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Batman Rising Darkness Part 1
By Vito_The_White
BATMAN:
RISING DARKNESS
Written by
Trevor Melton
Disclaimer: I own nothing of this screenplay. All of its characters belong to Bob Kane and DC Comics. A few scenes from this screenplay are featured from the screenplay for Batman: The Frightening. I do not own those scenes either. I am making no profit from this screenplay what so ever, so please do not sue me.
CAST
Michael Keaton……………………………………………………Bruce Wayne/Batman
Chris O’Donnell…………………………………………………Dick Grayson/Robin
Alicia Silverstone…………………………………………Barbara Wilson/Batgirl
Jeff Goldblum………………………………………………………Dr. Jonathon Crane/The Scarecrow
Brittany Murphy…………………………………………………Dr. Harlene Quinzelle /Harley Quinn
Jeri Ryan……………………………………………………………….Marsha Crane “Queen of Diamonds”
Michael Clark Duncan………………………………..Dr. Waylon Jones/Killer Croc Morgan
Jennifer Connoly………………………………………………Detective Renee Montoya
Nicole Kidman…………………………………………………….Dr. Chase Meridian
Michael Gough…………………………………………………….Alfred Pennyworth
Pat Hingle…………………………………………………………….Commissioner James Gordon
Tommy Lee Jones……………………………………………..Harvey Dent/Two-Face
Elizabeth Sanders………………………………………..Gossip Gerty
Rene Auberjonois…………………………………………..Dr. Burton
Elle Macpherson……………………………………………..Julie Madison
Rosemary Harris……………………………………………..Aunt Hilda
The WARNER BROTHERS logo appears onscreen.
The low beginning to the Batman theme begins in the background, as the logo turns dark.
The logo morphs into a Bat-Emblem. Dark skies fade in around it.
CUT TO:
1 EXT. ROAD- NIGHT- SNOWY 1
We are zooming on a dark road at night while it snows with threes surrounding it from all sides… There is something familiar about this road. It looks quite similar to a road that we’ve seen in the past. As we zoom down the road the Batman theme from the first and second movie performed by Danny Elfman plays and the opening credits roll.
WARNER BROS. PRESENTS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT
A CHRIS NOLAN FILM
MICHAEL KEATON
JEFF GOLBLUM
BRITANY MURPHY
BATMAN: RISING DARKNESS
CHRIS O’DONNELL
ALICIA SILVERSTONE
NICOLE KIDMAN
JERI RYAN
MICHAEL CLARK DUNCAN
MICHAEL GOUGH
PAT HINGLE
JENNIFER CONNOLY
TOMMY LEE JONES
ELIZABETH SANDERS
RENE AUBERJONOIS
ELLE MACPHERSON
ROSEMARY HARRIS
MUSIC BY
DANNY ELFMAN
VISUAL EFFECTS BY
JOHN DYKSTRA, A.S.C.
EDITED BY
DENNIS VIRKLER, A.C.E.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
BARBARA LING
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
STEPHEN GOLDBLATT, A.S.C.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
BENJAMIN MELNIKER
MICHAEL E. USLAN
BASED UPON BATMAN CHARACTERS
CREATED BY BOB KANE
AND PUBLISHED BY
DC COMICS
WRITEN BY
TREVOR MELTON
PRODUCED BY
STEVEN SPIELBERG
KATHLEEN KENNEDY
JOEL SCHUMACHER
DIRECTED BY
CHRIS NOLAN
The road will suddenly stop as the camera flies toward a stonewall at the end. It seems as if the camera is going to crash right into it, but the wall pulls up as a tunnel is revealed to the audience and the camera zooms through the tunnel. Obvious to the audience now, they were travelling down the road to the Batcave from the first movie.
FADE IN:
2 INT.BATCAVE- NIGHT 2
Close up of BATMAN as he emerges from his costume vault.
A wider shot of the Batcave. Deeper excavation has doubled the size of the cavern.
New state-of-the-art computing systems flash.
Surveillance screens monitor news and police Frequencies.
Crime's worst nightmare.
Batman strides towards the rising steam-obscured pedestal, which bears the sleek, redesigned Batmobile.
ROBIN appears in the door of his costume vault, dressed in the black and red of his Nightwing costume.
BATGIRL comes out of her vault suited up in her gear, walking over to her black and blue Bat-Cycle.
Three dark avengers stand suited, ready to take back the night. There is a sudden beeping noise from the Bat computer.
The three heroes walk toward the large computer. Batman sits down and presses a few buttons. COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON appears on the screen.
GORDON
“Batman, we have some
trouble at the Gotham
City Bank.”
BATMAN
“Who’s the cause?”
GORDON
“We couldn’t get a good
look at him. He was well
disguised and he sealed
every entry into the Bank.
We have the place surrounded
though, so there’s no way of
him getting out of there.”
BATMAN
“Looks like another one
I have to find out for
myself.”
GORDON
“Just be here quick.
He’s not going to be
in there forever, and
before too long, he’ll
figure out some way to
get past us.”
Batman cuts off the screen and the three go running toward their vehicles. ALFRED PENNYWORTH comes down the steps toward them.
ALFRED
(To Dick and Barbara)
“Do try and avoid racing
each other in the tunnel
this time.”
Dick and Barbara look at each other with smiles on their faces
BATMAN
“It’s not going to happen
Alfred.”
The Batmobile starts up as does the Red Bird and the Batcycle, the three vehicles roar down the tunnel, into the night
CUT TO:
3 EXT. BATMOBILE – NIGHT 3
We get a shot of the Batmobile roaring off into the streets of Gotham with the Red Bird and the Batcycle roaring behind it.
CUT TO:
4 EXT. GOTHAM BANK – NIGHT 4
A stone and glass palace set on the edge of Gotham's Central Park.
CUT TO:
5 INT. GOTHAM BANK – NIGHT 5
A wide shot of the interior of the bank. A great hall bearing lockers and safe deposit boxes all along the walls.
We will hold on a giant diamond case.
A thug runs over to the case and places something on it as the case begins to glow blue, then white as the thug runs away. The shatterproof glass explodes into a thousand flying fragments.
We rake in through the storm of red gas, across the bare floor, with three GUARDS crawling around, sweat pouring from their foreheads and blood shot eyes, up stone steps of a pyramid altar to reveal...
...A dull suited figure stands, brown hat and straw for hair, brown mask with a red shirt and brown pants.
A machine gun in his hand… THE SCARECROW.
SCARECROW
“Fear is everything!”
We go to a wider shot showing more of the bank.
A gang of Thugs in exterminator suits run to the base of the steps. Two hold a moaning, shivering GUARD captive.
GUARD
“Please, don’t hurt
me.”
The Scarecrow looks down at the kneeling Guard.
SCARECROW
“Hurt you! Ha! I was only
going to scare you!”
The Thugs throw the Guard to The Scarecrow’s feet. The rest of the Thugs form a circle around the fallen guard.
SCARECROW
“Now, who’s up for some
sheer terror?”
The Thugs roar their approval.
SCARECROW
“Then let the fear begin!”
(To The Guard)
“Scream for me. Masks boys!”
The circling thugs tune up their masks as The Scarecrow lowers his right fist to the guards face as red gas sprays out of a skull-faced ring on The Scarecrow’s index finger. The gas bounces off the Guard’s chin in opposite directions. The guard’s eyes go blood shot red and sweat begins to pour from his forehead.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
“That was called Phobizac,
what people use when you
need to scare the absolute
shit out of somebody! Not to
be confused with Prozac now.”
The guard is freaking out in the circle of thugs; the thugs are laughing and enjoying what they are seeing.
We are show several shots of the fear that the Guard is actually experiencing.
The Guard is kneeling on the ground, his eyes wide open and his lips clattering, suddenly spiders begin to crawl all over him.
GUARD
“Get them away from me!”
The Guard rolls around, trying to get the spiders off him, The Scarecrow looks on and laughs then looks up at his men
We flip back to reality as the Guard is still rolling around, scratching, slapping and hitting himself as the thugs are kicking him like they are playing soccer, The Scarecrow steps off the stairs and addresses his men.
SCARECROW
“We don’t have time to
screw around. We got cash
and diamonds to grab. My
wife will be expecting the
best of the diamonds that we
Can get. Let’s not disappoint
her.”
The Scarecrow raises his machine gun at the camera in the middle of the wall above the tellers.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
“To the vault and hurry. The
Bat shouldn’t be far away.”
The Scarecrow and his men dart off to the tellers and climb over them to get to the vault.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
“Some of you draw back here.
We don’t want Batman foiling
this plan.”
CUT TO:
6 THE SKYLIGHT – CLOSE 6
There is a sudden explosion from the Skylight.
Batman free-falls into the foyer, hitting the pole holding up the bank’s roof and sliding down it,
smashing one of the thugs with his feet, his machine gun sliding across the floor.
The Scarecrow sees Batman from behind the teller and signals for his men to attack.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
“Get the winged menace!”
Nine thugs draw their machine guns as Batman is against the front door.
THUG 1
“We got you now Bats!”
THUG 2
“These guns are loaded!”
THUG 1
“Looks like you’re just
going to have to go home!”
THUG 2
“So why don’t you hand
over those bat toys?”
Batman still at the entrance smirks.
BATMAN
“Don’t be so sure.”
The two thugs look confused, suddenly Robin and Batgirl step from the shadows behind each thug and use sleeper holds on the gunmen. The two gunmen crumple to the ground.
The Scarecrow sees this and heads for the Vault.
Batman steps forward, flipping his cape open and striking a martial arts pose.
THUG 3
(Sarcastically)
“Don’t hurt us Mr. Batman.”
Some of the thugs laugh.
Batman shakes his head. Then his hand comes up and out, and he whips a Batarang into Thug 3's face. Thug 3 goes down in a heap, out cold. Batman walks toward the remaining six men. The thugs start to back up toward the other end of the bank.
CUT TO:
7 EXT. GOTHAM BANK VAULT 7
The Scarecrow and four other thugs reach the vault. The vault is closed and the five villains inspect the lock.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
“The lock seems to be on
a code.”
THUG 4
“Where’s the manager?”
THUG 5
“It’s night dumbass!
Everyone’s gone home.”
THUG 6
“Is there a panel next
to it?”
PAN TO:
There is a panel with nine numbers to the right of the vaults door.
SCARECROW
“There it is! Get the lock
decoder!”
Thug 7 hooks up the lock decoder to the code locks card slot. He begins punching away on the keys
CUT TO
8 INT. GOTHAM BANK – FOYER – NIGHT 8
There's a fight in progress. Batman grabs a thug's arm, pulls him toward him, and then flips the thug over his shoulder. Then Batman whirls and spin kicks another thug in the stomach. Batman grabs the man he kicked and hurls him at the one on the ground. The second thug hits the first, sending them both toppling to the floor.
CUT TO
9 EXT. GOTHAM BANK – VAULT – NIGHT 9
The Scarecrow and his thugs wait anxiously for Thug 7 to get the last digits to the code lock.
SCARECROW
(To Thug 7)
“I’d suggest that you’d
consider working a little
faster!”
Thug 7 looks up at The Scarecrow and them a beep can be heard from the Decoder.
THUG 7
“Ok, we’re in.”
SCARECROW
“This is going to be
a scream!”
The vault door opens up and The Scarecrow sends his men in. The Scarecrow is about to make his way into the vault but a thin cable attaches to his ankle, the cable is then pulled and he falls, in avertedly pushing the vault door shut with the four thugs inside.
PAN TO:
Batgirl pulls the dazed man across the floor, toward her, until The Scarecrow has twisted to a half-sitting position opposite her. The Scarecrow watches as she approaches. Then his gloved hand darts beneath the folds of his costume and he whips a small blade free, slices upward through his cord, and then slashes at her. Batgirl steps backward as The Scarecrow leaps to his feet, sending a wild kick toward her midsection. Batgirl blocks his leg with her gauntlet, slaps the knife from his gloved hand with her balled left fist, and spins into a karate kick of her own, connecting with his chest, knocking The Scarecrow onto his back. He lies there as Batgirl crouches down to face him
BATGIRL
“Looks like you won’t
be going anywhere straw
brain.”
SCARECROW
“Don’t count on it Bat-
Broad.”
With that The Scarecrow head butts Batgirl in the face and pushes her off him.
CUT TO:
10 INT. GOTHAM BANK – FOYER – NIGHT 10
Batman and Robin continue to fight off the remaining thugs in the bank foyer, as that is in progress, The Scarecrow comes into the scene with a machine gun in hand and duffle bag over his shoulder.
SCARECROW
“Come on boys. We’re
out of here!”
(To Batman)
“Just wait until next time
Batman!”
Batman turns his attention to The Scarecrow who is holding his gun to Batman with a sinister smile on his face.
BATMAN
“Who are you?”
The Scarecrow’s smile fades.
SCARECROW
“I’m The Scarecrow, Master
Of Fear!”
(A Beat)
“You’ll find out soon enough!”
The Scarecrow then whips Batman in the face with the end of his machine gun and laughs as he starts walking away from the Terrific Trio.
All three of them stand there wondering how The Scarecrow and his thugs are going to get out of the Bank, however, the question is answered when a hummer comes crashing through the building.
The Scarecrow laughs again and jumps inside along with his other crew.
Batman is nursing his jaw on the ground as Robin and Batgirl race over to Batman
ROBIN
“Are you ok Batman?”
BATMAN
“Yeah, fine!”
BATGIRL
“I had him but he got
away”
ROBIN
“Damn! What happened?”
BATGIRL
“I hooked him with
the Bat-Grapple but
he…”
ROBIN
(Interrupting)
“He got away yeah you
said that part already.”
BATGIRL
“Well did you bother to
stop them from taking
the vault?”
Robin is about to make a comeback
BATMAN
“Enough!”
(A beat)
“We can still get him.”
CUT TO:
11 EXT. GOTHAM BANK – NIGHT 11
The Scarecrow’s Hummer peels out of the bank and starts racing past all of the police cars just as it had apparently done before. Some of the cops fire their weapons at it, but the bullets only hit the backlights of the stolen vehicle.
Batman's hand goes beneath his cape and he raises a Batpistol into the air. A compressed air Batgrapple launches into the night. Batman is pulled into the air, and he swings into pursuit, his cape flowing behind him as his arc takes him behind the Hummer. Several cops stand, watching in awe.
CUT TO:
12 INT. HUMMER – NIGHT 12
The Scarecrow looks in the mirror and sees the black shadow in the air behind the Hummer.
SCARECROW
(To Driver)
”Must go faster!”
CUT TO:
13 EXT. GOTHAM BANK – NIGHT 13
Standing at the bottom of the stairs to the door is Commissioner Gordon, pushing 60, and certainly no stranger to these circumstances.
By his side is DETECTIVE RENEE MONTOYA. She’s a dark haired beauty in her early 30’s. She seems really focused and is someone that no criminal would want to mess with.
James Gordon is all puzzled. Another potential disaster occurring. Renee Montoya, on the other hand, looks all around in utter disbelief at the chaos surrounding her.
GORDON
“I do believe this was
your first experience
with the Triumph Trio.”
MONTOYA
(Sarcastically)
“How wonderful.”
GORDON
(Showing confusion)
“You're not impressed I
take it?”
MONTOYA
“Let's just say I'm a bit
uncomfortable with three
vigilantes running around
Gotham City trying to up
holding the work of the
law. It makes this city’s
law enforcement look weak
and pathetic. I spit at this
performance that these obvious
actors are trying to put on for
you, and it’s obvious that you’ve
fallen for it.”
BATMAN
(O.S.)
“A badge is only a piece of
metal.”
Montoya and James turn to face Batman while Robin and Batgirl hang back.
MONTOYA
“Oh, but it isn't. It's a
symbol of justice and law
that the police uphold, not
Vigilantes.”
BATMAN
“Mu suit is a symbol as well.
And it works.”
MONTOYA
“And apparently, your symbol
didn’t help you to catch that
criminal since you’re back here
now jabbing your ass off at me.”
GORDON
“A’ hem...Batman, Robin, Batgirl,
I'd like you to meet the newest
Addition to the Gotham PD, from
L.A., Detective Renee Montoya.”
BATMAN
(Offers handshake)
“Detective...”
Montoya looks down at his hand and then backs up from him with a blank stare obviously rejecting him, standing silent. Gordon tries to make up.
GORDON
“So, what's the story on this
one?”
BATMAN
“I wish it were that simple.
Fact is, this new threat going
By the name of The Scarecrow
seems to be going to very
drastic measures to get what
he wants, and from the looks
of it, he’s going for money,
and especially diamonds.”
GORDON
“That’s what it usually is.
These criminals want nothing
But power and money.”
BATMAN
“What do you think, Detective?”
MONTOYA
“I think... you should leave the
detecting up to the detectives.”
Gordon turns to watch Montoya coldly remove herself from this conversation and walk away toward the cop cars.
GORDON
(Sighing)
“Sorry, Batman. Word from L.A.
is that she can be as hard on our
guys as she is with the scumbags.
But, she's the best. And they
were mighty sad to see her...”
Gordon turns back to find no Triumph Trio in sight.
GORDON
“...go. I hate it when
They do that.”
Gordon sighs again and looks at his watch.
GORDON
(Cont.)
“Oh, Damn! I’m late!”
CUT TO:
14 EXT: ARKHAM ASYLUM-NIGHT 14
Camera makes a quick shot of the sign at the front entrance of the place and then shows the actual Asylum itself with the lightning. It’s basically the same shots from the third and fourth movies.
CUT TO:
15 INT: ARKHAM ASYLUM ENTERANCE-NIGHT 15
Camera shows Commissioner Gordon walking very quickly toward the entrance doors with a concerned look on his face. He immediately opens the door to reveal the lovely DR. CHASE MERIDIAN. Gordon almost falls from seeing her standing there.
CHASE
”I’m very sorry Commissioner.
I guess I shouldn’t have been
standing so close to the door.”
GORDON
"That’s alright. I'm glad
that you were able to come
on such short notice. Sorry
you had to leave Cambridge
during your important research."
CHASE
"Don't worry about it. If
it's something dealing with
an inmate here, I'm glad to help."
GORDON
"That's good to hear Dr. Meridian.
We have a special case that we'd
like for you to help us with. We're
willing to pay you as much as you
might ask for."
CHASE
"So is this about Edward Nygma?"
GORDON
"No actually. This is on someone
else. I know that you tried working
with Mr. Nygma for quite awhile,
but he's not the case this time."
CHASE
"Then who is?"
GORDON
"There's something that you need
to know. The only two people that
actually knows this guy is still
alive besides the people here
Are Bruce Wayne and Batman.
Bruce didn't feel that telling
Dick Grayson would've been a good
idea. After what happened on Nygma's
little island, we found Harvey Dent
still alive, but unconscious."
CHASE
"Oh my god."
GORDON
"Afterwards we took him to
the Gotham Memorial Hospital
where he stayed for three
Years in a coma. After
he awoke, he was moved here
and he's been here for a good
two years now."
CHASE
"So you want me to talk to
Two-Face?"
GORDON
"There's more that you should
know."
Gordon starts walking down the hallway with Chase following beside him. They move past several doctors, guards, and nurses along the way. One of the nurses, a young and beautiful blond lady, stops and stares at them very oddly. This is DR. HARLENE QUINZELLE. She shrugs her shoulders and returns to her duties.
GORDON
(Cont)
"During Two-Face's time in the coma,
we had several scientists and doctors
working on his condition and running
several tests in labs to help
find a cure to his problem."
CHASE
(Shocked)
"Was there a cure found?"
GORDON
"It wasn't until recently
that one was found. The
only problem is that-"
CHASE
"You have to get someone to talk
them both into doing it."
GORDON
"It's not so much Two-Face,
but Harvey that we need
the answer from. We need you
to go talk to him. It may
be hard though. He has only
said one word since he awoke
in the hospital."
CHASE
"What did he say when he woke
up?"
GORDON
(Sighing)
"Coin."
CHASE
"That's understandable."
(Sighs)
"Ok Commissioner, I'll
do it."
Gordon smiles and the two continue to walk forward down the corridor. They come by several rooms with large windows so that the doctors could look in on the patients. In one room there are green plants everywhere and in the middle of it all is POISON IVY petting a nearby plant.
GORDON
"Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley."
CHASE
"Or in other terms,
Poison Ivy. I heard
All about her."
GORDON
"She doesn't talk much,
But when she does, its
mainly her trying to
win the hearts of the
guards long enough to
get them to kiss her.
That seems to be her
means of escape. Without
her dust though, it's
very hard for her to seduce
anyone."
The two move away from the window as Ivy looks up and smiles at the two people.
IVY
(Whispering)
"Mother Nature will still
start over."
They both continue down the corridor and Chase stops suddenly to see a frozen area before her that looks like a large lab. Several people in winter clothing are hard at work. Chase notices that to the side is a woman cased in a large glass structure. A completely blue man stands beside the glass running some tests.
CHASE
"This would be Dr. Victor Fries,
correct?"
GORDON
"Correct. He's still trying
to find a cure for his wife's
illness. He is very close to
completing his research of
The stages of the illness.
He's now found cures
for stage 2 and 3 of
The last stage is where she's
At and it's only a matter
of time before the cure is found."
The two move on down the hallway toward the end where they stop just before the final door. Chase looks in to see the profile of a man sitting on the floor, in the corner silently. He stares forward with a blank Expression. This is the HARVEY DENT side of TWO-FACE.
GORDON
(Cont.)
"Don't worry about him
being hostile. We'll have
two guards in there with
you and another outside. I'll
be watching through this window.
Good luck Dr. Meridian."
Chase walks to the door and enters with two guards.
CUT TO:
16 INT: TWO-FACE'S CELL- NIGHT 16
Chase goes over to where Two-Face is sitting and sits down in a chair near him.
CHASE
"Hello Harvey. Do you
remember me?"
HARVEY
"Bruce's love, right?"
CHASE
(Smiling)
"Well I was. I'm
surprised that you're
speaking. Commissioner Gordon
said that you haven't said
anything since you awoke
from the coma."
HARVEY
"I've been waiting five years
For the right person to talk to."
CHASE
"You were waiting for me?"
HARVEY
"Yes Doctor. I'm having a harder
time controlling the Face now.
He keeps taking complete control
of me. I'm only in control right
now because he wants me to talk to
you. He wants me to find out if you
have or know the location of our coin.
We need it very badly. It’s the only
Way for us to continue on."
CHASE
"Is he listening to us right now?"
HARVEY
"I can never tell."
(Pauses giving Chase a
suspicious look)
"Why?"
CHASE
"When you were in that coma
the doctors and some scientists
were checking out your facial
condition and since then have
been working on a cure for
what happened to you. Well, they
found it. You can be normal again."
HARVEY
"You mean I'll be Harvey Dent
again?"
CHASE
(Smiling)
"Exactly."
FACE
(Yelling)
"Well we don't want to be that
Dismal fool again!"
Two-Face suddenly springs at Chase taking her to the ground while she screams. He begins to choke her violently. The two guards run over to them and start pulling Two-face away from her. He resists and knocks them to the ground with his elbows. He runs back over to Chase and pushes her into the wall.
Commissioner Gordon and the other guard come running into the room and pull out their guns on Two-Face.
GORDON
"Let her go Harvey!
I don't want to have to
shoot you!"
Two-Face lets go of Chase and falls to the ground. He starts crawling back to his corner that he was in before. He turns around to look at Chase who is staring right at him. Gordon and the guards go over to Chase and try to get her to leave the room.
HARVEY
"I'LL DO IT!!!!"
FACE
"NO HE WON'T!!!!"
HARVEY
"YES I WILL!!!!"
Two-Face starts rolling around on the ground struggling with himself.
CHASE
"My god. He's like Dr. Jekyll
and Mr. Hyde."
GORDON
"Yes, I'm afraid it's come to
that. Come on. We have Harvey's
approval. We don't need Face's."
The four people leave the room and Two-Face behind while he continues to struggle with himself.
GORDON
"I'm sure that Bruce Wayne will
want to know about this."
CHASE
"I'll tell him."
GORDON
"Are you sure?"
CHASE
"Yes. Besides, it'd be nice
to see him again after all
this time."
Suddenly a COP runs up to Commissioner Gordon and Chase.
COP
"Commissioner, we
have a problem here.”
GORDON
”What’s wrong?”
COP
”The Scarecrow is attacking
Town Square sir.”
GORDON
"My God. That’s twice in
one night."
CHASE
"The Scarecrow?"
GORDON
"The latest threat to terrorize
Gotham City, Dr. Meridian."
COP
"We’ve already turned on the
Batsignal sir."
GORDON
"Thank you."
The cop nods and leaves.
GORDON
(Cont.)
"I'm sorry Dr. Meridian, but
I need to get out there. Thank
you for all of this and good
Luck with explaining about
Harvey to Mr. Wayne."
Gordon walks off in the other direction. Chase turns around to look in the window of Two-Face's cell one last time and then she walks off, back down the corridor.
CUT TO:
17 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM HALLWAY – NIGHT 17
DR. BURTON, the Chief Psychiatrist from Batman Forever, moves down the old stone hallway, face tense. He steps into an office where…
CUT TO:
18 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM OFFICE- NIGHT 18
There is the same blonde longhaired, attractive, intelligent woman, Harlene Quinzelle, 30; a Criminal Psychologist of Arkham Asylum is sitting at her desk hard at work reviewing papers on certain patients.
DR. BURTON
“Harlene, your still here at
This hour?”
Quinzelle looks up at Dr. Burton from her work.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Oh Yes, sorry doctor.
I’m just going over
Some notes from today.”
DR. BURTON
“Well, I just want you
to understand that most
of the security have already
left for the evening. You really
should consider going home
yourself. Go get some rest.”
DR. QUINZELLE
“I know. I can handle the prisoners.
They can’t leave their cells
Anyway.”
DR. BURTON
“I certainly hope so Doctor.
You do know we have that
Wresting Function tomorrow night.
Bruce Wayne is donating
$200.000.00 to Arkham.”
DR. QUINZELLE
“And what a blessing. This place
Does need a fix up since Bane
Tore up his cell.”
DR. BURTON
(Sighing)
“Thank god we have that electric
Wiring on his bars now.”
Dr. Quinzelle smiles.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Thank you for your concern
Doctor. I’ll close up here.”
Dr. Burton smiles back.
DR. BURTON
“No need to worry. See
you in the morning.”
CUT TO.
19 INT. BATCAVE - COMPUTER STATION – NIGHT 19
Bruce stands with Dick and Barbara, now wrapped in a blanket, steaming mug in hand, watching the main monitor.
The Computer monitor shows onscreen we can see The Scarecrow and his thugs entering the bank from the front door, spraying red gas at the guards who charge them.
BRUCE
“As you can see The Scarecrow
Used a standard entrance
Into the bank.”
DICK
“Obviously some crooks don’t
Go to all the trouble these days.”
BARBARA
“They didn’t make off with
Much, only the stuff from
The machines… And a few
Diamonds.”
DICK
“They could’ve made off
With nothing if you hadn’t
Have let The Scarecrow
Get away.”
BARBARA
“He cut the bat-rope and
Head butted me in the face.”
DICK
“Shows what a woman can do.”
BRUCE
(To Dick and Barbara)
“Don’t start you two!”
Bruce begins tapping away at the computer and several images of The Scarecrow show up on the screen. Bruce looks a little unsettled which catches Dick’s attention
DICK
“Who’s behind the mask?”
BRUCE
“Professor Jonathon Crane.”
BARBARA
“He used to teach at the
Gotham University.”
BRUCE
“Indeed, until he was fired
For questionable teaching
Methods.”
Bruce hits a few keys and onscreen shows a newspaper article reading “KILLER STALKS GCU PROFESSERS”.
BRUCE
“A month after his axing,
Three professors at the
Gotham Campus University
Were murdered, all linked
To Mr. Crane, and someone
Who funds the University
Was severely injured.”
DICK
“Why is he still walking?”
BRUCE
“Well before police could
Question the man, he vanished
From Gotham and there has been no
Trace of him since…”
BARBARA
“Until tonight at the bank.”
DICK
“Obviously he didn’t get a
Chance to test his toxin
Enough and now he…”
Bruce butts in.
BRUCE
“That’s another thing I
Picked up earlier at
The bank.”
CUT TO:
20 INT. BATCAVE - CRIME LAB – NIGHT 20
The trio enter the alcove behind the computer. The area is filled with expensive scientific equipment and more computers. Bruce walks over to an electron microscope, which is sitting on a console that's been hewn from the rock of the cave wall. He gestures toward it.
BRUCE
“Take a look.”
Dick leans down and peers into the microscope as does Barbara.
BRUCE
“That's a piece of fabric from The Scarecrow's costume. There are traces of some kind of molecular compound on it. I've done a few tests. I need to do some more.”
Bruce turns and heads back into the main cave. Dick follows him.
CUT TO:
21 INT. BATCAVE - MAIN CHAMBER – NIGHT 21
Bruce sits down at the Batcomputer. Dick stands behind his chair.
BRUCE
“Open previous file.”
Onscreen, A CGI schematic of a chemical compound appears.
BRUCE
“Resume chemical
breakdown.”
Onscreen, the schematic starts to spin. Dick stares at it.
BRUCE
(Cont.)
“It's chemical composition includes Sarin, Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and chlorobenzalmalonitrile. And several unidentified phosphates.”
BEAT
BRUCE
(Cont.)
“All chemicals used in common nerve gases. Designed to cause elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, fever, and blurring of vision. But whoever this...The Scarecrow is...he's mixing those chemicals with some newer, unidentified substances.”
Bruce looks at Dick.
BRUCE
(Cont.)
“Similar to Pamela's pheromones but Crane’s
Toxin seems to have
More effect.”
Alfred suddenly walks down the steps once again.
ALFRED
”I’d hate to be the bearer
of bad news, but apparently
all of you are wanted.”
The three of them stare at Alfred dumbfounded.
ALFRED
(Cont.)
“The signal sir.”
BATMAN
“Oh, thank you Alfred.”
ALFRED
”My pleasure sir.”
DICK
”Looks like The Scarecrow
Means business.”
CUT TO:
22 INT. TOWN SQUARE- NIGHT 22
The camera shows dozens of Gotham citizens running away from random bullets that seem to be coming out of nowhere. As they run around it continues to snow outside. All around the place are several Christmas declarations hanging everywhere, and the large tree in the Town Square stands lighted. Obviously they were just trying to do the regular Tree Lighting Ceremony. There are police cars screeching all around the area as well firing up into the sky. The camera pans upward to show a helicopter flying around above the Town Square.
CUT TO:
23 EXT. HELICOPTER- NIGHT 23
The Scarecrow is firing a machine gun from outside of the large side door.
SCARECROW
(Laughing hysterically)
“Running and screaming… running
and screaming… I just love to
see the fear on all of their
Faces! That’s especially true
During the holidays!”
CUT TO:
24 INT. TOWN SQUARE- NIGHT 24
The Batmobile and the two motorbikes coming zooming into the Town Square. The Terrific Trio move away from their vehicles and look up at the helicopter.
CUT TO:
25 EXT. HELICOPTER- NIGHT 25
Camera shows the helicopter still racing around the area firing bullets at the crowd below. The police cars all stop as they realize that the Terrific Trio has arrived.
SCARECROW
(Laughing threw
blow horn)
"Hello bats! Time to meet
Your worst fears!"
The Scarecrow pulls out a grenade launcher and fires a gas grenade at our three heroes as they dodge the fire.
CUT TO:
26 INT. TOWN SQUARE- NIGHT 26
BATMAN
"I'm going for the Batwing!
You guys get to your vehicles
and follow!"
Robin and Batgirl nod and go off.
BATMAN
(Into a small
Device)
“Shields.”
The Batmobile closes up with its shields.
SCARECROW
(Through loudspeaker)
"Come and get us if you
can Batman!"
The helicopter takes off leaving the area quickly.
BATMAN
(Into small
Device again)
“Batwing.”
CUT TO:
27 INT. BATCAVE- NIGHT 27
Alfred is cleaning up some things in the Batcave as the Batwing suddenly comes to life and goes rushing down the shaft.
Alfred sighs and continues cleaning.
CUT TO:
28 INT. TOWN SQUARE- NIGHT 28
Batman walks past several of the frightened citizens as they continue to run past him. He looks up to see the Batwing roaring down toward him.
Batman runs towards the Batwing and pushes a button on his utility belt. Then the Batwing rises back into the air as Batman leaps into the cockpit and takes off.
Commissioner Gordon walks around the scene with Detective Renee Montoya. They look up to see the Batwing sour past them.
MONTOYA
”What did I tell
Ya? Those masked
Freaks are nothing
But nuisances. You
Should get rid of
Them while you still
Have time.”
GORDON
”I really don’t want
To hear about this
Right now Detective
Montoya. This really
Isn’t the time. We
Need to make sure
That everyone out
Here is ok. Number
One priority of the
Gotham City Police is
To make sure that the
Citizens are all safe
And in good health.”
MONTOYA
”What we should be
Doing is perusing
The Scarecrow!”
GORDON
”I know and I Completely
understand the way you
feel about this, but you
were the one that wanted
to transfer here in the first
place. I thought you’d known
already about what you’d be
dealing with.”
MONTOYA
”Oh, I knew. I just didn’t
Want to believe it.”
CUT TO:
29 EXT. GOTHAM CITY- NIGHT 29
Camera follows both the helicopter and Batwing as they continue to race through Gotham City at top speeds.
CUT TO:
30 INT. HELICOPTER- NIGHT 30
The Scarecrow watches the Batwing continue to chase after them.
SCARECROW
(Laughing)
"Perfect! Fire the
launcher!"
From the back of the helicopter a rocket is shown being launched from the helicopter by a couple of thugs. It starts making it's way toward the Batwing.
CUT TO:
31 INT. BATWING- NIGHT 31
Camera action: 1st camera showing in 1st person view through the windshield of the Batwing.
2nd camera shows Batman looking at controls and saying…
BATMAN
"Shields."
CUT TO:
32 EXT. BATWING- NIGHT 32
On the Exterior of the Batwing the shields suddenly come up and the rocket explodes as it goes right into the Batwing.
CUT TO:
33 INT. HELICOPTER- NIGHT 33
SCARECROW
"Yes! Ha! Pyrophobia
rules!"
Suddenly The Scarecrow realizes that the Batwing wasn't even scratched in the explosion of the rocket.
SCARECROW
"Damn you!"
The Scarecrow turns around to face the pilot's back and goes into the cockpit.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Let him come alongside us
and then, ram right into him."
The pilot nods and slows down.
CUT TO:
34 EXT. BOTH VEHICLES- NIGHT 34
Batman moves the Batwing closer to the helicopter and then moves to the side of the chopper just like The Scarecrow wanted.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"NOW!"
The helicopter then rams into the Batwing and moves away just long enough to make another butt into the Batwing only this time the helicopter gets entangled in the Batwing and they all continue to fly onward throughout Gotham as both vehicles begin to lose control.
CUT TO:
35 INT. HELICOPTER- NIGHT 35
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Alright everyone, move
on to plan Acrophobia!"
The Scarecrow and his henchmen begin throwing on parachutes and then jump out of the helicopter followed by the pilot.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
“Hope you don’t have
Acrophobia Batman! It
Would be a shame for this
To end so soon!”
The Scarecrow laughs hysterically as he and his thugs continue to float toward Gotham.
CUT TO:
36 EXT. BOTH VEHICLES 36
Batman now has to keep control of both vehicles as he watches the villains escape.
BATMAN
"Robin, Batgirl, they've escaping
the helicopter. Try and stop
them. I'll join you shortly."
CUT TO:
37 GOTHAM CITY STREET- NIGHT 37
Camera shows Robin and Batgirl on their respective motorcycles moving through the city streets toward the area where The Scarecrow’s gang are going to land.
CUT TO:
38 EXT. GOTHAM BAY- NIGHT 38
Camera shows the Batwing still carrying the helicopter moving over the ocean next to Gotham City.
CUT TO:
39 INT. BATWING- NIGHT 39
Batman is shown pressing several buttons.
CUT TO:
40 EXT: BATWING- NIGHT 40
Camera shows the helicopter detaching from the Batwing and go crashing into the ocean. The Batwing turns around and starts back toward the area of the gang's landing.
CUT TO:
41 EXT: GOTHEM CITY STREETS- NIGHT 41
Camera shows Robin and Batgirl driving their motorcycles toward the gang where they suddenly see them landing right in front of them. The two heroes slam on the breaks and jump off of the bikes.
SCARECROW
"Kill them!"
Several thugs begin to try attacking the two heroes. Robin does his best at blocking the attacks of the thugs as he tries to knock them out. Batgirl is shown throwing one of the thugs to the ground.
The Scarecrow looks over at Batgirl who is now close to where he's standing. She suddenly pulls a stun gun out of her utility belt and stuns a thug trying to chock her.
SCARECROW
"Have a gas girly!"
The Scarecrow throws a gas grenade at Batgirl unsuccessfully as to the fact that she hears his warning just in time.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Stand still my pretty!"
The Scarecrow continues to throw the gas grenades at the hero while she avoids them each time. Suddenly Robin runs up to The Scarecrow and kicks him right in the stomach sending him flying to the other side of the ally.
SCARECROW
(Cont. as he stands
back up)
"Insolent child!"
Suddenly Robin is charged at by one of the thugs that is still standing. He's taken to the ground by the thug, but is then thrown off by Robin for he's the stronger of the two.
A camera switches to The Scarecrow who walks up behind Batgirl and grabs her by the hair. She screams at first and then tries to attack him, but is unable to do so when up close and personal to this madman.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Now you will feel true
and utter fear!"
The Scarecrow laughs wickedly as he starts to turn her around when he suddenly sees Batman come swooping down between the fighting. The Dark Night starts attacking the nearest thugs.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Nevermind dear."
The Scarecrow throws Batgirl into a nearby wall and starts forward toward Batman. The Dark Night notices and swings his battering toward The Scarecrow, but he dodges it and grabs a hold of it. He starts pulling at the rope and pulls Batman over to him. Batman tries to resist but is unable to do so. The Dark Night is pulled over to The Scarecrow where he grabs a hold of him and repeats the same thing that he said to Batgirl seconds before.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Now you will feel true and
utter fear, Batman!"
The Scarecrow's eyes begin to glow a creepy red, as Batman looks right into them. He begins to shake with fear at the sight before him.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"Fear me, fear your past,
and fear your everything!"
Batman tries to resist, but can’t pull his eyes away from The Scarecrow’s.
CUT TO:
42 SEVERAL VISIONS ON SCREEN 42
On screen are several visuals of what Batman would be seeing before him. Batman sees his parents being killed by JACK NAPIER, THE JOKER dancing with VICKI VALE, THE PINGUIN blasting his way through the floor of the Shreck Department Stores Ball Room, Robin and Chase Meridian falling to their doom, Mr. Freeze freezing Gotham to ice, and Alfred dying of McGregor Syndrome. All of this is foreshadowed however by The Scarecrow's face.
CUT TO:
43 BACK TO BATMAN AND SCARECROW 43
Suddenly the red glow stops as Robin flings The Scarecrow away from Batman. Batman falls to the ground shaking uncontrollably.
The Scarecrow stands back up and rejoins his thugs.
SCARECROW
(Cont.)
"We'll call this one a draw
Bird Boy! You’ll wish that I
Had finished what I started
After you see what happens to
him!"
The villains start running off into the opposite direction where the Hummer from the bank is waiting. The gang gets in the Hummer and they drive off away from the area.
Camera shows Batgirl getting back up slowly and groaning from the pain that she's feeling. She walks over to Robin who is crouching over Batman whom is still shaking violently.
BATGIRL
"What happened to him?"
ROBIN
"I don't know, but we need
to get him back to the cave and
Fast."
Camera shows final shots of Batman struggling between reality and fear as the camera fades.
CUT TO.
44 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM – QUINZELLE’S OFFICE – NIGHT 44
Harlene Quinzelle is still going through papers in her office with endless cups of coffee
DR. QUINZELLE
“Damn! I’m never going to
Find him.”
Suddenly the phone rings and Dr. Quinzelle picks up
DR. QUINZELLE
(Into Phone)
“Hello… yes yes… ok…
Thank you.”
Dr. Quinzelle hangs up the phone with a change of face
DR. QUINZELLE
“I found him.”
Dr. Quinzelle begins typing fast on the computer, then Dr. Burton returns into Dr. Quinzelle’s office.
DR. BURTON
“Dr. Quinzelle!”
Dr. Quinzelle is shocked from Dr. Burton’s presence.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Doctor, I thought you
Left.”
DR. BURTON
“I could say the same to you.
Come On, there is something
Bothering you isn’t there?”
Dr. Quinzelle picks herself up and sighs.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Do you remember, when I
First came here, how I
Told you that I was trying
To find out who my father
Was?”
DR. BURTON
“Yes, I do recall you telling
Me something about that.”
DR. QUINZELLE
“Well I got a call back from
The Laboratory in New Jersey,
The one that I worked for before,
And I got the results back
From a DNA sample I sent them
And it appears that my father
Was…”
(A beat)
“Jack Napier.”
Dr. Burton’s face looks on in horror.
DR. BURTON
“You can’t be serious?”
DR. QUINZELLE
“Why do you look so shocked?”
Dr. Burton walks over next to Dr. Quinzelle.
DR. BURTON
“Jack Napier was a bad man.”
Dr. Quinzelle’s face changes to confusion.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Why?”
Dr. Burton reaches over to Dr. Quinzelle’s computer.
DR. BURTON
“If you were here back in the
late eighties, you’d know all
about it.”
Dr. Burton searches the computer and a mug shot of Jack Napier comes onscreen, Dr. Quinzelle watches on.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Oh, My God!”
The camera zooms in on what Dr. Burton and Dr. Quinzelle are looking at on the screen. There are pictures of Jack Napier as The Joker; the screen then changes to an article reading “JOKER FALLS TO DEATH”.
DR. BURTON
“You see Harlene, your father
Did some horrible things. He was
A major threat to Gotham.”
Dr. Quinzelle is in shock as of what she is seeing
DR. QUINZELLE
“Where is he now?”
Dr. Burton turns away fro the screen.
DR. BURTON
“My god. I don’t know what
To tell you.”
DR. QUINZELLE
“What do you mean?”
DR. BURTON
“He… He…”
DR. QUINZELLE
“Spit it out!”
DR. BURTON
“He plunged to his death.”
There’s a sudden pause as Dr. Quinzelle takes in what she has just heard.
DR. QUINZELLE
“What happened?”
DR. BURTON
“Well, he was found dead
Outside Gotham Cathedral.
(A beat)
“Batman killed him.”
Dr. Quinzelle’s face all of a sudden grows evil
DR. QUINZELLE
“Batman!”
Dr. Quinzelle rises in anger and pushes several items off of her desk in anger.
DR. QUINZELLE
“I know what I must
do now!”
Dr. Burton gets up in protest.
DR. BURTON
“Dr. Quinzelle you can’t.
Batman protects the
Society we live in.
Don’t be stupid!”
Dr. Quinzelle turns to face Dr. Burton
DR. QUINZELLE
“There’s nothing stupid
About having a little fun
Doctor. That’s what my father
Seemed to do when he was this
So called Joker.”
DR. BURTON
“Why are you talking like
this?”
DR. QUINZELLE
“Because I don’t think
you’re fit to be running
this establishment any
Longer and it’s time for
Some changes.”
DR. BURTON
“You’re not doing what I
Think you are doing?”
(A beat)
“I’m calling for security.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”Why would you do that?
I just want to give this
Establishment a little new
Colour to it.”
DR. BURTON
”Don’t worry dear. The guards
Will escort you out.”
Dr. Burton storms out of the office. Dr. Quinzelle reaches quickly into her desk and pulls out a bottle of chloroform and a rag. She quickly pours some of the chloroform into the rag and walks out of her office.
CUT TO.
45 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM HALLWAY – NIGHT 45
Dr. Burton continues to storm the hallway, but creeping up on him is Dr. Quinzelle with the chloroform filled rag in her hands.
DR QUINZELLE
(V.O.)
“Hey Doctor!”
With that Dr. Burton turns around and is met with the rag coming right onto his face. He struggles to get out of Dr. Quinzelle’s grasp, but he quickly loses his strength and falls to the ground.
Dr. Quinzelle looks down at the body and freaks. She drops the soaked rag on the floor as she seems to be panicking. She can’t believe what she’s just done.
Suddenly Dr. Quinzelle hears someone calling for her from behind. It’s from the cell that is near her room. Dr. Quinzelle walks over to the cell and looks in.
She’s looking right into the cell of Poison Ivy’s cell. All she can see are the plants and vines growing within the room. She looks all around from the glass-viewing window, but sees no activity what so ever.
QUINZELLE
”Dr. Isley?”
Dr. Quinzelle gets ready to turn to walk away, but suddenly Poison Ivy sprouts up quickly from within the veins right directly at the window.
Dr. Quinzelle screams and falls back as Poison Ivy just smiles at her and plays with a nearby vein. Dr. Quinzelle gets up and looks right at her.
Poison Ivy turns to look down the hall at Dr. Burton lying on the ground.
IVY
”Not bad for a beginner.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”You’d better keep…”
IVY
(Laughing)
“Why would I want to give
you away dear? I happen to
like your handy work, but
you’ve got to finish the
job, before you’re discovered.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”How?”
IVY
“That’s very simple dear. Take
him up to the Executioner’s
block. You’ll know what to
do from there.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”I’m not a murderer.”
IVY
(Smiles)
“Yes you are. It’s in
your blood. You’re The
Joker’s daughter. That
Means you’re his heir
To crime. You my dear
Is are to be the clown
Princess of crime. Doesn’t
That just sounds lovely?”
DR. QUINZELLE
”No. I’m not a murderer.”
IVY
”You’d might as well just
Give that up now. You have
Begun something that you
Can’t get out of. It’s your
Job to go out there and finish
Who I couldn’t. You must destroy
The Batman.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”I can’t…”
IVY
”Yes you can. You are evil
Through and through. I mean,
Look at your name. Harlene
Quinzelle. What does the name
Remind you of… Hmmm? A Harlequin.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”Yes… You’re right Ivy. I see now
What I must do. You must come with
Me.”
IVY
”I’m not ready. My powers aren’t
At their full form. I must wait
Until they’re ready.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”You’ve been planning your
Own escape since you’ve been
Here haven’t you?”
IVY
”Yes, but that’ll be our
Little secret. My pheromones
Must be regenerated before
I can leave.”
DR. QUINZELLE
”I will return for you.”
IVY
”I’m counting on it, but
Now you must finish him.”
DR.QUINZELLE
(Smiling evilly)
“Yes… I will.”
Dr. Quinzelle walks away from Ivy’s cell Ivy starts laughing hysterically.
CUT TO
46 INT. ASYLUM- EXECUTIONERS BLOCK –NIGHT 46
Dr. Burton awakens from his fall and finds himself strapped to an electric chair; his face is filled with fear
DR. QUINZELLE
(V.O.)
“Welcome back, Doctor B.”
(A beat)
“It’s time for your medicine.”
Dr. Burton looks around to find Dr. Quinzelle not in sight.
DR BURTON
“Where are you?”
A figure wearing a red, black, and white joker suit and black and white face paint jumps out in front of Dr. Burton’s wide eyes.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Tada! Here I am!”
Dr. Burton notices Dr. Quinzelle’s change of appearance.
DR. BURTON
“Dr. Quinzelle what’s happened
to you?”
Dr. Quinzelle begins to pace around the room.
DR. QUINZELLE
“Dr. Quinzelle is dead good doctor.
But you can call me…
(A beat)
“Harley Quinn.”
Harley Quinn kisses Dr. Burton on the forehead.
HARLEY
(Cont.)
“To kill somebody you
Never leave any witnesses.”
DR. BURTON
“You don’t have to kill
Me.”
HARLEY
”Why do you say that
That doctor?”
DR. BURTON
”Because I know
Who Batman is.”
HARLEY
”Oh really? Who?”
DR. BURTON
”Why my dear Doctor,
He’s been living here
For quite some time now.
He was incarcerated a few
Years back. Batman is Edward
Nygma.”
HARLEY
(Laughing)
“Do you expect me to
Believe that doctor?
I know of Mr. Nygma’s
Case, and I recall him
Thinking that he really
Was Batman, and just because
I stay here in the Asylum
a lot doesn’t mean that I
don’t watch the news and
know that Batman is in good
health and as free as a bird.”
Harley Quinn laughs evilly and skips over to the main switch. She holds her palm on the lever not moving it.
HARLEY
(Cont.)
“Gee, I wonder what this
little switchy here does?”
DR. BURTON
“Those electric bars on
Bane’s cell really were
A great idea Dr. Quinzelle.”
(A beat)
“Want to try them out for
Yourself?”
PAN TO:
Harley Quinn’s hand pushes the lever down.
CUT TO:
47 EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM – NIGHT 47
Screaming can be heard and a flickering flash from the top of the view of the Arkham building. The screams begin to fade out as Harley’s laughter overtakes all of the screaming.
CUT TO:
48 INT. BRUCE'S BEDROOM- DAY 48
Camera shows JULIE MADISON sitting on Bruce Wayne’s bed while he stares upward with a blank expression on his face. Suddenly the door opens to reveal Alfred Pennyworth. He walks over to the bed and hands Julie a glass of water.
JULIE
"Thank you Alfred."
ALFRED
"Anything new?"
JULIE
"No. He just lies there,
blank. It's almost like he's
in a different dimension.
I really wish that you’d
Let me take him to the hospital.
I might be able to help him there,
But without any of my equipment,
There’s no way to get anything
Done for him.”
ALFRED
"We’ll be sure to do that if
He hasn’t changed in a couple
Of days. That’s all I ask of you.
Perhaps you should go home and get
some rest dear. There are plenty
of people here to take care
of him. I'll call you as
soon as he's better."
JULIE
"I don't want to leave his side.
I love him very much, and I want
To stay here until he's
Better."
ALFRED
(Sighing)
"Your father called. He needs
You to go home for a while to
Talk about something very important.
You should go. Don't worry. If
Something occurs you'll be the
First to know."
JULIE
(Smiling)
"Thank you Alfred. You're
a good friend and a great
father to Bruce."
ALFRED
"Yes, I know."
Julie Madison stands up and starts out the door followed by Alfred.
CUT TO:
49 INT. HALLWAY- NIGHT 49
Dick Grayson and Barbara Wilson come around the corner suddenly. Julie smiles at the two before continuing for the front door. Alfred turns to the two kids.
DICK
"How's he doin' Al’?"
ALFRED
"I'm afraid that he's still
In the same condition as before.
I really wish that we could just
Take him to Julie’s hospital, but
You both know very well, that if we
Did, Batman’s identity would be in
Jeopardy."
DICK
"I just wish I knew what
happened. It doesn't make
sense."
Dick turns away in despair.
BARBARA
"Do you know what happened
Uncle Alfred? We’ve been trying
Our best to uncover everything, but
It was Bruce that knows how to work
All of those scientific devices in
His lab."
ALFRED
"I have an idea of what
it might have been. Please
come with me."
Alfred leads the two away from Bruce’s room.
CUT TO:
50 INT. BAT CAVE- DAY 50
Camera shows the three people in the bat cave looking up The Scarecrow's personal Information on the computer.
ALFRED
(Cont.)
"Jonathan Crane, unlike most
other Psychologists was interested
in the study of fears and phobias
like hydrophobia, monophobia, etc.
He'd done years of research dealing
with what scared people the most, but
when it came down to getting the funding
for his work, he was denied any help.
He seemed to have lost his mind after
that happened and set out to destroy
everyone that got in his way of putting
his research to good use. That's when
he became The Scarecrow. He's hardly
what you’d call a man now, twisted with
his own desires of fear. He uses his
knowledge of fear to create chemicals
that can induce terror into whomever
it touches. His first known victim was
Derek Powers, a powerful business man in
Gotham City. Mr. Powers was one of the
people that Dr. Crane had went to
for funding. He was laughed at and thrown
out of the building. Master Bruce told
me of a very interesting power that this
Scarecrow fellow possesses as well. Apparently
he has the power to make people fear him
With an instant glance into his eyes."
DICK
"When I saw what happened to Batman,
The Scarecrow had a hold of him.
I guess that's what caused this."
BARBARA
"The Scarecrow tried to do it
to me, but Batman showed up before
he could finish, and he just threw
me away."
DICK
"He wanted Batman from the
beginning. He knew that if
he could take Batman out that
we would be easily defeated."
BARBARA
"There's got to be a way
to get Bruce out of this.
We don't stand a chance
without him against The
Scarecrow. Since The
Scarecrow came along; it's
been hard to keep Gotham safe."
ALFRED
"Don't be so sure of that.
I know as well as both of
you do that you are completely
able at taking down bad
guys, and girls as well."
The two smile.
ALFRED
(Cont)
"The Scarecrow surely has a
Weakness."
BARBARA
"So all we really should
worry about is finding The
Scarecrow's weakness and we
might stand a chance."
Alfred nods and smiles. Suddenly an alarm sounds in the cave. Alfred walks over to the many security cameras posted near the bat computer and sees a lady standing outside the front door ringing the bell.
The noise continues over and over again.
ALFRED
(Sighing)
"I'll get it."
The three start back up the stairs to the Mansion itself.
CUT TO:
51 EXT: WAYNE MANOR- DAY 51
Camera shows Dr. Chase Meridian standing at the front door to the Mansion. She sighs and rings the doorbell for the second time.
Suddenly the door opens to reveal Alfred.
ALFRED
"Yes can I… Chase?"
CHASE
(Smiling)
"Well you're probably a
bit old to be doing any
chasing, but hello anyway.
It's good to see you again."
ALFRED
(Laughing)
"It's so good to see you
my dear!"
Alfred and Chase hug as they smile and laugh.
ALFRED
(Cont)
"Why have you come?"
CHASE
"I'm here working on one
of the patients at Arkham.
I need to talk to Bruce about
the patient right away. Is
he here?"
ALFRED
"Yes, but I'm afraid that
something has happened to him."
CHASE
(With concern)
"What happened?"
ALFRED
"Perhaps you should just
come in my dear."
Chase walks in the house and suddenly hears her name being called again from upstairs.
DICK
(O.S.)
"Chase!"
CHASE
"I seem to be very
Popular here."
ALFRED
”Popular or not, you’re
Always welcomed here.”
Then she looks up the stairs to see Dick running down the stairs toward her.
CHASE
(Cont)
"Well if it isn't my
favourite sidekick."
Chase and Dick hug.
CHASE
(Cont.)
"How have you been?"
DICK
"Fine."
CHASE
"Really? That's good
to hear."
DICK
"I'm afraid that Bruce
Is well..."
ALFRED
"I was just on my way to
take her up to see him.
Follow me Dr. Meridian."
CHASE
"Good to see you again
Dick."
DICK
"Same to you."
Barbara walks up to Dick and looks at him in awe. She seems a little jealous by the way that he’s looking at the woman going up the steps with her Uncle.
BARBARA
“So who’s the bimbo?”
Dick looks at Barbara with disgust and smirks as he then turns around and starts up the steps. Barbara just shrugs her shoulders and starts off toward the kitchen.
CUT TO:
52 INT: BRUCE'S ROOM- NEAR EVENING 52
Camera shows Bruce still in a trance lying on his bed. Chase and Alfred stand over him in concern.
CHASE
"So it was The Scarecrow
That did this?"
ALFRED
"Yes. I'm afraid that The
Scarecrow has a known power
that can make his victim
fear him and anything else
that they may possibly fear."
CHASE
"This may be hard to fix,
but I will try to bring
him out of it."
ALFRED
(Smiling)
"I know you can."
CHASE
(Turning around)
"Why so?"
ALFRED
"Because you are the
best."
With those words Alfred leaves the room and Chase behind to deal with Bruce's condition. Chase smiles and shakes her head as Alfred leaves shutting the door behind him. Chase turns back to Bruce lying on the bed.
Camera focuses on Bruce's face, as he seems to have broken out into a cold sweet. He starts twisting and turning his head violently.
CHASE
"Bruce? Bruce can you
hear me? It's Dr. Chase
Meridian. I know you can
hear me Bruce. Just don't
give into what you're seeing.
It's all just a bad dream.
You're actually at home in
bed with me by your side."
Bruce continues to shake around violently.
CHASE
(Cont.)
"You can talk to me Bruce.
Tell me what you see. You
can talk. Try to break
through what you're seeing.
Tell me what you are seeing."
BRUCE
(Trying hard to talk;
almost screaming)
"MY PARENTS!!!!! NO!!!!"
CHASE
"Bruce, listen to me.
You got through that.
It was a very hard
thing to do, but you
finally surpassed what
happened all that long ago."
BRUCE
(Head shaking)
"NO!!!! I'VE GOT TO SAVE
VICCI?"
CHASE
(Confused)
"Vicci? Bruce, who's
Vicci?"
BRUCE
"HAVE TO STOP THE JOKER!"
CHASE
(Shaking her head
now understanding)
"Bruce, you already
saved Vicci. She's
at her home now, safe.
The Joker is dead also.
You don't have to worry
about that."
BRUCE
(Straining through
visions going
all through him)
"GOTTA SAVE THE KIDS
FROM PENGUIN'S GRASPS!!"
CHASE
"You did stop the Penguin,
Bruce. Don't you remember?
You stopped everything that
he tried to do. He's dead
now. You have to remember
that."
BRUCE
(Screaming)
"TWO-FACE!!!!! NO!!!!
DON'T KILL HIS PARENTS!!"
CHASE
(Taking Bruce's
hand)
"There was nothing that
you could do about that.
Fait had already sealed
their deaths. Dick soon
got past it when he became
your partner in stopping
Crime."
BRUCE
(Still screaming)
"GOTTA UNFREEZE THE CITY!!!
CAN'T LET FREEZE WIN!!!"
CHASE
(Sighing)
"You did stop Mr. Freeze
and restore Gotham City
to what it was. You, Robin,
and Batgirl saved everyone.
Everything is ok now."
BRUCE
(Screaming even
louder)
"SCARECROW!!!! THE SCARECROW!!
NO!!!! DON'T KILL ME
.... PLEASE!!!!!!"
CHASE
"You have to fight him.
He's put some kind of
spell on you and you
have to snap out of
it. Come on Bruce! You
Have to snap out of this!"
BRUCE
"I CAN'T STOP HIM!!!!!"
CHASE
"Yes you can! In all
your life you have
fought off worse villains
then this Scarecrow! You
can't let his little spell
get the best of you! Now
wake up!"
Bruce suddenly sits straight up and screams with his eyes opening shortly afterward. He stops screaming when Chase grabs a hold of him. He turns toward her and looks at her curiously.
BRUCE
"Chase?"
CHASE
(Smiling)
"Yes."
BRUCE
"What are you doing here?
How did I get here?"
CHASE
(Laughs)
"You were brought back
here after you suffered
from The Scarecrow’s eyes."
BRUCE
"But I knew to avoid them.
How did I still get affected?"
CHASE
"I'm not sure, but I
know that it'll be
explained soon."
BRUCE
"Still, why are you
here? Shouldn't you
Be in Cambridge?"
CHASE
"Actually the reason I'm
in Gotham is the reason
I'm here to see you. There's
something that I have to tell
you about Harvey Two-Face’s
condition."
BRUCE
"How did you know that
he's still alive?"
CHASE
"Commissioner Gordon asked me
to come to Gotham to talk to a
patient at Arkham. I didn't know
which one it was at the time, but
I found out when I arrived that
it was Two-Face, still alive."
BRUCE
"Why would you need to talk
to Two-Face?"
CHASE
"A cure was found for him."
BRUCE
"What?"
CHASE
"Harvey is going to have an
operation to remove what's on
the left side of his face. He'll
be Harvey Dent once again. They
wanted me to talk him into having
the operation and I was successful."
BRUCE
"When will the operation be?"
CHASE
"As soon as possible. They could
move him to the hospital
as early as tonight."
BRUCE
(trying to get up)
"Well we better get over there."
Bruce stands and turns to the window in his room to see none other then the Batsignal.
BRUCE
"I guess that'll have to
wait for awhile."
Bruce starts for the Exit to his room with Chase in pursuit.
CHASE
"Are you sure that you're
in any condition to be fighting
tonight?"
BRUCE
"It doesn't matter. I have
a job to do. I just hope
that Dick and Barbara didn't
leave without me."
Bruce throws the door open to see Alfred coming toward the door.
ALFRED
"Master Bruce! You're awake
Sir!"
BRUCE
"And much better. I have to get
out there."
ALFRED
"I must inform you sir that
Master Grayson and my niece
have already left."
BRUCE
"It doesn't surprise me. I'll
just have to catch up with them."
Bruce motions for Chase to come over to him.
BRUCE
"Meet me at Arkham. Hopefully
this won't take long."
CHASE
"Ok. Good luck."
CUT TO:
53 EXT: BAT MOBILE- DUSK 53
Camera shows the Bat Mobile leaving the Bat Cave at a fast rate as it speeds through the tunnel toward the exit to the cave.
CUT TO:
54 EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM- DUSK 54
Robin and Batgirl are getting off of their motorcycles and are about ready to enter the gate when they suddenly hear a loud motor pulling toward them. They look back curiously to see the Batmobile coming right toward them. The two kids are in shock as they see Batman get out.
ROBIN
“Batman! You’re better!”
BATMAN
”Yes Robin. Thanks to
Dr. Meridian I’m feeling
Much more like myself. Do
Either of you know what’s
Going on?”
BATGIRL
”They didn’t tell us much
At the police station. Just
That they…”
BATMAN
“Wanted us to come here?
Yes they told me the same
Thing.”
ROBIN
”You got here rather quickly
For someone that just has woken
Up from that horrible nightmare
That you were going through.”
BATMAN
”I’m just feeling more rejuvenated
Is all.”
ROBIN
”Are you sure?”
BATMAN
”I’m fine Robin. Now
Let’s go in and see
What the Commissioner
Wanted.”
CUT TO:
55 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM – DEATH ROW – DUSK 55
Several police officers are standing around taking pictures and collecting evidence around the electric chair.
Commissioner Gordon and Detective Montoya are watching on as the Terrific Trio joins them.
BATMAN
“Commissioner…”
GORDON
“Ah Batman and friends. I’m
Glad that you’ve finally arrived.
We have a bit of a problem
Here.”
Batman motions for Robin and Batgirl to step out of the room. Both of them feel reluctant to leave, but do so anyway.
GORDON
“Doctor Burton was killed
Here last night in this chair.”
BATMAN
“Doctor Burton was a good
Man.”
MONTOYA
“Yeah, well his death was no
Accident.”
BATMAN
“What makes you say that?”
GORDON
“The guards picked up something
From last night on the surveillance.
But to tell you the truth, I’m not so
Sure that it’s a good idea to go along
with the fund raiser this afternoon.”
BATMAN
“From what I’ve heard, that isn’t
Possible. The fundraiser was for
The WWE to come here to Gotham. I
Don’t believe that Vince McMahon is
Going to easily just cancel his show
Whether someone that worked here died
Or not.”
GORDON
“That’s understandable.”
Suddenly Dr. Chase Meridian comes walking into the room very confused. The three turn around to see her.
CHASE
”I saw Robin and Batgirl
Out there. I was wondering
What was going on?”
GORDON
”Ah, yes, welcome back,
Dr. Meridian. I’m trusting
That you remember Batman correct?”
CHASE
(Winking at
Batman)
“Of course I do.”
BATMAN
(Smiling)
“It’s good to see
you again after so
long Dr. Meridian.”
CHASE
”Same to you.”
GORDON
”And this is Detective Renee
Montoya. She heads up the force
Now.”
Chase and Montoya shake hands.
CHASE
“So, is someone going to
tell me what’s going on here
or is this a game show where
I have to guess at what happened?”
GORDON
”Oh, I’m sorry about that.
Dr. Burton was killed last
Night in this room thanks to
Our state of the art electric
Chair.”
CHASE
”Oh, God. I remember talking
To this man the last time I
Was in this building before
Leaving Gotham.”
GORDON
”We were just on our way to
look at the surveillance tapes.
Would you like to join us?”
CHASE
”Sure.”
Everyone starts walking out of the room. Chase turns back around to look at the body one last time. She looks around the room and smells a very odd odour. However, she turns around and continues walking.
CUT TO:
56 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM HALLWAY- NIGHT 56
Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Chase, Gordon, and Montoya all are walking down one of the dark hallways in the Asylum. They can see that there is graffiti everywhere.
GORDON
”I’m sure that you
Already know this,
But all of these party
Favours weren’t here before
Now.”
BATMAN
”So I gathered. And I
Wouldn’t feel it would
Be wise to let the inmates
Celebrate for any reason
Anyway.”
MONTOYA
”We have yet to make any
Sense of what all of this
Trash on the walls represents
Or says, but our crime labs
Are working on it.”
The way that Montoya says this seems to imply that the Terrific Trio should stay away from the crime scene and leave the detecting up to the police.
Everyone continues down the hallway as quickly as they can, not saying another word.
CUT TO
57 INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM SECURITY ROOM – NIGHT 57
The control board has been smashed up as Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Chase, Gordon, and Montoya walk into the room to investigate what has happened
GORDON
“This is where everything
Goes North.”
MONTOYA
“There was that much electricity.
Used it to completely blow
The fuse keeping Arkham
In power.”
The monitor shows the halls of Arkham Asylum and at the end of the hall is shown a room to the right with lighting and electricity flowing out and a man screaming. The video then stops playing and goes to a static screen.
GORDON
“There is no mistaking that
someone killed Dr. Burton.”
CHASE
”Wasn’t that obvious to start
With sir? I mean couldn’t you
Tell that he was strapped down
And everything. There would’ve
Been no way for anyone to have
Thrown that switch by themselves.”
BATMAN
”That’s right, but who would kill
Him? Commissioner, are any of the
Prisoners missing?”
GORDON
”No. Not a one.”
ROBIN
”Have any of them been
Questioned about what
Happened?”
MONTOYA
”No. Why should they be?
It would be a complete waste
Of our time to do so.”
BATGIRL
”Someone might have seen
Something last night though.
It’s definitely worth talking…”
MONTOYA
”I seriously don’t believe so.
We’d be wasting our precious time
Bothering with those psychos when we
Know good and well that they wouldn’t
Help us even if they wanted to.”
ROBIN
”Look, maybe you should take some
Advice yourself and pull that corncob
Out of your ass!”
BATMAN
“Robin! That’s enough! Detective
Montoya does have a point. We all
Have more important things to be
Doing instead of questioning the
Prisoners here, like trying to
Capture The Scarecrow. For all we
Know, he could be out there committing
His next crime already. Thank you for
Calling us Commissioner. We will keep
A look out for anyone suspicious enough
To have done this…”
CHASE
”Wait!”
Everyone turns to Chase.
GORDON
”Yes, Dr. Meridian?”
CHASE
”Who else was working
Here late into the night
Besides Dr. Burton?”
GORDON
”There’s no way of
Knowing the answer to
That. We’d have to check
The staff files, and even
Then we probably wouldn’t
Get anywhere with it. The
Working hours for the staff
Here varies off and on. They
Barely even bother to keep a
Record of such things.”
CHASE
”Perhaps we should keep a
Look out for employees that
Don’t return to work today
Or within the next few days.
Those that don’t return become
Top suspects.”
GORDON
”That might just work. We’ll
Keep that in mind Dr. Meridian.
I knew it was a good idea to have
You come back at such a time.”
CHASE
”Just doing what I can.”
BATMAN
”We won’t keep you any
Longer. We have our work
Cut out for us now if The
Scarecrow isn’t our only
Problem. Thank you for
Your time.”
The Terrific Trio leave the room.
GORDON
”Now, Dr. Meridian, how did
Your meeting with Mr. Wayne go?”
CHASE
”It went quite well, actually.
He said that he’d be over here
In a little while to over see
The case at hand.”
Suddenly to everyone, especially the surprise of the audience, Bruce Wayne walks into the room.
CHASE
”Well, speak of the Devil.
Here he is now.”
BRUCE
”Well, I hope that you were
Saying some good things about
This little devil here.”
CHASE
”And why wouldn’t we?”
GORDON
”It’s good of you to come
Mr. Wayne. Oh, I’d like for
You to meet the new Detective
Of the force. This is Renee
Montoya.”
Bruce and Montoya shake hands.
MONTOYA
”It’s good to finally meet
You. I’ve heard a lot of very
Interesting things about you.”
BRUCE
”You shouldn’t believe all of it
Though. A lot of it’s complete
Lies.”
MONTOYA
”I’m sure.”
GORDON
”How is the lovely girlfriend
Doing?”
Chase looks a little saddened hearing this news.
BRUCE
”Julie’s doing quite
Well that I know of.”
GORDON
”That’s great to here.
Listen, Renee, why don’t
You go back to Police
Headquarters and listen in
For any possible disturbances
From The Scarecrow. If we’re lucky
He’ll give us a night off after
Everything that happened last night,
But we’ve got to be sure.”
MONTOYA
”Yeah sir.”
Montoya leaves the room.
GORDON
”Well, let’s go deal with
Harvey’s transfer shall we?”
Bruce, Gordon, and Chase all leave the room behind.
CUT TO:
58 EXT. ABANDONED SUBWAY- NIGHT 58
The camera shows an abandoned subway filled with cobwebs and three train carriages sitting on the tracks unused for years by the look of it, out of the carriage comes PROFESSOR JONATHON CRANE with the scarecrow costume on but without the mask as he sits down on the steps of the subway, he closes his eyes.
FLASHBACK:
59 INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY 59
A little younger and cleaner Dr. Jonathon Crane paces back and forth lecturing to himself.
CRANE
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings
Total obliteration. I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and
Through me. And when it has gone past I
Will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be
Nothing. Only I will remain...
STUDENT
“Dr. Crane, I don't think anyone in this
Room knows what the hell you're talking
About.”
Crane stops suddenly and looks around, realizing he is in front of a full lecture hall.
Crane pauses, than smiles.
CRANE
“Very well Mr. Snow, what is your
greatest fear?”
SNOW
“Fear itself?”
CRANE
“Nonsense Mr. Snow, if fear is inevitable,
Controllable, then why can it not be our
Ally as well?”
Blank stares.
CRANE
(Cont.)
“Mr. Snow, I could talk all day about the
Extent of fear on the placement of
Society, how about I show you instead?”
Crane walks behind the lab table and pulls out a large aquarium. Behind the glass is a large black cat.
The class leans forward.
Crane reaches back behind the table and pulls out a small white mouse. He holds the mouse by the tail and waves it in front of the glass. The cat begins to hiss and claw at the glass.
CRANE
(Cont.)
“Conflict is dictated by fear, nature, by
Definition is the balance of that fear.
The cat knows the mouse is afraid and
Therefore knows he's in control, but what
Happens when...”
Crane places a cover on the aquarium, and then turns the valve on a small canister connected to the cover. A red gas leaks into the aquarium, but the cat seems unaffected.
Crane takes away the cover and picks up the mouse.
Crane drops the mouse into the aquarium. The mouse immediately runs to the corner, and the cat drops low and prowls forward. Suddenly the mouse turns and squeals, the cat quickly retracts with its fur and begins ramming into the glass on the opposite side desperate to escape.
Crane reaches in to pull out the cat, but the cat sinks its claws into Crane's wrist. Crane pulls back holding his hand and glares at the cat.
Crane then takes a syringe and presses a small drop of amber liquid onto the mouse's neck.
The mouse pauses, and then stands up on its legs, it hisses and charges the cat's throat. After a minute of squealing and hissing the white mouse is soaked in red, and the cat is dead.
Crane looks through the other side of the glass smiling widely.
END FLASHBACK:
60 INT. ABANDON GOTHAM SUBWAY – NIGHT 60
Jonathon Crane is shaking at what he has remembered about his past.
CRANE
“My ideas were perfect.”
One of his thugs approaches him.
THUG 1
“Boss, you okay?”
Crane is thinking out loud on his figures and seems to be in intense thought.
CRANE
“I showed them what
Fear really was.”
Thug 1 looks confused.
THUG 1
“Yeah that’s great.”
CRANE
(Looking up)
“Where is my wife?”
THUG 1
“I’m not sure. She
Hasn’t been around for
A few days now. She said
Something about her Aunt.”
CRANE
”Oh, that’s the last thing
I need right now! I don’t want
That old witch driving me crazy!”
THUG 1
“What would ya like for me to do
Boss?”
CRANE
”Go get Dr. Jones.
I need to have a little
Talk with him.”
THUG 1
“Sure thing boss.”
Thug 1 runs off leaving Crane to think once again.
FLASHBACK:
61 EXT. PLAYGROUND – DAY 61
A class of children covers the playground. Dr. Crane sits off to the side on a bench staring blankly.
A boy on the swings is sitting with his leg crossed just like Crane, and is reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
A group of boys comes up behind him. The main bully looks familiar, but he’s too young for the audience to really know.
BULLY
“Hey, Ichabod, you want
To swing eh?”
Before the young Crane can get off the swing, two of the bullies begin pushing him back and forth.
YOUNG CRANE
“No! Let me down! Stop!”
Crane looks up from his grading and notices the boy.
BULLY
“Are you scared Ethiopian boy?”
They push the swing higher and higher.
YOUNG CRANE
“Stop! Please stop!
Let me down! Please!”
Young Crane starts to cry, but the bullies just push harder.
Crane runs to the fence, fighting with it, screaming at the boys, but he is mute.
The book flies free of Young Crane's hands, and the pages break free, raining down onto the playground.
BULLY
“Skin and bones is scared.”
The bullies laugh and push him even harder; Young Crane breaks free of the swing and flies sprawling onto the ground.
YOUNG CRANE
“My leg, you broke my leg, somebody help
Me, please!”
The bullies run away as the teacher comes running. The pages of the book rain down dreamily over him.
Crane is still yelling at the fence but now it is audible.
CRANE
“Leave him alone, stop it,
Leave me alone, please stop it!”
Crane realizes there is no one at the swing, and everyone around is now staring at him. He fixes his hair and gets ready to walk back to his bench, but a beautiful woman suddenly walks over to him. Crane stares at her in awe.
Suddenly she slaps Crane in the face, and again, and again…
END FLASHBACK:
62 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY- NIGHT 62
An old woman who seems to be wearing what looks like a Halloween Witches costume is slapping Jonathon Crane in the face.
Crane comes back to reality and looks into the face of the old woman. He screams and falls backward into the train. This woman is Crane’s wife’s AUNT HILDA.
CRANE
”My God Hilda!”
HILDA
”You really need
To work on your
Manors boy.”
CRANE
”My manors? You’re the
One that gave students
At Vassard College some
Sort of chemical in their
Food for crying out loud!
You’re one to talk about
Having manors.”
Hilda is about to give a come back, because of her anger, but stops when she hears a woman’s laughter. They both turn to see an extremely gorgeous woman dressed in an exquisite dress. She has diamonds on every finger and on both ears. She also wears a humongous diamond on a necklace around her neck. She is holding a newspaper in her arm while she takes off one of her long white gloves. This is Dr. Crane’s wife, MARSHA CRANE, or MARSHA “QUEEN OF DIAMONDS”.
MARSHA
”Unbelievable. The
King of fear is afraid
Of my Aunt. Who
Would’ve ever thought it
Possible? You really should
Get through this fear
Darling before you hurt
Yourself, or worse, hurt
Our great franchise.”
Marsha looks at the sweet pouring down her husbands face.
MARSHA
(Cont.)
“You haven’t been having
Those horrible visions again
Have you darling?”
CRANE
”How observant of you
Marsha.”
MARSHA
(Smiling)
“You might want to see
This.”
Marsha takes the newspaper out of her arms and hands it over toward Crane.
CRANE
”I have no use for reading
That trash. I have to put
Up with that damn annoying
Gossip Gerty everywhere
As it is. I’d much rather
Not read her collum dealing
With all of the shitty celebrations
That the high-class people go to.
We used to be like those people.
Do you remember that Marsha?”
MARSHA
”Yes dear, I do. I
Miss it all very much
As well. But I believe
That you will enjoy what
The main headline is talking
About.”
Crane sighs and takes the newspaper. The front page has a large picture of Harvey “Two-Face”. The headline says “Former Serial Killer To Undergo Surgery”. The paper goes on to say that someone within the Asylum had contacted the newspaper to tell them the news. Apparently spies exist everywhere.
CRANE
”Two-Face? I thought
He was killed a few
Years back?”
MARSHA
”So did everyone else,
But as you can tell,
That’s not so.”
CRANE
”What kind of surgery
Are they talking about?”
MARSHA
”They’re going to attempt
To cure him.”
CRANE
”That monster is getting
A second chance to live
His life. Completely
Unfair to everything
Unjust in this world.”
MARSHA
”That’s exactly what I
Thought about the whole
Thing as well.”
CRANE
”They wouldn’t let me
Continue my research,
But they’ll let that
Maniac have another
Shot at normal life.
Hell, I bet they’ll
Even let him have his
Old office back as District
Attorney.”
MARSHA
”I don’t know about that
Dear.”
CRANE
”Well, I sure do. I think
We should ruin their chances
Of this all working out.”
MARSHA
“Oh my. That sounds like
Such fun.”
CRANE
”Oh indeed my dear. It
Will be.”
Suddenly the main thug returns with a few others pushing a large cage in the darkness. Crane gets up and scratches his head.
CRANE
(Cont.)
“What are you doing?”
THUG 1
“You told me that you
Wanted Dr. Jones to be
Brought to you.”
MARSHA
”And why would you be
Needing my main attraction?”
CRANE
”To tell you the truth dear,
I don’t really remember.”
HILDA
“How convenient for you.”
MARSHA
”Aunt Hilda dear, why don’t
You go stir your caldron
For a while dear. We have
Some plans to work through.”
HILDA
”Well, I guess I know when
I’m not wanted.”
Aunt Hilda walks away from the others.
CRANE
”Why do you keep her around
Here for? She could be a
Liability to us.”
MARSHA
”I know, but she just
Wants to help us out.
I wish you would
Understand that.”
CRANE
”I try, but she is very
Annoying and bothersome
At times.”
Crane and Marsha walk over to the cage that’s still standing in the darkness.
MARSHA
”Waylon… You in there
Darling?”
JONES
(O.S.)
“Yes…”
The voice is definitely coming from within the cage, but it seems very deep and menacing.
MARSHA
“Why don’t you bring him
Into the light boys. Poor
Thing doesn’t get to see it
Very often.”
The thugs obey and pull the cage into the light… However, in the light doesn’t come what the audience believes to be a man. In the light stands a humongous monster of sorts. He wears a pair of dress pants along with a button up shirt and tie. His body is completely grey and his face resembles that of a crocodile. This is DR. WAYLON JONES… or as most Batman fans would know to be KILLER CROC MORGAN.
CRANE
”How’s the research coming
Doctor?”
JONES
”Slow…”
CRANE
”I’m sorry to hear
That.”
MARSHA
”Well, you have to
Remember, he doesn’t
Have the best of scientific
Equipment available to him
Plus, his degree…”
JONES
”What about my degree?”
MARSHA
”Well, I’d hate to say it,
But you were taught by the
Circus that you were forced
To live with after your parents
In Florida threw you out into the
Cold… Or well, I guess into the hot
Tropical climate.”
JONES
”None of that is my fault. I can’t
help that I was forced to take college
on the internet.”
MARSHA
”I know hunny. Listen,
I do have something that
Might interest you though.”
JONES
”And that would be?”
MARSHA
”There is going to be a
Wrestling competition that’s
Coming here to Gotham City. I
Believe that you might enjoy a
Little physical exercise. You’ve
Been couped up in that lab for quite
Awhile now.”
JONES
”That’s because you’ve kept me
Locked up like some monster!”
CRANE
”That’s because you are a
Monster! However, we’re all
Monsters here, aren’t we? None
Of that should really matter
Though. The point is that you
Could make a lot of money off of
This little wrestling venture to
Help with your research.”
JONES
”I left the wrestling world a long
Time ago. I can never return to it
Again. Don’t you remember? I ate some
Of my competitors.”
CRANE
”Oh come on now. That’s not the way
To be. You need to be daring. What
Happened to all of that anger that
Used to exist inside you?”
JONES
”I’ve tried my best to avoid it
Whenever I can.”
CRANE
”Alright, but it must be quite
Boring being locked up in that
Tinny cell all the time. I bet
You’d love to have some fresh
Air at some point.”
MARSHA
”And you must not forget the
Money. Your research could
Use it and we can’t keep
Supplying money to you all
The time. We have ourselves
To think about as well you
Know? Poor Jonathon here is
Having more and more trouble
Being able to pay for the
Chemicals that he needs for
His fear devices.”
Dr. Jones looks down and sighs.
JONES
”Fine. I’ll do it.”
MARSHA
”Wonderful! I’ll be
Your manager. It’ll be
Just perfect.”
CRANE
”Are you sure that you
Should be doing that?”
MARSHA
”Oh come now. No one has yet
To recognize me with all
Of these beautiful diamonds
And such. Besides, since becoming
The Queen of Diamonds, I’ve become
A very upstanding lady to the citizens
Of this retched town.”
CRANE
”Fine. Take him on then.”
MARSHA
”Wonderful. Now you stay
Out of trouble darling.”
CRANE
”Oh believe me, I will.”
MARSHA
(Smiling)
“Let him out of the
Cage boys.”
The thugs open the door to the cage and Dr. Jones steps out.
MARSHA
”Hmm… I guess you’ll need
An alias… How about…”
JONES
”How about we just stay
With the one that I used
When I wrestled before. I
Might as well return to my
Origin anyway. You can call
Me Killer Croc Morgan.”
MARSHA
(Laughing evilly)
“Fabulous. Let’sGet moving. The show
Starts in under an hour.”
8/14/2003 1:20:35 AM
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