"BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA" (1992)

STATS106pages156scenes22,046words37%dialogue62characters

Words

  • dialogue8,13537%
  • action12,97859%
  • other9334.2%

Scenes

location
  • INT 58
  • EXT 61
  • UNKNOWN 37
time
  • DAY 10
  • NIGHT 14
  • DAWN 1
  • UNKNOWN 131
1

OPEN

SECOND DRAFT
April Hi, 1991

Dracula. Our aidolon,•.Hais huge and we admire his size, Strongand we admire his strength.Ha moves with confidence of a creature that has energy,power and will•

2

••WE NEED ONLYTO LOOKA LITTLE TO SEA

how tempting is thechoice ha makes: available i111.111ortality,Hehascollected on the Devil's.bargain:the infinitely stoppedmoment •••••

OR, LEdNARDWOLF--

Author andfriend--

A Preu of Pr1eul1 & Thi AnnotatedPIDQUll

i

)

4/16/91 1.

DRACULA

1

EXT, TRANSYLVANIA BATTLEGROUND - FULLMOON - NIGHT

NARR: JUNE, 1462: Moslem Turks, ledby

Sultan Mohammed, have dr.iventhe Christians from Constantinople and invaded Rumania witha superior force, threateningall of Christendom. A Rumanian Prince from the region of Transylvania, VLADISLAUS DRACUIA --military genius notorious throughout Eastern Europe forhis blood- thirsty ways--leads 7,000 of his countrymen in a bold pre-dawn sneak attack against 30,ooo TUrks as a last heroic attempt to save his homeland •••

A jagged rock foI"lllation.WEHEAR THE SOUNDS OF BATTLE: thundering horses; clash of steel; men yelling••• dying •••

TURKISH LANCERS CHARGE amidst smoke and flames. A LONE ( WARRIOR PRINCE wlelds his sword against them; his face hidden in a helmet fashioned from a great wolf's head;

The Prince UPENDS A TURKISH LANCER with a slash. He ducks another 1erking the lance from the rider's grasp.· He wheels--impaling the man, tossing him like hay.

smoke swirls away behind the warrior revealing a horrifying sight: TUrks, hundreds, impaled on spikes into the distance.

Turkish attackers falter dead in their tracks, reviled by the sight of their dead comrades. They retreat.

STEFAN, a Moldavian Prince, rides up with 2 WARRIORS.

STEFAN
Prince Dracula! The Turks are falling back! They retreat! Sultan Mohammed is defeated!

PRINCE DRActlIAremoves his wolf helmet. Stallion black hair falls about his shoulders. Young, handsome. Oeee piercing blue eyes of an angel capture us. He kneels kissing his crucifix.

PRINCE DRACULA
God be praised. I am victorious. Let this be a message to all enemies of the Cross of Christ.

He viciously skewers the wounded Lancer begging for his life and hoists him before the field of impaled TUrks.

----.:-: --.~'

4/16/91 2,

STEPAN
I beq you, my Prince••haven•t enough died thia day? ·

Anguished cries echo around them. WOLVES HOWLin the distance, on the scent. Dracula stares at thefresh blood on his hands. A horrible premonition seizeshim--

PRINCE DRACULA
(desperate, dreading)
Elizabeth•••

He leaps astride a riderl••• black stallion rearingaway.

EXT, CASTLE DRACULA • DAWN (MATTE SHOT) 2

A mountain fortress in the Carpathian Alps overlooking the Arges River. A sei:-pentin•roadis linedwith impaled corpses. Dracula thunders ay in the f,9.

3

INT, CASTLE COURTYARD - CONTINUING ACTION

PRAYING MOHIS fallback as Prince Dracula dismountsracing into the chapel, A final grotesque VICTIM hangs impaled by the door, - 4 INT,CASTLE CHAPEL• TIGHT ON ELIZABETH 4

Her regal lifelessbody twisted and bent beneatha great stone Dragonarch before a shrine of the crucifixion, Note: referencegolden coin ritual par rrc

PRINCE DRACULA crumbles prostrate over her, Th• Warrior in him fails, kissing, caressing, willing her baokto life.

CHESARE, an elder Monk, tries to comfort him.

CHESAM
A messa9e came--on the shaft of a TUrk1sh arrov--reporting you,., among th• dead. We could not consol• her. Sh• threw hereelf fro• th• parapet •••H•r last words.

Chesare hand• Dracula a bloodstained parchment,

VOIC! OF ELIZABETH "MY Prince ia feared dead. All is lost without him ••• Iwould rather my body rot and be consumed by the fi•h of the Argos than fall capture by th• Turk•.

- •.•May God unit• u• in heaven••.•

4/16/91 J•

He kisses her bloodstained mouth, convulsing in his pain.

CHESARE
She has taken her own life, my son. Her soul cannot be saved. It is God's law•••

Dracula cries out--a dying animal, lashing the crucifixion with his sword. He dumps the font of holy water washing Elizabeth's blood across the floor.

CHESARE
(raising his crucifix)
Sacrilege! Do not turn your back on Christ.

Dracula bends Chesare•s wrist in his powerful grip snapping bones--the crucifix falls to the bloody floor.

DRACULA
I Dracula, Voivode of Transylvania turn my back on God! And all you hypocrites who feed off himl If my beloved burns in hell--so shall II--I will arise from my own death to avenge hers with all the powers of darkness!

He rakes the colll.llluniongobletthroughthebloody-holy water--raising it high--

CHESARE/MONKS DevilI Vrolokl Berserker!

DRACULA
"The blood is the life," And it shall be mine.

Cradling Elizabeth, he drinks the rush of freshlife.

FADE OUT:

5

FADE IN: EXT. BILLINGHAM ESTATE - ABOUT 1898

Overlooking London and the Thames. A stone bench and family cemetery mark the highest point. We begin a diary entry typed on an early typewriter.

SUPER: MINA MURRAY'S DIARY - 9, MAY, HILLINGHAM MANOR

MINA (V,O,)
"9 May, I arrived todar at Hillingham, where I sha 1 be staring with Lucy for some weeks unt 1 Jonathan and I are married,
(MORE)

4/16/91 4.

MINA (V.o.cont'd)
Ihave longed to be withher, wherewe can talk together freely, andbuild our castlesin theair. The life of an assistant schoolmistress is sometimestrying, and Ihave been working very hard lately, I shallkeep a diary, a sortof journalwhich I can write in whenever I feel inclined asI see ladyjournalists do, Ido not suppose.therewill be much of interestto other people,but it isnot intended for them,"
6

EXT, HILLIHGHAHHOUSE - LUCY'S BALCONY - DAY

MINA
Oh••• how disgustingly awful •••

The tyfing keysjam. Mina's eyes drift to Sir Richard Burton s ARABIANNIGHTS open beside her.

LUCY (O.C.)
Mina ..•?

Mina turns. WE SEE HER FACE FOR THE FIRST TIME•. Age 20. She evokesthe very image of Eliza.beth. Her schoolmistress attire designedto prevent any sensuality from escaping.

LUCY WESTENRAopens the balcony doors--as if making a grand entrance intoa ballroom filled with Royalty. 19, rich, spoiled, coquettish,and blonde--everything Mina is not.

LUCY
Oh you prude--Is your ambitious Jon Harker forcing you to learn that ridiculous machine? When he could be forcing you to perform unspeakable acts of desperate passion on the parlor floor--
MINA
Lucy, really--you shouldn't talk about my fiance in such a way-- --there•s more to marriage than carnal pleasures--

Mina stands--the concealed book falls to the floor opening wide to an erotic etching.

LUCY
So I see ••• Much muchmore.

4/16/91 5.

They burst intotitillating laughter. Lucy picks up the book, both breathlesslyfanning pages to another etching.

MINA
He's so appallingly huge--

WC'i They come much bigger.

She indicates10 inches-with her hands. Mina is aghast.

KINA
Can a man and woman really do such •• ,such ••• things?

WC'i I did--only last night--

Lucy posesthe sex position in the etching. Kina flushes.

WC'i (adding) --in my dreams. (savoringgiddy) I almost forgot. I am bursting with news.

7 INT,PARUIR - POV THROUGH KE'iHOLE 7

A handsome young MAN turns a wide brimmedhat nervously inhis hands, Western boots. A beaded American Indian vest flashesunder his waist-coat.

MINA (o.c.)
What isthat?
8

INT, HALLWAY - LUCY AND MIN.A- CONTINUING ACTION

LUCY
A Texan.

Mina gawks through the keyhole. Lucy langors.

LUCY
Quincey Morriss. He's so young and fresh. Oh Mina--he's like a wild stallion between my legs--
MIN.A
(stifling a laugh)
You're positively immoral---
WCY
Mm:mhmmm--He just proposed.

4/16/91 6.

MINA
Should Idare ask what.
UJCY
Marriage! That makes 2 proposals in one day. I'm hoping for 3. I am so happyI don't know what to do with myself. Oh, Mina I hope there is enoughof me to share.

She giggles the coquette,primpin9 in the hall mirror. Mina tends Lucy's hair,burning with jealousy.

MINA
Who was numberone? That tall curly-haired man at the concert?
UJCY
That gentlemanis secret number three.· Dr.John Seward is number one. He wouldjust do for you if you were notalready engaged.· He has an immenselunatic asyllllllall under his owncare.
MINA
Lunatics. And you thought of me.
(theurge to kill)
Well, you can'tmarry all 3.
UJCY
(posing inmirror)
Why not. Whycan't a girl marry three men--oras many as want her--It's souncivilized.
MINA
Lucy Westenrayou area horrid flirt.
UJCY
I just know what men desire•••
(baringher cleavage)
They're just little boys. They'll do anythin9 for a sweet candy kiss and a ride on your merry-go-round. Watch--

Lucy enters to her Texan. Mina studies.the mirror.

MINA
If I were a man, I know what I would do to make a girl love me.

The allure of the keyhole is too great. She steals a peek.

4/16/91 7.

MINA'S POV- THROUGH KEYHOLE - WC'l ANOQUINCEY

LUCY
Please, let me touch it. It's so big.

Giddy,she reaches for his crotch and pulls outhis big Bowieknife. She fondles it seductively.

LUCY
Quincey, you are so ver:ysweet and dear, but there is someone else I love.

Acce~ting defeat, he extends his hand, Lucy kisses it tugging him to her neck, her breast. He drops his hat.

SERVANT (O,C.)
Miss Murray?

RESUME: HALLWAY - A SERVANT APPROACHES,

SERVANT
(non-plussed)
Mr. Jonathan Harker is calling to see you.

Mina rises, el'lll:)arrassed1shehurriesaway.The Servant waits, then sneaks a peek through the keyhole.

9

EXT.HILLINGHAM GROUNDS - DAY

Peacocks roam, screeching mating cries. JONATHAN HARKER greets Mina at a stone bench overlooking the Thames. 24, wildlr ambitious, upwardly mobile-•a Victorian yuppie·. He wh rls her scattering peacocks. They kiss.

MINA
Jonathan? I didn't expect you here. Are you drunk in the middle of the day?

HARlCEJt (full of himself) And why not? I'll bur you an estate just like Hill ngham someday. Perhaps you'd fancy a castle. Why should you be the poor schoolmistress that just visits her aristocratic friends. You can forget typing and teaching and all that forever.

MINA
You are drunk!--

4/16/91 s.

HARKER
With success! Mina! I'vedone it! You happen to be engagedto a future partner in the fi:rmof Hawkins and Thompkins.

Mina flings herself in his arms. She swells,caressing his neck with a long peacock feather, downhis chest to his thigh, mimicking Lucy•s teasing ways. Aroused, Harker controls himself. ·

HARKER
our fortune is made. Renfieldis too ill to work. He finallylost his greedy mind, I'm beingupped to his position. His accountsare mine. It won't be officialuntil I return, I'm off to exotic eastern Europe--
MINA
Leaving? Now?
HARICER
I'll only be gone a few weeks. This wealthy Count is acquiring ten estates around London, And money is no object. Extraordi- nary. can you imagine the power that sort of wealth co-ands? "Yours truly" is being sent to close the transactions. Royalty, Mina, think of it--

Harker swells at the idea of rubbing shoulders with royalty. Mina strokes him competing for his affections.

MINA
I'm thinking about our wedding, Jon.
HARICER
Oh, Mina, this is the opportunity that comes once in life. "Carpe deum." seize the day, Kina. We can be married when I return--a grand expensive one that will be the talk of London.
MINA
Of course, We've waited this long ••• haven'twe .•.?

He takes her in his arms, bracing her up.

4/16/91 9.

I

HARKER
There is not another woman on earth can hold a wick to you. I do so want to give you the finer things like Lucy and her fancy friends, That is what you want?
MINA
I just want us to be ••• happy.
HARKER
We will be. I know what's best, Mina, for both of us.
(checking his watch)
Don't worry those sapphire eyes of yours. I'll write.

Mina kisseshim like never before aroused--desperate--

MINA
•••Jonathan.••! love you •••

Mina watches him hurry to his eoaeh. There is a finality to this moment. As if nothing will ever be the same.

10

INT. TUNNEL - PITCH DARK (STOCK FOOTAGE)

A light at the end. THE ORIENT EXPRESS blasts into day.

ll EXT. ORIENT EXPRESS - AT A COACH WINDOW - HARKER 11

SUPER: JONATHAN HARKER'SJOURNAL

HARKER (V.O.)
"3, MAY, BUDA-PESTH. Left Buda-Pesth early this morning, train was an hour late. The impression I had was that we were leaving the West and entering the Easti the most splendid of bridges over the Danube, took us among the traditions of Turkish rule.
12

EXT. ORIENT EXPRESS - DAY (STOCK FOOTAGE)

Steaming over the Danube across Szencheynyi•s Great Bridge.

HAR.KER(V.O. cont'd)
The district I am to enter is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains, one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe •••"

4/16/91 10.

13

EXT.TRANSYLVANIA FRONTIER - DAY .

Harker travels in a coach taking in the magnificent Carpathian mountains as he reads a letter.

DRACULA (V.O.)
"MY FRIEND, Welcome to the Carpathians. I trust your journey from London has been a happy one and that you will enjoy your staf in my beautiful land,,. I am anxiously expecting you. At the Borgo Pass, my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. Your friend, Dracula.".
14

INT. COACH - DAY

Harker folds the letter from Dracula into his 1ournal. 2 GYPSY PEASANT WOMEN and a RUSSIAN MERCHANT st opposite him, staring. Harker stares back.

HARltER (slow and deliberate) Do you speak English?

Silence.

15

EXT. 'L'HR!ATENINGSKIES- LATE AFTERNOON

Thunder rolls over jagged mountains.

16

EXT, THE CARPATHIANS - BORGO ROAD - NIGHT

Thunder cracks. The SLOVAK DRIVER whips the horses.

17

INT. COACH - TRAVELING - NIGHT

The passengers sleep, uneasily.

TIGHT ON MINA - PHOTOPLATE

A travel frame. Harker, exhausted, studies her smile as he strokes himself with the peacock feather she gave him, alone with erotic thoughts of her.

He looksup, caught. The women and Merchant are awake. One of thewomen jabs a strange two-fingered sign at him,

HARKER
Vas es los? What is this?

4/16/91 11.

MERCHANT
nervously) "Mona F ca"--Alcharm against evil.

THUNDER CRACKS!

The coach suddenly stops. The Merchant checks his watch, anxious.

MERCHANT
Why do we stop here?
18

EXT, BORGO ROAD - NIGHT

The Slovak Driver answers in Romany as he lights the coach lamps. The passengers are at once fearful, spattering in different languages--The peasant woman makes the strange sign again at Harker.

HARKER CLIMBS OUT.

It is snowing. He stretches, studying a roadside shrine; Christ nailed to the cross; but the head is a great wolf.

SLOVAK
(urging Harker inside)
There is no carriage here. Englaise is not expected.
19

EXT. RIDGE - NIGHT

PAWS RACEalong the ridge above. WOLVES GATHER watching Harker on the road below. Silent. Eyes gleaming.

18

EXT. BORGO ROAD- NIGHT 20

The Horses SPOOKwildly--backpedaling. The Slovak tries to control them. Harker leaps in.

INSIDE - PASSENGERS SIAM into each other, crying out, screaming.

GYPSY
Vrolokl stregoical Nosferatu!

4 BLACK STALLIONS APPEAR from the mist pulling a Caleche coach so black it's purple--A vision from Dante's nightmares.

Lantern rays fall across the DARK DRIVERreining in the Stallions--a tall man with a thin brown beard--his face shadowed by a great black hat (DRACULA indisguise)--

4/16/91 12.

21

INT. COACH - CONTINUING ACTION

HARKER SITS BACK, suddenly feelingvery conspicuous. The peasant woman folds a crucifixinto his hand.

PEASANTWOMAN {Romany) For the dead travel fast,

The Dark Driver faces the passengers,evidently hearing her. He smiles. His eyes FLASH a deepfamiliar blue.

The woman hides her face, crossingherself. Harkertenses watching the Slovak hand over hisbag,

22

THE COACHES - SIDE BY SIDE

Harker steps out. Before he touchesground, the Dark Driver leansdown and LIFTS HIMEASILY INTO THE CALECHE WITH ONEHAND, The Stallions wheeland sweep Harker away into thesnowy mist.

The Slovakspeeds his relieved Passengers in the opposite direction.

23

INT,CALECHE - TRAVELING -NIGHT

The partition snaps back startlingHarker. The Dark Driverhands him a heavy cloak anda flask of brandy.

HARKER
Is it far to the castle--

The Driver closes the partition abruptly. The coach sways, lulling Harker hypnotically. A DOG HOWLSin the distance-- Another joins it--echoing on thewind.

HARKER
(tohimself)
Brace up. This is business, Jon.

WOLVES HOWL back, More of them. Closer. Harker freezes. The coach lurches up a steep grade. Harker looks out--

24

EXT, CALECHE - HIS POV - BLACKNESS - SWIRLING SNOW

The 4 Black Stallions. Heads churning. Steam rising. HOWLING surrounds them. Harker is terrified.

25

HIGH ANGLE - THE BORGO ROAD

Wolves gather in silhouette lining both sides of the pass howling Harker's progress up the road.

4/16/91 l'.l.

26 RESUME: COACH

suddenly a strangeBLUE FLAME floatsin the darkness ahead silhouettingthe Oriver--Horsesspook and whinny.

27

EXT. CLEA.RING(BATTLEGROUND SC.L)- HIGH ANGLE - NIGHT

The Driver stopsthe Caleche in frontof the jagged rock formation. Theunseen HOWLINGWOLVES are circling. The Dark Driver stridestoward theblue flame--having no fear. All howling ceases. HARKER PEERSfrom beneath the cloak.

28 IN THE DARKNESS -A RING OF EYESSURROUND THE COACH 28

Clouds break. Moonlight pours throughREVEALING: A RING OF WOLVES. More terrifying intheir grim silence.

HARJCERSCREAMS,pounding on the sideof the coach--hoping to scare the beastsaway--

The Dark Driverappears from the·blue flame facing the wolves. His voicemetallic, Not of the living,

DARX DRIVER
Strygiel Muronyl

With a gestureof his long arms the wolves depart howling

into the distance. The Dark Driver leaps aboard.

STALLIONS PLUNGEAHEAO--THROUGH THE BLUE FLAMES--

HEAVY CASTLEGATESCLOSE BEHIND!

29

EXT. CASTLECOURTYARD - NIGHT - CONTINUING ACTION

The Coach stops. The Dark Driver removes Harker•s luggage then sets the frightened man down in front of a great door as if routine. Resuming the rein, he wheels the nightmare coach down adark passage.

Harker is completelydistraught. The Castle appears a vast ruin. The GREAT DOOROPENS behind him. He faces:

A TALL OLD KAN in a dark Oriental style suit bearing an emerald green cross over the breast: white mustache of Oriental fashionlike Attila or Ghenghis Khan. Hands long and hairy. Face riveting, handsome like a Tartar--and horrible at the same time. His eyes a cold vivid blue.

HARKER
Count ••• Dracula?

4/16/91 14.

Draculasmiles, bowing with a courtly gesture,speaking perfectEnglish.

DRACULA .
Welcome to my house, Mr. Harker! I am Dracula--
( laughingfull)
Enter freely of your own will-- and leave some of the happiness you bring.

The Count carries his luggage with astoundingvitality. Harker enters •freely.H The door closes witha boom.

JO INT. CASTLE - THE GREAT HALL - NIGHT JO

A brightly lit room. Byzantine treasures abound. Tapestries hang, centuries old: but all in pristine condition! A ruin of a battlement protrudes in thecenter of the mosaic floor sui::-roundedbyascaffolding; aphallic remnant. The castle is in trans1tion. Crated artworks and sculptures stand everywhere.

Dracula reads a letter by the massive walk-in fireplace that warms the room. He watches Harker devour a sumptuous meal.

HARJCER
(rested, at ease)
You are a most gracious host at such an ungodly hour. You•ve no idea how happy I am to be here.
DRACULA
You will excuse me that I do not join you, but I have dined already, and I do not sup.

Feminine laugbter echoes, startling Harker. Dracula doesn't react. Harker looks quickly about.

HARJCER
An ancestor? I see the resemblance.

He's facing a huge TAPESTRY: A WINGED DRAGON prostrate.on the cross biting its own tail encircles the young Warr1or Dracula mounted on his horse: his shield a GREEN CROSS. A Latin inscription:

DRACULA (O.C.)
"O quam misericors est Deus, justus et plus. Societas Draconis•

Dracula is suddenly beside Harker, startling him. With a mocking smile, he pours more wine into Harker•s golden chalice. Dracula's skin is shockingly pallid. His flashing blue eyes burn into Harker to the point of discomfort--

4/16/91 15.

DRACULA
(referringto the tapestry)
The Order ofthe Dragon. An ancient societypledging my forefathers todefend the church against all enemiesof Christ.
(mirthfulsmile)
The relationshipwas not entirely ••• successful•••

Dracula laughs like a childcarried away with his own first joke, Harker laughs uneasy,trying to be polite.

DRACULA
It is no laughingmatter! We Draculas havea right to be proud! His (the painting)glory is my glory! Is ita wonder we are a conquering race!? What devil or witchwas everso great as Attila, whose blood flowsin these veins!

Ashe speaks, hedraws a curvedTurkish sword from a rack, slashing itabout--sending Harker backpedaling. Dracula sags,drained--saddened--facing the painting•••of himself.•.

DRACULA
Blood is too preciousa thing in these times. The warlike days are over. Theglories of my great race is buta tale to be told, •• Iam the lastof my kind.

Ihave offended youwith my ignorance, Count. Forgiveme.

DRACULA
Forgive ma, my young friend. I am not accustomed to •••quests. And I am wearywith many years of mourning over the dead. Butsoon my exile will be over. Inyou my new lite in Londonwill begin.

He bows in apology. Harker bows in return,unnerved.

31

INT. LIBRARY - TIGHT ON DRACULA'S WHITE HANO -NIGHT JL

Long nails filed to claw like points--oriental fashion. He pens his ornate signature to a "DEED OF PURCHASE".

"VLADISLAUS ORAKWYLA SZEKLYS"

Harker places the hot waxen seal on the deed.

4/16/91 16.

HARKER
There. You, count, are the owner of carfaxAbbey at Purfleet.

Harker extendshis hand toshake. Not knowing the custom, Dracula opensboth hands and bows. SILKEN HAIR lines his palms. Harkermasks his reaction.

DRACULA
Your employer,Hawkins, writes you are a man of good, •• taste.
(enjoyingprivate joke)
He says you are a "worthy substitute" to your predecessor, Mr. Renfield •••
HARKER
(seizingthe praise)
You may rely on me, Count. I shall be privileged to serve as your personal solicitor and tend to all your investmentneeds-- I've brought photoplates of carfax and other properties around London--per your request--

Harker spreads glass photoplates on the greattable. Dracula is amazed as he surveys the views of the old estates, as if he'd never seen a photo-plate. Ever.

DRACULA
I long to go throughthe crowded streets of your mighty London, to be in the midst of the whirl and rush of humanity ••• toshare its life, itschanges ••• itsdeath ••• Here I am "boyar"; I am master. But in London, I am stranger. And a stranger ina strange land--he is no one.

Harker admires the impressive array of English magazines, newspapers, Whitaker's Almanac--He turns the Atlas to oracula--doing his sales job--

HARKER
I see from your volumes you will not be a stranger. Look, Sir, Carfax is here in Purfleet--just west of London. My home is ln Exeter.

Dracula's Atlas has already been marked with red circles in every location he mentioned. Purfleet, Exeter, Hillingham, the docks at London, the 10 properties, including a foundry--Harker hesitates, puzzled.

4/16/91 17.

HARKER
Forgive my curiosity--count--but why 10 houses in such ~recise locations around the city? Is it to raise the market value? Is this your strategy?

Dracula: riveted to a photoplate--so stillhe looks dead.

DRACULA
(passionate whisper)
Very wise, my young friend. Do you believe in destiny?

REVEAL: THE PHOTOPLATE - MINA - Her secretsmile reaching across the centuries to Dracula.

DRACULA (contd.)
--that even the powers ot time can be altered for a single purpose--

Dracula rubs his palm over Mina's likeness mating with her aura. He turns away hiding his orgasmic reaction.

DRACULA
The luckiest man who walks on this earth is one who finds-- --true love.

Dracula shows Mina's photo to Harker.

NARI<ER (embarrassed) Ah--you tound--Mina. I thought she was lost. We're to be married as soon as I return.

DRACULA
She will no doubt make a devoted wife, And you a "faithful" husband.

A RUSTLE of feminine garments blurs behind Harker. He looks. Nothing. Maddening. Dracula doesn't react.

HARKER
You're most kind. You must meet her. Are you married? count--sir--are you married?
DRACULA
••• once ••. alongtimeago. There has been no other like her •••

He returns the photoplate.

4/16/91 18.

DRACULA
Write now, my friend, toour friend, Peter Hawkins, andto any other, and say, it itwill please you 1that you shall staywith me, until a month from now.

Dracula abruptly exits, leaving Harkeralone. Harker surveys the opulence. He leans back proppinghis feet on the massive desk, imagining it's all his ••• andbeginsto write.

32

INT. GUEST QUARTERS - NIGHT

Elegant appointments. Roaring friendly tire. Food. Cognac. Harker hwns at his shaving mirror,pleased with his "coup."

HARKER (V.O.)
5, May. Journal entry. I am ina sea of wonders. The Count has requested I remain tor a monthto tend his business. His wealth is extraordinary in spite of certain deficiencies in his house and his eccentric ways. Table service of gold and of immense value. The hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics. Centuries old, though in excellent condition. Note: Inquire his dinner recipe for Mina.

He eyes the CRUCIFIX about his neck. The gift from the Peasant Woman. DRACULA'SSLENDER HAND appears, gliding to him--flexing in anticipation--landing gently on his shoulder.

Harkerstartles--the mirror shows no reflection except his own--hewheels to see--

DRACULA:Way across the room! Turning back his bed--

HARKER
Count? I didn't hear you come in.
DRACULA
(charming, witty)
The hour is late, my servants are all retired. My apologies for the lack of indoor plumbing
(approaching)
Take care how you cut yourself-- It is more dangerous than you think.

4/16/91 19.

Withblurring speed, he wipes blood froma razor cut on Harker'sjaw. Harker turns to his mirror. Dracula pitches it outthe window. It SMASHES far b~low.

DRACULA
--A foul bauble of man'svanity. Perhaps you--should growa beard.
(sardonic smile)
The letter I requested--Haveyou written them?

Harker turns over 3 sealed envelopes. Dracula eyes them in the candlelight and tucks them in his jacket,satisfied.

DRACULA
You may go anywhere you wish in the castle, except where thedoors are locked. It is old andhas many bad memories. There arebad dreams for those who sleep ••• unwisely. Be warned.

(nagging fear builds) I'm sure I understand.

HOWLING WOLVES echo o.c. in the distance--

DRACULA
Listen to them--the children of the night. What music they make. You dwellers in the city cannot enter the feelings of the hunter,

Harker shudders--MUsic--Those animals? Dracula's eyes flash fixing on Harker•s crucifix.

DRACULA
Do not put faith in such trinkets of deceit. we are in the land beyond the forest. our ways are not your ways and there shall be to you many strange things. From your experiences already, you know something of what I speak.

Indeed, I have seen many stran9e things this night--Wolves chasing me--I was almost consumed in some blue inferno--and that driver•••

DRACULA
He is a lout who can scarcely find his own shadow in the day.
(MORE)

4/16/91 20.

DRACULA (cont'd).
(laughing full)
so my young friend,you've seen the blue flame. Peasants commonlybelieve that on this night once ina year, such a flame may be seenover any ~lace where treasurehas been burled.

Harker rushes to thewindow, peering out.

It was justoutside your gates. we could retrieve it inthe morning. I'lldig itup myself.

DRACULA
Do not envyanother man's wealth,Mr. Harker--For what is its trueworth--without love •••

The Wolves HOWL CLOSER. Harker turnsto the sound. His doorlock clanks in place. Dracula isgone!

Harker sinks at the windowin nagging fear. Soft RUSTLING outside startles him, Harker leans outto investigate.

33

EXT. CASTLEWALL - NIGHT -HAR.KER'S POV

A dark figure slowly emerges from a window, FACE DOWN. Its cloak spreading aroundit like greatwings. It hesitates, then scurries lizard-like through patches of moonlight down the sheercastle wall over the abyss.

34 RESUME HARKER: 34

He ducks back, unableto trust his eyes. He looks again. No figure. Tbe wall impossible to climb,

His door handle RATTLES. LOW FEMININE LAUGHTER RIPPLES on the other side.

35

INT. GREAT HALL -NIGHT - CONTINUING ACTION

Empty hall. Torches flicker. The TINKLING LAUGHTER ripples again--through thecastle. Harker crosses with a torch.

HARKER
count? Sir--hello?

His voice echoes.No response. SHADOWS scurry up the high walls behindhim. Titters. He wheels. Nothing.

4/16/91 21,

36 INT, SPIRAL STAIRS- CONTINUING ACTION 36

Harker triesdoor after door. Locked. At the top of the stairs, flankedby oriental erotic statues,a lone door opensas ifexpecting him--

37

INT. TOWERBEDCHAMBER - NIGHT - CONTINUINGACTION

Octagonal. Byzantine, Adorned in feminine frills. Mirrors abound. Harker laughs aloud.

HARKER
(mimicsthe count)
"Donot go where the doors are locked ••,baddreams•••" Here some fairlady surely received the count•s pleasure.

He sitson a yreat couch in front of tall windows taking in the moonlitv ew. Finally relaxing, he drifts asleep.

Oust beginsto swirl in the moonbeams. Footprints appear on the dustymarble floorbeside Harker•s. Petite. Female.

Harkerblinks indreamy state. A smile of pleasure crosses his face--A languorousFEMININE HAND traces his loin, caressing,arousing him. He reaches down to join the stroking--MOR.EHANDSsmooth up his thighs, his chest to his throat--hischeek--

DRACULA'S3 EXQUISITEBRIDES hover like adoring angels, Half spiritual,half erotic. Brilliant white teeth behind rubyvoluptuous lips. Their laughter "intolerable, tingling sweetnessof water glasses when played by a cunning hand",·

OLDEST BRIDE
Go on! You are first and we shall follow. Yours ls the right to begin,

The Youngest hesitates, no more than 17, as fair as Mina, "withmasses ot golden wavy hair, eyes like pale sapphires."

MIDDLE BRIDE
He is young and strong. There are kisses for us all.

The Youngest drops to her knees bending over Harker. She arches her neck wetting her scarlet lips. She rips his shirt down to his waist, tracing his stomach--his nipples with a hungry tongue--Harker swells, unable to resist-- She flicks her tongue up his throat to his crucifix. She shrinks back--swelling with hate to the delight ot the older Brides, She clasps the crucifix chain in her luscious mouth and bites it in two. The crucifix clinks to the floor.

4/16/91 22.

IN THE MIRRORS,WE SEE: only Harker'sreflection. He exalts. Hispassion freed! There isno reflection of the Brides--Whopin his ar111swithsurprisingstrength.

The youngeststraddles him like a horse. She cups her young breasts loweringthem maddeningly tosuckle him. She trails her mane down hisbare chest, down hisstomach licking him down to his loins. He cries out in ecstasy.

The older Brideskiss each other acrosshim fondling them- selves to a frenzy--nippinghis breastsand ar111swith·love bites. Harkerstiffens in orgasm as theyfeed on his wrists.

The youngestjabs her nails into hispants and slits them down to hislcnee--nibblinghis bare thigh--Harkerjerks with electric spasmsof passion. Older Brides smotherhis cries with theirbodies as they slither down his faceand torso, their mouthsfinding each other in a torrid Jway kiss--

WINDOWS BLOWOPEN with a rush of energy. DRACULAGRABS the young Bride'sneck--his fingers encircling her throatlike tentacles. He yanks her into the air--

DRACULA
How dare you touch him. Any of you. How dare you cast eyes on him when I have forbidden it--

--hurling theyoung bride away like a rag doll. -She SLAMS INTO THEWALL AND STICKS TO IT --like a fly!

DRACULA
This man belongs to mel

Youngest scurriesacross the ceilin~ taunting Dracula, laughingcruel--soulless. Older Brides laugh with her.

YOUNGEST BRIDE
You yourself never loved; you never love!

Dracula recoils. His voice a soft tender whisper•••

DRACULA
Yes--I too can love. You yourselves can tell it from the past. Is it not so? ••.AndI shall love again.

Youngest crawls seductively down the wall to him. Brides fold themselves into him like a big furry animal.

DRACULA (contd.)
I promise you, when I am gone on my journey, you shall "kiss" him at your will.

4/16/91 23.

YOUNGESTBRIDE
(pouting)
Are we to have nothingtonight?

He gestures to a bag. sittingon theCloor by the window-- THE BAGMOVES--as if something aliveis in it-- Youngest leaps and opens it. ALOW WAIL of a baby emits. She swoons. Older Brides join her--flushedwith hunger-- the desire. They vanish in a floodof moonbeams.

Harker chokes back his repulsion. Dracula faces him--eyes blazing red. And with that elegantimperious gesture--he taints Harkerdead way.

DISSOLVE TO:
38

EXT. CASTLE DRACULA -THE COURTYARD- RAINY DAY:

SZGANY:GYPSIESload heavy coffin-likecrates onto 2 horsedrawnwagons. OTHERS bringmore boxes up from a vault entrance. A crate topplesbreaking open-- The Szgany backaway, terrified. Horses frenzy,

THE BROKEN COFFIN BOX--moldy dirtspilling out. JUST DIRT! Quickly turning tomud in the pouring rain--

39

INT.BRIDES TOWER BEDCHAMBER - RAINY:DAY:CONT'D .

HARKER; curled in fetal position atthe window--nude. Eyes sunken. A husk ravaged by fear--hunger--andthe Brides entangled on and about him. Older Brides untwine, kissing his liml:is,histhroat--theirhunger sated--

The youngest strokes him--wiping her lips with her golden hair--kissing him passionately--She slowly leaves letting him feast on her perfect body withhis eyes--His arrogance gone--his nightmare not over.

HA1UCE1l(V. 0. ) These may be the lastwords I write inthis journal. I a.a alone inthe castlewith those women. No--Kina is awoman. These are devils of the pit!--Dracula--this being I am helping transfer to London< where, for centuries,he m1ght amongst its teeming millions satiate his lust for blood and create a new and ever widening circle of his demons •••

He looks out the window. Szgany load boxes quickly.

4/16/91 24.

40

EXT. CASTLE WALLAND PRECIPICE -LATER

The Arges River roars200 feet below. Harker descendsthe stone wall; slipping,clinging, cut~ing himself.

HARKER (V.O. cont'd)
Ihave not yet seen the Count in daylight. Can it be he sleeps when others wake? If I could but findhim ... Iwillkill him and finda way from this dreadful place •••where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet.·God's mercy is better than that of these monsters. Goodbye, Mina it I tail; goodbye alll--

His bloody fingersgive way. He skids down the face--

41

INT.CASTLE CHAPEL - CONTINUING ACI'ION(DOUBLE AS CARFAX)

Dim lightstreams down from the crumbling vaulted ceiling. The ground excavated. Coffin-crates stand in rows.

Exhausted, in painl Harker crawls from a tunnel to a PILE OF GOLD COINS sitt ng on the ruins of the vecy 14th centucy altar where young Prince Dracula cradled Elizabeth.

Harker plows his hands into the coins, feeling a surge of energy. He stuffs his pockets, looking around--crazed.

He marvels at the dragon arch with one word carved in it--

"DRAKWYLA"

Harker inspects the carvings. A BERSERKER WOLF, in full armor, repels an army of Turks. Hundreds of bodies impaled on stakes. The dragon's tail rings the rendering.

Stakes still protrude in the chapel ground. Skeletons, centuries old, grotesquely skewered on them.

SZGAHY GYPSIES ENTER carcying out more crates. Harker ducks behind an open crate. He shrinks back in horror.

DRACULA lays in his "day coma" packed in the moldy earth: eyes wide open and stony. No sign of life. Harker summons courage, grabs a shovel and raises it to strike.

DRACULA'S INERT BODY RISES STRAIGHT UP FACING HARXER

Harker stumbles back, gagging, entangling himself in the impaled skeletons. He flails madly--trapped!

4/16/91 25.

SILVERY LAUGHTERechoes through the chapel. OUSTBEGINS TO OANCE--THEJ BRIDES MATERIALIZE wearing flowingburial gowns. They surroundHarker--more voluptuous thanbefore.

YOUNGEST
Don't leave ussss. You want ussss. You want ussss•••

Hegrabs an impaling pike. She rubs her porcelain skin againsthim, Harker weakens, his laugh building--maniacal. He grabsher golden hair--guiding her luscious mouth to his erogenouszones--The Brides engulf him--

HARKER EXALTS LIKE A MAOMAN--ECHOING OVER:

42

EXT. COURTYARD - CONTINUING ACTION

Szganr reverently fix Dracula's coffin atop the load. 50 inal; each consigned to: S.F. BILLINGTON & SON, GOSEWELL ROAD, LONDON, E.C. l, ENGLAND. The wagons clatter from the courtyard.

HARKER'S MAD LAUGH CONTINUES OVER;

43

INT, CASTLE - THE PAINTING OF THE WARRIOR PRINCE

Young, mocking smile. Crystal-blue eyes watching us.

DISSOLVETO:

44 THE BLUE FLAME 44

DISSOLVE TO:
45

EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT

A schooner crashes down through stormy seas, as if emerging from the blue flame.

SUPER: LOG or THE DEMETER - VARNA TO LONDON

CAPTAIN (V.o.)
"Entry 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall keep accurate note henceforth till we land. Yesterday, Olargen confided to me a strange man was aboard. Informed crew. First Mate angry. Boatswain Petrofsky missing this morning. Could not account for it. Men all in a panic of fear, asking to have double watch, as they fear to be alone.•

4/16/91 26,

46

EXT. DECK - CONTINUING ACTION

Waves crash over hergunwales floodingthe empty deck. An AGONIZED SCREAM is muffled by the·storm.

A BODY surfaces on deck and floats by ina rush of water.

47 INT, SHIP'S HOLD- CONTINUING ACTION 47

Water streams down spattering like drumson the stacks of COFFIN CRATES. One has no lid. A puddleof water rapidly fills an impression in its moldy dirt. THE SHAPE OF A MAN!

48 EXT, QUARTERDECK- CONTINUING ACTION 48

A HORRID FACE appears from the spume. It'sthe First Mate. He gaffs the deadbody and turns it over. The Man's throat has been torn away.

The CAPTAIN appears. The First Mate grabshim--wild eyed.

FIRST MATE
I saw it--an old man, tall'n thin'nghastly, •e is. I crept up behind it•n give it me knife: Itwent thro'it empty as air!

The mad sailor slasheshis knife through theair,

FJ:RSTMATE His face--it changed. E's a young· lad! E' changed agin--A beasty!

A chilling soundnever heard at sea spirals above the din stopping bothmen. The lone agonized HOWL OFA WOLF,

CAPTAIN
Lord help usl
FIRST MATE
It's the devil J:tell you!

The FirstMate runscrazed leaping overboard into the stormy sea. TheCaptain lashes himself to the wheel. The HOWL resounds again; the hunter hunting•••

49

EXT. HILLINGHA.MGROUNDS - PANORAMA - DAY

A magnificent sunset over the cemetery and the Thames.

SUPER: 24,JULY, MINA MURRAY'S DIARY

4/16/91 27.

MINA (V.O.)
This is so beautiful. Lucy and I took hands aswe sat; and she told me about hercoming marriage. That made me justa little heartsick, for Ihaven't heard from Jonathan fora whole month ..•

Mina sitson the stone bench,aloof, removed. Lucy, beautifulin a white lawn frock;full of excitement, balanceson a grave monument laughingmischievously.

WCY
This is my favoritespot in the entire world ••• Mina--we•vealways told each otherour deepest most inner secrets--Ihave one •••
MINA
I should hopeyou're not sleepwalking again--
WCY
No, goose. I'm gettingmarried.

Mina is elated and jealous, which she triesto hide.

MINA
Oh, Lucy--finally. How wonderful. To the lunatic Doctor--I Jcnow--the Texan with the big knife?--
WCY
No--number 31--Arthur Holmwood. Lord Arthur Holmwood. Lord Art and "Lady• Lucy--Arthur is such a dear to be so disgustingly rich just for me. You are to be my Maid of Honor. Oh, say "yes.•
MINA
Of course, Luce, I'm honored; but I thought you loved that Texas creature.
LUCY
Oh I do--whenever and wherever he wants me to.

Mina is annoyed. Major scowl.

LUCY
Don't look at me that way, Mina. I'm not marrying for love. Who can afford to these days? So ••• de classe.

4/16/91 28.

Mina regards Lucyin complete disbelief.

LUCY
Honestly. You can bes~ naive. You've been an absolute bore since Jonathan went abroad .••

Silence. Mina isuneasy.

·-, MINA Mr. Hawkins sent me a note from him. One brief line in over a month. That is not like Jonathan.

LUCY
--It could be you're in love with the wrong man--

The truth? Mina is shocked. The skies suddenlydarken. THUNDERCRACKS une~ectedly. A cloudburst unloadsdrenching them. Lucy revelsin the downpour, standing on thebench.

LUCY
Oh Mina--look at us. What if Arthur and Jonathan should see us like this.

Lucy twirls,pulling her drenched white frock down over herbody--transparent--titillating. She tickles-Mina.

MINA
(embarrassed laughter)
Lucy! Behave yourself.
LUCY
Fine talk for an assistant schoolmistress. Look at you--

Mina's white linen dress is diaphanous in the downpour. She laughs with utter delight. Lucy chases Mina around . the bench, both squealing like schoolgirls. They wrestie.

Lucy runs into the cemetery--daring Mina to follow. Mina gives chase, dodging and weaving through the tombstones. Suddenly she stops.

50

EXT. THAMES - MINAI SPOV DOWNRIVER

An ominous, iridescent fog bank obscures the sunset: brightened by flashes of lightning, it rolls toward them. Something powerful is coming. GREAT STREAKING HOLLOW sounds boom overhead like modern jets.

RESUME MINA: Strangely unafraid: her destiny rides the storm.

4/16/91 29.

51

EXT. ZOO -STORM CONTINUING ACTION

BERSERKER the Wolf wakes to thesounds; howling snarling at the bars.

MORE CAGES: (2nd unit/practicallocation)

Lions and tigers and bears suddenlyrise yowling and roaring at the stor111.Monkeys chatter andrace around their cage. Baboons suddenly fight and tear ateach other.

52

EXT. SEWARD'S ASYWM - STORMCONTINUING ACTION

Literally a madhouse. INMATES tearat each other and their barred windows; slathering likeanimals at the zoo.

53

INT. ASYWM CORRIDOR - NIGHT - CONTINUINGACTION

INMATES scream from their cells. MORE INMATES rush down the corridor like a crashing wave. outnumbered KEEPERS beat and lash trying to drive themback.

54

INT. RENFIELD'S CELL - NIGHT - CONTINUINGACTION

RENFIELD wakes from comatose sleep. LikeBerserker1 he senses the presence of a mighty force. He mashes his face between his window bars convinced he can fitthrough. He exalts at the great streaking sounds, summoningthem like a conductor summons his orchestra.

He opens a box of spiders. Big ones. He shepherdsscores of flies swarming onto a plate of sugar.

RENFIELD
Gather round, my pets. The Master of all life is at hand--

He dumps the flies on the spiders watching the feeding frenzy with childish delight. He writes numbers in a note book--counting flies like an accountant runningtotals.

SEWARD (V.O.)
The case of Renfield grows more interesting since taking him in 5 months ago due to mental distress.
55

INT. SEWARD'S OFFICE - NIGHT

DR. JACK SEWARD, an intense "workaholic" in his JO's, dictates into an Edison wire recorder. As he speaks, he prepares an injection.

4/16/91 JO.

SE'WARP
(dictating)
He has certain qualities.highly developed; selfishness, secrecy and purpose. There is methodin his madness with his fliesand spiders and now even sparrows. Had I the sec.ratof evenone such brilliant mind--tbe key tothe fancy ot one lunatic--
(a rush of sorrow)
Lucy••• cannoteat, cannotbe angry with you nor my friend, Arthur, whom you bring happiness. Since my reJ:i.utt,nothingseemsof sufficient importance, Workis my cure. It only I had a strongcause as my poor mad friend, Renfield•••

Seward ties off his an1. The injection istor hims

56

INT. ASYLUM CORRIDORS - STORM CONTINUINGACTION

Seward glides calm and resolute through hisLOoneysi · hissing--grovling--claving at him like hungry animals; He motions to the BIG KEEPER at Ren.field'scell.

57

INT, RENFIELD'S CELL - SEWARD ENTERS 51

Covering his face with a handkerchief. The floor covered with dung. Renfield offers a large spider inhis palm,

Hors d'oeuvres, Dr, Seward? Canapes?

SEWARD
(checking charts, nonplused)
No thank you Kr Renfield--Hov are you teel1ng tonight?

Far better than you, my lovesick Doctor.

SEWARD
Is my personal life of interest to you?
RENFIELO
All lite interests me.

Renfield pops a handful of flies in his mouth, savoring the taste, licking his fingers in mannerly fashion.

4/16/91 31.

SEWARD
Your eatinghabits are disgusting.
RENFIELD
Lies. All perfectly wholesome nutritious~life". Each life I ingest--giveslife back to me.

He picks outa largeblowfly and eats it. Seward is impressed byhis logiconly,

SEWARD
Ishall have to invent a new classification of lunatic for you.
RENFIELD
I prefer the classification of Professor.Abraham Van Helsing, "zooaphagous arachnophobe•••• "Spider Man.•
(engulfinga spider)
I want him to be my doctor.

Renfield wipes a slew of roaches off a medical journal pointing to an article, "DISEASES OF THE BRAIN," BY A. VAN HELSING,

SEWARD
Don't flatter yourself. You are U lunatic. I only call in my mentor and friend as a last resort.

Renfield loses composure begging on Seward like a dog--

REHFIELD
How about a kitten then, a nice little, sleek, playful kitten, that I can teach and feed and feed--No one would refuse a kitten. I implore you--
SEWARD
(baiting him)
Wouldn't you rather have a cat? Why not feast on an elephant?

Seward leaves him gnawing his fingers on the floor.

REHFIELD
A cat will .do. My salvation depends upon it. The master comes. Livest I need lives for the master. Here kitty, kitty---

Lightning flashes through the skylight. THUNDER CRASHES!

4/16/91 32.

58

INT. LUCY'SBEDROOM - NIGHT - STORM CONT.ACTION

Lucyand Mina hide under the covers andgiggling like schoolgirlsat the sounds of the storm.

MINA
It says in "New Woman" girlswho are faint-hearted cannot survive in the modern world. C'mon, it's just a storm--

She pulls Lucy from under the covers forcingher to look out the balcony windows. THUNDER BOOMS! LIGHTNINGFLASHES, blinding them both. They dive, shrieking,under the covers.

LUCY
We'll see how brave you are. I have a wonderfully wicked plan.

Lucy hurries to her vanity and begins brushing on bright red lip paint. Mina follows, piqued.

LUCY
We'll dress as whores and surprise Art at his bachelor do. You will make a ravishing tart. All the men will undress you with their eyes--lusting for you •••

She begins to paint Mina's lips, playfully caressing her neck, her breast--Mina backs away, surprised at her arousal.

MINA
Lucy! I promised Art to keep you from mischief tonight. So •••so ••• gotobed. No more nonsense.

Mina is imperious, almost regal in her command. Lucy ba~ks away like a scolded puppy, then laughs like Dracula's brides and dances into the bed seductively. Mina is surprised at her own strong behavior. THUNDER BOOMS! The both SCREAM!

59

EXT. THE KOREA - STORMCONTINUINGACTION

A rowdy pub on a London street.

QUINCEY (V.O.)
Drink up,-another health--
60

INT. THE KOREA - CONTINUINGACTION

QUINCEYMORRISS is roaring drunk in a sea of HOOKERS.

4/16/91 JJ.

QUINCEY (cont'd)
--Another toast--with allour hearts to the happiestman in all the world--who'swon thenoblest woman God made--"Good LordArt".

He spins sloshing RIGHTON LORD HOLHWOOD~-Luc•s fiance. Late 2o•s1 a rich, stiff imperious Englishtw1t. His title and wealth are his..majorattractions. He is drunk as well, but disdainful of Quincey's behavior.

HOLMWOOD
Bloody savage. We're not in Bolivia--This is civiliz.ation--
QUINCEY
Yes, "My Lord." Nobody herebut us flesheaters, "My Lord." May I ·say for mad Doc Seward and myself--with all respect "My Lord", Kiss Lucy is hotter•na June Bride ridingbareback inthe middle of the Sahara buck nekkidl
HOLMWOOD
I•11 remind you, Lucy is tobe my wife, so watch your heathentongue it you wish to keep it.

Holmwood trips Quinceyr angrily. He staggersback into a BIG IRISHMAN--embrac1ng the man's HOOKER. The IRISHMAN smashesQuincey against a row of kegs. Kegs topple sending a waveof ale crashing like the sea overQuincey sprawled on the floorwith several Hookers.

THUNDER BOOMS! Pub windows blow open. Rain blows in. Quincey greets it with a Cowboy yell.

Hookers roll back from thewind·and rain. A human wave of flesh writhing past Holmwood seeking refuge.

61 EXT,/IH'l'.DEMETER - NIGHT - STORM CONTINUING ACTION 61

The CAPTAIN; lashed firmto the wheel--dead. His head pitches to and fro. Histhroat torn completely away.

BELOW: Waves crash down an open hatch, Ha111111ockssway. Arms and legs dangle. A HEAD, throat torn away.

62

EXT. HILLINGHAM - STORM CONTINUING ACTION

Shutters blow off. Terrace windows blow open.

4/16/91 34.

63

INT. LUCY'SBEDROOM -STORM CONTINUING ACTION

Rain and windlash her as she forces the terrace doors closed, lockingthem.

MINA
Lucy--are you all right--

She can't seein the darkness. She feels the bed. Empty. covers tossedon the floor;- Fearing the worst, she peers out a smallwindow.

64

EXT. HILLINGHAK- MINA'S POV - STORM CONTINUING ACTION

Ascendingthe steps to the cemetery, a WHITE GOWNED FIGURE--

65

EXT. CEMETERYSTEPS - FOLLOW WCY SLEEPWALKING

Serene smile. Oblivious to the winds ripping at her.

66

EXT. RIVER -STORMCONTINUING ACTION

Fog; lightning. Suddenly the Demeter plunges in the lighthousebeams out of control.

67

EXT. LONDONDOCKS - NIGHT

COASTGUARDSMEN race about securing small craft. The bank of fogrolls in blinding the view. The great streaking hollow sounds boom overhead, as lightning flashes.

The fog suddenly clears, REVEALING THE DEMETER motionless inthe water at the docks. Its anchor drops. The guardsmen stand awestruck at the impossible sight.

An IMMENSE WOLF DOG SUDDENLY LEAPS from the bow into the water, swi111111ingaway.

68

EXT. DEMETER - ON DECK

The guardsmen hurry on deck, findini hideous cadaverous dead bodies washing about. Lamps d scover the dead Captain lashed to the wheel. His throat has been torn away.

A LONG TRIUMPHANT HOWL momentarily silences the tempest.

4/16/91 35.

69

EXT.HILLINGHAM CEMETERY- STORM CONTINUING ACTION

MINA EMERGES from the fogwrapped ina heavy shawl, fightingthe wind andspray--She stopsdead as the HOWLING reaches her--sendingdeeper chills through her. She disappears into the fog.

MINA
Lucy! Lucyyyy!

MINA'S POV - THE CEMETERY

Lucy's white-gowned figure is splayedwanton in the stone seat. Her arms pinnedback, herhips undulating wildly. A DARK FIGURE, erect likea man orbeast·bends over her--

Mina appears from themist. Lightningilluminates the view.

The DARK FIGURErears up, staring with flashing red eyes--

DRACULA'S POV - NIGHTVISION (A VAMPIRE'SVIEW)

Mina moves in slow fluidmovements. Bloodglowing in her veins like lava. Churningwith life. Her breathing and heartbeats amplified. The view jumps closer--rightup to Mina's face.

70 FLASH TO: THE FACE OFELIZABETH: THENBACK TO MINA 70

DRACULA (V.o.)
No•••donot see me--

WITH MINA

She finds Lucy alone,breathing in heavyorgasmic gasps; gown spread revealingher breasts--her thighs. Mina wraps her shawl about Lucypinning it at her neck. Lucy shudders. Mina takes her shoesoff and slips them on Lucy's bare feet. She shakes Lucy hard,waking her in a half-dreamy state. Lucy gasps for air--Minastands her up andguides her away.

LUCY
Hiseyes ••• eyes •••
MINA
It'sall right. You were dreaming--walking in your sleep--
LUCY
Pleasedon't tell anyone, Mina.
MINA
Shush up. Let's get you home.

They pass beneatha massive stone monument of the cross.

4/16/91 J6.

LIGHTNINGCRACKLES: REVEALINGDRACULA IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS! The handsome Warrior Princeyoung again. Stallion blackhair falling abouthis shoulders. Those piercing blue eyeswatch Mina go. Filledwith a hunger--to live--to love.

Thunder; lightning. The Masterhas come.

CUT TO: BLACK

71

FADE IN: EXT. CARFAX ESTATE -DAY

SUPER: Letter, Samuel F. Billington, Son, Solicitor, to Messrs. Carter, Patterson, co., London, 17 August.

"HEREWITH PLEASE RECEIVEINVOICE OF GOODS TO BE DELIVERED AT CARPAX NEAR PURFLEET IMMEDIATELYUPON RECEIPT. ENCLOSED FIND KEYS. YOUWILL PLEASE DEPOSITTHE CONSIGNED BOXES 01" EXPERIMENTAL EARTH, 50 INNUMBER, INTHE PARTIALLY RUINED BUILDING MARXED A ON THEDIAGRAM ENCLOSED. WE ARE, DEAR SIRS, FAITHFULLY YOURS,SAMUEL F.BILLINGTON & SON."

High stone walls surroundthe house which has been abandoned tor years. A pond spreads in frontot an old chapel. At the chapel entrance, LORRYMEN unloadthe Cottin crates from 2 delivery wagons markedCARTER, PATTERSON& SON.

72

INT. CHAPEL - CONTINUINGACTION

The cottin crates make aneerie sight lined up inthe ruins ot the medieval chapel. Dracula is •••home.

73

EXT. ASYLUM - DAY

Rentield holds vigil athis window, nosingthe wind.

REHFIELD
The masterhas come. The blood is the lite--BLOOD IS THE LIFE!

He politely gorges himselfon spiders and flies--

74

INT, SEWARD'S OFFICE - DAYCONTINUING ACTION

Seward tips a MESSENGERand signs for a telegram. The Messenger exits. Seward checks the "sender".

SEWARD
(sardonic to himself)
What the devil does "Lord Arthur" want? Blood? salt my wounds? Ahh--Bestman at his wedding?

He reads. He sits, gravely disturbed by the telegram.

4/16/91 J7.

SEWARD
"Lucy is ill--nospecial disease but she looksawful--worse everyday. I am filledwith anxiety. I mustnot hesitate to ask you to seeher, old friend, It is for her sake,Holmwood"•••

Seward is chilled by the plea. Lucy••• A STOUT KEEPER suddenly bursts in--

STOUTKEEPER
Dr. Seward--it•sRenfield--
75

EXT. ASYLOM - RENFIELD'SWINDOW - CONTINUING ACTION

Renfield smashes his bed throughthe barred window with superhuman thrusts.

RENFIELD
My Master is athand, Collllllandme.

He crawls out, face down--spreadinghis arms and legs like a spider--AND FALLS 2 FLOORSsmacking the ground. Impossibly, he staggers to his feet andruns toward carfax.

76

INT. RENFIELD1 SCELL - SEWARDENTERS

The cell is crawling withbugs and spiders. Seward spots Renfield out the window goingover the wall to carfax.

11

EXT. CARFAX - CAY - MINUTES LATER

Renfield beats against theold iron-boundoak chapel door.

RENFIELD
I am here todo Yourbidding, Master,

Sewarddrops over thewall and approaches slowly. Keepers follow. The Stout Keepercarries a strait waistcoat.

REHFIELD
(pounding,begging)
I haveworshiped you longand far off. Now thatyou are near--I am your slave--Iawait your commands.

Renfield turns facings·ewardand the Keepers.

SEWARD
KMaster?" Renfield, have you taken up religion? Come along now. Your flock needstending.

4/16/91 38.

RENFIELO
What do bugs and birdiesmatter when I have been promisedetP.rnallife! I'll fight for my Lord and Master.

He grabs Seward by the throat. Keeperswrestle him to the ground. Renfield bites one keeper'snose off. He snaps another's arm as if a chicken bone:cracking like a pistol shot. The man screeches agony.

78

INT. CHAPEL BELFRY- DRACULA'S POV (UPSIDE DOWN) ·78

The vampire view of human auras inbattle below. Heartlights pounding--breathing amplified. Keepers beat the lunatic with clubs. Renfield fightson.

WE HEAR: Dracula's metallic animalgrowl of approval. WE SEE: The red eyes of the predatorwatching.

79

EXT. HILLINGHAM ESTATE - AFTERNOON

Seward exits a hansom.

80

INT. LUCY'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON - HERDOOROPENS

Lucy turns in her wedding dress, bubblingdelight•••

LUCY
Jack--brilliant Jack. Oceans of love--millions of kisses--

She opens her arms to him. Seward,unflappable, is shocked at her appearance. He takes her handinstead of her kiss.

LUCY
Do you like it? Mina does, I wanted you to be the firstman to see lt...

She spins for his approval; her skina chalky bloodless white. Weight loss frightening. Gaunt,cheeks sunken in. Receding gums. The early stages ofvampire transformation.

LUCY
Arthur put you up to this. Tell me? or do you want me inmy bedroom alone before I'man old married nag?

Ever the ,tease, she toys with a blackvelvet choker around her neck. Seward forces a laugh, hidinghis reaction.

4/16/91 39.

SEWARO
Now, LU.cy--you•reembarrassing me--and your ooctor--

Lucydrops her "bubble" mask. She reclineson a chaise, hidingher eyes in her hands.

WCY
I cannot tell you how I loathe talking about myself.
SEWARD
Your fiance is very worried about you, Lucy, I assure you, a Doctor's confidence is sacred. I must have your complete trust.

She fondles the choker, c~ling in gaspingsobs.

WCY
Help me--Jack. Please, I dqn•t know what's happening to me--I can't sleep. I see things in the dark elain as day--and I'm-- starv1ng--but I cannot bear the sight of food--Help me--

She gasps, unable to breathe, clutching Seward, terrified.

SEWARD
Lucy--Lucy--this will calm you--

He ~abs an injection in her arm, rocking her like a baby, trying to comfort the one he loves but has lost. Lucy moans--the drug taking effect. Her hand drifts to the choker riding it up, revealing two red marks. Seward is too distraught to notice.

WCY'S THROAT: at her external ·jugular--twosurgical wounds.

81

EXT, LONDON STREET - MOVING POV (DRACULA'S) - EVENING

Scanning the rush of humanity. WOMEN in great cartwheel hats parade by with and without GENTLEMEN. Each Woman steals a glance at us. Some smile. Others look away embarrassed--only to look again. And again---

REVERSE TO: YOUNG DRACULA

The most dashing, handsome man on the street cuts a swathe likesome legendary adventurer back from the wilds. An unusual wide brimmed hat shades his sculpted face. Thin dark beard perfectly trillll!led.Whitekidgloves--a silver headed walking stick, which he thoroughly enjoys swinging.

4/16/91 40.

His eres hidden behind thenewest fashion--tinted glasses. He sm les perfect white teeth--tippinghis hat to each woman who catches his eye. The countis cruising.

DRACULA
Good evening, Ladies. I do find London has anabundance of the most beautifulwomen in the world.

WOMEN titter quite improperlyas he opens a horsedrawn hansom for them. Their GENTLEMANCHAPERON frowns--

CHAPERON
Have you Italiansno manners?
DRACULA
(bowing inapoloqyt Chipecora si fa lupola mangia.

He rises, sweepinghis hand. The horse spooks and bolts awaywith the man clinging to the hansom.

DRACULA
(to himself)
He who behaves like a sheep gets eaten by thewolf. In bocca al lupo.

SCHOOLBOYS dodge around Dracula inpursuit of a PLUMP SCHOOLGIRL playing tag withtheir book.bags. He delights in their vigor; appraising theirsize and shape •.The little plump girl would do for a tastysnack.

One boy shoves the girl hardto the cobblestones· and runs. She sits on the curb holdingher knee sobbing. A shadow passes over her. She looksup. Dracula looms.

DRACULA
Might agentleman beof assistance to a young lady in distress?

Dracula bends, offering his handkerchief.

PLUMPGIRL
Kind of you, Sir, but it is just a scratch.

She removes her hands revealing her freshly skinned knee, Blood drools down her leg, The girl wipes the blood with her fingers, licking them clean.

Dracula turns away, dizzied by the smell of fresh blood. His hunger is powerful.

4 16/91 4.I..

DRACULA
(self-mocking)
Icannot stand the sight of blood.
(hebeckons)
Come. We must findyou a physician.

He's lying. He takes the girl's pudgy hand in hisglove.

DRACULA'S POV - THE FACE OF MINA APPROACHES

Tense as she hurries through the crowd. Her eyesmeet his. She looks ilDlllediatelyaway.somethingcompels herto look again. HE HEARS HER HEART BEAT FASTER. She smiles heading right at Dracula! As if she knows him! He panics, tipping his hat clumsily. Mina marches right past him--

MINA
Flo! You gave me a fright.

--to FLORENCE the pudgy girl. She tends the knee, trying to make her presentable.

MINA (cont'd)
Young ladies in my tutorials do not chase about with boys on the streets. Are you hurt?
FLO
No, Miss Murray. This man helped me.

Flo hands Dracula his bloodstained hanky. Mina rises taking him all in. He bows in a courtly gesture.

DRACULA
My priviledge to be of service, ladies. Children are the breath of life in my country.

Mina is enchanted by his manner and voice but wary.

MINA
I thank you, Sir. Good day.

Mina gives Flo her book bag andtakes her hand to go.

DRACULA
Forgive my ignorance--!am recently arrived fromabroad and do not know your city. Isa beautiful lady permittedto give a "lost soul" directions?

Dracula is THE "lost soul." Mina flouncesby with Flo, properly reticent to engage the strangeman.

4/16/91 42.

MINA
You may purchase a street atlas forsix pence. Good day.
(steering Flo)
Hurry now. Your Nurse is waiting.

Flo waves toDracula. He waves, desperate notto let Mina out of his sight. He HEARS every word--

FLO
Are we not going to the zoo?
MINA
Your lessons are more important.

At thecorner, Mina delivers Flo to her NURSEand goes her ownway.

82

INT.APOTHECARY - EVENING

Mina pays tor a bottle of LAUDANUM, rounds a corner and bumps rightinto Dracula. She startles backward•.The bottledrops. He catches it with blurring swiftness.

MINA
0h--I see you are still••• lost.
DRACULA
My humblest apology. We meet again••• fateperhaps.

Destiny. 400 years. She eyes him--unexplainably drawn--

MINA
I should think not.

She holds out her hand. He almost grasps with his trembling hand, then realizes he has her medicine.

DRACULA
To "see a sick friend" no doubt?
MINA
That is hardly your business.
DRACULA
I have offended you. I only wish to find the zoological gardens. The child spoke ot it. I understand the collection of animals is the greatest in all of the civilized world.

4/16/91 43.

MINA
(intrigued)
If onefancies animals. . DRACUI.A There ismuch to be learned from beasts.
MINA
Imust go. If you will excuseme?
83

EXT. APOTHECARY -MINAEXITS ALONE

Dracula is suddenly infront of her, waiting. Mina is shocked, How?

DRACULA
Then allow me escort you. A woman so lovely should not be walking the streets of London without her Gentleman•••who is perhaps •away on business."
MINA
(soangry she's aroused)
I will most certainlr not be escorted by any gent eman who has not been properly introduced. And who--comes and goes in a--a ghostly way--
DRACULA
Such impertinence. How refreshing. A quality that would cost you your life in my homeland,
MINA
Then I should hope never to visit. Do I know you, sir? Are you acquainted with my husband? Shall I call the police?
DRACULA
Husband? Forgive my manner of , rudeness. I am but a stranger in a strange land. I shall bother you no more •••

He bows, defeated and turns to leave. Mina is confused, fighting against every rule of decorum--

MINA
Sir--I am the one who has been rude. The zoo is through Regent Park. It closes at sunset.

4/16/91 44,

Dracula turnsback trying to controlhimself, He removes his tintedglasses. His sparkling blueeyes hypnotic --enchanting--takingMina all in withloving grace.

DRACULA
Then we must hurry.
(gently, reassuring)
Do not tear me•••

--A subconsciouscommand. Mina is completelytransfixed.

NINA
It's just on my way, I canshow you it you like.

Mina flushes red--beside herself with elllbarrassment.

MINA
Oh dear, how positively sillyot me. I cannot believe myself.

Dracula can. He grins like a lovesick schoolboy--

DRACULA
Permit me to introduce myself,I am Prince Vladislaus of Szeklys. Thus serve proper introduction?
MINA
(impressed and numbed)
What an unusual name. And a •Prince" no less.
DRACULA
(swashbuckling bow)
A meaningless title. ?our servant.
NINA
Wilhelmina Hurray--

Flustered, she starts to curtsy--Dracula stops her.

DRACULA
It is I who am honored, Madam Nina.

She allows a tentative smile charmed and disarmed. PRINCE

DRACULA, barelr containing hls pure joy, escorts Nina into the swirl ot l fe on the streets ot London. Streetla~ps are being lit. People rush home from work. Couples stroll catching the sunset. Big Ben chimes.

4/16/91 45.

84

EXT. ZOO - EVENING

A GREAT GRAY WOLFleaps at us snarling--lipscurled back over its canines--gnashing atthe bars of its cage--

WOLF'S POV - THROUGH THE BARS

Dracula leans on his cane. Sly smile. Ruddy lips. White teeth. Enjoring the chaos he is causing,unflinching as the beast hurls its body against the bars--

Mina pulls at Dracula, distressed. She flinches back as if suffering an electrical shock. Fora flash she sees those eyes--not vivid blue--but burning redlike lasers.

DRACULA
(gentle warm smile)
-It's best not to let thebeast sense your fear. Hewill take all advantage if you allowhim.

Mina regards this strange man who droppedin on her life.

The ZOOKEEPER, MR. BILDER, hurries up andsmacks the wolf through the bars with a wooden staff--

BILDER
'ere now! Git back •ere--Tyke care. Ole Bersicker 'es quick, •e is. Whot er y'doin' here, guvnor? zoo's closed, i' is.

BERSERKER rushes the bars, frighteningMina back. Dracula counters with a sweeping gesture speakinghis mother tongue.

DRACULA
Strygie! Muronyl

The Words the Dark Driver spoke to controlthe wolves on Marker's journey to Castle Dracula. The Wolfcowers-- understanding~-and retreats to the corner.

Mina and Bilder watch dumbfounded.

BILDER
Are ye in the bidness yerself?
DRACULA
(slim smile)
No. I have made pets of several.

Dracula beckons. Gentle. The Great Wolf comes, head down, obedient. Dracula reaches through the bars and cradles Berserker's head in his white gloves, rubbing his ears, stroking his great back.

4/16/91 46.

DRACULA
Come here, Mina •.• Havenofear•••

Mina resists. Dracula drawsher hand into the cage. She struggles--then her hand touchesthe soft fur. Sensual. Berserker moans like a playfulpuppy. She strokes its great neck, getting into it. She smilesto Dracula--the verr image of Elizabeth, laughing freeand completely trusting as she pets the Wolf.

Dracula removes his glasses. Man and Beast face to face. His eyes again crystal blue--thesame color as the wolf.

DRACULA
(softlysavoring)
Berserker.
85

EXT. HILLINGHAM - SUNSET

An elegant BLACK TOURING CARstops outside thegates. Dracula helps Mina down; lastrays ot sunglowing about her.

MINA
Thank you tor a mostunusual afternoon, Prince. Iam not accustomed to such ••• adventures.
DRACULA
It does not haveto end here.

Mina lingers, reluctant to end itat all.

DRACULA (cont'd)
For me the day is just beginning.
(silence)
Join me, Madam Mina •••

Her emotions ripple. She cannotdeceive this man.

KINA
Please, I--I am not "Madam"•••
(compelled to truth)
I ••• am engagedtobe married. Hy tiance is away on business. I cannot see you ••• again.

Silence. Both fixed on each other. Unable to move. He bends kissing her hand. Mina reaches to stroke his long hair--like the wolt--then catches herself pulling back.

DRACULA
(profound melancholy)
Hy sympathies to your "sick" friend.

'.-,.

Mina takes a last lookat those angel eyes and hurriesup thecarriage road to Hillingham.

FOLLOWMINA

A rush of sexual adrenalin. Her face flushed, unableto contain her excitement. She turns to back--

Nothing. Dracula is gone! Even the touring car!

86

INT. LUCY'S BEDROOM - EVENING

Lucy sleeps peacefully. Mina peeks in and covers her. Mina is radiant. Bursting with news she cannot share.

SUPER: SAME DAY, ll PM, MINA MUlraAY'SDIARY

MINA (V.O.)
I am so happy tonight••. because again feel life and hope. I dare not say why ••• DearLucyis sleeping softly and looks, oh, so sweet. I hope she has turned the corner with her condition. If Lord Holmwood fell in love with her seeing her only in the drawing room, I wonder what he would say if ha saw her now? Some of the New Women writers will some day start an idea that men and women should be allowed to sleep with each other before proposing or accepting.
(self-consciouslaugh dissolves to guilt)
...If only I knew if Jonathan••• God bless him and keep him, ••
87

EXT, SNOWY WOODS - NIGHT

Harker runs, dream motion, fightingthe snow. TINGLING LAUGHTER of Dracula's Brides builds to the REVERBERATING HOWLING of Wolves. The HOWLING closes in--

He falls--tumbling, sliding down--down--landing on railroad tracks--BLINDING LIGHTS APPEAR! A SlmILL WHISTLE. Harker looks up--unable to move!

The BRIDES MATERIALIZE, surrounding him, pressing him back into the snow. The train ROARS by o.c. He strugglesto free himself, but their erotic power over him is too great.

FADE OUT:

88 FADE I~:TIGHT ON MICROSCOPIC VIEWOF BLOOD 88

PUlsing. Cells churning. Corpuscles battle attacking a foreigncell.

VAN HELSING (V.O.)
Ah--you see--witness the struggle. The great mystery of life and death--continues--

REVEAL: ABRAHAM VAN HELSING lecturing a handful ofSTUDENTS around his microscope. "The poise of his head indicates thought and power ••• sculptedinmystery and kindness••• dark blue.eyes quick and tender or stern with the man'smoods."

STUDENT
But Dr. Van Helsing, you have yet to explain your theory.
VAN HELSING
Ah, it is the fault of science that wants to explain it all. But when science cannot--science simply says there is nothing to explain.

Van Helsing raises the limp arm of a cadaver on a table and lets it drop punctuating his point. His students laugh.

VAN HELSING
There are many mysteries in our universe. But the key to all life and death lies here •••

He slits his thumb with a lancet squeezing his own blood onto a glass slide,

VAN HELSING
Blood is life and gives life. Page and Burdon have proved the heart emanates an electrical charge with each beat, carrying the blood which animates the body and feeds it--

van Helsing moves to the head of the cadaver pushing electrical wires into lobes of the exposed brain and open heart cavity.

VAN HELSING
The Americans have an electrical chair used to stop the hearts of criminals. Pity the Americans. Barbarians. But consider a drop--a trickle of electricity to the heart, pumping blood through a body that has ceased to live? can man play God--bestow life?

4/16/91 49.

Van Helsing turns a hand generatorslowly watching the amps on a gauge--students shrink back inexclamation.

The cadaver's hands quake with theelectricity. The dead heart beats erratically. studentssfioutand applaud.

TIGHT ON VAN HELSING: cranking faster•.. playingGod.

SUPER: 6, SEPT. TELEGRAM, LONDONTO VAN HELSING, AMSTERDAM

"Dear Professor, come atonce: do not lose an hour. A dear friend near death; disease unknown. I am in desperateneed. Jack Seward."

89

EXT, HILLINGHAM - DRACULA'SFLYING POV

The VIEW lands silently and moves throughthe garden toward Lucy's balcony. The POV LIFTSeffortlessly into the air and glides to Lucy's Frenchdoors.

90

RESUME: DRACULA POV - NIGHTVISION

Lucy senses the presence and turns over. Her eyes brighten. She smiles wanton and opensherself•. Blood rushes through her glowing like moltenlava. Pulsing life.

ON THE BALCONY - DRACULA WATCHES

Tracing his own hand up his leg to his pelvis--toyingwith her like a trained animal--

LUCYmirrors him, arousing herself withher own caress. Her hands glide up her body finding herbreasts--to her neck. She removes her choker--strokingher neck slowly with her hands--then faster--ejaculatory--sexualpowers awakened. This is what she has hungered for.

Dracula enters. No love or tenderness in him. He hungers. He hurls her back on the bed--rips away hergown--and takes her--

91

EXT HILLINGHAM - NIGHT - SAME TIME

Dense fog has set in. A motorcar stops in front of the house. PROF. VAN HELSING steps out carrying a single valise. A 9rand silhouette. The car leaves. Van Helsing remains motionless, sensing, listening.

Urgency sweeps over him. He ascends the steps hurriedly with a marked limp.

4/16/91 50.

92

INT. HILLINGHAM- CONTINUING ACTION

A SERVANTtakes Van Helsing's coat. He refuses to let go his bag. Seward, haggard, hurries to meet him.

SEWARD
Professor Van Helsing. How good of you to come.

Van Helsing, set in his eccentric ways, doesn't shake hands, but rather places his gloves and hat in Seward's care and immediatelysurveys the house with his 6th sense. Already fearfulof the power he is up against--

VAN HELSING
(thickoutch accent)
I come to my friend when he call me to aid those he holds dear--Jack--tell me everything about your case.
SEWARD
She has all the usual physical anemic signs--her blood analyzes normal--and yet--it is not. She manifests continued blood loss--I cannot trace the cause--She complains of dreams that frighten her--but cannot remel!iberthem. I have concluded it must be something mental.
VAN HELSING
"Mental?"
(fearingit's not)
SEWARD
I'm losing her,
VAN HELSING
(readingsevard)
Your dear Miss. She means much to you--You love her?

Seward nods: near collapse. Suddenly, Lucy's ORGASMIC WAIL echoes down the stairs.

93

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUING ACTION

LUCY'S WANTON MOANS repeat again building to a passionate female climax--seward falters topping the stairs, confused by her cries of ecstasy.

~/16/91 51.

94

INT. LUCY'S BEDROOM - VAJ:LHELSINGENTERS

Balcony doors stand open. Curtains flap. Lucy lies s~rawled on her bed. A small pool ofblood caking on a pillow. Her gown torn open to herwaist.

Van Helsing covers her. Her chestheaves struggling to breathe. He checks her pulse--her jugular. The black choker hinders him. He slides itdown--revealing the t~o ..smallpunctures. Fresh. Larger. Worn with repeated use--

Van Helsing's expression tells all. He knows. He knows!

SEWARD
••.My ••~God •••Lucy•••
VAN HEL'3ING
There is no time to be lost.She will die for sheer want ofblood. There must be transfusionat once.

Seward opens the bag pulling out implements--

SEWARD
You've perfected the procedure?
VAN HELSING
I"ve e)C\)erimentedwith Landsteiner's method. If hemolysis occurs in the donor serum, the red blood cellswill burst--Dear Miss could die.,.
SEWARD
(rolling up his sleeve)
She will die if we don't try.

Holmwood rushes in his hat and topcoat as Van Helsing ties off Lucy's arm in her state of undress,

HOLMWOOD
--What the bloody hell?!

He grabs atVan Helsing. Seward pulls him back.

SEWARD
Art--It's Professor van Helsing. My old friend and teacher from Amsterdam. He knows more about obscure diseases than any man in the world!
HOLMWOOD
I don't give a damn who he is. What's he doing to my Lucy!?

4/16/91 32.

Van Helsing looks at Seward, then at Holmwood. He "sees" everything.

He's trying to save her, Art.

VAN HELSING
(calm, in charge)
The young miss is very bad. We make a transfusion.

"HOI.MWooo· My life is hers. I would give my last drop of blood to save her.

VAN HELSING
(sadistic chuckle)
I do not ask as much as that, yet.

Van Helsing holds up two ghastly needles in each hand connected by tubini and a bulb plllllp.Holmwoodgrows faint. Seward is irritated by his lack of will.

VAN HELSING
(knowing Lucy•s fate)
You will be happy in the not-so- far-off (future) you have done all for her you love--Now kiss her once--we.begin--

self-conscious and overwhelmed, Holmwood kisses Lucy tentatively on her bluing lips.

Seward sits him down like a child, ties off his arm with a jealous jerk and thumps up a vein. Experience. He jabs Holmwood with the large needle, inwardly enjoyi·g the pain he's inflicted in Holmwood's face.

Van Helsing inserts the large needle into Lucy's arm. She quivers in brief pain--still unconscious. He pumps.

RED BLOOD rhythmically travels the tube from his arm to hers~ feeding life into her. WE HEAR the force like a raging torrent of water crashing down.

DISSOLVE TO:

95 THE FACE OF DRACULA 95

Inhis "coma." His lips red with life. His hunger sated.

DISSOLVE TO:
96

THE FACE OF MINA - RIDING IN A CARRIAGE

SUPER: 6, SEPTEMBER

4/16,91 5J •

MINA (V. 0.)
Diary again. Lucy has had another setback. I loathe to see her pain••• Ihave had such·an adventure, such an experience. I confess I can no longer hidemr feelings. I •..mustsee the Prince again. Forgive me my Jonathan, I cannot bear••.not to ...
97

INT. RULE'S CAFE - LATE NIGHT

CHORUS GIRLS and ACTRESSES dine discreetlywith their GENTLEMEN ADMIRERS; GERMAN DUKES, AUSTRIANCOUNTS, ENGLISH ROYALTY,the like in this famous Bohemian supper club. Absinthe abounds, the "Green Fairy" liquid drug of choice.

OSCARWILDEexpounds a romantic poem to all the ladies present•.• andof course, the men••• especially.••

DRACULA,in classic tuxedo with a dash of red silk, riveted to Wilde. Dracula's handsome pallor and tinted glasses draws women's glances like a rock star.

WILDE
And her sweet red lips of mine Burned like ruby fire set••• In the swinging lamp of a crimson shrine, Or the bleeding wounds of the pomegranate, Or the heart of the Lotus drenched and wet, With the spilt-out blood of the rose red wine.

Wilde ends kneeling BEFORE MINA, sitting radiantly sim~le beside Dracula; who stands in rousing applause rewarding Wilde with a magnificent golden ring.

WILDE
Should you not bestow such treasure to your lady most fair, Oh Prince?

Mina flushes red watching Dracula adoringly.

DRACULA
Should you not bestow such treasure to your landlady most needy, Oh Poet?

Wilde leads the crowd, applauding Dracula's wit. Dracula greets the adulation as if a great actor long absent returning to his stage.

MINA (V.O.)
He has such passion for life. For everything around him--like a child discovering the world••.

4/15191 54.

( 98 INT. FRIVATE DINING ROOM - LATER

Where lovers meet for an undisturbed"tete-a-tete." Dracula talks animated. He pressesgreen absinthe to her lips.

DRACULA
Drink. Absinthe isthe aphrodisiac of the self.

They drink deep. Mina weakensat his proximity, giving in.

MINA
What does anassistant school- mistress know aboutsuch things. I've never beenin such a ••• swirl.

She swirls the green absinthein the candlelight. Dracula covers her lips.

DRACULA
I had no teachers likeyou in my youth. Onlymonks ••• large, obese, ugly smellymonks •••God cursed them.

MINA {V.O. cont'd) Yet I am drawnto something in him that frightensme. He has many secrets to unlock. I want to know them all•••

DRACULA
The land of my ancientfathers is rich in culture and fableand lore and Kings and Queensjust as your England.
MINA
{hallucinating) A land beyond a greatvast forest••• surroundedbymajestic mountains•••
DRACULA
{unnerved by heraccuracy) ••• themost beautiful place in creation.
MINA
(painting in the air)
Yes••• itmust be. I can see it. Majestic mountains. Lush vineyards ••.with flowers of such frailty and beauty as to be found nowhere else•••

~/16;91 55.

DRACULA
(sl?ellbound)
You describemy home as if you ... had seen it firsthand...
MINA
It is yourvoice perhaps. It is so ••.familiar••• likeavoicein a dream youcannot place.•• It comfortsme .•• when Iam alone.

Their eyes meet,both lingeringtoo long.

MINA
And what of the Princess?
DRACULA
Princess?
MINA
Inyour land. There is always a Princess. Does she have flowing hair the color of autumn, the haunting eyes of a lustful cat, with gowns flowingwhite, her face a ••• herface.•• and
(lostin some hallucination)
.•.ariver. the Princess is a river filledwith tears of sadness and heartbreak •••

Mina awakens to her deep inner self.

DRACUIA
Madam Mina ••.it isyou who have become the poet •••

Mina smiles aloof, lost inthe absinthe dream trying to decipher sensations surging through her.

DRACUIA
There was a Princess, Elizabeth.

--speaking "Elizabeth" to Mina as if it were her given name.

DRACUIA
The most radiant woman in all the empires of the world •.• Man's deceit took her fromher ancient Prince. She leapedto her death into the river you s~oke of ••• in mr mother tongue it1.s called"the river princess."

4/16/9l 56.

Silence. Mina takes his hands inhers, rubbing them comforting•.•

DISSOLVETO:

THE CAFE - LATER - MINA AND DRACULADANCING

A waltz. Hundreds of candles flicker. With each turn, Dracula becomes more fluid and comfortablein Mina's arms and she in his. she is awakeninghis dead soul.

DRACULA
I never thought to danceagain. or to laugh•••
MINA (V.O.)
There is a loneliness inhim that cries out for love •••and something else frightening••• a•lmost••• evil•••

He lifts her eyes to his--They kiss--gently,tenderly-- Mina's desire awakened by ••• amonster.

MINA (V.O.)
I find this irresistible. He is unlike any man•••
DISSOLVE TO:
99

INT. LUCY'S BEDROOM - DAY

LUCY'S ANGELIC FACE

Sleeping peacefullf, Cheeks and color healthy. Breath short: her face thin and drawn. An orgasmic st.udderripples through her. A tiny garland of white flowers has replaced her black choker.

THE FACE OF VAN HELSING

hovers over her; his eyebrows converge deep in thought. He checks her receding gums, hiding his reaction to her slightly changed teeth. He has seen this condition before! Mustn't panic. Mustn't panic.

Van Helsing gently reveals the punctures on her throat. Seward inspects them.

SEWARD
No sign of disease. No trituration. Could her blood loss have occurred here?

Van Helsing scoffs, disappointed in his student.

~/16/91 57.

SEWARD
(self-critical)
Of coursenot. The bedclothes would becovered in blood.
LUCY
(halfdreaming)
...red eyes...come ...

She wakes. Van Helsingdisarms her with his jovialbedside manner.-::-•·

VAN HEI.5ING
My dear young Miss--they told me youwere down in spirit. I say "pouf"!
(sna~pinghis fingers)
You and I will show them how wrong they are.

Lucy rallieswith her coy laugh--taking his hand. Seward appears atVan Helsing's side.

LUCY
(surmisingwho he is)
Dr. van Helsing•.•? Jack--how good you are all to me.
VAN HEI.5ING
(upbeat,jovial)
What does he know of young ladies? He has his "madmans" to play with.

Lucyenjoys Seward's.embarrassment. Her hands glide to her throat. She freezes--feeling flowers instead of her choker. She wrinkles her·nose ..atthedisgusting smell.

VAN HEI.5ING
How can one so beautiful snub such a charming nose? This (garland) is medicinal--so that you may sleep well--and dream pleasant--

He points to a large bouquet of beautiful white flowers in a vase by the French doors.

VAN HEI.5ING (cont'd)
--like the Lotus flower--make all your trouble forgotten--

Lucy tears the flower necklace off laughing derisively.

LUCY
You're putting up ajoke on me. These flowers are only common garlic.

~/16/91 58.

Van Helsingstands menacing over Lucy. Sherecoils--

VAN HELSING
I never jest. I warn you that you do not thwart me.
(transforming--t'atherly a9ain)
Oh, my little miss, do not fear me. I only do for your good.

QUINCEYENTERS, having been outside waiting. He's shocked by her appearance, but puts on his big grin.

QUINCEY
You just rest easy now, Lucy. Art asked me to look after you while he's out being lordly, whatever that is •••
LUCY
Oh my love, I am so glad you have come. Kiss me---kiss me once more--

Her voice is soft, voluptuous, reeking with desire. Seward is shocked, then jealous. Quincey bends to her eager--

VAN HELSING EXPLODES, catching Quincey with a fur/ yanking him back across the room--

VAN HELSING
Not for your life! Not for your living soul--or hers!

Quincey grabs Van Helsing--Seward intervenes--

QUINCEY
C'mon Y' damn ole coot--let's step outside and settle this--
SEWARD
Quin! We agreed to do everything he says!

Lucy's weak hand rests on Van Helsing•s. She kisses it. Her voice faint and filled with "untellable pathos".

LUCY
You are my true friend.•• Guard my dearest friends and my Arthur and give me peace•••

Van Helsing eyes the young men. No one challenges his authority now. He kneels, taking Lucy's hand in oath.

~/16/91

VAN HELSING
She charm me. I swear to this, not because of disease, but because of you--dearest Miss••.
100

EXT. WOODS - RAINY DAY

Harker crawls through a rush of mud and rain, as if trying to swim up a waterfall, drowning, sinking, dying.

HARKER (V.O,)
No man knows till he has suffered from the night how sweet and dear to his heart and eye the morning can be ••• thelettersI wrote, each one part of his plan, to blot out the very traces of my existence.,,Mina, I live••• you must know I live•••
101

INT. CHURCH ENTRANCE - NIGHT

Someone pounds like a madman on the door. Outside, wolves howl. A NUN rushes to the door, sliding open a small'hatch. Lightning flashes, revealing the tormented face of Harker. He tries to speak. His voice is gone, He offers handfuls of ancient golden coins, pushing them through the small hatch. More nuns rush up. Thar open the door.· Harker collapses into their arins. He is saved.

102

EXT. HILLINGHAM GROUNDS - DAY

A wedding rehearsal. Mina fills in for Lucy. Holmwood, Quincey and Seward greet her at the altar. The mood is soml:ler.Holmwood puts on a brave face. Mina shores him up as they face the PRIEST.

SUPER: 7, SEPTEMBER, MINA MURRAY'S DIARY

MINA (V,O,)
I am anxious and it soothes me to express myself here. Today we rehearsed Lucy's wedding, She was too ill to attend. Poor Arthur•••I have much to talk over with Jonathan about our own marriage••• onlyone letter from him in a month--a brief line, saying he was leaving Castle Dracula, This is so unlike· Jonathan. I do not understand this and it makes me uneasy. If only I knew the future•••

4/15.191 '50.

103

INT. HILLINGHAMPARLOR - DAY

Mina finishesher diary entry on a lapdesk. A SERVANT enters.

SERVANT
The gentleman to see you--

Mina panics to herself.. . r

MINA
Vladislaus? Not here--

Van Helsing enters, all charm masking his agenda.

VAN HELSING
Ah--you are Madam Mina, dear friend to our Lucy. Forgiveme, I have startle you ••• ?
MINA
(taking his hand)
Dr. Van Helsing•••! thought you ••. mightbesomeone else.
VAN HELSING
Ah, yes yes. Lucy told me about your Mr. Harker's business trip and your worry for him. I worry too ••.forall young lovers. I should like to meet him someday.

Mina wasn't expecting this. Van Helsing takes her hand comforting.

VAN HELSING (cont'd)
Lucy tell me much about her dear friend, Mina •••I know of her sleepwalking and how you save her ••• Icometo you to ask you to tell me all you can remember. It is for her good I ask--
MINA
(suspicious)
I wrote it all down, here in my diary--

She finds the page. van Helsing politely finesses it from her, moving to the window to read. Mina starts to protest--

VAN HELSING
(scanning the page)
I shall be discreet, Madam. I do not wish to know your secrets..•

~/16/91 ':51.

MINA
Professor...what iswrong with Lucy? Is she ..•dying.
VAN HELSING
(reading, faceablaze)
Things are not alwaysas they seem.

He shuts the diary in a rush ofenergy, taking Mina's hands .

89

VANHELSING (CONT'D)

Madam Mina, how canI say what I owe you? This paper isas sunshine. I am dazzle. It will be a pleasureto serveyou as friend. I trust youbut ask.

MINA
You praiseme too much and you do not •••knowme•••
VAN HELSING
There are darknesses inlife, and there are lights. You areone of the lights--

He kisses her hand and turns togo. He stops, slapping his hands to his great noble head--

VAN HELSING
Mein Gott--the devilhas fevered my brain. A letter foryou--from Buda-Pesth--

He fishes a letter from his pocket and presents it--

VAN HELSING (cont'd)
Your "husband" will be blessed in you•••

He dashes off. Mina stares at the opened letter. Jonathan? She reads, breathless, theweeks of waiting over--

MINA
overcome witn joy) He's al1ve1 Jonathan's alive!
104

INT. TRAIN -TIGHT ON MINA - DAY

Mina reads a letter for the hundredth time, still barely comprehending its truth:

SUPER: 12 AUGUST, LETTER, SISTER AGATHA, HOSPITAL OF ST.

JOSEPH ANO ST. MARY.

4/16/91 62.

SISTERAGATHA(V.O.)
"Dear Madam, I write by desireof Mr, Jonathan Harker who is himself not strong enoughto write, though progressingwell thanks to God and St.Joseph and St, Mary. He has beenunder our care suffering from a violent brain fever. In hisdelirium, his ravings have beendreadful: of wolves and poisonand blood; of ghosts and demons;and I fear to say of what. Be assuredthat he is well cared for. He has told me all about youand that you are shortly to behis wife.•. All blessings to you both.•

Mina's joy becomes remorse•••crumblingin tears.

105

INT. RULE'S CAFE TIGHT ON A LETTER -NIGHT

MINA (V.O.)
My dearest Prince--forgiveme.

Dracula reads the letter in the privatedining room set with an elegant meal. He is alone. Painsharpens: with each word wrenching him like a wild animalcaught in a trap.

MINA (V,O.)
I cannot be with you this ni9ht-- nor ever again. I·have received word from my fiance in Europe.I am en route to join him. We areto be married. Forever your love,Mina •••

Tears drop blurring the ink, They are Dracula's!

DRACUIA
(desperate whisper)
Mina •••My love •••
106

FLASH TO: MINA - ON A BOAT - NIGHT

Her joy melts to anguish and heartbreak. She finds her diary. Methodically, she tears 3 pages from it and throws them overboard, watching each memory drift away.

MINA
My sweet Prince••• Jonathanmust never know of us--

4/15191 63.

She starts to throw a single white kidglove, touching it to her face, savorin9, remembering. Tears finally come. Her inner strength failing, she sobs,closing the door on Oracula .•.forever•••

107 RESUME: DRACULA 107

Heads in hands, fighting his grief,hiding his tears. Kid gloves stained with blood! He removesthem revealing the hideous face of a corpse. Skin cracking,rupturing, transforming into the ~00 year old demon thatrules him!

108

EXT. HILLINGHAM - NIGHT

Van Helsing climbs in a motorcar withhis inexpendable bag. Seward follows with Quincey--cradlinga Winchester.

QUINCEY
(holding Seward back)
Jack--You know I love thatgirl. Wanted to marry her same asyou.

Seward, exhausted--strung out--faces Quinceyman to man.

QUINCEY
That ole Dutchman know what he's doin•? How much blood1ve we give her and where's it all goin1? A.ndwhat the hell's with those flowers? smell worse•n a dog on a gut wagon. Is he working some kind of "spell"?
SEWARD
I have learned not to question Van Helsing•s methods •••Frankly, I'm at my wit's end.

Van Helsing leans from the car--impatient.

VAN HELSING
Guard her well, Mr, Morriss, do not fail here tonight. We're fighting an enormous power here. Greater than any disease I have ever encountered. To live, IT feeds on Lucy's precious blood.

Quincey, disgusted, ready to punch van Helsing out.

QUINCEY
You•re a sick old buzzard--

4/16/9: ':14.

VAN HELSING
And you are a sane man. Bothof you. Hear me out. Lucy isnot a random victim attacked by mere accident. No--she is a willing recruit, a follower, I daresay--a devoted disciple. She transform because she suckles the beast's own diseased blood to becomewhat it is. A monster•••

Quincey looks to Seward for explanation of thisnonsense.

VAN HELSING
We may still yet save her precious soul•••
(laughs maniacally)
But not on an empty stomach. Jack! I starve!

Seward climbs in--Van Helsing barks to the driver. They speed away leaving Quincey behind. He surveys thevast grounds. He checks his knife and rifle••• spooked.

109

INT. RENFIELD'S CELL - NIGHT

Renfield lies comatose on the floor strapped in his strait-jacket. Face bruised and beaten. His eyes open wide--as if suJDJDoned.

Something is there in the darkness. DRACULA STRIDES from the shadows as if he walked through the wall. His face still the 400-year-old demon. Renfield rises, controlled by invisible strings. With superhuman strength, he pulls himself free of the straitjacket.

RENFIELD
Yes Master•..thy will be done.

Renfield is talking to an empty room.

110

INT. SEWARD'S OFFICE - ASYLUM- NIGHT

Seward ties off his arm, his body quaking as he prepares an injection.

SEWARD(V.O.)
Lucy is dying. I fear our watch is almost over. van Helsing has resorted to spells and witchcraft. We are all becoming God's mad men.

RENFIELD CRASHES IN THE DOOR armed with a lancet.

..;./~6i91 55.

SEWARD
Good God--
RENFIELD
Good guess. I am merely his servant.

Renfield lunges at Seward slashing his arm spewing blood. The men gra~ple to the floor. Seward stabs Renfield inthe neck with his syringe. The men sag ••• lifeless.Blood trickles in a puddle. Madness.

lll EXT. HILLINGHAM GROUNDS - NIGHT lll

Quincey patrols watching the same full moon. HOWLING draws closer. Dogs? No. A wolf? He cocks his rifle.

PREDATOR'S POV: A vampire's view of Quincey--way across the lawn. The VIEW jwnps to his rifle and gleaming knife.

Quincey turns, sensing the presence--VIEW RUSHESCLOSER. He raises his Winchester--he weakens. VIEW rushes over him--

112

INT. LUCY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUING ACTION

Lucy tosses unable to sleep. Her nocturnal powers alive.

113

EXT. HILLINGHAM - PREDATOR'S POV - CONTINUING ACTION

The 4 legged kind. Moving through the garden to Lucy's balcony. IT RISES--flying to the balcony doors.

114

EXT. BALCONY PREDATOR POV - LUCY

She wakes--on command--her eyes filled with wanton lust-- facing Dracula through the glass doors. Not the handsome creature of desire, but a hungry demon.

115

INTERCUT: A CATHEDRAL - BUDAPEST- DAY

A NUN'S CHOIR chants God's praises in Latin. A tall GOLDCRUCIFIX fills the view.

RESUME 114: DRACULA & LUCY

DRACULA
Your impotent men with their foolish spells cannot protect you from my power--

Lucy clutches the garland of flowers around her neck--

4/16/91 '56 •

\ RESUME 115: CATHEDRAL WEDDING

A PRIEST carries the crucifiK leadinga wedding procession. MINA, the Bride. Her dress simple,her veil sparse, but she is beautiful all in white.

RESUME 114: DRACULA & LUCY

DRACULA
I condemn you to livin9death--to eternal hunger for living blood--YOU BITCH OFTHE DEVILLL!

He raises his arms c~lling fortha tempest. BERSERl<ERLEAPS RIGHT THROUGH HIM {OPTICAL FX)--asif she were a ghost--

RESUME 115: CATHEDRAL WEDDING

AT THEALTAR, the GROOM slowly turnsto facehis bride. JONATHANHARKER, ashen, unsmiling,gaunt, eyes deepset.

116

INT. LUCY'SBEDROOM - CONTINUINGACTION

The GreatGrey Wolf--CRASHES THROUGHTHE GLASS intothe room--knocking Lucy back onto thebed. WINDS ROAR!

BERSERKERpants over Lucy. The hunger. Mesmerized, Lucy looks intothe eyes of the beast•••Dracula's eyes. Her handglides to the garland aroundher neck--and rips it awayrevealing her neck and throat--

RESUME 115: MINA AND HAIU<ER

The shadow of the cross passes overthem. Panic wells in his eyes, he kisses the crucifix. Peace fills his face. He is clean.

RESUME 116: DRACULA AND LUCY - WOLF POV

Gazing down at Lucy. Slowly and lovingly, she takes his fur in both her hands and pulls his great head to her-- LUCY'S ORGASMICWAIL BUILDS AND BUILDS CONTINUING OVER:

RESUME 115: MINA AND HARKER

They kiss in holy matrimony. There is no life in Harker•s face ••• Thereisno passion in Mina's.

LUCY'S WAIL CRESCENDOS!

FADE OUT:

4/15/91 57.

117

FADE IN: INT. PARLOR- TIGHT ON LUCY -DAY

Lovelier than ever. Surrounded bywhite satin. The same room at Hillingham where shemade Quincey show her his knife is "a wilderness of beautifulwhite flowers" and "tall wax candles" giving her anangelic glow.

MINA (V.o.)
"Lucy dear, it was my privilege to be your friend andguide when you came from the schoolroomto prepare for the worldof life. Please, Almighty God,your life may be all it promises: a long day of sunshine, withno harsh wind, no distrust and nopain. I do hope you will bealways as happy as I am now. Goodbye,my dear. I shall post thisat once. I must stop, for my Jonathan is waking. I must attend tomy husband! Your ever loving, WILHELMINA HARKER."

VAN HELSING'S HANDS place a tiny gold crucifix gentlyover Lucy's lips--a wreath of white flowers on her head--

SEWARD
There is peace for her at last. It is the end.

Van Helsing comforts his former student with tears in his wise aging eyes.

VAN HELSING
Friend Jack, I pity your poor bleeding heart the more because it does so. It is not over. It is only the beginning•••! want you to bring me a set of post mortem knives••••
SEWARD
(sickened at the thought)
An autopsy--Lucy?•••
VAN HELSING
(matter of fact)
Not exactly. I want to cut off her head and take out her heart.

Seward backs away repulsed--stunned into silence. The VIEW MOVES SLOWLY TO LUCY'S FACE.

SUPER: CABLEGRAMTO MR. &MRS. JONATHAN HARKER

VAN HELSING (V.O.)
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Harker. You will be grieved to hear that Lucy Westenra died and was buried 5 days ago. A. Van Helsing, attending physician.

Porters loadtheir bags onto a "motorbus.•• Harker recoils from.thecrush of peopl,eon_the street, paranoid, fearful.

MINA (V.O.)
A sad homecoming in every way. It seems only yesterday my last entry was made••• andyet how much between then and Hillingham and all the world before me? Poor Lucy isgone. Never to return to us. To have lost such sweetness out of our lives•••And.Jonathan, my husband, with another attack that may harm him. I may nev.er ·know what he suffered. I dare not open the subject to him for I keep m own secrets •••Howdifferent our 1 ves1were a fewmonths ago. Wbat has happened to us?

DRACULA'S POV - STALKING THEM

Watching. Hearing. The VIEW JUMPS CLOSER to Harker.

DRACULA
(angryanimal whisper)
Harker---

Harker buckles. His legsgiving way. Mina struggles to hold him up. His eyes wild interror and amazement--

MINA
Jonathan? What is it?--

He sees DRACULA! Younger! Restored! Looking rightat Harker from inside the dark touring car.

lWU<ER (pointingfeverish) It is the man himself. The Count ••• He has grown young. My God!--

Dracula is gone in the crush of people. Mina looks back to harker trying to comfort him. The motorbus rings its daparture.

~/16/91 59.

MINA
Jonathan--calm yourself. Let's go to our home. You've had a shock--

He issuddenly animated, lucid with purpose.

HARI<ER You go on to Exeter without me. I must know if this is true and that I am sane--If he is here, My journal, Mina--unspeakable horrors--You will understand••• I pray you will•••

He hands her the tattered journal, and kissesher passionately. She boards the motorbus unableto look back. Harker watches her go with grim resolve.

119

EXT. HILLINGH.AMCEMETERY - FOGGY NIGHT

Lamps flash across the iron gate leading to the family crypt. Quincey SWINGS a sledge breaking the lock. Van Helsing leads Holmwood reluctantly in. Seward follows.

120

INT. VAULT - CONTINUING ACTION

The Leaden Coffin sits on a stone altar, Seward and Quincey inspect it with their lamps. Sealed tight.

VAN HELSING
(a class lecture)
If--Hiss Lucy is dead--there can be no wrong done to her. But if she is not--
HOLMWOOD
My God--has she been buried alive?
VAN HELSING
I go no further to say she is "un-dead".

Van Helsing produces screwdrivers from his bag. Quincey and Seward go to work on it. Holmwood is an emotional mess.

HOLMWOOD
"On-dead?" This is insanity, I have a duty to protect her from outrage--

4/15/91

VANHELSING
(grim sweetpride)
I gave what you gave--theblood of my veins--I gave itfreely. I gave to her my nightsand days-- If my death cando her good, even now, she shall have itfreely.

Holmwood backs off, helpless. Van Helsing pries the lead flange back. Quincey and Sewardremove the lid. Empty!

VANHELSING
She is "nosferatu.""Un-dead". Nosferatu is immortal. Surviving age after age feedingon the blood of the living;adding new victims. We do notfight one monster--Lucy isbut one of an entire army thatgrows among us.

Quincey isloudly skeptical. Holmwood lashes out--

HOLMWOOD
Lies! You cannotprove this--old man! Why cast dishonoron her--

SOFT FEMININESINGING drifts intothe vault. Holmwood recognizesthe voice. He shrinksback--Van Helsing signals.· Seward shuts off the lantern.

A GOLDEN HAIRED WOMAN descendsthe stairs draped in white. She.holds a young child at herbreast, singing and swaying--

Holmwood openly gasps. It is Lucy--inher bridal gown. Van Helsing steps out, flanked by theothers ina line blocking the crypt. He shines his lantern inher face.

Lucy--her lips and gown fresh with atiny stream of blood. She drops the child carelesslyto the9round. Itmoans crying. Seward picks it up--checking itscondition.

SEWARD
We're in time. The childwill live.

HOLMWOOD BUCKLES. Quincey is horrified and aroused at the same time but ready with his knife--

Lucy approaches Holmwood with a voluptuous grace.

LUCY
Come to me Arthur. Leave these others and come to me. My arms are hungry for you. Come and we can rest together. Come, my husband, come---

•/16/91 71.

Holmwood opens his arms in a trance--sheleaps into them-- VAN HELSING SHOVESHER BACKslashing the air with a curved Kukri knife. He flashes a crucifix--

VAN HELSING
Answer me now, my friend! Am I to proceed with mywork?

Holmwood falls to his knees--his faceburied in his hands.

104

-

HOLMWOOD Do as you will. Oh••• dear .•• God.

Lucy's eyes burn unholy light. Shepushes past Van Helsing and disappears into the darkness ofthe crypt.

121

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

A train roars from the darkness.

122

INT. TRAIN - NIGHT - CONTINUING ACTION

Mina sits in a compartment alone. She finishesJonathan's tattered journal. Her breath short. Completelydistraught. She sets the journal down and backs away from itas if it might come to life--

MINA (V.O.)
Jonathan, how he must have suffered. Whether it be true, or only imagination••• hebelieves it all himself. That fearful count, coming to London •••

The CONDUCTOR sticks his head in--

CONDUCTOR
Exeter Station, 11 minutes, Mum.

Mina acknowledges. The conductor continues his rounds. Mina looks out at the night sliding past into dawn. The compartment door opens and closes behind her.

Someone sits op~osite her. She properly avoids eye contact. She sees the white kid gloves. A chill runs through her-- In the dim light his blue eyes flash. DRACULA--young and handsome as she has always seen him. She wants to cry out--

DRACULA
No--I beg you. I had to see you. I am a madman without you--

He glides his hand to hers. She fights his gentle touch--

4/16;91 72..

MINA
Please--We mustn't--my husband--

She raises the journal as if in defense. Hebats it from her hand.

DRACULA
He does not deserve you.
MINA
"._Who are you? Where are you from? What do you know of him?
DRACULA .
I BEG YOU. This is as it was meant to be. Mortal love has no hold on you. ours will last all eternity.
MINA
(strong, defiant)
I am a married woman. You must u.nderstand••• leaveme...

The train roars into a tunnel. Cab lamps flick out.

DRACULA
Can you conceive of my loneli• ness? Constant--never ending until I found you ••• Icannotgo on in my curse6 life of exile without you. I lost you once before--I'll not lose you again,

She weakens--smoothing her hand to his face. She recoils, refusing to succumb.

MINA
I cannot think••• orreason••• you ••• IknowI am only alive when I am with you •••

A passionate kiss--He opens her bodice. Her flesh pale, shimmering. He reclines her back on the bench. She pulls himdown to her, He kisses her arms, her fingers. She arches herself to him, willing, wanting--his hands lift her neck to him. Her entire body shudders--

123 INTERCUT: VAN HELSING IN THE CRYPl' 123

Lucy lies in the coffin in state. Van Helsing holds a cruel meter-long stake charring the tip in the lamp flame. A surgeon preparing his instruments.

4/16/91 73.

VAN HELSING
A moment's courage and it is done. Take the stake in your lefthand, place the point over her heart--

Holmwood whimperstaking the stake and the coal hammer in his tremblinghands. Trying to maintain control, Seward covers Lucy's facewith a shroud, pressing hard.

VanHe_lsingbegins to read th.eLatin death mass--Holmwood, weeping, raises the hammer--HE STRilCESl

Lucy writhestwisting in wild contortions. Seward holds her down smothering any cries, swallowing his own.

RESUME 1221 DRACULA AND MINA

He jerks back suddenly in the darkness--clutching his chest-- writhing around--yowling like a wounded animal--

INTERCUT: HOLMWOOD

Van Helsing reads louder. Holmwood strikes again--Blood sprays the wall--trickling in delicate rivulets.

RESUME 122: DRACULA & MINA

He slams against the compartment door, hurling Mina back.

DRACULA
No! They--deny--us--sahhhh!

The train roars from the tunnel. Dawn's light flares in. Dracula is gone! She curls in shock, oblivious to her state of undress. She frantically closes up her bodice.

124

INT. CRYPT - CONTINUING ACTION

The men gaze in shame and wonder "as they had seen Lucy in life, with her face of unequaled sweetness and purity."

VAN HELSING
And now, my child, you may kiss her. For she is no longer a foul thing for all eternitf, No longer is she the Devil's "un-dead"••. Sheis God's true dead. Her soul is with him •••

Van Helsing guides Holmwood down to Lucy. Their lips meet. Seward can't take it. Quincey shrinks back, sickened--

VAN HELSING
Now leave us. I am not finished.

Quincey leads Holmwood from the crypt,~eeping.

Silence. Seward·opens a case of autopsyknives. Van Helsing chooses and places the largeknife to Lucy's throat--He sags for a moment--hiswill finally giving out.

Seward looks away--he weeps at theslicing sound.

FADE TO BLACK:

125

INT. CARFAXCHAPEL - DAWN·

Dracula, tonnented, sharpens the pointof a makeshift staff...feverish...desperate. He staggersto the center of

109

THE CHAPEL, STANDINGFULL IN. THE RAYS OF MORNINGSUN BEGGING

to die. With the anguished cry ofan animal, he raises the lance to his own chest to kill himself.

DRACULA
Elizabeth•..she lives inyou •••

Suddenly he jerks the lance away--

DRACULA
No! I cannot lose you again! I cannot let them take you fromme!

He hurls the lance in anger--burying itdeep in the wooden image of Christ on the cross, hangingabove the altar.

126

EXT. LONDON DOCKS - DAY

Harker shakes hands with the CUSTOMS CLERX,places a sheaf of documents in his satchel and stridesaway barely using his cane.

SUPER: SEPT. 25, JONATHAN HARKER'S JOURNAL

HARKER (V.O.)
I thought never to write in this journal again, but the time has come. I felt impotent, and in the dark and distrustful of the reality of my own events. But now I know ••.!am not afraid, even of the count. He has succeeded in his design in getting to London to create more demons. He must be stopped. How did he grow young? Van Helsing is the man to ask. He will unmask the Count and hunt him out •.••

4/16/91 75,

127

INT.HILLINGHAM PARLOR - JOURNAL CONT'D - DAY

van Helsing reads Harker's journal like a childreading a comic.

HARKER (V.O. cont'd)
.•.Ifthe Professor is anything like what Mina says ••. •

He finishes the journal in silence. He inspectsseveral of the gold coins Harker hands him. Harker waits nervously.

VAN HELSING
Madam Mina asked that I read your so wonderful journal for fear you were suffering and in great need ••• Shegivesme hope there are good women still left to make life happy •••

THE COIN: The Warrior Prince on one side and the order of the Dragon on the other.

VAN HELSING
The ancient Dracul himself••• You may sleep without doubt, Mr. Harker. Strange and terrible as it is, it is true. I will pledge my life on it.
HARKER
You have just made a new man of me. Do you know what it is to doubt your sanity, to doubt everything, even yourself, Professor?

van Helsing arches his large eyebrows, scoffing.

HARKER
(finding his wit)
No, you don't. Who could doubt themselves with eyebrows like yours--

van Helsing roars with laughter then scowls turning Harker's face to his checking him over like a man buying a horse.

VAN HELSING
Jon Harker--you have suffered much from what I have read. You are a nobleman. Your brain and heart are well. You did not taste the blood of those••.of your infidelity. You are safe from the fate that took dear Lucy and will heal. Have no fear.

Harker is a new man atthis news. They shake earnestly.

VAN HELSING
I amwith you heart and soul. We must findthe author of all our sorrowand stamp him·out, yourbloodthirsty count. Have you aplan?
HARKER
I knowwhere the bastard sleeps.

Harker opens hisbrief ah-cflaysthe docwnents on the table. Van Helsing inspectsthem inshocked amazement.

VAN HELSING
Sonof the Devil. We must hurry!
128

EXT. ASYLUM GROUNDS- CARFAXIN VIEW - MORNING

SUPER: SEPT. 25,MINA MURRAY'S DIARY

MINA (V,O.)
Jonathan left earlythis morning to meet with Professor Van Helsing, but I sleptlate, sick with apprehension. It is my haunting fear thatthis terrible affair Iam involved in will destroy Jonathan. He was never so resolute, neverso strong as I sawhim this day .•.Iam afraidto tell him, but I must.

Mina approachesthe irongates eying carfax in the b.g. tentative--nervous. Seward hurriesto let her in. He is completely exhausted.

SEWARD
Mrs. Harker ...Mina •.•.

Their handsmeet inawkward silence.

MINA
Dr. Seward--I knowyou cared much forLucy •..Let me hearhow she died. Imust know. Was she in great pain?
SEWARD
Tell you ••.not for thewide world ••.horrible story...She is •..atpeace.••

Silence. Mina can't ease his pain.

MINA

'•,, (foreboding)

Has Jonathanarrived yet?

SEWARD
He's en routewith Van Helsing with somenews of the Count. The Professorhas been "blowing your trumpet,"Mrs. Harker. I too admireyour courage.
MINA
ProfessorVan Helsing is a shrewd man. Do youtrust him?
SEWARD
With my life. There is even a patienthere in my care who Van Helsing isconvinced is connected somehow toJonathan's mysterious Count---and Lucy. Mr. Renfield.
MINA
(instantlydrawn)
Renfield? He was an associate of Jonathan's. Jonathan took over his dealings •••
(theconnection is clear)
Do let me see him. You must.
SEWARD
The man has made 2 attempts on my life--

--showingher his wrist bandages. Mina insists.

MINA
Then you must riska third.
129

INT. RENFIELD'S CELL - DAY

His room isquite spotlesssave fora new menagerie of bugs. Renfield meditates placidly on a stool.

SEWARD
Hr. Renfield--a ladywould like to seeyou.

Renfield opens one eye at SEWARD.

RENFIELD
Oh very well; but just wait a minute till I tidy up.

4/16/91 78.

Renfield moves to his menagerie and simplyswallows the insectspresent--stands at attentionand slicks his hair. Mina enters approaching him gracefullyextending her hand--

MINA
Good-day, Mr. Renfield--

Renfield properly bows and shakes herhand eying her all

over with keen intent. He looks herdeep in the eye. (He smells Dracula on her). His eyes growfearful.

REHFIELD
You're not the girl thedoctor wanted to marry. You can't be--she's dead.

Seward is shocked by his knowledge.

MINA
I am Mrs. Harker. Do you-- remember me?
REHFIELD
(reacting to 0Harker•J Yes--Your thieving husbandtook you my sweet--then my life. He will pay. My master will punish him--

Mina remains steadfast. Seward steps betweenthem.

SEWARD
That's quite enough. How didyou know I wanted to marry anyone?
REHFIELD
What an asinine question. My Master informed me. He tellsme everything.

Grave sadness softens the lunatic's face. He takes her Mina's hand gently. She holds his gaze.

RENFIELD
He tells me about you as well--

Renfield winds her scent like an animal. Mina doesn't flinch, motioning to Seward to let him be.

MINA
He does. Tell me about your Master?

4/16/91 79.

RENFIELD
You askme when I smell him on you. Youare in danger--do not stay--Ipray I may never see your faceagain.

He kisses her handthen hides trembling in a corner.

130

INT. CORRIDOR.~ CONTINUINGACTION

Mina exits, disturbedand fascinated by Renfield.

RENFIELD
May he bless you and keep you!

Seward closesthe cell door. Renfield grabs at him through theview port--

RENFIELD
Letme yo! Let me go! I am no lunatic. I'm a·sane man fighting forhis soul! He feeds on her. I smellhim--He wants her soul!
SEWARD
Get to your bed and behave.
RENFIELO
(quiet,well-bred voice)
You will, do me the justice to bear in mind, that I did what I could do to convince you •••

Seward shuts the view port. Renfield broods in silence gazing through the bars at Carfax, rejected.

RENFIELO
Master--you favor the ~retty bride more than I. You promised me•••
131

INT. SEWARD'S GUEST QUARTERS - DAY

Harker•s journal sits open on a table. Van Helsing, Harker Holmwood and Quincey plot over a map. Battle plans. Van Helsing's vampire killing tools are spread by his bag. Seward and Mina enter.

VAN HELSING
Ah--wonderful Madam Mina. She has a brain a man should have were he much gifted with a woman's heart.

Mina flushes as the wily Dutchlllankissesher hand.

4/16/91 ao.

HOLMWOOD
Mina--How good ofyou to join us--

In an instant he is overwhelmedwith grief--Mina comforts him like a mother. He sits down,head in his hands.

QUINCEY
Mam, a woman's theonly ·thingcan help a man when hisheart's broke.
MINA
Quincey. Lucy calledyou her Texan with thebig knife.
(whispers)
I know what shewas to you •••

They share a warm laugh: hishandshake rough but sincere.

SEWARD
Sorrywe're late.Mrs. Harker wanted to seeRenfield.

Van Helsin~•s eyebrows go up. Harker takes Mina in his arms, pulling her aside.

HARXER
I broughtyou hereto keep safe,Mina--stay away fromthat man. He's mad •••
MINA
He won't harm me. Jonathan--! must speakwith you--alone --Please•••
HARXER
Are you ill? Is somethingelse wrong? ...•

She looksat her husband to be: strong again, renewed. She iscom~letely torn--Harker extendshis hand to her. She takes 1ttightly to her in love and respect.

MINA
I am with you. Do what youmust for Lucy's sake••• foreveryone.

She places her hand in his, gesture of love and respect.

HARKER
(proud to the men)
You may count on Mina and myself, Professor.

Huch approval around the room. Mina acknowledges each man.

4/16/91 81.

VAN HELSING
Then we are all agreed. A fortnight ago you would laugh in ridicule if I said there are such things as vampires. our own e~erience with Lucy gave us evidence they exist.•.We were too late to save her •••

Holmwood breaksdown. Mina is shocked. Lucy? A vampire? Van Helsingbeckons to Harker who presents a file.

HARKER
50 boxes of earth were salvaged from the wreck ot the Demeter at Hillingham and were, as stated fact, delivered to Cartax Abbey. I have traced others to 9 locations in a circle around the city. They are the property of Count Dracula.

Seward shakes his head in grim wonder--van Helsingexalts!

VAN HELSING
Hal--Part ot his battle strategy to concpierus. Jack--the Black Devil is your neighbor!
132

EXT. ASYLUM COURTYARD - NIGHT

The "VAMPIRE KILLERS" assemble. Holmwood tends 2 HUNTING TERRIERS tugging and yowling. Quincey, Harker, Seward bear revolvers and rifles--ltnivesin their belts--van Helsing totes only his bag like a doctor making a call.

VAN HELSING (V.O.)
The foe we face has the strength of 20 men as Jonathan can bear witness. He must indeed have been that Voivode Dracula who won his name against the Tllrk. He is king of all Nosferatu. He can direct the elements: the storm, the fog, thunder••• Hecollllllandsthemeaner things: the bat, rodent, wolf. But his powers are weak in daylight, as are most evil things••• He mustrest in sacred earth ot his homeland ••• and that earth is where we shall destroy him.

Seward sheaths his military saber. Quincey loads his Navy Colt snapping it shut.

4/16/91 82. \.

VAN HELSING
Kr. Morriss--your bullets will not harll!hi~--hemust be dismem- bered. His head decapitated to insure death. I suggest you use your big knife.
QUINCEY
I wasn't planning on gettin' that close to him, Doc.

Van Helsingroars with laughter until .tearscome to his eyes. Quincey wasn't trying to be funny.

133

EXT.SEWARD'S QUARTERS - CONTINUING ACTION L'.L'.L

Harker says farewell to Mina by Seward's quarters.

MINA
--I almost feel pity for anything so hunted as is this count--
HARKER
Oh Mina, you are perfection. Your sweet pity makes my hate for this monster seem despicable. I aided bringing him here--and now I must send him back to hell••• ordie in the jaws of it•••When this task is done, I shall never leave you again.

Jonathan kisses her full, then pulls away. She watches him join the Vampire Killers heading toward Carfax•••

MINA
God keep you all--

Renfield screeches at the night from his cell window--

RENFIELD
FORGIVE THEM, MASTER! THEY KNOW NOT WHAT YOU 00I
134

INT. CA.RFAXBELFRY - DRACUIA'S POV

Nightvision. Watching the Vampire Killers approach. The VIEW JUMPS CLOSER--CU,SER--right up to:

RENFIELD screeching at his window--

THEN TO MINA; watching from Seward's quarters.

4/16/91 83.

135

INT. CARFAXCHAPEL ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The VampireKillers survey the eerie sight. Electriclight lamps fallon the Coffin crates sitting like podsof some alien life formwaiting to be opened.

HARKER
(total recall)
I have seen these very boxes at the Count's castle--He was ••• resting in one ••• Ishouldhave killed him then and there.
SEWARD
My God. I found Renfield here--
VAN HELSING
(scanning his 6th sense)
Another of his disciples. We must destror every box. If we fail here, tis not mere life or death. It is we become like him--

Van Helsing removes a flask of holy water from his bag hanging it about his neck. Then his rainments.

VAN HELSING
(sprinkling holy water)
In manus tuas, Domine •••

Harker takes the lead, fireaxe in hand. He surges driving the axe through the lid with a cry of rage--He chops again --moving to the next--smashing it--

The Vampire Killers follow methodically breaking open and boxes and dumping the white moldy earth--

Van Helsing sprinkles the earth with holr water and crumbles holy wafers in crates while reciting the communion sacrament--all as if out on a Sunday stroll.

DRACULA'S POV - LOOKING DOWN

The men doing their dirty business. The view LEAPS AND GLIDES toward the asylum. No effort. No sound.

136

INT. SEWARD'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

Mina in her bed gown is at the window, unable to sleep. Renfield's painful cries continue o.c. She covers her ears--wanting him to stop.

4/16/91 84.

137 HER POV -THE GROUNDS 137

In thedistance, Carfax isdark. No movement. A thin streakof WHITE MIST snakes across the grass toward the asylum,almost invisible.

138 RESUMEMINA 138

Suddenlyfeeling lethargic,Mina climbs in bed. Renfield SCREAMS LOUDER o.c. She buries her head in the pillow.

139

EXT. SEWARD'S QUARTERS - CONTINUING ACTION

The streak of mist climbs the wall of the asylu:m.

REHFIELD (O. C.)
He mocks you! You cannot destroy him! He comes to her! Foolsssl
140

INT. RENFIELD'S CELL - CONTINUING ACTION

The tendril mist pours in his window. Renfield watches, coiled in a corner to spring--

REHFIELD
MI Master promised me eternal l fe--but he lies. He wants to give it to the woman. I tried to warn her. She would not listen. I will spare her, master--You cannot have her--Dieeel

Renfield leaps grabbing at the mist--A powerful force hurls him head first repeatedly against the bars. or is it just a lunatic purging his personal demons.

141

INT. CARFAX CHAPEL - CONTINUING ACTION

Harker chops. The others stack the boxes high.Seward methodically spreads coal oil on the pile--

HIGH PITCHED SQUEALING echoes around them. A SPARKLING SWIRL OF MIST FORMS rolling across the floor. RATS APPEAR from it!

Quincey empties his Colt at them. Holmwood and Seward slash and chop at them with saber and axe.

Harker pulls rats from Van Helsing•s neck and shoulders fighting them off as he lights a torch--

VAN HELSING
This is his doing! Burn it!

4/16/91 85.

Harker fights through the swarm tossing thetorch onto the pile of crates. It erupts in a ball of flames--

142

INT. SEWARD'S QUARTERS - MINA'S ROOM - NIGHT

The stream of mist billows across the floorand up under Mina's sheets coiling toward her like a serpent--

Mina, in near stupor. watches the bulge slideup toward her. Suddenly it feels warm--the fear leaves herface--ecstasy returns--DRACULA SLIDES from underneath thesheet handsome-- sensual-~intoxicating--kissing her passionately. She responds--wanting him--hungering him!

MINA
My love--this can't be true Iam dreaming••,! must••••
DRACULA
Hina .••mymost precious life--
MINA
I want to be with you--always--
DRACULA
You can't know what you are saying.

Hundreds of years of resistance melt in him as shetouches his face--tracing his lips--his eyes--

MINA
Yes••• somethinginside me has always known•••

She kisses him. She opens her legs and buries his face in her neck--sliding him down to her breasts. Her gown slips down her pale shoulders--His mouth meets her flesh. Her legs wrap around his waist. She arches against him--

Dracula stops at her throat--her pulse pounding in his brain--He grabs her hand-~placing her palm over his bare chest--over his heart--She stiffens--the realization--

DRACULA
There is no life in this body •••

She shrinks back reviled--horrified--

MINA
But you live. What are you? I must know? You must tell me?

Dracula turns away covering his face in shame. He is suddenly the wicked evil hideous 4OO-year-old creature.

4/16/91 86.

DRACULA
I am nothing. Hated--feared--Many have suffered because ofwhat I am. I have committed unspeakable acts to find you. Withoutyou-- the life--the love you giveme-- I am dead to all the world--

Mina, tears of compassion, gently strokeshis hair---

MINA
Then I must love you to keepyou.

His entire being swells with the power--the hunger--heturns slowly to face her--HIS FACE ONCEAGAIN YOUNG filledwith eternal tender love,

143

INT. RENFIELD'S CELL - CONTINUING ACTION

Renfield is a twisted mass. Seward enters followedby Van Helsing--both smoke burned. Sewardmakes a cursory diagnosis. Renfield moans. Seward pokes his leg withhis lancet. Nothing. No feeling.

SEWARD
Back broken. cranial endemas. He couldn't do this to himself--
VAN HELSING
Poor devil--Trephination. Release the cranial pressure. It is his only hope--

Seward pulls a round trephine bore from Van Helsing bag.

RENFIELD
(gagging, dying)
He promised me--eternal life-- But the pretty woman won him from me. Always some•••woman.

Van Helsing holds Renfield--seward bores a hole in his head.

VAN HELSING
What woman! Talk to me man--What woman? Renfield!
RENFIELD
Ah--Van Helsing. I must be dying. I smelled him on her--I warned or. Jack. The Master is here--He feeds on Harker•s mare--She is his bride•••• I ••• am••.free•.•

He spasms and dies.

4/16/91 87.

144 RESUME: MINAAND DRACULA 144

Dracula rises aboveher, holding her gently in his hands, in a vampirewedding.

DRACULA
Commandme and I will leave you. But letno man come between our love.
MINA
Iwant to be what you are, see what you see--love what you love---
DRACULA
Mina--to walk with me you must die to your breathing life and be reborn to mine.
MINA
You are my love--and my life,
DRACULA
Then Igive you life eternal. E'Verlastinglove. The power of the ston\l, And the beasts of the earth. Walk with me--to be my loving wife .••forever--
MINA
Yes--I--will--Yes--forever.

Dracula caresses her face as tenderly as a child. He gently turns her, exposing her neck, kissing her softly--She moans --a tiny grimace of pain as he enters her veins--

With his long thwn.bnail,he opens a vein over his heart.

DRACULA
--flesh of my flesh--blood of my blood---

He pulls her submissivelr to his chest. She drinks. She swoons as his life runs intoher---

DRACOLA
(inorgasm)
Drink and join me in eternal life--

He falters--welling up--suddenly fightinghis desire--He shoves her back in anguish--

DRACULA
I cannot let this be! You will be cursed--as I am. To walk in the shadow of death forall eternity. I loveyou too much--to condemnyou!

She shudders--pleading--holdinghim--caressing him--

DRACULA
Hear me--I am themonster the breathing men wouldkill! I am Dracula•••

Mina breaks down--all her facultiescollapsing--poundinghim futilely--her own guilt fuelingher--

MINA
God forgive me I loveyou--I do love you--

She forces her lips to his chest--

DRACULA
(desperatewhisper)
I too ...love...you ...

THE DOORBURSTS OPEN! Van Helsing andthe men rush in. They freeze at Dracula••• Minaathis breast.

Mina!---

Dracula--his eyes red with rage. Mina wails in guilt and horror. Dracula springs at them--catlike--protectingher--

Harker fires a pistol point blank. Draculareels from the impact. He hurls Harker beside Mina--Sheholds him back--

Quincey slashes at him with his gleaming Bowieknife.

Seward cuts with his saber. Dracula stopsthe blade with his bare hand, smiling cruel. He wrenches the saberaway--

Van Helsing advances raising a large pointed crucifix.

VAN HELSING
In manus tuas, Domine!
DRACULA
Old fool. You would destroy He with your idols--me who served the cross--me who commanded nations hundreds of years before you were born!
(MORE)

4/16/91 89,

DRACUIA (cont'd)
My revenge has just begun. I spread it over centuries. I will live long after rour bonesare dust. Time is mine. And she that you all love is mine! More will follow. My armiesto do my bidding--
VAN HELSING
Your armies were defeated. You murdered thousands with unspeakable tortures. Now you must pay for your crimes.

Van Helsin9 stabs the cross at him. Dracula blocks it. It bursts into flames. Dracula flings itto the floor, wailing in pain like a wild beast caughtin a trap-- --then taking a final longing look atMina--he bows--

--and LEAPS OUT THE WINDOW--vanishing into a vapor--

Quincey rushes to the window peeringout. Nothing. Gone. Silence. The Vampire Killers regard each other--numbed--

Harker tears himself from Mina and storms out reviled by her appearance--her actions.

MINA
. (breaking down) Unclean--unclean--unclean---

--staring at her bloody hands and sheets. Van Helsing cradles her in that fatherly manner. She sobs like a child.

FADE OUT:

145

FADE IN: EXT. CARFAX - DAY

A burned out ruin.

146

INT. CHAPEL - CONTINUINGACTION

The mound of crates and earth now a scorched monument.

147

INT, CHAMBER - CONTINUINGACTION

Dracula's silver brushes and combs lay next to an elegant porcelain basin filled now with dank water. In the burned debris a face stares out--the photoplate of Mina, charred and broken. The remnants of Dracula's lonely existence.

MINA (V,O.)
••. Heis gone ..•

4/16/91 90.

148

INT. SEWARD'S QUARTERS - DAY

Van Helsing leans into view. He isworn. Aged with the stress and rigor. As old as Dracula firstat his castle.

VAN HELSING
How do you know, child?

Mina stares into space. Gaunt. Pale, Her gums receding back. She is changing. Transforming.

MINA
He•••speaks to me.
VAN HELSING
(computing)
He still has a strongmind connection to you. Hewas, in life, a most wonderfulman. Soldier and statesman. His heart was strong enough to survive the grave. Had we not crossed his path, he might be the father of a new order of beings--whose road must lead through Death-- not life•••
MINA
(searching his eyes)
You•••admire him•..
VAN HELSING
Much so. His mind is great. But greater is the necessity to utterly stamp him out. That is why .Iwant to hypnotize you, Mina. Hel~ me to find him-- before it 1s too late.

Mina wrestles with the powers ripping her insides--

MINA
MUst you fight--must you destroy him--even as you did Lucy--

Van Helsing shudders remembering what they did to Lucy.

MINA
But not in hate. The poor lost soul who has wrought all this misery is the saddest of all of us. You must pity him too--as youmust me.

Van Helsing sighs in grief--knowing Mina's inevitable end.

4/16/91 91.

MINA
I know I am becomingas him. My mind is made up. When I find in myself a sign ofharm to anyone I love, I shalldie.
VAN HELSING
You would takeyour own life?

Mina nods with firm conviction.

VAN HELSING
You must notdie--until this •other" who fouledyour sweet life is "truedead". His destruction isyour salvation. Help me findhim. Help me•••

Van Helsinghypnotically caresses her hand, moving his free hand slowlybefore her--she fixeson it--weak--fatigued--

MINA
(drifting)
Yes. Imust go to him. He calls.

Shenods--staring glassy eyed. Van Helsing checks her vitals--knowing what he must do, He puts her deep in an hypnotictrance.

VAN HELSING
Tell this dryold man or science what you seewith those so bright eyes.
DISSOLVETO:
149

EXT. HIGH SEA - DAY (LIBRARYFOOTAGE)

A clipper ship heads eastunder ·fullsail.

SUPER: THE CZARINA CATHERINE,LONDON TO VARNA, RUMANIA

MINA (V.O,)
( inatrance)
Sleep has noilace to call its own. Iam dr1fting--floating--
VAN HELSING (V.O.J
What do you hear?

The Czarina crashes through waves, speeding with the wind.

MINA (V,O,)
Mother ocean •••
DISSOLVETO:

4/16/91 92.

150

!NT. CZARINA - THE HOLD

The view glides over boxes andcrates to one last coffin crate resting in the shadows.

MINA (V.O.)
We sail.•.he isbeside me...

A :RAIN WHISTLE BLOWS!

151

EXT. EUROPEAN FRONTIER - NIGHT

The Orient Express speeds eastthrough blinding snows.

VAN HELSING (V.O.)
Where are you going?
152

INT. PRIVATE R.R. CAR - TIGHT ON MINA

Deep in hypnotic trance.

KINA
(calm serenesmile)
Homa...Homa...

Van Helsing gently closes Mina'seyes. She sleeps. Van Helsing sponges her head.

Seward unpacks transfusion tubes. Van Helsing stops him.

VANHELSING
The vampire has baptizedher with his own blood. Her blood is dying, my friend.

van Helsing raises her lips. Hergums have receded. Mina suddenly grabs Van Helsingbarely able to breathe--

KINA
He calls me to him ••• Promiseme --promise me on your honor as men in the sight of God--you'll not tell me your plans against him.

Harker takes her hand, fighting his tears.

VAN HELSING
She is wise. As he wills her to him, she could betray us. Oh, Jonathan She is one of God's women, fashioned by his own hand to show use men that there is a heaven.

4/16/91 93.

At the other end of the car, Hol.::·Joodsleepsinhisbush gear. Quincey whets the edge of his Bowieknife--in his rough rider gear. Harker arrives witha map and two whiskeys--sharing his natural sense ofco1111Dand.He shows Quincey their progress against Dracula's.

HARKER
I know one truth for sure,Quin. If I find out that Mina mustbe a vampire in the end, I'm notletting her go into the unknownalone.

Quincey clinks his glass pledging hisloyalty.

153

EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT [STOCK FOOTAGE]

A full moon. Land is visible in thedistance. The Czarina sails on. That haunting lonelyHOWL ECHOES,•.

154

EXT. VARNA,ROMANIA - RAILROADSIDING -DAWN

(REDRESSLONDON DOCKS)

SUPER: 15,OCTOBER, HAJUCER'SJOURNAL,VARNA ROMANIA.

HARKER (V.O.)
I must keep this journal orgo mad. We have beaten the czarina Catherine to Varna ••• ThankGod this is a country where bribery can do anything. We arewell supplied with monef, I will kill the Count myself with the first blow. Mina is in his mind. She brings him to us. He is weak at dawn •••

Harker paces a dock outside the private railwarcar like a caged animal fighting the cold, Quincey busieshimself sharpeninglong wooden stakes.

QUINCEY
While we're waitin' for the count to show, why don't you ask the Doc to put Mina wife in one of those trances 'n tell us where we can find some decent food--

Harker appreciates Quincey's levity, but he's too intense to laugh. Holmwood hurries up with a cablegram--distraught.

HOUIWOOD
We've been had on--This wire just came from my clerk at Lloyds.

4/16/91 94.

HARKER
(reading)
"Czarina Catherine reported entering Galatz at one o'clock today."

The men look at each_other in shock.

QUINCEY
I'll be damned. She sailed right past us in the night--She's headed upriver.
HOLMWOOD
That black devil is reading our minds.

Harker explodes, Quincey's stakes about.

HARXER
No••• he'sreading hers.

WITH MINA: Approaching in a horse coach with Van Helsing. Seward drives. She is even paler. There is a gleam of triumph in her vacant smile.

DOORSSLIDE BACK ON THE PRIVATE CAR

Quincey, Holmwood and Jonathan ride exquisite English mounts down a ramp. They rein up beside Van Helsing's coach.

HARXER
We'll follow the bastard upriver. Try to head him off. You head for the Castle. Whoever gets to the Bergo first will have to do the job.

Quincey hands Van Helsing a sealskin rifle scabbard holding a well-oiled Winchester. He hands his Navy Colt to Mina. Respect and grim understanding passes between the cowboy and the lady.

Seward mounts the horse Holmwood leads for him. He doffs his fur hat to Mina--then to Van Helsing who gives him a warm clasped hand farewell--like the Pope blessing the flock.

Quincey and Seward wheel and ride away after Holmwood.

Mina and Harker face each other. He leans to kiss her. She reaches to him, his horse rears skittish at her--

HARKER
Mina--stay behind, I beg you.

4/16/91 95.

MINA
My powers will help, Jon. If I stay he will find me and follow. I...am••..his....

Harker shouts in anger.

Nol Do you know the place you take her, Professor? Every speck of dust that whirls ia a devouring monster embryo! Have you felt the vampire's lips on your throat, old manl

VAN HELSING
Be not afraid for Madam Mina. It is she who will protect me. We are all in God's hands.
HARKER
May God give "him" into my hands just long enough to send his soul to burning hell--

He gallops after the others. Mina watches him go. A final silent "goodl:lye11•

Van Helsing wheels their coach in the other direction.

155

EXT, GALATZ DOCKS - DAWN (REDRESS LONDON DOCKS)

Dracula's coffin crate is lowered onto a horse cart. 12 SZGANY GYPSIES guard the crate with guns and blades.

156

INT. DRACULA'S COFFIN - TRAVELING

His handsome face aging rapidly. Hair graying. He whispers.

DRACULA
Mina ••• youare near.
157

EXT. THE CARPATHIANS - SUNSET

Dracula's beloved snowc·appedpeaks stretch before us.

158

EXT. BORGOROAD- CONTINUING ACTION

Van Helsing and Mina approach. Both wearing bulky fur. The horses are fatigued, The old man even more so.

4/16/91 96.

Mina reclinesin a near comatose state. Suddenly,she wakes, animated,excited like a child--

MINA
This is the way---

Theycrest the to~ of a steep rising hill--theCastle appears infull view on its precipice. A timelesssentinel.

MINA
Exactly as Jonathan described it in his journal--
VAN HELSING
The end of the world•••

Van Helsing studies Mina's exuberant reaction, troubled--

MINA
Why are we stopping? we must go on.
VAN HELSING
It is late, child. We rest here.

FUll of new energy, Mina jllll!psdown andstartswalking.

MINA
No--I must see it now---

Van Helsing takes her arm gently. She flares, struggling against him--

MINA
Let me go--I want to go to him!

She fights harder--he grabs her dragging her back--

MINA
I must see him! Can't you understand? Just let me go! I know what I am! He needs me. I can take care of him. Be with him. Leave mel--
VAN HELSING
(wrestling her down)
--I am vowed to protect you. I have lost Lucy. I will not lose you to him. This will comfort you and bless you--

He pulls a tin from his coat--and produces a holy wafer---

4/16/91 97.

VAN HELSING
Domine,Christos, bless this child--deliverher from evil--

He presses thewafer to her forehead. Her skin searsat the touch. Mina screams falling back. A scarlet redmark branded on her forehead--

MIKA
Iam his--1 If I cannot be with him then I pray you cut off my · head.and drive a stake through me as you did Lucy. Promise met

She convulsesin gasping sobs prostrate on the cold ground. Van HelsingJcneelsbeside her. His tired body giving out.

The windsrise around them mixed with a TINGLING IAUGHTER--

Van Helsinglistens, sensing a presence. The sun has set.

159

EXT.CAMPSITE - EVENING

Van Helsing throws more wood on a roaring fire. Mina sits upright on a couch of furs, wide awake and energized by the night. Van Helsing brings her a bowl of food.

VAN HELSING
You must eat something, child--
MINA
(spaceydrifting)
I am not hungry •••
VAN HELSING
(testingher)
Come. Come over to the fire--

He leads her. She stops--tugging away. Sitting where she stands, on her haunches, watching,

MIKA
Leave me alone--

Her eyes gleam. van Helsing watches her. HORS~ NEIGH ANO WHINNY in fright--The TINGLING LAUGHTER echoes in the darkness. Mina hears it. She stands, excited.

THE BRIDES OF DRACULA materialize, beckoning to Mina---

THE YOUNGEST
come--come, Sister, come to us.

She is the image of Lucy!

4/15/91 98.

Mina raises her arms to greet them--VanHelsing pulls her back--He grabs a stick from the fireand quickly draws a crude ring around Mina---

VAN HELSING
Mina! Mina! You are safehere! Do not move outside thering--
MINA
(laughing at him)
Why fear for me? None issafer in all the world fr0111themthan me. I am their kind--
VAN HELSING
Not while I live. Nol

He crumbles a holy wafer around thecircle, waving the flaming stick at the Brides--

VAN HELSING
Leave usl This is holyground!

The YOUNGEST laughs cruelly hissingat his antics--

He stands before Mina--his flaming stick in one hand, his holy book in the other--The Brides swirlpast him--

The horses neigh in fright--One beast is yanked down by the Brides--leaping and tearing at itsgreat neck •

141

VANHELSING COVERS MINA'S EYES. HE GAGS AT THE HORRIBLE

sight as the horses cry and neigh in death.

160

INT. DRACULA'S COFFIN - TR.AVELING

A smile of triu:mphspreads on his aging face.

161

EXT. CAMPSITE - DAWN

The red dawn appears. The fire smolders. Mina sleeps soundly covered with furs inside the circle.

Fresh two-legged tracks lead away from the camp past the two dead horses--heading for the Castle in the distance.

162 EXT, CASTLE ENTRANCE - CONTINUING AC'l'ION 162

The tracksgo through the same gates Harker entered.

4/16/91 99.

163

INT. CASRLE CHAPEL - AFTERNOON

The ground covered in a blanket ofwhite. Follov the tracks to: Van Helsin9. His face andhands bitten with the cold, limping in his great fur coatup to the stone altar, He gazes reverently at the dragonarch--"DRAKWYLA."

THE 3 BRIDES lay in their tombs. More beautifuland more voluptuous than ever. Their hunger sated--

Then he opens his bag, as a Doctor making a housecall, laying out his instruments ofdismemberment--his post-mortum knives, 3 long wooden stakes, his ma.llet--withritualcare.

He kneels before the youngest, overwhelmedby her beauty. He straightens her hair lovingly. Her robe laysopen revealing her perfect breast••• arousedandweakening, Van Helsing bends•••kissing her exposed nipple. Her eyes open glowing hot--she presses hismouth harder toher breast waking his desires--

A Second Bride wakes pulling him down to her loinsarchin9 against him. He recoils, chastising himself. In one fluid motion, he places a stake on her chest--AND STRIKES!

164 EX'?.VALLl!!Y-CASTLE IN VIEW - AFTERNOON 164

A SCREAM echoes through thevalley--

165

EX'?.CAMPSITE - CONTINUING ACTION

The scream is Mina•s--struggling awake beneath the furs.

166

EX'?.THE BORGO ROM! - CONTINUING ACTION

12 MOUNTED SZGANY GYPSIES escort the wagon bearing Dracula along the river toward the Castle. ·

167 R.EStJKB:CAMPSITE - CONTINUING ACTION 167

van Helsing staggers through the snow: his furs covered in vampire blood.

VAN HELSING
Mina! Madam Mina!

Mina rises in her fur--He embraces her--exhausted--barely able to stand.

VAN HELSING
He comes!

4/16/91 100.

He grabs the sealskin of riflesand a rucksack and drags her down the hill afterhim.

168

EXT. BORGO ROAD- CONTINUINGACTION

The Szgany approach. The coffin crate drawing closer to the Castle in the distance.

169

EXT. TRANSYLVANIA BATTLEGROUND- CONTINUING ACTION

Van Helsing and Minatake up positions in the jagged rock fortress overlookingthe road.

VAN HELSING
They racethe sunset--We may be too late--Godhelp us--

WOLVES BEGIN TO HOWLo.c. IN THE HILLS. Van Helsing climbs up on the rockwith his fieldglasses--

170

EXT. BORGO·ROAD - HIS POV -FIELD GLASSES

The caravanmakes theturn heading right at their position. Further backTWO RIDERS are closing fast--

RESUME: VAN HELSING &MINA

VAN HELSING
LOok, Madam Mina! 'l'Wohorsemen follow fast! Hahl
171

EXT. ROAD- TWO RIDERS EMERGE

From thesnowy gloom. Quincey's unforgettable REBEL YELL flanked by Jack Seward, his saber drawn!

Quincey FIRES his Winchester rapidly--Indian style--

One szgany drops. The Riders clash. SEWARD SLASHES one across the chest, dropping him to the ground.

172

EXT. JAGGED ROCICS -CONTINUING ACTION

van Helsing yells. Mina is riveted.

17J

EXT. BORGOPASS ROAD 173

HARKER AND HOI)iWOODAPPEAR leaping their horses into the road. Both steady their mounts and level their weapons.

4/16/91 101.

Halt!

The LEAD GYPSY bears down--fearsome blade in hishand.

Holmwood calmly drops him with an expert shot. RAlUCtR SPURS up and LEAPS ABOARD--The Gypsy Driver turnsto strike. Quincey drops him.

Harker slashes the bonds holding the box--It breaksfree--

THE BOX BURIES itself in snow still shut tight.

MINA WATCHES IN HORROR

Harker fights to the box. Seward rides up leapingover the box chopping a gyp•?· One Gypsy slashes Quincey. He fights hand to hand--bleeding profusely--

Van Helsing yells pointing to the sun.

VAN HELSING
Strike now! Hurry Mannnl

174 IH'l'.COFFIN- DRACULA 174

Roaring with all the powers left in him!

175

EXT. BORGO PASS ROAD

HARKER STRUGGLES WITH THE LID, The coffin quakes--the lid EXPLODESsmashing over Harker, Harker raises to strike--

ORACUIA ANO HAR.KER- FACE TO FACE

Dracula rises--grabbing Harker by the throat, roaring the beast--

QUINCEY DIVES

Driving his Bowie knife deep in Dracula's heart, He screeches--flinging Quincey into the snow.

Dracula writhes clawing at the knife deep in his chest. A grept beast is dying--

HARKER SWINGSHIS KUKRI

Severing his neck, Crimson blood spatters white snow.

154

;,116/91

Erect--facing his assailants. Blood streaming fromhis severed throat--Bowie knife stuck deep inhis heart. His body shudders. His skin slowly oozing away--

MINA

MINA
GOD NOOO!--

Harker raises to strike again--A GtTNREPORTS--thebullet kicking the blade from Harker's hand. He wheels--stunned--

Mina rushes to Dracula--aiming a rifle wildly atHarker-- then seward--Holmwood--all shocked by her action.

HARKER
(horrified)
Mina--

Dracula turns to her. His face horribly transformed. Almost a skull. Bulging cheekbones. Teeth bared--

ORAC:UIA (tender, loving) Mina ...?

His voice rasps--cracking like broken glass. Mina holds his dying gaze. Fighting her repulsion as he putrifies: returning to a 400-year-old corpse before them.

His sunken eyes find the setting sun. A moment of triwnph flashes across his face. He staggers back:Wards,snarling in pain--wrenching himself through the snow toward the castle gate, refusing to die like an animal--

Mina backs slowly after him, her gun trained on the men.

MINA
You must pity him••.When my time comes--will you do the same to me? WILL YOU?

van Helsing holds Harker back, using all his strength to restrain him.

VAN HELSING
She'll shoot, Man. Lat me reason with her. our deed is not finished until Dracula is dust--!

Harker knocks Van Helsing down and rushes at her--

HARKER
Kill me if you must--I love you.

4/16/91 103.

Mina squeezes point blank at Harker. She trembles, lowering the rifle unable to shoot. Harker reaches for the barrel--

Dracula reaches the gates. He seesHarker and Mina--with all the power left in him, he sum.mo~sthepowers of hell--

A powerful force SWIRLS THE SNOW blindingHarker. A PILLAR OF THE BLUE FLAMES ERUPTS swirling aroundHarker, obscuring Mina from view.

van Helsing is blown to the ground ina shower of golden coins.

176

PANORAMA - BATTLEGROUND - THE SUN SETSBEHIND THE CASTLE

Harker kneels on the mound of treasureobsessed with the sea of wealth, calling to Mina.

Holmwood sitsmotionless on his mount. Head bowed. End of the trail. Seward cradles Quincey. He dies•••

van Helsing_cli:ml)samound--facingthe castle.

VAN HELSING (V.O.)
Madness •..Madness •.• Godresthim. Let him sleep in peace.
177

INT. CASTLE CHAPEL - SUNSET

Last rays strike the magnificent dragon arch--

PAN DOWN TO: DRACULA; collapsing, sprawledon the marble altar. The same position he discovered Elizabethin centuries earlier. How a husk of his bodyis all that remainsas he oozes away. Deep in the cavernsof his eyes, fierce life still bUrns.

DRACULA'SCADAVEROUS HAND: framed in thecrimson snow-- reaches--u~--up--to his precious night visiblethrough the vaulted ceiling--

MINA'S HANDS APPEAR takinghis withering bony fingers, kissing th-, caressing th-. She kneels beside him, fighting her revulsion.

Dracula cracks a hideous painful smile, coughing up blood in· a rasping gasp.

DRACULA
Where is my God. He forsakes me.
MINA
I here--I'm with you always---

4/16/91 104.

He reaches feebly to the blade. Mina grips the handl•!and pulls with all her strength. His fingers, nearly bone, creep up the shaft resting aroundhers, stopping her.

DRACULA
You must ••• letmedie •••
MINA
Please••• I •.• love ••• you--

She kisses his horrid lips, smoothingwhat's left of his once strong face.

DRACULA
You are my bride forall eternity••• Ilive inyou--
MINA
No•••no •••

Sha clutches him to her throatto feed but he cannot. She tears open her cloak clutchinghim to her bare breast to suckle her blood••• hecannot.

DRACULA
You••• mustrelease-1 Give me paace •••I 1mbeggingyou--

Pleading,begging, crumbling inher arms. His voice a rasp--

DRACULA
I ••.love ...you •••

She quakes, knowing what she mustdo--

DRACULA
Never forget my•••glory••• 1·

He criesout--Mina closes her eyes,prays for strength and falls onhim with all her weightdriving the knife clear through_his flimsy chest---Arching,reaching up to the altar--cradled in Mina's arms--Draculacrumbles to dust.

Mina sinksin a dreamy silent motionacross him ••• themark on her foreheadvanishes. She is free•••

The ruinsecho with Mina's tenderweeping. ·Moonlight streamsupon her cradling his remains. Beams strike the magnificent altar--the dragon arch--illuminating his name--

"DRAKWYLA•

The warrior Prince is at peace •••

FADE SLOWLY OUT.