David and Bathshua



The New Howell Theater presents

The Twenty-One Gun Salute

A Screenplay

by Ronald L. Ecker



Copyright 1983, 1996, 2003 by Ronald L. Ecker
All Rights Reserved


Log line: During the Mexican Revolution, a battle of wills between dictator Victoriano Huerta and democratic idealist Woodrow Wilson leads to a U.S. invasion of Veracruz.




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		THE TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE



      FADE IN:

      EXT. CAFÉ COLÓN - MEXICO CITY - ESTABLISHING - DAY

      Not a high-class joint.  MARIACHI MUSIC from within.
      FEDERAL SOLDIER #1 leans idly against a military car
      parked in front.  SUBTITLE fades in:

                       MEXICO CITY
                      FEBRUARY, 1913

      INT. CAFÉ COLÓN - DAY

      Some working-class MEXICANS are eating and drinking,
      while a MARIACHI BAND sings and plays.

      INT. A PRIVATE ROOM - CAFÉ COLÓN - DAY

      Federal General VICTORIANO HUERTA, 59, of Huichol Indian 
      blood, stands by a table as he's talking on the phone.

      The Mariachis (o.s.) can be heard through the open
      door, which is casually guarded by General RAFAEL 
      IZQUIERDO, 50-ish.  

      A WAITER has brought Huerta a bottle of cognac, and is 
      pouring a glass on the table.

			  HUERTA
		     (into phone)
		I am at the Café Colón.  You
		hear the mariachis?

      Huerta chuckles.  As he glances at the Waiter leaving
      the room:

			  HUERTA
		     (into phone)
		You know, under Madero, there
		is one revolt after another.

      INTERCUT: INT. AMBASSADOR'S OFFICE - U.S. EMBASSY - DAY

      The 50-ish U.S. AMBASSADOR sits talking on the phone.  He
      is calm, conspiratorial:

			  AMBASSADOR
		I know.  Mexico, General Huerta,
		needs a return to stability.

			  HUERTA
		I would have to agree.

      As Huerta sits down, relaxed, his cognac beside him on the
      table:

			  HUERTA
		I would like your reassurance,
		Mister Ambassador, that His
		Excellency Mister President Taft
		will not intervene, if Madero
		should be overthrown.

			  AMBASSADOR
		No need to worry.  President Taft
                depends largely on what	I advise
                him regarding affairs here.  Anyway,
                his term will be ending in March.

			  HUERTA
		What about this Woodrow Wilson?

			  AMBASSADOR
		Well, I'm sure he'll depend on me too.
		     (beat)
		How soon do you think Madero might
                be overthrown?

			  HUERTA
		Oh . . .

      Huerta looks at a pocket watch.  (The time is five after
      two.)

			  HUERTA
		Any time now.

      EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY

      A sprawling building on the Zócalo, the city's central plaza.

      INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - THE  PALACE - DAY

      President FRANCISCO MADERO, 40, a small, gentle-looking fellow,
      is listening with interest to AIDE #1.  AIDES #2 and #3 also
      are present.

                          AIDE #1
                Villa escaped from the prison
                disguised as a visitor.  They
                think he has headed for Texas.

                          MADERO
                If he escaped, good for him.
                     (with disgust)
                A hero of the Revolution, jailed
                as a horse thief by order of Huerta.
                The general was going to have him
                shot!  I said, 'No, he will have a
                fair trial.'

                          AIDE #2
                Huerta is not to be trusted, Mister
                President.  You know he was loyal
                to the old regime, and -

                          MADERO
                     (interrupting,
                      resentfully)
                I have his loyalty now.
                     (rhetorically)
                He is head of the new federal army.
                What more could Huerta want?

                          AIDE #1
                     (beat)
                Beware of wolves who come in sheep's
                clothing.

     Aide #1 doesn't finish before they HEAR boots.

     The door has opened, and Federal General AURELIANO BLANQUET,
     60, walks in, followed by TWO COLONELS.  Their uniforms
     include holstered pistols.  Armed FEDERAL SOLDIERS remain
     outside the doorway.

			  MADERO
		     (rising)
		Blanquet.  What is this?

			  BLANQUET
		Madero, you are under arrest.

			  MADERO
		Who do you think you are?

      As Aide #1 slowly moves his hand, out of Blanquet's view,
      for something in his coat:

			  BLANQUET
		Vice President Pino Suárez is
		already in custody.

      Madero looks defiantly at the taller Blanquet.

			  MADERO
		Where is General Huerta?  I want
                to see him now.

      Aide #1 has drawn a pistol.  Colonel #1 SHOOTS him, just as
      Aide #2 draws a pistol and is SHOT by both Blanquet and
      Colonel #2.

      Soldiers have entered with guns at ready.  The shaken Madero 
      looks down at dead Aides #1 and #2.  He looks again at the 
      stone-faced Blanquet.
   
      EXT. CAFÉ COLÓN - DAY

      The military car is leaving, with Huerta and Izquierdo in
      back, Soldier #1 driving.

      INT. THE CAR - DAY

      Huerta calmly lights a black cigarette, Izquierdo set to
      take notes, as the Soldier drives.

			  HUERTA
		Have this message sent to all
                embassies: 'I have the honor to
                inform you that I have overthrown
                the government.'
		     (beat)
		'From now on there will be peace
		and prosperity.'
		     (beat, then)
		I will drop you off at the palace.

			  IZQUIERDO
		What about you?

			  HUERTA
		I am going to the house.  It is
		one of my grandsons' birthday.

      EXT. PATIO - HUERTA'S HOME - DAY

      Huerta's blindfolded GRANDSON, about 7, succeeds in busting
      a goodies-filled piñata with a stick.

      Cheering him on, then applauding, are Huerta's wife EMILIA,
      52, four or five Huerta DAUGHTERS, a couple of SONS-IN-LAW,
      and several CHILDREN.

      EXT. HUERTA'S HOME - DAY

      The car bringing Huerta arrives at the nice but not regal
      home.

      EXT. PATIO - FIVE MINUTES LATER

      Huerta and the birthday-partying FAMILY feast at a table,
      MAID #1 attending.

			  EMILIA
		How has your day been, dear?

			  HUERTA
		I am the new head of Mexico.

			  EMILIA
		You are?

			  DAUGHTER #1
                     (thrilled)
		Father!

			  SON-IN-LAW #1
		What about Madero?

			  HUERTA
		He was no good for the country, he
                and his so-called Revolution.  I
                had generals revolting every day.
                I got tired of defending him.

			  SON-IN-LAW #1
		Has he been shot?

			  HUERTA
		No, he has not been shot.

			  EMILIA
		What will the Congress say about
		you taking over?

      Huerta laughs.  As he reaches over and gives Emilia a fond
      squeeze on the arm:

			  HUERTA
		Would you like to go live in
		Chapultepec Castle?

			  EMILIA
		I don't know, I haven't thought
		about it.

			  DAUGHTER #1
		Mama!

			  EMILIA
		Well I don't want to move.

			  HUERTA
		I don't want to move either.  So
		we won't.

			  DAUGHTER #2
		     (sarcastically)
		Who wants to live in a castle?

			  GRANDSON
		I do.

      As Huerta gestures to the Maid for more wine:

			  SON-IN-LAW #2
		What about Washington?  Are you
		concerned about what the gringos
		will say?

			  HUERTA
		No, I am not.  The ambassador
                understands.  He will see that my
                government gets full recognition.

      EXT. A NICE TWO-STORY HOME - NEW JERSEY - DAY

      As a car (CHAUFFEUR-driven, bringing WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN)
      arrives in front, where TWO SECRET SERVICE MEN wait in the
      cold, SUBTITLE fades in:

	          PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY

      OVERLAP SOUND of convivial LAUGHTER.

      INT. AN UPSTAIRS SITTING ROOM - DAY

      WOODROW WILSON, 56, his Georgian wife ELLEN, 55, and Wilson's
      diminutive advisor, Texan "Colonel" EDWARD HOUSE, 53, sit
      laughing about something.

      Pretty NELLIE WILSON, 26, has appeared at the door.

                          NELLIE
                Mister Bryan is here, Dad.

                          WILSON
                Thank you, Nell.

      As Wilson is about to get up, House rising instead, Nellie
      leaving:

                          HOUSE
                Finish your coffee, Woodrow. I'll
                greet him.

      As House heads for the door:

                          ELLEN
                Thank you, Colonel.

      Wilson and Ellen look fondly at each other for a moment.

      Ellen rises, picks up House's cup, and takes it, Wilson
      watching her, to the table where the coffee pot sits.

      Wilson, finishing his cup, rises and follows her.

			  WILSON
		Ellen . . .

      As she turns, takes Wilson's cup:

			  WILSON
		Don't call Ed 'Colonel.'  He
		hates it.

      As Ellen sets down the cup, turns again to Wilson:

			  ELLEN
		I'm sorry.  I thought he was a
		colonel.

			  WILSON
		It's honorary.  One of the things
		they do out in Texas.

      As Wilson takes Ellen in his arms:

			  ELLEN
		What's his title going to be?

			  WILSON
		Advisor to the President.

      As Wilson starts giving her pecks and nibbles:

			  WILSON
		Do you know what else they do
		out in Texas?

			  ELLEN
		What?

			  WILSON
		They do it in Virginia too.  My
                old neck of the woods.

			  ELLEN
		Now I'm catching on.

			  WILSON
		They do it here in New Jersey.

      As Ellen gently breaks his hold:

			  ELLEN
		They do it in Rome, Georgia too.
		But not while William Jennings
		Bryan is waiting outside.

      INT. THE UPSTAIRS SITTING ROOM - TEN MINUTES LATER

      Wilson is pacing while WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN, 52, sits
      having coffee, House smoking a cigar.

                          BRYAN
                Well I might as well say it, Woodrow.
                Colonel.

                          HOUSE
                     (with a smile)
                Call me Ed.

                          BRYAN
                I'm a teetotaler, Ed.  I come from
                a long, dry line of teetotalers.
                     (to Wilson)
                If I run the State Department, I'd
                like to prohibit the serving of
                liquor at all state dinners.

      Wilson and House glance at each other.

                          BRYAN
                Wine too.

                          WILSON
                Well, I guess I'd leave that to
                your judgment.

      As Bryan rises to offer his hand:

                          BRYAN
                Then I accept.

      As Wilson and Bryan shake hands:

                          HOUSE
                Wine too, eh?

                          BRYAN
                Why compromise on one's principles?

                          WILSON
                     (to House)
                Can't argue with that.

      As Bryan sits down again, Wilson pacing:

                          WILSON
                Anyway, Will, the first thing on
                your plate is going to be Mexico.
                There'll be no recognition of
                Huerta.  One of the first things
                we'll do is recall the ambassador.

			  BRYAN
		Break off relations?

                          WILSON
                No, we're going to put pressure on
                Huerta to restore Madero or hold
                new elections, return to constitutional
                government.  It's a matter of principle.

                          HOUSE
                The Revolution may not be over.
                     (beat)
                This Huerta, you know, was one of the
                old dictator's men.

			  WILSON
                Well, one thing I intend to do, as
                I said in my campaign, is to help
                foster democracy in Latin America.
                And no traitor of a general like
                Huerta is going to stop me.

                          BRYAN
                Does that mean military intervention,
                sir?

                          WILSON
                No.  The United States is through
                being the bully on the block.  We
                are not going to war against Mexico.
                There are more civilized means to help
                them undo what's been done.  We are
                going to handle this diplomatically.

      EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - NIGHT

      In the darkness a group of RURALES (federal policemen) hustle
      Madero and Vice President JOSÉ MARÍA PINO SUÁREZ, 50, out of
      a rear entrance of the palace into two waiting cars.

      INT. FIRST CAR - NIGHT

      A Federal police MAJOR gets into the back next to the nervous
      Madero.  On Madero's other side sits FEDERAL POLICEMAN #1.
      TWO RURALES are in front, one getting ready to drive.

                          MADERO
                Where are you taking us?

                          MAJOR
                To Lecumberri.  We can no longer keep
                you here in the palace.

                          MADERO
                     (incredulously)
                Lecumberri?  The prison?

                          MAJOR
                Temporarily.  For your safety.

      EXT. THE PALACE - NIGHT

      The first car pulls away, then the second car follows.

      INT. SECOND CAR - NIGHT

      Pino Suárez sits between FEDERAL POLICEMEN #2 and #3, TWO
      RURALES in front.

      EXT. THE PRISON - NIGHT

      The two cars move along a road by the prison wall toward the
      front entrance.

      INT. FIRST CAR - NIGHT

      The Major, Madero, and Policeman as before.  As Madero
      glances back:

			  MADERO
		We just passed the entrance.

			  MAJOR
		We are going to use the one at
                the rear.

      EXT. THE PRISON - NIGHT

      The two cars come to a halt by a rear door.

      INT./EXT. FIRST CAR - NIGHT

      As Policeman #1 gets out, to stand by the car, the Major
      looks at Madero.

			  MAJOR
		Get out.

      Madero hesitates.  Major speaks more firmly:

			  MAJOR
		Get out.

      Madero starts getting out.

      Drawing his pistol, the Major aims it at the back of
      Madero's head, and FIRES.

      EXT. BY FIRST CAR - NIGHT

      Madero falls to the ground, where he is SHOT again by
      Policeman #1.

      EXT. BY SECOND CAR - NIGHT

      Pino Suárez is out of the second car.  He has watched the
      killing in horror.

      Standing behind Pino Suárez, Policeman #3 aims his pistol
      at the back of Pino Suárez's head.

      The Major gets out of the first car, as a SHOT is heard,
      followed momentarily by ANOTHER, by the second car.

      The Major steps over to Madero's body, looks down at it,
      then looks over at Pino Suárez's.  He glances around at
      the Rurales.

			  MAJOR
		That's what they get, eh?  For
		trying to escape.  The fools.
		They deserved to be shot.
		     (gesturing toward
		      second car)
		Load them in the car.

      INT. SITTING ROOM - WILSON HOME - PRINCETON - DAY

      Ellen is signing inaugural ball invitations, while Wilson
      sits with a newspaper in an armchair.

      Wilson is grim.  The story he is reading is headlined
      DEPOSED PRESIDENT SHOT IN MEXICO.

		          ELLEN
		Jessie and Frank want to get
		married in the White House.

      Ellen looks over at Wilson reading, not listening.

			  ELLEN
		Woodrow . . .

      As Wilson looks over at her:

			  WILSON
		Sorry, dear.

			  ELLEN
		Jessie and Frank want a White
		House wedding.

      Wilson scans the last few lines of the story.  As he
      grimly sets the paper aside:

			  WILSON
		Well, an appropriate place, I
		suppose, to start losing our
		daughters.

      Ellen looks at him quizzically.  He's pensive, clearly
      troubled by what he has read.

			  WILSON
		President Taft says the White House
                is the loneliest place in the world.

     After a moment, as Ellen writes:

			  ELLEN
		I'll try not to let you get too
		lonely.

     Wilson looks at her fondly.

			  WILSON
		Is that a promise?

			  ELLEN
		I cross my heart.

      EXT. VIENNA, AUSTRIA - NIGHT

      ESTABLISHING, as SUBTITLE fades in:

		     VIENNA, AUSTRIA

      During this, OVERLAP SOUND:

                          NELSON (V.O.)
                 Well, things are happening now
                 that Wilson has taken the oath.

      EXT. BALCONY - A VIENNA APARTMENT - NIGHT

      Pretty EDITH O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, sits staring off at the city
      on a mild evening.  She looks sullen about something.

			  NELSON
		We're being transferred	to Mexico.

      Now Edith rolls her eyes incredulously.

      Handsome NELSON O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, sits down a few feet from
      Edith, who looks like she's trying to ignore him.

			  NELSON
		Embassy first secretary.  This
		could be a big break.  There's
		been a coup, the Revolution has
		re-ignited.  Rumor has it Wilson's
                going to recall the ambassador.
		     (beat)
		That'll leave me in charge there.
		I could be the next ambassador.

			  EDITH
		You could also get lynched by a mob.

			  NELSON
                     (beat)
		Is that wishful thinking?
		     (after a moment)
		You don't have to go, Edith.  You
		could go home to Philadelphia.

      A beat, Edith clearly in a quandary.

                          EDITH
                Couldn't that ruin your chance of
                being ambassador?

                          NELSON
                     (beat)
                I can't just think of myself.

      Edith cuts a hard eye at him, as if Nelson hasn't always been
      so unselfish.  Nelson looks away.

      After a moment, Edith sighs, looking off at the city.

			  EDITH
		Book your passage to Mexico,
		Nelson.  I'll stay here to
		settle our . . .
		     (hesitates to
		      use the word)
		. . . affairs . . . It'll give
                me some time to think.
           	     (beat)
                Mexico City - or Philadelphia.

      EXT. TOWN OF SAN ANDRÉS - CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO - DAY

      Stocky, mustachioed PANCHO VILLA, 35, and some 50 well-armed
      VILLISTAS come riding into town on HORSES.

      Humble TOWNSPEOPLE, including idle TEENAGERS, see Villa
      coming.  The Teenagers become excited:

		          TEENAGER #1
		It's Pancho Villa!

      As Villa and his Men ride past, some Townspeople shouting
      salutations:

			  VILLISTA #1
		Viva Pancho Villa!

			  TEENAGER #
		Que viva!

      VILLISTA #2 reins in his Horse, to shout:

			  VILLISTA #2
		Come join us, to help save the
                Revolution!

      Two or three of the Teenagers go running off, as if to
      fetch some belongings.

			  TEENAGER #2
		Viva la Revolución!

      INT./EXT. A SECOND-FLOOR WINDOW - OTILIA'S HOME - DAY

      Pretty OTILIA, 35, looks out the window, sees Villa and
      some of the Villistas arrive on their Horses below.

      INT. OTILIA'S SECOND-FLOOR BEDROOM - DAY

      Surprised Otilia, straightening her clothes, turns anxiously
      from the window:

			  OTILIA
		It's Pancho!

      Her terrified LOVER jumps off of the bed and runs out of
      the room, grabbing his sombrero and fastening his pants
      as he goes.

      INT. THE SECOND FLOOR - DAY

      Exiting Otilia's room, the Lover runs to the first window
      he sees.

      EXT. BACK OF HOUSE - DAY

      Scrambling out the second-floor window, the Lover doesn't
      think twice before jumping.

      He falls straight through the thatched roof of a chicken
      coop by the side of the house.  Cackling CHICKENS come
      flying out.

      EXT. FRONT OF HOUSE - DAY

      Villa heads for the entrance, Two Villistas staying in
      front as guards, the Others riding off.

			  VILLA
		Otilia, I am home!

      INT. THE HOUSE - DAY

      As Villa enters, Otilia runs to greet him with open arms:

			  OTILIA
		Pancho!

			  VILLA
		Otilia, my love!

      As he hungrily embraces her:

			  OTILIA
		Have you come home to stay?

			  VILLA
		Not yet, my precious.  I am
		raising an army.  We are taking
		the Revolution back from Huerta.

      As he leads her by the hand toward the stairs:

                          VILLA
                Let's go, I don't have much time.

      EXT. REAR OF HOUSE - DAY

      The Lover, covered with crap, is hurriedly limping off
      on a broken leg.

      INT. THE HOUSE - DAY

      As Villa and Otilia are walking up the stairs:

                          OTILIA
                How many men do you have now,
                Pancho?

			  VILLA
		I left El Paso with six.  I pick up
                more at every village.

      EXT. A VILLAGE - CHIHUAHUA - DAY

      PEASANTS stand gathered, listening intently to Villa, trying
      fierily to recruit them, a few already armed, while mounted
      Villistas wait.

                          VILLA
                Mexico, hombres, is in the bloody
                hands of assassins.  They shot
                down Madero like a dog in the
                street.  They have snatched away
                all that we fought for. There will
                be no land, no better life for your
                families, unless we stand up to
                these traitors.

                          PEASANT
                Mueran los traidores!

                          VILLA
                Those who fought for the Revolution
                must now fight again, and all good
                Mexicans must now join the cause.
                     (pointing north)
                We are going to retake Ciudad Juárez.
                Then we head south, to retake Torreón,
                to retake Zacatecas, to throw Huerta
                out of Mexico!

                          PEASANTS
                Viva la patria!  Viva Villa!

                          VILLA
                Those who are with me, go to your
                homes, get your guns.  They will
                pay with their blood, we will take
                back what belongs to us all: our
                beloved Mexico!

      As Villa heads for his horse, Peasants running for home or
      waving their weapons:

                          PEASANTS
                Vámanos!  Viva Villa!  Viva la
                Revolución!

      EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - WASHINGTON, D.C. - DAY

      It's spring.  Some SHEEP are grazing on the White House lawn.
      OVERLAP SOUND:

                          A LADY (V.O.)
                It's such a disgrace, Mrs. Wilson . . .

      INT. ELLEN'S OFFICE - THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY

      Ellen sits at her desk, listening to social activist CHARLOTTE
      HOPKINS, while looking at a drawing of a simple, protoype
      two-family house.  (The drawing is labeled SANITARY HOUSING
      COMPANY.)

      With Hopkins are two other LADIES.  Ellen's small, 50-ish
      secretary HELEN BONES is also present.

			  HOPKINS
		. . . a disgrace that, with this
                type of low-cost, sanitary housing
                available, folks live, right here
                in the nation's capital, in alleys
                like Goat and Willow Tree.

			  ELLEN
		     (beat)
		Alleys like -?

			  HOPKINS
		One of the slums I referred to.
		Goat and Willow Tree, Logan's
		Court -

			  LADY #1
	        They're alleys, Mrs. Wilson, of
		dilapidated shacks, where most
		of the black people live.  Right
		in sight of Capitol Hill.

      This is clearly news to Ellen:

			  ELLEN
		I haven't been around much to
		notice.

			  HOPKINS
		Oh, no one 'notices,' Mrs. Wilson.
		But the conditions are awful.

			  LADY #3
		The slumlords - that's what they
		are - could put in this type of
		housing, if Congress would just
		make them do it.

			  ELLEN
		     (after a moment)
		Well I'd like to see these alleys
		you're talking about.  Can we
		check my calendar, Helen?

      Hopkins and the Ladies look thrilled as Helen shows a
      calendar to Ellen.

			  ELLEN
		How about Monday afternoon?

			  HOPKINS
		Oh, that would be great, Mrs. Wilson.

     INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - WHITE HOUSE - DAY

      Wilson is meeting with his CABINET, including BRYAN,
      Treasury's handsome Georgian WILLIAM McADOO, 50, Navy
      Secretary JOSEPHUS DANIELS, 52, and Secretary of War
      LINDLEY GARRISON, 60.

			  WILSON
		Let's move on to Mexico.  Mister
                Bryan . . .

			  BRYAN
		It's civil war, Mister President.
		Huerta seems to be holding his
		own, but the rebels are picking
		up steam.

			  McADOO
		Who's leading those rebels down
		there?  Is it Villa?

			  BRYAN
		     (glancing at notes)
		The nominal leader is Carranza,	the
                governor of Coahuila in the north.
                He calls himself First Chief of the
                Constitutionalist forces.

                          GARRISON
                     (derisively)
                'Constitutionalists.'  That's a
                bunch of hooey, Mister President.

			  BRYAN
		Obregón is Carranza's top general.
		Villa is supposedly a Carranza
		man too, but Zapata's on his own.

			  DANIELS
		I think what you've got down there,
		with Carranza, Villa, and Zapata,
		is a free-for-all.

			  GARRISON
                You're exactly right, Mister Daniels.
                The day's coming, if it's not already
                here, Mister President, when we'll
                need to march into Mexico.  To save
                American lives and property from total
                depredation.

			  WILSON
		We're neutral on the war, Mister
                Garrison, for now anyway.  Our policy
                is watchful waiting.  Huerta claims
                he's going to hold an election.

                          GARRISON
                It'll be a sham, Mister President.
                He'll have himself, or some crony,
                elected.

                          WILSON
                No, he will not.
                     (to Bryan)
      		I want to send a special envoy,
		from me to Huerta - is our new chargé
                down there yet?

                          BRYAN
                Yes, Mister President.

                          WILSON
                Our envoy will tell Huerta face-to-
                face: a free election, soon, and
                he's not a candidate.

                          DANIELS
                Perhaps an interim government first,
                Mister President.  For electoral order.

                          WILSON
                Fine, as long as Huerta resigns.
                     (beat)
                At the same time, let's send a
                confidential agent to Carranza,
                to talk things over with him.
                Both sides might agree to elections,
                an interim government, an end to
                hostilities.
                     (beat)
                Let's find out how constitutionalist
                the rebels really are.

      EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY

      REESTABLISHING.  OVERLAP SOUND:

			  RÁBAGO (V.O.)
		Mister O'Shaughnessy, the President
		will see you now.

      INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY

      Nelson is escorted to the ornate double doors of the
      presidential office by CHUCHO RÁBAGO, Huerta's male
      secretary.  A FEDERAL SOLDIER stands guard.

      INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY

      As Rábago shows Nelson in, the uniformed Huerta turns from
      the window overlooking the plaza or Zócalo.

			  RÁBAGO
		Mister President, the United
		States chargé d'affaires -

      As Huerta strides over to Nelson, Rábago leaving:

			  HUERTA
		Ah!  Mister O'Shaughnessy.

      As they shake hands:

			  NELSON
		It is a pleasure to meet you,
		General Huerta.

			  HUERTA
		I may call you Nelson?

			  NELSON
		Please do.

			  HUERTA
		How soon, Nelson, might they name
                you the new ambassador?

			  NELSON
		Oh, I have no idea, sir.  I'd
		have to be confirmed.  We have
		to see how things go.

			  HUERTA
		Patience is a virtue, eh?  How
		is my English?

			  NELSON
		Excellent - Your Excellency.

      Huerta laughs.  As he takes Nelson by the arm:

			  HUERTA
		Come, let us go for a ride.

      EXT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY

      Huerta's new personal car is moving along a suburban road,
      with a car of BODYGUARDS following.

      INT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY

      Huerta is in good spirits, as he and Nelson sit in back,
      HUERTA'S CHAUFFEUR driving.

			  HUERTA
		A Mexican and a Frenchman are
                standing on the corner.  A brazen
                woman comes by, in a light dress
                that opens in front.  Underneath
                she wears nothing.  A strong wind
                lifts open her skirt.  She pulls
                it down and keeps going.  The
                Frenchman says,	'C'est la vie.'
                The Mexican thinks he was speaking
                Spanish: 'Sé la ví.'

			  NELSON
		'I know I saw it.'

			  HUERTA
		Yes.  And the Mexican says, 'I saw
                it too.'

      Huerta laughs heartily, Nelson smiling.

      INT. EL GLOBO SALOON - NIGHT

      Huerta and Nelson have been drinking at a table, Huerta with
      his back to the wall, BODYGUARDS sitting nearby, working-class
      PATRONS watching them, MARIACHIS SINGING.

      A WAITER sits down a fresh bottle.  Nelson is already drunk,
      Huerta just hitting his stride.

			  HUERTA
		Your wife, mi hijo.  Is she
		with you?

			  NELSON
		Not yet.  She'sh on her way from
                Vienna.

      Huerta leans close, points out a couple of smiling SEÑORITAS,
      clearly available, watching them.

			  HUERTA
		You would like some companionship,
		eh?

      Nelson looks, smiles, then:

			  NELSON
		Oh, no.  No, General.  I'm in
		enough trouble already.

			  HUERTA
		You are?

      Huerta laughs, shakes Nelson chummily by the shoulder:

			  HUERTA
		Que macho!

      EXT. THE U.S. EMBASSY - NIGHT

      Huerta's car pulls up at the gate, where TWO MEXICAN
      GENDARMES stand guard.

      As Nelson gets unsteadily out of the car, waves back
      at Huerta:

			  HUERTA
		Good night, mi hijo.

      INT. FOYER - THE EMBASSY - NIGHT

      Embassy butler HECTOR, a middleaged, stoical Indian,
      opens the door for Nelson, who walks drunkenly in.

			  HECTOR
		Are you okay, sir?

      As Nelson puts an arm around Hector's shoulders:

			  NELSON
		Yes, yes - What was your name
		again?

			  HECTOR
		Hector, sir.

			  NELSON
		Hector, I feel great.  We had a
		wunnerful time.

			  HECTOR
		Very good, sir.

			  NELSON
		I just had a little much too to
		drink.

			  HECTOR
		Very bad, sir.

			  NELSON
		But the gen'ral an' I get along
		fine.

			  HECTOR
		Very good.

      As Nelson starts moving away, half-turns, walking sideways:

			  NELSON
		Yep.  Things are going to be
		straightened out around here -

      Nelson stumbles against some furniture by the wall, starts
      losing his balance.

			  NELSON
		- in no time at all.

      Nelson falls flat on the floor.  Hector steps over as if
      to help him up, but drunken Nelson, as if ready to sleep
      it off, lays his head on an arm, trying to make himself
      comfortable.

			  NELSON
		It's all right.  Just leave me
		here.

			  HECTOR
		Very good, sir.

      Hector leaves him lying on the floor.

      EXT. AN ALLEY OF SHACKS - WASHINGTON - DAY

      PATRICE, a humbly clothed, 30-ish black woman, stands holding
      a small CHILD in her arms.

      She's calmly watching Ellen and Ms. Hopkins come walking
      along the alley, with SECRET SERVICE AGENTS #1 and #2 a
      a few steps behind them.  It's a mild day.

      Ragged black CHILDREN play in the narrow, shack-lined dirt
      street, in which sewage runs.  A few black ADULTS move about.

      As Ellen and Hopkins stop in front of Patrice's shack:

			  HOPKINS
		Hello, Patrice.

		 	  PATRICE
		Ms. Hopkins, how are you?

 			  HOPKINS
		Fine.  I want you to meet Mrs.
		Wilson.  She's -

			  ELLEN
		     (interrupting;
		      to Patrice)
		You can call me Ellen.

      As Patrice, glancing curiously at the Secret Service Men,
      clearly doesn't recognize Ellen:

			  PATRICE
		Pleased to meet you, Miss Ellen.

			  ELLEN
		Is this your only child?

			  PATRICE
		No, ma'am, we have four.  This
		is the youngest.

			  ELLEN
		You could use a better place for
		them, couldn't you.

			  PATRICE
		We sure could.  Everyone could.
		Everyone here works hard, those
		with jobs.  But this is what we
		come home to.  You know we can't
		get a place nowhere else.

			  ELLEN
		Well, maybe we can get something
		done here.

			  PATRICE
		     (chuckles)
		Excuse me for laughin', Miss Ellen.
                I sure hope you know the right
                folks.  It would take the President
                himself to get something done about
		this place.

      EXT. TRAIN STATION - MEXICO CITY - NIGHT

      Nelson stands waiting as Edith steps from the train, followed
      by the embassy's Mexican chauffeur JESÚS with luggage.

      Edith doesn't smile.  As Nelson kisses her, she turns her
      head slightly, so that the kiss is a peck on the cheek.

                          NELSON
                Welcome to Mexico City.

      INT. DINING ROOM - U.S. EMBASSY - LATER THAT NIGHT

      Nelson and Edith have been having a light meal, Mexican MAID #2
      attending.  Nelson tries to make small talk:

			  NELSON
		You'll meet Louis D'Antin tomorrow.
                He's the embassy first clerk and
                legal advisor.

      Through eating, Edith says nothing.  She declines more coffee
      from the Maid.

                          NELSON
                Would you like a grand tour of
                the embassy?

                          EDITH
                     (beat; matter-of-factly)
                I'm kind of tired after riding that
                train all day.  Think I'd like to
                turn in.

      INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT

      Nelson and Edith stop at the door of a room.  A trunk and
      two suitcases sit in the hallway.

			  NELSON
		I wasn't sure about your clothes,
		so I told 'em to leave it out
		here - till I knew where you want
                to sleep.

      A pause.  As Nelson nods toward it:

			  NELSON
		This is the master bedroom.

      No reaction.  He gestures further down the hall:

			  NELSON
		There's two other bedrooms,
		across from each other.

      A beat.  As Edith starts toward one of them:

			  EDITH
		I'd like my own room for now,
		if that's all right.

      As Nelson picks up one of the suitcases and follows her:

			  NELSON
		Suit yourself, Edith.
		     (beat)
		How long do you think you might
		want it?

      As they stop at the open bedroom door:

			  EDITH
		I don't know, Nelson.

			  NELSON
		Let me know when you do.

			  EDITH
		I will.

      As she starts in the door:

			  NELSON
		Edith, wait . . .
		     (she stops)
		You take the master bedroom, and
                I'll take this one.

			  EDITH
		No, I'd rather you keep it.

			  NELSON
		No, then you take this room, and
                I'll take the one over (there)

			  EDITH
		     (interrupting)
		(What)ever you want to do, Nelson.
                I'm tired.

      Nelson follows her into:

      INT. EDITH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

      Edith looks the nice room over as Nelson puts the suitcase
      on the bed.

			  NELSON
		I'll have 'em bring in the rest.

      Edith moves to a dresser.

			  NELSON
		Tomorrow's Chinese Independence
		Day.

      Edith gives him a look.

			  EDITH
		Thanks for reminding me.

      Edith sits down at the dresser, looks tiredly at her
      reflection.  As Nelson walks over, to stand behind her:

			  NELSON
		There'll be a big reception at
		the Chinese legation.  You'll
		get to meet a lot of people.

      Edith gives him an unthrilled look in the mirror.

			  NELSON
		You might even meet Huerta.

      After a moment, Nelson puts a hand on her shoulder
      and lightly kisses the top of her head:

			  NELSON
		Good night, dear.

      She looks at him, rather blankly, in the mirror.

			  EDITH
		Good night.

      Nelson leaves.  Edith thinks for a moment, and sighs.

      INT. WILSON BEDROOM - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

      Ellen is already in bed as Wilson, in pajamas, sits down on
      the edge of the bed to tiredly take off his slippers.

                          ELLEN
                I've got two good senators in
                mind, to talk to about the alleys.

                          WILSON
                That's who to talk to, lady.
                Congress has all the money.

      As Wilson lies down:

			  ELLEN
		Okay, I will.  I'll take a couple
                of senators down there to Goat
                and Willow Tree.  I'll take a
                whole committee.

      A pause.  Wilson looks pensive, staring up at the ceiling,
      as Edith regards him.

			  ELLEN
		You ought to see those places,
		Woodrow.

			  WILSON
		Ellen, I've got enough on my mind.

			  ELLEN
		Pardon me?

			  WILSON
		Ellen, for Pete's sake, I talk about
                democracy in Latin America, and
		we've got a butcher next door
		running Mexico.  What should I do?

			  ELLEN
		You're asking me?  Honey, 'I've got
                enough on my mind.'

      Wilson gives her a look.  He sighs.

			  WILSON
                     (half-seriously)
                President Taft was right.  This is
                the loneliest place in the world.

			  ELLEN
                     (smiles)
		You've got your little project, and
                I've got mine.

      EXT. THE CHINESE LEGATION - MEXICO CITY - DAY

      ESTABLISHING.  Diplomatic GUESTS are arriving.

      INT. SALON - LEGATION - DAY

      At the reception, Chinese legate CH'AN and MRS. CH'AN greet
      Nelson and Edith, among arriving GUESTS:

			  CH'AN
		Mister O'Shaughnessy.

			  NELSON
		May I present my wife Edith.
		     (to Edith)
		Mister and Mrs. Ch'an.

			  CH'AN
		So pleased to meet you.

			  MRS. CH'AN
		Welcome to Mexico.

			  EDITH
		Happy Independence Day.

      EXT. CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES - MEXICO CITY - DAY

      Congressional Deputy JORGE VERA ESTAÑOL is railing to his
      COLLEAGUES in session (about 200 in all):

                          VERA ESTAÑOL
                And what has General Huerta had to
                say of the mysterious disappearance,
                two nights ago, of our esteemed
                colleague, the Honorable Belisario
                Domínquez?  Not a word!  And who
                among us will be next?

      The chamber doors suddenly open, and General Blanquet comes in
      with armed SOLDIERS.  With Blanquet is the Mexico City POLICE
      CHIEF.

      There is stunned silence as Blanquet strides down the aisle
      toward the podium, the Chief close behind him.

      Blanquet stops, looking at Vera Estañol with a seeming mixture
      of amusement and contempt.

                          BLANQUET
                What is your name?

      Vera Etañol hesitates, as if surprised by the question, then:

                          VERA ESTAÑOL
                     (proudly)
                Jorge Vera Estañol.

                          BLANQUET
                     (to Police Chief)
                Is he on the list?

      The Chief checks a long list of names in his hand.

                          CHIEF
                Yes, General.

                          BLANQUET
                     (to Vera Estañol)
                You are under arrest.

      As Deputies begin angrily protesting:

                          BLANQUET
                     (to all)
                This Congress is dissolved, by order
                of the provisional president of Mexico!
                     (then, to Chief)
                Read off the names.

      INT. THE SALON - CHINESE LEGATION - DAY

      Nelson is chatting with British LORD CARDEN and Frenchman
      PIERRE MORNET.

                          LORD CARDEN
                     (to Nelson)
                You really believe Huerta can
                survive this renewed civil war
                without your government's
                recognition?

                          NELSON
                President Wilson is not going to
                recognize Huerta.

                          MORNET
                But governments are recognized as
                existing or not existing -

      A GERMAN DIPLOMAT has hurried in.

                          GERMAN (O.S.)
                     (anxiously)
                Where is the American chargé?

                          NELSON
                Over here.

      Edith, listening with other LADIES to LADY CARDEN, notices
      Nelson and Others listening with concern to the German,
      out of the Ladies' earshot.

			  LADY CARDEN
		Personally I think Mexico needs a
                strong hand like Huerta's, till
		some kind of order is restored.

      As Edith sees Nelson heading toward her:

                          LADY CARDEN
                The general may have his faults -

                          EDITH
                     (to Lady beside her)
                Excuse me.

      As Edith moves toward Nelson, Lady Carden continues to the
      Ladies:

                          LADY CARDEN
                - but can you imagine life under
                Pancho Villa?

      As Nelson and Edith meet, Edith still cold toward him:

			  NELSON
		I've got to get back to the embassy.

			  EDITH
		What's wrong?

			  NELSON
		Huerta just dissolved the Congress.
		Not only that, he arrested some
                of the deputies.
                     (pointedly)
                One hundred and ten of them.

      A pause, Edith stunned.

			  EDITH
		I'll go back with you.

			  NELSON
		No, you stay here.  I want everyone
                to meet you.

      As Nelson starts to go:

			  EDITH
		Nelson, what's going to happen to
                the deputies?

			  NELSON
		Nothing if I can help it.
		     (beat; with dread)
		Wait till Washington hears about
                this.

      Nelson turns to leave.

      EXT. WHITE HOUSE - SAME DAY

      Wilson daughter JESSIE, 25, and 30-ish FRANCIS SAYRE have just
      married, and head happily for a waiting car and their honeymoon.

      Wilson, Ellen, oldest daughter MARGARET, and the rest of the 
      WEDDING GUESTS have come out to see them off.  McAdoo happens 
      to be standing by pretty Nell, and they share a smile.

      As the car is driving off, Wilson's secretary JOE TUMULTY, a 
      short man about 40, appears at Wilson's side with some news:

                          TUMULTY
                     (whispering)
                Huerta just dissolved the Congress
	        in Mexico.  Over one hundred deputies
                arrested.

      Ellen notes Wilson's grim change of expression as Tumulty
      moves away.

                          ELLEN
                What is it, dear?

                          WILSON
                     (after a moment)
                Victoriano Huerta.




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