Please Read This Bit Before Reading The Screenplay:
This is the official 'Unoffical' Monty Python And The Holy Grail screenplay.
This file contains the script as it was on March 20 1974, before filming took
place. There are many minor differences from what appears here and what
ended up on the screen.
This file also contains cut scenes and lines from the film.
I tried to preserve as much of the screenplay as possible but it isn't
easy to cross out a section and pencil in new dialogue, in ASCII.
Any Scene or dialogue that was crossed out begins with a "|" before it.
Anything Penciled in has a "+", I also put cut information before penciled in.
What is interesting about a screenplay is to see what they threw out and
what "Catch Phrases" were literally penciled in. The reason I keyed in
this file was caused by me downloading current transcript going
around internet. It was an amazing job... I wouldn't want to have attempted
what he did... But it wasn't in a good script format and I didn't like how
direction was written in. Since I HAD the real screenplay I thought...
What the hell!
After This I plan to key in "Monty Python's Second Film" it is the 1st draft
of the Holy Grail. It is the script that eventually got canabalized into
sketches for the 4th season of Python. It Is sill quite different and well
worth a read. is anybody interested in it?????
Oh yes... I will STRESS this fact once more... THIS IS A SCREENPLAY... So
don't yell at me if a line is paraphrased in the film... This is what was
written before filming took place and it is still quite accurate.
Enough of this...
-Grue (09-Aug-92)
P.S. TO AHH: DON'T YOU KNOW WHO CONNIE BOOTH OR CAROL CLEVELAND IS?!?!?!
AND DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT GRAHAM CHAPMAN SOUNDS LIKE?!?!?! Sorry I just had to
say that... As the complete and total b*****d that I am.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTY PYTHON
AND THE HOLY GRAIL
Screenplay by
JOHN CLEESE
GRAHAM CHAPMAN
TERRY GILLIAM
ERIC IDLE
TERRY JONES
MICHAEL PALIN
FINAL DRAFT 20.3.74.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL" Reel 1 (1A) Page 1
00.01 is the first action frame
which is 391.00 before the first
Clear Cut, which is Scene 4
Sc Spot
No. Complete DIALOGUE No. Start End Ftge.
------------------------- --------------------------
1 FADE IN:
Starts
00.01 TITLES ON BLACK B.G.
PYTHON (MONTY) PICTURES LTD
in association with
MICHAEL WHITE
presents
FADE OUT:
FADE IN: MUSIC STARTS
MONTY PYTHON
and
THE HOLY GRAIL
then:
M0nti Pyth0n ik den H0lie Gralen
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Written and preformed by:
GRAHAM CHAPMAN
JOHN CLEESE
ERIC IDLE
TERRY GILLIAM
TERRY JONES
MICHAEL PALIN
then:
R0tern nik Akten Di
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
with
CONNIE BOOTH
CAROL CLEVELAND
NEIL INNES
BEE DUFFELL
JOHN YOUNG
RITA DAVES
then:
Wik
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Also appearing
AVRIL STEWART
SALLY KINGHORN
then:
Als0 wik
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Also also appearing
MARK ZYCOON ELSPETH CAMERON
MITSUKO FORSTATER SALLY JOHNSON
SANDY ROSE ROMILLY SQUIE
JONI FLNN ALISON WALKER
LORAINE WARD ANNA LANSKI
SALLY COOMBE VIVIENNE MACDONALD
YVONNE d**k DAPHNE DARLING
FIONA GORDON GLORIA GRAHAM
JUDY LAMS TRACY SNEDDON
SYLVIA TAYLOR JOYCE POLLNER
MARY ALLEN
then:
Als0 als0 wik
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Camera Operator HOWARD ATHERTON
Camera Focus JOHN WELLARD
Camera Assistant ROGER PRATT
Camera Grip RAY HALL
Chargehand Electrician TERRY HUNT
Lighting TELEFILM LIGHTING SERVICE LTD
ANDREW RICHIE AND SON LTD
TECHNICOLOR
Rosturm Cameraman KENT HOUSTON
then:
Wi n0t trei a h0liday in Sweden thi yer?
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Sound Recordist GARTH MARSHALL
Sound Mixer HUGH STRAIN
Boom Swinger GODFREY KIRBY
Sound Maintenance PHILIP CHUBB
Sound Assistant ROBERT DOYLE
Dubbing Editor JOHN FOSTER
Assistant Editors JOHN MISTER, NICK GASTER,
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL ASKEW,
BRIAN PEACHEY, DANIELLE KOCHAVI
Sound Effects IAN CRAFFORD
then:
See the l0veli lakes
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Continuity PENNY EYLES
Accountant BRIAN BROCKWELL
Production Secretary CHRISTINE WATT
Property Buyer BRIAN WINTERBORN
Property Master TOM RAEBURN
Property Men ROY CANNON, CHARLIE TORBETT,
MIKE KENNEDY
Catering RON HELLARD LTD
Vehicles BUDGET RENT-A-CAR
then:
The W0nderful teleph0ne system
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Assistant Art Director PHILIP COWLAM
Construction Manager BILL HARMAN
Carpenters NOBBY CLARK, BOB DEVINE
Painter GRAHAM BULLOCK
Stagehand JIM N. SAVERY
Rigger ED SULLIVAN
then:
And mani interesting furry animals
TITLE IN:
TITLE OUT:
With special extra thanks to
Charlie Knode, Brian McNully, John Gledhill, Peter
Thompson, Sue Cable, Valerie Charlton, Drew Mara,
Sue Smith, Charlie Coulter, Iain Monaghan, Steve
Bennell, Bernard Belenger, Alpini McAlpine, Hugh
Boyle, Dave Taylor, Garry Cooper, Peter Saunders, Less
Sheppard, Vaughn Millard, Mamish MacInnes, Terry Mosaic,
Bawn O'Beirne Ranelagh.
Made entirely on location in Scotland at Doune Castle,
Castle Stalker, Killin, Glen Coe, Arnhall Castle,
Braklim falls, Sherroffmiur.
By Python (Monty) Pictures Ltd., 20, Fitzroy Square,
London W1 England.
And completed at Twickenham Film Studios, England.
Copyright (c) 1974 National Film Trustee Company Lt.
All Rights Reserved.
then:
The producers would like to thank the Forestry Commission
Doune Admissions Ltd, Keir and Cawdor Estates, Stirling
University, and the people of Doune for their help in the
making of this film.
The Characters and incidents portrayed and the names used
are fictitious and any similarity to the names, characters,
or history of any person is entirely accidental and
unintentional.
Signed RICHARD M. NIXON
Including the majestic m00se
TITLE IN:
TITLE OUT:
Songs
NEIL INNIS
Additional music
DEWOLFE
then:
A M00se once bit my sister ...
TITLE IN:
TITLE OUT:
Costume Designer
HAZEL PETHING
then:
No realli! She was Karving her initals on the m00se
with the sharpened end of an interspace t00thbrush given
by Svenge - her brother-in-law - an Oslo dentist and
star of many Norwegian m0vies: "The H0t Hands of an Oslo
Dentist", "Fillings of Passion", "The Huge M0lars of Horst
Nordfink".
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
We apologise for the fault in the
subtitles. Those responsible have been
sacked.
then:
Mynd you, m00se bites Kan be pretty nasti ...
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
We apologise again for the fault in the subtitles. Those
responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked
have been sacked.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Production Manager JULLIAN DOYLE
Assistant Director GERRY HARRISON
Special Effects JOHN HORTON
Choreography
Fight Director &
Period Consultant JOHN WALKER
Make-up Artists PEARL RASHBASS, PAM LUKE
Photography JULLIAN DOYLE
Animation Assistance LUCINDA COWELL, KATE HEPBURN
M00se Trained by TUTTE HERMSGERV0RDENBR0TB0RDA
DISSOLVE TO:
Lighting Cameraman TERRY BEDFORD
Special M00se Effects OLAF PROT
M00se Costumes SIGGI CHURCHILL
DISSOLVE TO:
Designer ROY SMITH
M00se Choreographed by HORST PROT III
Miss Taylor's M00ses by HENGST DOUGLAS-HOME
M00se trained to mix
concrete and sign com-
plicated insurance
forms by JURGEN WIGG
DISSOLVE TO:
Editor JOHN HACKNEY
M00ses' noses wiped by BJORN IRKESTORM-SLATER WALKER
Large m00se on the left
half side of the screen
in the third scene from
the end,given a thorough
grounding in Latin,
French and "O" Level
Geography by BO BENN
Suggestive poses for the
M00se suggested by VIC ROTTER
Antler-care by LIV THATCHER
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
The directors of the firm hired to
continue the credits after the other
people had been sacked, with it to
be known that they have just been
sacked.
The credits have been completed
in an entirely different style at
great expense and at the last
minute.
FADE OUT:
TITLE ON YELLOW B.G
Executive Producer
JOHN GOLDSTONE & "RALPH" The Wonder Llama
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Producer
MARK FORSTARTER
Assisted by
EARL J. LLAMA
MIKE Q. LLAMA III
SY LLAMA
MERLE Z. LLAMA IX
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Directed by
40 SPECIALLY TRAINED
ECUADORIAN MOUNTAIN LLAMAS
6 VENEZUELAN RED LLAMAS
142 MEXICAN WHOOPING LLAMAS
14 NORTH CHILEAN GUANACOS
(CLOSELY RELATED TO THE LLAMA)
REG LLAMA OF BRIXTON
76000 BATTERY LLAMAS
FROM "LLAMA-FRESH" FARMS LTD. NEAR PARAGUAY
and
TERRY GILLIAM AND TERRY JONES
FADE OUT:
Starts
00.01 TITLES ON BLACK B.G.
PYTHON (MONTY) PICTURES LTD
in association with
MICHAEL WHITE
presents
FADE OUT:
FADE IN: MUSIC STARTS
MONTY PYTHON
and
THE HOLY GRAIL
then:
M0nti Pyth0n ik den H0lie Gralen
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Written and preformed by:
GRAHAM CHAPMAN
JOHN CLEESE
ERIC IDLE
TERRY GILLIAM
TERRY JONES
MICHAEL PALIN
then:
R0tern nik Akten Di
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
with
CONNIE BOOTH
CAROL CLEVELAND
NEIL INNES
BEE DUFFELL
JOHN YOUNG
RITA DAVES
then:
Wik
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Also appearing
AVRIL STEWART
SALLY KINGHORN
then:
Als0 wik
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Also also appearing
MARK ZYCOON ELSPETH CAMERON
MITSUKO FORSTATER SALLY JOHNSON
SANDY ROSE ROMILLY SQUIE
JONI FLNN ALISON WALKER
LORAINE WARD ANNA LANSKI
SALLY COOMBE VIVIENNE MACDONALD
YVONNE d**k DAPHNE DARLING
FIONA GORDON GLORIA GRAHAM
JUDY LAMS TRACY SNEDDON
SYLVIA TAYLOR JOYCE POLLNER
MARY ALLEN
then:
Als0 als0 wik
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Camera Operator HOWARD ATHERTON
Camera Focus JOHN WELLARD
Camera Assistant ROGER PRATT
Camera Grip RAY HALL
Chargehand Electrician TERRY HUNT
Lighting TELEFILM LIGHTING SERVICE LTD
ANDREW RICHIE AND SON LTD
TECHNICOLOR
Rosturm Cameraman KENT HOUSTON
then:
Wi n0t trei a h0liday in Sweden thi yer?
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Sound Recordist GARTH MARSHALL
Sound Mixer HUGH STRAIN
Boom Swinger GODFREY KIRBY
Sound Maintenance PHILIP CHUBB
Sound Assistant ROBERT DOYLE
Dubbing Editor JOHN FOSTER
Assistant Editors JOHN MISTER, NICK GASTER,
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL ASKEW,
BRIAN PEACHEY, DANIELLE KOCHAVI
Sound Effects IAN CRAFFORD
then:
See the l0veli lakes
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Continuity PENNY EYLES
Accountant BRIAN BROCKWELL
Production Secretary CHRISTINE WATT
Property Buyer BRIAN WINTERBORN
Property Master TOM RAEBURN
Property Men ROY CANNON, CHARLIE TORBETT,
MIKE KENNEDY
Catering RON HELLARD LTD
Vehicles BUDGET RENT-A-CAR
then:
The W0nderful teleph0ne system
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Assistant Art Director PHILIP COWLAM
Construction Manager BILL HARMAN
Carpenters NOBBY CLARK, BOB DEVINE
Painter GRAHAM BULLOCK
Stagehand JIM N. SAVERY
Rigger ED SULLIVAN
then:
And mani interesting furry animals
TITLE IN:
TITLE OUT:
With special extra thanks to
Charlie Knode, Brian McNully, John Gledhill, Peter
Thompson, Sue Cable, Valerie Charlton, Drew Mara,
Sue Smith, Charlie Coulter, Iain Monaghan, Steve
Bennell, Bernard Belenger, Alpini McAlpine, Hugh
Boyle, Dave Taylor, Garry Cooper, Peter Saunders, Less
Sheppard, Vaughn Millard, Mamish MacInnes, Terry Mosaic,
Bawn O'Beirne Ranelagh.
Made entirely on location in Scotland at Doune Castle,
Castle Stalker, Killin, Glen Coe, Arnhall Castle,
Braklim falls, Sherroffmiur.
By Python (Monty) Pictures Ltd., 20, Fitzroy Square,
London W1 England.
And completed at Twickenham Film Studios, England.
Copyright (c) 1974 National Film Trustee Company Lt.
All Rights Reserved.
then:
The producers would like to thank the Forestry Commission
Doune Admissions Ltd, Keir and Cawdor Estates, Stirling
University, and the people of Doune for their help in the
making of this film.
The Characters and incidents portrayed and the names used
are fictitious and any similarity to the names, characters,
or history of any person is entirely accidental and
unintentional.
Signed RICHARD M. NIXON
Including the majestic m00se
TITLE IN:
TITLE OUT:
Songs
NEIL INNIS
Additional music
DEWOLFE
then:
A M00se once bit my sister ...
TITLE IN:
TITLE OUT:
Costume Designer
HAZEL PETHING
then:
No realli! She was Karving her initals on the m00se
with the sharpened end of an interspace t00thbrush given
by Svenge - her brother-in-law - an Oslo dentist and
star of many Norwegian m0vies: "The H0t Hands of an Oslo
Dentist", "Fillings of Passion", "The Huge M0lars of Horst
Nordfink".
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
We apologise for the fault in the
subtitles. Those responsible have been
sacked.
then:
Mynd you, m00se bites Kan be pretty nasti ...
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
We apologise again for the fault in the subtitles. Those
responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked
have been sacked.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
Production Manager JULLIAN DOYLE
Assistant Director GERRY HARRISON
Special Effects JOHN HORTON
Choreography
Fight Director &
Period Consultant JOHN WALKER
Make-up Artists PEARL RASHBASS, PAM LUKE
Photography JULLIAN DOYLE
Animation Assistance LUCINDA COWELL, KATE HEPBURN
M00se Trained by TUTTE HERMSGERV0RDENBR0TB0RDA
DISSOLVE TO:
Lighting Cameraman TERRY BEDFORD
Special M00se Effects OLAF PROT
M00se Costumes SIGGI CHURCHILL
DISSOLVE TO:
Designer ROY SMITH
M00se Choreographed by HORST PROT III
Miss Taylor's M00ses by HENGST DOUGLAS-HOME
M00se trained to mix
concrete and sign com-
plicated insurance
forms by JURGEN WIGG
DISSOLVE TO:
Editor JOHN HACKNEY
M00ses' noses wiped by BJORN IRKESTORM-SLATER WALKER
Large m00se on the left
half side of the screen
in the third scene from
the end,given a thorough
grounding in Latin,
French and "O" Level
Geography by BO BENN
Suggestive poses for the
M00se suggested by VIC ROTTER
Antler-care by LIV THATCHER
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
The directors of the firm hired to
continue the credits after the other
people had been sacked, with it to
be known that they have just been
sacked.
The credits have been completed
in an entirely different style at
great expense and at the last
minute.
FADE OUT:
TITLE ON YELLOW B.G
Executive Producer
JOHN GOLDSTONE & "RALPH" The Wonder Llama
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Producer
MARK FORSTARTER
Assisted by
EARL J. LLAMA
MIKE Q. LLAMA III
SY LLAMA
MERLE Z. LLAMA IX
TITLE OUT:
TITLE IN:
Directed by
40 SPECIALLY TRAINED
ECUADORIAN MOUNTAIN LLAMAS
6 VENEZUELAN RED LLAMAS
142 MEXICAN WHOOPING LLAMAS
14 NORTH CHILEAN GUANACOS
(CLOSELY RELATED TO THE LLAMA)
REG LLAMA OF BRIXTON
76000 BATTERY LLAMAS
FROM "LLAMA-FRESH" FARMS LTD. NEAR PARAGUAY
and
TERRY GILLIAM AND TERRY JONES
FADE OUT:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 EXTERIOR - CASTLE WALLS - DAY
Mist. Several seconds of it swirling about. silence
possibly, atmospheric music. SUPERIMPOSE "England AD 787".
after a few more seconds we hear hoofbeats in the distance.
They come slowly closer. Then out of the mist comes KING ARTHUR
followed by a SERVANT who is banging two half coconuts
together. ARTHUR raises his hand.
ARTHUR
Whoa there!
SERVANT makes noises of horses halting, with a flourish. ARTHUR
peers through the mist. CUT TO shot from over his shoulder:
castle (e.g. Bodium) rising out of the mist. On the castle
battlements a SOLDIER is dimly seen. He peers down.
SOLDIER
Halt! Who goes there?
ARTHUR
It is I, Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon, from the castle
of Camelot. King of all Britons, defeator of the Saxons,
sovereign of all England!
Pause.
SOLDIER
Get away!
ARTHUR
I am... And this my trusty servant, Patsy. We have ridden the
length and breadth of the land in search of knights who will join
our court at Camelot.. I must speak with your lord and master.
SOLDIER
What? Ridden on a horse?
ARTHUR
Yes!
SOLDIER
You're using coconuts!
ARTHUR
...What?
SOLDIER
You've got two empty halves of coconuts and you're banging
them together.
ARTHUR
(Scornfully)
So? We have ridden since the snows of winter covered this
land, through the kingdom of Mercea.
SOLDIER
Where did you get the coconuts?
ARTHUR
Through ... We found them.
SOLDIER
Found them? In Mercea. The coconut's tropical!
ARTHUR
What do you mean?
SOLDIER
Well, this is a temperate zone.
ARTHUR
The swallow may fly south with the sun, or the house martin
or the plover seek warmer hot lands in winter, yet these are
not strangers to our land.
SOLDIER
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
ARTHUR
Not at all. They could be carried.
SOLDIER
What? A swallow carrying a coconut?
|
ARTHUR
| Why not?
|
|
SOLDIER
| I'll tell you why not ... because a swallow is about eight
| inches long and weighs five ounces, and you'd be lucky
| to find a coconut under a pound.
|
ARTHUR
It could grip it by the husk ...
SOLDIER
It's not a question of where he grips it, It's a simple
matter of weight - ratios ... A five-ounce bird could not
hold a a one pound coconut.
ARTHUR
Well, it doesn't matter. Go and tell your master that
Arthur from the Court of Camelot is here.
A Slight pause. Swirling mist. Silence.
centerSOLDIER
Look! To maintain Velocity, a swallow needs to beat
its wings four hundred and ninety three times every
second. right?
ARTHUR
(irritated)
Please!
SOLDIER
Am I right?
ARTHUR
I'm not interested.
SECOND SOLDIER
(who has loomed up on the battlements)
It could be carried by an African swallow!
FIRST SOLDIER
Oh yes! An African swallow maybe ... but not a European
swallow. that's my point.
SECOND SOLDIER
Oh yes, I agree there ...
ARTHUR
(losing patience)
Will you ask your master if he wants to join the Knights
of Camelot?!
FIRST SOLDIER
But then of course African swallows are non-migratory.
SECOND SOLDIER
Oh yes.
ARTHUR raises his eyes heavenwards and nods to PATSY. They turn
and go off into the mist.
FIRST SOLDIER
So they wouldn't be able to bring a coconut back anyway.
SECOND SOLDIER
Wait a minute! Suppose two swallows carried it together?
FIRST SOLDIER
No, they'd have to have it on a line.
Stillness. Silence again.
2 ANIMATION/LIVE ACTION SEQUENCE - DEATH AND DEVASTATION
CUT TO Terry Gilliam's sequence of Brueghel prints. Sounds of
strange medieval music. Discordant and sparse. Wailings and
groanings. The last picture mixes through into live action.
BIG CLOSE UP of contorted face upside down. A leg falls across
it. Creaking noise. The bodies lurch away from CAMERA to
reveal they are amongst a huge pile of bodies on a swaying cart
that is lumbering away from CAMERA. It is pulled by a couple of
ragged, dirty emaciated WRETCHES. Behind the cart walks another
MAN who looks slightly more prosperous, but only on the scale
of complete and utter impoverishment. He wears a black hood and
looks sinister.
CART DRIVER
Bring out your dead!
We follow the cart through a wretched, impoverished plague-ridden
village. A few starved mongrels run about in the mud scavenging.
In the open doorway of one house perhaps we jug glimpse a pair of
legs dangling from the ceiling. In another doorway an OLD WOMAN
is beating a cat against a wall rather like one does with a mat.
The cart passes round a dead donkey or cow in the mud. And a MAN
tied to a cart is being hammered to death by four NUNS with
huge mallets.
CART DRIVER
Bring out your dead!
There are legs stick out of windows and doors. Two MEN are fighting
in the mud - covered from head to foot in it. Another MAN is on his
hands in knees shovelling mud into his mouth. We just catch
sight of a MAN falling into a well.
CART DRIVER
Bring out your dead!
LARGE MAN
Here's one!
CART DRIVER
Ninepence.
BODY
I'm not dead!
CART DRIVER
What?
LARGE MAN
Nothing... There's your ninepence.
BODY
I'm not dead!
CART DRIVER
'Ere. He says he's not dead.
LARGE MAN
Yes he is.
BODY
I'm not!
CART DRIVER
He isn't.
LARGE MAN
He will be soon. He's very ill.
BODY
I'm getting better!
LARGE MAN
You're not. You'll be stone dead in a few minutes.
CART DRIVER
I can't take him like this. It's against regulations.
BODY
I don't want to go on the cart.
LARGE MAN
Don't be such a baby.
CART DRIVER
I can't take him.
BODY
I feel fine.
LARGE MAN
Do me a favour.
CART DRIVER
I can't.
LARGE MAN
Well, can you hang around a couple of minutes. He won't
be long.
CART DRIVER
I promised I'd be at the Robinson's. They've lost nine
today.
LARGE MAN
When's your next round?
CART DRIVER
Thursday.
BODY
I think I'll go for a walk.
LARGE MAN
You're not fooling anyone you know.
(to CART DRIVER)
Isn't there anything you could do?
BODY
(singing unrecognisably)
I feel happy... I feel happy.
The CART DRIVER looks at the LARGE MAN for a moment. Then they both
do a quick furtive look up and down the street. The CART DRIVER
very swiftly brings up a club and hits the OLD MAN. (Out of shot
but the singing stops after a loud bonk noise.)
LARGE MAN
(handing over the money at last)
Thanks very much.
CART DRIVER
That's all right. See you on Thursday.
They turn ... Suddenly all the village fall to their knees, touching
forelocks etc. ARTHUR and PATSY ride into SHOT, slightly nose to
the air, they ride through without acknowledging anybody. After
they pass, the LARGE MAN turns to the CART DRIVER.
LARGE MAN
Who's that then?
CART DRIVER
(Grudgingly)
I dunno, Must be a king.
LARGE MAN
Why?
CART DRIVER
He hasn't got s**t all over him.
3 EXTERIOR - DAY
ARTHUR and PATSY riding. They stop and look. We see a castle in the
distance, and before it a PEASANT is working away on his knees trying
to dig up the earth with his bare hands and a twig. ARTHUR and
PATSY ride up, and stop before the PEASANT
ARTHUR
Old woman!
DENNIS
Man!
ARTHUR
Man. I'm sorry. Old man, What knight live in that castle
over there?
DENNIS
I'm thirty-seven.
ARTHUR
What?
DENNIS:
I'm thirty-seven ... I'm not old.
ARTHUR:
Well - I can't just say: "Hey, Man!'
DENNIS
Well you could say: "Dennis"
ARTHUR
I didn't know you were called Dennis.
DENNIS
You didn't bother to find out, did you?
ARTHUR
I've said I'm sorry about the old woman, but from the behind
you looked ...
DENNIS
What I object to is that you automatically treat me like
an inferior ...
ARTHUR
Well ... I AM king.
DENNIS
Oh, very nice. King, eh! I expect you've got a palace and fine
clothes and courtiers and plenty of food. And how d'you get that?
By exploiting the workers! By hanging on to outdated imperialist
dogma which perpetuates the social and economic differences in our
society! If there's EVER going to be any progress ...
An OLD WOMAN appears.
OLD WOMAN
Dennis! There's some lovely filth down here ... Oh!
how d'you do?
ARTHUR
How d'you do, good lady ... I am Arthur, King of the Britons ...
can you tell me who lives in that castle?
OLD WOMAN
King of the WHO?
ARTHUR
The Britons.
OLD WOMAN
Who are the Britons?
ARTHUR
All of us are ... we are all Britons.
DENNIS winks at the OLD WOMAN.
... and I am your king ....
OLD WOMAN
Ooooh! I didn't know we had a king. I thought we were
an autonomous collective ...
DENNIS
You're fooling yourself. We're living in a dictatorship,
A self-perpetuating autocracy in which the working classes ...
OLD WOMAN
There you are, bringing class into it again ...
DENNIS
That's what it's all about ... If only -
ARTHUR
Please, please good people. I am in haste. What knight lives in
that castle?
OLD WOMAN
No one live there.
ARTHUR
Well, who is your lord?
OLD WOMAN
We don't have a lord.
ARTHUR
What?
DENNIS
I told you, We're an anarcho-syndicalist commune, we take
it in turns to act as a sort of executive officer for the week.
ARTHUR
Yes.
DENNIS
... But all the decision of that officer ...
ARTHUR
Yes, I see.
DENNIS
... must be approved at a bi-weekly meeting by a simple majority
in the case of purely internal affairs.
ARTHUR
Be quiet!
DENNIS
... but a two-thirds majority ...
ARTHUR
Be quiet! I order you to shut up.
OLD WOMAN
Order, eh -- who does he think he is?
ARTHUR
I am your king!
OLD WOMAN
Well, I didn't vote for you.
ARTHUR
You don't vote for kings.
OLD WOMAN
Well, how did you become king, then?
ARTHUR
The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite,
held Excalibur aloft from the bosom of the water to signify by
Divine Providence ... that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur ...
That is why I am your king!
|
| OLD WOMAN
| Is Frank in? He'd be able to deal with this one.
|
DENNIS
Look, strange women lying on their backs in ponds handing out
swords ... that's no basis for a system of government. Supreme
executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from
some farcical aquatic ceremony.
ARTHUR
Be quiet!
DENNIS
You can't expect to wield supreme executive power
just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!
ARTHUR
Shut up!
DENNIS
I mean, if I went around saying I was an Emperor because some
moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me, people would
put me away!
ARTHUR
(Grabbing him by the collar)
Shut up, will you. Shut up!
DENNIS
Ah! NOW ... we see the violence inherent in the system.
ARTHUR
Shut up!
PEOPLE (i.e. other PEASANTS) are appearing and watching.
DENNIS
(calling)
Come and see the violence inherent in the system.
Help, help, I'm being repressed!
ARTHUR
(aware that people are now coming out and watching)
Bloody peasant!
(pushes DENNIS over into mud and prepares to ride off)
DENNIS
Oh, Did you hear that! What a give-away.
ARTHUR
Come on, patsy.
They ride off.
DENNIS
(in the background as we PULL OUT)
did you see him repressing me, then? That's what I've
been on about ...
4 EXTERIOR - FOREST - DAY
MIX THROUGH to ARTHUR and PATSY riding through the forest. They pass rune
stones. We TRACK with them. CLOSE-UPS of their faces as they ride.
MIX to another TRACKING SHOT of them riding through the forest. They
come to a clearing and stop, looking ahead intently. Their eyes light up.
Sound FX of fight.
CUT TO their eyeline. A clearing on the other side of which is a rough
wooden foot-bridge across a stream. At the start of the bridge a
tremendous fight is going on. A huge BLACK KNIGHT in black armour, his
face totally masked in a visor, is fighting a slightly smaller KNIGHT in
green armour. (Perhaps the GREEN KNIGHT's armour is identical to the
BLACK KNIGHT's save for the colour.)
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR and PATSY. They watch, growing more impressed
as they watch the fight.
CUT BACK TO the fight. The GREEN KNIGHT lunges at the BLACK KNIGHT, who
avoids the blow with a skillful side-step and parry, knocking the sword
out of the GREEN KNIGHT's hand.
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR and PATSY even more impressed.
CUT BACK TO the fight. The GREEN KNIGHT has drawn out a particularly nasty
mace or spiked ball and chain, much longer than the BLACK KNIGHT's sword.
ARTHUR narrows his eyes, wondering whether the BLACK KNIGHT will survive.
CUT BACK to the fight. The GREEN KNIGHT swings at the BLACK KNIGHT, who
ducks under the first swing, leaps over the second and starts to close
on the GREEN KNIGHT.
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR and PATSY watching like a tennis match. Sound FX of the
fight reaching a climax. Four almighty clangs. Then Silence.
CUT BACK to see the GREEN KNIGHT stretched out. The BLACK KNIGHT
sheathes his sword.
ARTHUR looks at PATSY. Nods and they move forward.
CUT BACK TO the BLACK KNIGHT picking up the GREEN KNIGHT above his head
and hurling him into the river. ARTHUR and PATSY approach him.
ARTHUR
You fight with the strength of many men, Sir knight.
| BLACK KNIGHT
| Who dares to challenge the Black Knight?
|
| ARTHUR
| I do not challenge you.
The BLACK KNIGHT stares impassively and says nothing.
ARTHUR
I am Arthur, King of the Britons.
Hint of a pause as he waits for a reaction which dosn't come. ARTHUR is
only slightly thrown.
... I seek the bravest and the finest knights in all
the world to join me in my court at Camelot ...
The BLACK KNIGHT remains silent
ARTHUR
You have proved yourself worthy. ... Will you join me?
Silence.
| ARTHUR
| A man of your strength and skill would be the chief of all
| my knights ...
|
| BLACK KNIGHT
| Never.
|
ARTHUR
You make me sad. But so be it. Come Patsy.
As he moves, the BLACK KNIGHT bars the way.
BLACK KNIGHT
None shall pass.
ARTHUR
What?
BLACK KNIGHT
None shall pass.
ARTHUR
I have no quarrel with you, brave Sir knight, but I must
cross this bridge.
BLACK KNIGHT
Then you shall die.
ARTHUR
I command you, as King of the Britons to stand aside.
BLACK KNIGHT
I move for no man.
ARTHUR
So be it!
ARTHUR draws his sword and approaches the BLACK KNIGHT. A furious fight
now starts lasting about fifteen seconds at which point ARTHUR delivers
a mighty blow which completely severs the BLACK KNIGHT's left arm at
the shoulder. ARTHUR steps back triumphantly.
ARTHUR
Now stand aside worthy adversary.
BLACK KNIGHT
(Glancing at his shoulder)
'Tis but a scratch.
ARTHUR
A scratch? Your arm's off.
BLACK KNIGHT
No, it isn't.
ARTHUR
(Pointing to the arm on ground)
Well, what's that then?
BLACK KNIGHT
I've had worse.
ARTHUR
You're a liar.
BLACK KNIGHT
Come on you pansy!
Another ten seconds furious fighting till ARTHUR chops the BLACK KNIGHTS's
other arm off, also at the shoulder. The arm plus sword, lies on the ground.
ARTHUR
Victory is mine.
(sinking to his knees)
I thank thee O Lord that in thy ...
BLACK KNIGHT
Come on then.
ARTHUR
What?
He kicks ARTHUR hard on the side of the helmet. ARTHUR gets up still
holding his sword. The BLACK KNIGHT comes after him kicking.
ARTHUR
You are indeed brave Sir knight, but the fight is mine.
BLACK KNIGHT
Had enough?
ARTHUR
You stupid b*****d. You havn't got any arms left.
BLACK KNIGHT
Course I have.
ARTHUR
Look!
BLACK KNIGHT
What! Just a flesh wound.
(kicks ARTHUR)
ARTHUR
Stop that.
BLACK KNIGHT
(kicking him)
Had enough ... ?
ARTHUR
I'll have your leg.
He is kicked.
Right!
The BLACK KNIGHT kicks him again and ARTHUR chops his leg off.
The BLACK KNIGHT keeps his balance with difficulty.
BLACK KNIGHT
I'll do you for that.
ARTHUR
You'll what ... ?
BLACK KNIGHT
Come Here.
ARTHUR
What are you going to do. bleed on me?
BLACK KNIGHT
I'm invincible!
ARTHUR
You're a looney.
BLACK KNIGHT
The Black Knight always triumphs. Have at you!
ARTHUR takes his last leg off. The BLACK KNIGHT's body lands upright.
BLACK KNIGHT
All right, we'll call it a draw.
ARTHUR
Come, Patsy.
ARTHUR and PATSY start to cross the bridge.
BLACK KNIGHT
Running away eh? You yellow b*****d, Come back here and take
what's coming to you. I'll bite your legs off!
5 EXTERIOR - DAY
A village. Sound of chanting of Latin canon, punctuated by short, sharp
cracks. It comes nearer. We see it is a line of MONKS ala SEVENTH SEAL
flagellation scene, chanting and banging themselves on the foreheads with
wooden boards. They pass a group of villagers who are dragging a beautiful
YOUNG WOMAN dressed as a witch through the streets. They drag her to a
strange house/ruin standing on a hill outside the village. A
strange-looking knight stands outside, SIR BEDEVERE.
FIRST VILLAGER
We have found a witch. May we burn her?
ALL
A Witch! Burn her!
BEDEVERE
How do you know she is a witch?
ALL
She looks like one. Yes, she does.
BEDEVERE
Bring her forward.
They bring her forward - a beautiful YOUNG GIRL (MISS ISLINGTON) dressed up
as a witch.
WITCH
I am not a witch. I am not a witch.
BEDEVERE
But you are dressed as one.
WITCH
They dressed me up like this.
ALL
We didn't, we didn't!
WITCH
This is not my nose, It is a false one.
BEDEVERE takes her nose off.
BEDEVERE
Well?
FIRST VILLAGER
... Well, we did do the nose.
BEDEVERE
The nose?
FIRST VILLAGER
And the hat. But she is a witch.
ALL
A witch, a witch, burn her!
BEDEVERE
Did you dress her up like this?
FIRST VILLAGER
... Um ... Yes ... no ... a bit ... yes... she has got a wart.
BEDEVERE
Why do you think she is a witch?
SECOND VILLAGER
She turned me into a newt.
BEDEVERE
A newt?
SECOND VILLAGER
(After looking at himself for some time)
I got better.
ALL
Burn her anyway.
BEDEVERE
Quiet! Quiet! There are ways of telling whether she is a witch.
ARTHUR and PATSY ride up at this point and watch what follows with interest
ALL
There are? Tell up. What are they, wise Sir Bedevere?
BEDEVERE
Tell me ... what do you do with witches?
ALL
Burn them.
BEDEVERE
And what do you burn, apart from witches?
FOURTH VILLAGER
... Wood?
BEDEVERE
So why do witches burn?
SECOND VILLAGER
(pianissimo)
... Because they're made of wood...?
BEDEVERE
Good.
PEASANTS stir uneasily then come round to this conclusion.
ALL
I see. Yes, of course.
BEDEVERE
So how can we tell if she is made of wood?
FIRST VILLAGER
Make a bridge out of her.
BEDEVERE
Ah ... but can you not also make bridges out of stone?
ALL
Ah. Yes, of course ... um ... err ...
BEDEVERE
Does wood sink in water?
ALL
No, no, It floats. Throw her in the pond Tie weights on her. To
the pond.
BEDEVERE
Wait. Wait ... tell me, what also floats on water?
ALL
Bread? No, no, no. Apples .... gravy ... very small rocks ...
ARTHUR
A duck.
They all turn and look at ARTHUR. BEDEVERE looks up very impressed.
BEDEVERE
Exactly. So... logically ...
FIRST VILLAGER
(beginning to pick up the thread)
If she ... weighs the same as a duck ... she's made of wood.
BEDEVERE
And therefore?
ALL
A witch! ... A duck! A duck! Fetch a duck.
FOURTH VILLAGER
Here is a duck, Sir Bedevere.
BEDEVERE
We shall use my largest scales.
He leads them a few yards to a very strange contraption indeed, made of
wood and rope and leather. They put the GIRL in one pan and the duck
in another. Each pan is supported by a wooden stave. BEDEVERE checks
each pan then ... ARTHUR looks on with interest.
BEDEVERE
Remove the supports.
Two PEASANTS knock them away with sledge hammers. The GIRL and the duck
swing slightly but balance perfectly.
ALL
A witch! A witch!
WITCH
It's a fair cop.
All
Burn her! Burn her! Let's make her into a ladder.
The VILLAGERS drag the girl away, leaving ARTHUR and BEDEVERE regarding
each other admiringly.
BEDEVERE
Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?
ARTHUR
I am Arthur, King of the Britons.
BEDEVERE
My liege ... forgive me ...
ARTHUR looks at PATSY with obvious satisfaction.
ARTHUR
Good Sir knight, will you come with me to Camelot,
and join our number at the Round Table?
BEDEVERE
My liege, I am honored.
ARTHUR steps forward, drawing his sword, with a slight hint of difficulty
ARTHUR
What is your name?
BEDEVERE
Bedevere, my Liege.
ARTHUR
Then I dub you ... Sir Bedevere ... Knight of the Round Table!
|6 VARIOUS MONTAGE - ANIMATION
|
| VOICE OVER
| And so King Arthur gathered his knights together ... bringing from all
| the corners of the kingdom the strongest and bravest in the land ...
| To sit at The Round Table ...
|
| Under this voice over we have a montage of shots of ARTHUR recruiting
| his Knights:
|
| 1. ARTHUR, PATSY, BEDEVERE and PAGE riding through hillside.
| MIX TO:
|
| 2. A castle. LONG SHOT of SIR GAWAIN standing outside and ARTHUR's
| group approaching and shaking hands perhaps.
|
| 3. MIX TO the group now plus SIR GAWAIN and PAGE (who is weighted
| down by an enormous quantity of luggage) riding down by a stream
| and approaching SIR HECTOR. ARTHUR dubs him.
|
| 4. MIX TO the group (now plus HECTOR and PAGE) approaching some group
| of buildings or whatever. In the distance SIR ROBIN is being taught
| the lute by one of his MUSICIANS. ARTHUR calls and SIR ROBIN
| immediately reacts and hands the lute to his MUSICIAN and comes to
| join ARTHUR & CO.
|
| 5. MIX TO SIR GALAHAD surrounded by chickens. He is wearing a carpenters
| apron over his immaculate armour and is finishing off a hen-house.
| We see the group approach and he throws off the apron and puts down
| the hen-house and goes to join them.
|
| 6. MIX TO the group riding along again.
|
| 7. MIX TO SIR LAUNCELOT handing a BABY to his WIFE (who has several other
| CHILDREN hanging about) and he strides off to join ARTHUR, leaving his
| castle, WIFE and CHILDREN. The castle (Eilean Donan) has washing
| hanging outside it. A real family castle. There are at least
| six kids.
|
| 8. MIX TO the complete group, i.e. ARTHUR and PATSY, BEDEVERE and PAGE,
| GAWAIN and PAGE, HECTOR and PAGE, GALAHAD and PAGE, SIR ROBIN and
| six MUSICIANS, LAUNCELOT and PAGE.
+
+6 CLOSE-UP of a book on which is written:
+
+ THE BOOK OF THE FILM
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ The wise Sir Bedevere was the first to join King Arthur's knights ...
+ but other illustrious names were soon to follow ...
+
+ Hand turns page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ Sir Launcelot the Brave ...
+
+ Hand turns page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ Sir Galahad the Pure ...
+
+ Hand turns page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ And Sir Robin-the-not-quite-so-pure-as-Sir-Launcelot ...
+
+ Hand turns page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ ... Who had nearly fought the Dragon of Agnor ...
+
+ Hand turns page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ ... Who had nearly stood up to to the vicious Chicken of Bristol ...
+
+ Hand turns Page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ ... and who had personally wet himself at the Battle of Badon Hill ...
+ and the aptly named ...
+
+ Hand turns page.
+ VOICE OVER
+ Sir Not-appearing-in-this-film.
+
+ Hand turns page.
+
+ VOICE OVER
+ Together they formed band whose names and deeds were to be retold
+ throughout the centuries ... The Knights of the Round Table ...
+
+ A gorilla's hand snatches away the hand.
+
+ Music swells and fades and we MIX THROUGH TO:
7 EXTERIOR - SUNSET
Fairly close HEAD-ON SHOT of the KNIGHTS riding along. BEDEVERE and ARTHUR
at the front of the group deep in conversation.
BEDEVERE
And that, my lord, is how we know the Earth to be banana-shaped.
ARTHUR
This new learning amazes me, Sir Bedevere. Explain again how
sheep's bladders may be employed to prevent earthquakes.
BEDEVERE
OF course, my Liege ...
LAUNCELOT
(he points)
Look, my liege!
They all stop and look.
ARTHUR
(with thankful reverence)
Camelot!
CUT TO shot of amazing castle in the distance. Illuminated in the rays of
the setting sun.
Music.
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR and the group. They are all staring with fascination.
GALAHAD
Camelot ...
LAUNCELOT
Camelot ...
GAWAIN
(at the back, to PAGE)
It's only a model.
ARTHUR
(turning sharply)
Sh!
(to the rest)
Knights! I bid you welcome to your new home! Let us ride ...
to Camelot.
8 INTERIOR - NIGHT
CUT TO interior of medieval hall. A large group of armoured KNIGHTS are
engaged in a well choreographed song-and-dance routine of the very up-beat
'If they could see me now' type of fast bouncy number. The poorer verses
are made clearer by CUTTING to a group of knights actually engaged in
the described task while the line itself is sung. They sing:
KNIGHTS
We're knights of the round table
We dance whene'er we're able
We do routines and chorus scenes
With footwork impeccable.
We dine well here in Camelot
We eat ham and jam and spam a lot.
We're knights of the Round Table
Our shows are formidable
But many times
We're given rhymes
That are quite unsingable
We're opera mad in Camelot
We sing from the diaphragm a lot.
Booming basses. A routine where two XYLOPHONISTS play parts of KNIGHTS'
armour producing a pleasing effect.
In war we're tough and able.
Quite indefatigable
Between our quests
We sequin vests
And impersonate Clark Gable
It's a busy life in Camelot.
SINGLE MAN
I have to push the pram a lot.
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR and BEDEVERE and COMPANY as we had left them.
ARTHUR
No, on second thought, let's not go to Camelot.
KNIGHTS
Right!
ARTHUR
It is a silly place.
They set off again almost immediately they are suffused in ethereal radiance
and strange heavenly choir music. The PAGES, horselike, take fright for a
moment, they whinny and rattle their coconuts. ARTHUR and the KNIGHTS
fall on their knees. A holy voice booms out.
GOD
Arthur! Arthur ... King of the Britons ...
They all prostrate themselves even further
Oh, don't grovel ... do get up! If there's one thing I can't stand,
it's people grovelling!!
ARTHUR and COMPANY rise.
ARTHUR
Sorry ...
GOD
And don't apologize. Every time I try to talk to someone it's
sorry this and forgive me that and I'm not worthy and ...
What are you doing now?
ARTHUR
I'm averting my eyes, Lord.
GOD
Well, don't.
| I really don't know where all this got started.
It's like those miserable psalms. they're so depressing.
Now knock it of
ARTHUR
Yes, Lord.
GOD
Right. Arthur, King of the Britons, you're Knights of the Round
Table shall have a task to make them an example in these dark times ...
ARTHUR
Good idea, O Lord!
GOD
Course it's a good idea.
Suddenly another light glows beside GOD or possibly within the light which
is GOD a shape slowly starts to form.
Behold ... Arthur ... this is the Holy Grail ...
| the Sacred Cup from which Christ drank at the Last Supper ...
The form in the bright light is just discernible as an iridescent chalice
... the KNIGHTS gasp.
Look well, Arthur ... for it is your sacred task to seek
this Grail.
It begins to fade. Music crescendo as both lights fade.
That is your purpose Arthur ... the Quest for the Holy Grail ...
It is gone. All the KNIGHTS are left gasping in awe and wonderment. They
all turn and look at ARTHUR.
LAUNCELOT
A Blessing. A blessing from the lord.
| BEDEVERE
| Praise be to God!
|
| An awed pause, then ARTHUR rallies them.
|
| ARTHUR
| We have a task, we must waste no time! To Camelot!
|
+ GALAHAD
+ God be praised!
Stirring music crescendo. They ride off.
CUT TO TITLES SEQUENCE Animation: "The Quest For The Holy Grail" After
titles CUT TO:
9 EXTERIOR - CASTLE - DAY
MIX THROUGH one or two shots of them on their way again, until they approach
a terrific castle (a little one would do too). They advance quite close to
the castle and draw themselves into a line. At a signal from ARTHUR the two
PAGES step forward and give a brief fanfare.
A MAN appears on the battlements. ARTHUR addresses him.
ARTHUR
Hello.
MAN
'Allo. Whoo is eet?
ARTHUR
I am King Arthur and these are the Knights of the Round
Table. Whose castle is this?
MAN
This is the castle of of my master, Guy de Loimbard.
ARTHUR
Please go and tell your master that we have been charged by God
with a sacred quest, and if he will give us food and shelter for
this night he can join us in our quest for the Holy Grail.
MAN
Well, I'll ask him, but I don't think he'll be very keen.
He's already got one, you see?
ARTHUR
What?
GALAHAD
He says they've already got one!
They are stunned.
ARTHUR
Are you sure he's got one?
MAN
Oh yes. It's very nice
+
+ CUT TO BATTLEMENTS. THE TAUNTER (MAN) turns to some others.
+
+ MAN
+ I told him we already got one.
+
+ They all giggle.
+
ARTHUR
Well ... can we come up and have a look?
MAN
Of course not! You are English pigs.
ARTHUR
Well, what are you then?
MAN
I'm French. Why do think I have this outrageous accent, you
silly king.
GALAHAD
What are you doing in England?
MAN
Mind your own business.
ARTHUR
If you will not show us the Grail we shall storm your castle.
Murmurs of assent.
MAN
You don't frighten us, English pig-dog! Go and boil your
bottoms, son of a silly person. I blow my nose on you, so-called
Arthur-king, you and your silly English K...kaniggets.
He puts hands to his ears and blows a raspberry.
GALAHAD
What a strange person.
ARTHUR
Now look here, my good man!
MAN
I don't want to talk to you, no more, you empty-headed animal,
food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. You mother
was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
GALAHAD
Is there someone else up there we could talk to?
MAN
No. Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.
ARTHUR
Now this is your last chance. I've been more than reasonab...
+
+ MAN
+ Fetchez la vache!
+
+ GUARD
+ Quoi?
+
+ MAN
+ Fetchez la vache!
+
CUT BACK TO battlements. A cow is led out of a stall.
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR.
ARTHUR
Now that is my final offer. If you are not prepared to agree to my
demands I shall be forced to take ... Oh Christ!
A cow comes flying over the battlements, lowing aggressively. The cow
lands on GALAHAD'S PAGE, squashing him completely.
|
| ROBIN
| What a cruel thing to do.
|
| BEDEVERE
| (Choking back tears)
| It hadn't even been milked.
|
ARTHUR
Right! Knights! Forward!
ARTHUR leads a charge toward the castle. Various shots of them battling on,
despite being hit by a variety of farm animals.
ARTHUR
(as the MAN next to him is squashed by a sheep)
Knights! Run away!
Midst echoing shouts of "run away" the KNIGHTS retreat to cover with the odd
cow or goose hitting them still. The KNIGHTS crouch down under cover.
LAUNCELOT
The sods! I'll tear them apart.
ARTHUR
(restraining LAUNCELOT from going out and having a go)
No!
BEDEVERE
I have a plan sir.
CUT BACK TO battlements of castle. FRENCH SENTRIES suspiciously peering
towards the English lines. Wind whistles.
Shot of the empty scrubland or undergrowth or woodland around the castle.
Emptiness. Wind. More shots of the FRENCH SENTRIES peering into the dusk.
| As night falls. MIX THROUGH TO night On the battlements a brazier burns or
| torches on the wall as the SENTRIES peer into the dark. Shots of the
| woodland with fires burning where the English lines are.
During all this the sounds of extensive carpentry have possibly been herd,
followed by silence, followed by renewed outbursts or activity.
CLOSE-UP FRENCH looking very nervous. Dawn breaking. Shot of woodland.
Nothing. Wind. Dawn still breaking. Shots of the FRENCH. They suddenly
hear something. A faintly detectable squeaking which is getting louder.
CUT TO WIDE SHOT of castle and woodland. Squeaking getting louder. Shot of
the FRENCH TAUNTER pointing. WIDE SHOT again. The squeaking gets louder
an enormous twenty-foot-high wooden rabbit is wheeled out of the
undergrowth into the open space in front of the castle. The ENGLISH scuttle
back into the undergrowth. The rabbit has a large red bow tied round it
and a rather crudely written label, which reads "Pour votres amis
Francais". The CHIEF TAUNTER looks at it, narrowing his eyes. Then he
turns and leaves battlements.
CUT TO ARTHUR and COMPANY watching from the bushes. The main gate of the
castle opens a little and the CHIEF TAUNTER's head sticks out, then another
Froggie head, then another. They mutter to each other in French, look
rather pleased, then rush out and start to pull the giant rabbit in.
CUT BACK TO ARTHUR and COMPANY behind some bushes watching.
ARTHUR
Now what happens?
BEDEVERE
Well now, Launcelot, Galahad, and I wait until nightfall
and then leap out of the rabbit and take the French by surprise,
not only by surprise but totally unarmed!
ARTHUR
Who ... Who breaks out?