Zing Went the Strings of My Heart

Revised First Draft Screenplay
by
Tom Mankiewicz
June 20, 1983

FADE IN:
SUPERIMPOSED ON A BLACK SCREEN:
WAYNE MANOR, NEAR GOTHAM CITY - 1960
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - SUNSET
A beautiful, sprawling suburban estate at sunset. Classic wrought-iron
gates protect a winding driveway which snakes its way up through a
neatly manicured lawn.
INT. WAYNE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
ALFRED PENNYWORTH, the Wayne family butler, fluffs up a cushion in the
large, elegant living room. A kind-looking man in his late forties
with dark moustache and hair, he epitomizes the proper British moor
domo, dressed in a morning coat and striped vest.
Alfred turns, straightens up a pile of thick-looking papers on the
living room table. He picks up the top one, looks at it critically,
but with satisfaction.
INSERT SHOT - CAMPAIGN POSTER
The thick-looking papers are, in fact, political campaign posters.
They feature the face of a handsome, fortyish man, with the block
lettered caption: DR. THOMAS WAYNE FOR CITY COUNCIL - A BETTER TOMORROW
FOR GOTHAM.
DR. WAYNE'
S VOICE
Bruce? Hurry up, son, we're going
to be late. Martha?
BACK TO SCENE
Alfred turns to look at DR. THOMAS WAYNE (the man on the poster) enters
the room.
DR. WAYNE (CONT'
D)
Now where's Martha? Alfred, have
you seen Mrs. Wayne?
ALFRED
I believe she was headed for Master
Bruce's laboratory. Sir.
Dr. Wayne checks his watch, exits, muttering.
DR. WAYNE
That nymphomaniacal hamster of his
must have given birth again...

INT. HALLWAY
Dr. Wayne heads down the hallway towards a door.
DR. WAYNE
Come on, everybody, the movie starts
in less than an hour. Let's not
keep you next city councilman
waiting...
INT. BRUCE'
S LAB
Dr. Wayne opens the door. The makeshift lab room has a large work
table crammed with beakers, test tubes, and other scientific equipment.
BRUCE WYANE, aged ten, sits behind a microscope, peers down intently at
a specimen on a slide. He does not look up as his father enters.
DR. WAYNE
(crossing)
Son, whatever you're looking at
couldn't possible be as pretty as
Audrey Hepburn, so...
Dr. Wayne puts his hand on Bruce's shoulder. Incredibly enough - it
passes right through it! He recoils, shocked, reaches out to touch the
body's head. His hand cuts right through the skull. Giggling is
HEARD, O.S.
Young Bruce stands behind the door with his mother, MARTHA, a beautiful
woman in her mid-thirties.
BRUCE
It's called a "holograph," dad. Two
Interconnecting laser beams...
(pointing)
There and there. Pretty neat, huh?
Dr. Wayne stares at the laser tubes, totally nonplussed.
MARTHA
Well, don't look at me. My side
of the family still can't figure out
why it gets dark at night. Ready to
go?
DR. WAYNE
(eyes narrowing)
How can I be sure you're the real
thing?
Martha kisses him warmly. He looks back, impressed.
DR. WAYNE (CONT'
D)
Somewhat lifelike, I'll admit...
MARTH
That's all? Then hold on to your
socks, buster...
She kisses him again with passion. Bruce turns away with the typical
self-consciousness of a pre-adolescent.
BRUCE
Oh, guy...
His parents break. Dr. Wayne looks down at him.
DR. WAYNE
Bruce, you may be the brightest ten
year old in Gotham City, or any-
where else, for that matter. But I
feel I ought to let you in on some-
thing.
(at Martha)
This - is definitely not a guy.
INT. PROJECTION BOOTH - NIGHT
A huge 35mm motion picture projector springs to life.
INT. THEATER
The shifting colored rays of a projected film knife though the
blackness of the theater.
SCREEN VOICE
Sister, you make a beautiful nun.
ANGLE ON MOVIE SCREEN
The screen is filled by the face of AUDREY HEPBURN, dressed as a nun.
We are watched The Nun's Story, as are:
ANGLE ON WAYNE FAMILY IN SEATS
Dr. Wayne, Martha, and Bruce, who downs the remains of his box of Goodand Plenty.
EXT. GOTHAM MOVIE THEATER & STREET - NIGHT
Rumblings of distant thunder echo through the night sky. The Wayne
family exits the theater, heads down a deserted street. Suddenly - a
flash of lightning. A closer, louder clap of thunder. Dr. Wayne takes
Martha's arm. Bruce straggles behind, staring at the pavement.
DR. WAYNE
I wish I hadn't parked so far away.
We're going to get soaked.
MARTHA
(over her shoulder)
Do try and keep up, Bruce. What on
earth are you staring at, anyway?
BRUCE
The cracks, Mom. It's bad luck to
step on one.
(does so)
Oh, darnit...
VOICE (O.S.)
Hold it, you people. Freeze!
A large man (JOE CHILL) partially hidden by shadows, points a gun at
them. He stands in the sunken entrance to a deserted brownstone house,
gestures with his weapon.
CHILL
Get down in here. Now.
MARTHA
(terrified)
Thomas...
DR. WAYNE
You're welcome to our money. Any-
thing we have. Okay?
Chill stares coldly. Dr. Wayne pulls out his money, takes off his
watch. Martha and Bruce watch, petrified.
DR. WAYNE (CONT'
D)
Here...just be careful with that
gun, will you? It could go off...
CHILL
You know something, Doc? You're
right.
DR. WAYNE
(expression changing)
Doc? How did you know I was a...
There is a deafening roar as Chill fires the gun, lifting Dr. Wayne off
his feet, hurling him backwards.
BRUCE
Daddy!!
Martha screams. A bolt of lightning flashes. Chill turns.
CHILL
Let's have that necklace, lady...
MARTHA
Oh, my God!
Martha tries to escape but is jerked back by Chill's hand as it closes
on her necklace. Bruce runs at Chill, grabs him by the leg, tries to
pull him down.
BRUCE
Leave my mommy alone! Mommy!
Mommy!
Chill fires again! The necklace snaps free as Martha is jerked
backwards, then crumples next to her husband.
CLOSE ON BRUCE
He kneels over his mother's body, pauses in shock, then looks up: the
barrel of Chill's gun comes into frame.
CLOSE ON CHILL
The necklace in one hand, his gun in the other. He looks down at
Bruce, his expression suddenly changing.
BACK TO BRUCE
He stares at Chill, his jaw inadvertently twitching with rage. A LOUD
CLAP OF THUNDER rolls across the sky. Bruce's eyes have become steel,
visible fury shooting forth from them in an almost demonic fashion.
Chill's gun hand suddenly starts to tremble. Incredibly, the savage
face of this young boy has unnerved him.
CHILL
Stop...lookin' at me like that, kid...
(no response)
Stop looking at me like that!
Suddenly - A FLASH OF LIGHTNING! Rain begins to fall in sheets.
Chill, runs up to the street, disappears into the rain-swept darkness.
ANGLE ON APARTMENT BUILDING
LIGHTS have flicked on in the apartment building across the street.
FACELESS WITNESSES stand silhouetted in the windows, gazing down at the
tragedy across the street.
CAMERA PUSHES IN on one particular window. A SHADOWY FIGURE half-
emerges from the darkness, his face still hidden from us. All that is
visible is an oversized pair of striped pants and a large white daisy
stuck through the coat lapel. The Shadowy Figure pauses, then reaches
out an arm and slowly lowers the window shade.
From behind the shade - an insane, maniacal giggle starts to rise.
Tiny at first, but gradually building to a sudden explosion of
cascading, frightening glee!
BACK TO BRUCE
Kneeling in the rain across the street, paralyzed with shock and grief.
He looks up from the bodies of his parents as a COUPLE approaches along
the pavement above.
BRUCE'
S VOICE
Help...oh, please help me...
The couple stop, stare down at the scene.
BRUCE
It's...my mom and dad. Please...I
think they're dead.
The couple exchange a quick, horrified glance, then hurry off down the
street.
BACK TO BRUCE
Sobbing uncontrollably now, tears mixing with the rain. In the
distance: the low whine of an approaching siren. CAMERA RISES into the
night sky:
A FLASHING BOLT OF LIGHTNING RIPS ACROSS THE SCREEN: the residue
remains in the night sky - a searing yellow dot. ANOTHER BOLT OF
LIGHTNING - another yellow dot. Then a deafening clap of thunder as
the gray-black clouds arrange themselves into a dark and eerie
silhouette. The siren grows louder, piercing shrilly through the
rumblings of the storm. The SILHOUETTE becomes more familiar now, as
the billowing clouds form themselves into a dark cape. The dots of
lightning begin to pulsate as they evolve into two searing yellow eyes.
This then, is the signal of the future presence of the Dark Redeemer of
the Night. The Black Wraith. The Avenger of Countless Wrongs...
THE BATMAN
DISSOLVE
THROUGH TO:
EXT. HILLSIDE CEMETERY NEAR GOTHAM - DAY
A beautiful rolling hill overlooking Gotham City. As CAMERA TRACKS
through the trees, tombstones begin to appear. We are in the middle of
an immaculate pastoral graveyard. Down below in the distance an
endless line of black limousines snakes its way up a winding road.
CAMERA CONTINUES TO TRACK, finally HOLDING ON:
The unfilled graves of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Dark-suited FUNERAL
ATTENDANTS wait silently by the caskets.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY - DAY - ESTABLISHING SHOT
A hot sun showers a blazing glow on the throbbing metropolis of Gotham
City, choked with cars, buses, PEDESTRIANS, and the attendant
pollution. A great American city going through the routine
performances of its daily mundane chores.
EXT. NEWSSTAND - DAY
CAMERA CLOSE on an oversized pair of striped pants standing in front of
a corner newsstand.
VOICE
A copy of the Trib, please.
CLOSE ON GOTHAM TRIBUNE
An edition of the Gotham Tribune is handed over. The headlines scream:
DR. & MRS. THOMAS WAYNE GUNNED DOWN IN SENSELESS ROBBERY/KILLING.
"Political hopeful was well ahead in latest polls."
An insane giggle rises, O.S. CAMERA PANS UP from the front page to the
horrified face of a NEWS VENDOR, staring in disbelief at the person
reading the Tribune.
CLOSE ON JOKER - HIS P.O.V.
We see the hideous face of THE JOKER. A revolting perversion of a
human being with a chalk-white complexion, ruby red lips, and a
startling shock of green hair. He continues to giggle as he reads. A
CONFEDERATE stands behind. The Vendor continues to stare as The Joker
suddenly notices.
JOKER
Something wrong?
VENDOR
Your...face. It's...
JOKER
Familiar? Maybe we met in Toledo.
VENDOR
I never been to Toledo.
JOKER
Neither have I. Must have been two
other guys.
(taking one out)
Have a cigar?
VENDOR
Gee, thanks.
The Vendor takes the cigar, lights it. The Joker and his Confederate
move off down the street.
JOKER
Want to hear a good one? What's
black and white and dead all over?
CONFEDERATE
A newspaper, Boss, but ain't it
black and white and read all over?
Suddenly - there is a tremendous explosion!
ANGLE ON CORNER NEWSSTAND
The corner newsstand has virtually disappeared. Thousands of pages
drift down through the air into the debris.
BACK TO JOKER
JOKER
No...
EXT. HILLSIDE CEMETERY - DAY
The procession of limousines has started back down the hill from the
funeral. Alfred stands alone by a black Rolls Royce, looks off sadly
as:
Young Bruce Wayne gently places a flower on each of his parent's
graves, then turns. His eyes are glassed over, but tears do not fall.
He crosses to Alfred who puts a protective arm around him.
ALFRED
It's unfair, of course. But some-
times, Master Bruce, one simply has
to...accept conditions as they are,
and...make the best of them.
BRUCE
(softly)
Why?
ALFRED
Why? Why, because...
(nice smile)
I don't know, really.
BRUCE
(deadly)
Neither do I.
Alfred helps the boy into the car. The Rolls Royce heads back down the
hill toward Gotham City.
INT. THORNE CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Telephones RING! Typewriters CLACK! A campaign poster features the
face of RUPERT THORNE, an earnest-looking man with a granite-hard face.
Underneath is a logo: Rupert Thorne: He'll make our streets safeagain."
The headquarters is a beehive of activity. AIDES rush back and forth
as a door marked Private bursts open and Thorne appears. Hr grins with
an oily manner.
THORNE
(to AIDE)
Are they all out there?
AIDE
We're waiting for The Evening
Sentinel, Mr. Thorne...
THORNE
Screw The Sentinel. I gotta make
The six o'clock news.
(adjusts his tie)
What's the name of Wayne's kid?
AIDE
Bruce.
Thorne nods, heads for the door, mumbling to himself.
THORNE
Our hearts go out to the Wayne
Family, particularly their young
Son, Bruce...Bruce...Bruce...
EXT. CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS - DAY
A throng of REPORTERS and TV remote units snap to attention as Thorne
appears on the steps of his campaign headquarters. He silences a
cacophony of overlapping questions with upraised hands, terminally
sincere.
THORNE
I didn't want to win like this. Not
through tragedy. But it's cruelly
ironic...
EXT. GOTHAM - DAY
A more downbeat section of Gotham's business district. CAMERA CLOSES
on a specific building: The Monarch Playing Card Company. THORNE'
S
VOICE CONTINUES OVER:
THORNE'
S VOICE
...that a good man like Thomas Wayne
who spoke up so forcefully for the
rights of criminals should himself
become the ultimate victim.
INT. JOKER'
S LAIR - DAY
A huge room, garishly decorated in a clown motif. The wallpaper is one
contiguous deck of cards. There are harlequin chairs, jesters, and
open Jack-In-The-Box, etc.
A MAN sits in a chair at the end of the room, facing away from CAMERA.
He watches Thorne on a TV set.
THORNE
(from TV)
But his murderer will be caught and
executed, I promise you! It's time
the scum of our society see that we
mean to have law and order on the
streets of Gotham City!
Suddenly - the set goes mute. The Man in the chair swivels around
slowly: It is JOE CHILL!
The Joker stands at the entrance to the room, lowers a remote control
box. He grins at Chill. Chill stares back nervously, clearly
frightened by The Joker's maniacal presence.
CHILL
I was...headed for the airport.
They said you wanted to see me.
Something...wrong?
JOKER
Wrong? I thought we'd celebrate. I
thought you'd like to join me in a
drink.
CHILL
(visibly relieved)
Why not...
The Joker leads him to a table, suddenly glowers darkly.
JOKER
You know, I'm disappointed in you,
Joe. Very disappointed.
CHILL
(swallowing)
You...are?
JOKER
I said, "Would you like to join me
in a drink." Then you're supposed
to say, "Sure there'll be room
enough for both of us?"
(giggle)
Get it?
(louder giggle)
"Room enough..."
CHILL
Yeah...sure...I get it now...
JOKER
You're a quick study, Joe.
The Joker claps him on the back as they sit at the table. The
Confederate enters with two glasses on a tray. One contains a clear
liquid. The other - a bilious, thick yellow concoction. The Joker
edges it across the table toward Chill who eyes it suspiciously.
JOKER (CONT'
D)
Drink up.
Chill examines the yellow liquid, wary.
CHILL
How come...you ain't drinkin' this...
JOKER
Good question. I like lemonade...
He takes it from Chill, hands him the clear liquid. They both down
their drinks. The Joker giggles insanely.
CHILL
What's...so funny...?
JOKER
Man walks into a doctor's office,
says, "Are you the doctor's nurse?"
she says, "Yes." He says, "Oh, is
the doctor sick?"
The Joker slams the table in glee, out of control.
CHILL
No offense, Joker, but that's not
very...
Chill stops. The corners of his mouth twitch, then rise involuntarily.
He snickers. Again. Starts to giggle. The Joker's eyes narrow. His
smile becomes cruel.
JOKER
The doctor says, "I can sure you. The
disease is hereditary." The patient
says, "Then send the bill to my father."
Chill instantly explodes with laughter!
JOKER (CONT'
D)
He says, "Help me, Doctor, I've got
amnesia." Doctor says, "How long
have you had it?" He says, "How
long have I had what?"
Chill is on his feet now, convulsed in glee. He sinks to his knees,
out of control, then collapses on the floor.
JOKER (CONT'
D)
And this one will kill you! I just got
back from a pleasure trip. I drove my
mother-in-law to the airport...
CLOSE ON CHILL
Dead. His mouth frozen in a grotesque grin. The Joker stares down
blankly.
JOKER
But seriously, folks...
He looks off, presses the remote control box, activates the sound on
the television again.
CLOSE ON TV
Rupert Thorne leans in with an oily look.
THORNE ON TV
In the meantime, our hearts go out
to the Wayne family, particularly to
their young son, Bruce...
BACK TO JOKER
Watching Thorne. His face twists into a cruel smile.
THORNE
(thoughtful pause)
And I'd like to think that one day
Thomas Wayne will look down on this
earth and this city and say...
As Thorne and The Joker speak simultaneously.
THORNE & JOKER
"You know what? I was wrong. That
Rupert Thorne is one heck of a city
councilman."
The Joker explodes in laughter! His terrifying guffaws propel him off
the chair onto the floor.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
A large truck with the logo "GOTHAM GYMNASTICS" starts down the
driveway to the gates, moving away from Wayne Manor.
INT. MANOR EXERCISE ROOM - DAT
Alfred and Bruce stand in a newly outfitted exercise room. The
equipment has been expertly installed: rings, parallel bars, balancing
beam, weight machines, etc. Bruce is in a T-shirt and shorts. He
gazes at the impressive array.
ALFRED
One hardly knows where to begin.
BRUCE
Those rings seem simple enough.
Bruce crosses to the rings, leaps, catches hold, tries to hoist himself
up. His eyes bulge! He tries again, then drops to the floor in a
heap.
ALFRED
Perhaps if we lowered them.
BRUCE
(grim stare)
If you'll excuse me now, Alfred.
I'll see you at dinner.
ALFRED
Yes, Sir.
Alfred leaves, closing the door. Bruce turns, glares up at the rings
like deadly enemies. He jumps again, catches hold, starts to hoist
himself up, straining with the effort. The veins standing out on his
forehead. Slowly, painfully, he begins to inch himself higher and
higher.
INT KARATE STUDIO - DAY
Bruce is dressed in a martial arts outfit, tensely faces a thick pine
board being held by a Japanese INSTRUCTOR.
INSTRUCTOR
...but you must believe, really
believe you can do it. The mind
is more powerful than the fist, and
the fist is more powerful than the
board. Understood?
Bruce nods earnestly, sets himself. With a blood-curdling SCREAM -- he
lashes out! Then - an instantaneous second SCREAM as his fist crumples
against the unyielding board.
INSTRUCTOR (CONT'
D)
Let's go over it again...
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - SUNRISE
A tree-lined winding road at dawn. Bruce jogs along easily, his right
hand encased in a plaster cast. Jogging next to him, huffing and
puffing: an exhausted FRENCH PROFESSOR.
BRUCE
I am happy...
FRENCH PROFESSOR
(panting)
Je suis heureux...
BRUCE
Je suis heureux...to make your
acquaintance.
FRENCH PROFESSOR
(gasping)
De...faire votre connaissance...
BRUCE
De faire votre connaissance...
Bruce looks ahead toward a bend in the road. Alfred stands by the
Rolls Royce, checking his watch. The spent Professor peels off to the
side as Bruce continues on.
BRUCE
Merci, mon Professeur! Tommorrow at
Six again, okay?
The Professor manages a feeble wave, collapses by the side of the road
in front of Alfred who administers a thermos of hot coffee and a
croissant to the stricken man.
ANGLE AROUND OTHER SIDE OF BEND.
Another jogger has joined Bruce around the bend - an older man, his
bearded RUSSIAN PROFESSOR.
BRUCE
Dobroye utro, Boris...I am happy...
BORIS
Ochen priyatno...
BRUCE
Ochen priyatno...To make your
acquaintance.
BORIS
Vam...poznakomit...
The two of them jog off into the distance.
BORIS' VOICE
(already winded)
Bozhe moy!...
EXT. WAYNE MANOR LAWN - DAY
Bruce stands facing a large, brightly colored archery target on the
lawn of Wayne Manor. From O.S., behind his back, WE HEAR A WHIRRING
SOUND.
CLOSE ON ARROW GUN
A gleaming STEEL ARROW "clicks" into the firing slot of an automatic-
fire Gatling Gun device. Suddenly - it fires!
BACK TO BRUCE
Wheeling around to face the on-rushing whizzing arrow - lifting a
heavily padded hand to catch it in mid-air!
HE MISSES! The arrow "thunks" into his chest, directly over his heart!
Bruce sighs, removes the arrow, jerking it out of his hidden protective
vest.
BRUCE
Darn...
ANOTHER ARROW whizzes at him! Bruce drops to one knee, this time
almost catching it as the steel tip rips away a piece of the heavy
padding on his hand.
CLOSE ON ALFRED AT WINDOW
Alfred watches from a window, shaking his head, appalled, now returns
to his housekeeping.
INT. EXERCISE ROOM - DAY
Bruce is on the rings again. By now using them with considerable
expertise, swinging his body in somersaults, then performing the
difficult "Iron Cross" maneuver. He pauses at full extension, then
swings back, launches himself towards the parallel bars.
Catching the bars expertly, he performs a complicated routine, pausing
at the top to look across the room:
A thin balance beam sits below, ten feet away.
Bruce swings back one more time on the upper parallel bar, then flies
through the air for the beam! His feet land on top for one split,
tenuous second. He teeters - then crashes heavily to the floor.
Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he stares back at the beam,
determined.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
Alfred exits the rear of Wayne Manor onto the lawn, looks around,
mystified.
ALFRED
Master Bruce? Luncheon is served!
Alfred hears a CUMBLING SOUND, looks up as a piece of brick falls,
narrowly missing him.
ANGLE ON BRUCE - ALFRED'
S P.O.V.
Bruce is scaling the side of the house! A thick rope encircles the
chimney of Wayne Manor as Bruce makes his way up the structure, hand
over hand. Suddenly: the old brick chimney STARTS TO CRUMBLE! The
rope jerks free as bricks fly everywhere and Bruce tumbles heavily down
to the lawn at Alfred'' feet.
Bruce looks up, grins sheepishly. Alfred glances back up at the
demolished chimney, then back down at Bruce again.
ALFRED
Santa will be heartbroken.
INT. KARATE STUDIO - DAY
A TERRIFYING SCREAM! A PINE BOARD is smashed to smithereens by a
lightning-quick fist!
Bruce wheels to FACE CAMERA. HE IS NOW SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD. Cool,
clear eyes flick in the opposite direction as:
Two STUDENTS charge him! He flips one over his head, flips the other
while simultaneously spinning around to face the Instructor who closes
ranks from behind.
The fight is furiously expert - hands and feet working like windmills.
Bruce is parrying every thrust the
Instructor has to offer, countering every move, but is nonetheless
being backed into a corner.
The Instructor moves in for the kill as Bruce suddenly vaults up and
over him in a seven-foot backflip! Grabbing the man's black belt from
behind for leverage, he hoists the Instructor over his head, then sends
the bewildered man flying through the air, crashing onto the mat in a
heap.
Bruce looks over, suddenly concerned. He holds the Instructor's black
belt in his hands. The Instructor is half-dazed, in some pain. His
eyes suddenly pop open - he grins broadly back at Bruce.
INSTRUCTOR
That's okay. Keep it.
INT. BALLET STUDIO - DAY
A line of beautiful young would-be BALLERINAS perform the various
positions at the bar in a dance studio to the musical strains of Swan
Lake. A stern INSTRUCTRESS supervises, barking out the numbers.
CAMERA TRACKS past the female figures at the bar. In the middle of the
line, dressed in tight and a T-shirt - Bruce Wayne. Perspiring
heavily, he performs the set routine with amazing grace. A gorgeous
DANCER looks over her shoulder at him, whispers under her breath.
GIRL DANCER
Any of the guys ever make fun of
you?
BRUCE
(nice smile)
One guy. Once.
INT. BROKERAGE FIRM - DAY
A stock ticker jumps to life. CAMERA PANS the oak-panelled walls of a
room, PAST portrait paintings of sever-looking BROKERS in three-piece
suits.
BROKER'
S VOICE
...the sizeable trust fund left you
by your father, the late Dr. Thomas
Wayne. Now we admit that young
Bruce here has made a few lucky
guesses in the past..
CAMERA HOLDS on a board room conference table: two impeccably turned-
out BROKERS face Alfred and Bruce.
BROKER (CONT'
D)
...but the time has come for us to
insist on control. We appeal to
you, Mr. Pennyworth, as the executor
of this estate.
ALFRED
It was Dr. Wayne's intention for his
son to achieve self-reliance at the
earliest possible age. With that in
mind, I suggest you accept the lad's
"lucky guesses" as instructions.
BRUCE
Let's hold on to our oil stocks for
now. I see a chance of gasoline
prices rising to sixty, even seventy
cents a gallon.
BROKER
(tolerant smile)
Why not a dollar?
BRUCE
And I'd like to transfer our mutual
funds into the development of the
computer chip. I've been experi-
menting with them, and...
BROKER
Computer...
BRUCE
Chip.
BROKER #2
Sounds like an after-school snack
for machines. Anything else?
BRUCE
As a matter of fact, there is.
Yesterday, I had this most delicious
hamburger at this new little place
called Mac
Donald's...
The two Brokers exchange a totally exasperated look.
EXT. MONUMENT VALLEY - DAY
CAMERA PANS a campsite with pup tents and a burnt-out campfire to a van
featuring the logo: Gotham High School Mountaineering Club.
ANGLE ON ROCK NEEDLE
A towering needle-like rock shoots up from the desert floor. CAMERA
PUSHES IN: we see the outlines of THREE CLIMBERS connected by a rope,
halfway up he jagged face.
CLOSE ON CLIMBERS
The wind howls. The FIRST CLIMBER drives a piton into the rock face,
attaches his line, looks down.
TWO CLIMBERS below struggle mightily. The drop to the desert floor
beneath is dizzying. Climber #2 looks up.
CLIMBER #2
Don't look down, for Chrissake!
CLIMBER #1
I'm trying to see if I can spot
Bruce...
CLIMBER #2
Will you forget about him? He wan-
dered off, that's all - in one of
his famous moods.
CLIMBER #1
(drives in piton)
Who knows? Maybe the great Bruce
Wayne finally found something he's
too scared to tackle...
ANGLE ON ROCK NEEDLE - HELICOPTER SHOT
HELICOPTER ZOOMS UP and around to the far side of the needle - one lone
figure struggles up the absolutely sheer opposite face of the cliff, a
few feet from the top.
CLOSE ON BRUCE
His jaw set - eyes clear. The bitter wind whips through his hair. He
drives in his final piton, hoists himself up onto the tiny circular
crest of the needle.
HELICOPTER CAMERA RISES. The majestic valley spreads out below us. In
the center - the lonely figure of Bruce Wayne - self-reliance and
victory personified.
INT. WAYNE MANOR LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
It is late. Alfred relaxes in an easy chair, reading an edition of the
Gotham Tribune.
The headline screams: JOKER STEALS KALAHARI DIAMOND - Master of Mirth
Strikes Again.
Alfred puts down the paper, stifling a yawn. He hears A MUTED VOICE
from upstairs, rises curiously.
INT. BRUCE'
S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Bruce is spread-eagled on the bed, fully clothed - fast asleep. A
VOICE drones from a bedside tape recorder.
TAPE VOICE
An atom with a magnetic dipole ex-
posed to a nonuniform magnetic field
undergoes a linear force in addition
to its tendency toward orientation...
Alfred stops in the doorway with a sympathetic look.
TAPE VOICE (CONT'
D)
The use of an atomic beam makes
possible an observation of an
induced transition...
Alfred switches off the tape, adjusts a quilted coverlet over Bruce
with a paternal smile.
INT. EXERCISE ROOM - DAY
CAMERA PANS past the balancing beam, parallel bars, and exercise rings
to Bruce, who faces them confidently, but this time with a big
difference - HE IS BLINDFOLDED. He takes a tentative step forward,
gauging his distance, then leaps up into the air - grabbing the rings
with perfect accuracy! He performs a series of difficult routines with
clockwork precision, then swings through the air to the parallel bars,
latching on to the lower one, then propelling himself up to the higher
one. His gyrations become faster, gaining speed and momentum.
Suddenly - he launches himself toward the balance beam!
Bruce lands on the end of the beam like a cat - keeping his balance,
having calculated the exact distance to the inch. He steps forward
with total security, travels the length of the beam with the ease of a
pedestrian. Reaching the end, he does a complete forward somersault,
lands solidly on his feet. Bruce removes his blindfold, stares back at
the path he's just taken, amazed by himself.
ALFRED'
S VOICE
Incredible!
Bruce turns. A proud Alfred beams from the doorway.
ALFRED
Why, you were blind as a bat, Sir.
CAMERA PUSHES IN on Bruce's grinning face as WE HEAR:
PRINCIPAL'
S VOICE
...many talented, successful gradu-
ates of Gotham High, but none like
this young man. Holder of the
highest scholastic average in the
history of the school...
EXT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY
CAMERA PANS the front lawn of Gotham High School. It is Graduation
Day. STUDENTS and proud PARENTS sit in chairs facing a rostrum, from
where the PRINCIPAL speaks:
PRINCIPAL
...eight athletic letters and
Captain of five teams, your Class
Valedictorian - Bruce Wayne!
Applause. Bruce rises in his cap and gown, makes his way to the
rostrum. A confident presence glows behind his clear eyes. A self-
assuredness without ego. A natural grace which exudes the maturity of
a man twice his age. CAMERA PANS TO the figure of Alfred, who beams
with pride.
BRUCE
Thank you, Principal Peters. Fellow
students, welcome parents, honored
faculty and guests...
EXT. BACK FO SCHOOL BUILDING - DAY
Bruce hurries down the steps in his black cap and gown, diploma in
hand. A pretty COED (CINDY) passes.
CINDY
Great speech, Bruce. I sure hope
you're coming to Deedee's tonight...
BRUCE
Thanks, Cindy, but I don't think I
can make it. Marshall Mc
Luhan is
giving a talk at the University.
CINDY
Bruce...
He turns. Cindy looks at him shyly, then moves closer.
CINDY (CONT'
D)
I...hope you don't mind me saying
this, Bruce, but...well, I guess all
the girls feel the same way...
BRUCE
Feel...?
CINDY
It's just that everybody thinks
you're great...great looking and
everything...but you never seem to
have time for any...fun.
BRUCE
Fun? What...kind of fun?
Cindy stares into his eyes with a mixture of hunger and innocence. She
leans in, kisses him softly and deeply on the mouth. Bruce's eyes
bulge with surprise, then slowly flutter shut. They finally break.
CINDY
(passionate whisper)
275...7634...
Bruce smiles, slides by, heads down the steps. Cindy watches
wistfully.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - DAY
The Rolls Royce makes its way through the crowded streets.
INT. ROLLS ROYCE - DAY
Bruce stares out the window. Alfred drives on, takes a small notebook
from his pocket, reads.
ALFRED
You have your guitar lesson at four,
following which, you wanted time to
finish your article for The Scien-
tific American. Tonight, Marshall
Mc
Luhan lectures at...
Alfred stops. Bruce is lost in another world.
ALFRED (CONT'
D)
Are you all right, Sir?
BRUCE
Hmm?
Bruce turns from the window. Alfred notices something.
ALFRED
Is that blood on your lip?
Bruce frowns curiously. He wipes his lip with his finger, then licks
it thoughtfully.
BRUCE
Lipstick.
ALFRED
(shocked)
Lipstick?
BRUCE
Lipstick.
Alfred smiles uncomfortably. The Rolls stops at a light. Bruce
notices something out the window.
ANGLE OF SHOWROOM - HIS P.O.V.
An elegant foreign car showroom. In the window, its front grill
grinning back at Bruce - a BRIGHT RED FERRARI.
BACK TO ROLLS ROYCE.
BRUCE
(muttering)
275-7634...
ALFRED
Beg pardon?
BRUCE
Do you know what's wrong with me,
Alfred?
ALFRED
I can't imagine a thing, Sir.
BRUCE
I never have time for any fun.
EXT. BEACH - DAWN
The first orange rays of the sun stab upwards through the clouds in a
brilliant sunrise. The bright red Ferrari is parked in the sand on the
top of a high dune. The VOICES of BRUCE and CINDY drift up from below.
BRUCE'
S VOICE
(sleepy; affectionate)
Good morning...
CINDY'
S VOICE
Mmm...
BRUCE'
S VOICE
Want to go for a swim?
CINDY'
S VOICE
(pleased)
I don't think I can walk...
(soft purr)
Where'd you learn to do all that?
BRUCE'
S VOICE
Here. Last night. It's strange,
but once I get the hang of something
I just can't seem to stop.
(beat)
Sorry.
CINDY'
S VOICE
(dreamy)
Oh...that's okay...
CAMERA PUSHES IN on Ferrari as the ROAR of a powerful racing engine is
heard, gather in intensity.
EXT. GOTHAM RACETRACK - DAY
A gleaming red Formula One racing car ROARS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE to
the waving of a black-checkered flag and the WILD CHEERS of the CROWD.
ANGLE ON WINNER'
S CIRCLE
WE SEE THE ADULT BRUCE WAYNE sitting in his racing machine, holding upa trophy under a banner: WINNER - GOTHAM 500.
Flashbulbs pop! FANS cheer! A BUXOM MISS GOTHAM leans in to pose for
pictures with Bruce and share champagne from the trophy cup. A
disgruntled MARIO ANDRETTI elbows his way through the throng to shake
hands with the winner.
MARIO ANDRETTI
Hell of a race, Bruce.
BRUCE
Thanks, Mario.
ANDRETTI
Remember how you told me this was
just a hobby? Well keep it that way
and let the rest of us make a
living, okay?
Miss Gotham leans in, hugs Bruce tightly, giggles, then whispers
something in his ear. Bruce looks up.
BRUCE
(at Miss Gotham)
That's your hobby?
(grins)
No kidding.
INSERT SHOT - GOTHAM TRIBUNE
The Gotham Tribune cartwheels INTO FRAME: The headline reads:
PRESIDENT DECLARED - I AM NOT A CROOK!
Farther down the page is a smaller headline, reading: BRUCE WAYNE
DECLARES - I AM NOT THE FATHER! Millionaire playboy cleared in Miss
Gotham paternity suit.
EXT. GOTHAM COURTHOUSE - DAY
A throng a REPORTERS waits with a predominantly FEMALE CROWD at the
entrance to Gotham Courthouse.
Bruce suddenly appears in the Courthouse doorway as a LOUD CHEER rises
from the Female Crowd. He elbows his way through them, Alfred at his
side. FLASHBULBS POP! The Women scream and reach out at him, trying
to tear off a souvenir. REPORTERS yell overlapping questions.
BRUCE
Sorry, no comment. Sorry...
ALFRED
(at hysterical Woman)
Madame, do try to compose yourself...
They reach the sidewalk and the car. Alfred heads for the front door
as Bruce jostles his way inside the back.
INT. ROLLS - DAY
Bruce slams the door shut behind him, turns, stops, stares: Already
sitting in the back seat is a beautiful FEMALE REPORTER, legs crossed,
perfectly composed, with a portable tape recorder settled on her lap.
REPORTER
Ann Daniel. Gotham Tribune.
BRUCE
(reaching for door handle)
Bruce Wayne. Nice to have met you.
He tries the door - there's another scream from the Female Crowd who
press around the car anticipating his exit. Two ANGRY FEMINISTS raise
protesting placards threateningly as Bruce slams the door shut again.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
(at Alfred)
Go.
EXT. STREET - DAY
The Rolls lurches its way out of the Crowd into traffic.
INT. ROLLS - DAY
Bruce stares ahead in silence. ANN studies him with a wry smile, then
pushes the "record" button on her machine.
BRUCE
Are you going to play some music?
ANN
You know what they say about Bruce
Wayne?
(no response)
That he's idle and jaded, with no
ambition left - because there's
nothing he hasn't done and been the
best at.
BRUCE
Sounds like a pretty boring guy.
ANN
What haven't you done, Mr. Wayne?
Cured cancer? Climbed Everest?
(no response)
You climbed Everest?
Bruce smiles, reaches out, punches off the recorder.
ANN (CONT'
D)
That's...not much of an exclusive.
BRUCE
What did you have in mind?
ANN
Something slightly more...in depth.
BRUCE
Sort of like - "A Day in the Life
of Bruce Wayne?"
ANN
Exactly. You just go ahead and do
whatever you'd be doing naturally -
only make me a part of it.
BRUCE
Miss Daniel - I'll do my level best
to accommodate you.
INT. ANN'
S APARTMENT - NIGHT
CAMERA CLOSE on Ann's sleeping face as she lies naked in bed, her
features locked in a dreamy smile. She sighs contentedly as HER OWN
VOICE IS HEARD from across the room.
ANN'
S VOICE
...because there's nothing he hasn't
done and been the best at...
Bruce stands at the bedroom window, staring down absent-mindedly into
the street as he finishes dressing. A LOUD CLAP OF THUNDER rolls
across the city.
BRUCE'
S VOICE
(from tape)
Sounds like a pretty boring guy.
Bruce punches off the recorder, then presses "rewind." He looks over
at Ann's sleeping body, then down at the recorder again. He stops it,
then presses "play."
ANN'
S VOICE
(from tape)
...he's idle and jaded with no ambi-
tion left...
Bruce smiles to himself bitterly, exits silently.
EXT. APARTMENT STREET - NIGHT
Bruce crosses the street to a gleaming Aston-Martin sportscar. ANOTHER
THUNDER CLAP! Rain falls as he reaches into the car, takes out a
topcoat and hat. He starts to pull the convertible top up, glances
down the street:
PEOPLE scurry to avoid the rain. Down the block, across the street, a
COUPLE with a YOUNG DAUGHTER look over nervously as a tough-looking
BIKER on a huge Harley-Davidson rolls up parallel to them on the
street.
BACK TO BRUCE
Adjusting the convertible top. Looking off again.
BACK TO BRUCE'
S P.O.V.
Suddenly: the Biker hops the curb in front of the Family! Pulling a
gun, he herds them back into a dark alleyway.
BACK TO BRUCE
Eyes narrowing. His jaw twitches. A GUNSHOT RINGS OUT! Bruce
explodes across the street for the alleyway.
As Bruce arrives: the Young Girl bursts out screaming, runs past him.
Bruce hesitates, then runs inside the alley.
ANGLE IN ALLEYWAY
The Man lies in the alley, being cradled by the Woman. Blood oozes
from the side of his head Bruce arrives.
WOMAN
I...think he'll be all right. Our
daughter's run to call an ambulance.
Bruce hears the REVVING of a motorcycle. He looks off down the alley,
eyes flashing with anger.
ANGLE DOWN ALLEY - HIS P.O.V.
The Biker grins at him from the far end of the alley, puts his Harley
in gear, rolls off through the pouring rain.
BACK TO BRUCE
He makes his decision, takes off in pursuit.
WOMAN
Careful! He's got a gun!
EXT. END OF ALLEYWAY
Bruce arrives at the alley corner, looks off:
ANGLE ON BIKER - HIS P.O.V.
The Biker hovers by the side of an apartment building, still grinning
at Bruce through the rain. He rolls forward slowly, almost as if
enticing Bruce to follow him, now disappears again.
BACK TO BRUCE
Bruce arrives at the rear of the building, which faces on a vacant dirt
lot. He edges forward through the mud, turning the corner, suddenly
coming face to face with:
The Biker. Still grinning. Switching off his Harley. Muscles bulging
through his wet T-shirt as he dismounts.
BIKER
Congratulations, man.
(wide smile)
You caught me. Matter of fact...
The ROAR OF ENGINES is HEARD! Bruce turns to see: TWO MORE BIKERS,
rolling into position behind him. Bruce is hopelessly trapped.
BIKER (CONT'
D)
...you caught all of us...
The other two Bikers now dismount and close in. The first Biker draws
his gun. Biker #2 looks Bruce up and down critically, squinting at him
through the rain.
BIKER #2
That's my raincoat you're wearing.
Take it off.
Biker #2 snaps his arm forward - a switchblade appears in his hand. He
flicks it at Bruce who stands his ground, slicing a button off the
front of his raincoat.
BIKER #2 (CONT'
D)
Pick up the button, Wimpy. Then
lick it clean and hand me my coat.
Bruce stares icily, then slowly bends down to retrieve the button from
the mud. Suddenly: Biker #1's foot flashes INTO FRAME, headed
straight at Bruce's face! In a lightning-quick move, Bruce grabs the
swinging leg with both hands, rises, swings Biker #1 off the ground in
a circle, sends him crashing into the motorcycles as his gun goes
flying.
Biker #2, switchblade in hand, rushes Bruce. Biker #3 unhooks chains
from his belt. Bruce sidesteps: the knife slashes through his
raincoat, sending it billowing out behind him like a cape! Biker #3
whistles the chains past Bruce's ear: He snatches them, karate-kicks
Biker #3 in the stomach, simultaneously belting Biker #2 across the
side of the head with the chains, knocking him unconscious.
Biker #3 lunges at Bruce from behind! Bruce spins, grabbing his arm,
twisting the knife away, catching it in his other hand as he trips
Biker #3, sends him sprawling in the mud. Bruce now straddles him,
knife in hand.
CLOSE ON BIKER #3
Blinking in fear, his head pressed into the mud next to the button.
BRUCE
Your turn to pick up the button,
scumbag...
Biker #3's arm slowly starts forward as Bruce steps on it.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
With your mouth.
Biker #3 shuts his eyes in humiliation as: THE SOUND OF A SIREN IS
HEARD!
ANGLE ON SIDE OF BUILDING
TWO POLICEMEN round the corner of the apartment building, now stop,
stare in astonished silence at:
The Three Bikers, sprawled in the mud near their machines. Bruce has
completely disappeared.
EXT. ALLEYWAY ENTRANCE - NIGHT
A paramedic van is parked at the entrance. Umbrella-holding ONLOOKERS
watch. A gurney with the wounded Man is wheeled out. The Woman and
the Young Girl follow.
Bruce appears at the edge of the crowd, collar still up, hat adjusted
low over his face He stares.
The Paramedics stop. One leans down, examines the Man, then covers his
face with the sheet. The Woman turns away in silence. The Young Girl
clings to her.
Bruce watches, his eyes filled with tears. He turns, walks off as
CAMERA RACKS FOCUS to the pouring rain.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
CAMERA RACKS BACK from the rain to Bruce, standing by the Aston-Martin
in front of Wayne Manor.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Bruce enters the empty living room. His expression is numb. He
pauses, lost in thought. Then, moving as if by instinct, he heads for
the stairs leading to the basement.
INT. BASEMENT HALLWAY - NIGHT
Bruce descends the stairs, walks down the hallway to a door. He stops,
looks down at the heavy padlock which seals it shut. His eyes close in
pain, remembering an earlier time.
INT. YOUNG BRUCE'
S LAB - NIGHT
Seen through dim half-light: his childhood lab is coated with dust - a
room obviously left unused for years. We hear A KEY TURNING IN THE
LOCK. The door to the lab swings open. Bruce trains a flashlight on
the interior of the musty room. He enters, finds a light switch, flips
it on.
The lab table is much as we remember it, crammed with old test tubes,
beakers, etc. Bruce crosses, stares down, lost in his past, then
switches on the holograph machine. He stares - stunned and amazed as:
THE HOLOGRAPH FIGURE OF TEN-YEAR-OLD BRUCE WAYNE SPRINGS TO LIFE! An
exact visual reproduction of the Child who used to be. The Young Boy
peers down through a cobwebbed microscope in precisely the position we
first saw him.
Bruce's eyes fill with tears - he shuts them tightly as he hears a
VOICE from long ago.
YOUNG BRUCE'
S VOICE
It's called a holograph, Dad.
Pretty neat, huh?
One laser beam suddenly shorts out with age: the image of Young Bruce
disappears. The second beam continues to burn, its energy directed at
a disintegrating basement wall.
Bruce slumps at the other side of the table, oblivious, his face buried
in his hands.
OVERLAPPING IMAGES AND VOICE START TO APPEAR ON THE SCREEN.
Martha Wayne - giggling with Young Bruce, then kissing
her husband passionately.
DR. WAYNE'
S VOICE
This - is definitely not a guy.
Thomas Wayne - his face twisted in anguish as Chill's
bullet blows.
MARTHA'
S VOICE
Oh, my God! No!!
A SHARP CRACK! - As a piece of something crumbles away.
ANGLE ON BRUCE
Looking up. Staring across the room:
The remaining laser beam has eaten away a piece of the basement wall -
there is a dull ECHOING THUD as the plaster hits the bottom of some
unseen cavernous space below.
BACK TO BRUCE
Rising. Crossing curiously to the hole in the wall. Training his
flashlight torch through it.
ANGLE DOWN HOLE - HIS P.O.V.
AN IMMENSE CAVERN trails down and away into the blackness. A network
of aged timbers intersect themselves, shoring up the side of the
foundation.
BACK TO BRUCE
Staring. Playing his flashlight against the visible parts of the
underground cavity. He picks up a beaker from the lab table, then lets
it fall through the hole. There is an interminable wait. Finally -
the impact of SHATTERING GLASS.
ANGLE BACK THROUGH HOLE
Seen from inside: the torch beam shines. Suddenly - a long length of
rope is tossed through. Bruce appears in the opening. He wriggles
through, hanging on to the rope.
Bruce expertly shimmies down the rope, a man completely at home in an
action he knows well. The beam from the torch dances across the walls
of the cavern: high-ribbed, jagged walls, suggesting some sort of
labyrinth beyond. The rope has played out. Bruce hangs by the end,
looks down, lets himself fall to the cavern floor below.
He rises, plays the torch against the sides of the cave.
ANGLE ON BEAM - HIS P.O.V.
The beam searches into crannies, exploring dark gray walls. It comes
across a large patch of solid black.
BACK TO BRUCE
Looking curiously.
BACK TO BLACK PATCH
As the beam hits the black patch fully - dozens of yellow eyes appear.
The entire mass LAUNCHES ITSELF INTO CAMERA with a terrifying screech
and the sound of beating wings.
BACK TO BRUCE
His jaw drops, stunned, as THE COLONY OF BATS swarm over him! He
stumbles, protecting his face. The torch drops to the floor. Its
shaft of light dances crazily around the cavern.
From O.S. - a low moan is heard from Bruce. It rises, gathers in
volume and intensity, gradually becoming a deep, booming guttural roar
- at once a scream of total pain and a cry of defiance. The terrified
bats scream back in a maze of hot and cold light bouncing off beating
black wings.
INT. ALFRED'
S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The wind and rain batter against Alfred's partially open bedroom
window. Mixed with the sounds - a strong echo of the roar from the
cavern. Alfred's eyes pop open. He rises groggily, makes his way to
the window, closes it. CAMERA HOLDS on window, PANS UP to the moon.
DISSOLVE THROUGH TO:
EXT. CEMETERY - CLOSE ON MOON - NIGHT
A FLASHING LIGHTNING BOLT: CAMERA PANS DOWN from the moon through the
raging storm to the graves of Thomas and Martha Wayne in the country
cemetery, high on the hill.
Kneeling between them is Bruce - fists clenched, head bowed, tiny
rivulets of water running off his face and body - totally lost in
silent prayer.
BRUCE'
S VOICE
I've worked hard to make you proud of
me. To become the kind of person
whose presence could make a difference
in the world. But one man can only do
only so much, Father. Mother, to-
night I saw the sign I thought would
never come. Now - for the first time
I realize I must...be...more...than
a man.
A FLASHING LIGHTNING BOLT WIPES THE SCREEN!
DISSOLVE THROUGH TO:
EXT. GOTHAM SKY - NIGHT
The remaining gossamer wisp of a transparent cloud pulls away from a
glowing FULL MOON over Gotham City.
INT. GOTHAM SUBWAY STATION - NIGHT
An express train roars through a seedy subway station.
INT. SUBWAY CAR - NIGHT
A well-scrubbed TEENAGE COUPLE sit together holding hands. The BOY is
dressed in a dinner jacket, the GIRL is a chiffon party dress with a
prominent orchid corsage pinned to it. They exchange a nervous glance,
looking across the car at:
A TOUGH-LOOKING THUG who sits opposite them, his muscular arms bulging
through a torn windbreaker. He grins across at the nervous Teenagers
menacingly, exposing yellow teeth, then sneaks a sideways look at: A
THICKLY-BUILT TRUCKDRIVER-TYPE who stares straight ahead.
These are the only four people in the car.
The subway slows for the next stop. The Truckdriver-Type rises
disinterestedly, crosses the car, looks down at the Teenagers who are
none too happy with his departure.
TRUCKDRIVER-TYPE
Have a nice time at the prom, kids?
BOY
Yes, thank you, Sir.
The subway doors hiss open. The Truckdriver-Type smiles and exits.
The Teenagers looks across the car worried.
The car pulls out of the station. The Thug rises, crosses the car,
grabs hold of a vertical pole to steady himself, smirks down at the
Teenagers.
THUG
You smell good enough to eat, Sweet-
heart.
BOY
(nervous bravado)
If you've got something to say,
Mister, talk to me, okay?
THUG
I was talking to you - Sweetheart.
A knife drops out of the Thug's sleeve into his hand, its razor-sharp
blade glinting in the light. The Teenagers freeze with terror.
THUG (CONT'
D)
Maybe it's that flower that smells
so good.
The Thug plucks the corsage off the trembling Girl's bodice, holds it
up to his nose, inhales deeply, shaking his head.
THUG (CONT'
D)
Nope. Still can't place it.
VOICE
Funny. I can smell you from way
over here.
The Thug wheels, stares off at the end of the car, his jaw dropping
open. The Teenagers' eyes bulge in disbelief.
CLOSE ON CHEST
A golden circle with the black figure of a bat sits in the middle of a
steel-gray skin-tight fabric stretched across a massively muscled
chest.
VOICE
Give the lady back her flower.
BACK TO SCENE
The Thug looks his unseen adversary up and down cautiously, unsure of
whether to laugh or obey.
THUG
Okay...sure. Just wanted to have a
little fun. I...
With a sudden lightning move he flips the switchblade in his hand,
sending it whizzing in the direction of the Voice.
CLOSE ON KNIFE
The knife whistles through the air TOWARD CAMERA. Suddenly a black-
gloved hand miraculously snatches it out of mid-air, spinning it, then
sends it flying back!
The switchblade pierces the corsage, jerking it out of the Thug's hand,
sticking it into the wall where it quivers behind him. The Thug
freezes, turning white.
VOICE
Now then. I think you said you
wanted to have a little fun.
EXT. GOTHAM SUBWAY STATION - NIGHT
The express wheezes to a stop at the next station. A MIDDLE-AGED
COUPLE waits for the doors to open, then enter the car. They suddenly
stop, staring in amazement:
The Thug stands spread-eagled in the middle of the car, both wrists
cuffed to overhanging metal handholds. The center vertical pole
disappears up one pants leg, finally reappearing out of the collar of
his shirt.
The teenage Boy passes the amazed Couple, confidently dusting his
hands. He reaches back for the Girl who sniffs her corsage, then
follows him out of the car.
EXT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Gotham Police Headquarters. CAMERA TRACKS PAST cubicles and offices,
CLACKING, RINGING, DETECTIVES interrogating SUSPECTS, etc., catching up
with DAVID GORDON, the Commissioner of Police, a gruff-looking man in
his middle fifties who pauses to light a cheap cigarette.
Heading toward him from the other direction: SERGEANT HALEY, a smooth-
faced kissass in his thirties.
GORDON
What's up Haley?
HALEY
Pretty slow, Commissioner. Half a
dozen muggings, some kids on PCP,
and...oh, yeah. Looks like we got a
transvestite prowling the southside
subway system.
GORDON
Full moon tonight. Pervo heaven.
Gordon walks through his office door, Haley following.
INT. GORDON'
S OFFICE - NIGHT
The extremely cluttered office of an immensely overworked civil
servant.
HALEY
From his description, this guy could
make it as a float in the Rose
Parade. Big black cape, black
boots, black hood over his head...
A squawk box intercom crackles on Gordon's desk.
INTERCOM VOICE
Hostage situation, Commissioner.
Man holding two women near 3rd and
Grand. SWAT's on the way.
HALEY
...and get this - a big yellow moon
on his chest with a cockamamy bat in
the middle.
GORDON
(into intercom)
Get my car. I'm going down there.
HALEY
Funny thing is, the guy takes on
this big goon with a knife...
GORDON
(chomping cigar)
You come along too, Haley. I may need
to swap someone for those women.
EXT. DOWNTOWN ALLEY & STREET - NIGHT
Police cars barricade a major avenue, their spotlights trained on a
dead-end alley. A SWAT LIEUTENANT speaks through a mike.
SWAT LT.
Come on out of there, Wells! Come
out of we're coming in after you!
WELLS' VOICE
I got hostages! You get one minute
to clear out or I blow'em away!
From behind: Commissioner Gordon's car screeches to a stop. Gordon
piles out, followed by Haley.
GORDON
How bad is it, Lieutenant?
SWAT LT.
We're screwed, Sir. That's a dead-
end alley in there. No way to get
behind him.
EXT. DEAD-END ALLEY
A pockmarked thug (WELLS) holds one YOUNG WOMAN roughly, trains his gun
on ANOTHER. He squints out into the light.
WELLS
Thirty seconds, Pig! Then I spill
one lady's brains on the street!
Twenty-five...
CAMERA PANS DOWN to the pavement behind Wells.
WELLS (V.O.) (CONT'
D)
Twenty!...
A manhole cover rises, moves aside silently.
WELLS (V.O.) (CONT'
D)
Fifteen!...
BACK TO WELLS
WELLS (CONT'
D)
Ten!...
WOMAN
No! Please!
Wells cocks the gun, sticks it at her head.
WELLS
Five! Four!...
VOICE
Three...two...one...
Wells spins in astonishment:
An ominous hulking shadow looms in the darkness behind him. TWO
PULSATING YELLOW EYES pierce through the blackness.
VOICE
I just counted you out, Wells.
Wells fires! The Shadow swings the manhole cover up as the bullet
ricochets off it harmlessly. Wells prepares to fire again. The
manhole cover suddenly explodes out of the darkness! One swing of a
massively muscled arm - one sickening "clang" - and it's over.
ANGLE ON STREET
SWAT LT.
Let's go!
The Police rush toward the alley, Gordon and Haley bringing up the
rear, as the two Women emerge.
WOMAN
WOMAN #2
He saved us! A giant black Eight
fee tall! monster from the
sewers!
The Police storm into the alley as Gordon and Haley comfort the panting
Women.
WOMAN
WOMAN #3 He had black wings...
And...and yellow eyes...
GORDON
Well, of course he did...You can
both calm down now, ladies. The
nightmare's over...
WOMAN
Huge arms...thick black gloves...
HALEY
(suddenly)
With a bright yellow moon on his
chest?
WOMAN #2
That's right...
HALEY
And a black bat flying right in the
middle of it!
WOMAN
That's right!
The Women are led away by Paramedics. Haley cocks his head
questioningly at Gordon as they proceed into the alley.
GORDON
Forget it. That airhead from the
subway could never have made it to
the north side of town this fast.
HALEY
Maybe there's more than one of them.
Maybe we're dealing with some sort
of secret society of cross-dressers.
Wells is led past them, still groggy, as they arrive at the open
manhole and peer down into the forbidding blackness.
GORDON
Get after him, Haley.
HALEY
(gulping)
Me, Sir?
GORDON
Well, you're the only one with an
accurate description!
Haley reluctantly lowers himself into the open manhole as Gordon turns,
yells down the alleyway.
GORDON (CONT'
D)
Comb the area! I want every squad
car available! We're looking for
the mother of all psychos in a party
costume!
Gordon turns back, looks down into the empty manhole where Haley has
now disappeared.
HALEY'
S VOICE
(from manhole)
You don't think he...bites, do you,
Sir?
EXT. GOTHAM APARTMENT HOUSE - HIGH SHOT - NIGHT
CAMERA LOOKS DOWN from the roof of a Gotham skyscraper at the windows
of a forty-story apartment house below.
CAMERA HOLDS on a pair of glass doors leading out to a rosetta-carved
stone balcony. Clearly visible through the doors: AN ELDERLY COUPLE
lie face down on the floor of their living room, guarded by a masked
BURGLAR holding a shotgun. ANOTHER BURGLAR has managed to open a wall
safe and begins stuffing valuables into a gunny sack.
CAMERA ZOOMS BACK!
We are some thirty stories higher across a wide avenue.
A black-gloved hand ENTERS FRAME, holding a thin, clear nylon cord with
a tiny barbed fishhook on the end.
The other gloved hand steadies a gleaming titanium rifle barrel with an
infrared scope. The fishhook is threaded through the chamber.
A flap is opened in a thick, compartmentalized black belt. The
moonlight glints off a cylindrical silver gas cartridge.
ANGLE ACROSS STREET THROUGH SCOPE
Seen through the magnified infrared scope: the cross hairs of the
rifle sight settle in on the head of the Burglar holding the shotgun.
The cross hairs pause - then suddenly lower to the balcony. The rifle
FIRES with an audible "hiss" of compressed gas.
ANGLE ON ROSETTA BALCONY
As the fishhook whistles through a hole in the rosetta stone framework
of the balcony. On impact with the floor it pops open - expanding to
ten times its size, having now become an effective grappling hook.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
The Burglar with the shotgun turns at the muffled metallic NOISE, looks
through the glass doors at the empty balcony.
EXT. BALCONY FLOOR
The grappling hook inches across the balcony floor, catching a firm
hold against the stone.
EXT. SKYSCRAPER ROOF - NIGHT
The nylon cord has been pulled taut - it disappears down into the
blackness at a dizzying height, some four hundred feet above the avenue
and crisscrossing traffic lights below.
Black-gloved hands take hold of the cord, testing it.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
An ominous BLACK SHADOW, cape billowing out behind in an eerie
silhouette, passes in front of the glowing yellow ball of the full
moon.
ANGLE DOWN CORD AT BALCONY
The balcony and double glass doors WHISTLE UP AT CAMERA at a dizzying
speed, growing larger by the millisecond!
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
The Burglar has finished his work at the safe. He nods to the other
Burglar who grins, then cocks his shotgun, pointing it down at the
helpless Couple on the floor.
The flicker of an outside SHADOW flits across the room - the Burglar
blinks, wheels with his shotgun!
Suddenly: the double doors explode with a hail of shattering glass!
Almost simultaneously - the shotgun FIRES!
INT. GORDON'
S CAR - NIGHT
A surly Gordon looks over as his intercom crackles.
INTERCOM VOICE
Commissioner, this is Sergeant
Havemeyer. I'm on the fortieth
floor of the Gotham Arms. Our boy
has struck again. Cape, boots, hood
-- the whole drill.
GORDON
(snatches intercom)
When?
HAVEMEYER'
S VOICE
Just now. The owners tripped a
silent alarm. We responded and
heard a gunshot as we were running
down the hallway. The victims are
fine. Sonofabitch cold-cocked both
perpetrators.
GORDON
Atta boy, Havemeyer. Hold him for
questioning till I get there.
HAVEMEYER'
S VOICE
Can't do that, Sir. He's...already
left.
GORDON
But you were right outside the door...
HAVEMEYER'
S VOICE
He left...by the window, Sir.
GORDON
By the window? Goddamnit, Man,
you're on the fortieth floor!
HAVEMEYER'
S VOICE
That's...affirmative, Sir.
GORDON
You get back to headquarters pronto,
Mister! I want your urine checked
for drugs!
HAVEMEYER'
S VOICE
Yes, Sir.
Gordon slams down the intercom in disgust.
GORDON
Maybe it's something in the water.
Maybe the whole city's on drugs.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
Police SIRENS everywhere. A squad car rolls slowly down the street,
its spotlight searching the doorways and alleys.
INT. SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
The COP DRIVER yawns, turns to his PARTNER who works the spotlight, now
notices something.
COP DRIVER
What's that?
PARTNER
Wino...
(out the window)
Go back to sleep, Ace!
Suddenly: A WHISTLING SOUND through the air! The two Cops blink, snap
their heads forward as the searchlight is trained on:
ANGLE ON BATMAN - THEIR P.O.V.
THE BATMAN! - Seen in his majestic totality for the very first time. A
truly awesome figure from his black cowl to his gleaming black boots.
His huge, dark cape billows out ominously behind him.
BACK TO SQUAD CAR
COP DRIVER
Holee shit...
PARTNER
Let's get him!
BACK TO SCENE
The squad car lurches forward! Batman whirls, runs down an alley. The
squad car swings, pulls in after him.
INT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Batman runs with the speed of an Olympic sprinter, but the squad car
gains rapidly. He looks over his shoulder.
ANGLE ON SQUAD CAR - HIS P.O.V.
The squad car fills the alleyway.
BACK TO BATMAN
He looks in front of him in horror - another squad car speed at him
from the other direction. It too fills the alleyway. There's no place
to hide.
ANGLE ON SQUAD CAR #1
Filling frame - the Cops grinning.
ANGLE ON SQUAD CAR #2
Filling frame - the Cops grinning.
BACK TO BATMAN
He stands his ground. Then - curiously - runs directly at the first
squad car.
ANGLE THROUGH WINDSHIELD - SQUAD CAR #1
COP #1
What the...?
BACK TO BATMAN - SLOW MOTION SHOT
With a perfectly timed leap, Batman vaults onto the hood of the car in
a somersault and does a complete 360 - up the windshield - over the
roof - off the trunk - lands on the pavement with the grave of a cat.
ANGLE ON TWO POLICE CARS
They crash head-on with a sickening sound of crunching metal and flying
glass. Two groggy Police exit, front doors falling off, try to clear
their heads.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - DAWN
The first orange rays of the morning sun stab upwards through the
clouds over Wayne Manor.
INT. YOUNG BRUCE'
S LAB - DAY
Young Bruce Wayne's lab room remains much as we remember it, except
that the gaping hole in the wall caused by the laser has been
reinforced and shaped into a doorway. A make-shift ladder-like
stairway leads down into the cavern below.
FOOTSTEPS are heard climbing the ladder from deep within the cave.
After a moment, Bruce appears, stripped to the waist, still wearing his
utility belt and the bottom half of his Batman suit. His chest and
stomach are nicked with small cuts and bruises from his previous
night's work. His forehead glistens with sweat born of utter
exhaustion. He sits heavily on a cot, buries his face in his hands,
looks up suddenly as the door to the lab opens.
Alfred enters, stares silently, first appalled by Bruce's physical
condition, then shaking his head with sympathy. Bruce stares back,
eyes heavy with lack of sleep.
BRUCE
You...think I'm crazy, don't you?
Certifiably insane.
ALFRED
(pause; smile)
A bit...eccentric, perhaps.
BRUCE
It's...what I have to do, Alfred.
After all those years of searching
-- it was always what I had to do.
ALFRED
If I may be permitted, Sir...
(with difficulty)
I've...never had any children of my
own. Never saw the advantage in it,
considering my profession. I've
always thought myself more talented
at raising flowers than people...
Bruce looks up with a warm smile of gratitude.
ALFRED
Oh, I didn't raise you, Sir, I
simply watched you grow.
INSERT SHOT - GOTHAM TRIBUNE
A Banner edition of the Gotham Tribune cartwheels INTO FRAME: On the
front page: fanciful artist's renditions drawn from eyewitness
recollections of the Batman.
One is of a menacing black vampire with long, pointed fangs. Another
show a dark, furry giant with huge feathered wings. Above them the
headline: BAT-MAN INVADES CITY. MASS HYSTERIA GRIPS GOTHAM. POLICE
NO MATCH FOR WINGED INTRUDER.
CAMER HOLDS on the newspaper as we hear the jumbled and excited VOICES
of REPORTERS underneath:
REPORTER'
S VOICE
Commissioner, how do you explain this
Fantastic phenomenon?
GORDON'
S VOICE
I can't explain it. I only hope for the
poor fellow's sake, he's sobered up by now.
EXT. GOTHAM COUNTRY CLUB - DAY
Bruce lies on a deck chair by the swimming pool of the Gotham Country
Club, his body coated with sun oil. He listens to Gordon's TV press
conference on a tiny transistor set next to him. His eyes flutter open
with amusement.
TV REPORTER
Well considering the fact he apprehended
four criminals last night, shouldn't we
be calling him...a good Samaritan?
GORDON
Sure. If you feel like calling John
Hinkley a political activist.
Bruce's eyes suddenly bulge wider. He gazes across the swimming pool,
transfixed by what he sees.
ANGLE ON SILVER - BRUCE'
S P.O.V.
A stunning-looking woman (SILVER ST. CLOUD) steps out onto the high
board of the pool, dressed in a daringly-cut shiny white latex tank
suit. A shining mane of glistening silver hair cascades down across
her shoulders. She pauses, a shimmering white diamond in the sun.
REPORTER'
S VOICE
Commissioner, it might surprise you
to know that several polls taken
today show more than eighty percent
of those interviewed approve of
this...vigilante and what he did...
Silver glances over in Bruce's direction. Curiously enough, she seems
to smile at him and wave.
GORDON'
S VOICE
Well I can't account for public
taste, bit I'd like to warn any
potential copy cats who may be out
there that...
BACK TO BRUCE
Bruce is stunned and confused, but starts to lift his hand to wave back
when:
THORNE'
S VOICE
If brains were bodies, she'd look
just the same. Can you believe it?
Bruce swivels, lowering his hand. Thorne stands behind him, waves back
at Silver who executes a complicated but perfect dive into the pool.
She starts to swim across in their direction as Throne grins down at
Bruce.
THORNE
Name's Silver St. Cloud. Phi Beta
Kappa, Masters Degree in Political
Science. Just arrived in Gotham to
finish her doctorate on municipal
government and guess which City
councilman drew her as an intern?
BRUCE
(staring)
Taught her much so far?
THORNE
(chuckle)
Not as much as I plan to.
Silver reaches the edge of the pool. Thorne starts to help her out as
Bruce continues to start.
SILVER
The water's glorious, Rupert. Come
on in.
THORNE
Never had time to learn how to swim.
Too busy trying to make a living, I
guess. Not like Mr. Wayne over
here...
(chuckle)
Right, Bruce?
(turns)
Silver St. Cloud - Bruce Wayne.
Bruce looks up, totally mesmerized by the sight of her. She gazes down
with a devastating smile, the sun sparkling off the beads of water on
her face. She is instantly and equally smitten as they lock eyes.
SILVER
Please don't get up.
BRUCE
(lost)
Hmm?
SILVER
I said - please don't get up.
BRUCE
Oh.
(starts to get up)
Sorry...
SILVER
That's all right. I asked you not
to, remember?
BRUCE
(stops)
So you did. Thanks.
SILVER
Don't mention it.
Rupert watches them watching each other. The uncomfortable silence is
filled by Gordon's VOICE from the television.
GORDON'
S VOICE
And now, if there are no other ques-
tions, it's my birthday tonight and
I have a formal party to get ready
for...
Thorne reaches down, turns off the TV in disgust.
THORNE
That clown has been a disgrace to
law enforcement his entire career.
This city's going to hell in a hand-
basket and some imbecile's giving
him a formal birthday party.
BRUCE
It should be fun. I'm giving it.
Thorne raises his eyebrows. Silver still stares.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
Perhaps the two of you would like to
come?
THORNE
SILVER
I'm busy, thanks. I'd
love to.
THORNE
(irritated)
Silver, I don't think...ah...
SILVER
If I'm not being too inquisitive,
Mr. Wayne - exactly what is it you
do?
BRUCE
Do?
SILVER
For a living?
THORNE
(chuckles)
You're looking at it.
BRUCE
Actually, Rupert's not being
entirely fair about his...
(nice smile)
Sometimes I go hang gliding.
SILVER
And that's it?
BRUCE
Not quite.
SILVER
I didn't think so.
BRUCE
I have a dog as well.
Silver manages a tiny, unsure smile.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
Wayne Manor. Eight o'clock. I'll
have my car pick you up.
THORNE
Why don't you take my car, Silver?
In case you want to leave early.
SILVER
I'm very flattered by the dueling
limos, gentlemen, but I can grab a
cab, thanks.
(nods)
Mr. Wayne...
Silver excuses herself. Both men watch her departure avidly.
THORNE
Gotham City's no place for a beauti-
ful woman to be travelling alone.
I'm holding you personally responsi-
ble for her safety, Wayne.
BRUCE
Don't worry, Rupert. I'll treat her
just as if I were in love with her
instead of you.
Thorne's eyes narrow. Bruce smiles ingenuously.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Dozens of expensive cars disgorge their passengers in front of stately
Wayne Manor.
INT. WAYNE MANOR LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A lavish party is in progress. A DANCE BAND plays off to the side,
under a banner reading "Happy Birthday to the Finest of Gotham's
Finest."
Bruce Wayne greets his arriving GUESTS, his neck craning around in vain
for a sight of Silver.
Gordon stands by the bar, downs a double scotch, scowls at GUESTS who
talks animatedly to him while flapping his arms like wings - doing a
crude imitation of the Batman. The Guest howls with laughter, moves
off as Gordon orders another drink and Bruce joins him with a
sympathetic smile.
BRUCE
They're giving you a pretty hard time
about that Batman, aren't they...
Gordon nods, tosses back his drink angrily.
GORDON
I'd give up half my pension to be
standing face to face with that
caped fruitcake right now.
(looks off; stares)
Now there's a sight to make an old
man's eyes water.
Silver St. Cloud approaches them, threading her way through the
appreciative glances of the Guests, dressed in a sparkling, metallic
evening gown, the light bouncing off it like tiny bursts of shooting
stars. She reaches Bruce, extends her hand with a warm smile.
SILVER
I hope I'm not too late.
GORDON
In my case, by twenty years.
BRUCE
Silver, St. Cloud - this is David
Gordon, Commissioner of Police.
Miss St. Cloud is picking up the
finer points of the city government from
Councilman Thorne.
SILVER
My ambition is to hold a job as
important as yours one day, Commis-
sioner.
GORDON
Then you and Mr. Thorne already have
much in common.
SILVER
(suddenly)
Would you care to dance, Mr. Wayne?
BRUCE
(locking eyes)
You're as clairvoyant as you are
beautiful, Miss St. Cloud.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Now heading into the driveway is a brightly painted version of an old-
time twenties paddy wagon, with two look-alikes of the old KEYSTONE
KOPS riding on top. They honk a comical horn loudly as laughing
PARKING ATTENDANTS greet them
INT. WAYNE MANOR - ANGLE ON DANCE FLOOR
Bruce and Silver glide smoothly across the floor - a perfect fit.
Bruce looks down curiously.
SILVER
Something wrong?
BRUCE
You're...leading.
SILVER
I asked you, remember?
Alfred arrives, interrupting them.
ALFRED
Excuse me, Sir, but there are some
oddly dressed gentlemen outside with a
singing telegram for the Commissioner.
BRUCE
Ask them to come in, will you,
Alfred?
Bruce makes his way to the bandstand, whispers some instructions to the
BANDLEADER. A LOUD FANFARE is played. All conversation stops as the
front door opens.
Now entering Wayne Manor: the Two Keystone Kops, in their twenties'
costumes with handlebar moustaches. They dance their way to the center
of the room in a prearranged routine, singing in harmony from Pirates
of Penzance.
KOPS
When a felon's not engaged in his
employment,
Or maturing his felonious little
plans,
His capacity for innocent enjoyment
Is just as great as any honest
man's...
Oh, a policeman's lot is not a happy
one...
The Guests applaud loudly. Gordon joins Bruce and Silver as the Kops
break into a vaudeville routine.
KOP
Excuse me, Sir. Have you seen a
policeman around here?
KOP #2
Why no, I haven't.
KOP
(drawing gun)
Good. Then give me your watch.
Several Guests laugh. Bruce winces at the bad joke.
KOP #2
But this watch isn't worth anything.
It only has a sentimental value.
KOP
Well give it to me anyway. I feel
like a good cry.
Gordon laughs loudly as the Kop turns to him.
KOP (CONT'
D)
Now, Commissioner, if we could
borrow your watch for a moment...
GORDON
(taking it off)
Sure. Be careful with it, okay?
The Kop smiles, takes the watch, dangles it from his hand. Kop #2
silently sidles in behind Bruce and Silver.
KOP
Here's a good one: what's a police-
man's favorite way to kill time?
GORDON
(grinning)
I'll bite. What is a policeman's
favorite way to kill time?
The Kop grins, pull his gun - FIRES! Gordon's watch is smashed to
smithereens. Kop #2's gun suddenly at the back of Silver's head,
hammer cocked.
KOP #2
Up against the wall, everybody!
Move!!
The Guests scream as six more Kops burst through the front door
carrying automatic weapons. Bruce, Silver, and Gordon are herded back
against the wall with the others.
The KOP grins, then suddenly starts to giggle insanely. He takes off
his helmet, as a shock of GREEN HAIR is exposed! He wipes his lips
clean which now become ruby red. Cackling in glee, THE JOKER faces his
victims, his gaze suddenly becoming cruel and cold.
JOKER
One at a time, your money and your
jewels, and no one's head'll wind
up looking like the Commissioner's
watch, capisce?
KOP #3
Hey, boss! Look!
The Joker turns. Kop #3 and a PARTNER have set Gordon's huge birthday
cake on the floor, now wade through it, stomping up and down, kicking
the insides across the room.
KOP #3
We're doing the cake walk!
The Joker giggles, then shoots a satanically maniacal look at the
Guests who instantly begin stripping off their jewelry, taking out
wallets, etc. as more Kops pass by with a gunny sack. The Joker walks
down the line, stopping to level a searching and curious gaze into the
eyes of:
Bruce Wayne, between Gordon and Silver, his face set, eyes steely,
staring at the Joker. His jaw twitches.
Silver watches him, noticing the twitch. She gives him a tiny,
sympathetic smile, then turns to face:
Kop #2, who has moved down the line to Silver. He looks her up and
down hungrily as she stares back in defiance. His fingers slowly reach
up to grip her necklace, then linger.
KOP #2
In your case, lady, I'd like to
rip the rest off and leave this on.
Suddenly: BRUCE'
S FIST FLASHES INTO FRAME! Kop #2 is knocked backward
through the air as another Kop lunges at Bruce who grabs the gunny sack
filled with jewelry and bashes him in the face! The Kop crumples to
the floor as Bruce wheels to face the Joker and sees:
The Joker, grinning cruelly, the barrel of his gun pressing up under
Silver's chin. Her eyes are welded shut with fear.
JOKER
Now that was extremely bad manners,
Mr. Wayne. Especially from someone...
(gestures)
...to the Manor born...
(giggles)
So why don't you rejoin the lady here,
or if you like...
(cocks gun; glowers)
I can send part of her over to you.
Bruce hesitates, then rejoins the line. The Joker lowers his gun,
turns to stare at a painting on the wall as a Kop holds out the open
gunny sack to Gordon.
GORDON
(to Joker)
I'll see you rot in the gas chamber
for this.
The Joker smiles, ignoring him, looking at the portrait painting which
is of a distinguished older man. He removes it from the wall. An
indignant Alfred speaks up from farther down the line of Guests.
ALFRED
Be careful, you clot! That portrait
goes back to Mr. Wayne's grandfather!
JOKER
Why? Is there something wrong with
it?
The Joker cackles, punching the painting out of its frame.
CLOSE ON BRUCE AND SILVER
Bruce stares silently. His jaw twitches with anger born of
humiliation. Silver notices again.
SILVER
(whisper)
Look on the bright side. You're
adorable when your jaw twitches.
BACK TO SCENE
The Joker crosses to Gordon with the empty picture frame. Another Kop
points a camera as the Joker holds the frame up to encircle his and
Gordon's face.
JOKER
(giggling)
I've always wanted to frame a Police
Commissioner...
CLOSE ON JOKER'
S AND GORDON'
S FACES
Gordon shuts his eyes in disgrace. The Joker howls with glee.
THE FLASHBULB STROBE WIPES THE SCEEN!
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
The Kops exit Wayne Manor with their loot, climb back into the paddy
wagon, roar out of the driveway.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
The terrified and disgruntled Guests head for the door as Bruce and
Silver look over at a devastated Gordon.
BRUCE
I'm afraid the tabloids are going
to have a field day with this, David.
Not to mention Rupert Thorne.
ALFRED
(joining them)
I tried calling the police. The
phone line seems to have been cut.
GORDON
I'll report it myself, Alfred.
Right before I cut my throat.
He tries to check his watch, stares at an empty wrist, sighs, then
joins the stream of departing Guests as Bruce looks over at Silver
glumly.
BRUCE
Well. Good-night. I guess...
SILVER
(sudden grin)
Why don't be silly. I've only just
arrived.
BRUCE
(smile)
Would you care to dance, Miss St. Cloud?
SILVER
(offering her arm)
You're as clairvoyant as you are
gallant, Mr. Wayne...
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
A crestfallen Gordon exits his car in front of Police Headquarters.
INT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Gordon walks slowly and dejectedly down the nearly deserted hallway.
As he passes one DETECTIVE'
S cubicle, the sound of SNICKERING is HEARD
from inside.
Gordon stops defiantly. The snickering instantly dies away. Muttering
disgustedly, Gordon enters his office.
INT. GORDON'
S OFFICE - NIGHT
The office is lit only be a small desk lamp. Strung up behind the desk
is a crudely-made banner reading: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUT COMMISH - FROM
ALL YOUR BOYS IN BLUE.
Gordon shakes his head sadly, crosses to a cabinet, pours himself an
enormous glass of Scotch, then crosses with the bottle to the open
office window. He takes a long swig, exhales, then slams the window
shut.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
The Wayne Manor driveway is deserted under the moonlight.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
The band plays a soft, dreamy number as Bruce and Silver dance together
dreamily, locked in each other's arm, drifting silently through the
vast living room.
CLOSER ON THEM
Silver's eyes flutter open, then lock into his.
SILVER
Maybe you'd better take me home...
BRUCE
I am home...
SILVER
(soft murmur)
You see...I don't do anything on
the first date...
BRUCE
Don't be so hard on yourself...You're
doing just fine...
He draws her in more tightly as hey glide across the floor.
EXT. SILVER'
S APARTMENT HOUSE - NIGHT
Bruce's Aston-Martin is parked in front of an unassuming apartment
house in middle-class Gotham.
INT. SILVER'
S APARTMENT HOUSE - NIGHT
Bruce escorts Silver down the modest, clean hallway.
SILVER
Thank you for a totally unexpected
evening, Bruce. I like surprises...
She stops at a door, inserts her key, turns, smiles.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Including you.
BRUCE
Oh? How did...
(smile)
Rupert Thorne describe me?
SILVER
As a rather ineffectual playboy.
But pleasant enough in a harmless
sort of way.
BRUCE
Like an affable grasshopper bouncing
around in the middle of all you
hard-working ants...
SILVER
Something like that.
Bruce takes her hand gently, stares deeply into her eyes.
BRUCE
And you? How would you describe me?
SILVER
(staring back)
I don't think you're harmless. And
I don't think anyone who's looked
straight in your eyes could say so.
Bruce's jaw twitches involuntarily. Silver grins. He leans in, kisses
her lingeringly on the mouth. They break. He gazes into her
disoriented eyes.
BRUCE
Frightened?
SILVER
Terrified...but don't worry...
(soft smile)
As a kid they always had to drag me
off the roller coaster.
They kiss again, passionately. She looks up, confused.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
I sleep I'll get some think now...
She turns key, slips through the door, closing it again.
Bruce sigh, slumps back heavily against the wall, realizing a dilemma
he may never be able to solve.
EXT. GOTHAM SKYLINE - NIGHT
The yellow moon glows brightly over Gotham City.
INT. GORDON'
S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gordon is slumped over his desk, mumbling to himself in a half-drunken
stupor. The bottle of Scotch next to him has clearly been emptied.
Suddenly - a gust of cold wind ruffles his hair. His eyes flutter,
then look over at the open office window.
GORDON
Thought I closed that Goddamn thing...
He staggers to the window, looks out sadly.
BATMAN'
S VOICE
Whatever you do - don't jump.
Gordon whirls. Batman looms up from a dark corner.
BATMAN (CONT'
D)
We've been at odds, Commissioner,
and it's Gotham's loss. My fight
isn't with you. It's with the dis-
eased scum infesting this city.
Gordon backs up toward his desk, smiles nervously.
GORDON
Of course it is...
BATMAN
Criminals are a cowardly lot at heart.
But human garbage like the Joker is
taking over Gotham - in spite of
everything that you and other men of
good will can do about it.
GORDON
Don't you preach law and order to
me, you...
BATMAN
The people need a symbol. Someone
to rally around. Someone who isn't
hamstrung by the very laws he's
sworn to uphold, whose hands aren't
tied with red tape. They have a
right to justice.
GORDON
That I happen to agree with...
(pulls gun from
drawer)
That's why you're under arrest.
Gordon levels the gun. They are frozen for a moment. Batman advances
slowly. He speaks in measured tones, eyes clear, voice almost
hypnotic.
BATMAN
You won't pull that trigger because
you realize I'm your last chance.
You're fighting a war you've already
lost and you know it.
Batman stands inches away from the gun barrel now. Gordon peers deeply
into his eyes through the cowl.
BATMAN (CONT'
D)
With your blessing - with you
cooperation - together we could rid
the streets of Gotham of violence
and corruption.
Gordon blinks. His gun hand wavers.
BATMAN (CONT'
D)
We share the same dream, Gordon.
You know we do. Trust you
intuition. Join me.
Batman extends a black-gloved hand.
CLOSE ON HAND
The hand holds steady, the gun pointed directly at it.
BACK TO THEM
The Caped Crusader's gaze rivets Gordon to the spot.
BACK TO HANDS
A beat. Gordon's gun drops to the floor. His hand grasps the black
glove tightly.
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
CAMERA ZOOMS up the building, WHIPPING INTO the night sky:
Seen for the first time: THE GLOWING BATSIGNAL! The silhouetted
yellow ball knifes up through the night over Gotham, seeming to glow
more brightly than the moon!
Underneath, WE HEAR a cacophony of REPORTERS' VOICES:
REPORTER
REPORTER #2
This is Jack Havemeyer, Ann Ford, Gotham News at
Gotham Eyewitness News. Ten. The Black Knight
has
The amazing Batman has saved yet another
innocent
struck again, apprehending citizen, this time at...
two armed robbers at...
REPORTER #3
The Joker's gang was in for a rude
awakening early this morning when...
CAMERA PANS DOWN FROM the night sky to:
EXT. GIRDER BUILDING - NIGHT
We are on top of a partially constructed building - a maze of
interconnecting steel girders, jutting out over the black waters of
Gotham River.
A WIRY, WEASEL-FACED MAN (JIMMY MALONE) stands on a top girder some
forty floors above the water, seems to be aiming his gun into the
blackness.
MALONE
Stay away from me!
EXT. GIRDERS - NIGHT
Malone trembles, squints into the dark, hears A VOICE:
BATMAN'
S VOICE
I think we've run out of floors.
A black cape swirls around the side of a girder. Malone panics,
squeezes the trigger RAPID FIRE! Then - silence.
BATMAN'
S VOICE (CONT'
D)
Floors - and bullets.
Now stepping out onto the girder, emerging from the blackness: THE
BATMAN! His huge black cape billows out ominously.
ANGLE ON GORDON
Gordon, Haley, and a mob of Reporters watch tensely from below where a
gang of handcuffed Crooks is being led off by the police.
BACK TO GIRDERS
Malone inches back on the uppermost girder which juts out over the
river. He clicks his gun - empty - throws it at the Batman, missing
him. The Batman advances coldly.
BATMAN
They say a cornered rat can be dan-
gerous. You don't look so tough.
As Batman advances, suddenly: HIS FOOT SLIPS! He tumbles over the
side of the girder, hangs on, his fingers jammed into the rivet holes!
ANGLE ON BELOW
An audible GASP from the assembled audience.
BACK TO BATMAN
Straining to hold on, his fingers almost coming out of their sockets.
He looks down: the network of girders dissolves dizzyingly into black.
Malone starts forward, grinning broadly.
MALONE
Here. Lemme give you a hand...
Malone claps loudly. Batman winces, hangs on.
MALONE (CONT'
D)
Now a foot...
Malone brings one show down hard on Batman's hand, grinds it in. Then,
the other foot on the remaining hand. Batman grimaces in unbelievable
pain.
Suddenly: Batman swings his leg back! He bursts forward again in an
arc, propelling his feet under the girder and up again around the other
side. His boots crash into the back of Malone's legs - launching him
out into space with an agonizing scream!
The Batman stands on the girder, looking down. He gives a tiny salute,
then DIVES OUT INTO THE NIGHT! Sailing down through the blackness for
more than a hundred feet, he hits the river with an enormous splash,
then disappears.
BACK TO GORDON
Gordon watches, stunned, as a Reporter comes up.
REPORTER
Incredible! Who is he, Commis-
sioner? Can you let us in on it?
GORDON
(suddenly crafty)
Id like to, but...I'm afraid that
information's classified.
The Reporter walks off, muttering angrily. Haley looks sideways at
Gordon in disbelief.
GORDON
(exploding)
Goddamnit, Haley, do I have to tell
you every little thing?
INT. RUPERT THORNE'
S OFFICE - DAY
CAMERA PANS DOWN from the Gotham City logo: TRUTH, JUSTICE, INTERGRITY
to the face of Rupert Thorne, a cigar wedged between gritted teeth,
watching a TV across the room.
TV REPORTER'
S VOICE
...reporting live from the Gotham
Museum where Batman has caught the
Penny Plunderers. Criminals are
Rapidly becoming an endangered
Species here in Gotham, thanks to...
There is a KNOCK. The door opens. Silver enters with some papers for
Thorne, pauses to look at the set.
SILVER
That Batman's something, isn't he?
(hands over papers)
For once in our lives, a real,
honest-to-God hero.
THORNE
(forced smile)
Oh, he's some piece of work, all
right...
Thorne takes the papers. Silver exits as he glares back at the set
from which we now HEAR BATMAN'
S VOICE.
BATMAN'
S VOICE
...but the credit really belongs
to the citizens of this city and
their elected officials, who've bent
over backwards...
THORNE
(chomping cigar)
Then kiss my ass.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
THE YELLOW BATSIGNAL explodes up into the night sky!
EXT. GOTHAM HARBOR - NIGHT
A dirty, stained tramp steamer lies at anchor in Gotham Harbor. A
POCK-MARKED CAPTAIN whispers down to TWO CONFEDERATES in a dinghy
below.
CAPTAIN
You can tell the Joker his drugs are
on their way. Now get the hell out
of here.
The dinghy putts off into the night. The Captain turns.
CAPTAIN (CONT'
D)
Weigh anchor!
ANGLE ON SIDE OF SHIP
The huge anchor chain rumbles up the side of the ship's prow. Now
emerging from UNDER THE WATER - THE BATMAN! He rides the anchor chain
up toward the deck.
INT. SILVER'
S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Silver peddles away on an exercycle in her apartment, dressed in a
nightie, avidly watching the Late News.
TV REPORTER
...the biggest drug bust in the
history of Gotham City! Where will
The Dark Avenger appear next? Who
knows? Maybe everywhere!
SILVER
(churning away)
My door's unlocked, you big hunk...
EXT. FLAMING BUILDING - NIGHT
A TOWERING INFERNO engulfs a building in a poor section of town.
Flames shoot out of the upper floors as a DISTRAUGHT MOTHER pleads with
the FIREMEN.
MOTHER
But my baby! My baby's still in
there!
FIRE CAPTAIN
It's impossible, lady! I can't send
My men into that tinderbox!
FIREMAN
(staring up in awe)
Look!!
ANGLE ON BATMAN - THEIR P.O.V.
The Batman lands on top of the burning building! Hooking his nylon
cord securely, he shields his face with his cape, then launches himself
downwards, swinging straight through a window in a SHOWER OF GLASS AND
FLAMES!
After an agonizing moment - he reappears! He cradles a BAWLING BABY in
his arms, covers it with his cape, then quickly shimmies down into the
street.
INT. JOKER'
S LAIR - DAY
The Joker paces angrily as the TV blares:
TV REPORTER'
S VOICE
...here at Gotham Amusement Park
where - if you can believe it -
the Batman has subdued a mechanical
dinosaur, thus foiling the Joker's
plot to...
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
Once again: THE GLOWING BATSIGNAL whips up into the night!
EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT
TWO CROOKS run across a rooftop, carrying a bag of loot, heading for a
helicopter which waits, blades whirring. They reach the chopper, look
behind them as:
ANGLE ON BATMAN - THEIR P.O.V.
The Batman lands on the opposite side of the roof, some twenty yards
away.
CROOK #1
(looking back)
Sorry, Batman. Gotta fly now...
The Crooks pile into the helicopter, laughing loudly. It starts to
take off, rising quickly.
BACK TO BATMAN
His jaw twitches. He unhooks the BATARANG from the front of his
utility belt. (NOTE: This is a black, bat-shaped boomerang, attached
to his nylon cord.
The helicopter rises as: The Batman hurls his Batarang!
CLOSE ON ROTOR SHAFT
The Batarang whistles around the spinning rotor shaft which connects
the helicopter bubble cockpit to the rear rotor blades. It hooks
tight.
WIDER ANGLE
The helicopter takes off into the night sky as the Batman is jerked
free of the building top, NOW DANGLES IN MID-AIR as the chopper
continues over Gotham!
ANGLE DOWN ON BATMAN
Suspended more than a thousand feet in the air, looking up at the
helicopter above him.
ANGLE ON ROTOR SHAFT
The rotor shaft spins, the Batarang cord encircling it. The nylon cord
wraps itself around the shaft as the Batman is now being pulled up LIKE
A FISH ON THE LINE!
WIDER ANGLE
As the Batman rises toward the chopper through the night sky.
INT. HELICOPTER
The PILOT struggles with the controls. A CROOK looks over.
CROOK
What the hell's wrong?
PILOT
Can't figure it...I have to compen-
sate for something on the port
side...
The Crook looks over to his left: The night sky is clear through the
bubble cockpit.
Now suddenly rising into view: THE FACE OF BATMAN, staring in coldly
from outside the cockpit!
Then: WE HEAR THE SOUND OF TREMENDOUS OVATION!
INT. GOTHAM BALLROOM - NIGHT
Hundreds of Guests applaud heartily in a hotel ballroom. Gotham's
MAYOR stands in front of a podium at the center of a dais which
includes Batman, Gordon, and Rupert Thorne.
MAYOR
...and so, in giving him the keys to
Gotham, I proclaim our Batman this
city's Man of The Year. Year?
Hell! The Man of a Lifetime!
A rousing ovation! Batman rises to join the Mayor at the podium,
shaking hands with Dignitaries on his way by.
ANGLE ON SILVER
Silver stands by one of the front table, applauds heartily.
ANGLE ON BATMAN
Shaking hands with Gordon, then with an overly enthusiastic Rupert
Thorne, who claps him on the back, Knute Rockne-like.
INT. JOKER'
S LAIR - NIGHT
A grim-faced Joker watches the festivities on television, slumped
behind a harlequin desk in his darkened lair.
BATMAN ON TV
Thank you, Mr. Mayor...
(at Crowd)
Let me be brief...
The Joker lifts what look like a remote control box, presses a button:
THE TELEVISION EXPLODES, WIPING THE SCREEN!
EXT. GOTHAM PARK ZOO - DAY
CAMERA CLOSE on a zoo enclosure filled with live penguins. A KEEPER
tosses them sardines as ONLOOKERS watch.
SILVER'
S VOICE
Aren't they adorable in their little
dinner jackets?
Silver, holding a big pink balloon, stands watching them in the crowd
with Bruce.
BRUCE
Actually, it looks like a convention
of maitre d's...
SILVER
Maitre d's?
(sideways look)
So you are familiar with eating out
at night...
She turns, smiling to herself. Bruce catches her drift.
BRUCE
Silver, look...I know it must seem
very rude, my not asking you out to
dinner...
SILVER
But you've been terribly busy...
BRUCE
I have, as a matter of fact. I...I...
SILVER
(hurt)
Bruce, my lunch hour's practically
over. Exactly what is it you want
to say?
BRUCE
(swallowing hard)
That...you should forget about me.
Rupert was right. I am a grass-
hopper. You deserve somebody more
...worthwhile. Somebody you could
wind up...respecting.
SILVER
(pause; smile)
Now tell me the truth.
BRUCE
The truth is...I can never be in
love with anyone. I'm too selfish.
In fact, I'm all I need.
(pause)
That's the truth.
Silver looks up softly with eyes which could melt steel.
SILVER
Liar...
She kisses him passionately, hands him her balloon, then walks away.
Bruce stares, stunned and dejected.
CAMERA PANS across to one large penguin, ZOOMS IN as it preens its
flightless wings:
DISSOLVE THROUGH TO:
INT. PENGUIN'
S BEDROOM - DAY
CAMERA PANS a spacious bedroom which is entirely decorated in black and
white. A huge, four-poster bed dominates, covered by a piece of
drapery in the shape of an open umbrella, also in black and white. It
frames the figure of THE PENGUIN who lies in bed, an ice pack on his
head, a thermometer sticking out of his mouth.
This is an elegant man, dressed in a white robe with a black collar,
propped up on black silk sheets against black-and-white checkered
pillows. A COOING SOUND makes him glance at a partially opened window
where a pigeon has landed, now looks at him questioningly. The Penguin
makes a clucking birdlike sound of welcome which the pigeon seems to
recognize. It flies over to his bed, hops up into his lap.
A STATUESQUE WOMAN (EMPRESS) enters, carrying a tureen of shrimp
embedded in ice. She wears a tight wool body stocking, a muffler
wrapped around her neck.
EMPRESS
Here, sweetie. Eat them while they're
nice and frozen. Feel better?
PENGUIN
A smidge.
The Penguin removes his thermometer, looks at it.
PENGUIN (O.S.)
Sixty-five degrees. Normal. I
can't understand it...
He takes a bite of frozen shrimp, removes the ice pack from his head,
slips it inside his robe. He leans in, tugs on the Empress' muffler
gently, smiles.
PENGUIN (CONT'
D)
Feel life...feathering the nest for
a while?
EMPRESS
If you'll let me turn the thermostat
up to forty. That was our deal,
remember?
He strokes her face tenderly, makes his clucking sound. Shivers runs
up and down her body.
PENGUIN
Confess. Where you're with me, it's
always Honolulu in your heart.
EMPRESS
Are you kidding? It's so cold in here
a flasher would have described himself.
There is a KNOCK from the doorway. A seven-foot, sallow-looking BUTLER
(MARIBOU) with a vulture-like face appears.
MARIBOU
Excuse me, Mr. Penguin. Your
luncheon guest has arrived.
PENGUIN
Thank you, Maribou...
MARIBOU
May I take your luncheon order now,
Sir?
The pigeon coos from the Penguin's lap. He looks down.
PENGUIN
Why, yes, Maribou. Yes, you may...
His hand wanders BELOW FRAME. We hear the sound of a neck snapping.
The Empress turns away in disgust.
INT. PENGUIN'
S DINING ROOM - DAY
An elegant dining room. At one end of a checkered black-and-white
table: the Penguin. Dressed in white tie and tails, he pops an icy
codfish ball into his mouth.
PENGUIN
Even for a criminal as phenomenally
gifted as I - this is indeed an
honor, Sir.
At the other end - the Joker, teeth chattering, not touching his food.
Wrapped in a heavy overcoat with muffler and earmuffs, he blows into
his hands. Four sets of candelabra are drawn in around him for warmth.
JOKER
Nice little meat locker you got here.
Who'd you buy it from, Bird's Eye?
A frozen giggle collapses. The Penguin blinks stoically.
PENGUIN
I'm heart-broken you haven't touched
your food. I had that clown fish
cooked especially for you.
(gestures)
Do you prefer codfish balls?
JOKER
I don't know. I never attended any.
An insane chuckle rises, then dies, teeth chattering.
JOKER
But seriously, Big Bird...
(eyes narrowing)
I need a favor.
PENGUIN
Outside of possibly offering you a
brain scan - how may I be of help?
JOKER
(philosophical)
I've worked hard to make Gotham a city
we could all be proud of. The kind of
place where an ambitious young hood
could come home after a hard day
dealing drugs and get some peaceful
sleep at night. But all that was B.B.
PENGUIN
Before Batman.
JOKER
Rimshot. I'd like to send that
cowled cop-lover on a little trip
tomorrow night.
(leans in)
But I'm going to need you to pro-
vide the flight insurance.
(giggle)
Which reminds me. Do you know what
you get when you make love to the
wrong canary?
PENGUIN
(sigh)
I haven't a clue.
JOKER
Twerpes!
He explodes with laughter. The Penguin stares blankly.
JOKER (CONT'
D)
Not only that - but the disease is
completely untweetable!
The Penguin winces sadly, lowers his eyes as the Joker slams his semi-
frozen clown fish against his plate, his body wracked by uncontrollable
guffaws.
INT. BATCAVE - DAY
Alfred holds an aerosol wax can and a cloth. He polishes an enormous
white animal tooth.
ALFRED
With all this extra cleaning to do,
Sir, do you mind if I engage addi-
tional staff for the mansion?
An acetylene torch whines in reply.
WIDE ANGLE - BATCAVE
We see the Batcave for the first time: The gothic cavern walls are now
spotless. Alfred stands on a ladder, polishing a tooth of a mechanical
Tyrannosaurus Rex. Next to it is the giant penny. This, along with
other exhibits, is the trophy section.
CAMERA PANS: One area of the cave is devoted to exercise - weights,
Nautilus machines, rings - even a trapeze. The acetylene torch whines.
CAMERA PANS: Another section features a myriad of complicated machines
and a fully equipped crime lab.
PAST the crime lab: Bruce lies on his back under a partially
constructed futuristic automobile. He trains an acetylene torch
against one section as the sparks fly. It's just the shell of a car
now - other sections and odd electronic devices are strewn about the
area. Bruce shuts off his torch, removes a faceplate, reaches back for
a long cylindrical network of crisscrossing cables. He starts to fit
it onto one underside edge of the chassis.
BRUCE
I'm sorry, Alfred. Did you say
something?
ALFRED
(noticing cylinder)
What on earth is all that metallic
spaghetti in aid of?
BRUCE
There's a Magnum pistol in the table
drawer over there. Take it out,
would you?
Alfred descends the ladder as Bruce rises, crosses to two larger
versions of the cabled cylinders. They stand upright, some eight feet
apart from each other. Bruce leans down, opens the top of a large
transformer box.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
I've connected two mega-transformer
leads to form a force field of a
million volts.
Bruce flips a switch - dazzling blue light begins to dance between the
cable cylinders. Alfred turns with the gun in his hands as Bruce calls
to him from behind the sparkling wall of blue light.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
Shoot me.
ALFRED
Pardon?
BRUCE
Shoot to kill. Aim for the heart.
ALFRED
I...assume this apparatus has been
thoroughly tested, Sir?
BRUCE
We're doing it right now.
Alfred stares incredulously, the gun shaking in his hand.
ALFRED
Sir...if you've miscalculated...
BRUCE
Be a good soldier, Alfred.
(pause)
Shoot. Now!
Alfred straightens his arm, his finger squeezing the trigger.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
(suddenly)
Wait!
TOO LATE: Alfred fires! The bullet bounces off the blue wall of
light, then ricochets back at Alfred, pinging into the cavern wall next
to his head! Alfred hits the deck as the lead cartridge continues a
seemingly endless path of ricochets until there is sudden silence.
Alfred rises, sweat dripping from his brow. Bruce grins, turning off
the blue light.
BRUCE
I forgot to tell you to duck.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY HALL - NIGHT
A taxi pulls up to the darkened City Hall. Silver exits, starts up the
steps.
INT. CITY HALL - NIGHT
Silver enters, crosses the lobby to the elevators. A GUARD looks up
from his night desk.
GUARD
Just a minute, Miss...
SILVER
It's okay, Victor, it's...
(sees him)
Where's Victor?
GUARD
Victor's...sick tonight. What's
your name?
SILVER
St. Cloud. I'm on Councilman
Thorne's staff. Just catching up on
a little back work.
GUARD
The doors are all locked up there,
Miss, and...I'm not authorized to
open them.
Silver dangles her key with a pleasant smile, passes by him, enters the
elevator. The doors close. The nervous Guard picks up a house phone.
GUARD
There's a girl named Silver St. Cloud on
her way up. I tried to stop her...
INT. ELEVATOR SHAFT - NIGHT
CAMERA LOOKS DOWN from the main gears of the elevator at a seemingly
endless shaft of cables. The car carrying Silver rises quickly, jerks
to a stop at one of the top floors.
INT. CITY HALL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Silver exits the elevator, starts down the corridor for her office
door. She passes Thorne's office, then stops, hearing MUFFLED VOICES
from inside.
SILVER
Rupert?...
There is a sudden silence. Silver cocks her head curiously.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Rupert, it's Silver...
Silver opens the door, suddenly recoils, aghast:
ANGLE ON THORNE - HER P.O.V.
Thorne sits behind his desk, bound and gagged, tied to the chair. His
eyes bulge in terror as Silver rushes in.
SILVER
Rupert, what happened!
JOKER'
S VOICE
You like that gag?
Silver wheels to face the Joker behind her!
JOKER
Well, here's an even better one!
A stream of clear liquid shoots out from a plastic flower on the
Joker's coat lapel, drenching Silver's face as she recoils, stunned,
then instantly drops to the floor. The Joker giggles as Thorne rises
from behind the desk, the ropes dropping off him like spaghetti. He
takes the gag out of his mouth, looks down at Silver, nervous and
agitated.
THORNE
I can't get her involved. This
changes everything.
JOKER
This changes nothing.
(looks down; appre-
ciative smile)
In fact, it might even give that
black-caped creep an added incentive
to walk into our trap.
THORNE
(concerned)
How long before she wakes up?
JOKER
Half an hour.
(wicked grin)
Never, if you prefer...
THORNE
(glaring coldly)
This better work out. I warn you,
Joker - don't disappoint me.
JOKER
(crossing to door)
Please. If everyone in this country
worked as efficiently as I do, we'd
be back on the road to prosperity.
(turns; stops)
Oh. And starting tomorrow - after
the Batman's funeral - don't you
disappoint me, understood?
The Joker smiles cruelly, giggles, then disappears.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
CAMERA PANS the cavernous Batcave. We HEAR the low, powerful, whining
GRIND of what seem to be turbine engines. It rises in pitch and
intensity, growing richer and more deafening than a 747.
The blasting SOUND is coming from behind a corner of the cave, its
source unseen. But up against one wall, in a cubicle niche:
A RED TELEPHONE PULSATES WITH GLOWING LIGHT!
INT. WAYNE MANOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
Alfred walks down the hallway dressed for bed, stifles a yawn, notices
something through the open study door.
ANGLE ON STUDY DOOR - HIS P.O.V.
The light coming from the study seems to pulsate as well, first dying,
then rising. Dying, then rising.
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
The pulsating light comes from a desk lamp. Alfred enters, crosses,
presses a hidden button under the desk:
A bottom drawer pops open, revealing a glowing red extension of the
Batphone in the cave.
Alfred shoves the drawer back, hurries out of the study.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Alfred crosses the living room, heading for a tall grandfather's clock
at one end. He reaches behind the clock. We HEAR a switch "CLICK."
Alfred reaches behind, swivels the clock away from the wall.
The SOUND of the ENGINE WHINE becomes immediately audible. Alfred
hurries through the opening in the wall.
EXT. GOTHAM SKY - NIGHT
Knifing up into the blackness over the skyline of Gotham City - THE
GLEAMING BATSIGNAL!
INT. THORNE'
S OFFICE - NIGHT
The office has been ransacked. Drawers overturned, bookcases emptied,
with piles of paper and debris strewn across the floor.
Silver sits in a chair, conscious but still groggy. Thorne paces
angrily in front of Gordon, kicking trash left and right as the Batman
watches from inside the doorway, his eyes darting back and forth.
THORNE
It's unbelievable! The Joker!
Right here in my office!
(at Silver)
He could have killed her!
(realizes)
He could have killed me, for God's
sake!
BATMAN
I wonder why he didn't...
Batman crosses, eyes riveted on Silver. She feels his magnetic gaze on
her, now stares back, fascinated by him.
THORNE
You sound disappointed!
GORDON
Calm down, Rupert! We've got a long
night ahead of us.
THORNE
What's this we crap?
GORDON
Well, you're the only one who'd know
what was missing.
(turns)
I'll send for a squad car to drive
you home, Miss St. Cloud.
Silver nods at Gordon, then looks back into the dark, magnetically
intimidating gaze of the Batman.
SILVER
Perhaps...the Batman would be kind
enough to see me home.
THORNE
What?
Batman stares back at Silver with no apparent reaction. She smiles
unsteadily, not sure of herself.
SILVER
If I'm not too far out of your way.
BATMAN
(pause)
I can't imagine such a place exists,
Miss St. Cloud.
THORNE
Oh, brother...
Silver blushes, then rises, offers Batman her arm.
SILVER
Good-night, Rupert...
THORNE
Wait!...
Batman leads Silver out the door. Thorne's face trembles with rage and
frustration as Gordon looks over curiously.
GORDON
Relax, Rupert. Who could she be
safer with?
CAMERA PUSHES IN on Thorne's troubled face.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Batman leads Silver to the elevator, presses the button.
SILVER
We're taking the elevator?
BATMAN
Doesn't everybody?
SILVER
Why did I have this feeling we'd be
dropping out a window together, or
something exotic like that...
The elevator arrives. They enter.
INT. TOP OF ELEVATOR SHAFT - NIGHT
The main gears of the elevator shaft start to churn. Suddenly: the
beam from a welding torch appears, rapidly cutting away at one of the
cables.
CAMERA PANS: The Penguin hangs suspended in the shaft, supported in
mid-air by the whirling ribs of a HUGE UMBRELLA hooked to the back of
his belt. He trains the torch on the cable, looks down, "clucks"
contently.
Suddenly: THE CABLE SNAPS!
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
A jarring jolt. The elevator suddenly drops! Silver screams as she
and Batman are momentarily pushed up into the air. Batman grabs onto a
light fixture in the roof, bashes the ceiling escape hatch away.
ANGLE ON ELEVATOR
Plummeting down the shaft.
BACK TO BATMAN
He reaches into his utility belt, pulls out a nail-like piece of curved
metal attached to a nylon cord. It pops open into a large, four-
pronged fish hook.
BATMAN
Grab my belt! Hang on!
ANGLE IN SHAFT
The hook flies out of the top of the sinking elevator heading for the
wall of the shaft. It grazes down the shaft wall, catches on one set
of gears which allow the doors to open on each individual floor. The
nylon cord goes taut.
BACK TO ELEVATOR
Silver hangs on as Batman hooks his arm around her. The two of them
shoot upwards through the escape hatch.
ANGLE ON ELEVATOR
Still plummeting. It hits the ground with an ear-splitting, sickening
crash.
INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT
A WASHERWOMAN standing by the elevator doors, with her mop and pail,
presses the "down" button. It opens.
ANGLE ON BATMAN
Batman and Silver hang by the cord in the shaft, her arms locked around
him in a death grip. She stares, goggle-eyed.
BATMAN
(at Silver)
Next time - remind me to try the
window.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Batman and Silver walk down a deserted street. She is a wreck -
trembling, ripped dress, with streaks of cable grease on her face and
hair.
BATMAN
I'm parked in the alleyway. Didn't
want to attract attention.
SILVER
A bit late for that, isn't it?
Suddenly: THE ROAR OF ENGINES IS HEARD FROM THE SKY! Batman and
Silver's heads snap up:
ANGLE ON PENGUIN'
S GANG - THEIR P.O.V.
THREE PENGUIN CONFEDERATES whizz down at them through the night sky
wearing jetpacks! Orange flames shoot out from behind their propelling
rigs as they maneuver through the air, now heading into a synchronized
power dive.
The Penguin hovers above, still supported by his whirling umbrella-
copter.
A hail of MACHINE GUN BULLETS spews forth from guns mounted on top of
their packs - the flyers close in on Batman and Silver like attacking
fighter planes.
BACK TO BATMAN AND SILVER
Batman dives behind a row of garbage cans, pushing a screaming Silver
down in front of him as the fusillade ricochets off the cans and
building walls.
The flying formation zooms back up into the sky again, preparing to
make another pass. Batman turns to a trembling Silver who is paralyzed
with fear.
BATMAN
Stay here! It's me they want...
SILVER
Don't leave me!!
Batman turns and looks: she is a quaking mess.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Oh, please? I've been a pretty
cheap date so far.
BATMAN
(pause)
Let's go.
He takes her hand as they run into the alleyway.
ANGLE ON SKY
The Penguin's group have reassembled in a formation and start another
power dive.
INT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT
The screen is totally black. Suddenly - one glaring yellow headlight
in the shape of an eye appears! Then another.
ANGLE ON ENGINES
Twin turbine engines fire up - their glowing red exhaust filling the
screen.
ANGLE ON STREET
THE BATMOBILE screams from the alley out into the street. A sleek,
powerful, futuristic panther of a car - jet black with a domed
interior.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
The interior is a glistening, intricate maze of computers, screens, and
complicated electrical systems. Silver's eyes are frozen open in
astonishment. Batman looks over.
BATMAN
Please don't touch anything.
SILVER
Like the cigarette lighter?
Batman smiles, points it out. There is one.
ANGLE ON SKY
The Penguin and his three Jetpack Bandits zoom down at the car, their
mounted machine guns BLAZING. Bandit #1 powers forward, spewing
bullets as he comes.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
A succession of RICOCHET HITS on the Batmobile roof causes Silver to
hunch over in terror as Batman flips a switch.
ANGLE ON BATMOBILE
The two coiled cylinders under either side of the car suddenly eject
intersecting streams of blue light (the force field we saw tested in
the Batcave) which now bathes the entire vehicle in a SOLID BLUE GLOW.
A new hail of bullets ricochets off the impregnable field of blue
light, zinging back up into the air in the direction from which they
came.
ANGLE ON BANDITS
Their face registering horror as several of their own bullets whizz by
them, narrowly missing! They soar higher to avoid their own fire.
BACK ON BATMOBILE
Speeding down an avenue along the side of the park.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Silver looks over hopefully.
SILVER
I guess we frightened them off.
Batman shakes his head, flips another switch: A small radar screen
lights up. Three blinking LIGHT BLIPS are still following them.
Batman suddenly looks ahead, eyes widening.
ANOTHER CAR heads directly at them, guns blazing!
SILVER (CONT'
D)
I think I'll keep my mouth shut.
ANGLE ON STREET
The HOOD CAR swerves off the street into the park. The Batmobile
squeals into a 180 and roars after it.
ANGLE ON PENGUIN IN SKY
The Penguin watches from the sky with satisfaction.
PENGUIN
He's taken the bait...
He motions two Bandits to fly off in another direction, then: swivels
in mid-air, points Bandit #3 down at the Batmobile.
PENGUIN (CONT'
D)
The tires, you Cretin! Go for the tires!
ANGLE ON PARK ROAD
The Batmobile pursues the Hood Car through the park as Bandit #3 looms
up from behind, guns blazing.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Batman looks over at a terrified Silver reassuringly.
BATMAN
Don't worry...
SILVER
Worry?
(trying nonchalance)
How's the...ah...mileage on this?
BATMAN
It doesn't use gasoline.
SILVER
Of course not. Silly of me...
ANGLE ON BANDIT #3
Guns blazing down at the road behind the Batmobile.
ANGLE ON ROAD
A stream of bullets advances inexorably toward the rear tires of the
Batmobile.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Batman realizes what's happening and presses a button.
ANGLE ON REAR OF BATMOBILE
Steel casings drop down over the tires as the bullets make contact too
late, ping off them harmlessly.
ANGLE ON BANDIT #3
Whizzing along through the air behind the Batmobile, registering his
frustration.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
BATMAN
Do you know what the number one hazard
is on the American road these days?
SILVER
(weak smile)
Surprise me...
BATMAN
Tailgaters.
ANGLE ON REAR OF BATMOBILE
The trunk of the Batmobile suddenly pops open! A giant horseshoe
magnet swivels, pointing out behind the car!
ANGLE ON BANDIT #3
Screaming, wide-eyed, as the force of the powerful magnet spins him in
mid-air and he is sucked into the trunk by his jetpack. The trunk
closes on him, slamming shut.
ANGLE ON PENGUIN IN SKY
The Penguin looks down disgustedly, then lifts his gaze ahead and
below, into the park.
EXT. PARK - ANGLE ON CURVE - NIGHT
A Bandit watches near a curve in the park road as the Hood Car roars
by. He gestures impatiently off into the darkness.
Bandit #2 settles in behind a jest of rocks, trains an automatic weapon
back down the road.
BACK TO BATMOBILE
Roaring through the park TOWARD CAMERA.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Batman looks ahead, suddenly worried.
ANGLE THROUGH WINDSHIELD
Two blazing headlights seem to be speeding directly at him, growing
larger by the second!
BACK TO BATMOBILE
SILVER
Hit the brakes! Hit the brakes!
Batman grimly steps on the accelerator!
ANGLE ON FRONT BUMPER
Now emerging from the front of the Batmobile: a long, black battering
ram with a RAZOR SHARP GLEAMING STEEL TIP!
BACK TO VIEW THROUGH WINDSHIELD
The two oncoming headlights are about to make contact as:
WIDER ANGLE
The Batmobile EXPLODES though what was a GIANT MIRROR in a sea of
flying glass!
Bandit #2 lets off an ineffectual burst of automatic fire, now lowers
his weapon in disgust as the vehicle roars on.
BACK TO PENGUIN IN SKY
Gritting his teeth in frustration, looking up ahead.
EXT. PARK - ANGLE OF BRIDGE OVER LAKE - NIGHT
The Park road curves onto a bridge which spans the park lake. The Hood
Car speeds quickly across it.
ANGLE BELOW BRIDGE
A Bandit stands by a plunger-detonator device.
BACK TO BRIDGE
The Batmobile starts across at full speed. Suddenly - A HUGE EXPLOSION
collapses the section of the bridge directly in front of it!
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Plummeting down through the air toward the lake. Batman works his
controls frantically as Silver screams!
ANGLE ON LAKE
The Batmobile plunges into the lake! A brilliant SHOWER OF BLUE SPARKS
explode across the water's surface as the vehicle disappears. For a
moment, all is still.
ANGLE ON PENGUIN IN AIR
The Penguin looks down, "clucking" contentedly. His expression
suddenly starts to change.
ANGLE ON LAKE - HIS P.O.V.
Slowly re-emerging on the surface of the lake: The Batmobile! Its
roaring turbine engines propel it forward, now supported by TWO
HYDROFOIL PONTOONS! The makeshift craft speeds over the water at
speedboat velocity.
The Batmobile reaches shore, churning up chunks of mud as the pontoons
contract and the car bounces onto the park road. The protective blue
light has been extinguished. From either side: two Hood Cars
approach, machine guns blazing!
Batman swerves the Batmobile onto the grass, roars cross-country toward
a park exit as the hail of bullets begins to make CRACKS across its
protective dome.
ANGLE ON PARK EXIT AND STREET
The Batmobile speeds out into the street. One Hood Car is in hot
pursuit - the other exits the park a block ahead and roars at the
Batmobile from the other direction!
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Silver looks over at Batman, trembling, as more bullets "chunk" into
the car dome, weakening it further.
SILVER
Listen...it was nice of you to offer
to take me home, but maybe I'd
better grab a cab...
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
The Batmobile is about to become a sandwich as Batman suddenly squeals
the vehicle into a parking building! The Hood Cars do respective 180's
and follow suit.
INT. PARKING BUILDING - NIGHT
The Batmobile roars around hairpin turns, ascending the levels of the
parking building like a sportscar.
The Hood Cars screech after him, gaining speed. They pursue Batman
higher and higher, threading the narrow openings through the lines of
parked cars, tearing off side mirrors, doors, and fenders on their way
by.
ANGLE ON HIGHER LEVEL
The Batmobile, reaching the level just under the roof, squeals around a
corner, catches the fender of a parked car, and spins out of control!
Batman slams on the brakes as the Batmobile skids and turns to face:
The two Hood Cars, which have stopped so that they are completely
blocking off the exit ramps, up and down. The OCCUPANTS stare in
amazement as the Batmobile suddenly roars at them!
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Batman's jaw sets as he looks forward.
ANGLE THROUGH WINDSHIELD
A sign at the bottom of a narrow ramp leading to the roof screams in
red letters: WRONG WAY - DO NOT ENTER - SEVERE TIRE DAMAGE!
BACK TO PARKING LEVEL
The Batmobile shoots up the wrong-way ramp!
CLOSE OF METAL TEETH
As the Batmobile's tires make contact with the viciously protruding
metal teeth - ALL FOUR TIRES BLOW! The vehicle roars on, flub-a-
dubbing up toward the roof.
EXT. ROOF - NIGHT
The Batmobile exits onto the roof as the two Hood Cars, appearing from
the proper ramp, fan out to flank it.
ANGLE ON PENGUIN IN AIR
The Penguin takes up a position in mid-air just above and past the
roof, "clucking" with glee as he sees the Batman is hopelessly trapped.
BACK TO ROOF
The two Hood Cars close in on the Batmobile from either side. Batman
is running out of room.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Silver looks through the windshield in despair!
ANGLE THROUGH WINDSHIELD
The edge of the roof looms up rapidly!
SILVER'
S VOICE
Oh, my God!
She looks over at Batman whose JAW SUDDENLY TWITCHES!
EXTREME CLOSE ON SILVER
She has seen his jaw twitch! She stares in disbelief, realizing the
implications.
SILVER
(whisper)
Oh, my God...
BATMAN
Hang on!
Batman presses a RED BUTTON!
EXTREME CLOSE ON EXHAUST
The Batmobile's twin turbine engines EXPLODE WITH A WHITE FLAME! Jet-
propelled afterburners ignite!
WIDER ANGLE
The Batmobile has reached the edge of the roof, now LAUNCHES ITSELF
into space in an upwards arc!
The two Hood Cars are unable to cope with the sudden void between them
and crash head-on with a sickening crunch!
ANGLE ON PENGUIN IN MID-AIR
Staring in total shock - frozen in mid-air as the Batmobile arcs up
toward him.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
The figure of the Penguin grows rapidly larger through the windshield.
BATMAN HONKS AT HIM!
BACK TO MID-AIR
The Penguin takes a panicked, last-second evasive action, diving low as
the Batmobile streaks by:
The white-hot turbine flames from the vehicle's exhaust crease the top
of his umbrella-copter's whirling ribs, MELTING THEM INTO DISFIGURED
CURLEQUES!
The Penguin looks up in despair as his umbrella-copter begins to spin
out of control. He gives a birdlike SCREECH, then zig-zags helplessly
through the air!
BACK TO BATMOBILE
The sleek vehicle completes its downward arc through the air and lands
on the roof of the building across the street.
EXT. GOTHAM SKY
The Penguin cartwheels end over end through the air, his umbrella-
copter sputtering.
INT. RICH APARTMENT - NIGHT
Dozens of GUESTS surround a lavishly decorated banquet table in an
expensive apartment. A Bar Mitzvah celebration is in progress. The
proud FATHER puts a loving arm around his thirteen-year-old son.
FATHER
And so, Marvin, on this most special
of all days, your mother and I have
prepared a big surprise for you...
ANGLE ON SIDE OF APARTMENT BUILDING
The spinning, rudderless Penguin careens through an open window on the
side of the apartment building.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
The Penguin crash-lands on the end of the banquet table, sending food
and Guests flying everywhere as he skids along, clearing it, finally
splattering to a stop through an enormous pile of chicken livers into a
mountain of cracked ice under a banner reading: TODAY YOU ARE A MAN.
The stunned Guests hesitate a moment, then burst into wild,
unrestrained APPLAUSE!
EXT. ROOF - NIGHT
The Batmobile sits parked on the roof where it landed.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Batman looks over at Silver who has fainted dead away. She murmurs as
he gently prods her.
BATMAN
Miss St. Cloud...Miss St. Cloud?
Silver's eyes flutter open, trying to regain focus.
BATMAN (CONT'
D)
May I take you home now?
INT. SILVER'
S HALLWAY - NIGHT
Batman and Silver stop at her apartment door. She smiles at him
through smeared elevator cable grease.
BATMAN
I'm...very sorry for tonight. You
must have been terrified.
SILVER
Well, I've thought of a way you can
make it up to me.
Batman looks at her curiously. She suddenly kisses him, deeply. He
allows it, unwilling or unable to pull away.
CLOSE-UP
Silver's eyes open. She knows - or thinks she does.
They break. Silver smiles mysteriously, whistles under her breath,
enters her apartment.
INT. SILVER'
S APARTMENT - NIGHT
She leans against the door, sighs. Could it be true?
BACK TO BATMAN
On the other side of the door, worried. Does she know?
INT. TV STUDIO - DAY
The quiz show The Joker Is Wild broadcasts before a live audience. A
CONTESTANT stands by three large video panels in the shape of a slot
machine.
JACK BARRY
All right, Otto, you've got two
thousand dollars. Spin the wheel!
Otto pulls a lever - the first panel screen lights up.
JACK BARRY (CONT'
D)
Joker...
(next panel)
Joker...
(next panel)
Joker!
A burst of machine gun fire riddles the third panel to shreds.
Stepping through it - the Joker. An armed Gang rushes in after him,
holds Jack Barry and the audience at bay. The Joker steps to center
stage.
JOKER
Good evening, ladies and germs. I
Just flew in from Lost Wages,
Nevada, and boy, are my arms tired!
He giggles. There is a stony silence from the audience.
JOKER (CONT'
D)
Gimme a break, folks, I'm a Veteran.
Man walks into a bar, says, "Have
you got any Wild Turkey?" Bartender
say, "No, but I can get a tame one
and irritate it for you."
He roars. The audience stares back. His eyes narrow.
JOKER (CONT'
D)
But I digress. You see, I'm in the
process of developing a new series...
(evil smile)
...of killings. All original, all
different, believe me, folks, you're
gonna die laughing. And there's only
one man who can cancel my little show
the Batman. Because from now
on, each time he appears in public,
every time he's seen anywhere - one
prominent citizen of Gotham will die.
(to camera)
I'm tired of fighting you, Batman,
so the people are going to do it for
me. Either you lose...
(at audience)
or they do.
INT. WAYNE MANOR STUDY - NIGHT
CAMERA CLOSE on a television screen - the crackling face of the Joker
disappears.
Bruce flips off a VCR, looks over at a worried Alfred.
BRUCE
When did you tape this?
ALFRED
Not quite an hour ago.
Bruce rises, begins to pace.
ALFRED (CONT'
D)
Why can't you do what he did, Sir?
Go on television as the Batman, and
explain your case to the people.
BRUCE
And risk having an innocent human being
murdered for my sake? I can't chance it.
Bruce turns away in disgust, his mind racing.
ALFRED
(sympathetic)
Well...perhaps a night on the town
as Bruce Wayne might be therapeutic
for you after all. You do have
tickets for the gala opening of the
opera. I was planning on using one
myself, but if you'd prefer a more
lively and decorative companion I
quite understand.
BRUCE
You know what? It's been so long I
can't even think of whom to call
anymore.
ALFRED
Not even one name?
BRUCE
(sudden grin)
Well maybe just one.
EXT. GOTHAM OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT
Dozens of shiny limousines disgorge Gotham's formally dressed ELITE in
front of the opera house. Photographer's flashbulbs indicate that it
is indeed a gala opening. The billboard marquee advertises:
I PAGLIACCI.
CAMERA PANS to one arriving limo and we hear a TELEPHONE RINGING over
the scene. Silver's VOICE answers it.
SILVER'
S VOICE
Hi. This is Silver. I'm not home
right now, but if you'd leave a
message at the "beep," I'll get back
to you as soon as I can.
The limo pulls up to the front of the opera house. Silver exits in a
shimmering evening gown. AT THE SOUND OF THE "BEEP" we see her escort:
Rupert Thorne. They make their way inside past a battery of
photographers.
INT. OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT
A maze of BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE mingles in the lobby, exchanging greetings
and appreciative glances. An ARMY ARCHERD-type comments on the passing
parade for local television.
ARMY ARCHERD
...I'm telling you, they're all
here tonight, folks! Newsome two-
somes, tiresome twosomes, from show
biz, sports, politics...
(looks off)
There's millionaire socialite, Bruce
Wayne!
ANGLE ON BRUCE
As Bruce makes his way through the throng with Alfred.
BACK TO SCENE
ARMY ARCHERD
(turning)
And here's a man for all seasons -
Gotham's own City Councilman, Rupert
Thorne!
Thorne slides up to Archerd with a hearty smile. Silver hangs back,
suddenly spotting Bruce, surprised.
CLOSE ON BRUCE
Having spotted Silver too. Gazing in frustration.
BACK TO SILVER
She locks eyes with Bruce as Rupert slides his arm around Army
Archerd's shoulder.
ARMY ARCHERD
I didn't realize you were an opera
fan, Councilman...
THORNE
To tell the truth, I'm not, Army,
but any elected official with as
many Italian constituents as I have
would be darn well advised to give
it a try.
Rupert laughs heartily as suddenly: A HUGE COMMOTION is heard outside!
MUFFLED GASPS give way to FRANTIC MURMURS, then local silence as: The
Batman appears in the doorway!
Rupert stares, wide-eyed. Archerd blinks in disbelief as the Crowd
parts and Batman enters the lobby.
CLOSE ON BRUCE
Frozen. He exchanges an incredulous glance with Alfred.
CLOSE ON SILVER
Totally taken aback. Her gaze flicks from Bruce to Batman to Bruce to
Batman like someone watching a tennis match.
ANGLE ON GORDON AT TOP OF STAIRS
Gordon stands in a group at the top of the stairs to the mezzanine,
looking down in dismay.
BACK TO SCENE
The Batman joins Rupert and Archerd at the microphone with a cold and
distant air. (His resemblance to Bruce is uncanny.) Archerd swallows
nervously.
ARCHERD
You're...taking quite a chance,
showing up in public like this,
aren't you, Batman?
BATMAN
The way I see it, we're all taking
quite a chance if we let a sick
criminal mind like the Joker paralyze
this entire community with fear.
An angry MUTTERING is heard from within the Crowd.
CROWD MEMBER
Sure. He's not the one who's
going to get killed...
Batman's head snaps around angrily at the remark.
BATMAN
Step forward and say that to my
face, if you've got the guts!
The Crowd hangs back, confused and frightened. More angry muttering is
heard, now mixed in with boos.
CROWD #2
CROWD #3
Get him out of here!
Go home, Batman!
The boos grow louder and defiant, as Gordon hurries to the fake
Batman's side and Thorne smiles thinly at the imposter.
THORNE
It seems you're not exactly the
people's choice anymore, Batman...
GORDON
(at Batman)
C'mon. Let me get you out of here
before these gentle people tear you
up into little pieces...
Gordon leads a reluctant Batman away through the jeering Crowd. Bruce
watches in horror with Alfred as the taunts continue.
CROWD #4
CROWD #5
Leave us alone!
I'm not getting killed for

you!
ALFRED
(grim whisper)
A rather cruel sort of joke,
wouldn't you say?
BRUCE
(nods coldly)
And I don't think we've heard the
punch line yet.
Gordon appears in the doorway, raises his arms to quiet the panicking
Crowd.
GORDON
Settle down, folks! Take it easy
now! I've got half the police in
this city on their way over here!
So if you'll all take your seats...
CROWD #6
CROWD #7
Is he crazy?
Let's get out of here!
THORNE
(into mike)
Wait!!
There is a hush. A stern-faced Thorne plays to his audience for all
he's worth.
THORNE (CONT'
D)
What the Batman just did was inex-
cusable. Perhaps even criminal.
But he's right about one thing. No
cheap hoodlum is going to intimidate
Rupert Thorne while I still have the
saliva to spit on him! My ticket
says seat E-6, and that's where I'm
parking my keyster for the next
few hours!
(pause; low voice)
And I call upon His Honor, the
Mayor, to join me in the audience.
The Crowd looks over to the side of the lobby:
GOTHAM'
S MAYOR emerges from a group of onlookers. A grey-haired man
who is visibly terrified, he swallows hard.
MAYOR
Councilman Thorne is right, of
course. And I expect every other
decent citizen of Gotham City to
stand up and be counted.
The Mayor silently starts up the stairs to the mezzanine. After a
beat, Thorne theatrically extends his arm to Silver who hesitates, then
reluctantly joins him. They start for the orchestra section as others
in the Crowd begin to follow.
CLOSE ON BRUCE
Watching Silver disappear. His jaw twitches.
INT. OPERA MEZZANINE - NIGHT
Bruce and Alfred head for their box. The Mayor approaches from the
other direction, now escorted by Gordon and a phalanx of Police. The
Mayor sees Bruce and stops to shake hands.
MAYOR
It's good of you to stay, Bruce...
BRUCE
You've made a courageous decision,
Your Honor. I hope it's the right
one.
The Mayor nods grimly, enters his box. The Police form a guard by the
door.
INT. BRUCE'
S BOX - NIGHT
As Bruce and Alfred enter. Gordon stands in their box, a radio
receiver in his ear. A loud ovation is heard.
WIDE SHOT - AUDIENCE
The audience is on its feet, facing away from the stage, applauding the
Mayor in his box. The Mayor lifts his arms in a victory salute. The
applause dies down. The lights dim. The Overture to I Pagliacci is
heard, O.S. CAMERA RISES past the Mayor and his party to the hanging
chandelier directly above him. The fixture consists of huge crystal
teardrops.
EXTREME CLOSE ON CHANDELIER
One of the crystals is filled with a clear liquid.
BACK TO BRUCE
Bruce and Alfred settle into their chairs. Gordon mumbles into his
radio receiver, ever watchful.
DISSOLVE THROUGH TO:
INT. OPERA HOUSE - ANGLE ON STAGE
The Leading Man (CANIO), dressed as a clown, sings the aria "Vesti La
Giubba". A passionate, sad piece. He kneels in front of a large
gaily-painted drum.
ANGLE ON BRUCE
Alfred nods off in his chair. Bruce elbows him gently.
BACK TO CANIO
Approaching the high point of the aria. With a magnificent voice, he
reaches for a "High C", hits it strongly and purely, holds on to the
note.
ANGLE ON MAYOR'
S BOX
The Mayor and his party exchange impressed glances. CAMERA PUSHES IN
ON the chandelier teardrop. It trembles from the force of the High C -
now cracks. The liquid drips down into the box.
BACK TO STAGE
The sad aria is ending. Canio is on his knees, sobbing. He sings
pianissimo, milking every heart-breaking second. Suddenly - O.S. - a
chuckle. Then the sound of laughter. Canio peers angrily into the
audience.
ANGLE ON AUDIENCE
Confused, then irritated, as the laughter grows louder.
ANGLE ON MAYOR'
S BOX
The Mayor and his Party guffaw loudly, pounding their chairs in glee.
ANGLE ON BRUCE
Bruce rises from his seat, concerned.
BACK TO MAYOR
Tears of laughter stream down the Mayor's cheeks. He is on his feet
now, totally out of control. The others flop over their chairs,
roaring helplessly.
BACK TO CANIO
He walks off the stage in disgust.
BACK TO MAYOR'
S BOX
With a sudden, final burst of insane giggling - all four men collapse.
The Mayor hangs over the edge of his box, dead - a grotesque grin
frozen on his face.
ANGLE ON AUDIENCE
Gasping. Panicking. As:
ANGLE ON STAGE
The huge clown drum suddenly rips apart from the center. The Joker
steps out, dressed as an obese soprano.
JOKER
Wait! The opera's not over till the
fat lady sings!
The Joker hits his own version of a High C as:
GORDON'
S VOICE
Open fire!
The lights go out. Gunfire and screaming are heard in the darkness.
Total pandemonium.
INSERT SHOT - GOTHAM TRIBUNE
The Gotham Tribune cartwheels into frame: CLOWN PRINCE OF CRIME MAKES
GOOD ON BOAST. Rupert Thorne appointed acting Mayor. In the center of
the page: a large photograph of the Batman with the caption: A
KILLER?
INT. BATCAVE - WIDE ANGLE - DAY
Bruce paces dejectedly, a tiny figure lost in the vastness of the
enormous cavern.
ANGLE FROM STAIRS
Alfred watches sadly from the top of the stairs.
BACK TO BRUCE
Still pacing. Thinking. He passes the huge crime computer, pauses,
looks down, punches some keys.
ANGLE ON COMPUTER SCREEN
A series of CRIMINAL MUG SHOTS flashes across the screen, law-breakers
of every variety, finally stopping at:
The face of the Joker - grinning down menacingly.
BACK TO BRUCE
Staring back. Face set. Jaw twitching.
The screen suddenly goes blank.
WIDER ANGLE
Alfred has turned off the computer. Bruce stares numbly.
ALFRED
Sir, I...
(swallows)
Perhaps...this isn't the only way.
Perhaps this is all meant to signal
a...a new beginning for you. After
all, you're an intelligent, enter-
prising young man with every capa-
bility in the world to...
Bruce puts his hand on Alfred's shoulder.
BRUCE
I...know you love me very much, and I'm
deeply grateful, but I wish you'd get
out of here now, and leave me alone.
Alfred pauses, then nods, walks off dejectedly.
CLOSE ON BRUCE
He wanders through the cave with glassy eyes, passing a table near the
Batmobile. On it - a new version of the battering ram. Bruce picks it
up, smiles bitterly, carries it in one hand as he continues to wander,
passing the crime lab section.
Suddenly - he lashes out - sends the battering ram flying through a set
of glass beakers filled with chemicals. Swinging it wildly now, he
destroys a section of the crime lab, then sinks heavily into a chair,
head bowed.
EXTREME WIDE ANGLE
The cavernous Batcave. The tiny, slumped figure of Bruce.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - WIDE ANGLE - DAY
The hot noonday sun drenches the spacious grounds of Wayne Manor. Seen
running along a track cut on the periphery of the estate: the solitary
figure of Bruce Wayne.
INT. WAYNE MANOR LIVING ROOM - DAY
Alfred watches from the window, concerned, as O.S., the TELEPHONE
starts to RING.
EXT. RUNNING TRACK - DAY
CAMERA CLOSE on Bruce's grimly determined face, oblivious to the
rivulets of sweat which pour down freely. His body is encased in
several layers of exercise clothes, deeply stained by perspiration,
that turn him into a human pressure cooker. His legs churn like
disassociated pistons.
BACK TO ALFRED
The telephone continues to RING. Alfred turns, still distracted by the
sight of Bruce and answers it.
ALFRED
(into phone)
Mr. Wayne's residence...I'm sorry, he's
not available...No, as I told you previ-
ously, I don't know when that would be,
but if you'd care to leave another
message...
INT. CITY HALL OFFICE - DAY
CAMERA CLOSE on the door to an inner office marked: Special Assistant
to the Mayor - Private.
The door opens as Silver exits into her outer office, followed by
several NEEDY-LOOKING CONSTITUENTS.
SILVER
...I'll take it up with Mayor
Thorne. Gotham needs an effective
network of daycare centers, and
tomorrow night's charity opening of
the circus seems like a good place
to start.
The Constituents thank her profusely. Silver crosses to her
SECRETARY's desk with a hopeful look.
SILVER
Any luck?
SECRETARY
Nada. Mr. Wayne seems to be perma-
nently...unavailable.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Wayne Manor seems deserted under the glow of the moon.
ANGLE ON BRUCE IN POOL
The Olympic-sized Wayne Manor swimming pool is illuminated by the glow
of outdoor lights. In it: Bruce swims laps, knifing through the water
with powerful strokes.
EXT. POOL - CLOSE ON BRUCE - NIGHT
Bruce churns through the water, eyes glazed with a total single-
mindedness. His speed is Olympian. As he tilts his head to take
another gulp of air, he suddenly stops dead in the water as he sees:
ANGLE ON SILVER - HIS P.O.V.
Silver emerges from the darkness, her glistening hair cascading down
over an evening dress. She carries a wooden tray with two glasses of
champagne on it, smiles as she faces a stunned Bruce who stands waist-
high in the water.
SILVER
You know, Bruce, you simply must
pick up your phone messages.
BRUCE
(careful pause)
If I did - what would they say?
SILVER
That we were supposed to have dinner
tonight.
Silver smiles, kicks off her shoes.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
For some strange reason, I thought you
might suddenly have an evening free.

BRUCE
Silver...look...
(with difficulty)
I...hope you won't misunderstand
what I'm about to say...
SILVER
There aren't going to be any more
Misunderstandings between us, Bruce.
And I warn you.
Silver slowly and calmly begins walking down the steps into the pool,
carrying the tray with her. The water rises above the hemline of her
evening dress, heading up for her waist as she advance toward as
astonished Bruce.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
I can be a very determined person.
Silver arrives at Bruce, the water now up to her chest, letting the
wooden tray with the champagne float on the surface next to them. She
hands him a glass, takes the other herself, raises it, stares deeply
into his eyes.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
To no more misunderstandings.
Bruce smiles in spite of himself, tosses back his champagne, then
studies her unwavering gaze carefully. Flipping the glass over his
head, he suddenly pulls her toward him, locking her in a passionate,
hungry kiss.
They finally break. Silver purrs, whispers into his ear.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
There...see what I mean about mis-
understandings?
BRUCE
No. What?
SILVER
Well just now - a moment ago - I
thought you were being rude, not
getting out of the pool to say hello.
(looks down; grins)
I didn't realize you weren't wearing
a bathing suit.
INT. BRUCE'
S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Bruce lies naked under powder-blue silk sheets. A lovely hand comes
INTO FRAME, gently strokes his cheek.
SILVER (O.S.)
When I think of how many nights I've
reached across an empty pillow, hoping
my hand would find that face...
Then - a shining mane of hair as Silver, also naked, wraps him in a
tight embrace. They kiss.
BRUCE
There's so much to explain. And I'm
not quite sure I ever can.
SILVER
I don't need explanations. I just
want whatever it was to evaporate.
to simple disappear...
She rolls over, looks at him carefully. A Police siren is heard
faintly in the distance. Bruce blinks.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Did you ever meet him?
BRUCE
Who?
SILVER
The Batman.
(smiles)
Every time I hear a siren. I think
of the Batman.
BRUCE
I...ran into him a few times. Here
and there.
Silver smiles down tenderly, studying him.
SILVER
You know...that night at the opera. I
never believed that the real Batman
would show up like that in public -
not when he knew someone else's life
was on the line.
BRUCE
(deadly stare)
You're right. He wouldn't.
Bruce suddenly breaks eye contact, unsure if she thinks she's talking
about Batman or to Batman.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
You...met him too one night, didn't
you? Commissiner Gordon told me he
took you home or something.
SILVER
(smiles; remembers)
Or something.
(pause)
What can I say? He was dashing, re-
sourceful, strong - very sweet in
his own special way - all the
things you'd expect from the Batman.
(grins)
The next morning I told Rupert I'd
fallen madly in love with him.
BRUCE
You don't say.
SILVER
(penetrating gaze)
And what's more - I told Rupert I
was sure that the Batman...had
fallen in love with me.
They look deeply into each other's eyes. Silver smiles.
BRUCE
I...think I'm jealous.
SILVER
I think I'm in love.
They wrap themselves in each other passionately.
EXT. GOTHAM CIRCUS GROUNDS - NIGHT
A billboard: THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. Featuring - The Flying
Graysons. All new spectacular extravaganza - THE GLORY THAT WAS ROME.
Past the billboard is a maze of smaller tents for sideshows, the
housing of animals, etc. Past the - the big top itself.
CAMERA PANS the arriving SPECTATORS, Bruce and Silver among them. They
are surrounded by mothers and children.
BRUCE
It's almost immoral, you know.
Going to the circus without bringing
your own children along.
SILVER
Don't worry. I've made plans for
the next time.
Bruce looks over, alarmed. Silver grins.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Lighten up. My sister has two kids.
INT. BIG TOP - NIGHT
A major parade (The Glory That Was Rome) is filing out. Pretty GIRLS
in togas ride elephants. Handsome CHARIOTEERS drive by, GLADIATORS
with trained bears, etc.
RINGMASTER (V.O.)
And there you have it, ladies and
gentlemen, The Glory That Was Rome!
ANGLE ON AUDIENCE
Bruce and Silver sit in the audience applauding. He eats popcorn. She
munches on cotton candy.
ANGLE ON BIG TOP ENTRANCE
A dozen CLOWNS of every shape and variety run into the arena, squirting
water at each other through toy guns, roughhousing, doing pratfalls,
etc., all to the delight of the Crowd.
ANGLE INTO ARENA FROM TUNNEL
Inside an entrance tunnel, CAMERA HOLDS behind the outline of a black-
cowled head with pointed ears! The head lowers OUT OF FRAME, then
reappears, this time covered by a CLOWN MASK!
The Clown Figure hurries out of the tunnel, wearing a floor-lengthed
granny dress.
BACK TO ARENA
Several of the other Clowns have dispersed, running up into the
audience as a DRUM ROLL is heard. The Granny Clown edges over toward
the cage containing the big cats.
BACK TO BRUCE AND SILVER
One Clown runs up the aisle past them with what seems to be a bucket of
water, spots Silver, flings the contents of the bucket at her! Bruce
and Silver flinch as a SHOWER OF CONFETTI blankets them to general
laughter and applause.
RINGMASTER (V.O.)
Now let me direct your attention to
the trapeze and high wire. Out
stars of the evening - The Flying
Graysons!
ANGLE ON GRAYSONS
A family of aerialists. The older Graysons, trim and athletic, stand
on one platform. Their son, DICK, stands on the other. He is in his
middle teens, a handsome young man in immaculate physical shape. He
takes hold of a trapeze, swings down.
ANGLE ON STANDS
The Clown who poured the confetti on Bruce and Silver watches through
pancake makeup with more than a passing interest. Protruding from
underneath a large silly hat: we see the edges of a startling green
shock of hair.
ANGLE ON DICK
Dick Grayson swings on the trapeze in a long, powerful arc, executes a
difficult flip into the arms of his father.
BACK TO BRUCE
BRUCE
Remarkable. That young boy's one of
the greatest natural aerialists I've
ever seen.
SILVER
Oh? I didn't realize you were so
familiar with the sport.
Silver gives Bruce a sideways look which he avoids.
RINGMASTER (V.O.)
And now Dick Grayson will attempt to
perform the incredible "Quadruple!"
Without a net! He is the only flier
in the world to accomplish this feet!
ANGLE ON DICK
A DRUM ROLL is heard. Dick swings down, picking up momentum, then back
up, then down again. On his third pass, he tries it: revolves
dizzyingly - MAKING FOUR COMPLETE SOMERSAULTS IN MID-AIR! (Note:
There is, actually, only one person in the world who can do this, with
Ringling Bros.) Dick completes the impossible feat to wild applause.
ANGLE ON BRUCE AND SILVER
On their feet, applauding enthusiastically with the Crowd.
ANGLE ON CLOWN (JOKER)
The Clown (Joker) giggles under his breath, lifts one billowing sleeve
of his oversized costume, begins to unbutton it.
RINGMASTER (V.O.)
The Graysons will now perform their
world-famous maneuver on the high-
wire - passing each other and
exchanging positions - all without
a net!
BACK TO BRUCE AND SILVER
Both starring up, wide-eyed.
ANGLE ON GRAYSONS
The older Graysons stand at either end of a high wire some seventy feet
off the ground. They each hold a long balancing pole, now start
forward toward each other.
ANGLE ON DICK
Dick looks up from below, nervous but proud.
RINGMASTER (V.O.)
The slightest vibration - the
tiniest misstep - could send them
both plunging to their death.
BACK TO GRAYSONS
Inching forward toward each other along the taut wire, using their
balancing poles for support.
ANGLE ON JOKER
All eyes are riveted on the Graysons. The Joker opens the billowing
sleeve of his clown costume. Popping out: A LIVE FALCON. It
hesitates, then takes off!
BACK TO GRAYSONS
They're face to face now, on the wire, preparing to pass each other
above the hushed Crowd. Suddenly - the falcon flies into view, lands
heavily on one end of the male Grayson's pole with a SHRIEK! The
surprised man teeters - the wire trembles - the falcon suddenly flies
at his face! Both Grayson's tumble off the wire together, plummet
downward.
ANGLE ON DICK
As his parents hit the ground heavily in front of him.
ANGLE ON BRUCE AND SILVER
Silver screams in horror. Bruce stares unbelievingly.
ANGLE NEAR BIG CAT CAGE
Suddenly: the Granny Clown standing by the big cat cage rips his mask
away! The dress falls to the ground, revealing:
THE BATMAN!
QUICK CUTS
1. The Crowd gasps.
2. Bruce gapes in disbelief as Silver watches him.
3. Dick Grayson looks over from the bodies of his parents.
4. The Joker grins.
CLOSE ON BATMAN
The Batman stares coldly, speaks in a icily clear voice.
BATMAN
I've risked my life to help this
city. I stood up for what I knew
was right because I thought you
people were willing to stand with
me. Well, now you can pay for your
cowardice. Now I don't care how
many have to die.
ANGLE ON BRUCE AND CROWD
An angry MURMURING rumbles through the Crowd.
CROWD #1
CROWD #2
Stop him!
Don't let him get away!
Bruce vaults into the aisle, lunges down the steps after the fake
Batman as:
CLOSE ON JOKER
The Joker takes off his huge clown nose, throws it into the arena - a
giant smoke bomb!
All over the arena, OTHER CLOWNS follow suit. The big top has become a
scene of impenetrable chaos as:
THE FAKE BATMAN OPENS THE DOOR TO THE BIG CATS CAGE! Lions, tigers, et
al., bound off their perches for freedom, rushing out of the cage to
the SCREAMS of the Crowd.
The fake Batman disappears into an enveloping wall of smoke.
ANGLE ON BRUCE
Knifing his way through the panicked Spectators, lunging through the
smoke after the fake Batman.
ANGLE ON SILVER
Silver stumbles after Bruce through the pandemonium, reaching the empty
cat cage, gasping for breath with teary eyes.
SILVER
Bruce...? Bruce!
BACK TO BRUCE
Nearby. Spotting her. Eyes widening in horror!
BRUCE
Silver, look out!
ANGLE ON SILVER
A HUGE TIGER SNARLS, preparing to spring at her! It launches itself
into mid-air as:
Bruce flies at Silver from the other direction, pulling her down to the
ground as the enormous cat sails over them, banging its head into the
cage bars, knocking itself senseless.
Bruce pulls Silver to her feet, wraps a protective arm around her,
leads her off through the smoky panic and confusion.
ANGLE ON DICK GRAYSON
Dick kneels protectively over the bodies of his parents, oblivious to
the insanity around him. Spectators and Animals rush past in all
directions as he removes his aerialist's cape, then gently covers the
faces of his Mother and Father.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CIRCUS GROUNDS - NIGHT
CAMERA LOOKS DOWN on the aftermath. Police cars and ambulances
everywhere. Smoke still drifts from the big top. Dazed PATRONS mill
around looking for lost family members.
ANGLE NEAR BIG TOP ENTRANCE
Silver emerges from a medical tent marked by a red cross, sporting a
heavily bandaged hand. She spots Alfred and the Rolls Royce near the
entrance to the big top, walks over.
SILVER
The doctor says no more crap games
for a week or so, Alfred...
(stops; looks)
Where's Bruce?
ALFRED
(hesitantly)
Mr. Wayne wondered...if you'd be good
enough to let me drive you home.
SILVER
Drive me...
She looks off into the big top:
ANGLE ON BRUCE - HER P.O.V.
Bruce stands motionless in the dark shadows at one end of the tent. He
stares across the arena:
ANGLE ON DICK - BRUCE'
S P.O.V.
Dick Grayson sits alone in the corner, head bowed.
BACK TO BRUCE
Bruce's eyes are filled with tears.
BACK TO SILVER
Silver watches, somehow feeling the deep significance of the moment
without the specifics. She turns to Alfred quietly, nods, gets in the
car.
INT. TENT - CLOSE ON DICK
Dick is slumped, his head still bowed. Tears roll down his cheeks.
Suddenly - a dark shadow inches across his face, almost blacking it
out. He looks up.
Bruce stands over him, peering down, looking deeply into him with a
mesmerizing stare.
BRUCE
What will you do now, son?
DICK
I...don't know. They were my only
family. I...I...
He bursts into tears. Bruce grabs him, holds him tightly.
BRUCE
I know exactly how you feel, son.
You may not believe that - but I do.
Bruce gazes down darkly, almost hypnotically, his eyes revealing the
truth. Dick looks up slowly, riveted.
Suddenly: WE HEAR the sound of ANGRY MURMURING from a CROWD - then,
the RAPPING of a Judge's gavel, silencing them.
INT. GOTHAM COURTHOUSE - DAY
CAMERA PANS DOWN from the symbol of Justice with her scales, painted on
the Gotham Courthouse ceiling.
JUDGE (O.S.)
I find you guilty of wanton negli-
gence against society. Of knowingly
causing the death of an innocent
human being.
A black-robbed JUDGE reads the verdict to a courthouse full of
SPECTATORS, but an empty defense table. The witness chair is also
empty. Alone at the prosecution table - Rupert Thorne.
JUDGE (CONT'
D)
Of usurping the authority of those
legally sworn in to uphold law and
order. The time has come to be rid
of you and your reckless vigilantism.
Bruce and Gordon sit in the front row. Bruce's eyes reveal more
emotion than he would care to. The Judge turns to face the empty
witness chair.
JUDGE (CONT'
D)
Batman - you have been tried in
absentia and found guilty of murder.
You are sentenced to death.
(looks)
Mayor Thorne...
Thorne rises, pompous and grave.
THORNE
Your Honor, this is a tragic day in
the history of Gotham. A once-
admired champion of the people has
now become a threat to their very
existence. A lethal weapon dealing
in indiscriminate death. Therefore,
to prevent further carnage, I've in-
structed Commissioner Gordon and his
department to bring in the Batman by
whatever means necessary.
Thorne sits. The stunned Spectators begin to murmur loudly.
GORDON
The Batman. A killer. Who'd
believe it...?
BRUCE
I still don't.
GORDON
Bruce I deal in facts. And the simple
fact is - you're looking at one poor
sonofabitch who made a deal with the
devil.
Bruce stares blankly at the witness chair. The Judge pounds his gavel
for silence. CAMERA ZOOMS IN on the gavel.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SECOND COURTROOM - DAY
CAMERA PULLS BACK from another gavel rapping in another courtroom,
revealing the face of a more benign JUDGE.
JUDGE #2
...therefore, by the power invested
in this Court...
WIDER ANGLE
Bruce and Dick Grayson stand facing the Judge.
JUDGE #2
I hereby declare Richard Grayson to
be the legally designated ward of
Mr. Bruce Wayne.
(smiles)
And may I add in passing - you're a
very fortunate young man.
BRUCE
Thank you, Your Honor. I'm aware of that.
JUDGE #2
I meant...
Bruce turns to Dick, grins broadly.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
The Rolls Royce pulls up in front of Wayne Manor. Alfred hurries to
open the front door as Bruce and Dick exit the car. Dick stares up at
the sprawling residence in awe.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
As Dick enters with Bruce: the towering hallway of Wayne Manor is
filled with balloons and a banner reading: "WELCOME HOME, DICK."
Silver grins down from the staircase.
Dick drinks it all in, slightly uneasy and embarrassed. He wanders
into the enormous living room, unsure, visually adjusting himself to
his new, outsized life.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
CAMERA PANS ACROSS a fully outfitted trapeze and ring set on the lawn
of Wayne Manor. Bruce gazes up proudly at it, looks over to Dick for
his reaction.
Dick looks up at the apparatus somewhat apprehensively, then flashes
Bruce a self-conscious smile. Bruce understands, claps a hand on his
shoulder, leads him away.
EXT. POOLSIDE - DAY
Dick lies sunning himself on a chaise by the pool. Suddenly, a large,
wet beach ball lands on his stomach. He pops up, looks off toward the
pool:
Bruce and Silver laugh from inside the pool, gesture at Dick to come
and join them. He gives them a half-hearted smile, shakes his head,
then tosses the ball back.
Silver looks at Bruce with concern.
INT. WAYNE MANOR DINING ROOM - DAY
Dick toys with his food at lunch, looks over nicely at Bruce who is
talking non-stop from across the table.
BRUCE
...later on we'll pick up Silver and
go to that new magic musical every-
one's talking about. We can't stay
out too later - don't forget we've
for that doubleheader tomorrow...
DICK
Sounds great.
BRUCE
(pause)
Is something wrong, Dick?
Dick lowers his eyes, not wanting to respond.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
We're all trying just a little too
hard around here to make you feel at
home, right?
DICK
(with difficulty)
It's not that. You've been wonder-
ful to me. It's my fault you've
had to try so hard. It's...
(eyes misting)
It's just that I still hurt so much
sometimes...and then I remember, and
I get so filled with...hate again.
BRUCE
Hate?
Dick's eyes harden. His face sets with a cold look, not unlike that of
a young Bruce Wayne when he faced Joe Chill.
DICK
I made a promise to myself the day my
parents died. A promise that someday
-- somehow - I'm going to keep.
Bruce's eyes flick over carefully.
BRUCE
What did you promise?
DICK
I'm going to kill the Batman.
There is a long silence. Bruce smiles tentatively.
BRUCE
That's a pretty tall order.
DICK
We'll see. I have the rest of my
life to get it done.
BRUCE
What if he's...skipped town? Given
the whole thing up? Died, even. No
one ever knew who he was in the
first place. You can't dedicate
your whole life to killing a ghost.
DICK
I thought you'd understand when you
told me how your parents were
killed. Didn't you feel the same way?
BRUCE
(avoiding his gaze)
Well I was younger than you are,
and...
DICK
(pressing him)
Didn't you hate? Didn't you want
to do something about it?
BRUCE
(pause)
Yes. For a while. But then I...
(looks down)
...realized how fruitless it was.
DICK
Well that's not going to happen to
me!
Dick rises from the table, looks over with total, piercing sincerity,
his eyes misting over again.
DICK (CONT'
D)
Listen, I'm...grateful for every-
thing you've done for me - and for
all you intend to do. But if you
can't live with my promise, accept
it, support it, even - then maybe
we've both made a mistake.
(eyes glistening)
May I be excused now?
Bruce stares back, deeply moved, almost whispers.
BRUCE
Yes. Of course you can.
Dick hurries out the door. Bruce grits his teeth, crumples up his
napkin, squeezing it into a tiny ball.
BRUCE (CONT'
D)
Damn.
EXT. GOTHAM INTERSECTION - NIGHT
Rupert Thorne walks briskly down the street, hat tipped low over his
face, coat collar turned up against the night wind. He arrives at a
deserted intersection, checks the cross street signs, then glances down
at his watch impatiently.
ANGLE ON SIDE OF BUILDING
Tucked under a high ledge of a nearby building: a mounted camera lens
swivels, the moonlight glinting off its surface.
BACK TO THORNE
Rubbing his hands together. Looking around at the empty streets,
irritated.
JOKER'
S VOICE
You're late.
Thorne's head snaps around at he VOICE. He sees nothing.
JOKER'
S VOICE
We shouldn't be seen together any-
more, Mr. Mayor. You can't afford
the risk.
Thorne stares: the Joker's Voice is coming from inside a short,
standing mailbox on the corner.
Thorne hesitates, then slowly moves to the mailbox, tilts back the
letter slot, mutters, looking around nervously.
THORNE
I feel like a Goddamn idiot...
INT. JOKER'
S LAIR - NIGHT
The Joker speaks into a microphone attached to a tiny transmitting set.
A VIDEO SCREEN above shows Thorne standing by the mailbox.
NOTE: THIS SCENE TO BE INTERCUT AS REQUIRED:
JOKER
That's what I felt like twenty years
ago, Thorne. When I decided to start
off your political career with a
"bang." Remember Thomas Wayne?
THORNE
(cold pause)
Every time I see his son.
JOKER
No regrets now, Mr. Mayor. It's
taken me too long to maneuver us
into a position of total control in
this city. I've got the judges
lined up, the public at your feet...
(cold pause)
You owe me, Rupert Thorne.
THORNE
It's a two-way street. Once I
relieve Commissioner Gordon of his
duties, you'll have a free rein in
Gotham - less my cut. And now that
it's legal to shoot the Batman...
JOKER
We have to find him first. So far,
it's been like looking for a virgin
in a maternity ward.
THORNE
Then don't find him. Let him find
You.
JOKER
How? If the real Batman wouldn't
even appear at the opera to save the
Mayor...
THORNE
The Batman wasn't in love with the
Mayor. He is in love...with a
certain young lady. Or so she tells
me and I've never known her to lie.
JOKER
What is she, a mute?
THORNE
(deadly)
Careful. You may be talking about
the future Mrs. Thorne. I...want
you to kidnap her.
JOKER
Now take my wife - please...
THORNE
The girl is not to be harmed. Once
you've killed Batman and made your
escape - I'll call the police and
rescue her.
JOKER
Her knight in shining armor.
THORNE
Something like that.
JOKER
I underestimated you, Thorne. I always
knew you were corrupt, but I had no
idea you'd turn out to be such a
delightfully repellent human being.
The Joker cackles insanely. Thorne spots someone coming, closes the
slot, hurries off.
After a beat, an ANCIENT WOMAN approaches the mailbox with a handful of
letters. She lowers the slot.
JOKER'
S VOICE
(outraged)
Do you mind? I'll never get these
pictures developed!
The Woman SCREAMS! Her letters go flying up in the air as she hustles
down the street. The insane giggle of the Joker trails off into the
night.
INT. SILVER'
S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Silver is dressed in a lacy, powder-blue slip, exits her dressing room,
combing her hair. The DOORBELL RINGS.
SILVER
(crossing)
Who is it?
VOICE
(through door)
Gotham Florists, lady. For a Miss
St. Cloud.
Silver looks through the peephole.
ANGLE THROUGH PEEPHOLE
A DELIVERY BOY waits, head down, holding a bouquet.
BACK TO SCENE
Silver opens the doors slightly, sticks her arm out. The Delivery Boy
thrusts the bouquet in her hand.
DELIVERY BOY
Say it with flowers...
SILVER
What a surprise!...
She inhales the aroma of the bouquet deeply. Her eyes become glassy.
She drops to the floor.
DELIVERY BOY
What a straight man!
He swings the door open. It is the Joker.
INT. POLICE HALLWAY - NIGHT
Thorne strides purposefully down the hallway, followed by a reluctant
Sergeant Haley.
HALEY
...I don't know, Your Honor. I
mean, you're the Mayor and all that
-- but I work for the Commissioner.
THORNE
As of tomorrow morning, no one works
for the Commissioner. I'm relieving
him of his duties.
They have arrived at Gordon's door. Haley is shocked.
THORNE (CONT'
D)
I assume you'll be staying on, Ser-
geant - as a loyal member of the
force?
HALEY
I...hope to, Sir.
THORNE
Then open it.
INT. GORDON'
S OFFICE - NIGHT
Haley's key opens the door. They enter. Thorne looks around, spots
the red phone connected to the Batcave.
THORNE
Anyone have the bright idea to run a
trace on this.
HALEY
Yes, sir. First day it was installed.
But all we ever got back was an echo
of our own number. Guy's amazing,
isn't he?
THORNE
Oh, he's a crafty one, all right.
Thanks, Haley. That's all.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Dick Grayson descends the darkened staircase, dressed in his pajamas.
He hears a NOISE, sees a light coming from the study.
INT. WAYNE MANOR STUDY - NIGHT
Alfred is tidying up the study, turns as Dick appears.
DICK
All right if I make a sandwich in
the kitchen, Alfred?
ALFRED
Why certainly, Master Grayson. If I
may be of help...
DICK
(grin)
I think I can handle it. Thanks.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Bruce sits at the computer, runs through a criminal history of the
Joker on the video screen. He pauses, looks off.
ANGLE ON BATPHONE
The red Batphone lights up, then dies. Lights up, then dies.
BACK TO BRUCE
Staring. Unsure.
INT. WAYNE STUDY - NIGHT
Alfred reaches to turn off the desk lamp. Suddenly, the light from the
lamp rises, then dies. Rises, then dies.
INT. GORDON'
S OFFICE - NIGHT
Thorne sits, Batphone in hand, waits.
BACK TO BATCAVE
Bruce crosses to the phone.
BACK TO STUDY
Alfred presses the button under the desk. The bottom drawer pops open.
BACK TO BATCAVE
Bruce picks up the phone, listens.
BACK TO GORDON'
S OFFICE
THORNE
Batman?
(no reply)
Batman - if you're there - this is
Mayor Rupert Thorne.
BACK TO BATCAVE
Bruce listens silently, frowning.
BACK TO STUDY
Alfred holds the extension, listens in as well.
BACK TO THORNE
NOTE: THIS CONVERSATION TO BE INTERCUT BETWEEN THORNE, BRUCE, AND
ALFRED AS REQUIRED:
THORNE
This...isn't easy for me, Batman,
considering what I've said and done
where you're concerned. But I love
Silver St. Cloud very much - and I
have reason to believe you do too.
Bruce and Alfred react in their respective locations.
THORNE (CONT'
D)
I...dropped by to have a drink with
her tonight. The door was open,
there were signs of a struggle, and
she was gone. The Joker left a
playing card - addressed to you.
Bruce's face sets darkly.
THORNE (CONT'
D)
"Dear Batman. Crime fighters may come
and go, but I carry on in the Great
American Tradition of violence. I'm
calling my little caper, Slaughter In
Silver. Sorry I have to run now.
Write if you get work."
Bruce's eyes narrow, thinking. Thorne's voice begins to crack
emotionally over the phone.
THORNE (CONT'
D)
I...don't know where they took her
...or why the note was left for you.
I only know that Silver means more
than my life to me, and I beg you to
find her and save her. You're her
only chance, Batman, I...
Thorne's voice dies away theatrically. He hangs up.
BACK TO BATCAVE
Bruce hangs up, stares coldly. His jaw twitches.
BACK TO STUDY
Alfred hangs up in the study, worried.
BACK TO GORDON'
S OFFICE
Thorne takes a deep breath, smiles, rises, exits.
INT. WAYNE MANOR KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dick has made his sandwich, closes the refrigerator door, starts off
for the hallway.
ANGLE ON HALLWAY ENTRANCE
Dick enters the dark hallway, starts for the stairs as he sees:
ANGLE ON ALFRED - HIS P.O.V.
Alfred rushes out of the study, heading for the living room. He slips,
falls heavily, picks himself up, oblivious to the pain, rushes into the
living room.
BACK TO DICK
Watching. He starts for the stairs, then stops, now curiously heads
for the living room himself.
INT. WAYNE MANOR LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Dick enters, look around in amazement: Alfred is nowhere to be seen!
His eyes scan the room for any other exit.
ANGLE ON GRANDFATHER CLOCK - DICK'
S P.O.V.
The tall grandfather clock stands against one wall. A thin shaft of
light seems to be emanating from behind it.
Dick advances to the clock, looks down, puzzled. It seems to be
standing at a slight angle away from the wall. Exploring the edge of
the clock with his hand, he starts to pull back. The clock swivels,
revealing:
ANGLE DOWN INTO BATCAVE - DICK'
S P.O.V.
The Batcave - with all its trophies, computers - in all its regal
splendor. Alfred is standing near the gleaming Batmobile, looks off
with concern.
Now emerging from the shadows - THE BATMAN! Dressed in his full
regalia, heading quickly toward Alfred and the Batmobile.
BACK TO DICK
Staring down, his jaw slack. Stunned.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Batman crosses to Alfred, who stares with deadly concern.
ALFRED
Don't go, Sir.
BATMAN
Please get out of my way, Alfred.
ALFRED
Since when have you trusted Rupert
Thorne? You don't even know where
you're meant to be going.
BATMAN
The clues in the note were obvious.
The "Great American Tradition" line?
That's the name of this year's series
of exhibits at the Gotham Museum.
And "Write if you get work"? This
month it's on American writers and
Writing.
ALFRED
If the clues are that obvious, they
must want you to come. It's a
trap, can't you see that?
BATMAN
That boy up there thinks the Batman
killed his parents. I told him he
couldn't live his whole life chasing
a ghost. What I realize now is - I
can't live the rest of my life
being a ghost.
BACK TO DICK
Listening at the top of the stairs. Thunderstruck.
BACK TO BATMAN
Batman puts an arm on Alfred's shoulder.
BATMAN
If I come back, old friend, I'll
explain things to Dick. Tell him
the truth and have the Joker to
prove it.
(pause)
And if I don't - take care of him,
Alfred. He'll be in much better
hands than he has been in mine.
Alfred silently steps aside as Batman enters the Batmobile, roars off
through the cave.
Alfred pauses sadly, then turns back, heading for the staircase again.
He looks up.
ANGLE ON DICK - ALFRED'
S P.O.V.
Dick stands at the top of the stairs, staring down, grimly determined,
his face carved in granite.
EXT. GOTHAM ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
Batman's silhouette as he leaps and glides effortlessly across the tops
of buildings.
EXT. GOTHAM MUSEUM - NIGHT
The deserted museum with the billboard: GREAT AMERICAN TRADITIONS.
This month: American Writers and Writing.
EXT. MUSEUM ROOF - NIGHT
The museum roof is a network of vaulted glass skylights. TWO THUGS
stand on a surrounding catwalk.
CLOSE ON CATWALK
A sharp metallic "ping" is heard across the catwalk.
BACK TO SCENE
The Thugs look up. One pulls a gun.
THUG
The Batman...
BATMAN'
S VOICE
Count on it.
They wheel. Batman stands directly behind them. He grabs the first
Thug, swivels him as the second Thug fires - killing his partner.
Batman shoves the dead man into the second Thug, as both bodies crash
down through the glass skylight.
INT. MUSEUM - UP ANGLE - NIGHT
The bodies explode through the glass, falling some sixty feet to the
floor. Then - total silence.
BACK TO BATMAN
Staring down through the broken glass. Listening. He pulls a tiny
revolver from his belt. A barbed metal dart sticks out of the barrel.
Batman aims it through the hole, fires.
ANGLE ON MUSEUM RAFTERS
The dart embeds itself deeply into a rafter. Attached to it is a white
nylon cord.
BACK TO BATMAN
Securing the other end of the cord. He hooks himself to it with a
clip, glides through the opening in the glass.
BACK TO RAFTERS
Batman shoots silently along the cord to a rafter, lands gracefully,
looks down.
ANGLE DOWN ON MUSEUM - HIS P.O.V.
Through the dim, eerie light. This exhibit (like the one including the
giant penny) consists of huge, outsized version of everyday items. In
this case - the tools of a writer's trade: enormous pencils, erasers,
quill pens, fountain pens, ink wells, a ten-foot-high pencil sharpener,
tall volumes of famous American novels, etc.
In the center of the display - a giant electric typewriter, some thirty
feet wide. A huge sheet of blank white paper is rolled up on it.
BACK TO BATMAN
Staring down curiously through the silent darkness. His gaze starts to
wander, then suddenly spots something.
BACK TO TYPEWRITER
A FIGURE attached to the typewriter now moves. It is Silver, hooked
onto the ribbon near the center of the page. She moans, still
recovering from the effects of the drugs.
BACK TO BATMAN
Eyes widening. He hooks one end of a nylon cord to a rafter, launches
himself, swinging down toward Silver.
BACK TO RAFTER
A hand with a knife reaches out, slices through the cord!
BACK TO BATMAN
Now plummeting like a rock. He falls into the typewriter in front of
Silver, his cape suddenly catching on something, partially ripping it,
jerking him to a stop.
WIDER ANGLE
The lights are turned on. Emerging from behind or under the various
exhibits: thirty or forty GOONS.
CLOSE ON BATMAN
Batman hangs helplessly from the circular element ball which prints out
the characters on the page. His cape is caught on the projected edge
of one of the giant letters. He stares ahead, unable to extricate
himself.
ANGLE ON SILVER
The glaring lights have brought Silver back to consciousness. Hooked
to the huge ribbon near the center of the page, she suddenly spots
Batman across from her.
SILVER
(horrified)
Oh, my God...
WIDER ANGLE
Stepping out onto the end of the carriage - the Joker!
JOKER
I knew you'd drop in, Batman.
You're that type of guy.
(insane giggle)
Get it? Type?
The forty Goons circle in around the typewriter. The Joker nods to two
of them.
CLOSE ON SWITCH
Two Goons give a mighty heave, flip the "ON" lever. A loud hum is
heard as the typewriter activates.
ANGLE ON THORNE
Rupert Thorne hides in the shadows behind a large pencil box, watches
the scene.
BACK TO JOKER
JOKER
You know, you're nothing to write
home about, Batman - but let's give
it a try.
The Joker points a gun down at the keyboard.
JOKER
What letter could be hiding under
your cape? A "D', maybe?
The Joker fires:
CLOSE ON LETTER "D"
The bullet hits the letter "D", depressing it.
CLOSE ON BATMAN
The element ball carrying Batman shifts, hurtles toward the page with
blinding speed. It "cracks" against the paper sharply, imprinting a
"D". Batman's head has stopped mere inches from the page.
ANGLE ON SILVER
Eyes welded shut - terrified. The printing of the letter has advanced
the ribbon. She is perilously close to the exact center of the page.
BACK TO JOKER
JOKER
Not the "D". Hmm. The most common
letter is "E"...
BACK TO BATMAN
The Joker fires! Batman flies toward the page, this time nearly
squashed on the other side. A giant "E" has been imprinted. Silver
advances one more position on the ribbon.
JOKER (CONT'
D)
An "A", maybe...
The element ball spins, hurtles toward the paper again. It splats into
the page, narrowly missing Batman, pushing Silver along again.
Immediately - another shot - the ball whizzes back, prints another "D".
JOKER (CONT'
D)
I know I tried the "D" before, but I
simply couldn't resist.
WIDER ANGLE
The message on the page reads "DEAD". The trembling Silver is only one
letter away from being obliterated.
BACK TO BATMAN
Struggling, but helpless. His eyes flash nervously.
BACK TO THORNE
Alarmed as he sees what could happen to Silver.
BACK TO JOKER
JOKER
I know what letter is hidden under
your cape, by the way. It's "B" -
for Batman. But you see, I've got a
problem. If I hit the letter "B",
Miss St. Cloud will die, and I pro-
mised not to kill her.
BACK TO THORNE
Grim. Pulling a gun.
BACK TO JOKER
JOKER
To "B" or not to "B"...That seems to
be the question. Well, I suppose
promises - like laws - are made to
be broken.
VOICE
I made a promise, too, Joker. The
night you killed my parents.
QUICK CUTS:
Thorne looks up. Silver looks up. Batman looks up. The Joker looks
up.
ANGLE ON ROBIN - THEIR P.O.V.
Dick Grayson stands high in the rafters.
DICK
I promised to wipe filthy crud like
you off the face of the earth.
JOKER'
S VOICE
Shoot him!
There is a hail of gunfire as Dick flies down through the air toward
the typewriter.
Dick lands on the "TAB" key. The carriage releases, shoots across the
typewriter, carrying the Joker with it. He flies off the end, crashes
sickeningly into the wall, drops to the floor, unconscious.
Dick bounces off the "TAB", flies across the keyboard, lands on the
"SHIFT" key.
DICK
That ought to give you a lift,
Batman!
ANGLE ON BATMAN
The "SHIFT" swivels the element ball 180-degress to expose the capital
letters. Batman is swung to the front, grabs the carriage, pulls
himself up, looks down as Dick launches himself into a pile of Goons
like a human dynamo.
BATMAN
Leave a few for me, son!
Batman leaps off the carriage, joins Dick in the fray.
NOTE: The fight which follows will be outrageous and thrilling, but
should look physically believable. The Dynamic Duo will overpower the
gang using the following elements and devices:
A. Dick flinging Goons back into the pointed tips of quill pens.
B. Batman lifting a fountain pen lever, firing a river of ink at an
onrushing group.
C. Both of them using springy, huge erasers as launching platforms.
D. Oversized volumes of literature slamming shut on the villains.
E. Enormous bookmarks and letter openers swung as clubs, knocking out
three or four crooks at a time.
F. Heavies being hurled into huge, deep ink wells, turning them sopping
black wet, unable to climb out again.
G. Dick bashing a pair of Thugs back into the side of the giant pencil
sharpener. They slam back against the "ON" button, activating it.
During the chaos, Rupert Thorne has made his way down the typewriter's
steel bar which holds the paper to the roller. He unhooks Silver,
lifts her to safety.
SILVER
Rupert? What...
THORNE
Don't talk. Let's go.
The fight continues as Rupert and Silver run down the bar, drop off the
typewriter, cross the floor through the furious melee, heading for the
door. Batman rounds the corner of a giant book. Silver spots him,
stops.
SILVER
Batman?...Batman!...
Thorne yanks at her. She tries to pull away, sees two Goons coming up
behind Batman.
SILVER
Bruce! Look out!
Batman ducks, rolls, trips the Goons, knocks their heads together.
Silver rushes toward him as Thorne pulls a gun, realizing.
THORNE
Bruce...Bruce Wayne...
BATMAN
Silver! Get away!
Dick has bashed a Goon backwards - he careens across the floor, hits
Silver from the side, knocking her into Batman as Thorne fires.
CLOSE ON SILVER
Blood spurts quickly across the lacy back of Silver's powder-blue slip.
Batman hooks an arm around her, stares into her dying face, struck
dumb.
SILVER
(trembling)
I'm...right...aren't I...Bruce.
ANGLE ON THORNE
Horrified. He turns, runs.
ANGLE ON DICK
Giving chase. Dodging bullets as Thorne fires at him.
BACK TO BATMAN
Lowering Silver to the floor. She's barely breathing. Thorne's
gunfire echoes through the museum. Batman's jaw twitches. His eyes
flash with rage.
ANGLE ON DICK
Dick rounds the corner of a giant prop some ten feet high off the
floor. Thorne waits for him on the next prop - gun poised and ready.
Dick spots him, freezes.
THORNE
I don't know what part you play in
all this, kid. But it's turned out
to be a one-night stand.
BATMAN'
S VOICE
(roaring with rage)
May God damn you, Rupert Thorne!
BACK TO BATMAN
Batman has placed a huge, viciously sharp thumbtack in a giant rubber
band pulled taut. He lets it fly.
ANGLE ON THORNE
The thumbtack spears Thorne in the chest, topples him back across theprop - which is the giant pencil sharpener - he falls into the hole: Adisappearing scream is cut short as Thorne is ground to death.
ANGLE ON BATMAN
Batman kneels, cradles Silver's head in his lap. Her eyes flutter open
painfully. She tries to smile.
SILVER
Hello...Bruce...
He stares down, eyes filled with tears.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Maybe...it's better, you know?
I'd...just...get in the way...
BATMAN
(low whisper)
Don't...
SILVER
I could...never really have you, and
...I could never fall in love with
someone else.
Her eyelids tremble. One of his tears hits her cheek softly. She
reaches up, gently caresses his chin.
SILVER (CONT'
D)
Poor...darling...you're the one...
who's...left behind...
Her eyes close. Her face relaxes, dead. Tears stream heavily down
Batman's cowl.
DISSOLVE THROUGH TO:
INT. MUSEUM - NIGHT
Commissioner Gordon supervises the aftermath and cleanup, The Joker,
still groggy, handcuffed, is yanked along by a COP.
JOKER
Take it easy, okay? I get winded
opening clams.
He is led away. Gordon stares across the room.
ANGLE ON BATMAN
Batman stands by Silver's body which has been placed on a gurney. TWO
PARAMEDICS cover her face with a blanket.
BATMAN
Wait.
They stop. He reaches in, pulls back the blanket, stares down at her
face. Gordon has crossed to join him.
GORDON
What a Goddamn shame. You know
who's going to be really broken up
about this - Bruce Wayne.
Batman turns, glances at Gordon blankly.
GORDON (CONT'
D)
They were real close, you know. Or
maybe you didn't.
Gordon turns, paces thoughtfully.
GORDON (CONT'
D)
But at least you're back, I'm
back, and all's right with this
crazy world for a second. Now I
don't know where the hell this kid
they're talking about went to,
but...
He turns, looks. Batman has disappeared.
EXT. GOTHAM MUSEUM - DAWN
The gurney carrying Silver's body is loaded into an ambulance. It
takes off, red lights flashing, siren wailing. The rising sun is just
beginning to crack the clouds on the horizon. CAMERA WIDENS, STARTS TO
RISE:
The ambulance becomes a tiny red dot as we now view the magnificent
downtown section of Gotham.
CAMERA CONTINUES TO RISE, SHOOTING UP some eighty stories, then ninety,
then one hundred, finally revealing:
WE DISSOLVE AS:
The dark, majestic figure of the Batman, standing on the top edge of
the tallest building in Gotham. He looks down silently, cape billowing
out behind him, a regal black prince surveying his steel and concrete
realm.
Now swinging up and across from a nearby lower building:
THE IMPOSING, GRIM-FACED, COLORFUL FIGURE OF ROBIN! Dressed in his
green shirt, red vest, flowing yellow cape and black mask, he lands on
the roof noiselessly.
Batman's eyes acknowledge his presence without turning. Robin
advances, then stops silently, several paces behind.
The DYNAMIC DUO has been joined. Both for now, and for the future
adventures which await them in Gotham.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END