"THERE WILL BE BLOOD" (2007)

STATS130pages131scenes19,172words46%dialogue61characters

Words

  • dialogue8,88946%
  • action9,02947%
  • other1,2546.5%

Scenes

location
  • INT 66
  • EXT 58
  • UNKNOWN 7
time
  • DAY 1
  • NIGHT 1
  • DAWN 1
  • UNKNOWN 128
1

OPEN

"#$#%&'((%)#%)(**+

Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Based on "Oil!" by Upton Sinclair

FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT Pink 7.25.06

Blue 5.18.06 White (Numbered) 2.20.06

This script is the confidential and proprietary property of Paramount Vantage, and no portion of it may be performed, distributed, reproduced, used, quoted, or published without prior

written permission.

1 OVER EXTERIORSHOT OF HUGE MOUNTAINSIN THE B.G., PURE DESERTIN 1 THE F.G. MUSICBUILDS FROM SMALL TOLOUD, VIOLENT CRESCENDO, THEN OUT.

TITLE: There WillBe Blood

2

EXT. NEW MEXICODESERT - DAY - 1898

CAMERA looksup a steep trail. Half theframe filled witha hill in close distance,the other half issky...over the top of the hill we seea prospector's pickcome up and then down...upand then down...up and thendown...

ANGLE. BEHINDTHE MAN WITH THE PICK. DANIEL c. PLAINVIEW(late 30's here) is,with pick and ax, in the middle of the day,in 110 degree heat inNew Mexico, searching forSILVER.

He has a shaft about fifteen feetdeep at this point. Nearby is aMULE and a CART. He digsand digs and digs.

FRONT ANGLE.CU. DANIEL'S FACE.
He continues.
CUT TO:
3

EXT. DESERT -EVENING.

The MULE is pullinga cart filled with his prospector's supplies. He walks beside, across the very rough desert terrain. HOLD.

CUT TO:
4

EXT. MINE SHAFT- ANOTHER DAY.

He's back at it again.The SHAFT ISNOW TWENTY FEET DEEP.

He hears something outside theSHAFT in between swings of the pick...

He listens ...waits ...continues with the work...but turnsback and climbsup out of the SHAFT...

ANGLE,MOUTH OF THE SHAFT. He climbs outand looks;

4A His MULE has dropped dead in the heat. It is out likea light, 4A turned over on it's side,the CART has fallen over with it...

He walks over, inspects,wipes his sweat off,takes a break for a minute and thengoes back in the shaft.

CUTTO:
5

INT. SHAFT. LATER.

cu. PICK into earth once again.

CU. DANIEL. He seessomething in the earth here.

HIS POV- IN THEROCK. The clear tracing,glistening vein of a SLIVER ORE CHAMBER.

HOLD ON HIS FACE.AND THE CAMERA EXAMINESCLOSELY THESE MINERALS IN THE ROCK. PLAYOUT FULL.

6

OUTSIDE THE SHAFT,LATER.

He unleashes thedead mule from the CART.and begins to LOAD IN MASSIVE CHUNKSOF ROCK, LEADED WITH SILVERORE INTO THE CART.

He catches his breath. He wipes his faceand he goes back into the SHAFT - but ashe starts back down- somewhere between passing out and tripping --he plunges- loosing all his balance, twists around andHEADS FEETFIRST STRAIGHT DOWN THE 6A SHAFT WITH NO HOLD- AND LANDS AT THEBOTTOM 6A

BOTH HIS ANKLESSNAP TOWARDS EACH OTHER.

HOLD. He passes out.

7 CU. DANIEL. 7 maybe a few moments later and hehascome to...he looksup to the top of SHAFT and sees the light-

So...over the course ofhowever long it takes,he pulls himselfup and out of theMINE SHAFT.

ANGLE, MOUTHOF THE SHAFT. he arrives at the opening...He puts himselfon hisback and rests...HOLD.

7A As he opens his eyes,he notices that theCART - from the weight 7A of SILVER ORE - it has tipped forward...and in doing so,has dropped his CANTEENOF WATER that had been strapped safely to the cart -

water dribbles out ina pool of mud where the canteen sits.

CUTTO:
8

EXT. DESERT.DAY

DANIEL is pushing the cart with the upper half of hisbody...then he drags himself to catchup with the cart- he does this over and over and over and over again across the desert floor-

CAMERA BEHINDHIM. Way off, in the distance,about a mile, is the trace ofa small town -

CUT TO:
9

INT. SILVERASSAY OFFICE/LEASE OFFICE- DAY.

DANIEL, layingon his back on the floor of the office. CU's of watching the assay processand tallyingup the value of the silver...He will sell this leaseandmoveon...

CUT TO:
10

EXT. SOMEWHEREIN CALIFORNIA. DAY -A FEW YEARS LATER- 1902

DANIEL is working again ina large field withsome MEN. There is: CANBURRY(30s) an OLDERMAN (50s)and a YOUNG MAN (around 15)and a mining acquaintance:H.B. AlLMAN (30s) and nearby, kept in theshade in a small bassinet, isa ONE YEAR OLD BABY,Ailman's son (H.W.)

They are again,with pick and ax,digging a well.

They have arope to a Horse and have connected the rope to a pulley to raiseand lower buckets into and out of themuck.

They shovel themuddy dirt into buckets,load the contents onto a cart, which they takeby a MULE to another areaand dump.

11 CAMERA LOOKSDOWN INIDE THE WELL. 11

They are atSIXTY FEET. Inside the well isDANIEL andAlLMAN. Under their feet is oilsoaked SHALE...it is emitting considerable quantities of gasand crackling like heated popcorn.

The FUMESare CHOKING. They haveRAGS TO THEIR FACES.

After a few moments,DANIEL PASSESSTRAIGHT OUT. AlLMAN SMACKS HIM,SMACKS HIM. WAKES HIM.

CUT TO:

12 CU. NEWSPAPERCLIPPING. 12 It shows the picture ofan old, very crude derrick in Pennsylvania.

WIDER, THATMOMENT. DANIEL, AILMAN,CANBURRY all stand over the picture,pointing to it, getting to the bottom ofhow it works.quick scene discussing exactly what would beneeded to build sucha rig.

CUT TO:
13

EXT. DRILLINGSITE - DAY

This crew ofmen has erected a veryCRUDE TWENTY FOOT TALL DERRICK. They have fashioneda drillby attaching a cross shaped bit toa three inch rod. They've gota pump, driven by horsepower.

DANIEL operates the drill that's essentiallya20ft eucalyptus tree. The large apparatus drivesdeep into theground - the first hit is very successful.

He brings the drillback up for a second attempt.

WIDE ANGLE.
DANIEL drives the300 pound apparatusdown - it breaks loose from his hands --SLIPS COMPLETELYFROM HIS GRASP - AND PLUMMETS - He is left holding nothing...

he just watches it falldown the hole.

CUT TO:
14

INT. HOLE.- THAT MOMENT

THE DRILL/LOGCOMES FALLING DOWN, STRAIGHTAT CAMERA. ITFALLS, STRAIGHT DOWNTHE HOLE AND SPLINTERSAPART.

HOLD.

14A ANGLE, DANIEL,UP AT THE TOP. 14A looking down after it,then back up at the rig they've built. He looks to Ailman.

CUT TO:
15

INT. HOLE.

AlLMAN has DESCENDEDINTO THE DARK HOLE. DANIEL and the rest are up top. AlLMAN wears a RUBBERRAIN SLICKER. MUD EVERYWHERE.

DANIEL COACHESFROM ABOVE.

IN THE WELL,AlLMAN, HALF PASSING OUT,AND HANGING FROM A PULLEY DEVICE, WRESTLESTHE DRILL FREE BY KICKINGIT WITH HIS FEETOVER AND OVER ANDOVER AGAIN - IT EVENTUALLYBREAKS FREE AND CANBE BROUGHT UP.

15A MOMENTS LATER,AT THE TOP. 15A AlLMAN AND THEDRILL PIECE ARE PULLEDTO THE TOP.

CUT TO:
16

EXT. HOLE. DAY.

with DANIEL. It's allbeen re-constructed. They are drilling. drilling. ONONE BLOW -- they HIT SOMETHINGVERY HARD. SOLID.

THEY CAN'T BUDGETHE DRILL FOR A MINUTE. THEN THEY GET IT.

THEY PULL THERIG UP AND OUT.

CU. THE DRILLLOG.
it lands on the ground. It'sABSOLUTELYSOAKED in OIL measuring up aboutlOft on the largeWOOD DRILL PIECE. DANIEL entersFRAME, on his side...getsdown and looks at it.

His breathing gets heavier and heavier anda little crazy.HOLD.

CUT TO:
17

EXT. DRILLINGSITE. DAYS LATER.

This scene showshow they are taking the oil,dumping it intoa reservoir they've built,then taking thatand putting it into whatever they've got:cans, containers, barrels, bottles, etc. etc.

AILMAN works while holding the one-year-oldH.W.in his arms.

CUT TO:
18

INT. SHAFT.

DANIEL andAILMAN are in the shaft,working something. They are moving in and out of consciousness,but aresomehow driving forward,fixing a part of the drill.OIL and MUD are pooled underneath them.

DANIEL hears something. looks up.

ANGLE, THE TIMBERSUPPORTS THAT SURROUNDTHE WELL. something hascome loose...

CU. DANIEL.
he looks atAILMAN.
CU. TIMBER
a very large, sharp piece,like an icicle,cracks in the support and comes flyingSTRAIGHTAT CAMERA.
DANIEL ANDAILMAN. TWO SHOT.
THE PIECE COMESFLYING DOWN LIKE ADAGGER AND GOES STRAIGHT INTO THE TOPOF AlLMAN'S HEAD, BLOODPUSHES FROM HIS MOUTH AND EYES ANDSPRAYS DANIEL.

HOLD, CU. ONDANIEL. in a state of shock.

CUT TO:
19

EXT. DRILLINGSITE. DAY

DANIEL looks at theBABY, HW, in the basket...HOLD.He pickshim up and walksaround with him, holding ontohim awkwardly...He puts him back in the basket,looks around...looksback at thisbaby H.W...

CUT TO:
20

INT. FLOP HOUSE.NIGHT

The young babyH.W. is CRYING at the top of it's lungs,laying in the bed next toDANIEL who is out cold.Everyone else is asleep in thisflophouse.

Daniel wakesup, takes some WHISKEYfrom his bag, pours iton his FINGER and puts it in the baby's mouth.He sips some himself...babyH. W.criesand criesand cries...

ANGLE, LATER. DANIEL carries thebaby H.W. to a corner of the flophouse where a MOTHER andFATHER and THREECHILDREN are sleeping.

~The MOTHER gently takes out her breastand puts thebaby H.W. to it, calming and quieting the child.

Daniel fallsback asleep sitting on the floor.

CUT TO:
21

INT. TRAIN.MOVING. DAY.

CAMERA holdson DANIEL sleeping. Thebaby, H.W. is in the seat next tohim, awake and looking about.

CAMERA moves inCLOSE ON THEM BOTH.HOLD.

LONG DISSOLVE TO:

22 CU. DANIELCALDECOT PLAINVIEW. (D.C.PLAINVIEW) 1908 22

A few (six)years later. He is dressed wellnow. slight show of some wealth.overcoat, haircut,clean shaven, etc. We see nothing buthim as he speaks;

DANIEL
Ladies and Gentlemen,I've traveled over half our state to get here this evening. I couldn't getaway sooner because my new well was coming in at Coyote Hillsand I had to see about it. That well is now flowing at two thousand barrelsand it's paying me an income of fivethousand dollars a week. I have two others drillingand Ihave sixteen producing at Antelope. So- Ladies and Gentlemen- if I say I'm an oil man, you will agree.
(beat)
You have a great chance here- but bear in mind: you can loose it all if you're not careful. Out of allmen that beg for achance to drill your lots,maybe one in twenty willbe oil men; the rest willbe speculators- men trying to get betweenyou and the oilmen - to get some of themoney that ought by rightscome to you. Even ifyou find one that hasmoney, and means to drill, he'llmaybe know nothing about drilling and he'llhave to hire out the job on contract- and then you're depending on a contractor that's tryin'to rush the job through - so he can get another contract just as quick as he can. This is way that this works.

An OC VOICE INTERRUPTS,LOUDLY; Daniel holds hiscomposure.

OC MALE VOICE
WHAT IS YOUR OFFER?WE'RE WASTING TIME.
DANIEL
I do my own drillingand the men that work for me, work forme and they are men I know. I make it my business to be thereand see to their work. I don't losemy tools in the hole and spend months fishing forthem; I don't botch the cementing offand let water in the hole and ruin the whole lease.

REVEAL, AT THATMOMENT, young H.W. (age7) He is standing behind Daniel and looking at the groupOC.Daniel and H.W.;

DANIEL
I'm fixed like no other company in this fieldand that's because my Coyote Hills well has just come in - I have a string of tools all ready to put to work...Ican loada rig onto trucks and havethem here in a week. I have business connectionsso I can get the lumber for the derrick- such thingsgo by friendship in arush like this. And this is why Ican guarantee to start drilling and put up the cash to backmy word. I assure you, whatever the otherspromise to do, when it comes to theshowdown, they won't be there...

REVERSE, THEROOM, THAT MOMENT About TENFAMILIES have packed themselves intoa very small BUNGALOW HOMEin Signal Hill nearLong Beach, Calif. They are a hungry group;

MAN
THAT'S FINE. THAT'SJUST FINE, BUT HOW DO YOU PROPOSETO SPLIT UP THE LOTS?
WOMAN
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING,MR. PLAINVIEW?
MARRIED MAN
WE DON'T HAVETIME FOR THIS IF YOU CAN'T TELL USHOW YOU PLAN TO PAY EACH AND EVERYPERSON THAT IS IN THIS ROOM.
ANOTHER MAN
LET HIM FINISH. LETHIM FINISH.
MAN
IF SOMEONE HAS A MARKEDBOUNDARY AND A SMALL LOT, THAT INFRINGES
ANOTHER MAN
LET HIM FINISH!
MAN
INFRINGING ON MY LOTAND TAKING MY MONEY.
ANOTHER MAN
LET HIM FINISH. Please,Mr. Plainview --
DANIEL
It's not up to me to sayhow you're going to divide the royalty. But let me say this; whatever you giveup so you can get together it will be smart compared to whatyou may loose by delay. The crooksand the gamblers are near and the wolf is scratching the door. Ladies and Gentlemen,take it from me as an oil man- humbly - there aren't going to be many gushers here at Signal Hill. A field plays out very quick. In two or three years, these wells willbe dry - even this discovery well that'sgushing down the road and has everyone so crazy. So my suggestion,with respect, is takea smaller share of royalty and we will see that it'sa small share of a bigger royalty. That, ladies and gentleman, is whatI had to say.

HOLD ON THEROOM. Everyone has taken this in,then: THEROOM ERUPTS ASEACH FAMILY SCREAMSAND YELLS AND UNLEASHESTHEIR WRATH ATEACH OTHER ABOUT HOW THEIRLOTS SHOULD BE DIVIDEDAND ROYALTIESSHARED AND MEASURMENTSOF 11 SMALLLOTS"11 BIGLOTS" 11 11 11 LITTLE BIGLOTS" LITTLE SMALLLOTS" WOMEN SCREAM: WE SHOULD JUST GOWITH A FAMILY OPERATION,IT'S MORE IMPORTANT!"A MAN SCREAMS: 11 BULL."

We witnesshuman dignity go completely out thewindow.

Daniel stands,slowly turns and walks out the door,without even being noticed. H.W. walks out behindDaniel_

CUT TO:
23

EXT. SIGNAL HILL- THAT MOMENT.

CAMERA leads DANIELand H.W. out of thebungalow and onto the street, they arefollowed out of thehouse by a small man named PRESCOTT (50s)pleading his case

PRESCOTT
no, please, Mr. Plainview where areyou going?
DANIEL
I don't need the lease,thank you.
PRESCOTT
But, no, no, we need you,we'd like for you to begin -
DANIEL
There's too much confusion.Thank you for your time.
PRESCOTT
No confusion, let us just,please come back and we can all settle this-
DANIEL
I wouldn't take the lease ifyou gave it to me as a gift.

DANIEL and H.W.keep walking, THEYJUMP OVER THE OIL THAT FLOWS IN THE GUTTER,OF THIS SUBURBAN TRACTCOMMUNITY/UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PEOPLE IN THE STREETS,BUYING, SELLING, ETC. WE CAN SEE THETOP OF A DERRICK INTHE DISTANCE ON A HILL.

They walk down the center of the streetand offup a side road

CUT TO:

II

24

INT. BANKSIDEHOME - NIGHT.

DANIEL is now sitting witha nice,mild mannered man: JIM BANKSIDE (50s)his WIFE sits withhim and their TWO SONS aged10 and 12. HW sits beside Danieland a bit behind;

DANIEL
Mr. Bankside, I'm not going to waste your time and I'd like it ifyou didn't waste mine. If you want to sign with me we can have a well drilling within ten days. Your lot is further Northfrom the discovery wellup here so it meanswe will probably have to dig deeper. If there's as much oil up here asI think there is, it will be harder to reach but oncewe find it we can take it right out.But we have to act quickly because verysoon these grounds will dry up. I need you toknow what you want to do. Because of the distance from the discovery well I'llpay you a smaller royalty than you'd getdown there- but I'll give you a thousand dollarbonus on your lot.
BANKSIDE
what royalty?
DANIEL
A sixth - now that's standard. And a guarantee to start drilling within ten days -which isn't.
KIDS
DO IT, DAD. DO IT.DO IT.
BANKSIDE (to kids)
SHUT UP.
DANIEL
The oil-game is like heaven.Everyone is called but few are chosen.

BEAT.

MRS. BANKSIDE
Where is your wife?
DANIEL
She died at child birth,Mrs. Bankside. It's just me andmy boy.

Bankside takes all this in,then:

CUT TO:
25

EXT. DERRICKFLOOR - EVENING - WEEKSLATER.

DANIEL is guiding the processon the floor of the derrick, Which hasbeen erected ON TOP OF/NEXTTO/IN the BANKSIDEHOME.

HOLD on this process,and introduce the main team ofDRILLERS that Daniel works with;BEN BLAUT (40s),MURGINS (50s) JOE GHUNDA (40s)and FOUR OTHER FACES/ROUGHNECKS.We watch them and hear technical details,etc .

...there isaDEEP,DARK RUMBLE...themen get ready...

•.it's veryquiet~

25A ...CAMERA looks straightdown onto themen working...andINAFLASH:25A A BURST OFGAS/WATER/OIL COMES STRIAGHTUP AND AT THE CAMERA.

THE SCREENGOES BLACK.

25B ...OILSPRAYSALLOVER THE BANKSIDEHOUSE... 25B

...THEMENCONTAINTHE GUSHER and "tie-off"...leading the oil into waitingLARGE DRUM CONTAINERS.

25C ...INSIDETHECONTAINER' s ...we watch theOILFILLUP. 25C

CUT TO:
26

INT. PLAINVIEW AMERICADRILLINGCO. (BANKSIDEHOUSE) NIGHT

Inside what was theBankside horne,Danieland his main partner in business:FLETCHER HAMILTON (40s)have made offices. It's clearly beena few hard weeks of work,the horne isnow dirty, cramped,with tools, paper, etc.This has become theirhorne base. Just outside thewindow, we see theBASE OF THE DERRICK, invading the living room/kitchen-

H.W. sleepson a cot in the corner,behind Daniel's desk. OUTSIDE,we hear the drilling and yelling and all the rest of the circus...

A YOUNGKID (PAULSUNDAY aged 16)knocks on the screen door,
looks inside.He is skinny, dirty,traveled, worn;
PAUL SUNDAY
rnr.plainview?
DANIEL
yes?

He steps inside.

PAUL SUNDAY
are you daniel plainview?
DANIEL
yes.

BEAT.

DANIEL
what can I do foryou?
PAUL SUNDAY
you look for oil?
DANIEL
yes.
PAUL SUNDAY
what do you pay fora place that has it?
DANIEL
that depends.
PAUL SUNDAY
what does it depend on?
DANIEL
lots of things.
PAUL SUNDAY
If I told you I knewa place that had oil, where land could be bought cheaply -what do you think that would be worth?
DANIEL
I think you'd have to letme know what you know. And we would try and work something out.
PAUL SUNDAY
Can I sit down?

BEAT. He sits.

PAUL SUNDAY
what church doyou belong to?
DANIEL
r_r enjoy all faiths_! don't belong to one church in particular -I like them all - I like everything. Where are you from?
PAUL SUNDAY
That would be telling you. That's what I want to sellyou.

BEAT.

DANIEL
what are you doing inSignal Hill?
PAUL SUNDAY
.........wehave oiland it seepsthrough the ground -- do you want to payme to know where it is?
DANIEL
just because there'ssomething on the ground doesn't mean there'sanything beneath it.
PAUL SUNDAY
...why did StandardOilbuyup land?

BEAT. Paul just looks athim;

DANIEL
Is it in California?
PAUL SUNDAY
maybe.
DANIEL
How much land did they buy?
PAUL SUNDAY
I'd like it better ifyou didn't think I was stupid.
DANIEL
...why did youcome tome?
PAUL SUNDAY
You just brought this well in.
DANIEL
that's right.
PAUL SUNDAY
yeah, so: just giveme five hundred dollars in cash right now and I'll tellyou where it is.
DANIEL
I'll give you one hundred dollarsnow and if it looks like apromising lease, I'll give you a thousand dollar bonus.
PAUL SUNDAY
Six hundred dollars.
DANIEL
tell me one thing to helpme decide: what else do you haveup there? what do you grow?
PAUL SUNDAY
We have a big ranch, but it's mostly rocks. you plant things, nothinggrows but weeds- what makes you think it'sup?
FLETCHER
is there sulphur around or alkali deposits?
PAUL SUNDAY
Alkali nearby. I don'tknow sulphur.

H.W. wakes up in the b.g.,behind Daniel's desk and looks at the scene, sees theboy, looks around...Paul looksfromH.W.to Daniel;

PAUL SUNDAY
Is that your son?
DANIEL
yes.
PAUL SUNDAY
Hi.
H.W.
Hi.
PAUL SUNDAY (to Fletcher)
Who are you?
FLETCHER
My name is Fletcher Hamilton. nice to meet you,Paul.
PAUL SUNDAY
What do you do?
FLETCHER
I work with Mr. Plainview.
DANIEL
four hundred dollars_
PAUL SUNDAY
It's six now. I'm leaving my home forgood, so I need this -- Iwant six hundred dollars. give it to me or I'll go somewhere else.

Daniel reaches into hispocket- hehas $300 - Fletcher gets out an envelopeand gives him another $300.

PAUL SUNDAY
I come from a town called Little Boston in Isabella County.

ANGLE, MOMENTSLATER. They have amap spread out and tackedup on the wall. DANIEL, FLETCHER,HW and PAUL over it ashe points.

PAUL SUNDAY
this is us here. spur station here at Little Boston. The Sunday ranch is what you'relooking for. There's a sheep trail that leadsyou there - it's a milefrom town heading west - not far. just througha small pass - near the base of the hills. follow the sheep trail.
DANIEL
And where did Standard buyup?
PAUL SUNDAY
Here and here.

he points toan area about thirty miles north west.

DANIEL
your family'sname is Sunday?
PAUL SUNDAY
that's right.
DANIEL
how many in your family?
PAUL SUNDAY
My father and motherand and my sisters and my younger brother, Eli.
H.W.
How many sistersdo you have?
PAUL SUNDAY
Two. Mary and Ruth.
DANIEL
What's your name?
PAUL SUNDAY
Paul.
FLETCHER
Does your familyknow about the oil that you say is there?
PAUL SUNDAY
I don't know. MyUncle always said there was oil there- but I don't know what they heard or what they think.
FLETCHER
what do you grow?
PAUL SUNDAY
it's goats. a goatfarm. I told you: there's nothing growsup there but weeds.
FLETCHER
water?
PAUL SUNDAY
it's salty. you drilla well, it hard not to get salt water.
(beat)
The oil is there. I'm telling you.

BEAT.

PAUL SUNDAY
I wanna go now. so: good luck to you.
DANIEL
you can stay here tonight
PAUL SUNDAY
No. I wanna go now. Iwanna leave.

Daniel walks over tohim.

DANIEL
If I travel all theway there and I find out that you'rea liar, I'll find you and I'll takemore than my money back, is that alright withyou?
PAUL SUNDAY
yessir.

BEAT.

PAUL SUNDAY
nice luck to you. good bye.

He leaves. HOLDwith Daniel, Fletcherand HW.

FLETCHER
you know there wasan earthquake up there a few days ago ...
(beat)
Anything he's seeing on theground could just be loose stuff setfree~

HOLD.

CUT TO:
27

EXT. TRAINDEPOT/LITTLE BOSTON, CALIFORNIA- LATE DAY.

CAMERA looksdown a long stretch ofTRAIN TRACKS that cuts across a dry, flat,empty valley floor.

We can see,in the distance, the faint trace ofDANIEL andHW driving in theirCAR on a road that runs parallel to the tracks. They bounceup and down,dust trail behind them- we PAN WITH THEMAS THEY ARRIVE AT:

28 THE TRAINDEPOT OF LITTLE BOSTON.We see some small, rolling 28 hills in thedistance~

They PARKTHEIR CAR next to the SPURSTATION, UNLOAD SOME CAMPINGEQUPIMENT FROM THEIR CAR and start walking off...we see the TOWNOF LITTLE BOSTON NEARBY...

DANIEL andHW walk the road on the outskirts oftown and towards the hills --

CUTTO:
29

EXT. SHEEP ROAD/BASEOF HILLS- DUSK.

They're walking with theHEAVY CAMPINGEQUIPMENT.

H.W. starts to falla bit, with the camping equipment,Daniel catches him, propshim up a bit;

DANIEL
Alright?
HW
yeah.

They walk some more until Daniel seessomething comingup ahead in the distance,says to HW;

DANIEL
Remember your silence... (walk besideme, not behind me.)

CAMERA PANSLFT, becomes THEIR POV: Coming towards them, from the distance isa MAN. This is ABELSUNDAY (50s) He is very frail, small,worn;

ABEL SUNDAY
Good evening.
DANIEL
Good evening.

They gain ground,get closer. THREESHOT. HOLD.

DANIEL
My name is Daniel Plainview.This is my sonHW.
ABEL SUNDAY
Are you hunting?
DANIEL
We're hunting for quail.We were told there might be a good place tocamp up here near the Sunday ranch...
ABEL SUNDAY
This is the Sunday ranch.you can camp here.
DANIEL
do you have water?
ABEL SUNDAY
Yes.

They arrive at each other.

ABEL SUNDAY
(extends hishand)
I am Abel Sunday.
DANIEL
Pleasure to meet you. We heard there was an earthquake here a few days ago is that right?
ABEL SUNDAY
Yes.
DANIEL
Your family?
ABEL SUNDAY
Yeah, all fine, thank you. We've got some milk if you'd like, goat's milk up at the ranch if that'sok...
DANIEL
That'd be fine.

They continue to chat as they walk up the road.IN the distance are some minor rolling hills•..they head aroundabend...andwe see a CHURCHON A HILL...

DISSOLVE TO:
30

EXT. SUNDAYRANCH/MOMENTS LATER.

The threemen come up to the small,very run down HOME. Standing, waiting outside is theSUNDAYFAMILY:

MOTHER SUNDAY (50s)RUTH SUNDAY (aged12) MARY SUNDAY (aged7)

and a very skinny,man/boy, the son:ELI SUNDAY (aged 18)

They make introductions,say hello, etc.About fifty yardsfrom the house isa large oak tree;

DANIEL
Can we set a tent over here? we'll be out of yourway here
ABEL SUNDAY
that's fine. Eli, help thisboy right now and get them some water.
HW
I've got it.

HW goes off to getsome water. Eli just stands.

ABEL SUNDAY
Mr. Plainview- would you like that milk now?
DANIEL
That's fine thank you.
ABEL SUNDAY
Go, Mary. Ruth help them with their tent --
DANIEL
No, please. We set ourselveson this camping trip, we've got to do the camping.
ABEL SUNDAY
The eggs, Ruth.

Ruth goes off to getsome eggs. HW comesback with some water;

DANIEL
Do you have any bread?
ABEL SUNDAY
We have potatoes.
DANIEL
Potatoes would be nice,thank you.
ABEL SUNDAY
I'll have them boilyou up some potatoes.
DANIEL
That's alright, Ithought maybe we'd make a fire. Iwanted to work with my son on making a fire.
ABEL SUNDAY
Eli, would you getthem some wood?

Eli reluctantly goes off to getsomewood, Daniel walks over to Abel, extends hishand;

DANIEL
Thank you for your hospitality,Abel. we'll stay out of your way,just hunting quail -
ABEL SUNDAY
I'm sorry we don't haveany bread. Corn just doesn't fill out in the hills here. It's mostly rock andwe don't have room to raise the grain......

They chat a bit more as --DISSOLVETO:

31

INT. SUNDAY RANCH/NIGHT- LATER.

DANIEL and HW andABEL SUNDAY sit close to theFIRE. Just back a bit,on stones, sits the rest of theFAMILY and ELI. Abel directs the girls to clear and wash their dishes-they collect the dishes,and then;

ABEL SUNDAY
Brother, may I ask youa personal question?
DANIEL
Yes.
ABEL SUNDAY
Are you saved?
DANIEL
...yes ...
ABEL SUNDAY
And you've been washed inBlood?
DANIEL
Yes, brother. We'vebeen washed.
ABEL SUNDAY
What is your church?
DANIEL
Our church is calledThe Church of the World.
ABEL SUNDAY
I don't know that Church.I don't know what their message is --
DANIEL
Yes.
ABEL SUNDAY
Can you tell me about the message of the Church of the World?
DANIEL
Well, Brother Abel,we are told in the Book not to discuss our faith with stangers. Even if they're so niceand helpful.
ABEL SUNDAY
We're told in our book,uThe Lord has called us to preach the Gospel unto them."
DANIEL
Yes, that's right. uAndthe Gospel must first be published among all nations."
ABEL SUNDAY
That's right!
DANIEL
But according to our faith,we believe that we get to knowa man through friendship and business - andwe talk about faith later.

ELI speaks up;

ELI
May I ask a question?
DANIEL
Yes, Eli?
ELI
What does your Church teach about earthquakes?
DANIEL
About the earthquakes? Like the earthquake you hadup here?
(beat)
We are taught that it is God's mighty power.
ABEL SUNDAY
My son is a healerand a vessel for the Holy Spirit. He has a church...
ELI
Our earthquake means that theHoly Spirit has grown weary of drunkenessand lying in the world.
(beat)
Have you been doing any of these things?
H.W.
No we haven't.
DANIEL (to Eli)
No, son. We haven't.
ELI
thank you.

No one seems toknow what to say next,so they stand and say good night andhead back to their house.Daniel, H.W. get inside their tent.

DISSOLVE TO:
32

EXT. SUNDAY RANCH- DAWN

DANIEL and HW put out their morning fire,collect theirHUNTING GEAR and head off

CUT TO:
33

EXT. HILLS NEARBY/CANYON- MORNING.

CAMERA leads/followsthem as theymove...H.W.andDANIEL carrying their shotguns...while theyHUNTQUAIL.

DANIEL fires first. We follow H.W. -- watchhim SHOOT.

ANOTHER ANGLE.
The same thing.HW raises the GUNand shoots, hitting another.
DANIEL
Go get 'em.

H.W. runs off.

In running to retrieve the quailhe steps in somethingand stumbles a bit.He stops, turns back- recognizes something and slowly movestowards it --

CU. H.W
he looks closer.BEAT. He looksdown towards his shoes.THEN;

ANGLE, HW. He runs back to his Father.

HW
Dad.
DANIEL
What?
HW
Look at my shoe.
CUT TO:
34

EXT. FIELD- MOMENTS LATER.

They stand overa minor PATCH OF TAR/OILSLICK that bubbleson the surface...DANIEL is kneeling over it,dipsa stick into it, moves it about,looks at it against the light-

ANGLE, CU.DANIEL. He takes outa box of matches and attempts to light the stick on fire. Nothing.

ANGLE. CU.THE OIL.
He moves to another area of the oil slick and dips the stick in again, takessome out, strikes match and itFLAMES. HOLD.
DANIEL
This is earthquake stuff set loose.
CUT TO:
35

EXT. NEARBYHILL - MOMENTS LATER

CAMERA behind them as they climbupon top of a small hill, CAMERA risesabove them and reveals thelandscape; rolling hills. rocky and dustyand rough.not pretty. They look over the place. HOLD.

35A ANGLE, MOMENTSLATER. 35A They're walking,DANIEL is feeling theground beneath his feet. SOUND SEQUENCE.Feel of the footsteps,crunch, etc.

CUT TO:

FOSS/ COMINGACROSS THE ABANDONEDRANCH HOUSE HERE?

36

EXT. BANDY RANCH/NEARBYCANYON - LATER

They come upona SMALL, RUNDOWN HOMEat the base of some of the MOUNTAINS in canyon.Off to the side, ina run down PEN are some PIGS.

There is a POOLOF FOUL SMELLING SULPHURWATER surrounding the pen, THEYCOVER THEIR FACES, LOOKAROUND;

DANIEL
He puts his pigs here- near the sulphur water to kill their fleasand cure the mange. This is a nice place to drill. This is your pay sand.

ANGLE, BANDY HOUSE. They move to thehouse...knockand getno answer...theyOPENTHE DOOR...

DANIEL
Hello?

36A INSIDE, UPONTHE WALLS, THERE ARE RELIGIOUSARTIFACTS. 36A Crucifixions, portraits ofMARY, etc.A small ALTAR with CANDLES.

DANIEL and H.W.take a good look, then exit

CUT TO:
37

EXT. HILLS.LATER/LATE AFTERNOON.

They walk/talk quickly,carrying the quail;

DANIEL
so...
HW
so...
DANIEL
so-so. if there'sanything here...we take it to the sea -- we cango into town and see a map - but whatwe do - we take a pipeline from here to PortHueneme or Santa Paulaand we make a deal withUnion Oil - this is what we do and we don'tneed the railroads and the shipping costsanymore, you see?
HW
yeah.
DANIEL
you see that?
HW
yes.
DANIEL
and then we're making money. we make the realmoney that we should be makingand we're not throwing it away -- otherwise it's justmud.
CUT TO:
38

INT. SUNDAYRANCH - DUSK.

CAMERA holdson DANIEL. The Sunday Family andH.W. eat the quail,minor conversation...then:

DANIEL
what would you say isa fair price for this lot, Abel?

Everyone stops eating and looks at Daniel:Abel is very excited:

ABEL SUNDAY
The Lord has sent you here. The Prophet Daniel.
DANIEL
yes. let me finish telling you-
ABEL SUNDAY
This is according to the revelation of the True Word. This is it.
DANIEL
I think it is,yes. now what would you say is a fair price?
ABEL SUNDAY
Five dollars an acre.
ELI
Six.
DANIEL
Six dollars. thank you, Eli.
ABEL SUNDAY
And with the improvements I'vemade at five hundred --
DANIEL
I'll offer to buy the ranch for thirty-seven hundred dollars.
(beat)
That's three thousandand seven hundred dollars.

BEAT. MOTHERSUNDAY speaks:

MOTHER SUNDAY
I don't want to leave here, this isn't for sale.
DANIEL
no, no, no. you don'thave to leave. You may stay here aslong as you like and I will give youmy word - you can have all the farming rights- what we can do is develop a lease- I will lease you the land after the purchase for the next ninety-nine years at ten dollarsa year.
MOTHER SUNDAY
We don't have any money.
DANIEL
I'm giving you some...

Everything gets quiet.

DANIEL
Does this seem fair to you?
ABEL SUNDAY
This is according to the Revelation Eli, this is according to --
ELI
And what about the rock oil?
DANIEL
...well, yes, what... ?
ELI
And what do you want todo about the rock oil?
DANIEL
what about it?
ELI
We have oil here. that's worth something.
DANIEL
do you have someonewho can drill for it?

ELI

DANIEL
Do you think there's oil here?
ELI
I know there is.
DANIEL
it's very expensive todrill-to get it up out of the ground. have you ever tried that before?
ELI
how much is it?
DANIEL
...costly.
ELI
what would you give us for that?
DANIEL
I don't know.
ELI
SOMETHING YOUDON'T KNOW!
DANIEL
what would you like,Eli?
ELI
I think that you should share the mineral rights withmy Church. you've given us thefarming rights, now why not share the mineral rights?

BEAT. Eli and Daniel holda look on each other;

DANIEL
If we decide to drill for oil, if the well begins to produce I'll give your Churcha five thousand dollar signing bonus.
ELI
that's not enough.
DANIEL
do you want to findsomeone else that's gonna comeup here and drill? Eli? make the investment and do all the work thatgoes into it? I can hunt for quail on another ranch just as easily as I can here.

BEAT. Eli is quiet.

DANIEL
I would be happy to bea supporter of your Church as long asI can. with the bonus only...Ido have some connections that could get us started drilling foroil...how do you feel about that Abel?
ABEL
yes. what Eli says.
DANIEL
Fine. Fine. Let'sdraw up some contracts and let's try.
CUT TO:
39

EXT. TRAINDEPOT/LITTLE BOSTON- MORNING (START MUSIC)

DANIEL andHW are driven on CARTAND HORSE by ELI...They approach the TRAINDEPOT AREA and their PARKEDCAR.

DANIEL
_you can just leaveus here.
ELI (re: the car)
is this yours?
DANIEL
looks like it.

DANIEL hopsdown, grabs some camping equipment and movestowards the car. As HW moves to climb down,he gets a little stuck --

ELI givesHW a little PUSH, ACCIDENTALY/ONPURPOSE and hegoes straight to the ground. Daniel turnsand looks --

DANIEL
you alright?
HW
yeah.

They start getting their car packed up.

ELI
That's a very nice car.
DANIEL
Maybe you'll haveone just like it someday, Eli.

Daniel andH.W. get in the car. Eli turnsaround the other direction,Daniel drives off - andhonks the horn, heads into town --

CUT TO:
40

INT. ROSEREAL ESTATE, INSURANCE,LOANS OFFICE - MORNING.

CAMERA behind them as they enter and greet the real estateman: AL ROSE (40s)

DANIEL
Hello.
AL ROSE
hello. can I help you?
DANIEL
Well...!' d like to talk to you. I'm looking for some land,I've just bought the Sunday ranch,and... ...where' sthemap?

ANGLE, MOMENTSLATER. A MAP of the entire area isspread outon the desk in front of them; They look it over.Daniel takes outa small notepad and pencil, works it throughout;

AL ROSE
There's the Bandy tract which is the neighboring lot. Hehas over 600 acres
DANIEL
and what about this?
AL ROSE
AC Maude, Blodget,Redlick...Carr...
DANIEL
What's it held at?
AL ROSE
Six dollars an acre.
DANIEL
and what about this?
AL ROSE
That's the Belvinsand that could be got, I'm sure.
DANIEL
Can everything around herebe got?

AL ROSE

BEAT. THEN; Daniel looks up.

AL ROSE
sure.

They sit down;

DANIEL
I want you to buy this forme and I want you to be my man,Al. But I want it just enough to pay fair price- and I don't want it any more than that. People don't need to start boosting prices. If they do, you can tell them to forget it and I'll forget it too. You can collect your commissionfrom the seller in the usual way and on top of thatyou can have five percent from me. And that'll be what makes youa man. You seem awareenough that this should bedone quickly and quietly so there aren't any ideas that there'saboom on - does this make sense toyou?
AL ROSE
Yes. but I'm not surehow quietly --
DANIEL
Son, can you go to the carand get my bag please?

HW goes outside-

DANIEL
you make the buying foran unknown client you buy the options for cash- that means if someone is homeyou should be able to make a deal right there-
AL ROSE
you have this moneyon you?
DANIEL
I have some and Ican have a wire for more in the morning. have the options ready so they can be signed on the spot

HW comes back inside witha leatherBAG and takes out some FORMS.

DANIEL
I carry everything inmy car. These forms will make it easy for you- so let's type up an agreement to list these tracts and purchase the Sundaytract.

ANGLE, AT THETYPEWRITER - LATER. Al types out some contracts.Daniel stands over/behind him, says:

DANIEL
If I needed to geta real road in Little Boston that went out to the Sunday Ranch --who would be a good man to talk to?

Al Rose looksup from the typewriter athim...

AL ROSE
I'd talk to Jake Coffey.
DANIEL
What's Jake's business?
AL ROSE
Hay and Feed...and Insurance.
CUT TO:
41

INT. TRAIN DEPOT- DAY - LATER.

DANIEL and HWcome in to do some business with theTRAIN DEPOT MAN: HOWARD SOMMERVILLE(50s) He introduces himself,makes small talk and goesabout making filling outa TELEGRAM,hands it over;

DANIEL
Howard, who's the bestman in town to contact for a water well?
HOWARD
Sam Davis.
DANIEL
can you contact him forme and have him meet my son out at the Sunday ranch?
HOWARD
to talk to your son?
DANIEL
To drill a proper well. My son knows what I'd like done. Can I use that telephone?

Danielmoves towards the TELPHONEacross the room, while telling Howard thenumber he'd like dialed...Howard works the switchboard and places the call forhim, Daniel is connected with Fletcher;

ANGLE, HW. he looks out thewindow and sees:THE TRAIN COMES DOWNTHE TRACKS ACROSS THEVALLEY FLOOR, APPROACHINGTHE STATION.

ANGLE, DANIEL. he is speaking with Fletcher, tellinghim tocome up, etc. etc. His attention turns to theTRAIN as itPULLS UP OUTSIDETHE WINDOW.

ANGLE, GENEBLAIZE and CHARLIEWHRIGHTSMAN. (50s) Two otherINDEPENDENT OIL MEN step off the trainand walk into the depot;They see HW and start to chathim up...

Daniel finisheshis call with Fletcher and walks over;

GENE BLAIZE
Plainview and Son.
DANIEL
Hello, Gene. Charlie. You guys are a long way from Signal Hill. You on your way somewhere else?
GENE BLAIZE
Passing throughand looking around. Funny to see you.
DANIEL
Funny.
GENE BLAIZE
Congratulationson your well, I heard that hit nicely--
DANIEL
300 barrels aday. you remember my son,H.W.?
GENE BLAIZE
You boys are a regular family business ...
DANIEL
you boys are a littlelate_
GENE BLAIZE
What'd you find?
DANIEL
I found some interesting prospects.
GENE BLAIZE
Did you hear Standard boughtup?
DANIEL
-I did hear. further North.
GENE BLAIZE
that's right.
DANIEL
I like you Gene, andI wanna tell you: If you're gonnamake a play: look east, cause there's a lot around here that's been taken. I'd ratherhave it be you than someone else.
WHRIGHTSMAN
Life must be easy when you've got such a cute face to carry around with you.
DANIEL
Are you tellingme how handsome my son is?
WHRIGHTSMAN
that's right.
DANIEL
Thank you. That's very nice. Good luck. Remember whatI said. Go east.

They leave...Gene Blaize calls out toH. W. --

GENE BLAIZE
I'll be your lawyer ifyou need to drawup a contract - make sureyou don't get swindled, boy -- get half of what your Dad is making -- !
CUT TO:
42

EXT. SUNDAYRANCH. DAYS LATER. LATEAFTERNOON.

H.W. and theyoung girl MARY are sitting around,talking. The WATERWELL MAN is at work digging the well,which HW supervises froma distance;

FLETCHER has arrivednow and is walking the area witha GEOLOGIST namedFRED ENGLISH. They inspect the landscape/take measurements...

ANGLE, MARYAND H.W.

MARY
what are they doing?
HW
they're just looking around.
MARY
how much money canwe make from this?
HW
it depends.
MARY
how much?
HW
I don't know.
MARY
a thousand dollars?
HW
It depends. you can't say.
MARY
ten thousand dollars?
HW
I don't know.

BEAT.

MARY
My father hits me in the face if I don't pray.
HW
what do you do?

MARY

HW
does he do ita lot?
MARY
how much money can we makefrom this?
HW
...it depends•you neverknow_,
CUT TO:
43

INT.TENT/SUNDAY RANCH. NIGHT.

It's night andDANIEL and H.W.are in their tent. DANIEL is looking over maps,HW near hisside_.then:

HW.
Mary toldme that her father beats her if she doesn't do all the praying shivering lord stuff that they do...
DANIEL
How old isMary?
HW
I don't know.
DANIEL
She's the smaller one?

He nods.

DANIEL
You dida nice job on the water well, son. very nice,thank you.
HW.
Your welcome.
DANIEL
I love you.
HW
I loveyou too.

BEAT.

HW
do you know how many other lotswe got up here?
DANIEL
we'll see tomorrow.
CUT TO:
44

INT.ROSE REAL ESTATE. DAY

DANIEL is withAL ROSE and they are looking over theMAPOF THE AREA that is spread on the desk;AL is pointing to it,giving details of Daniel's purchases;

ALROSE
Congratulations,Mr. Plainview. It was all successful!We got all these lots at fiveand half dollarsand acre for a total of10,400 acres.
DANIEL
That's not right.That's not successful.
AL ROSE
Well, this tract here next to theSunday Ranch:This is Mr. Bandy and he wasn't interested ina sale.
DANIEL
Who ishe?
AL ROSE
He's an old man,Bandy...he homsteaded here. He lives with hisgrandson...he said he would like to talk to you...
DANIEL
Ishe boosting his price?
AL ROSE
He said he'd like to speak with you.
DANIEL
About what?
AL ROSE
I don't know. He just said he'd like to speak with whoever was doing the buying.
DANIEL
did you mention my name?
AL ROSE
No.
DANIEL
I don'thave time to sit and speak with this man, he either wants to sell or not.
AL ROSE
It's just the hilly stuff_
DANIEL
It'sa very good tract, thisis where the sulphur is,don't tell me if it's good or not,Al, you wouldn't know. don't talk tome like that.
AL ROSE
Well...maybe he wants to boost his price and just speak withyou about it.
DANIEL
I don't see what good talkingis going to do. What does he raise up there,those pigs?
AL ROSE
That's right.
DANIEL
Well...lethim wait.I don't need this man and I don't need to sit and talk with him to do whatI want. You did a good job, here.Al, Thank you.
AL ROSE
It's all successful
DANIEL
Not yet. What's importantnow is protecting the quail. Do you think you can get "No Trespassing"signs over my 10,400acres?
AL ROSE
...urn...that could takesome time.
DANIEL
Who's the best man to talk to about some lumber?
CUT TO:
45

EXT. TRAIN DEPOT.DAY

DANIEL'S WORKERSGET OFF THE TRAIN. MURGINS,GHUNDA, BEN BLAUT...ANDSOMEOTHERROUGHNECKS-.Theyhead off.

CUT TO:
46

EXT. SUNDAY RANCH.NEW ROAD. DAY.

There is a NEWLYMADE ROAD.-CAMERA moves over it and follows a TEAM OF HORSES CARRYING AHUGE IRON STEAM ENGINE...ANOTHERTEAM OF HORSES CARRYINGTONS OF LONG METAL PIPE-.THISLEADSUS AROUND TO REVEAL:

THE FRESHLY BUILTDERRICK. IT'S FULLY ERECTEDAND EIGHTY FEET TALL. THERE ISA SMALL BASECAMP. TENTS/HOUSINGfor about TWENTY WORKERS. THE DERRICKIS ABOUT 200 YARDS FROMTHE SUNDAY HOUSE.

STEEL, MACHINERY,PEOPLE, A SMALL CAMPOF WORK.

CUTTO:
47

INT. ABANDONED RANCHHOUSE/NEW PLAINVIEWHOUSE. DAY.

A bit away from it all,H.W. and DANIEL have taken over an abandoned ranch house that'sbeen overgrown-It's being cleaned up/furnished/etc.

CAMERA watches asH. w.seems to be in charge of this-.working with the SUNDAYS:MARY and RUTH andMOTHER SUNDAY and making suggestions, cleaning weeds, etc.

CUT TO:
48

EXT. SUNDAY RANCH/DERRICK AREA.DAY.

CAMERA leads/followsELI as he movesaround the construction with a few FOLLOWERSfrom his CHURCH.They are handing outSMALL CLOTH BUTTONS and inviting thenew facesdown to the Church-.Eli is all smiles/cha~-

ELI
Hello, Brother. Hello. Good afternoon. The Church Of the Third Revelation would Love to welcomeyou and offer an oasis of healing by the HolySpirit...

The WORKERStake the BUTTONS.

ELI
You can just follow thenew road right to the Church...thenew road will lead you there.

ANGLE, DANIEL. nearby,notices Eli moving aboutglad-handing.-Hewatcheshim carefully:

49 ANGLE, DANIEL'SBASECAMP OFFICE. 49

The office is small,canvas walls,wood floor.

Inside,Daniel is with FLETCHER andMURGINS (his foreman.) Eli knockson the door;

ELI
Daniel, may I havea word?
DANIEL
yes.
ELI
is everything going alright with everything?
DANIEL
Yes it is.
ELI
Good, good.Daniel, I understand that you've asked everyone to come around to watch the well start, is that right?
DANIEL
I did.
ELI
I think thatI should bless the well.

DANIEL

ELI
Do you think it would be nice - I think it would be nice if you introduced me - I could come up the hill, and just as I'm coming up the hill and I arrive at the oil well -
DANIEL
-- the derrick.
ELI
Yes. At that moment,you could introduce me.
DANIEL
When you walk up?
ELI
That's right. And maybe you could say, "The proud son of these hills••"
DANIEL
when?
ELI
When you introduce me. So you would seeme walking up. and then. as I arrived,you could say, something,a few words and then say: "and now:the proud son of these hills, who tended his father'sflock..." and then you would saymy name.
DANIEL
Sounds fine.
ELI
Good. will youremember the words?
DANIEL
Yes.
ELI
Would you likeme to write them down?
DANIEL
I'll remember.
ELI
Good. And then we can proceed after I say a few words to the followers and the people.what happens then?
DANIEL
We'll start the drill.
ELI
Good. Does thissound good to you?
DANIEL
That's fine.
ELI
Should we practice it?
DANIEL
No.
ELI
What time?
DANIEL
What time isgood for you, Eli?
ELI
One o clock.
CUT TO:
50

INT.ABANDONED RANCH HOUSE/NEWPLAINIEW COTTAGE. DAY

HW andDANIEL stand in this cleaned up abandoned ranch house. It's been put together nicely;

DANIEL
You did agood job on the house,boy.
HW
thank you.
DANIEL
You ready?

They exit.

CUT TO:
51

EXT.THE ERECTED DERRICK -LATE AFTERNOON.

This isa "spudding in"ceremony. Everyone is around.Slowly, we gather all the pieces of cast so far.

HOWARDSOMMERVILLE is here.AL ROSE is here...

Sooneror later, revealing themselves:MORE OFTHE TOWN OF LITTLEBOSTON, VARIOUSMEMBERS AND RANCH OWNERSWHO HAVE INTERESTOR WHO HAVE HADTHEIR LAND LEASED BYDANIEL.

H.W.walks proudly near his father.Daniel stepsup to make a speech. As he gathers to get ready,he notices,across the way ELI's arrival with someFOLLOWERS from his church.

Daniel speaks to the crowd;

DANIEL
It's sucha pleasureable evening to be here and begin this -- Oneman doesn't prospect from the ground - it takesa community of people. And this is the best way -we stay together, we pray together,we work together and we share in the wealth together.Now before we spud in, "Mary'sWell Number One,"named for the lovely Ms.Mary Sunday who is with us today-

Mary smiles.

DANIEL
I'd like to say: "GodBless Us All."

Eli waits for his signal.-Danielpasseshim over and looks toHW.

DANIEL
Go ahead now, son.

H.W. moves a lever,which gives the enginea thump and theCHAIN gives a PULL and the gears givea RATTLE and theROTARY TABLE starts to TURN,and down underneath the derrick -comes the sound ----of spudding in. So they've begun.

CU. THE EARTH.
The DRILL BITMOVES INTO IT.

The NOISE ISVERY VERY LOUD. And it repeats.and repeats.

ELI lifts his head high,ignores that he'sbeen ignored and starts to leave-MENbegin to work the DERRICK.STAY and WATCH THIS. HOLD.

CUTTO:
52

EXT. DERRICK AREA.SUNDAY FARM. DUSK.

This is later that night.A small celebration and dinner has happened. At a long table,the last of some food.Various Little Boston residents. H.W. is running around with Mary. Daniel has maybehad a little too much to drink.

Mary comes over and Daniel speaks to her,right in front of Abel:

DANIEL
I like yournew dress,Mary.
MARY
Thank you.
DANIEL
Your welcome. I knew you would like it. Are you happy that I came here?
MARY
Yes.
DANIEL
Daddy doesn't hit you anymore doeshe? does he now? he better not, right? I'll take care of you.

He leans in and holds her shoulder's kindly;

DANIEL
No more hitting, right?no more hitting. Now go. go play some more and don't come back!

She runs off.HOLD. Daniel holds a look on Abel,who looksaway. Daniel getsup, walks off...

CUT TO:
53

INT. PLANVIEWCOTTAGE - NIGHT

DANIEL. He's asleep,so is HW. AN OILWORKER, BEN BLAUT knocks on the door. no answer.they don't wake up.

Ben enters the house.HW hears him,wakes;

HW
It's ok son, I'm here to talk to your dad. It's Ben Blaut."

BEN tries to wakeup Daniel.

BEN (to Daniel)
Sir. Sir. Sir.

He gently toucheshim to wake him- nothing. He talks louder. He pushes him.he really tries hard to gethim to wake up. His eyes open,but his body doesn'tmove.

BEN
A man fell into the well.
DANIEL
What man?
BEN
Joe Gundha.
DANIEL
When was it?
BEN
Just ten minutes ago. We were changing the bit,and this fellow went down into the cellar for some reason -nobody thought about him fora while. he had no business being there.
DANIEL
you're sure he wentdown?
BEN
we got a bit of his shirt when we went fishing with thehook.
CUT TO:

54 THE IMAGE. 54

SHOWhow it happened.Watch, in detail as thisman JOE GUNDHA is working around the hole,under the main stage of the derrick, thisis called, "the cellar"- he is working around deep, slippery mud and thin sheets of oil -- without slippinga cover over the hole -the dirt cavesin about the edges,so that the top of the hole is a kind of funnel, it's edges slippery with mud.-JoeGundha takes his chances -and slides around, fallson the edge of the pit, straight down,headFIRST.

FALLING, SLIPPING DOWN FIFTEEN FEET.THIS IS SHOWNIN DETAIL. VERY GRAPHIC. HIS HEADLANDS IN THE MUD AND BEGINSTO DROWN. THE HOLE IS VERY VERY THIN -BUT HIS WEIGHTAND THE SLIDE KEEPS TAKING HIM DOWN WITH ONEARM EXTENDED AND ONEARM PINNED TO HIS SIDE.

CUT TO:
55

INT.PLAINVIEW COTTAGE -CONTD.

DANIEL
can you hear anything?
BEN
no.
DANIEL
Well: he'sdrowned in the mud.
CUT TO:
56

INT. THE WELL.

THE IMAGE AGAIN. CAMERAUNDERNEATH THE MUD.WATCHING THIS MAN DIE INSIDE THIS HORRIBLEDEATH.

CUTTO:
57

INT. PLAINVIEW COTTAGE -CONTD.

Daniel is up and getting dressednow, HW staysin bed;

DANIEL
GODDAMMIT! GODDAMNIT!THIS MAKES ME WANT OUT OF THIS STUPIDMISERABLE BUSSINESS. DAMMIT. DAMMIT. DAMMIT. GOD. DAMMIT.HOW CAN YOU HELP PEOPLE IF THEYDON'T HELP THEMSELVES, THIS MISERABLE LIFE OF THIS BUSSINESS.
CUT TO:
58

EXT. DERRICK -NIGHT.

DANIEL and theWORKERS are working witha THREE PRONGEDGRAB.

It's essentiallya CLAW that they are bending to fitdown the hole. They get the metal bent and attach it and then start it's descentdown the hole.-They'veripped up the floor boardson the base of the derrick to make moreroom ---

58A ANGLE,INSIDE THE HOLE, WITHTHE BODY. LOOKING UP. 58A Various angles thatshow theBODY. and the claw comingdown towards it

ANGLE,THE BODY. The claw rips into the fleshand tears it up.

58B THEBODY IS PULLED UP AND OUTOF THE HOLE, COVERED INMUD AND 58B BLOOD.

CAMERA notices,on the body, is theCLOTH PIN from Eli's church.

DANIEL (to theMen)
THERE ISA COVER FOR THE HOLE AND IF ANY MANGOES DOWN INTO THE CELLAR YOU SLIP ITINTO PLACE. THAT ISTHE WAY. THAT ISTHE WAY WE DO THINGS.

Daniel walks off.

CUT TO:
59

INT.LIVING QUARTERS. MORNING.

DANIEL and FLETCHER andMURGINS are collecting the deadJOE GHUNDA's belongings. There aresome books and clothes,but mainly RELIGIOUS ITEMS.BIBLE, CROSSES, PICTURESOF JESUS, MARY, ETC.

DANIEL packs these thingsup and looks closely at them,then;

CUT TO:
60

INT.ELI'S CHURCH. DAY

Eli is going full throttle:

ELI SUNDAY
-.and from that day to thiswhenaman has been a sinner and has covered himself, it has been by and through faithinthe shed blood of Jesus Christ.Every Jew covered his sins and received pardon through the blood of therams and the doves! An infidel thatI met in Isabella County said tome once, (mimics voice) "But I Don't Believe In Atonement Through Blood. It Doesn't ComeUp To My IdeasOf What Is Right." I SAID: "TOHELL WITH YOUR IDEASOF WHAT IS RIGHT.DO YOU THINK GODIS COMING DOWN HERETO CONSULT YOU WITH YOUR GREAT INTELLECTAND WONDERFULBRAIN AND FINDOUT WHAT YOU THINK ISRIGHT BEFORE HE DOES IT?YOU MAKE ME SICK!YOU THINK THAT BECAUSEYOU DON'T BELIEVETHAT IT ISN'T TRUE? FOOL!"

ANGLE, MOMENTS LATER. ELI is healing anOLDERWOMAN who is handicap and frail. He is casting the evil spirits out and holding her head - pushing out the spirits,shouting and whisperinginunison until she isup and walking and speakingin tongues;

ELISUNDAY
THAT ISWHAT'S RIGHT! THAT ISWHAT'S RIGHT YOUDUMMIES WHO DON'TBELIEVE! YOU THINKGOD IS JUST GONNASTAND BY ANDLISTEN TO YOUR SNIVELINGAND CRYINGABOUT WHAT YOU BELIEVE?!DUMMIES!

ANGLE, IN THE BACK OFTHE CHURCH. DANIEL is watching Eli'sshow...HOLD.

ELI SUNDAY
HALLELUJIAH!IT'S A MIRACLE,LOOK AT HER WALK 1WALKTO ME 1WALK TOJESUS! WALK! WALK!
CUTTO:
61

INT.CHURCH. LATER.

Daniel approaches Eli at the front of the Church.Eli isgoing oversome plans to break the back wall of the church down and add-on...there issome pre-construction work already...FOLLOWERSand afew members of DANIEL'SCREW are there-.go about their business asDaniel and Eli speak;

DANIEL
Hello, Eli.
ELI
Daniel.
DANIEL
.-wehad a tragedy at the well last night.
ELI
Yes Iheard_.

Eli holds up his hand for silence,and makesa silent prayer to himself, then looks up:

DANIEL
JoeGhunda was a deeply faithful man and I was hoping you might speak at his burial.
ELI
...Daniel:This accident could have been avoided. It's terrible to think of that drilling well working away up there unblessed
DANIEL
Yes it could have. These men work in twelve hour shiftsand they need their rest. If they don't have it they make stupid mistakes.
ELI
I've seen some of the men drinking alcohol - do you think that hassomething to do with it?
DANIEL
We need these men rested to bring this well in -some of them can't get it if they'recoming here for your gospel -and then the well can't produce and blow gold all over the place.

BEAT.

ELI
-I wish I'd had more time with Joe Ghunda...more could have beendone._
DANIEL
We'd be honored to haveyou speak at his burial tomorrow. We can do it at noon if that's alright with you?
ELI
That would be fine.
DANIEL
Are you planningsome renovations?
ELI
I had a visionfrom the Holy Spiritthat we'd be needing moreroom at the Church of the Third Revelation. He explained to meI was to break down this wall,for his visits would be often -

BEAT. Daniel regards the church;

DANIEL
Imust confess that I only know oftwo revelations...there'sone in the old testament and one in thenew testament... isthat right?
ELI
That's right, Daniel.
DANIEL
What is the Third?
ELI
Me......._Iam the Third Revelation.
CUT TO:
62

EXT.DERRICK FLOOR - THATMOMENT - DAY

Danieland the Workers - they feel thisand there areINSTANT CALLSTO STOP AND HOLD THEWORK -

BEN BLAUT
HOLD! HOLD!WAIT!

Feeling the drill, realizing something hashappeneddown below. HOLDFOR A FEW MOMENTS as thisis worked with, then:

BENBLAUT and DANIEL confer;

BEN BLAUT
We've gotta twist off.
DANIEL
how far are we?
BENBLAUT
900 ft.

He nods as if to say,"goahead."

So begins the process of"twistingoff." Which means;THE MEN HAVETO LIFT EVERY INCHOF THE 900 FT OF PIPE UPAND OUT, UNSCREWIT IN 15 FT. SECTIONS,FOUR JOINTS AT A TIME,"BREAKING OUT,"THEY CALL IT, UNTILYOU FIND OUT WHERE THE"BREAK" IS.

CUT TO:
63

EXT.DERRICK - NIGHT.

It's nightnow and many hours later:

TheBROKEN PIECE revealed to the menup top, itFALLS TO THE FLOOROF THE DERRICK.DANIEL kicks the piece across the floor and off the derrick -

DANIEL
go fish.
CUT TO:
64

EXT. DERRICK - NIGHT.

It'sa bit later, and theMEN are "fishing" witha device that's like an ice man's tongs,attempting to grab hold of the other side of the broken piece and pull it backup._

...theNIGHTCREW comes into replace the day crew. We have 2 - 12 hour shifts for these workers.TheNIGHT FOREMANis MURGINS and he speaks with DANIEL andBEN who appraisehim of the situation.

ANGLE, DANIEL. He takes a break, off to the side...smokesa cigarette..ABEL comes over, sits down with him;

ABEL
may I sit down,Daniel?

Daniel doesn't say anything..ABEL sits...

ABEL
How much longer will themen be fishing?
DANIEL
You keep fishing until you find the piece.

BEAT.

ABEL
it's been almost three weeks...is that normal?

DANIEL

ABEL
...in your Church of theWorld, do youknow the word, "backslider?"

DANIEL

ABEL
...sometimesI think if you were to be more honest with the Holy Spirit that some of this misfortune might pass.

Silence.

ABEL
many of thenew faces here have joined Elidown at the Church of The Third Revelation -I know you haven't had the time -but I know that to leada full life - you must make the time. Iknow that if Eli were allowed to perform a blessing on this well that it would bear fruitand you wouldn't have togo fishing._butyou need to not be a backslider,Daniel. you're on a very bad path.
DANIEL
am I?
ABEL
you don't like the wayI raise my children and guidemy family - but one day you will see thatmy faith is stronger than yours.

WITHTHAT, ON THE FLOOR OFTHE DERRICK, RISING UPAND BEING SUCCESFULLYFISHED OUT, ISTHE BROKEN PIECE.

THECREW CELEBRATES, SMASHESTHE BROKEN PIECE ONTHE SIDE OF THE DERRICK,SWEAR IT UP AND DOWN-.DANIEL smiles,looksahead and says:

DANIEL
I think Eli isa lunatic. And I think you area weak little man. And I'm glad to have your land and to makea living off it whereyou couldn't.You're lucky the day Ishowed up here,Abel. So I want you to stayaway from menow. go back down to your house and stay there. you'll know when the well comes in.
CUT TO:
65

EXT. SUNDAY DRILLING AREA.DAY.

CAMERA moves/walks withDANIEL around the derrick and the workers and all of it_

-~Y and HW are nearby,playing with each other,they run past Daniel, who smiles to them and says;

DANIEL
How aremy kids? how'smy family?
CUTTO:
66

EXT. SUNDAY DRILLING AREA.AT THE DERRICK.DAY.

DANIEL is talking withFLETCHE&-and working with hisMEN•

...theMEN are working with"ajar," which isa tool that strikes HEAVY BLOWS and GETSTHE CASING LOOSE,WHICH IS STUCK DOWN BELOW. They're using it to shake the casing loose...

ANGLE, HW, ON THEDERRICK. Sitting with his legs strapped over the side of the derrick, near the hole --HW listens to these blows, fardown in the earth...watching it very,verycarefully._

SUDDENLY AND WITHOUTWARNING;

Out of the earth, likea rocket shoots --GAS - with a HIGH SQUEEL AND FORCE,IT IS THIS HIGH SOUNDAND INVISIBLE FORCE THAT SMASHES BW'SBAR DRUMS and BLOWSRIM OFF THE SIDE OFTHE DERRICK --

HIS LITTLE BODYRISES IN THE AIR LIKE A RAGDOLL and he can do nothing but fall straight back down to the ground -

SOUND DROPSOUT OF THE ENTIRE SOUNDTRACK. And we watchhim land, lift hishead and look;

STRAY TOOL PIECESAND WOOD SHARDS from the Derrick thathave been ROCKETED in the air comeSLAMMINGINTO THE GROUNDALL AROUND HIM,LODGING DEEP INTO THESURFACE.

THE DERRICK.
It blowsWATER FOR A QUICK BLAST,THEN, OIL. IT IS SUDDENLY BLACK EVERYWHERE.

ANGLE,DANIEL. SOUND COMES BACKWHEN WE ARE WITH HIM. He has not seen what hashappened toHW. He is busy trying to deal with theGUSHER. He runs up to the derrick floor -which is now coveredin OIL - THEN:

DANIEL
LIGHTS OUT!LIGHTS OUT! EVERYONE LIGHTSOUT.

But it's too late- SOMETHING SPARKSTHE DERRICK.

In one,two, three: THE DERRICKCATCHES TO FIRE ANDALL THE OIL BECOMESA FLAME. It's as if aFLAME THROWER is coming upfrom under ground.

This catches to the oil that's spilled all around.BLACKSMOKE FILLS THE AIR.

ANGLE,HW. SOUND DROPS OUTAGAIN. SILENT WITH HIM. He watches theFIRE coming straight towardshim.

He is unable to move.in shock. itcomes straight athim --

AT THATMOMENT, he is SCOOPEDup by a WORKER.

CAMERAFOLLOWS DANIEL OVERAND HE GRABS H.W. from the worker

DANIEL
You alright?You alright? GODDAMIT TALKTO ME. WHAT'S WRONG? WHAT HAPPENED?SPEAK. TELL ME.

They boy is cryingnow and can'tseem to makea SOUND. HELOOKS AT DANIEL, ANDWE HEAR NOTHING.

DANIEL carrieshim down to safety atTHE MESSHALL/BASE CAMP.-MEN SCRAMBLETO PREPARE THEBATTLE WITH THE GUSHER.

CUT TO:
67

INT.MESS HALL. THAT MOMENT

DANIEL brings him in, setshim down, looks over hisbody to see it's all put together,HW is starting to loose it and go crazy;

HW
I CAN'THEAR MY VOICE. ICAN'T HEAR MY VOICE. DADDY,I DON'T WANNA, ICAN'T HEAR MY VOICE.
DANIEL
You're alright.You're alright.Just calm down.
HW
AHHHHHHHHH.I CAN'T HEAR, PLEASE. PLEASE.PLEASE.

DANIEL cannot calm him down...He tries to settlehim...

DANIEL
STAYHERE. YOU STAY HERE.WAIT FOR ME HERE.

67A BASE CAMP FAMILIES are comingin here for SAFETY. DANIEL 67A INSTRUCTSTHEM TO WATCHAFTER H.W. AND KEEPHIM.

ANGLE, FROM HW'S POINTOF VIEW. We hear absolutely nothing._DANIELleaves,HW follows, clinging,screaming_.DANIEL PUSHES HIM DOWN and goesback outside --

CUT TO:
68

EXT. BASECAMP - THATMOMENT

DANIEL exits, CAMERA stays withhim -

The OIL IS ON FIREAND FLOWS AND SPEWS INTHE AIR. BITS FALLALL AROUND DANIEL...WHOSTARTSTOGLOW WITH EXCITEMENT

68A ANGLE, HW. IN THEBASECAMP. SOUND IS STILLOUT. 68A He is speechless and stunned andin shock...FAMILIESGATHERAROUND HOLD HIM, ETC.

CUTTO:
69

EXT. GUSHER. THATMOMENT.

MEN are rushing around to battle theblaze-.DANIEL barks directions towardstaming the FIRE-._....

ANGLE, GUIDEWIRES. Two of the four guide wires for the derrick areSNAPPEDBYSOME MEN.-

THE DERRICKBURNS VERY QUICKLY and this will help topple in the direction down wind -

day turns to nightand BLACK SMOKEFILLS the air...

DANIEL andTHE MEN wait for it to burn and fall -- once it does, MEN WILLAPPROACH THE BASEOF THE DERRICK AND THECELLAR WALL WHICHIS BUILT INTO THE SIDEOF THE HILL.

THEYHAVE METAL SHEETSOVER THE HEADS, GET CLOSEAND BANG INTO THECELLAR DOOR.

ATTHE SAME TIME, DANIELPREPARES DYNAMITE TOPLACE IN A BOX AT THEEND OF A THIRTY FOOTMETAL POLE-

69A ...THECELLARDOORIS SMASHEDOPEN. 69A

THEMEN AND DANIEL GETTHE DYNAMITE AT THE ENDOF THE POLE POSITIONEDUP THE HILLAND START TO PUSH IT TOWARDSTHE CELLAR OPENING -

ITGETS CLOSER AND CLOSER- ONCE THE DYNAMTIEARRIVES INTO THE CELLAR -IT BLOWS - SNUFFINGOUT THE DERRICK INAN INSTANT. THE GROUND AROUND THE DERRICKSRISES, THEN CAVES IN.

SOMEFIRE STILL BURNS._

63

_•..ALROSECOMES OVER TODANIEL,WHO IS ALL SMILES,HE IS A MAN

gone crazy in happiness.

DANIEL
WHYDO YOU LOOK SO GREEN,AL?
AL ROSE
THEWELL IS RUINED.
DANIEL
AL: WE'VEGOT AN OCEAN OF OILUNDERNEATH YOURFEET AND NOT A SOULCAN GO NEAR ITBUT ME. LIGHT A CIGARON THAT FIRE. IT'LLBURN ITSELF OUT.

HOLD ON DANIEL. THEFIRE BLAZES. HOLD IMAGES,THEN:

CUTTO:
70

INT. MESS HALL.LATER.

DANIEL comes back in,covered in OIL andMUD and ASH.-he goes to HW, who is being tendedby the SUNDAY'S. He leans down tohim, looks at him-.

CUT TO:
71

INT.PLAINVIEW COTTAGE. NIGHT,LATER.

Daniel rocksHW in his arms, back and forth.The boy is crying and crying,hysterical. Fletcher is sitting nearby,watching this mess...

HW
I can't hearmy voice. I can't hear my voice, daddy.daddy, please make me hear my voice.I don't want this. I don't wanna.

Daniel whispers in his ear,over and over.HOLD.

DANIEL
I love you, Ilove you my boy. it's alright. listen tome if you can: you'll be fine. a-b-c-d-e-f-g-h-i-j-k-I love youI love you. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-·-··

FADEOUT as he continues.HOLD IN BLACK, THEN:

CUT TO:
72

INT.PLAINVIEW COTTAGE. MORNING.

A LOCALDOCTOR brought in by Daniel,attempting to lookHW over. HW is very angry,kicking and screaming and punching the Doctor away. Daniel tries to holdhim down and calm him. The Doctor is kickedby HW again and again.

Fletcher nearby. This isa real mess.

FADE OUT,HOLD IN BLACK, FADE IN:

73

INT. PLAINVIEW COTTAGE.LATER/MORNING.

HW is asleep inside the house.

FLETCHER andDANIEL sit together here going oversome plans, sketches about building a reservoir.ALROSE is here.

They finishup some more plans forDRILLING to occur up the hill. This is all agreed upon,then:

DANIEL
Who do we know inSan Francisco or in Los Angeles that would work with -we can - someone a teacher? for H.W. How can you figure out that - call -what's his name?
FLETCHER
Bob Brodie in San Francisco.
DANIEL
Call Bob Brodie and getsomeone down here.

Fletcher leaves.Daniel sits alonea moment, then goes into the house -

INSIDE,THAT MOMENT.

Daniel goes into thebedroom,where HW is lying awake in bed-.DANIEL kneelsdown in front ofhim-.

DANIEL
can you hear me?

CAN YOU HEARME?

He points to his mouth, HW just stares_.

DANIEL
I'm going...!have to go and see about the rigs... Do you understand?

I can't stay here with you all day, I have to take care of our business.

our work. the wells.

I can't do this all day.

No.2 has it's cementdown and I have to see to it...

Daniel is frustrated...He gets himselfachange of clothes,cleans up andLEAVES.

CUT TO:
74

INT.DANIEL'S OFFICE/BASECAMP.DAYS LATER.

Daniel is sitting withawoman, a TEACHER/SUPERINTENDANTnamed FANNIECLARK (30s) who hasbeen brought down to speak with Danieland help with HW.

Through the scene weHEAR ALLTHE NOISE FROM OUTSIDE,DRILLING, MEN, ETC.

TEACHER
Can he read?
DANIEL
...No...
TEACHER
does heknow a few words? to read -are their words that he can recognize?
DANIEL
I don'tknow.
TEACHER
did hego to school?
DANIEL
He's smarter than any child you've ever met.
TEACHER
Our facility -
DANIEL
I don't wanthim to go anywhere, I want you to come here.
TEACHER
The school that wehave in San Francisco has other children and that would bea very good place for him. He can be with other children and we have six other teachers.
DANIEL
I will build youa school here and you can bring all the children down. I'm offering to build youa school that's anything you want it to be.
TEACHER
Yes, but,these children have families in San Francisco.
DANIEL
We'll bring their families. We can build aschool that is the best in this State.In this country. You're the best teacher they say, so why don'tyou have your own school?
TEACHER
I live inSan Francisco.
DANIEL
Not anymore. I'll havea temporary school built in one month and once you're here we can make plans fora larger place to be built within a year. I'll pay youtwo thousand dollars in salary and build youahome as well. Does thissound fine to you?
TEACHER
No. It doesn't. You need to send your son to San Francisco ifyou want him to learn how to deal with what's happened. He needs togo to school.
DANIEL
yes or no?
TEACHER
No, sir.
DANIEL
I'm only going to ask you once.
TEACHER
You already have.Building a school here may be better foryou but it's not better foryou boy.
DANIEL
Well then get out of here.get out. I'll have someone get you back to San Francisco.
TEACHER
You don't wantme to see him?
DANIEL
No.
TEACHER
I've come a long way because you asked for me personally and Mr.Brodie suggested
DANIEL
That's all over.Someone will get you back to San Francisco,I'm wasting my time with you right now ifyou don't takemy offer I have work. I have important work.
CUT TO:
75

INT.A GIANT RESERVOIR UNDERCONSTRUCTION- DAY.

Daniel,Fletcher, et al, standing in the middle of A GIANT RESERVOIR that's essentiallya large DUG HOLE INTHE GROUND.

TEAMS OF HORSES PULL PLOWSto grade it flat-.They have torn into the land as a place to dump the oil.

Across the way, into the dirt reservoir,comesELI SUNDAY.

'"Hewalks up to Daniel:

ELI
When do we get our money,Daniel?

Daniel walks up tohim and SLAPS ELI STRAIGHTACROSS THE FACE. Eli is stunned.

He SLAPS HIM AGAIN,WITH OPEN HAND, STRAIGHTACROSS HIS FACE. Eli starts to well with tearsfrom theFORCE OF THIS BRUTAL SLAP.

HOLD. Everythingis still for a moment.He SLAPS HIM AGAIN. Eli moves back,goes down to his knees.

DANIEL
aren't you a healer anda vessel for the holy spirit?When are you coming over and makemy son hear again? CAN'T YOU DO THAT?
ELI
You should have letme bless the well, this wouldn't have happened to him-

HE SLAPS ELIAGAIN, STRAIGHT ACROSSTHE FACE.

ELI
you shouldn't have done that--

He SLAPS HIM AGAIN.Everyone is standing around.Silenced.

ELI
You owe the Church of the Third Revelation five thousand dollars as part of the arrangement thatwe made.
DANIEL
I'm gonna make you leave hereand bury you under ground, Eli.get away from me.
ELI
you'll learn soon enough -

He SLAPSHIM AGAIN. HOLD.

ELI
You've got something elsecoming to you.
CUT TO:
76

INT.SUNDAY RANCH. NIGHT.

CAMERA holdsa MEDIUM cu.on ELI. his face is red and bruised from the beating he took from Daniel.OC we hear thesounds of the family eating,small tal~-CAMERAsits with Eliand watches his face start to turn and scowl towardsABEL. FINALLY:

ELI
You are sucha stupid man, Abel.

REVERSE,THAT MOMENT, ABEL.He looks across the table at his son.

ELI
You've letsomeone come in here and walk all over us. You've let him in and do his work here and you'rea stupid man for what we could have had. Nothing but goatsand rocks and all the time we were rich.
ABEL
I followedHis word, Eli...I 've tried -
ELI
you didn't do anything but sit down. You're lazy and you're stupid.
(beat)
Do you think God isgoing to comedown here and save you for being stupid?He doesn't save stupid people,Abel.

EliPUSHES THE TABLE INFRONT OF HIM AND SLAMSIT TOWARDS ABEL, PUSHINGIT BACK AND PINNINGHIM AGAINST THEWALL.

ELI JUMPS UP, MOVES TOWARDSHIM, ABEL IS TERRIFYED.

ELI
I WILLTEAR YOU APART FORWHAT YOU'VE DONE. YOU STUPIDMAN. YOU STUPID,SMALL MAN.
ABEL
Son,stop this please. please.
ELI
How did hecome here? Do you want toknow? I KNOW.I HAVE SEEN THIS IN AVISION. It was your stupid son. It was Paul who told him to come here.I know it. He told him tocome here and he told him what he could takeyou for. He went to him and he said, "My stupid,weak father will giveaway his lots -go and take him - 11and you let it happen --from a stupid father to a stupid son.
CUT TO:
77

EXT. TRAIN DEPOT/NEAR LITTLEBOSTON. ANOTHERDAY.

A TRAIN has just arrivedsome new people/new atmosphere around..CAMERA staysBEHIND AFIGURE, IN SHILOUETTE as it steps off the train_

CAMERA follows behind thisyoung MALE STRANGER (30s)as he makes his way through the platform -

The MALE STRANGER walks,looks, then heads awayfrom the depot, towards Little Boston -we see NEW DERRICKSERECTED ON THE HILLS SURROUNDING THE TOWN.

CUT TO:
78

EXT. PLAINVIEW COTTAGE.EVENING.

CAMERA is behind Daniel ashe walks towards his cottage...He gets closer...sitting out front of the house,waiting...

...THESTRANGER.He holdssome camping equipment, life ina bag...He stands up as Daniel approaches...

DANIEL
Can I help you?
STRANGER
Daniel?
DANIEL
Who's that?
STRANGER
My name is Henry.
DANIEL
yeah?
HENRY
I'm Henry.

Daniel arrives and they stand with each other.

DANIEL
what canI do for you?
HENRY
I'm Henry Plainview_.! 'm from Fond du lac.

Daniel is quiet.

HENRY
I'm your brother from another mother.

BEAT.

HENRY
Ernestis my father.
DANIEL
who areyou?
HENRY
Henry.

BEAT.

DANIEL
Marion Brands...?is that your mother?
HENRY
yes, that's right.

DANIEL

HENRY
Iread about your gusher in the paper. about your success.

BEAT. Long time,Daniel just looks athim.

DANIEL
you heard aboutmy strike and you just show up?
HENRY
Our father'sdead. Ernest died. I've heard andI wanted to findyou• ...Did youknow this?
DANIEL
When?
HENRY
...three monthsago.Igot a letter from Anabelle --
DANIEL
My sister Anabelle?

Henry nods, "yes."

DANIEL
Where is she?
HENRY
still athome. Fond du Lac.
DANIEL
You came all the wayfrom Wisconson --
HENRY
I'm coming fromNew Mexico. I've been there.I came to findyou...

did you know about me?

DANIEL
...you have identification?doyou have this letter?

He hands over someIDENTIFICATION PAPERS/LETTER.Daniel regards them. BEAT. Daniel is stunned and moved.

DANIEL
come inside.

He reaches for Henry'shand and shakes it...then give way to hugging him...He holds hishead and looks at his faceand his eyes and sees something...Henry speaks;

HENRY
Daniel: I'm starving.
CUT TO:
79

INT. PLAINVIEWCOTTAGE. DAY. LATER.

Henry is eating ferociouslyfrom ameal set out in front ofhim at the breakfast table. Daniel sits withHW on his lap.

WE WATCHHENRY SPEAK AND EAT IN SILENCEFROM HW'S POV.

CU. HW.watching him.

BRING SOUNDBACK TO HEAR:

DANIEL
Where are you comingfrom?
HENRY
From New Mexico.
DANIEL
Yes, I know, butfrom where?
HENRY
Silver City. I've been there fortwo years.

CUT BACKTO HW. AND THE SOUNDDROPS OUT. WE WATCH HIMWATCH HENRY EATAND TALK EAT AND TALK.HOLD, THEN BACK TOCONVERSATION WITH SOUND:

HENRY
I was trying drilling ofmy own for years, getting leases in texasand louisiana.
DANIEL
Anything that produced?
HENRY
No. not like you. not like your success.
DANIEL
Are you married?
HENRY
no. I spent time in jail. I hada stretch of very bad time.had nothing and was pickedup in louisiana.I worked on a chain gang for six months.building roads. that was a very hard time. Are you married?
DANIEL
What were you in jail for?
HENRY
Believe it or not,for all the terrible things that I'd gotten myself into, when they picked me up Ihadn't done anything. but I've donemy share of things that shouldn't be talked about.
DANIEL
Haveyou ever thought about going back home?
HENRY
Yes. have you?
DANIEL
No.

BACK TO HW watching withno sound as DANIEL talks-He looksHARD AT HENRY. HOLD. BACKTO DANIEL with HW on his lap. SOUND BACK;

DANIEL
Ihave my own family now. And my own concerns.

SAME, LATER. DANIEL pours some whiskey ina glass of rnilk...he does this out of sight from HW••

He takes the milk and sets it in front ofHW...who looksup at Daniel, who says:

DANIEL
drink.

drink it.

He motions forhim to take the drink. HW drinks the milk.

CUT TO:
80

INT. PLAINVIEWCOTTAGE - LATER - NIGHT.

DANIEL carriesH.W., passed out,and places him in the bed...DANIEL comesback out...HENRY is here...DANIEL sits with him...

DANIEL
So what do you want,Henry?
HENRY
Nothing...ifyou can spare something, I can work foryou in any way - I know I'll keep moving before long to get back to Fond du Lac.
DANIEL
do you have any money?
HENRY
some. not much.
DANIEL
just answerme directly. you say, "nothing," and then you say you want to stay and work. it's better I'd just like to hear you say you'd like to be here.
HENRY
I would like to be here. I'm a good worker,I've worked cable-tool rigsand built railroads, I won't need any favors ...

BEAT.

CUT TO:
81

EXT.FIELDS - NIGHT - LATER.

It's later.Daniel and Henry areaway from it all,sipping from a flask,handed back and forth;

DANIEL
What didmy Mother know...?
HENRY
I don't know. I don't know if sheknew and looked the other way...if she never knew.
DANIEL
How did youknow?
HENRY
I worked for Winchell Hedrick, do you remember?
DANIEL
yes.
HENRY
He told me.

Why did you leave? I know you didn't get on with our Father

DANIEL
I worked for GeologicalSurvey and went to Kansas...!couldn't stay there. I just couldn' t ...I don't like to explain myself.

HOLD ONDANIEL.

DANIEL
are you an angry man,Henry?
HENRY
._about what?
DANIEL
are you envious?do you get envious?
HENRY
I don't think so.

BEAT.

DANIEL
I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people.
HENRY
That part ofme is gone...workingand not succeeding - allmy failureshas leftme - I don't care as much -
DANIEL
...if it'sinme, it'sin you...
(beat)
There are timeswhen I look at people and I see nothing worthliking.

BEAT. HOLD,THEN:

DANIEL
Don't you want to succeed?
HENRY
I used to dream andgo after a success like yours-.now Ijust want to survive. I don't have the dedication to things that I once had.
(beat)
_.I just don't feel thatway_,
DANIEL
You're being lazy. that's what it is. and you don't have to be.

I've worked people over and gotten what I want from them and it makesme sick; Because I see that all people are lazy.

They're easy to take_.

I want to make enough money thatI can move faraway from everyone.

HENRY
What will you do about your boy?
DANIEL
I don't know. Maybe it will change. Does your sound come back to you? I don't know. Maybe no one knows that. A doctor might notknow that.
HENRY
Where is his mother?
DANIEL
...I don't want to talk about those things...

BEAT.

DANIEL
I see the worst in people.

I don't need to look past seeing them to get allI need.

Iwant to rule and never,ever explain myself.

I've builtmy hatreds up over the years, littleby little, Henry...

...to haveyou here givesmeasecond breath...!couldn't keep doing this onmy own with these people•••

CUTTO:
82

INT. PLAINVIEW COTTAGE.MORNING.

HW gets out of bed,looks around the empty house.

He goes into HENRY'SBAG and begins to look through the i terns .He picksup aSMALL LEATHER JOURNAL. He looks it over...

...he has it upsidedown, trying to make sense of it...he looks at more items. HOLD.

CUTTO:
83

EXT. BURNED DRILLING AREA.DAY.

HW walks around theBURNED OUT REMAINS of the derrick.

CUT TO:
84

INT. ELI'S CHURCH.DAY.

HW is in the church,which is empty except forMARY SUNDAY. She tries to talk withh~ ..

HOLD THE TWOOF THEM. She tries to entertain him.HOLD.

CUT TO:
85

INT. BAR. LITTLE BOSTON.NIGHT.

A crowded scene in the local bar. people drunk,loud, etc.

DANIEL is off to the sidea bit, enjoying thingsfrom a slight distance with HENRY...

The other oil men from the area:BLAIZE andWHRIGHTSMAN are here. drunk. telling jokes/stories. etc.

FLETCHER watches from across theroom as Daniel andHenry talk and drink. HOLD.

CUT TO:
86

INT. SUNDAY RANCHHOUSE. NIGHT.

H.W. is being cared forby MOTHER SUNDAYand MARY and RUTH.

MOTHER SUNDAY poursa bit of whisky again intoa small cup of goat's milk...she then takes thisand sets it in front of HW to drink.

ELI comes in...and looks atH. w...;

ELI
Hello, young boy_.
CUTTO:
87

INT. BAR - CONTINUED.

There is a LOCALVIXEN WOMAN who walks over to Daniel and takes a seat near him. HOLD.

CUT TO:
88

INT. SUNDAY HOUSE.THAT MOMENT•

...H. w.looksup atELI standing overhim...Eli sitsdown, crosses H.W.and gives him a blessing;

ELI
There is only one Father. And there is only one son.
MARY
he can't hear you
ELI
yes he can.
MARY
Eli...he can't hear you- he doesn't-
ELI
QUIET.

ELIcomes in real close and jostlesH.W. to pay attention, speaks rightin his face:

ELI
You listen to thisboy, because Iknow you can hear me: Your Father hasprovoked me.-andhe has provoked God. You should save yourself before it's too late.
CUT TO:
89

EXT.ALLEY WAY/OUTSIDE BAR.NIGHT

DANIELis in a safe, dark, quiet place with the Vixen.Heis on hisknees and has his head buried inside her legs,leaning her up againsta wall. HOLD.

He finishes and gives hersome money.

He fixes his hair, wipessweat from his face witha rag from his pocket and leaves.

CUT TO:
90

INT. PLAINVIEW COTTAGE.NIGHT - LATER.

It's dark and quiet. DANIEL is passed out inbed.-HENRYis in another room sleeping.

H. w. enters into Henry'sroom._____..and takes outasample bottle of CRUDE OIL. He pours thisTHICK BLACK OIL around Henry's bed--

He makes a long trail back out into the main part of the house...pouring the oil inaline._

ANGLE, H.W. He sits down in the kitchen and takes outabox of MATCHES-.and STRIKES THE OIL INSTANTLYON FIRE.

IT TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET,SHOCKING/TERRIFYING H.W.AND IN A FLASH HENRY'S ROOMIS ON FIRE.

BLACK SMOKE FILLSTHE AIR.

H.W. sees the FIRE start toCATCH THECURTAINS and THE FURNITURE in the MAIN ROOM...

...HENRY-.wakesup...seesBLACKSMOKEFILLINGHISROOMAND FLAMES AROUND THE BEDAND DARTS OUT OF BED -HE SEES H.W. ON THEFLOOR, FIRE AROUND HIM -

HENRY MOVES, SMACKSTHE MATCHES FROM HW'sHANDS - THROWS HIM UNDER HISARM LIKE A DOLL ANDMOVES TO DANIEL'S ROOM-

H.W. is KICKINGAND SCREAMING. HENRYCALLS OUT;

HENRY
DANIEL. DANIEL.GET UP. GET UP.

Daniel wakes,sees this.

HENRY
COME, COME, WAKEUP AND LEAVE RIGHT NOW.

DANIEL SMASHESA BEDROOM WINDOWAND GETS HIMSELF OUT- HENRY AND H.W. BANGTHROUGH THE FRONT DOOR--

CUT TO:
91

EXT. PLAINVIEW COTTAGE.NIGHT. THAT MOMENT.

They're outside as the cottageRIPS UP IN FLAMES,DANIEL HOLDS H.W. by HIS ARMSAND SHOUTS IN HIS FACE;

DANIEL
WHATARE YOU DOING?

WHATARE YOU DOING TO US?

OPEN YOURMOUTH.

The PLAINVIEW COTTAGEBURNS.

CUT TO:
92

EXT. TRAIN DEPOT. LITTLEBOSTON. DAY.

Daniel and H.W. are walking together.Both dressed fora trip. They board the train.

CUT TO:
93

INT. TRAIN. MOMENTSLATER.

Daniel and H.W. sit on the train...waiting for it to leave. Daniel is clearly hiding something and fighting back emotions.

He HUGS H.W. very tight. kisses his head over and over and over again.

HOLD. HW looks up athim. Daniel says and tries to communicate;

DANIEL
I'll be right back. I'm going to go to talk to the conductor. I will be right back.you stay here. you stay here?

HW nods some sort of approval.Daniel leaves.HOLD with HW.

For a very long cu.we hold on HW's face ashe sits. SOUNDdrops out slowly._

88

_THETRAIN STARTS TO MOVEA LITTLE.HW GETS UP AND LOOKS OUT THE

window...

HIS POV.
Daniel is walkingaway from the TRAINDEPOT.

ANGLE, DANIEL.

CAMERA leadshim as he walks away.

ANGLE, HW. starts to go crazy and scream for his Father and moves to run off the train -

BUT IS GRABBED byFLETCHER, who is there to take hold ofhim and calm him down_.

THE TRAIN STARTSFORWARD.

HW
NO. NO. NO. NO. NO.NO.

FLETCHER holdshim as tight as he can ashe kicks and screams.

94 CU. DANIEL. 94 as the train leaves in the b.g.He keeps walking.HOLD THISVERY LONG WALKAWAY, as the train leaves...

CUT TO~

95

INT. MESSHALL. NIGHT.

Daniel and Henry together,drunk. Sitting and talking. Daniel isnodding off. So drunk he can't keep his eyes open.

DANIEL
He's not my son.He's not even my son.
HENRY
What do you mean?
DANIEL
He's not my son_

He begins to break down,holds his crotch,looks down;

DANIEL
...my cock doesn't even workhow' m I gonna makea kid?

does yourswork Henry?

our Father's worked well,look at you.

HOLD.

DANIEL
I asked youa question•••
HENRY
...when I'm lucky.

Daniel wobbles up and standsand walks off.••HOLDON HENRY looking at Daniel.

CUT TO:
96

INT. TRAIN - MOVING- LATER.

CAMERA holds on FLETCHER andHW. FLETCHERis holding HW and calming him down, petting hishead, speaking softly tohim-.

CUTTO:
97

INT. LITTLE BOSTONTRAIN DEPOT. DAY

It's days later.DANIEL and HENRY enter,dressed and clean and meet with two MEN (40s)waiting for them:

H.M. TILFORD and J.J.CARTER from STANDARDOIL COMPANY.

They all shake hands,reserved, polite. Daniel intro's Henry as his brother from FondDu Lac, Wisconsin.

They all sit down,then:

TILFORD
how's your boy?
DANIEL
thank you for asking.
TILFORD
is there anything we can do?
DANIEL
Thanks for askingis enough.
TILFORD
So: What are your plans?
DANIEL
is this about buying up my tracts here?
TILFORD
yes.
DANIEL
The cable said it was aboutmy Coyote Hills lease.
TILFORD
We'd like that too.
DANIEL
What's your offer forCoyote Hills?
TILFORD
We'll offer150,000 for full title.
DANIEL
That'sa deal.

BEAT.

DANIEL
what? what's next?
TILFORD
You have11,000 acres in Little Boston. You have one proven well that was damaged --
DANIEL
I have three wells proven, you haven't been paying attention. It's three proven wells.
TILFORD
We'll makeyou a millionaire from one minute to the next while you're sitting here.

BEAT.

DANIEL
What else wouldI do with myself?

BEAT.

TILFORD
areyou asking me?
DANIEL
what else would I do with myself?
TILFORD
Take care of your son.
DANIEL
............ ?
TILFORD
I don't know what you would do.
DANIEL
If you wereme and Standard offered to buy what you had fora million dollars ---- why? So why?
TILFORD
you know why.
DANIEL
...you guys should scratch around and find it like the rest of us instead of buying up someone else's hard work --
TILFORD
what do you want?
DANIEL
are you gonna change your shipping costs?
TILFORD
we don't dictate shipping costs. That's railroad business
DANIEL
you don't control the railroads? of course you do. of course you do.
TILFORD
how you gonna get this stuff out of here? build a pipeline,make a deal with Union Oil, bemy guest, but if you don't pull that off = you've got an ocean of oil under your feet withnowhere togo_.._ Why don'tyou let us take it from here and makeyou rich.-spendtime with your boy. It's a greatdiscovery_.nowlet us help you.

BEAT. There is silence fora very long time__..VERYLONGTIME.

DANIEL
Did you just tellme how to runmy Family?
TILFORD
it might be more important foryou now that you've proven the field and we're offering to buy you out.

BEAT--··-------·········

DANIEL
One night.---!'m gonna come inside your house,wherever you're sleeping...and I'm gonna cut your throat.
TILFORD
what? what are you talking about Daniel, have you gone crazy?
DANIEL
-- did you hear what Isaid?
TILFORD
-- yes, I did, why areyou saying it?
DANIEL
You Don't Tell Me AboutMy Son.
TILFORD
-- why are acting insane and saying you're gonna cut my throat?
CARTER
Daniel, what is this? get ahold of yourself.
TILFORD
We're not telling you anything.I'm sorry if you're offended.I want you to be reasonable.

Daniel standsup. Henry does thesame.

DANIEL
You'll see whatI can do.

Daniel and Henry exit.

CUT TO:
98

INT. DANIEL'STENT. NIGHT - DAYSLATER

Daniel is speaking ashe packsa bag, in a bit of a trance, sotto scene~Fletcher is back from his trip withH.W. They commiserate~

FLETCHER
How much did they offer?

BEAT.No answer.

DANIEL
It's the irony of fate that they have to come knocking isn't it? trying to buy up what we've done- we'll do it this way and we won't have to grovel.

BEAT.SILENCE. THEN:

DANIEL
That stupid woman should have let us build a hospital here•••how big is hisroom?
FLETCHER
He shares aroom with another boy.
DANIEL
Who?
FLETCHER
an older boy about twelve, he's been there for a year,named Ballard.
DANIEL
how big is theroom?
FLETCHER
small..--it' s bigger than thistent._
DANIEL
That woman should have listened to me. we could have built them something better_.

BEAT.

FLETCHER
Daniel: How much do youknow aboutHenry?
DANIEL
uh-huh.

Daniel's face changesa bit.

FLETCHER
Let me havesomeone look around FondDu Lac to see your family and ask --
DANIEL
Do you really thinkI wouldn't know my own brother."? That I would be taken like that?
(beat)
are you envious?
FLETCHER
yes.
DANIEL
We've worked together fora long time, Fletcher.But you're notmy brother. and that might makeyou envious.
FLETCHER
This ismy business as well and it's only that...what's best for the work... for the safety of all our work, there's no harm in contacting Fond du Lacand your family --
DANIEL
Don't talkanymore about it or do that, to talk tothe~. He'smy brother. That's it.

BEAT.

FLETCHER
What to do about Eli?
DANIEL
Nothing. Eli'sa child.
FLETCHER
No he's not. I think we should pay him something.
DANIEL
That woman should have taken our offer to build a hospital. Stupid.

Daniel has his things gathered,as he's leaving;

DANIEL
the pipeline solves all our trouble.

He's gone.

CUT TO:
99

EXT. BASECAMP.DAWN. (START MUSIC/BUILDING)

THREE HORSES are beingSADDLED and OUTFITEDwith CAMPING SUPPLIES, GEAR andHUNTING WEAPONS.-

ANGLE, CU. CRUDEOIL SAMPLES. are loaded into jars that are wrapped for safety and loaded into POUCHES on the horses.

DANIEL and HENRY get themselvesup on theHORSES and

They head off for the hills...

CUT TO:
100

EXT. BANDY'SLAND. MORNING.

DANIEL andHENRY ride up through a dry canyon -DRIVING WOOD STAKESWITH RED MARKERS INTOTHE GROUND AS THEYGO, SIGNALING AROUTE FOR THE PIPELINE.

They come out ofa clearing - and comeupon the BANDYHOUSE. This is the place with thePIGS andSULPHUR that wecame to earlier...

101 ANGLE,AT THE BANDY HOUSE. 101 Daniel and Henry rideup, outside isa young boy: WILLIAM (17 years old,Bandy's grandson)

DANIEL
Is your fatherBandy?
WILLIAM
Grandfather.
DANIEL
Where is he?
WILLIAM
not here.
DANIEL
where is he?
WILLIAM
he's out. what do you want?
DANIEL
I'm Daniel Plainview...!want to talk to him about his property...
WILLIAM
about what?
DANIEL
...it'ssomething I' 11 talk withhim about.
WILLIAM
are you the oilman?
DANIEL
that's right.
WILLIAM
he's not interested in drilling.
DANIEL
I'm not either.-...when willhe be back?
WILLIAM
few days.
DANIEL
you tell him I'd like to speak withhba..not for drilling...I '11 be back ina week.

They RIDEON...HOLD,THEN...

...HENRYDRIVESASTAKE INTO THEGROUND WITH A RED RIBBON, SIGNALINGTHE ROUTE FOR THEPIPELINE, STRAIGHT INTOBANDY'S LOT...

CUT TO:
102

EXT.LARGE FLAT FIELD. DAY.

DANIEL andHENRY drive anotherWOOD STAKE WITH RED FLAG INTOTHE GROUND.

CUT TO:
103

EXT.MOUNTAINS. DAY.

DANIEL andHENRY ride throughTHICK FORREST...m.oving through a new landscape...THEYPLANT AWOODSTAKE...

CUT TO:
104

EXT.FERTILE FARM LAND. DAY.

DANIEL andHENRY through some fertileGROVES. They plant anotherWOOD STAKE._

CUT TO:
105

EXT.RIDGE - DAYS LATER.

DANIEL andHENRY ride over a ridge,CAMERA RISESAND REVEALS:

ThePACIFIC OCEAN-.theyridedown towards it-HENRYPLANTS ANOTHER STAKEINTO THE GROUND...

CUT TO:
106

INT.UNION OIL REFINERY.DAY.

DANIEL andHENRY walk through this refinery.Machines grind away. The head of UNIONOIL, old friend of Daniel's: L.P. "PRESS" ST. CLAIR (50s)comes up to greet them:

L.P.
Daniel.you're a sight for sore eyes.
DANIEL
Press._
L.P.
congratulations.
DANIEL
-- this ismy brother Henry Brands from Wisconsin.Press St.Clair.
L.P.
good to meet you, come in, you get cleaned up, getyou a drink. come over here - congratulations,Daniel. you hit quite a strike.
DANIEL
Thank you.
L.P.
how's your boy?
DANIEL
He's fine.

They talk and walk...and enter an office and close the door.

CUTTO:
107

INT. UNION OILMEETING HALL/NEAR THEOCEAN- DAY.

DANIEL and HENRY are here with sixMENFROM UNION OIL, led by "PRESS" st. CLAIR.They discuss pipelines, oil, etc.Maps and drawings and crude samples in front of them;come to the scene for celebratory feeling,a joke after business has finished:

L.P.
What's the relationship between your wife, Standard Oil and a free whore?
GROUP
what is it?
L.P.
You can always beat your wife, you can occasionally beat StandardOil, but you can never beata free whore.

Everyone laughs.

CUT TO:
108

INT. PACIFICOCEAN. DUSK.

SPLASH. CAMERAis IN THE WATER WITH DANIELAND HENRY. They JUMP IN AND FLOATAROUND OUT AT SEA, LOOKINGBACK AT THE SHORE LINE;

They're happy and celebratory;

DANIEL
There was that house inFond Du Lac that Maurice LaConte built -do you remember?
HENRY
mmm.
DANIEL
I thought, when Iwas a boy, that was the most beautiful house I'd ever seen and Iwanted it. I wanted to live in it and eat in it and clean it and even as a boy,I wanted to have children...to run around it.
HENRY
You can have anything you like now Daniel. and you should. where are you gonna build it?
DANIEL
Here. maybe. near the ocean.up the coast away from this smell
HENRY
Would you make it look like that house?
DANIEL
Which house?
HENRY
The house inFond Du lac.
DANIEL
No. I'm sure ifI saw that house now it would makeme sick. I need something better.

BEAT.

HENRY
We can eat and getsome women.
DANIEL
......take them to the Peachtree dance.

BEAT.

HENRY
... ?
DANIEL
Get liquored up andgo to the Peachtree dance?
HENRY
yes,yes.

HOLD. cu. DANIEL he looks atHenry from the corner of his eye.

Something has triggered in Daniel..."thePeachtree" reference has gotten past Henry...Henry dunks hishead under water,DISSAPEARS fora moment...Daniel waitsand watches forhim...he finally resurfaces...

WIDESHOT. They float around in the ocean.HOLD.

DANIEL
you ready?
HENRY
yeah.

They start toswim back. CAMERA is withDANIEL in cu.as they swim back -as he breaths for air,he opens his eyes,watching HENRY swim alongside him...then it goes black ashe turns hishead

to the water...then back up for air,turning hishead to keep an eye on Henry...whoswims back alongsidehim..SOUNDDROPS IN/OUT/IN/OUT/BREATHING/WATER/BREATHING/GASPING-.looking at Henry••

102

-THE PARANOIA HAS STARTED IN DANIEL.THISSETSIN MOTION THE

FOLLOWING PROTRACTED SEQUENCECOVERING DANIEL'SSUSPICION OF HENRY-.SEQUENCE:

CUT TO:
109

EXT. SEA SHORE. DUSK.

CAMERA with DANIEL andHENRY, from behind,as they finish swimming and arrive at the shore line-They rise up,naked, out of the water and move to their clothesand theirHORSES. HOLD THIS MOMENT.

CUT TO:
110

INT. BAR. NIGHT.LATER.

CU. DANIEL as he watchesHENRY. SLOW ZOOMIN.

DANIEL'S POV, across the bar.HENRY is DRUNK and LOUDand talking with a WHORE. DANIEL just watches.

CUTTO:
111

EXT. HILLS - DAWN.

HENRY and DANIEL head out on theirHORSESaway from the OCEAN...Henry is clearlyHUNGOVER.they are re-tracing their trail along theWOOD STAKES IN THE GROUNDWITH THE RED FLAGS.

DANIEL
how was that woman?
HENRY
good.
DANIEL
you get that from our Father. sticking it in whatever you see.

HENRY

DANIEL
you sure you don't haveany children anywhere?
HENRY
I have two......last timeIsaw them I was in Louisiana.
DANIEL
with the same woman?
HENRY
yes.

Pink Revised 7/25/06 94

112

EXT. FORREST - DUSK.

HENRY and DANIEL. dusk. campfire. horses off to the side. * they sit, then: *

HENRY
what do you do next with your Company, Daniel?
DANIEL
...what... ?
HENRY
what's next?
DANIEL
what are you asking?
HENRY
can you sell stock in your company?
DANIEL
...something like that.
HENRY
If you'd like my help. I can help with that. As things grow more successful~I'm a good salesman and broker for stock and what you might want...
DANIEL
...good...

HOLD.

CUT TO:

113 OMITTED. 113 *

Pink Revised 7/25/06 95

114

EXT. SAME - NIGHT.

HENRY is asleep. DANIEL is sitting over him, with a * REVOLVER out by his side, HENRY feels him near and wakes up: *

DANIEL
Iwant to know something, Henry~
HENRY
what?
DANIEL
What was the name of the farm next to the Hill house?

BEAT.

DANIEL
What was the name of the farm next to the Hill house?

BEAT.

HENRY
I don't remember, Daniel.

BEAT.

HENRY
I remember the Hills. I remember their daughter Jenny. I remember Hill and his wife...
DANIEL
What was her name?
HENRY
who?
DANIEL
His wife...
HENRY
I can't remember right now...

Pink Revised 7/25/06 96

DANIEL
who are you?
HENRY
I' 11 leave,Daniel... just letme getup and go...

BEAT. *

DANIEL
Do I have a brother? *
HENRY
Imet aman in King City who said * hewas your brother, we were friends * for months, working in King City * and he wanted to make his way to * you Daniel, we didn't have any money. * He died of tuberculosis. he wasn't harmed, * he wasn't killed, nothing bad but he told * me about you and I just took his * story - and used his diary - * Daniel, I'm your friend...I 'm not * trying to hurt you, just survive *

DANIEL puts the GUN TO HENRY'S HEAD AND FIRES. HENRY * SLUMPS OVER. HOLD ON DANIEL.

WIDE SHOT. STAY WITH THIS SCENE AND WATCH AS DANIEL DIGS

A SHALLOW GRAVE. *

OVER TIME. DAWN COMES. HE PUTS THE BODY IN THE GRAVE, * HE GETS RID OF HENRY'S HORSE. HE BEGINS TO DRINNK * DURING THIS PROCESS.

HE OPENS UP THE JOURNAL OF HENRY'S AND SCANS, READS - * HE DRINKS BOOZE THE ENTIRE TIME. *

CU. IDENTIFICATION. He studies it. The name of Henry * Plainview, etc. Height, Weight, etc. *

THERE IS A SMALL NOTEBOOK. DANIEL opens it, looks inside, * seeing key words; *

11 11 11 •••FondDuLac ..."•••Henry Plainview..."••.mybrother Daniel..."*

Pink Revised 7/25/06 97-103

This is a journal by the real HENRY PLAINVIEW. DANIEL KEEPS * DRINKING. AND DRINKINGAND DRINKING. *

HE PASSES OUT. *

CUT TO:

115 OMITTED *

116 OMITTED *

117 OMITTED *

118 OMITTED *

119 OMITTED *

120 OMITTED *

Pink Revised 7/25/06 103A

120A

INT. SAME. DAWN.

DANIEL comes to...CAMERADOLLIESBACK A BIT TO REVEAL: *

A FIGURE sitting over him; *

DANIEL looks. we see this FIGURE, an OLDER MAN~.. *

BANDY * I'm Bandy. *

you feel alright? *

DANIEL * I'd like to lease your land. * I tried to lease your land before * but you wouldn' t ...I 'm Daniel Plainview * and I'ma prospector. I'd like to lease * your land. *

BANDY * I'd asked you to come and talk to me when * you were leasing land... *

DANIEL * My boy's been sick_ *

BANDY * This was before you boy got sick. *

BEAT. *

BANDY
I know that you'd like to build a pipeline * through my property. Is this right? * What I've heard? *

DANIEL * It's only eight inch pipe, it can be * buried- without disruption *

BANDY * God has told me what you must do... *

DANIEL * what is it? *

Pink Revised 7/25/06 103B

BANDY * you should be washed in the blood of * Jesus Christ. *

DANIEL * But I am. Ihave been. *

BEAT. *

DANIEL * Ihave been. *

BANDY * You should be washed in the blood of * Jesus Christ. It's your only way to * salvation and your only way for what you * want. You can take it at the Church * of the Third Revelation. *

BEAT. *

DANIEL * I'll pay you three thousand dollars. *

What's Eli paying you? *

I'll pay you five thousand dollars. *

there can be ways around this -- *

BANDY * I've followed Eli since he was a boy. * Hecame and preached by my side when my * wife and daughter were burned in * Bakersfield. *

DANIEL * what is it that I do? *

Pink Revised 7/25/06 103C

BANDY * Iwant you to be part of our Church. *

DANIEL * but whatdo you want me to do? *

BANDY * listen to Eli'sword and be baptised. * be forgiven for this sin that you've * ~~. *

DANIEL * my sin of ...what? drilling? *

BANDY * speak to God. you can speak to God. *

BANDY's GRANDSON has been lingering in the background...BANDY * hands DANIEL'S WEAPON'S OVER TO HIM. *

BANDY * may I help you back? *

we will ride back with you_ *

POSS SHOT OF THEM ALL RIDING. TRACKING?

POSS SHOT OF THEM PASSING BANDY RANCH?

CUT TO:
121

INT. CHURCHOF THE THIRD REVELATION.DAY LATER.

DANIEL enters,cleaned up, days later.-ELIhas gota desk now and a few Church Supporters are here with him.He notices Daniel and stands,a little flinchy and nervous;

They STAREat each other...

ELI
don't you dare hit me.
DANIEL
I'm looking fora fresh start, Eli• ...Ineed your blessing...
CUT TO:
122

INT. CHURCHOF THE THIRD REVELATION.DAY.

CAMERA startson DANIEL. The CHURCHIS NOW PACKED WITHWORKERS, SUNDAYFAMILY, FOLLOWERS, FARMERS,ETC. BANDY sits next to Daniel...

The BACKWALL of the church has been broken through and gives way toa large CANVAS TENT with dirt and floorboard as the expansion that Eli hasdone. Eli goes fullsteam;

ELI
I truly wish that everyone could be saved - but it's just not the case. The doctrine of universal salvation isa lie. I wish everyone would be saved, but they won't!No They Won't! You will never be saved if what --?
CHURCH
IF YOU REJECTTHE BLOOD!
ELI
NOW IS THERE ASINNER HERE LOOKING FOR SALVATION? A NEW MEMBER? I'll ask it again:Is there a sinner looking forGod?

Daniel stands up...he approaches Eli on thestage._

ELI
Thank you forcoming, Brother Daniel.
DANIEL
Thank you, Eli.
ELI
WE HAVE A SINNER WITHUS HERE WHO WISHES FOR SALVATION.DANIEL. ARE YOU A SINNER?
DANIEL
yes.
ELI
THE LORD CAN'T HEAR YOU,SAY IT TO HIM, LOUDER, Go ahead and speak to him, it's alright••
DANIEL
YES.
ELI
DOWN ON YOUR KNEESAND UP TO HIM.

DANIEL getsdown on his KNEES...

ELI
look up to the sky_.

and say it...

DANIEL
I don't know what to say_
ELI
Daniel: You'vecome here and you've broughtgood and wealth but you have also brought your bad habits asa backslider._

you've lusted after women and you have abandoned your child. Your child thatyou raised, you have abandoned all because he was sick and you have sinned -so say it now, "Iam a sinner." Say it, say, "IAM A SINNER."

CU. DANIEL.
The crowd grows restlessand begins to encourage Daniel to say this...Daniel is steaming...
ELI
SAY IT: I AM A SINNER.
DANIEL
I am a Sinner.
ELI
I AM SORRY LORD.
DANIEL
I'm sorry Lord.
ELI
I WANT THE BLOOD.
DANIEL
I want the blood.
ELI
I HAVE ABANDONEDMY CHILD.
DANIEL
I have abandonedmy child.
ELI
I WILL NEVER BACKSLIDE.
DANIEL
I will never backslide.
ELI
I WAS LOST BUTNOW I'M FOUND.
DANIEL
I was lost butnow I'm found.
ELI
I ABANDONEDMY CHILD.

DANIEL looks hard atEli...HOLD.Daniel issomewhere between faking it/taking it/and explodingup atEli...

ELI
SPEAK TO HIMAND SAY IT SINNER.
DANIEL
I ABANDONEDMY CHILD.
ELI
SPEAK TOHIM, SAY IT LOUDER.
DANIEL
I ABANDONEDMY CHILD.

I ABANDONEDMY CHILD.

I ABANDONEDMY BOY.

ELI
BEG FOR THEBLOOD.
DANIEL
GIVE ME THEBLOOD ELI, LET ME GET AWAYFROM THIS. JUST GIVE ME THEBLOOD LORD AND LET ME GETAWAY.

ELI playsup the CROWD. Daniel on his knees.

ELI
DO YOU ACCEPTJESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR?
DANIEL
YES.
ELI
GET OUT OFHERE DEVIL.

ELISLAPS DANIEL ACROSS THEFACE...

ELI
OUT DEVIL!OUT SIN!

ELISLAPS HIM AGAIN HARD.

ELI
DO YOUACCEPT THE CHURCH OF THE THIRD REVELATIONAS YOUR SPIRITUAL GUIDE?
DANIEL
YES.

ELI SLAPS DANIEL ACROSSTHE FACE AGAIN...

ELI
GETOUTTA OF HERE GHOST! GETOUTTA OF HEREAND GO BACK WHERE YOUBELONG!

ELI SLAPSDANIEL AGAIN, THENPUSHES HIS PALM SMACK INTODANIEL'S FORHEAD,PUSHING HIM BACK --

ELI
DO YOU ACCEPTJESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
DANIEL
YES I DO•

...aFOLLOWERBRINGSa BOWLOF HOLY WATER and hands it to ELI1who takesDANIEL by the HAIR andPULLS HIS HEAD BACK, HELETS THE WATERPOUR OVER HIM...

Daniel standsup...HOLD.He takes his seat...People welcomehim, hold him,touch him, congratulate him, etc.

BANDY comes over and touches Daniel's shoulder...youngCHILDREN come over and touch hishands...WOMENcomfort him and welcomehim...

Thereis warmth from everyone here•••that Daniel begins to feel••.theyTOUCH THE BACKOF HIS HEAD AND HIS SHOULDERSAND GIVEHIM LOVE.

Eli notices this_

ELI
...that'senoughnow...that' senough...he must take the Holy Spiritin on hisown now-.

HOLDON ALL THIS, THEN:

CUT TO:
123

EXT. RESERVOIR FULL OFOIL - DAWN.

IMAGE.There's a boy ina row boat on the lake of oil that fills the reservoir. SUN RISES.Everything is calm and quiet, distant noise of the derricks.

CUT TO:

108A

BlueRevi•ed5/11/0'

123A

INT. SCHOOL FOR TBB DEAF IN S.F. - DAY 123A*

BW is sitting, waiting in the foyer of this school. *

PLBTCBBR ia here,and he ia off ~o the aida a bit, speaking * with a youngman GBORGB REYNOLDS. Be ia a teacher at the * school. *

PLBTCBBR has aquiet word with himJ *'

'LBTCIIBR * Mr. Plainview would pay you two thou•and * dollar• a year-in cash. all your accommodations * will be of premier class-you have to be * prepared to travel wherever Mr. Plainview and * his aon may travel, do you have family here * in San Francisco? *

GEORGE REYNOLDS shakeshis head, •no.• looks at Fletcher, * then: *

CUT TO:

123B IN'l'.TRAIN.-MOVING. 123B*

PLBTCBBR,GEORGE and BW riding on the train.

-GEORGEteaches BW sign language_

CUT TO:

BlueRevised5/18/06

124

EXT. FIELDSNEAR THE SUNDAY RANCH. DAY.

It's weeks later. THE CONSTRUCTION OP TBB PIPELINE IS UNDER WAY.

ANGLB, DANIEL. out here, sweating in the sun, working/supervising.

ANGLB, ACROSSTBB PIELDS. FLETCHER iswalking with: B.W. and GBORGB REYNOLDS.

Daniel sees themand comes walking over very quickly-grabbing BOLD OP B.W.AND KISSING AND BUGGING HIM. Pletcher watches•••

DANIBL picks himup and they walk off. (STAY WITH THEM, DANIBL WBISPBRSTO HIM, BOLDS HIM, GENTLY, KINDLY)

CUT'l'O:

125

INT. FANCYRESTAURANT/ISABELLA COUNTY -NIGHT- LATER

DANIEL andBW sit at a Fancf restaurant-BW's feet dangling from the chair-

DANIBL
We'll get you a good meal-

That's all we need here is a good strong expensive meal-

Are you hungry?

Daniel is frustrated. A WAITER.COMES OVER.

DANIEL
Two steaks. Whiskey. And water for him. and goat's milk.

They stare at each other.

DANIEL
Standard offered us a million dollars for the Little Boston leases.

I told them no.

Wemade a deal with Union on the pipeline. and all of our output.

BEAT.

DANIEL
Can you hear me?

Are you looking atme and really you can hear me?

HOLD. They sit..........._......_

DANIEL
We're gonna have that Teacher help you and help take care of all this.

BecauseI need you.

I need your help.we got everything we need now to build thiscompany...

CU. DANIEL.
he looks across the RESTAURANTand sees something...he stands up, leaving HW•

...arriving at another table: sitting here isH.M.TILFORD,from Standard Oil, who we met earlier and Daniel threatened.He is sitting with his WIFE.

DANIEL stands over him.

DANIEL
Iwant you to look over there.
TILFORD
Hello,Daniel.
DANIEL
Look over there. That'smy son. You see?SEE?
TILFORD
Daniel -
DANIEL
you see him? you don't tellme how to raise my family. I told you not to tell me how to raisemy family so what do you see?
TILFORD
I'm happy for you that everything --

Ill

BlueRevi•ed5/18/06

DANIEL
I've made a deal with union and my son is happy and safe and I'm taking care of him now - so you look like a fool, Hamilton. Don't you?
TILFORD
Yea.
DANIEL
I told you what Iwas gonna do-

Daniel walks back and takeshis seat witb B.W. BOLD-CU. BW's !2!-looking at Daniel continue to babble away,bearing NOTHING.

CUT TOI

126

INT. BASECAMP OIL FIBLDS.DAY. 126*

BW is teaching GBORGB the language of theOIL BUSINESS.

MARY is hera as wall, learning.SIGHLANGUAGE-

They spell out words and findSIGNS for OIL BQUIPMBNT that

is laid out around thecamp - George will silently MOUTH

the word and together they makea SIGN.

BW is very confident around thisgear-BOLD ON BIK signing

away_

CUT TO:
127

INT. TRAIN DEPOT.DAY. WEEKS LATER.

DANIEL is taking care ofsome business at the crowded train depot-ELI,dressed up for a journey, comas and finds him --

BLI
Bello, Daniel.
DANIEL
going somewhere?
ELI
That's right. I'mgoing on a mission. Oildale, Taft, I'm going to Bakersfield. I've been invited to spread hisword-and it's time for our congregation to grow.
DANIEL
I'll be sorry to see you go.

Blue Revi•ed5/18/06

ELI
I know that's not true-

BEAT.

ELI
It's good that B.W. is back home where he belongs. Be's a fine boy.

Daniel hasnothing else to say__

ELI
God bless you.-
DANIEL
Be very very careful where you turn in your travels, Eli.
ELI
_and God be with your boy.

Eli leaves. Daniel watches hia-go.

CUT TO:
127A

EXT.VARIOUS LOCATIONS. TBD. 127A*

1. SHOTS OP B.W

2. SHOTS OP BW ANDMARY.

3. CU, BW RUNNINGNEAR MAGIC HOUR.

CUT TO BLACK.

TITLE CARD:

128 OMITTED

112A

BlueRevised5/18/06

FADE UP:

128A

EXT./INT. P~~BW MANSION - DUSK. 128A*

VARIOUS STATIC IMAGESOF DANIEL PLAI~EW'S MANSION/ESTATE. * GROUNDS, ROOMS,GOTHIC ROOMS, STONE, MARBLE, BOWLING ALLEY, * ETC, UNPAClCBDBOXES,ETC. *

COTTO:
128B

INT. KITCBBN. PLAINVIEWMANSION. DAY. 128B*

Daniel is here andhe is SIGHING CHECKS. AL ROSE is here, * putting things in front of him. *

a SERVANT cleans/worksin b.g. *

Daniel eats a sandwich.END. cu, IMAGE. SIGNATURE. *

COTTO:
128C

INT. HALLWAY.NIGHT. 128C*

Daniel walksdown the hallway.

CUT TO:
128D

INT.BEDROOM. MORNING. 128D*

IMAGE.Daniel sleeping. OC we hear the voice of GEORGE

(interpreter)speak;

BW/GEORGB (VO) Bow many can say that they have known

the love of their life since they can

remember?

CUTTO:

112B

BlueReviaed5/18/06

128E IN'l'.ACHURCHSOMEWHERE. LOOKING TOWARDS TBB ALTAR. 128E*

OLDER HW (aged 25)AND OLDER MARY (aged 25) are on knees, *
wedding vows andsacrament- *

PRIEST,EXCHANGING VOWS-CO's priest's mouth, 8W watching. * sign language. *

BW/GEORGB (VO) I know not many. And I hold it as my deepest * pleasure. *

I am sure that I have idolized Mary since * I mat her so long ago - and I will * continue to idolize her the rest of * my life. My ring baa never been offered * or worn by another but my little girlMary. *

WE BEAR./DETAILSSACRAMENT (TBD) *

BW/GEORGE (VO) The other side of Q¥ life gets darker * each day_ *

CUT TO:

Ill

BlueReviaed5/18/06

129

INT.PRIVATE RAIL CAR. DAY. MOVING. 129*

BW issigning this LETTER that we BEAR - to GEORGE, * who speaks it to a SBCRBTARY who TYPBS THIS OUT- *

MARYis here_ *

BW/GBORGB (VO) (temp narration) * My father's fe~ocious appetite for buying * new land while ignoring existing contracts * is blind to the future of this industry. *

OUT TBBWINDOW WB SBB DBRRICltSFOR MILBS AND MILBS * AHDMILBS. *

BW/GBORGB (VO) (temp narration) * I cannot continue to put a happy face on * the trouble I see. There is a downfall ahead, * and my Father is unable or unwilling to see * this-

_would you consider a meeting to * discuss your future plans? *

CUT TO:

113A

BlueReviaed5/18/06

129A

EXT. NEW SUNDAY RANCH BOOSE.AFTERNOON. 129A*

SURROUNDED BY DERRICKS.WIDE SHOT. PX.

BW/GEORGB Mary and I are travelling to * Little Boston on the19~ of this month * to see ourfamily. * Perhaps it is agood time and privata place * to apeak. It has bean too long ainca we've * bean together and you must wrap yourarms * aroundMary, who demands to see you. *

ANGLE, CLOSER. * BW and MARY are with an OLDER MOTHERSUNDAY AND OLDER ROTH * AND HER HUSBAND AND KIDS. *

ANGLE, PLETCHER. * is baing driven in a nice car,up to the house, through the * oil fields. *

ANGLE, PORCH.

They all sit on the porchot ~ke house.

BW/GEORGE Ihave reached a crossroads in my life,

Fletcher and Iam in need of your help.

COTTO:
129B

EXT. SUNDAY BOUSE. DUSK. 129B*

FLETCHER, HW andGEORGE are off to the side, away from it * all having a conversation.WE SEE THIS INTENSE CONVERSATION * ONLY FROM A DISTANCE. *

CO. MARY.

she watches them across the way.

LONG LENS.IMAGE

OF THEMEN GATHERED, BW SIGNING, GEORGE IN'l'ERPRBTING-FLETCBERlistens,speaks, continue-

BOLDTHIS, THEN:

129C

INT.ROOM. NIGHT. (TBD) (MAYBE?) 129C*

MARY and BW kiss each other.

COT TO:

114-117

BlueRevised5/18/06

130 OMITTED

131 OMITTED

132 OMITTED

133 OMITTED

134 OMITTED

135

INT. PLAINVIEWMANSION - FOYER/HALLWAY - DAY (LATER) 13~

B. w.andGBORGB coma walking down this long, dark hallway-enteringin from the FRONT DOOR-

CAMERA moves into cu.on s.w. aa they arrive at DANIEL'S OFPICEa

CUT TO:

BlueRevised5/18/06

136

INT.OFFICE. MOMENTS LATER. 136*

DANIELis here, sitting at his desk, looking at HW and * GBORGB enter. Be ia ready for something. *

They come in,walk up--sit down. Daniel looks right at him~ •

DABIBL
Bow was your trip?

HW/GBORGE Pine, thank you.

BEAT.something uncomfortable. AL ROSE and OTBBR CRONIB are * watching the interchange. •

BW/GEORGB can we be alone? •

DANIEL..
these are my cld'aestassociates, they • hear everything - where have you been? •

BW/GBORGB I would rather speak to you in private. •

DANIEL
You can't apeak. sowhy don't you • just tell me where you've been? • or do you think I don't know? •

BW/GBORGE If you know, then you tellme. •

DANIEL
I know that we have no business

to be done in theSunday Field. •

and Iknow that if you take

my rail car on business it should

be used for business.

and I have no business with Pletcher • Hamilton. so what is it that you're

here to tell me?

BlueReviaed5/18/06

BOLD.BEAT. THEN~

BW
This is very hard for me to say, but

I will tell you first: I love you very much.

I have learned to love what I do because

of you. I am leaving here. I'm going to

Mexico. I am taking Mary and I am going to

Mexico. I miss working outside. I miss the

fields.

It will only be for a time. Por me to

do my own drilling and start my own

company.

It's time to make a change.

BEAT.

DANIEI.t.. This makes you rlty-.oompetitor.

BW
No, no, it's not like that.
DANIEL
It is like that, boy.

BEAT.

DANIEL
Your own company?
BW
That's right.
DANIEL
In Mexico?
BW
Yes.
DANIEL
You are making such a misstep.

BlueRevised5/18/06

BEAT.

DANIEL
so-what are you doing? *
HW
I've tried to talk to you. *
DANIEL
-- you talk through your little dog. *

B.W./GBORGB I know thatwe don't agree * over many things and Iwould rather * keep you asmy Pather than my partner. *

DANIEL (to HW)
Then say it- * You've got something to say to me? * Then say it. I'd like to hear speak * instead of your·l!ttledog. •

BEAT. BW doesn't say anything. BOLD. *

DANIEL
You're killingus with what you're doing. *

B.W./GEORGB You're stubborn and you won't listen. *

DANIEL
You're killing myimage of you as my son. •

B.W./GBORGB You will change. You will see me • sweetly again someday_ •

DANIEL
You're not my son.

B.W./GEORGB Please don't say that. I know you

don't mean that.

121 -122

BlueReviaed5/18/06

DARIBL
It's the truth -_you're not my son. * _and you neverhave been-you're an orphan. * _and you've operatedhere today like one. * I should have seenthis coming_ * I should have knownthat under this all, * these past years you'vebeen building your * hate for me piece bypiece-and I don't * even know who you are-becauseyou have none * of me in yau-You're SomeoneBlse's- * This anger-yourmaliciousness and backwards * dealings withme-you're an orphan froa a * basket in the middleof the desert-and I * took you for no otherreason than I needed * a sweet face to buy land. You're lower * than a bastard. *

s.w. watching Daniel's mouth as he finishes speaking-BW * signa, GBORGB speaks: *

BW/GBl>RGB I'm going toMexico with my wife. * I'm going away fromyou. *

DARIBL
You have none of-. in you. *

BW/GBORGB If you want tofight me-it will * be the fightof your life. *

They leave. *

DANIBL
YOU'RB A BASTARD FROM A BASUT. BASTARD * FROM A BASDT. *
CUT TO:

BlueRevi•ed5/18/01

137

INT. STAIRWBLL.LATER.

It's dark and then a dooria opened-DANIELcomes staggering in and goes DEEP DOWMINSIDE BIS BOUSE-

LONG DISSOLVE TOa

138

INT. BOWLING ALLBY/PLAIHVID MANSIOB. HIGHT

This is a very largeparty area/bowling area/recreationalroom in the basement ofthe Plainview Bstate-

There are BMPTY LIQUORBOTTLBS around-signsof a MBSS/BOOZE/TROUBLB-

-PASSED OU'l'DRUHKIHTBB HIDDLB 01'TBB BOWLINGALLBY, WRAPPED IN A BLANDT is DAlflBL.

-an OLD MALB SERVANTcomes in...1(a.lksdown the lane and attempts to wake up DANIEL-hetries very hard, over and over and over-

ANGLB1 TBB DOORWAY.
Down into this area-STBPSa

BLI SUNDAY. Be isflamboyantly dressedand he has TNO PBHALB COMPANIONS withhim-they watch aa the Servanttries to wake Daniel up_

Eli directs hisLady Friends to wait upstairs,then comes over to help:

ELI
DANIEL.DANIEL. DANIEL PLAINVIEW THE HOUSEIS ON FIRE.
(beat, to Servant)
you can leave us...please._

The Servant leaves...DANIELcomes to...and sees Eli's face.

ELI
Brother Daniel-it's Eli-
DANIEL
--yesit is...

Daniel stirs and sits up...Eli reaches forsome glassesand pours TWO DRINKS...of whichhe drinksBOTH.

DANIEL pours himself a drink.

ELI
Yourhome is a miracle. It's beautiful. God bless it.

DANIEL

ELI
...I've been spreading Hisword farand wide, far and wide,so much travel forhim...I 've been working inradio...! Somuch has been happening,but to be here and findyou and see you well is wonderful and wehave a chance to catch up!
(beat)
My Brother, Daniel...we' re such old friends!so much time...

ELI takes another drink...

ELI
ahhhh. things go up, thingsgo down but at least the Lord isalways around.
(beat)
We've seen ups and downs,haven't we?
DANIEL
are things down rightnow Eli?
ELI
no, no...ButIcome withsome sad news: Perhapsyou remember Mr. Bandy?

DANIEL

ELI
Mr. Bandy has passed on to the Lord.

Eli saysa silent prayer to himself.

ELI
He lived to be99 years old. Mr. Bandy hasa Grand Son. have you met hisgrandson? William?

DANIEL

ELI
William Bandy isone of the finestmembers we have in the Church of the Third Revelation. He is young and fitand strong with good charismatic ability and he is headed for wonderful things. He is eager to come to Hollywood to be in movies.He is very good looking. And I do think he will have success.
DANIEL
That's wonderful.
ELI
Would you likeme to speak withhim?

BEAT. Silence.

ELI
Daniel,I'm asking if you'd like to have business with the Church of the Third Revelation in developing this lease on young Bandy's thousand acre tract.
(beat)
I'm offering you to drillon one of the great un-developed fields of Little Boston!
DANIEL
I'd behappy to work with you...
ELI
you would? yes, yes of course.wonderful.
DANIEL
But there is one condition for this work.
ELI
Alright.
DANIEL
I'd likeyou to tell me that you area False Prophet.

ELI

DANIEL
I'd likeyou to tell me that you are, and have been,a False Prophet...and that God isa superstition.
ELI
...but that'sa lie.

DANIEL

ELI
It'sa lie. I cannot say it.

BEAT. LONG PAUSE.

ELI
When can we begin to drill?
DANIEL
Right away.
ELI
How long will it take to bring in the well?
DANIEL
Should be very quick.
ELI
I would likea one hundred thousand dollar signing bonus plus the five that isowed with interest.
DANIEL
That's only fair.
ELI
...Iam a false prophet and God isa superstition. If that's what you believe,then I will say it.
DANIEL
Say it like you mean it.
ELI
Daniel...
DANIEL
Say it like it's your sermon.
ELI
This is foolish.

DANIEL

ELI
"I AM A FALSEPROPHET. GOD ISA SUPERSTITION." is that fine?
DANIEL
Those area'shave been drilled.
ELI
...what?
DANIEL
Those Area'sHave Been Drilled.
ELI
no they haven't.
DANIEL
It's called drainage. I own everything around it ..._._.soIget everything underneath it.
ELI
But there areno derricks there. This is the Bandy tract.Do you understand?
DANIEL
Do you? I drink your water, Eli. I drink it up. Everyday. I drink the blood oflamb from Bandy's tract.
ELI
ahuh.

Eli takes another drink...and then begins to break downandCRY andCRY and sob like ababy...

ELI
oh, Daniel...please... I 'm in desperate times...!needa friend...!feel the walls closing in... I'VE SINNED...!NEEDHELP...!'m ASINNER... I've let the Devil grab hold ofme in ways thatI never imagined! I'm so full of sin.
DANIEL
The Lord sometimes challenges us, doesn'the?
ELI
ohhhh yeshe duz. yes he duzzzzaaaa! aaaaawhoa. HE'S COMPLETELYFAILED TOALERT ME TO THE RECENTPANIC IN OUR ECONOMY AND THIS. I MUSTHAVE THIS• ...Imust have this...!'ve invested..my investments have...oh,Daniel,I won't bore you,but I - IFI COULD GRAB THE LORDSHAND FOR HELP IWOULD, BUT HE DOES THESETHINGS ALL THE TIME, THESE MYSTERIES THAT HEPRESENTS AND WHILE WE WAIT...WHILEWEWAIT...waitfor hisword...

DANIEL is HOLDING ALOOK ON ELI;

DANIEL
You're not the chosen brother, Eli. It wasPaul who was chosen. He found me and he toldme about your land. You're a fraud.
ELI
Why areyou talking about Paul? don't say this...don' tsay this to me,Daniel.
DANIEL
I did what your brother couldn't. I broke you andI beat you. It wasPaul who told me about you. He's the prophet.He's the smart one. He knew what was thereand he found me to take it out of the ground.

HeSMACKS Eli across the face.

DANIEL
STOP CRYINGYOU SNIVELING ASS. STOP YOURNONSENSE.

You're just the younger brother. and you'llalways be the younger brother,Eli...and that land has been had-.YOUHAVENOTHING. YOU LOSE.YOU IDIOT, YOU LOSE.

ELI
If you take this lease on theBandy lot, theChurch would
DANIEL
DRAINAGE!DRAINAGE, ELI! DRAINEDDRY, YOU BOY.

Ifyou have a milkshake and Ihave a milkshake and Ihave a straw and my straw reaches ACCCRROSSSSSSSSSS the room starts to drink your milkshake:

IDRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE! IDRINK IT UP.

ELI
Don't bullyme Daniel, please. HELP ME. PLEASE.MY FAITH HAS BEEN LOSTAND I NEED A NEWWAY. I ASK FOR YOUR HELP

IN AFLASH: DANIEL isUP AND HAS GRABBED ELIAND THROWN HIM HALFWAYACROSS THE ROOM.Eli flails about as Daniel closesin, hysterical/crazy/kicking/pushing,etc_

DANIEL
I TOOKWHAT I WANTED WHEN YOUWEREN'T LOOKING AND THEBLOOD OF THE LAMB IS INMY POCKET. DO YOUTHINK GOD IS GOING TOBALANCE YOUR INVESTMENTS?GOD DOESN'TSAVE IDIOTS, ELI. YOUARE BROKE AND YOU ARE LAMEAND YOUARE DONE FOR.
ELI
No I'm not.
DANIEL
DIDYOU THINK THAT YOUR SONGAND DANCE ANDYOUR SUPERSTITION WOULDSAVE YOU? IAM THE THIRD REVELATION 1 IAM WHOTHE LORD HAS CHOSEN. BECAUSEI'M SMARTERTHAN YOU. I AM OLDERAND WISER ANDI AM NOT A FALSE PROPHET,YOU SNIVELINGBOY. YOU'RE DONEFOR.
ELI
Not done for,no.
DANIEL
YES.

ANGLE, DANIEL. along the way, he picksup a HEAVY SILVERTUMBLER-

DANIEL
I AM THE THIRD REVELATION 1 IAMTHE THIRD REVELATION! I TOLDYOU I WOULD EAT YOU UP, I TOLD YOU IWOULD EAT YOU. HOW DARE YOU COME TOME? HOW DARE YOU?

WHAT DID I TELL YOU?

ANGLE, ELI. inching back on the bowling alley floor_.backfrom DanieL.

DANIEL
WHAT DID I TELL YOU?

ANGLE, DANIEL. advancing on Eli...

DANIEL
ITOLD YOU I'D EAT YOUUP.

ANGLE, ELI crawling and looking forsomewhere to go_.

DANIEL
How dareyou come tomy home?

DANIEL is over HIM,AND SITS ON HIS CHEST,PINNING DOWN HIS ARMS...ANDDRIVESTHETUMBLER STRAIGHT DOWNINTO ELI'S FACE.

CAMERA looks STRAIGHTDOWN on the GORGEOUSWOOD FLOOR...

...very slowly,BLOODCOMESOOZING INTO FRAME. It spreadsand moves like a slow landslide-.coveringthe floor••CAMERA moves back a bit to reveal;

130

-BLOODPOURING FROM ELI'S SKULL AND THISHEAD WOUND...HE' S CURLED

in a fetal position and not moving...

CU. DANIEL.
his eyes wet and out of breathfrom the struggle,looking at what he's done. HOLD. He gets up --

Daniel drags Eli'sdead body down the lane of the bowling alley, leaving a streak ofBLOOD...

HE THROWS HIM INTOTHE BOWLING PINSAND DOWN OVER THE LIPINTO A CELLAR.

138A FROM BELOW,LOOKING UP. 138A

BOWLING PINSAND ELI'S BODY COMECRASHING THROUGH INTOTHIS CELLAR.

138B ABOVE,IN THE BOWLING LANE. 138B

Danielslumps down onto the floor...breathing heavy and covered in blood-HOLD WITH HIM ONHIS FACE.

138C ANGLE,AT THE STEPS LEADINGTO THE BOWLING ALLEY. 138C

CAMERA pulls back withALROSE coming down the steps-slowly-slowly._revealingtohim the horrific scene:

131

•AND SEES THEBLOOD SPILLED ACROSS THE FLOOR...AND SEES DANIEL...

HOLD on Al' sfaceand the reality of this mess_.

Daniel turns around..satisfied:

DANIEL
I'm finished.
THE END.