THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL
Written by
Peter Morgan
Based on the novel by
Philippa Gregory
FEBRUARY 2006
T
EXT. FIELD - DAY
1 1
We're moving through a cornfield. At speed. The sound of
children's laughter. Excited shrieking.
A beautiful young girl, (MARY BOLEYN, 8), our heroine, runs
through the fields, being chased by her younger brother, GEORGE,
and sister, ANNE, (10).
Touchingly, MARY is barely taller than the corn, her head
skimming along the sheaves.
REVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL: the children are being watched by their
parents, (SIR THOMAS and LADY ELIZABETH BOLEYN).
SIR THOMAS
I received a formal request for marriage
today for Anne.
(a beat)
From the Carey family.
SIR THOMAS indicates to
ANNE; the eldest. Dark-haired.
Intelligent. The obvious leader among the children.
LADY ELIZABETH
But that's wonderful.
SIR THOMAS
I turned it down.
LADY ELIZABETH turns...`What?'
SIR THOMAS
And offered them Mary instead.
SIR THOMAS indicates
MARY, the middle child. Fair-haired.
Pretty. Sweet-natured.
SIR THOMAS
Fnne's too good for William Carey. She
can do (better than a merchant's son.
LADY ELIZABETH
You underestimate Mary.
SIR THOMAS
Not true. I think she's..the kinder of
the two. Quite possibly the fairer.
The CHILDREN, meanwhile, have started a race..
SIR THOMAS
But to get ahead in this world, you need
more than fair looks and a kind heart.
On the field, ANNE wins. She jumps up and down, holding her arms
aloft, as MARY flops to the floor. Vanquished.
2.
SIR THOMAS smiles, `See?' He walks towards ANNE..
SIR THOMAS
(applauding his favourite)
Bravo! Anne!
EXT. BELL TOWER - TEN YEARS LATER
2 2
Bells ring high up in the bell-tower of a country church.
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - DAY
3 3
MARY, ten years older, and grown into a heavenly bride is in her
room, surrounded by MAIDS and SEAMSTRESSES making final
adjustments to her dress. A knock at the door.
ANNE
May we come in..?
ANNE and GEORGE enter. GEORGE lets out a low whistle..
ANNE
Look at you..! Younger than me. More
beautiful than me. Married before me.
(a beat)
I am eclipsed. I am just the `Other
Boleyn Girl.'
MARY
Hardly.
GEORGE
No, is this it? This is the end of the
unholy trinity?
GEORGE extends her arms, wraps them around his two sister. An
intimate moment.
MARY
No, George. Never. I'll be married,
that's all..
(a beat)
Apart from that - it won't change a
thing.
The three of them hug together, tightly..
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
4 4
A packed country church. The PRIEST officiates in Latin. The air
is thick with incense. And winter cold..
3.
The entire BOLEYN FAMILY is assembled on one side. FATHER,
MOTHER, the DUKE and DUCHESS of NORFOLK, brother GEORGE, and
finally ANNE..
PRIEST
Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in
nobis..
The PRIEST sprinkles the ring with holy water. WILLIAM CAREY,
(35), puts it on MARY's finger.
few rows back, a young NOBLEMAN stares at ANNE. Looks at her
across the church. Obviously attracted. ANNE notices.
INT. BOLEYN HOME - NIGHT
5 5
The party afterwards. MUSICIANS play. The bride and groom,
(WILLIAM and MARY), are dancing, surrounded by WELL-WISHERS and
other GUESTS..
WILLIAM
Are you happy?
MARY
Very.
WILLIAM
You don't secretly wish you'd married
someone grander? With a title?
MARY
No. I want a husband who loves me. And
who thinks it first thing every morning.
And last thing at night.
WILLIAM
Then you've found the right man.
IN ANOTHER CORNER:
ANNE is dancing with her brother GEORGE. She looks up to see the
NOBLEMAN who was staring at her across the church..
ANNE
Who is that? He was staring at me in
church?
GEORGE
That's Henry Percy. Heir to the Duke of
Northumberland. Richest landowner in
England.
ANNE's eyes widen in interest, "Really?"
(CONTINUED)
4.
GEORGE
But don't get your hopes up. He is
already betrothed.
GEORGE indicates a tall, haughty-looking FIANCEE beside PERCY..
ANNE
Betrothed is not married, brother
George. A lot can happen before you
reach the altar.
ANNE stares over at HENRY PERCY. Who stares back.
IN ANOTHER CORNER:
6 6
he DUKE OF NORFOLK, the most powerful nobleman in the room, and
close personal friend of the KING's walks with his growling DOGS
to where SIR THOMAS BOLEYN and LADY ELIZABETH are sitting. SIR
THOMAS gets to his feet..
SIR THOMAS
Thomas..
he DUKE ignores THOMAS, and goes instead to his sister, (LADY
ELIZABETH), and kisses her..
NORFOLK
I think I have managed to persuade the
King to come and stay with you on
progress. A week-end's hunting in late
summer.
SIR THOMAS
But that's wonderful! Thank you, thank
you so much..
(he turns to ELIZABETH)
Did you hear that, Elizabeth?
LADY ELIZABETH
(hates the idea)
Yes.
SIR THOMAS
Finally we can present George, and with
luck, get him a position at court.
LADY ELIZABETH excuses herself, and leaves..
NORFOLK
These are difficult times. I have it on
good authority that the Queen no longer
bleeds - yet the matter of a male heir
is still not resolved.
a beat)
It cannot be long before the King is
forced to look outside the marriage.
(CONTINUED)
5.
SIR THOMAS
What? And make a bastard King of
England?
NORFOLK
A legitimized bastard. What choice does
he have?
(a beat)
Obviously, I've given it thought, and
wondered which Howard girl I could put
under his nose. Imagine the influence
that would give us. To be blood family
of the next King of England. Equally,
imagine if another family were to
achieve the same?
NORFOLK indicates SIR JOHN SEYMOUR in the corner, and his two
loathsome, ambitious sons EDWARD and THOMAS..
SIR THOMAS
What about Anne?
SIR THOMAS turns, and indicates ANNE across the crowds, who's
dancing with GEORGE...
SIR THOMAS
I realise as a `Boleyn' she is not
officially a `Howard', but as your
sister's daughter..
NORFOLK
But she's your eldest, Thomas. Your
first born. And your favourite. Wouldn't
you prefer her to have a nice,
uncomplicated, respectable marriage?
Like Mary?
SIR THOMAS
If Anne were an uncomplicated,
respectable girl like Mary, then I'd say
`yes'. But she's not.
SIR THOMAS looks out at ANNE..
SIR THOMAS
She's anything but.
INT. BOLEYN CASTLE - DAY
7 7
SIR THOMAS and LADY ELIZABETH stand in a corner, watching the
party continue. ELIZABETH's face darkens..
ADY ELIZABETH
don't like it. It would cost a fortune
to make our house fit for a royal visit.
Money we don't have.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
6.
And what if theDY ELIZABETH(cont'd)
LA king doesn't like her?
Or if she sleeps with him but gives him
a girl?
SIR THOMAS
And what if you were to look on the
bright side? Just once?
An ominous clap of thunder outside..
SIR THOMAS
Risk nothing, you gain nothing.
ADY ELIZABETH stares at her husband..
LADY ELIZABETH
hen was it that people stopped thinking
of ambition as a sin, and started
thinking of it as a virtue?
SIR THOMAS
Easy for you to say. You've had power
and wealth all your life.
LADY ELIZABETH
Until I married you, Thomas. And I was
happy to give it up.
LADY ELIZABETH turns, and walks back inside.
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
8 8
ANNE knocks on the door of her father's study. She waits.
Presently, the door opens. We see SIR THOMAS inside..
ANNE
You asked to see me father?
SIR THOMAS
Yes. Come in.
SIR THOMAS closes the door.
INT. HEVER CASTLE - NIGHT
9 9
MARY is in a bathroom. Being prepared by ANNE for her wedding
night. ANNE brushes her sister's hair. Rubs oil in her skin.
MARY
o - the King himself is coming to
Hever. I'm so happy for George.
ANNE
Yes. But Father took me aside. It seems
he has ambitions for me, too.
(a beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
1
7.
He thinks I'm ANNE(coage dnow...and of not
of an nt' )
unpleasing appearance...
MARY
What? What are you saying..?
ANNE
It's known the King has a wandering eye.
Imagine...if he were to like me?
MARY
But...you could never be more than his
mistress. And that's no substitute for a
husband.
ANNE
But as the King's mistress the least I'd
get after he finished with me would be
an Earl. And if I fell pregnant? And
gave him what his wife has failed to?
a beat)
Quite apart from the money, it'd be a
Duke at least.
MARY
But what about your happiness? Your
future?
ANNE shrugs, smiles..
ANNE
I could be a happy Duchess.
INT. BEDROOOM - NIGHT
0 10
MARY and ANNE enter the bedroom. A sea of candles. MARY stares
at the bed. A child. Suddenly terrified.
ANNE
Are you nervous?
MARY
A little.
ANNE
You'll tell me everything in the
morning?
MARY
I promise.
ANNE
No details spared?
The two SISTERS hug tightly. Visibly emotional.
The door opens, and WILLIAM CAREY appears in the doorway. ANNE
curtseys, gives MARY a last `Good luck' kiss, then goes.
MARY stares at her husband.
MARY
Hold me a moment?
WILLIAM CAREY envelops MARY with his arms..
MARY (cont'd)
I'm so lucky to have a man who is
content with what he has.
MARY looks at him..
MARY (cont'd)
You are, aren't you?
WILLIAM CAREY smiles, looks at his gorgeous bride..
WILLIAM
I am the luckiest man in the world.
WILLIAM reaches for the wine..
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Drink?
MARY shakes her head. But WILLIAM tenderly insists..
WILLIAM (cont'd)
You should. It will hurt less.
MARY nervously drinks..
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Lie back.
MARY lies down. Then she lifts up her nightdress. WILLIAM pulls
down his trousers.
MARY extends her hands. Inviting him to join her. WILLIAM slowly
lowers himself on top of her. He enters her.
MARY smiles, in anticipation of pleasure. A side to her one
might not have imagined.
But one or two strokes later, and WILLIAM's knuckles whiten, his
face reddens, then he cries out, and slumps on top of her.
MARY looks up. Surely that wasn't it?
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Thank you.
(CONTINUED)
9.
WILLIAM rolls over. MARY stares. Soon WILLIAM snores
contentedly. MARY is wide awake. Confused.
aybe this is how it's meant to be.
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
11 11
The thunder of horses' hooves. A huge cloud of dust.
The Royal Standard flutters in the wind. Beneath it, a SOLDIER
in the KING's uniform, riding hard, dirt kicking up in his wake.
The SOLDIER is flanked by a dozen other of the KING's SOLDIERS,
who lead a coloumn of fifty or more RIDERS..
It's like an army. A legion riding into battle. But it's not,
This is just the KING OF ENGLAND going away for the week-end.
Behind the advance party, is the KING himself, (30's), handsome,
in his prime, surrounded by a dozen or so of his closest
COURTIERS, (among them the DUKE of NORFOLK), a grand, tough,
intimidating lot.
Behind them, comes the KING's CONFESSOR, a Priest with a large
ornate crucifix, a small library of religious books..
Then, in a riot of colour, come the MUSICIANS, the FOOL and the
PLAYERS, led by the MASTER of the REVELS.
Behind them, come the SQUIRES and PAGES, carrying the King's
weapons, his jousting kit, his swords, his armour, his lance,
etc.
Then come the animals: FALCONS, in cages, and the HUNTING
HOUNDS, beagles and pinchers, barking in excitement, and an
assortment of FRESH HORSES for travelling, and hunting.
And finally, bringing up the rear, another unit of ARMED GUARDS,
and a second STANDARD BEARER..
1
EXT. HEVER - DAY
2 12
The BOLEYN family page, (WILLIAM STAFFORD), is perched on a
hill. Keeping watch. Staring into the distance..
Presently, he sees clouds of dust and the sound of thunder
approaching. His expression changes...
EXT. HEVER - ESTATE - DAY
13 13
Pandemonium breaks out among STAFF and FAMILY MEMBERS as
STAFFORD calls out, "The King!"
10.
INT. HEVER - DAY
14 14
ANNE is being dressed by MAIDS. Hearing the commotion outside,
she rushes over to the window to see the approaching RIDERS.
ANNE looks out of the window. Scans the approaching RIDERS until
she finds the KING..
ANNE
There he is!
The young HENRY TUDOR is a dazzling, magnetic, intensely
glamorous and handsome figure. A total contrast from the
bloated, bearded figure of his later years.
ANNE
You think he will like me?
MARY
Of course, sister. How could he not?
ANNE turns to face MARY. The two SISTERS embrace tightly.
EXT. HEVER - DAY
15 15
The entire BOLEYN FAMILY is nervously assembled outside the
house, (which we notice has been transformed at great cost. Huge
marquees in the gardens. Fountains. Additional staff. Smart
uniforms. New extensions to the stables and kitchens).
MARY is discreetly hidden, among the CROWDS. ANNE is pride of
place. Visibly nervous. SIR THOMAS and LADY ELIZABETH are beside
her. The proud PARENTS.
Everyone bows deeply in deference as the King arrives.
SIR THOMAS
Your Majesty, you are most welcome.
The King dismounts athletically. His DOGS are unleashed, bark
excitedly..
HENRY
Sir Thomas.
kisses hand)
Lady Elizabeth..
A SERVANT in stiff, new uniform, with trembling hands, brings
wine on a tray. HENRY takes a glass..
SIR THOMAS
May I present my son, George.
GEORGE, visibly nervous, bows deeply from the neck. But HENRY's
attention has been caught by a beautiful woman behind GEORGE..
(CONTINUED)
11.
HENRY
(while staring at MARY)
Your Uncle tells me I should have you at
court. Should I?
GEORGE
It would be a great honour, Sir.
MARY dutifully, modestly averts her eyes..
SIR THOMAS
And our daughter, Anne.
ENRY turns to see ANNE.
ENRY
No one said anything of a daughter.
ANNE curtseys deeply...
HENRY
Had we known, we might have come sooner.
ANNE
Your Majesty..
SIR THOMAS
Perhaps you'll allow Anne to show you
around our modest house?
HENRY
A pleasure.
ANNE offers HENRY her hand. He takes it, then leads ANNE away.
MARY shoots ANNE a look, `Good luck'.
EXT/INT. HEVER - DAY
16 16
ANNE leads the KING through the house. She is followed at a
distance by SIR THOMAS BOLEYN. And watched by MARY and GEORGE
from a gallery above..
ANNE
Here is the library.
HENRY
Charming.
ANNE
And through here, the observatory..
HENRY
Lovely..
HENRY looks up, his eye having been caught by something..
(CONTINUED)
(
H
(
A
12.
HENRY
What's that?
HENRY points at an emblem above a doorway..
ANNE
falcon, your Grace.
HENRY
I can see that. But what's it doing
there? More to the point..
(turns 360)
..not just there, but in every corner in
the house?
ANNE
I have no idea. Ask my father.
a beat)
Perhaps because falcons are vaguely
associative with field sports - field
sports with aristocracy - and in the
absence of a genuine coat of arms..
(shrugs)
...a man with ambition will do the
strangest things.
HENRY is delighted by ANNE's candour..
ENRY
That's a sharp tongue you have.
a beat)
I wonder what it might say about me
behind my back?
ANNE
Oh, his Majesty has nothing to fear from
me. Unless he fears an excess of
compliments.
HENRY smiles, visibly charmed..
HENRY
Really? And what would they be..?
WATCHING FROM ABOVE, MARY smiles to herself, "Well done, Anne",
as HENRY and ANNE continue down a corridor..
INT. BOLEYN HOUSE - EVENING
17 17
The entire BOLEYN FAMILY is assembled, frantically changing ANNE
from her day attire to her finest evening clothes. SIR THOMAS
watches..
(CONTINUED)
K
M
13.
SIR THOMAS
Bravo, Anne! The King was quite smitten!
Told me so himself. And has requested
you sit beside him at dinner.
SIR THOMAS adjusts her hair..
SIR THOMAS
My girl. My dear, remarkable girl. I
knew you would up to the task.
MARY watches. A momentary stab of jealousy at FATHER's
attention. But as ANNE looks over at MARY for support..
MARY smiles. Shakes herself out of it. It's her sister. What was
she thinking?
INT. BOLEYN HOME - NIGHT
18 18
MUSIC is being played. Everyone is dressed in their finest, a
packed banquet hall. MUSICIANS come to a climax, loud and
enthusiastic applause from everyone. HENRY gets to his feet..
HENRY
Well played! And, may I say..
(a modest smile)
..an excellent choice of music too!
nowing smiles from the COURTIERS, SIR THOMAS and LADY
ELIZABETH, the DUKE of NORFOLK, etc..
HENRY
Sir Thomas, Lady Elizabeth, dear Anne.
Your health.
H
ENRY raises his glass. Cheers and applause from the COURTIERS.
A beaming SIR THOMAS raises his glass.
CUT TO:
LATER: dinner is served. Everyone is eating. HENRY and several
close COURTIERS are engaged in debate..
HENRY
..I had it from the lips of the Spanish
ambassador himself. That our musicians
are the envy of all Europe.
BRANDON
..then he was flattering you, your
Grace.
HENRY
Our Universities and philosophers, too.
(CONTINUED)
H
(
B
14.
BRANDON
...another lie. That honour would have
to go to the Germans.
HENRY
What of our painters, then?
RANDON
Years behind their Italian counterparts.
The truth is far from leading the world,
we're a provincial outpost, lagging far
behind.
HENRY
What? Is no one proud to be English?
(turns to ANNE)
Anne? What say you?
ANNE gulps. The clanking of cutlery. All eyes on her.
ANNE
Me, my Lord?
clears throat)
I know little of such matters, but I've
not heard mention of our armies.
Undefeated, I believe, in a generation.
ENRY
Well said.
ANNE
Or our navy? The finest in the world.
HENRY
It's true.
ANNE
The universities in Spain and the
philosophers in Germany may be strong,
but are they really the equal of Oxford
and Thomas More?
HENRY
Never!
ANNE
I doubt there is a country that is
fairer in Government, or better
protected by nature from her enemies,
whose people are happier or more
prosperous..
HENRY
She's right, by God! She's right!
HENRY is delighted. SIR THOMAS stares proudly across the room at
ANNE. Who's hand, we notice, is shaking.
(CONTINUED)
A
I
T
(
S
15.
Her heart pounding in her chest.
INT. STAIRCASE - BOLEYN HOUSE - NIGHT
19 19
SIR THOMAS stops ANNE on her way upstairs.
SIR THOMAS
You did well tonight. Very well. Quite
enough to be invited to court, I am sure
of it.
SIR THOMAS kisses ANNE's forehead..
SIR THOMAS
Now go to bed. Get a good night's sleep.
Because there's still the hunt tomorrow.
a beat)
You must excel at that.
SIR THOMAS watches ANNE go. Admiring her. Then he turns to see
his wife, ELIZABETH. She turns away in disgust.
INT. GIRLS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
20 20
MARY and ANNE lie together. In spoons position. ANNE is fast
asleep. MARY strokes her sister's hair. Eyes open.
wo vulnerable, young children.
21 21
EXT. HEVER CASTLE - STABLE YARD - DAY
The following morning..
Thirty or more RIDERS, STABLE-BOYS and HORSES are gathered. To
one side, a deafening pack of DEER-HOUNDS, (wire-haired
Lurchers), barking frantically.
t's a scene of great activity, excitement, and anticipation.
The MASTER OF THE HORSE helps HENRY mount his steed - the
biggest and most glamorous stallion of all, with wonderful,
ornate saddlery.
number of OTHER LADIES are also going hunting, and we notice
they ride pillion, (ie), riding on the same horse as their MEN,
sitting behind them, holding onto them..
F
inally, ANNE comes out. The KING turns..
HENRY
Good morning, Anne.
ANNE curtseys deeply..
(CONTINUED)
H
B
A
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16.
ANNE
Good morning, your Grace.
HENRY
ho will you be riding with?
It's clearly an invitation. He indicates there is room for ANNE
on the back of his saddle. But ANNE fails to read the signal.
ANNE
On my own your Grace.
HENRY
Your own..?
A STABLE-BOY leads out her horse.
ANNE
They have invented a new saddle which
allows ladies to ride on their own.
ANNE skilfully mounts the horse, and sits upright..
HENRY
ut with no man to hold onto? How will
you stay on the horse?
ANNE
Why? The same way you hold onto yours,
your Grace.
A flicker behind HENRY's eyes. It's the first wrong move ANNE
has made.
HENRY
We'll see.
ENRY yanks the reins on his horse..
HENRY
Let's away!
ANNE shoots a look at MARY. Then follows.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
22 22
The thunder of hooves..
WILLIAM STAFFORD leads the way out with a pack of some forty or
fifty hounds. It's a stirring sight. Following the hounds, come
thirty or forty RIDERS, led by the KING himself.
HENRY
(kicking his horse)
Hah!
(CONTINUED)
R
T
I
17.
Up ahead, the HOUNDS start to bark. Their pace increases.
They've got a scent. The BUGLER blows his horn..
The DOGS begin to increase their pace. The RIDERS urge their
horses to gallop. The LADIES hold tight to their MEN..
2
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
3 23
Up ahead, a STAG, wide-eyed, innocent, lifts it's head..
The sound of the hunting bugle and the roar of approaching
footsteps, like thunder.
The STAG twitches in fear, then bolts off towards the forest.
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
24 24
The DOGS and RIDERS roar across fields. The hounds snarl, almost
delirious with primal agitation..
Among the RIDERS, the more advanced HORSEMEN have already opened
up a clear lead on their weaker counterparts..
n the advanced group, are HENRY, several COURTIERS, his GUARDS
and, of course, ANNE..
They jump over a hedge. One of HENRY's COURTIERS catches the
hedge and falls. HENRY smiles, then turns to see..
ANNE comfortably jumping the hedge herself. HENRY's smile fades.
He urges his horse to greater speed..
HENRY
(kicking his horse)
Hah..!
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
25 25
The terrified DEER bolts into safety of the forest. The barking
HOUNDS, locked into the scent, follow.
he RIDERS see this, and some pull up.
IDER
We've lost him. He's in the forest.
Galloping through trees and thick forest is not for the
fainthearted. But HENRY charges past, kicking up dirt..
HENRY
Then we must follow.
H
T
H
S
T
H
2
18.
INT. FOREST - DAY
26 26
HENRY weaves skilfully through low-hanging branches. He looks
over his shoulder, ANNE follows, close behind..
Sharp branches tear at HENRY's face. Some draw blood. Behind
him, several other COURTIERS suffer lashes from the branches,
and pull up. But not ANNE. She kicks her horse harder. Seemingly
impervious to the whipping branches..
ANNE
Hah!
Ahead, the DEER darts and weaves. The HOUNDS give chase.
EXT. FOREST - RAVINE - DAY
7 27
alf a mile ahead..
A steep ravine, with a sheer drop of twenty-five feet deep. At
the bottom, a brook with dangerous rocks, then another sheer
climb of twenty-five feet the other side.
The DEER arrives, looks, then scampers down the ravine, pursued
by the HOUNDS.
he remaining RIDERS arrive. They see the DEER scramble up the
other side, followed by the DOGS, slipping in the mud, and
struggling with the brook.
everal DOGS fall. Yelping in fright and pain as they lose
footing and fall on the rocks. The KING pulls up his horse..
HENRY raises his hat, and salutes the DEER.
ENRY
he King of England defeated by a humble
fawn.
The COURTIERS laugh, then they turn their horses around and head
off. ANNE stares. It's a clear opportunity to impress. She looks
down at the rocks. A long stare, then..
ANNE
(suddenly kicking horse)
Hah!
The COURTIERS gasp in disbelief as ANNE lurches forward, and
leaps into space, heading fearlessly down the sheer ravine.
orse and rider almost tumble down the vertiginous, lethal drop.
But, reaching the bottom, the horse leaps across the brook, then
scrambles up the other side.
(CONTINUED)
A
H
2
T
H
T
A
19.
She made it! Exhilarated, ANNE turns, breathing hard. The KING
stares at her. The COURTIERS stare at her.
long silence. Nothing but the sound of wind in the trees..
COURTIER
Please, your Majesty. It's not safe.
HENRY turns and stares daggers at the COURTIER, `Silence'. He
stares across the ravine at ANNE. Their eyes meet.
hen he kicks his horse, `Hah!', and lurches forward. He heads
down the sheer ravine. The COURTIERS gasp, rush to the edge of
the ravine to watch. ANNE goes to the edge her side.
ENRY's horse slides perilously down the ravine, then struggles
to clear the brook, and lands heavily in the water.
he KING struggles to keep control, and as the horse tries to
scramble up the bank the other side, it loses it's footing in
T
the mud, it's hooves grasping horrifically at air..
he COURTIERS cry out in horror, ANNE covers her mouth as..
The KING's horse falls backwards, unseating HENRY, sending him
flying, and worst of all, landing on top of him as they fall and
tumble dreadfully down into the brook, and onto the rocks..
Pandemonium breaks out. The sound of shouting voices, cries of
horror, raising the alarm.
ANNE's FACE: what has she done?
INT. HEVER - NIGHT
8 28
HENRY slowly comes to, to find himself staring at a number of
faces. A PHYSICIAN, SIR THOMAS BOLEYN, the DUKE of NORFOLK, one
or two COURTIERS, and finally, ANNE..
PHYSICIAN
It's a miracle, Majesty, you have no
broken bones..
HENRY flinches in agony, tries to move..
SIR THOMAS
My daughter Anne is here. Would like to
apologise.
ENRY
(recoils, his pride hurt)
No! Get her away from me!
ANNE opens her mouth, wants to protest, but is hastily ushered
out of the room.
(CONTINUED)
H
20.
LATER: HENRY's wound is being dressed by MARY.
HENRY
And who are you?
MARY
Mary, your Grace. Anne's younger sister.
HENRY looks her up and down..
HENRY
You've been here all week-end?
MARY
Yes, your Grace.
HENRY
Really? How could I have overlooked you?
MARY
Next to Anne, it's easy to do.
HENRY
Nonsense.
HENRY sits up, takes H better look. Intrigued.
a
ENRY (cont'd)
Tell me about yourself. You're married?
MARY
Yes, your Grace. To William Carey.
ENRY
From Wolsey's office?
MARY
Yes, your Grace.
HENRY
Then why haven't I seen you at court?
MARY
Because I have persuaded him to spend a
year or two here first. We have a small
manor and some land. Nothing much. But
enough to start a family.
HENRY
A charmed life in the country? Away from
it all?
MARY
Yes.
(CONTINUED)
M
(
(
21.
HENRY
Everything I would have wished for
myself. But then my brother died.
a beat)
And duty called.
HENRY looks at MARY, then..
HENRY
You don't think he'll miss court?
a beat)
A young, ambitious man?
MARY
He says not, your Majesty.
MARY lowers her eyes..
MARY
But, if he ever changed his mind, I
would always support him.
HENRY stares at MARY.
HENRY
Well said.
EXT. HEVER CASTLE - DAY
29 29
Strapped and bandaged, HENRY is helped onto his horse. Beside
him GEORGE BOLEYN is also on a horse, riding off to court for
the first time..
SIR THOMAS and LADY ELIZABETH bow, curtsey farewell..
HENRY
Thank you again, Lady Elizabeth. We'll
take good care of your boy..
(kissing her hand)
And Thomas..
HENRY embraces him, whispers in SIR THOMAS's ear..
HENRY
You'll take care of that matter?
SIR THOMAS
Consider it done, your Majesty.
HENRY shoots a lingering look at MARY, which ANNE notices. Then
the King and his entourage ride off.
MARY waves farewell to GEORGE. ANNE stares. Suspicious.
M
Y
M
(
M
22.
INT. HEVER CASTLE - DAY
30 30
MARY and ANNE are sitting together. Presently the door opens,
and WILLIAM STAFFORD emerges..
STAFFORD
Your Father wishes to see you.
MARY and ANNE get to their feet. STAFFORD raises his hand..
STAFFORD
Just Mary.
MARY shoots ANNE a quizzical look, then goes with STAFFORD.
ANNE's smile fades. A flicker of suspicion. She follows..
INT. SIR THOMAS'S STUDY - DAY
31 31
An intimidating atmosphere. Dogs lie at the feet of the DUKE of
NORFOLK. SIR THOMAS looks up..
NORFOLK
Mary, I don't know what you said or did -
but you obviously made a deep impression
on the King.
exchanges a look with SIR
THOMAS)
And he has requested you come to court
with immediate effect.
MARY's eyes widen in disbelief..'What?'
32 32
INT. CORRIDOR - SAME TIME
ANNE listens at the door. Horrified.
ANNE
What?!?
INT. SIR THOMAS'S STUDY - SAME TIME
33 33
WILLIAM STAFFORD watches from the doorway as the DUKE of
NORFOLK, WILLIAM CAREY and SIR THOMAS smile delightedly, staring
at MARY..
NORFOLK
ou're to pack and leave first thing in
the morning.
MARY shoots a desperate look at her husband..
(CONTINUED)
T
B
23.
NORFOLK
The King himself has secured you a
position in the Queen's household.
MARY
ut I don't want to go to court. Nor
does my husband.
Silence.
SIR THOMAS
ell her.
WILLIAM CAREY clears his throat. Avoids MARY's eyes..
WILLIAM
The King has also offered me a position.
As Gentleman of the Privy Council.
MARY
What?
SIR THOMAS
Y'hear that? Gentleman of the Privy
Council! Attending to the private and
personal needs of his Majesty himself!
That's the inner sanctum!
MARY's shell-shocked, lost for words..
MARY
But what about our future? Here in the
country?
NORFOLK
Put it out of your mind. From now on
your home is at court.
MARY
William, please! Don't you understand
what this means?
MARY stares imploringly..
MARY
They will separate us. Put me in
different accommodation. Where the King
can always...find me.
WILLIAM CAREY averts his eyes..
NORFOLK
Happily your husband understands the
value of such an opportunity.
(a beat)
For us all.
(CONTINUED)
B
W
M
(
24.
MARY
What about Anne? Couldn't she go
instead?
SIR THOMAS's expression darkens. A flicker of pain.
SIR THOMAS
The way that girl behaved this week-end,
she can count herself lucky she still
has a home.
INT. CORRIDOR - SAME TIME
34 34
ANNE'S FACE, outside the door: it's as if a knife had been
plunged into her gut.
She turns and runs down the corridor..
35 35
INT. WILLIAM CAREY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
WILLIAM and MARY lie in bed. MARY is equally wretched. Tears are
M
also running down her cheeks. She stares at her husband..
MARY
How could he DO this to me? My own
father.
a beat)
What if we just refused?
WILLIAM
We would be cut off. He made that clear.
MARY
But would that be so bad?
MARY stares at him..
MARY
Position means nothing to me. Nor
wealth. We could find somewhere. A small
farm. Away from everything.
WILLIAM
You say that now - but when you're
older? And our children are grown up?
(comforting her)
This won't last long. A year. Maybe two.
And at the end of that - we'll we have
everything we want.
(a beat)
It's for our FUTURE.
MARY
ut can't you see? Do this, and we might
not HAVE a future.
A
M
3
25.
EXT. BOLEYN HOME - STABLES - DAY
36 36
MARY is getting ready to leave. She turns a corner and `bang',
walks straight into ANNE. A tense moment. The two SISTERS stare
at one another..
MARY
I'm so sorry..
ANNE
What for? You think I want the King? Or
to be used and abused by him?
(puts on brave smile)
No! You're welcome to him. I have my own
plans, which don't involve becoming a
rag that will one day be discarded.
MARY stares, saddened, `Oh, Anne', but there's no time to talk.
She has to go. ANNE is left. Her eyes blazing.
EXT. PALACE - DAY
7 37
MARY and WILLIAM ride through London streets escorted by
SERVANTS bringing their belongings. They approach Whitehall
Palace. Armed GUARDS slowly open the gates.
MARY's face: as the heavy gates open. She shoots a last look at
the `free' world outside. Then, she rides through the Palace
gates.
`CLANK', the heavy doors shut behind her.
The outside world has been totally sealed off. Faces appear at
palace windows, staring down at the `new arrivals'.
mong them: is HENRY himself. He stares out of the window. Sees
MARY. Then he lets the curtain fall.
INT. COURT - DAY
38 38
KATHERINE of ARAGON, (late-30's), imperious, intimidating,
Spanish. Surrounded by other LADIES IN WAITING, (mostly high-
born, Spanish, and the QUEEN's age). A SERVANT announces..
SERVANT
Mary Carey, Ma'am.
QUEEN KATHERINE looks up..`Who?'
QUEEN KATHERINE
Who?
SERVANT
The new Lady in Waiting.
(CONTINUED)
(
I
M
P M
(
S
26.
QUEEN KATHERINE
Really? But I was not expecting anyone.
ERVANT
Appointed by...his Majesty the King.
QUEEN KATHERINE
By my husband? Really?
The air crackles with tension. It's school bullying.
QUEEN KATHERINE
Well, then she must be some kind of
gift. He must have seen in her some
special talent that would please me.
Tell me. What special talent is it that
you have?
with icy contempt)
Apart from your obvious youth and
beauty?
T
errified, MARY stammers..
MARY
I...I..
QUEEN KATHERINE
oetry, perhaps?
MARY
N-no..
QUEEN KATHERINE
Or dressmaking?
MARY
I..I..
QUEEN KATHERINE
Music! That's it! You compose? Or sing?
MARY
..I'm afraid not. Your Majesty.
QUEEN KATHERINE
Come, you're too modest.
turns to a MUSICIAN)
Signor Vasquez.
The Spanish GUITARIST obliges by starting to play a well-known
tune of the period..
MARY
No..really..I beg you, your Majesty.
(CONTINUED)
M
(
W
27.
QUEEN KATHERINE
(barks, suddenly terrifying)
I command you to SING!!!
MARY flinches. Blushing deeply, her skin glowing with
perspiration and terror, she begins to sing..
Normally she sings well. But her voice now is strangled with
fear. MARY stands rigid, her knuckles whiten, nails digging into
her hands, drawing blood.
Finally, MARY finishes. The room is silent. All eyes on
KATHERINE, who stares coldly. A formidable adversary.
QUEEN KATHERINE
Bravo! A nightingale!
(the cruel satisfaction of
victory)
Welcome at court!
INT. CORRIDORS - WHITEHALL PALACE - AFTERNOON
39 39
MARY walks through the packed corridors of court, her face
burning from the humiliation. The sound of a voice behind her..
WOMAN'S VOICE
ait! Mary! Stop!
But MARY does not hear. She continues walking, distressed, and
distractedly enters..
Finally, she is caught by JANE PARKER, whom we had seen at the
window earlier. Younger, also English, a kindred spirit..
JANE
I know that must have been agony, but
put yourself in her shoes. She knows the
only reason the King has asked you here
is because he desires you. For a wife
that must be very difficult.
a beat)
She's a good woman. Trust me.
JANE smiles. MARY manages a smile..
J
ANE (cont'd)
Jane Parker.
MARY
Mary Carey.
The two girls shake hands.
JANE
You have a brother, don't you? George?
(CONTINUED)
J
28.
MARY
Yes.
JANE
I've seen him a few times at court. And
like him...very well.
(a beat)
But I don't think he has noticed me.
MARY
I can't imagine.
(a beat)
Should I mention you to him?
JANE
Would you?
MARY
Of course. Happily.
ANE PARKER smiles. But as soon as MARY's back is turned, the
smile fades.
EXT. TILTYARD - DAY
40 40
A large dusty yard, where KNIGHTS train for combat, and practise
their fighting skills. MARY is with GEORGE, who is putting on
his armour..
GEORGE
Not noticed her? Jane Parker? Of course
I have. How could I not? She looks like
a goat.
MARY
Well, she likes you, and asked me to
give you this..to remember her by.
MARY hands over a handkerchief..
GEORGE
Ugh. Well say you haven't seen me. Or
that you forgot.
GEORGE hastily gives it back..
GEORGE (cont'd)
There is something about that woman that
makes me feel...
(he shudders)
GEORGE gets to his feet, indicates to his MALE COURTIER friend
that he is coming..
MARY
And our sister? Any word?
(CONTINUED)
H
H
M
A
29.
GEORGE
ANNE? You know she took being upstaged
by you very badly.
MARY
Yes, I know.
GEORGE
And no amount of interventions on my
behalf would make her believe you hadn't
done it intentionally.
MARY
But you KNOW I would never do anything
like that.
GEORGE
I know.
GEORGE finds his helmet, puts it on..
GEORGE (cont'd)
Just give her time. She'll come round.
MARY watches GEORGE go to join the other MALE COURTIERS.
INT. MARY'S ROOM - COURT - DAY
41 41
MARY enters her room, and closes the door. She begins
undressing, taking off her clothes, then catches sight of a DOG
in the shadows. She gasps. It's the KING's dog.
HENRY (O.S.)
Please, don't be alarmed.
ENRY steps out of the shadows..
MARY covers herself in modesty, and falls to her knees in a deep
curtsey of deference. HENRY steps into the light, walks towards
her.. H
ENRY
I wanted to find somewhere we could be
alone so I might say a few words to you
in person.
ENRY turns, looks around the room..
HENRY
I hope your accommodation is
comfortable. I realise it's no
substitute for the life you had in mind
in the country..
(a beat)
But please, give me the opportunity to
try to make you happy here..
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
N
M
(
(
30.
(a beat) NRY(cont'd)
HE
The moment I met you, I realised I..
HENRY tails off as MARY unbuttoning her dress..
HENRY
(tailing off)
What are you..?
MARY's dress comes off her shoulder. The KING's eyes, however,
instead of staring at MARY's beautiful, exposed body, stay
focused on her eyes. An uncomfortable moment..
HENRY
I am sorry.
(delicately putting her
clothes back on MARY)
You obviously misunderstand me.
HENRY bows in respect, then turns, and takes his leave, leaving
MARY standing in the room..
INT. NORFOLK'S STUDY - COURT - NIGHT
42 42
The DUKE of NORFOLK stares in disbelief at MARY. His dogs lie
intimidatingly at his feet.
NORFOLK
What? If all the King wanted was
coition, he could fetch in a woman from
the bath house.
a beat)
What he wants is YOU.
a beat)
To woo you. And be wooed in return.
(a beat)
And could'nt you look just a little
happier? There isn't a girl in the
Kingdom that wouldn't wish to be in your
shoes.
MARY
Your opinion, Uncle.
MARY speaks quietly. Lowers her head..
MARY
Mine is that it's the greatest insult of
all.
ORFOLK
What?
MARY
Asking a whore to have feelings, too.
WE'RE INTO A BRIEF MONTAGE:
F
T
A
T
31.
INT. ROYAL CHAPEL - DAY
43 43
An incense-filled Royal Chapel. The ARCHBISHOP is giving mass,
in Latin, for the Royal Household.
he King sits at the front, on the left. With the men. The
ladies are separated, as is traditional, and sit on the right.
HENRY is lost in prayer. It's not long, however, before he turns
to look at MARY.
EXT. COUNTRY CHAPEL - DAY
44 44
Meanwhile, a remote country parish church. Far away.
local PRIEST arrives. He sees two HORSES tethered to a tree by
the side of the church. He dismounts. Checks no one has followed
him.
hen he enters the church.
4
INT. ROYAL CHAPEL - DAY
5 45
In the Royal chapel: the ARCHBISHOP solemnly performs the
Eucharist, breaking bread and making wine from blood..
But, in full view of all those in the chapel, the KING continues
to stare at MARY.
inally, she looks up. Their eyes meet. MARY blushes, averts her
gaze. But then, for the first time, she reciprocates. And looks
back.
This is witnessed by the QUEEN, and further back, by the DUKE of
NORFOLK and SIR THOMAS BOLEYN.
Everyone is pretending to focus on the MASS. But none of them
can concentrate..
INT. COUNTRY CHURCH - DAY
46 46
In the country church: The PRIEST's eyes become accustomed to
the dark. Everywhere, long shadows, eerie darkness..
PRIEST
Are you there?
Presently, a WOMAN steps into the light. It's ANNE. Dressed in a
shawl.
PRIEST
No one saw you?
(CONTINUED)
P
32.
ANNE
No.
PRIEST
You brought the money.
ANNE hands over a purse of coins. They walk to the altar..
PRIEST
And the groom? Is he here?
Up ahead, the GROOM slowly steps out of the shadows. Now we see
his face. It's HENRY PERCY.
RIEST
Good. Then let us begin.
EXT. ROYAL CHAPEL - DAY
47 47
Back at court: the service ends.
Everyone in the Royal Household filters out of the church. But
it's a very different atmosphere to when they entered..
The extent of HENRY's affection for MARY is now public knowledge
evidenced by..
..the attention SIR THOMAS and NORFOLK now receive from CARDINAL
WOLSEY and THOMAS CROMWELL, and the way in which QUEEN KATHERINE
and her SPANISH LADIES are being neglected.
MARY allows herself a private smile of satisfaction. Surprised
at how good it feels. To be the number 1.
INT. MARY'S ROOM - NIGHT
48 48
MARY lies in bed, in a room covered in flowers. She admires a
beautiful necklace in a box, and a handwritten letter from the
KING. We can see from MARY's face how much she likes it.
Presently, urgent `knock', `knock', at the door. MARY's eyes
widen in excitement. The King?
She hurriedly closes the necklace's box. Tucks the letter away
in a drawer.
She gets out of bed. Anxiously straightens her hair, then goes
to the door, to find..
GEORGE, her brother, who bursts in..
MARY
George? It's the middle of the night.
(CONTINUED)
(
M
S
W
I
33.
GEORGE
t's Anne.
MARY
hat?
GEORGE
he's married Henry Percy!
MARY
(horrified)
What?
GEORGE
In secret. Without telling anyone!
MARY's face falls..
MARY
Oh, no...!
GEORGE
tailing off)
You don't look pleased.
MARY
Why would I be pleased?
GEORGE
It would make her the future Duchess of
Northumberland. Our sister!
MARY
But they'll never allow it, don't you
see? He's already precontracted to Mary
Talbot, and if word of the consummation
gets out her reputation will be ruined..
MARY pulls back her sheets..
MARY
...I have to tell Father. Before it's
too late..
GEORGE
What?
GEORGE watches MARY go to the door..
GEORGE
Mary..! Wait! Come back!
A
34.
INT. SIR THOMAS'S STUDY - BOLEYN HOUSE - LONDON - DAY
49 49
A FAMILY MEETING: ANNE and HENRY PERCY, (the HANDSOME YOUNG
NOBLEMAN from Mary's wedding), stand in front of the DUKE of
NORFOLK and SIR THOMAS BOLEYN and GEORGE..
SIR THOMAS
What were you thinking? The marriage of
a senior noble is a matter of state.
Something only the King can decide..
HENRY PERCY looks down, avoiding eye contact..
NORFOLK
Who knows about this?
ANNE
No one.
NORFOLK
Then that is how it shall remain.
Forever.
ANNE
But you cannot undo what has been done
before God.
(defiant stare)
And consummated too.
`Snap', NORFOLK's quill breaks. SIR THOMAS almost chokes.
GEORGE's eyes widen..
NORFOLK
WHAT?
SIR THOMAS
(struggling to contain his
anger)
There have been improper intimacies,
too?
ANNE
I have lain with my husband. There is
nothing improper about it..
NORFOLK
SILENCE! My God, if you were my daughter
I'd thrash you within an inch of your
life..
ANNE recoils, terrified..
SIR THOMAS
The boy will return to Northumberland -
where he will marry the Talbot girl. As
arranged.
(CONTINUED)
A
(
Y (
N
N
35.
SIR THOMAS gives the signal for WILLIAM STAFFORD to escort PERCY
out.
ORFOLK
As for you. You will go to France and
stay there until you have learned your
lesson.
MARY
What?
ORFOLK
How could you do this to your sister?
You know full well her friendship with
the King is at an extremely delicate
stage. Any scandal or black mark against
Mary's name now could be fatal.
SIR THOMAS dismisses her..
NORFOLK
You will join the court of the French
Queen. And stay there until your father
has forgiven you.
ANNE goes. GEORGE follows..
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE - DAY
50 50
MARY paces anxiously in the corridor. Presently, ANNE emerges
from the room. Burning with humiliation. Their eyes meet. MARY
is about to speak, but ANNE cuts her off..
ANNE
ou told them, didn't you?
a beat)
How COULD you?
MARY
Because you would never have got away
with it. And it would have ruined your
prospects forever.
(a beat)
Believe me. I did it for your good.
ANNE
Really? For MY good? I'll try to remind
myself of that. While I'm in exile. And
you're here, in the King's bed, and
unchallenged for our father's affection.
a beat)
That it was for MY good. Not yours.
MARY
ANNE, wait..!
(CONTINUED)
M
M
Y
M
M
I
5
36.
ANNE storms out. GEORGE shoots MARY a look, "I'll deal with
this", and runs after ANNE..
OVER THIS: we fade in MUSIC and the sound of laughter..
INT. BALL-ROOM - PALACE - NIGHT
1 51
A grand MASQUE BALL. We're in a spectacular candle-lit ballroom.
MUSICIANS play. Large formations of DANCERS perform elaborately
choreographed moves. Among them we pick out..
SIR THOMAS BOLEYN stalking the party. Ever watchful. On duty.
Vigilant. He is distracted by the sight of...
His son, GEORGE BOLEYN, surrounded by FRANCIS WESTON and his
FRIENDS. GEORGE is clearly in his element. Laughing in delight.
Very fond and intimate with FRANCIS WESTON..
SIR THOMAS looks concerned for the first time.
n another corner, MARY is in costume, but looking forlorn. She
watches proceedings with a blank, distant expression. Presently,
a voice behind her..
MASKED MAN
Why look so glum, Mary?
MARY turns to see a MASKED MAN behind her.
MARY
What reason have I to be happy?
MASKED MAN
ou have two men, the King of England
and I, both fighting for your love.
The MASKED MAN is tall. His voice is quiet, but strong.
MARY
Do I know you?
MASKED MAN
You know me, Mary - but not half as well
as I know you. I know you better than
anyone here. And love you better than
anyone here, too. And if God had made ME
your husband instead of William Carey,
one thing I know..
(a beat)
I would never have let you go.
MARY's smile fades..
MARY
Wait! Who ARE you?
(CONTINUED)
N
B M
M
Y
I
M
M
37.
MARY lunges for the MAN's MASK to try and remove it, but the MAN
retreats into the safety of the shadows. Meanwhile..
All around MARY the crowds part, and a deep voice booms out.
ASKED MAN #2
Ah! Who have we here?!?
MARY turns to see a SECOND MASKED MAN, (unmistakably the KING),
surrounded by COURTIERS.
M
MARY
My name is Kindness.
MASKED MAN #2
wonder, will you be kind to me?
MARY
What is it you desire?
MASKED MAN #2
our love, fair Lady.
MARY
You demand a great deal.
MASKED MAN #2
No more than I would give in return.
MARY notices her FATHER is among the masked COURTIERS. His eyes
giving MARY cues..
MARY
It is easy for a man to declare love
from behind a mask.
ASKED MAN #2
ut if I remove it, you might reject me.
MARY
If your feelings were sincere, I would
never reject you.
MASKED MAN #2
But you do not know who I am? I could be
ugly. Or poor.
MARY
o matter how you looked. Or who you
were.
MASKED MAN #2
Really? Then I shall hold you to your
word. And unmask..!
With a flourish, the KING rips off his mask..
(CONTINUED)
H
M
H
S
38.
MARY
Your Majesty..!
SIR THOMAS urgently nods, `Go on!' MARY theatrically swoons.
Falling into the KING's arms. A gasp among the COURTIERS..
HENRY
he faints! Quick! Take her to my rooms!
Call my physicians..!
SIR THOMAS quickly picks MARY up. He carries her through the
crowds, out of the ball-room..
QUEEN KATHERINE watches from a distance. A flicker of pain.
Then, with great dignity and pride, she turns back to watch the
entertainment..
INT. KING'S APARTMENT - COURT - NIGHT
52 52
`Thump', the doors open, and MARY is carried into the King's
apartments. HENRY fusses, brings water. Opens windows.
ENRY
Go! Leave us! Go!
SIR THOMAS bows to the KING, shoots MARY meaningful look, `Don't
fail me', and retreats. HENRY closes the doors. He and MARY are
left alone.
HENRY makes her comfortable.
MARY
Thank you, your Grace.
HENRY
`Henry', please. The first rule of this
room, is to leave `Your Grace's' and
`Your Majesty's' outside.
ENRY looks up..
HENRY
Is there anything I can bring you?
MARY
No.
HENRY
Nothing to increase your comfort or well-
being?
MARY
You might ask your servants to bring me
some water.
HENRY goes to get water himself..
(CONTINUED)
M
H
H
39.
HENRY
There. There ARE no servants.
MARY's eyes widen. The KING of ENGLAND brings her a drink! MARY
takes a sip of her drink and watches as HENRY goes behind a
screen and begins to remove his costume. His mask.
MARY notices a mirror, and watches in the reflection of the
mirror how HENRY removes the costume and status of KING and
becomes a MAN. Private.
ENRY visibly unwinds, his facial muscles relax. He breathes out
deeply. His face becomes softer. More gentle. Then he puts on a
comfortable robe, and emerges from behind the screen.
HENRY goes over to a pile of cushions, and flops down - and
smiles at MARY.
MARY
So, this is it? This is where the King
of England sleeps?
HENRY
And reads. And writes. And finds a few
moments each day...
(gestures)
...for himself.
HENRY smiles at MARY..
HENRY (cont'd)
You look surprised?
MARY
I am. I suppose it's more..
MARY looks at the bed, the books, the pages of writing on the
desk..
MARY
..simple than I imagined.
ENRY
There's no need for show. I am only ever
here alone.
MARY
And yet you invite me here?
HENRY
Because I trust you.
MARY
You hardly know me.
(CONTINUED)
M
M
(
40.
HENRY
A man in my position develops an
instinct.
a beat)
You would never lie, could never lie to
me.
MARY smiles, admitting he's right.
MARY
No.
HENRY
I also sense...that you might relish an
opportunity to be yourself, too.
MARY
Yes.
HENRY
Well, here you only say what you like,
do what you like.
M
MARY
Very well.
MARY smiles. Stretches out her legs. Relaxes..
MARY
I'd like an apple, please..
(can't believe she's saying
this)
..Henry.
HENRY jumps to his feet, brings MARY an apple. MARY laughs,
`Thank you'. Bites into the apple..
MARY
Now it's your turn.
HENRY
What?
MARY
To say something, or do something you
couldn't outside.
HENRY
There are many things I cannot admit to
in public. Sadness, for example. And
loneliness.
MARY
But when you are loved as much as you
are? How can you be lonely?
(CONTINUED)
S
S
I
H
41.
HENRY
Do you not know what it is to be lonely
in a marriage?
MARY
Yes. I do now.
ENRY
married my brother's widow because my
father ordered it. As a duty. To keep
the alliance with Spain. And she is a
remarkable woman. And wife.
HENRY looks at MARY..
HENRY
But I never looked at her or longed for
her the way I do you.
HENRY reaches out. Their hands meet..
HENRY
Imagine how different it might have
been. For both of us..had we been able
to chose for ourselves..
HENRY leans forward and they kiss. Gently at first. MARY
resisting. Then harder..
ensing this, the KING picks MARY up and leads her to the
canopied bed, and lays her down..
They begin to make love. As radical a contrast to the scene with
WILLIAM CAREY as it is possible to imagine..
MARY's eyes open. She gasps. Her hands grip the sheets..
INT. PALACE - DAYBREAK
53 53
HENRY and MARY, entwined in one another's arms, as the sun
rises...
INT. CORRIDOR - OUTSIDE HENRY'S APARTMENTS - DAY
54 54
Several hours later:
WILLIAM STAFFORD is fast asleep in a window seat in the corridor
outside. Finally, the door opens. And MARY emerges from the
KING's apartment.
TAFFORD
Good morning.
S
TAFFORD jumps to his feet. Waking rapidly..
(CONTINUED)
(
M
42.
STAFFORD
I have orders to bring you to your
father.
MARY stares at STAFFORD. As he straightens his shirt..
MARY
My father..?
a beat)
Well, we'd better not keep him waiting.
STAFFORD turns, leads the way. MARY follows.
INT. NORFOLK'S STUDY - COURT - DAY
55 55
The DUKE of NORFOLK's dogs are eating breakfast out of bowls by
the fire. Slurping hungrily.
The entire family is gathered. SIR THOMAS, LADY ELIZABETH. Also
present is WILLIAM CAREY.
NORFOLK
Well..?
MARY stares at her husband..
NORFOLK
Did he have you?
MARY's eyes burn..
MARY
Yes.
NORFOLK
More than once?
MARY stares daggers..
NORFOLK
You'd better get used to talking about
it. Once you sleep with the king, it's
not a private matter any more.
MARY
Yes. More than once.
WILLIAM CAREY's face: a flicker of pain..
NORFOLK
So he was satisfied?
MARY
I believe so, Uncle.
(CONTINUED)
B
G
43.
NORFOLK
ood. This is where our work begins.
It's one thing to catch the king. Quite
another to keep him.
NORFOLK turns to SIR THOMAS, ignoring MARY as though she were a
piece of livestock..
NORFOLK
I want you to keep her spotless, hair
washed every day. She must read all the
latest books and be able to venture and
defend an interesting opinion. She must
know her music, must be energetic and
entertaining - in company and in bed.
That's how he likes his women. And if
ever she's in any doubt as to how to
conduct herself, or what to do next -
she should simply watch the Queen. That
woman kept him from straying for eleven
years. And the effort almost killed her.
ut SIR THOMAS has not heard. He is distracted. He watches from
a palace window as, in a stableyard down below..
GEORGE and FRANCIS WESTON return from riding together. The sound
of laughter as they dismount, and hand their horses to the
stable-boys..
SIR THOMAS watches as GEORGE and FRANCIS walk back to the palace
together. There's something in their manner, the intimacy
between them..
SIR THOMAS's smile fades.
INT. PALACE - DAY
56 56
`Slap', HENRY spreads out a huge architect's drawing of a
magnificent ship on a table. He sits with SIR THOMAS BOLEYN and
the DUKE of NORFOLK.
HENRY
The biggest warship in the fleet. Thirty-
two guns and two hundred feet long, and
with your permission Thomas..
(We notice SIR THOMAS's
clothes have become more
expensive, grander)
..I'd like to name her after your
daughter. The "Mary Boleyn".
SIR THOMAS looks up in disbelief..
SIR THOMAS
Majesty! I'm...I'm speechless..
(CONTINUED)
O
O
A
N
44.
HENRY
onsense. She's an angel. It's the least
she deserves. And if there's anything
else I can do for YOU, my friend..as an
expression of my gratitude..let me know.
SIR THOMAS's tails off. Thinking..
S
SIR THOMAS
s it happens..there is one thing.
HENRY
Name it.
SIR THOMAS has clearly not stopped thinking about what he saw
between GEORGE and FRANCIS WESTON..
SIR THOMAS
ur son, George. He's of an age now..
HENRY
You want me to make him a match?
SIR THOMAS bows. Deadly serious..
SIR THOMAS
Yes, your Majesty.
HENRY
Do you have anyone in mind?
SIR THOMAS
There is one lady, Sir..
HENRY
Go on..
SIR THOMAS
Who I fear is too high-born for us. And
following the unfortunate matter between
Anne and Henry Percy, I didn't want my
children to overreach themselves again..
HENRY
verreach themselves?
HENRY can't help smiling..
HENRY
One is currently in the King's bed. If
they are good enough for me, I suggest
they're good enough for anyone else.
So..
(gestures)
Who is it?
OVER THIS: we hear GEORGE's distraught voice..
(CONTINUED)
G
S
I
S
S
G
45.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Jane Parker..?
INT. SIR THOMAS'S STUDY - LONDON - DAY
57 57
GEORGE BOLEYN, visibly shocked and distressed, stands in front
of his father.
EORGE
I beg you, Father. No.
SIR THOMAS
She's well connected, her father is
cousin to the King. And there's money,
too.
GEORGE
But must I actually...marry her?
SIR THOMAS's expression changes..
SIR THOMAS
thought you had ambitions for this
family. G
EORGE
I do.
SIR THOMAS
And that you wish to make a contribution
yourself. Not just stand back and watch
your sisters.
EORGE nods..
SIR THOMAS
Then my advice would be to start
behaving like a man. A real man. Do I
make myself clear?
SIR THOMAS walks out. GEORGE stares after him..
GEORGE
(quiet)
Yes, Sir.
INT. BALL-ROOM - PARKER FAMILY CASTLE - NIGHT
58 58
MUSICIANS play. We're at GEORGE's wedding. Attended by the KING
and QUEEN, all the senior LORDS. It's a markedly grander and
posher affair than MARY's earlier wedding, a clear indication of
the BOLEYNS' new, elevated status.
(CONTINUED)
S
S
R
B
46.
A formation dance is in progress. At the centre of it: GEORGE
dances with a radiant, triumphant JANE PARKER. GEORGE's eyes
meet those of FRANCIS WESTON across the room.
y contrast: HENRY dances with MARY. A couple with eyes on for
each other. Locked to one another. Blissfully unaware of and
uninterested in anyone else. Silently counting the minutes
before they can tear off one another's clothes..
EVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL:
Their intimacy is witnessed by WILLIAM CAREY, who we notice is
now drinking heavily, drowning his jealous sorrows..
ELSEWHERE:
SIR THOMAS BOLEYN is dancing with his wife, LADY ELIZABETH. He
hisses through a fixed smile..
SIR THOMAS
For God's sake, it's the wedding of our
youngest child attended by the King of
England and the greatest Lords in the
Land. Would a smile be too much to ask?
LADY ELIZABETH
What's to smile about? I'm a mother with
one child on his wedding day looking
like he's been condemned to death.
he indicates GEORGE, who dances with JANE PARKER..
LADY ELIZABETH
Another banished abroad, in disgrace.
And a third whoring in public with an
adulterer.
SIR THOMAS
For the moment she's happy.
SIR THOMAS watches MARY who dances with the KING..
LADY ELIZABETH
But will she be happy when he leaves
her? Because you know that's how it will
end.
SIR THOMAS
Only God knows how anything will end.
LADY ELIZABETH
God..? He turned his back on all this a
long time ago.
SIR THOMAS stares coldly at his wife. He applauds as the dance
comes to an end.
(CONTINUED)
W
M
W
M
W
47.
IN ANOTHER CORNER:
MARY and the KING also clap. HENRY whispers sexily in MARY's
ear. She laughs. Then HENRY is called to one side...
MARY is momentarily left alone. She looks up to see WILLIAM
CAREY standing in front of her, swaying slightly.
WILLIAM
You're in love with him, aren't you?
MARY
illiam, you're drunk.
WILLIAM
How is it? With him?
MARY stares - suddenly hard - punishing him.
MARY
He pleases me. Is that what you want to
hear?
WILLIAM
What does he do to you? Tell me. I want
to know..
MARY pulls away. But CAREY pulls her roughly to one side. HENRY
sees this from across the room..
WILLIAM
I know you look at me with contempt.
But I had no choice. Your father
insisted I stand aside. What was I
expected to do?
MARY
Say `no', husband.
(a beat)
That was all you had to do.
MARY pulls her arm away, and goes. She walks across the room,
visibly shaken, and joins the KING.
5
INT. HENRY'S APARTMENT - DAY
9 59
HENRY and MARY make love. Two people giving everything of
themselves..
Hours later: they lie together, enveloped in one another's arms.
MARY is awake. The King asleep in her arms. She lovingly strokes
his hair. Watches him breathe.
Her face is glowing. Content. And the look in her eyes tells us
more eloquently and unequivocally than any sonnet..
(CONTINUED)
I
M
48.
...that she has fallen in love.
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - COURT - DAY
60 60
The sound of groaning. Wretching. Shooting through a half-open
door, we see MARY hunched over her basin, vomiting.
P
resently, she emerges from the bathroom. White-faced. Her hands
instinctively covering her belly.
MARY's eyes widen with the implications.
INT. KING'S APARTMENT - DAY
61 61
SIR THOMAS BOLEYN and the DUKE of NORFOLK stare at MARY. Also
present are several PHYSICIANS and GEORGE BOLEYN..
SIR THOMAS
Are you certain?
MARY
Yes.
SIR THOMAS looks at the PHYSICIAN, who nods..
SIR THOMAS
n that case...I suppose...someone
should tell the King.
INT. HENRY'S APARTMENT - DAY
62 62
Shooting through a half-open door..
SIR THOMAS and the DUKE of NORFOLK are having a private audience
with the KING. SIR THOMAS whispers something in HENRY's ear..
(WE DO NOT HEAR THE WORDS - WE DO NOT NEED TO).
HENRY's face breaks out in a smile. He delightedly shakes SIR
THOMAS's hand. OVER THIS: the sound of a voice..
SIR THOMAS (O.S.)
Keep them shut...still shut..
INT. COURT - ACCOMMODATION - DAY
63 63
A blindfolded MARY is led through doors by SIR THOMAS..into a
suite of grand, unfurnished rooms, the most prestigious
accommodation at court..
(CONTINUED)
(
L
(
G
49.
SIR THOMAS
Now open!
MARY removes her blindfold. She gasps in disbelief, turns 360
degrees, staring at the size, and grandeur of the location..
SIR THOMAS
There's more. Thanks to you, I am to
become an Earl. Your brother a Viscount.
EORGE smiles at MARY, who's eyes widen..
SIR THOMAS (cont'd)
In addition, we have received a number
of new grants and estates.
pointedly, to LADY
ELIZABETH)
So our debts are paid off.
But LADY ELIZABETH remains granite-faced..
LADY ELIZABETH
Just be aware. These `gifts', this
`favour' can go as swiftly as it comes.
These rooms belonged to the Duke of
Buckingham. Once the King's closest
friend. Now his head rots on a spike..
SIR THOMAS
Because he committed treason.
ADY ELIZABETH
But what is `treason'? It's anything the
King or his lawyers decide it to be.
Anything that offends him, or causes him
displeasure.
a beat)
And can you assure me we'll never do
that?
LADY ELIZABETH turns and walks out. MARY looks anxiously at SIR
THOMAS, who gestures dismissively..
SIR THOMAS
Pay her no heed..
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - DAY
64 64
MARY wakes up. She gets out of bed. She goes to the window and
draws the curtains.
Then MARY looks down, and gasps. The floor has fresh drops of
blood on it.
MARY goes to her bed, and rips back the sheets. Her eyes widen
in horror. There is blood all over the sheets.
(CONTINUED)
T
50.
MARY covers her mouth. Lets out a loud cry. The sound of
approaching footsteps as SERVANTS come running..
INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - DAY
65 65
MARY lies on the bed being examined by several PHYSICIANS. SIR
THOMAS and the DUKE of NORFOLK look on in concern. Finally, the
PHYSICIAN turns, washing his hands..
PHYSICIAN
Happily, the baby lives. She's not
miscarried.
S
SIR THOMAS's face. Overcome with relief..
PHYSICIAN
But the placenta is weak. For the sake
of the child..
The PHYSICIAN clears his throat. This will not be easy..
PHYSICIAN
She must begin her lying-in immediately.
MARY
(horrified)
What?
MARY looks up. Her heart sinks.
MARY
But I'm only three months..
66 66
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - COURT - DAY
MARY lies in her bed, watching with a forlorn expression as
MIDWIVES and MAIDS prepare the apartment for lying-in.
APESTRIES with soothing biblical images are hung on the walls.
CURTAINS are drawn for darkness. A large CRUCIFIX is placed in a
corner.
As each TAPESTRY is hung, the room becomes darker...
..and darker.
..and darker.
MARY cranes her neck to remain in sunlight for as long as
possible, but before long..
..her face slips into darkness, and the room into total silence.
And effective imprisonment.
A
T
6
H
Y
51.
INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - DAY
67 67
Darkness. The KING stands at the foot of MARY's bed. He is
clearly uncomfortable in these `maternal' surroundings..
HENRY
ou poor girl. All alone in here. But
the time will fly by.
MARY
Will it? It's six months?
HENRY
I know. But the most important thing is
a healthy child.
ENRY takes MARY's hand..
HENRY (cont'd)
I'll come and see you as often as I can.
I promise.
H
ENRY kisses MARY, then goes.
8 68
INT. COURT - DAY
The KING's birthday. The MASTER OF REVELS has organised a lavish
ball. The entire court is assembled and dancing, but HENRY
appears sullen, distant. Unable to celebrate.
He misses MARY.
he QUEEN has several of her prettiest SPANISH LADIES-IN WAITING
surrounding the KING. Giggling, fragrant butterflies.
But HENRY shows no interest.
The DUKE of NORFOLK notices this. A flicker of concern.
EXT. GARDENS - DAY
69 69
An archery competition is in progress. But HENRY pays no
attention. He sits listlessly to one side. Ill-tempered and
missing MARY.
mong the GUESTS are SIR JOHN SEYMOUR and his CHILDREN. They
notice the KING, all alone. They talk among themselves.
Sensing an opportunity, SIR JOHN SEYMOUR advances, and presents
his pretty daughter JANE to the KING.
The DUKE of NORFOLK, (never far away), notices how modestly and
demurely young JANE SEYMOUR flirts.
(CONTINUED)
F
52.
She has been well trained.
But she makes no impact on HENRY. He waves the SEYMOURS away.
Not remotely interested.
or the moment.
INT. MARY'S ROOM - LYING-IN - EVENING
70 70
The KING is visiting MARY. He sits by her bed. They hold hands
and are talking intimately.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
This is being watched by the DUKE of NORFOLK, and SIR THOMAS
BOLEYN. NORFOLK's face is dark and brooding..
NORFOLK
For the moment he's still visiting Mary.
But for how long? The Queen will soon
have his head spinning with pretty
little Spanish things. Not to mention
the Seymours with that girl of theirs.
NORFOLK looks up...
NORFOLK
What we need is someone from OUR family
who will keep the King focused on Mary,
reminding him of her while she is
absent.
SIR THOMAS is about to speak, then changes his mind.
NORFOLK
What? Speak..
SIR THOMAS
It's just...I was going to suggest Anne.
NORFOLK
You couldn't control that girl last
time. What makes you think it would be
any different now?
SIR THOMAS
I've had favourable reports from the
Dowager Queen in France. It seems she is
quite changed.
INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - DAY
71 71
MARY sits up. Her eyes widen in horror..
(CONTINUED)
H
M
53.
MARY
Why?
Sitting beside her in the darkness, is her brother GEORGE..
GEORGE
I suppose they felt three years of exile
was punishment enough.
MARY
But the King visits me every day.
There's no need for her. Or anyone else.
GEORGE
They just want to protect you. Leave
nothing to chance.
MARY
But in who's interests do they imagine
Anne will act? Certainly not mine.
GEORGE turns, looks all around him..
GEORGE (cont'd)
Why DO they make this room such a
dungeon? Does it really need to be this
dark?
GEORGE notices MARY's vexed expression..
GEORGE
Don't worry. She's had three years to
forgive you. And she's not going to risk
being sent away again. She'll do as
she's told, I'm sure.
(a beat)
Besides, the most important thing is..
GEORGE moves MARY's lips into an upward shape..
GEORGE
The three of us will be together again.
MARY's lips: a reluctant, unconvincing smile..
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. KENT COUNTRYSIDE - COAST - DAY
72 72
The thunder of galloping horses.
alf a dozen RIDERS, among them a HOODED WOMAN, riding side-
saddle, tearing across the countryside..
P
54.
EXT. VILLAGES - DAY
73 73
The RIDERS and the WOMAN gallop through villages, spraying mud.
VILLAGERS stop and stare..
A MOTHER pulls a child out of the path of the RIDERS.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
74 74
The RIDERS and the WOMAN ride in silhouette against a perfect
full moon..
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
75 75
HENRY and several of his COURTIERS return from a hunting trip.
Several dead STAGS are carried on horseback. The atmosphere is
celebratory. It's been a good day.
Dogs bark in excitement.
INT. GREENWICH PALACE - THAT NIGHT
76 76
A dinner at court. HENRY is at one end, in serious conversation
with foreign AMBASSADORS. Presently, at the other end of the
table, loud laughter.
H
ENRY looks up, then returns to his conversation.
It's not long before another loud gale of laughter in the corner
of the room. HENRY looks up again. Then returns to his
conversation.
resently, a third roar of laughter at the other end. This time,
HENRY loses patience..
HENRY
What's the noise? I can hardly hear
myself think!
At the other end, a COURTIER gets to his feet..
BRANDON
It's Mistress Boleyn, your Majesty. Her
stories about life at the French court.
They are particularly amusing.
HENRY's expression changes. The room falls silent..
HENRY
I'm only aware of one Boleyn girl and
she is lying-in with a certain child in
her belly!
(CONTINUED)
A
H
A
A
55.
SIR THOMAS BOLEYN gets to his feet..
SIR THOMAS
It's my elder daughter, Anne, your
Majesty. She has returned to court.
HENRY
What? That awful girl, Thomas? The one
that almost killed me?
(a beat)
You allowed her back?
SIR THOMAS
The time abroad has done her good, your
Majesty. I'm certain you'd find her much
improved.
HENRY
Really..?
HENRY looks down the table..
HENRY
Well, come on. Where are you, other
Boleyn girl? Show your face.
ANNE slowly gets to her feet. HENRY looks up. When he sees
ANNE's face, his face falls..
ANNE is a woman transformed. Gone are the simple clothes, puppy
fat and lack of confidence.
ANNE has become a glorious, head-turning siren; dressed in
daring French clothes.
er hood is half-crescent, and reveals the hair. Her neckline
plunges sexily. Her sleeves are long and loose, offering daring
flashes of arm and elbow..
Like every other red-blooded MAN in the room, HENRY is utterly
mesmerised. Speechless..
HENRY
So? What is so amusing, Anne? Perhaps we
might hear and judge for ourselves?
ANNE dark, intelligent eyes stare back at HENRY. Suddenly, all
sound fades, and the world shrinks around them: it's as though
they are the only two people in the room..
ANNE
I was just giving my thoughts on the new
French King.
HENRY
Which are..?
(CONTINUED)
H
R
R
56.
ANNE
That for someone with such great wealth,
and power..he has surprisingly little
authority as a man.
HENRY
Hah!
ANNE
And is SO consumed by one particular
rivalry he can barely think.
HENRY
eally? And who is this rival?
ANNE
A neighbouring King, who's name one is
forbidden to mention at court. Whose
reputation haunts him in his thoughts
and dreams.
ipples of laughter, as people guess..
ANNE
Whose armies and navy thwart his every
endeavour. Whose physical and
intellectual endowments are known far
and wide.
ENRY laughs too. Enjoying this..
ANNE
In order to restore his confidence, this
French King spends a fortune on anything
that glitters, on building of castles
with large towers..
ANNE artfully gestures the phallic implications..
ANNE
But these symbols of wealth and virility
fail to convince. Talk among the ladies
at court in France suggests..
A
ANNE stops herself...
HENRY
What?
ANNE
That in this department too, the King
has his shortcomings.
ANNE's gesture, (discreetly wiggling her small finger). HENRY
stares for a moment. A deathly silence. Has she gone too far?
(CONTINUED)
M
O
S
I
S
E
57.
Then HENRY smiles. Delighted. DOGS bark in bewilderment. Soon
everyone in the room laughs too.
xcept for the SEYMOURS, (SIR JOHN and his sons, EDWARD and
THOMAS), who glower, mute, at the end of the table beside their
sister JANE..
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - DAY
77 77
SIR THOMAS beams with excitement and satisfaction...
SIR THOMAS
You should have seen the Seymours! Their
faces!
MARY lies in bed. Sitting by her side is her father..
SIR THOMAS
They must have thought that with you out
of the way, they had a real opportunity
with that pale-faced thing of theirs,
Jane...
SIR THOMAS smiles as he remembers..
SIR THOMAS (cont'd)
But Anne put pay to that. Last night,
the King only had eyes for us Boleyns.
MARY shoots a private, knowing look..
MARY
Or HER, you mean.
SIR THOMAS
What?
MARY
'm wary of any suggestion that Anne
would serve anyone but herself. France
can't have changed her THAT much.
SIR THOMAS
n this occasion I am quite satisfied
she was being loyal to you.
MARY
Really?
MARY stares hollow-eyed..
MARY (cont'd)
Then ask yourself this. If she is really
so concerned for my well-being...
(a beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
(
H
H
7
58.
...then why hasRY(conot dcome to see me
MA she nt' )
since she returned?
EXT. TILTYARD - DAY
78 78
HENRY and several of his closest COURTIERS are sparring close-
combat sword fighting. It's tough, physical, no-holds barred
stuff..
INT. ARMOURY - DAY
9 79
AFTERWARDS: HENRY and his COURTIERS, (among them GEORGE), are
being undressed and washed by their PAGES and SQUIRES..
HENRY
You're a fortunate man, George. To be
blessed with G
two such sisters.
EORGE
Yes, my Lord.
There is a powerful physicality, a sexual confidence to HENRY
which he exudes, even among men. He moves closer to GEORGE.
ENRY
Tell me. Are they as different in temper
as they are in looks?
GEORGE
Oh, yes. Each has her own, quite
distinct virtues. Mary for example..
HENRY
I'm familiar with Mary's. Tell me about
Anne's.
GEORGE
Anne? Well, she's strong. Some might say
`difficult'.
ENRY
Headstrong. With a fiery temper.
GEORGE
But with it comes great passion, too.
It's both the best and the worst thing
about her.
a beat)
There are no half measures with Anne.
HENRY
Careful, you'll make me think I chose
the wrong Boleyn girl.
(CONTINUED)
A
S
8 A
59.
GEORGE
Oh, no. I'm certain Mary is the right
choice. You will have a serene, happy,
life with her. The risk is with Anne, it
might be like being caught in a wild
summer storm.
HENRY
Is that so..?
GEORGE has tried to put HENRY off. But might just have said the
wrong thing.
HENRY
storm, you say..?
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - COURT - FOLLOWING DAY
0 80
A small, precious-looking GIFT BOX sits on a table.
ERVANT
From the King, madam.
ANNE looks at the box. Her heart misses a beat. It carries the
unmistakable royal seal.
ANNE
Open it.
A SERVANT stares..
ANNE
I said `open it.'
The SERVANT opens it. Other SERVANTS crane their necks, stand on
tiptoes. Inside is a large pearl pendant. The SERVANT gasps.
ANNE, too. Covers her mouth. It's beautiful..
But from somewhere, she manages to find the strength..
ANNE
Now close it again. And send it back.
The SERVANT stares in disbelief..
ANNE (cont'd)
You heard me.
The SERVANT bows, and leaves, taking the box. ANNE watches, a
look of mischief in her eyes. She's up to no good.
INT. KING'S APARTMENT - DAY
81 81
The SERVANT nervously stands in front of the KING, holding the
box..
(CONTINUED)
.
8
60.
HENRY
She did what?
SERVANT
Sent it back, your Grace.
HENRY's face. Confounded..
HENRY
Sent it back?
EXT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
82 82
A ROYAL MESSENGER, in the King's livery, holding a larger, more
expensive looking GIFT BOX, walks towards the Boleyn house..
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
83 83
ANNE shakes her head, and sends the gift back. She looks
anxious. Knows this is a high risk game she's playing.
INT. KING'S APARTMENTS - DAY
84 84
The MESSENGER stands in front of the KING, holding the rejected
BOX in his hands..
HENRY
What? Again?
EXT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
85 85
The same ROYAL MESSENGER walks towards the BOLEYN house. This
time holding an even larger, more expensive-looking GIFT..
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
86 86
Again, ANNE shakes her head, and sends the gift back.
INT. KING'S APARTMENT - DAY
7 87
The KING is in a meeting with several AMBASSADORS on an
important matter. The doors open. He looks up to see..
.the MESSENGER returning with the latest GIFT. HENRY's smile
fades.
H
A
61.
INT. CORRIDORS - COURT - DAY
88 88
`Crash', the KING, flanked by several of his most intimidating
COURTIERS, bursts through doors, and storms along a corridor.
It's an impressive sight..
People scatter to get out of the way.
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - COURT - DAY
89 89
The KING bursts in. Everyone leaps to their feet. SERVANTS stop
and stare and curtsey. LADY ELIZABETH bows, clearly thrown..
LADY ELIZABETH
Your Majesty.
HENRY turns full circle, looking for someone..
HENRY
Your daughter. Where is she?
LADY ELIZABETH
Mary..?
HENRY
Anne!
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
90 90
ANNE hears the KING's voice. Her eyes widen. She looks down.
Sees HENRY. ANNE smiles privately - it's confirmation that her
strategy has worked.
t that moment, HENRY sees her, calls out, `Anne!'. ANNE's smile
fades.
ENRY dashes up the stairs..
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
91 91
ANNE, who is not properly dressed for the KING, rushes back to
her room. HENRY follows. ANNE closes the door..
HENRY
Anne.. A
ANNE
(hurriedly dressing)
Your Grace?
They speak through the door..
(CONTINUED)
A
H
A
I
A
B
62.
HENRY
You received my gifts?
ANNE
Yes.
HENRY
And? They did not please you?
ANNE
On the contrary, my Lord. They pleased
me greatly.
HENRY
Then why did you return them?
Now ANNE opens the door. She appears wearing a stunning outfit..
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - DAY
92 92
ANNE steps into the corridor. Closes the door behind her.
ANNE
ecause my sister lies in bed with your
child. If you wish to please me, Sir,
then send her the gifts you send me.
HENRY
I have shown Mary enough kindness and
generosity. It's you I want, Anne.
ANNE
beg you, my Lord, do not do this. What
has changed so?
HENRY
YOU. Don't you see? YOU have changed.
ANNE
But Mary is still the mother of your
child. And even if she weren't..
ENRY
What?
ANNE
How could I forget that you chose her
above me when we first met? You liked
her better.
HENRY
Not true..
ANNE
Either way, I could never betray my own
sister..
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
A
9
T
63.
(a beat) NE(cont'd)
AN
Now I beg you, leave me. This is too
difficult to bear.
HENRY
You see! The same pain as mine! It
proves you feel the same way!
ANNE
Perhaps. But since it can never come to
anything..
HENRY
Let me decide that. For now, you have
given me hope.
H
ENRY goes on bended knee, kisses her hand, and goes. ANNE is
left alone. She breathes out. Then looks down at her hands.
hey are shaking.
FADE TO BLACK:
93 93
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
MARY is asleep. Dead of night. Suddenly she wakes up, and holds
her stomach, `Ouch!'.
It's the first contraction.
INT. SIR THOMAS'S BEDROOM - SAME TIME
94 94
SIR THOMAS is asleep. The sound of voices. A commotion outside.
The sound of banging on his door..
STAFFORD
Sir Thomas! It's Mary..!
INT. MARY'S ROOM - NIGHT
5 95
MARY cries out in pain. The contractions become stronger.
MIDWIVES and PHYSICIANS urgently do their business. Pots of
boiling water. Primitive surgical instruments.
PRIEST arrives, ready to perform the last rites..
INT. MARY'S ROOM - NIGHT
96 96
The DUKE of NORFOLK, SIR THOMAS, and GEORGE BOLEYN arrive in
MARY's bedroom, and stare anxiously as the labour begins in
earnest..
SIR THOMAS
Does the King know?
(CONTINUED)
A
64.
GEORGE
He's on his way.
ANNE, who overhears this, surreptitiously adjusts her dress.
MARY screams in agony. The labour is well and truly under way.
Medically, it's a primitive, brutal affair..
No comprehension of sterilisation. MIDWIVES have dirty hands.
PHYSICIANS use rusty, blood-stained instruments..
Presently: the KING arrives with several COURTIERS..
SIR THOMAS
Any moment, your Grace.
But the KING hasn't heard. He has seen ANNE. Suddenly, it's as
if all sound, all vision disappears, except for ANNE. He stands
beside her..
All around them the violence and dramatic activity of the birth
unfolding; but for all their connection with it, HENRY and ANNE
might as well be in a rose garden..
HENRY
Anne..
ANNE stares ahead at MARY's bed..
HENRY
Anne, I love you..
ANNE
Your Grace, this is not the time..
HENRY
I love you Anne. I cannot stop thinking
about you. I cannot eat, I cannot
sleep..
ANNE
But how could I ever TRUST you?
NORFOLK cranes his neck to listen..
ANNE
When I have seen how you have betrayed
first your wife. And now my sister.
HENRY takes ANNE to one side...
HENRY
I vow from this moment forth I will
never lie with my wife, or speak to your
sister again. I will do anything you
ask..
(CONTINUED)
A
A
65.
MARY's contractions build. Birth is imminent. PHYSICIANS and
MIDWIVES work to deliver the baby. ANNE thinks, then..
ANNE
Then don't acknowledge the child.
HENRY is thrown..
HENRY
What?
With a blood-curdling scream, MARY finally gives birth. SIR
THOMAS and NORFOLK crowd into the room, anxious to see..
PHYSICIAN
A boy!
SIR THOMAS turns towards HENRY, beaming with happiness..
SIR THOMAS
It's a boy, your Majesty. A strong,
healthy boy.
HENRY's face: a boy? His eyes fill with emotion. This is what he
has waited for. A son.
ANNE notices his conflict, and prompts him again..
ANNE
What my sister has given you, I could,
too.
HENRY looks at the BABY, then turns to face ANNE. His eyes are
full of conflict, then..he silently nods.
ANNE's face breaks out in a smile..
ANNE
Very well.
Then, in front of everyone, not caring how inappropriate it is,
HENRY falls to his knee, takes ANNE's hand and kisses it.
The audible sound of gasps. MARY watches in horror as HENRY
falls to his knees and kisses ANNE's hand..
M
MARY
(a dagger in her heart)
Henry..?
HENRY gets to his feet, then turns and walks away without
looking in the direction of MARY or the BABY.
MARY (cont'd)
My Lord..?
MARY stares after the KING, but he does not turn around.
(CONTINUED)
L
L
A
A
66.
Instead, MARY's eyes meet ANNE's.
ANNE's eyes stare back. The ultimate moment of revenge.
barely perceptible smile of satisfaction, then ANNE turns and
goes.
The MIDWIVES and PHYSICIANS stare at one another, visibly
embarrassed by what they have just witnessed.
The clearing of throats, averting of eyes. Then they get on with
their work to the sound of the MARY's cries..
INT. SIR THOMAS'S STUDY - NIGHT
97 97
`Crash', SIR THOMAS and NORFOLK burst into the study, angrily
slamming the door closed behind them. ANNE is inside.
NORFOLK
Damn you! Three years we've been working
on this! Not a single detail was left to
chance! And now, in the moment of our
greatest glory..
NORFOLK stares at ANNE..
NORFOLK
All I can say is you'd better have a
plan. And it had better work.
ANNE stares back defiantly..
ANNE
Or what...Uncle?
LADY ELIZABETH
Stop it! Both of you. What shall we do
about Mary? And the child? Or have we
forgotten them already?
ANNE
Mary should go back to her husband.
Not a flicker of emotion on her face.
ANNE
She has been inconvenienced long enough
by this family.
ADY ELIZABETH
Fine. Then you can be the one to tell
her.
ADY ELIZABETH stares at ANNE..
(CONTINUED)
1
A
9
67.
LADY ELIZABETH
I think you've earned that privilege.
LADY ELIZABETH turns and walks out. ANNE's smile fades.
9
INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - DAY
8 98
MARY lies in bed. She looks pale. Exhausted.
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
9 99
ANNE stares into the room through a crack in the doorway.
A flicker of doubt. What has she done? To her own sister?
ANNE checks herself. Enough sentiment. She swallows it.
nd enters.
INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - DAY
00 100
MARY looks up as ANNE enters, and freezes..
MARY
How can you show your face in here?
ANNE
I understand you're angry - but be
assured. I did nothing, except remind
him of you.
MARY
Oh, spare me. You did this deliberately.
As revenge.
(a beat)
And now you have what you wanted you
probably think justice has been done.
ANNE
Well, hasn't it?
MARY
Be careful, that's my advice. Learn from
my experience. Because he'll only do to
you what he has done to me.
ANNE
Never. I'll make sure he understands I'm
a greater thing by far. That he can
never have me until he makes me a far
greater offer.
(CONTINUED)
O
68.
MARY
You'll never get Henry Percy back, if
that's what you mean.
ANNE
That's not what I mean.
ANNE's eyes burn with anger..
ANNE
And don't you ever mention his name to
me again. I'll never forget how you
betrayed me.
MARY
If that's what you think, fine. Tell
yourself that.
ANNE
I did, sister. Every day for three
years.
ANNE turns, and walks out.
EXT. COURTYARD - DAY
101 101
MARY is leaving COURT. Pale. Weak. Her belongings have been
packed into boxes. Ahead of her, the BABY is being carried by
MIDWIVES, led by WILLIAM STAFFORD.
MARY walks across a courtyard, then stops in her tracks.
VER BY THE STABLES: the KING and ANNE are mounting horses to go
riding together. HENRY lifts ANNE up into the saddle behind him,
(how she has learned!). ANNE holds tight, her arms wrapped
around his waist..
At that moment, ANNE looks over and sees MARY. Their eyes meet.
They stare for a beat, then..
ANNE kicks HENRY's horse, `Hah!', and they ride out. Galloping
into the distance.
MARY's face: fighting to hold onto her dignity. WILLIAM STAFFORD
watches her, his eyes burning with sympathy.
REVERSE ANGLE: to reveal, this is all being watched by QUEEN
KATHERINE, from a palace window above..
QUEEN KATHERINE turns, and coldly lets the curtain drop..
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
102 102
MARY and her entourage travel through the countryside in a small
caravan of horses and wagons. It's raining heavily.
W
69.
EXT. HILLSIDE - DAY
103 103
The rain continues. MARY's carriage approaches the manor house.
At one time this was everything she wanted. Now it's a prison.
INT. MANOR HOUSE - NIGHT
104 104
MARY sits at the dinner table with her husband, WILLIAM CAREY,
who's health has deteriorated. He drinks heavily. A shadow of
his former self.
He stares at the BABY..
W
WILLIAM
Have you christened the child?
MARY
Henry.
WILLIAM
I see.
A painful smile..
WILLIAM
And is he to take my name? Or is he to
be a Fitzroy or some other sign that he
is a royal bast...
MARY
He is to be Henry Carey.
WILLIAM
I see.
A silence, then..
WILLIAM
Well, then, here we are.
WILLIAM stares at MARY. Clearly still in love with her.
WILLIAM
I could pretend none of this ever
happened. Start again.
(a beat)
If you could.
MARY's face. Manages a brave smile.
INT. CAREY'S HOUSE - COURT - NIGHT
105 105
MARY lies in bed, her eyes open and staring blankly at the moon
outside, as WILLIAM CAREY makes love to her.
(CONTINUED)
(
A
H
F
M
70.
After a short, frenzied thrashing..he climaxes, then as before,
rolls over and falls asleep.
MARY stares at the ceiling.
ADE TO BLACK:
EXT. PALACE - SUMMER
106 106
Gorgeous sunshine. Greenwich Palace at it's most beautiful.
EXT. GARDENS - DAY
107 107
HENRY and ANNE walk through the gardens. Out of earshot of the
entire court which is assembled outside..
HENRY
Well, I have done what you asked. Will
you give yourself to me, now?
ANNE
As what?
HENRY
My one true mistress. To whom I am loyal
above all others?
ANNE
But it's not true. You are loyal to the
QUEEN above all others.
HENRY
My wife? I barely see her.
ANNE
But she sits on a throne beside you.
Accompanies you to every state function.
ENRY
For appearance sakes only. In every
other regard, our marriage is a sham.
ANNE
Still, she is your WIFE. And ever
present. And I feel her eyes on me. And
those of her spies.
ANNE nervously looks left and right..
ANNE
And look at us. Forever reduced to
meeting in secret like this. Speaking in
whispers.
a beat)
Hardly conducive to passion?
(CONTINUED)
H
(
71.
HENRY
Well, what would you have me do?
INT. COURT - DAY
108 108
ANNE watches from a distance as HENRY talks to WOLSEY. We do not
hear their dialogue, but the two MEN are having a heated
discussion. Voices are raised.
WOLSEY pleads with the KING to be reasonable. HENRY silences him
angrily, then walks out..
INT. COURT - ANNE'S APARTMENTS - WINTER - DAY
109 109
ANNE enters a lavish drawing-room, and sits down. She picks up a
book, and pretends to be reading. HENRY enters, sidles up behind
ANNE, putting his arms around her, then..
HENRY
Wolsey has agreed to draw up plans for
the Queen to be sent to a nunnery.
HENRY kisses ANNE on the neck..
HENRY
She will protest, of course. She won't
go quietly, but she knows she has failed
to give me a son, and deserves her
exile.
HENRY kisses ANNE)
Which leaves you all alone at court..
He begins to unbutton her dress..
HENRY
...queen in all but name. Mother to any
future heir.
ENRY unbuttons and kisses lower, lower.
HENRY
So, is this assurance enough? Will you
give yourself to me now?
A flicker behind ANNE's eyes, then..
ANNE
I'd like to. But I'm afraid I find the
insult too much to bear.
HENRY
What insult?
(CONTINUED)
A
A
A
H
B (
H
72.
ANNE
Because as long as we remain unmarried,
any child I gave you would forever be
daubed `bastard' and I a `whore'.
ENRY
ut what alternative is there?
throws hands up in
exasperation)
My love for the Queen may have died, but
even you must concede, she is still very
much alive. A
ANNE
Katherine of Aragon is alive. That woman
is not worthy of the title `Queen'.
ENRY
Oh, Anne.
ANNE
I really do not know why we waste time
talking of convents when you could annul
the marriage.
HENRY
Annul it?
ANNE
That woman married two brothers and
therefore sinned against God.
HENRY
But she never consummated the marriage
with my brother.
ANNE
They were married six months.
HENRY
Arthur was a sick man.
ANNE
And Katherine is a shrewd woman who knew
that her position as Queen would never
be safe until she bedded your brother.
(a beat)
Talk to your advisers. They will tell
you as much.
ANNE walks out. HENRY stares.
INT. COURT - SEVERAL MONTHS LATER - DAY
110 110
ANNE sits in her study working. HENRY appears in the doorway.
His face is dark. Conflicted.
(CONTINUED)
M
S
I
(
T
Y
73.
HENRY
Wolsey has agreed to charge the Queen?
ANNE
But that's wonderful.
ANNE's smiles, then notices..
ANNE
Why do you look sad?
HENRY
Because she will contest it. Which means
putting her on trial. And hearing these
delicate matters in public.
ANNE
es. But any court made up of YOUR
Bishops will surely find in YOUR favour.
And declare the marriage invalid.
Now it's ANNE's turn to start kissing HENRY round the neck..
ANNE
hen you, my sweet Lord, will be free to
remarry.
(sensing his arousal)
Then I can give myself to you fully.
kissing him lower, lower..)
And give you everything you..
(a beat)
..desire.
ANNE stops, leaving HENRY highly aroused..
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
111 111
It's mid-winter. A lone RIDER appears on the snowy crest of the
hill looking down on Rochford Hall.
t's WILLIAM STAFFORD, (now bearded). He kicks his horse. Rides
down towards the house.
INT. ROCHFORD HALL - DAY
112 112
A fire roars. STAFFORD warms himself, staring at MARY's new baby
daughter, (CATHERINE), in a a cot.
TAFFORD
She's beautiful.
MARY
Thank you.
(CONTINUED)
S
M
74.
STAFFORD
I brought gifts from your family. A
night-dress from your mother.
(to YOUNG HENRY)
This from your Uncle George.
STAFFORD produces a small wooded sword from behind his back.
Little HENRY takes the sword. Swooshes it with excitement.
MARY
Please be sure to thank them - though
one wonders what's kept them so busy
that not a single one of them found time
to visit the new baby.
STAFFORD
It's Anne. She's turning this country on
its head. She has persuaded the king to
test the validity of his marriage, and
put the QueenM on trial.
MARY
What?
STAFFORD
She continues to hold out. Expertly
witholding her favours until...
MARY
..until what?
STAFFORD
Until he makes her the ultimate offer.
MARY's eyes widen..
MARY
High stakes indeed.
EXT. ROCHFORD HALL - STABLE YARD - DAY
113 113
MARY follows STAFFORD out to the stables where freshly watered
and fed horses are waiting..
MARY
And my brother George?
TAFFORD
Continues to be promoted. As does your
Father. I lost track of their latest
titles.
STAFFORD smiles. Mounts his horse..
(CONTINUED)
T
M
H
75.
STAFFORD
ow is your husband? I heard he was
unwell.
MARY
He is.
STAFFORD
I'm sorry.
STAFFORD stares at her. Their eyes meet. STAFFORD opens his
mouth, for a moment it looks as if he's about to finally declare
his feelings, then..
WILLIAM (O.S.)
Mary..!
WILLIAM CAREY's voice calls out from inside. STAFFORD's
expression changes. Now's not the right time.
He kicks his horse, and rides off.
114 114
INT. ROCHFORD HALL - BEDROOM - DAY
WILLIAM CAREY lying in bed, emaciated, coughing blood, weak and
sick, calls out for help, `Mary!'
115 115
INT. ROCHFORD HALL - CORRIDOR - DAY
MARY walks down a corridor towards her husband's bedroom. As she
goes, she passes a window. She stops. And looks out.
In the distance is WILLIAM STAFFORD's horse. Reaching the brow
of a hill..
EXT. HILL - COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
116 116
At that precise moment, WILLIAM STAFFORD's horse reaches the top
of the hill..
STAFFORD
(pulling horse up)
Whoa..
STAFFORD turns, and faces back down at the house. He takes a
last look. For a moment there is a connection between them both.
hen, he turns, and kicks his horse, and rides over the brow.
H
A
A
76.
INT. ROCHFORD HALL - CORRIDOR - DAY
117 117
MARY watches him go, then stops - catches herself feeling
something for the first time. Then she turns and walks along the
corridor..
..back in the direction of WILLIAM CAREY's coughing.
INT. COURT - DAY
118 118
A hall filled with LAWYERS and AMBASSADORS from both sides.
Arguably the grandest, most significant divorce proceedings in
history.
ANNE watches from a distance as HENRY talks to CARDINAL WOLSEY.
Then HENRY turns. He walks towards ANNE.
HENRY
The Queen has insisted a Papal
representative be present at the trial.
But Wolsey has assured me the trial will
proceed for appearance sake only. We
have our verdict.
ANNE
Then what troubles you?
HENRY
One or two friends have refused to lend
their support. Among them, Thomas More.
(a beat)
And then there's the small matter of my
conscience.
ANNE
Why? You have justice on your side.
HENRY stares, conflicted..
HENRY
Do I?
ANNE strokes his head. Pacifying him. But the look on her face
tells us - this is getting harder and harder.
INT. HENRY'S QUARTERS - COURT - SEVERAL MONTHS LATER
119 119
HENRY sits at breakfast. Reading official correspondence. Legal
documents. And private letters.
e sorts through the various scrolls, matters of state, then
finds one. A letter in a hand he does not recognise.
(CONTINUED)
(
S
A
1
77.
A quizzical look. HENRY cracks the seal and begins to reads the
letter. Presently, his expression changes.
Then his face darkens ominously. His knuckles whiten..
INT. CORRIDOR - COURT - DAY
120 120
SIR THOMAS and the DUKE of NORFOLK storm down a corridor. Their
faces are grim. It's a terrifying sight.
INT. ANNE'S ROOM - DAY
21 121
`Crash', the door flies open. SIR THOMAS and NORFOLK burst in.
ANNE is in the bath. She covers herself..
SIR THOMAS
`Mary Talbot'.
ANNE
Who?
SIR THOMAS
Mary Talbot!! The girl that married
Henry Percy. It seems she has petitioned
the King, demanding a divorce from her
husband( on the grounds..
he can hardly bring himself
to say the words)
...that his prior betrothal to you was
actually..
(his knuckles whiten)
..consummated.
ANNE's eyes widen in horror..`What?'
SIR THOMAS
I knew this would come back to haunt us!
ANNE
I must go to the King.
SIR THOMAS
No! He doesn't want to see you! Or hear
a word from your lips! He's far too
angry.
a beat)
It seems the only Boleyn he will speak
to, the only person who's testimony he
will trust in this matter..
(a beat)
...is Mary.
ANNE's face. A dagger in her heart.
(CONTINUED)
H S
A
(
A
1
78.
ANNE
Mary?
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
122 122
A cemetery in mid-winter. WILLIAM CAREY's coffin is lowered into
the ground. MARY, dressed in window's black, steps forward, take
a shovel, throws earth on the grave.
MARY walks back to comfort the CHILDREN. The elderly PRIEST
continues with the service.
MARY bows her head. Then she senses someone's eyes are on her.
She looks up, and her expression changes..
There is GEORGE. Her brother. Standing among the handful of
mourners. Staring at her.
23 123
INT. COURT - BOLEYN HOUSE - NIGHT
The entire BOLEYN family is assembled. SIR THOMAS, LADY
ELIZABETH, the DUKE of NORFOLK, GEORGE and, at the centre of
proceedings, ANNE herself.
The atmosphere is tense. Presently, the door opens, and MARY
enters the room. In widow's weeds. All eyes on her. And her
CHILDREN. A sharp intake of breath, a ripple of shock at the
state of them. In simple country clothes. MARY curtseys..
SIR THOMAS
Mary.
n awkward silence. MARY holds her CHILDREN's hands..
SIR THOMAS
We're so sorry.
clears throat)
About your husband..
INT. COURT - BOLEYN HOUSE - NIGHT
124 124
Several MAIDS are assembled, fussing over MARY. Transforming her
from penniless country widow to sophisticated courtier again.
A
ANNE enters, (unseen by MARY), and ushers everyone out. She
takes the brush from the departing SERVANT, and continues to
brush MARY's hair.
ANNE
uch beautiful hair.
earing ANNE's voice, MARY freezes.
(CONTINUED)
Y
M
M
79.
ANNE
Thank you for coming.
MARY looks up. Notices ANNE's hands are shaking..
ANNE
I hate how this matter has come between
us. I wanted to come to see you after
your daughter was born, and again when
your husband died, but..
MARY
It's fine.
MARY pulls away. Raises her hand..
MARY
Leave me. Please..?
ANNE stares at MARY, her lips trembling..
ANNE
I'm frightened, Mary. What have I done?
MARY turns away. Avoids ANNE's eyes.
INT. KING'S APARTMENTS - NIGHT
125 125
The KING sits in his private apartment. He looks up as MARY
enters, and curtseys deeply. Seeing MARY, his DOG
enthusiastically greets her. Lapping at her.
MARY looks at the KING. She is overcome with emotion, but finds
the strength to hide it..
HENRY
Ah! Mary! Come in.
MARY walks closer.
HENRY
Closer..
(beckons)
Into the light.
MARY walks closer. HENRY looks at her..
HENRY
The Other Boleyn Girl. I'd forgotten how
beautiful you were.
MARY looks at him. Something has changed in him. A perceptible
darkness around the eyes. A sadness..
MARY
ou asked to see me, your Grace?
T
A
A
Y
H
80.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE KING'S APARTMENTS - DAY
126 126
The BOLEYN FAMILY members are pacing outside. Anxious. ANNE and
SIR THOMAS exchange looks.
FINALLY: the door opens.
MARY emerges from the King's apartments.
er entire FAMILY stares expectantly at her. ANNE steps forward,
barely able to conceal her anxiety..
ANNE
And..?
1
INT. BOLEYN APARTMENTS - COURT - NIGHT
27 127
MARY is putting the children to bed, tucking YOUNG HENRY in.
OUNG HENRY
Mama? What's the matter?
MARY's face: visibly upset. Her hands shaking.
MARY
(putting brave face on)
Nothing.
MARY smiles, tenderly kisses YOUNG HENRY.
ANNE appears in the doorway. Watches through a half-open door.
Notes how loving MARY is as a mother..
MARY gets to her feet. Walks towards ANNE.
INT. CORRIDOR - BOLEYN APARTMENTS - NIGHT
128 128
MARY closes the door behind her. ANNE stares at her, then..
ANNE
(with difficulty)
I am forever in your debt.
MARY
You owe me nothing, sister. I did it
that we may finally draw a line beneath
everything that has happened between us.
ANNE
hen let it be exactly that. A new start
between us. Here at court.
ANNE embraces MARY, who stiffens.
(CONTINUED)
V
1
W
A
E
M
(
81.
MARY
Thank you. But I'd rather go back to our
home in the country.
ANNE
What? That damp old ruin? With no food?
Or warmth?
a beat)
Why don't you let your family look after
you? Your children would have the best
of everything here. They would grow up
safe and secure.
MARY stares, horrified. But before she can reply...
The sound of a commotion, from outside. The sound of trumpets.
The unmistakable noise of arriving SOLDIERS.
veryone rushes to a window. Looks down to see a small ARMY.
t the centre of everything: an grand, old, bearded ARCHBISHOP
climbs down from an opulent carriage.
MARY
ho's that?
SIR THOMAS
The Papal Legate. Sent by the Pope to
preside over the Queen's trial.
MARY looks first at ANNE, then back out as the long procession
dramatically enters the Palace Gates.
MARY
So, it's true. It's really happening?
ANNE suddenly looks pale. Vulnerable. Frightened.
ANNE
Yes, it is. Stay with me, please? I need
my sister by me side.
EXT. BLACKFRIARS - COURTHOUSE - DAY
29 129
A huge crowd is assembled. Despite the intimidating presence of
the KING's GUARDS, the people shout vigorously in support of
QUEEN KATHERINE. Crying out her name. The QUEEN arrives.
ast cheers go up.
INT. BLACKFRIARS MONASTERY - DAY
130 130
We're in a packed courtroom. The room is filled with the
country's highest-ranking bishops. To one side: ANNE and MARY
watch from behind a screen..
(CONTINUED)
Y
A
(
A
82.
MARY hears the CROWD's cheering for the QUEEN. Screams of
support and affection, `Long live Queen Katherine', `Our one
true Queen'. MARY looks anxious..
MARY
The crowds are with her.
ANNE
The crowds have no vote.
a beat)
And the bishops that do are in Wolsey's
pocket.
ANNE watches as KATHERINE enters court. The QUEEN sees ANNE, and
starts walking directly towards them..
ANNE (cont'd)
God, she's coming towards us.
QUEEN KATHERINE walks towards the screen, reaches it, then
Q
pushes it aside, intimidatingly flanked by her LAWYERS..
UEEN KATHERINE
So..the Boleyn whores. Two former ladies
of mine. Hiding in shadows.
(a beat)
What did I do to upset you, that you
should turn against me like this?
ANNE
You failed to give England an heir.
QUEEN KATHERINE
And that upsets you so?
ANNE
What upsets the King upsets me.
QUEEN KATHERINE straightens. Big mistake.
QUEEN KATHERINE
How dare you!
CRIER
(calling out)
Katherine, Queen of England, come into
court..!
KATHERINE's LAWYERS try to drag her away from ANNE, but she
wrenches herself free..
QUEEN KATHERINE
ou want me to creep away and become a
nun? Well, I shall not. You want me to
lie before God and admit my first
marriage was consummated? Well, it was
not.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
K
H
83.
You want me toUEEN KATHERINE(cont'd)
Q retire and withdraw my
daughter's claim as sole rightful heir
to the throne? Well I shall not. Not in
a thousand years, not if you rack me to
within an inch of my life...
(beat)
I am Katherine, Queen of England, the
King's one true wife, and mother of the
heir to the throne. Beloved of the
people, and beloved of a King you have
bewitched.
KATHERINE turns and enters the packed courtroom. She makes no
reply to the CRIER, instead walks over to where the KING sits,
and falls onto her knees..
MARY looks at ANNE, who is visibly shaking. And tries to compose
herself.
Throughout the courtroom, people exchange looks. Gasp. KATHERINE
is completely disregarding the court, Campeggio and Wolsey, and
appealing directly to her husband..
KATHERINE
My Lord, how have I offended you? For
twenty years, I have been a true,
obedient wife. I have loved all those
whom you loved, and given you children
though it has pleased God to take them
away. If there is any just cause that
you can allege against me, I will
happily depart to my shame and
dishonour, but I tell you, as God is my
witness, there is none.
ENRY sits in silence, but can barely contain his rage.
ATHERINE (cont'd)
So, I beg you, dear husband, to spare me
this humiliation. But if you will not,
and I am to be tried..
HENRY
(defiant)
You are.
KATHERINE
..then let it be in a proper court and
by the only authority I recognise. His
holiness himself.
An audible gasp from the court. HENRY shoots a look at WOLSEY,
`What?!?' WOLSEY is horrified, `I know nothing of this.'
KATHERINE gets to her feet, and dramatically walks out of the
court, stopping only to pause by a window..
(CONTINUED)
A
A
L
(
84.
The cheers from the loyal PEOPLE who are waiting outside ring
through the court. HENRY looks dark, thunderous. He storms out
of court. WOLSEY watches, visibly shaken...
WOLSEY
Since it has pleased the Queen to absent
herself from the court, the trial will
simply proceed without her.
A LAWYER gets to his feet. The trial begins..
INT. BOLEYN FAMILY HOME - NIGHT
131 131
The entire BOLEYN FAMILY is assembled. ANNE paces up and down.
MARY is with her children..
ANNE
Wolsey promised the King his verdict.
Instead he has humiliated him.
SIR THOMAS
But they are continuing with the trial.
And the Bishops will still find in the
King's favour.
ANNE
Yes. But without the Pope's blessing,
the result will seem hollow.
a frustrated gesture)
If only the King would take matters into
his own hands.
ADY ELIZABETH
And do what? His only option would be
to reject the Catholic Church? And his
faith would never allow it.
SIR THOMAS
Nor his good sense. Breaking with Rome
would isolate England politically. Leave
us at the mercy of the Protestants.
ANNE
But the alternative is leaving this
country without an heir. Failing in his
duty as a King. And risking civil war.
ANNE stops thinks..
ANNE (cont'd)
S
omehow I need to make him understand
that it is a fair price for a legitimate
heir.
ANNE looks at MARY..
(CONTINUED)
I
M
85.
ANNE (cont'd)
One he could hold in his arms..
ANNE's face: an idea forming..
ANNE (cont'd)
A strong, rosy-cheeked boy..
MARY looks up. Sees all eyes staring at her..
MARY
(becoming suspicious)
What?
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
132 132
HENRY, along with THOMAS CROMWELL and several of his LAWYERS are
walking along a corridor. They turn a corner, then stop.
HENRY freezes. He's seen something. And the impact of it has
made him stop in his tracks.
REVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL:
In the gardens outside, are ANNE and YOUNG HENRY, playing.
The KING's face: it's as if all sound goes silent. He stares,
transfixed, at the boy. He hears nothing except YOUNG HENRY's
laughter. He sees nothing except YOUNG HENRY's golden locks.
MARY watches from a distance, her heart cracking as HENRY
dismisses CROMWELL and the LAWYERS, and goes out to join ANNE
and YOUNG HENRY.
t seems to have a profound affect on him..
EXT. GARDENS - DAY
133 133
HENRY walks towards ANNE. And bends so as not to frighten the
boy..
HENRY
Who's this?
ANNE smiles, maternally strokes the boy's hair..
A
ANNE
Go, on..
YOUNG HENRY
My name is Henry.
(CONTINUED)
1
1
86.
HENRY
Is it, now? A fine name.
(raises eyebrow)
And how old are you?
YOUNG HENRY
Four, Sir.
REVERSE ANGLE: to see MARY watching helplessly from inside the
palace. Tears are streaming down her face. LADY ELIZABETH
appears, and puts her arm round MARY's shoulders in comfort..
OUTSIDE: in the gardens, YOUNG HENRY and his father continue to
get to know one another..
YOUNG HENRY (cont'd)
Is that sword real?
HENRY
I think so. Would you like to see it?
HENRY draws it, and shows the boy, who's eyes widen in
excitement..
HENRY
Now, `on guard'.
HENRY and YOUNG HENRY begin to play fight. As they do, our
CAMERA slowly, slowly pulls back to reveal..
The scene is being watched by:
MARY, her nose pressed against a window in the palace, as she
continues to watch HENRY play with her SON..
INT. QUEEN'S QUARTERS - SAME TIME
134 134
From a window high up, we notice: QUEEN KATHERINE has appeared,
too.
EXT. GARDENS - DAY
35 135
HENRY continues to play with the boy. It's clearly a powerful
emotional experience for him.
EXT. PALACE - SAME TIME
36 136
Gradually, other FACES appear at the palace windows..
First SIR THOMAS's. Then NORFOLK's. Then MARY's. Finally back to
QUEEN KATHERINE..
(CONTINUED)
1
87.
Watching on tenterhooks. Unsure how this will play out.
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. GREENWICH PALACE - DAY
137 137
A clap of thunder. A storm breaks. Rain pours.
INT. CORRIDOR/QUEEN'S QUARTERS/PALACE - DAY
38 138
QUEEN KATHERINE, screaming in protest, surrounded by wailing
LADIES-IN-WAITING, is dragged roughly away from court by a unit
of ARMED GUARDS..
KATHERINE
How dare you!
(struggling)
Take your hands off me..
The GUARDS drag the QUEEN away, her heart-breaking kicking and
screaming continues. As she disappears..
We REVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL: this is being watched shadows by the
KING himself..
His face: burning with guilt and self-loathing.
INT. ANNE'S APARTMENT - DAY
139 139
The door flies open. ANNE is reading, alone. She looks up to see
HENRY, his eyes ablaze..
HENRY
Now you will give yourself to me.
ANNE looks up..
ANNE
I thought I had made myself clear. Until
we are married, there is no questi..
HENRY
Silence! Enough of your GAMES!
(tearing at her dress)
I have torn apart this country for you,
gone against every principle in my
heart, I've endured the doubts and
counsel of good men and silenced them
with the axe...just to be with you..
HENRY tears her dress. He forces himself on top of her.
(CONTINUED)
(
(
A
88.
HENRY
Now prove to me it was worth the
sacrifice.
He pushes her back against a table, slamming her down, and
enters her roughly. ANNE cries out in pain..
ANNE
Stop, you are hurting me..!
INT. ANNE'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
140 140
That night: ANNE is being groomed by MARY.
ANNE
How was he with you? As a lover?
MARY
Tender.
a beat)
Surprisingly so.
a beat)
Why?
ANNE's face. Haunted. Fearing the worst.
ANNE
No reason.
OVER THIS we FADE IN: the sound of bells ringing..
1
INT. PALACE CHAPEL - WESTMINSTER - DAY
41 141
A small ceremony. Held in secret. The distant sound of crowds
protesting. Booing. Jeering. MARY watches from the shadows as
ARCHBISHOP CRANMER marries HENRY and a visibly pregnant ANNE..
ARCHIBISHOP
(in LATIN, we see sub-titles)
Do you, Henry Tudor, take Anne Boleyn as
your lawful wedded wife..?
HENRY's face: eyes burning with self-loathing..
HENRY
I do.
Their voices are almost drowned by the SHOUTS of protest and
dissent coming from the streets..`Whore', `Witch'.
INT. PALACE - DAY
142 142
MUSICIANS play in the corner, struggling to drown out the sound
of the PROTESTERS.
(CONTINUED)
(
A
H
S
89.
A party is in progress. ANNE, the bride, is at the centre of
proceedings, visibly pregnant and finally Queen. But it has
brought her no peace. The cacophony from outside visibly
troubles her. MARY stands by her side. Maid of honour.
ANNE
Did you hear? On the way to the church?
They were calling me a witch.
MARY
All that will die down as soon as they
get to know you.
ANNE
But what if it doesn't? What if they
hate me forever?
MARY
They won't. They will see how much the
King loves you, and follow.
ANNE
(haunted, hollow)
How much the King loves me?
ANNE shoots an anxious look over at HENRY, who is with CROMWELL,
in the corner, lost in serious conversation..
MARY
ister, I wonder if you've given any
thought..to the matter of my returning
to the country. With the children.
ANNE's face: her expression changes. Suddenly fearful.
ANNE
What? No! I need you here more than
ever. Besides, as the Queen's sister,
you can't live alone out there like some
gypsy. We need to make you a proper
match.
earing this, the passing WILLIAM STAFFORD freezes..
ANNE
What about the Duke of Suffolk?
ANNE indicates an ugly, fat COURTIER..
ANNE
All the ladies at court are mad for him.
Or Lord Fardingly.
indicates an OLD courtier,
in his 60's)
Marry him and you'd own half Scotland..
WILLIAM STAFFORD's face.
M
S
W
90.
INT. COURT - ACCOMMODATION - DAY
143 143
MARY is walking back to her apartments, when WILLIAM STAFFORD
runs after her, appearing in the corridor behind her..
STAFFORD
Wait! Mary..
STAFFORD catches her up..
STAFFORD
I couldn't help overhearing. And before
you agree to any of your sister's
matches, let me just say..
STAFFORD takes a deep breath. His heart racing..
STAFFORD
..I have saved money...not a lot...but
enough. I've my eye on a place in the
West...Tatton...near where I grew up..
MARY turns, an incredulous look..
MARY
hat?
(surely this is a joke)
Stafford?
TAFFORD blurts it out..
STAFFORD
Mary...I love you. There..I've said it.
From the moment I joined your family..
MARY
Wait..
MARY looks at him. A lightening flash of recognition. She's
heard those words before, and puts two and two together..
M
MARY
It was you, wasn't it? At the masked
ball?
STAFFORD
Yes.
MARY
Oh, Stafford..
STAFFORD
Mary..I have watched how your family has
treated you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
G
S
M
91.
If you came withFFORD(cwould )never
STA me..I ont'd
betray you...or take you for granted..I
would love you and cherish you to my
dying day..
MARY
But it's impossible. You know that. Now
Anne's Queen, my family would never
allow it.
STAFFORD
And you would CARE? What THEY think?
After everything they have done to you?
TAFFORD stares incredulously. Then goes.
INT. QUEEN'S APARTMENTS - LYING-IN - DAY
144 144
MARY's face. Lost in thought. STAFFORD's words still ringing in
her ears. She sits at the foot of ANNE's bed. ANNE sits in bed.
Heavily pregnant. On the other side is GEORGE.
ANNE
God, I look hideous.
EORGE
Does it hurt?
ANNE
Little nips and stabs.
MARY isn't listening. She is lost in thought.
GEORGE
Just imagine. It it's a boy. The unholy
trinity will be mother, uncle and aunt
to the next King of England.
ANNE
But if it isn't? The King will take that
as evidence of God's displeasure. And
will turn further against me. He's
already become so cold.
ANNE touches her stomach anxiously..
ANNE
They say you can tell by the shape of
the stomach. Mary, what do you say? Boy
or girl?
ANNE tails off when she sees MARY. Miles away.
ANNE
What's the matter with her?
MARY looks up, `What?'
(CONTINUED)
M
1
92.
ANNE
You've been like this for days.
MARY
What?
ANNE
Mooning. You're not in love, are you?
MARY
What?
(blushing)
Certainly not..
MARY gestures dismissively..
MARY
(flustered)
In love!
MARY returns to her book, flicking pages. But privately she is
shocked. Is it that obvious?
INT. COURT - QUEEN'S APARTMENTS - NIGHT
45 145
A darkened room. ANNE screams out. She is in the middle of
giving birth. With a bone-chilling scream, a head appears..
MIDWIFE
And again, one more..
ANNE pushes again. MARY holds her. ANNE howls in agony. Her
nails dig into the sheets. A last, primal, blood-curdling roar
of pain..
MIDWIFE
It's done, your Majesty..!
MARY
Well done...
PHYSICIANS and MIDWIVES swarm around the baby. ANNE, despite
having lost a great deal of blood, tries to sit up..
ANNE
And..?
MARY
It's a girl!
MARY takes the child from the MIDWIFE, holds it for ANNE.
MARY
A beautiful, healthy girl.
(CONTINUED)
H
93.
ANNE is overcome by maternal love, but realises what this will
mean. She stares at the baby. Fear filling her eyes..
ANNE
A girl?
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
146 146
MARY watches from a distance, as SIR THOMAS and NORFOLK tell the
King. HENRY staggers from the disappointment, as if he had been
delivered a blow..
SIR THOMAS
She has named her Elizabeth. After your
mother.
HENRY
Is the child healthy?
SIR THOMAS
Perfectly, Sir.
HENRY stares, hollow-eyed. Finally..
ENRY
Well, if we can have a healthy daughter,
we can have a healthy son.
HENRY turns, and without a word, pushes past everyone, and
leaves. ANNE is left alone, her heart breaking..
MARY stares at ANNE. A stab of compassion. Not long ago the same
thing happened to her. Hoping to console ANNE, MARY hands her
beautiful new BABY over to her...
..ANNE takes the BABY in her arms. Filled with love for
something that will almost certainly mean her destruction.
Her shoulders shake with tears.
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. LYING-IN - DAY
147 147
ANNE stands by a window, staring out. Her hands wringing with
anxiety. MARY is in another corner, tending to baby ELIZABETH..
A
ANNE
Who is it?
MARY leaves the BABY, goes over to the window. Looks out. Down
below, HENRY is walking with an attractive young LADY..
MARY
Lady Somerset, I believe.
(CONTINUED)
`
B
A
94.
ANNE
Yesterday it was the wife of the French
Ambassador. The day before with the
Countess of Salisbury.
(a frustrated gesture)
How could he DO that to me? So SOON?
ANNE stares at MARY..
ANNE
Now I know how it must have been for
you.
ANNE reaches for MARY's hand. Their hands touch. Briefly. Then
MARY pulls away her hand, still not quite ready to forgive..
And goes to tend to the crying BABY ELIZABETH..
INT. MARY'S ROOM - COURT - NIGHT
148 148
MARY is with her children, reading them a bedside story. From
next door, the sound of raised voices. The KING and ANNE are
having a furious row. But MARY is not listening..
ANNE (O.S.)
You can't ignore me like this. I am your
wife! Why don't you just admit it!
HENRY (O.S.)
ecause it's not true!
ANNE (O.S.)
Liar! I can smell the whore on you! Get
away from me! You disgust me!
SLAP', the sound of someone being struck.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
149 149
ANNE and MARY are together. ANNE is combing her hair. Strands of
it come loose in her hands. Her eyes are hollow with stress. Her
skin pale and covered in a film of perspiration..
ANNE
I struck him today. What am I doing? I
am destroying this all on my own..
ANNE looks left and right. Makes sure no one is within earshot.
Goes to check outside her door, then returns..
ANNE
I can't sleep at night! And without
sleep I cannot think!
(CONTINUED)
U
M
M
A
95.
MARY
Oh, Anne..
ANNE
nd it's getting more and more difficult
to arouse him. Some nights he cannot do
it...at all. I have to resort to ever
more disgusting...then he hates himself
in the morning...hates me even more for
what I made him do...
ANNE eyes stare. She rocks back and forth..
ANNE
It's slipping away, Mary. I can feel it.
MARY takes ANNE's hand. Envelops it in hers.
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
150 150
The sound of ugly, loveless sex. Cries of pain. ANNE tries to
keep the KING aroused. Demeaning, cruel, shaming, loveless sex.
1 HENRY repeatedly strikes her. Hating her. Hating himself.
51 151
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM - PALACE - NIGHT
In the neighbouring room: the ugly sounds of ANNE and HENRY's
sex come through the walls.
MARY covers her ears with a pillow, blocking out the noise, and
escapes to the only safe world she knows. That of her dreams.
152 152
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - DAY
SIR THOMAS BOLEYN, NORFOLK, GEORGE BOLEYN and MARY are watching
intently as ANNE is being examined by several PHYSICIANS.
nbearable tension. Finally a PHYSICIAN straightens, turns to
face the FAMILY..
SIR THOMAS
And..?
The PHYSICIAN's face: he nods.
EXT. RIVER THAMES - WINTER PARTY - MONTHS LATER - DAY
153 153
A magnificent winter party to celebrate ANNE's pregnancy. The
River Thames is frozen over. It's a lavish spectacle.
Jousting on ice-skates, bear-baiting with dogs, MUSICIANS, skate-
dancing, sledges and fire-eaters and Muscovite tumblers.
(CONTINUED)
L
G
G
G
96.
The KING threads his way through COURTIERS and ENTERTAINERS.
Wherever he goes, people stop their conversations, bow in fear.
Inimidated.
ANNE, visibly pregnant, sits on a throne. Alone. She looks
drawn, frightened, and tired. An unmistakable echo of QUEEN
KATHERINE at the masked ball earlier.
EORGE
And so, it's come to this. Our sister is
with child, and all England's fate is in
the balance.
EORGE indicates ANNE..
GEORGE (cont'd)
If it's a boy, the King will have been
vindicated in getting rid of his first
wife, and his authority will be
unassailable. But if it isn't. Or if,
God forbid, she miscarries.
EORGE indicates HENRY, who's face is also drawn, dark,
malevolent, suspicious. Barely recognisable.
GEORGE
The King will have to move swiftly to
silence his enemies. He will claim
innocence. That he was corrupted. Anne
will swiftly be replaced as Queen, by
someone more `acceptable'.
(a beat)
And we Boleyns will never be able to
show our faces at court again.
MARY
That's no bad thing.
MARY shudders to herself. Holds her children protectively.
MARY
Anyone with any sense would have run
away from this hell-hole already. As far
as they could go.
GEORGE
ike the wise William Stafford.
MARY turns...
MARY
What?
GEORGE
You didn't know? Sold up and went. Left
for the country. Just like that. Gone to
live in some place called..
(CONTINUED)
A
A
G
97.
MARY
(under her breath)
..Tatton.
GEORGE
Where he grew up, apparently. Did you
know he came from a better stable than
all of us? His grandmother was a
Beaufort, cousin to the King. And he
never mentioned it.
(shrugs)
Who'd have guessed?
EORGE shrugs, and skates off with FRANCIS WESTON. We pull back
to reveal they are being watched by JANE PARKER..
..who looks drained. Lonely. Worn out by the humiliation of her
failed marriage and the agony of unrequited love.
154 154
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
`HAAARRGGH', ANNE bolts awake in the middle of the night. Her
face is pale. She is covered in a thin film of perspiration. She
flinches in pain. Holding her stomach..
Immediately doors open, and several SERVANTS and LADIES appear.
But ANNE composes herself.
ANNE
I'm fine, thank you.
(visibly paranoid)
Just a bad dream.
Reassured, the SERVANTS fill ANNE's glass with water..
ANNE
(flinches as she speaks)
But fetch my brother and sister, will
you?
The SERVANT bows, and goes. As soon as ANNE is left alone, she
slowly looks down, and pulls back the bedsheets..
W
hen ANNE sees what lies beneath, she howls in horror.
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - COURT - NIGHT
155 155
MARY and GEORGE arrive breathlessly in ANNE's room, to find..
ANNE is on the floor before the fire, her arms wrapped around as
if she were hugging herself. On the floor beside her is a
bloodstained bundle of sheets.
ANNE looks up through the trailing locks of her hair..
(CONTINUED)
(
T
M
A
G
Y
M
98.
ANNE
I lost it. Almost without pain. And so
fast it was over in a moment.
MARY looks down at the bundle of sheets..
MARY
(heart cracks)
Oh, Anne..
MARY hugs ANNE tightly. All animosity now gone..
ANNE
ou have to get rid of it. Bury it. Get
rid of it somehow. No one must know.
EORGE rushes to a cupboard, and pulls out a cape. He wraps it
around ANNE. Then he pours wine into a glass. MARY wraps ANNE in
a blanket to warm her. And begins making the bed with fresh
linen..
DISSOLVE TO:
AN HOUR LATER: ANNE is composed. Staring into the fire. MARY and
GEORGE sit on either side of her.
ANNE
It's not the first. Miscarriage.
MARY's heart cracks. Takes ANNE's hand.
ANNE
They will take it as proof that I cannot
bear children. That I am cursed by God.
And should be dispensed with.
MARY
Why? There's still time. You could sleep
with the King, and fall pregnant again.
No one would know..
ANNE
he King would never lie with me now,
and risk damaging the `child' he
believes I'm carrying..
a beat)
Besides, he is barely capable anymore.
And I couldn't go through that again.
ANNE stares at MARY and GEORGE..
ANNE
No, if I am to survive..I have to take
matters into my own hands.
MARY and GEORGE exchange blank looks..
(CONTINUED)
(
B
(
99.
MARY
I..I don't understand.
ANNE
I need a baby, Mary.
rolling eyes)
Must I spell it out?
MARY
You mean lying with another man?
ANNE
Of course.
GEORGE
But that would be treason.
MARY
esides, where would you find someone
you could trust?
ANNE
Obviously, it would have to be someone
close. Very close..
ANNE stares meaningfully at her BROTHER..
GEORGE
What..?
horrified)
No..!
MARY
Stop it, Anne! It's madness..
ANNE
Don't you see? This affects all of us.
If I go down, so do all of you. The only
way to save ourselves..is to do this..
(a beat)
And pray it's a boy.
MARY covers her mouth in horror, gets to her feet..
MARY
I can't listen to this..
(feeling nauseous)
...this is monstrous..
ANNE
Mary, sit down..
MARY
No, Anne! I understand you have had a
shock tonight. A terrible shock. But
there is no need for this..
(CONTINUED)
1
G
100.
MARY reaches the door, turns to GEORGE..
MARY
Come, George..
GEORGE gets to his feet..
ANNE
George is staying. He understands this
involves the whole family..
MARY
No. Come, George..
ANNE
George, is STAYING!
EORGE freezes..
MARY
(her heart cracking)
I pray for you both.
MARY turns...then goes.
ANNE
Mary! Come back!
56 156
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ANNE'S ROOM - NIGHT
MARY leaves the room. Tears stream down her cheeks. She runs
down the corridor, rushing towards her children..
But as MARY goes, we REVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL:
A figure sits in the shadows by ANNE's door. Someone who has
heard everything that has been said..
I
t's JANE PARKER. Who turns, holding her head, covering her
ears, unable to listen to any more..
INT. CORRIDORS - NIGHT
157 157
MARY runs through the corridors in an agitated state.
INT. MARY'S ROOM - COURT - NIGHT
158 158
MARY rushes into her room. She goes to the beds where her
CHILDREN are sleeping. MARY gently shakes them awake..
MARY
Come on, darling wake up.
(CONTINUED)
1
101.
YOUNG HENRY
Where are we going?
MARY
Away from here. Far, far away.
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
159 159
ANNE and GEORGE stare at one another. ANNE pours a mug full of
mulled wine..
ANNE takes the first step, and starts unbuttoning her brother's
shirt. GEORGE quickly knocks back the glass of mulled wine..
...then gasps as ANNE puts her hands into his trousers. Their
eyes meet for an intense moment..
EXT. STABLES - NIGHT
160 160
MARY and her CHILDREN ride through the night.
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
61 161
ANNE and GEORGE are making love. Silent tears are streaming down
GEORGE's cheeks Visibly traumatised.
ANNE tenderly wipes them away.
162 162
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
MARY and her CHILDREN continue to ride through the night.
They gallop, silhouettes against the moon. The faster and
further they get away from court, the better.
INT. ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
163 163
Afterwards: ANNE and GEORGE lie in silence. ANNE strokes her
baby brother's hair. GEORGE rocks to and fro. Staring at the
fire..
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ANNE'S ROOM - NIGHT
164 164
JANE PARKER gets to her feet. Numb with shock. She stares ahead.
Momentarily loses her footing.
Then disappears into the darkness.
DISSOLVE TO:
1
Y
N
N
1
102.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAWN
165 165
MARY arrives in a market village. She asks directions. Then
kicks her horse. Rides on.
EXT. WILLIAM STAFFORD'S HOUSE - DAY
166 166
A simple farmhouse, nestling in a valley.
INT. WILLIAM STAFFORD'S HOUSE - DAY
67 167
MARY stands in front of the door, protectively holding her
children. A flicker of panic passes behind her eyes. What is she
DOING? She knocks.
YOUNG HENRY
Who lives here, Mother?
MARY
Someone.
(clears throat)
A friend.
o answer. MARY knocks again. Still no answer. MARY hesitates,
then tries the door. It opens..
INT. WILLIAM STAFFORD'S HOUSE - DAY
168 168
MARY enters, calls out, `Hello?'. No answer.
Inside: it's warm, inviting, idyllic. The CHILDREN go to the
kitchen table. Instantly feeling at home. MARY calls out..
MARY
William?
o answer.
OUNG HENRY
Mama, I'm hungry.
CATHERINE
Me, too.
MARY stares. What should she do?
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
69 169
The CHILDREN eat hungrily. A clock ticks on the wall.
T
F
C
1
1
T
103.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
170 170
MARY puts CATHERINE to sleep in a bed. YOUNG HENRY is already
fast asleep in another bed. MARY draws the curtains.
hen closes the door.
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
171 171
MARY walks along a corridor. She looks in the bedroom.
MEN's clothes in the wardrobe. No sign anywhere of a woman's
presence. MARY turns, then catches sight of herself in a mirror.
Her hair is bedraggled. Her clothes are filthy.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
72 172
MARY pours hot water into a bath. The room is thick with steam.
She begins unbuttoning her dress.
1
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
73 173
WILLIAM STAFFORD and several FARM-HANDS return from working in
the fields. Talking and laughing. They reach a crossroads, go
their separate ways. STAFFORD rides on for a while..
..then stops when he sees a horse outside his house.
EXT. STAFFORD'S FARMHOUSE - DAY
74 174
STAFFORD dismounts his horse. A quizzical look. Then he walks
towards the front door.
INT. STAFFORD'S FARMHOUSE - DAY
175 175
STAFFORD enters his house to see empty bowls of food on the
table.
HILDREN's boots by the door. And a WOMAN's riding cape.
rom upstairs, the sound of splashing. STAFFORD expression
changes. He slowly goes up the stairs.
he sound of splashing gets louder. A WOMAN's voice. Humming.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
176 176
STAFFORD pushes open the door. MARY is in the bath. Washing
herself. MARY looks up.
(CONTINUED)
S
H
M
P
F
T
(
M
104.
STAFFORD's eyes.
MARY's eyes.
MARY
I'm sorry.
a beat)
I just didn't know where else to go.
STAFFORD walks in. MARY gets up...
No modesty. No shame. No effort to cover herself.
STAFFORD sweeps her into his arms..
No words. No explanations. Time for that later.
hey fall into a passionate embrace, and sink to the floor..
ADE TO BLACK:
INT. COUNTRY CHURCH - DAY
177 177
Time has passed. Winter has become spring. We're in an idyllic
country church. MARY and WILLIAM STAFFORD are being married by a
PRIEST.
RIEST
Do you, Mary, take William as your
lawful wedded husband?
MARY
I do.
INT. BARN - NIGHT
178 178
A dance is in progress. MUSICIANS play. Fifty or so GUESTS.
MARY is talking to a friend. In another corner: she notices a
MESSENGER arrive. A former COLLEAGUE from court.
e talks to STAFFORD. They talk gravely. STAFFORD's face is
ashen..
MARY excuses herself from her friend, crosses the room, goes to
STAFFORD.. M
MARY
What is it?
STAFFORD
News from court.
TAFFORD avoids MARY's eyes..
(CONTINUED)
Y
M
M
M
1
W
105.
MARY
hat? It's Anne. Tell me..
(fearing the worst)
She miscarried the child?
FLASHCUT TO:
EXT. WOODS - DAY
179 179
ANNE is walking alone. Her MAIDS follow at a distance. Presently
she lets out a cry. Her body doubles up in pain.
Her MAIDS rush towards her.
INT. BARN - NIGHT
180 180
Back at the dance. STAFFORD continues..
STAFFORD
They say it was deformed...monstrous.
She is charged with incest and of
summoning the devil. Your brother, too.
He has already been sentenced. Anne is
in the Tower, awaiting trial.
FLASHCUT TO:
INT. TOWER - DAY
181 181
ANNE in a prison cell at the Tower. Frightened. Vulnerable.
82 182
INT. BARN - NIGHT
MARY face: horrified.
MARY
I must go.
MARY turns to walk out. STAFFORD blocks her path..
STAFFORD
And do what? George is doomed. For Anne
it's only a matter of time.
MARY
I can petition the King..
STAFFORD
ou think he will listen? It's his own
neck he's saving by getting rid of them,
can't you see?
MARY stares..
(CONTINUED)
M
M
106.
STAFFORD
Fine, go. But if you do, you might as
well kiss your children goodbye. You are
Anne's sister. That alone makes you her
accomplice and co-conspirator.
MARY
I have no choice. Anne and George are my
family. I cannot desert them.
MARY walks towards the door..
STAFFORD
And what of your new family? Your
CHILDREN?
MARY
Henry and Catherine have you. Anne and
George have no one.
(a beat)
I'm sorry..
183 183
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
The sound of galloping hooves. MARY rides hard, towards London..
INT. GREAT COURT - TOWER OF LONDON - DAY
184 184
ANNE is led into a great courtroom lit by flickering torches,
and filled with fifty or sixty of the country's most powerful
NOBLEMEN. ANNE walks to the centre of the room, surveying her
`jurors', noting that they have remained seated..
ANNE
It is a sad day for England when the
nobles do not rise for their Queen.
NORFOLK
And even sadder when that same Queen is
charged with adultery and incest.
ANNE
Charged is different to convicted,
Uncle. Or is it not? In this court?
Deathly silence. The clearing of throats. Then with much chair
scraping, the NOBLES reluctantly get to their feet..
NORFOLK
Master Cromwell, read out the
indictment..
CROMWELL gets to his feet..
(CONTINUED)
1
107.
CROMWELL
The charge is that in the twenty-eighth
year of the reign of our Sovereign
Henry, King of England, his wife, the
Queen, being seduced by the Devil, did
knowingly commit adultery, high treason
and offences against God.
NORFOLK
How do you plead?
ANNE
Not guilty, my Lord.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
185 185
MARY thunders across bridges, through villages. Urging on her
horse. No thought of rest.
INT. GREAT COURT - TOWER OF LONDON - NIGHT
86 186
A
ANNE faces the LORDS, as she makes her case..
ANNE
My noble Lords..the love I have for my
brother is the love any sister would
have for someone with whom she has grown
up in the same house, nursed when sick,
played games as children, shared life's
celebrations.
As ANNE delivers this speech, our CAMERA slowly pulls back,
back, towards the door..
ANNE
That is the love I have for him. Not
what you suggest.
Our CAMERA pulls out through the door...
..and into a corridor beyond, where we find HENRY hunched in
shadows, eavesdropping, his face cast in shadows..
ANNE (V/O)
Judge me, my Lords, as you see fit. But
never forget that your verdicts will be
judged again by God, in the greatest
court of all..
HENRY's face is a study of guilt. His knuckles whiten, his nails
dig into his hands..
NORFOLK (V/O)
My Lords, the time has come to cast your
vote.
S
1
108.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
187 187
MARY gallops through shallow streams, spraying water..
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
188 188
ANNE watches on as each LORD takes it in turn to get to his
feet, and deliver his verdict. First CROMWELL, then the
SEYMOURS, then HENRY PERCY..
The verdicts rain down on ANNE, `Guilty, guilty, guilty', going
round the courtroom, until they reach the DUKE of NORFOLK. ANNE
meets the eyes of her UNCLE..
NORFOLK
(unflinching)
Guilty.
NORFOLK stares at ANNE. Not a hint of compassion..
NORFOLK
In which case, the burden falls on me to
pass sentence.
EXT. TOWER GREEN - THE FOLLOWING DAY
89 189
A terrified GEORGE BOLEYN is led to the scaffold. He is watched
by FRANCIS WESTON..
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
190 190
MARY reaches the outskirts of London. Gallops through villages..
EXT. TOWER GREEN - DAY
191 191
GEORGE BOLEYN's eyes are covered with a cloth. He puts his head
on the block. A PRIEST says last rites as GEORGE's arms are held
back. Terrified, his lips mouth prayers..begging forgiveness.
The axe falls. A huge ROAR goes up.
REVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL: this has been watched by SIR THOMAS
BOLEYN.
EXT. TOWER OF LONDON - DUSK
192 192
MARY arrives in time to hear the ROAR from the crowds. She
dismounts her horse, exhausted from the journey,
he walks against a tide of CROWDS leaving. Drunk. Laughing.
Talking among themselves.
(CONTINUED)
W
1
109.
MARY's expression changes.
Suddenly, a shiver goes down her spine. MARY feels sick. Fearing
the worst, she goes up to a WOMAN in the CROWDS..
MARY
ho was it?
INT. PALACE - COURT - DAY
93 193
HENRY walks through corridors arm in arm with JANE SEYMOUR,
followed closely by the SEYMOUR BROTHERS, SIR JOHN SEYMOUR and
the ever-surviving DUKE of NORFOLK..
HENRY turns a corner, then stops in his tracks when he
sees...MARY waiting outside his Privy Chamber, restrained by
GUARDS. Seeing the King, she curtseys deeply..
HENRY
Mary..?
The SEYMOUR BROTHERS draw their swords, but the KING's DOG runs
excitedly towards her. HENRY gestures for the SEYMOURS to sheath
their swords.. H
ENRY
Leave us.
The SEYMOURS leave. The DUKE of NORFOLK hesitates..
HENRY
ALL of you!
NORFOLK shoots MARY a look, then goes. HENRY turns and leads her
into..
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER - DAY
194 194
His private room. His sanctuary. Where he took her before. The
room to which only MARY seems to have had access..
MARY
Your Majesty..
(falling into a deep curtsey
as HENRY closes the door
ensuring their privacy)
I understand my family has offended you.
But having taken my brother today, I beg
you to spare my sister.
HENRY
Oh, Mary...
(CONTINUED)
H
H
H
110.
MARY
I realise you must replace Anne as
Queen.
(a beat)
But must she die, too?
HENRY
She has been tried and found guilty.
MARY
You could send her away.
ENRY
I am bound by the law.
MARY
You could send her to a nunnery. No one
would know.
HENRY
Anne? To a nunnery?
HENRY almost manages a smile.
MARY
There is precedent, my Lord. Louis of
France did it, too. When his wife could
not conceive.
HENRY
The French Queen was a blameless woman.
Your sister a witch.
MARY
I understand Anne has offended you. I
ask only that if there is any regret you
might..feel yourself.
ENRY
What?
MARY
For your part in the matter..
MARY treads delicately. Realising the very suggestion is
treason.
MARY
..does not unduly colour your thinking.
Killing Anne will not make it go away.
(a beat)
It would only make it worse.
ENRY stares at MARY..
HENRY
How could I have made that mistake?
(CONTINUED)
T
A
`
G
H
111.
Suddenly his eyes are full of regret. And sadness.
HENRY (cont'd)
Choosing her over you?
ENRY thinks. A long silence.
HENRY
o. I will reflect on the matter.
MARY falls on one knee. Kisses his swollen, bejewelled hand in
gratitude. HENRY stares, watching her as she goes.
EXT. TOWER HILL - DAY
195 195
A team of CARPENTERS erect gallows and scaffolding. Hammers
knock nails. A sickening metronome of death.
OTack', `tack', `tack'.
n the hill: a blood-stained chopping block is put into place.
INT. ANNE'S CELL - DAY
196 196
The doors to ANNE's cell open. ANNE looks up. In the doorway is
MARY. MARY stares at ANNE..
ANNE's appearance is shocking. She looks ten years older.
Haggard and lined by stress.
ANNE puts on a brave face, stares back at MARY.
MARY
Oh, Anne..
The two sisters walk towards one another, and embrace. Tight.
Tears run onto each other's shoulders..
ANNE
How has it come to this?
MARY
Ssshhhhh.
EXT. TOWER GREEN - DAY
197 197
A LIEUTENANT gives a nod. SOLDIERS raise a barrier, and allow
the CROWDS that have been waiting to rush forward.
he CROWDS swarm over the grassy hill...putting down
coats...reserving seats..anxious to secure the best views.
112.
INT. ANNE'S CELL - DAY
198 198
ANNE looks out through a narrow window. Her intense, fearful
eyes flit and dart..
ANNE
They're letting the crowds in.
MARY
It's all right. You will be spared. The
King as good as gave me his word.
ANNE
The King saw you?
MARY
Yes.
ANNE manages a rueful smile..
ANNE
We all made a mess of that, didn't we?
We all underestimated little Mary.
ANNE looks at MARY..
ANNE
I don't think he ever stopped loving
you.
MARY
That's not true.
ANNE
It is. He never loved me in the same
way. And deep down you know it.
MARY averts her eyes..
ANNE
You should have been Queen. You even
gave him a son. But instead all this has
happened because..
(a beat)
Because I couldn't bear to be the Other
Boleyn Girl.
ANNE shrugs..
ANNE
And now look?
The sound of approaching footsteps. ANNE looks at MARY, suddenly
frightened..
(CONTINUED)
H
S
113.
ANNE
Hold me..
The two SISTERS fall into an emotional embrace as the JAILOR's
keys turn in the lock..
ANNE
You'll look after Elizabeth?
MARY
It will be all right. Trust me.
ANNE
he couldn't ask for a better moth...
(breaks down, composes
herself)
MARY hugs ANNE tight..`Sssshhh'.
MARY
e will spare you. I am sure of it.
ANNE takes a deep breath. Tries to look serene..
EXT. TOWER HILL - DAY
199 199
A roar of the crowd. ANNE, wearing a shawl of white ermine, is
violently jostled and spat at as she's marched across Tower Hill
to the scaffold. She shoots MARY an anxious look across the
crowds..
M
MARY shoots a signal, "Don't worry." ANNE climbs the steps, and
faces the CROWDS. Finally the jeers subside..
ANNE
I...I come here to die...a loyal
subject..
More spit, jeers and abuse. MARY stands on tiptoe, cranes her
neck. Anxiously scans the CROWDS for the GUARDS that will free
ANNE..
MARY
Come on..
ANNE
..I..I do not blame the King. Never was
there a more just or goodly Lord..
Presently, MARY sees two SOLDIERS pushing through the CROWDS
towards her. Her heart leaps..
ANNE
..I beg God's forgiveness and his
mercy..
(CONTINUED)
A
M
114.
ANNE looks up to see the SOLDIERS reaching MARY, and handing her
a letter. ANNE smiles in relief. MARY opens the letter and
reads..
CROMWELL (V.O.)
"Madam..."
INT. CROMWELL'S OFFICE - DAY
200 200
THOMAS CROMWELL, the former assistant to WOLSEY, who has now
replaced him, sits at his desk, writing the letter..
CROMWELL (V.O.)
..the King has spared you because of his
respect and affection for you and
because you are the mother of his son."
EXT. TOWER HILL - DAY
201 201
MARY continues to read the letter, as ANNE is forced to kneel by
the EXECUTIONER..
CROMWELL (V.O.)
"But you risked your life coming to
court and you are advised you not to do
so again. You will not be shown the same
clemency a second time. Your sister Anne
was tried and found guilty, her crimes
were high treason and she deserves to
die. Cromwell."
MARY, who is reading, looks up in horror..
MARY
No!
ANNE looks up. She sees the look on MARY's face.
MARY's eyes.
ANNE's eyes.
`WHOOSH', the masked EXECUTIONER swings his sword. ANNE is
beheaded. MARY almost chokes..
The CROWD falls eerily silent. A stunned calm descends on Tower
Green. Nothing but the sound of the wind.
MARY sways, then falls backwards, having lost consciousness. She
falls, falls..but is caught by a strong pair of arms..
..WILLIAM STAFFORD, who has followed her to London.
Suddenly the CROWDS burst into life. A great, bloodthirsty ROAR
echoes around Tower Green as ANNE's head is lifted aloft..
(CONTINUED)
A
115.
WILLIAM STAFFORD carries MARY in his arms. They walk against the
flow, of teaming CROWDS, and newly-arriving FAMILIES coming to
watch the spectacle..
SLOW FADE TO BLACK:
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
202 202
SIR THOMAS BOLEYN sits by a window. Staring out at the fields
beyond. Ashen-faced. Broken.
CAPTION #1: "WRETCHED AND DISGRACED, SIR THOMAS BOLEYN DIED TWO
YEARS LATER OF A BROKEN HEART."
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
203 203
We're moving through a cornfield. At speed. The sound of
children's laughter. Excited shrieking.
CAPTION #2: "AS SOLE HEIR, MARY INHERITED THE ENTIRE ESTATE."
s in the opening scene: three CHILDREN, a BOY and two GIRLS,
run through the fields, playing. Touchingly, they are barely
taller than the corn, heads skimming along the sheaves..
CAPTION #3: "SHE AND WILLIAM STAFFORD LIVED HAPPILY AWAY FROM
COURT FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES."
REVERSE ANGLE TO REVEAL: the children are being watched from a
distance by MARY and WILLIAM STAFFORD, standing outside Hever
Castle. MARY smiles, shielding her eyes from the sun..
CAPTION #4: "MARY's SON, HENRY, WENT ON TO BECOME CLOSEST FRIEND
AND ADVISER TO HIS COUSIN ELIZABETH.."
We CLOSE on YOUNG HENRY and ANNE's unmistakable red-headed
daughter ELIZABETH..
CAPTION: "WHO WENT ON TO BECOME QUEEN ELIZABETH I, ONE OF THE
GREATEST MONARCHS IN BRITISH HISTORY."
THE END
|
