"KATE AND LEOPOLD"
Screenplay by
James Mangold and Steven Rogers
Based on a story by
Steven Rogers
FADE IN:
INT. VICTORIAN ESTATE - 1895 - DAY
CLOSE UP: Ornate antique GRANDFATHER CLOCK strikes 2:15.
The credits begin to roll.
Calligraphy place cards are painstakingly hand-written in
preparation for a formal reception.
Servants meticulously clean an elaborate crystal chandelier.
Hands rapidly shine silver cutlery.
Fresh flowers arranged in several enormous vases.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
Kitchen clock strikes 2:15.
Poultry plucked. Feathers everywhere.
Steaming copper pots boiling over. Platters prepared with
decorative garnish.
Extravagant tiered cake is lavishly iced. A glob of frosting
enters a pair of puckered lips. The perpetrator, a fey,
pompous, HEAD VALET, seriously considers the texture and
flavor of the icing, then gives the PASTRY CHEF a withering,
sour look.
The valet, oblivious to the chef's fury, gathers a prepared
silver breakfast tray and checks his pocket watch. 2:15.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Antique bedside table clock -- just past 2:15. The valet
throws open velvet drapes, sunlight FLOODS the room revealing
a figure sleeping soundly in a massive oak framed bed. The
valet puts down the tray, pulls back the quilt.
The dozing figure gives the valet a deliberate, angry KICK.
Flinching infinitesimally, the valet crosses to the closet,
selects three suits and holds them up for inspection. From
beneath the puffiest of pillows, AN EYE reluctantly opens. A
weary arm points decisively to the riding outfit.
EXT. ESTATE - DAY
The riding outfit is adorned by LEOPOLD, Duke of Albany, a
dashing, virile man in his 30's. GALLOPING with great abandon,
he expertly leads his horse up hills and over hedges. He
sends gardeners shaping the grounds fleeing from his path.
In the background, lanterns are being strung throughout the
estate. Rugs are beaten out of open windows.
INT. HALLWAY - EVENING
Large hallway clock -- 6:15. A pair of boots track a freshly
scrubbed floor as Leopold heads carelessly up the stairway.
Three steps behind, the valet snaps his fingers signaling
the staff to clean up the mess.
SERIES OF CLOSE UPS
Gaudily framed portraits of somber relations.
A bird sits listless in a gilded cage.
Hot water is poured into a bath.
Carriages begin to arrive.
Orchestra leader signals the musicians to play.
Guests fill the ballroom in formal attire.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Leopold stares haughtily into a full length mirror.
He wears only dotted linen drawers and a black silk top hat
of the period. He flexes slightly. The valet hastily fastens
a corset around his mid-section from behind.
Leopold eyes his reflection seductively. He becomes bored.
He turns to his right. The valet spoons sorbet from a silver
saucer into his mouth. He turns back to the mirror to watch
himself eat. The valet pats his mouth dry.
He affects a pampered STRUT, crossing the room as the valet
sprays a mixture of perfume and powder into the air. Leopold
thrusts out his arms walking through the mist, turns and
saunters back to his favorite place, in front of the mirror.
Finally, as if weighing a great decision, Leopold hands his
hat to his valet and nods firmly into the mirror.
CLOSE UP
Fine linen undervest slides over his head.
Black twilled worsted trousers pulled up to his waist.
The buttoning of his hard, white, roll collar.
A cream suede glove stitched in black slides over his hand.
A perfect tight bow tie is tied around his neck.
An elegant black tuxedo jacket with silk facings and tails
to the knees is fitted to his torso.
His hair is sleeked with oil and centrally parted.
His eyebrows are brushed with a tiny silver comb.
His cheeks are pinched.
A red silk handkerchief is placed in the bosom of his lapel.
Leopold stares into the mirror. The effect is DAZZLING. He
raises one eyebrow. Then, in a voice you could pour over a
waffle:
LEOPOLD
You dance like a herd of cattle,
Miss Fairchild. You are a rare woman
who lights up the room... simply by
leaving it.
He bows. As he rises, the reflection of Leopold's UNCLE OTTO,
a pampered, effectual man in his 60's, appears behind Leopold
in the looking glass.
UNCLE OTTO
Tell me Leopold, do you plan to join
us downstairs after completing this
one-sided flash of wit?
LEOPOLD
I despise affairs of this sort, Uncle
Otto. No one really listens to anyone
else. If you attempt it, you will
see why.
UNCLE OTTO
You judge everything too severely. I
wonder what would happen if you were
to cast that critical eye inward?
LEOPOLD
You do not wonder at all. You merely
ask in order to state your own
opinion.
UNCLE OTTO
We are all concerned about you.
LEOPOLD
Ahh, here it comes.
UNCLE OTTO
Your life does not seem to have any
direction. At the age of 25 a man is
too young to do anything well. At 35
he is too old. Now is your time to
take action. Tell me, what is it you
want to DO with your life?
LEOPOLD
(wearily)
I do not know.
UNCLE OTTO
(just as weary)
Your ignorance cramps my conversation.
(he slaps Leopold's
face twice rather
quickly)
Wake up! This is your one and only
life. Every man has the chance to
make a difference. DO something!
Leopold, stung, takes a moment to compose himself.
LEOPOLD
I am most grateful for your
surveillance and for your sympathy.
I assure you there is no need for
concern. I am as effectual and
attentive... as my position allows.
UNCLE OTTO
Life is not position, Leopold. It is
action.
(he straightens
Leopold's tie)
I will see you downstairs promptly.
In the appropriate frame of mind.
He leaves. Leopold stares into the mirror, snaps his fingers.
The valet hands him a glass and pours a small shot of brandy.
Leopold shoots him a look. The valet fills the glass higher.
Leopold drains the glass and heads to the doorway. He
hesitates, taking a deep breath and a long pause. Finally...
THE VALET
(grandly)
Go spread joy.
Without looking back, Leopold leaves the room.
INT. BALLROOM - NIGHT
Music fills the air as the creme de la creme of Victorian
society gather inside. Leopold holds a prearranged dance
card. He looks at the names and finds his first partner is
MISS TREE. Leopold looks upward helplessly at an unrelenting
God.
INT. BALLROOM DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT
A profoundly self-conscious Leopold dances energetically
into frame with MISS TREE, an ancient, elfin, yet amazingly
SPRY woman who gapes up at him searchingly, unblinking.
Leopold opens his mouth to speak, can think of nothing
suitable to say, and clamps his mouth shut. They dance out
of frame.
INT. BALLROOM DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT
Leopold dances into frame with CLARA, a BEAUTIFUL girl of
19. He glances at her and smiles. She titters, turning away
shyly. They whirl around the dance floor. His smile grows
into a broad grin. Caught up in the excitement, Clara beams
up at him... happily revealing a mouth full of missing, inky
teeth.
Leopold, face frozen in a formal smile, dances on.
INT. BALLROOM DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT
Leopold lumbers into frame with MISS FAIRCHILD, a woman of
immense girth. With great dignity and extreme difficulty he
maneuvers her around the floor, looking everywhere except
her enormous bosom.
LEOPOLD
You dance like an angel, Miss
Fairchild. You light up the room. I
thank you.
Miss Fairchild curtseys heavily. Leopold glances at his card,
sees the name Miss Serena Clacket and shudders.
He spots a VERY LOVELY WOMAN hidden amongst the guests. She
scribbles in a small note pad, occasionally glancing around.
Hiding his dance card, he saunters over.
LEOPOLD
Good evening. I do not believe I
have had the pleasure.
The young woman stares vacantly at Leopold until she realizes
he is addressing her. She puts her pad away.
CARLSON
...Julia Carlson.
Leopold takes her hand and kisses it gently.
CARLSON
I'm sorry. Will you excuse me?
LEOPOLD
(slightly tipsy)
You are not from the area, are you?
CARLSON
(smiles and shakes
her head "No")
Are you?
LEOPOLD
This is my estate.
CARLSON
Really?
(looking around the
room)
Well it's not home but it's much...
Leopold regards her curiously. The orchestra starts up. There
is a hubbub amongst the guests.
LEOPOLD
Shocking! The TA-RA-RA-BOOM-DE-AY.
CARLSON
The? Oh, that's from Paris, isn't
it?
LEOPOLD
It is a scandal nonetheless.
Leopold spots Uncle Otto observing him from across the room.
LEOPOLD
Miss Carlson, do me the honor?
CARLSON
I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer.
LEOPOLD
(smiling seductively)
Truly I would be in your debt. Any
admonition would be erased simply by
presenting a partner as lovely as
yourself.
CARLSON
No, no. Really, I...
Leopold stiffly holds out his arm. A beat. Carlson, stuck,
takes it WITH HESITATION and is escorted to the dance floor.
They dance. ALL but Leopold and Carlson gaily sing "TA-RA-RA-
BOOM-DE-AY." Leopold, flushed, looks quite smitten. Carlson,
shy at first, eventually smiles brightly.
LEOPOLD
I suppose we really ought to sing
along.
CARLSON
(embarrassed)
Oh, golly.
They half sing, half speak the TA-RA-RA-BOOM-DE-AY, their
emphasis on "BOOM." Laughing giddily, their dancing becomes
freer, picking up speed. The room SPINS. Finally:
CARLSON
(breathless)
Thank you for the dance. It was
lovely. I hope it wasn't too awful
for you.
LEOPOLD
Not at all. It was most enlightening.
There is a slight pause. The Grandfather CLOCK strikes
midnight.
CARLSON
I really must be going.
LEOPOLD
I won't hear of it.
CARLSON
(moving away from him)
No, I'm quite late as it is.
LEOPOLD
I shall see you to the door...
CARLSON
(stopping him
resolutely)
You're very sweet. I had a wonderful
time.
(she watches him,
memorizing his face.
Then firmly)
Goodbye.
Leopold takes a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. He
watches Carlson pass through the crowd and out the courtyard
door. He surveys the room. After a moment he follows her.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
Leopold makes his way through the manicured garden in the
dark. He hears an EERIE METALLIC SOUND. He slows down, brushes
back the thicket. The silhouette of a woman is revealed. She
is once again writing in her notebook.
LEOPOLD
Miss Carlson?
Carlson spins around quickly, panicked. Leopold STOPS.
Partially hidden in the brush, a sleek, oddly shaped,
MECHANICAL device. It's door open, lit from within, casting
a weird glow.
LEOPOLD
Good God...
CARLSON
What are you...? You frightened me.
Leopold moves toward the contraption and is about to touch
it...
LEOPOLD
What sort of mechanism is this?
Carlson shakes her head, unsure of how to proceed.
LEOPOLD
Answer me!
CARLSON
It's perfectly all right. It's...
Leopold carefully examines the apparatus, stepping inside.
Carlson FREEZES.
CARLSON
(carefully,
deliberately)
Listen to me. Please. Move very
slowly. Step out of the machine.
Step out and I'll explain whatever
you want to know.
LEOPOLD
What is this? Who are you?
His hand comes to rest on a glowing red lever.
CARLSON
Oh, God.
She YANKS on his arm. Instinctively he pulls away,
accidentally thrusting the lever into action. Carlson falls
from the machine.
CARLSON
(suddenly frantic)
Get out of there! Get out now!
The machine LIGHTS UP.
LEOPOLD
Miss Carlson... I...
CARLSON
No!!!
The compartment door snaps shut.
CARLSON
Shit!!
There is a BRIGHT WHITE FLASH. Blackness fills the screen.
CUT TO:
INT. N.Y.C. LABORATORY - 1995 DAY
The compartment door slides OPEN revealing DR. KAU, 30's, an
Asian doctor with a THICK BROOKLYN ACCENT. Her face full of
enthusiasm drops as she sees the unconscious Leopold.
DR. KAU
Shit!!
She turns to her co-workers, warning them.
DR. KAU
Shit!!
She looks back at Leopold.
DR. KAU
Shit!!
Her co-workers, DR. PLODDER, austere, authoritative, DR.
DRAKE, muddled and timid, peer inside the compartment door.
DR. DRAKE
Good God!
DR. PLODDER
Everybody stay calm... Lock the front
door.
Dr. Drake and Kau make a move to inspect an unconscious
Leopold.
DR. PLODDER
No, no, no. You mustn't touch him.
The consequences could be
catastrophic.
DR. KAU
He could be hurt, or even dead.
DR. PLODDER
...All right. Touch him.
They approach Leopold. Dr. Kau finds Carlson's note pad on
the ground next to Leopold. She reads the last entry.
DR. KAU
...But I'm stuck and it's only a
dance and he IS the seventh Duke of
Albany...
They all look at one another, then back at Leopold.
DR. DRAKE
Carlson...!
DR. PLODDER
(racing from the room)
Give me a minute...
DR. KAU
Shit!
INT. LAB - KATE'S OFFICE - DAY
KATHERINE COLES, a radiant workaholic, types frenetically
into the computer while talking on the phone, trying hard
not to sound upset.
KATE
Who's upset? People fall in love,
they have to climb back out.
(she laughs but she
is not smiling)
So, what? We'll just be friends now,
Right?
She stops typing and listens for a while. She runs her hand
through her hair.
KATE
I see. Well I appreciate your honesty.
(using her middle
finger she pushes up
her glasses)
No. I'll just think of this as
surviving another dating accident.
Take care or good luck or whatever
I'm supposed to...
The line goes dead.
KATE
...say... Goodbye.
Dr. Plodder bursts in. Kate sees his distress and instantly
becomes very centered.
DR. PLODDER
She's back.
KATE
(rising)
That's impossible! She wasn't supposed
to return until...
DR. PLODDER
Kate. It's Carlson. Something went
wrong.
He hands her Carlson's note pad. Slowly, she sits down.
KATE
...The 7th Duke...
INT. LAB - DAY
KATE
(all business, reading
from a printout)
...of Albany. He was the... IS the
son of Emery and Eliza. He was of no
actual importance until he vanished
at the turn of the century without a
trace. It was a sensation. In the
30's they even made a movie about
him. "The Tenuous Duke" with Ronald
Coleman.
DR. DRAKE
(absently)
I love Ronald Coleman.
KATE
Despite much speculation and a nation
wide investigation, a body was never
found. He was never heard from again.
DR. KAU
Until now.
There is a stunned silence. They stare at Leopold in awe.
DR. DRAKE
We've altered the course of history.
DR. KAU
We never should have started this...
KATE
Calm down.
DR. PLODDER
What are we going to do? We can't
keep him here. Imagine if anyone
found out!
KATE
Think. Just, think. Rationally. Now,
no one would believe such a stupid
mistake could be made because no one
would believe any of this is possible.
So. We fix this. We keep this to
ourselves and we fix it. Fast.
They all nod in agreement.
KATE
Dr. Kau, research all our data. 1st
priority: Locate Carlson. Drake,
determine the reciprocal correlation's
connected to the 19th century. Work
24 hours a day if necessary. In the
meantime... one of us will have to
take charge of him.
She forces back panic. Only the tremor in her voice gives
her away.
KATE
This is a major scientific
opportunity. It doesn't get any better
than this. Imagine. Researching the
behavior, the physical and emotional
characteristics of a century ago!
Utilizing technology available to us
today... He's a gold mine!
DR. PLODDER
He's a man, Kate. Not a guinea pig.
KATE
And while he's here, he's ours. Any
volunteers?
No one moves.
DR. DRAKE
We'll draw names. Whoever is is picked
will be responsible. Agreed?
They nod reluctantly. Drake writes out names and throws them
in a cup. The silence becomes deafening. Finally:
DR. KAU
I'll do it.
All the scientists face her.
DR. PLODDER
You'll look after him?
DR. KAU
No, I meant I'll pick the name.
She reaches in. They wait with mounting suspense. Finally
SHE TURNS TO KATE. The scientists follow her gaze. A beat.
KATE
Fine.
Leopold stirs. He blinks at the group.
LEOPOLD
Where...? What has happened?!
The doctors, caught off guard, SMILE BENIGNLY. They surround
Leopold as a group, not knowing where to begin. Finally:
KATE
Your Grace... Um... Hello... Weee
aaare a smaaall part of a laaarge
research team. A project funded by
the government of the United States.
LEOPOLD
(regarding their
appearance with
distaste)
Oh. Americans. I see...
KATE
Yes, um... For the past six and a
half years we've been conducting
scientific experiments on density
and flexibility in the dimensions of
time and space.
DR. DRAKE
Yes, uh... Quite by accident we came
upon a formula utilizing Tachyons...
particles traveling faster than the
speed of light, which allowed us
to... fold time so to speak.
DR. PLODDER
Yes. Bend it between the cracks of
the dimensions.
DR. KAU
Yes.
They all laugh nervously. Leopold does not.
DR. DRAKE
Now, while that wasn't the original
purpose of our experiment, we opted
to pursue it, well, privately, on
our own.
DR. KAU
Borrowing funds already provided.
KATE
We journeyed to your time because it
was the quickest path to follow. We
debated long and hard whether we
should use this knowledge at all.
Believe me, it was never our intent
to disturb the past...
DR. DRAKE
Merely to discover if the expedition
were possible. As your presence here
confirms... we are very disturbed.
Leopold nods at them as if they are insane.
DR. PLODDER
The problem facing us is not only
HOW to get you back, but WHEN, you
see?
KATE
We certainly don't want to
miscalculate. Send you to a different
era entirely.
Leopold starts to speak.
DR. PLODDER
Rest assured, no harm will come to
you. You'll be well looked after by
Dr. Coles.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles...? I do not follow. What
do you mean, get me back home?...
Where am I?
Awkward pause. Leopold looks carefully around the room for
the first time: modern mechanical equipment, data shifting
and changing, giant cooling devices, bright neon lighting.
The doctors are silent.
LEOPOLD
Answer me!...
(slowly)
Would you have me believe... I am
being detained, at present in the
HEREAFTER?... The time to come?
DR. PLODDER
(carefully)
It is the year nineteen hundred and
ninety-five.
LEOPOLD
...19...?
Leopold leaps up. The doctors follow him around the room.
LEOPOLD
You're insane! All of you! This is
impossible!
DR. PLODDER
Leopold, calm down!
LEOPOLD
A voyage through time! What do you
take me for? Did you bring me here
by force?
DR. DRAKE
We're scientist, not seditionists.
LEOPOLD
(truly panicked)
Let me out of here! I won't stand
for this another moment!
He's out the door.
INT. UNDERGROUND HALLWAY - DAY
Leopold moves quickly, fearfully through the darkly lit
hallway, the doctors close behind.
KATE
Leopold, wait!
DR. KAU
You don't know what you're doing.
DR. PLODDER
Just listen to what we have to say!
It is too late. Leopold throws open the door and runs
upstairs.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Blinding sunlight. Skyscrapers. Automobiles. Traffic lights.
Road construction. Modern day pedestrians. Helicopters. Car
alarms. Leopold stands frozen, overwhelmed, taking it all
in.
LEOPOLD
19...?
The doctors reach him. He collapses to the ground.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - DAY
Kate and Dr. Kau talk quietly. Leopold, tightly holding onto
his seat and the back door, gazes out the window in utter
disbelief.
KATE
Squab.
DR. KAU
Squab?
KATE
I remember reading they ate a lot of
squab.
DR. KAU
Squab... Do you have a squab?
KATE
(quietly. On the verge
of panic)
I don't know!
DR. KAU
Pull yourself together!
(turning to Leopold)
Are you all right back there?
Leopold, trembling, gapes at the sights, every day sounds,
magnified. Perspiration runs down the side of his face. Kate
watches him in her rear view mirror.
KATE
You're going to be fine you know.
There's nothing to worry about. I
have everything under control.
Dr. Kau stares at Kate in concerned silence.
KATE
(quietly to Dr. Kau)
We'll never get away with this.
INT. BEDROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
Leopold awakens alone in his room. He sits up with a jolt.
His stomach sinks as he realizes THIS IS NO DREAM. He slowly
rises to his full stature, moving to the window he looks out
on the modern day city, shaking his head in awe. He makes
his way to the bedroom door and tentatively touches the knob.
There is a KNOCK on the door.
Leopold JUMPS back and runs to the bed: The picture of
dignity.
KATE
How are you feeling?
(no response)
I thought you might like some tea.
LEOPOLD
I insist on being returned home
immediately.
KATE
I understand. We're doing our best.
LEOPOLD
I wish to speak with your employer,
Dr. Coles.
KATE
You're speaking to him.
LEOPOLD
You are not suggesting that you are
Dr. Coles?
She smiles.
LEOPOLD
Miss... uh?
KATE
Dr. Coles. If you like, you could
call me Miss Dr. Coles or if that's
too much, how about just plain Kate?
LEOPOLD
(coldly)
A WOMAN of science?
KATE
Hard to believe?
LEOPOLD
But a woman's brain cannot obtain
enough knowledge to posses a truly
scientific mind.
KATE
(jotting this down)
Interesting. Nevertheless, we've
come a long way baby.
LEOPOLD
(confused)
Are you attempting to be humorous?
KATE
I'm attempting to be informative
it's just coming out humorous.
Leopold regards her dubiously.
KATE
(clinically)
Look, modern social science clearly
states that a woman's place in society
marks the level of that civilization.
A science career for a woman is now
almost as acceptable as being a...
a... waitress. Cream and sugar?
LEOPOLD
Young lady, I... Surely it is not
expected that I remain here with you
indefinitely... Unchaperoned?
KATE
(pen poised)
Does that make you nervous?
LEOPOLD
Certainly not!
KATE
(writing)
Then what are you getting so red
about? It's a very large apartment...
with locks on all the doors.
LEOPOLD
The idea! My dear Miss Coles...
KATE
Dr. Coles.
LEOPOLD
Honey...
KATE
(she puts the pad
down)
Let's get one thing straight right
now. My name is Kate or Katherine or
if you insist Dr. Coles.
(she rises)
Take a good long look, Leopold. I am
a 20th century American woman with a
Doctorate and a commission and
independence. I am not your "young
lady" or your "pretty Miss" or your
"honey." Is that clear?
Leopold watches her with great interest. Finally:
LEOPOLD
Honey... For the tea.
KATE
...I'll get it for you.
Kate grabs the teacup grandly and leaves the room.
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Kate rummages through every drawer, shelf and cupboard
searching for the honey. Finally, she spots the honeybear
and squeezes honey A TAD TO VIOLENTLY into the tea. She tries
posing "confidently" then checks her reflection in the
toaster.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Kate returns "confidently" with the tea and a plastic smile.
LEOPOLD
Thank you... Has it been decided
what it is I am to do while I am
being held here?
KATE
Oh, just some laundry, the cooking,
a little light housework...
Leopold doesn't react.
KATE
(clearing her throat)
I took the liberty of preparing a
simple schedule to efficiently utilize
your time while incorporating you
into my routine.
(she hands him a
schedule)
As you can see, my day begins with
meditation and yoga from 6:30 to
7:00.
She moves in close to him, making Leopold uncomfortable.
KATE
YOU will arise at 6:45, shower and
change and at 7:15, we breakfast
together. 7:45 we begin the days
work. At 10:45 Dr. Kau arrives to
observe you in your natural routine
as I research the data that will
enable you to return home. At 1:15
we lunch together. 2:15 you answer a
daily questionnaire, I type up my
notes. At precisely 6:15 you will
enjoy 15 minutes of FREE TIME, then,
at 6:30, I listen to Tom Brokaw while
making dinner as YOU write down any
questions that come up during your
day. At 7:00, we dine together. If
you need me at any time you may ring
this bell.
She rings a tiny dinner bell. He is about to speak.
KATE
Now, Mondays and Wednesdays I have
computer science class, Tuesdays I
have therapy. IF I have a date, I'm
usually home by 9:15. During these
periods you may read any of the books
I've picked out for you in your room.
I organize my next days work at 10:30,
11:35, David Letterman, 12:40 I'm in
bed.
(she takes a breath,
smiles at him)
Next day we begin again. Simple?
LEOPOLD
(after a beat, with
great dignity)
...At what time shall I WEE and POOH?
Kate is forced into a stunned silence.
CHARLIE'S VOICE
Kate? I'm home.
KATE
Oh. Yes. Our chaperone is here.
LEOPOLD
Your father?
KATE
Sort of. My brother.
LEOPOLD
Visiting?
KATE
For the past two years. Charlie can
never know about this project. We'll
tell him you are a... overly
distinguished colleague staying here
as our guest. From Canada. Which
would explain your lack of familiarity
with our customs and so forth
LEOPOLD
(aghast)
A CANADIAN?
KATE
Make yourself comfortable. I'll check
in on you later. I think this is
going very well, don't you?
Leopold looks at her blankly.
KATE
Okay. If you need anything, just
ring.
Kate tinkles the bell, fumbles for the knob and heads out.
P.O.V. still on Leopold.
KATE (V.O.)
(shouting)
Charlie!
Leopold reacts.
CHARLIE (V.O.)
(screaming just as
loud)
What?
KATE
(still shouting)
Come here I wanna talk to you.
Leopold listens at the door. He slowly opens it, takes two
steps out, peers around the corner, then quickly steps back
in. He takes a DEEP FRIGHTENED BREATH and slowly deflates.
INT. CHARLIE'S STUDIO - MORNING
Charlie sits on the couch smoking a cigarette surrounded by
his paintings. He is a likable twentysomething with a big
mouth.
CHARLIE
What did I do?
KATE
(removing his coffee
from the table,
setting it on a
coaster)
RINGS! And what did I say about you
smoking in the house?
CHARLIE
You were against it.
KATE
Correct. You're back early.
(She takes away his
cigarette)
CHARLIE
Hey!... Are you all right? You look
funny.
KATE
Funny ha ha or funny odd?
CHARLIE
Both.
KATE
That all depends. How was your trip?
CHARLIE
Why?
KATE
If it was good I'll tell you the
truth. If it was rotten I'll have to
butter you up first.
CHARLIE
Butter me up.
KATE
Have you been working out? No, I'm
really starting to see results. Are
you comfortable there on the couch?
CHARLIE
Very.
KATE
Good. Cause you'll be sleeping there
the next few nights.
CHARLIE
Kate!
KATE
You have to be out of here by 8 and
you can't be back before 6. We have
an important man working with us
with very unusual needs. The company
is insisting he stay here.
CHARLIE
What about a hotel?
KATE
This man requires around the clock
attention.
CHARLIE
I meant for me.
KATE
Thank you, Charlie.
(she kisses his
forehead)
I owe you one.
CHARLIE
You owe me nine. What am I supposed
to do all day?
KATE
(as if having an
epiphany)
You could get a job!
CHARLIE
Kate, the entire point of being an
artist is that I don't have to work.
Who is this guy?
KATE
Well, I can't tell you much because...
KATE AND CHARLIE
I'm not allowed to discuss what goes
on at the office.
KATE
Well I'm not. Anyway, it might be
interesting to have someone else to
talk to. It gets so quiet around
here sometimes I feel like I've gone
deaf.
CHARLIE
Does he have a label?
KATE
Leopold.
CHARLIE
LEOPOLD? Is he anything like his
name?
KATE
He's exactly like his name.
CHARLIE
Then you owe me ten.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Leopold PEEKS around the entrance to the living room.
Confident it's unoccupied, he majestically walks inside: Up
to date gadgetry, Charlie's modern art work, bright
fashionable furniture. Leopold recoils. His eyes come to
rest on the television set. The ON OFF buttons loom large.
He looks around the room then brazenly presses the button
ON.
Instantly, REGIS and KATHY LEE loudly berate each other before
an excited crowd.
Leopold jumps back several feet, hands flailing in front of
him as if shooing away a bee. He quickly, yet cautiously,
slams the power OFF.
LEOPOLD
Horrible!
He quickly scurries out the hallway.
He stops abruptly. He remains very still. Composing himself,
he turns and deliberately faces the room. After a moment, he
purposefully steps back inside.
He makes a large ARC around the television set, is confronted
by one of Charlie's sculptures and makes an ARC around that.
He finds himself in front of a light switch and gingerly
examines it. As he does, track lighting ILLUMINATES the room.
He looks at the lights then back at the switch. He flicks
the lights ON and OFF, trying to figure out the precise moment
in the transfer of power, laughing in spite of himself.
Kate and Charlie enter. They watch Leopold flicking the
lights, laughing like a madman. Charlie gives Kate a look.
KATE
(explaining)
He's from Canada...
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Leopold sits at the head of the table, Kate and Charlie
banished to either side. Leopold chews his dinner incessantly.
LEOPOLD
(finally)
What is this?
KATE
It's called Hamburger Helper.
LEOPOLD
It is beyond help. Please serve the
next course.
He pushes his plate away.
KATE
I'm afraid there is no next course.
If you make a list of the foods you
like, I'll pick them up at the store
for you.
LEOPOLD
Is all food here this... textured?
CHARLIE
Mine's good.
LEOPOLD
Please understand, I am used to a
different sort of preparation. Where
I come from a proper meal is the
result of reflection and study. A
recipe is merely a theme which an
intelligent cook can plan each time
with variation.
Charlie gives Kate a look.
LEOPOLD
Several courses are served. Menus
are often prepared days in advance,
timed to perfection. It is said,
without the culinary art, the
crudeness of reality would make life
unbearable.
CHARLIE
In Canada?
LEOPOLD
(after a beat. Firmly)
In Canada.
CHARLIE
We have a saying here. "Shake and
shake the catsup bottle, none will
come and then a lot'll."
He pours catsup on his dinner.
LEOPOLD
How interesting.
CHARLIE
Since you're such an expert on fine
cuisine, why don't you make dinner
tomorrow night?
LEOPOLD
It should be obvious to you that I
am NOT a domestic. You may take my
plate.
CHARLIE
I have my own, thank you.
KATE
Charlie...
CHARLIE
Who died and made me Cinderella?
LEOPOLD
Young man, there is a distinct
impertinence to your voice.
CHARLIE
It's part of my charm.
LEOPOLD
Suppress it.
KATE
(changing the subject)
Leopold... Since you're our guest
here, there are several cultural
events you might enjoy seeing. Charlie
has season tickets to the ball game.
Perhaps you'd like to take that in?
LEOPOLD
What is it?
CHARLIE
What is it??
KATE
Or the Opera or the Ballet?
CHARLIE
What is it??
KATE
Charlie, there's no rule that says
everyone has to be interested in
baseball.
CHARLIE
No, but I believe there is a rule
that says everyone has to have HEARD
of it.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles, your brother Charles
attitude and demeanor are
unacceptable. If I am to stay on
here you must have a serious talk
with him regarding respect and
civility.
KATE
CHARLES, could you help me with the
dessert in the kitchen?
CHARLIE
In the kitchen?
KATE
IN the kitchen. Excuse us.
Kate and Charlie leave. The camera remains on Leopold, sitting
alone, calmly sipping his wine. VOICE OVER FROM THE KITCHEN:
CHARLIE
I don't believe this guy!
KATE
Try to be nice to him.
CHARLIE
I'm always NICE!
KATE
Please Charlie, as a favor to me.
CHARLIE
He gives me the creeps.
Leopold reacts. He listens self-consciously.
KATE
He's different that's all.
CHARLIE
What was that crack about domestics?
KATE
Charlie, this is important to me.
CHARLIE
You're not going out with him, are
you?
KATE
Eeuuu! I may be desperate but I'm
not a lost cause.
CHARLIE
Kate, this is me. I've seen the guys
you bring home.
KATE
I've done countless favors for you!
Now I'm asking for just one little
thing...
CHARLIE
(overlapping)
Oh, all right! All right! All right!
They emerge from the kitchen, beaming.
KATE
(after a beat)
We forgot the dessert.
CHARLIE
You know,... I don't know if I
mentioned it... but that is one fine
looking suit.
INT. KATE'S BEDROOM - 6:30 A. M.
Radio alarm clock -- 7:45 a.m. Louis Armstrong begins to
sing, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." Dressed in yoga
clothes Kate sits on her bed in the lotus position. She bangs
the gong and closes her eyes. A bell rings. Kate flinches
but does not open her eyes.
KATE
(too sweetly)
What is it, Leopold?
The bell rings louder, interrupting Kate's routine.
KATE
(eyes closed, screaming
like a fishwife)
WHAT IS IT, LEOPOLD?!
Leopold's bell rings with determination. Kate is off the bed
and out of the room.
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Kate enters and stops short. Leopold sits at the table ringing
a BELL. The dishwasher is open and SPRAYING WILDLY, the
blender has spread breakfast shake EVERYWHERE, water is
BOILING OVER on the stove, refrigerator, freezer, and every
cupboard door is OPEN. Garbage disposal runs FULL BLAST.
LEOPOLD
(calmly amidst the
chaos)
I cannot seem to find the tea...
CLOSE UP: Leopold's hand rings a bell with irritation.
INT. CHARLIE'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Leopold, Kate, and Charlie stand in front of Charlie's open
closet. Leopold selects clothes from Charlie's wardrobe.
LEOPOLD
No... No... No. Good God, no!...
Perhaps...
He tosses them aside carelessly as Charlie seethes.
CLOSE UP: Leopold rings his bell.
INT. HALLWAY - EARLY MORNING
Kate and Charlie form a line to the bathroom. Kate checks
her schedule and bangs on the door.
KATE
Leopold, your time is up! What's he
got, a girl in there?
INT. BATHROOM - EARLY MORNING
Leopold Luxuriates in the bathtub wearing a "Whitecap"
marveling at the whirlpool and the instant hot water. He
picks up a can of shaving cream and inspects it in wonder.
It SPRAYS.
CLOSE UP: Leopold rings his bell. Nothing happens. He
discovers the clapper has been stolen.
INT. KATE'S STUDY - AFTERNOON
Kate types, talks and researches simultaneously. She looks
up and stops suddenly.
Leopold appears wearing MANY oddly assorted layers of
Charlie's clothes, a bandanna bow tie, Irish woolen cap,
bicycle gloves, aluminum baseball bat walking stick. He poses
foppishly.
LEOPOLD
I should like to read about modern
currency during my bath tonight. See
that the tub and basin are scrubbed
up. Remnants remain of this afternoons
shave.
Kate nods at him stupefied. Due to the many layers of
clothing, he imperiously leaves the room walking as if wearing
skis.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Leopold rings a BIG NEW COWBELL. No one responds.
INT. CHARLIE'S WORKROOM - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
He discovers Kate at her computer, Charlie reading a book.
Each are wearing a walkman.
He stands in front of them and rings his cowbell furiously
until they look up.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Leopold studies his questionnaire, Kate researches Victorian
customs. They simultaneously look up and gaze at the other.
A beat.
Embarrassed, Kate dons her glasses and Leopold shuffles
papers. They look up again. Then down. Then get back to work.
INT. KATE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Kate sits on her bed with her laptop watching David Letterman.
She glances up, laughs out loud. She looks at the dark empty
room. No one is there to share it with. Closing her computer,
she holds her pillow close to her. She slowly moves to the
window and looks out.
INT. LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A text book with Leopold's picture inside. Leopold reads the
brief summary of his life with heartbreaking astonishment.
He moves to the window and looks out.
EXT. N.Y.C. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Kate and Leopold gaze out of their windows. The camera slowly
pulls back until they are swallowed up by the city.
INT. KATE'S STUDY - AFTERNOON
Kate scans her notes as Leopold paces dully about the room.
KATE
In our last session you intimated
there was a symmetrical system
regulating the social order of
conformity spanning your era. I found
this particularly intriguing If I
can just find it in my notes...
A fire engine races by. Leopold dashes to the window then
turns back, excited.
LEOPOLD
The fire brigade!
Kate stares at him blankly. She munches RICE CAKES and drinks
water FROM THE BOTTLE. A beat. She returns to her notes.
LEOPOLD
This is insufferable! I refuse to be
spied upon, skipped over, or shuffled
about any longer. I have yet to
venture outside this cell. Before I
go mad a more suitable arrangement
must be found.
KATE
Found it.
LEOPOLD
(startled)
A resolution?
KATE
No I meant I found my notes.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles! Changes are in order.
KATE
I can hear you.
LEOPOLD
(under control now)
Miss Coles, as we are to remain here
together, there are certain conditions
I insist are met and maintained. I
no longer wish to be peeped at,
mocked...
KATE
I never...
LEOPOLD
(calmly)
Or interrupted. Jot this down.
Breakfast at 12. Luncheon at 4. Diner
at 8. A horse should be made available
from 1 to 3.
KATE
A horse? In New York City?
LEOPOLD
Yes. Also, I feel very strongly about
your style of dress. I do not care
for it.
(Kate looks up)
I cannot believe it is the prevailing
taste for women to appear masculine
and unkempt. If this is the fashion,
have it altered.
Kate rises.
LEOPOLD
That is all for the present.
He grandly hands her a napkin.
LEOPOLD
CRUMBS, my dear!
KATE
(infuriated)
Thank you!
Brushing herself off, she heads to the door.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles. I have been acquainted
with many women in my time, yet I am
compelled to say that the modern
woman is by far the least attractive
I have ever encountered.
KATE
(rising to the occasion)
And I have a news flash of my own.
Leopold waits.
KATE
You sir, are no Ronald Coleman!
She storms out.
INT. LAB - EARLY MORNING
Dr. Drake enters Dr. Kau's office with two pints of Haagen
Dazs.
DR. DRAKE
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Swirl or Peach?
DR. KAU
Peach.
They dig in.
DR. DRAKE
Any luck?
DR. KAU
Yea. Lots of luck. All bad. No
information exists detailing what
happened to Carlson. I've been working
for weeks and I'm not any closer
than when I began... How are you
doing?
DR. DRAKE
My cholesterol level is up 70 points.
Kate enters, exhausted, deposits an armful of papers on Dr.
Drake's desk. Kate has pencils tucked behind her ear, through
her hair, and in her mouth.
DR. DRAKE
Thank you, Kate... How're you managing
with Leopold?
KATE
Fine. Fine... Why? What did you hear?
DR. DRAKE
Nothing. I was just asking.
KATE
Oh. Well, it's fine. He's a delight.
Everything's under control.
DR. KAU
Keep up the good work.
(after she's gone)
She seemed a little scattered. Do
you think everything's all right?
DR. DRAKE
Katherine Coles is the most capable
person we have on this project. If
anyone can handle the delicacy of
this situation, Kate can.
DR. KAU
So there's nothing to worry about?
DR. DRAKE
Absolutely not.
INT. CHARLIE'S STUDIO - EARLY EVENING
KATE
GONE? GONE WHERE?!
(Charlie shrugs)
Charlie we've got to find him!
CHARLIE
(working on a VERY
STERN portrait of
Kate at her computer)
Are you crazy? This is the first
time all week my eyes aren't darting
to the top of my sockets every five
minutes.
KATE
When did he leave?
CHARLIE
I don't know. An hour ago? He said
he wanted to take a walk.
KATE
And you let him?? He's not allowed
to go outside!
CHARLIE
Is he being punished?
KATE
We've got to find him! You stay here
in case he finds his way back. And
while you wait you'd better pray
he's all right. If anything happens
to him, anything at all, EVERYTHING
we've worked for will have been
destroyed.
She heads out the door. Charlie follows.
INT. LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
CHARLIE
Kate, calm down.
KATE
And YOU'LL be responsible. Understand?
(she grabs her coat
and purse)
CHARLIE
What's the big deal? Who is this
guy?
Kate takes a LONG pause.
KATE
Leopold... is not really from Canada.
EXT. KATE'S APARTMENT BUILDING - LATE AFTERNOON
Peaceful. The sun sets. Pigeons rest on window sills.
Suddenly:
CHARLIE (V.O.)
OH MY GOD!!!
The pigeons take flight.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - EVENING
Leopold leaves Central Park profoundly lost. Looking both
ways in the wrong direction, he crosses the street. SCREECHING
brakes, HONKING horns, FURIOUS shouts with Leopold, horrified,
caught in the middle. He makes it across shaking and dazed.
A motorist pulls along side of him.
WOMAN MOTORIST
You stupid fucking son of a bitch.
Next time I'll hit ya. Fucking moron.
Leopold GAPES, appalled. A Hansom carriage slowly treads
into Central Park. Leopold watches until it disappears.
INT. KATE'S GREEN A.M.C. PACER - NIGHT
Kate drives slowly, searching for Leopold. Cars honk with
mounting anger.
CABBY
What're ya waiting for lady? An
invitation?
KATE
I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
She continues searching, trying hard to remain calm.
EXT. TIMES SQUARE - NIGHT
Huge buildings. Neon lights flashing. Garbage in bundles.
Calvin Klein Ads. In the center of it all, Leopold, jostled
BADLY by the crowd, tipping his hat to all the ladies. He
enters a deli.
INT. DELI - NIGHT
Leopold, appalled by the prices searches for money. He has
none.
LEOPOLD
(to the counter man)
$7.95 for a sandwich? Is that correct?
COUNTER MAN
You gotta problem with that?
LEOPOLD
It seems rather pricey to me.
COUNTER MAN
So don't buy one.
LEOPOLD
I shan't.
COUNTER MAN
So shan't!
He moves on.
LEOPOLD
Yes, I... I would be happy to sample
one however I'm afraid I haven't the
finance with me just now. If I could
establish a credit with you, I will
have someone come round with the
funds tomorrow.
COUNTER MAN
You will gladly pay me Tuesday for a
hamburger today, is that it?
LEOPOLD
(a little confused)
I believe so. Yes.
COUNTER MAN
Get the fuck outta here.
LEOPOLD
I beg your pardon?
COUNTER MAN
Get out. Fuckin' Wimpys piss me off.
LEOPOLD
May I remind you, merchant, that I
am the customer in this establishment
and as such require your attention
and the utmost respect. I do not
accept this modern convention of
desecrating one's patrons with such
contemptuous disregard.
YUPPIE WOMAN
You tell him.
LEOPOLD
Need I add that without our patronage
you would not own that unwashed
counter behind which you spew your
filthy mouth?
COUNTER MAN
Where do you get off? You don't even
have any money.
LEOPOLD
Don't be irrelevant... I'm browsing.
COUNTER MAN
Not in my store you're not.
He comes out from behind the counter. He's big.
LEOPOLD
(very superior)
Do you intend to physically escort
me out...?
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Leopold is thrown out of the store and on to the street.
LEOPOLD
Did you see what he did? Did you see
that?
No one responds. Leopold is left sprawled on the street.
Thunder is heard.
EXT. N.Y.C. - NIGHT
Gargoyles at New York City Library, The Dakota, the Bowery,
Alphabet City.
EXT. CLAIRMOUNT STABLES - 4 A.M.
Pouring rain. Leopold stands in front of the stables beaten
and drenched. A car drives by, screeches to a stop, and
hastily backs up along side Leopold.
KATE
Leopold! Leopold, get in.
Leopold stares at the car. Kate runs out, opens the door and
helps him in. She dashes back into the drivers seat.
INT. CAR - 4 A.M.
KATE
(nearly in tears,
trying to dry him
off)
Leopold! Oh, Leopold thank God you're
all right. I didn't think I'd ever
find you. You had us all so worried.
Oh, Leopold!
She hits him hard.
KATE
Don't you ever go out again without
my permission, do you hear me? I was
frantic. You could have been killed
a hundred times over. I never would
have known.
She rests her head on the steering wheel, exhausted. She
pulls herself together and looks at him.
KATE
Leopold, are you all right?
LEOPOLD
(looking deep into
her eyes for the
first time)
I wish to go home.
KATE
Okay. I'll get you home in a jiffy.
LEOPOLD
(badly shaken)
No... I wish to go home.
Kate gently observes Leopold who stares rigidly straight
ahead.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CHARLIE
(on the phone)
I don't know. It's just Leopold.
Like Cher. Or Goofy.
Kate and Leopold walk in wet and exhausted.
CHARLIE
Never mind they just walked in. Jesus.
You look horrible.
KATE
Charlie, don't start. I haven't been
this angry at you since you got me
into that pyramid thing last year.
If you make a wisecrack I'm going to
burst into flame.
CHARLIE
It wasn't a wisecrack. You do look
horrible.
KATE
I'm too tired for this now. I'll
just save it up and kill you tomorrow.
Help Leopold out of his things and
lets get him to bed.
LEOPOLD
I've something to say. To the both
of you. I... Nothing is what it seems.
After witnessing mere weeks of this
age it is painfully apparent I am
outside of my acquaintance... I don't
know how to proceed. I frankly... am
in need of assistance. I'm sorry.
I'm not very good at this. In the
event you have missed it, I am
apologizing.
There is a long pause.
CHARLIE
About time.
(he shakes Leopold's
hand reluctantly)
Welcome back.
(he leaves)
KATE
Don't mind him. His heart would be
in the right place if he had a heart.
Surliness runs in my family.
LEOPOLD
I understand. It practically races
through mine.
KATE
(shocked)
Leopold, you made a joke. I mean one
that's not at my expense. That's
good.
They look at each other just a second too long.
LEOPOLD
We'd better get to bed... That is...
KATE
Yes... I start work...
(she looks at her
watch)
in three and a half hours.
LEOPOLD
Oh, dear.
They self-consciously head to their respective rooms.
KATE
It's fine. I'm used to it.
LEOPOLD
You mustn't get too used to it. You'll
find life passes you by awfully
quickly.
Kate is struck by his vulnerability for the first time and
is moved. She catches herself quickly however.
LEOPOLD
Thank you for...
KATE
(waving it away)
Oh!
They stand at their bedroom doors.
LEOPOLD
Well, goodnight then.
KATE
Leopold?... I don't have a clear
handle on this. Perhaps I was wrong
keeping you confined to the apartment
all this time. I don't know when
you'll be able return home... Tomorrow
I'll start preparing you for the
outside world. And... We'll find
your way back. I promise.
Leopold smiles, still shaken. A beat. They slowly close the
doors to their respective rooms.
INT. HALLWAY - BRIGHT SUNNY MORNING
Leopold, dressed for an outing knocks on Kate's bedroom door.
KATE (V.O.)
Yes?
Leopold enters. Kate stands in a slip calmly looking at
Leopold. Leopold immediately turns, facing the door.
LEOPOLD
Oh! I beg your pardon. I, I, I, was
merely... I didn't...
KATE
Is there something you want, Leopold?
LEOPOLD
I merely wanted to see... that is,
inquire, on your availability, for
an outing... My assimilation and so
forth.
KATE
Yes, we have a lot of work ahead of
us. I'll be out in a minute.
LEOPOLD
Yes, of course. Splendid.
He reaches around behind his back and fumbles for the knob.
He finally finds it and goes out.
Kate smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT. N.Y.C. - DAY
the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller
Center, 5th Avenue.
EXT. 5TH AVENUE - DAY
Kate and Leopold exit The Gap. Leopold awkwardly wears hip
Gap casual clothes, a baseball cap on his head.
LEOPOLD
Are you certain this is correct?
Kate places the cap backwards on his head. She nods
approvingly.
KATE
Certainly I'm certain.
Leopold watches himself in store windows. He CAN'T comprehend
it. Kate leads him into Barney's.
INT. BARNEY'S - DAY
Leopold stands before the mirror wearing a classic dark suit.
He looks FANTASTIC. A fact that is not lost on Kate.
LEOPOLD
Now really. Isn't this better?
Kate nods back begrudgingly, her breath taken away.
EXT. N.Y.C. - DAY
Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Gristedes.
INT. GRISTEDES MARKET - DAY
Kate selects a shopping cart, begins to push it.
LEOPOLD
Allow me.
Kate walks ahead. Leopold, maneuvering a cart with a broken
wheel, hasn't the knack and bangs into everyone and everything
in the aisle.
LEOPOLD
Sorry. Oops! Careful there. So sorry.
CUT TO:
CLOSE UPS: Leopold scrutinizing vegetables in cans, cereals
for kids, bottled water, instant soup, feminine hygiene
supplies.
CUT TO:
The check out line. As their groceries are being rung up,
Leopold spots The Sun, a newspaper with the headline: Woman
Sees Satan in her Microwave Oven. Leopold eagerly shows Kate.
LEOPOLD
Have you seen today's paper?
KATE
Put it back.
LEOPOLD
But...
KATE
Back!
Leopold reads the paper totally enthralled.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Kate and Leopold walk down the street, a bag in each arm.
Leopold eyes Kate suspiciously.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles, why is it you are not
married?
KATE
Women are longer defined by the men
they're married to, Leopold. I have
a career. I haven't found a man who
fits in with that yet.
LEOPOLD
Yet people still marry?
KATE
(defensively)
I've heard of cases.
They continue to walk, Leopold noticeably studies Kate.
Finally:
LEOPOLD
I suspect there is something wrong
with you.
KATE
There's nothing wrong with me!
LEOPOLD
Perhaps it is the way you present
yourself.
KATE
I don't know what you're talking
about.
LEOPOLD
There is some sort of problem when a
woman reaches thirty and insists on
remaining single.
KATE
You think I'm THIRTY?!
LEOPOLD
What?
KATE
Do I look THIRTY to you?
LEOPOLD
It was an arbitrary number.
KATE
You chose it specifically opposed to
a lower number.
LEOPOLD
I didn't mean it.
KATE
...Thirty!
LEOPOLD
I apologize... How old are you?
KATE
(sharply)
I'm thirty! But you're the first
person whoever told me I looked it!
LEOPOLD
I'm sorry.
Leopold spots a formal dress in a store window. He takes a
good long look at Kate, smiles, then quickly walks inside.
Kate continues down the block.
KATE
And it's not that I insist on
remaining single. Believe me. Everyone
dreams of finding somebody to share
their life with. To give someone all
the love they've been hoarding since
they were a kid. I'm no different.
But one has to be sensible. I have a
career and a life that's filled
with...
She looks around. Leopold is gone.
KATE
Not again...
She starts off down the street, stops, and enters ROBERTA'S,
an upscale boutique.
INT. ROBERTA'S - DAY
Kate races in. Leopold talks with a saleslady.
KATE
What do I have to do? Put a leash
around your neck?
LEOPOLD
(to the saleslady)
She is the woman to whom I was
referring. You see the problem?
SALESLADY
(giving Kate the once
over)
Yep.
KATE
(staring down at her
clothes then back at
the two of them)
What?... What?
INT. ROBERTA'S - DAY
From behind the dressing room door, Kate shouts to the others
with irritation.
KATE
This is ridiculous. I don't have
time to...
(she shrieks)
Do you know what this dress costs?
Let's get this over with. I'm coming
out. Nobody laugh.
Kate leaves the dressing room in a huff COMPLETELY UNAWARE
that she is STUNNING.
KATE
Satisfied?
Leopold and the saleslady stare at her with pleasure.
KATE
...What?
She turns and looks at herself in the mirror. Leopold stands
behind her, pulls back her hair, brushes away her bangs.
LEOPOLD
You have a lovely face.
Even Kate cannot deny that she is lovely. She stares at
herself for a long while.
LEOPOLD
(quietly)
We'll take the dress.
They become aware of their close proximity. They nervously
part.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Kate sits Leopold down on the sofa. She turns on the TV and
hands him the remote control.
LEOPOLD
What is this?
KATE
The drug of the 20th century.
She aims the remote at the TV, changing channels. He's
spellbound.
INT. DINING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Dinner is served. Kate waits patiently for Leopold who sits
on the sofa watching the TV.
KATE
Leopold, your dinner's getting cold.
LEOPOLD
I'm coming.
He does not move a muscle.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Kate and Leopold sit on the sofa eating their dinner and
watching TV. On the screen, a Looney Tune. Leopold enjoys
this especially. Kate reaches for the remote but Leopold
grabs it territorially, refusing to relinquish it.
KATE
(making notes)
It's a guy thing.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Leopold asleep on the sofa still clutching the remote control.
Kate comes in with a blanket and settles it over Leopold.
She glances around the room, then slowly bends down close to
capture a better look at his face.
After a moment she catches herself, takes herself in hand
and sits down at her computer. She opens her notes and types.
Her fingers slow down to a crawl and come to a stop. She
looks up at Leopold lost in thought. She smiles.
Reaching for a soda, she accidentally knocks a picture to
the floor. In a SMASHED frame, Kate and CARLSON drunkenly
mug for the camera. Kate pales noticeably.
She looks from the picture to Leopold. Slowly, she begins
pecking away at the keys. She does not look up again.
INT. LAB - LATE AFTERNOON
Kate gives Leopold a tour of the lab stopping by Dr. Drakes
area. Hidden behind chalk boards, calculator paper, and
several empty Haagen Dazs containers, Dr. Drake searches for
solutions.
KATE
...Now within that astronomical
structure, Dr. Drake here is searching
for a pathway between your time and
the present. He'll find it too if
his arteries don't harden first.
LEOPOLD
Astounding.
KATE
Once that is discovered, the search
begins for the exact time and date
travel will be possible.
They move to Dr. Kau's area.
LEOPOLD
(to Dr. Kau)
How are you proceeding?
Dr. Kau merely grunts. Leopold looks at Kate.
KATE
Don't take it personally. Once Dr.
Kau starts working, you just have to
wait until her batteries run down.
We're all pretty much like that.
They head into Kate's office.
INT. KATE'S OFFICE - DAY
Kate gathers her belongings, Leopold snoops at her notes.
LEOPOLD
The complexity of this equation is
astonishing? Can you really comprehend
all that?
KATE
(simply. Almost
apologetically)
I'm a genius.
LEOPOLD
You're quite exceptional Dr. Coles.
(a beat)
That is to say, you all are.
KATE
Thank you. And may I say that
sometimes, in DIM light, you're not
so bad yourself.
They stand together, Leopold grinning sheepishly.
KATE
Oh my God! Is that the time? I'm
late. Therapy. Every Tuesday night.
LEOPOLD
May I accompany you?
KATE
You mayn't.
LEOPOLD
I am not certain I understand therapy.
KATE
No one does. That's why therapists
can charge so much.
As she gathers her belongings, Leopold spots a very high
heeled red shoe in Kate's bag.
LEOPOLD
What exactly transpires during
therapy?
KATE
Leopold. A gentleman does not ask
those questions. Come on, we'll get
you home.
LEOPOLD
I am perfectly able to travel homeward
myself.
Kate looks at him skeptically.
LEOPOLD
Really! I have finance and our
address. I shall take a cabbie.
Kate hesitates.
LEOPOLD
You are late. I insist. I am NOT a
child. Dr. Coles.
KATE
All right. Don't bite my head off.
She shakes her head and walks out the door.
EXT. N.Y.C. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON
Kate heads down the stairs of a subway station. A few feet
behind, Leopold cautiously follows.
INT. SUBWAY STATION - RUSH HOUR
Kate waits in line at the turnstile. Leopold, a ways back,
grimaces noticeably at the smell.
Kate heads through. Leopold follows banging painfully into
the bar. A NUN hurriedly bumps into him from behind.
He tries pushing the bar but it doesn't budge. He turns around
to step out of line but it is already too long. He stands
NOSE to NOSE with the nun.
LEOPOLD
I can't seem to...
NUN
(impatiently)
Oh, for heaven's sake...
The nun deposits her token and SQUEEZES them both through as
the train arrives at a deafening pitch, startling Leopold.
He spots Kate entering the train and jumps into the car in
the nick of time. The train departs, Leopold pressed awkwardly
against the glass.
EXT. N.Y.C. STREET - EARLY EVENING
Kate races from the subway station, entering the Arthur Murray
Dance Studio. Leopold, thoroughly disheveled, follows at a
distance.
INT. DANCE STUDIO - EVENING
Elderly Blue haired couples chat amongst themselves, men on
the right, women on the left. Kate, in dance clothes, out of
breath, stumbles in, making a b-line for the women's side.
MRS. PINCUS
I was worried. I thought you weren't
going to make it.
KATE
(smiling happily)
Miss my lesson? This is the only
thing I have to look forward to all
week. Is that a new dress Mrs. Pincus?
Mrs. Pincus executes a fancy spin, proudly showing off her
purchase. Across the room, MR. Pincus beams in anticipation.
An elderly, overly made up dance instructor enters. She claps
her hands together loudly.
INSTRUCTOR
All right, kids. Pair up!
The men slick back their hair. The women straighten their
gowns. Kate stands to the side, self-consciously studying
the floor.
The men take their places on the dance floor. They flick
their hand twice, inviting their women to dance. Cooly,
elegantly, the women approach their partners. After a while
Kate looks up, relieved. She stands alone. Ballroom music
plays.
The couples effortlessly shift between steps and turns. Kate
dances with an imaginary partner, stumbling, more than a
beat behind, counting, animated, a concentrated YEARNING
look spread across her face.
The instructor approaches with a look of resignation.
INSTRUCTOR
Don't think so much, Katie. FEEL the
music.
KATE
(sweating)
I am!
INSTRUCTOR
Dancing should not be work. It should
be a vacation the body takes from
the mind. Let the music wash over
you.
KATE
(frustrated)
It is!
INSTRUCTOR
Repeat after me: I've got the muusic
in me.
KATE
I've got the muusic in me.
INSTRUCTOR & KATE
(overlapping)
I've got the muusic in me!
INSTRUCTOR
Keep telling yourself that.
Kate does. Her instructor shakes her head and moves away.
Across the room, through the window, Leopold watches, moved.
LEOPOLD'S P.O.V. -- Over the music, beyond the swirling
couples, Kate remains in the corner, dancing with her
imaginary partner, fighting valiantly for the right steps,
muttering to herself, dancing alone.
INT. LAB - MORNING
Dr. Kau SLAMS a large book on Dr. Plodder's desk startling
him.
DR. KAU
I've located her.
DR. PLODDER
You didn't! Is she all right?
DR. KAU
No. She's really not.
Photograph of a SWEATSHOP 1896. The conditions are APPALLING.
Positioned among the workers, Julia Carlson, thin, ragged,
worn out, stares helplessly into the camera.
DR. KAU
It was taken a year after she arrived.
Look at her face! We have to get her
back.
DR. PLODDER
Christine, this morning I spoke with
the head of funding. They're talking
about canceling the project.
DR. KAU
What?! They can't do that!
DR. PLODDER
There's still time. Nothing has
happened yet that can't be undone.
We'll get her back. We'll put this
behind us and we'll get her back.
The doctors stare at the photograph. Powerless.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLIE'S STUDIO - DAY
Charlie and Leopold work at their easels. Leopold sighs
HEAVILY.
CHARLIE
Is there something on your mind?
There is a pause.
LEOPOLD
This is rather difficult for me.
CHARLIE
...Uh huh...?
LEOPOLD
I have been in the salon contemplating
the reception I have received by the
various tradesmen I have visited.
I've determined I am lacking the
dexterity of modern intercourse.
CHARLIE
Of what??
LEOPOLD
Social skills.
CHARLIE
Oh.
LEOPOLD
I realize our association has been
rather distant and I bear you no ill
will.
CHARLIE
You can imagine my relief.
LEOPOLD
The fact is... I need help.
CHARLIE
Why not ask Kate?
LEOPOLD
I would appreciate the masculine
point of view.
CHARLIE
Why not ask Kate?... That was a joke.
Leopold looks worried. Charlie puts down his brush.
CHARLIE
Well? Let's see... I guess we could
start by removing that great big
stick from up your... Let's start
with your walk.
LEOPOLD
My walk?
CHARLIE
You don't walk right.
(gently)
You strut.
LEOPOLD
(very defensive)
STRUT?
CHARLIE
Strut strut strut. You walk into the
bathroom it's like I'm watching a
parade. Walk across the room.
LEOPOLD
I will not.
CHARLIE
I know you won't. You'll STRUT. You
asked for my help. Trust me on this.
As Leopold struts across the room Charlie shakes his head
and spontaneously begins to hum Sousa's Stars and Stripes
March. Leopold becomes more and more agitated. As the song
crescendos:
LEOPOLD
That's enough! Really! You walk.
Charlie hops up, casually walks around the room and begins
to hum a more relaxed version of Stars and Stripes.
CHARLIE
(between choruses)
See? Easy. Relaxed. You try.
Leopold begins humming the more casual version of the song
and mimics Charlie.
CHARLIE
That's better. Now, try to enjoy
your walk. It's a beautiful day. The
sun is shining, the peasants are
singing.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
VOICE OVER: Charlie and Leopold joyously singing The Stars
and Stripes. As the song builds:
Charlie enters leading Leopold throughout the room. Leopold
matches Charlie EXACTLY step by step so tightly they appear
to be one person marching happily about.
CUT TO:
EXT. N.Y.C. - DAY
Chinatown, Little Italy, chess in Washington Square Park.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK - DAY
Leopold and Charlie explore the city. Leopold works diligently
on his walk. A beautiful woman walks by in a revealing outfit.
Charlie catches Leopold watching her and smiles broadly.
CHARLIE
Interesting?
Leopold, caught leering, turns away sheepishly and smiles.
Charlie pats Leopold on the back. Stops. Pats his back again.
CHARLIE
What the hell is that?
LEOPOLD
What?
CHARLIE
Leopold, are you wearing a corset?
LEOPOLD
Naturally.
Cracking up, Charlie good-naturedly puts an arm around
Leopold's shoulder. Leopold attempts the same pulls away.
INT. BLOCKBUSTER RECORDS - NIGHT
With a headset on, Charlie listens to music. Leopold watches.
CHARLIE
What'd ya say was the name of this
number?
LEOPOLD
Tchaikovsky. Waltz of the Flowers.
CHARLIE
(deadpan)
Pretty.
Charlie stops the music and places a headset over Leopold's
ears. Leopold watches calmly. Charlie selects a song.
Instantly, Leopold's shoulders rise up to his ears. His mouth
opens wide.
CHARLIE
Megadeath. High Speed Dirt.
After a bit, Charlie turns the music off. Leopold's shoulders
go down but his mouth stays wide open. Astonished.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - DAY
Charlie and Leopold walk through the park. A rubber softball
hits Leopold squarely on the head.
LEOPOLD
What in the world...?
A couple race over. The man is BLACK. The woman is WHITE.
Their child, ELIZABETH, 7, follows wide eyed and apprehensive.
MAN
Sorry! We're so sorry. Are you hurt?
WOMAN
She's another Babe Ruth. We had no
idea. Are you okay?
Leopold regards them curiously.
WOMAN
What do you have to say for yourself,
Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH
I'm sorry!
Leopold stares hard at the modern familial scene. He doesn't
speak. After a long moment:
LEOPOLD
Is this your child?
MAN
Yes.
Charlie braces for the worst. The little girl stares at
Leopold.
LEOPOLD
I see.
WOMAN
C'mon honey, lets go.
ELIZABETH
I want my ball.
LEOPOLD
Just a moment!
(bending down to
Elizabeth, firmly)
Pick a hand.
She picks his right hand. Nothing. She picks his left.
Nothing. Leopold looks surprised then pulls the ball from
his ear. She takes the ball and smiles at him.
LEOPOLD
My mother's name was Elizabeth.
(then to her parents)
She's a beautiful child. You're very
lucky.
MAN
What do you say, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth makes an embarrassed face.
MAN
Thank you.
Charlie and Leopold continue through the park, Leopold lost
in thought. Charlie watches him in surprise. They walk on.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Leopold talks animatedly. On the table -- Pumpkin pies, pizza
pies, and pot pies.
LEOPOLD
I understand pumpkin pies, pizza
pies, and pot pies. But I wish someone
would explain Eskimo pies.
He eats a large spoonful of pudding. Kate and Charlie exchange
a worried look.
LEOPOLD
You smoke Camel's, you wear Old
Spices, and you drink Mountains Dew.
It's revolting.
(to Kate)
The pudding tonight is excellent.
Another thing I've noticed, everyone
is in a great rush today. Instant
Oatmeal, Instant Coffee, Speed Stick,
Minute Maid. You'll find there's
much to be said for moderation and
languor.
He eats another spoonful.
LEOPOLD
Mmmm. Is it tapioca?
KATE
It's margarine.
LEOPOLD
(taking the spoon out
of his mouth)
It's marvelous.
CHARLIE
Well, I'm off.
KATE
Me too. Work to do. Where are you
going?
CHARLIE
I'm meeting everyone over at Caffeine.
It's this coffee house we go to.
KATE
Say hello to Dennis for me.
LEOPOLD
Who is that?
CHARLIE
Dennis is this really good looking
friend of mine who doesn't know Kate's
alive because SHE doesn't know how
to flirt.
KATE
As a rule I don't like to associate
with really good looking people. It
makes me feel really... I don't
know... Smart. But Dennis is a nice
guy.
CHARLIE
And he always picks up the check.
LEOPOLD
Sounds enjoyable. I shall join you.
CHARLIE
What?
KATE
That's a wonderful idea! Leopold
mentioned how he wanted to meet...
People of quality was it?
CHARLIE
Ahhhhh?
LEOPOLD
If you'd rather I didn't go...
KATE
Nonsense! Charlie, you don't want to
hurt Leopold's feelings. He's going
to think you don't want him to go.
CHARLIE
Oh it's not that. It's just that
it's sort of a vulgar crowd, is all.
I'm not sure you'd have such a good
time.
LEOPOLD
A little ribald humor? I'm not as
big a stick in the mud as you might
think! I'd enjoy a gay night out,
kicking up my heels.
There is an awkward pause. Leopold is so enthusiastic and
sincere that despite a feeling of disaster Charlie relents.
CHARLIE
Finish off your Parquet and we'll
go.
Charlie gives Kate a look of death as we:
CUT TO:
EXT. CAFFEINE - NIGHT
Charlie and Leopold approach Caffeine, a trendy coffee house.
Charlie looks in the window.
CHARLIE
There they all are. Now one more
thing. Throw the words "like" and
"you know" into a sentence whenever
possible. It's how people talk today.
LEOPOLD
Proper speech does not cease to exist
simply because it is ignored.
CHARLIE
Please?
LEOPOLD
Charles, you needn't fret. I have
the walk down pat. I will not give
myself away. Like.
CHARLIE
(looking in the window)
Oh shit!
(correcting himself)
Shoot.
LEOPOLD
What is it?
CHARLIE
Patrice. See that girl? The blonde
one? She's so inconceivably hot.
INT. CAFFEINE - NIGHT
Patrice, a tall blonde sits at a large round table, talking.
She is very beautiful.
EXT. CAFFEINE - NIGHT
LEOPOLD
She's very pretty.
CHARLIE
She's mine.
LEOPOLD
Congratulations.
CHARLIE
Ok not exactly mine. But I saw her
first.
LEOPOLD
I understand.
CHARLIE
Okay. I guess we should go in. I
don't suppose we could tell everyone
you don't speak English?
LEOPOLD
Of course not. Let's go inside.
Leopold walks his casual walk inside, followed by a very
reluctant Charlie.
INT. CAFFEINE - NIGHT
Charlie's friends are sitting at a table talking. They are a
relaxed and friendly group. Charlie and Leopold approach.
ALL
(ad lib greetings)
Charlie! Where've you been? etc.
CHARLIE
Hi. Uh everyone, this is my friend,
Leo.
BILL
Hey.
LEOPOLD
Hey.
DENNIS
Waz up?
LEOPOLD
Waz up?
PATRICE
How are ya?
LEOPOLD
How are ya?
CHARLIE
(after a beat)
Leo's staying with us for a while.
Charlie pulls out a chair for Leopold but Leopold sits next
to Patrice instead. Patrice takes out her cigarettes.
LEOPOLD
May I?
PATRICE
Help yourself.
Leopold takes a cigarette, lights one for Patrice, then his
own.
LEOPOLD
Thank you, my dear.
CHARLIE
(at a loss)
Um?...
(all look at Charlie)
...I have nothing to say.
LEOPOLD
You did not tell the truth about
Patrice, Charles.
DENNIS AND BILL
CHARLES??
CHARLIE
What did I tell you, LEO?
LEOPOLD
He informed me you were inconceivably
HOT, but I think you're lovely.
Exceptionally lovely.
PATRICE
Thank you, Leo.
CHARLIE
(to the waitress)
Check please.
INT. SUBWAY - NIGHT
The subway car is inhabited solely by Leopold, Charlie, and
the oldest Ukrainian woman in New York City. Despite the
fact that the train is empty, they are all seated on the
same bench.
Charlie stares straight ahead refusing to even look at
Leopold. The Ukrainian woman hangs on every word.
CHARLIE
Just drop it Leopold.
LEOPOLD
But Charles, it is so ridiculous. I
am not interested in her.
CHARLIE
Hah!
LEOPOLD
In any case the problem is not with
me but with you.
(quietly)
You have no idea what it takes to go
about courting a woman. From what
I've witnessed tonight, it is
symptomatic of your entire generation.
CHARLIE
(almost speechless)
You are some piece of work, Leopold.
LEOPOLD
Now I do not wish to get personal...
Charlie bursts into ironic laughter and looks at the old
woman. She rolls her eyes.
LEOPOLD
But you have been of great assistance
to me and I feel this is one area
where I can be of some real help.
CHARLIE
I'm fascinated. Go on.
LEOPOLD
Now, why was I successful with this
young lady and why did you so
miserably fail?
CHARLIE
What makes you think she likes you?
LEOPOLD
Well she gave me the number of her
telephone and I assumed it meant...
CHARLIE
Go on.
LEOPOLD
As I see it, the girl hasn't an
inkling of your intentions. And it's
no wonder. You, Charles, are a Merry
Andrew.
CHARLIE
A what?
LEOPOLD
A Merry Andrew.
CHARLIE
I am not!!
LEOPOLD
Everything plays like a farce to
you. The more wit, the less courage.
I believe the modern woman desires
passion, protection, sensitivity. No
woman wants to be romanced by a
buffoon.
(the old woman shakes
her head)
Banter and repartee are fine but you
must add to that a different sort of
playfulness.
CHARLIE
You think I should pounce?
LEOPOLD
I'm saying you must treat her with
respect. Any oaf can attempt a crude
pass. A woman of Kate's stature would
never respond to an artificial tactic.
CHARLIE
Kate?
LEOPOLD
What?
CHARLIE
You said Kate.
LEOPOLD
I did not.
CHARLIE
Yes you did. Didn't he say Kate?
The old woman nods.
LEOPOLD
We are discussing your problem.
CHARLIE
Not anymore. You like my sister.
LEOPOLD
Charles...
CHARLIE
She has trouble with men, you know.
LEOPOLD
Perhaps she has not met the right
one.
CHARLIE
She has met the right one. HUNDREDS
of times. But she pulls back. She
cuts herself off. You turn around
and suddenly you're dating a Sphinx.
LEOPOLD
One never can tell.
CHARLIE
Does Kate know how you feel?
LEOPOLD
No...
CHARLIE
Have you made your intentions known
to her?
LEOPOLD
No...
CHARLIE
Who's the Merry Andrew now?! I think
you're all talk and no action. What
are you waiting for?
LEOPOLD
I do not know if there is a future
in it.
CHARLIE
Well Leopold, no one ever does...
CUT TO:
INT. LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Kate enters with an arm load of Leopold's discarded clothes.
She drops them on his bed and begins to hang them in his
closet.
A notebook falls from his pants pocket. She puts it on the
bureau. A beat. She quickly picks it up, sits on the edge of
the bed and starts to read.
KATE
(reading out loud)
Royal family -- Uncouth. Making Out --
slow soulful kissing... Woman as
equals??
She flips a page.
KATE
Who drove the Chevy to the levy and
why was it dry?
Kate smiles. She flips the page.
KATE
Eyes shine when she talks about...
science. Raises her voice when she
knows she's wrong. BOSSY, BOSSY,
BOSSY. Lose my train of thought when
I see her smile. Most beautiful when
she's angry. Honorable heart...
Peasant feet.
The front door is heard slamming. Kate, alarmed, stuffs the
notebook back in Leopold's pocket. She races to the door;
glances back at the notebook, turns off the light and scurries
from the room.
INT. HALLWAY - LATER THAT NIGHT
The corridor is darkly lit. Kate leaves the bathroom as
Leopold enters. They collide and separate but remain close
together. Both are dressed in pajamas and speak softly.
KATE
Ooops. Bread and butter.
LEOPOLD
What's that?
KATE
Bread and butter. It's an old
saying... Well not to you I guess.
You say it when you pass someone in
a cramped space. As close as bread
and butter.
LEOPOLD
I see.
KATE
So. Did you have a good time last
night?
LEOPOLD
It was very interesting.
KATE
Did you find that person of quality?
Leopold looks at her a moment.
LEOPOLD
Yes. I did.
KATE
Well... fine.
(there is a pause)
I guess it's time to turn in.
LEOPOLD
Yes.
KATE
Goodnight.
She reaches her door. Leopold stops her.
LEOPOLD
Kate?
She turns. Leopold grasps for the words but the habit of
inaction returns.
LEOPOLD
Goodnight.
(he slowly closes the
door)
INT. PATRICE'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
Charlie stands at Patrice's door with a large painting. He
looks over at Leopold hiding the next doorway over. Charlie
knocks. She opens the door.
CHARLIE
Hi. I brought you some flowers.
He hands her the flower filled painting.
PATRICE
Charlie!
CHARLIE
Miss Wochuchowski? I was wondering
if you would do me the great honor
of accompanying me to the cinema
tonight. And allowing me the privilege
of escorting you to dinner afterwards.
Patrice shyly studies the painting.
PATRICE
It's beautiful.
Charlie quickly looks at Leopold pleadingly. He really does
not want to say this next part. Leopold, however, is adamant.
CHARLIE
(deadpan)
Gracing me with your conversation
and company would mean the world to
me.
There is a long pause. Patrice watches Charlie in disbelief.
PATRICE
Um... 7:00?
CHARLIE
7:00 is fine. I'll call for you then.
They smile at each other for a long moment.
LEOPOLD
(silently mouthing)
Goodbye.
CHARLIE
Goodbye.
(she closes the door)
It worked!
LEOPOLD
Of course it did.
CHARLIE
Leopold, I... I'm... I have no idea
what to do next!
LEOPOLD
Charles. Leave everything to me.
CHARLIE
Not so fast, buddy. You're next.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Kate is by the bookshelf gathering reference books on time
and space. Leopold enters. He is suddenly embarrassed and
doesn't know how to proceed.
LEOPOLD
Good morning.
KATE
Good morning. You're up early.
She moves to her computer on the other side of the room.
Leopold follows. Before she can sit down, Leopold pulls out
her chair. She falls to the ground. He rushes to her side
immediately.
LEOPOLD
I'm terribly sorry!!
KATE
Happens all the time...
She opens a reference book and slowly begins typing at her
computer. There is a pause.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles?... ah, Kate? I was
wondering...
She stops working and looks at Leopold.
LEOPOLD
What it is you're working on.
KATE
Oh. It's my computer.
She resumes her work.
LEOPOLD
I see. Actually I meant the work
itself.
KATE
I'm researching the correlations
between your time and the present.
Leopold stares blankly.
KATE
I'm TRYING to get you home, Leopold.
LEOPOLD
Oh.
Charlie peaks in, signaling Leopold, spurring him on.
LEOPOLD
I have never seen a woman work as
diligently and extensively before.
KATE
It's made me the man I am today.
LEOPOLD
It's quite a beautiful day, have you
noticed? Perhaps you would permit
yourself some time off and grant me
the privilege of escorting you around
the city this fine Spring afternoon.
KATE
Oh, I'd love to but I can't. I've
got too much work to do. Ask Charlie
though. He'll go with you.
LEOPOLD
I'm afraid it really wouldn't be the
same. It is YOUR company I am seeking.
Surprised, Kate turns around and looks at Leopold.
KATE
(gently)
Oh, Leopold. I'm so sorry. I can't.
LEOPOLD
I see. Some other time then.
KATE
Yes... Thank you.
Leopold sits at the far end of the room. Kate takes a moment
then resumes typing. She STOPS and sits back in her chair.
After a long moment, she subtly unplugs the computer with
her foot and starts banging on the top of it.
KATE
Oh for crying out loud. Would you
look at this? Leopold? The computer's
on the blink again.
(she bangs harder)
Cheap piece of equipment. I can't...
LEOPOLD
Maybe if you...
KATE
NO, no, it does this all the time.
Just have to wait it out.
LEOPOLD
I see.
KATE
Darn.
LEOPOLD
...Perhaps it is a sign?
KATE
Oh, you think?
(she smiles at Leopold)
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - DAY
Leopold trots his horse expertly along the horse path. Kate
follows, clutching the horses neck, bouncing like a clown.
KATE
I... I must have gotten a funny
horse...
Leopold turns and rides around Kate.
LEOPOLD
Allow me.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - DAY
Bethesda fountain. Boats on Central Park Lake. Couples in
Sheeps Meadow.
Holding the reins of Kate's horse in one hand, Leopold grasps
Kate's waist with the other as they ride a single horse
through the greenery of Central Park.
EXT. MOVIE THEATRE - THE THALIA - DAY
A revival house. On the Marquee: "The Tenuous Duke" starring
Ronald Coleman.
INT. MOVIE THEATER - DAY
Kate and Leopold eat popcorn, Milk Duds, M & M's, and large
drinks. The lights go down and the movie begins.
The enormity of the medium strikes Leopold at once. He
involuntarily leans back in his chair grabbing Kate's
shoulder, watching attentively. After a bit:
LEOPOLD
Is that supposed to be my hair? Do
you see how they think my hair looks?
Kate looks over at Leopold and nods. Through his eyes, she
too experiences movies for the first time. She moves close
to him.
EXT. N.Y.C. - DAY
Grammercy Park, The Guggenheim Museum, Central Park Plaza,
The Metropolitan Museum.
EXT. METROPOLITAN MUSEUM - DAY
Kate and Leopold bound up the steps, entering the museum.
INT. MUSEUM - DAY
Modern art exhibit. Leopold stares blankly at an empty white
canvas. He turns to Kate questioningly.
KATE
That's simplicity in it's purest
form. It speaks volumes in it's
nothingness. Whiteness representing
emptiness. Hopelessness. It's bleak.
Bleak!
Leopold eyes the painting skeptically. They move to the next
object d'art. A toilet.
LEOPOLD
Aaand this represents...?
They burst into giddy laughter.
KATE
Absolutely nothing.
They round the corner, moving to the next room. Leopold's
smile fades.
CLOSE UP: A painting of privileged Victorian society.
Shaken, he gazes at a painting in a dream-like state.
LEOPOLD
(very quietly)
I'd almost forgotten how beautiful
it was. Truly. Beautiful.
Kate smiles sadly at Leopold. They slowly walk out.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
We hear keys in the lock and laughter outside as Kate and
Leopold enter.
LEOPOLD
(laughing)
M & M's, CBS, FBI.
KATE
VIP, VHS, VCR.
They collapse on the couch.
LEOPOLD
Ah, JFK, PDQ, XYZ.
KATE
I don't know. K.D. Lang.
LEOPOLD
I don't know how you keep up with
it. I'm exhausted.
KATE
So am I.
LEOPOLD
I'll tell you what. Why don't I
prepare dinner tomorrow night? I
never have before. I mean even before
I hit town. "Hit town" How's that? I
can't imagine what it'll taste like,
but I don't think it will be any
worse than your cooking.
KATE
Leopold, I have a date tomorrow night.
LEOPOLD
I see.
KATE
A blind date.
LEOPOLD
Oh, I'm so sorry.
KATE
No, that just means I haven't met
him before. It was set up through
friends.
LEOPOLD
Ah!
KATE
A hazard of single life... I'm turning
in.
Kate gets up. Leopold automatically stands.
LEOPOLD
Another time then.
KATE
I'm sorry.
LEOPOLD
It's quite all right.
As she gets to the door, she stops.
KATE
Leopold? I had a wonderful time today.
I can't remember the last time I
took the day off and just played.
I'd forgotten how beautiful this
city can be... I want to thank you
for that.
LEOPOLD
The pleasure was mine.
Kate smiles at Leopold and goes out.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Charlie, in a tie, is standing with Leopold at the dining
room table. Kate wearing too much makeup for her date, runs
into the bathroom in a BRIGHT RED DRESS.
CHARLIE
It's a very fancy restaurant, Leopold.
Are you sure you can teach me
everything there is to know?
KATE
(from the bathroom)
Just don't swipe the silverware and
give yourself away.
CHARLIE
Nobody's talking to you.
LEOPOLD
It is very simple. I will be your
date. Just behave as you normally
would and I'll correct you along the
way. Now, escort me in.
Charlie and Leopold move across the room. After a beat,
Charlie magnanimously gestures for Leopold to go first.
Leopold gives his approval. Kate rushes out of the bathroom
in a tight BLACK dress.
Leopold and Charlie elegantly walk to the table. Charlie
sits down, pleased. Leopold remains standing, incensed.
CHARLIE
Now what?
Leopold takes a cloth napkin, hits Charlie upside the head.
Hard.
LEOPOLD
Pull the chair for a lady! Clod.
KATE (V.O.)
No name calling.
LEOPOLD
(to Kate)
Well, really!
Charlie stands up and pulls out the chair. As Leopold sits,
Charlie pushes the chair in to hard.
LEOPOLD
You're not shoveling coal into a
furnace, Charles. Glide the chair in
gently. Gently. Try it again.
Charlie gently glides Leopold to the table. He remains
standing, not sure what to do next.
LEOPOLD
Well, sit down!
CHARLIE
Now don't burst a vein or anything,
but there are quite a few knives and
forks here. How do I know what each
one's for?
LEOPOLD
Merely start from the outside and
work your way in.
CHARLIE
What kind of beer should I order?
LEOPOLD
Beer!
CHARLIE
I WAS KIDDING!
KATE
How do I look?
Leopold and Charlie stand. Kate poses in the gown picked out
by Leopold. Leopold smiles brightly.
LEOPOLD
You look exquisite, Katherine.
KATE
(almost sadly)
Thank you, Leopold.
She looks at Leopold not knowing what to say. Finally
CHARLIE
This is a tie I'm wearing.
KATE
You look very nice, Charlie.
CHARLIE
Yes. I know.
The doorbell rings.
KATE
That must be him.
LEOPOLD
Your bland date?
KATE
Blind date.
CHARLIE
Remember to breathe, Kate. And don't
use to many big words. You'll scare
the poor slob away.
KATE
(moving to the door)
This is always the scary part.
(she sings)
"Open the door to my, Mystery Date."
She opens the door and looks straight up. Leopold and Charlie
peer in closer to get a better look. In the doorway stands
LARRY, great looking, very tall, a winner.
LARRY
Hi. Kate?
KATE
Larry?
Kate turns back to the others with a frozen smile.
KATE
Well, I'm off.
LEOPOLD
(giving Larry the
once over)
Kate, may I have a word with you?
KATE
Now?
LEOPOLD
Yes.
(as they cross the
room)
I DON'T like the look of him.
KATE
What are you talking about?
LEOPOLD
Cad. I can spot one a mile away.
(he helps her with
her coat)
I shall escort you out myself. I
will act as your chaperone.
KATE
That isn't necessary. I'll be fine.
LEOPOLD
It is no trouble.
KATE
Goodnight, Leopold.
LEOPOLD
But...
KATE
Goodnight.
She is gone. Leopold stares after her, dejected.
INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
Kate and Larry are led to their table. Larry sits down. Kate
remains standing.
LARRY
(friendly)
Sit down.
KATE
(sighs)
Thank you.
(she sits)
LARRY
So. How am I doing?
KATE
I beg your pardon?
LARRY
How am I doing? First date. You
pleased? You disappointed?
KATE
Undecided.
LARRY
I see.
He snaps his fingers to get the waiters attention startling
Kate. She laughs nervously.
LARRY
So. What did Jeannie say about me?
KATE
About you? Ah, she said you were
tall.
LARRY
6'3.
KATE
And nice looking.
LARRY
Thank you.
KATE
Thank her. And that you persevere
ardently on Wall Street.
LARRY
Well, I work there...
KATE
(after a beat)
That must be very interesting.
LARRY
(laughing)
You've obviously never worked on
Wall Street.
KATE
(laughing along for
the hell of it)
No.
Their laughter subsides. After a beat:
LARRY
What else did Jeannie say about me?
INT. THE FOUR SEASONS - NIGHT
The Maitre d' of this very fancy restaurant shows Charlie
and Patrice to their seats. Charlie motions Patrice to go
first just as Leopold has instructed.
The Maitre de pulls out Patrice's chair. Charlie gives him a
look to back off. Charlie effortlessly glides Patrice to the
table and takes his seat.
PATRICE
Have I told you how much I liked
your painting?
CHARLIE
(beaming)
Twice.
PATRICE
If you get tired of hearing about
it, let me know. I have to admit I
was sort of surprised when you called.
I didn't think you liked me, Charlie.
CHARLIE
When I first saw you, I thought...
(he makes his jaw
drop down to the
floor)
PATRICE
What do you think now?
Charlie smiles and places her hand over his heart. Then he
makes his jaw drop again. Patrice laughs happily.
INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
Kate and Larry are eating their dinner.
KATE
Aaand that's about all Jeannie said.
What did Jeannie say about me?
LARRY
(smiling)
She said you were enormously sexy,
had a great body, but you don't put
out.
KATE
Quite a compelling portrait.
LARRY
(turning on the charm)
Would you say it's an accurate
portrait?
KATE
(leaning into Larry)
A masterpiece.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Leopold slowly carries a dinner tray to the dinning room
table. He moves to the window and looks out. After a while
he pours a glass of wine.
INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
As they eat their dinner Larry drones on.
LARRY
So this guy wants to invest $50,000
in a stock that's no good. Here's
what I do...
Kate stares absentmindedly at Larry, her mind somewhere else.
She looks down at the fork in her hand. She switches to the
proper one, reflecting on Leopold's etiquette. She notices
her napkin lying flat on the table. She reaches for it.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Leopold unfolds his napkin and puts it on his lap. He begins
to eat his dinner. Slowly. Elegantly. Alone.
INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
Kate places the napkin on her lap. She stares at it a long
while. Finally she looks up at Larry.
EXTREME CLOSE UP OF LARRY
LARRY
I'm telling you the guy was a DICK!
A total ASSHOLE!
KATE
(jarred awake)
Who?
LARRY
Jeff Murray. The guy I've been talking
about. Hello?
KATE
(realizing her feelings
for Leopold, smiling
radiantly at Larry)
Goodbye.
Then as she leaves, a parting shot.
KATE
Don't get up.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sound of keys in the lock, then Kate bursts through the door.
KATE
Leopold?
The living room is dark and empty. She goes through the living
room, past the hallway, into the bedroom.
KATE
Leopold?
His bedroom is empty. He is not there.
KATE
Oh, Leopold...
She runs into Charlie's studio and stops short.
Next to Charlie's stern paintings, Leopold's portrait of
Kate shines in the moonlight. She wears an antique dress.
She is lovely. Kate sees herself as Leopold sees her and is
touched. She turns and collides head on with Leopold.
KATE
Oh!
LEOPOLD
Bread and butter.
He is wearing gloves and an apron. He rubs his bruised head,
inadvertently leaving a trail of suds along his face.
LEOPOLD
You're back early. Did you enjoy
your date?
KATE
(happily)
No.
She moves in close, trying to remove the soap from his face.
KATE
Here, you've got some...
He wipes his face making it much worse.
LEOPOLD
Is it gone?
KATE
(laughing)
No.
She uses the apron to wipe away the soap. They gaze at each
other and become serious.
KATE
(softly)
A funny thing happened to me on my
bland date this evening, Leopold. I
really can't explain it. This puffed-
up, puritanical, blundering, greenhorn
kept popping into my mind all night
long at the most inopportune times.
I couldn't get rid of him.
LEOPOLD
How inconsiderate.
KATE
Yeah, it was. The harder I tried,
the more persistent he became. He's
conceited and inflated and unseasoned
and it doesn't seem to matter...
He's 134 years old but I can't get
him out of my head.
LEOPOLD
Is he there right now?
KATE
Right here. Larger than life.
LEOPOLD
I'll protect you...
They kiss. A long romantic passionate kiss.
LEOPOLD
Dr. Coles, would you grant me license
to dine with you tomorrow evening at
eight o'clock?
KATE
Permission granted.
LEOPOLD
Until tomorrow, then.
They separate. A beat. Leopold gestures for Kate to go first.
They head down the hallway together into their separate rooms.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The table clock chimes eight times. Leopold enters from the
kitchen dressed perfectly in the most UP TO DATE style. He
carries a casserole dish.
A second later Kate enters from the hallway. She is wearing
an OLD FASHIONED, ANTIQUE DRESS. She looks lovely.
LEOPOLD
(a little startled)
You look beautiful.
KATE
YOU do. What have you got there?
Leopold opens the casserole dish.
KATE
Hamburger Helper!
LEOPOLD
I know you like it.
Kate smiles. She looks behind him into the kitchen. A COLOSSAL
MESS. Leopold lights the candles and pulls out her chair.
This time she's prepared. He slides her chair to the table.
INT. LIVING ROOM, LATER THAT NIGHT
The candles have burned down, casting a romantic glow
throughout the apartment. Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful
World" plays. Kate and Leopold sit on the couch sipping wine.
LEOPOLD
Tell me more.
KATE
Um, where was I? So after my father
died I had to go to work.
LEOPOLD
Have you had many jobs?
KATE
Many. I got fired from all of them.
I'm the most unskilled person I know.
But they were just survival jobs
while I was still in school. I always
knew I wanted to go into science
like my father. And I did.
LEOPOLD
Do you miss him?
KATE
I think about him every day. He was
courtly, just like you.
LEOPOLD
I think you are a remarkable woman
Katherine Coles.
KATE
You just don't get out much. You'd
be surprised how remarkable I'm not.
LEOPOLD
No, it is you who would be surprised.
They kiss. Anxiously they stare into each other's eyes. They
kiss again. Slowly, Kate leads him to her bedroom door. They
look at each other, deciding.
Deliberately, cautiously, Kate opens the door.
LEOPOLD
Kate...
Kate puts her fingers over Leopold's lips. Gently she leads
him inside. They slowly embrace as the door closes.
INT. BEDROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
Sunlight floods the room. Clothes are scattered about. Two
figures lie curled up together sleeping in bed. One of the
figures rolls around. The covers are pulled back revealing:
CHARLIE
Good morning.
PATRICE
Morning.
They kiss.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Leopold wearing a bathrobe is pouring coffee. The table is
set for a huge breakfast. Kate also in a robe enters from
the hallway. There is a moment of awkwardness as they see
each other for the first time.
KATE
Morning.
LEOPOLD
Good morning.
They kiss shyly. Kate notices the feast.
KATE
Look what you've done!
LEOPOLD
It's nothing.
KATE
Nothing? My own mother never made me
a breakfast like this.
LEOPOLD
I will have to have a talk with her.
KATE
Leopold...
LEOPOLD
Kate...
KATE
About last night...
LEOPOLD
Please sit down.
He pulls out a chair for her and kneels beside her.
LEOPOLD
Kate, I had never before been a
considerate man. I had, with
astonishing complacency, squandered
my life, waiting for some incentive
to force me into action. You have
made me see how rare our time here
really is. I am most beholden to you
Kate. And always will be.
KATE
I sense the word "BUT" entering into
this any minute now.
Leopold takes her hands in his. She looks at him defensively,
bracing for worst.
LEOPOLD
Do me the honor Katherine, of becoming
my wife.
Kate lets out a very girlish, high pitched scream
LEOPOLD
Shall I take that as a "yes"?
KATE
Leopold! Did you just ask me to marry
you?
LEOPOLD
I love you, Kate.
KATE
That's entirely beside the point...
You're moving way too fast here.
Shouldn't we date first? I mean it's
obvious the first one went well...
LEOPOLD
Where I come from that's pretty much
the way it works.
KATE
Leopold, even though last night we...
loved each other, that doesn't mean
this morning we're engaged. It just
doesn't work that way now.
LEOPOLD
(taking a ring off
his fingers and
placing it on hers)
I have loved you since I first set
eyes on you. I cannot imagine my
life without you beside me. I want
to marry you, Kate and make an honest
woman of you.
KATE
Oh Leopold, sit down.
They switch places. Leopold sits and Kate kneels beside him.
KATE
Relationships these days are much
more complicated than that. Women
today have certain freedoms that men
have been taking advantage of for
centuries. You must have been aware
of that. If you think about it
clearly, it should be obvious to you
that marriage between us is out of
the question.
LEOPOLD
Do you not love me Kate?
KATE
(almost inaudible)
Don't ever think that...
LEOPOLD
Then consider my proposal.
KATE
I'll think it over but I can tell
you now the answer is...
He kisses her. It's impressive.
KATE
(out of breath)
Possibly.
LEOPOLD
(a knowing smile)
I need you beside me. I will not
give up easily.
KATE
(smiling)
Do what you have to do...
Charlie enters. Kate and Leopold become extremely
selfconscious.
CHARLIE
Morning.
LEOPOLD AND KATE
(too casual and too
chipper)
Morning!
Charlie is immediately aware that something is not quite
right. He studies the two of them and nonchalant sits at the
table. Kate and Leopold serve themselves breakfast.
LEOPOLD
(to Kate)
Coffee?
Kate nods. As Leopold pours, they look at each other shyly.
CHARLIE
(after a pause)
I would like some coffee.
KATE
Of course. Say when.
She pours Charlie's coffee until it overflows.
CHARLIE
(deadpan)
When.
KATE
Sorry.
As Kate wipes up the table, Charlie notices her ring. He
eyes Leopold suspiciously. Leopold concentrates on his plate.
Charlie gives Kate a questioning glance. She smiles at him,
looking both innocent and guilty at the same time. After a
beat:
CHARLIE
Uh huh.
All smile privately and sip their coffee without another
word.
CUT TO:
INT. LAB - NIGHT
Buried behind open books and crumpled up paper, Kate labors
in earnest.
She stops suddenly, almost violently, and studies the notes
in front of her. The coffee cup falls from her hand and
breaks.
DR. KAY
(calling from her
office)
Kate, are you all right?
KATE
Fine! I'm fine.
She covers her papers and self consciously cleans up her
mess. She sits down slowly and peeks at her notes. She has
SOLVED THE PUZZLE that will send Leopold back.
She looks up in disbelief and glances through her window
around the lab. Everyone is hard at work. Helplessly, she
stares back at the paper on her desk.
She pulls open her drawer and takes out the picture of
Carlson. She stares at it for a long time. She opens her
mouth to call for the others, stops, and looks at the photo.
Slowly, with great indecision, Kate crumples up the paper.
She returns the picture to the drawer. After a long moment,
she opens a book, feigning research, her mind a million miles
away.
INT. KATE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Leopold and Kate sit on her bed watching David Lettering.
Kate clutches her pillow close to her. She looks over at
Leopold concentrating on the TV with furrowed brow. She smiles
sadly. She takes her pillow and flings it off her bed. She
snuggles up to Leopold. They watch TV. Together.
EXT. N.Y.C. - DAY
Central Park in full bloom, Botanical Gardens, The Frock
Museum.
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
Leopold and Kate eat lunch. Leopold scans a newspaper. On
the TV over the bar, Bob Dole is speaking out against gun
control.
LEOPOLD
Public office is apparently still
the last refuge for the incompetent.
Show me a man who does not want his
gun registered and I'll show you a
man who should not own a gun. What
is a pee-pee girl?
KATE
What are you reading?
LEOPOLD
The Village Voice. After much
consideration, I have decided it is
time I join the work force.
KATE
As a pee-pee girl?
LEOPOLD
Perhaps not that, but I am determined
to acquire honest employment.
KATE
Leopold, I don't know if that's such
a good idea.
LEOPOLD
Kate, my life back home was beneficial
to no one. I want my new life to
have value. I won't make the same
mistakes twice.
KATE
You have to be patient.
LEOPOLD
I could conceivably wait my whole
life away.
KATE
You're awfully cute when you get
causey.
LEOPOLD
I will not waste any more time. I
must make a difference.
INT. BLOOMINGDALES - DAY
Customers fill the aisles. In the center of it all, Leopold
is hard at work. He holds a bottle of perfume.
LEOPOLD
Try our fragrance? Would you like to
try our new fragrance today?
RICH CUSTOMER
What is it?
LEOPOLD
It is called, POISON.
He squirts some at her.
RICH CUSTOMER
Oh! I don't think so. Have you got
PASSION?
LEOPOLD
I beg your pardon?
RICH CUSTOMER
Elizabeth Taylor's Passion?
LEOPOLD
Next aisle over.
She leaves. Leopold looks after her.
LEOPOLD
(after a beat)
Give your mother-in-law what she
really deserves this season. Give
her some POISON.
INT. KATE'S LABORATORY OFFICE - MORNING
The doctors enter Kate's office and closes the door.
KATE
Hi.
(the doctors remain
silent)
What's the matter?
There is a long pause. Slowly Kate realizes the doctors are
on to her. She puts down her pen.
KATE
So you know.
DR. KAU
We had to go through your computer
to access information. Your
calculations have been verified and
the final course has been set. Leopold
goes back a week from Friday 1:17
a.m.
DR. PLODDER
How long were you going to keep it a
secret, Kate?
DR. DRAKE
Were you even going to tell us at
all?
KATE
I'm not sure.
DR. PLODDER
Not sure? What can you be thinking?
You can't alter the course of history
and assume everything will be okay.
It won't be. He has his own destiny
to fulfill in his own time.
KATE
(quietly)
You don't understand.
DR. DRAKE
(gently)
He's going back, Kate.
DR. PLODDER
It's over.
Kate nods. The doctors slowly leave the room and close the
door. Just the sound of the clock ticking.
Kate sits at her desk very still.
KATE
No... No, no, no.
INT. KATE'S BEDROOM - EARLY EVENING
Charlie knocks and enters.
CHARLIE
There you are. I've only been
hollering for the last...
He sees her face. Kate's eyes are red and swollen. She lays
out Leopold's belongings.
CHARLIE
Kate? What is it? What happened?
KATE
(very detached)
It's time. Leopold's going back.
CHARLIE
Kate...
KATE
Yup. I'll get his things together.
Tell him tonight.
He goes to her.
CHARLIE
Are you all right?
KATE
(pulling away)
I'm fine.
CHARLIE
You don't look so fine.
KATE
Well I am. It was wonderful having
him here, Charlie. He was of
invaluable assistance to the project.
(she shrugs)
I'll miss him.
CHARLIE
You'll miss him?
KATE
I will.
CHARLIE
Goddamnit Kate, you love the guy!
Kate remains silent.
CHARLIE
Kate, don't do this. Please. It's
not right.
KATE
What am I supposed to DO, Charlie??
I can't go back. He can't stay. I
can't let him go. I'm not equipped
to deal with this, Charlie. I don't
know how.
CHARLIE
Listen to me, Kate. Don't! Don't be
the ice princess.
KATE
(beginning to tear up)
I'm not!
CHARLIE
You are. You can't live your whole
life under a microscope. You've got
to tell him how you feel.
KATE
(breaking down in his
arms)
It's too much, Charlie. It's just
too much.
CHARLIE
You owe it to him.
KATE
I didn't know I could feel like this.
I really didn't know.
INT. FANCY FRENCH RESTAURANT - NIGHT
LEOPOLD
So I looked him right in the eye and
said, 'Ego is nature's compensation
for mediocrity.' I turned and I
walked. He never said a word... He
probably didn't understand it...
Kate?
KATE
(cold)
What?
LEOPOLD
Are you all right? You're awfully
quiet.
KATE
I'm fine.
LEOPOLD
How was your day?
KATE
(taking a long pause)
It's time.
Leopold looks at her.
KATE
We're sending you back.
LEOPOLD
(slowly pushing his
plate away)
When?
KATE
A week from Friday, early morning.
LEOPOLD
No!
KATE
It was a mistake, Leopold. It's out
of our hands. We can't POCKET people
from history like stolen jewels. We
haven't the right... I'm sorry. We'll
miss you.
LEOPOLD
Is that all?
KATE
What do you want me to do, fall apart?
You'd still be leaving. It wouldn't
solve anything.
LEOPOLD
Who is this woman sitting across
from me?
KATE
What do you want me to say, Leopold?
LEOPOLD
Tell me that you love me as I love
you. Let me hear you say it.
Kate remains silent. Leopold abruptly throws money on the
table.
LEOPOLD
I will not do this. I'm sorry.
We starts out.
KATE
Leopold!
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Leopold walks out of the restaurant trying to remain calm.
His emotions get the best of him. Finally, exhausted, he
winds up walking along Central Park South.
Hansom Carriages wait to be taken out. He approaches slowly.
He stops along side one of the cabs and strokes the horse's
head.
He looks at the horse for a long time. Then he looks at the
skyscrapers surrounding him, deciding what to do. He lays
his face against the horse's head, torn.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - EARLY MORNING
Kate sits at the dinning room table behind empty Sara Lee
boxes, pints of ice cream, beer bottles, and is working her
way through the cookie dough. Leopold enters through the
front door, DISHEVELED.
LEOPOLD
Good God. Look at you. You look awful.
KATE
You should see what I'm looking at.
LEOPOLD
I went back to the restaurant. They
told me you went out looking for me
right after I left.
KATE
That was pound cakes ago. Where were
you?
LEOPOLD
I had a lot to think over.
KATE
Such as?
LEOPOLD
Just where I stand around here.
There is a long pause.
KATE
(quietly)
We should have come up with something
together. I might have been spared
ten or seventy pounds.
LEOPOLD
Is that an apology?
KATE
I'm sorry for what I said.
Leopold goes to her. He gently prys cookie dough from her
hands.
LEOPOLD
I'm not going anywhere.
KATE
Yes you are...
LEOPOLD
I'm not going. I'm staying here with
you.
KATE
But? You can't! We have no right
to...
LEOPOLD
It is my destiny. It is my decision.
KATE
Have you thought about what you'd be
sacrificing? Your influence? Your
authority?
They kiss.
KATE
Your family, your whole way of life,
everything?
They kiss.
KATE
You're not just feeling sorry for me
because I ate the contents of the
refrigerator, are you?
They kiss.
LEOPOLD
I love you, Kate. The single most
miraculous event in my life was not
how I arrived here, but that when I
did, I found you.
KATE
(overwhelmed)
Here comes the mushy part!
LEOPOLD
After much consideration I've come
to the conclusion I no longer desire
a large estate with a full staff and
ornate grounds.
KATE
That's good, because if you're staying
I'll probably get fired again. What
do you desire?
LEOPOLD
A beautiful wife, a small home in
the middle of nowhere, lots of
children, and fine schools with PMS
meetings every other Sunday.
KATE
...PTA?
LEOPOLD
PTA.
KATE
I love you too. I do, Leopold. I
love you, too.
They kiss.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Leopold and Kate sit calm and resolute. The doctors are in
an uproar.
DR. PLODDER
This is outrageous! I won't allow
it!
LEOPOLD
The decision is not yours to make.
DR. PLODDER
Do you realize what you're saying?
You're tampering with fate,
preordinance, and God himself.
LEOPOLD
We do that every day, doctor. It is
called CHOICE.
DR. KAU
Dr. Carlson is still over there. You
can't simply abandon her. We have to
get her back.
KATE
Do you think I'm not aware of that?
Do you think a minute goes by that I
don't feel responsible for her? But
SOMEONE ELSE CAN GO.
DR. KAU
Only one person can return. The
capsule accommodates only one person.
Leopold has to find her.
LEOPOLD
Perhaps she does not wish to return.
Perhaps she's found greater happiness
in her new life. It happened to me.
KATE
Maybe this is her destiny. Maybe
she's of more important use back
there.
DR. KAU
Julia Carlson died in the Center
Factory fire of 1897, two years after
she arrived. She was 37 years old.
There is a stunned silence.
DR. DRAKE
Dear lord.
DR. KAU
She was a friend, Kate. She was never
expected to sacrifice her life for
this experiment. I won't be a party
to it. I know what I'm asking...
There's no way we can force you to
go. Just think it over.
INT. BEDROOM - 2:30 A.M.
A clock is ticking loudly. Kate and Leopold lie back to back.
KATE
You're going back aren't you?
LEOPOLD
I keep seeing that poor woman's face.
She was terrified.
KATE
You said you wouldn't leave me...
I've never been lucky. Not one time.
LEOPOLD
Six months ago I wouldn't have given
it another thought. I wouldn't have
lost a moment's sleep. You've changed
me, Kate. There is no turning back.
KATE
I wouldn't WANT you to change. That's
what's tearing me up inside. Either
way I lose... You've changed me too.
I can't go back to my old life
anymore. I can't live like that again.
God my heart is pounding like a drum.
I've never been so scared in my life.
Take me with you, Leopold. God. Take
me with you.
LEOPOLD
You don't realize what you're saying!
You don't understand the kind of
life you'd lead. What you'd be giving
up.
KATE
I'd be with you.
LEOPOLD
I can't ask that of you.
KATE
Just ask me... Just ask.
LEOPOLD
Come back with me.
She slowly turns. She embraces him.
KATE
Yes!
EXT. N.Y.C. STREET - NIGHT
Dressed to the nines, Leopold leads a blindfolded Kate through
the street. She is clumsier than usual.
KATE
Where are you taking me?
LEOPOLD
This is something I've wanted to do
for a long time.
She takes off her blindfold and looks up at the sign:
ROSELAND.
KATE
Leopold?
LEOPOLD
This will be very therapeutic.
He takes her arm and escorts her in.
INT. ROSELAND - NIGHT
Leopold leads Kate to the dance floor. He opens his arms and
Kate steps in the way she was taught in class. Leopold pulls
her close.
This time there is no pretending. Partnered together, they
shine. They move beautifully, effortlessly. It's almost more
than they can bear. As the music plays, they stop. Leopold
holds Kate tightly. They look at each other for the longest
time.
CUT TO:
INT. LABORATORY - EARLY MORNING
Large screen computers are working overtime. Kate, Leopold,
and Charlie accompany the doctors to the capsule. It is nearly
time.
DR. DRAKE
The time tables have been set. Just
strap yourself in and you'll be fine.
DR. PLODDER
You have only a twenty four hour
leeway before the machine is set to
return to us. You must find Carlson
within that time frame and get her
on board or there will be little
chance of her finding a way back.
LEOPOLD
I understand.
DR. DRAKE
It's been a real pleasure. You have
a much nicer smile than Ronald
Coleman.
LEOPOLD
The privilege was mine.
DR. KAU
Goodbye Leopold, and thank you.
(she gives him a kiss)
LEOPOLD
Oh, my.
DR. KAU
Don't worry. We'll send Kate to you...
as soon as possible. I'll see to it
myself.
LEOPOLD
See that you do.
DR. KAU
You have my word on it.
The doctors leave.
DR. DRAKE
Four minutes and counting.
CHARLIE
Well? I'll make this quick. Goodbye.
He sticks out his hand.
LEOPOLD
Goodbye.
(impulsively Leopold
embraces Charlie)
I shall miss you Charles, more than
you know.
CHARLIE
I'll miss you too, Leopold... You're
the only one who knows how to program
the VCR... Take care of my sister.
LEOPOLD
I will.
CARLSON
You better. Take care of yourself
too while you're at it... So long.
KATE
I don't have any words for this.
LEOPOLD
I will see you soon.
KATE
I know.
LEOPOLD
You'll be with me all the time.
KATE
I know. I brought you something.
She takes out a ring and slips it on his finger.
KATE
So you wouldn't forget me.
LEOPOLD
Kate...
KATE
So you wouldn't think this was all a
dream.
They kiss.
KATE
Don't forget about me.
LEOPOLD
I love you, Kate.
KATE
Wait for me.
LEOPOLD
For as long as it takes.
KATE
I will come back to you! I will!
LEOPOLD
I'll be waiting.
They kiss again for the last time.
DR. DRAKE
It's time Leopold.
Leopold holds Kate's face in his hands. Very slowly they
part.
Leopold takes his place in the machine and straps himself
in. He places one hand on the red lever and the other against
the glass pane on the door. Kate comes over and places her
hand over his. Wordlessly, they say goodbye.
After a moment, Dr. Kau gently moves Kate away. Dr. Plodder
silently raises his arm, signaling Leopold.
DR. PLODDER
9 8 7 6 5 4...
Leopold shifts in his seat, his eyes never leaving Kate's,
his hand still against the glass.
Kate smiles tenderly at Leopold.
DR. PLODDER
3 2 1!
Dr. Plodder drops his arm signaling Leopold. Leopold pulls
the lever, still gazing at Kate. There is a blinding FLASH
of light, then darkness.
INT. LAB - MONTHS LATER
Kate raises her head. She sits at her desk surrounded by the
doctors.
DR. PLODDER
I cannot in good conscience let you
go. It's out of the question.
DR. DRAKE
I can't be a part of it either Kate.
I'm sorry.
DR. KAU
It's too big a risk.
Kate rises and moves to the window. She is a full NINE MONTHS
PREGNANT.
DR. PLODDER
We cannot guarantee your child's
safety. It's that simple.
KATE
He's waiting for me. I can feel it.
Oh, Leopold...
She gazes out the window, searching the horizon.
CUT TO:
EXT. A SMALL FARM HOUSE - EVENING
Down from the horizon, a farm house. LEO COLES, 5 years old,
rocks on his front porch swing. Using his bare hands as
puppets he carries on a conversation. JULIA CARLSON pulls up
in her car.
CARLSON
Hi. Does Katherine Coles live here?
LEO
Yeah.
(yelling inside)
MOM??
CARLSON
You're Leo aren't you? You don't
remember me but I knew you when you
were yea big.
(she holds her hands
an inch apart)
LEO
Yeah.
CARLSON
I'm Julia. I'm an old friend of your
mothers.
LEO
(proudly)
We had spaghetti at our house 4 times
this week.
Kate comes out on the porch. She looks lovely.
KATE
Leo you don't have to holler like
that. I'm not deaf...
CARLSON
Kate?
KATE
...Carlson?!
The two women scream, run to each other and embrace.
KATE
Carlson, I don't believe it. It's
been... I don't know how many years.
What are you doing here.
CARLSON
I came to see you, sweetie.
KATE
You remember my son, Leo?
CARLSON
We've just been getting acquainted.
KATE
Well, come inside. Come inside.
INT. KATE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Kate heads straight for the kitchen. Carlson scans the living
room before joining her.
Although rustic on the outside, the inside of the house is
furnished with antiques and is Victorian in style.
KATE
(covering her agitation)
Would you like some tea? I wish you
had called before you come over. It
would have given me a chance to
straighten up the house... myself...
my life. Tell me what you've been up
to. Catch me up on everyone. I heard
you received some big endowment or
something. I was going to write,
then call, but...
She picks up the cup and saucer but it shakes so violently
she has to put it down.
CARLSON
It's all right, Kate. I understand.
There is a LONG PAUSE. Carlson gets the tea ready. Finally:
CARLSON
You'd leave in 9 days. That's not a
lot of time to get your affairs in
order... And I warn you, it's nearly
impossible for an intelligent woman
back there.
Kate stands by the back door, looking out at Leo.
CARLSON
He's a fine boy Kate. Leopold would
be proud. We're aware of your
situation but we felt when the time
came, you deserved the option.
Kate nods, trembling slightly.
INT. FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
Kate stands in the doorway as Carlson drives off.
LEO
Who was that lady?
KATE
Just an old friend.
LEO
What she want?
KATE
(she looks at Leo)
Nothing important. You brush your
teeth?
Leo shows off his teeth.
KATE
Then give your old mom a hug and go
to bed.
(Leo gives her a hug
and a kiss)
Good night, cookie.
LEO
Good night.
Kate wraps herself in an old blanket and moves through the
house turning off the lights. It is very guiet. All we hear
are Kate's footsteps and the sound of the clock ticking.
She makes her way upstairs, enters her bed room. She sits
down by the window at her desk. She sits a long time lost in
thought.
She slowly pulls open a drawer and from deep inside pulls
out an old photo album. She opens it and begins to look
through.
CUT TO:
THE PHOTO ALBUM
Inside, old black and white photographs, newspaper clippings,
magazine articles trace Leopold throughout his life.
A photograph of Leopold looking as he did the night he
departed this world. He stands stiffly beside his family for
a formal portrait. Very discreetly, he points to a ring. It
is the same ring Kate gave him.
A newspaper article shows Leopold donating $100,000 to
establish a scientific center researching studies in time
and space.
A magazine picture shows Leopold, the sole male figure,
marching to give women the vote.
A photograph of a large formal wedding. Leopold, around FIFTY,
stands alone in the wedding party, surreptitiously pointing
to his ring.
A magazine article shows Leopold in his SIXTIES establishing
a scholarship program for studies in physics. He is surrounded
by academia and subtly points to his ring.
A photograph of Leopold around SEVENTY shaking hands with
Albert Einstein and smiling broadly for the cameras.
A professional photograph of Leopold at SEVENTY FIVE, sitting
regally in a chair. Beside him, an EMPTY chair. He rests one
hand on the back of the chair. The other he holds against
his chest, showing off the ring.
An obituary with the headline, "Philanthropist, 80, dies in
bombings.
A tear falls on the page.
Kate cries silently, looking out the window. The camera
follows her gaze past her property...
CUT TO:
INT. BANQUET ROOM - YEARS LATER
LEO, 24 and his BRIDE take to the floor for the first time
as husband and wife and are greeted with applause. Kate,
older, beautiful, hair cut short, looks on in wonder.
Charlie, standing with Patrice and their 6 blonde children,
approaches Kate and leads her to the dance floor.
KATE
He's so YOUNG, Charlie.
CHARLIE
He's old enough.
KATE
Look at that idiotic expression on
his face.
CHARLIE
He's happy.
KATE
Of course he's happy. All weddings
are happy. It's the living together
afterwards that causes all the
trouble.
Julia Carlson, under dressed, over anxious, enters the banquet
hall. She stands at the back of the large room, searching.
Couples fill the dance floor. Across the expansive room,
over the tops of heads, Charlie and Kate bob amongst the
guests. Leo cuts in. As they spin, in the briefest of seconds,
Kate spots Carlson. She pales. They TURN.
Kate peers over Leo's shoulder. Her eyes lock with Julia's.
Julia nods with purpose. Kate holds onto Leo tightly, not
wanting to let go. She buries her head in his chest.
KATE
Oh, you're so young... I love you,
Leo. Always remember that...
From behind, her shoulders shake as she cries.
LEO
Mom, we're only moving to Denver.
KATE
I know, cookie. I know.
INT. CONTROL BOOTH - NIGHT
From behind a glass partition, Carlson works at her console.
A monitor counts away the seconds. 59, 58, 57... In the
darkened lab, Kate, dressed in early 1920s attire, straps
herself in and smiles tearfully. Their voices echo in the
lab.
KATE
Well...
CHARLIE
I know. Me too.
They embrace each other for the last time.
KATE
What will I do without you, Charlie?
CHARLIE
(softly)
Live happily ever after.
CARLSON
(pushing the intercom
button)
Kate, it's time.
LEO
(emotionally)
Here. It's a letter for my father.
Tell him about me and... um, tell
him I love him. I want him to know
me.
KATE
Leo...
LEO
Mom, I want you to go.
KATE
But...
He puts his finger to her lips. He looks to his wife then
back at Kate. He nods his head.
LEO
Go.
They force themselves to smile, trying to get through the
moment.
CARLSON
Ready!
Charlie, Leo and his new bride stand back. Inside the craft,
the only light comes from the glowing red lever. Carlson
raises her arm, signaling Kate. Then to her staff:
CARLSON
9, 8, 7...
Kate presses her hand against the glass as a final goodbye.
She grabs the lever with her other hand and turns away,
staring straight ahead. Charlie puts his arm around Leo.
CARLSON
3, 2, 1!
There is a BRIGHT WHITE FLASH. Kate is gone. The others stand
there motionless, stunned.
The screen is BLACK.
EXT. A LARGE VICTORIAN ESTATE - 1924 - NIGHT
A FLASH of light illuminates the forest at the Albany estate.
A BEAT. Kate races from the forest onto a massive lawn,
stumbling in mud as she hurries to the mansion's entrance.
INT. BALLROOM - NIGHT
Huge double doors open to reveal -- AN ORNATE BALLROOM. The
creme de la creme have gathered and dance. Kate overwhelmed,
rushes down an elaborate staircase. Half way down she looses
a shoe. She hesitates briefly then continues to the dance
floor.
In the center of the floor, Leopold, looking very
distinguished and attractive, dances with a flirtatious young
woman. Try as she might, Leopold keeps her at a distance.
FLIRT
(brushing his shirt
front)
I just love a starched white shirt.
It's so elegant.
LEOPOLD
Thank you.
FLIRT
Skeeky.
LEOPOLD
Yes. You dance like an angel Miss
Beall. You light up the room around
you. I thank you.
FLIRT
(with a big smile)
Thank YOU.
The music changes: A LIVELY CHARLESTON. Leopold heaves a
sigh of relief and makes his way through the crowd, up the
staircase.
The dancers become an intricate maze, a dead end at every
turn as Kate searches each male face.
In the foreground, Leopold is stopped by a woman midway up
the stairs. As they chat, Leopold reaches down and picks up
the muddy slipper, offering it to her. She turns in a huff,
flouncing down the stairs.
Simultaneously, in the background, Kate desperately looks
for Leopold.
Leopold studies the slipper as he makes his way up the stairs.
He slows down, hesitates and STOPS. Very slowly he turns
around. He becomes very still. TEARS well up in his eyes.
The ballroom clock strikes MIDNIGHT.
Kate climbs an opposite staircase to get a better view then
STOPS. In her heart SHE KNOWS. Slowly she turns. Leopold
stands quietly at the bottom of the stairs, gazing up at
her. He extends his arm, showing her THE RING. He offers her
his hand.
The crowd, the room, THE WORLD AROUND THEM, DISAPPEAR. Their
eyes lock. As she descends the staircase, THE YEARS MELT
AWAY. Kate's short hair grows long, cascading around her
shoulders. The fine lines around Leopold's face are gone.
They see themselves through each other's eyes, at the moment
of youth, when they fell in love.
Leopold bends down, places the slipper on Kate's foot. He
rises, looks down at his hands and then up at Kate. His hands
are caked with mud. She smiles helplessly. Not caring, he
wraps his arms tightly around her.
MUSIC begins to play, a slow waltz. He nods to her. She takes
a deep breath. Her head bobs in rhythm. She begins to count
silently. Leopold smiles, counting along.
THEY DANCE...
An elderly couple watch Leopold with interest.
LORD WHITEHEAD
Who is that dancing with Leopold?
LADY WHITEHEAD
I've never seen her before.
Kate and Leopold dance past. They are older. As they gaze
into each other's eyes, they twirl. THE LOOK OF YOUTH RETURNS.
At the center of the floor they stop dancing. THEY KISS. The
rest of the world dances around them.
Over this background... THE SCRAPBOOK PICTURES BLEED ONTO
SCREEN.
The old formal wedding photo becomes a photograph of Kate
and Leopold the perfect bride and groom, both discreetly
point to their rings.
Kate stands with Leopold as he establishes a scholarship for
studies in physics.
The old photograph of Leopold and Albert Einstein changes to
include Kate, waving and smiling broadly for the camera.
The professional photograph becomes a double portrait. It
shows the two in their 70's, sitting regally in matching
chairs. They hold hands and smile serenely. Staring directly
into the camera, they show off their rings.
SLOWLY the scrapbook closes...
Kate and Leopold dance, the music swells as they become lost
in the crowd. The clock CHIMES. Slowly we...
FADE OUT:
THE END
|
