACK.

POV:

The VENTURE'S CREW hurriedly RELEASE ROPES in preparation for the ship's imminent departure. DENHAM'S expression slowly CHANGES...

Denham: All right, fine. We might as well settle up.

JACK looks ASTONISHED as DENHAM pulls out his CHECKBOOK.

Jack: You're going to pay me?

Denham: I'm not going to stiff a friend.

Jack: I've never known you to volunteer cash before...

Denham: How does two grand sound?

Jack: Sounds great!

Denham: Thought it might.

DENHAM'S eyes flick to the WINDOW... sees SAILORS are hauling up the GANGPLANK.

ANGLE ON:

A SAILOR CRANKS a series of VALVES as the SHIP'S PISTONS crank in to life.

DENHAM signs the CHECK, and hands it over with a FLOURISH...

Denham: (cont'd, signing with a flourish) Voila!

JACK snatches the CHECK and turns to leave.

Jack: Thanks...

JACK glances at it.

Jack: (cont'd) Carl... you've written "Two Grand".

DENHAM takes the CHECK back...

Denham: So I did. Sorry about that. (screwing it up) Let's start from the beginning. (writing) "Two Thousand Dollars"...

ANGLE ON:

The ship's PISTONS PUMP faster.

DENHAM looks up at JACK, a confused look on his face.

Denham: (cont'd) It is the 29th, isn't it?

Jack: (anxious) Come on – it's the 25th, Carl, the 25th!

ANGLE ON:

JACK suddenly realizes the SHIP is about to leave.

Denham: I'm sorry. Let me just... It'll just take a second.

DENHAM screws up the CHECK again! The VIBRATION of the ENGINES picks up. JACK heads for the DOOR.

Jack: Never mind; pay me when you get back!

Denham: (knowing) All right... okay...

INT. ENGINE ROOM - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

THE SHIPS GAUGES SPRING INTO ACTION.

EXT. VENTURE STERN

CRANE DOWN the stern of the ship as the PROPELLER kicks into action.

INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE BAXTER walking along the CORRIDOR, with PRESTON following behind laden with LUGGAGE. BRUCE is in his early thirties... He is QUICK-WITTED, SOPHISTICATED and CHARMING... but his career as a SCREEN ACTOR has badly stalled.

Preston: Your cabin's just down here, Mr. Baxter. And may I say how excited we all are to have you back with us, sir.

ANGLE ON:

JACK is hurrying down the corridor towards the DOOR. He feels the SHIP MOVING! He suddenly collides with BRUCE, who thrusts a SUITCASE at him.

Bruce: Just be a sport and lend us a hand.

Jack: Oh dear!

JACK looks desperately out of the PORTHOLE, doubles back and BOLTS AWAY.

Bruce: (dryly) Appreciate the help, fella.

Preston: Let me get the door for you – welcome to your state room, sir.

INT. BRUCE'S CABIN - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE is clearly unimpressed with the TINY CABIN. He reacts to the SMELL.

Preston: I know; that's not a nice smell, is it? Well, I'm sure it'll disperse in a day or two. Hey, did I ever mention how much I love your work, Mr. Baxter? I've seen every one of your pictures... even the silent ones.

Bruce: I haven't made any silent ones, if that's what you're referring to.

BRUCE gently closes the DOOR in PRESTON'S FACE - leaving him in the CORRIDOR.

EXT. VENTURE WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The PROPELLER CHURNS through the WATER... ENGLEHORN watches the VENTURE pull away from the dock... Satisfied, he enters the WHEELHOUSE...

Englehorn: Dead slow ahead both, Mr Hayes.

Hayes: Dead slow ahead both, Captain.

EXT. VENTURE / NY DOCKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK emerges from the labyrinthine SHIP INTERIOR and rushes to the RAIL of the SHIP... he freezes in HORROR.

Jack: Oh no!

ANGLE ON:

The SHIP is PULLING AWAY from the DOCK... SIX feet... SEVEN feet... JACK contemplates JUMPING for a MOMENT:

Jack: (cont'd) Dammit!

EXT. NY DOCKS

POLICE CARS race along the docks towards the VENTURE, SIRENS wailing.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

JACK SLUMPS on the DECK in DESPAIR. He's missed his chance to get off the ship.

DENHAM steps up behind JACK, just as a POLICE CAR, followed by ZELMAN and the INVESTORS, pull up on the DOCKS in the DISTANCE.

Denham: I keep telling you, Jack, there’s no money in theater.

EXT. NY DOCKS - NIGHT

The INVESTORS leap out of the car.

Sleazy Investor: No, no, no!

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

The VENTURE steams past the LIGHTS of MANHATTAN.

Denham: You're much better off sticking with film.

Jack: I don't do it for the money, Carl. I just happen to love the theater.

Denham: No, you don't.

CUT TO:

JACK looks at him exasperated as DENHAM casually taps his PEN on the RAIL of the BOAT.

Denham: (cont'd) But if you really loved it, you would've jumped.

EXT. NY DOCKS - NIGHT

WIDE ON: ZELMAN throws his hat to the ground in anger as THE VENTURE pulls away from the docks.

EXT. NEW YORK HARBOR - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE steams away from the DOCKS, passing under the MANHATTAN BRIDGE.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ANN tests her mattress with her hands. ANN straightens and turns, perching on the edge of the BUNK.

Preston: (apologetic) Well, Miss Darrow, I hope you find it to your liking... it's quite comfortable. Your towels and linens are underneath the bed. That is the wash basin. I know, that's not a pleasant smell – is it? Well, I wouldn't worry about that; I'm sure it'll disperse in a day or two.

PRESTON dances over to the WARDROBE.

Preston: (cont'd) The closet... your costumes – I hope you'll find everything is in order. If there is anything that you need, please do not hesitate to ask... fresh water, perhaps? I can bring it to you personally.

PRESTON is interrupted by a knock on the CABIN DOOR...

ANGLE ON:

The DOOR opens and DENHAM enters. He thrusts a bottle of SMIRNOFF VODKA MARTINI into ANN'S HANDS...

Denham: Now, now! We can't have our leading lady deprived of the necessities of life, can we? (to PRESTON) Do me a favor, Preston – run a bottle down to Jack. It'll fend off his migraine.

Preston: They're still trying to find a place for him to sleep.

Denham: (to PRESTON) You told him my typewriter is available for hire?

Preston: Yes – only he didn't take it well.

PRESTON departs down the corridor.

Ann: (confused) Mr. Driscoll...?

DENHAM turns and looks at ANN.

Ann: (cont'd) He's on board, isn't he?

Denham: Jack has his heart set on coming. Call me a sissy, but... I couldn't say no.

INT. SHIP'S HOLD - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

CHOY is showing JACK to his sleeping QUARTERS, carrying BLANKETS.

JACK stares in DISBELIEF at the DINGY HOLD strewn with STRAW BALES and EMPTY ANIMAL CAGES. He reacts to the SMELL.

Choy: This room very comfortable, plenty dim light... fresh straw.

Jack: What'd you keep down here?

Choy: Lion, tiger, bear, hippo – you name it.

Jack: What, do you sell them to Zoos?

Choy: Zoos... circuses... (lowers voice) Skipper get big money for rare animal. (alarmed) Careful! Camel have bad accident on floor. Stain irremovable...

JACK looks down. He's standing in a dark, viscous PUDDLE OF SLIME.

Choy: (cont'd, lowers voice) Skipper catch any animal you want. He do you real good price on white rhino.

Englehorn: (sternly) Choy! Aren't you forgetting something?

ANGLE ON:

CHOY clams up as ENGLEHORN strolls into the hold.

Englehorn: (cont'd) My apologies for not being able to offer you a cabin. Have you found an enclosure to your taste?

Jack: (dryly) Spoiled for choice.

ENGLEHORN surveys a COUPLE OF LARGE CAGES.

Englehorn: What are you, Mr. Driscoll? A lion, a tiger, a bear... or a chimpanzee?

JACK opens a CAGE large enough to sleep in.

Jack: Maybe... I'll take this one. (mutters to himself) Lions, tigers and bears... oh my.

He steps back with SURPRISE as a WOODEN CRATE TOPPLES, spilling out a LARGE MEDICAL BOTTLE. CHOY looks up in SHOCK as the BOTTLE ROLLS towards ENGLEHORN who coolly TRAPS it with his FOOT.

Englehorn: I told you to lock it up.

Choy: (scared) Sorry, Skipper! But Lumpy said to –

Englehorn: (interrupts) I don't care what Lumpy said! He doesn't give the orders. What are you trying to do? Put the whole ship to sleep? Get them out of here!

ENGLEHORN hands the BOTTLE to a nervous CHOY. JACK stares at the CRATES stacked in the CAGE.

CLOSE ON:

Piles of BOTTLES, all marked "Chloroform".

EXT. VENTURE - DAWN

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE plows through a HEAVY SWELL.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - DAWN

WIDE ON:

ANN is leaning on the rail, watching the sunrise over the sea, in her BATHROBE.

JIMMY strolls in.

Jimmy: Hey, Miss Darrow.

Ann: Good morning, Jimmy.

Jimmy: What are you doing up here?

Ann: Just looking at the ocean. It's wonderful, isn't it?

Jimmy: Yes, it's... very pretty.

Ann: It reminds me of the English Channel. Did you know that Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim across the channel back in 1926?

Jimmy: No, I didn't know that.

Ann: Back then, she was known as the "Queen of the Waves". You know, swimming is my favorite hobby. I love to swim. It helps me relax. I'm a very good swimmer. I love the water. Of course it wasn't so nice up north when it was very cold and rough.

Jimmy: Well, the weather's just fine, as far as I know. (after a long pause) So... what's on your mind?

Ann: Mr. Denham and his crew are going to make some tests of me very soon, here on deck, when the light's right.

Jimmy: Tests? Why?

Ann: Just to see which side of my face looks best.

Jimmy: (shrugs) Both sides look okay to me.

Ann: You're not the film director.

Jimmy: If I were, you wouldn't be here.

Ann: What makes you think that?

Jimmy: Well... it's not me that I'm worried about; it's Mr. Hayes. He thinks that women don't belong aboard a ship; present company excepted, of course.

Ann: He shouldn't be harping on that. It's very mean of him. Anyone would think I'd been a lot of trouble.

Jimmy: Well, according to Mr. Hayes, your being here's a trouble.

Ann: (mournfully) And just when I thought everything was going so smoothly...

JIMMY looks at ANN'S downcast expression and blurts an attempt at consolation.

Jimmy: Look, Miss Darrow, I'm sure you're very beautiful. But women can't help being a bother. I guess they're just... made that way.

Oddly enough, this doesn't cheer ANN up very much; she draws a long breath and smiles at JIMMY.

Ann: Well, so far... I'm having the greatest time of my life on this old ship.

Jimmy: You mean that? Really?

Ann: Of course I really mean it. Everyone's so nice to me – Mr. Denham, Mr. Preston and the Skipper – and don't you think the Skipper's very sweet?

Jimmy: (grinning) Well... I'd hate to have him hear me say it.

Ann: You're nice to me, too, Jimmy. You like me better than you do anyone else on board.

Jimmy: Yes, I... I suppose I do.

HAYES approaches JIMMY and ANN.

Hayes: Making new friends, huh, Jimmy?

Jimmy: Well, I never thought I was this friendly, but...

JIMMY laughs.

Ann: Good morning, Mr. Hayes.

Hayes: Good morning, Miss Darrow. Is everything okay with you?

Ann: Oh, everything's fine. Jimmy and I were just having a friendly conversation.

ANN and JIMMY laugh.

Hayes: (not surprised) I'm glad that you two are getting along.

Ann: Well, I'd better go back to my cabin and take a shower. Nice talking with you, Jimmy.

Jimmy: Likewise, Miss Darrow.

ANN goes, leaving JIMMY and HAYES alone on deck.

Jimmy: (cont'd) She is beautiful, isn't she, Mr. Hayes?

Hayes: Come on, Jimmy! You know better than to fall for a girl like her! Don't you think you're a little too young?

HAYES calmly looks JIMMY straight in the eye.

Hayes: (cont'd) Look, you're a very good sailor, and I would hate to see you come to a bad end. I've got enough on my hands without a love affair to complicate things. So if I were you, Jimmy, I'd stay away from Miss Darrow. Do I make myself clear?

Jimmy: Perfectly clear, Mr. Hayes.

Hayes: Good. Now, let's go below deck. We've got work to do.

HAYES and JIMMY leave.

EXT. VENTURE - DAY

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE plows through a HEAVY SWELL.

INT. BRUCE'S CABIN - DAY

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE pins movie posters from some of his previous films on his cabin wall... He steps back, admiring them.

INT. SHIPS HOLD - DAY

ANGLE ON:

JACK, sitting in the hold, TAPPING on an OLD TYPEWRITER propped up on BOXES. He is clearly very QUEASY, as he tries to stay focused on the TYPEWRITER KEYS. He sees JIMMY carrying a TRAY come into view, he COUGHS and CLAMS UP.

Jimmy: Compliments of the chef...

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY unloading the BOWLS of GRAY looking STEW from the TRAY.

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY puts the BOWL next to JACK... who takes one look at it, and SQUEEZES his eyes closed.

Jack: (O.S.) Oh, no – oh, God!

Jimmy: Lambs' brains in peanut sauce.

The CAGES and ROPES SWAY with each roll of the WAVES... JIMMY walks away.

ANGLE ON:

JACK looking very nauseated...

Hayes: (O.S.) Jimmy!

JIMMY spins round, a guilty look on his face.

Hayes: (cont'd) Did you run those ropes up on deck like I told you to?

Jimmy: Doing it now, Mr. Hayes.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY tries to slip past, but HAYES grabs his WRIST.

Hayes: How about you return Mr. Driscoll's pen first?

CLOSE ON:

An expensive FOUNTAIN PEN drops from JIMMY'S HAND and clatters to the floor. QUICK as an eel, JIMMY scampers AWAY. HAYES shakes his head, and picks up the PEN... hands it back.

Hayes: (cont'd) He doesn't mean any harm. I'll keep him out of your way.

Jack: No, it's okay.

Hayes: It's just he likes it down here; it's where I found him... four years ago... stowed away in one of those cages. His arm was broken in two places; he was wilder than half the animals in here. But he still won't tell me where he came from or how he got here – all I know is that it wasn't any place good.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - DAY

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY is sorting NETS up on DECK. Nearby HAYES rests against the railing.

Hayes: You gotta straighten up, Jimmy. You don't want to be on this ship for the rest of your life.

Jimmy: Yes, I do.

Hayes: No, you don't, Jimmy. You wanna get yourself educated. Give yourself some options. Take this seriously.

Jimmy: I do, Mr. Hayes, I do! Look, I've been reading.

JIMMY pulls a battered book out of his coat pocket. HAYES takes the book. It has a painting of a TRAMP STEAMER on the cover and the title: HEART OF DARKNESS by Joseph Conrad.

Hayes: Where did you get this?

Jimmy: (prevaricating) I bought it...

HAYES flicks the book open and sees "Argosy Book Store" stamped on the interior of the dust jacket.

Jimmy: (cont'd) ...for about three dollars. Look at this.

JIMMY points to the printed byline on the back of the book.

Jimmy: (cont'd) "Adventures on a Tramp Steamer". See – just like us.

EXT. VENTURE / OCEAN

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE as it cuts through open OCEAN.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - DAY

ANN is holding a copy of JACK'S PLAY "ISOLATION"... she is standing in front of a mirror rehearsing her introduction.

Ann: It's nice to meet you Mr. Driscoll – I'm actually quite familiar with your work. (trying again) Oh, yes! Hello, Mr. Driscoll – it's so nice to meet you! Actually, I'm quite familiar with your work. I'm a huge fan! (one more time) I've read everything you've ever written.

ANN'S face falls in DESPAIR - she can't get rid of her nerves about meeting the famous JACK DRISCOLL.

INT. MESS ROOM - DAY

A few sailors are finishing BREAKFAST.

PRESTON, HERB and MIKE are seated at a TABLE.

ANGLE ON:

MIKE packing away his HEADPHONES and SOUND RECORDING EQUIPMENT.

Mike: I'm gonna have the ship's engines all over the dialogue – sea gulls, camera noise, wind and God knows what else!

Denham: I don't care, Mike! You're the sound recordist – make it work.

ANGLE ON:

ANN in the CHIFFON DRESS, hesitating in the doorway of the MESS.

DENHAM looks up and signals her over.

Denham: (cont'd) Ann! Come on in! Let me introduce you to the crew! This is Herb – our cameraman...

ANN reaches out to shake HERB'S hand.

Herb: Delighted to meet you, ma'am. And may I say, what a lovely dress.

Ann: Oh! This old thing! I just – threw it on!

Preston: (confused to DENHAM) Isn't that one of Maureen's costumes?

Ann: (hurriedly) Now, what does a girl have to do around here to get some breakfast, huh?

Denham: Lumpy! You heard the lady!

ANGLE ON:

LUMPY looking up. He is simultaneously shaving a SAILOR and stirring PORRIDGE.

Lumpy: Fancy some of my, uh... porridge with peanuts.

DENHAM turns back to ANN, who is staring at MIKE, who has his head down, scribbling in a NOTEBOOK.

Denham: Ann, I don't believe you've met –

Ann: That's all right, Mr. Denham; I know who this is...

Denham: Do you now?

ANGLE ON:

ANN, who is staring at MIKE in quiet awe. He glances up at her, nervously.

Ann: Thrilled to meet you. It's an honor – to be part of this.

Mike: (bewildered) Gee, thanks!

Ann: Actually, I am quite familiar with your work.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM raises a quizzical EYEBROW.

Mike: Really?

Ann: Yes, and what I most admire – is the way you have captured the voice of the common people.

Mike: Well, that's my job.

Ann: I'm sure you've heard this before, Mr. Driscoll, if you don't mind me saying – you don't look at all like your photograph...

ANGLE ON:

JACK at the bar, holding a cup of TEA. He turns and glances at ANN.

Mike: Excuse me?

Denham: Wait a minute! Ann –

Ann: (to DENHAM) Well, he's so much younger – in person. (turning back to MIKE) And much better looking.

JACK starts to walk over to the table.

Denham: Ann! Stop! Stop right there –

ANGLE ON:

MIKE staring past ANN'S shoulder.

Ann: I was afraid you might be one of those self-obsessed literary types. You know, the tweedy twerp with his nose in a book and his head up his –

JACK snaps his BOOK closed. ANN turns around... her face drops.

JACK looks at ANN, who stares at him MORTIFIED.

Jack: It's nice to meet you too, Miss Darrow.

INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR / BRUCE'S CABIN - DAY

BRUCE bumps into JIMMY, who hurries away looking shifty. BRUCE enters his CABIN... a mustache has been drawn on all his POSTERS. BRUCE looks annoyed... then takes another look.

CLOSE ON:

BRUCE glancing in the mirror – imaging himself with a mustache. Not bad.

EXT. VENTURE - DAY

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE plows through a HEAVY SWELL.

Denham: (voice-over) She's standing at the railing... she doesn't know it yet, but they're sailing towards disaster. You got that?

Jack: (voice-over) She turns... the First Mate is staggering towards her - there's a knife sticking out of his back.

INT. SHIPS HOLD

ANGLE ON:

JACK, sitting in the hold, TAPPING on an OLD TYPEWRITER propped up on BOXES. He is clearly very QUEASY, as he tries to stay focused on the TYPEWRITER KEYS.

DENHAM is pacing the HOLD, with a PEN in his hand.

Denham: Wait a second. We're killing off the First Mate?

Jack: That's assuming she knows who the First Mate is.

Denham: Come on, Jack! It was an honest mistake. Ann is near-sighted – it could happen to anyone.

Jack: I was joking, Carl.

Denham: The point is: she's horrified. She has to look away. And that's when she sees it.

Jack: Sees it? Sees what?

ANGLE ON:

Unseen by either DENHAM or JACK, JIMMY has sneaked down into the HOLD...

Denham: (dramatic) The island.

Jack: (taken aback) We're filming on an island now? When did this happen?

Denham: Jack, keep your voice down! I don't want the crew getting spooked.

Jack: Why would they get spooked? What's it called?

DENHAM looks SHIFTY.

Denham: All right. It has a local name, but I'm warning you, Jack, it doesn't sound good.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY, his attention caught as he eavesdrops on the conversation.

JACK looks at DENHAM in GROWING FRUSTRATION.

Denham: (cont'd, quietly) They call it... (muffled)

JIMMY POV:

DENHAM leaning in and murmuring to JACK.

Jack: What's wrong with this place?

Denham: Well, there's nothing officially wrong with it. Because technically, it hasn't been discovered yet.

JACK gives up, feeling too seasick to argue...

Jack: (resuming typing) Okay... all right... so we arrive at this place... called... (typing) S... K... U...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM looks up in time to see JIMMY listening... their eyes meet... DENHAM tries to hush JACK – too late.

Jack: (cont'd) L... L... Island.

EXT. VENTURE / OCEAN - DAY

ANGLE ON:

The SHIP moves through GREY SEAS... dolphins swim alongside.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - DAY

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON talks to ANN, who is in her BATHROBE.

Preston: Mr. Denham needs you for a scene he's doing with Mr. Baxter.

PRESTON goes to the WARDROBE, opens the door and takes out one of ANN's costumes.

Preston: (cont'd) Here.

PRESTON hands ANN the costume.

Preston: (cont'd) Put on one of these costumes for me, will you?

Ann: Thanks, Mr. Preston. I won't be a minute.

ANN walks behind a ROOM DIVIDER SCREEN, with the costume in her hands, and starts to get dressed.

She talks to PRESTON while changing clothes behind the SCREEN.

Ann: (cont'd, O.S.) Does Mr. Denham always take the pictures himself?

Preston: Ever since that trip he made to Africa. He'd have gotten a swell picture of a charging black rhinoceros, but his own cameraman got very frightened. Mr. Denham was right there with a rifle. It seemed that the cameraman didn't trust him to get the rhino before it got the cameraman. Mr. Denham hasn't fooled with cameramen ever since. So he does the trick all by himself.

ANN finishes getting dressed while talking to PRESTON.

Ann: (O.S.) Oh, that's too bad.

Preston: Yeah... way too bad.

ANN walks out of the ROOM DIVIDER SCREEN, and is in her costume.

Ann: Well, how do I look?

Preston: You look very pretty in that costume.

Ann: Thank you, Mr. Preston.

Preston: You're welcome.

PRESTON fixes ANN'S hair with a brush and applies some makeup to her face.

Preston: (cont'd) You ready?

Ann: Ready as I'll ever be!

Preston: Well then, let's get going!

Ann: Okay!

EXT. VENTURE DECK - DAY

WIDE ON:

DENHAM is FILMING ANN and BRUCE. Clustered around are his crew: HERB, MIKE and PRESTON.

Denham: All right, everyone; from the top. And... action!

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE saunters up to ANN, who is leaning on the rail, staring out to sea, in full hair and makeup.

Ann: I think this is awfully exciting! I've never been on a ship before.

Bruce: I've never been on one with a woman before.

Ann: I guess you don't think much of women on ships, do you?

Bruce: No, they're a nuisance.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM looking intently at JIMMY and HAYES who are further down the DECK... talking quietly.

ANGLE ON:

HAYES shoots DENHAM an ALARMED LOOK.

Ann: (O.S.) Well, I'll try not to be.

Bruce: (O.S.) Just being around is trouble.

Ann: (O.S.) Well! Is that a nice thing to say!

Bruce: (O.S.) It's a dangerous thing, having girls on ships. They're messy and they're unreliable!

Denham: (distracted) And... cut! That's great!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM'S gaze returns to JIMMY and HAYES who are huddled in a group with three more SAILORS... word is traveling fast.

Denham: (cont'd) Bruce, wonderful performance. You can relax for ten minutes.

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE looking pretty pleased with himself.

Denham: (cont'd) That was very natural... I felt moved.

JACK looks on in disbelief.

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE walking past JACK...

Bruce: What do you think, Driscoll? The dialogue's got some flow now – huh?

Jack: It was pure effluence.

Bruce: I beefed up the banter...

Jack: Try to resist that impulse.

Bruce: It's just a little humor, Bud – what are you, a Bolshevik or something?

JACK watches as BRUCE saunters off... he turns back to DENHAM.

Jack: Actors. They travel the world, but all they ever see is a mirror!

JACK looks up to see ANN looking dismayed, a MIRROR COMPACT, in her hand... she quickly snaps the COMPACT shut and turns away.

CLOSE ON:

JACK - taken aback.

INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR - DAY

ANN is making her way to the BATHROOM. She looks up as JACK rounds a corner coming the other way. They walk toward each other.

SUDDENLY, the ship sways; JACK is thrown forward, but ANN manages to hold her BALANCE.

Jack: Good legs.

ANN looks at him SHARPLY.

Jack: (cont'd) Sea legs – I meant – you know... sea legs. Not that you don't have good legs, I was just...

JACK trails off as ANN edges past him, averting her eyes.

Jack: (cont'd) ...making conversation. Jeez! (calling) Miss Darrow!

ANN stops and turns...

Jack: (cont'd) Uh, about the scene – today, with you and Bruce...

Ann: I know; it wasn't what you wrote. But Mr. Baxter felt very strongly that when a man likes a woman – then he must ignore her. And if things turn really hostile... no?

Jack: Interesting theory.

Ann: I know... I should have –

Jack: It wasn't what I had intended... but it –

Ann: I'm sorry – I was...

Jack: You made it your own...

Ann: I was nervous.

Jack: It was funny, actually... you were funny.

Ann: Please – don’t say another word. Good night.

ANN goes to close her CABIN DOOR.

Jack: Miss Darrow...

ANN looks at him.

Jack: (cont'd) You don't have to be nervous.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - SUNSET

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM standing behind the CAMERA with HERB and MIKE.

DENHAM is caught up in the scene and is EMOTING FURIOUSLY.

ANGLE ON:

ANN RUNNING out on to the DECK of the VENTURE in a GLITTERING GOWN. She is SIGHING and CRYING in a MELODRAMATIC kind of way...

ANGLE ON:

JACK approaching, he is reading pages in his HAND, he looks up just as...

ANN turns, TEARS on her cheeks... lit by the GOLDEN RAYS of the SETTING SUN.

ANN stares at JACK, momentarily forgetting where she is. He stares back at her.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM catching the EXCHANGE of LOOKS. He takes the script pages off JACK and shoos him away...

EXT. WHEELHOUSE - DUSK

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM and ENGLEHORN talk out the front of the WHEELHOUSE.

INT. DENHAM'S CABIN - NIGHT

DENHAM and JACK have a very serious discussion.

Jack: Word is spreading quickly throughout the ship, Carl. The crew is demanding to know where we're going.

Denham: Oh, keep your shirt on, will you, Jack? They're gonna find out pretty soon now.

Jack: I assume you're gonna tell us what happens when we get there, correct?

Denham: How can I, Jack? What do you think I am, a fortune teller?

Jack: Come on, Carl, you must have some idea of what you're after!

Denham: Don't tell me you've got soft on me.

Jack: Who's getting soft?! I haven't run out on you, have I?

Denham: Look, Jack, I'm sure you're a very tough guy. But the moment Beauty sets her eyes on you –

DENHAM stops, then lets out a sinister chuckle.

Denham: (cont'd) If I didn't know any better, I'd say I'm going right into a theme song here.

Jack: What are you talking about, Carl?

Denham: This is the idea for my picture, Jack. The Beast was also very tough. He could lick the world. But when he saw Beauty, she got him. He went soft. He forgot about his wisdom, and that's when the people defeated him. Better think it over while you still got a career ahead of you.

DENHAM goes to the CABIN DOOR and opens it.

Denham: (cont'd) Now if you'll excuse me, I have to turn in.

EXT. DENHAM'S CABIN - NIGHT

JACK walks out the DOOR and leaves DENHAM's cabin.

Denham: (cont'd) See you in the morning, Jack. Good night.

DENHAM closes the DOOR.

EXT. VENTURE - AFTERNOON

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE plows through a HEAVY SWELL.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - AFTERNOON

DENHAM is with ANN, who is dressed in a Beauty and the Beast costume. Clustered around are his crew: BRUCE BAXTER, HERB, MIKE and PRESTON.

Denham: Look, Ann, I know it's late, but I wouldn't have brought you here if this wasn't important. I need you for a little experiment I'm about to conduct.

Ann: But Mr. Denham, I'm starting to get really nervous. Suppose I don't film very well?

Denham: I wouldn't worry about that if I were you, Ann. If I hadn't been so certain of that, I wouldn't have brought you half way around the globe.

Ann: Well... I'll try my best. Just tell me what I need to do.

Denham: You can stand right there. Just don't move an inch. And look down. When I start filming, you look up slowly. You're very calm. You don't expect to see a thing. Then you just follow my directions. All right. Ready?

ANN nods her head.

Denham: (cont'd) And... action!

DENHAM starts filming.

CLOSE ON:

ANN, who is following DENHAM'S directions.

Denham: (cont'd, O.S.) Now look up slowly. You don't see anything yet. Look higher. Still higher. That's right. There! Now you see it. You're amazed. You can't believe it! Your eyes open wider. It's horrible, Ann, but it's no use looking away. What is it, Ann? What can you do? There's no chance for you, Ann; no escape! You're helpless, Ann, helpless. It's coming for you. It's getting closer, Ann. Much closer! It's heading right toward you. There's only one chance – if you can scream. But your throat's paralyzed! Try to scream, Ann, try. Maybe if you didn't see it, you could still scream. Now throw your arm across your eyes and scream, Ann! Scream for your life!!

ANN lets out a loud ear-piercing SCREAM while following DENHAM'S directions.

EXT. VENTURE / OCEAN - AFTERNOON

WIDE ON:

ANN'S SCREAM echoes out over the OCEAN.

INT. VENTURE - AFTERNOON

CLOSE ON:

BRUCE and PRESTON, who has just witnessed ANN following DENHAM'S directions.

Bruce: What does he think she's really going to see?

Preston: I haven't the slightest idea.

EXT. VENTURE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE plows through a HEAVY SWELL.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN'S POV of SHIPPING CHARTS.

Denham: We're close. Head southwest.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN leaning over SHIPPING CHARTS. DENHAM hovers nearby in the doorway.

Englehorn: There's no land southwest for thousands of miles. It takes us way outside the shipping lanes.

ENGLEHORN turns and confronts DENHAM.

Englehorn: (cont'd) I won't sail blind in these waters.

Denham: Relax, Captain; we're not going thousands of miles. But if it makes you feel any better, I'll make it worth your while.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN... tempted by the offer of more money, but his instincts are telling him to not to agree.

Englehorn: I tell you, Denham, there's nothing out there.

Denham: Well then, I guess you've nothing to lose.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN: conflicted.

EXT. VENTURE / OCEAN - DUSK

WIDE ON:

THE VENTURE steams on as the SUN falls slowly behind the horizon...

INT. MESS ROOM - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM and PRESTON are seated at a table, talking quietly.

ANGLE ON:

HAYES enters the MESS... he saunters over to PRESTON and DENHAM.

Hayes: If someone were to tell you this ship is headed for Singapore, what would you say?

ANGLE ON:

LUMPY is standing quietly honing a knife with a whetstone... it makes a sharp sound...

Lumpy: I would say they're full of it, Mr. Hayes. We turned southwest last night.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM looks up sharply... HAYES is standing over him.

Denham: Gentlemen, please, we're not looking for any trouble – if that's what you two are worried about.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY enters the MESS from behind him...

Jimmy: No. You're looking for something else.

PRESTON glances warily at DENHAM. DENHAM takes in the situation and decides to front up.

Denham: (quietly) Yes, we are. We're gonna find Skull Island! We're gonna find it, film it and show it to the world. For about twenty-five cents, you get to see the last blank space on the map!

Lumpy: I wouldn't be so sure of that.

Preston: What do you mean? Is there something you're not telling us?

Lumpy: Seven years ago, me and Mr. Hayes – we were working our passage on a Norwegian schooner.

Hayes: We picked up a castaway – found him in the water – he'd been drifting for days.

Lumpy: His ship had run aground on an island, way west of Sumatra. An island hidden in fog. He spoke of a huge wall, built so long ago – no one knew who had made it. A wall over a hundred foot high... as strong today as it was, ages ago.

Preston: Why did they build the wall?

SILENCE...

Lumpy: Does the name "Kong" mean anything to you?

Denham: Oh, come on, guys! That's nothing but a native superstition! A legend! A myth!

Lumpy: Even legends, or myths, have a basis of truth. Anyway, as I was saying... the castaway – he spoke of a creature, neither beast nor man, but something monstrous, living behind that wall...

Denham: A lion, a tiger... or a bear, perhaps. A man-eater. That's how all these stories start.

Preston: (to LUMPY) What else did he say?

Lumpy: Nothing. We found him the next morning... he'd stuck a knife through his own heart.

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON looking ASHEN... DENHAM breaks the GRIM MOOD.

Denham: Sorry, fellas, but you'll have to do better than that. Monsters belong in B-movies!

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON and DENHAM making a rapid exit.

Hayes: Even if you do find this place –

DENHAM and PRESTON stop and turn back...

Hayes: (cont'd) Even if you decide to go ashore with your friends and your cameras... you won't come back alive... just so long as you understand that.

INT. ENGINE ROOM - NIGHT

The ENGINEERS shovel more COAL into the FURNACE... the relentless rhythm of the SHIPS PISTON’S PUMPING UP and DOWN continues...

INT. PRESTON'S CABIN - NIGHT

PRESTON LYING AWAKE FREAKING OUT intercut with close ups of THE MAP WITH THE WORD 'FOG'.

WIDE ON:

THE STERN of the VENTURE cuts through the swell, then AERIAL up over the top of the boat.

INT. VENTURE HOLD - NIGHT

It is late at night. JACK sits on his make shift bed, his typewriter balanced on his lap... intent on what he is writing.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - DUSK

ANGLE ON:

ANN DANCING with JIMMY, much to the AMUSEMENT of GATHERED CREW... CHOY is singing "Marie's Wedding" accompanied by some SAILORS playing various MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

CLOSE ON:

JACK watching her...

INT. VENTURE HOLD - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK continues typing.

EXT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM scanning the HORIZON with BINOCULARS, ENGLEHORN comes out of the WHEELHOUSE... some charts in his HAND...

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

HAYES is manning the WHEEL. ENGLEHORN is staring at the CHARTS, a cup of TEA in his hand. There is a PALPABLE sense of tension in the AIR.

Hayes: (tense) Every minute we waste makes it harder and harder for us to find the island we're looking for. Exactly how long do you expect us to stay out here?

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN drinks his tea, ignoring HAYES.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

ANN is pacing the cabin. She is wearing a SHAWL over her pajamas. She smiles as she turns pages of a loose leaf manuscript. ANN looks up at JACK.

Ann: (surprised) You're writing a stage comedy?

Jack: That's right, I am. I'm writing it for you.

ANN looks at him, taken aback.

Ann: And... why would you do that?

Jack: Why would I write a play for you?

Ann: Yes.

Jack: Well, isn't it obvious?

Ann: Not to me.

Jack: Well, it's in the sub-text.

Ann: I guess I must've missed it.

Jack: It's not about words...

ANN looks at him uncertainly... as JACK moves towards her...

He takes her in his arms and kisses her.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

THE RADIO OPERATOR receiving a MESSAGE.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

JACK and ANN still KISSING.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

CUT TO:

ANGLE ON:

The RADIO OPERATOR hands a piece of paper to ENGLEHORN.

Radio Operator: Message for you, Captain.

EXT. VENTURE / OCEAN - NIGHT

AERIAL:

The VENTURE cuts a wide arc through the sea as the SHIP slowly turns...

EXT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM, RUNNING up the STAIRS to the WHEELHOUSE.

Denham: (calling) What's going on?

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

HAYES manning the WHEEL, looks at DENHAM briefly...

Denham: Hayes! Why are we turning around?

Hayes: Don't look at me, Denham. You'll have to ask the Captain.

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN enters the CABIN...

Denham: (blustering) Englehorn, you can't just turn this ship around without –

Englehorn: (curt) Outside, Denham! Right now.

EXT. WHEELHOUSE, VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

Englehorn: There's a warrant out for your arrest. Did you know that?

Denham: Englehorn, if this is some kind of a joke –

Englehorn: It's no joke, I assure you. I've been ordered to divert to Rangoon.

Denham: Another week – I haven't got a film yet. Please – I have risked everything I have on this!

Englehorn: No, Denham – you've done more than that. You risked everything I have.

Denham: What do you want? Just tell me what you want. I'll give you anything.

ENGLEHORN regards DENHAM with cool detachment...

Englehorn: I want you off my ship.

ENGLEHORN heads back to the DOOR of the WHEELHOUSE.

Englehorn: (cont'd) Set a course for Rangoon, Mr Hayes.

EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE as it plows through the SWELL.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

DENHAM is leaning over the railing.

Denham: I'm finished. It's over for me, Jack.

Jack: And how did you think this would end, Carl?

INT. WHEELHOUSE, VENTURE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

HAYES at the WHEEL, looking down at the SHIP'S COMPASS... it is swinging wildly to and fro.

Hayes: (calling) Captain...

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN looks at the compass with CONCERN. He takes the wheel from HAYES.

Englehorn: Check our position. And while you're at it, use the stars.

ANGLE ON:

HAYES steps outside the WHEELHOUSE, carrying a SEXTANT... he looks up at the SKY and his face hardens with concern.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN looks across as HAYES appears at the WHEELHOUSE DOOR.

Hayes: (ominous) There are no stars, Captain.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON:

The MAP as it SLOWLY rotates in JACK'S HANDS.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM leaning on the RAILING staring absently out to SEA. Behind him JACK is looking at the MAP in his HANDS.

Jack: What is that?

Denham: (distracted) What?

CLOSE ON:

JACK'S EYE is caught by something on the PAPER. He shifts the MAP around, turning it upside down.

Jack: That.

JACK walks over to the railing and hands the MAP to DENHAM.

Denham: I don't know... what is it, a huge ink blotch?

DENHAM looks hard at the map, suddenly a look of intrigue dawning on his face.

SLOW PUSH IN on a STRANGE SMUDGE-LIKE MARKING...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM is CAPTIVATED...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM slowly looks up from the MAP, a look of HOPE kindles in his EYES.

CLOSE ON:

The STRANGE SMUDGE-LIKE MARKING. An IMAGE begins to become clear – a GORILLA-LIKE FACE.

ON THE SOUNDTRACK:

The sudden blast of the SHIP'S FOG HORN.

DENHAM's eyes shift upwards...

AT THAT MOMENT, a GUST of WIND plucks the MAP from DENHAM'S HAND and blows it overboard... whirling it out to SEA...

EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The MAP FLOATING on the INKY WATER as the VENTURE steams away...

...into a HUGE BANK of FOG that seems to melt out of the DARKNESS.

Another BLAST from the FOG HORN echoes across the silent ocean.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

PRESTON moves along the DECK... staring uneasily at the FOG.

VARIOUS ANGLES:

Even the seasoned crew look unnerved.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY up in the CROW'S NEST... he is reading "HEART OF DARKNESS" by torchlight.

EXT. OCEAN - FOGGY NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE sails into the THICKENING FOG.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN at the WHEEL... he barks at the HELMSMAN.

Englehorn: Station the forward lookout, and get me the depth by lead line!

Helmsman: Aye, Captain.

The HELMSMAN hurries away.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE steams through the FOG BANK...

ANGLE ON:

A CREWMAN throws a LEAD LINE over the side. CONCERNED CREWMEN hurry to their stations.

Crewman: (calling) Thirty fathoms... no bottom!

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

HAYES is tense. ENGLEHORN remains focused, his eyes fixed ahead.

Englehorn: Reduce speed, steerage way only.

HAYES swings the TELEGRAPH LEVERS.

Hayes: Dead slow ahead, both. (beat) You should stop the ship.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN spins the WHEEL.

Englehorn: I'll do you one better. Fifteen degrees port. (beat) We're getting out of here, Mr. Hayes... we'll find clear conditions.

Crewman: (O.S., calling) We have seabed!

Englehorn: (with a startling realization) My God...

CLOSE ON:

HAYES rushes out of the WHEELHOUSE.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The CREWMAN with the LEAD LINE shouts up at HAYES.

Crewman: (alarmed) Twenty-five fathoms!

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

HAYES rushes to the WHEELHOUSE DOOR.

Hayes: We're shallowing – fast!

ENGLEHORN looks with despair at the THICKENING FOG ahead. He starts spinning the WHEEL.

Englehorn: Twenty degrees starboard!

Hayes: (urgent) Captain, you don't know where you're going!

ENGLEHORN glares at HAYES.

Englehorn: The hell I don't! Get me another reading!

HAYES leaves...

Hayes: (yelling) Another reading! Now!

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK looks alarmed as CREWMEN hurry past.

DENHAM walks away from him, towards the front of the SHIP.

Crewman: Twenty-two fathoms!

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ENGLEHORN peers uneasily out at the FOG...

Englehorn: Quickly, douse the lights!

Helmsman: Aye, aye, Captain...

EXT. CROW'S NEST - FOGGY NIGHT

AERIAL:

THE VENTURE sails through FOG.

Crewman: (calling) Ten fathoms!

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY looking around... confused.

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY'S eyes SUDDENLY WIDEN in DISBELIEF... he leaps to his feet, unable to summon the power of speech.

ANGLE ON:

A HUGE ROCK FACE looms out of the FOG straight AHEAD.

Jimmy: (yelling) Wall! There's a wall ahead!!!

EXT. VENTURE - FOGGY NIGHT

ENGLEHORN... a look of DISBELIEF on his FACE.

EXT. VENTURE - FOGGY NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE sails directly towards a HUGE WALL which rises up over 200 feet into the sky! The SHIP is DWARFED by the monstrous structure.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ENGLEHORN stares at the LOOMING WALL, unable to believe his eyes... he starts SPINNING the WHEEL hard to STARBOARD.

Englehorn: Stop all engines!

ANGLE ON:

HAYES slams the TELEGRAPH to "STOP"

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is drawn to the FORWARD RAILING of the SHIP, looking up at the VAST WALL of ROCK towering over them in AWE.

EXT. VENTURE - FOGGY NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE SLOWS, but its weight is carrying it forward...

EXT. CROW'S NEST - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

A TERRIFIED JIMMY braces himself for impact.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ENGLEHORN searches desperately through the thick FOG.

EXT. CROW'S NEST - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY, a look of TERROR on his FACE.

EXT. VENTURE - FOGGY NIGHT

CRUNCH! The BOW of the SHIP crumples into the WALL.

EXT. VENTURE DECKS - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN rushes out of a door, on to the DECK, alarmed at the PANIC on the SHIP.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM looks in utter AWE at the WALL.

INT. VENTURE WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN yells at HAYES.

Englehorn: Give me some power! Half astern, both!

Hayes: Half astern, both, Captain!

EXT. VENTURE DECKS - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK looks with horror as a JAGGED ROCK looms out of the FOG off the starboard bow.

Jack: Rocks!

EXT. CROW'S NEST - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY spinning around as he sees ROCKS surrounding the SHIP.

Jimmy: (yelling) Rocks to starboard... to port... rocks everywhere!

INT. VENTURE WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN lets go of the WHEEL rushing towards the WHEELHOUSE DOOR.

Englehorn: Take the wheel, Hayes!

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN rushes on to the DECK and looks with HORROR as he realizes his SHIP is trapped amid a LABYRINTH of ROCKS.

EXT. OCEAN - FOGGY NIGHT

The VENTURE lolls WITHOUT POWER in the heavy swell.

The HEAVY THROB of the ENGINES regain strength... the reverse propellers pull the ship away, but still without adequate control.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN hurries up the STAIRS... she clutches the RAILING for support and reels off balance, literally FALLING into JACK'S ARMS as the side of the VENTURE CRUNCHES against rock.

EXT. VENTURE - FOGGY NIGHT

The IMPACT sends the VENTURE into a SLOW SPIN. As the SHIP sinks in the trough of a WAVE, MORE ROCKS emerge from the WATER around it.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

JACK looks down at ANN - he still has hold of her.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN staggers into the WHEELHOUSE, slamming the TELEGRAPH LEVER forward.

Englehorn: Full ahead!

ENGLEHORN takes the WHEEL from HAYES.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

HAYES runs OUTSIDE.

Hayes: Rocks to port, Captain!

EXT. OCEAN - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The VENTURE rides the SWELL towards CAMERA.

SUDDENLY...

A SICKENING GROAN OF METAL... as the VENTURE RUNS AGROUND on HIDDEN ROCKS. HAYES looks in HORROR as he comes within inches of the rock outcrop.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - FOGGY NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM watches as a HUGE STONE FACE - part of the ROCK OUTCROP they have grounded on - slides to a halt just off the VENTURE'S BOW. Weathered... eroded away... carved by the hand of some ANCIENT PEOPLE.

ANGLE ON:

A breathless JIMMY scuttles backwards as the CROW'S NEST settles against the ROCK.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN shuts the engines down as his ship GRINDS sickeningly against the rock...

...STUCK FAST.

PANDEMONIUM ON DECK.

ANGLE ON:

HAYES, unable to believe his eyes as he STARES up at the LOOMING ROCK.

DENHAM stares at the EERIE SILHOUETTE of an ISLAND, visible through the thinning FOG. JAGGED PEAKS rise from a ROCKY SHORELINE. CRUMBLING RUINS cling to BARREN CLIFFS.

ANN steps closer, a LOOK of total DISBELIEF on her FACE.

INT. VENTURE ENGINE ROOM - FOGGY DAWN

CLOSE ON:

JETS of WATER are squirting into the ENGINE ROOM, through cracks between RIVETED PLATES. HAYES supervises STOKERS frantically opening valves on the PUMPS. OLD MATTRESSES are being shoved up against the LEAKS.

ENGLEHORN arrives, looking GRIM.

Englehorn: Hayes!

Hayes: She's taken a pounding...

Englehorn: What about the prop?

Hayes: Shaft's not bent, far as we can tell, but she's stuck hard against the rock –

A LOUD GROAN as the SHIP shifts against the ROCKS. At that moment, JIMMY comes bursting into the ENGINE ROOM.

Jimmy: Captain! You'd better come up quick!

EXT. VENTURE DECK / OFFSHORE SKULL ISLAND - FOGGY DAWN

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN, HAYES and JIMMY emerge onto the DECK as the MILKY LIGHT of DAWN washes over the SHIP.

CLOSE ON:

HERB holds the CAMERA as DENHAM cranks the HANDLE.

POV: A WHALER – a small lifeboat – is being ROWED away from the VENTURE towards the SHORE of the ISLAND. DENHAM, JACK and ANN, HERB, MIKE, BRUCE and FOUR SAILORS are packed into the tiny boat.

Hayes: How are we going to bring them back?

Englehorn: Look, I don't give a damn about Carl Denham, all right? I want this ship fixed and ready to float on the next high tide. We're leaving, Mr. Hayes.

EXT. SKULL ISLAND COAST - DAY

WIDE ON:

The WHALER rows towards the ISLAND passing great STONE RUINS jutting out of the WATER. The HUGE WALL rises out of the WAVES and disappears INLAND.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is balanced at the front of the BOAT, filming as the SAILORS row ashore...

Denham: (quietly) Can you believe this, Jack? Skull Island! We've finally got our picture!

ANGLE ON:

JACK as he STARES up at the RUINS...

CLOSE ON:

ANN, as if COMPELLED, turns and looks over the side of the BOAT, into the SEA... her breath catches.

ANN'S POV:

Beneath the WATER, the HIDEOUSLY, DISTORTED FACE of a FALLEN STATUE gapes up at her...

ANGLE ON:

ANN sitting huddled to one side of the BOAT... drawing her RAIN-SLICKER closer around her... ANN'S FINGERS edge across the seat and curl over JACK'S HAND...

WIND WHISTLES through the GAPING HOLES in the EDIFICE... a CREEPY MOANING SOUND that mixes with the DEEP BOOM of the CRASHING WAVES

EXT. SKULL ISLAND SHORE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

The WHALER runs onto a tiny, stony BEACH. SHEER CLIFFS rise straight up from the SHORE.

DENHAM, JACK, ANN, BRUCE, HERB, MIKE, PRESTON and TWO SAILORS clamber out.

INT. ANCIENT STAIRCASE - DAY

WIDE ON:

DENHAM leads HERB, PRESTON, JACK, ANN, BRUCE, MIKE and the TWO SAILORS up a DARK, VAULTED TUNNEL. They look in silence at the primitive signs of civilization.

ANGLE ON:

ANN looks up the STAIRCASE nervously... taking in the sight of the HUMAN SKULLS lining the walls.

EXT. VENTURE - DAY

JIMMY looks up, hollow-eyed... in his hand is the copy of "HEART OF DARKNESS". HAYES stands nearby.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY closing the BOOK, an ashen expression on his FACE.

Jimmy: I've always wondered how Cortés felt when he first saw the Inca treasure... El Dorado, I believe.

Hayes: That wasn't Cortés, Jimmy. It was Pizarro. And he died busted. (long pause) So what's on your mind?

Jimmy: I'm starting to get very worried... about Miss Darrow and the others. Which brings up a question from this book I've been reading. Do you mind if I...?

Hayes: Ask away, Jimmy.

Jimmy: Why does Marlow keep going up the river? Why doesn't he turn back?

Hayes: (shrugs) There's a part of him that wants to, Jimmy. A part, deep inside himself that sounds a warning, but there's another part, that needs to know... to defeat the thing which makes him afraid.

CLOSE ON:

HAYES pauses, filled with a sudden sense of DREAD. He reluctantly turns, his eyes drawn to the creepy CARVED HEAD towering above the SHIP.

Hayes: (voice-over) "We could not understand, because we were too far... and could not remember, because we were traveling in the night of First Ages...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM obsessed... cranking the handle of his CAMERA.

Hayes: (voice-over, cont'd) ...of those Ages that are gone, leaving hardly a sign and no memories...

INT. BURIAL CHAMBER - DAY

DENHAM leads the GROUP across a RICKETY BAMBOO BRIDGE, spanning a section of BROKEN PATH. They pass BROKEN TOMBS, burial niches containing glimpses of MUMMIES.

AHEAD... DAYLIGHT streams in as they near the end of the STAIRCASE. They make their way over large stone blocks, caved in from above... QUIET, TENSE.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - DAY

THUNDER RUMBLES overhead as DENHAM, JACK, ANN, HERB, BRUCE, PRESTON, MIKE and TWO SAILORS clamber out of the RUINED TUNNEL MOUTH.

DENHAM stays low, and hurries to a VANTAGE POINT. The OTHERS FOLLOW...

Hayes: (voice-over) We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there... there, you could look at a thing monstrous and free."

CRANE UP:

A PLATEAU below them is revealed, covered with the RUINS of an ANCIENT BURIAL GROUND... stone MAUSOLEUMS and TOMBS, smashed open and destroyed.

EXT. VENTURE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY closes the BOOK.

Jimmy: (quietly) It's not an adventure story – is it, Mr. Hayes?

Hayes: (quietly) No, Jimmy, it's not.

HAYES'S EYES drift back to the STATUE. JIMMY follows his GAZE.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - DAY

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM as he leads the group into the village.

SPREAD among the RUINS is a VILLAGE – a crude shanty town, created by a more recent and far less sophisticated culture... ramshackle GRASS and BAMBOO HUTS.

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON looking around, UNNERVED...

Preston: It's deserted... isn't it?

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM cranking the CAMERA as he rolls film on the VILLAGE.

Denham: Of course it's deserted. Use your eyes, Preston. The place is a ruin! Nobody's lived here for hundreds of years.

DENHAM points to the WALL up ahead while filming the VILLAGE.

Denham: (cont'd) And that great big wall over there... what do you think of that?

Preston: It's colossal. It could almost be... Egyptian.

Denham: The only question is, what's on the other side?

DENHAM and PRESTON continue studying the WALL with such fascination.

CLOSE ON:

ANN and BRUCE becoming very awestruck as they examine the WALL.

Ann: (whispering) Who do you suppose could've built that wall?

Bruce: (whispering) I was up in Angkor once. That structure is bigger than this, and no one knows who constructed it.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM filming the VILLAGE.

Denham: Now's not the time for a history lesson, people. We're supposed to be making a picture... remember?

WIDE ON:

DENHAM, JACK, ANN, HERB, BRUCE, PRESTON, MIKE and the TWO SAILORS becoming impressed by the huge WALL.

At the moment, they hear the sound of the SOBBING of a HUMAN CHILD...

ANGLES ON:

ANN, PRESTON, JACK, DENHAM, HERB... not knowing if they heard what they just heard...

ROW UPON ROW of sharpened BAMBOO SPIKES line the top of the WALL.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM... his eyes suddenly widen in disbelief.

ANGLE ON:

A SMALL CHILD standing on the DUSTY PATH ahead of them.

She stares up at them, with weird FERAL EYES.

THE CHILD slowly raises an arm towards the watching GROUP... in a pointing gesture. A suspended moment... DENHAM steps forward.

Ann: (whispering) Mr. Denham, I think we should go back.

Denham: I will handle this. Just watch... and learn.

DENHAM pulls a GHIRARDELLI BAR from his pocket and walks up to the CHILD. DENHAM waves the chocolate around.

Denham: (cont'd) Look... chocolate! You like chocolate? I know I do.

The CHILD'S EYES drill into DENHAM. RAIN STARTS FALLING.

Denham: (cont'd) It's good to eat! Take it... take it! Come on, just put it in your hand and take it.

The CHILD steps back. DENHAM grabs the CHILD by the wrist and attempts to press the chocolate bar into her HAND. The CHILD struggles and CRIES OUT.

Bruce: For God's sake, Denham, leave the native alone.

Jack: She doesn't want the chocolate!

ANGLE ON:

VILLAGERS begin to melt out of the shadows, OLD PEOPLE, YOUNG PEOPLE, WOMEN stare HOLLOW-EYED at DENHAM as he wrestles with the CHILD.

The CHILD sinks her TEETH into DENHAM'S WRIST. He yells, releasing his grip. The CHILD runs off... in to the arms of an OLD WOMAN...

The GROUP starts to nervously walk forward, DENHAM gestures impatiently.

Denham: It's all right – it's just a bunch of women and old folks... and they're harmless.

ANGLE ON:

ANN looks STARTLED as MIKE suddenly LURCHES past her.

Ann: Mike? What's wrong?

MIKE turns, gasping, staring at her helplessly. And then he FALLS face forward, a JAGGED SPEAR stuck in his BACK.

Ann: (cont'd) Oh my God!

ANN steps back in HORROR and SCREAMS.

A RUMBLING, BESTIAL ROAR fills the VILLAGE as if in answer to ANN'S CRY... LOUD and CLOSE... for a brief moment, everyone freezes...

FAST ACTION:

NATIVE MEN emerge as if from NOWHERE... before anyone can react, they are roughly SHOVED and PULLED into the MIDST of the FURIOUS NATIVE MOB.

In the SHADOWS, the agitated WOMEN of the VILLAGE start rocking and wailing in unison.

IMAGES:

STRANGE FACES, smeared with MUD... SCREECHING MOUTHS. BRUCE is HELD BACK by SEVERAL NATIVES as he struggles. JACK pulls ANN close to him, trying to protect her.

Jack: Whatever happens, stay close to me! Oh, God...

ANN is wrenched from JACK...

She struggles against her captors...

ANGLE ON:

AN OLD SHA-WOMAN moves through the midst of the VILLAGERS... her gaze fixed on ANN, muttering curses, eyes burning with a dark fury...

DENHAM is YELLING at the NATIVES... he is SHOVED to the GROUND.

The NATIVES SHRIEK. One of the SAILORS is DRAGGED forward, his HEAD pushed against a FLAT STONE SLAB, and CLUBBED TO DEATH.

ANGLE ON:

In the midst of the CONFUSION, JACK sees the OLD SHA-WOMAN screaming at ANN. She starts chanting with rising HYSTERICS...

Sha-Woman: (chanting) Larri yu sano korê... kweh yonê kah'weh ad-larr... torê Kông.

CLOSE ON:

JACK struggles, fists flying – he is clubbed and DROPS like a stone.

ANN SCREAMS... the BEAST ROARS in the DISTANCE.

DENHAM punches a NATIVE... they haul him forward and thrust his HEAD onto the BLOOD SPLATTERED STONE... NATIVE CLUBS rise into the air...

...a GUNSHOT.

The NATIVES hesitate, as if STUNNED... then SCATTER.

ENGLEHORN, HAYES and an ARMED GROUP of SAILORS race into the VILLAGE.

ENGLEHORN extends his hand out. DENHAM reluctantly takes ENGLEHORN'S hand. ENGLEHORN roughly helps DENHAM to his feet.

Denham: What do you think, Captain?

Englehorn: I think you've seen enough.

EXT. VENTURE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

As EACH WAVE hits the VENTURE, it GROANS and SCRAPES against the ROCKS - SHIFTING SLIGHTLY.

EXT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN tells a SAILOR to stand guard at the CABIN DOOR.

Englehorn: You just make sure Miss Darrow doesn't leave her cabin! Protect her with your life!

The SAILOR offers a salute to ENGLEHORN.

Sailor: You can count on me, Skipper!

The SAILOR stands guard outside ANN'S CABIN as ENGLEHORN leaves.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN, desperate... yelling at his CREW, above the HOWLING WIND.

Englehorn: (yelling) Lighten the ship! Anything that's not bolted down goes overboard!

ANGLES ON:

As WAVES crash against the STRANDED SHIP, LUMPY, JIMMY, CHOY and the other SAILORS throw TABLES, CHESTS... KITCHEN EQUIPMENT into the SEA.

INT. DENHAM'S CABIN - NIGHT

DENHAM is swigging from a HIP FLASK. HERB and PRESTON are gathered gloomily around a TABLE, while DENHAM strides around the ROOM, swigging and talking in a animated fashion. The STORM BATTERS and CRASHES outside.

Denham: We got away. We gotta be grateful for that, gentlemen.

Preston: What about Mike? He didn't get away – he's still there!

Denham: Mike died doing what he believed in! He didn't die for nothing. And I'll tell you something else – I'm going to finish this film – for Mike. I'm going to finish it and donate the proceeds to his wife and kids – because that man is a hero and he deserves nothing less!

Herb: Hear! Hear!

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

ANN alone in her CABIN, is overwhelmed by a terrible SENSE of FOREBODING...

SUDDENLY, A WAVE crashes against her WINDOW. SHE SPINS AROUND IN FRIGHT.

As she turns slowly, she catches sight of her terrified reflection in the MIRROR.

EXT. ROCKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

NATIVES are moving towards the VENTURE...

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

A growing sense of UNEASE fills ANN with DREAD.

EXT. ROCKS - NIGHT

CUT TO:

ANGLE ON:

Using LONG BAMBOO POLES, A NATIVE silently VAULTS from ROCK to ROCK over the STORMY SEAS... towards the GROUNDED SHIP.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

A SKULL ISLANDER LANDS on the BACK DECK of the VENTURE UNSEEN. He CROUCHES in the shadows...

INT. MESS ROOM - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

JACK sprawled on a BENCH SEAT in the MESS... a LOUD METALLIC CREAK wakes him up. He rolls over, tries to focus... he touches his hand to the back of his HEAD... when he withdraws his hand... his fingers are covered in BLOOD.

SUDDENLY LUMPY and a SAILOR pick the TABLE up from under him and carry it outside.

CUT TO:

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ANN, a sense of foreboding...

INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

The SKULL ISLANDER remains in the shadows, stays very quiet, sticks his head out and sees...

EXT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

...the SAILOR standing guard outside ANN'S CABIN.

INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

The SKULL ISLANDER quietly and slowly sneaks right toward ANN'S CABIN.

EXT. VENTURE DECK - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK staggers on to the BACK DECK, clutching a railing to steady himself. He suddenly discovers a NATIVE NECKLACE on the DECK...

...JACK stares at the NECKLACE, decorated with a MONKEY SKULL, a look of HORRIFIED REALIZATION growing. JIMMY is racing past.

JACK grabs him:

Jack: Where's Ann?

Jimmy: She's confined to her cabin. Captain Englehorn gave strict orders that no one is to see her. He has just posted a guard outside.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

ANN alone in her CABIN. She looks down and notices her HANDS are TREMBLING.

SUDDENLY, there's a startling noise outside her CABIN.

Sailor: (O.S.) Who are you?

She swings around in FRIGHT.

ANGLE ON:

ANN'S FACE as she hears muffled talking.

Sailor: (cont'd, O.S.) How did you get on board? Hey –

She hears a BRIEF SCUFFLE, the SNAPPING OF A NECK and a LOUD THUD which makes her blood run cold. Then her CABIN door starts to rattle. She sees the DOOR HANDLE turning. Her CABIN DOOR opens...

INT. VENTURE CORRIDOR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK desperately pushes past CREW in the CROWDED, panicked CORRIDOR, trying to get to ANN'S CABIN...

EXT. VENTURE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE at the MERCY of the RAGING SEAS as it moves even closer to the REEF.

INT. VENTURE CORRIDORS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK loses his footing as the SHIP lurches VIOLENTLY.

He lands on the floor...

CLOSE ON:

JACK looks down the length of the CORRIDOR... the DOOR of ANN'S CABIN is swinging open.

INT. ANN'S CABIN - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

The SHIP ROLLS as JACK staggers into ANN'S CABIN... SHOCKED to find it EMPTY with clear signs of a STRUGGLE.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

HAYES desperately trying to control the WHEEL.

EXT. VENTURE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE floats free.

A LOUD CHEER goes up from the CREW.

INT. WHEELHOUSE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN shouts the command...

Englehorn: Wheel amidship. Full ahead, both engines.

EXT. VENTURE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VENTURE plows between the JAGGED ROCKS off toward OPEN SEA...

INT. ANN'S CABIN

JACK bursts into the CABIN. CLOTHES are SCATTERED EVERYWHERE, clearly a sign of a struggle.

Jack: Ann!

EXT. ANN'S CABIN

JACK bursts out of the CABIN and finds the DEAD BODY of the SAILOR, whose NECK has been BROKEN.

INT. VENTURE CORRIDOR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK races down the CORRIDOR, and finds another DEAD SAILOR lying below the STAIRS.

EXT. SKULL ISLAND SHORE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN in the NATIVE'S GRIP... they are being PULLED through the STORMY SEAS onto the SHORE, by the other NATIVES HAULING on a ROPE. ANN is HALF-DROWNED.

The VENTURE is barely visible moving through the SEA SPRAY.

EXT. VENTURE DECKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN comes out of the WHEELHOUSE – JACK is on the LOWER DECK.

Jack: (O.S.) Stop! Stop! Turn back! We have to turn back!

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN turns – he can hear the alarm in JACK'S VOICE.

Jack: (cont'd) They've taken Ann!

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN, he glances back at the ISLAND as the VENTURE plows towards the open sea.

Englehorn: (with a horrifying realization) Oh my God...

ANGLE ON:

An ORANGE GLOW of FIRELIGHT is VISIBLE, emanating from the NATIVE VILLAGE.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN being DRAGGED through a FRENZY OF FEARFUL Skull Island NATIVES. GLIMPSES of WAILING... COWERING... CHANTING. FLAMES BLAZE along the TOP OF THE WALL.

CLOSE ON:

A withered old WOMAN, EYES RED in some DRUG-INDUCED TRANCE, speaks in TONGUES. ANN is forced to her knees. The OLD WOMAN splashes some foul LIQUID into her face... younger WOMEN tie BRACELETS on her wrists.

EXT. VENTURE DECKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

COVERS are pulled off lifeboats as the SHIP'S CREW gather EQUIPMENT.

CLOSE ON:

HAYES yelling commands:

Hayes: All hands going ashore...

INT. ENGLEHORN'S CABIN - NIGHT

Hayes: (cont'd, voice-over) ...report to your stations immediately! Come on, guys! Let's jump to it!

CRASH CUT TO:

ENGLEHORN LIFTS UP THE WINDOW SEAT... revealing a ROW of TOMMY GUNS hidden there.

ANGLES ON:

GUNS are handed out.

EXT. VENTURE DECKS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

EQUIPMENT and RIFLES are THROWN IN. The ENTIRE SHIP'S CREW is MOBILIZING.

Hayes: (cont'd, voice-over) What the hell do you think you're doing? What are you trying to do, sink this boat? Stow those rifles midships – come on, people; hurry it up! We don't have a lot of time!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM surreptitiously supervises HERB and PRESTON as they load CAMERA EQUIPMENT on board one of the BOATS...

ANGLE ON:

JACK loading a BOX of AMMUNITION on to the other BOAT... he looks tensely at the FIRES burning on the ISLAND.

ANGLE ON:

The TWO BOATS are swung out and LOWERED.

Hayes: (cont'd) Lower away!

EXT. VENTURE - NIGHT

The TWO BOATS ROW AWAY from the SHIP, packed with SHIP'S CREW... in one BOAT are DENHAM, PRESTON and HERB – clutching CAMERA EQUIPMENT.

ANGLE ON:

JACK in the OTHER BOAT, looking GRIM and DETERMINED.

EXT. SKULL ISLAND COAST - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The TINY BOATS are tossed in the RAGING SEAS. SAILORS try to STEER them towards the SHORE, as they bounce off ROCKS and STATUES.

EXT. TOP OF WALL - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

FLAMING TORCHES ignite POOLS of OIL along the length of the TOP of the WALL.

ANGLES ON:

ANN'S WRISTS are TIED outstretched to BAMBOO POSTS. She is on the SUMMIT of the WALL, lit by the flickering FLAMES... looking out onto DARK TREE TOPS.

FLAMES DANCE... DRUMS BEAT in a RITUALISTIC FRENZY.

ANGLE ON:

SKULL ISLANDERS knock away WOODEN PLUGS, releasing the FLAMING OIL to pour down rough CHANNELS cut into the STONE of the WALL... it runs and falls down CHUTES into POOLS carved into the GROTTO WALLS.

WIDE ON:

The CLIFF WALLS light up as FLAMES within LARGE CARVED CHAMBERS create huge illuminated PAGAN FACES. FIRELIGHT dances across the nightmarish JUNGLE... DISTANT TREES start to TREMBLE, their canopies swaying as if PUSHED by an UNSEEN FORCE.

CLOSE ON:

ANN... looking on with HORROR at the MOVEMENT in the JUNGLE below her. She struggles against the ROPES, to no avail.

CLOSE ON:

The OLD WOMAN, eyes rolled up in her head.

CLOSE ON:

A NECKLACE is placed over ANN'S head.

ANGLE ON:

A SHAMAN starts BEATING out a RHYTHM on a LOG DRUM... SKULL ISLANDERS fall to their KNEES... a MOANING WAIL rises... the DRUMMING builds to a FRENZIED CLIMAX.

WIDE ON:

On the OTHER SIDE, the WALL falls away vertically into a ROCKY GROTTO, leading into the DENSE TANGLED JUNGLE of SKULL ISLAND.

SUDDENLY, ANN feels herself DRAGGED FORWARD... the POSTS she is tied to are MOVING, pulling her TOWARDS the EDGE of the WALL. ANN digs her heels and tries to PULL AGAINST it, but is unable to stop herself being HAULED OFF THE WALL... into thin air.

ANGLE ON:

SKULL ISLANDERS lowering the BAMBOO ALTAR STRUCTURE DOWN, slowly releasing the flaxen ROPE. ANN is dangling from the POSTS by her WRISTS, as the HINGED FRAMEWORK swings her out over the CHASM, LOWERING her towards a ROCK PROMONTORY on the EDGE of the FOREST.

ANGLE ON:

ANN is LOWERED onto the ROCK PROMONTORY, which resembles an ALTAR... ANN struggles to free herself, but she is tied fast to the posts, a TINY FIGURE illuminated by enormous GLOWING CARVINGS... the WALL towering up behind her.

ANGLES ON:

ANN squirms... as the FOREST BELOW HER BROILS and SEETHES. TREES are violently SWAYING... above the crescendo of the NATIVE FRENZY, ANGRY BESTIAL ROARS can be heard.

SKULL ISLANDERS line the TOP of the WALL, their WAILING and CHANTING interrupted by a LOUD SPLINTERING SOUND.

EXT. SKULL ISLAND SHORE - NIGHT

The SHIP'S BOATS pull up at the foot of the great STAIRCASE. JACK leaps out of the BOAT and races up the stairs.

EXT. WALL GROTTO - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ANN lifts her head... something VERY BIG, HUGE and POWERFUL is moving right towards her. She catches a BRIEF GLIMPSE of a HUGE DARK SHAPE propelling itself THROUGH the JUNGLE... the OILY SMOKE from the FIRES hangs in the air, OBSCURING HER VISION... She can now only hear the CREATURE'S MOVEMENTS and BREATH as it draws ever closer. She cowers back, pulling at her bonds.

A MASSIVE SHAPE moves through the air... The ground SHAKES with a sudden force of IMPACT.

ANGLE ON:

ANN stands trembling, as the swirling smokey cloud slowly DISSIPATES... a GIANT LEATHERY FOOT is visible.

CLOSE ON:

ANN balanced on a knife-edge of TERROR.

A SUDDEN PUFF OF WIND INSTANTLY CLEARS THE VEILING SMOKE.

ANN slowly LOOKS UP, her face filled with DREAD.

The SKULL ISLANDERS reply in UNISON... a piercing WAIL, from the TOP of the WALL.

ANN'S strength suddenly DRAINS from her legs, and SLUMPS between the POSTS. Before her is... KONG, A 25-FOOT TALL MALE GORILLA.

KONG stares at ANN for a beat, leaning forward on his KNUCKLES... then prods her with his finger.

SUDDENLY... GUNSHOTS.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - NIGHT

FRENZIED MOVEMENT:

SAILORS, lead by ENGLEHORN, race into the VILLAGE firing WARNING SHOTS in the air... SKULL ISLANDERS SCATTER in TERROR...

EXT. WALL GROTTO - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

KONG in front of ANN... HE RISES to his full height and BEATS HIS CHEST.

KONG'S HUGE HAND snatches ANN and roughly PULLS her free of her bonds.

A DEAFENING ROAR.

ANN SCREAMS.

CLUTCHING her tightly, KONG carries ANN away from the ALTAR.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - NIGHT

ANGLES ON:

The SKULL ISLANDERS melt away into the darkness... vanishing as fast as they appeared. From behind the WALL, the DISTANT CRY of ANN screaming for help, following by an EARTH-SHUDDERING ROAR.

Englehorn: (staring upwards) What in God's name was that?

Jack: (sudden realization) Behind the wall!

ANGLE ON:

JACK rushes to the BASE of the WALL and begins to climb...

DENHAM hurries to the massive, heavily fortified gate.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM staring through the LATTICE WORK of sharpened bamboo...

DENHAM'S POV:

A fleeting glimpse of KONG disappearing into the depths of the jungle. In his HUGE FIST, KONG clutches ANN.

EXT. TOP OF WALL - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK has reached the top of the WALL... he races to the EDGE peering over it. Nothing... only the primitive ALTAR, and beyond, DARK JUNGLE dissolving into BLACKNESS.

JACK'S POV:

The EMPTY ROPES binding ANN'S WRISTS swing from the ALTAR POSTS.

Jack: (disbelief) She's gone!

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - NIGHT

JACK is hurrying down from the WALL.

Jack: She's gone!

Hayes: Don't worry! We'll find her! It's only a matter of time now.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM in SHOCK... his mind racing, fueled by FEAR.

Gradually, his breathing slows and another part of his brain kicks into gear.

JACK makes brief eye contact with DENHAM, who quickly looks away.

LATER...

Jack: Carl? What is it?

DENHAM turns back to JACK.

Denham: Whatever that thing was that took Ann... it was gigantic!

Jack: (realizing) Are you saying... you saw something?

DENHAM silently nods his head.

END ACT ONE

Act Two

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

BOXES of AMMUNITION and GUNS have been brought up from the beach. Lids are lifted open... AMMO distributed.

DENHAM is surrounded by JACK, ENGLEHORN and the SAILORS.

Englehorn: You can take Hayes and fifteen others. I'll put a guard on the gate until you return. The rest of you, stay with the ship.

JACK grabs his PACK and WALKS TOWARDS THE GATE, with LUMPY and JIMMY following.

Hayes: Just a minute, Jimmy! Not you.

Jimmy: Come on, Mr. Hayes; look at them. None of them knows which way to point a gun.

Hayes: Jimmy, I'm really sorry about this.

HAYES takes the RIFLE out of JIMMY'S HANDS.

Hayes: (cont'd) Stay here.

Jimmy: Miss Darrow needs me!

CLOSE ON:

HAYES turns to JIMMY and talks very briefly.

Hayes: Look, Jimmy... I know you want Miss Darrow back as much as we all do, but I'm not gonna let you put our lives on the line for us. So if I were you, I'd stay here and guard the gate. You got that?

HAYES turns back and walks toward the GATE, leaving JIMMY crestfallen.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM by the CAMERA BOXES with HERB and PRESTON.

Denham: (quietly) Bring the tripod – and all of the film stock.

Herb: You wanna go with the six inch lens?

Denham: The wide angle will do just fine.

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON slings the FILM STOCK BAG over his SHOULDER.

ANGLE ON:

JACK, PRESTON, HAYES, LUMPY, CHOY, BRUCE and EIGHT SAILORS as ENGLEHORN surveys the GROUP. DENHAM and HERB are HAULING CAMERA EQUIPMENT.

Englehorn: You got guns, you got food, you got ammo. You got twenty-four hours.

Bruce: Twenty-four hours?

Englehorn: If you haven't found her within twenty-four hours, there'll be nothing left to find! This time tomorrow, we haul anchor.

CLOSE ON:

JACK... as he slings his GUN on his shoulder, turns and HEADS through the GATE.

EXT. SKULL ISLAND JUNGLE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The VOLCANIC ROCKS form a JAGGED, TORTURED LANDSCAPE of DEEP CREVASSES and TOWERING CLIFFS. The vegetation is THICK, the JUNGLE DARK. ANCIENT GNARLED TREES twist out of the ground, thick LICHEN and long MOSSES hang from branches and TANGLED VINES. STEAM RISES from festering SWAMPS...

HAYES is LEADING DENHAM, JACK, PRESTON, LUMPY, CHOY, BRUCE and EIGHT SAILORS. HERB is limping along with the heavy CAMERA on his shoulder.

The atmosphere is TENSE... unseen creatures scurry in the darkness, fleeing from the approaching humans.

CLOSE ON:

JACK and BRUCE have a very private discussion while walking with HAYES and the others.

Jack: Hey, Bruce... this situation reminds me of another huge and massive creature: the giant from –

Bruce: (interrupts JACK) Yeah, I know. "Jack and the Beanstalk".

JACK gives BRUCE a surprising look.

Jack: You know that story?

Bruce: Of course I do. My mother read it to me when I was little. It's my favorite story. It tells of a young boy named Jack who climbs a magical beanstalk and discovers a castle in the clouds which is inhabited by a fearsome man-eating giant. Jack later steals three of the following treasures from the giant: a bag of gold coins, a goose that lays golden eggs, and a magical harp. When the giant finds out what happened, he chases Jack down the beanstalk. Jack chops down the beanstalk, the giant falls down, Jack and his mother become very rich, and they live happily ever after.

Jack: Wow, I didn't know that.

Bruce: Now you see why fairy tales have always fascinated me. They always touch our minds and our hearts, igniting emotions that remind us of the beauty of the human experience. But that's nothing compared to what we're doing here, right now, on this island.

Jack: Bruce, about the creature that took Ann... that's not a fairy tale, is it?

Bruce: No, Driscoll... it isn't.

Jack: Fee-fi-fo-fum.

Bruce: Hang in there, Miss Darrow... here we come.

CLOSE ON:

HAYES and his RESCUE TEAM suddenly stop and become very spooked by some very strange noises emanating from the JUNGLE FOREST. The noises get closer and closer.

One SAILOR gets very scared and wildly fires his TOMMY GUN into the darkness. BRUCE, LUMPY and another SAILOR also open fire.

Hayes: Cut it out!

BRUCE, LUMPY and the TWO SAILORS keep on firing into the darkness without any signs of stopping.

Hayes: (cont'd) Hold your fire! Hold your fire!!

BRUCE, LUMPY and the TWO SAILORS finally cease firing.

HAYES lights up a FLARE while trying to figure out where those noises are coming from.

WIDE ON:

SUDDENLY, a FERRUCUTUS comes charging out of the BRUSH and sends the entire RESCUE PARTY into a running frenzy.

The FERRUCUTUS growls while attacking HAYES and the GROUP.

Hayes: (cont'd) Get out of there!! Get out of there!!

The FERRUCUTUS sends one SAILOR flying in one direction and another SAILOR in the opposite direction.

HAYES hides under some TREE ROOTS while trying to save his MEN from being trampled by the FERRUCUTUS.

Hayes: (cont'd) Stay down, dammit! Stay down!!

The FERRUCUTUS continues to go wild while attacking the RESCUE PARTY.

DENHAM saves himself from being trampled by the FERRECUTUS, then gets to his feet and runs for cover.

The FERRECUTUS sends another SAILOR flying into a TREE.

DENHAM hides between the ROOTS of a TREE while fearing for his life.

ANGLE ON:

HERB hides behind one of the TREE ROOTS while staying out of sight.

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON tries to saves himself from the charging FERRUCUTUS, but becomes trapped in the process.

ANGLE ON:

At the very last minute, JACK comes running out from underneath a TREE and saves PRESTON from being trampled by the wild beast.

Jack: Come on!

JACK pulls PRESTON to safety.

Jack: (cont'd) Come on. Come on!

The FERRUCUTUS attacks two more SAILORS while wreaking havoc all over the place.

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON and JACK save themselves from being swatted by the swinging TAIL of the FERRECUTUS.

The FERRUCUTUS sends JACK flying over a TREE ROOT.

JACK lands on the ground, is chased by the FERRECUTUS and finds himself cornered by the roaring beast.

WIDE ON:

HAYES comes out of his hiding place and shoots the FERRUCUTUS repeatedly in the head with his TOMMY GUN.

The FERRUCUTUS staggers from the impact of the TOMMY GUN BULLETS and falls to the ground, DEAD.

CLOSE ON:

JACK is very relieved that the FERRECUTUS was killed.

CLOSE ON:

HAYES examines the body of the dead FERRUCUTUS very carefully to make certain that he killed it.

Lumpy: Good shooting, Mr. Hayes.

CLOSE ON:

LUMPY and the other SAILORS are taken by surprise at the sight of the FERRUCUTUS'S corpse.

Sailor: Aren't these things supposed to be extinct?

Lumpy: They are now.

WIDE ON:

DENHAM and HERB secretly capture the dead FERRUCUTUS and its slowly twitching TAIL on film while staying out of sight.

CLOSE ON:

BRUCE is also taken by surprise by what just recently happened.

Bruce: What the hell kind of a place is this?

ANGLE ON:

JACK also wonders what kind of a place SKULL ISLAND really is as he and the OTHERS prepare to resume their search for ANN.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM and HERB have just finished filming the dead FERRUCUTUS as they prepare to join HAYES and the OTHERS in their search for ANN.

DENHAM gives the CAMERA to HERB for a moment, then steps over the TAIL of the dead FERRUCUTUS.

HERB gives the CAMERA back to DENHAM, then carefully steps over the TAIL of the dead FERRUCUTUS.

EXT. SKULL ISLAND JUNGLE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

HAYES puts his hands up... the GROUP stops... a STRANGE, LOW MOAN echoes from the SURROUNDING JUNGLE... The MEN stare into the darkness... watchful, on edge...

EXT. KILLING GROUND - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ANN in KONG'S HAND, being tossed around like a rag doll as KONG RUNS through the FOREST.

ANGLE ON:

KONG propels himself through the JUNGLE with EASE, barely disturbing the forest, moving with GRACE along a well-used route.

CLOSE ON:

ANN held fast in his GRIP. She is FLUNG wildly around as KONG BOUNDS across CHASMS, LEAPING over rivers.

ANN'S FEVERED POV:

The JUNGLE SPINNING and BLURRING by. She tries to brace herself against KONG'S FINGERS, but the rigors of the journey knock her sideways like a RAG DOLL.

WIDE ON:

SHAFTS of MOONLIGHT play on the faces of grotesque STATUES set into a MOSSY CLIFF.

ANGLE ON:

ANN clutched tightly in KONG'S HAND. She is rigid with FEAR. KONG squats down... he LOOKS CLOSELY at ANN.

CLOSE ON:

KONG... we see him clearly for the first time. A very old, brutish BULL GORILLA. Years of survival have left SCARS on his face. One EYE LID is mangled and his JAW is CROOKED... leaving a huge yellowed INCISOR TOOTH jutting up.

KONG stares at ANN... she dare not move; only her RAPID BREATHING belies her INNER TERROR.

ANGLE ON:

ANN is suddenly swung UPSIDE DOWN and SHAKEN.

CLOSE ON:

ANN'S HORRIFIED FACE... she sees HUMAN REMAINS among the NECKLACES. Bones... skulls. A WHIMPERING SOUND escapes from the back of her throat.

SWIRLING UPSIDE DOWN POV:

ANN removes the ceremonial NECKLACE from HER NECK.

ANGLE ON:

ANN is lifted UPWARDS... KONG'S LIPS curl in a low, slow SNARL.

ANN looks at KONG, aghast, and in this moment her heightened sense of FEAR gives way to something more fundamental: SELF-PRESERVATION.

ANN seizes her chance. She stabs one of KONG'S FINGERS with the NECKLACE, causing him to ROAR IN PAIN.

KONG'S FINGERS OPEN, DROPPING ANN TWELVE feet off his HAND along with the NECKLACE and landing heavily on the ground – amid DOZENS of OTHER NECKLACES littering the clearing.

She rolls among grinning HUMAN SKULLS and LEG BONES... staggers to her feet and RUNS.

KONG rises up with a ROAR, but ANN is already disappearing into the JUNGLE.

EXT. DENSE JUNGLE - NIGHT

ANGLES ON:

ANN desperately powering through the DENSE UNDERGROWTH. She throws herself over huge FALLEN LOGS, through TANGLED VINES. She GLANCES BACK... TREES are FALLING, KONG is smashing through the undergrowth after her.

ANGLE ON:

With surprising AGILITY and GRACE, KONG quickly sweeps down from above and SCOOPS ANN off the ROCK. She barely has time to CRY OUT before being CARRIED AWAY, as KONG disappears into the DEPTHS of the ISLAND.

EXT. TANGLED VINES - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

JACK... hearing ANN'S DISTANT SCREAMS.

Jack: Ann!

ANGLE ON:

JACK starts RUNNING towards the SOUND. DENHAM and the OTHERS follow... JACK is barging through THICK TANGLED VEGETATION, which is growing between huge moss-covered FALLEN COLUMNS.

KONG'S ENRAGED ROAR echoes through the JUNGLE.

Jack: (cont'd, yelling) Ann!

EXT. TANGLED VINES - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

The GROUP pause at the sound of ANN'S TERRIFIED SCREAM.

CLOSE ON:

JACK'S ashen face.

EXT. DENSE JUNGLE - NIGHT

KONG LEAPS ACROSS CHASMS as he CARRIES ANN through the JUNGLE.

CLOSE ON:

ANN loses CONSCIOUSNESS while still in KONG'S HAND, as he RUNS through the JUNGLE.

EXT. KILLING GROUND - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

JACK picks up ANN'S NECKLACE... a LOCK of BLONDE HAIR still tangled within its STRANDS...

WIDE ON:

DAWN LIGHT brightens the SKY as the GROUP survey the KILLING GROUND.

Lumpy: Good Lord! It's a bleeding bone yard! (horrified realization) They've been ripped limb from limb.

Jack: (calling) Ann! Ann!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM casts an eye over the DEBRIS STREWN GROUND... his gaze rising to a HUGE GASH in the FOREST...

DENHAM POV:

TREES have been RIPPED from the earth where KONG has SMASHED a path through the JUNGLE...

ANGLE ON:

HAYES notices a SAILOR with a WOOLEN HAT pulled down over his head... the SAILOR has turned away from the GRISLY REMAINS. HAYES removes the hat off the SAILOR'S HEAD... it's JIMMY.

Jimmy: Just keep walking, Mr. Hayes. Pretend you didn't see me.

Hayes: Jeez, Jimmy! You just don't know when to quit, do you?

HAYES snatches the GUN from him...

Jimmy: (defiant) Hey! I need that!

Hayes: (angry) I'm not giving you a gun!

Jimmy: You were younger than me when they gave you one!

Hayes: That's because I was in the army... during the First World War. I was trained – I had a drill sergeant!

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY looks at HAYES.

Jimmy: (quietly) I just wanna help bring her back.

HAYES'S expression softens. He reluctantly hands the gun back to JIMMY.

Hayes: Don't make me regret it.

EXT. ROUGH TERRAIN - DAY

ANGLE ON:

The GROUP'S NERVES are FRAYED... as they continue slogging through the difficult TERRAIN. HUGE INSECTS fly around them, AND THE GROUP try in vain to SWAT them away.

ANGLE ON:

LUMPY shooting WILDLY at a HUGE BUG...

Hayes: (growling) Conserve your ammunition!

LUMPY GLARES at HAYES... and SHOOTS one last time at a HUGE BUG ON A NEARBY TREE...

EXT. RUINED VALLEY - DAY

ANGLE ON:

SLIDING FEET... down a VINE strewn slope.

PULL BACK to reveal... the GROUP have emerged from the JUNGLE into a NARROW VALLEY, deep in the heart of SKULL ISLAND. The VALLEY is less than SEVENTY-FIVE feet wide, flanked by sheer CLIFFS.

JACK looks up and down the VALLEY... he wipes his brow... the SUN is high, it is hot out of the SHADE.

ANGLE ON:

LUMPY stumbles forward.

Lumpy: I'm knackered! I've gotta have a breather.

LUMPY flops down on the ground.

JACK watches as OTHER SAILORS follow suit.

Jack: Hey, fellas – we don't have time for this. We've lost too much ground already! Come on, get up!

Hayes: (quietly) They're not about to quit on you. Cut them some slack.

JACK stares at HAYES and then sighs, resigned.

HAYES calls to the MEN...

Hayes: (cont'd) All right, you got five minutes! Everybody stay in sight!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM grabs the CAMERA from HERB. Nearby, PRESTON sets up the TRIPOD.

Denham: (hushed) Over here. I wanna get a wide shot of the valley.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM as he arrives at the top of the SLOPE, he turns at the sound of a STRANGE NOISE...

PUSH IN:

ON DENHAM... a look of AMAZEMENT dawning on his FACE.

CLOSE ON:

JACK kneels down and stares at an unmistakable in the sand: a GIANT FOOTPRINT.

Lumpy: Bloody hell! Look at the size of that. He must be as big as a house!

JACK looks up to see SAILORS gathering around.

Jimmy: Is that what took Miss Darrow?

Jack: (shrugs) Probably.

Lumpy: (sagely) There's only one creature capable of leaving a footprint that size...

ALL look up at LUMPY...

Sailor: And what would that be?

Lumpy: The Abominable Snowman!

A ripple of FEAR spreads throughout the CROWD.

The RATTLED SAILORS mutter agreement. There is random chatter of turning back.

HAYES kneels down beside JACK...

Hayes: (quietly) It's gotta be – what? Twenty – twenty-five feet?

Jack: (grimly) Carl saw it. Let's ask him.

HAYES looks over his SHOULDER...

Hayes: Denham! (no answer) Where'd he go?

ANGLE ON:

JACK walking up the VALLEY.

Jack: Carl!!

WIDE ON:

DENHAM, BRUCE and HERB arrive at the TOP of the VALLEY... they stare transfixed at a HERD of grazing BRONTOSAURUSES.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is cranking the CAMERA...

Denham: (low) Walk forward, Bruce.

Bruce: What?!

ANGLE ON:

A HERD of TWELVE BRONTOSAURUSES are slowly moving through a WIDE CLEARING ahead.

Denham: You're the star of this picture! Get into character and head toward the animals.

Bruce: Those animals are the least of our worries! We're after Miss Darrow, remember?

Denham: Look, will you just do as you're told?

Bruce: Well, if you insist...

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE nervously SHUFFLES forward...

Bruce: (cont'd) What the hell kind of place is this?

Denham: You already asked that question. Don't you remember?

Bruce: Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot.

As BRUCE carefully walks toward the BRONTOSAURUSES, he starts to get very CONCERNED.

Bruce: (cont'd) Are you sure about this, Denham? Don't we usually have a stand-in for this type of thing?

Denham: I need you in the shot, or people will say they're fake.

Bruce: Well, nobody's gonna think these are fake!

SUDDEN flash of MOVEMENT. VENATOSAURUSES are circling the HERD.

ANGLE ON:

The BRONTOSAURUS HERD looking EDGY and RESTLESS.

Denham: You're making them nervous! No sudden movement.

Bruce: I'm not moving.

A LOW RUMBLING SOUND can now be heard... the GROUND starts to SHAKE...

PUSH IN:

On BRUCE as he realizes what is about to HAPPEN.

Bruce: (cont'd, under his breath) Oh my God...

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE suddenly turns and runs for his life.

ANGLE ON:

HERB is starting to get NERVOUS as DENHAM determinedly continues filming...

WIDE ON:

A sudden FALL of ROCKS... Jack looks up.

ANGLE ON:

The MEN look NERVOUS as the GROUND starts to TREMBLE beneath their feet.

JACK turns and sees: BRUCE running down the hill...

Jack: What is it?! Where's Carl?

BRUCE slows down, attempting to appear CALM.

Bruce: He's – he's... um... well, he's up there... filming.

A LOUD ROAR.

BRUCE bolts like a STARTLED RABBIT.

SEVERAL nervous SAILORS jump up and start running for their lives.

ANGLE ON:

JACK cautiously moves uphill towards the source of the LOUD RUMBLING SOUND.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM and HERB appear on the brow of the HILL. They are running flat out towards JACK.

Seconds later, a HERD of BRONTOSAURUSES stampede down the hill after DENHAM and HERB.

Denham: Run, Jack!

Jack: Holy cow!

Hayes: (yelling) Go, Jimmy – run!

EVERYONE TURNS and FLEES.

ANGLE ON:

JACK running... he looks back and sees DENHAM trip and fall.

The STAMPEDING DINOSAURS storm toward DENHAM down the NARROW VALLEY.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM is frozen to the spot, staring at the CAMERA, which is lying directly in the rampaging DINOSAURS' PATH.

JACK turns back... he attempts to drag DENHAM to his FEET, as DENHAM struggles to grab hold of the CAMERA and TRIPOD.

Jack: Let go!

Denham: I'm not leaving the camera!

Jack: Give it to me! I'll carry it for you.

Denham: The hell you will!

Preston: Carl, run!!

DENHAM and JACK scramble to their feet and start to RUN.

DENHAM cradles the CAMERA and TRIPOD in his ARMS, as the BRONTOSAURUS PACK bears down on them from behind.

Spectacular TRACKING SHOT:

The PACK of FIFTEEN VENATOSAURUSES are CLOSING IN on the BRONTOSAURUS HERD. A VENATOSAURUS leaps onto the back of a FLEEING BRONTOSAURUS, causing it to falter and slide against the cliff. TWO MORE VENATOSAURUSES leap onto the ailing BRONTOSAURUS as the rest of the pack stream past.

DENHAM, JACK and the OTHERS are running as fast as they can...

JACK glances over his shoulder – the WALL of THUNDERING BRONTOSAURUS LEGS are about to ENGULF THEM.

ANGLE ON:

JACK and DENHAM suddenly find themselves in a SEA of HUGE LEGS – like wildly pounding Redwood tree trunks. The VENATOSAURUSES are snapping and snarling at the LEGS... they see the MEN. Their only hope of survival is to stay WITHIN THE STAMPEDE, out of reach of the MEAT-EATERS.

QUICK IMAGES:

THE GROUP in the SEA of LEGS... a SAILOR trips and is CRUSHED UNDERFOOT. A COUPLE OF SAILORS jump clear of the BRONTOSAURUSES – only to be set on by the VENATOSAURUSES. JACK, DENHAM, THE SAILORS... everyone is running madly, dodging BRONTOSAURUSES, VENATOSAURUSES and trying not to fall.

BRUCE takes cover behind a CRUMBLING STONE WALL to save himself from being trampled by the stampede. SUDDENLY, he looks up and sees a VENATOSAURUS towering above him. At the last second, he runs to join the other MEN, with the VENATOSAURUS in hot pursuit.

Bruce: Gangway! Coming through!!

BRUCE runs in the middle of the STAMPEDE – first between CHOY and LUMPY, then between JACK and DENHAM.

A VENATOSAURUS focuses on JACK... it skillfully weaves IN BETWEEN and UNDER the BRONTOSAURUSES and emerges right behind JACK, its SNAPPING JAWS inches away from his head.

JACK suddenly SIDESTEPS, and SHOULDER-BARGES the VENATOSAURUS SIDEWAYS – under a BRONTOSAURUS'S LEGS. The VENATOSAURUS is instantly trampled.

JIMMY and a SAILOR are being chased by the BRONTOSAURUS STAMPEDE.

JIMMY stops at the edge of a CLIFF and watches helplessly as one of the BRONTOSAURUSES sends the SAILOR off the CLIFF to his death.

JIMMY sees the STAMPEDE coming and runs for his life while a few more BRONTOSAURUSES fall off the CLIFF.

JIMMY sprints along the CRUMBLING CLIFFS to avoid being trampled by the BRONTOSAURUS STAMPEDE.

BRUCE is managing to stay ahead of the stampede – possibly RUNNING FASTER than any human before him. A VENATOSAURUS races out in front of the stampede and bears down on BRUCE with incredible speed. BRUCE desperately waves a TOMMY GUN at the VENATOSAURUS... TOWARD THE STAMPEDE.

JACK sees it coming...

Jack: (yelling) No!!

BRUCE FIRES, missing the VENATOSAURUS... but he hits the LEAD BRONTOSAURUS, following behind, in the chest. The BRONTOSAURUS COLLAPSES AT TOP SPEED. It CARTWHEELS OVER, its huge NECK and TAIL thrashing out. The OTHER BRONTOSAURUSES PLOW INTO IT, tripping and rolling.

JACK and the SAILORS suddenly find themselves in the middle of an amazing FLESHY FREIGHT TRAIN PILE-UP. SAILORS are crushed as BRONTOSAURUSES come down on top of them. A VENATOSAURUS is squashed when TWO BRONTOSAURUSES slam together.

JACK rolls against a rock as MOUNTAINS of BRONTOSAURUSES TUMBLE all around him.

DENHAM throws himself onto the ground, shielding the CAMERA.

In the space of seconds, the MIGHTY HERD OF BEHEMOTHS is reduced to a VAST PILE of DEAD or WOUNDED ANIMALS... The VENATOSAURUSES immediately go to work, leaping onto the BRONTOSAURUSES, ripping into their fleshy stomachs.

HAYES arrives at the last minute and saves JIMMY from being trampled by the BRONTOSAURUS STAMPEDE.

JACK crawls past huge HEAVING BELLIES and TWITCHING LEGS... he staggers out of the DINOSAUR PILE-UP... he turns back at the SOUND OF LOUD HISSING – a VENATOSAURUS is climbing over a DEAD BRONTOSAURUS, its gleaming eyes intent on JACK. The VENATOSAURUS leaps...

BAM! BAM! BAM! The VENATOSAURUS is riddled with BULLETS and falls DEAD at JACK'S FEET.

HAYES hurries towards JACK, clutching his TOMMY GUN.

Hayes: (yelling) Go! Go!

HAYES sends the rest of the MEN up a steep ROCKY SLOPE... they SLIP and SLIDE on the SLIMY MOSS-COVERED ROCKS.

JACK doesn't move. He looks around in mounting panic.

Jack: (frantic) Carl! Carl? Get up! Come on, Carl! Get up!

DENHAM limps out of the PILE-UP, bloodied and covered in DUST – the CAMERA in his arms.

HAYES blasts at another VENATOSAURUS – it TOPPLES BACKWARDS.

Hayes: Run!

EXT. SLIMY SLOPE – DAY

The GROUP are desperately scrambling up the STEEP ROCKY SLOPE – slipping and sliding on the WET MOSS... FOUR SURVIVING VENATOSAURUSES follow in pursuit... the MEN start sliding backwards in their panic. The VENATOSAURUSES are also sliding, but their powerful legs are working furiously, propelling them closer and closer to the flailing SAILORS.

A SAILOR loses his footing completely... he rolls past TWO VENATOSAURUSES before being grabbed by the JAWS of the THIRD.

The MEN grab hold of WEEDS, ROCKS... ANYTHING, to get away from the DINOSAURS. They are crawling towards a network of NARROW FISSURES between HUGE ROCKS... which the VENATOSAURUSES cannot squeeze through.

ANGLE ON:

HERB is scrabbling up as best as he can with his bad leg... DENHAM moves towards him, reaching desperately...

Herb: (gasping) Mr. Denham! Mr. Denham!!

Denham: Herb! Herb, come on!

Herb: (gasping) Take the tripod!

Denham: Come on! I'm pulling you up! Hold on to your end!

Herb: (gasping) Go!!

Denham: No, I'm not going anywhere without you!

Herb: You gotta leave me!

Denham: Shut up and hold on!!

Herb: No, it's too late!!

HERB is straining to hold the TRIPOD when his GAMMY LEG starts to give way...

Herb: (cont'd) It's been a pleasure working with you, Mr. Denham!!

HERB'S GAMMY LEG finally gives way... he SLIPS and ROLLS into the path of an oncoming VENATOSAURUS.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM reacting in SHOCK as HERB is KILLED by the wild VENATOSAURUSES.

EXT. JUNGLE RUINS - DAY

ANGLE ON:

KONG drops ANN onto the ground. She LANDS in a LIFELESS heap.

KONG has dropped ANN in a small RUINED COURTYARD, its WALLS are cracked and split by encroaching JUNGLE CREEPERS.

WIDE ON:

KONG circles around ANN, who lies MOTIONLESS on the GROUND. He PRODS her ROUGHLY with a FINGER... no response. KONG GROWLS... PRODS AGAIN... ANN lies STILL.

CLOSE ON:

ANN... she slowly OPENS HER EYES. ANN looks warily towards KONG.

EXT. EDGE OF SWAMP - DAY

JACK, DENHAM, HAYES, BRUCE, JIMMY, LUMPY, CHOY and PRESTON clamber down a JAGGED ROCK face into lush sub-tropical VEGETATION. They are followed by a few surviving SAILORS – a bedraggled GROUP... CUT, BRUISED, COVERED in DUST, SOAKED in SWEAT. Most of the GUNS are lost.

SAILORS slump to the ground, EXHAUSTED.

They are on a NARROW CLEARING at the edge of a MISTY SWAMP. SHEER CLIFFS rise out of the SWAMP on both sides of the SHORE.

Hayes: Jimmy, do a head count. I wanna know how many injured and how bad –

Lumpy: (interrupting) Injured? You call this injured?! Four of us are dead! Now that's injured!

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM reaches with a trembling hand for his HIP FLASK. He takes a big SWIG... and stands staring out over the SWAMP. PRESTON sits on A TREE STUMP nearby.

Preston: It's not your fault. What happened to Herb – it's no one's fault.

Denham: (soft realization) You're absolutely right, Preston... and I'll tell you something else. Herbert didn't die for nothing. He died for what he believed in and I'm gonna honor that.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM reaching for that moment of self justification.

Denham: (cont'd) He died believing there is still some mystery left in this world – and we can all have a piece of it – for the price of an admission ticket! (excited) Dammit, Preston, we're gonna finish this film for Herb. We'll finish it, and donate the proceeds to his wife and kids.

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON, he has heard this all before.

CLOSE ON:

JACK, HAYES and LUMPY are collecting large ROOTS and BRANCHES to build some MAKESHIFT RAFTS using the ROPES they have in order to cross the RIVER.

Jack: Come on, guys, we need more rope!

WIDE ON:

BRUCE stands among the SEATED SAILORS.

Bruce: (desperate) All right, we gotta get back to the ship. Englehorn sails in nine hours.

Jimmy: So? We gotta find Miss Darrow first.

Bruce: Hey, didn't you hear me? We're gonna be stranded here!

BRUCE becomes aware of JACK staring at him COLDLY while holding a large BRANCH. BRUCE self-consciously clears his THROAT.

Bruce: (cont'd) Look, fellas, I'm sure Miss Darrow was a great gal – no question. She was a wonderful person. It's a terrible loss, and we're all gonna miss her.

Hayes: Mr. Baxter, we're not leaving this island without Miss Darrow!

Bruce: Then you can go and keep looking for her. Or you can stick with us, as long as you don't hold us up. Either way, you probably won't get off this island alive.

Jack: You wanna know something, Bruce? I always knew you were nothing like the tough guy you play on screen – I just never figured you for a coward.

Bruce: Hey, pal, wake up. Heroes don't look like me – not in the real world. In the real world, they've got clean teeth, a cowlick and a flat stomach. I'm just an actor with a gun, who's lost his motivation. Be seeing ya.

BRUCE walks off. A couple of SAILORS shuffle forward toward him. HAYES turns to the rest of the GROUP.

Hayes: Anyone else? No? Then it's settled!

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM and PRESTON briefly look to each other.

Denham: So what do we do?

Preston: We keep searching for Miss Darrow... in the direction that they're going.

Denham: Excellent. Excellent!

WIDE ON:

DENHAM and PRESTON follow after JACK, HAYES, LUMPY and the OTHERS, bringing their CAMERA EQUIPMENT with them.

EXT. JUNGLE RUINS - DAY

WIDE ON:

KONG SITS on the EDGE of a RUIN, surveying the JUNGLE. He SITS with his BACK to ANN, in the crumbling remains of an enclosed ENTRY AREA... which also provides the only way out.

With a splintering rip, KONG pulls off a LARGE BAMBOO STALK and starts CHEWING on it.

ANGLE ON:

ANN, having feigned unconsciousness, she now cautiously searches for a way to escape.

CLOSE ON:

ANN LIFTING HER HEAD, risking a quick look around. The WALLS are TOO STEEP to attempt an escape... but there is a NARROW STAIRWAY across the COURTYARD, leading down into the JUNGLE.

INCH by INCH, ANN starts to EDGE FORWARD, CRAWLING on her STOMACH towards the STAIRS. KONG is CHEWING NOISILY... he SHIFTS HIS WEIGHT, half-turning... ANN FREEZES.

KONG GLANCES at ANN, who has resumed her LIFELESS POSE. KONG doesn't appear to notice she's moved several feet. He continues CHEWING on the BAMBOO STALK... ANN again starts to EDGE FORWARD... she is STARTLED when some CREEPY INSECTS swarm out of a CRACK in the FLAGSTONES, inches from her FACE.

With only a few feet left to go, ANN quietly rises and scurries towards the STAIRWAY. She clambers into the NARROW PASSAGE – finally out of KONG'S SIGHT. Glancing back over her shoulder, ANN hurries down the STAIRWAY towards FREEDOM.

EXT. BOTTOM OF STAIRWAY / JUNGLE - DAY

ANN pauses at the BOTTOM of the STAIRS, listening for sounds of KONG. All is QUIET for the moment. She glances back up the stairs... no sign of him there, so far. She looks left, then right, and finally left again to be certain that KONG is nowhere to be seen. Gathering all her strength, ANN emerges from the PASSAGE and makes a bold run across the CLEARING towards the cover of the JUNGLE.

THUD!

KONG'S FIST SLAMS DOWN in FRONT of ANN.

She GASPS and tries to change direction...

THUD!

Another FIST blocks her way. KONG GROWLS ANGRILY.

ANN swings around and FACES KONG... he SNARLS at HER, FURIOUS and DEADLY.

ANGLE ON:

ANN suddenly ducks under KONG'S ARM and makes a last ditch attempt to escape. She is halfway across the clearing when she TRIPS and FALLS.

ANGLE ON:

KONG bounds over to ANN, SLAPPING his HANDS on the GROUND in a frenzy of excitement – he utters a GUTTURAL SQUEAL.

CLOSE ON:

ANN, flat on the ground, eyes shut, lying still.

ANGLE ON:

KONG circling around ANN, SUSPICIOUS. He PRODS her a couple of times... no response. KONG moves on... ANN'S EYES flick OPEN. At that moment, KONG doubles back – CATCHING her out.

ANN SPRINGS UP, looks at KONG for a desperate moment, wonders if she should run, decides she'll never make it... and takes another PRATFALL.

KONG cocks his HEAD. He GRIMACES, baring his teeth and CIRCLES her.

ANN repeats the COMIC FALL. KONG SLAPS his HANDS on the GROUND, SHAKES his HEAD and GROWLS.

ANN starts to draw upon her VAUDEVILLE ROUTINE: dancing, tumbling, cartwheels, handstands, handsprings, somersaults, juggling and comical falling, then bouncing back up... working her timing around KONG'S reactions – he grows increasingly ENGAGED.

ANGLE ON:

ANN BOUNCES UP... PANTING... BEADS of SWEAT trickle down her face. Her EYES dart between the JUNGLE and KONG, she's looking for her chance... but KONG is a DEMANDING audience. He wants more... he wants ANN to fall down again.

KONG PRODS ANN ROUGHLY, knocking her OFF HER FEET. She FALLS to the GROUND... WINDED.

KONG slaps his hands on the GROUND, and lets out another EXCITED GROWL. He thumps the GROUND with his FISTS, and SHAKES his HEAD, delighted with HIMSELF.

ANN tries to get up – KONG pushes her over again. This time, she stays on the GROUND, breathing HEAVILY.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

KONG wants more. He tries to PROD ANN into getting up and is STARTLED when she SHOVES his FINGER AWAY.

Ann: (gasping) No! I said, no!

KONG cocks his HEAD... he THUMPS his FISTS on the GROUND.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Ann: (cont'd, gasping) That's all there is... there isn't any more.

KONG RISES TO HIS FEET, and BEATS his CHEST, towering over ANN.

His HUGE FIST rises into the air and comes SLAMMING DOWN straight TOWARDS ANN.

CLOSE ON:

ANN shuts her eyes... KONG'S FIST THUDS into the ground inches away from her.

THUD!

Another FIST SLAMS into the GROUND.

ANGLE ON:

KONG ROARS and beats his chest in a dramatic display of ANGER and FRUSTRATION. He rips a TREE from the ground as his ANGER spirals into violent MADNESS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN as the GROUND SHAKES with the fury of his RAGE. For a brief moment, KONG and ANN lock in EYE CONTACT.

CLOSE ON:

KONG stares at the small figure in his hand who is waiting for DEATH to come.

In this moment, an UNFAMILIAR feeling wells inside him... a half-formed emotion he hasn't experienced much in his long life: he feels a connection to this tiny creature.

The SPARK of RAGE goes out in KONG'S EYES...

KONG stares at ANN as a confusion of feelings wash over him.

KONG pulls back from ANN... overcome by sudden UNCERTAINTY. He knows only that she has somehow disarmed him... and this has in turn, DIMINISHED his power.

KONG starts to BACK AWAY from ANN – slowly at first, until DOUBT and FEAR compel him to move faster. Suddenly, he turns away.

ANN watches as KONG lopes off. He pulls himself up and over a RUINED WALL and DISAPPEARS from SIGHT.

ANGLE ON:

ANN, rising to her feet, finally free of her captor.

EXT. THICK JUNGLE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

ANN hurrying through the JUNGLE... pushing THROUGH thorns, TANGLED in VINES... she is EXHAUSTED, THIRSTY, HUNGRY.

EXT. SWAMP - DAY

WIDE ON:

DENHAM, JACK, HAYES, LUMPY, JIMMY, PRESTON and the remaining CREW sail across the RIVER on TWO SEPARATE MAKESHIFT RAFTS.

CLOSE ON:

JACK, JIMMY, PRESTON and a few SAILORS paddle the RIVER on one MAKESHIFT RAFT.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM, CHOY, LUMPY, HAYES and a few more SAILORS paddle the RIVER on the other MAKESHIFT RAFT.

POV:

Something SMALL and CREEPY swims UNDERWATER and heads right toward the RESCUE PARTY on the FIRST RAFT.

CLOSE ON:

JACK gets a heightened SENSATION of FEAR and looks down at the WATER.

CLOSE ON:

A SCORPIO-PEDE SWIMS onto the FIRST RAFT.

WIDE ON:

JACK sees the SCORPIO-PEDE and KILLS IT with the BUTT of his TOMMY GUN.

WIDE ON:

DENHAM and the OTHERS are paddling the WATER on the SECOND RAFT when they see more SCORPIO-PEDES swimming right TOWARD THEM.

Hayes: Get them off the boat! Get them off the boat!

CLOSE ON:

MORE SCORPIO-PEDES SWIM on board the SECOND RAFT and ATTACK DENHAM and the OTHERS.

HAYES kicks ONE of the SCORPIO-PEDES back into the WATER.

Hayes: (cont'd) Keep paddling!

DENHAM, HAYES, JACK, JIMMY, LUMPY, PRESTON and the remaining SAILORS battle the SWARMING SCORPIO-PEDES by KICKING THEM or using the BUTTS of their TOMMY GUNS.

SUDDENLY, the SCORPIO-PEDES RETREAT from the RAFTS and DIVE back into the WATER.

All is QUIET...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM and the CREW of the FIRST RAFT sense that something is WRONG.

WIDE ON:

HAYES and the CREW of the SECOND RAFT get the feeling they are being WATCHED.

CLOSE ON:

JACK gets a distinct impression that SOMETHING very BIG is HEADING THEIR WAY.

WIDE ON:

The SECOND RAFT suddenly gets bumped underneath by some MYSTERIOUS UNDERWATER CREATURE.

The SAILORS on board the RAFTS start to PANIC.

CLOSE ON:

Lumpy: What the hell was that?

CLOSE ON:

On the FIRST RAFT, JACK tries to figure out not only what's DISTURBING THE WATER, but also where the MYSTERIOUS CREATURE is coming from.

WIDE ON:

On the SECOND RAFT, HAYES and the other SAILORS also try to figure out what's DISTURBING THE WATER and where the CREATURE is coming from.

POV:

Something HUGE and MONSTROUS swims UNDERWATER and heads right toward the RESCUE PARTY on the FIRST RAFT.

WIDE ON:

A massive and predatory PIRANHADON attacks the FIRST RAFT with JACK, PRESTON, CHOY, JIMMY and the remaining SAILORS on board.

WIDE ON:

The PIRANHADON TEARS the RAFT APART, throwing JACK and the OTHERS into the MURKY WATER.

HAYES and the CREW of the SECOND RAFT become PANIC-STRICKEN.

The SAILORS in the WATER become STRICKEN with FEAR and SWIM for their LIVES.

Hayes: Come on! Get them out of there!

HAYES sees PRESTON and JIMMY trying to SAVE THEMSELVES from DROWNING.

Hayes: (cont'd) Preston!!

WIDE ON:

A SAILOR with HEAVY BAGGAGE is pulled UNDERWATER.

CLOSE ON:

JACK starts to get pulled UNDERWATER and EXTENDS his HAND out to PRESTON.

PRESTON tries to save JACK while holding DENHAM'S CAMERA.

Preston: Give me your hand! Jack!

CLOSE ON:

JACK is being pulled UNDERWATER, along with some HEAVY BAGGAGE.

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON sees JACK being pulled UNDERWATER, along with the HEAVY BAGGAGE.

Preston: (cont'd) Jack!!

WIDE ON:

JACK is DRAGGED UNDERWATER, along with the HEAVY BAGGAGE.

WIDE ON:

CHOY PANICS and tries to SAVE HIMSELF from DROWNING.

Lumpy: Choy!

Choy: Help!

On the SECOND RAFT, LUMPY sees CHOY PANICKING in the WATER.

Lumpy: Swim, you filthy rascal!

LUMPY dives into the WATER and swims over to RESCUE CHOY.

WIDE ON:

A SAILOR removes the HEAVY BAGGAGE while UNDERWATER.

CLOSE ON:

JACK looks up and SEES the PIRANHADON APPROACHING and TRIES to SIGNAL a WARNING to the SAILOR while UNDERWATER.

ANGLE ON:

The SAILOR frantically tries to SWIM UPWARD to the SURFACE, only to be DEVOURED by the PIRANHADON.

CLOSE ON:

JACK SWIMS over to a MANGROVE TREE and EVADES the PIRANHADON, by SWIMMING between its ROOTS.

The PIRANHADON gets its large JAWS stuck in the ROOTS.

JACK removes the HEAVY BAGGAGE and SWIMS back UP to the SURFACE.

WIDE ON:

JACK SURFACES, and is relieved to be ALIVE.

CLOSE ON:

LUMPY saves CHOY from DROWNING.

Hayes: (to LUMPY, who has just saved CHOY from drowning) Stay with him!

HAYES orders the remaining SAILORS to PADDLE the SECOND RAFT to SHORE.

Hayes: (cont'd) Swim to shore as fast as you can!

Denham: Hold on, Preston!

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON manages to HOLD ON to DENHAM'S CAMERA while CLINGING ON to a TREE BRANCH.

Denham: (cont'd) Whatever happens, don't let go of the camera! Don't let go of the camera!!

WIDE ON:

The PIRANHADON EMERGES out of the water, DEVOURS another SAILOR, then RETREATS back into the DEPTHS.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM, who has witnessed what just HAPPENED, picks up a TOMMY GUN and starts shooting at the PIRANHADON.

Hayes: Denham!! Be careful!

DENHAM continues shooting repeatedly at the PIRANHADON with the TOMMY GUN, only to succeed at shooting through the SECOND RAFT and causing it to break apart, sending himself, HAYES and the OTHERS into the WATER.

WIDE ON:

PRESTON still HOLDS ON to DENHAM'S CAMERA while CLINGING ON to the BRANCH.

CLOSE ON:

JACK SWIMS as FAST as he can TOWARD PRESTON in order to help him make it to SHORE.

JACK grabs the BRANCH that PRESTON is still CLINGING ON to.

POV:

The PIRANHADON emerges from the water and heads straight for JACK and PRESTON.

CLOSE ON:

JACK and PRESTON see that the PIRANHADON is heading right TOWARD them.

WIDE ON:

DENHAM manages to shoot repeatedly at the PIRANHADON with the TOMMY GUN in order to drive it away, giving JACK and PRESTON enough time to make it to SHORE.

DENHAM, LUMPY, JIMMY, HAYES, PRESTON, JACK and the few remaining SAILORS get onto SHORE.

DENHAM is relieved to see that PRESTON is still holding on to the CAMERA.

Denham: Preston! Here, give me the camera.

PRESTON walks onto SHORE and gives the CAMERA to DENHAM.

Denham: (cont'd) Is it working? Let me see...

DENHAM checks the CAMERA to make sure it's still intact, then CRANKS it.

Denham: (cont'd) Oh yeah, it's working.

WIDE ON:

The last remaining SAILOR walks out of the WATER and tries to make it to SHORE.

SUDDENLY, the PIRANHADON emerges out of the WATER and grabs the SAILOR in its JAWS.

The SAILOR lets out a BLOOD-CURDLING SCREAM while still in the PIRANHADON'S JAWS.

DENHAM, JACK, LUMPY and the OTHERS are SHOCKED to see that the PIRANHADON has caught the SAILOR in its TEETH.

The PIRANHADON RETREATS back into the DEPTHS, dragging the SAILOR UNDERNEATH.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM is very SURPRISED to see that he has just CAPTURED what has just HAPPENED on FILM.

WIDE ON:

LUMPY is very HUMILIATED by what DENHAM just CAUGHT on FILM.

Lumpy: Did you get that, did you?

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM is not AMUSED.

EXT. THICK JUNGLE - DAY

WIDE ON:

ANN stops running and DRINKS SOME WATER flowing off a ROCK.

ANGLE ON:

ANN splashes some WATER on her FACE. SUDDENLY, she hears some NOISES.

CLOSE ON:

JACK also hears some NOISES as he, LUMPY, CHOY, DENHAM, PRESTON, HAYES, JIMMY and the few remaining SAILORS wander through the JUNGLE.

WIDE ON:

ANN tries to FIGURE OUT where those NOISES are COMING FROM and goes off to INVESTIGATE.

WIDE ON:

JACK senses that the NOISES are getting much CLOSER and SIGNALS the OTHERS to be QUIET and keep their DISTANCE.

WIDE ON:

LUMPY is getting very NERVOUS and starts to PANIC.

CLOSE ON:

JACK assumes that ANN may be NEARBY.

WIDE ON:

ANN runs through the JUNGLE while still trying to FIGURE OUT where the NOISES are COMING FROM.

CLOSE ON:

LUMPY feels PANIC-STRICKEN and CHARGES his TOMMY GUN.

CLOSE ON:

JACK senses that the NOISES are getting much LOUDER and turns his HEAD...

ANGLE ON:

LUMPY turns around and SEES that the NOISES are coming from NEARBY BUSHES and RAISES his TOMMY GUN.

Jack: No!!

LUMPY shoots his TOMMY GUN into the BRUSH.

Jack: (cont'd) No!

JACK hears a BODY DROPPING to the GROUND.

Jack: (cont'd) No...

Fearing that ANN might be DEAD, JACK runs off to INVESTIGATE. LUMPY, JIMMY, HAYES and the OTHERS follow JACK.

WIDE ON:

JACK, LUMPY, JIMMY, HAYES and the OTHERS emerge from the BRUSH, only to DISCOVER...

ANGLE ON:

...a FATALLY WOUNDED BRUTORNIS lying on the GROUND and DYING.

JACK carefully JUMPS over the BRUTORNIS and resumes his JOURNEY.

WIDE ON:

HAYES and the FEW REMAINING SAILORS carefully STEP over the DYING BRUTORNIS and follow JACK.

LUMPY puts the BRUTORNIS out of its MISERY by SHOOTING it in the HEAD with his TOMMY GUN.

ANGLE ON:

ANN has just HEARD the GUNSHOTS and tries to FIND OUT where they're coming from.

EXT. LOG CHASM - DAY

WIDE ANGLE:

DENHAM, JACK, HAYES, LUMPY, JIMMY, PRESTON and the remaining CREW have arrived at a DARK, VINE ENTANGLED CHASM... spanning the narrow, but deadly RAVINE is a SINGLE FALLEN TREE.

WEAK SUNLIGHT filters through the DARK CANOPY above casting a SICKLY GREEN HUE over the place.

WIDE ON:

HAYES, followed by JIMMY, leads the GROUP across the SLIMY, MOSS covered LOG... the going is treacherous.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM struggling with the CAMERA... JACK follows HAYES... LUMPY helps CHOY. They put one foot in front of the other, trying not to let the DROP unnerve them.

ANGLE ON:

HAYES suddenly stops... tensely scanning the DARK RUINS on the other side of the CHASM...

CREEPY POV:

...something is watching the MEN on the LOG.

Jimmy: (low voice) What is it?

HAYES motions for JIMMY to be quiet. He stares intently into the DARKNESS of the FOREBODING RUINS.

Jimmy: (cont'd, whispering) Mr. Hayes...?

HAYES turns and looks at JIMMY.

Hayes: If anything happens, I want you to run. Understand?

Jimmy: I'm not a coward – I ain't gonna run.

Hayes: (gently) It's not about being brave, Jimmy. It's about staying alive.

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY looking at HAYES uneasily, as he continues across the LOG.

EXT. FAR EDGE OF CHASM - DAY

ANGLE ON:

HAYES is the first to step off the LOG, to the safety of the FAR BANK.

Ahead, some RUINS have collapsed, creating a LONG DARK TUNNEL.

CLOSE ON:

HAYES ... peers into the DARKNESS of the TUNNEL.

ANGLE ON:

A PAIR of GLEAMING EYES, reflecting LIGHT... rushing towards HAYES.

Hayes: Go back!

Jack: Jimmy...

Hayes: Back across the log!

The GROUP on the LOG FREEZE, start to BACK AWAY, slipping and sliding on the WET MOSS.

Jimmy: I ain't gonna run!

Hayes: Jack, get Jimmy out of here!

Jimmy: No!

Jack: Get back! Get back!

ANGLE ON:

HAYES SHOOTS into the DARKNESS of the TUNNEL.

WIDE ON:

JACK keeps JIMMY from being KILLED while BACKING AWAY with the OTHERS on the LOG.

Jack: (cont'd) Jimmy, go back!

KONG rampages out of the TUNNEL MOUTH. He SNATCHES HAYES with one SWEEP of his HAND.

CLOSE ON:

HAYES in KONG's HAND...

JIMMY yells.

KONG's GAZE turns toward the MEN on the LOG.

Jimmy: No! Let him go! (to HAYES) Kill him! Kill him!

Hayes: (to KONG) Look at me! Look at me!

Jimmy: (desperate) Bring him down, Mr. Hayes!

SLOWLY, HAYES begins to lift his PISTOL up... KONG's GAZE locks back on HAYES...

Hayes: (deadly calm) You've gotta run, Jimmy.

Jimmy: No! I ain't gonna run!

Hayes: Do as I say. (to JIMMY) Go with Jack... all of you. That's an order.

KONG stares at HAYES a BEAT...

HAYES suddenly raises his PISTOL at KONG to shoot.

Hayes: (cont'd) Run!!

ANGLE ON:

KONG HURLS HAYES at the SAILORS... he flies over their heads like a RAG DOLL, smashes against the FAR WALL of the RAVINE with a sickening CRUNCH and falls into the CHASM below.

Jimmy: No!

JIMMY runs at KONG, blinded by tears of GRIEF and RAGE... JACK KNOCKS him down and SHOOTS at KONG.

Jack: (desperate) Shoot him!

WILD SHOOTING from the SAILORS, as they try to maintain BALANCE on the LOG.

KONG ROARS... the DESPERATE SAILORS try to go back across the RAVINE.

KONG runs towards the LOG.

Jack: (cont'd) Uh-oh! Hang on; this is gonna be bad!

KONG'S FIST smashes at the LOG, knocking the men off balance. A SAILOR plummets off into the CHASM below.

EXT. THICK JUNGLE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

ANN hurrying through the JUNGLE... hearing the sound of gunfire.

Ann: Hey! Here! Over here!

She runs up the bank towards the noise.

EXT. FAR EDGE OF CHASM - DAY

WIDE ON:

KONG has LIFTED the END of the LOG.

JACK, DENHAM, LUMPY, CHOY, JIMMY, PRESTON and THREE SAILORS hold on for dear life... as KONG vigorously TWISTS and SHAKES the LOG, bucking the MEN into the air.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM skates on the MOSS and his CAMERA slides away, becoming WEDGED in the fork of a STUMP.

ALL AROUND, panicked SAILORS are SHOOTING WILDLY, but fear and lack of balance throws their AIM OFF.

TWO SAILORS FALL... CHOY scrambles for something to grab.

Choy: Lumpy! Help me!

LUMPY desperately tries to reach CHOY'S hand... but CHOY slips away into the ABYSS.

KONG ROARS with FRUSTRATION, and TOSSES the ENTIRE LOG into the CHASM.

QUICK IMAGE:

DENHAM, PRESTON, JACK, JIMMY and LUMPY gripping the LOG as it FALLS.

QUICK IMAGE:

PRESTON thrown off the LOG halfway down... he manages to GRAB onto a ROCKY SHELF.

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON is nearest to the FAR BANK... he LEAPS, and MANAGES to catch hold of some hanging VINES, hauling himself up to safety.

ANGLE ON:

The LOG plummets into a web of VINES, which arrest its FALL and sends it FLIPPING end on end, throwing the MEN CLEAR into mid-air... DENHAM, JACK and LUMPY land in SOFT MUD which cushions the impact of the LANDING.

EXT. VALLEY EDGE - DAY

ANN suddenly spins around... the DISTANT SOUND of approaching FOOTSTEPS through the dense JUNGLE. A flicker of hope in ANN'S eyes. She starts hurrying towards the FOOTSTEPS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN sees a distant PLUME of SMOKE – over FOUR MILES AWAY... she hesitates.

She SLOWLY turns towards the SOUND of the FOOTSTEPS, which are now VERY CLOSE.

Suddenly, a LARGE eight-foot tall FOETODON is in the GLADE before her, feasting on the CARCASS of a LIGOCRISTUS.

ANGLE ON:

ANN as she quietly backtracks... she accidentally STEPS on a BRANCH. The FOETODON pauses, as if SENSING something. Its NOSTRILS twitch. She ducks behind a WIDE TREE.

ANGLE ON:

ANN PEERING around from behind the TREE... there is another FOETODON BEHIND HER. It snares at her... and pounces.

ANN leaps away... she barely has time to start running before the FOETODON GIVES CHASE.

ANGLE ON:

ANN races past the first FOETODON... the creature turns its head... and soon BOTH DINOSAURS are pursuing ANN.

EXT. HOLLOW TREE GLADE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

ANN desperately heads towards the TANGLED ROOT SYSTEM of a HUGE TREE. She throws herself forward, as the FOETODON'S JAWS snap above her head.

ANGLE ON:

ANN ROLLS and SCRAMBLES into a HOLLOW under the ROTTEN TREE.

ANGLE ON:

The FOETODON CLAWS at the TREE, trying to get at ANN.

ANN is lying beneath the ROOTS... all she can see are LEGS and SLAVERING SNOUTS. The DINOSAUR RAMS its nose into the NARROW GAP.

SUDDENLY, ANN sees the LEGS of one of her pursuers LIFT off the GROUND – its clawed feet thrashing in mid-air.

The SECOND FOETODON turns and FLEES into the JUNGLE, as ANN is forced to watch the twitching legs SHUDDER and FLAIL.

The SOUND of BONE CRUNCHING...

CRACK.

The FOETODON'S LEGS SPASM and go limp.

ANN is completely still, she dare not breathe... whatever killed the FOETODON is now inches from her hiding PLACE.

CLOSE ON:

ANN'S FACE... as she sees something CRAWLING above her.

CLOSE ON:

A DARK HOLE, beneath the tree... Long FEELERS probe along the ROOF of the hole as a HUGE MEGAPEDE CRAWLS towards her. ANN doesn't move as it inches towards her face. Suddenly she feels another crawling up over her shoulder.

ANN FREAKS. She desperately scrambles away from the MEGAPEDES... rolls out on the OTHER SIDE of the TREE and stands to RUN...

...TOWERING above her, with the DEAD FOETODON hanging limply from its HUGE JAWS, is a VASTATOSAURUS REX.

ANN starts RUNNING. The VASTATOSAURUS crashes after her with the DEAD FOETODON still in its MOUTH... as SHE races through the JUNGLE, dodging TREES, leaping over FALLEN LOGS, smashing through BUSHES, the VASTATOSAURUS POUNDING ever closer in pursuit. ANN can feel its hot sour BREATH blowing on the back of her neck. The HUGE JAWS of the HUGE BEAST open INCHES from ANN'S HEAD.

EXT. VALLEY EDGE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

ANN slips down a MUDDY BANK, rolls over a LOG, and CRASHES NOISILY through a THICKET of PALMS...

EXT. FALLEN TREE GLADE - DAY

ANGLE ON:

ANN'S LUNGS are bursting, but the VASTATOSAURUS is GAINING on her... she manages to scramble onto a FALLEN TREE that juts out over a small CLIFF. ANN clings onto the MOSSY LOG, and crawls towards the END... the VASTATOSAURUS cannot possibly follow her. She falls among the roots, lying as flat as possible, praying the VASTATOSAURUS doesn't see her. It seems to work and it walks off.

ANN HESITANTLY SITS up, thinking that she is at last free, only to turn and discover another is behind her.

With an almost delicate movement, the VASTATOSAURUS nudges the LOG with its head... causing it to lurch dramatically. The VASTATOSAURUS pushes HARDER, sending ANN over the SIDE... she just manages to grab hold of a BRANCH as she FALLS. ANN hangs on desperately...

SHE SCREAMS.

ANN is HELPLESS... The VASTATOSAURUS positions its HEAD for the FINAL LUNGE – gaping JAWS OPEN impossibly WIDE...

AT THAT MOMENT:

KONG CHARGES.

KONG meets the VASTATOSAURUS HEAD-ON at FULL SPEED. He swings, with his FOOT smashing the VASTATOSAURUS against the FALLEN LOG...

ANN loses her GRASP and FALLS... as the DINOSAUR SPRAWLS onto the ground beside her... in a flash, KONG CATCHES HER mid-fall... ROLLING AWAY as the VASTATOSAURUS LEAPS UP and tries to take another swipe.

The VASTATOSAURUS charges... KONG GRABS it by the NECK and holds it BACK, keeping it AWAY FROM ANN.

ANN is WINDED... she clings to KONG'S FINGERS as he keeps holding back the VASTATOSAURUS with one hand.

SUDDENLY, she turns her head and sees...

...A SECOND VASTATOSAURUS emerging from the JUNGLE. It heads right TOWARD ANN, who is still in KONG'S HAND.

Ann: No!!

The SECOND VASTATOSAURUS advances toward ANN, still in KONG'S HAND as he continues to hold the FIRST VASTATOSAURUS at bay.

Ann: (cont'd) Oh my!

KONG SUDDENLY turns his head and SEES the SECOND VASTATOSAURUS advancing toward him and ANN with incredible SPEED – gaping JAWS OPEN impossibly WIDE...

ANN SCREAMS.

The SECOND VASTATOSAURUS ATTACKS. It comes charging into shot, grabbing KONG'S ARM in his JAWS. KONG ROARS, sending both VASTATOSAURUSES SPRAWLING TO THE GROUND. The FIRST VASTATOSAURUS scrambles back to its feet. KONG holds ANN protectively as he braces himself for the FIGHT OF HIS LIFE. The TWO VASTATOSAURUSES CIRCLE him... when SUDDENLY, A THIRD VASTATOSAURUS comes from behind.

They ATTACK KONG and ANN... a BREATHTAKING FIGHT to the DEATH. KONG fights like a madman on three separate fronts... Not only does he have to do battle with the VASTATOSAURUSES, he is also PROTECTING ANN – constantly transferring her from ONE HAND to THE OTHER as the VASTATOSAURUSES SNAP AT HER HEELS.

KONG punches and smashes with his fists, but he also uses wrestling-style headlocks and flips... for a brief moment, ANN rolls free on the ground and has to dodge 25-foot DINOSAURS and the GORILLA, as the frenzied fight THUNDERS all around her.

The FIRST VASTATOSAURUS is taken out when KONG LIFTS up a HUGE BOULDER and SMASHES it against the VASTATOSAURUS'S HEAD.

The OTHER TWO VASTATOSAURUSES charge at KONG and ATTACK HIM from BOTH SIDES.

KONG and the TWO VASTATOSAURUSES slide down on to a ROCKY OUTCROP.

KONG outs the SECOND VASTATOSAURUS in a HEADLOCK, FLIPPING it over his shoulder, and throwing it down into the CHASM. CLINGING ONTO THE LEDGE, KONG PULLS THE FIRST VASTATOSAURUS OFF THE LEDGE... BUT AS IT FALLS, it SNAPS AT KONG'S FOOT.

KONG ROARS IN PAIN AND TOGETHER, THEY FALL DOWN INTO THE CHASM... DOWN INTO THE VINES. KONG CONTINUES TO FIGHT THE VASTATOSAURUS, AS ANN IS LEFT SWINGING, CAUGHT UP IN THE VINES... TOWARD THE SECOND VASTATOSAURUS. IT SNAPS AT HER AS SHE COMES WITHIN INCHES OF ITS JAWS.

WIDE ON:

KONG SEES AND CLIMBS UP TOWARDS IT, PULLING IT DOWN. THEY ALL TUMBLE DEEPER INTO THE CHASM, AND SUDDENLY, ANN FINDS HERSELF DANGLING FROM THE JAWS OF THE VASTATOSAURUS ABOVE THE JAWS OF ANOTHER. KONG SWINGS AND KICKS THE VASTATOSAURUS IN THE HEAD... ANN LOSES HER GRIP AND PLUMMETS DOWN... VINES BREAKING AS SHE FALLS. AND more SMASHING AGAINST THE CHASM WALLS... SHE FALLS AND LANDS ON THE HEAD OF ANOTHER. SHE FALLS AGAIN. SHE LANDS INTO A MUD PATCH IN THE SWAMP.

SHE STANDS UP, ALL MUDDY, TERRIFIED AND AFRAID. SHE RUNS. IT CHASES.

EXT. CLEARING - DAY

WIDE ON:

ANN faces the VASTATOSAURUS. SUDDENLY, KONG THUDS DOWN BEHIND HER... GLARING AT THE DINOSAUR... ANN FINDS HERSELF CAUGHT BETWEEN THE TWO BEASTS. ANN WEIGHS UP HER OPTIONS BETWEEN BOTH... and for a moment, ANN and KONG LOCK EYES. SHE THEN BACKS BENEATH THE LOOMING FIGURE OF KONG.

THE VASTATOSAURUS SNARLS at KONG and he ROARS BACK... KONG THROWS ANN GENTLY to the side as HE and the VASTATOSAURUS LUNGE at each other.

KONG GRABS ITS JAWS in BOTH HANDS forcing it OPEN and BITING the VASTATOSAURUS'S TONGUE. HE ROLLS the VASTATOSAURUS over and over, using all his strength to force the VASTATOSAURUS'S JAWS OPEN before RIPPING them clean APART at the HINGE, and then KILLS IT by CRUSHING ITS SKULL. The VASTATOSAURUS sprawls back, DEAD.

KONG is PANTING HEAVILY... he has been BITTEN, RAKED and CUT. He puts his foot on the LAST VASTATOSAURUS and BEATS HIS CHEST, TRIUMPHANTLY with a DEAFENING ROAR.

WIDE ON:

KONG KICKS THE DINOSAUR OUT THE WAY.

KONG ROARS ANGRILY – his blood is up, he is ready to take on the world. HE STANDS NEXT TO ANN, BUT HE WON'T LOOK AT HER DIRECTLY.

ANN is VISIBLY DISTRESSED and OVERWHELMED by what just HAPPENED.

KONG has DEADLY INTENT in his EYES.

The EMOTIONAL and PHYSICAL TRAUMA of this ORDEAL drives ANN to the VERGE of TEARS.

ANGLE ON:

ANN gets down on her KNEES and CRIES.

WIDE ON:

TEARS fall from her EYES as she continues CRYING.

CLOSE ON:

ANN suddenly feels KONG'S HAND CLOSING around her and LIFTING her into the AIR.

WIDE ON:

KONG sees that ANN is feeling very SAD and CRYING.

He also NOTICES that she is all DIRTY and FILTHY from the MUD PATCH she FELL into during his BATTLE with the VASTATOSAURUSES.

CLOSE ON:

ANN looks directly at KONG while still feeling SAD.

Ann: (sniffs) I need a bath.

EXT. JUNGLE VALLEY - DAY

WIDE ON:

KONG has just arrived at a NEARBY SECLUDED VALLEY with ANN in his HAND.

ANGLE ON:

ANN is being carried somewhere in the VALLEY while still in KONG'S HAND.

She is SWUNG with his natural ARM MOTION to make EARTH and HEAVEN become a REVOLVING BLUR.

CLOSE ON:

There is a RUSHING SOUND RISING as ANN suddenly FEELS WATER pouring over her.

WIDE ON:

KONG is HOLDING ANN under a BEAUTIFUL CRYSTAL WATERFALL.

CLOSE ON:

ANN suddenly REALIZES that KONG is not ATTEMPTING to DROWN her.

Her EXPRESSION changes from SADNESS to HAPPINESS as KONG is giving her a BATH.

ANGLE ON:

KONG turns ANN this way and that, WASHING all the MUD off of her.

He PULLS her out from under the WATERFALL and STARES at her.

CLOSE ON:

ANN looks at the GIANT GORILLA... the tension seems to go out of her body, she relaxes in his HAND... for the first time since coming to SKULL ISLAND, she feels SAFE and HAPPY.

She gives him a WARM and FRIENDLY SMILE.

Ann: Thank you... for saving my life.

CLOSE ON:

KONG continues to STARE at ANN.

CLOSE ON:

ANN LOOKS down BELOW the WATERFALL and sees...

WIDE ON:

...a PURE, CRYSTAL CLEAR POOL.

CLOSE ON:

ANN stands up while in KONG'S HAND and LIFTS UP HER ARMS as she PREPARES to go for a SWIM.

She PUTS HER ARMS DOWN for a moment, TURNS her HEAD and LOOKS at KONG with a VERY BEAUTIFUL SMILE.

Ann: (cont'd) This is my gift to you.

She TURNS her HEAD back to the WATER and LIFTS HER ARMS back up.

ANGLE ON:

ANN DIVES off KONG'S HAND and into the JUNGLE STREAM just above the LIP of the FALLS.

She PLUNGES about TWENTY FEET or so down the FACE of the SILVERY FALLS.

WIDE ON:

With a SPLASH, ANN HITS the WATER below and SWIMS UNDER in a FIRMAMENT of BUBBLES.

CLOSE ON:

ANN surfaces and starts SWIMMING.

She PERFORMS a FREESTYLE STROKE, or FRONT CRAWL, with ALTERNATING ARM MOVEMENTS and FLUTTER KICKS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG SITS DOWN on the GROUND and watches ANN swimming in the POOL.

WIDE ON:

ANN continues PERFORMING the FREESTYLE STROKE while swimming.

CLOSE ON:

KONG observes ANN'S STROKE movements as he watches her SWIM.

CLOSE ON:

ANN finishes the FREESTYLE STROKE, then PERFORMS a BACKSTROKE with MORE ALTERNATING ARM MOVEMENTS and MORE FLUTTER KICKS.

ANGLE ON:

KONG continues to observe ANN'S STROKE movements while watching her SWIM.

CLOSE ON:

ANN completes the BACKSTROKE, then PERFORMS a SIDESTROKE with MORE ALTERNATIVE ARM MOVEMENTS and SCISSOR KICKS.

WIDE ON:

KONG begins to BECOME VERY FASCINATED by ANN'S SWIMMING ABILITIES.

CLOSE ON:

ANN continues PERFORMING the SIDESTROKE, first to the LEFT, then to the RIGHT.

CLOSE ON:

KONG continues to watch ANN SWIM, and he becomes more and more FASCINATED.

WIDE ON:

ANN finishes the SIDESTROKE, then PERFORMS a BREASTSTROKE with CIRCULAR ARM MOVEMENTS and FROG KICKS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG starts to become VERY IMPRESSED by ANN'S SWIMMING ABILITIES.

ANGLE ON:

ANN completes the BREASTSTROKE, then PERFORMS a BUTTERFLY STROKE with SYNCHRONOUS ARM MOVEMENTS and DOLPHIN KICKS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG continues to watch ANN SWIM, and he becomes more and more IMPRESSED.

CLOSE ON:

ANN finishes the BUTTERFLY STROKE, then PERFORMS a DOG PADDLE with CIRCULAR SCOOPING ARM MOVEMENTS and more FLUTTER KICKS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG becomes VERY DELIGHTED by ANN'S SWIMMING SKILLS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN completes the DOG PADDLE, then PERFORMS a HEAD-FIRST SURFACE DIVE.

CLOSE ON:

KONG sees ANN performing a HEAD-FIRST SURFACE DIVE.

ANGLE ON:

ANN GOES UNDERWATER with the BREASTSTROKE MOTION, then PERFORMS her SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING MOVES with different ARM MOTIONS, KICKS and LEG POSITIONS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG becomes VERY CAPTIVATED by ANN'S SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING MOVES.

ANGLE ON:

ANN finishes PERFORMING her SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING MOVES, then SWIMS BACK UP to the SURFACE.

CLOSE ON:

ANN SURFACES with her ARMS raised HIGH in the AIR and a BIG GRIN on HER FACE.

Ann: Ta-da!!

ANN lets out a VERY HAPPY LAUGH.

CLOSE ON:

KONG becomes REALLY IMPRESSED with ANN'S graceful SWIMMING SKILLS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN finally RELAXES by FLOATING on HER BACK.

Ann: (cont'd) Wow. This feels nice. Quite soothing... so refreshing... and very relaxing.

She lets out a PEACEFUL SIGH as she FLOATS on HER BACK.

WIDE ON:

KONG watches ANN float gracefully on her BACK in the WATER.

CLOSE ON:

ANN continues FLOATING on HER BACK in the WATER.

Ann: (cont'd) Ahh... everything is so peaceful here.

WIDE ON:

ANN lets out ANOTHER PEACEFUL SIGH as she continues FLOATING on HER BACK.

CLOSE ON:

KONG is VERY DELIGHTED with ANN'S graceful SWIMMING ABILITIES.

CLOSE ON:

ANN continues to FLOAT on HER BACK in the WATER.

CLOSE ON:

KONG suddenly TURNS HIS HEAD and SEES that it's GETTING LATE.

He STANDS UP and prepares to RETRIEVE ANN from the WATER.

CLOSE ON:

ANN also SEES that it's GETTING VERY LATE and stops FLOATING by bringing her KNEES to her CHEST and LIFTING her HEAD.

ANN'S POV

KONG approaches and lowers his HAND into the WATER.

WIDE ON:

ANN performs one last FREESTYLE STROKE as she SWIMS toward KONG'S HAND.

CLOSE ON:

ANN climbs back into KONG'S HAND.

Ann: (cont'd) That's enough swimming for one day.

WIDE ON:

KONG gently lifts ANN out of the WATER.

CLOSE ON:

KONG parts his FINGERS slightly, letting the WATER run out.

KONG'S POV

ANN is in his PALM, the WHITENESS in the CENTER of SHIMMERY RAINBOW RINGS of COLOR and WETNESS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG'S CHEEKS expand like GIANT BALLOONS.

He blows on ANN.

CLOSE ON:

ANN is suddenly AMAZED by the THOUGHTFULNESS of KONG and realizes that she is KNEELING under the ultimate HAIR and DRESS DRYER.

She is on her KNEES, EYES CLOSED and HEAD bent forward. Her HAIR STREAMS behind as she is blown dry by KONG'S GUSTS of his WARM BREATH.

Ann: (cont'd) Mmm... this feels so good.

ANN experiences a CALM, PEACEFUL and RELAXING SENSATION as she is being blown dry by KONG'S BREATH.

CLOSE ON:

KONG blows on ANN a FEW MORE TIMES with his WARM BREATH, and then STOPS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN gently SHAKES her HEAD from SIDE to SIDE, letting her HAIR dry FASTER, then opens her EYES.

Ann: (cont'd) Ahh... much better.

ANN experiences the PLEASURE of being DRY and CLEAN.

SUDDENLY, she is being LIFTED off KONG'S HAND and into the AIR.

Ann: (cont'd) What...? Oh!

ANGLE ON:

KONG places ANN onto his SHOULDER as they prepare to bound off into the DEEP JUNGLE INTERIOR.

ANN HOLDS ON tightly to KONG'S SHOULDER as they leave the VALLEY together.

WIDE ON:

KONG leaves the VALLEY and heads for the JUNGLE with ANN in TOW.

CLOSE ON:

ANN HANGS ON for dear life as KONG GALLOPS out of the VALLEY and into the JUNGLE.

KONG moves SWIFTLY and POWERFULLY through the JUNGLE with ANN on his SHOULDER.

CLOSE ON:

ANN relaxes on KONG'S SHOULDER and lets out a SIGH OF RELIEF as she ENJOYS THE RIDE through the JUNGLE.

EXT. BOTTOM OF CHASM - DAY

CLOSE ON:

JACK STIRRING, immediately hearing the SCUTTLE OF INSECTS. HE ROLLS OVER and sees HUGE ARACHNO-CLAWS CRAWLING INTO THE PIT.

HE staggers to his FEET, REACHES INTO HIS PACK and PULLS out A FLARE. He THROWS it at the ARACHNO-CLAWS. They CRAWL OFF.

DENHAM is lying nearby.

Jack: Carl!

DENHAM STIRS, MUMBLING IN PAIN, BUT ALIVE.

JACK SEES JIMMY.

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY is looking VACANTLY into space, JACK kneels down.

Jack: (cont'd) Jimmy?

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY looks up at JACK. There are tears filling his eyes. He falls into JACK'S arms, softly sobbing.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM sitting up... dawning realization in his eyes.

LUMPY, his back to CHOY... he HOLDS CHOY'S HAND... but CHOY'S FINGERS SLIDE LIMPLY out of LUMPY'S HAND... LUMPY TURNS TO CHOY... ONLY TO SEE THAT HE has DIED.

ANGLE ON:

HAYES'S eyes closed, his FACE peaceful, lying DEAD on the floor of the RAVINE.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM PEERING over a ROCK. The wreckage of the CAMERA lies smashed and broken on the CHASM floor... a thin, shiny, thread of black FILM trailing from the smashed CAMERA body like spilled innards.

DENHAM reaches out and touches the EXPOSED FILM... his dreams DESTROYED.

WIDE ON:

THE FLARE SLOWLY DIES.

CLOSE ON:

JACK cradling JIMMY in his ARMS. HE LOOKS UP as he SEES the INSECTS CRAWL BACK.

ANGLE ON:

A HUGE six-foot CARNICTIS squirms out. It crawls blindly towards LUMPY and CHOY.

ANGLE ON:

LUMPY pulling CHOY'S BODY to safety, but both are ATTACKED by WETA-REXES, the size of dogs.

JACK tries to PULL THE GIANT WETA-REX OFF LUMPY, but instead, it TURNS on him. More GIANT WETA-REXES JUMP at JACK.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is WIELDING a short stick like a CLUB... he smashes the WETA-REXES and HUGE DECARNOCIMEXES in a psychotic explosion of RAGE, pulverizing their bodies into the DIRT.

A SAILOR is ATTACKED and KILLED by a GIANT DEPLECTOR.

LUMPY and CHOY are CONSUMED by the nightmarish CARNICTISES.

All around, MONSTROSITIES OF NATURE emerge from DANK BURROWS and crawl towards the JACK, DENHAM and JIMMY... these are HUGE ARACHNO-CLAWS, DECARNOCIMEXES, DEPLECTORS, CARNICTISES, WETA-REXES and ABYSCIDISES – combinations of SPIDERS, CRABS, MANTISES and CENTIPEDES.

SUDDENLY, JIMMY notices the TOMMY GUN sticking out of JACK'S PACK.

GRABBING IT, he aims at the INSECTS on JACK.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

The GIANT INSECTS are blown apart.

JACK looks wildly around for DENHAM. THEY SEE that they're SURROUNDED BY ARACHNO-CLAWS.

ANGLE ON:

JACK desperately swings at the WETA-REXES with a STICK, whacking and stabbing them.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

GUNSHOTS RING OUT. ARACHNO-CLAWS SWARM out of HOLES in the CLIFF AND DIE. JACK spins around... confused.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN and a COUPLE of SAILORS OPEN FIRE from the LIP of the CHASM, SHOOTING the ARACHNO-CLAWS into SMITHEREENS.

Englehorn: Don't move! Stay away from the walls!!

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE SWINGS down from above, clinging to a VINE... TOMMY GUN BLAZING.

Bruce: Coming through!!

BRUCE proceeds to lay waste to the INSECTS... those not blasted apart, scurrying away, back into the darkness.

Englehorn: Get out of there now! Climb!!

CLOSE ON:

BRUCE slides down the ROPE to the BOTTOM of the CHASM and finishes off the rest of the INSECTS.

Bruce: Nobody get in my way!

Jack: (excited) Bruce Baxter, you're a sight for sore eyes!

BRUCE'S POV

He blasts apart an ARACHNO-CLAW with his TOMMY GUN.

CLOSE ON:

JACK helps JIMMY to escape while BRUCE finishes off the other INSECTS.

Jack: (cont'd) Come on, Jimmy. Let's go. Get up the rope. Let's go. Hurry up!

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY starts to CLIMB up the ROPE, but STOPS for a moment and WALKS OVER to HAYES'S dead body.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY picks up HAYES'S CAP and brushes it CLEAN. In a moment of SILENT GRIEF-STRICKEN REVERENCE, he HONORS his fallen FRIEND.

Jimmy: May you rest in peace, Mr. Hayes.

Jack: Jimmy... if you're done mourning, let's go.

Jimmy: Right.

WIDE ON:

JIMMY places the CAP on his own HEAD.

Jack: Come on.

Jimmy: Okay.

CLOSE ON:

JACK helps JIMMY CLIMB up the ROPE.

Jack: Go.

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY CLIMBS UP the ROPE to GET out of the CHASM.

WIDE ON:

JACK tries to FIGURE OUT what HE should do next.

Denham: (O.S.) Just as you go down... for the third and final time...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM is lost in THOUGHT as he LAMENTS his own IMMINENT DOOM.

Denham: (cont'd) ...as your head disappears beneath the waves... and your lungs fill with water... do you know what happens in those last precious seconds before you drown?

WIDE ON:

BRUCE tries to SNAP DENHAM back to REALITY and help him OUT of the CHASM.

Bruce: Come on, buddy, we don't have time for this! Get up the rope! Come on, get out of here! Come on!

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM still lost in THOUGHT as he HOLDS ON to the ROPE.

Denham: Your whole life passes before your eyes... and if you've lived as a true American... you get to watch it all in color!

WIDE ON:

BRUCE still trying to help DENHAM get OUT of the CHASM.

Bruce: (chuckles) Oh, and you will. Now why don't you be a good man and climb up the rope, huh? Come on.

DENHAM finally snaps back to REALITY and CLIMBS UP the ROPE to get out of the CHASM.

CLOSE ON:

JACK CONTEMPLATES on what he should do next in order to CONTINUE his PURSUIT of ANN.

Bruce: (cont'd, O.S.) Come on, Driscoll, let's go!! You'd better get a move on if you know what's good for you!

JACK'S POV

He looks UPWARD toward the OPENING of the CHASM.

EXT. JUNGLE - DAY

Moving purposefully along a well-known route to his LAIR, KONG launches himself across a LOW CHASM... one hand holding ANN protectively to his CHEST and the other hand reaching out to clutch at THICK VINES on the other side...

SUDDENLY, the THICK VINES TEAR AWAY from the side of the CHASM WALL... KONG falls backwards with ANN still clutched protectively to his CHEST. They land with a THUD.

ANN looks up alarmed.

Ann: Oh, dear!

KONG scrambles to his feet, GROWLING... he places ANN on the GROUND pushing her protectively behind him.

KONG POV:

LOOMING out of the CHASM WALL is a HUGE FACE.

CLOSE ON:

ANN as her expression suddenly changes from FEAR to DAWNING COMPREHENSION.

ANN walks past KONG... who emits another LOW, WARNING GROWL.

Ann: (cont'd) Hey! It's all right... it's okay... I've got this.

ANN reaches the WALL and begins to pull away more of the VINES and CREEPERS to reveal...

A life-size and very life-like eroded STATUE of a SITTING GIANT GORILLA... the IMAGE of KONG...

ANN turns back excitedly to KONG, trying to make him understand.

Ann: (cont'd) Look – it's you... Kong. See... you. Kong. This is you.

KONG looks from ANN to the HUGE STATUE...

KONG POV:

ANN is dwarfed by the STONE MONOLITH.

PUSH IN on KONG... a growing sense of REALIZATION as he comes to understand the STATUE is, in fact, a reflection of himself.

CLOSE ON:

KONG looking down at his hands... it's as if he is seeing his GNARLED, LEATHERY FINGERS for the first time.

ANN moves towards KONG... he looks at her... there is a VULNERABLE EXPRESSION on his FACE... FEAR and SADNESS well in his EYES.

EXT. SKULL MOUNTAIN - DUSK

In VERTIGO-INDUCING shots, KONG climbs HIGHER and HIGHER – up into the HIGHEST PEAK of SKULL ISLAND... carefully cradling ANN in his hand.

A sudden FLAP OF WINGS and FLICKERING SHADOW causes KONG to pull ANN close to his chest as a sinister TERAPUSMORDAX lunges at her... these SCAVENGERS hover in the SKIES around SKULL MOUNTAIN... they have eight-foot wing spans and CLAWED FEET. Their faces are more reptile than bat.

EXT. KONG'S LAIR - DUSK

WIDE ON:

KONG steps out of a LARGE ROUND CAVE onto a LEDGE that juts out high over SKULL ISLAND...

This is KONG'S LAIR... Over the ledge is a DIZZYING DROP of at least A THOUSAND FEET down to the JUNGLE.

The VENTURE can be seen – moored off the TIP of the ISLAND, some three miles away.

ANGLE ON:

KONG gently places ANN on the GROUND... ANN watches as he moves away and sits to one side of the LEDGE.

The SKY is a FIERY ORANGE as the SUN goes down... SILHOUETTING the FIGURE of KONG...

CLOSE ON:

ANN looks around the CAVE taking in her STRANGE SURROUNDINGS... her eyes fall upon a HUGE GORILLA SKULL and SKELETON which lie within the recesses of the CAVE...

ANN turns and looks back at KONG... realizing these are the BONES of his FOREBEARS... that KONG was not always alone.

A SUDDEN flutter in the DARK recesses of the LAIR, a SINISTER SOUND, sends ANN scurrying towards KONG...

KONG won't look at her.

ANN performs a DANCE... NO RESPONSE. She leans down and picks up some STONES... JUGGLING them, attempting to amuse him as she did before.

KONG's gaze remains averted... he looks out over the JUNGLE CANOPY. ANN follows his GAZE, taking in the RUGGED LANDSCAPE which is bathed in the last EVENING RAYS of the SUN. She stares out to sea, a RAIN CLOUD casts shadows over the OCEAN.

Ann: (softly) It's beautiful.

KONG sits QUIETLY staring out over the JUNGLE... she looks up at him.

Ann: (cont'd) Beautiful.

ANN places her HAND against her heart.

Ann: (cont'd) Beau-ti-ful.

KONG'S BIG PAW unfurls beside ANN... she hesitates for a moment, then CLIMBS into it.

ANGLE ON:

KONG gently lifts ANN...

WIDE ON:

KONG with ANN, high above the JUNGLE, as the last of the DUSK LIGHT FADES.

EXT. LOG CHASM - DAY

CLOSE ON:

HANDS reach down as ENGLEHORN and a SAILOR PULL PRESTON up the last stretch of the ROPE... ENGLEHORN turns and sees JACK climbing towards the TOP of the CHASM... TWO SAILORS reaching down to help him.

Denham: Oh, thank God.

Englehorn: Don't thank God; thank Mr. Baxter.

CLOSE ON:

BRUCE PULLING HIMSELF UP THE ROPE, gasping from exertion.

Englehorn: (cont'd) He insisted on a rescue mission. Me? I knew you'd be okay...

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM looks up to see ENGLEHORN standing at the top of the CHASM. ENGLEHORN is watching him IMPASSIVELY.

Bruce: Just so you know... if it wasn't for me, you and your friends would've been bug chow!

Englehorn: That's the thing about cockroaches; no matter how many times you flush them down the toilet, they always crawl back up the bowl!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM as he rises to his feet.

Denham: Hey, buddy! I'm out of the bowl! I'm drying off my wings and trekking across the lid!

ENGLEHORN LOOKS at DENHAM a BEAT.

Englehorn: You really wanna know something, Denham? It's a pity you didn't die with Hayes and all the others.

ENGLEHORN LOOKS across the CHASM in SURPRISE. DENHAM FOLLOWS HIS GAZE.

WIDE ON:

JACK at the TOP of the opposite side of the CHASM... a solitary figure, bloodied and torn.

Jack: I'll be seeing you.

JACK turns to LEAVE.

Englehorn: Driscoll... don't be a fool! Give it up; it's useless! She's dead.

Jack: No, she's not.

ENGLEHORN gets a very CONFUSED look on his own FACE.

Denham: (quietly) She's not dead. Jack's gonna bring her back.

ENGLEHORN turns to DENHAM.

Denham: (cont'd) And the ape will be hard on his heels. That's where we come in. We can still come out of this thing okay... (pause) More than okay. Think about it. We came here to make a picture, only to discover something worth more than all the movies in the world. That's what this is about! Don't you see? You've got a boat full of chloroform we can put to good use.

ENGLEHORN looks at DENHAM for a BEAT.

Englehorn: You want to trap the ape. Is that what you're telling me?

ENGLEHORN LAUGHS.

Englehorn: (cont'd) I don't think so. Besides that, he's on top of a cliff where a whole army couldn't get at him.

Denham: If he stays there... but we can use this to our advantage! Isn't that what you do? Live animal capture? I heard you were the best.

ENGLEHORN stares at DENHAM for a moment; it is impossible to know what he is thinking.

Englehorn: We'll see, Denham. We'll see.

DENHAM turns to JACK, who is still STANDING on the OPPOSITE SIDE of the CHASM.

Denham: Jack!

JACK looks at DENHAM.

DENHAM raises a hand in salute.

Denham: (cont'd, calling) Look after yourself! And be careful!

Jack: Don't worry about me, Carl... I'll be all right! I'm gonna try to fish Ann out of Kong's grasp... and if I don't, I'll figure out some way to signal you where he's taken her. But until then... keep that gate open for me.

Denham: Sure thing, buddy! Good luck! You're gonna need it!

ANGLE ON:

JACK turns to go... and disappears up the DARK TUNNEL.

Denham: (cont'd) I'm sorry.

EXT. THICK JUNGLE - DUSK

ANGLE ON:

JACK runs through the JUNGLE, determined to FIND ANN.

EXT. JUNGLE RAVINE - DUSK

WIDE ON:

JACK enters the RAVINE and sees the DEAD BODY of the VASTATOSAURUS REX with its JAWS RIPPED APART, its SKULL CRUSHED and BLOOD oozing out of its MOUTH.

ANGLE ON:

JACK turns around, looks down and FINDS a trail of KONG'S FOOTPRINTS leading into ANOTHER DIRECTION.

CLOSE ON:

JACK follows the FOOTPRINTS as he CONTINUES his journey through the JUNGLE in PURSUIT of ANN.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - DUSK

DENHAM, BRUCE, PRESTON and ENGLEHORN have a very serious DISCUSSION about SETTING A TRAP for KONG.

Denham: I'm telling you, Englehorn, Kong is the biggest creature I've ever seen in the whole wide world! He shook all of us off that log like we were flies! But Jack, Preston, Jimmy and I were lucky to have survived.

Englehorn: Look, Denham, I'm really very sorry about Hayes, Lumpy and the others. But that's not important right now. All that matters for the moment is trapping that big ape!

Denham: Just before he left, Jack told me he'd try to signal us if and when he found Ann.

Preston: (groans) We'll never see either one of them again.

Bruce: I wouldn't give up if I were you, Preston! There's still a chance for Driscoll.

Denham: We'll just have to wait until sunrise. Then we'll bridge that ravine. (to a SAILOR) Do you have that other crate of chloroform?

Sailor: Right here, Mr. Denham.

Denham: Good. Put it down.

The SAILOR sets down the CRATE OF CHLOROFORM BOTTLES on the GROUND.

Bruce: This creature you told us about, Denham, the one named Kong... do you really think the chloroform will stop him?

Denham: Assuming we can get close enough to use it, you're damn right it'll stop him!

Englehorn: I should hope so. Oh, while you and your friends were out there getting yourselves killed, we had some trouble with the natives.

Denham: Really? What happened?

Englehorn: We fired a few volleys over their heads, and they ran away like scared rabbits.

Preston: I guess gunpowder's something new in their lives.

Englehorn: They're very terrified!

Bruce: I doubt they'll ever show their faces again!

Denham: Keep your eyes open, all right? We're leaving at sunrise, whether we get a signal or not!

Englehorn: Don't you worry, Denham. Driscoll's a real professional. He can handle himself.

EXT. JUNGLE VALLEY - DUSK

ANGLE ON:

JACK enters the SECLUDED VALLEY for any signs of KONG or ANN, only to find... NOTHING.

CLOSE ON:

JACK hears a RUSHING NOISE, turns around and SEES from a DISTANCE...

ANGLE ON:

...the WATERFALL, along with the CRYSTAL CLEAR POOL.

CLOSE ON:

JACK TURNS his HEAD and sees SOMETHING ELSE from a DISTANCE.

He RUNS over to that AREA to find out what IT IS.

CLOSE ON:

JACK STOPS, LOOKS DOWN and DISCOVERS for HIMSELF that he's STANDING ON...

WIDER:

...a VERY HUGE and GIGANTIC SPOT on the GROUND.

CLOSE ON:

JACK is now VERY CERTAIN that the SPOT is EVIDENCE that KONG and ANN were here.

ANGLE ON:

JACK also FINDS another trail of KONG'S FOOTPRINTS leading into a NEW DIRECTION.

CLOSE ON:

JACK is NOW very CLEAR that he is on the RIGHT TRACK.

He starts to FOLLOW the FOOTPRINTS.

EXT. JUNGLE - DUSK

WIDE ON:

JACK continues to FOLLOW KONG'S FOOTPRINTS.

He breaks into the CLEARING and STOPS SHORT as he sees...

ANGLE ON:

...the VAST VISTA of the MOUNTAIN in front of him.

CLOSE ON:

JACK finally KNOWS where KONG and ANN are.

Jack: Gotcha.

INT. KONG'S LAIR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

MOONLIGHT steams into the CAVE... KONG sits on his LEDGE; HE CRADLES ANN IN HIS ARM.

CLOSE ON:

ANN SLEEPS PEACEFULLY in his HAND.

ANGLE ON:

KONG gently lifts ANN... he STARES at her... his FINGER touches ANN'S HAIR.

EXT. KONG'S LAIR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK is climbing up through ROCKS towards KONG'S LAIR.

The TERAPUSMORDAXES flutter... AGITATED... SENSING an INTRUDER.

CLOSE ON:

JACK freezes.

ANGLE ON:

A LARGE NUMBER of TERAPUSMORDAXES are GATHERING amid the STALACTITES that hang from the ROOF of the CAVERN.

He scans the LAIR for any sign of ANN... but can't see her. The OLD BONES of a LARGE GORILLA lie across the CAVE from JACK.

JACK CLIMBS higher INTO THE CAVE until at last, he's on THE LEDGE WITH KONG.

ANGLE ON:

JACK moves forward, toward KONG. He stays in the SHADOWS of the ROCKS.

JACK CRAWLS FORWARD onto the LEDGE.

EXT. KONG'S LAIR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK creeps CLOSE to the SLEEPING KONG'S BACK... his SHOULDERS gently heaving with each breath.

CLOSE ON:

JACK crawls past KONG'S FEET... he looks in AMAZEMENT.

ANN is ASLEEP in KONG'S HAND.

CLOSE ON:

KONG GROWLS... JACK SPINS AROUND... KONG is growling in his sleep.

JACK is less than EIGHT FEET away from ANN.

CLOSE ON:

ANN'S eyes OPEN. For a MOMENT, she stares blankly at JACK... then REALIZATION arrives quickly – he has come for her. She looks at JACK with disbelief.

CLOSE ON:

JACK looks at ANN, drawing a finger to his lips... neither DARES to move, or make a sound.

VERY SLOWLY, JACK rises and steps towards ANN. He gestures for her to stay motionless in KONG'S PALM.

ANGLE ON:

The salivating, carnivorous TERAPUSMORDAXES flutter out of the CAVE and SWARM around the LEDGE... their FEAR of KONG is overwhelmed by the tempting SIGHT of JACK and ANN.

KONG STIRS.

CLOSE ON:

JACK extends his HAND towards ANN... she reaches out... their FINGERS TOUCH...

...and KONG'S EYES SNAP OPEN.

TIME seems to SLOW:

JACK attempts to GRAB ANN'S WRIST, but KONG'S FINGERS CLOSE around ANN with stunning SPEED. KONG ROLLS to his FEET, pulling ANN away from JACK.

ANGLE ON:

KONG SNARLS at JACK, who now stands HELPLESSLY before him.

The TERAPUSMORDAXES SWARM above KONG.

Ann: (yelling) Jack, run!

ANGLE ON:

KONG SWATS at JACK with his FREE HAND. ANN struggles and KICKS in his GRASP.

Ann: (cont'd, yelling) No!

KONG places ANN high on a SMALL LEDGE and CHARGES at JACK.

ANGLE ON:

JACK ROLLS to the SIDE, KONG'S FISTS smashing DOWN around him.

KONG STAMPS on JACK, who DIVES CLEAR, just as the HUGE FOOT pummels into the GROUND.

CLOSE ON:

JACK is LYING on the GROUND with KONG rearing above him... there is NO ESCAPE.

CLOSE ON:

KONG'S EYES, blazing with DEADLY INTENT. He LIFTS his FOOT, ready to SQUASH JACK like a bug.

AT THAT MOMENT, ANN SHRIEKS in PAIN.

KONG spins around...

ANGLE ON:

ANN is under ATTACK from the TERAPUSMORDAXES... they are FLYING around ANN, sharp CLAWS lashing her. She cowers against the ROCK FACE, trying to protect herself.

CLOSE ON:

KONG... ROARING with ANGER... he abandons JACK and CHARGES at the TERAPUSMORDAXES.

The WILD TERAPUSMORDAXES ATTACK KONG TOGETHER as he snatches ANN from the LEDGE.

They strike at KONG and ANN like a swarm of giant bees.

KONG ROARS and THRASHES OUT at them in a FRENZY.

ANGLE ON:

KONG puts ANN down against the ROCKS, so he can use BOTH HANDS to strike at the DEADLY TERAPUSMORDAXES. With every sweep of his ARM, several TERAPUSMORDAXES are KNOCKED TO THE GROUND, but OTHERS claw at his HEAD and BODY.

ANGLE ON:

JACK seizes his CHANCE. He rushes along the EDGE of the CLIFF towards ANN... under the cover of an OVERHANG.

JACK and ANN are inches away from each other right behind KONG'S FEET.

WIDE ON:

ANN finally runs toward JACK and throws HERSELF into his ARMS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN and JACK share a very brief PASSIONATE KISS.

Ann: Jack!! Oh, Jack, am I glad to see you!

Jack: Ann! I thought I'd lost you! I was afraid you were dead.

Ann: Oh, Jack... you'll never believe what I've just been through!

Jack: You can tell me all about it later. Right now, we have to get outta here! Come on.

ANGLE ON:

JACK grabs ANN'S HAND and leads her towards the only possible escape route – the EDGE of the LEDGE, A THOUSAND FEET above the JUNGLE.

JACK grabs a LARGE VINE, testing its strength. He turns to Ann.

Jack: (cont'd, urgent) This way! Come on!

JACK pulls ANN to him and clambers over the EDGE of the DIZZYING DROP.

EXT. LEDGE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

JACK and ANN desperately CLIMB down the THICK VINES that hang over the LEDGE... hand over hand... the SOUND of KONG ROARING above, as he battles the TERAPUSMORDAXES.

EXT. KONG'S LAIR - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

SEVERAL TERAPUSMORDAXES are gripping and CLAWING KONG'S BACK in an effort to weaken the huge ape... he suddenly POUNDS HIS BACK against the WALL of the CAVE, SQUASHING THEM ALL.

The surviving TERAPUSMORDAXES wheel away from KONG, HISSING ANGRILY...

Sixteen lie on the cave floor, STUNNED or DEAD. They FLUTTER towards the BACK OF THE CAVE, preparing their NEXT ATTACK.

KONG LOOKS for ANN... she has GONE.

EXT. LEDGE - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK and ANN are SIXTY FEET down the VINE... JACK is trying to SWING towards the ROCK FACE...

SUDDENLY, they start RISING.

WIDE ON:

KONG is PULLING on the VINE. He lifts JACK and ANN towards HIM, like a fisherman reeling in a catch.

ANN tightens her grip on JACK'S SHOULDERS as the TERAPUSMORDAXES flutter around THEM.

ANGLE ON:

JACK and ANN are HELPLESS... KONG almost HAS THEM. The TERAPUSMORDAXES dive toward JACK and ANN.

A TERAPUSMORDAX CLAWS at JACK'S HEAD. He releases ONE HAND and GRABS its TALONED ANKLE.

Jack: (cont'd, yelling) Hang on to me!

ANN hangs onto JACK for dear life, as he GRABS the TERAPUSMORDAX'S OTHER ANKLE.

ANGLE ON:

JACK and ANN DESCENDING RAPIDLY... the TERAPUSMORDAX furiously FLAPPING its WINGS, but unable to stop the SPIRALING plunge past the CLIFF FACE.

SOUNDS of KONG ROARING WITH GRIEF FROM THE LEDGE.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

The TERAPUSMORDAX wobbles crazily in the sky, rapidly LOSING ENERGY... JACK looks down – a FAST FLOWING RIVER is FIFTY FEET below. He RELEASES HIS GRIP.

ANN SCREAMS as she and JACK fall into the RIVER... they are immediately picked up by the current and SWEPT AWAY.

JACK and ANN are carried into the RAPIDS, swept down a small WATERFALL, surfacing into a FAST-FLOWING, but less violent part of the river.

Ann: Well, that was fun!

Jack: Yes, it was! Only, let's not do that again sometime! Come on.

ANN and JACK start SWIMMING across the RIVER as fast as they can.

INT. KONG'S LAIR - NIGHT

KONG ROARS with ANGER and GRIEF.

EXT. VILLAGE WALL

WIDE ON:

The VILLAGE WALL AND SURROUNDING, as KONG'S ROAR echoes out over the ISLAND.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM and ENGLEHORN as they hear KONG'S ANGER.

EXT. RIVER BANK - PRE-DAWN

ANGLE ON:

Half-drowned JACK and ANN swim to the side of the RIVER, hauling themselves up on the MUDDY BANK.

KONG'S POV as he CRASHES THROUGH THE JUNGLE in HOT PURSUIT.

AN ENRAGED KONG is visible... quickly descending from his mountain lair.

EXT. DENSE JUNGLE - PRE-DAWN

ANGLE ON:

JACK and ANN racing through the JUNGLE.

EXT. WALL GROTTO - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

LOW ANGLE of the WALL and ALTAR.

A LOW THUNDERING SOUND reverberates... BIRDS LIFT off from TREES.

SUDDENLY, JACK and ANN appear from the undergrowth, RUNNING towards the CHASM and WALL... the ALTAR BRIDGE has been raised, and hangs just out of reach.

Jack: (yelling) Carl!

LOW ANGLE:

The TOP of the WALL is deserted...

Ann: Please! Somebody help us!

SOUNDTRACK:

A ROAR... growing louder... ANN casts a nervous glance over her shoulder.

TREES CRASH to the GROUND as KONG SMASHES his way through the JUNGLE towards the CLEARING...

ANN looks at the deserted wall.

Ann: (cont'd, ashen) It's no use, Jack. They’ve gone.

Jack: (yelling) Carl? Oh God! Carl?

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - DAWN

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM silently listens to his FRIENDS calling.

WIDER ON:

PRESTON, ENGLEHORN, BRUCE and JIMMY are waiting nearby.

Preston: What the hell are you waiting for? Drop the bridge! Do it now, for Pete's sake!

Denham: (quiet) Not yet... wait. Wait...

The GROUP react to KONG'S ROAR – now VERY CLOSE. A SAILOR with a MACHETE hovers near the ROPE, ready to cut it on DENHAM'S COMMAND.

Denham: (cont'd) Wait...

Preston: (incensed) No!!

PRESTON suddenly leaps to his feet and SNATCHES the MACHETE. He slices through the ROPE...

EXT. WALL GROTTO - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

The BRIDGE DROPS, just as KONG explodes from the JUNGLE.

KONG sees ANN and charges forward.

JACK and ANN race across the BRIDGE, getting to the other side just as KONG LEAPS the CHASM.

JACK leads ANN through the HOLE in the DOOR... KONG SMASHES through the BAMBOO defenses.

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE / WALL - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

JACK and ANN run into the VILLAGE... it looks deserted.

DENHAM suddenly rises and walks past them towards the GATE, fixated on the ROARING BEAST, smashing at the TIMBERS.

CLOSE ON:

ANN... seeing GROUPS of SAILORS crouched behind rocks, with GRAPPLING HOOKS at the ready.

PRESTON lies to one side, a RAG held against his BLEEDING FACE.

ENGLEHORN gripping a CRATE OF CHLOROFORM BOTTLES.

ANGLE ON:

KONG SMASHES through the GATE.

For a BRIEF MOMENT, KONG makes EYE CONTACT with ANN... she looks at him DESPAIRINGLY. He reaches toward her...

Englehorn: (shouting) Now!!!

Denham: (to ENGLEHORN) Do it! Bring him down!

ANGLES ON:

SAILORS THROW GRAPPLING HOOKS at KONG, HAULING on the ROPES.

Ann: No!

Jack: Are you out of your mind? Carl!

BRUCE rushes forward, pulling PRESTON to his feet, hustling him towards the TUNNEL EXIT.

ENGLEHORN yells at SAILORS poised on the TOP of the WALL.

Denham: Drop the net!

ANGLE ON:

The SAILORS drop BOULDERS attached to a LARGE SHIP NET... KONG is PUSHED to the GROUND by the WEIGHT.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM turns to ENGLEHORN.

Denham: (cont'd) Gas him!

Ann: (sobbing) No! Stop! Please – don't do this!

CLOSE ON:

JACK holding ANN back.

Jack: Ann... he'll kill you!

Ann: No, he won't.

ANGLE ON:

KONG trying to get up...

ENGLEHORN hurls the CHLOROFORM BOTTLE at KONG, smashing it on the ground right under his face.

Ann: (cont'd) No!

KONG breathes in the cloud of CHLOROFORM, he tries to push himself up.

Englehorn: Keep him down! Keep him down for as long as you can!

SAILORS throw BOULDERS down from the TOP of the WALL, pummeling KONG'S HEAD.

ANN breaks away from JACK, rushes at ENGLEHORN, grabbing his arm just as he prepares to throw another CHLOROFORM BOTTLE.

Ann: Stop it! You're killing him!

Englehorn: Get her out of here! Get her out of his sight!

JACK takes ANN'S ARM...

Ann: Jack, they'll kill him!

Jack: There's nothing we can do.

Ann: No!

Jack: It's too late!

DENHAM yells at ENGLEHORN, as KONG'S RAGE intensifies.

Denham: Throw it!

ENGLEHORN hurls another CHLOROFORM BOTTLE at KONG, smashing it on the ground right under his face.

CLOSE ON:

ANN STARES up at JACK.

Ann: Let go of me...

CLOSE ON:

JACK, he STARES at ANN, torn about what to do. His eyes flicker towards KONG. He makes his decision.

ANGLE ON:

JACK pulling ANN by the HAND toward the TUNNEL ENTRANCE.

Jack: We gotta go. Come on. Come on!

ANN struggles to break free.

Ann: Stop it! Leave me alone!

Jack: Ann, please, come on!

CLOSE ON:

KONG WATCHING ANN being DRAGGED AWAY... he EXPLODES with ANGER, suddenly RISING to his FEET, ripping the NET to PIECES. He SWINGS the ROPES AWAY, sending HAPLESS SAILORS flying through the AIR.

Sailor: We can't contain him!

Englehorn: Kill it!

Denham: No! No!!

Englehorn: It's over, you damn lunatic!!

Denham: I need him alive!

Englehorn: Shoot it!!!

ANGLE ON:

KONG sending MORE HAPLESS SAILORS flying through the AIR.

CLOSE ON:

JIMMY, gripping a TOMMY GUN, stands in front of KONG... his POSE reflecting HAYES'S last stand.

ENGLEHORN pulls JIMMY away by the collar, shoving him down the path.

Englehorn: (cont'd) Jimmy – get out of here! Get to the boat! (yelling) All of you! Run! Now!!

ANGLE ON:

An ENRAGED KONG overturns one of the STONE BUILDINGS, killing SEVERAL of the SAILORS who SHOT at him.

He is suddenly SHOT at by a couple more SAILORS from behind the WALL.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM looks on in HORROR, as his PLAN to CAPTURE KONG falls apart.

Englehorn: (cont'd, O.S.) Denham!! We are leaving!!!

DENHAM turns around and runs as fast as he can to CATCH UP with the OTHERS.

CLOSE ON:

KONG grabs one of the ROPES and VIOLENTLY YANKS on it, pulling a STONE BLOCK out of the WALL and FLINGING IT AWAY along with the SAILORS.

EXT. CHASM - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

KONG descends into the CHASM, separating the VILLAGE from the COASTAL CAVE, and makes a JUMP near the BRIDGE while CHASING DENHAM, ANN, JACK and the OTHERS.

EXT. BEACH - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

JACK running with ANN towards a waiting BOAT... ANN fights as JACK tries to LIFT her on BOARD... both turn.

Jack: Ann, get in the boat!

Ann: (distraught) No! It's me he wants. I can stop this –

Jack: Ann, I've already lost you once. I don't want to lose you again!

KONG stampedes down towards the COVE... JIMMY stands his ground with his TOMMY GUN.

JACK yells at BRUCE.

Jack: (cont'd) Take her!

BRUCE takes ANN, as ENGLEHORN leaps into their BOAT... he yells to the SAILORS.

Ann: Let me go to him!

Englehorn: Row! Get the hell out of here!

ANGLE ON:

JACK pushes JIMMY into the SECOND BOAT.

Jack: Jimmy! No!

JACK tries to prevent JIMMY from shooting at KONG, as SAILORS push their BOAT away from the shore.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM finds a CRATE of CHLOROFORM BOTTLES on the FLOOR of the BOAT. He snatches one up... prepares to throw.

ANGLE ON:

JIMMY manages to fire a BURST at KONG...

KONG CHARGES in FURY and THUMPS his FIST down on the BOW of the BOAT.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM is flung into the water, still clutching the CHLOROFORM BOTTLE.

ANGLE ON:

KONG flings the BOAT against the COVE WALL, smashing it – sending JACK, JIMMY and the SAILORS into the SEA.

ANN looks on in horror as JACK SURFACES, holding onto JIMMY, who is COUGHING SEA WATER.

KONG turns to ANN'S BOAT... he looks at her...

Ann: Please... go back!

KONG PAUSES at the SOUND of her VOICE... as if sensing her fear for him.

Englehorn: Hold her!

BRUCE holds ANN as ENGLEHORN suddenly FIRES a HARPOON into KONG'S KNEE...

KONG ROARS in PAIN and SINKS into the water. ANN is sobbing with DISTRESS.

ANGLE ON:

ENGLEHORN starts LOADING a SECOND HARPOON...

DENHAM scrambles on to a ROCK, clutching the CHLOROFORM BOTTLE.

Denham: Wait!

ENGLEHORN ignores him, intent on killing KONG with his next HARPOON.

ANGLE ON:

KONG starts CRAWLING painfully toward ANN. ENGLEHORN has almost finished LOADING.

Ann: Leave him alone!

WIDE ON:

DENHAM stands on the ROCK with the CHLOROFORM BOTTLE in his hand.

Denham: I am not going to kill him! I'm going to capture him alive! Watch and learn!

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM steadies himself on his rock, raises the CHLOROFORM BOTTLE over his HEAD and WAITS for the RIGHT MOMENT.

ANGLE ON:

KONG crawls painfully toward ANN... DENHAM gets ready to SUBDUE him.

He hurls the CHLOROFORM BOTTLE... it smashes against KONG'S FACE.

KONG starts choking on the GAS.

ANGLE ON:

JACK in the sea, holding the unconscious JIMMY, watching ANN from across the void of water...

KONG starts to succumb to the GAS... he reaches for ANN.

ANN watches KONG'S HAND reach out to her... but she can no longer help him... she has failed to stop this from happening.

CLOSE ON:

ANN turns away from KONG... as he slumps into unconsciousness.

CLOSE ON:

ANN and JACK make EYE CONTACT across the water... she starts to CRY. JACK is unable to offer her any comfort.

Jack: Ann... perhaps it would be best if –

Ann: (crying) If we don't see each other for a while? Yeah... that's probably a good idea.

Jack: (reluctant) Fair enough.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM steps up to the UNCONSCIOUS KONG.

Denham: The whole world will pay to see this.

Englehorn: (O.S.) Forget it, Denham.

DENHAM turns his HEAD to look at ENGLEHORN in the boat.

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN is against DENHAM'S idea of bringing KONG back to NEW YORK and tries to TALK HIM out of it.

Englehorn: (cont'd) No chains will ever hold a creature like that!

Denham: (O.S.) We'll give him more than just chains.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM turns his HEAD back to the UNCONSCIOUS KONG.

Denham: (cont'd) He's always been king of his world!!

DENHAM turns his HEAD back to ENGLEHORN.

Denham: (cont'd) But we'll teach him fear.

CLOSE ON:

ENGLEHORN gets a very PUZZLED LOOK on his own FACE.

Denham: (cont'd, O.S.) We're millionaires, boys.

WIDE ON:

DENHAM still standing right in front of the UNCONSCIOUS KONG.

Denham: (cont'd) I'll share it with all of you! In a few months, his name will be up in lights on Broadway! "Kong – the Eighth Wonder of the World"!

END ACT TWO

Act Three

EXT. BROADWAY THEATER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

NEON LETTERS announce "KING KONG – the EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD!" on a HUGE GLITTERING marquee.

WIDE ON:

The bustle of TIMES SQUARE on a WINTER'S NIGHT, the colorful LIGHTS reflecting in newly FALLEN SNOW.

An EXCITED and CURIOUS CROWD are converging on the THEATER – cabs are pulling up... a QUEUE is forming... SCALPERS are selling tickets outside the door.

CLOSE ON:

BILLBOARDS outside the THEATER proclaim, "Relive the Adventure of the Century... See Miss Ann Darrow Offered to the Beast!"

INT. THEATER DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN is seated alone in a DRESSING ROOM, she is putting on STAGE MAKEUP. There is an emptiness in her face. She appears DISCONNECTED, her thoughts on things far away.

EXT. BROADWAY THEATER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

CROWDS flowing into the THEATER.

INT. BROADWAY THEATER LOBBY - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The THEATER LOBBY is teaming with people, handing COATS and HATS to the CHECK-IN GIRLS on the CLOAKROOM.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM, who is WARMLY GREETING ZELMAN along with the SLEAZY and THUGGISH INVESTOR... both of whom have STARLETS hanging on their arms...

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON watching from the BALCONY. He is looking at DENHAM.

REVERSE ON:

DENHAM glancing up, catching the STRANGE LOOK in PRESTON'S EYE...

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM turns away and turns on an INSTANT SMILE for a waiting PHOTOGRAPHER.

PUSHING IN ON:

PRESTON...

ON THE SOUNDTRACK a sudden burst of UPROARIOUS LAUGHTER.

Drew: (voice-over) Look at yourself! Look at what you've become!

INT. ARTY THEATER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

EDGAR, a young man, DRESSED as a WOMAN is pulled to one side by his FRIEND, DREW. They are on the STAGE SET of a HOTEL LOBBY. A LARGE BAG of ORANGES sits on a DECORATIVE SIDEBOARD.

Drew: No woman is worth this!

Edgar: This woman is worth it. I don't care what it takes. I've gotta win her back.

Drew: Oh, really? She's not gonna buy this for a second!

Edgar: Shut up and hand me the oranges!

EDGAR hands over the BAG of ORANGES to DREW. THE AUDIENCE BREAKS into LAUGHTER. THE CAMERA PANS along a row in a SMALL FRINGE THEATER, and comes to rest on a THEATER PROGRAM in the hands a MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN. The front cover reads: "Cry Havoc" by Jack Driscoll.

PULL FOCUS to reveal:

JACK sitting behind the WOMAN, intently watching the stage...

ANGLE ON:

JAYNE, a BLONDE ACTRESS who looks similar to ANN, and THELMA, her CONFIDANT, entering THE HOTEL LOBBY from the other side of the STAGE...

Thelma: Tell me everything – every little detail!

They sit on a SOFA as EDGAR takes a seat in an ARMCHAIR nearby.

Jayne: So, he took me to a fancy French restaurant...

Thelma: French, huh?

Jayne: Anyway, about half way through the hors d'oeuvres – he clutches my hand...

Thelma: He clutches your hand?!

Edgar: (falsetto) It felt like the right thing to do at the time. Oh! I'm sorry – I couldn't help but overhear!

The TWO WOMEN look at him a beat before turning back to each other.

Jayne: He's looking into my eyes –

Thelma: And that's when he told you how he felt?

Jayne: No – he never said it.

Thelma: He never said it?!

Edgar: (falsetto) He probably thought he didn't need to say it.

THE AUDIENCE LAUGHS.

Thelma: Then how does she know that it's real?

Jayne: He said it was not about the words.

Thelma: Please – if you feel it, you say it. It's really very simple.

Jayne: He said we'd talk about it later. Only... there was no later...

CAMERA PUSHES IN on JACK...

Jayne: (cont'd) It never happened. (reflective) I just thought that maybe this one time, things might actually work out – which was really very...

CLOSE ON:

JACK, hearing his own words...

Jack and Jayne: ...foolish...

SUDDENLY, JACK stands and makes his way past surprised MEMBERS while heading for the EXIT.

Thelma: Men! They'll give you the world... but they let the one thing that truly matters slip through their fingers. All for the sake of three little words!

Edgar: (indignant) The three hardest words in the English language!

AUDIENCE MEMBERS break into fresh LAUGHTER as JACK leaves the THEATER.

EXT. ARTY THEATER - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

JACK strides out of the SMALL THEATER, pulling his collar up against the cold. Above him, a simple BILLBOARD advertises, "Cry Havoc, a new play by Jack Driscoll"

INT. BROADWAY THEATER WINGS - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

CARL DENHAM quietly waiting in the WINGS of the HUGE BROADWAY THEATER. It is a moment of calm... he is feeling a mixture of PRIDE and ANTICIPATION.

The SOUND of KONG BREATHING – a RASPING WEAK GROWL – causes DENHAM to flick his eyes to the darkened AREA behind the CURTAIN.

INT. THEATER DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN in HER DRESSING ROOM pulling on her COSTUME.

INT. BROADWAY THEATER - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

The HUGE AUDITORIUM is filled with nearly TWO THOUSAND people.

The EXCITEMENT in the air is PALPABLE.

WIDE ON:

The LARGE CROWD APPLAUDS as DENHAM strides onto the stage in the GLARE of THE SINGLE SPOTLIGHT. He waves enthusiastically to the AUDIENCE, basking in the acclaim he has wanted for so long.

Denham: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Ladies and gentlemen, I am here to tell you a very strange story... a story so strange that no one will believe it. But, ladies and gentlemen, seeing is believing. And we, my friends and I, have brought back the living proof of our story... the story of our adventure in which seventeen of our party suffered horrible deaths! But their sacrifices were not in vain. Their lives were lost in pursuit of a savage beast, a monstrous aberration of nature! But unlike other wild animals... even the meanest brute can be tamed. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, as you will see, the beast was no match for the charms of a young girl – a girl from New York... who melted his heart. Bringing to mind that old Arabian proverb...

INT. THEATER DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

ANN, now in a WHITE VELVET GOWN, a look of SADNESS in her EYES.

Denham: (cont'd, voice-over) "And lo, the Beast looked upon the face of Beauty, and Beauty stayed his hand. And from that day forward, he was as one dead..."

A VOICE interrupts ANN'S contemplation.

Stage Manager: You're on, Miss Darrow, five minutes.

ANN stands up...

INT. BROADWAY THEATER STAGE - NIGHT

DENHAM basking in the SPOTLIGHT.

Denham: And now, ladies and gentlemen, before I tell you the story of our voyage... I'm going to show you the greatest thing your eyes have ever beheld. He was more than just a god. He was a king in the world he knew, but he comes to you now a captive... a show to gratify your curiosity!

DENHAM lifts his ARMS...

Denham: (cont'd) Ladies and gentlemen: I give you Kong – the Eighth Wonder of the World!!

STAGE MUSIC strikes up.

INT. BROADWAY THEATER STAGE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

With a DRAMATIC FLOURISH the CURTAIN slowly rises to REVEAL:

KONG sitting slumped and unresponsive, his WRISTS MANACLED to a STEEL SCAFFOLD. Other MANACLES and CHAINS secure his ANKLES, NECK and WAIST.

There is a BIG GASP from the AUDIENCE...

KONG'S sheer size is OVERWHELMING.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM... euphoric, as the collective GASP of TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE washes over him.

ANGLE ON:

KONG'S head lolls, as if he is barely aware of his surroundings...

Denham: (cont'd) Don't be alarmed, ladies and gentlemen. It is perfectly safe. These chains are made of chrome steel! They are strong enough to hold a battleship!!

WILD APPLAUSE.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK, jostled on a crowded NEW YORK STREET hurrying rapidly along the sidewalk.

JACK crosses the BUSY ROAD, heading straight towards the BROADWAY THEATER.

INT. BROADWAY THEATER STAGE - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

DENHAM on stage with KONG...

Denham: (dramatic) Observe if you will, I am touching the beast! I am actually laying my hand on the twenty-five foot gorilla.

DENHAM reaches up and touches KONG'S ARM. KONG'S HAND twitches slightly causing DENHAM to jump back in fright...

CLOSE ON:

JACK enters the AUDITORIUM.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM signals to the STAGE HANDS in the WINGS...

ANGLE ON:

A STAGE HAND begins to CRANK a WINCH... the CHAINS at KONG'S WRISTS tighten... the AUDIENCE GASP as KONG is SLOWLY FORCED to his FULL HEIGHT...

ANGLE ON:

JACK walks into the BACK of the BALCONY of the darkened AUDITORIUM. He quietly makes his way down the SHADOWED AISLE.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM turns back to face the AUDIENCE...

Denham: (cont'd) And now, we have in the auditorium tonight... a surprise guest. The real life hero of this story... the man who hunted down the mighty Kong!

CLOSE ON:

JACK as he watches DENHAM, unnerved by the SPECTACLE.

Denham: (cont'd) The man who risked all to win the freedom of a helpless female! A big hand for... Mr. Bruce Baxter!

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE striding on stage, dressed as the Great White Hunter.

HUGE AUDIENCE ACCLAIM.

DENHAM shakes BRUCE by the hand, slapping him on the BACK as if they were OLD FRIENDS...

BRUCE turns and acknowledges the ADULATION of the AUDIENCE.

A LINE of DANCERS, dressed as cheesy NATIVES appear from either side of the stage. They dance to the beat, playing to KONG, who stares impassively at them.

A PULSATING DRUM BEAT begins to fill the AUDITORIUM.

Denham: (cont'd) Ladies and gentlemen, imagine if you will... an uncharted island, a forgotten fragment from another time. And clinging to life in this savage place, imagine a people untutored in the ways of the civilized world. A people who have dwelt all their lives in the shadow of fear! In the shadow of... Kong!

CLOSE ON:

JACK... staring TRANSFIXED at the STAGE.

BEHIND him in the DARKNESS of the AUDITORIUM a FIGURE rises from a SEAT.

Preston: (quietly) He was right...

JACK turns to find PRESTON standing beside him...

Preston: (cont'd) ...about there still being some mystery left in this world...

CLOSE ON:

PRESTON stares down at the figure of DENHAM, to one side of the STAGE...

Preston: (cont'd, softly) And we can all have a piece of it... for the price of an admission ticket.

ANGLE ON:

PRESTON turns to look at JACK...

JACK'S EYES toward the SCAR which runs down one side of PRESTON'S CHEEK...

Jack: (quietly) That's the thing you come to learn about Carl... his unfailing ability to destroy the things he loves.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM as he strides to the FRONT of the STAGE...

Denham: Please remain calm, ladies and gentlemen – for we now come to the climax of this savage ritual... the sacrifice of a beautiful young girl!

The CROWD erupts into WILD CHEERS.

The LIGHTS DIM...

The DRUM BEAT increases...

The NATIVE DANCERS fall to their KNEES in WORSHIP as a PLATFORM rises from beneath the STAGE...

Denham: (cont'd) Behold her terror as she is offered up to the mighty Kong! A big hand, folks... for the bravest girl I've ever met! Miss Ann Darrow!

A DRAMATIC SILHOUETTE of a WOMAN dressed in a WHITE SILK GOWN.

She is tied to a wooden ALTAR, her BACK to the audience.

CLOSE ON:

KONG, a flicker of HOPE in his EYES.

The TINY FIGURE tethered to the ALTAR looks up. For the first time, KONG sees her FACE.

ANGLE ON:

KONG utterly CONFUSED; this is NOT ANN, but a woman in a blonde wig, dressed to look LIKE HER.

FAKE ANN SCREAMS.

Fake Ann: Save me from the beast!

FAKE ANN SCREAMS AGAIN.

KONG ROARS.

FAKE ANN thrashes around SCREAMING unconvincingly.

Fake Ann: (cont'd) Oh no! Help me! No!

ANGLE ON:

KONG staring at FAKE ANN with mounting CONFUSION and ANGER.

CLOSE ON:

JACK as he realizes it is not ANN on stage. He turns to PRESTON.

Jack: Where is she??

INT. BROADWAY THEATER STAGE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

JACK glances at PRESTON, who turns away, looking UNCOMFORTABLE.

Jack: (cont'd, urgent) Where's Ann?

Preston: I've no idea. I heard he offered her all kinds of money, and she turned him down flat.

INT. SHOWGIRL'S THEATER - NIGHT

SLOW, DREAMY MUSIC... A FEATHERED FAN sweeps across a FACE to reveal... ANN.

WIDER:

ANN dancing in a LINE of CHORUS GIRLS, all identically dressed...

ANGLE ON:

A MALE DANCER slides into VIEW... the STAR of the SHOW... the WOMEN behind him, merely window dressing.

PUSH IN:

ANN goes through the motions of the routine... a look of DISTANT SORROW on her FACE.

INT. BROADWAY THEATER STAGE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

PHOTOGRAPHERS push forward, LIGHT BULBS flash at KONG, who ROARS ANGRILY.

DENHAM signals to BRUCE to join him... behind them, we can see the FAKE ANN still performing her feigned terror...

Denham: Here's your story, boys – "Beauty and the Man who saved her from the Beast". Take the pictures.

ANGLE ON:

JACK watching from the BALCONY... he STARES at KONG, who is BREATHING HARD through his NOSTRILS...

Jack: Oh my God...

JACK can feel KONG'S mounting ANGER.

Jack: (cont'd, turning to PRESTON) We have get these people out of here –

JACK'S eyes turn to the AUDIENCE seated nearby... he gets up and attempts to usher people out.

Jack: (cont'd) Everyone has to leave. He thinks that girl is a fake!

CLOSE ON:

KONG, his ANGER growing as he struggles against his chains.

Journalist #2: How did you feel, Mr. Baxter – when you were on the island?

Bruce: Well, to be honest with you, I had some anxious moments...

The MEMBERS of the PRESS all nod, understandingly...

Bruce: (cont'd) For a while there, it looked like I wasn't going to get paid... but as it turned out, Mr. Denham here has been more than generous – would you excuse me for a moment?

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM...

Bruce: (cont'd) Denham, for once in your life, could you please tell that great big ape to be quiet?

Denham: Let him roar! It makes a swell picture!!!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM and BRUCE as they POSE for the PHOTOGRAPHERS.

ANGLE ON:

JACK heading down the STAIRS, trying to convince members of the audience to leave.

Jack: Head for the exits...

Audience Member #2: Get your own seat, buddy – there's no way you're having mine.

The CONFUSED AUDIENCE continue to APPLAUD...

WIDE ON:

BRUCE starts backing away very slowly as he retreats toward the EXIT while passing through the JOURNALISTS and the PHOTOGRAPHERS...

Bruce: Excuse me, fellas.

ANGLE ON:

BRUCE continues to back away very slowly toward the EXIT while passing through the JOURNALISTS and the PHOTOGRAPHERS...

Bruce: (cont'd) Coming through! Coming through, fellas.

The FAKE ANN'S EYES suddenly WIDEN as:

KONG rips one of his MANACLED HANDS FREE.

FAKE ANN lets out her most CONVINCING SCREAM.

JOURNALISTS and PHOTOGRAPHERS also start backing away, snapping pictures as they retreat...

FLASHBULBS POP... KONG COWERS BACK shielding his eyes... ROARING in DEFIANCE.

ANOTHER DEAFENING ROAR.

DENHAM looks up, AWESTRUCK, as he sees KONG TEARING FREE of the rest of his CHAINS.

The AUDIENCE BEGIN TO RISE from their SEATS... PANIC sets in.

KONG lets out the BIGGEST and LOUDEST EAR-PIERCING ROAR.

The FAKE ANN tethered to the ALTAR screams again for help.

KONG reaches across and picks her up, HURLING the FAKE ANN and the ALTAR across the wide AUDITORIUM.

SLOW MOTION

LINKS snapping... CHAINS breaking, BOLTS lifting from the FLOOR.

With a MIGHTY FLOURISH, KONG rips off his WAIST RESTRAINTS and is at last completely FREE.

The AUDIENCE RUSHES to the EXITS in a COLLECTIVE STAMPEDE.

KONG swings from the STAGE into the FRONT ROW SEATS... STOMPING and CRUSHING the slower moving PATRONS.

EXT. BROADWAY THEATER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

PATRONS rush out of the THEATER into the street.

INT. BROADWAY THEATER STAGE - NIGHT

KONG ROARS and hurls a PLASTER CORNICE across the length of the THEATER – straight at JACK.

KONG is now below the BALCONY LEVEL...

In that moment, KONG turns... and sees JACK. For a brief second, their EYES LOCK.

CLOSE ON:

JACK goes COLD while STANDING STILL, too SCARED to MOVE as KONG glares at him.

ANGLE ON:

KONG using his amazing STRENGTH to SWING up to the UPPER LEVEL BOXES... with a LEAP, he jumps on to the BALCONY... the BALCONY crumbles under his WEIGHT... sending DOZENS OF PEOPLE plummeting into the STALLS.

JACK turns and RUNS for the DOOR as KONG struggles to REACH him.

JACK reaches the EXIT, turns and looks back at KONG, a mixture of DREAD and AWE on his FACE.

CLOSE ON:

DENHAM remains on the empty STAGE in the middle of the THEATER, and is mesmerized by the spectacle of KONG'S unleashing power.

EXT. BROADWAY - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

JACK emerges from the THEATER... all around him, PANICKED PEOPLE run in TERROR.

BOOM!

JACK turns in time to see...

The VAST THEATER WALL explodes onto the street, showering PEOPLE and CARS with BRICKS and STEEL...

KONG bursts into the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

ANGLE ON:

JACK stares up in horror as KONG heads straight for him... JACK is going to DIE.

With an ANGUISHED ROAR, the HUGE GORILLA stumbles past JACK into the BRIGHT LIGHTS of TIMES SQUARE... he hasn't seen JACK.

KONG spins around reacting with terrified confusion to the STRANGENESS of CARS, TRUCKS, TRAMS, LIGHTS... screaming people everywhere.

JACK watches as KONG'S FEAR builds to a growing sense of ANGER and FRUSTRATION.

ANGLE ON:

KONG circles TIMES SQUARE... snatching up any WOMAN with BLONDE HAIR... desperately looking for ANN.

DODGING bits of FLYING DEBRIS, JACK tries to push his way through CROWDS of FLEEING PEOPLE toward KONG...

CAR WINDSCREEN POV:

KONG STOMPS on the CAR in FRONT, LIFTS FOOT and STOMPS over the CAMERA.

ANGLE ON:

A TRAM heading straight for KONG... the GIANT GORILLA THRUSTS out an ARM PROTECTIVELY... KONG pulls his arm back... TRAM firmly attached. KONG'S FIST is CAUGHT in the TRAM'S WINDOWS.

CLOSE ON:

JACK... as he realizes what KONG is doing...

Jack: (under his breath) My God... it's like being back on the island again!

ANGLE ON:

JACK as he watches KONG heading off down BROADWAY.

KONG CRASHES off BUILDINGS as he CAREENS out of TIMES SQUARE...

EXT. NEW YORK SHABBY THEATER - NIGHT

ANGLE ON:

ANN emerges from a SHABBY THEATER, just as SEVERAL POLICE CARS drive past at SPEED.

ANN runs to an INTERSECTION and looks up the STREET. Several blocks away, PANDEMONIUM is erupting outside a BROADWAY THEATER.

ANN starts to RUN.

EXT. BROADWAY / NEW YORK - NIGHT

JACK spies a CAB that has STOPPED in the MIDDLE of the ROAD... its DRIVER watching the scene, MOUTH AGAPE.

ANGLE ON:

JACK jumping into the BACK of the CAB. He gestures towards KONG.

Jack: Follow that ape!

ANGLE ON:

The CAB DRIVER jumping out of the CAB and running for his LIFE.

Cabbie: It's all yours, buddy!

ANGLE ON:

JACK scrambling into the FRONT SEAT of the CAB... he throws it into GEAR and heads off after KONG.

ANGLE ON:

KONG reacts like a CORNERED ANIMAL in a BLIND PANIC...

FLAILING his arms in PANIC, the TRAM swinging through the air and SMASHING into BUILDINGS like a GIANT CLUB.

ANGLE ON:

JACK drives the CAB DOWN BROADWAY... swerving to MISS bits of TRAM that disintegrate off the FIST of KONG...

JACK accelerates, straight through the LEGS of the GIANT GORILLA.

ANGLE ON:

The CAB SPINS so that it now is facing KONG.

ANGLE ON:

KONG... his FIST about to SMASH down on a TRAM full of PEOPLE. The BLARE of a CAR HORN makes him turn... he hesitates... realizing who is behind the wheel of the CAB.

JACK'S POV:

KONG comes closer.

PANICKING DRIVERS PILE into each other.

JACK desperately tries his door, but it won't open... he is WEDGED IN by CARS on either side.

KONG LIFTS THE CAR directly in front – HIGH ABOVE HIS HEAD, throwing it into a BUILDING.

EXT. / INT. STREETS / CAB - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

JACK'S FOOT depresses the ACCELERATOR.

The WHEELS are SPINNING WILDLY... in a CLOUD OF BURNING RUBBER, the CAB speeds down the ROAD, weaving in and out of the path cut by KONG'S DESTRUCTION.

KONG BOUNDS AFTER THE CAB, running on all FOURS with incredible speed.

JACK crosses an INTERSECTION, driving up on the SIDEWALK to get a CLEARER DRIVING LANE... PEDESTRIANS scatter – not only from the CAB, but from KONG, who is in HOT PURSUIT.

The CAB SWERVES across the STREET, taking a SHORTCUT through a TINY ALLEY, only just wide enough for the CAB, but TOO NARROW for KONG.

JACK glances back at KONG, ROARING with frustration at the ALLEY ENTRANCE.

EXT. / INT. HERALD SQUARE / CAB - NIGHT

JACK speeds out of the ALLEY and CROSSES the TRAFFIC FLOW, causing much BRAKING and HORN action. He gets SLOWED in THICK TRAFFIC... KONG BURSTS his way out of the ALLEY ENTRANCE... RIGHT IN FRONT OF JACK'S CAB.

JACK SWERVES on to the SIDEWALK...

JACK steers the CAB wildly along the SIDEWALK scattering PEDESTRIANS in all directions.

KONG follows in HOT PURSUIT.

JACK sends the CAB into a couple of TIGHT TURNS... he rounds a bend and DRIVES straight into a FRUIT VENDOR'S STALL.

ANGLE ON:

The CAB, covered by the RUINED STALL, SLAMS into the WALL of a BUILDING.

JACK is thrown forward on IMPACT...

KONG rounds the corner and BOUNDS PAST JACK'S CAB... hidden beneath the RUBBLE...

KONG searches for the CAB, ROARING in FRUSTRATION.

KONG'S HUGE EYES glance in the WINDOW, just as...

KONG suddenly FREEZES. He inclines his HEAD; unsure if what he is seeing is REAL.

KONG'S POV:

ANN is walking towards him.

KONG tentatively inches TOWARDS ANN.

ANN stops... KONG stops. They stare at each other for a long moment...

ANN offers KONG a small SMILE, and reaches her HAND out hesitantly towards his ARM.

KONG gently picks ANN up... his EYES never leaving her FACE.

ANN holds tightly on to his HAND and they DISAPPEAR into the night.

EXT. CENTRAL PARK - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

KONG carries ANN through the snow-covered trees of CENTRAL PARK...

SUDDENLY, he finds himself stepping on to the FROZEN POND...

ANGLE ON:

The GIANT GORILLA slipping on the ICE... as soon as his hand hits the ice, he slips...

KONG stands up and growls... he slips again, spinning this time... it becomes a game...

CLOSE ON:

ANN realizing what is happening... She starts to LAUGH.

LIGHTS spin past... it is a brief moment of respite...

SUDDENLY, BULLETS RAIN down on KONG and ANN...

KONG rears back in FRIGHT.

ANGLE ON:

MILITARY TRUCK as it launches ROCKETS at KONG.

Commander: Fire!

MORE RAIN down as SMASH!

The ICE CRACKS under the weight of the MORTAR FIRE...

ROARING with ANGER, KONG struggles out from the FROZEN POND and flees... back onto the STREETS of NEW YORK.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT

KONG bounds out into the streets, swaying to avoid the bullet fire, angrily smashing cars out the way.

ANGLE ON:

The TRUCK flipping through the AIR as KONG continues on his way through the STREETS...

KONG ROARS DEFIANTLY as the GUN'S BARREL swings in their direction.

The STREETS are TEEMING with these VEHICLES as the ARMY spreads out across town in the hunt for KONG.

EXT. MILITARY TRUCK - NIGHT

CLOSE ON:

The COMMANDER outside the TRUCK sees KONG coming and his eyes fill with FEAR as he retreats back inside the VEHICLE.

ANGLE ON:

A YOUNG SOLDIER panics and gets out of the TRUCK just as KONG appears.

CLOSE ON:

The COMMANDER desperately SLAMS the TRUCK DOOR shut as he becomes TERRIFIED at the sight of KONG.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT

WIDE ON:

KONG leaps into the air and STOMPS on the TRUCK, killing the COMMANDER and sending a few more SOLDIERS flying to the ground.

CLOSE ON:

ANN clings to KONG'S FINGERS while still in his HAND as he runs through the streets of NEW YORK.

INT. MILITARY TRUCK - NIGHT

An ARMY SERGEANT gives a ROUSING SPEECH to his MILITARY TROOPS about FINDING KONG and KILLING him.

Sergeant: Listen up! This is New York City, and this is sacred ground! You hear me? It was built for humans, by humans! Not for stinking lice-infested apes!

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT

ARMY VEHICLES are RACING along the QUIET STREETS.

Sergeant: (cont'd, voice-over) The thought of some mutant gorilla terrorizing the people of this fair city makes me very furious!! So this is how it's gonna be!

EXT. / INT. STREETS / MILITARY TRUCK - NIGHT

The SERGEANT continues his SPEECH about FINDING and KILLING KONG.

Sergeant: (cont'd) We find it! We kill it! We cut its ugly head off, and we ram it up –

SUDDENLY, the TRUCK CRASHES into KONG and FLIPS OVER without him even NOTICING IT.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT

An ARMORED CAR is firing at KONG... followed by a TRUCK carrying a MOBILE SEARCHLIGHT.

KONG bounds into a construction site, climbing with ease up through the frame.

A MILITARY TRUCK races through the STREETS of NEW YORK... still firing at KONG.

ANGLE ON:

ANN clutches KONG as he BOUNDS along the roofs at HIGH SPEED.

ANOTHER SEARCHLIGHT FINDS HIM... and ANOTHER.

The ARMY are closing in. MACHINE GUN FIRE rips past him as he LEAPS another GREAT DISTANCE across the STREET. ANN clings on, shutting her EYES.

As BULLETS WHIZ around him, KONG LEAPS ACROSS THE STREET – TEN stories high. He LANDS on the opposite ROOFTOP and BOUNDS AWAY.

ANGLE ON:

JACK running along the STREET, following a STREAM of POLICE and MILITARY VEHICLES.

ARMORED CARS and MOBILE SEARCHLIGHTS converge on KONG... ahead of him, across the CAVERN of 34th STREET, rises the SHEER WALL of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.

An MOBILE ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN screeches to a HALT on 34th STREET.

ANGLE ON:

An ARMY COMMANDER shouts rapid orders to his MEN.

Commander: Stand by to fire!

The CAPTAIN runs up to the ARMY COMMANDER...

Captain: I can't give that order! Sir, the ape's holding a girl –

ANGLE ON:

The ARMY COMMANDER brushes past the CAPTAIN...

Commander: (dryly) Then I guess it's her unlucky day. (shouts to his GUNNERS) Take aim!

Captain: Sir...?

Commander: (to his GUNNERS) Shoot to kill! (yells) Fire!

POV:

Looking up CROSS-HAIRS at KONG, high on the side of the building – a SITTING DUCK.

A SUDDEN BLOOM of FIRE erupts from the GUN BARREL speeding straight towards KONG and ANN.

ANGLE ON:

KONG leaps across 34th STREET just as...

BOOM!

The MISSILE hits the BUILDING'S ROOF.

WIDE ON:

KONG smashes into the SIDE of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. GLASS RAINS DOWN TWELVE STORIES TO THE STREET as KONG uses WINDOWS for HAND and FOOT HOLDS. He is ONE-HANDED – his other hand still holding ANN protectively to his CHEST.

JACK runs forward amidst the noise and confusion... he stares up at the long length of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING...

PUSH IN:

JACK staring at the unguarded, darkened entrance to the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING...

EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING / MANHATTAN - PRE-DAWN

Looking at MANHATTAN from the HARBOR... the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING rises from the MIDTOWN area like a giant solitary finger, reaching for the heavens.

WIDE SHOT...

KONG climbing the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, silhouetted against the LIGHTENING SKY.

LOOKING DOWN...

ANN clings to KONG'S SHOULDER, a DIZZYING ONE THOUSAND-FOOT drop to the street below.

KONG climbs onto the OBSERVATION DECK of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. He gently places ANN down... a CHILL WIND catches at her DRESS.

ANN looks up at KONG... BLOOD slowly seeps from his numerous WOUNDS...

KONG sits still, staring out across the CITY...

To the EAST, the sun is rising, casting an soft glow over buildings... glinting off the WATERS of the EAST...

KONG looks down at ANN... he gestures with his hands... touching his heart... ANN looks at him confused, he repeats the gesture...

CLOSE ON:

ANN, she understands...

Ann: (whisper) Beautiful...

Here, high above the squalor and the noise and confusion, the city lies quiet, almost peaceful...

Ann: (cont'd) Yes... yes, it is.

WIDER...

KONG cradles ANN in his HAND as they SHARE the moment.

WIDE ON:

KONG and ANN sit on the LEDGE, watching the SUN RISE.

SIX NAVAL BIPLANES suddenly ROAR INTO SHOT, sweeping low over the DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT... and closing in on KONG.

These are TWO-SEATERS, armed with TWIN MACHINE-GUNS for the PILOT, and a flexible MACHINE GUN for the OBSERVER.

CLOSE ON:

The PILOT'S FINGER on the trigger.

A COLD WIND blows ANN'S hair as she watches the PLANES approach.

KONG is UNEASY about these BUZZING PREDATORS as they CIRCLE above him.

The NAVAL PLANES peel off into an ATTACKING DIVE at KONG.

DOWN GUNSIGHTS... drifting left and right as KONG grows in size... LOCKED ON.

KONG is suddenly FEARFUL... he INSTINCTIVELY pushes ANN towards the BUILDING'S WALL.

The PLANES split to either side of KONG, ZOOMING straight at him.

KONG ROARS at the PLANES, as if issuing a CHALLENGE.

ANN is screaming...

Ann: (cont'd) No!!!

THE SIX NAVAL PLANES fly at KONG from different directions.

MACHINE GUNS START FIRING.

KONG ROARS... and SNATCHES at the NAVAL PLANES as they ZOOM by... he FLINCHES as he is HIT BY BULLETS.

KONG clambers onto the SIDE of the BUILDING and begins climbing to the UPPER MOST LEVEL... attempting to DRAW the PLANES away from ANN...

CLOSE ON:

The MASKED FACE of a PILOT as he heads straight for KONG.

ANGLE ON:

KONG swipes at the MOORING MAST and sends it crashing down to the streets below.

WIDER ON:

KONG stands atop the BUILDING, ROARING and DRUMMING HIS CHEST in ANGER.

ANGLE ON:

ANN as she desperately begins to climb up a SERVICE LADDER on the outside of the STEEL DOME...

EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING / MANHATTAN - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

KONG ROARS in pain as the bullets hit... As the PLANES fly past he SNATCHES at them...

CLOSE ON:

A GUNNER...

ANGLE ON:

KONG recoils in pain as each bullet hits... HE ROARS IN PAIN.

ANGLE ON:

KONG leaps into the AIR smashing at the last PLANE... the GIANT APE falls through the AIR...

The CRIPPLED PLANE spins out of control... plummeting toward the street.

The PLANES continue their attack as KONG tries each time to SWAT at them.

INT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

JACK RACES into a LIFT and hurriedly punches the BUTTON... nothing happens...

Old Security Guard: Hey, hey, nobody past this point. You can't go in there.

JACK pushes past the OLD SECURITY GUARD.

ANGLE ON:

JACK races round a corner... races into the SERVICE ELEVATOR... the doors slowly close.

EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING / MANHATTAN - PRE-DAWN

POV:

The continued assault through the gunner's sight as bullets attack KONG.

ANGLE ON:

ANN continues to climb the ladder, SHE is nearing the top.

SUDDENLY, a PLANE FLIES straight at KONG. He LEAPS out the way and FALLS...

KONG smashes into the SIDE of the BUILDING... one hand still grasping onto the UPPER LEVEL... the TOP of ANN'S LADDER gives way...

HIGH ANGLE ON:

ANN dangling precariously in mid-air as she desperately tries to hold on to the STEEL RUNGS... her fingers slip...

ANN FALLS.

KONG stretches out and catches ANN in his HUGE PAW... behind him, the planes are circling preparing to dive once again...

KONG reaches through the BROKEN WINDOWS and puts ANN in the GLASS-IN UPPER-OBSERVATION DECK...

ANN tumbles to the GROUND.

Before she can stand, another BURST of GUNFIRE rakes the BUILDING.

WINDOWS SHATTER.

GLASS FLIES all around ANN. BULLETS SLAM into the BACK of KONG.

KONG circles the building trying to get away from the PLANE, but it continues to follow him.

ANGLE ON:

KONG leaping back on to the top of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING...

He grabs the PLANE'S WING, spinning it around and around...

ANGLE ON:

The PLANE CRASHING in to one of the OTHER PLANES... both PLANES plummet to the ground.

INT. OBSERVATION DECK, EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

ANN staggers to her FEET and races outside to the balcony, desperately looking for KONG.

KONG looks FEARFUL... he is WEAKENING from his BULLET WOUNDS.

ANGLE ON:

ANN climbs the SMALL STAIRWAY which leads to the STEEL DOME...

EXT. UPPER-LEVEL, EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - DAWN

KONG, clearly weakened, looks out across the city to the approaching PLANES.

THE PLANES are CIRCLING in the DISTANCE, preparing for an ATTACK RUN.

INT. ELEVATOR, EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

CLOSE ON:

JACK watches the LIFT FLOOR INDICATOR as it slowly rises.

EXT. UPPER LEVEL, EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - DAWN

ANGLE ON:

A LONE PLANE as it NEARS its TARGET.

CLOSE ON:

THE PILOT'S FACE...

CLOSE ON:

KONG musters all his remaining strength and, in one last challenge, rises up ROARING at the APPROACHING PLANE...

ANN races between KONG'S LEGS to the EDGE of the BUILDING... she frantically waves at the PLANES, screaming as loud as she can.

Ann: No! No!

CLOSE ON:

THE PILOT... seeing ANN, he decides not to fire.

ANGLE ON:

KONG, now barely clinging to the top of the building, gently picks up ANN and STARES AT HER ONE LAST TIME. HE places her GENTLY down on the ground...

WIDE ON:

THE PLANES as they fly at KONG.

GUNFIRE SMASHES into KONG.

ANN looks up... KONG grasps the side of the BUILDING...

She crawls over to him, clutches his FINGERS, hugging them, trying to COMFORT HIM. TEARS STREAM DOWN HER FACE...

KONG slowly lifts her in his HAND... he looks beyond her...

ALL SOUND FADES AWAY... except for a gentle breeze...

The FEAR leaves KONG... he looks at ANN with TENDERNESS and LOVE.

CLOSE ON:

KONG... as the light in his eyes slowly fades and goes out.

KONG topples back... disappearing from sight.

WIDE ON:

KONG plummeting away... toward the ground FAR BELOW.

ANGLE ON:

ANN as she moves towards the edge of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING... she stares down at the STREETS BELOW... overcome by a sense of utter despair...

CLOSE ON:

ANN... for a brief moment she wants to do nothing more than follow KONG...

ANGLE ON:

JACK as he climbs on to the ROOF... he looks at ANN.

SLOWLY, ANN turns and faces him... her grief still trapped inside her...

JACK can see in her eyes how close he is to losing her.

ANN stares at him a beat... tears begin to spill from her eyes. Slowly, she rises to her feet and walks hesitantly toward Jack.

JACK gently embraces her. She wraps her arms around him.

WIDE SHOT:

JACK and ANN holding each other as dawn light washes over them.

EXT. FIFTH AVENUE - MORNING

CROWDS are gathering to STARE at KONG'S BODY. A SWARM of JOURNALISTS converge on KONG... light-bulbs flashing...

ANGLE ON:

TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS climb onto KONG'S CHEST... CAMERAS AIMED right at KONG'S FACE... they jostle for position.

A POLICEMAN drags them off...

Policeman: Come on, boys, move on! Show's over! Stay back! Behind the line!

As the NATIONAL GUARD begin holding the CROWD of ONLOOKERS BACK.

SOLDIERS pose for PHOTOS.

CLOSE ON:

PHOTOGRAPHER #1 staring up the long length of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING... the distance that KONG has plummeted.

Photographer #1: Why'd he do that? Climb up there and get himself cornered? The ape must've known what was coming.

Photographer #2: It's just a dumb animal – it didn't know nothing!

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM pushing through the CROWD. He stares at KONG, DREAD, REALIZATION dawning on his face.

Photographer #2: (cont'd) What does it matter? The airplanes got him.

PUSH IN:

DENHAM stares at KONG, an ASHEN expression on his face.

Denham: It wasn't the airplanes...

The PHOTOGRAPHERS stare at DENHAM... expectant.

Denham: (cont'd) ...it was Beauty that killed the Beast.

ANGLE ON:

DENHAM turns and slowly walks away from the CAMERA.

FADE TO BLACK

THE END