AERO LONG
Written by
Dr. Pelham Mead
ii.
AERO LONG
By Dr. Pelham Mead (c)2019
2.
ACT ONE- WITCHCRAFT
SCENE 1- INT. DAY- FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SALEM BASEMENT.
Aero Long is chained to a brick wall in the basement of the First Congregational Church of Salem, Mass. Water dripped down the damp wall as Aero struggled to get free. A cockroach ran across his hands which were strung high above his head. A beam of light came through the cracks in the bricks and a mouse scurried across the moldy floor.
FADE IN:
Aero-long was a tall thin man with a clean shaven fact and dark brown hair. He was a young man of 23 with deep blue eyes.
AERO LONG (23) SHAPE SHIFTER
I don’t know how much longer I can bear
this pain.
In the basement across from Aero is John Alden Jr.
JOHN ALDEN (22) JR.
You may not have to worry much longer if
these crazy witch hunters have their way.
They will tie you to a chair on a pole and put
you under water again and again until you
drown.
AERO LONG
How is it you were arrested for witch craft
stranger?
JOHN ALDEN
I was in Canada trying to get some hostages
released and when I returned a woman name
Isabel told everyone I was a witch. I rejected
her a few years ago when she thought she
was in love with me.
AERO LONG
Ahh, a woman scorned. Now you have your
reward.
3.
JOHN ALDEN
I plan to escape. My family on the outside is
going to bribe someone to let me out of this
church basement.
AERO LONG
Perhaps you can take me with you stranger?
JOHN ALDEN
I will let you know when the time is right.
When the time came for John Alden Jr. to escape his friends appeared at the stairway to the basement. Quickly they unlocked John Alden Jr. From his chains.
JOHN ALDEN (CONT’D)
See to the stranger on the other end of the
basement. Unlock him.
SAMUEL SEABURY
What stranger? The chains on the wall are
empty, and there is no one there. Wait, there
is a fox. What the hell is a fox doing in the
basement?
JOHN ALDEN
We have no time to figure it out. Run for
daylight before we are discovered.
Right behind the group of men the fox scampered up the stairs and into the church courtyard never to be seen again.
SAMUEL SEABURY
We are free. Grab your horse John and let us
be gone. Y
JOHN ALDEN
Finally, a horse to freedom. Ride on steed.
Running behind the men on horses a red fox scampered off into the woods, free at last.
FADE TO BLACK.
4.
Dutch Guiana in 1700’s.
ACT TWO- DUTCH GIANA 1763,
SCENE 1-INT. DAY- JULY 14, 1763 ON BOARD THE BRIG “SUCCESS,” FROM BOSTON TO DUTCH GUIANA.
Edward Bancroft runs away from his physician apprentice at age 16 and sails for Dutch Giana to seek a new life .
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT (17) PHYSICIANS
APPRENTIST
Ahh the smell of the sea and the endless
horizon of the ocean is the life to be. I am so
glad to be free of the demeaning physician
apprenticeship. All I did was mop up blood
on the floor. It was not the life for me.
BEN ROGERS (44) SEAMAN
It doesn’t smell so great when you have to
climb them masts high in the air to drop the
sails. I have been a seaman all my life and I
can’t smell the ocean from the deck varnish.
5.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Well it is all new to me after living in New
England all my life.
Note: The next day a storm hit and most of the crew and passengers had to stay below because of the waves splashing over the deck and washing everything no tied down into the ocean. The ship swayed from side to side in an unnatural rocking motion. Every other wave the ship would life out of the waves and come thundering down with a loud clapping sound in the trough of another wave. Most of the passengers including Edward Bancroft were all heaving their guts out.
BEN ROGERS
How is that ocean smell treating you matey?
Ha…storms like this make a man out of you
in no time. Just hold onto the posts for dear
life. The storm should be gone by tomorrow.
Bear with it matey.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I think my insides are going to turn
themselves inside out. How much longer is
this storm going to last?
CHARLIE PIKE (50) FIRST MATE
Here eat some of this ginger. It will settle
your stomach and help you feel better during
the storm.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Thank you Mr. Pike.
FADE TO BLACK.
Sometime during the storm seaman Rogers went to look for Mr. Bancroft who seemed to have disappeared from below deck.
FADE IN:
BEN ROGERS, SEAMAN
Mr. Pike have you seen Mr. Bancroft lately?
I looked below and I cannot find him. Do
you know where he is?
6.
CHARLIE PIKE, FIRST MATE
Nope, I haven’t seen him for several hours
Mr. Rogers.
BEN ROGERS
Wait what is that over there in the corner of
the storage? It looks like a red fox. How the
hell could a red fox get aboard this vessel?
Pike call the Quartermaster. We have a red
fox on board.
CHARLIE PIKE, FIRST MATE
There are no red foxes on board matey. You
must have been drinking too much rum.
BEN ROGERS, SEAMAN
I swear it was a red fox. I saw. Now it has
disappeared. I must have imagined it. Ahhh
Mr. Bancroft I have been looking for you.
FADE OUT.
The storm departed after a day. Several weeks later the brig named Success arrived in Dutch Guiana.
FADE IN:
Abraham Van Peere is a tall thin man with a thin mustache and grey long hair to his shoulder. He speaks with a Dutch accent when he speaks English.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE (50) WHITE DUTCH LAND OWNER
Welcome Mr. Bancroft. We don’t get many
white settlers here in Dutch Guiana. What
do you plan to do for a living sir?
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am well read in medicine, and plan to
provide medical services on the plantations.
I was a Physician’s apprentice for two years.
SAMUEL BILSBERRY, PLANTATION
OWNER
We are in great need of medical services
since we have no doctors on the island.
(MORE)
7.
SAMUEL BILSBERRY, PLANTATION OWNER
I recommend you try the plantations on the
Canoe river near Berbice sir.
EDWARD BANCROFT
That I will do. Than you sir.
FADE OUT.
After a short boat ride down the Canje river, Bancroft arrived at a plantation owned by Abraham Van Peere.
FADE IN:
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE (50)
PLANTATION OWNER
Well, who do we have here today? A white
man? Where do you come from son, and
why are you here in Dutch Guiana?
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am a student of the medical profession and
I have come to offer my services to you and
your family, and your slaves.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE, PLANTATION
OWNER.
We are in need of a doctor. Malaria and
many other disease are common in the
jungles of Guiana. You are welcome Mr.
Bancroft. The maid will show you to your
bedroom on the second floor of the manor
house. When you get settled I want you to
look after a dozen of my slaves who have
malaria.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I have a small amount of quinine with me ,
but we will need to import some more
quinine to fight malaria.
8.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE, PLANTATION
OWNER
I will see to it that you get all the quinine
you need. Malaria is killing off half of my
slaves.
FADE OUT.
With only two years of experience as a physician’s apprentice Edward Bancroft began treating plantation slaves and Dutch colonists. The slaves could not pronounce Bancroft so they called Edward Master. He did not like being called Master so he asked the saves to call him Mr. Fox. The saves made Mr. Fox into mitta-fox.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Samuel my name is Edward Bancroft and I
am the doctor for Master Peere’s slaves.
SAMUEL (60) SLAVE LEADER
Yes, m-sob you Doctor. Me head man.
EDWARD BANCROFT
You tell the other slaves that I am here to
help them. I am not master. I am doctor here
to help them.
SAMUEL SLAVE LEADER
Yes, M-sob. What you name?
EDWARD BANCROFT
Bancroft is a hard English word to say so
just call me Mr. Fox.
SAMUEL, SLAVE LEADER
Mitta Fox, yes small smart animal.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Yes very smart. Do you have any slaves that
are sick? I would like to cure them
SAMUEL, SLAVE LEADER
Yes m-sob, mitta Fox come with me.
Samuel and Edward entered a run down shack with a palm
Thatched roof and a dirt floor. Lying on a bed sweating, and in pain
9.
was a male slave named Jumbo. He had malaria
Edward could tell from the symptoms.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Here is some medicine to mix with a glass
of water. Samuel tell him to take the
medicine three times a day, and it will make
him well.
SAMUEL SLAVE LEADER (50)
Yes mitta fox. I do. Jumbo you take
medicine from Doctore.
FADE OUT.
Two weeks later Jumbo recovered and was working in the plantation again. Plantation owner Van Peere was impressed how efficient Edward was with the slaves. Edward also cured Van Peere’s wife of malaria.
FADE IN:
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
I am indebted to you Mr. Bancroft for saving
my wife Maria’s life. She was dying of
malaria until you gave her medicine. I
understand you also saved my slave Jumbo’s
life too. You are welcome to join me at the
dinner table when ever you wish.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Thank you Mr. Van Peere. I was just doing
my job as plantation Doctor.
MARIA VAN PEERE, (30) WIFE
Doctor Bancroft or Mr. Fox as the slaves
call you. You are a God-sent with your
medicine and modern knowledge of curing
diseases. I too am indebted to you for saving
my life from malaria.
10.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Quinine is the cure for quinine Mrs. Van
Peere. I had your husband order more of it
from America.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
I have more plantations further up Canje and
Berbice rivers if you want to treat my slaves
on those plantations? For now feel free to
enjoy the life of a gentlemen in Dutch
Guiana.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Thank you Mr Van Peere.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
You will be paid in sterling silver each
month which you can save since all your
food and housing will be provided for by
me.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I ask only that you purchase some medical
manuals for me to read while I am treating
the slaves and colonists.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
What every medical books you want I will
have shipped directly from Britain for you.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Thank you Sir.
FADE OUT.
Several months later Edward came into conflict with the slave shaman named King John.
FADE IN:
KING JOHN, (60) SLAVE SHAMAN
mitta-fox. I am King John, shaman for all
slaves on plantation.
11.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am glad to meet you King John. I am
doctore here to help cure sick slaves. I do
not wish to interfere with your healing
practices. Me heal.
KING JOHN,SHAMAN
I see in dream that you have special healing
powers Doctore Fox Why do you call
yourself mitta Fox? Are you really a Fox?
EDWARD BANCROFT
Most slaves cannot say my English name
Bancroft so I chose a simple name Fox for
them to use. Mitta fox is all they could
pronounce.
FADE OUT.
King John being a shaman felt that was something unusual about this Englishman called Fox and he was right. When stressed Edward Bancroft could change he shape from a man into a red fox. It was his method of escape, and as a fox he was able to easily go undetected in the night or day. One night Edward was called out to deliver a child to a slave woman named Buela. It was a difficult birth and the slave was in much pain. The shaman King John appeared, and gave Buela some herbs that helped in the pain. Edward was upset that King John had upset his delivery of the baby. Edward was so stressed that he went outside the shack and turned into a Fox and ran away into the forest.
FADE IN:
KING JOHN,SHAMAN
Mitta Fox, we missed you last night. Buela
had a healthy boy after I gave her herbs to
kill the pain. Where did you go mitta Fox?
The baby came and I had to deliver it. It was
a boy, and then named him Uriel.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I was not feeling well and had to return to
the manor house to rest. I am sorry I was not
there for the birth.
12.
KING JOHN,SHAMAN
You are strange English. There is something
about you that makes me nervous.
Edward said nothing. From that day on King John was always asking questions about Edward Bancroft alias Mr. Fox.
FADE OUT.
Coastal map of Dutch Berbice plantations in 1770’s
SCENE 2-EXT. DAY- BERBICE RIVER PLANTATIONS INLAND, DUTCH GIANA.
A year after Edward began as plantation Doctor he decided to move up the Berbice river to two other plantations owned by Van Peere.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
Mr. Van Peere, I have decided to move
further up the Berbice river to assist the
slaves on your two plantations there.
13.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
I would be most grateful for you to treat my
slaves on the Berbice river plantations.
Many slaves have died of many jungle
diseases, and I need you to cure them.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I will leave tomorrow then.
FADE TO BLACK.
The next day Edward Bancroft alias Mr Fox took a boat headed upriver on the Berbice river to the two plantations that Mr. Van Peere owned. When He got there tension was in the air and a slave revolution was about to begin.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
The slaves are acting very strangely on these
Berbice plantations. They wouldn’t talk to
me for some reason.
BIG TOM, SLAVE (40)
English man, you go back to the coast. Bad
things about to happen. Slaves unhappy
here.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I bring medicine to cure jungle disease.
BIG TOM, SLAVE
Not want medicine English. You go back to
the coast now.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Does anyone know what is going on here on
these plantations? The slaves seem like they
are hiding something. They are very angry
for some reason.
BIG TOM, SLAVE
Many whippings English.
14.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I have a letter of introduction to the
plantation Master to allow me to treat
colonists and slaves and to provide me room
and food during my stay.
THOMAS VON HEDDING (40)
PLANTATION MASTER.
I see Mr. Von Peere sent you. Welcome Mr.
Bancroft or shall I say Doctor Bancroft? We
are having a situation here on the plantations
which may require the military to assist us.
Word is that the slaves are going to revolt.
We cannot allow that.
FADE OUT.
The next day a slave was tied to a pole and being whipped.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
Why is that slave being whipped?
THOMAS VON HEDDING
He attempted to escape and we caught him
in the jungle.
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE 3-EXT. DAY- THE SLAVE REBELLION ON THE INLAND BERBICE RIVER PLANTATIONS.
A week after Edward arrived at the Berbice river plantations inland, several hundred slaves raided the manor house on one of the plantations. The Plantation owner had to call in the military from neighboring counties.
FADE IN:
RICHARD VAN WATERS, PLANTATION
SUPERVISOR.
Sound the alarm and break out the rifles.
Several hundred slaves have walked off the
plantation and are headed to the manor
house. We must protect the manor house.
(MORE)
15.
RICHARD VAN WATERS, PLANTATION
Petre you take a boat downriver to Mr. Van
Peere and tell him we need an Army of
soldiers to put down this rebellion
immediately.
PETRE, FIELD BOSS FOR THE PLANTATION (50)
STUBBS, SLAVE
The army is coming. The army is coming.
Run for ya life.
EDWARD BANCROFT
What is going on sir?
JOSIAH VON PEEBLES (50)
PLANTATION OWNER
The slaves are revoting. You need to stay
indoors Mr. Bancroft. It isn’t safe for white
folk to go out until the slaves are subdued.
FADE OUT.
Edward Bancroft had a perfect view of the plantation from his bedroom window on the second floor of the manor house.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
I can’t believe the army cut the slaves down
with machetes like they were cutting meat. It
is a bloody revolution the slaves were
losing. The slaves had only farm tools and
the army had guns, cannons, swords and
machetes. They cut the runaway slaves
down like wooden pegs. Dead bodies of
slaves were lying all over the plantation
fields. It was a massacre. The slaves quarters
and part of the coffee field had turned into a
lake of blood. Slave body parts were
everywhere. It was a scene from Hell, and
beyond. Edward felt sick to his stomach.
(MORE)
16.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
Turning into a red Fox, Edward ran to the
slaves quarters to warn them an army of
mercenaries was coming up the river to kill
anyone who resisted. He never considered
that a talking Fox would scare the wits out
of the slaves. He ran as fast as he could run
toward the slave huts. Run, run for your
lives soldiers are coming up the river to put
down the revolution. Put down your
weapons and surrender or run into the
jungle. You cannot win, there are too man
soldiers.
SARAH, (20) SLAVE WOMAN
Look it is a Fox and it talks. This is an omen
from the Devil. We are doomed. Run for
your lives.
KING JOHN, SHAMAN
So you have appeared again Red Fox? Why
do you warn us? Do I know you Red Fox?
We will be successful in our revolt. We
outnumber the whites by ten to one. They
cannot win.
EDWARD BANCROFT AS THE FOX
(In the shape of a Red Fox) You are wrong
wise one. The soldiers have field cannons
that can kill 50 slaves at a time. The Dutch
can always replace the slaves by buying
more slaves at the market. Out of fear the
white man has to put down this rebellion.
You can run into the jungle, and hide there
or surrender with a white flag. Do you hear
the cannon in the distance. The cannon balls
will flatten every slave hut here, and cut
down 30-50 slaves at a time. You cannot
win. Surrender. I will leave you now to
decide your fate.
FADE OUT.
17.
Edward returned to the manor house and when he got back to his bedroom he changed back into his human form.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am a Doctor and there is nothing I can do
here in this slave rebellion. I will leave
tomorrow at Sun up.
FADE TO BLACK.
The next day Edward Bancroft fed back down river from the Berbice river plantations to the coast plantations of Abraham Von Peere.
FADE IN:
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
Welcome back Mr. Bancroft. I heard there
was a slave revolt on my plantations. I had
to sent in the Army to tame the slaves.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Your army sir killed hundreds of unarmed
slaves. I watched the bloody massacre from
my bedroom window.
ABRAHAM VAN PEERE
The slaves outnumber the whites ten to one
and we cannot allow the to take over or they
will kill every white in Dutch Guiana. We
have to come down hard on slave revolts or
they will kill us all.
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE 4-INT. EXT. FURTHER INLAND IN DUTCH GIANA EXPLORING FOR ONE YEAR OBSERVING THE PLANTS, ANIMALS AND NATIVES.
Having saved several hundred British pounds, Bancroft takes a year off as a Doctor and travels around Dutch Giana observing and collecting the plant life, animals and natives. He begins writing a three volume book about his research in Dutch Giana. While traveling around Dutch Giana Bancroft
18.
comes across the Macusi tribe in the jungles of Dutch Giana. The Macusi were known to have the strongest poison for their arrows. Bancroft wanted to learn how to make the curari poison but the shaman would not reveal the plant or process.
FADE IN:
In a local Macusi tribal village deep in the jungles of Dutch Giana. Edward with a local guide enter a Macusi village. A macusi native approaches them with a head piece of beautiful bird feathers. His body is marked with many tattoos and he is wearing only a breech cloth.
Macusi shaman, Selna Walayzo, 1700’s Dutch Guiana forests.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am Doctore Bancroft. I want to meet you
shaman.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
What do you want of me white man?
EDWARD BANCROFT
I have beads as a gift to you. I want to learn
about your tribe and it’s medicines and the
poison you use on your arrows and blow
guns.
19.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
Macusi arrow poison is a tribal secret that
cannot be told, white man.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Perhaps if I give you some gifts for you to
tell me the secret of your arrow poison.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
No gifts. Secret and very dangerous. Gods
of Macusi protect poison.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE (40)
The shaman is not going to give you the
secret to the Macusi arrow poison no matter
how many gifts you give him. He wants you
to sit at the fire and drink native drink
masato. Be careful boss the drink is very
powerful. To refuse it is considered an
insult.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Thank you Jim Bob for keeping me
informed. Tell the shaman I accept his
invitation to sit down with him and drink his
masato.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
We sit. Drink Masato.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
Good. White man drink. We talk.
EDWARD BANCROFT
What did he say Jim Bob?
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
He invites you to sit and drink masato with
him.
20.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I will try the masato. It really has a kick to
it. Wow, I just got a rush to my head after
one sip. This drink is really strong.
JIM BOB
The Macusi make the drink from fermented
yucca.
After several hours Edward felt drunk from drinking the masato.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Ask the shaman if we could stay for a few
days to observe their tribe.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
(In Macusi language) White man thanks the
shaman for his drink. May we stay tonight
and learn the ways of the Macusi?
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
White man and maroon welcome to say. We
have empty hut for you to sleep tonight.
EDWARD BANCROFT
What did he say Jim Bob?
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
He welcomes us and has an empty hut for us
to stay tonight.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Thank God. I am very drunk and cannot
even focus my vision. That drink was very
powerful. Let’s thank the shaman and retire
for the night. I feel sick.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
Thank you shaman. We accept your offer
and will stay here tonight in your empty hut.
21.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
(In Macusi language) Come follow me white
man and maroon and I will show you to
your hut.
The next morning Edward woke up with a tremendous headache.
EDWARD BANCROFT
My head is killing me. That macusi drink
was very powerful. I need to learn how the
natives make it. Most important I need to
find our what the arrow poison is made of
and how to make it.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
The shaman will never give up the secret to
their arrow poison. Mah-koo-nye-mah the
creator protects all Macushi especially the
secret to making the arrow poison. The
Shaman must guard against Canaima, the
evil spirit that turns people into deadly
animals.
EDWARD BANCROFT
We will see about that. I have some magic of
my own. Come let’s see what the shaman is
up to today.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
(In macusi language) Good morning
shaman. Thank you for the lodging last
night.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN OR PEII
(In Macusi language) Come maroon. You
and white man will join us in eating. We
killed a wild pig the other day, and roasted it
for the whole village to eat. Come, you are
welcome.
EDWARD BANCROFT
What did he say?
22.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
He wants us to join him in eating a wild boar
they roasted.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Fine I am starved.
FADE TO BLACK.
About 40 macusi men and women sat around a huge fire spit with a wild boar being roasted. Various jungle fruits and plants were also being cooked on the fire.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
This wild pig is delicious and I am starved. I
gave the shaman some beads and other gifts.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
Gifts will not get the shaman to give up the
secret of their arrow poison. You need to do
something amazing that will scare the
shaman showing you have magic. More
magic than the shaman has. The shaman
asks if you have any magical powers. I told
him how you cured many slaves and Dutch
colonists. He is impressed with your magic.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am going to have to think about it. Eat up
this pig is delicious. I have to come up with
a method of impressing the shaman in order
to gain his trust. It is obvious I cannot buy
him out with gifts.
FADE TO BLACK.
After the dinner the shaman, bancroft, and the maroon guide sat and talked macusi tribal life. It was then that Edward realized that the only way to get the secret arrow poison was to scare the hell out of the shaman. He would have to reveal that he was a shape-shifter who could turn into a red fox at will, and back again.
23.
Edward realized that he could not let Jim Bob see this secret, so he waited until Jim Bob went back to the hut to rest that night. It was then that Edward would reveal himself as a white man magician.
FADE IN:
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
I am going to the hut to lay down master.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I will be along shortly. I have a few things to
discuss with the shaman.
JIM BOB, MAROON GUIDE
OK, Master. I will wait in the hut.
After Jim Bob left, Edward attempted to communicate with the shaman with sign language.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Shaman I am a white man wizard with many
magical powers, which I will show to you if
you promise to reveal the secret of the arrow
poison. I know of your spirit called the
canaima, and I am not of the canaima. I am a
good spirit whom Makunaima has sent to
talk with you.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN OR PEII
Shaman cannot reveal secret of poison.
FADE TO BLACK.
Upon realizing the shaman was not going to change his mind Edward focused his mind and turned himself into a red fox in front of the shaman. A flash of light and the sound of thunder and suddenly Edward was a six tailed fox in front of the shaman.
FADE IN:
24.
EDWARD BANCROFT AS THE
SHAPESHIFTER FOX
I shall go into a fox,
With sorrow and sych and meickle care;
And I shall go in the Devil’s name,
Ay while I come home again.
You see shaman my magic is more powerful
than your magic. I am a fox now that can
talk like a white man. As a fox, I can run
faster, see farther and smell ten times better.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN OR PEII
(In Macushi language) Gods above, you are
a devil creature. Do not eat me. Are you
Canaima the evil one? Spare me evil one.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I will not eat you. See I am back in the shape
of a white man again. Did my magic impress
you shaman?
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN OR PEII
You have the power of black magic white
man. I will show you the secret of the arrow
poison. After we make the poison from a
local vine you can carry the black tar like
substance in a bamboo tube safely. You
cannot touch or inhale the fumes of the
poison or it will kill you. There is no
medicine to stop the poison. First we cut
slashes in the bark of the nibbee tree and let
it drain into a bamboo tube which has one
end closed off. The dripping of the sap from
the nibbee may take a day or two.
EDWARD BANCROFT
You have no medicine to stop the poison?
25.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN OR PEII
(In Macusi language) We gather the bark of
the root of Woorara tree, five parts. We add
the bark of the warracobba coura with two
parts. Finally the bark of the rootts of
coursnapi, Baketi, and Hatchybaly of each
one part. Then we cook it over a fire. We
have to make a little palm leave boat in
which we pour the sap. Mixed together the
poison is spread on a leaf and rubbed on an
arrow. At no time can you touch the poison
or you will die. Now you can keep your fox
magic away from me. I make a small pot to
put the bark in and boil for several days until
the bark turns into a black like tar. Then I
pour the poison tar into a bamboo tube to
keep it safe.
Several days later Edward returns to the shaman’s hut to see the poison still boiling in the large pot.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
(In Macushi language) Poison is ready. I will
pour it into bamboo tubes and seal it closed
for you to carry. Be careful, do not touch the
poison especially if you have a cut or
wound. I will not tell anyone that you are the
spirit of a six tailed fox. Go now before I
change my mind white man.
EDWARD BANCROFT
You are safe my friend. I want to bring some
bamboo tubes of poison back with me to
England. I offer you some knives made by
white men to trade for the arrow poison.
26.
SELNA WALAYZO, MACUSI SHAMAN
This is a good trade white man. Now you
must take the woorara poison, and go from
this village before the Gods become angry
with me for revealing the secret to our
poison.
FADE IN:
That Fall Edward left the Dutch Giana plantations and returned to London, England bring with him the woorara poison, and many native plants from Giana. He wrote a three volume book on the plants, animals and natives of Dutch Giana and had it published in London, England.
FADE TO BLACK.
Dr. Charles Edward Bancroft, Double spy for British and Americans in his later years.
27.
ACT FOUR- RETURN TO ENGLAND AND TEXTILE TRADE SCENE 1- EXT. DAY- EDWARD SENDS HIS BROTHER DAVID
BACK TO THE AMERICAN COLONIES TO GATHER BLACK OAK FOR YELLOW DYE.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
David my beloved brother I have a mission
for you.
DAVID BANCROFT, BROTHER OF
EDWARD (34)
You only call me beloved when you want
me to do something dangerous. What
scheme do you want me to do now?
EDWARD BANCROFT
I need several tons of black oak bark from
the American Colonies to sell as a yellow
dye in London and make a fortune.
DAVID BANCROFT, BROTHER OF
EDWARD
So you want me to travel to the American
Colonies and retrieve several tons of black
oak and have it shipped back to London for
processing as yellow dye?
EDWARD BANCROFT
Yes, I have some financial backers that will
fund the ship expenses for you to travel to
the colonies and to book a ship to bring
several tons of black oak bark back to
London. Do you think you can accomplish
this task? You will need to hire laborers to
cut down the black oak trees and strip off
the bark. Then you will need to lease horse
and wagons to transport the bark to the port
of Boston to load on an English frigate back
to London.
(MORE)
28.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
I will give you spending money to cover all
your costs including food and lodging in the
colonies.
DAVID BANCROFT, BROTHER OF
EDWARD
What is in this task for me brother?
EDWARD BANCROFT
You will be paid handsomely when I sell the
black oak bark to a dye merchant in London.
In fact you will be a rich man after the first
shipment.
DAVID BANCROFT, BROTHER OF
EDWARD
Now I am interested. When do you want me
to depart for the American Colonies?
EDWARD BANCROFT
As soon as possible. I have booked passage
for you on the British frigate, “The Eagle,”
which sails at high tide in two days.
DAVID BANCROFT, BROTHER OF
EDWARD
I only have two days to get ready? Consider
it done brother. I hope this financial venture
works out for us this time.
FADE OUT.
David returned to the Colonies in August 1771, and practiced medicine shipped black oak back to London for his brother. When the Revolution War broke out he sided with the English, and joined the British army under Brig. General Timothy Ruggles
FADE TO BLACK.
29.
John Aitken, Scottish activist aka John the Painter.
ACT FIVE- JOHN AITKEN THE ARSONIST AKA JOHN THE PAINTER.
SCENE 1- INT. DAY- SCOTTISH ACTIVIST JAMES AITKEN VISITS SILAS DEANE IN PARIS, FRANCE.
James Aitken is a short scotsman with dark red hair and a full face beard. He joined the British Navy when young and then ran away. His heavy scotch accent was often difficult to understand.
FADE IN:
30.
JAMES AITKEN, BRITISH ACTIVIST (40)
Excuse me I am here to speak with the
American Colonial delegate Silas Deane.
CHARLES MOSS, SECRETARY TO SILAS DEANE
Mr. Deane is not available sir. He is in the
Paris country-side today. Come back
tomorrow and Mr. Deane will be back in his
office.
The following day James Aitken returned unannounced and asked for an audience with Silas Deane. He was refused and he broke into the meeting room without permission.
JAMES AITKEN, RUNAWAY SAILOR OF THE BRITISH NAVY
Mr. Silas Deane? I am sorry I had to break
into your meeting sir. I have important
information about the British.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO
PARIS (55)
What did you say your name was again?
JAMES AITKEN, RUNAWAY SAILOR OF THE BRITISH NAVY
My name is James Aitken, and I have come
to you with a plan to destroy Portsmouth and
Plymouth shipping harbors.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS Why would you want to do that Mr. Aitken?
JAMES AITKEN, RUNAWAY SAILOR OF THE BRITISH NAVY
I am on the side of the colonies, Mr. Deane.
I am a runaway British sailor, and I hate the
English.
(MORE)
31.
JAMES AITKEN, RUNAWAY SAILOR OF THE
I just came to Paris from London where I
have information how to blow up
Portsmouth, and Plymouth harbors where
many British ships are kept in the harbors.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
I cannot officially give you my support Mr.
Aitken, but I can give you some money to
return to England on the next boat. I implore
you to be careful that you do not involve the
Colonies in your anti-British efforts.
JAMES AITKEN, RUNAWAY SAILOR OF THE BRITISH NAVY
Thank you Mr. Deane.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
One thing I can do for you is to put you in
touch with my friend Edward Bancroft in
London, England if you run into difficulties.
Please keep his name secret for he is our
only contact for the colonies in England.
JAMES AITKEN, RUNAWAY SAILOR OF THE BRITISH NAVY
Thank you sir and I will remember to look
up Mr. Bancroft in London if I run into
troubles with the British government when I
burn down Portsmouth and Plymouth ship
yards.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
Good day to you Mr. Aitken.
FADE TO BLACK.
32.
SCENE 2- EXT. NIGHT- JAMES AITKEN SETS FIRE TO THE PORTMOUTH ROPE-YARD, DEC. 7, 1776.
FADE IN:
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
It is very cold tonight, December 7th and the
moon is covered by clouds which makes it a
good time to set fire to the Portsmouth
shipyard. Perhaps if I set a delayed action
incendiary device to burn the rigging of
several ships in the harbor? There that
should work. Now I must run.
BRITISH SAILOR
Fire, fire, the ship’s rigging is burning.
Hurray bring water buckets.
The rigging on two ships burst into flames at the same time and all the rigging was lost before the fire could be put out.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
ADMIRIAL VAN FLEET (60)
How could this fire have started Captain?
CAPTAIN OSWALD RITTER (55)
It must have been an accident Admiral. No
one was seen in the ship before or after the
fires broke out. Perhaps the oil lamps near
the docks leaked and caused the fires. It is
unfortunate we lost the complete rigging of
two ships in the fire.
ADMIRIAL VAN FLEET
I want this incident investigated and I also
want the guard at night doubled in case this
was intentional.
33.
CAPTAIN OSWALD RITTER
Yes, Admiral. I will see to it immediately.
FADE OUT.
SCENE 3- INT. NIGHT- JAMES AITKEN FLEES TO EDWARD BANCROFT’S HOME IN LONDON, ENGLAND.
FADE IN:
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
Downing street. This is the address of
Edward Bancroft. Perhaps I can hide here
for the night to avoid the British guards?
(Knock, knock) Hello Mr. Bancroft. My
name is James Aitken and I was
recommended by Silas Deane in Paris to
contact you if I needed help.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Yes who is it? (Opening the door) Can I help
you sir?
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
My name is James Aitken, and I need your
help sir. Silas Deane suggested I contact you
if I was in trouble with the British. Can I
come in to explain sir?
EDWARD BANCROFT
There are British spies and Colonial spies
watching my house all the time. Quickly,
Come in please.
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
Thank you Mr. Bancroft. The British are
looking for me after I set fire to several
ships rigging in the Portsmouth harbor.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Why did you set fire to the British ships?
34.
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
I am a supporter of the American Colonies,
and I took my plan to Silas Deane in Paris to
approve my destruction of British ships.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Silas Deane approved of your plan? I find
that hard to believe. What is it you want me
to do Mr. Aitken?
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
I need some money and a place to hide Mr.
Bancroft.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I cannot speak with you now. My house is
being watched by the British. Perhaps you
can meet me tomorrow at the Salopian
coffee house on Charing Cross road adjacent
to the Admiralty offices. You must go out
the back door now to avoid being seen. I
will see you tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the
Salopian coffee house.
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
Thank you Mr. Bancroft. I am most grateful.
FADE OUT.
The next day Aitken and bancroft met in the Salopian coffee house adjacent to the admiralty offices on Charing Cross road.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
You are late Mr. Aitken. I ordered you a cup
of coffee.
JAMES AITKEN BRITISH ACTIVIST
I am sorry I am late Mr. Bancroft. Have you
thought about giving me assistance?
EDWARD BANCROFT
Yes, I gave it great thought last night, and
decided I cannot help you.
(MORE)
35.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
I am undercover for the Colonies, and my
position could be revealed, and I could be
hung as a spy if I got caught helping you. I
am going to have to say, “No.”
JAMES AITKEN
I am sorry to hear that. I guess I will have to
attack the Plymouth boat yards myself.
You’ll have to excuse me I have business to
do elsewhere.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Do me a favor if you get caught. Never
mention my name to the British.
JAMES AITKEN, BRITISH ACTIVIST
Good bye then.
After attempting to burn down the Plymouth ship yards James Aitken, aka John the Painter was caught and hung as a spy. He never revealed Edward’s name before he was hung.
FADE OUT.
36.
SILAS DEANE, 1776, AMERICAN DELEGATE TO FRANCE. ACT SIX- SILAS DEANE IN PARIS, FRANCE
SCENE 1- INT. DAY- BANCROFT BECOMES ILL AT HOME JUNE 25, 1776.
In March of 1776 the Continental Congress established a secretive committee called the Committee for Foreign Correspondence and elected Benjamin Franklin to head the committee. Silas Deane was selected to go to Paris, France to order field canons, uniforms and runs for 2500 men on credit. Benjamin Franklin told Silas to contact Edward Bancoft who was living in London at the time. Edward could speak fluent French and was a
37.
supporter of the colonies.
FADE IN:
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO
PARIS
(Letter to Edward Bancroft) To Mr. Griffins,
Turnham Green, London; I wish to invited
you to come to Paris to meet with me and
various friends. Enclosed is 30 pounds
sterling to cover your expenses. I remain.
Silas Deane.
EDWARD BANCROFT
(Letter back to Silas Deane) I am
unavailable currently due to an illness and
some business regarding land grants in
America. I will come to Paris as soon as I
am well. E.B.
Edward was having a bout of malaria reoccurring which he contracted when he was in Dutch Giana many years before. The illness caused problems with his shape-shifting ability.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
The Scene opens in a dark living room with the curtains on the windows closed. It is daylight out but the room is as dark as night. Sitting in the corner of the living room next to the couch is a small red fox with many tails.
38.
Shapeshifter image when he turns into a many tailed fox.
EDWARD BANCROFT AS THE FOX
(A six tailed red fox is sitting in the corner
of Edward Bancroft’s living room) Oh, no
I’ve changed into a fox because of my
malaria disease keeps coming back to haunt
me. There is no way I can go to Paris until
this disease goes away. No one can ever find
out that my real name is Aero-long,
shapeshifter. Oh, I just saw a tasty mouse
run across the floor. That mouse is mine.
The Fox chases after the mouse.
FADE TO BLACK.
Later on, days later, Edward recovers and heads for Paris on July 3rd.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
One ticket for Paris please.
39.
CAPTAIN LUKE DOWNING (60)
The frigate “The Mary,” will be leaving at
high tide today sir. Two pounds sterling is
the fare.
Two days later Bancroft arrives in Paris, France.
EDWARD BANCROFT
It is good to get out of London finally. Paris
is a much cleaner. Now I have to find which hotel Silas Deane is staying in. I am glad to
be rid of that crazy scotsman
Later that day.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Is this the Hotel de Valentinois? I am
(CONT’D)
looking for Mr. Silas Deane.
HOTEL CLERK (30)
One minute sir. I will send a messenger to
inform him he has a guest.
MESSENGER
Mr. Deane you have a guest waiting for you
downstairs in the hotel lobby.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
Thank you. Tell him I will be right down.
Later.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
Edward Bancroft I presume? Thank you for
accepting my invitation. Your friend
Benjamin Franklin recommended that I
contact you. I have some business to do for
the American Continental Congress.
EDWARD BANCROFT
So you are working for the Continental
Congress? How may I be of service?
(MORE)
(CONT’D)
40.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
You must remember I was a student of yours
just after you graduated from Yale
University?
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
Yes, now I remember I tutored you for a few
months after I graduated from Yale
University. I see you have done well for
yourself. I will reimburse you for your travel
expenses from London to Paris.
FADE TO BLACK.
41.
Lord Frederick North, Minister to King Charles III of England 1770’s.
ACT SEVEN LORD NORTH AND HIS CABINET
42.
SCENE 1- INT. DAY-BRITISH PARLIAMENT
FADE IN:
LORD NORTH, FIRST MINISTER OF BRITAIN (40)
Have we heard any news from Bancroft in
Paris yet?
LORD SUFFOLK
No news yet your lordship.
LORD WILLIAM EDEN
I will contact my agent Paul Wentworth to
learn of any news of the American
delegation in France.
LORD NORTH, FIRST MINISTER OF BRITAIN.
Keep me informed regarding the activities of
the American delegation in Paris. I want to
be kept aware of any attempt at an alliance
between France and the Colonies.
LORD SUFFOLK
Yes your lordship.
LORD EDEN
We have many spies in France keeping track
of the Americans. Bancroft is personally
working with Silas Deane and Benjamin
Franklin and he sends copies of their
documents on a regular basis. We have no
doubts as to what the Americans are up to.
LORD NORTH, FIRST MINISTER OF BRITAIN
The expenses for our spy network are
beginning to climb. I want you to keep
control of the expenses Lord Eden.
43.
PAUL WENTWORTH, BRITISH SPY DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR, WHO RECRUITED EDWARD BANCROFT TO SPY ON THE AMERICANS IN FRANCE.
ACT SEVEN- THE BRITISH SPY
SCENE 1- INT. DAY- BANCROFT CONTACTS WENTWORTH AND REQUESTS TO RELOCATE TO PARIS BECAUSE OF THE JOHN THE PAINTER INCIDENT.
Fearing that he might get caught up in the John the Painter, James Aitken incident, Bancroft decided to move to Paris.
44.
EDWARD BANCROFT
(Writing a Letter) Dear Mr. Wentworth, It becomes necessary for me to move to Paris, France to more closely observe Silas Deane and Benjamin Franklin. Poor investments in vegetable dye ventures have brought more debt rather than profits. My first and principal motive for agreeing to work with the British government has been pecuniary considerations. I will need a steady income if he was to move to France to spy on the Americans there. I therefore request a lifetime income of 200 pounds a year and 600 pounds as an initial grant to cover my expenses in moving to Paris for my and my family.
PAUL WENTWORTH, BRITISH SPY
I am in receipt of your letter requesting
funds to cover your move to Paris, France
and for an annual sum of 200 pounds for
services to the British government. Your
ability to get close to Silas Deane and
Benjamin Franklin will be most useful in
learning what the Americans are up to with
the French. You have my permission to
move to Paris and you can envelop with 800
pounds for your services will be delivered to
your home address. I will meet you
sometime in Paris to establish our lines of communication.
Elsewhere.
LORD SUFFOLK
(Letter to Paul Wentworth) I am in receipt of your request for funds for Edward Bancroft who will be reporting to us from Paris, France.
(MORE)
45.
LORD SUFFOLK (CONT’D)
I am approving the 200 pounds a year, and
the 600 pounds initial grant for his services.
I will forward the finances to you directly.
Yours truly, Lord Suffolk.
FADE OUT.
ACT EIGHT- THE PARIS YEARS JUNE 1776-1784
SCENE 1-INT. DAY- PENELOPE BANCROFT, EDWARD’S WIFE ARRIVES IN PARIS MAY 1777.
Penelope Bancroft arrives in Paris with their two boys edward Nathaniel (5 yrs. old) and Samuel Forrester (2 yrs. old) to move in with her husband Edward. Penelope was a short thin woman of English descent with long brunette hair and green eyes.
FADE IN:
PENELOPE BANCROFT (25) WIFE OF EDWARD
Edward I am so glad to see you. Nathaniel
and Samuel miss you also. How have you
been? Paris looks like a wonderful city to
live in. I have never been to Europe before.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Penelope you finally made it to Paris. How
was your voyage on the ship? Hi boys.
Nathaniel you are getting taller. How are
you Samuel? Come I have a room rented in
a nice hotel in Paris. I will fetch a livery.
PENELOPE BANCROFT
Paris is so beautiful.
EDWARD BANCROFT
The French food is exceptional also. After
you check in I will take you and the boys to
dinner.
(MORE)
46.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
You can meet Benjamin Franklin who just arrived in December with his two grandsons.
PENELOPE BANCROFT
I have heard a great deal about Mr. Franklin.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Yes, Mr. Franklin is staying at the Hotel de Valentinois in Passey. You will get to meet him shortly.
FADE OUT.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, Envoy to France 1777
47.
ACT NINE- BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
SCENE 1- INT. DAY- BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ARRIVES IN PARIS WITH TWO GRANDSONS DEC. 21, 1777.
Benjamin Franklin stayed at the Hotel de Valentinois in Passy, France, outside Paris.
Hotel de Valentinois, Passy France which Benjamin Franklin rented in 1777.
FADE IN:
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (70) AMERICAN
DELEGATE TO FRANCE
I am so glad to plant my feet on solid ground
again. Are you OK Temple? Benjamin are
you feeling better now? We are in Paris now.
48.
TEMPLE FRANKLIN (16) GRANDSON
OF BENJAMIN
Is this truly Paris Grandfather?
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Yes this is the renown city of Paris. It is a lot
older and bigger than Philadelphia. You will
get to like it here.
SCENE 2-INT. DAY- FRANKLIN CONFERS WITH DEANE AND BANCROFT AT PARIS HOTEL DE VALENTINE.
70 year old Benjamin Franklin is appointed by the Continental Congress to be a delegate to France and supervise Silas Deane.
FADE IN:
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Thank you for taking the time to meet me at
my hotel Silas. I see you brought Dr.
Bancroft with you. Excellent. There have
been some concerns raised by Arthur Lee
and members of the Continental Congress as
to the purchase and allocation of supplies for
the Colonies.
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
Believe me everything is documented. Dr.
Bancroft has helped me with French
documents and has helped to actually
contact our various suppliers.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I can attest to the fact that everything Silas
does is above board. Arthur Lee complains
because he is jealous of our partnership. We
are in the process of purchasing 100 field
artillery pieces, 2500 rifles and Uniforms for
the Continental Army. French and Spain
have granted us the promise of credit, but
until the war actually happens, France does
not want another war with Britain.
49.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Good then I hope we can get credit from
France and Spain and begin shipping arms
to the Colonies. I have brought my
grandsons Temple Franklin and Benjamin
Franklin Bache. The latter grandson is my
daughters boy. I am hoping to make sure
they both get a good European education
with will further them later in life.
EDWARD BANCROFT
What about your son William Benjamin.
What has happened to him? I heard that he
was jailed by the colonists for being a
loyalist.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
I have disowned William since he refuses to
give up his loyalty to King George III. He
was a governor in Philadelphia at one time,
but he gave it all up to be a loyalist, despite
the fact that his father was actively involved
in the American continental congress and
not a loyalist. I took his son Temple away
from him when he was put in jail for being a
loyalist. I have made it my responsibility to
make sure both of my grandsons have a
good education and remain loyal to the
American Colonies. Temple is sixteen now
and is old enough to assist his seventy year
old grandfather. Gentlemen we have a great
deal of responsibility to get the arms from
France back to the Colonies. Where is
Arthur Lee Gentlemen?
SILAS DEANE, AMERICAN
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE TO PARIS
He is touring Spain seeking financial
support for the Colonies Mr. Franklin.
50.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
What the hell is he doing in Spain? He was
supposed to be working with you Mr. Deane
and not off traveling on his own. It seems I
am going to have to take a strong hand with
our delegation in order to complete our
mission quickly. Mr. Bancroft I understand
you speak fluent French. That will be
helpful when we talk with the French
Foreign minister.
FADE TO BLACK.
ACT TEN- BANCROFT AND WENTWORTH SPY NETWORK
SCENE 1-INT. DAY- BANCROFT SENT TO ROEN BY FRANKLIN TO INSPECT GOODS AND SUPPLIES TO BE SHIPPED TO THE COLONIES.
Map of Roe, France 1777.
51.
While Bancroft was in Roen, France
52.
Tulleries Gardens, Paris, France, 1700’s. Where Edward Bancroft dropped spy notes in a glass jar on a string in a hollow tree.
ACT ELEVEN THE TULLERIES GARDENS, PARIS FRANCE, JANUARY 1776.
SCENE 1- INT. DAY- HOTEL DE VALENTINOIS, PASSY, FRANCE Edward Bancroft and his spy handler Paul Wentworth were strolling in the Tulleries gardens in Paris, France.
FADE IN:
PAUL WENTWORTH
Edward I am afraid I will have to leave Paris
and return to London, England. There are
many French spies that might soon arrest me
for spying. I am often followed by strangers
who are following my every move. We need
to find a way for you to communicate with
me after I leave Paris.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I am sorry to see you leave. We made a good
team spying on the Americans here in Paris.
(MORE)
53.
EDWARD BANCROFT (CONT’D)
What do you suggest for a new method of communicating valuable information to you after you depart for London?
PAUL WENTWORTH
Do you see that tree over there? It is hollow down toward it’s roots. I will have a jar placed in the hollow portion of the tree and a string will be tied around the jar so you can retrieve it. When you have valuable information you are to come to the gardens and seek out this tree. Look for the string which will have a stick on the end to prevent the jar from falling to far inside the hollow tree. Pull the string up and take the jar out and put your message in the jar. Secure the lid and lower the jar back down inside the tree. My operatives will come by once a week to pick up the messages and to also leave messages from me. Use the premise of writing to your mistress in London as an excuse for the letter just in case the letter is intercepted. Use the invisible ink and write between the lines the real information about the Americans that you have. I will then use lemon juice to decipher the invisible ink in London when I get the letter. I am departing for London tomorrow on a frigate. You are on your own from this point on in Paris and you will be our only spy in France due to the recall of all British spies to London by Lord Eden.
EDWARD BANCROFT When will you have the jar in the tree in place?
PAUL WENTWORTH
My secretary will place the jar in the tree on a string tomorrow before we depart for London.
(MORE)
54.
PAUL WENTWORTH (CONT’D)
Feel free to use this method of reporting, but
be careful because you may be watched by
French or American spies.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I wish you well on your voyage back to
London. I will remain in Paris as long as
needed. Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane all
trust me completely and I have made myself
an important contribution to the American
delegation by translating French documents
into English for them and helping to secure
supplies for the Continental American Army.
PAUL WENTWORTH
We need to know everything about the
Franco-American alliance, what ships are
leaving French ports bound for the American
Colonies, any trade between the Americans
and the Caribbean islands. In addition we
need to be aware of any credit the French
and or Spanish give to the Americans to buy
arms. Sent us any copies or summaries of
Silas Deane’s letters to the Colonies or
Benjamin Franklin. I must leave you now to
pack my bags in preparation for my
departure tomorrow to return to London.
Just in case we are followed I will take
another path to return to my hotel as should
you.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I will do the best I can in reporting Silas
Deane’s activities in securing credit for the
Colonies to purchase artillery and guns from
the French and Spanish. Have a safe voyage
Paul.
At this point Bancroft and Wentworth parted ways in the park.
FADE TO BLACK.
55.
SCENE 2- EXT. NIGHT- TUILLERIES GARDENS, 9:00 P.M.. Edward Bancroft is about to make his first letter drop into the jar in the hollow tree in Tuilleries gardens. He is paranoid about French spies seeing him leave the hotel at night. The fear of being caught and shot as a spy intensifies to the point that he changes into a Fox and runs off into the night in the direction of the Tuilleries gardens.
FADE IN:
EDWARD BANCROFT
I must change into a Red Fox with six tails
to avoid being seen by any French Spies.
The trip to the Tulleries Garden from the
Hotel de Valentinois is about 3.7 Kilometers
which is about 2.9 Miles. As a fox I can
cover that distance faster than a horse and
carriage. Fetching a horse and carriage at
9:00 at night might attract unwanted
attention. My nerves are killing me, but I
must inform Paul Wentworth that Deane has
received over a million livre from the
French government and the Spanish
government to purchase canons and rifles
for the Continental army. Let me see if I got
everything right in my letter. Dearest
beloved, I have missed you very much over
these past months. I hope to return to
London soon so we can meet and make love
again. You are always on my mind. Love
and kisses. John. I must address the envelop
to M. Richards. Now for the invisible
ink.(Invisible Ink between the lines of the
letter) Deane has secured credit 1 mil. To
purchase 100 canons and 300 rifles from the
French and Spanish government. He is
traveling to Holland to secure the purchases
in two days. Now to become a Red Fox. I
will place the envelope in my mouth and
carry it to the hollow tree. Now I must
depart.
56.
The red fox jumps out the window onto the balcony and down to the ground and runs off into the darkness.
EDWARD BANCROFT AS THE FOX
No one has noticed me and that is good. The
3.7 Kilometers was shorter than I imagined,
running along the west bank of the river
Seine and then crossing over to get to the
gardens. Now to pull the string out of the
hollow tree. Wait I hear something. No, it is
just the wind in the trees. Taking the lid off
the jar is harder than I thought when you are
a fox. Now to put the letter in the jar, and
put the lid back on and lower the jar into the
tree using my mouth. Ahh it is done. Time to
run back to the hotel.
Edward returns to the hotel undetected around 10:00 p.m.
EDWARD BANCROFT AS THE FOX And now I must return to my human self.
My mission is complete. I am exhausted
now, and must rest. Tomorrow Paul’s
operative will get the message and send it by
boat to London.
(CONT’D)
FADE OUT.
SCENE 3- INT.DAY- FEBRUARY 6, 1778, A YEAR LATER IN PARIS. Rumors About the Franco-American alliance were spreading around Paris. Vergennes, the French minister, realized that he could no longer keep the alliance secret so in March, 1778, he makes the treaties with the American colonies public.
FADE IN:
VERGENNES, FRENCH MINISTER (50)
I will announce today our treaty with the
American colonies to quiet down all the
gossip in Paris.
(MORE)
57.
VERGENNES, FRENCH MINISTER (50)
This will allow me to expel the English
Ambassador Stormont and his staff back to
London. It gives me great pleasure to get rid
of all the British spies finally.
Later on the British Ambassador to France, Stormont receives the correspondence from Vergennes the French Minister to leave France immediately.
Viscount of Stormont, British ambassador to France prior to the American Revolutionary War.
SSSSSSSS, ENGLISH AMBASSADOR
SSSSSSSS (50)
Damm the French have signed a treaty with
the American Colonies and Vergennes the
French Minister is ordering us out of the
country immediately. Inform the staff to
pack up all our documents. We are leaving
for London tomorrow on March 22, 1778.
Burn any unnecessary documents
immediately. It is over.
The scene switches to King Louis XVI in the Vergennes castle.
58.
VERGENNES, FRENCH MINISTER
You majesty may I introduce the
ambassadors from the American Colonies?
Mr. Benjamin Franklin, Mr. Silas Deane,
Mr. Arthur Lee, Mr. William Lee, and Mr.
Ralph Izard along with the entourage.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (70) AMERICAN
AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE.
You majesty we thank you for granting us a
private audience. We welcome and rejoice in
our treaty with France and your majesty.
Your support will greatly help us to defeat
the British.
KING LOUIS XVI, KING OF FRANCE (55)
Bienvenue Americans.
59.
King Louis XVI of France who finally approved the Treaty of Paris with the American colonies.
VERGENNES, FRENCH MINISTER
Venez nous rejoindre pour un petit banquet.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Amazing how big this banquet is the French
have provided us with. Thank you Mr.
Franklin for inviting me to this special
occasion.
King Louis XVI had table after table of fabulous French food served for the American guests. It was a celebration beyond all imagination.
FADE OUT.
ACT TEN- THE DEATH OF SILAS DEANE, SEPT.23, 1789.
SCENE 1- EXT. DAY-ONBOARD THE SHIP, “BOSTON PACKET.” Silas Deane finally had enough funds to return to America after living in London for many years. Bancroft helped support Deane when he ran out of money. Bancroft also tended to Deane when he was sick.
FADE IN:
SILAS DEANE
I have booked passage on the ship, “Boston
Packet,” to return to America. I want to
thank you Edward for treating me while I
was terribly sick. I owe you a great deal.
EDWARD BANCROFT
Do not fret Silas. You will return to America
and all will be forgotten. The vicious lies the
Arthur Lee spread around will fade in time. I
wish you well on your voyage.
CAPTAIN CHARLES GRENTOR (60)
Last call, All aboard. Retrieve the anchor,
drop the main-sail and the jib. We are sailing
on the high tide from Kent harbor.
(MORE)
60.
CAPTAIN CHARLES GRENTOR (60)
All passengers should go below until we
clear the harbor.
SILAS DEANE,
Good bye old friend. (Leaning on the guard-
rail of the ship, looking weak and sick).
As the ship began to sail out of the harbor a storm sudden developed and huge 10 swells forced the Boston Packet back into the harbor for safety. Edward never saw the ship return to the dock for he had already left in a livery.
SILAS DEANE
I never should have taken this trip. I am still
weak and dizzy. I do not have the energy to
go up on the deck. From what I hear the
sailors shouting a storm just developed
forcing the Boston Packet back into harbor
for safety.
SAILOR
Captain, Mr. Deane is very sick below. I
think someone should take a look at him.
CAPTAIN CHARLES GRENTOR
OK I will go below lad. Mr. Deane are you
alright sir. You look very pale. Do you want
to go ashore sir?
SILAS DEANE
I cannot breathe.
CAPTAIN CHARLES GRENTOR
I will help you to go topside. Can you hear
me Mr. Deane?
Minutes later Silas Dean closed his eyes and passed away.
CAPTAIN CHARLES GRENTOR
Quarter-master come quick. We have a dead passenger on our hands. Get some lads down here to take him up on deck. He died while I was talking to him.
(CONT’D)
61.
Later the next day.
EDWARD BANCROFT
I just received news that Silas Deane died on the boat headed for America. Due to a storm the ship returned to port and Silas turned extremely ill according to the Captain’s report and after saying the Fox was the spy he died. I wonder if Silas knew I was the British spy who leaked all the confidential information about the French treaty with the American Colonies. If he did know he never confronted me, thank God. Good bye old friend and teacher.
FADE OUT.
